Sustaining Faculty Development through Visiting Scholar Programmes: A Transformative Learning Perspective

International academic visits by university faculty members are common around the world. While most researchers approach such an international experience in terms of intercultural communication and acculturation, in this study we view the travel experience as a learning opportunity in light of Mezirow’s transformative learning theory (TLT). Drawing on Singleton’s ‘3H model’ (head-heart-hands), we find that the outcomes of transformative learning (TL) are related to cognitive, affective and behavioral domains, the prevalence of which were then explored among 314 visiting scholars. The results are further interpreted by drawing on key concepts from TLT to better understand the learning process. We conclude that the international experience is beneficial for scholars’ sustainable development, and call for more study abroad opportunities for Chinese university faculty.

INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE IN COORDINATING THE ACTION OF LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES

The article researched international experience in coordinating the action of law enforcement agencies in modern international law. It is stated that, enforcement agencies are those institutions that enforce the laws, including election-related laws. Enforcement аs an important integrity mechanism as it deters those who might be interested in subverting the system as well as identifies and punishes those who have broken the law. The responsibilities for enforcing laws and codes are usually divided among different agencies, depending on the nature and severity of the problem. Initial investigations may start with the oversight agency, but can be referred to an enforcement agency if it was determined that legal enforcement was required. For example, potential criminal cases uncovered during a routine audit can be referred to the justice system. If the prosecuting authorities decide to pursue the case, they could charge and prosecute the alleged perpetrator, with a court pronouncing sentence if the defendant were found guilty. Jurisdictionally, there can be an important difference between international law enforcement agencies and multinational law enforcement agencies, even though both are often referred to as «international», even in official documents Effective enforcement requires a functioning legal system and a respect for the rule of law. An important factor in maintaining integrity in enforcement is the independence of the judiciary, as justice is supposed to be administered fairly, equally and impartially. The prevention, investigation and cessation of international and many domestic crimes, as well as the prosecution of those responsible for their commission, are not it is always possible alone, without the help of other states and international organizations. Achieving this goal requires states not only to proclaim unilateral declarations of intent, participation in the signing international treaties and the activities of international institutions, but also the actual implementation of joint and agreed activities aimed at combating transnational and domestic organized crime.

Internationalization of Higher Education

This chapter aims to present the methodological critiques on research related to study overseas and international experience under the umbrella of the internationalization of higher education. It will critique seven research articles from three approaches: qualitative, quantitative, and mixed method. The critiques will be addressed to the research steps that have been taken by the researchers from their philosophical stands to their findings. The first part of this chapter will present the critiques on qualitative research articles. Then, the second part will discuss the critiques on quantitative research articles. The last part will deliver the critiques on mixed-method research articles. Overall, this chapter attempts to discuss any methodological weaknesses of those research projects and present feedback on their steps using various references on research methodology. The chapter will provide an in-depth reflection for the researchers on conducting their inquiries.

Sustainable Study Abroad

The number of business students in higher education pursuing an international experience continues to increase due to a range of opportunities offered by universities. International experiences lead to positive outcomes for students, but there is a misalignment between the countries sending students to the U.S. and the destinations chosen by U.S. students. Host countries selected by students for their international experience are the recipients of economic benefits, but they also are facing environmental and social consequences of over-tourism. As such, a more sustainable approach to the planning and selection of study abroad programs must be taken. This chapter reviews the data and trends for U.S. students studying abroad and international students studying in the U.S. and also looks more closely at the data for one large public university. Stakeholders are identified and the pros and cons of non-traditional study abroad destinations discussed. The chapter concludes by offering suggestions for designing programs in non-traditional study abroad destinations.

Containment of COVID-19: International experience and management strategies

The aim of the article is to study the international experience in the field of containment of COVID-19 and strategies for overcoming its negative effects. Descriptive, analytical, synthetic and modelling methods are used in the study. The authors analyze the international and national legal framework for the containment of COVID-19, as well as the results of particular studies in this field. The epidemiological, social, economic, legal and other effects of COVID-19 on modern society are comprehensive and possibly long lasting. The pandemic has affected all regions of the world. However, different countries and groups of countries are developing and implementing different COVID-19 management strategies and models to reduce negative impacts of it.

Criminal protection of children's life and health: international experience

Through a documentary methodology, the article examines the characteristics of the criminal protection of the life and health of children in Ukraine and some other countries. The problem of determining the time of the beginning of the protection of a child's life and health, is analyzed in the light of the European experience. It is noted that in Ukraine it is necessary to recognize the right to live of the child at any stage of fetal development, to ensure the criminal protection of the child before birth. This approach is enshrined in several international legal acts, as well as confirmed by legal guarantees in the legal systems of many countries around the world. In addition, the article analyzes criminal law measures to guarantee the rights and interests of the child under modern Ukrainian law. The list of socially dangerous acts against minors is a result, so reinforced criminal liability is provided for considering the interests of minors. It has been concluded that in all post-Soviet countries the components of crimes against a person's health, considering the legislator's reaction to causing harm to the health of children during their commission, are clearly divided into three separate groups.

Protection of Critical Infrastructure Facilities as a Component of the National Security

The issue of protecting critical infrastructure as one of the components of national security is analyzed. The following methods were used in the study: bibliographic, dialectical, empirical, and theoretical, comparative, and legal. The essence of the term "critical infrastructure” is explained both according to the opinions of scientists and from the very position of the authors of the article. The importance of proper protection and proper functioning of infrastructure in Ukraine is well founded. It emphasizes the fact that for many years the issue of the importance of protecting critical infrastructure has been almost forgotten and is not relevant to the governing bodies of the state. In addition, this situation applies to many other countries in the world. The current situation shows that there are countries that, despite being among the most prosperous and innovative, did not pay attention to their situation with their own security infrastructure. It is concluded that, based on a comparative analysis of international experience, in addition to exploring the peculiarities of national realities, the article proposed measures to improve the internal state of protection of critical infrastructure.