Showing papers on "White paper published in 2015"

Encouraging good practice in the development of Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans

Abstract: The European Commission's 2009 Action Plan for Urban Transport identified, as its first Action, the provision of guidance on Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans. The 2011 White Paper subsequently envisaged that there might be a mandatory requirement for such Plans for cities over a certain size, and that the allocation of regional and cohesion funds might be made conditional on the submission and auditing of such Plans. Since then, substantial progress has been made in the development of guidance for the preparation of SUMPs, leading to the publication of guidance in 2013. The purpose of this paper is to review experience with the provision of such guidance, at a European and national level, assess the underpinning research and identify areas in which further research is needed. The paper reviews the background to the preparation of guidance at a European level and also at a national level in Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Scandinavia, Spain and the UK. It identifies the weaknesses in the preparation of Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans highlighted by those preparing the guidance, and by the underpinning research. On this basis it lists the principal barriers to effective plan development and implementation. Subsequently it reviews the research which has been undertaken to overcome those barriers, the extent to which current guidance reflects the findings of that research and our understanding of the process of policy transfer. Finally, it highlights eight research needs which should contribute to overcoming the remaining barriers.

The ethics of predictive risk modelling in the Aotearoa/New Zealand child welfare context: Child abuse prevention or neo-liberal tool?

Abstract: The White Paper on Vulnerable Children before the Aotearoa/New Zealand parliament proposes changes that will significantly reconstruct the child welfare systems in this country, including the use of a predictive risk model (PRM). This article explores the ethics of this strategy in a child welfare context. Tensions exist, including significant ethical problems such as use of information without consent, breaches of privacy and stigmatisation, without clear evidence of the benefits outweighing these costs. Broader implicit assumptions about the causes of child abuse and risk and their intersections with wider discursive, political and systems design contexts are discussed. Drawing on Houston et al. (2010) this paper highlights the potential for a PRM to contribute to a neo-liberal agenda that individualises social problems, reifies risk and abuse, and narrowly prescribes service provision. However, with reference to child welfare and child protection orientations, the paper suggests more ethical ways of using the model. Language: en

Australia in the Asian Century

Abstract: This paper examines a new economic narrative for Australia to replace the emphasis on 'competitiveness' that sustained the wave of reform in the 1980s and 1990s. The need to ensure that Australians are endowed with the capabilities that will be relevant to success in this Asian century calls for a renewed focus on these, and other, national endowments. The White Paper on Australia in the Asian Century identified a need for new foundational investments, including public investments : in Australian schools, universities and vocational training centres; in developing Asia-capable workplaces and institutions; in developing a much deeper understanding of the history, cultures, languages, geography and governance of our regional neighbours; in devoting more effort to what has become known as ‘track 2 diplomacy’; in building strong people-to-people relationships based on trust and mutual respect; and in encouraging adaptability. International competitiveness in the Asian century will be enhanced by paying attention to all of these endowments, and leveraging them into commercial partnerships, not by pursuing a race to the bottom on wages, taxes, social foundations, environmental standards or animal welfare.

Social justice intents in policy: an analysis of capability for and through education

Abstract: Primarily developed as an alternative to narrow measures of well-being such as utility and resources, Amartya Sen’s capability approach places strong emphasis on people’s substantive opportunities. As a broad normative framework, the capability approach has become a valuable tool for understanding and evaluating social arrangements (e.g. education policies and development programmes) in terms of individuals’ effective freedoms to achieve valuable beings and doings. This paper explores the recent emergence of ‘capability’ in Australian education policy, specifically in the Australia in the Asian Century White Paper. We explore capability as a framing device and reveal how its various meanings are at odds with the scholarly literature, specifically Sen’s conception of capability and its implications for social justice in and through education. The analysis shows that the social justice intent of a capability approach appears to be overtaken in the White Paper by an emphasis on outcomes, performance and functionings that seek to serve the nation’s economic interests more than the interests of students, especially the disadvantaged.

An Examination of the Potential Costs of Universal Health Insurance in Ireland

Abstract: This report examines the cost implications of the introduction of Universal Health Insurance (UHI) in Ireland, as proposed in the 2014 Government White Paper: The Path to Universal Healthcare: White Paper on Universal Health Insurance. The report presents the findings from in-depth modelling of the cost and financing implications of the introduction of this model of UHI in Ireland.

Increasing the credibility of political science research: A proposal for journal reforms

Abstract: In this white paper, I propose a series of reforms intended to improve the rigor, timeliness, and replicability of published political science research. These changes could be proposed as part of the next solicitation for editors of the American Political Science Review or other disciplinary journals. If implemented, they would make our discipline a leader in publishing practices intended to minimize publication bias, encourage rapid and high-quality reviews, and maximize replicability and fairness to authors. In this way, they could help to enhance the quality and pace of the profession’s scholarly output and improve perceptions of its rigor both within and outside of academia over time, increasing trust in political science findings and building the credibility that is necessary for successful public engagement.

Healthcare engineering defined : a white paper

Abstract: Engineering has been playing an important role in serving and advancing healthcare. The term "Healthcare Engineering" has been used by professional societies, universities, scientific authors, and the healthcare industry for decades. However, the definition of "Healthcare Engineering" remains ambiguous. The purpose of this position paper is to present a definition of Healthcare Engineering as an academic discipline, an area of research, a field of specialty, and a profession. Healthcare Engineering is defined in terms of what it is, who performs it, where it is performed, and how it is performed, including its purpose, scope, topics, synergy, education/training, contributions, and prospects.

Use of social media by the library: Current practices and future opportunities. A white paper from Taylor & Francis

Abstract: This document exists because ALJ publishers Taylor & Francis commissioned UK scholarly communications marketing specialists tbi Communications (www.tbicommunications.com) to ‘provide an overview of...

The politics of teaching as an occupation in the professional borderlands: the interplay of gender, class and professional status in a biographical study of trainee teachers in England

Abstract: A lack of esteem for teachers and the teaching profession is a central tenet underpinning policy reforms put forward by the 2010 UK Government White Paper ‘The Importance of Teaching’. This article argues that the policy problem and solutions presented in the White Paper lack awareness of the historical and social positioning of teaching. Drawing on in-depth interviews with 32 London-based secondary teacher training students from various social class and ethnic backgrounds, this paper asks how the profession is perceived and what sort of choice it is for the trainees. It employs a Bourdieusian lens and concepts of social and cultural capital to examine the interplay of gendered, classed and ‘raced’ biographies in relation to individuals’ decisions to become teachers. Understanding the social world as ‘accumulated history’, as Bourdieu does, stresses that experiences and outcomes are rooted and collected in a series of historical structures and functionings. The paper argues that the ambiguous status of th...

An Indo-Pacific norm entrepreneur? Australia and defence diplomacy

Abstract: The Indian Ocean is a region of increasing importance, with booming economic opportunities, shifting power dynamics and rising geopolitical competition. To manage this transition some Australian policy-makers are advocating the practice of defence diplomacy as a mechanism to help mould cooperative practices and to build regional trust while dissipating potential or ongoing regional flashpoints. Australia's 2013 Defence White Paper identified Australia as an agent who can play a critical part in the emergence of certain types of norms as a means of conflict prevention and crisis management in the Indo-Pacific region. This paper explores the use of defence diplomacy as a means for seeking regional influence. It uses an innovative new framework of norm entrepreneurship to examine the choices facing Australian policy-makers in increasingly complex security environment. This paper argues that while Australia should aim to promote defence diplomacy as a central part of rising security dialogue and practice with...

Consensus norms for palliative care of people with intellectual disabilities in Europe: EAPC White Paper

Abstract: People with intellectual disabilities make up an estimated 1-3% of the population. They are increasingly living into old age, with an associated increase in the need for palliative care provision; however, many do not currently have equitable access to palliative care services. Whilst their palliative care needs may be no different from those of the general population, they often present with unique issues, challenges and circumstances that make it more difficult to meet those needs. Therefore, they need focused consideration. There are complexities in describing norms that are relevant and achievable across Europe, as there are huge variations in the provision of both palliative care services and intellectual disability services. This White Paper aims to provide guidance on what good practice looks like, regardless of social and geographical setting or national and cultural differences. The norms are aspirational, presenting a European-wide consensus on quality goals that have to be aimed for in order to achieve good palliative care for people with intellectual disabilities.

Using Health Information Technology to Support Quality Improvement in Primary Care

Abstract: This white paper shares lessons learned about how primary care practices can effectively use health information technology (IT) to support quality improvement (QI). The lessons are drawn from discussions with experts in fields such as health IT, clinical practice, primary care transformation, and human factors engineering, as well as with representatives of three primary care organizations that have made exemplary use of health IT for QI. The paper identifies specific health IT tools to support continuous QI, describes factors in primary care practices that promote the use of health IT for QI, presents case studies of exemplary primary care organizations, and provides cross-cutting lessons and recommendations.

Assessing the impact of the 2011 EU Transport White Paper - a rail freight demand forecast up to 2050 for the EU27

Abstract: This paper presents a rail freight forecast for the EU27 for the period up to 2050. Rail freight’s market share of the transport sector in Europe has been falling or remained stagnant since 1970. In contrast, the share of road freight has been increasing. As rail freight transport is generally considered an environmentally friendly option, various measures have been implemented for more than two decades, at national and European level, to encourage a modal shift from road to rail. In the latest EU Transport White paper policy paper of 2011, an optimistic target is set for greater use of rail freight transport, in both the near and the longer term future. Specifically: a modal shift, from road to rail, and waterway transport, of 30 % by 2030 and 50 % by 2050 - for distances greater than 300 km. With the aforesaid policy objectives, the current research examines the possible effects of these aims in terms of future levels of rail freight demand. This research relies heavily upon the EU TRANS-TOOLS modelling tool and explores three scenarios. A Reference scenario - with no significant change to current rail freight policy, infrastructure and existing trends is considered alongside two White Paper scenarios (High and Low) which take more optimistic views of the white paper policy objectives. The study finds that the Reference and White Paper Low scenarios demonstrate similar results in terms of growth and modal split. In stark contrast, the White paper High scenario results show that demand for rail freight services almost doubles compared to the Reference values. The rail sector is expected to attract new commodities from road transport such as foodstuffs and building and transport materials. To meet this demand, the rail industry - including operators, infrastructure managers and governments - will have to invest in technologies, infrastructure and terminals with a view to significantly increasing productivity against current levels.

The developmental significance of chores: Then and now

Abstract: Do chores have developmental significance? In writing a White Paper to help understand what current published research says about chore participation and its benefits (Rende, 2015), it became clear that while chores have been influential in childhood and adolescence, the type of impact on daily family life has changed over the decades. Here I will sketch out three discernible trends I identified, and offer a viewpoint for the next staging in our professional thinking.

The Italian White Paper for International Security and Defence

Abstract: In May 2015, the Italian Ministry of Defence published its White Paper for International Security and Defence. In this article, Andrea Gilli, Alessandro R Ungaro and Alessandro Marrone examine the important domestic changes outlined in the document, including those made to the policy-making processes and the internal discussion about strategic issues. The document restricts Italy's focus to the Euro-Mediterranean region but sees a more active role for its armed forces - if and when necessary. European co-operation is also prioritised, especially with regards to military technology and procurement. It also puts forward reform of the defence ministry aimed at shaping an integrated approach and promotes further jointness, starting from the strengthening of the Joint Operational Command that will take responsibility for any future military operation.

Leadership development for technical and vocational education and training college leaders in South Africa: a post-graduate curriculum framework

Abstract: The South African public technical and vocational education and training (TVET) colleges have experienced considerable change in the past 20 years. Recently, these colleges have become the focal point of education and training, ever since the publication of the Green Paper on Post-School Education and Training in 2012, transferring the colleges to the higher education and training system. These colleges are expected to increase their enrolments from 650 000 to 2.5 million by 2030. Leaders in these institutions have been faced with constant challenges in a rapidly changing environment. It has been internationally acknowledged that in order for leaders at all levels of vocational education and training institutions to be capable of and effective in transforming their institutions, leadership development is essential. Even though a leadership development programme was advocated in the Green Paper on Further Education and Training in South Africa (RSA, 2012), this training was not mentioned specifically in the subsequent White Paper (RSA, 2014). This lack of leadership development prioritisation of leaders in this sector differs from governments in other countries where customised leadership development in this complex sector has not only been prioritised but has become a matter of urgency. The purpose of this study was thus to develop a leadership development curriculum framework specifically for leaders, present and future, of public TVET colleges in South Africa. These colleges have also been examined as activity systems with their cultural and historical influences, according to Engestrom’s (1987) version of activity theory. Through interactive qualitative analysis (IQA), an interpretive methodology grounded in systems theory (Northcutt & McCoy, 2004) which uses an interpretive approach by means of focus group and individual interviews with different constituency populations, an attempt was made to gain an understanding of what challenges these college leaders face and what knowledge, skills, attributes and attitudes they may need to achieve the mandate of the White Paper (RSA, 2014).

Meeting the Need for Library-based Financial Literacy Education

Abstract: T he economic recession and resulting increased demand for help from libraries have raised awareness of the nationwide need for basic financial literacy education. Libraries, traditionally accepted as sources of free, unbiased information resources, are the ideal community institution to meet the demand for financial literacy education services and programming. In order to do this, library staff need financial literacy skills, as well as knowledge of reliable, accurate personal finance resources. Development of national guidelines for financial literacy in libraries provides library staff with an authoritative central resource to help meet this need. The following white paper details the creation of Financial Literacy Education in Libraries: Guidelines and Best Practices for Service , which can be accessed from the RUSA website at www.ala.org/rusa/resources/guidelines .

Engaging Primary Care Practices in Quality Improvement: Strategies for Practice Facilitators

Abstract: Primary care can be considered the cornerstone of effective and efficient health care that meets the needs of patients, families, and communities. New resources authored by Mathematica’s health experts offer strategies to help build and sustain practices’ ability to continuously and effectively engage in quality improvement activities. This white paper describes approaches practice facilitators (also known as coaches) can take to encourage primary care practices to undertake quality improvement (QI) activities. They present a framework for engaging primary care practices in QI and provide practical strategies for gaining initial buy-in from practices, maintaining meaningful and sustained engagement in QI efforts, and working with multiple QI programs.

Energy policies influenced by energy systems modelling—Case studies in UK, Ireland, Portugal and G8

Abstract: A key objective of IEA-ETSAP is to assist decision makers in robustly developing, implementing and assessing the impact of energy and climate mitigation policies. This chapter focuses on four case studies, in which there is clear evidence of a direct link between the use of MARKAL and TIMES scenario modelling activities and the resulting policy decisions. The case studies selected assess how the (i) UK MARKAL model informed the development of energy and climate mitigation policy in the UK, focusing on the Energy White Paper in 2003, the Energy White Paper in 2007 and the Climate Change Act in 2008; (ii) Irish TIMES model informed the development of climate mitigation legislation in Ireland in 2014 and Ireland’s negotiating position regarding the EU 2030 Climate Energy Package in 2014; (iii) TIMES_PT model informed climate policy in Portugal in the last 10 years and has supported the design of climate mitigation policies; (iv) IEA ETP Model informed the G8 in responding to the 2005 Gleneagles Plan of Action and has supported the work of the Major Economies Forum and Clean Energy Ministerial. This chapter collates methodologies and results from these different case studies and summarizes some key findings regarding (i) policy frameworks and goals; (ii) how policy makers have been intertwined with the modelling tool during the modelling process; (iii) the role of the economic stakeholders dialogue; (iv) main insights from the modelling exercises; (v) lessons learnt: from effective contributions to real limitations and (vi) recommendations.

Core competencies for palliative care social work in Europe:an EAPC White Paper - part 2

Abstract: This White Paper is the culmination of work undertaken by the European Association for Palliative Care (EAPC) Task Force on Social Work in Palliative Care (hereafter: the Task Force), set up to examine the diversity of roles, tasks and education of palliative care social workers in Europe. One of the stated objectives of this group was to complete a consensus White Paper before considering generalist and specialist social work education curricula. We propose a competencies framework that is applicable to social workers in any role, but specifically delineates the advanced competencies appropriate to the specialist work required in palliative and end-of-life care contexts. This paper does not itemise the curricula required for social work training in palliative care; this will be addressed in a second phase of work. The Task Force has drawn on the experience of an international group of social workers in palliative care that represents a broad range of organisational contexts. These include wellestablished interdisciplinary practice exemplars from Western Europe as well as models from other parts of the continent where palliative care itself is an emerging and developing discipline.1 The challenges facing social work are acknowledged, including those presented by demographic shifts and economic conditions that impact on healthand social care systems generally. The unique role of social workers and their contribution to palliative care is explored and contrasted with that of fellow professionals in the interdisciplinary team. A number of other sources which have addressed the needs of palliative care professionals in terms of competencies and education have informed the development of this paper.2–6 In addition, a worldwide social work perspective had been garnered by drawing on the work of national and international organisations such as the Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association (CHPCA)7,8 and the International Federation of Social Workers (IFSW),9 as well as of leading practitioners and academics in the field. Less formal sources have included opinions canvassed at regular meetings of the EAPC Task Force on Social Work in Palliative Care, which has met annually since 2001. We have also considered a recently published survey among palliative care social workers in the UK.10 Throughout this paper, we use the term ‘client’ to describe the individuals we work with, which is common practice in social work. We recognise that an ongoing debate about terminology describing the relationship between helper and helped persists within the social work profession.11

Mode 2 in action. Working across sectors to create a Center for Humanities and Technology

Abstract: This article examines recent developments in Amsterdam to establish a Center for Humanities and Technology (CHAT). The project is a collaboration between public research institutions and a private partner. To date, a White Paper has been produced that sets out a shared research agenda addressing both humanities and computing challenges. The article begins with a brief summary of “Mode 2” knowledge production. After providing a fuller description of the White Paper, the extent to which CHAT can be considered an instance of Mode 2 is assessed. Some of the challenges in cross-sector and cross-disciplinary work are presented

Assessing Policy Initiatives on Traditional Leadership to Promote Electoral Democracy in Southern Africa

Abstract: This article makes an assessment of policy initiatives on traditional leadership to promote electoral democracy in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia in order to provide intervention mechanisms. In Southern Africa reports of abuse of the institution of traditional leadership by political parties during elections have manifested in various forms resulting in public outcry. The study is done through a review of domestic Constitutions and policies in place for traditional leadership in the selected countries. The study shows that Namibia allows traditional leaders to hold political offices, while two other countries do not allow that. Zimbabwe clearly forbids traditional leaderships to meddle in partisan politics through the national Constitution. South Africa is not very clear in the national Constitution although it forbids through a white paper. The study concludes that traditional leaders must use their influence to encourage people to make electoral choices independently and guard against political party manipulations. It invites governments to provide enabling legal frameworks that stimulate traditional leadership to be non-partisan and promote electoral democracy. DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2015.v6n1s1p120

Technical analysis and comparison of underlying scenarios for the forthcoming European Commission White Paper on a 2030 climate and energy policy framework : based on preliminary documents of the impact assessment for a 2030 climate and energy policy framework

Abstract: The EU has set itself ambitious targets with regards to a significant reduction of its greenhouse gas emissions and has presented roadmaps depicting an overall decarbonisation of its economy by the middle of the century. In this context European policymakers and stakeholders are currently discussing the targets and the level of ambition of the 2030 climate and energy policy framework. The Commission is expected to present its own vision for the further development of the energy and climate policy framework in its White Paper "For a 2030 climate and energy policy framework". At this decisive point in the political debate the Wuppertal Institute presents a brief working paper that analyses some of the analytical work - particularly the underlying energy and GHG emission scenarios - behind the Commission's proposals to be presented in the forthcoming White Paper.

China's New Military Strategy: 'Winning Informationized Local Wars'

Abstract: In May 2015, the new Defense White Paper, China’s Military Strategy, reveals that China has now officially adjusted its military strategy. This follows previous practice, such as when the 2004 strategic guideline was publicly confirmed in China’s defense white paper published in December 2004. In China’s approach to military affairs, the military strategic guideline represents China’s national military strategy. It provides authoritative guidance from the Central Military Commission (CMC) of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) for all aspects of the People’s Liberation Army’s (PLA) combat-related activities. Since the establishment of the People’s Republic in 1949, China has issued eight strategic guidelines (军事战略方针). The 2015 Defense White Paper reveals that a ninth change has occurred. The new guidelines shift the goal of China’s military strategy from “winning local wars under the conditions of informationization” to “winning informationized local wars.” The change in the strategic guidelines reflects an evolution of the existing strategy, not a dramatic departure.