American Journal of Public Policy and Administration

Impact of Technology Adoption on Government Service Delivery Efficiency in Ghana

Efua Owusu — Sat, 09 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0300

Purpose: The aim of the study was to assess the impact of technology adoption on government service delivery efficiency in Ghana.

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: The impact of technology adoption on government service delivery efficiency is profound and multifaceted. Through the integration of digital tools and platforms, governments have streamlined processes, enhanced accessibility, and improved the overall quality of services offered to citizens. Automated systems have reduced bureaucratic hurdles, minimized paperwork, and expedited transactions, leading to faster response times and increased satisfaction among constituents. Additionally, data analytics and predictive modeling have enabled governments to make more informed decisions, allocate resources effectively, and target interventions where they are most needed. Furthermore, digital communication channels have facilitated greater transparency and engagement, empowering citizens to interact with government agencies more easily and hold them accountable. However, challenges such as ensuring equitable access to technology, safeguarding data privacy, and mitigating digital divides among populations remain pertinent concerns.

Implications to Theory, Practice and Policy: Institutional theory, diffusion of innovation theory and resource dependency theory may be use to anchor future studies on assessing the impact of technology adoption on government service delivery efficiency in Ghana. Prioritize user-centered design principles to ensure that technology solutions are tailored to the needs and preferences of government stakeholders and citizens. Advocate for the development of an enabling regulatory environment that supports innovation and experimentation in government service delivery.

Relationship between Education Funding Allocation and Academic Achievement Disparities

John Mwangi — Sat, 09 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0300

Purpose: The aim of the study was to assess the relationship between education funding allocation and academic achievement disparities.

Findings: Several studies have delved into the relationship between education funding allocation and academic achievement disparities, revealing multifaceted dynamics. Generally, findings suggest that disparities in academic achievement are closely tied to funding discrepancies across schools. Schools in low-income areas tend to receive less funding compared to their affluent counterparts, perpetuating unequal access to resources such as quality teachers, instructional materials, and extracurricular activities. This resource gap significantly impacts student outcomes, with students from wealthier districts often outperforming those from poorer districts. However, the relationship between funding and academic achievement is not solely determined by the amount of money allocated; rather, how funds are distributed and utilized plays a critical role. Efficient allocation strategies, such as targeted interventions and support for disadvantaged students, can mitigate some of these disparities.

Implications to Theory, Practice and Policy: Resource dependence theory, social reproduction theory and institutional theory may be use to anchor future studies on assessing the relationship between education funding allocation and academic achievement disparities. Implement randomized controlled trials or quasi-experimental designs to evaluate the effectiveness of specific funding interventions, such as targeted resource allocation or supplemental programs, in addressing academic achievement disparities. Advocate for the enactment of policies that prioritize equitable funding distribution and address systemic inequities in education funding formulas.

Effect of Government Transparency on Public Trust in Institutions in Rwanda

Dr. Musana Sylvestre — Sat, 09 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0300

Purpose: The aim of the study was to assess the effect of government transparency on public trust in institutions in Rwanda.

Findings: Numerous studies have examined the effect of government transparency on public trust in institutions, revealing a complex relationship shaped by various factors. Overall, greater transparency tends to correlate positively with higher levels of public trust, as it fosters accountability, enhances the perception of fairness, and reduces opportunities for corruption. Transparency initiatives such as open data policies, freedom of information laws, and disclosure of government activities contribute to this effect by empowering citizens to hold their leaders accountable and participate in decision-making processes. However, the impact of transparency on trust is not universally consistent, as cultural, institutional, and contextual factors can moderate its effects. Moreover, the quality and accessibility of information are crucial; mere disclosure of data may not suffice if it is overly technical or inaccessible to the general public. Additionally, transparency alone may not be sufficient to rebuild trust in institutions that have already experienced significant erosion due to past misconduct or systemic failures.

Implications to Theory, Practice and Policy: Social capital theory, institutional theory and principal-agent theory may be use to anchor future studies on assessing the effect of government transparency on public trust in institutions in Rwanda. Develop clear and accessible communication strategies to effectively disseminate information about transparency initiatives to the public. Strengthen regulatory frameworks to mandate and incentivize transparency practices across governmental institutions

Public Awareness of Anti-Violence against Women and Children Law in Tagum City: Basis for Information Dissemination Plan

Michelle T. Encabo, Dr. Alger P. Dura — Fri, 22 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0300

Purpose: This quantitative study intended to investigate people's awareness regarding RA 9262, the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004, and to propose an intervention based on the study results.

Materials and Methods: There were 384 respondents selected through stratified sampling who answered the standardized survey questionnaires. The respondents were 18 years old and above and randomly picked. Furthermore, the research design in this study was quantitative, non-experimental, and descriptive-correlational. After the collection of data, responses were encoded for data analysis. Mean and Standard Deviation statistics described the respondents' awareness of the protection, liability, physical violence, sexual violence, psychological violence, penalties, and protective measures of RA 9262. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) determined the significance of the difference between variables.

Findings: The mean and standard deviation showed high respondents' awareness of all the salient provisions of RA 9262: subject of protection, subject to liability, physical violence, sexual violence, psychological violence, economic violence penalties, and protective measures. The ANOVA results revealed significant differences in people's awareness of RA 9262 by age, marital status, educational attainment, employment status, and the number of years living together. Those with better awareness of the said law are the 42 to 49-year-olds, married, with higher educational attainments, with higher employment status, and with a partner for more than ten years.

Implications to Theory, Practice and Policy: The study offered intervention strategies to increase awareness of the A-VAWC law at the community level. The local government unit of Tagum City may target awareness-raising and education campaigns to reach those groups with lower levels of awareness and understanding. Future researchers may investigate other factors that influence awareness and understanding of RA 9262 among different demographic groups. Policy makers may also include updating of gender and development related laws to improve proposed intervention strategies.

Impact of Socioeconomic Status on Access to Healthcare Services in Underserved Communities in Cameroon

Nfah-Abbenyi — Sat, 09 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0300

Purpose: The aim of the study was to assess the impact of socioeconomic status on access to healthcare services in underserved communities in Cameroon.

Findings: Access to healthcare services in underserved communities is significantly impacted by socioeconomic status, with profound implications for health outcomes. Research indicates that individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds face barriers such as financial constraints, limited education, and inadequate health insurance coverage, which restrict their ability to seek and afford necessary medical care. Consequently, these populations often experience disparities in healthcare access, leading to delayed diagnosis, untreated chronic conditions, and higher rates of preventable diseases. Moreover, the scarcity of healthcare facilities and providers in underserved areas exacerbates the problem, further marginalizing vulnerable populations. Efforts to address these disparities require multifaceted approaches, including policy interventions to expand insurance coverage, increase funding for community health centers, improve healthcare infrastructure, and implement initiatives to promote health literacy and preventive care awareness among disadvantaged communities.

Implications to Theory, Practice and Policy: Social determinants of health theory, health belief model and intersectionality theory may be use to anchor future studies on assessing the impact of socioeconomic status on access to healthcare services in underserved communities in Cameroon. Healthcare providers should receive training in cultural competence to effectively address the diverse needs of underserved communities. Policymakers should prioritize healthcare reform efforts aimed at addressing systemic barriers to access, such as insurance coverage gaps and healthcare workforce shortages in underserved areas.