scholarly journals NGO Coordination and the Changing Aid Environment in Cambodia: Challenges and  Opportunities

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Samnang Chum
Keyword(s):  
Participant Observation ◽  
Self Regulation ◽  
Khmer Rouge ◽  
Aid Effectiveness ◽  
Policy Dialogue ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Challenges And Opportunities ◽  
Aid Coordination ◽  
The Government ◽  
Khmer Rouge Regime

<p>Cambodia is one of the poorest and most aid-dependent countries in Southeast Asia. Historically NGOs have operated in Cambodia since the collapse of the Khmer Rouge regime in 1979. Since the Paris Peace Accord Agreement, signed by the Cambodian leaders in 1991, the number of NGOs has grown rapidly and played a pivotal role in delivering public services and advocacy. In an effort to improve efficiencies and effectiveness aid delivery mechanisms have become extraordinarily complex and cumbersome. They require all parties to have strong coordination efforts within their individual groups and amongst broader stakeholders. This thesis analyses the effectiveness of NGO coordination in Cambodia. It is based on recently completed in-country research involving participant observation and a series of semi-structured interviews. The paper explores NGO coordination and how the NGO community engages in the aid coordination processes led by the Cambodian government. The findings indicate that the NGO coordination efforts have encountered a series of challenges. These include cultural, political and institutional challenges and poor NGO coordination between the national and provincial levels. They have resulted in a) the absence of a collective voice, b) slow progress on NGO self-regulation, c) the fragmentation and duplication of NGO projects, d) a poor working relationship with the government e) little understanding of aid effectiveness and f) poor engagement in the aid coordination mechanisms. Thus, the NGO coordination efforts are relatively loose although progress has been made since the 1990s. Consequently, Cambodia's NGO sector remains immature and weak. There are, however, some opportunities for improvement through creating an environment that enables policy dialogue with the government.</p>

scholarly journals NGO Coordination and the Changing Aid Environment in Cambodia: Challenges and  Opportunities

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Samnang Chum
Keyword(s):  
Participant Observation ◽  
Self Regulation ◽  
Khmer Rouge ◽  
Aid Effectiveness ◽  
Policy Dialogue ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Challenges And Opportunities ◽  
Aid Coordination ◽  
The Government ◽  
Khmer Rouge Regime

<p>Cambodia is one of the poorest and most aid-dependent countries in Southeast Asia. Historically NGOs have operated in Cambodia since the collapse of the Khmer Rouge regime in 1979. Since the Paris Peace Accord Agreement, signed by the Cambodian leaders in 1991, the number of NGOs has grown rapidly and played a pivotal role in delivering public services and advocacy. In an effort to improve efficiencies and effectiveness aid delivery mechanisms have become extraordinarily complex and cumbersome. They require all parties to have strong coordination efforts within their individual groups and amongst broader stakeholders. This thesis analyses the effectiveness of NGO coordination in Cambodia. It is based on recently completed in-country research involving participant observation and a series of semi-structured interviews. The paper explores NGO coordination and how the NGO community engages in the aid coordination processes led by the Cambodian government. The findings indicate that the NGO coordination efforts have encountered a series of challenges. These include cultural, political and institutional challenges and poor NGO coordination between the national and provincial levels. They have resulted in a) the absence of a collective voice, b) slow progress on NGO self-regulation, c) the fragmentation and duplication of NGO projects, d) a poor working relationship with the government e) little understanding of aid effectiveness and f) poor engagement in the aid coordination mechanisms. Thus, the NGO coordination efforts are relatively loose although progress has been made since the 1990s. Consequently, Cambodia's NGO sector remains immature and weak. There are, however, some opportunities for improvement through creating an environment that enables policy dialogue with the government.</p>

Challenges and opportunities for the development and promotion of Ibaloy crafts as tourism products

2017 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 593-607 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jamaica Gayatin Ona ◽  
Leticia Susan Lagmay Solis
Keyword(s):  
Material Culture ◽  
Qualitative Methodology ◽  
Participant Observation ◽  
Economic Status ◽  
Tourism Industry ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Indigenous Ethnic Group ◽  
Challenges And Opportunities ◽  
The Government

Purpose The Ibaloy is an indigenous ethnic group in the Northern Philippines. Due to modernization, changes in lifestyle, livelihood and spiritual inclination many have forgotten about their culture. Income-generating activities such as handicraft businesses and food security are among their needs and aspirations. With the potential that indigenous entrepreneurship has in improving their cultural and economic status, this study aims to identify which crafts in their material culture can be publicly shared as tourism products and to assess the landscape within which indigenous entrepreneurship can be undertaken. Design/methodology/approach The study utilized a qualitative methodology which involved a combination of participant observation and semi-structured interviews. An interview guide which consisted of open-ended questions that focused on themes such as identification of Ibaloy crafts, the crafts’ various categorization and significance, the challenges and opportunities and their perceptions on what they want done for their crafts and material culture in general was developed for this purpose. The primary respondents were the Ibaloys themselves and other key informants from government and other stakeholders. Findings Other than serving their purpose in an Ibaloy household and as objects used for special occasions, Ibaloy crafts have the potential to be developed as tourism products. While many challenges abound, availability of resources and collaborative support by the government and other institutions can bring opportunities that will lead Ibaloy crafts to become prime tourism products. Social implications The findings point to a compelling need for policymakers and concerned authorities to take immediate action to ensure the culture and heritage of the Ibaloys are protected. Originality/value The study adds to the literature about Filipino indigenous peoples, particularly the Ibaloys of Cordillera, and their aspirations for the inclusion of their material culture to the tourism industry. It can serve as a guide in addressing issues and concerns related to indigenous entrepreneurship that may be addressed through policy intervention and support from stakeholders.

Integrating corporate social responsibility into efforts to realize millennium development goals

2014 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 314-333 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Katamba ◽  
Cedric Marvin Nkiko ◽  
Charles Tushabomwe-Kazooba ◽  
Sulayiman Babiiha Mpisi ◽  
Imelda Kemeza ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Corporate Social Responsibility ◽  
Social Responsibility ◽  
Millennium Development Goals ◽  
Participant Observation ◽  
Theory Approach ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Development Goals ◽  
The Government ◽  
Corporate Social

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present corporate social responsibility (CSR) as an alternative roadmap to accelerating realization of Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in Uganda, even after 2015. Design/methodology/approach – Using a mixed research methodology, this research documented CSR activities of 16 companies operating in Uganda. Data collection was guided by quantitative and qualitative methodologies (semi-structured interviews with CSR managers, plus non-participant observation of CSR activities and projects linked with MDGs). Triangulation was used to ensure credibility and validity of the results. For data analysis, the authors followed a three-stepwise process, which helped to develop a framework within which the collected data could be analyzed. For generalization of the findings, the authors were guided by the “adaptive theory approach”. Findings – Uganda will not realize any MDGs by 2015. However, CSR activities have the potential to contribute to a cross-section of various MDGs that are more important and relevant to Uganda when supported by the government. If this happens, realization of the MDGs is likely to be stepped up. CSR's potential contributions to the MDGs were found to be hindered by corruption and cost of doing business. Lastly, MDG 8 and MDG 3 were perceived to be too ambiguous to be integrated into company CSR interventions, and to a certain extent were perceived to be carrying political intentions which conflict with the primary business intentions of profit maximization. Practical implications – Governments in developing countries that are still grappling with the MDGs can use this research when devising collaborations with private-sector companies. These documented CSR activities that contribute directly to specific MDGs can be factored into the priority public-private partnership arrangements. Private companies can also use these findings to frame their stakeholder engagement, especially with the government and also when setting CSR priorities that significantly contribute to sustainable development. Originality value – This research advances the “Post-2015 MDG Development Agenda” suggested during the United Nations MDG Summit in 2010, which called for academic and innovative contributions on how MDGs can be realized even after 2015.

scholarly journals Evaluation of a sitting light volleyball intervention: a social-ecological approach

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ka Man Leung ◽  
Pak-Kwong Chung ◽  
William Chu
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Ecological Model ◽  
Self Regulation ◽  
Community Setting ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Organizational Level ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Intervention Programme ◽  
Social Ecological ◽  
The Government

Abstract Background This study was part of a 15-week sitting light volleyball (SLVB) intervention programme which examined the effectiveness of the intervention on physical and psychological attributes of people with physical disabilities (PWPD) in Hong Kong. Gaining an in-depth understanding of the perceptions and experiences of PWPD in the SLVB intervention is critical to further develop SLVB as a PA intervention and sport. This qualitative study explored and examined the association between the SLVB intervention elements and outcomes. Methods Using a social–ecological model (SEM), the participants’ experiences regarding the intervention were assessed and the suitability and feasibility of the SLVB intervention elements were examined. Twenty participants (mean age = 53.52 years standard deviation (SD = 9.02), 60% female participants; 25% had at least a college degree) attended our semi-structured interviews. Results Using thematic analysis, their experiences at the individual or intrapersonal level (improved health and well-being, enjoyment, novelty, competence autonomy, and self-regulation when playing SLVB); relationship or interpersonal levels (teamwork, social support, socialization, and communication); perceived environment level (comfort, privacy, spaciousness, and accessibility concerns); community or organizational level (safety, dissemination of information, and community facilities); and policy level (resources allocation by the government) were obtained. The participants also commented on the suitability of the SLVB intervention for PWPD, contents and coaching, modified rules, duration of session and scheduling, and number of participants and coaches. Conclusion This qualitative study identified several primary drivers and barriers for engaging PWPD in SLVB, and demonstrated that adopting a multilevel approach to our SLVB intervention has positive outcomes. Our results can facilitate the development of the experiential aspects of SLVB and indicate the suitability and feasibility of organizing SLVB-related activities in a community setting in the future.

scholarly journals Perceptions, Attitudes and Behaviour around Climate Change Risks on Livelihood Activities: A Case Study of a Community in Takeo Province, Cambodia

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Ratanakvisal Chean
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Rural Communities ◽  
Participant Observation ◽  
Current Theory ◽  
Adaptation Strategies ◽  
Mitigation Strategies ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Climate Change Risks ◽  
The Government

<p>This thesis investigates the Takeo community’s perception of climate change risks and their response strategies. It examines risks occurring in the regions and their impacts on the community. The thesis also explores how the perception of risks frames the community’s adaptation and mitigation strategies as well as how those perceptions influence climate change policies. This research draws on a range of risk perception theories. Employing a qualitative approach, this study uses semi-structured interviews, document analysis and participant observation as its research methods. Interviews were conducted individually with agricultural practitioners, mothers, community leaders, a local government officer and a government official from the Ministry of Environment.   The thesis found that the Takeo’s community has a good perception of the issue and its impacts on their community. Droughts are the major concern for the majority of respondents, because these have become more severe and have the most direct impact on farmers’ lives, livelihoods and food security. The study reflects the view maintained by past and current theory, that individual perceptions of risks vary, and the perception of risk is influenced by media and peers. This study adds that farmers’ direct experience of climate change affects their consideration of such risks as an issue of great personal concern.   Perception of climate change influences the community’s responses. Farmers employ a wide range of adaptation strategies such as increasing water storage and improving agricultural techniques. However, adaptation approaches are not enough to provide a long-term solution to the fast changing climate, because the community has limited knowledge of adaptation strategies, resources, and limited support from the government. The community, thus, needs to improve its water management by building more dams and sufficient irrigation that can store enough water for consumption and agriculture in the prolonged dry season. The government should provide more support and services to poor rural communities that rely on agriculture.</p>

scholarly journals Perceptions, Attitudes and Behaviour around Climate Change Risks on Livelihood Activities: A Case Study of a Community in Takeo Province, Cambodia

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Ratanakvisal Chean
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Rural Communities ◽  
Participant Observation ◽  
Current Theory ◽  
Adaptation Strategies ◽  
Mitigation Strategies ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Climate Change Risks ◽  
The Government

<p>This thesis investigates the Takeo community’s perception of climate change risks and their response strategies. It examines risks occurring in the regions and their impacts on the community. The thesis also explores how the perception of risks frames the community’s adaptation and mitigation strategies as well as how those perceptions influence climate change policies. This research draws on a range of risk perception theories. Employing a qualitative approach, this study uses semi-structured interviews, document analysis and participant observation as its research methods. Interviews were conducted individually with agricultural practitioners, mothers, community leaders, a local government officer and a government official from the Ministry of Environment.   The thesis found that the Takeo’s community has a good perception of the issue and its impacts on their community. Droughts are the major concern for the majority of respondents, because these have become more severe and have the most direct impact on farmers’ lives, livelihoods and food security. The study reflects the view maintained by past and current theory, that individual perceptions of risks vary, and the perception of risk is influenced by media and peers. This study adds that farmers’ direct experience of climate change affects their consideration of such risks as an issue of great personal concern.   Perception of climate change influences the community’s responses. Farmers employ a wide range of adaptation strategies such as increasing water storage and improving agricultural techniques. However, adaptation approaches are not enough to provide a long-term solution to the fast changing climate, because the community has limited knowledge of adaptation strategies, resources, and limited support from the government. The community, thus, needs to improve its water management by building more dams and sufficient irrigation that can store enough water for consumption and agriculture in the prolonged dry season. The government should provide more support and services to poor rural communities that rely on agriculture.</p>

scholarly journals The Influence of Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) on Primary Education Policy in Laos

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Oulath Saeng Outhay
Keyword(s):  
Education Policy ◽  
Primary Education ◽  
Policy Development ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Aid Effectiveness ◽  
Policy Outcomes ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Education Development ◽  
The Government ◽  
Major Donors

<p>Laos is a poor and aid-dependent country in South-East Asia. Its primary education development has depended heavily on external assistance, which has caused some scholars to argue that education policy is shaped by this influence. While major donors have played a significant role in driving Lao primary education development, NGOs are increasingly engaging in the process since Laos has adopted global commitments, particularly the Education for All goals of the Millennium Development Goals. While the Government of Laos values NGOs’ contributions as equally to those of major donors, it commonly views NGOs as ‘service providers’ and major donors as ‘policy counterparts’. The government is wary of NGOs’ mission and this has also shaped NGOs’ space in the policy arena.  This thesis has examined the extent to which NGOs have influenced Lao primary education policy since the adoption of the Vientiane Declaration on Aid Effectiveness in 2006. This research draws on a social constructivist epistemology, and data collection employed qualitative methods including semi-structured interviews, analysis of relevant policy documents, and participant observation. The interviews involved 24 participants representing government agencies, NGOs, donor organisations and education specialists. The main focus of interviews was to explore the degree of NGOs’ influence on primary education policy, the mechanisms and strategies that NGOs use to exercise their influence, and how such mechanisms and strategies have impacted on their role at policy level.  The findings indicate that NGOs have limited influence on Lao primary education policy. Although they have some influence through participating in policy dialogues, they have minimal influence on the outcomes of policy development. The fact that NGOs have limited influence on policy outcomes is attributed partly to their limited financial capacity and partly the limits of their specialised expertise to support and convince the government for policy change. The deciding factor, nevertheless, is the government’s reluctance to integrate NGOs’ advice and recommendations into Lao primary education policy due to its wariness of NGOs’ influence, particularly on politically sensitive issues.</p>

scholarly journals The Influence of Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) on Primary Education Policy in Laos

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Oulath Saeng Outhay
Keyword(s):  
Education Policy ◽  
Primary Education ◽  
Policy Development ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Aid Effectiveness ◽  
Policy Outcomes ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Education Development ◽  
The Government ◽  
Major Donors

<p>Laos is a poor and aid-dependent country in South-East Asia. Its primary education development has depended heavily on external assistance, which has caused some scholars to argue that education policy is shaped by this influence. While major donors have played a significant role in driving Lao primary education development, NGOs are increasingly engaging in the process since Laos has adopted global commitments, particularly the Education for All goals of the Millennium Development Goals. While the Government of Laos values NGOs’ contributions as equally to those of major donors, it commonly views NGOs as ‘service providers’ and major donors as ‘policy counterparts’. The government is wary of NGOs’ mission and this has also shaped NGOs’ space in the policy arena.  This thesis has examined the extent to which NGOs have influenced Lao primary education policy since the adoption of the Vientiane Declaration on Aid Effectiveness in 2006. This research draws on a social constructivist epistemology, and data collection employed qualitative methods including semi-structured interviews, analysis of relevant policy documents, and participant observation. The interviews involved 24 participants representing government agencies, NGOs, donor organisations and education specialists. The main focus of interviews was to explore the degree of NGOs’ influence on primary education policy, the mechanisms and strategies that NGOs use to exercise their influence, and how such mechanisms and strategies have impacted on their role at policy level.  The findings indicate that NGOs have limited influence on Lao primary education policy. Although they have some influence through participating in policy dialogues, they have minimal influence on the outcomes of policy development. The fact that NGOs have limited influence on policy outcomes is attributed partly to their limited financial capacity and partly the limits of their specialised expertise to support and convince the government for policy change. The deciding factor, nevertheless, is the government’s reluctance to integrate NGOs’ advice and recommendations into Lao primary education policy due to its wariness of NGOs’ influence, particularly on politically sensitive issues.</p>

scholarly journals Mobile Government in Saudi Arabia

2016 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 18-37
Author(s):  
Anan Alssbaiheen ◽  
Steve Love
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Public Access ◽  
Security And Privacy ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Government Services ◽  
The People ◽  
Challenges And Opportunities ◽  
The Government ◽  
Willingness To Use

M-government has gained increasing global attention in recent years, especially among developed countries, as a mechanism to reduce costs, increase effectiveness and improve public access to governmental services. The concept is increasingly being adopted in developing countries, however it faces different challenges and opportunities. This study explores the opportunities and challenges for the deployment of mobile government (M-government) services in Saudi Arabia. Collecting data from 77 semi-structured interviews, this study found that there are many opportunities for M-government in the country, requiring increasing awareness amongst the people about the government initiatives of mobile government services and promoting willingness to use these services. This study also highlights different barriers faced by M-government in Saudi Arabia, including issues of internet quality and speed, customization of services and data security and privacy as well as infrastructural challenges and bureaucratic attitude of government departments.

IR 4.0. IN PARLIAMENT: CONCEPTUALISING THE APPLICATION OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND MACHINE LEARNING IN THE PARLIAMENT OF MALAYSIA’S PARLIAMENTARY QUESTIONS

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (20) ◽  
pp. 124-137
Author(s):  
Muthanna Saari
Keyword(s):  
Artificial Intelligence ◽  
Machine Learning ◽  
Industrial Revolution ◽  
Emerging Technologies ◽  
Participant Observation ◽  
Research Data ◽  
Human Values ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Fourth Industrial Revolution ◽  
The Government

The Fourth Industrial Revolution (IR 4.0.) offers significant opportunities to humankind in revitalising human values through which the emerging technologies inevitably seam into daily societal life. Legislatures face ever-increasing challenges in fulfilling their duties in such a complicated society which subsequently entails complex legislations. Parliamentary questions (PQs) as one of the traditional tools utilised by parliamentarians provide a quintessential mechanism to achieve the oversight functions of parliament. However, there are still immense undiscovered potentials of PQs, yet many previous studies have not looked into the content of the questions and the consequences of the response to the conduct of governments. This paper set out to examine the usefulness of IR 4.0. namely, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning towards improving the efficiency, transparency, and accountability of parliament and the government. The research data of this exploratory and interpretative study is drawn from three main sources: literature studies, semi-structured interviews, and participant observation of the existing PQs processing in the Dewan Rakyat, Parliament of Malaysia. This study has found that generally, the approval of such technologies introduction to the parliamentary businesses is contingent upon its ability to capture complex considerations in the existing environment.

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