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Effects of Bureaucratic Corruption on Firms\u27 Financial Constraints
Get PDFThis study provides the first empirical assessment of the causal impact of bureaucratic corruption on firms\u27 financial constraints in Nigeria by calculating treatment effects using linear and non-linear estimators to account for potential heterogeneous treatment effects across firm groups. Formally, the theoretical framework models how corruption may facilitate or restrain firms\u27 financial access by shaping their cost functions, which consequently influences their success or failure and ability to raise the collateral for borrowing. My analysis, using the bivariate probit method and two binary instruments, reveals that corruption significantly increases the probability of a representative MSME and firm being financially constrained by approximately 62 to 64 and 61 to 63 percentage points, respectively. When the IV estimator is utilized to calculate local effects, I find that the effect is about 90 to 91 percentage points for a typical MSME facing obstacles with obtaining business licenses and permits and tax administration, respectively. The effect is 92 percentage points for all firms using both instruments. Furthermore, the results show that Nigerian MSMEs are about 17 to 19 percentage points more likely to be financially constrained than large firms and that corruption\u27s impact on firms\u27 access to finance does not depend on firm size. Finally, firms that perceive corruption as a ``minor barrier experience the most difficulty obtaining external finance. This study highlights the severe constraint that corruption poses to Nigerian firms\u27 access to finance and advocates for regulatory amendments to address issues with the tax administration and the ease of obtaining business licenses and permits
FOIA and the Use of AI in Government: Freedom of Information or an Empty Promise of Openness?
Get PDFA systematic review of novice registered nurses’ experiences with mentorship programs
Get PDFNovice registered nurses face many challenges as they transition into clinical practice. Switching from a student role characterized by supervision and support to one in which they are fully responsible for patient care can be daunting for newly graduated registered nurses. Practicing nurses transitioning into a different specialization of nursing may also perceive themselves as inadequately equipped to manage clinical situations, resulting in self-doubt and anxiety. Both novice registered nurse groups encounter difficulties in prioritizing care, managing time, and adapting to the dynamics of a new role and work environment. Mentorship programs are essential in facilitating the transition of novice registered nurses by providing guidance and support from their more experienced peers. This Systematic Review sought to synthesize existing findings about novice registered nurses’ experiences with mentorship programs to support transition-to-practice in the clinical setting. Literature search was conducted in six databases guided by the PICO Model which yielded 1,137 initial results. PRISMA was used to document the multiple screening and quality assessment processes resulting in a final set of 12 studies. The narrative synthesis of study findings and outcomes led to four conclusions.
Mentorship programs are beneficial to novice registered nurses’ transition-to-practice, whether they are new graduates or have previous clinical experiences. Mentorship can be accomplished in a variety of ways, tailored to the needs of both the mentor and the mentee. To maximize the effectiveness of these programs, preparing experienced professional mentors should be prioritized to ensure they are equipped to provide the guidance and support new nurses need. Additionally, nursing leadership must embrace the connection between mentorship programs and nurse retention, recognizing that a well-supported transition can lead to higher job satisfaction and lower turnover rates.
Further research in this domain offers the evidence required to validate the practical application of mentorship principles in contemporary healthcare settings. Expanding the knowledge base on mentorship would better equip future nurses to meet professional demands and ensure the requisite support for their long-term retention and success. A sustained focus on mentorship will foster a more resilient nursing workforce equipped to tackle future difficulties
Obstacles and supports as experienced by foster youth in higher education: Ventura County Community College District
Get PDFThis qualitative phenomenological research study assesses the obstacles faced by foster youth and the support available to them while attending the Ventura County Community College District. As it currently stands, about four and a half percent of foster youth in the United States go on to earn a college degree. Very little research has been done to explore the effectiveness and outcomes of the support offered to foster youth. Data for this research study was collected using the General Self-efficacy scale and structured interviews. Each of the ten participants was given a demographics survey and a Self-Efficacy scale survey and was interviewed using the same ten interview questions. The results show that several effective supports are in place to assist current and former foster youth attending the Ventura County Community College District. The results also show that not all supports are available to each current or former foster youth and that program length and availability vary. Through this research study, the researcher found that transportation remained a notable barrier to foster youth attending VCCCD, in addition to a lack of mentorship
Mapping reputational shifts: lessons from U.S. professional sports communities during the Black Lives Matter social crisis
Get PDFFrom 2013 through 2024, the Black Lives Matter (BLM) social crisis had profound impacts on major U.S. professional sports communities. Prior crisis research has concentrated on the BLM-related player protests in the National Basketball Association (NBA) and the National Football League (NFL) over momentary periods of upheaval. Based on a review of crisis response and communication literature and its application to sports, this research offers a previously missing longitudinal account of how major professional sports communities (i.e., NBA, NFL, MLB, MLS, NHL, and NASCAR) responded to the BLM social crisis. It aims to offer a better understanding of community group perceptions and how they shaped the leagues’ reputation across the full social crisis lifecycle. I conducted a holistic multiple case study to uncover emergent themes within and across cases using archival data from 352 sources including peer-reviewed journals, newspaper articles, news releases, media interviews and videos, and social media posts. The cases analyzed the most salient and frequently expressed voices (e.g., sentiments, discourses, practices) for each community group (e.g., players, organizations, fans, the media, external agents) and mapped the evolution of reputational shifts over the 10-year period. Findings reveal distinct crisis response trajectory patterns for communities of sport within the network and provide insight into the dynamics of community group perceptions that shape reputation during a social crisis
The Inspiration Trap
No full textThe myth of inspiration undermines the value of craft and persistence in creative work, leading to self-doubt among artists. True creativity is a result of consistent effort and dedication, not waiting for an external muse to strike. Reframing inspiration as a byproduct of hard work can help artists overcome self-doubt and achieve success. Emphasizing the process and practice of creation allows inspiration to emerge naturally, fostering artistic growth
MyMoney: A program that leverages digital and artificial intelligence tools for improving the financial wellbeing of Hispanic families
Get PDFAbstract: Our Community-Based Digital Intervention (CBDI) MyMoney was designed to meet the informational needs and promote behavioral change among Hispanic adults. We leverage Digital and Artificial Intelligence (DAI) tools to provide participants access to content that is linguistically and culturally tailored and structured to be delivered in short, accessible modules. MyMoney program provided an introductory experience to financial education with a mobilephone based approach, offering a four-week experience for improving money management skills. We conducted an extensive quantitative and qualitative data analysis of participants’ and stakeholders’ program experience and perspectives, which provides important insights for the design, evaluation, and implementation of future CBDI that leverage DIA tools. We recruited a total of 45 participants and 16 stakeholders. We evaluate the impact of our program with a community-based randomized controlled trial approach, and find that our program had a significant impact on saving for emergencies. We also conduct a descriptive analysis of the program experience of participants and stakeholders and provide evidence of the effectiveness of using DAI tools for CBDI. Our qualitative data analysis of participants experiences show that they valued the opportunity to participate in a digital experience that focused on improving money management skills. Qualitative data analysis collected among stakeholders shows relevant themes for delivering digital financial education programs that are successful engaging and promoting behavioral change among Hispanic communities
Role of Parents and Educators in STEM Education and Participation of Girls
No full textThe purpose of this paper presentation is to share the compelling findings regarding the role of educators, counselors, and parents in encouraging young girls to participate in STEM activities. The greater the participation in K-12, the greater the desire to pursue STEM majors in academia and future STEM careers (Mitchell et al., 2022; Perna & Titus, 2005). Corbett and Hill (2015), among others (Martinez & Christnacht, 2021; World Economic Forum, 2017) have shown the slow and stagnant numbers when it comes to women’s participation in STEM fields. Much of the needed interest can be cultivated when a girl is young, before she develops negative societal concepts of her abilities (Hunt et al., 2021; Shenouda et al., 2024). This is where parental involvement plays a significant role (Marcus et al., 2021). Parental involvement, especially the father’s presence in activities shows the daughter that she has an advocate (Hite & Spott, 2022; Kesar, 2017, 2018). In the future, her career choice and stickiness in STEM fields is directly and positively impacted as a result of the high self-esteem developed in the early years (Amarnani et al., 2018). Diverting family resources to ensure their daughter feels supported such as summer camps and tutors, bolster a girl’s interest in STEM (Davis-Kean et al., 2007; Dotterer, 2022; Marcus et al., 2021). As a proxy for parents, other adults such as teachers, tutors, counselors, mentors, and robotics coaches, all contribute to the girl’s habitus and self-confidence (Batz et al., 2015; Epstein et al., 2009). Adults-in-charge can also squash a girls’ desire for STEM as well as her self-confidence if they message sexist and gendered stereotypes (Moore, 2024). There has been a consistent focus on raising the rate of women who enter STEM fields. However, the answer may not be in curriculum advancements, or solving the “pipeline problem” (Almukhambetova et al., 2021; Barr et al., 2008)). The answer may begin right at home
The cognitive and positive aspects of language brokering among Latinx individuals: an integrative systematic review
No full textEnglish has been the prominent language spoken in the United States; however, with the rise of the Spanish language, it is imperative to address how Spanish speakers navigate spaces. Research has found mixed findings about the outcomes of serving as a language broker. This integrative systematic review aimed to identify and analyze literature on Latinx language brokers regarding cognitive strategies and abilities and the positive processes and perceptions that contribute to enhancing mental health. This review also sought to focus on factors that may contribute to resiliency over time for Latinx language brokers. A total of 31 studies were included in this review. Results highlighted three themes focusing on cognitive strategies and abilities, three themes related to positive perceptions and processes, and three themes regarding factors contributing to resiliency over time. Limitations and implications are identified and discussed, which are vital within the context of language brokering for the continued work with Latinx language brokers and families across settings
ABC Pharmaceutical Company Change Model: Implementing J.P. Kotter\u27s 8-Step and ADKAR Change Models For Ethical Alignment
No full textIn this paper, we use the pseudonym ABC Pharmaceuticals (ABC) to refer to the company under examination, GlaxoSmithKline (GSK). ABC Pharmaceutical (ABC) must assess, adapt, and change to ensure regulatory compliance, maintain and attract employees, and remain competitive. ABC has a history of erroneous practices and is at risk internally with employees, and externally with regulators and the public sectors. The authors applied J.P. Kotter’s (1996) 8-step and the ADKAR (Hiatt, 2006) models for change management. J.P. Kotter’s top-down model addresses leadership’s role in creating a compelling vision aligned with its actions, and the ADKAR bottom-up model assesses employees’ readiness and commitment to change (Paton & Boddy, 2007). Together, these models offer an opportunity for transformational systemic change