Leadership and political will for implementation of the access to information (ATI) Act (2016) in Kenya

2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (1/2) ◽  
pp. 117-133
Author(s):  
Victor Kabata ◽  
Francis Garaba
Keyword(s):  
Action Plan ◽  
Theoretical Models ◽  
Records Management ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
Access To Information ◽  
Political Will ◽  
Economic Rights ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Informed Citizenry ◽  
The Government

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the importance of leadership and political will towards successful implementation of an access to information (ATI) legislation.Design/methodology/approachThe paper adopted a mixed methods approach with a bias towards a quantitative survey, complemented by a qualitative follow-up and triangulation during data collection. A complement of theoretical models underpinned the paper, thus enhancing understanding of the multifaceted phenomenon of ATI.FindingsThe paper revealed that the state has demonstrated leadership and political will for ATI by developing government-wide records management manual for public entities; developing an ATI implementation action plan and availing resources for ATI. However, there is need to review laws that perpetuate secrecy; formulate regulations to operationalize the Act and allocate adequate finances for ATI activities.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper focused on assessing the extent of leadership and political will on the executive arm of the government excluding the Judiciary and the legislature.Practical implicationsThe paper proposes an ATI implementation roadmap, which can be adopted by other countries with comparable contexts.Social implicationsThe proposed action plan if adopted will result in an informed citizenry that understands and leverages ATI to claim their socio-economic rights.Originality/valueThe paper provides empirical evidence on some aspects of leadership such as the ministries with ATI policy; level of engagement of policy-makers in ATI matters and the availability of resources for ATI. Further, the paper adopted a multidisciplinary approach by including the concept of ‘meaningful engagement’ whose theoretical foundation is in law to the concept of access to information.

Barriers to implementing waste-to-energy projects in Sri Lanka: a PESTEL analysis

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Binashi Kumarasiri ◽  
Piumi Dissanayake
Keyword(s):  
Sri Lanka ◽  
Expert Knowledge ◽  
Research Strategy ◽  
Waste To Energy ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Government ◽  
Under Construction

PurposeIt is no surprise that garbage is not garbage for some. It is money. This is why garbage has been overestimated to a point that money allocated for waste-to-energy (WtE) projects feed individual pockets. Many countries have already adapted WtE as a successful solution for both energy and waste crisis. Although in Sri Lanka six WtE projects were promised, the government abruptly decided that it would not have any more projects other than the two plants that were under construction. The purpose of this paper is to analyse barriers to the implementation of WtE projects in Sri Lanka.Design/methodology/approachAn exploratory case study was selected as the research strategy to achieve the research aim. In total, two WtE megaprojects, which have been initiated implementation in Sri Lanka, were used as cases. A total of 12 semi-structured interviews with four personnel from each case and four government officials were used as the data collection technique. Data analysis was carried out using code-based content analysis. The barriers were extracted through analysis of case findings using an abductive analysis. The strategies to mitigate identified barriers were formulated based on attributes highlighted through case study findings and further validated through the opinions of three experts.FindingsBarriers were analysed using the PESTEL framework to get ample insight into barriers that impact on the implementation of WtE projects in Sri Lanka. Less support from the government due to their less awareness on WtE, high investment and operational cost, lack of expert knowledge on WtE technologies in Sri Lanka, absence of a proper regulatory framework for implementation WtE technologies, lengthy process and delay in getting approvals from government process, poor attitudes of public and their protests due to the less awareness on WtE are the foremost barriers identified in this study. Further, strategies were proposed based on the empirical research findings to overcome barriers to facilitate the successful implementation of WtE projects in Sri Lanka.Research limitations/implicationsSo far only two WtE megaprojects have been initiated the implementation in Sri Lanka. Therefore, the scope of the study was limited only to those projects. Moreover, the type of waste considered in this study is municipal solid waste (MSW), which has become a bigger problem in Sri Lanka.Originality/valueThe current study unveils an analysis of barriers for implementation of WtE projects in Sri Lanka, including strategies for mitigating identified barriers. The findings would enable relevant stakeholders, i.e. policymakers, industry practitioners, investors, government bodies and researchers to make informed decisions on implementation of WtE projects and thereby promote successful implementation of WtE projects in Sri Lanka.

What lessons can be learned from the US archivist’s digital mandate for 2019 and is there potential for applying them in lower resource countries?

2016 ◽  
Vol 26 (2) ◽  
pp. 206-217 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jason R. Baron ◽  
Anne Thurston
Keyword(s):  
Public Sector ◽  
Historical Record ◽  
Policy Implications ◽  
Records Management ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Us ◽  
Governmental Institutions ◽  
E Mail

Purpose This paper aims to present a high-level summary of the US archivist’s digital mandate for 2019, embodied in the publication “Managing Government Records”, issued on August 24, 2012, and a summary of US policy. The authors then consider the implications of the US e-recordkeeping initiative for lower-resource countries. Design/methodology/approach After setting out key elements of the US Archivist’s digital mandate, the paper proceeds to evaluate its policy implications for lower-resource countries based on the authors’ field experience and knowledge of case studies. Findings The USA is embarking on a state of the art approach for managing public sector archives in a digital form, with deadlines approaching for all federal agencies to manage e-mail and other e-records. Although a similar need exists in lesser-resourced countries, there are enormous barriers to successful implementation of a similar approach. Research limitations/implications The archivist’s 2019 digital mandate assumes that the technology sector will embrace the needs of public sector agencies in working on applicable electronic archiving solutions. Practical implications The Archivist’s Directive has the potential to be an enormous driver of change in the records management profession with respect to future management of increasingly digital archive collections. Vast collections of public sector e-mail and other forms of e-records potentially will be preserved under the directive, raising the stakes that archivists and records managers work on solutions in the area of long-term preservation and future access. Social implications The importance of capturing the activities of public-sector institutions in all countries for the purpose of openness, transparency and access cannot be overstated. In an increasingly digital age, new methods are needed to ensure that the historical record of governmental institutions is preserved and made accessible. Originality/value The US Archivist’s mandate represents a cutting-edge approach to long-term digital archiving with potential future applicability to the management of public sector records worldwide.

scholarly journals Nigeria’s upstream petroleum industry anti-corruption legal framework: the necessity for overhauling and enrichment

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Olusola Joshua Olujobi
Keyword(s):  
Research Work ◽  
Petroleum Industry ◽  
Legal Framework ◽  
Legal Regime ◽  
Political Will ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Record Keeping ◽  
Oil Contracts ◽  
The Government ◽  
Regulatory Intervention

Purpose This study aims to investigate why anti-corruption statutes are not efficient in Nigeria’s upstream petroleum industry. Design/methodology/approach This study is a doctrinal legal research that embraces a point-by-point comparative methodology with a library research technique. Findings This study reveals that corruption strives on feeble implementation of anti-corruption legal regime and the absence of political will in offering efficient regulatory intervention. Finally, this study finds that anti-corruption organisations in Nigeria are not efficient due to non-existence of the Federal Government’s political will to fight corruption, insufficient funds and absence of stringent implementation of the anti-corruption legal regime in the country. Research limitations/implications Investigations reveal during this study that Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) operations are characterised with poor record-keeping, lack of accountability as well as secrecy in the award of oil contracts, oil licence, leases and other financial transactions due to non-disclosure or confidentiality clauses contained in most of these contracts. Also, an arbitration proceeding limit access to their records and some of these agreements under contentions. This has also limited the success of this research work and generalising its findings. Practical implications This study recommends, among other reforms, soft law technique and stringent execution of anti-corruption statutes. This study also recommends increment in financial appropriation to Nigeria’s anti-corruption institutions, taking into consideration the finding that a meagre budget is a drawback. Social implications This study reveals that corruption strives on feeble implementation of anti-corruption legal regime and the absence of political will in offering efficient regulatory intervention. Corruption flourishes due to poor enforcement of anti-corruption laws and the absence of political will in offering efficient regulatory intervention by the government. Originality/value The study advocates the need for enhancement of anti-corruption agencies' budgets taking into consideration the finding that meagres budgets are challenge of the agencies.

New Kazakhstan privatisations will interest investors

2015 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Private Sector ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Public Spending ◽  
Foreign Minister ◽  
Economic Recovery ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
Foreign Investors ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Privatisation Programme ◽  
The Government

Subject Potentially interesting IPOs in Kazakhstan. Significance On November 24, Kazakhstani Deputy Foreign Minister Alexey Volkov said that a new round of large-scale privatisations would help stimulate the development of the private sector. Given that the price of oil is likely to stay low for some time, optimisation of public spending is a key priority for Astana. The government's planned exit from state-owned enterprises should also bolster the latter's management and profitability. Impacts The privatisation programme may enable the government to refocus efforts on economic recovery. Corruption will remain a principal obstacle to the successful implementation of privatisation plans. Proximity to political influencers will be a valuable asset for foreign investors keen to partake in the privatisation drive.

Implementing card technology in government: different approaches, different outcomes

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard Palmer ◽  
Mahendra Gupta ◽  
James Brandt
Keyword(s):  
Technology Implementation ◽  
Performance Metrics ◽  
Resistance To Change ◽  
New Technology ◽  
Government Agencies ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Us ◽  
Us Government ◽  
The Government

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine plastic and virtual purchasing card use by US Government agencies, with particular focus on how successful implementation might inform governmental entities of potential improvements in the cost, quality and time associated with the digitization of their procure-to-pay processes. Specifically, the paper will: analyze the evolution of card-based payments by US Government agencies, compare the value stream of plastic and virtual cards to governmental entities, analyze the value of card use as a significant and sustainable contributor to greater governmental efficiency and examine the opportunity in the portability of successful card technology implementation strategy. Design/methodology/approach The authors examined data published by the US federal government relating to agency budgets and commercial card use and combining it with industry performance metrics, projected potential savings and efficiencies for the government and its agencies. Findings The US Government acknowledges significant administrative cost savings and cash rebates based on its spending on commercial cards. An analysis of US Government spending indicates that changing patterns of card spending are primarily driven by activities of one agency – the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Through the incorporation of advances in card technology, escalation of transaction amounts and leveraging card spending data transparency, the VA has continued to increase its use of and benefit from card technology, while other agencies have languished. By replication of VA strategy, the US Government at large has the potential for billions in card-related savings. Research limitations/implications The study implies that a large swathe of governmental agencies, after having adopted new technology (e.g. purchasing cards), are hesitant to use the new technology, a problem that afflicts most implementation efforts. Countermeasures to offset agency resistance to change should be considered and deployed. Practical implications Taxpayers demand much of government. The burden of governmental failure to exploit the benefits of innovation (such as card technology) falls on the shoulders of taxpayers. When the government cannot exploit technologies that are commonly used in the private sector, the failure lowers citizen respect for the capability of government employees and the ability of government writ large to solve problems. Social implications Governmental failure to exploit the benefits of technology dispirits the citizenry, yielding a desire for change that may be disproportionate to the problem at hand. Originality/value The study combines General Services Administration, US Treasury and market data points to make a unique assessment of the benefits derived through 20 years of governmental commercial card use.

A framework for management of digital records on the cloud in the public sector of South Africa

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Amos Shibambu ◽  
Ngoako Solomon Marutha
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Cloud Computing ◽  
Computing System ◽  
Records Management ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Future Studies ◽  
Cloud Computing System ◽  
National Archives ◽  
The Government

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate a framework for management of digital records on the cloud in South Africa. Design/methodology/approach This qualitative case study used semi-structured interviews and document analysis to collect data from regulatory documents, records practitioners and chief information officers in the national government departments in South Africa. Findings This study reveals that despite the advent of cloud computing, government is still struggling with manual paper-based records challenges, as they have not developed a government-owned cloud in which to manage and dispose records. Practical implications Technological advancements have brought about dramatic changes to the management and disposition of records since cloud computing emerged. The traction gained by cloud computing influences how records are managed and disposed in the cloud storage. Currently, the South African Government manages and disposes records in the government premises as stipulated by the National Archives and Records Service of South Africa Act (1996). This is enforced by the National Archives and Records Service of South Africa, which is the government records regulator because records are on paper-based, microfilms and audio-visual formats. It is hoped that the recommendations and framework proposed in this study may assist the government and related sectors in the adoption and implementation of the cloud computing system for records management and disposal. This may assist in resolving challenges such as missing files, damaged records and archives and long turnaround time for retrieval of records. Social implications In South Africa, the digital records are securely stored in storage mediums such as hard drives and USBs, to mention but a few. In addition to digital obsolescence faced by the storage mediums, global access to information is hindered because information is limited to those who can visit the archival holdings. The alternative option is to manage and dispose of records in the cloud. The framework and recommendations in this study may also assist in improving information, archives and records management policies and service delivery to the community at large. The framework proposed may be applied as a theory for framing future studies in the same area of cloud computing and used as a resource to guide other future studies and policymakers. Originality/value This study provides a framework for management of digital records on the cloud in South Africa. It also proposes the promulgation of the Cloud Act to promote unlimited access to state heritage, regardless of time and location. This study is framed on the Digital Curation Centre Life Cycle Model.

Investigating the determinants and process of destination management system (DMS) implementation

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Anh T. P. Le ◽  
Puvaneswaran Kunasekaran ◽  
S. Mostafa Rasoolimanesh ◽  
Neethiahnanthan AriRagavan ◽  
Toney K. Thomas
Keyword(s):  
Management System ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Information Quality ◽  
Theoretical Models ◽  
Reference Source ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
Comprehensive Model ◽  
Is Success ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Intention To Participate

PurposeThis study aims to propose a comprehensive model to help understand factors influencing the intention to participate in a destination management system (DMS) amongst tourism stakeholders in Vietnam which are considered as the determinants of the successful implementation of the system.Design/methodology/approachA survey was conducted to investigate key stakeholders' opinions of participating in a DMS. In total, 301 questionnaires were used for analysis. Partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) was used to assess the measurement and structural models of the study.FindingsFactors that influence various tourism stakeholders' intention to participate in the national DMS in Vietnam have been identified and examined. The results identify the important predictors of the tourism stakeholders' participation in the DMS including information quality, DMS operator readiness, government regulations and technology awareness. Interestingly, technology awareness was ascertained as a significant mediator for the relationship between performance expectancy, social influence, technology competency, competitive pressure and the intention to participate in the DMS.Originality/valueThis study has a unique theoretical contribution by developing a comprehensive model to predict the intention to participate in a DMS amongst tourism stakeholders with the modification and combination of three theoretical models and frameworks: the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) model, technology–organisation–environment (TOE) framework and updated DeLone and McLean information systems (D&M IS) success model. It is expected to be a useful reference source for tourism management departments that want to develop DMSs in Vietnam. This model also can be used as an initial investigation for DMS implementation studies at other destinations.

Analyzing the operational barriers of government-supported healthcare supply chain

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Anuj Dixit ◽  
Srikanta Routroy ◽  
Sunil Kumar Dubey
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Causal Effect ◽  
Demand Management ◽  
Theoretical Background ◽  
Fuzzy Decision Making ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
Fuzzy Dematel ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Government ◽  
The Impact

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to develop a methodology for the identification, categorization and prioritization of operational government-supported healthcare supply chain barriers (GHSCBs).Design/methodology/approachThis study develops a theoretical background for identifying and segregating relevant GHSCBs and proposes a 5W2H (a Toyota production system) with fuzzy DEcision MAking Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) embedded approach to quantify the causal–effect relationships among the identified operational GHSCBs.FindingsSeven GHSCBs (i.e. uncertainty of demand management, lack of continuous improvement and learning, lack of deadline management, lack of social audit, warehousing equipment unavailability, human resource shortage and inadequate top level monitoring) were identified as significant cause group where the government, top management and decision-makers of government-supported healthcare supply chain (GHSC) have to put efforts.Research limitations/implicationsThe results obtained are specific to the GHSC of Indian perspective, which could be extended to global context. However, the proposed approach can be a base and provide a platform to understand and analyze the interactions among GHSCBs.Practical implicationsThe proposed methodology will show the appropriate areas for allocating efforts and resources to mitigate the impact of GHSCBs for successful implementation of healthcare supply chain.Originality/valueAccording to best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first study of operational barrier for GHSC in India in specific. The use of 5W2H embedded fuzzy DEMATEL approach for the development and analysis of the theoretical framework of Indian GHSCBs is unique in barrier literature.

Records management and procurement performance

2017 ◽  
Vol 27 (3) ◽  
pp. 256-274 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juliet Namukasa
Keyword(s):  
Information Management System ◽  
Records Management ◽  
Ethical Practices ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Record Keeping ◽  
Government Sector ◽  
Inadequate Knowledge ◽  
Efficient Information ◽  
The Government ◽  
Significant Cost Reduction

Purpose The purpose of this study was to examine the influence procurement records management had on the performance of the procurement function under the National Agricultural Advisory Services (NAADS). Design/methodology/approach The study used both qualitative and quantitative approaches to research. Procurement records management was the independent variable, while procurement performance was the dependent variable. The study also adopted a simple correlation and case study design. An accessible population of 101 respondents was identified, with 93 forming a sample. An 88% response rate was realized. Findings Results indicated that procurement records management had a significant effect on procurement performance. Whereby, there was a positive and statistically significant relationship between records creation and procurement performance; there was a positive relationship between records maintenance, preservation and procurement performance; and, finally, records access and use also had a positive significant influence on procurement performance. Research limitations/implications This research focused on the central region of Uganda, and yet, Uganda has got so many other regions which operate the NAADS programs. This means that research was conducted within a defined scope. Therefore, based on this, the researcher could not generalize the research findings. Practical implications Findings imply that ethical practices should be emphasized and custodians of procurement records be held accountable for their actions, as this will help in the support of proper record-keeping and avoid documents not being on file, misplaced or misfiled, which negatively affects procurement performance. Enabling a more efficient information management system results into effective procurement performance that leads to significant cost reduction in both the private and the government sector, especially when digital records are involved. Social implications As majority of the NAADS staff were found to possess inadequate knowledge in records maintenance and preservation, the government through the NAADS training committees should organize timely workshops to sensitize staff on how best records maintenance and preservation is core to its operations. Originality/value This study contributes to an important area which has not been given attention in the Ugandan context, where there is difficulty of relating the value of effective records maintenance to business management because of the lack of quantifiable evidence. Therefore, the study highlights the influence of records creation, maintenance and use on procurement performance. The review of literature finds that better records management results into better performance of the procurement units in procurement entities.

Assessment of the management of student affairs records

2019 ◽  
Vol 30 (1) ◽  
pp. 23-42
Author(s):  
Nkholedzeni Sidney Netshakhuma
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Student Affairs ◽  
Qualitative Methodology ◽  
Personal Information ◽  
Management Training ◽  
Management Policy ◽  
Records Management ◽  
Unique Contribution ◽  
Access To Information ◽  
Content Type

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to assess records management components, such as record scheduled, records appraisal, destroyed/disposed, retained, training of staff on the management of the student affairs records (SARs), provided access, the challenges associated with efficient management of SARs and strategies for effective management of SARs, to determine the extent the Student Affairs Department (SAD) complies with the University of Mpumalanga (UMP) records management policy. Design/methodology/approach This paper uses qualitative methodology of a triangulation of data collection and this included interviews, document analysis and observation. Findings The literature review, as well as the interview, revealed that findings on the UMP records management policy are multi-layered. A number of participants mentioned lack of records centre, records retention and appraisal of records, records management training and managing access to information as a challenge to the management of SARs. Research limitations/implications The research was only limited to the UMP, Student Affairs Division, with a population of 15 staff members even though the findings can be applied to all the universities in South Africa. Practical implications SAD has a unique contribution to make to ensure that records created within their division are managed in terms of the UMP records management policy by ensuring that components such as records storage retention and appraisal of records management training and managing access to information are adhered to. Social implications Failure to comply with the UMP records management policy by the Student Affairs Division will contribute to the loss of institutional memories, non-compliance with legislations such as Promotion of Access to Information Act 2000, National Archives and Records Services Act 46 of 1996 and the Protection of Personal Information Act No 4. Of 2013. Originality/value The research appears to be the first of its kind, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, to assess SARs at the UMP, South Africa.

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