Sound Governance Research Articles

Economic Growth, Income Inequality and Food Safety Risk.

Food safety risk, as an implicit cost of social and economic development, endangers the health of global residents, including China. To systematically understand the impact of socioeconomic development on food safety risk and to establish a sound modern governance system of food safety in China, this paper uses provincial panel data from 2011 to 2020 to explore the relationship between food safety risk and socio-economic development factors such as economic growth and income inequality by employing a two-way fixed effect model and moderating effect model. The results show that the food safety risk is a Kuznets curve, and the turning point is about RMB 58,104.59 per capita GDP (based on prices in 2011). However, under the moderating effect of income inequality, the turning point of the Kuznets curve of food safety risk will shift to the right, and the curve will be flattened. In other words, income inequality has a negative moderating effect on the "inverted U-shaped" relationship between economic growth and food safety risk. When dealing with food safety problems, the goal of stable and sustained economic growth and common prosperity should be incorporated into policy formulation to enhance the governance effectiveness of food safety risk.

Research on the Governance of the State-owned Proprietorship Companies

As a symbol of the innovation of modern enterprise system in China, the state-owned proprietorship company is a unique corporate form designed by the Company Law for the corporatization reform of all state-owned large and medium-sized enterprises. A solely state-owned company is a limited liability company established by the state with separate investment. Its unique equity structure and traditional governance experience of state-owned enterprises determine the uniqueness of its governance structure. In the process of establishing and improving modern enterprise systems, state-owned proprietorship companies have exposed many problems in governance, such as unclear responsibilities of investors, indistinguishable governance between government and enterprises, and incomplete corporate governance structure. The corporate governance structure is the core of a company, and without a sound corporate governance structure, it is not an excellent company, which directly affects its competitiveness. Improving the governance structure of state-owned proprietorship companies provides useful reference for the reform of state-owned enterprises in China, and is of great significance for enhancing the market competitiveness of state-owned enterprises and achieving the preservation and appreciation of state-owned assets. Based on the analysis of the current situation and existing problems of the governance structure of state-owned proprietorship companies, countermeasures are proposed to improve the governance structure of state-owned proprietorship companies in China.

A Spatiotemporal Analysis of Ecological–Economic Coupling Coordination in the Chengdu–Chongqing Urban Agglomeration

The quick and reliable quantification of the relationship between ecosystem and economic system is important in policymaking for sustainable urban agglomerations facing enormous pressure from high population density and development intensity. This is especially true in China, where urban agglomeration has been part of the country’s strategy for reform, modernization, and urbanization. This study applied the coupling coordination degree (CCD) model to assess the coupling coordination relationships between the ecosystem and economic system at the county level for the Chengdu–Chongqing agglomeration for the period of 2005–2019, and then, the local indicator of spatial association analysis (LISA) was used to illustrate the spatial distribution of CCDs further, hoping to capture the spatiotemporal dynamics of CCDs. The results found that (1) fringe counties and districts in the urban agglomeration were on the brink of ecological–economic disorder with low CCDs, (2) urbanized areas near Chongqing coordinated well with high CCDs, and (3) sound spatial governance and territorial planning may be better achieved by using the county-level unit than the city-level unit.

How do natural resources and economic growth impact load capacity factor in selected Next-11 countries? Assessing the role of digitalization and government stability.

With growing environmental concerns, everyone's attention has shifted to how we use our limited materials supplies. Rapid economic expansion is dependent on heavy resource use, decreasing biodiversity and raising the ecological footprints (EF), resulting in a reduction in the load capacity factor (LCF). Because of this, scholars and policymakers are actively looking for approaches to improve the LCF without hindering economic growth (GDP). For similar reasons, this research aims at how the selected next eleven economies improved their LCF from 1990 to 2018 by analyzing the effect of digitalization (DIG), natural resources (NAT), GDP, globalization, and governance. To account for dependence across sections and slope variation, the cross-sectional augmented ARDL model is used in this research. The long-term findings indicate that LCF was diminished by dependence on NAT, globalization, and economic growth and was bolstered by DIG and sound governance. The work recommends that financial and policy support is needed for initiatives such as zero-emission vehicle production and energy-efficient building construction. By offering a line of credit at low interest rates, renewable energy projects can attract domestic and private investors.

The Impact of Key Stakeholders and the Computer Skills of Librarians on Research Data Management Support Services (Id so-21-1893.r2)

This study aims to investigate key stakeholders’ impact and to assess its effect on Research Data Management (RDM), thereby setting the agenda for sound local government Research Data Management (RDM) policy for maximum profit. This study relies mainly on the stakeholder’ theory. Our target population is stakeholders in RDM. The survey used the Partial Least Squares and Structural Equation Modeling tool with a sample of 295 received from respondents to find the effect among the stakeholders. The Statistical results confirmed there is a positive effect among stakeholders. The Funders agencies criteria influence researchers’ work. The effect of government support policies on librarians RDM support services was positive but not significant. The impact of computer literacy of librarians on the RDM support service delivered by librarians was insignificant. The finding is mainly due to overreliance on manual approach to work in most libraries in Ghana as a result inadequate fund support. Librarians need to take a leading role in RDM to implement RDM policy fully. This study contributes to the discourse by helping to strengthen the existing relationship and also to understand the role of various stakeholders in RDM. Stakeholders in Ghana and developing countries need to take greater responsibility to achieve success. Government can rely on it for policy formulation. The research can be used to expand the existing stakeholders’ effective support and interactions as well as in teaching. The survey results can also help identify best practices, improve current observation, and compare practices across different countries.

Do environmental and institutional quality attribute to inflows of FDI in Lower-Middle income Nations? Evidences from asymmetric investigation

The present study investigates the correlation between environmental and institutional quality and their influence on the inflow of foreign direct investment (FDI) in lower-middle income countries. Employing an asymmetric investigation approach, the study endeavors to furnish all-encompassing insights into the determinants of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and their diverse effects across disparate nations. Based on empirical analysis and econometric modeling, it has been determined that FDI inflows are significantly impacted by both environmental and institutional quality. Countries that exhibit superior environmental quality, characterized by effective pollution control measures and sustainable resource management, tend to attract greater levels of foreign direct investment (FDI). Likewise, robust institutional quality, distinguished by sound governance, transparent regulations, effective legal systems, and diminished corruption, has a favorable impact on the inflow of foreign direct investment (FDI). Additionally, the study reveals asymmetric effects, indicating that the correlation between FDI inflows and environmental and institutional quality varies among countries depending on their individual circumstances. The aforementioned findings emphasize the significance of tackling environmental and institutional elements in order to draw in foreign direct investment and encourage sustainable economic development. The study's conclusion suggests implementing policies to enhance environmental quality, fortify institutional frameworks, and customize strategies according to country-specific contexts to augment FDI inflows in lower-middle income nations. By implementing these measures, policymakers can establish an appealing investment environment, leverage environmental benefits, and promote sustainable development.

Is it the Goldilocks principle? The impact of environmental decentralization on total factor carbon productivity in China

The current severe carbon emissions situation in China increases the demand for a sound environmental governance system. Using provincial panel data from 2003 to 2017, this study investigates the spatial impact of different types of environmental decentralization (ED) on total factor carbon productivity (TFCP) and its internal mechanisms and explores the threshold effect of horizontal environmental decentralization (HED) and fiscal decentralization (FD) on this impact. The results indicate that the effect of ED on TFCP exists after considering the spatial dependence. An inverted “U-shaped” relationship exists between vertical environmental decentralization (VED) and TFCP, and a “U-shaped” relationship between horizontal environmental decentralization (HED) and TFCP; that is, excessive VED and insufficient HED will inhibit TFCP. Green technology innovation acts as a mediator in the impact of ED on TFCP, including VED and HED. The dynamic threshold panel model finds that both the increase of HED and FD improved the promotion effect of VED on TFCP, but the change in HED gradually reduced the promotion effect. China should adhere to the Goldilocks principle, strengthen vertical environmental centralization and promote horizontal environmental decentralization to create a superior institutional environment for stimulating green technological innovation to further weaken the “free rider” effect of environmental governance caused by externalities.

TELAAH TERHADAP AKTIVITAS PERTAMBANGAN YANG BERDAMPAK PADA LINGKUNGAN HIDUP DI INDONESIA DILIHAT DARI SUDUT PANDANG ANALYSIS ECONOMIC OF LAW

The Indonesian government believes that the structure and modus operandi of the domestic and international mining industry has changed dramatically and that it is necessary to address the changes. Correspondingly, mining activities will always have tensions that have local and global impacts, especially related to the environment. So this research seeks to examine the availability of regulations on mining activities that have an impact on the environment in Indonesia by using economic analysis of law. This research is a normative legal research. The results found that using the principles of economic analysis of law to study the regulation and management of mining activities can achieve a balance between environmental protection and economic efficiency. Some principles that can be used in this analysis include: a) use of economic instruments; b) cost-benefit analysis; c) imposition of sanctions and incentives; d) evaluation of risks and impacts; and e) involving related parties. In this context, mining legal norms are one of the sectoral laws in the field of environment that are used to integrate environmental protection in an effort to achieve sustainable and environmentally sound mining governance, with the aim of supporting the sustainability of human life and living things.

Financial Regulations and Stability of Banking Systems: A Case Study of Citibank in Singapore

Financial regulations are essential for maintaining the stability and soundness of banking systems. These regulations establish guidelines and requirements for banks to ensure they have sufficient capital, manage liquidity effectively, and mitigate risks. By enforcing financial regulations, regulatory authorities promote transparency, protect depositors' interests, and prevent financial crimes. Ultimately, a robust regulatory framework contributes to a stable banking system that can withstand economic shocks and safeguard the overall financial health of an economy. The study found that the financial regulations imposed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) have proven to be effective in ensuring the stability and resilience of the banking system in Singapore. Citibank has implemented robust risk management practices in accordance with the financial regulations in Singapore. Regular audits, inspections, and compliance assessments conducted by the MAS help maintain the integrity of Citibank's operations and promote a culture of compliance within the bank. The MAS actively participates in international forums, exchanges knowledge, and harmonizes regulatory standards to address cross-border risks and maintain the stability of the financial system. The study concluded that the MAS plays a crucial role in overseeing and regulating the financial sector in Singapore, with a primary focus on maintaining stability, ensuring sound governance, and protecting the interests of stakeholders. Excessive regulations may hinder innovation and impede the competitiveness of banks, while inadequate regulations may leave the financial system vulnerable to risks. The study recommended that financial regulations should emphasize the importance of transparency and disclosure, enabling stakeholders to make informed decisions. The MAS should encourage banks to provide clear and accurate financial statements and disclosures that adhere to international accounting standards. The regulatory framework should encourage banks to adopt and leverage emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, and digital identity, while ensuring robust cybersecurity measures and stringent data protection standards. Keywords: Financial Regulations, Stability, Banking Systems, Singapore

Sound Corporate Governance and Financial Performance: Is There a Link? Evidence from Manufacturing Companies in South Africa, Nigeria, and Ghana

The study aimed to compare the effect of sound corporate governance on manufacturing companies in South Africa, Nigeria, and Ghana on financial performance. The study used a purposive sampling method to select 60 manufacturing companies, of which twenty-nine (29) were from South Africa, 17 were from Nigeria, and 14 were from Ghana. The study employed GMM and FMOLS to estimate the effect of corporate governance on the firm’s financial performance. According to the study, South Africa has the longest average board tenure at 7.85 years, followed by Nigeria at 4.7 years and Ghana at 3.9 years. The average board tenure was found to have a positive and statistically significant effect on the return on invested capital (ROIC) of the firms in South Africa and Ghana, and a positive and statistically insignificant effect was found for the firms in Nigeria. The study indicated that the firms in South Africa have the highest percentage of female directors at 24.26%, followed by Ghana at 17.8% and Nigeria at 17.3%. The study showed that female representation on the corporate board has a positive and statistically significant effect on all firms’ return on net operating assets (RONOA). The study provides policy implications for shareholders, boards of directors, and other stakeholders by enabling them to build confidence in the corporate governance structure of manufacturing companies in the three countries.

Impact of Corporate Board Characteristics on Financial Firms' Reputation: A Cross-Sectional Study

A firm's reputation is a critical intangible asset that affects its competitive advantage, stakeholder trust, and long-term sustainability. The contents and attributes of a company's "board of directors” are very important, especially in shaping its reputation in the financial industry. As the governing body responsible for strategic decision-making and oversight, the corporate board shows a significant exertion on shaping the firm's operations, policies, and its reputation. The expertise and qualifications of board members, particularly in financial matters, instill confidence in stakeholders, demonstrating the firm's commitment to sound governance and risk management. This paper explores the association between "corporate board characteristics” and the reputation of "financial firms". The findings of this study can help with further research and guide policymakers, executives, and stakeholders in their efforts to enhance financial firms' reputations through effective board governance. The study survey was conducted among 190 people working in the financial sector to know the role and impact of Corporate Board Characteristics on Financial Firms' Reputation. The study concludes that there is significant impact of Corporate Board Characteristics on Financial Firms' Reputation. &nbsp

Designing an Efficient Master Data Management (MDM) using Cloud-based Solution

Abstract: Data is a valuable resource that is utilised as a deciding factor for the operations and demands of the organisation. The information is gathered from a number of different databases, rather than just one, in order to form a single cohesive whole. The occurrence of duplicate data in various forms, even when the data is the same, presents a challenge throughout the process. Issues that can be improved by the use of sound data governance. References and master information is one approach used in the management of data. This procedure may serve as the basis for developing master data management solutions on a cloud-based platform. The analysis and creation of new overall data management architectures are the main goals of this study. Consequently, provide a framework for master managing information tools for free software systems.

INITIATING INTERGOVERNMENTAL NETWORKS IN BORDER AREAS FROM A SOUND GOVERNANCE PERSPECTIVE

An intergovernmental network is a requirement that the region must meet in order to improve the well-being of its communities in this decentralized era. However, in its implementation, many areas in Indonesia do not do so or do not maximize cooperation, including in the border areas involving the districts of North Central Timor, Belu, and Malaka. Using explorative methods, this research was conducted to find out why cooperation between local governments was not carried out and how to promote cooperation among local governments from the perspective of sound governance. To reveal this, data is collected through in-depth interviews, observation and documentation studies, and focus group discussions (FGD). Research informants are selected from actors who are confronted with the question studied and use the method of purposive sampling. The results of the research showed that: first, maximum cooperation has not occurred since there are local governments in the border region that do not know, do not want, cannot, do not have an interest, and do not need to cooperate with other regions; however, awareness has begun to emerge to do so. Second, the process towards cooperation between regions in the border area is carried out by following a series of processes of interdependence, the convergence of objectives, accommodation, and reconciliation of goals, in which the exploration of factors causing a lack of cooperation and the identification of problems and potential in border areas are carried out.

Assessing and developing improvement strategies for the protected area management (PAM) planning process/effectiveness in Turkey

Designing and implementing an effective protected area management (PAM) plan is a great challenge. This paper develops a conceptual framework with a set of principles for through assessment of the PAM plans for three protected areas in Turkey; Kızılkuyu, Tek Tek Mountains and Karacadağ Steppes and proposes improvements. The assessment showed that the plans are a comprehensive initiative and a reputable model for an integrated PAM planning paradigm, aside from few limitations. A holistic approach based on landscape characterization and vision was used to prepare the management plans simultaneously. A management strategy was formulated to define the vision, targets, policies, objectives and the sub-programs for each thematic area. Baseline condition was determined with a field survey to characterize landscape structure, historical and cultural values and biodiversity focusing on the target species such as Terebinth (Pistacia palaestina Boiss.), crop wild relatives (CWR) and Cream-coloured cursor (Cursorius cursor). Low income, property conflicts, urbanization pressure, habitat loss, land degradation, overuse, food security, climate changes and illegal excavation were identified as major threats and risks. A sound multi-organizational governance model with an appropriate monitoring program was developed and proposed with the defined roles. The lack of scenario analysis with the appropriate decision making tools and methods, lack of common working culture and tools, insufficient representation and characterization of a full spectrum of ecosystem services were identified as major drawbacks. While few, these shortcomings may create a far-sighted design and governance concern and jeopardize the sustainable management of the protected areas. Effective protection and expansion of steppe ecosystems, capacity building on the long-term strategic planning and scenario analysis with a DSS, maintaining the active involvement of stakeholders, development of buffers and stepping stones for creating protected area networks, developing policy documents, and resolving property issues are proposed as improvement strategies for an efficient PAM system.

The Effects of Good University Governance on the Public Services Quality of State Islamic University

This article aims to determine whether good university governance affects the public service quality of State Islamic Institutes. Public services quality indicators used in this research adopt the criterion proposed by Parasuraman. The study occurred in one of the State Islamic Institutes (IAIN), Syekh Nurjati Cirebon, West Java, Indonesia. The population and samples were taken from Tarbiyah and Teacher Training Faculty of IAIN Syekh Nurjati Cirebon students. The research employed a quantitative method by developing a valid and reliable questionnaire survey to collect empirical data. A 1 to 5 Likert scale measured the constructs, and the scale represents the rank of strongly disagree to agree strongly. Furthermore, the data were analyzed using the Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) tool based on the variant and Partial Least Square (PLS). The results show that implementing sound university governance principles significantly and directly affected public service quality. As the implementation of the research results, it is highly recommended to improve the application of the principles of Good University Governance: transparency, accountability (especially to stakeholders), responsiveness (participation), independence (in opinion and decision-making), fairness, assurance of quality and relevance, effectiveness and efficiency, and non-profit; to improve public service quality based on the principles of tangibles, and process-oriented: reliability, responsiveness, assurance, and empathy.

Models, theoretical design and formal evaluation of integrated specialist community health service provision for the first 2000 days: a scoping review

ObjectiveThis scoping review identifies evidence for design, models and evaluation of integrated care service provision for families and children in the first 2000 days, in the context of community-based specialised...

The Causes of Hiking Ethiopian Consumer Prices

A growing consumer price is creating instability in the macroeconomic environment and hinders the consumption level of especially the poor society. This paper then explored the major causes of such increasing consumer prices using Ethiopian cases. Using data from the National Bank of Ethiopia from 1982/1983 to 2019/2020, it condensed the information of monetary sector, external sector and fiscal sector variables to a small set to estimate the causes of Ethiopian consumer price hiking using the ARDL model. The factors determining consumer price differ from food to non-food. The most important factors determining food price are price expectation and fiscal factors. On the other hand, the main determinant of non-food consumer prices is the fiscal factor. The author also found evidence of fiscal factors and price expectation effects on general consumer prices. Therefore, to contain the rise in consumer prices, it needs to exercise conservative fiscal stances, which require minimizing deficit financing, reducing the import tax rate and reducing domestic indirect tax rates such as excise tax and value added tax on basic consumer goods and services. Moreover, sound government policies are essential to address inflation anticipations (providing information for society about the future of inflation) to change public opinion.

Governance approach to policy implementation challenges and sustainable development: Conceptual implications from the Nigerian case of TraderMoni empowerment scheme

Policy processes in developing societies have been challenged by contending political factors. Hence, attainment of intervention schemes and sustainable development of the policy regime in Nigeria is in dares need of a sound governance policy framework. The purpose of this study was to assess the application of sound governance approach in the Implementation of Trader Moni Scheme (TMS) of Nigeria targeted at empowering local traders, to understand the policy processes and ecology, and the results within the framework of sound governance and sustainability indicators. Eight (8) persons were involved in Focus Group Discussions while 15 persons drawn from selected TMS target beneficiaries were interviewed. Findings revealed that the scheme did not adapt to sound governance dimensions—process; structure; management and performance; and ethics, accountability and transparency. Hence, it concluded that it derailed from the core objective of empowerment for sustainable socio-economic development, validating the papers arguments.

Free economic zones and territories of advanced development: modern problems

The article examines the situation with free economic zones (FEZ) and territories of advanced development (TAD) in modern Russia. The purpose of the article is to identify the problems of the functioning of FEZ and TOP, as well as the analysis of successful projects of free economic zones in Russia. The development of economic potential is one of the main goals of managing the economy of the country. Against this background, an important role is played by free economic zones (FEZ), as well as territories of advanced development (TAD), which aim to create favorable economic conditions, promote the socio–economic development of the state, attract foreign investment, as well as the creation of high–tech industries, the development of transport infrastructure and the tourism industry. A clear and thoughtful creation and functioning of free economic zones, which is impossible without sound government programs and effective local governance, is a factor in the long–term sustainable development of both the country and its individual regions.The article examines the current situation with free economic zones (FEZ) and territories of advanced development (TAD) in modern Russia within the framework of their functioning and prerequisites for their creation. The research results consist in identifying the problems of the functioning of free economic zones, identifying structural problems that represent errors in the creation and functioning of such territories that require immediate solutions soon, as well as analyzing projects of free economic zones in Russia that are successful and cost–effective within the framework of the regional development program.

A situational Analysis of the Legal Framework of Public Hospital Governance in Malawi

Background: Sound organizational governance is critical to the health sector. The condition of the legal framework that is in place, plays a key role in institutionalizing sound governance. The present paper examines the condition of the legal framework that facilitates the implementation of robust public hospital governance in Malawi.
 Methods: The paper employed document analysis utilizing Clarke’s situational thinking to examine the legal framework pertaining to the governance of central and district hospitals.
 Results: The findings suggest that the current legal framework does not prescribe a specific organizational governance system for central and district hospitals. Governance of the hospitals relies on the governance framework of their parent entities, namely the Ministry of Health and District Councils respectively. This setup presents serious challenges that include undermining the uniqueness of the hospital governance system and obscuring the organizational visibility of public hospitals. Consequently, it has detrimental effects on the implementation of sound organizational governance principles including responsibility, transparency, and accountability.
 Conclusion: The paper demonstrates the need for policymakers to examine the condition of the specific elements of the legal framework in order to identify those areas that require attention toward reforming the state of organizational governance of the public hospitals under study.