Strategic Dialogue Research Articles

Minilateralism and pathways to institutional progression: alliance formation or cooperative security governance?

ABSTRACT Even as essential definitional and conceptual issues related to ‘minilateralism’ remain unresolved, conjecture has arisen as to the future trajectories of established institutions, such as the Trilateral Strategic Dialogue (TSD), AUKUS, and the Quad. – Could they evolve into formal military alliances over time, or serve as the foundation of a new organisation aimed at providing regional security governance? To systematically evaluate such contingencies this article traverses a set of interrelated conceptual issues relating to minilateral institutionalisation. It seeks to differentiate minilaterals in terms of their ‘hybridity’ both in structural composition and functionality, and ascertain what this implies for their institutional progression. This process assists us in identifying on what grounds minilaterals might potentially evolve into a more formalised institutional paradigm – either (i) a military alliance or (ii) a cooperative security governance organisation. This foregoing conceptual apparatus is then brought to bear of on the case studies above to draw out clues as to their prospective institutional development pathways. The article concludes that, while such putative institutional transformations remain conceivable, in none of the cases is a particular pathway preordained. Instead, minilaterals may simply continue to adapt within the parameters of their present institutional boundaries.

THE IMPACT OF COLLECTIVE BARGAINING ON ACADEMIC STAFF WELFARE IN FEDERAL UNIVERSITIES IN SOUTH WEST, NIGERIA

Objective: This study aims to investigate the impact of collective bargaining on the welfare of academic staff in federal universities located in South West Nigeria, focusing on six selected institutions. Theoretical Framework: The research is framed within the context of labour relations theory, exploring how collective bargaining as a mechanism influences various welfare dimensions of academic staff. Method: A quantitative research approach was adopted, utilizing a descriptive research design. The study's population comprised academic staff from the six universities, with a sample size of 377 participants determined through the Taro Yamane formula. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and analysed using statistical techniques to assess the relationship between collective bargaining and staff welfare. Results and Discussion: The results indicate a significant negative impact of collective bargaining on academic staff welfare (β=-0.494, p<0.05). Contrary to its purpose, collective bargaining has not adequately addressed welfare issues, potentially worsening existing challenges faced by academic staff in the studied universities. The discussion emphasizes the need for improved bargaining strategies to promote staff well-being. Research Implications: The study's findings highlight the importance of developing more effective and collaborative collective bargaining processes. These are critical for enhancing welfare outcomes and addressing systemic challenges within federal universities. Originality/Value: This research contributes to the literature on collective bargaining by providing empirical evidence from the Nigerian higher education sector, revealing its counterproductive effects on academic staff welfare. It offers practical insights for policymakers and unions in designing more strategic negotiation frameworks.

Targeting COVID-19 and Human Resources for Health News Information Extraction: Algorithm Development and Validation.

Global pandemics like COVID-19 put a high amount of strain on health care systems and health workers worldwide. These crises generate a vast amount of news information published online across the globe. This extensive corpus of articles has the potential to provide valuable insights into the nature of ongoing events and guide interventions and policies. However, the sheer volume of information is beyond the capacity of human experts to process and analyze effectively. The aim of this study was to explore how natural language processing (NLP) can be leveraged to build a system that allows for quick analysis of a high volume of news articles. Along with this, the objective was to create a workflow comprising human-computer symbiosis to derive valuable insights to support health workforce strategic policy dialogue, advocacy, and decision-making. We conducted a review of open-source news coverage from January 2020 to June 2022 on COVID-19 and its impacts on the health workforce from the World Health Organization (WHO) Epidemic Intelligence from Open Sources (EIOS) by synergizing NLP models, including classification and extractive summarization, and human-generated analyses. Our DeepCovid system was trained on 2.8 million news articles in English from more than 3000 internet sources across hundreds of jurisdictions. Rules-based classification with hand-designed rules narrowed the data set to 8508 articles with high relevancy confirmed in the human-led evaluation. DeepCovid's automated information targeting component reached a very strong binary classification performance of 98.98 for the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC-AUC) and 47.21 for the area under the precision recall curve (PR-AUC). Its information extraction component attained good performance in automatic extractive summarization with a mean Recall-Oriented Understudy for Gisting Evaluation (ROUGE) score of 47.76. DeepCovid's final summaries were used by human experts to write reports on the COVID-19 pandemic. It is feasible to synergize high-performing NLP models and human-generated analyses to benefit open-source health workforce intelligence. The DeepCovid approach can contribute to an agile and timely global view, providing complementary information to scientific literature.

Exploring the link between foresight and artificial intelligence methods to strengthen collective future-building in contexts of social instability

Purpose The study explores the connection between foresight and Artificial Intelligence (AI) methods in a community within an environment of social instability in Colombia. It aims to contribute to research on aligning these methods for future-shaping, with the goal of enhancing shared governance, peer learning and collective learning among traditional decision-makers and local communities in emerging countries. The study seeks to foster a community of social actors who are likely to engage constructively in strategic dialogues. To enhancing shared governance and learning a hybrid model is synthesized, combining foresight and computational intelligence. Design/methodology/approach The case study explores the integration of computational intelligence and foresight through Gaston Bachelard's (Bachelard, 1936) phenomenology concept of ante-perception. The mathematical representation of the cone of scenarios provides a structured way to explore multiple future pathways, allowing communities to visualize and compare different trajectories and make informed decisions amid uncertainty. The model facilitates critical reflections on present assumptions, deepening insights into future scenarios. Ante-perception challenges traditional approaches to foresight by encouraging a break from established experiences, allowing for novel insights into possible futures. When enriched by computational intelligence, this reflective process is further strengthened by quantitative approach scenario modeling. Findings This research develops and tests a proposal that includes the logic and methods for constructing a mathematical representation of the cone of scenarios. This process, which is interactive and deliberative, is driven by anticipation and combines qualitative and quantitative approaches within a context of high uncertainty. By combining the critical reflection facilitated by ante-perception with the predictive power of computational intelligence, the model allows communities to transcend established thought patterns and explore innovative future possibilities. This integrative approach helps them envision and work toward social self-transformation. Research limitations/implications The article aims to identify the creation of scenarios in contexts of high uncertainty, to respond to the needs of communities in emerging countries to manage change. Practical implications This article explores a novel approach to using foresight for address collective intelligence by developing a shared future vision in high-uncertainty contexts within local communities in emerging countries. The application of the hybrid model demonstrates that foresight is a key innovative social tool for developing long-term strategic reflection and planning for territories. Social implications In developing long-term reflective processes, explaining phenomena, mechanisms and correlations requires the use of value judgments. This set of value judgments requires a representation that facilitates their treatment, helps to account for their behavior during the inference process to form a shared future vision. Consequently, ensuring the recognition of the opinions of local communities through participatory discussion spaces and their subsequent refinement, from a technical perspective, aims to illustrate the development of this social construction process. While similarities exist, differences add value through a transfer process, often subconscious. This process stimulates collective learning and builds capacities as knowledge is developed through inquiry, evaluation, interpretation and generalization. Originality/value This research provides a unique hybrid model that fosters collective learning and engagement by integrating local community perspectives with advanced computational intelligence methods. By facilitating both reflective and quantitative approach future-shaping, it offers a practical framework for addressing uncertainty while empowering communities to shape their own futures. It underscores the importance of recognizing local community views through bottom-up participatory discussions, thereby widening the stakeholder community to active engagement in addressing broader societal issues. The case study focuses on community collaboration in Puerto Gaitán, a Colombian municipality.

Indigenous education as community of practice: a case of grassroots learning of the Manobo in the Philippines

ABSTRACT Indigenous education efforts across the world’s Indigenous communities are being implemented to address varying challenges of poverty, cultural discrimination, resource dispossession and isolation. Engaged in a decolonisation agenda, most Indigenous communities are leading diverse localised efforts that turn inwards to their own rich tapestries of knowledge, culture and relationships. In this paper, we argue for the need to broaden the conceptualisation of Indigenous education models to account for the invaluable role that social learning and practice play in sustaining grassroots efforts on how a particular Indigenous people engage with formal educational processes. This paper explores Indigenous education as a community of practice that exemplifies mutual engagement, joint enterprise and shared repertoire, as crucial elements in sustaining Indigenous education endeavours. We use Lave and Wenger’s “communities of practice” as a theoretical framework to better understand how the Manobos, an Indigenous group in the southern Philippines, have been able to successfully operate their own school. Drawing from participant-observation and key informant interviews with teachers, community leaders and missionaries, we foreground examples of how the Manobos rely upon mutual engagement, joint enterprise and shared repertoire of actors to show that they belong to an overarching community of practice. More specifically, we demonstrate that Indigenous education as practiced by the Manobos is a socially constituted enterprise that entails grassroots learning at the individual and collective level, collaborations with external groups, as well as strategic negotiation and compliance with government’s policies that ultimately help them sustain the school’s operation.

Navigating patient journeys across healthcare borders: hot potatoes, medical professionalism and a negotiated order

PurposeThis study explores the dynamics of patient transfers within the Polish healthcare system during the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on the roles of negotiation, boundary work and systemic flexibility. Despite extensive literature on patient transfers, gaps remain in understanding the general mechanisms that complicate these processes, especially under crisis conditions.Design/methodology/approachBy interviewing 18 specialists across various medical fields, our research provides empirical evidence from Poland, highlighting the experiences of medical practitioners who navigated the complex landscape of patient transfers during the pandemic.FindingsBy integrating negotiation and boundary work theories, we reveal how healthcare professionals manage patient flows and the challenges they face. Our findings show that during the unique situation caused by the uncertainties and lack of preparedness for the pandemic, while standardization and rationalization tools have limited effectiveness, proactive involvement and strategic negotiation are crucial for successful patient management.Research limitations/implicationsThe study's primary limitation is its focus solely on the Polish healthcare system during the COVID-19 pandemic, which may not fully represent other contexts or healthcare systems.Originality/valueThe study underscores the importance of communication and interpersonal skills in facilitating patient transfers. We also argue that the previous experiences with negotiating orders, dealing with limited resources and making constant compromises had, in a way, built resilience in Polish medical experts and prepared them for the uncertainties encountered while treating COVID-19 patients. These insights contribute to academic theories and offer practical recommendations for enhancing healthcare system resilience and adaptability in future crises. Ultimately, the study emphasizes that flexibility and strategic negotiation are key to managing patient transfers in a fragmented and complex healthcare environment.

Allies in the Making: India’s Strategic Partnerships in the Indo-Pacific Strategy

This research explores and analyzes India’s evolving strategic partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region, particularly in the context of increasing Chinese assertiveness and global geopolitical shifts. The current geopolitical landscape, marked by Chinese activities along the Indian border, in the Taiwan Strait, and throughout the Indo-Pacific, underscores the urgent need for cooperation among like-minded nations on regional and global issues. Central to this study is examining the significant transformations in India’s foreign policy since the 1990s. This includes an analysis of the Look East Policy as India’s strategic response to the post-Cold War era, its evolution into the Act East Policy, and India’s emerging role on the international stage through active participation in the Indo-Pacific Strategy. These components collectively underscore India’s strategic realignment and its broader implications on regional dynamics and global diplomacy. Subsequently, the research delves into the burgeoning strategic collaboration between India and Taiwan, focusing on initiating strategic dialogues and progressing from democratic partners to crucial collaborators in constructing the Indo-Pacific supply chain. Furthermore, the research will analyze India’s strategic responses amid increasing tensions in the Taiwan Strait, exploring how it navigates the complex diplomatic and security challenges presented by its One China stance. This includes examining India’s maneuvers within the broader geopolitical framework of the region, highlighting its efforts to balance national security interests with diplomatic engagements.

Rethinking and advancing the movement of resistance, activism, and advocacy in health in four central arenas of the Middle East Region

AbstractThe Middle East region has a long history of resistance, activism, and advocacy movements in health, most recently as part of the 2011 region‐wide Arab Spring. Despite this storied history, however, movements of resistance, activism, and advocacy in health in the region are rarely unpacked, examined, or documented. This historical and contextual analysis aims to examine the long‐standing confiscated health rights and subsequent experiences of resistance, activism, and advocacy in health in populations in Palestine, Lebanon, Egypt, and Iraq. Promoting a health equity and health rights‐based approach is key to achieving Universal Health Coverage and health‐related Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in contexts that experience fragile socioeconomic and humanitarian conditions and political instability such as many countries in the Middle East. Marginalized populations, including Palestinians living under Israeli occupation, Lebanese Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender+ (LGBT) communities, Egyptian women and girls affected by Female Genital Mutilation, and Iraqi refugees and Internally Displaced Persons, have been severely impacted by decades of oppression, conflict, and displacement. These populations have faced various forms of discrimination, neglect, and violence that have hindered their access to quality healthcare and basic health rights. Rather than relying on government efforts, local and international movements to advocate for and protect the health rights of these populations are key. Innovative approaches, strategic dialogue and collective actions are prerequisites for promoting resistance, activism, and advocacy in health in all country's systems structure. This analysis highlights the important of this social public health issue in the most turbulent region and provides evidence to guide all countries to realize equitable human rights for health for all populations.

The Governance, Policy, Process, and Capacity of Health Workforce Regulation and Accreditation: Qualitative Policy Analysis and Evidence from Palestine.

The significant health development achieved in Palestine last decades has been lost, in Gaza particularly. This requires fundamental health system reform and rebuilding, including health workforces. Strengthening health workforces involves essential elements: leadership, finance, policy, education, partnership, and management. The current unprecedented catastrophe in Gaza and overall instability in Palestine show the utmost necessity for rethinking and reforming all pillars of the already collapsed health system, including the workforce. Health Workforce Accreditation and Regulation (HWAR) standardizes healthcare evaluations, representing a critical research area in Palestine due to limited existing knowledge. This study aims to enhance understanding of the HWAR in Palestine, and identify gaps and weaknesses, thereby enhancing the HWAR's development and optimization. This qualitative study used an inductive approach to explore the landscape of HWAR. Data were collected from October to November 2019, when 22 semi-structured in-depth interviews - were conducted with experts, academics, leaders, and policymakers purposely selected from government, academia, and non-governmental organization sectors. Data analysis, namely, thematic and ground theory, was performed using Excel and MS programs. The study revealed an absence of transparent governance and ineffective communication within HWAR systems. National policies and guidelines are problematic, with HWAR mechanisms fractured and needing reform. Licensing for healthcare workers hinges on local education, while monitoring and evaluation of HWAR are deficient. Some institutions adhere to HWAR standards, yet widespread updates and applications are necessary. Coordination among educational, accreditation, and practice sectors is non-systematic. Adequate human resources exist, but we need to improve HWAR management. Operational and political challenges limit HWAR, leading to a focus on immediate responses over sustainable system integration. Boosting HWAR is critical for Palestine, especially after the ongoing conflict and humanitarian crisis that led to the dysfunction of the entire health system facilities. A collaborative strategy across sectors is needed to improve governance and outcomes. It is essential to foster strategic dialogue among academia, regulatory entities, and healthcare providers to enhance the HWAR system. Further study on HWAR's effectiveness is recommended.

Cross-disciplinary mathematical modelling to benefit healthcare - could clinical pharmacology play an enabling role?

Clinical pharmacology is often the nexus in any cross-disciplinary team that is seeking solutions for human healthcare issues. The use and application of real-world data and artificial intelligence to better understand our ecosystem has influenced our view at the world and how we do things. This has resulted in remarkable advancements in the healthcare space and development of personalized medicines with great attributes from the application of models and simulations, contributing to a more efficient healthcare development process. A cross-disciplinary symposium was held in December 2023, whereby experts from different scientific disciplines engaged in a high-level discussion on the opportunities and challenges of mathematical models in different fields, possible future developments and decision making. A strong interlink amongst the disciplines represented was apparent, with clinical pharmacology identified as the one which integrates various scientific disciplines. Deliberate and strategic cross-disciplinary dialogues are required to break out of the silos and implement integration for efficiency and cost-effectiveness of novel interventions.

Enhancing sustainable development in the energy sector through strategic commercial negotiations

Sustainable development in the energy sector necessitates a delicate balance between economic growth, environmental stewardship, and social well-being. Strategic commercial negotiations play a pivotal role in achieving this balance, facilitating agreements that align with sustainable development goals (SDGs). This paper explores the intersection of commercial negotiations and sustainable energy practices, emphasizing how strategic negotiations can drive progress towards sustainability. In the contemporary energy landscape, the shift towards renewable energy sources and the implementation of green technologies have become imperative. Effective commercial negotiations are essential in securing investments, fostering partnerships, and establishing frameworks that support the adoption and integration of sustainable practices. Key negotiation strategies include the incorporation of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria, long-term planning, and the adoption of flexible yet robust contract structures. ESG considerations ensure that negotiations address not only financial outcomes but also the broader impact on society and the environment. By prioritizing ESG factors, negotiators can promote responsible business practices that mitigate environmental risks and enhance social benefits. Additionally, long-term planning in negotiations enables stakeholders to align their objectives with global sustainability targets, such as the Paris Agreement and the United Nations SDGs, ensuring that energy projects contribute positively to climate action and sustainable development. The adoption of flexible contract structures is also critical. These structures should accommodate technological advancements and evolving regulatory frameworks, allowing for adaptive management of energy projects. Such adaptability is crucial in a sector characterized by rapid innovation and changing market dynamics. Furthermore, collaborative approaches in negotiations, involving multiple stakeholders including governments, private sector entities, and civil society, can foster inclusive and transparent decision-making processes, enhancing the legitimacy and acceptance of negotiated agreements. In conclusion, strategic commercial negotiations are instrumental in advancing sustainable development in the energy sector. By integrating ESG criteria, long-term planning, and flexible contract structures, negotiators can secure agreements that not only drive economic growth but also promote environmental sustainability and social equity. This approach ensures that the energy sector can contribute effectively to global sustainability goals, creating a resilient and sustainable future. Keywords: Energy Sector, Enhancing, Sustainable Development, Strategic, Commercial Negotiations.

Strategic negotiation and contract management: Best practices for high-stakes projects

Strategic negotiation and contract management: Best practices for high-stakes projects

A Comparative Analysis of Human Translation and Machine Translation in Diplomatic Languages under the Theory of Functional Equivalence: A Case Study of the US-China High-Level Strategic Dialogue in 2021

This paper presents a comparative analysis of human and machine translations of Yang Jiechi's 16-minute speech during the 2021 China-U.S. High-Level Strategic Dialogue. Guided by the functional equivalence theory, this study examines the lexical and discourse choices of the human translator, Zhang Jing, against three different machine translations. The analysis focuses on the differences in translation regarding political sensitivity, cultural and emotional undertones, and the irreplaceable role of human translators in political language translation. The paper aims to demonstrate how effective human translation contributes to improving China-U.S. relations and enhancing China's international influence.

U.S.-Japan-Australia Trilateralism: The Inner Core of Regional Order Building and Deterrence in the Indo-Pacific

executive summary: This article examines the state of security cooperation between the U.S., Japan, and Australia through the Trilateral Strategic Dialogue (TSD), and finds that even though the TSD maintains a relatively low profile, this minilateral alignment effectively forms the inner core of regional order building and deterrence within the U.S. hub-and-spoke alliance network. main argument Since its formal establishment in 2002, the TSD has come to function as the inner core of coordination among allies in the face of strategic competition in the Indo-Pacific. It possesses significant capability to shape the regional security environment, as seen in terms of normative efforts at order building under the "free and open Indo-Pacific" banner, and is underwritten by a combined commitment to regional deterrence. Compared with the Quad and coordination between Australia, the UK, and the U.S. (AUKUS), the TSD is overlooked and underanalyzed as an exemplar of strategically orientated minilateral cooperation. To remedy this oversight, this article details how the TSD is being employed as a tool of strategic competition by capturing its primary functions while evaluating its capabilities, potential, and weaknesses. Because the TSD would likely form the nucleus of any U.S.-led collective response to a regional contingency, it is the most consequential example of "strategic minilateralism" within the Indo-Pacific security architecture. policy implications • Policymakers are increasingly recognizing the potential of minilateral security configurations as purposeful tools through which to prosecute strategic competition. • Mature minilaterals like the TSD can provide capable and multifaceted forums to achieve combined strategic objectives, such as regional order building and enhanced deterrence. • These tasks are inextricably interlinked, and while TSD partners strive to maintain the regional order, they must increase their efforts to credibly deter conflict and be adequately prepared to respond accordingly should deterrence fail.

Engaging underrepresented groups in community physical activity initiatives: a qualitative study of parkrun in the UK

BackgroundUnderrepresented groups, including racial/ethnic minority groups and individuals with low socioeconomic status face complex barriers to engaging in community-based health initiatives. This research uses parkrun, an outdoor, mass-participation, weekly physical activity and volunteering initiative, to explore the engagement strategies (‘outreach activities’) that have been used to promote the inclusivity and diversity of parkrun events.MethodsTen adult parkrun Ambassadors who fulfilled volunteer roles that involved promoting parkrun to underrepresented groups in the UK were interviewed. Interviews took place via telephone or video call in April-July 2021. Interview transcripts were analysed thematically.ResultsEngagement strategies implemented by Ambassadors varied from opportunistic promotion within communities to strategic negotiations at higher decision-making levels. Approaches were characterised by a community-centred focus that ensured community networks and assets were utilised. Stories were considered valuable indicators of successful outreach. A common challenge to outreach for Ambassadors was limited personal and organisational capacity that impeded the widescale scope, reach and scalability of parkrun’s engagement attempts.ConclusionsParkrun Ambassadors have used a wide range of outreach activities at different levels of influence. A number of challenges to doing sustainable and effective outreach have been highlighted that need to be addressed. Working with and alongside communities where community-based health initiatives events take place to understand how to address inclusivity issues could contribute to greater participation by underrepresented groups.

Black Cuban women primary school teachers negotiating the responsibilities of social reproduction

AbstractInvestigations into teacher dissatisfaction often limit concerns to the school setting; however, this ethnographic study investigated how Cuban women's employment as primary school teachers forced them to make strategic negotiations related to childbirth and eldercare. Interviews and participant observation conducted with five Black primary teachers revealed tensions between economic production and biological reproduction. Attention to teachers’ lives outside of the classroom and the complications they experience are useful for Cuba and other counties experiencing shortages.

Improvement of Strategic Negotiation on Collective Labor Negotiation Process at PT. Layar Berkembang Indonesia

Collective Labor Agreement Negotiation process is a mandatory for employers and workers in Indonesia as stipulated under Labor Law No:13 Year 2003 and further regulated under Ministry of Manpower Regulation (PERMENAKER) No:28 Year 2014. Through this Collective Labor Agreement process, unions continue to fight for the intrinsic rights of worker’s welfare such as salary increase, better medical health facility, transport allowance, meal allowance, terms of employment, and safety policies, ways to balance work and family, and more. From the employers’ perfective, Collective Labor Agreement negotiation process is very crucial process as the ‘failed negotiation’ could lead to a strike and cessation of company production. The author conducted gap and data analysis by assessing the current process by referring to prevailing regulations. The author used SWOT analysis to identify the current weaknesses (internal factors) and un-structured negotiation strategy of PT. LAYAR BERKEMBANG Indonesia. External Analysis also being carried out by using PESTLE analysis to support the strategy improvement from different aspects and factors. To support the implementation of new Negotiation Framework, management of PT. LAYAR BERKEMBANG must take a series of actions and involve all leadership team in this improvement initiatives. HR Department must take lead in this process and align with other stakeholders for the implementation of this new framework so that the next Collective Labor Negotiation process is accountable and align with prevailing regulations in Indonesia.therefore author recommend this method compared to the current simple moving average method.

The Outlook of Sino-US Relations Based on the Prisoner's Dilemma

The Prisoner's Dilemma represents a model in game theory which elucidates the choice between cooperation and betrayal faced by two self-interested individuals. Similarly, the US-China relationship confronts a comparable dilemma necessitating collaboration based on common interests, while also safeguarding own interests, such as security and trade. Nonetheless, the present US-China relationship is grappling with numerous challenges and obstacles, such as trade protectionism and regional tensions. As a result, the future of US-China relations is uncertain. This paper analyses the outlook of China-US relations through the lens of the Prisoner's Dilemma model. Based on the analysis, it is recommended that China and the United States enhance their strategic dialogue and cooperation to address global challenges effectively. They should also work together to establish a new type of international relationship as a community of destiny for all humanity. This could not be improved as it already adheres to the principles and lacks context.

Coordinating external assistance forUHC: Pakistan's early experience ofthe SDG3 GAP.

Pakistan is a lower middle-income setting. External assistance for health and development partners play an important role in health sector development. The federal system and health care delivery as a devolved provincial subject warrant regular and effective coordination among federating units and partners. Pakistan was selected as a priority country in 2019 for the implementation of the Global Action Plan for Healthy Lives and Well-being for All (SDG3 GAP). Given the ongoing universal health coverage (UHC) reforms, the country prioritized two SDG3 GAP accelerators, related to primary health care (PHC) and sustainable financing for health (SFH). Eight partner agencies representing PHC and SFH accelerators jointly planned and conducted a 'PHC for UHC mission' to Pakistan in 2021. This mission paved the way for setting up an SDG3 GAP Coordination Committee and a 'PHC Service Delivery and Financing working group', which have been regularly coming together through in-person and virtual meetings; the latter was relatively uncommon previously and this new way of working provided a chance to build rapport, share workplans, identify duplications in technical assistance and jointly gauge governments' priorities. This has shifted the focus of reforms deliberations from 'what' to 'how', enabling joint strategic planning and implementation. The joint work by SDG3 GAP partners with the Ministry of National Health Services Regulation & Coordination linked discussions on health financing and service delivery reforms for the first time, and has contributed to advocacy, analysis, strategic policy dialogue, institutional strengthening and implementation of UHC reforms, with a focus on PHC. Even though joint work by SDG3 GAP partners undoubtedly shows the potential for better alignment and collaboration, translation of the commitment to better collaboration into concrete impact has been the result of committed and engaged staff members, rather than institutionalized change, which will require strong incentives for collaboration.

Strategic Procurement Practices and Performance of Investment Firms Listed in Nairobi Securities Exchange, Kenya

The overall goal of the proposed study was to lay out the impact of key obtainment rehearses on acquisition execution of venture companies recorded in the NSE, Kenya. The specific objectives were to investigate how investment firms listed on the NSE’s procurement performance is affected by strategic supplier relationship practice; to determine how strategic contract management practices affect investment firms listed on the NSE procurement performance; To determine the impact of strategic sourcing on the procurement performance of NSE-listed investment firms in Kenya and; to ascertain how the practice of strategic negotiation affects investment procurement performance firms listed in the NSE, Kenya. This research problem was studied through the use of a cross-sectional research design. The units of observation constituted the 104 top and middle management staff working in the offices of investment firms listed in the NSE. This study used Yamane’s method to understand the sample size. Following this sample determination formula, the calculation generated a sample of 83 respondents from which the study sought information from. This study utilized both primary and secondary data sources. Primary data was gathered using research questionnaire as the research instrument. To complement the primary data, secondary data collection sheet was employed in collecting the secondary data from audited reports of the Company, NSE and other reliable sources. The researcher dropped the questionnaires physically through face-to-face method requesting them to fill them promptly and pick them up once filled up. The structured questions were used in an effort to conserve time and money as well as to facilitate in easier analysis as they are in immediate usable form; while the unstructured questions were used so as to encourage the respondent to give an in-depth and felt response without feeling held back in revealing of any information. Before processing the responses, the completed questionnaires were edited for completeness and consistency. The raw primary data collected was coded prior to being input into SPSS statistical analysis software. Once coded, the data was then cleaned to ensure accuracy and completeness of the information obtained. The data collected was both quantitative and qualitative and it was analyzed descriptively and inferentially. In addition, correlation analysis was conducted to the indicated the nature (positive or negative) and significance of the relationships between the variables in the study. Regression analysis was used to test the direction and magnitude of the relationship between the study variables. The study found that strategic supplier relationship affects procurement performance of investment firms listed in the NSE to a great extent. Utilization of strategic contract management practice was found to affect the procurement performance of the investment firms to a great extent. The study found that strategic sourcing practice affects the procurement performance of investment firms to a great extent. Strategic negotiation practice affects procurement performance to a moderate extent.It is imperative that Investment firms listed in the NSE reviews their existing procurement systems in order to identify the weak points and fasten them. Investment firms listed in the NSE should adopt customer orientation and then implement customer integration in order to receive a high level of procurement performance. Investment firms listed in the NSE should try as much as possible to tailor make their processes to best suit their unique needs.