scholarly journals Local Government Fiscal Early Warning Surveys: Lessons From COVID-19

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 29-45
Author(s):  
Geoffrey Propheter ◽  
Melissa Mata
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Local Government ◽  
Early Warning ◽  
The State ◽  
Government Officials ◽  
Correction Technique ◽  
Fiscal Impacts ◽  
Survey System ◽  
Survey Responses ◽  
Improve State

Yang (2020) recently argued for enhanced evidence–based decision making during sudden and widespread economic shocks such as the COVID-19 pandemic, but he lamented the difficulty of acquiring such data in a timely manner. One strategy is to implement an early warning survey system. This article describes Colorado’s experience with a survey the state administered to local government officials shortly after the governor’s stay-at-home order. The state used the survey to inform its fiscal response policies. We describe the advantages and challenges of using surveys as a statewide, rapid information collection strategy as well as offer evidence that the survey yielded relatively accurate data about local fiscal impacts. We also provide an empirical analysis of the survey, employing the Heckman correction technique to account for selection bias, to illustrate how the survey responses can improve state decision making.

Rural Dibao: The Countryside and Fragmentation

2019 ◽  
pp. 89-105
Author(s):  
Daniel R. Hammond
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Local Government ◽  
The State ◽  
The Political ◽  
Common Source ◽  
Chinese Government ◽  
Social Stability ◽  
Political Structure ◽  
Programme Implementation ◽  
Administrative Capacity

In 2007 the Chinese government nationally implemented the rural dibao programme. The chapter argues that while the circumstances of rural dibao’s implementation were different from its urban predecessor there are three striking similarities. First, in terms of values, it is argued that the rural dibao programme did fit comfortably with the agenda under Hu Jintao and Wen Jiabao to address China’s unequal development and in particular the san nong wenti of the countryside. However, the process surrounding implementation of the rural programme also carried appeals to social stability. Second, the political structure had a significant impact on the implementation of the rural MLG. As with the urban programme implementation faced local intransigence. This was overcome by not only using similar means as with the urban programme; but also through explicitly dealing with one common source of problems, funding. Finally, there is the problem of administrative capacity in running the rural MLG programme. This appears as a classic outcome of the fragmented political and decision making structure in China where local government, often struggling to meet mandates passed down from above, prioritises the resources it has. What this all shows is that the challenges facing social assistance in China are not specific to the urban or the rural programme; but are a consequence of the structure of the state.

One study, four cities: information impact in neighborhood economic development

2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (4) ◽  
pp. 663-680 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeffrey Carroll
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Economic Development ◽  
Local Government ◽  
Decision Makers ◽  
Government Officials ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Local Decision ◽  
Types Of Information ◽  
Local Decision Makers ◽  
Sophisticated Analysis

Purpose The purpose of this study is to create a theory on how a commissioned study impacts the decision-making of local government officials. Design/methodology/approach This study uses comparative case studies via the “Knowledge Cycle,” which is a method of examining information use for four distinct decision-making environments’ development (Baltimore, Maryland; Louisville, Kentucky; Detroit, Michigan; and Tampa, Florida). Findings This study reports significance in three factors that may explain information impact: the presence of an “information champion” who directs the application of the study toward initiatives that are important to them, the length of time that one can use information before it becomes outdated and the ability to use the study to spur dialogue with development stakeholders outside of local government. Research limitations/implications The limitation to this study is that it is limited to the observation of a specific population (local government economic development bureaucrats) and their use of a specific package of information. The debate is open to whether the findings of this study are relevant to actors using other types of information within other levels of government and within other fields of inquiry. Practical implications Advances in information technology and the proliferation of data intermediaries who can use sophisticated analysis warrant the understanding how government officials interact with the studies that they commission. Originality/value To date, there are few studies that have examined how a singular package of information is used in multiple decision-making environments. This paper adds to this dearth of scholarship while creating theory to how and why local decision-makers may use information.

scholarly journals Moralizing Commerce on the Frontier

2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 229-248
Author(s):  
Robert W. Wilcox
Keyword(s):  
Nineteenth Century ◽  
Local Government ◽  
The State ◽  
Late Nineteenth Century ◽  
Government Officials ◽  
Mato Grosso ◽  
Late Nineteenth ◽  
State And Local ◽  
Local Government Officials

Beginning in the late nineteenth century a promising ranching sector developed on the Mato Grosso frontier with Paraguay. The most lucrative markets for cattle products were in neighboring Paraguay, Uruguay, and in the southeast of Brazil. For the most part markets were distant from the region of production, while fiscal revenues were always limited, hence the state attempted to impose its regulations and taxes as it could. Residents found their incomes were constrained at the best of times, and any “outside” impositions were simply obstacles to the prosperity of their communities and businesses. The result was that like similar regions across the globe cattle and cattle product smuggling became normal. The profits were significant enough that even local government officials were involved. The result was a long-running “battle” between the state and local producers to tap the potential promised by ranching that simultaneously promoted and inhibited the development of the region. This article explores these contradictory aspects of ranching settlement along the Brazil-Paraguay border.

Urban Dibao: The Resolution of Unwanted and Unintended Outcomes, 1999–2003

2019 ◽  
pp. 67-88
Author(s):  
Daniel R. Hammond
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Resource Allocation ◽  
Local Government ◽  
Local Variation ◽  
Unintended Consequences ◽  
The State ◽  
Policy Actors ◽  
Policy Goals ◽  
Fragmented Authoritarianism ◽  
Roll Out

This chapter first highlights the problems faced by both central and local government in shaping dibao into the programme it was intended to be after the initial national roll out in 1997. The discussion focuses on three unintended outcomes which attracted the most from policy actors: exclusion; resource dependencies; and variation. This is then followed by two discussions related to how the features of fragmented authoritarianism contributed to the outcomes discussed. The first discussion argues that fragmented authoritarianism, especially the structure of the state and decision making, contributed to the emergence of what I identify as unintended consequences. I will argue that the MCA struck a compromise with local government in the 1990s achieving implementation of dibao systems by allowing local variation. The second discussion argues that the MCA played a game where policy goals sought by Premier Zhu Rongji, primarily the moving of xiagang workers to dibao, were used to also resolve some of the unintended consequences which had emerged post-1999. This shows that while the assumptions of fragmented authoritarianism hold, especially the importance of resource allocation and hierarchical authority, policy actors lower down the hierarchy cannot use these circumstances to achieve their own goals.

scholarly journals ICT-based reforms in local government decision-making in the gram panchayats of Kerala

2015 ◽  
pp. 263-274
Author(s):  
Alex K Thottunkel ◽  
Sibi Varghese Kuppathanath
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Local Government ◽  
The State ◽  
Administrative Practices ◽  
Government Decision ◽  
Beneficial Impact

The beneficial impact of computerisation can be felt in all elements that contribute to decision-making in panchayats in the state of Kerala. However, even though computerisation is bringing about immense improvements compared to traditional administrative practices, but scope still remains for further improvement. Instead of the 'as it is' computerisation that is mostly carried out a process based approach is needed.

scholarly journals Decentralisation and Health Services Delivery in 4 Districts in Tanzania: How and Why Does the Use of Decision Space Vary Across Districts?

2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 90-100 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ramadhani Kigume ◽  
Stephen Maluka
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Local Government ◽  
Health System ◽  
Local Level ◽  
Government Officials ◽  
District Health ◽  
Decision Space ◽  
Services Delivery ◽  
Health Managers ◽  
Local Government Officials

Background: Decentralisation in the health sector has been promoted in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) for many years. Inherently, decentralisation grants decision-making space to local level authorities over different functions such as: finance, human resources, service organization, and governance. However, there is paucity of studies which have assessed the actual use of decision-making space by local government officials within the decentralised health system. The objective of this study was to analyse the exercise of decision space across 4 districts in Tanzania and explore why variations exist amongst them. Methods: The study was guided by the decision space framework and relied on interviews and documentary reviews. Interviews were conducted with the national, regional and district level officials; and data were analysed using thematic approach. Results: Decentralisation has provided moderate decision space on the Community Health Fund (CHF), accounting for supplies of medicine, motivation of health workers, additional management techniques and rewarding the formally established health committees as a more effective means of community participation and management. While some districts innovated within a moderate range of choice, others were unaware of the range of choices they could utilise. Leadership skills of key district health managers and local government officials as well as horizontal relationships at the district and local levels were the key factors that accounted for the variations in the use of the decision space across districts. Conclusion: This study concludes that more horizontal sharing of innovations among districts may contribute to more effective service delivery in the districts that did not have active leadership. Additionally, the innovations applied by the best performing districts should be incorporated in the national guidelines. Furthermore, targeted capacity building activities for the district health managers may improve decision-making abilities and in turn improve health system performance.

scholarly journals EVALUATING THE VISIBILITY OF MEDIA SENSITIZATION TOWARDS THE UTILIZATION OF MEDIA WEATHER REPORTS AMONG FARMERS IN ANAMBRA STATE

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Allen Nnanwuba Adum ◽  
Charles Chukwuemeka Okika ◽  
Chiazor Chiaghana ◽  
Ogechukwu Okoli
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Decision Making ◽  
Local Government ◽  
Religious Belief ◽  
Weather Forecast ◽  
The State ◽  
Message Content ◽  
Anambra State ◽  
The Media ◽  
Planting System

The benefits inherent in the utilization of climate change report in Agriculture cannot over emphasized. It helps the farmers to make informed decisions about their plantings and helps improve agricultural proceeds. This study examined the level of exposure of farmers in Anambra state to media weather reports, their dispositions towards the weather reports and their usage of weather reports in farming decision making. This study was designed as a survey. A sample of 400 farmers was drawn from 120000 farmers registered with the Ministry of Agriculture, Anambra State. Six local government areas were selected to represent the three senatorial zones in the state, and four communities to represent the selected local government areas. Findings from the survey indicate that the farmers have knowledge of weather reports but, they do not utilize these because they do not understand the message content and are unable to interpret it towards utilizing them in making decision for their planting system. The study concluded that difficulty in understanding of the weather reports and religious belief were the factors that inhibit the use of weather reports in farming decision making among farmers in Anambra State.  The study recommended, increased and sustained aggressive sensitization should be done by the media. The study recommended that the bodies responsible for preparing the weather forecast like the Nigerian Meteorological Agency should be providing regular and updated weather reports to the media, and make such reports to be less technical in order to bridge the challenge of difficulty in understanding.

The role of perception of local government officials on climate change and resilient development: a case of Uttarakhand, India

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Thinles Chondol ◽  
Ashish Kumar Panda ◽  
Anil Kumar Gupta ◽  
Nirupama Agrawal ◽  
Amarjeet Kaur
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Decision Making ◽  
Local Government ◽  
Survey Method ◽  
Government Officials ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Government ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Local Government Officials

Purpose This paper aims to gain insight on the perception and role of the local government officials on climate change and resilience in Uttarakhand, India. Uttarakhand, being a sensitive mountainous region in India, faces the brunt of frequent climate-related disasters and their severe impacts. Therefore, it is crucial to understand how authorities perceive the issue of climate-related disasters and their level of commitment toward mitigation and adaptation programs. Design/methodology/approach The literature review method was used for a holistic understanding of the impact of climate change and consequential disasters. A questionnaire survey method, comprising open- and closed-ended questions, was also used on officials of different departments. Findings Among the noteworthy findings of the study include the understanding of the perceptions of authorities and their role in decision-making on mitigating impacts of climate change-related disasters, their support or lack of it, for measures toward capacity building and spreading awareness of the intervention programs by the government. The study analyzes the perception of decision-making officials at state and district levels and infers that the variation on opinions may be attributable to multiple factors, including their past experiences of dealing with disasters. Originality/value This study offers insights into the role of perception of local government officials concerning climate change-related disasters and alleviation of their consequences through related programs. The findings have the unique potential to serve as a guide for the government at state and district levels to assess various aspects of different disaster mitigation measures based on sectors and departments.

Minimizing Missed Opportunities: Modeling Relationships between the State and Business in Russia

2009 ◽  
pp. 42-61
Author(s):  
A. Oleynik
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Empirical Evidence ◽  
Common Good ◽  
The State ◽  
Power Relationships ◽  
Individual Decision ◽  
Missed Opportunities ◽  
Power Domination ◽  
Individual Decision Making ◽  
Optimal Outcomes

Power involves a number of models of choice: maximizing, satisficing, coercion, and minimizing missed opportunities. The latter is explored in detail and linked to a particular type of power, domination by virtue of a constellation of interests. It is shown that domination by virtue of a constellation of interests calls for justification through references to a common good, i.e. a rent to be shared between Principal and Agent. Two sources of sub-optimal outcomes are compared: individual decision-making and interactions. Interactions organized in the form of power relationships lead to sub-optimal outcomes for at least one side, Agent. Some empirical evidence from Russia is provided for illustrative purposes.

Institutionalism: Theory, Decision-making Basis, Method of Criticism

2009 ◽  
pp. 110-124 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Moskovsky
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Institutional Economics ◽  
Economic Reforms ◽  
The State ◽  
Economic Approach ◽  
Main Attention ◽  
Technological Imperative ◽  
Logical Inconsistency ◽  
Basis Method

The author analyzes the state of institutional economics in contemporary Russia. It is characterized by arbitrary confusion of the ideas of «old», «new» and «mathematical» versions of institutionalism which results in logical inconsistency and even eclectics to be observed in the literature. The new and mathematical versions of institutionalism are shown to be based on legal, political and mathematical determinism tightly connected with the so-called «economic approach» (G. Becker). The main attention is paid to the discussion of theoretical and practical potential of the contemporary classical («old») institutionalism. The author focuses on its philosophical grounds and its technological imperative, the institution of science, the method of criticism, the opportunity of using classical institutionalist ideas as the ideology of economic reforms in Russia.

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