Fiscal Centralization and Decentralization in Russia and China

In this paper we review the fiscal evolution of China and Russia, asking how the process of creating a separate, tax-financed public sector in the two countries differed. We observe that the size of China's budget sector was consistently smaller than in Russia and that budget decentralization was consistently greater. We see both pros and cons in China's decentralization. Local governments that were allowed to keep marginal increases in local tax revenue had incentives to pursue growth-supporting policies, including support for foreign investment and export-oriented production. However, in the absence of financial markets, there were barriers to investment outside the local region, resulting in inefficient use of capital and protectionism. Fiscal deficits and rapid expansion of credit have threatened stability in both countries, but China has proved more successful than Russia in managing macroeconomic policies. Finally, we argue that Russia's status as a petro-state makes management of the public sector particularly difficult. In Russia, recentralization has been associated with expansion of state ownership of enterprises and production by territorial governments, state ministries, state banks, and the natural monopolies.Fiscal decentralization, Russia, China, regional growth

The potential contribution of small firms to innovation in the built environment.

The methods by which small firms overcome the disadvantages of their size to implement innovation on construction projects are examined here through five case studies. It is found that such methods include working with advanced clients, prioritising relationship-building strategies and using patents to protect intellectual property. Key obstacles to innovation implementation by small firms on construction projects are found to be bias in the allocation of government business assistance and regulatory inefficiencies under federal systems of government. The study’s findings derive from a theoretical framework which emphasises firm capabilities and environment, and innovation typologies. Further research is recommended into the impact of government assistance and regulation on small innovative construction firms

Racial Socialization and African American Students\u27 Academic Motivation and Self-Efficacy and Likelihood Attending Graduate School

Enrollment by African American students in U.S. colleges and universities has increased since 2009, but graduation and retention remains low for this group. Within the African American community, education is considered a central aspect of social empowerment; however, the effect of discrimination, bias, and stereotyping are key when considering achievement indices within a cultural framework. The coping mechanisms that African Americans have developed to combat discrimination, bias, and stereotype threat may contribute to poor performance in college. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between racial socialization and African American students\u27 academic motivation, academic self-efficacy, and likelihood of attending graduate school. Drawing from self-determination theory, it was hypothesized that the variables have a positive relationship. A quantitative survey design was used. One hundred-three African American undergraduate students were recruited via convenience sampling to participate in an online survey. Results from a multiple regression analyses indicated no significant relationship between the variables. The findings from this study are not consistent with previous findings that indicate racial socialization has an impact on African Americans\u27 academic performance and motivations, implying the need for future research to include multiple variables that might impact outcomes such as family functioning, access to educational resources, or peer association. Greater numbers of African Americans enrolled in undergraduate programs may, in turn, increase the pool of participants eligible to attend graduate programs. Future research can help parents, researchers, and practitioners better understand the diverse and unique needs of African American youths

The Role of Information Communication Technologies in Adult Education Theory Building

The role of information communication technology in the development of the field of adult education will be explored. The changing image of the field will be presented and suggest how today’s Web 2.0 technology can enhance theory building and enrich the future of the profession

Aprendizaje a lo largo de la vida en China

El artículo explora el aprendizaje a lo largo de la vida en China en relación a la modernización del desarrollo en las áreas de agricultura, industria, industria militar, y ciencia y tecnología. Se tratan temas relacionados con la distribución del factor trabajo, habilidades y formación, y problemas potenciales. El papel del aprendizaje a lo largo de la vida en China se contrasta con ideas de mundo occidental y se analiza a lo largo del tiempo para mostrar cómo ha cambiado para adaptarse a las necesidades del país en términos de analfabetismo y desarrollo de habilidades y cómo, inexplicablemente, se ha entrelazado con la agenda política y educativa del país

Lessons from the Field: From Understanding to Impact

Three foundations -- the Evelyn and Walter Haas, Jr. Fund, the Energy Foundation, and the Wilburforce Foundation -- seek to make an impact on some of the most complicated challenges we face: civil rights, renewable energy sources, and wildlife protection. This case study provides an in-depth look at how these foundations cultivate an understanding of their fields and then turn that understanding into more effective grantmaking

The Importance of Continuity of Care: Policies and Practices in Early Childhood Systems and Programs

Continuity of care — strategies designed to lengthen children's ability to continuously participate in high-quality early learning experiences — must be a cornerstone or guiding principle for state or local early childhood policy agendas focused on improving outcomes for less-advantaged children and families. This paper provides a research summary, considerations for program and policy design, best practices, case studies and talking points that advocates can use to help policymakers and early childhood practitioners implement continuity-of-care policies and practices

Amid Dual Pandemics of COVID-19 and Racism: Helping Black Doctoral Students Thrive

How can we help Black doctoral students thrive in a world of COVID-19 and racism? In the special issue’s final contribution, we explore this question first by identifying the longstanding challenges Black doctoral students have faced in higher education. Examples of such challenges include structural racism, microaggressions, and biases based on the intersectionality of race, gender, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic status. We next address how the “dual pandemics” of COVID-19 and racial injustice have magnified such challenges. Then, we consider how institutions can better support Black doctoral students by recruiting and retaining faculty of color and enhancing student support initiatives. Finally, we suggest strategies that faculty and the students themselves can employ to increase Black doctoral students’ retention and overall success, including empathic mentoring, student and faculty collaboration, peer support, and attention to self-care and mental health needs