Governance Strategies Research Articles

Between continuity and change: A longitudinal analysis of Swedish local government digitalization strategies

The terminology associated with the use of information and communication technologies in the public sector has shifted over time, from information technology to digitalization. This change raises the question of whether corresponding shifts in government practices have accompanied it. To investigate this issue, we use topic modeling to analyze a corpus of IT- and digitalization strategies from Swedish local governments, produced over three decades. Our analysis reveals salient topics covered in these strategies and classifies them, displaying patterns of both continuity and change. Some of these patterns reflect dominant discourses about technological governance and the provision of digital services based on citizens’ needs, but there is also a notable absence of content related to democracy and participatory practices. Taken together, our study contributes empirically with an evolutionary perspective on digital government strategies and methodologically with the adoption of computational methods for this purpose.

Leadership Strategies in Addressing Out-of-School Children: A Comparative Study of Heads of Government and Public–Private-Managed Schools in Sindh, Pakistan

The issue of Out-of-School Children (OOSC) presents a significant policy challenge in Sindh, Pakistan, where 44% of 5–16-year-olds are not attending school. This study examines how different leadership strategies in government and Public-Private Partnership (PPP) schools address this crisis. Drawing on transformational leadership theory and institutional theory, this research investigates the influence of school governance structures—specifically government schools, Education Management Organizations (EMOs), and Sindh Education Foundation (SEF) schools—on school leaders’ abilities to increase student enrollment and retention. Through a multiple case study design, this study collects qualitative data from three school heads, augmented by perspectives from vice principals and teachers. The findings indicate that leadership agency is constrained in government schools due to centralized decision-making, while PPP schools, particularly SEF schools, offer more autonomy, enabling more adaptive and community-centered leadership strategies. This study concludes that decentralized governance in SEF schools is more effective in addressing the OOSC issue, particularly in marginalized areas. These findings offer valuable insights for policymakers seeking to enhance educational access in regions with similar socio-economic challenges. The implications of this research underscore the need for flexible, context-specific leadership models to combat the OOSC crisis.

The management methods in the sphere of state security in conditions of social transformation

The article is dedicated to the investigation of management methods in the field of state security during periods of social transformation. It addresses the importance of adapting governance strategies to contemporary challenges, especially in the context of Ukraine’s ongoing crisis and global instability. Emphasis is placed on the development of comprehensive management approaches that not only react to current threats but also anticipate future challenges. The relevance of the study is underlined by the need for strategic planning and proactive implementation of policies to safeguard national interests and ensure long-term stability. The article emphasizes the necessity of effective cooperation between public administration entities to guarantee the resilience of the national security system. The author notes that the success of state security management heavily depends on the integration of political, legal, and organizational mechanisms. The focus is on how these mechanisms contribute to the implementation of Ukraine’s National Security Strategy, aiming to protect the country’s territorial integrity and facilitate its European integration efforts. Special attention is given to the reform of public administration, stressing the importance of transparency and professionalism in law enforcement and strategic management. The author indicates that effective governance in the security sector requires enhanced coordination among various governmental bodies. The importance of information exchange, joint training, and the development of new technological solutions is highlighted as key methods for addressing modern security threats such as terrorism, cyberattacks, and organized crime. The study also points out the need for continuous professional development and reform in public administration to ensure that national security objectives are met in a timely and effective manner. Particular attention is paid to the interaction between different state institutions and the importance of coordinated efforts to respond to security threats. The article underscores the need for a dynamic and adaptable governance system, one that can respond swiftly to both domestic and international challenges. This includes the development of innovative approaches to governance, strategic planning, and the use of cutting-edge technologies. Ultimately, the study calls for the continuous improvement of public administration in the security sector, to build a sustainable and secure future for Ukraine.

Assessing the Adoption and Utilization of Drip Irrigation Technology among Tapioca Farmers in Thuraiyur Taluk, Tiruchirappalli District, Tamil Nadu, India

Aims: The study examines the adoption and utilization of drip irrigation technology among tapioca farmers in Thuraiyur taluk, Tiruchirappalli district, Tamil Nadu. Study Design: An ex-post-facto research design is used to collect data from 90 farmers across four villages. Place and Duration of Study: Thuraiyur taluk, Tiruchirappalli district, Tamil Nadu. The study has been conducted for a period of six months (April – September, 2024) Methodology: Out of the district’s eleven taluks, Thuraiyur had the highest number of tapioca farmers, making it ideal for this study. Four villages—Naganallur, Settikadu, Sobanapuram and Koppampatti—were chosen from Thuraiyur taluk for their significant tapioca cultivation and large farmer populations. A stratified random sampling method is used to select participants. The primary data are collected through structured questionnaires and personal interviews with farmers. Secondary data are obtained from relevant literature, reports and government records. The dependent variables are the adoption level of drip irrigation and the extent to which the farmers use the drip irrigation technology. Descriptive statistics mean, percentage and frequency distribution are used in the study. Results: Findings reveal that the majority of farmers (82.22%) demonstrated medium to high adoption of drip irrigation technology. Key practices like checking the workability of the foot valve and maintaining pipeline fittings are widely adopted, while more advanced techniques such as fertigation showed lower adoption levels. Drip irrigation was used universally for water management, with 87.80% of farmers acknowledging its role in reducing water usage and 83.30% citing reduced labor needs. Conclusion: However, only 46.70% of respondents reported increased yields, indicating potential gaps in system optimization. The study suggests the need for greater technical training, financial assistance and improved extension services to enhance the adoption of advanced drip irrigation practices. Policy measures, such as increased awareness of government schemes like PMKSY and accessible training programs, are recommended to maximize the benefits of drip irrigation in improving water efficiency, crop yield and sustainable farming practices.

Digital Dynamics in BRICS: Exploring Digital Access and Policy Challenges

As the global economy continues to digitize, BRICS nations are at a pivotal juncture in leveraging digital technologies for economic growth. This paper investigates the dynamics of digitalization in these countries focusing on the three major parameters of digitalization- internet penetration, cost of internet and digital payment. It also analyses government strategies in these countries. As BRICS accounting for a significant share of global GDP yet experiencing disparities in digital service export and adoption, understanding these dynamics is essential for adopting comprehensive policies that harness their digital potential. The research highlights the historical context of BRICS as an influential economic bloc, its rapid digital transformation influenced by emerging technologies. Additionally, the study emphasizes the importance of internet penetration as a fundamental enabler of socio-economic activities, correlating better internet infrastructure with increased economic participation. Employing a comparative analysis methodology, this research examines the performance of individual BRICS nations, revealing challenges and opportunities in enhancing connectivity and fostering financial inclusion through digital payment systems. The study also analyses the relationship between cost of internet and internet users in the BRICS countries. This study ultimately aims to put forward analysis about the diverse digital ecosystems within BRICS, advocating for collaborative strategies to navigate inherent challenges while maximizing economic growth and inclusivity.

Governance of the Black Experience on Reddit: r/BlackPeopleTwitter as a Case Study in Supporting Sense of Virtual Community for Black Users

Despite frequent efforts to combat racism, almost no research has explored how to cultivate positive experiences of thriving Black culture on Reddit. In this case study, we surveyed users of r/BlackPeopleTwitter (BPT)--a large, popular subreddit that showcases screenshots of hilarious or insightful social media posts made by Black people (mainly from Black Twitter). Our research questions seek to understand users' motivations for visiting BPT, how they experience a sense of virtual community (SOVC) and membership in BPT, and how BPT's governance influences these experiences. We find that that users come to BPT primarily for excellent humor and entertainment, sociopolitical context on issues relevant to Black people, and/or partaking in the shared Black experience. Black users are more likely to report higher SOVC and to identify as members, whereas non-Black users are more likely to identify as guests or visitors to the community. To protect Black expression, the BPT moderation team implemented a governance strategy for verifying racial identity and limiting participation to only verified users in certain threads. Our data suggest that this policy is a contentious but influential aspect of SOVC that simultaneously constructs and challenges the sense of the subreddit existing as a safe space for Black people. We synthesize these results by discussing how: differing platform affordances across Twitter and Reddit combine to cultivate a thriving Black community on Reddit; the need for Black authenticity on an otherwise anonymous platform can guide future research in identity verification; and the limitations of this study motivate future work to support all marginalized communities online.

Research on Social and Economic Development and Governance Strategies under the Perspective of Urban-Rural Integration

Research on Social and Economic Development and Governance Strategies under the Perspective of Urban-Rural Integration

Effect of Political Stability on International Tourism in Kenya

Purpose: The aim of the study was to analyze the effect of political stability on international tourism in Kenya. Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: Political stability is essential for international tourism in Kenya, as stability fosters a sense of safety that attracts foreign visitors. During peaceful periods, Kenya sees growth in tourist arrivals and revenue, while political unrest, such as the post-election violence in 2007-2008, results in sharp declines as safety concerns deter tourists. Tourism in Kenya is highly sensitive to political fluctuations, with even minor instability affecting tourist perceptions. To sustain and grow its tourism sector, Kenya must prioritize political stability through effective governance, peaceful elections, and strong conflict resolution strategies, which will help build a resilient tourism industry. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Social conflict theory, political economy theory & the institutional theory may be used to anchor future studies on the effect of political stability on international tourism in Kenya. Implementing robust governance practices, such as transparency, accountability, and anti-corruption measures, will enhance the overall tourist experience and foster trust among potential visitors. Formulating policies that promote good governance and strengthen institutions will create a conducive environment for political stability.

Sustainability strategies: A proposal for food sector SMEs, based on the integration of life cycle assessment and ESG strategies

The significant climate change the planet has faced in recent decades has prompted global leaders, policymakers, business leaders, environmentalists, academics, and scientists from around the world to unite their efforts since 1987 around sustainable development. This development not only promotes economic sustainability but also environmental, social, and corporate sustainability, where clean production, responsible consumption, and sustainable infrastructures prevail. In this context, the present article aims to propose a development framework for sustainability in food sector SMEs, which includes Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and the integration of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) strategies as key elements to reduce CO2 emissions and improve operational efficiency. The methodology includes a comparative analysis of strategies implemented between 2019 and 2023, supported by quantitative data showing a 20% reduction in operating costs, a 10% increase in market share, and a 25% increase in productivity for companies that adopted clean technologies. This study offers a significant contribution to the field of corporate sustainability, providing a model that is adaptable and applicable across different regions, enhancing innovation and business resilience in a global context that requires collective efforts to achieve the sustainable development goals.

Navigating the Global Dietary Transition and Its Impact on Planetary and Human Health: The Role of Middle-Income Countries

Abstract This case study examines global dietary transitions and their impact on environmental sustainability, nutritional well-being, and socio-economic inequalities, focusing on middle-income countries (MICs) like China, India, Brazil, Turkey, and Mexico. As economic expansion, urbanization, and cultural shifts drive changes in eating habits, MICs encounter both advantages and disadvantages. The study explores how socio-economic transformation influences dietary preferences, resulting in increased consumption of processed foods and animal-based products, linked to rising non-communicable diseases and environmental impacts such as greenhouse gas emissions and resource depletion. It delves into the influence of cultural heritage and social norms on dietary practices, alongside the impact of Western dietary patterns and media. Additionally, the case study underscores the role of governmental strategies in fostering sustainable and nutritious diets through policies that support local agriculture and public health. It also investigates contributions from the private sector and emphasizes the significance of community-driven and grassroots movements in promoting sustainable dietary habits and reinforcing food security. This study aims to provide insights into the interconnection between dietary transitions, their environmental and nutritional impacts, and the socio-economic drivers and disparities within and across MICs, offering guidance for sustainable development and public health improvement. Information © The Author 2024

User Perception on Opportunities Provided by the Digital India Platform in Eastern Uttar Pradesh

Digital India Initiative is transforming India into a digital verse economy, for the past nine years it has paved its way into all our routine lives. The dream of digital India has started to show its results yet there is a need to consistently scrutinize its performance all over the nation. This paper has attempted to gain a better and deeper understanding into the perception of users on the opportunities provided by Digital India Platforms in selected districts of eastern Uttar Pradesh. With the help of a structured questionnaire views of respondents were collected during May 2024 and analyzed with the help of exploratory factor analysis, cross tabulation, and chi-square test through SPSS statistics. The research work revealed the Digital India Platform has helped in providing opportunities in education, employment, accessibility to government schemes, advancement of Information technology and digitalization, and it needs to work more in the growth of business and profession.

Implementation of Risk Management in an Effort to Realize the Good University Governance Principles

This study examines the implementation of risk management at Hasanuddin University in its efforts to realize Good University Governance (GUG) principles, such as transparency, accountability, and efficiency. Using a qualitative approach, data were collected through in-depth interviews, document analysis, and observations involving key university stakeholders. The findings show that while the university has established formal risk management frameworks, several challenges persist. These include resource limitations, inconsistent communication between departments, and a lack of a risk-aware culture. Despite these obstacles, the implementation of risk management has contributed positively to enhancing transparency and accountability by providing systematic processes for identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks. However, full integration with the broader governance system remains incomplete. To fully leverage risk management in supporting GUG principles, the university must promote greater stakeholder involvement, improve resource allocation, and ensure stronger alignment between risk management and governance strategies. These findings offer valuable insights for higher education institutions aiming to enhance governance through effective risk management.

Hydrogeochemical assessment of groundwater in transboundary aquifers along the US-Mexico border and drinking water quality implications for Texas Colonias

The groundwater resources in transboundary aquifers are crucial to the development of involved nations. A unified governance strategy based on scientific data is essential for the management of transboundary aquifers. This study presents a comprehensive geochemical analysis of the groundwater quality of private wells along the US-Mexico border in Texas across three transboundary aquifer types. The concentrations of dissolved major ions, trace, and rare earth elements (REE) were measured, and the dissolved organic matter was spectroscopically characterized to evaluate the prevailing water-rock interactions, biogeochemical reactions, and anthropogenic contamination in the groundwater and their susceptibility to future contamination. Groundwater samples were collected from private wells (n = 22) from four representative counties within a section of the Texas-Mexico border (Maverick, Kinney, Dimmit, and Webb Counties). Three distinct aquifer types were revealed from the major ion composition, e.g., a carbonate aquifer within Kinney County (a part of Edwards-Trinity aquifer), an alluvial aquifer with prevailing reducing conditions within Dimmit and Webb Counties (a part of Carrizo-Wilcox aquifer), and an evaporite-rich aquifer within Maverick County. The concentrations of trace elements in the groundwater of each aquifer type were below the MCL of USEPA, however, excessive Sr concentrations were evident mostly in the evaporite-rich aquifer. Our results indicate dissolution of evaporites, and possible anthropogenic contamination may be responsible for the degradation of groundwater quality in Maverick County, raising concern for the viability of the aquifer in the future.

Potential Conflict Diagnosis, Simulation Optimization and Coordination of Production-Living-Ecological Space in Gully Areas of the Loess Plateau, China

The gully areas on the Loess Plateau have always been ecologically fragile agricultural areas. These areas often face the common problem of intensified conflicts in production-living-ecological space during economic development, and there is an urgent need for systematic spatial governance. This study innovatively developed a full process technical framework of "identification diagnosis - simulation optimization - coordinated governance" for potential conflicts in the production-living-ecological space, and used Huachi County in the gully area of the Loess Plateau as an example for empirical research. Under this framework, we analyzed the transfer patterns of production, living, and ecological space in the research area; Improved the spatial suitability evaluation index system of "multi-dimensional + multi-objective"; The conflict determination matrix was used to identify the scope, scale, type, and intensity of potential spatial conflicts; We conducted spatial optimization simulations under two scenarios: prioritizing ecological protection and prioritizing social and livelihood development, and designed an overall spatial optimization plan; Propose spatial collaborative governance strategies based on the theory of public space governance. Research shows that this framework has good applicability for the research area and is more direct for guiding subsequent spatial planning and policy practice. The potential conflict between production space and ecological space in Huachi County is the most common, the potential conflict intensity between living space and production space is the largest, and the potential conflict risk between living space and ecological space is rising. To coordinate potential conflicts in space, it is necessary to establish a vertical allocation type of spatial function coordination chain of “goal + collaboration + adjustment”, as well as a horizontal negotiation type of spatial configuration coordination chain of “allocation + cooperation + balance”, forming a “double vertical and double horizontal” spatial coordination framework.

A Tripartite Governance Strategy for Infrastructure REITs Considering Tax Incentives and Antiavoidance Regulations

A Tripartite Governance Strategy for Infrastructure REITs Considering Tax Incentives and Antiavoidance Regulations

Analysis of NSSO data sets for a spatial evaluation of water and housing inequality in India

Achieving all Sustainable Development Goals by 2030 to meet basic needs and improve quality of life has become ever more significant. This study examines the accessibility and factors affecting safe drinking water and housing across India's socioeconomic strata to support Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 06 and 11. The study also assesses government programs that provide affordable housing and safe water. This study analyses key aspects of the 76th National Social Survey on Housing and Sanitation (NSSO WASH) data on housing conditions and drinking water to determine how each component affects people's standard of living. Descriptive analysis, probit, and multinomial logistic regressions were used to tabulate socioeconomic factors such household size, location, gender, income, education, occupation type, social group, and scheme recipient. Our study found that there was 20% more likely that households in the lowest quintile income bracket have access to clean drinking water; thanks to government schemes like the National Rural Drinking Water Programme and Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation. Due to socioeconomic inequities, some social groups are more likely to lack safe water services, according to the study. Gender and education, especially female family members, affect access to basic needs. Rural households get 26% less safe drinking water than urban households. Vulnerable groups face lack of access to clean water and safe housing/shelter due to these gaps. Further, a new composite index has been devised to assess housing and clean water inequalities across Indian states. To achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, research recommends increased government initiatives and investments, as well as appropriate monitoring and evaluation mechanisms, for WASH conditions, boosting women's education and awareness in suboptimal states.

A Political Perspective of the Law in the Copyright Law on Investment in Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Umkm

Economic growth is based on a healthy and solid investment cycle, especially for micro and small entrepreneurs. In this case, regulations related to investment in micro and small businesses do not fully reflect the equal relationship between medium and large business stakeholders and micro and small businesses. In preparing this article, the author used a normative juridical method that requires accurate data to be able to analyze existing legal problems, both in the form of primary data and secondary data. This research finds problems related to what factors are needed by the government to develop MSE investment from a progressive legal political perspective. This research uses a literature review method with a normative legal approach to statutory regulations. Based on this analysis, to increase the competitiveness of Micro and Small Enterprises in the implementation of Law Number 11 of 2020 concerning Job Creation from a political-legal perspective, an innovative government strategy is needed. This can be done by increasing the morality of Business Actors in accordance with the values of the Fifth Principle of Pancasila. In increasing the competitiveness of MSEs in the Legal Politics of the Job Creation Law, there needs to be a progressive Government strategy, namely by fostering greater morality of business actors, as mandated in the Principles. fifth. This can be achieved by recognizing progressive factors in the Government, namely: 1) Stabilizers; 2) Facilitator; 3) Regulators; and 4) Catalyst. This will accelerate the growth of Micro and Small Businesses efficiently and competitively without relying on the government on a large scale.

ANALYSIS FACTORS AFFECTING COVID-19 MORTALITY USING COUNT REGRESSION

The ”2019 novel coronavirus” known as “ the 2019-nCoV” or simply“COVID-19” has been declared by the World Health organization (WHO), in first quarter of 2020, as a world pandemic and a public health emergency of international concern. Alas, many details related to the COVID-19 have remained unsolved completely. The success of government strategies in fighting the COVID-19 relays mainly on the results from epidemiological or statistical studies. Statistical models play a major role in providing reliable results based on appropriate analyses. Traditional (one-part) models, mixture models and mixed-effects models for counts are used to investigate effects of the WHO-regions and Cumulated COVID-19 cases on the outcome variable COVID-19 new deaths tolls. Overall result reveals there is a strong association between number of new deaths COVID-19 with predictors including the WHO regions and cumulated cases.Besides, models that account for the overdispersion feature have smallest AICs and have reasonable regression model fits.

Global prescriptions and local adaptations: the role of political culture in shaping governance strategies for university funding

ABSTRACT This article explores the influence of New Public Management (NPM) reforms on local higher education (HE) governance in the context of globalisation, focussing on the funding mechanisms of universities in Hong Kong and Taiwan. Through the development of an analytical framework for governance strategies, the study examines the principles underlying funding allocation and distribution decisions in these regions. The findings show that, although both regions adopt performance-based funding aligned with NPM principles, significant differences emerge due to their distinct political cultures and societal expectations. Taiwan’s strategy is characterised by regulatory oversight driven by societal shifts and electoral pressures, while Hong Kong’s approach is market-oriented, reflecting its British colonial heritage and alignment with industry demands. This study highlights the role of path dependency in shaping localised adaptations of global governance models, demonstrating the diversity and adaptability of HE governance strategies. The paper concludes by proposing directions for further research into the interplay between political culture and HE governance, advocating for the development of context-sensitive frameworks that address evolving governance strategies.

Dilemmas and Governance Strategies in the Implementation of the Modern Apprenticeship System in Chinese Vocational Colleges: A Perspective from Principal-Agent Theory

As China's industrial economy transitions towards high-quality development, the demand for highly skilled technical personnel has surged. The modern apprenticeship system, an important mechanism for deepening collaboration between educational institutions and enterprises, has been widely promoted within vocational colleges. However, nearly a decade into its implementation, this system faces challenges such as insufficient engagement from enterprises, loose relationships between schools and businesses, and a lack of assessment and feedback mechanisms. These issues have led to suboptimal outcomes in talent development. This paper innovatively applies principal-agent theory to expose conflicts in value demands, adverse selection, and moral hazards within the multifaceted principal-agent relationships among vocational colleges, enterprises, and the government. It proposes governance strategies that involve multi-stakeholder participation in policy-making, the establishment of qualification entry systems for cooperative enterprises, and the improvement of supervision and incentive mechanisms. These strategies aim to resolve conflicts and enhance cooperation efficiency, thereby providing robust support for the effective implementation of the modern apprenticeship system in vocational colleges.