Journal of Governance and Accountability Studies

The Journal of Governance and Accountability Studies (JGAS) is an online peer-reviewed, open access scholarly journal, which publishes critical and original analysis from researchers and academic practitioners on various social, political and government issues. JGAS welcomes high-quality manuscripts covering original research articles, review articles, book reviews, case reports, and discussions aimed at advancing both theoretical and practical development on areas of governance and accountability issues.

The Journal of Governance and Accountability Studies (JGAS) is an online peer-reviewed, open access scholarly journal, which publishes critical and original analysis from researchers and academic practitioners on various social, political and government issues. JGAS welcomes high-quality manuscripts covering original research articles, review articles, book reviews, case reports, and discussions aimed at advancing both theoretical and practical development on areas of governance and accountability issues.

Published
2021-06-10

Articles

Integrated policy formulation processes in local governments: A case study in mid-western Uganda

Purpose: This study set out to assess the level of policy formulation in Hoima district local government for effective service delivery in Uganda. Research methodology: A quantitative case study design was embraced, aiming at 30 local councillors and 60 technical officials. The real sample was 54 respondents. Data were gathered via a self-administered questionnaire and an interview guide. Numerical and non-numerical data were examined by way of descriptive statistics as well as thematic analysis. Results: Results suggest a moderate mean for policy formulation in Hoima as generated from all the five constructs namely; problem identification (µ=2.88; SD= 1.346), problem manifesto (µ=2.76; SD =1.347), policy agenda (µ=2.17; SD =1.268), policy debate (µ=2.58; SD =1.271) and policy decision (µ=2.20; SD =1.268). This was so because the overall mean was 2.52 and the overall SD was 1.300. Nevertheless, the numerous impediments confronted mainly at policy decision disrupted the process. Limitations: The study concentrated on one local government in Uganda and so the results may not be generalised to Uganda. Contribution: These results might be used as contributions for local governments in Uganda to evolve a guide on integrating policy formulation issues during orientation and or retooling local councillors and technical officials for better policy formulation processes. This article contributes to the budding understanding by underlining undertones in policy formulation so that local governments become more efficient in delivering services to the citizenry.

Implementation of building construction permit in So'e city, South Timor Tengah regency (TTS)

Purpose: This study aimed to analyze the implementation of the Building Construction Permit policy and to analyze the inhibiting factors for implementing the Building Construction Permit policy based on the Regional Regulation of South Timor Tengah regency Number 7 of 2015 in So'e city, South Timor Tengah regency. Research methodology: This research was qualitative research using a descriptive approach. The data were collected through interviews, observation and documentation. Results: The inhibiting factor for the implementation of the Building Construction Permit policy in So’e city, South Timor Tengah regency is the limited resources in the form of human resources, financial resources, operational resources, buildings that are not in accordance with spatial planning and many buildings that violate the boundary lines as well as public understanding of building permit regulations. Limitations: This study only analyzed the implementation of the Building Construction Permit policy based on the Regional Regulation of South Timor Tengah regency Number 7 of 2015 in So’e city, South Timor Tengah regency. Contribution: This research becomes scientific information for public administration program.

The impact of the quality of democracy on the economic growth of provinces in Indonesia

Purpose: The impact of democracy on economic growth is an interesting study of economic institutions and there is still debate about the impact on economic growth. One side of the research finds that democracy has a significant and positive impact on economic growth, but the other side states that the improvement of the country's democracy causes economic growth to decline. This study aims to examine the impact of the quality of democracy on economic growth at the provincial level in Indonesia. Research methodology: The data used in this study use panel data using the Eviews 9.0 analysis tool, so that the best method named the Random Effect Model is obtained. Result: The results show that democracy in Indonesia has a significant impact on economic growth and there is a positive trend in the long run. Other variables used are labor and foreign investment, which statistically, if these variables occur, can increase economic growth in Indonesia and increase employment and data on foreign investment play a role in driving economic growth. Economic growth in Indonesia is already in good condition and the economic growth that occurs is convergence growth which shows that some provinces that are poor/underdeveloped can catch up with developed provinces. Limitations: This study uses fairly short time-series data, so that the addition of a longer time-series will of course give better results. Contribution: Improvements in democracy in Indonesia should also strengthen democratic norms that apply in society, such as reducing corrupt behaviors, especially political corruption and money politics to get public office because if this behavior cannot be corrected, then democracy will have little impact on the economy.

A case study on the quality of healthcare in Uganda: Examining the effectiveness, safety, patient-centred and timeliness of district healthcare facilities

Purpose: This study aims to examine the quality of healthcare in Uganda in terms of effectiveness, safety, patient-centred and timeliness of District Healthcare Facilities. Research methodology: This study took a case study design involving an intensive, descriptive, and holistic analysis of PHFs in the Hoima district. Case study research involves studying a single entity in depth so as to understand the larger cases; to describe and explain rather than predict. Results: The main factors affecting the quality of healthcare were; National health system, overall working environment, national budgetary allocation to the health sector, and collaboration between health centres and hospitals. Enhancing the quality of healthcare requires addressing the aforesaid as well as engaging with the LLGAs. Limitations: This study only covers one district local government in a country where there are over 100 districts hence limiting the notion of generalization of results. Contribution: This study contributes to understanding health-related issues from the perspective of quality, which is very key in health service delivery.

The role of traditional institutions in implementing the empowerment policy of Oetulu village, Musi district, Timor Tengah Utara regency

Purpose: This study aimed to determine the role of indigenous institutions in implementing the Oetulu village Empowerment Policy of Musi district of North Central Timor regency. Research methodology: The research method in this study was a descriptive research method with a qualitative approach. This study used policy implementation theory models from Donald Van Meter and Carl E. Van Horn (1975)). Results: Six variables affect the implementation, namely: First, policy standards in the form of rules related to indigenous institutions in Oetulu village have been flawed at the formulation stage. Second, the human resources of Oetulu village indigenous institutions are not utilized by the Village Government. Third, communication between organizations and strengthening activities is still not effective. Fourth, the implementing agent has an open level of communication both vertically and horizontally, but this communication is constrained at the vertical level. Fifth, economic conditions in the jurisdiction or implementing organization are not enough to support the implementation of the policy and. Sixth, the disposition of the implementer. Limitations: This research only discusses the role of indigenous institutions in implementing the community empowerment policy of Oetulu village, Musi district of North Central Timor regency. Contribution: This research becomes scientific information for public administration science.

A study on digital transformation in the healthcare sector of Bangladesh: Current scenario and the future roadmap

Purpose: This study investigates the essential characteristics of digitalization and transformation in the healthcare sector in Bangladesh. It also examines the correlation between digital technology and developing factors in the current healthcare system and recommendations to overcome the crises still dwelling within the healthcare framework. Research methodology: To gain a more vital understanding of the underlying insights of Digital Transformations of the healthcare sector of Bangladesh, the authors decided to conduct explorative research in qualitative format. Results: As a developing country with increased economic solvency, Bangladesh is enduring a metamorphosis in medicine & healthcare. Despite inequity in digital-initiated “equality,” developing healthcare systems worldwide are getting in touch with digital technology. Limitations: There are shortcomings in theoretical research as the previous practice of pedagogues and learners is challenged by new-age communication and the healthcare system based on digital technology. Contribution: This study looks at the impressions of current Digital Transformation in pre-existing structures by the people of Bangladesh, and the study proposes a new national health server-centric approach for future solicitation.