Responsibilities Of Stakeholders Research Articles

ISLAMIC EDUCATION CURRICULUM BASED ON THE QURAN: ALIGNING EDUCATION WITH SOCIETAL NEEDS

The Qur'an is the primary source of teachings for Muslims and the principal guide in everyday life, including Islamic education. Changing societal needs are a key factor in developing Islamic education curricula to ensure that school graduates meet contemporary demands. This research aims to develop a Qur'an-based Islamic education curriculum to produce graduates who understand religious teachings and can benefit society. It acknowledges that curriculum development is the responsibility of stakeholders and educators in educational institutions. Based on this premise, the researcher writes this literature to provide information for developing Quran-based Islamic Education curricula that meet societal needs. This study is a literature review employing qualitative descriptive methodology with a pragmatic approach. Primary data are derived from the Qur'an, while secondary data come from books and journals. Data collection techniques include documentation, encompassing literature such as the Qur'an, journal articles, and online sources. Data analysis follows the Miles and Huberman method, involving data collection, presentation, reduction, and verification to draw accurate conclusions. The research findings underscore the importance of aligning Islamic education curricula with societal needs. Varied implementation in madrasahs requires effective management, adequate resources, and collaboration among principals, teachers, and educational staff. Continuous evaluation is crucial to maintaining the relevance and effectiveness of the curriculum. In conclusion, this research emphasizes that a Qur'an-based Islamic education curriculum should be tailored to meet societal needs. Varied implementation necessitates effective management, adequate resources, and collaboration among madrasah principals, teachers, and educational staff to achieve quality education goals.

The role of data governance in enhancing cybersecurity resilience for global enterprises

Data governance plays a critical role in enhancing cybersecurity resilience for global enterprises. In the face of increasingly sophisticated cyber threats, coupled with rising regulatory demands such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), enterprises must implement robust data governance frameworks to safeguard data integrity, availability, and confidentiality (Ramirez et al., 2008). Effective data governance involves a combination of policies, procedures, and technologies that align with an organization’s overall cybersecurity strategy (Khatri & Brown, 2010). This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of the critical intersection between data governance and cybersecurity, emphasizing the link between governance structures, risk management processes, and technological innovations in mitigating evolving cyber threats (Weber et al., 2009). Additionally, we explore the essential role of data stewardship, stakeholder responsibilities, and the deployment of advanced technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), in fostering organizational resilience (Arora & Pedersen, 2017). Through case studies and best practices, the study presents a conceptual framework that enables global enterprises to adapt to the fast-changing cybersecurity landscape while maintaining compliance with international data regulations. By addressing key elements such as access control, data classification, and real-time monitoring, this research underscores how comprehensive data governance frameworks serve as a foundation for enhanced cybersecurity resilience in today’s digital economy (Da Veiga & Eloff, 2007).

“Culture-touristification” of colonial towns in the interior of Brazil

The link between cultural heritage, touristification, and urban development has been extensively researched in larger cities with a strong appeal to international tourists. However, there is limited information on the relationship between these factors in smaller cultural heritage towns that rely only on regional or national tourism. This is also the case for small and medium-sized colonial towns in the Brazilian interior, which are the focus of this paper. We introduce the concept of “culture-touristification” as a form of touristification that is co-constituted by several interacting, culture-led sub-processes, such as patrimonialization, culturalization, festivalization, adventuring of landscapes, telenovelaization, and counter-culturalization. Based on this concept, we argue that culture-touristification drives the touristic transformation of small and medium-sized colonial towns in the interior of Brazil. However, the effects and the interplay of these sub-processes are different in these towns. Some of them may be more pronounced than others, and some may only be partially articulated, depending, for example, on their societal significance, the strategic orientation of responsible stakeholders, the resistance of local populations, or the geographical location of the towns. To illustrate this argument, we draw on case studies conducted in Cidade de Goiás and Pirenópolis, two small colonial towns in the state of Goiás, Brazil. Methods include in-depth and semi-structured interviews with residents and critical actors, mappings of building use in the town centers, participant observation, analysis of telenovelas and Instagram hashtags representing these cities, and document and data research.

Exploring Determinants of Institutional Stakeholder Responses to State Policies Targeting “Divisive Concepts” in the Southern United States

U.S. higher education is facing an ongoing assault via state legislation targeting divisive concepts, such as teaching critical race theory and initiatives supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion across campus. Although attacks to foundational aspects of postsecondary education in the U.S. are not new in the history of the sector, the current policy trend offers an opportunity to gain insights into how institutions and various stakeholders respond to these events and the ethical tensions these individuals may face. Using qualitative content analysis, this study examines publicly available statements and other responses by stakeholders of public 4-year institutions in the Southern United States, as defined by membership in the Southern Regional Education Board. This region of the country has become an epicenter for the introduction and adoption of these types of policies; the region also encompasses a diverse group of states politically and regarding institutional representation within public postsecondary sectors. Ultimately, this study seeks to understand how characteristics of higher education influence responses by institutional stakeholders in this regional context.

Environmental sustainability in intensive care: the path forward. An ESICM Green Paper.

The European Society of Intensive Care Medicine (ESICM) Green Paper aims to address the challenge of environmental sustainability in intensive care and proposes actionable strategies for integrating sustainability into intensive care unit (ICU) stakeholder actions. The ESICM Executive Committee appointed a task force of topic experts and ESICM committee representatives to develop the ESICM Green Paper. The task force convened biweekly from January to June 2024, identifying key domains for environmental sustainability and prioritizing actions. Drafts were iteratively refined and approved by the ESICM Executive Committee. Climate change will impact activities in intensive care in many ways, but also the impact of ICU activities on the environment is considerable; drivers for this include extensive resource use and waste generation in ICUs from energy consumption, use of disposable items, and advanced therapies for critically ill patients. The ESICM Green Paper outlines a structured approach for ICUs to reduce their environmental impact, emphasizing energy efficiency, waste reduction, and sustainable procurement. Furthermore, it endorses the need for awareness and education among healthcare professionals, integration of sustainability into research, and sustainable policies within scientific societies. The ESICM Green Paper reviewed the relevance of climate change to intensive care and provided suggestions for clinical practice, research, education, and ESICM organizational domains. It underscores that reducing intensive care's ecological footprint can coexist with high-quality patient care. Promoting a resilient, responsible healthcare system is a joint responsibility of all ICU stakeholders.

Critical data studies meets discard studies: Waste data reflectivity in digital urban waste tracking system

The article critically examines the implementation and impact of the Digital Urban Waste Tracking System (DUWTS), a ‘smart’ waste management technology deployed in several towns in Poland to enhance urban waste segregation practices. By integrating critical discard studies with critical data studies, the article introduces the concept of ‘waste data reflectivity’ to investigate how data representation in DUWTS influences perceptions and responsibilities within waste management. The study highlights how DUWTS employs advanced dataveillance technologies to monitor waste disposal, creating distorted reflections that obscure the complexities of municipal waste management. These distortions are analyzed through the metaphorical lenses of three mirrors – concave, kaleidoscopic, and ceiling – which reveal the illusory effects on municipalities, waste disposal companies, and residents. Additionally, the article discusses how DUWTS exemplifies ‘technologies of (un)knowing’, which systematically obscure or misrepresent waste management issues, leading to the marginalization of true responsibilities and challenges. The findings demonstrate that while DUWTS represents a technological advancement, it can also perpetuate the existing challenges in waste management by masking the true nature of waste issues and obscuring the responsibilities of different stakeholders. The article concludes by emphasizing the socio-technological consequences of such systems and the importance of a critical analysis in evaluating the effectiveness and ethics of data-driven waste management technologies.

Job satisfaction: A cross sectional study among pharmacists in Kosovo

Job satisfaction has a substantial impact on pharmacists' output. When pharmacists are satisfied with their jobs, they are more likely to provide high-quality care to patients. Therefore, the current study aimed to assess job satisfaction among pharmacists in Kosovo. From December 2021 to March 2022, a cross-sectional web-based questionnaire was administered to pharmacists from throughout Kosovo to assess pharmacists' job satisfaction in Kosovo. The data was analyzed using SPSS version 20.0. The Chi-Square test was used to examine connections between variables. For statistical significance, the p values were set up at 0.05. Cronbach's alpha was determined as part of the reliability test, and the outcome was 0.889. In addition, it was conducted a correlation analysis. The total number of returned questionnaires was 460 out of 1350 distributed. There were 444 completed questionnaires (a response rate of 32.9%). The level of satisfaction in the working environment domain was 56.2% (agree and strongly agree). In comparison, the level of satisfaction in the professional interaction domain was 68.9% (agree and strongly agree), and in the incentives and recognition, it was 57.5%. Regarding all three domains, 59.3% of pharmacists were satisfied with their jobs. Low pay (46.2%), limited opportunities for advancement (42.3%), and workload (37.4%) were the most influential aspects of job satisfaction. The results suggest that pharmacists are generally satisfied with their jobs, but some areas need improvement, particularly in terms of pay, opportunities for advancement, and workload. The responsible stakeholders should take into consideration the pharmacists’ concerns presented in the findings of the research.

From Debt to Sustainability: Advancing Wastewater Projects in Developing Countries through Innovative Financing Mechanisms—The Role of Debt-for-Climate Swaps

Developing countries, including Small Island Developing States (SIDSs) and Least Developed Countries (LDCs), are exceptionally vulnerable to climate change due to their distinct geographical and environmental characteristics. Escalating sea levels and heightened salinity levels imperil freshwater reserves, while warmer ocean temperatures and acidification disrupt water demand, tourism, health services, and fisheries. Concurrently, these countries bear the brunt of water shortages, flooding, and declining water quality. However, significant barriers such as limited financing capacities to fund water security initiatives, exacerbated by a growing debt crisis marked by escalating interest rates and inflation, hinder developmental progress and investments in climate adaptation and mitigation endeavors. Consequently, there arises a critical necessity to harness innovative financial mechanisms to transform these debts into opportunities that support effective climate action. This paper explores the potential of debt-for-climate swaps as a catalyst for advancing transformative wastewater projects, focusing on their strategic deployment to underpin critical initiatives. Through case studies and empirical evidence, the paper elucidates how debt-for-climate swaps can enhance sustainable wastewater management systems in developing countries and delineates best practices for leveraging these mechanisms and the roles and responsibilities of key stakeholders, including governments, policymakers, the private sector, communities, and climate financial institutions. Combining theoretical insights with tangible examples, this paper furnishes a comprehensive framework for harnessing debt-for-climate swaps to enhance water security and resilience in developing countries. It offers actionable strategies for policymakers, practitioners, and stakeholders to navigate the complex terrain of climate change and engender sustainable development.

A framework for analysis of stakeholder dynamics and value creation in industrial maintenance projects: the stakeholder ipot

This paper proposes a methodological approach that can be applied in practice for evaluating stakeholder dynamics and assessing projects against appropriate value propositions within an industrial maintenance project context. A conceptual framework is proposed and is demonstrated through a case analysis. It is expected that the proposed methodology, the Stakeholder Interdependent Performance Opportunities and Threats, (Stakeholder iPOT), can advance project management practice by offering a mechanism for analysing stakeholder expectations and responses to the opportunities and threats that different project events present. This study highlights the need for continued investigation not only within the context of industrial maintenance projects but also in other sectors to improve our understanding and ability to effectively manage stakeholder dynamics.

A comprehensive approach for assessing the causes of low productivity in the construction sector: a systematic categorization and ranking using Pareto and Fuzzy analysis

Implementing a comprehensive and globally adaptable assessment approach for causes of low construction productivity has proven to be a contemporary challenge. This prevails since the factors influencing the construction industry vary significantly by geographic region and operational characteristics. Hence, substantial research on this topic has restricted its scope to a particular location without a comprehensive global categorization. Furthermore, much of this research has neglected the influence of subjectivity in the stakeholder response evaluations. To address these shortcomings, this study provides a unique assessment of the construction context initiated by a systematic review of 130 studies published worldwide over the previous 32 years. The 915 unique factors from this systematic review were then categorized into regional and productivity dimensions through Pareto and Frequency analysis techniques. The regional categorization encompassed nine distinct regions spanning the world, while the productivity component encompassed a set of 14 distinctive benchmarks that characterize productivity in the construction industry. These sorted factors were then adapted in the Sri Lankan context as a pilot study through a cross-sectional survey including 117 stakeholders. The following Fuzzy analysis allowed the mitigation of the ambiguity of these survey responses while ranking the factors based on a calculated importance index while also considering the interdependence of the introduced benchmarks. Ultimately, the employed assessment approach for identifying and ranking factors contributing to low construction productivity in this study is proposed as globally adaptable with its successful incorporation of subjective evaluation.

Citizen engagement in climate adaptation surveyed: Identifying challenges in education and capacity building

AbstractThe accelerating impacts of climate change present significant challenges to sustainable urban development, testing the resilience of current governance frameworks and stakeholder responsibilities. In alignment with the EU's Green Deal, robust adaptation strategies and proactive climate risk anticipation are essential. Traditional discussions emphasize overcoming technological, financial and institutional barriers; however, social and individual factors also significantly hinder adaptation. This study explores the pivotal role of citizen engagement in climate risk management and adaptation, focusing on the Lithuanian context and comparing the results with a survey in Sweden. The research evaluates both external influences, such as experiences with climate‐related hazards and adaptation actions, and internal factors, including beliefs, values and individual adaptive capacity. Key findings reveal that adaptation behaviour in Lithuania and in Sweden is deeply influenced by past experiences with extreme weather events and economic considerations, with a significant portion of the population having faced such events recently. Factors such as economic considerations (low costs, financial benefits) are identified as critical motivators for future adaptation actions in Lithuania. On the other hand, in Sweden, respondents first preferred ecological factors (such as contributing to climate change mitigation) when considering future adaptation actions. The study underscores the need for targeted educational interventions to enhance community resilience, highlighting the importance of socio‐cultural contexts in shaping adaptation strategies. It emphasizes the necessity for comprehensive, inclusive educational programmes that address local climate impacts and promote proactive community involvement. The findings advocate for further comparative studies across diverse socio‐cultural settings to deepen insights into effective adaptation measures and to support the development of resilient communities worldwide.

Environmental Controversies and Initiatives: Stakeholder Responses to Conflicting Signals

Environmental Controversies and Initiatives: Stakeholder Responses to Conflicting Signals

A rapid realist review on leadership and career advancement interventions for women in healthcare

Women represent 70% of the global health workforce but only occupy 25% of health and social care leadership positions. Gender-based stereotypes, discrimination, family responsibilities, and self-perceived deficiencies in efficacy and confidence inhibit the seniority and leadership of women. The leadership inequality is often compounded by the intersection of race and socio-economic identities. Resolving gender inequalities in healthcare leadership brings women’s expertise to healthcare decision making, which can lead to equity of healthcare access and improve healthcare services. With the aim of enhancing women’s advancement to leadership positions, a rapid realist review (RRR) was conducted to identify the leadership and career advancement interventions that work for women in healthcare, why these interventions are effective, for whom they are effective, and within which contexts these interventions work. A RRR ultimately articulates this knowledge through a theory describing an intervention’s generative causation. The Realist and Meta-narrative Evidence Syntheses: Evolving Standards (RAMESES) for conducting a realist synthesis guided the methodology. Preliminary theories on leadership and career advancement interventions for women in healthcare were constructed based on an appraisal of key reviews and consultation with an expert panel, which guided the systematic searching and initial theory refinement. Following the literature search, 22 studies met inclusion criteria and underwent data extraction. The review process and consultation with the expert panel yielded nine final programme theories. Theories on programmes which enhanced leadership outcomes among women in health services or professional associations centred on organisational and management involvement; mentorship of women; delivering leadership education; and development of key leadership skills. The success of these strategies was facilitated by accommodating programme environments, adequacy and relevance of support provided and programme accessibility. The relationship between underlying intervention entities, stakeholder responses, contexts and leadership outcomes, provides a basis for underpinning the design for leadership and career advancement interventions for women in healthcare.

Envisioning quality education for sustainability transformation in teacher education: perspectives from an international dialogue on Sustainable Development Goal 4

PurposeThe explanatory study aimed to understand the global perspective of quality education and describe transformative strategies that empower teacher educators and equip the education system and future teachers to act as change agents by fostering learning processes that support students towards a sustainable future.Design/methodology/approachThe explanatory study used a descriptive qualitative design. The researchers conducted four semi-structured group interviews of the 23 participants including pre- and in-service teachers, teacher educators, and policymakers from Austria, Germany, Italy, Canada, the United States, and South Africa during the Teach4Reach 1.0 project on SDG4. The inductive thematic analysis of the data was guided by Kuckartz’s six-phase approach for constructing data-driven categories.FindingsThe study identified SDG4 as pivotal in supporting the overall UN Agenda 2030. Furthermore, three distinct themes unequivocally emerged and were developed concerning the imperative nature of envisioning transformation for sustainability: (1) collaboration, (2) well-being and context of individuals, and (3) strategies for skill development.Research limitations/implicationsDue to the qualitative nature of the study, the participants’ comprehensive understanding of the SDGs and their perceptions remained conditional to methodological subjectivity.Practical implicationsThe study enabled a dialogue between educational stakeholders (pre- and in-service teachers, teacher educators, and policymakers), whereby an awareness and encouragement of SDG4 regarding quality education and training of quality future teachers occurred. A further implication includes increased collaboration and dialogue regarding the well-being of individuals (educational stakeholders), the context of individuals, and strategies for skill development.Originality/valueThe study elaborates on reaching the SDGs and identifies themes essential for sustainability transformation in teacher education. It also highlights further research and clarity about the responsibilities of educational stakeholders for quality education, for instance, (1) how to increase the supply of quality teachers by focusing on collaboration, well-being, and the contexts of individuals and (2) how value-embedded skills can support quality education for sustainability.

Promoting Shared Responsibilities in Developing Children’s Early Literacy and Reading Culture in Rwanda

Reading is of paramount importance in the modern era. It is an invaluable tool to instill knowledge in people and lead them to sustainable development. This study aimed to investigate the shared responsibilities of stakeholders in promoting early literacy and reading culture in Rwanda. The study was conducted in five districts in Rwanda, one in each province, including the city of Kigali. This study is conducted within the framework of the Theory of Emergent Literacy (EL) pioneered by Marie Clay (1926–2007) (Rohde, 2015; Teale, 1986; Tracey and Morrow, 2006), according to which literacy development begins very early in life and children’s early reading and writing experiences are of considerable importance in their overall literacy development. The study applied a descriptive research design, which consists of collecting quantitative and qualitative data. The target population was 437,988, which was the total number of households in the five districts. It involved 598 parents in selected households, school administrators, and local authorities. A convenience sampling technique was used to select parents, while a purposive sampling technique was applied to select school administration and local authorities. A questionnaire, interviews, and observation were used as data collection tools. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. The findings of the study revealed that parents carry out their responsibilities and interactions with children by cultivating a reading culture and reading stories to them before school age. Findings also showed that parents acknowledge teachers’ interactions with children through giving them take-home reading assignments. The strategies that are used to develop early literacy and reading culture include showing pictures, using games and songs, and devoting some hours to reading on specific days in a week. The study identified challenges including parents’ illiteracy and poverty preventing them from being involved in their children’s education, the lack of enough books in schools, and overcrowded classes. It is recommended that government support be increased by making reading materials more accessible to children; that parents’ role in developing the reading culture and early literacy should be more visible; and that there is a need for adult literacy education to enable parents to read to their children and monitor their reading practice.

Determinants of wealth-related inequalities in full vaccination coverage among children in Nepal: a decomposition analysis of nationally representative household survey data

BackgroundOver the past two decades, child health indicators in Nepal have improved significantly at the national level. Yet, this progress hasn’t been uniform across various population subsets. This study identified the determinants associated with childhood full vaccination, assessed wealth-related inequalities, and delved into the key factors driving this inequality.MethodsData for this study were taken from the most recent nationally representative Nepal Demographic and Health Survey 2022. A total of 959 children aged 12–23 months who had received routine childhood basic antigens as per the national immunisation program were considered for analysis. Binary logistic regression models were conducted to identify the associated factors with outcome variable (uptake of full vaccination). The concentration curve and Erreygers normalized concentration index were used to assess inequality in full vaccination. Household wealth quintile index scores were used to measure wealth-related inequality and decomposition analysis was conducted to identify determinants explaining wealth-related inequality in the uptake of childhood vaccination.ResultsThe coverage of full vaccination among children was 79.8% at national level. Several factors, including maternal health service utilisation variables (e.g., antenatal care, institutional delivery), financial challenges related to visiting health facilities, and mothers’ awareness of health mother group meetings within their ward, were associated with the uptake of full vaccination coverage among children. The concentration curve was below the line of equality, and the relative Erreygers normalized concentration index was 0.090, indicating that full vaccination was disproportionately higher among children from wealthy groups. The decomposition analysis identified institutional delivery (20.21%), the money needed to visit health facilities (14.25%), maternal education (16.79%), maternal age (8.53%), and caste (3.03%) were important contributors to wealth related inequalities in childhood full vaccination uptake.ConclusionsThere was notable wealth-related inequality in full vaccine uptake among children in Nepal. Multisectoral actions involving responsible stakeholders are pivotal in reducing the inequalities, including promoting access to maternal health services and improving educational attainment among mothers from socioeconomically disadvantaged communities.

A Phenomenological Analysis of Experiences of Parents, Teachers and Students about Examination Malpractices in Kisii County, Kenya

While the problem of examination malpractices in Kenya has been a perennial one, the efforts put in place to address it have not fully borne fruits. This study focused on understanding this scenario from the phenomenological perspective that sought to examine the experiences of teachers, parents and students in Kisii County about examination malpractice and the relationship therein. The following was its objective: explore the complexity of examination malpractice, its related ills and the responsibility of the education stakeholders as experienced by the teachers, parents and students in Kisii County. The study focused on parents, students and teachers in secondary schools in the county who have experienced the problem of examination malpractice. It was guided by normative ethical theories to understand its persistence. It utilized descriptive survey research design through focused group discussions and open-ended questionnaires. Purposive and snowball sampling procedures were used to pick the respondents complemented by document analysis. The study adopted hermeneutic and transcendental phenomenological approaches for both prescription and analysis of data. The findings showed that: forms of examination malpractice are either conventional or non-convectional and are grounded in either the positive or negative experiences of teachers, parents and students; The study makes the following conclusions: focusing on both conventional and non-conventional forms of examination malpractice gives a wider understanding of what ails the examination process in Kisii County; understanding the negative and positive experiences of teachers, parents and students in regard to examination malpractice as well as understanding its complexity is key in formulating a comprehensive solution to the menace; and the network to hold those who engage in examination malpractice responsible to be widened. The study recommends more focus on both the conventional and non-conventional forms of examination malpractices to capture in detail what ails the examination process in Kisii County; utilization of both the negative and positive experiences of the students, teachers and parents to come up with more all-encompassing solutions to the issue of examination malpractice that is grounded in their experiential attitudes;-, and more analysis of the complexity of examination malpractice to generate more lasting solutions to the menace.

Stakeholders’ participation in decreasing wildfire risk in the context of natural resource management in the Podpoľanie region of Slovakia

Key MessageAs the number and extent of wildfires are increasing due to climate change and human impacts, the demand for effective risk reduction strategies is growing. Due to limited resources or management capabilities in Slovakia, appropriate multistakeholder participation could help decrease the risk of wildfires while continuing to implement the principles of sustainable forest management. Thus, we recommend improving relationships with responsible stakeholders and increasing their knowledge.ContextAlthough the frequency of wildfires has declined in Slovakia, the total burned area per year and the average burned area per fire have increased rapidly, mainly due to traditional land management and increasing numbers of natural disasters resulting from climate change.AimThe objective of this study is to assess the participation and management of stakeholders in the region of Podpoľanie, which is the region of Slovakia that is most prone to wildfires. In particular, this study investigates the questions of who is accountable, in what networks, and with regard to what issues with the goal of enhancing efforts to combat wildfires.MethodsThis single-country case study features an exploratory sequential mixed-methods design. While stakeholders’ participation was explored via face-to-face interviews and interest-influence matrices, stakeholders’ prioritization was assessed via an online survey and the quantitative mapping of stakeholders’ involvement, power, interest, and knowledge.ResultsWe separately identified primary stakeholders (e.g., fire departments and state-owned forest enterprises) and secondary stakeholders (e.g., municipalities and community members). Tasks related to efforts to combat wildfires were largely in compliance with legal regulations and other mandates. Nonetheless, some stakeholders (e.g., governmental organizations involved in nature protection or nonstate forest owners and the associated enterprises) lacked the knowledge, experience, or responsibility necessary to perform these tasks.ConclusionThese stakeholders should be informed and monitored closely to achieve outcomes that can benefit a variety of stakeholders. We recommend a plan that involves improving the relationships among primary and secondary stakeholders, increasing their knowledge, and promoting effective participation to decrease the risk of wildfires in the region.

Strategic crises management in Finland: government responses to COVID-19 pandemic

PurposeThis article examines the strategy formation in the Finnish government’s pandemic management during the COVID-19 pandemic, addressing a research gap by exploring the possibilities for strategy formation in guiding government policy formation.Design/methodology/approachUtilizing perspective of strategic planning and emergent strategies influenced by the authorizing environment, the article emphasizes the importance of strategy development in government. The management of COVID-19 pandemic serves as a case study for investigating public strategies in policy formation, underscoring the significance of the authorizing environment in integrating predefined strategic plans with emergent strategic avenues.FindingsThe management of pandemics has led to changes in legislation and modes of government decision-making, resulting in learnings for coordinating subnational governments and allocation of resources. The government actions evolved from extracting components from predefined strategic plans and drawing on the experiences of other countries. The emergent properties emerged from amalgamating these elements into an umbrella strategy with a variety of new responses.Research limitations/implicationsThe examination focuses on the view from the nexus of government. Although, informed by the subnational developments and stakeholder responses, the study adopts a bird’s eye view on the COVID-19 management.Practical implicationsThe examination raises needs for legislative changes, improvement of cross-sectoral coordination within central government and improvement for the decision-making capability within subnational government.Originality/valueBy focusing on the Finnish government’s measures in pandemic management, this article contributes to the discourse on pandemic management. The findings provide insights for strategic crisis management in the public sector.

Ensuring Future Primary Care from a Municipal Perspective

In view of the continuing shortage of general practitioners, ensuring access to (primary) medical care close to home is also becoming increasingly important for local authorities. The aim of the present study was to analyse the current and future provision of primary care from the viewpoint of the municipalities in North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW). From the results, it should be possible to derive future health policy design of a needs-based primary care close to home. In an online survey in spring 2023, we surveyed the mayors or representatives of health departments of all 427 municipalities (396 cities and communities, 31 districts) in NRW in cooperation with the NRW Association of Cities and Municipalities, the NRW Association of Counties and the NRW Association of Cities. The items of the questionnaire (n=28) were developed on the basis of two other surveys on medical care in Lower Saxony and Baden-Württemberg, each with a municipal policy target group. They were tested in repeated pretests. In total, 192 municipalities participated in the survey (response rate: 45.0%). The majority of the municipalities (86.6%) considered the local provision of primary care to be (rather) not ensured within the next 10 years. The municipalities expressed the wish for more opportunities to exert their own influence (79.5% yes or rather yes), but nevertheless considered a stronger commitment, especially of the Associations of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians (85.4%), as well as an intensification of assumption of responsibility by the federal states (72.4%) to be necessary for ensuring primary care. The survey shows that municipalities are quite aware of the problem of future deficits in the supply of general practitioners at the local level. The results also indicate that, in view of increasing supply shortfalls, the municipalities see obligations for the Associations of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians and the federal states to take responsibility and to exert greater political pressure in the future. The municipal perspective is an essential building block in considerations of how primary care can be ensured in the future. The responsible stakeholders should therefore involve the municipal level in the planning and measures to secure primary care more closely than in the past.