Impact of the National Transformation Programs on the Life Quality of the Saudi Woman: A Study Applied to Riyadh

The present paper aimed to identify the impact of the national transformation programs on the life of the Saudi woman. The paper was applied to a sample of (381) Saudi women. The results showed that the programs have changed the life of woman and contributed to woman empowerment. The most influential programs allowed the woman to drive a car, changed the regulations of civil affairs; travel documents and work, participation in decision-making, holding leading positions, and enacting laws against harassment, violence and abuse. Moreover, there was a positive correlation between national transformation programs, which reinforce woman self-reliance, and improving life quality. Furthermore, there was a statistically significant positive correlation between national transformation programs and the woman’s increasing sense of satisfaction with the community, quality of life and enjoyment, as well as security. In addition, these programs maximized woman responsibilities, so she could hardly manage her time. Moreover, full-time jobs negatively affected her life and weakened her social relations. The paper recommends providing the Saudi woman with adequate support to best fulfill her roles, implementing programs and initiatives that help cascade legal awareness, and increasing the adoption of STEM system, which integrates science, technology, engineering and mathematics, to prepare Saudi women for future jobs. Received: 15 December 2020 / Accepted: 31 January 2021 / Published: 5 March 2021

Reality, Innovation And The Challenges Of Using Village Funds For Improving The Quality Of Life In The Community (Study in Some Villages On Kupang Regency)

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to determine the reality, innovations and challenges of Using Village Funds in Improving Community Quality of Life (Case Studies in Several Villages in Kupang Regency). Research Methodology: This research is included in qualitative descriptive research. The data collection techniques used were questionnaires, interviews and documentation studies. Results: The results of this study indicate that several villages that are on the poverty line in Kupang Regency show that the readiness of village officials and village communities in utilizing and using village funds is still low. Limitations: This research was only conducted in the village a survey of several villages located in the poverty line in Kupang Regency that is Oesao Village, Oebelo, Mata Air and East Baumata Village. Contribution: The results of this study are expected to be material for consideration and evaluation in the use of village funds in improving the quality of life of the people on Kupang Regency

Community quality of life. A case study of the new Popești Leordeni, Ilfov

This paper is concerned with the analysis of some worrying present tendencies of urban sprawl in the large, important economic centers of Romania. It focuses on the tendency of building new residential apartments on the outskirts of the big cities. Most of these developments target young people that belong to a still-developing middle class. Big problems emerge, however, when real estate investors take advantage of the buyers’ lack of experience and of the authorities’ poor management, offering small, badly-built apartments in new residential areas which are designed around only one function: housing. The absence of complementary functions that could support the development of communities gravely impairs the inhabitants’ quality of life. At the local level, I was able to identify two main problems: the absence of the necessary infrastructure to support such a massive increase in population, and the absence of local amenities. On a larger scale, the consequences are significant as well: chronic traffic jams due to the large number of people who commute to Bucharest daily, for work. Even though at first Popeşti-Leordeni (a satellite-town of Romania’s capital) was considered a good housing option, the people living there are rapidly becoming highly unsatisfied with their quality of life. In their opinion, the biggest problems of this urban area are the absence of green spaces, of leisure services, of parking options, and of means of public transportation. To these complaints, the inhabitants add dissatisfaction with the general problems caused by the endless building sites, which also represent one of the main causes for the lack of cleanliness, bad roads, noise and pollution plaguing the area. This paper, based both on the analysis of statistical data and on empirical research, aims to show that Popeşti-Leordeni, especially the New Popeşti neighborhood, is an example of bad housing caused by corruption, investors’ greed, bad management on the part of the authorities, and the young buyers’ inexperience. Keywords: quality of life; urban sprawl; satellite-town; mono-functionality; community.

Improving community quality of life through Recycle Edible Garden

Recycle Edible Garden (REG) is a green initiative green project that was composed to accommodate the community with edible resources, rainwater harvesting and reuse materials towards achieving subsistence living. This paper documented the rationale, risks and recommendation based on the collaborative design-build process and experiences. The data derived from the quantitative and qualitative method in which was recorded through meetings, pictures, newspaper and surveys. All data were analysed descriptively through comparative tables, images and graphs. The outcome will present the benchmark in designing and engaging with the community through motivating community interaction, minimising living costs and improving the quality of life.

Contribution to Social Innovation Theory and Practice: Lessons from a Portuguese Association

This study aims to analyze how the actions of a non-profit association from Portugal have impacted on development and promotion of social innovations. The literature review discusses origins, concepts and processes of this type of innovation, including criteria for evaluation of its results. The analyses were based on triangulation of semi-structured interviews, direct observation and documentary research data. Results show that, despite not being the focus of the association, actions towards the community quality of life enabled the development of processes and products regarded as social innovations. The main obstacles were financial dependence on state and local subsidies, ingrained habits and customs of the local population, and low levels of active participation from those involved in proposing innovative ideas. However, the association succeeded by relying on creativity, inspiration, engagement and support from its main leaders and on the alignment and support of its human resources in the implementation of strategy.