Professional Practice in Governance and Public Organizations – serie

This volume provides an introduction to Human Resource Information Systems (HRIS) for those in the public administration field. At the intersection between human resource management and information technology, HRIS is often the key to having and maintaining the personnel data that is essential for hiring and recruitment, strategic planning and analysis, and legal requirements in most public organizations. Revised and updated for the second edition, this book describes what an HRIS system is, what the functionality of such a system should be, and outlines the practical aspects of an HRIS. It also compares the different aspects of human resources in public organizations, non-profit organizations, and private corporations, and how differences across organizations may influence the functionality requirements of the HRIS. Finally, the volume contains both an organizational theory component, which frames how an HRIS interacts with an organization both from a functional standpoint and a reporting standpoint. The book includes a practical component, which includes real-world case studies that illustrate the advantages and pitfalls to implementing an HRIS enterprise system. Providing a thorough introduction to HRIS for both academics and practitioners, this volume is appropriate for researchers, graduate students, and practitioners in the fields of public administration, higher education administration, information systems, computer science, and human resources.

This volume provides an introduction to Human Resource Information Systems (HRIS) for those in the public administration field. At the intersection between human resource management and information technology, HRIS is often the key to having and maintaining the personnel data that is essential for hiring and recruitment, strategic planning and analysis, and legal requirements in most public organizations. Revised and updated for the second edition, this book describes what an HRIS system is, what the functionality of such a system should be, and outlines the practical aspects of an HRIS. It also compares the different aspects of human resources in public organizations, non-profit organizations, and private corporations, and how differences across organizations may influence the functionality requirements of the HRIS. Finally, the volume contains both an organizational theory component, which frames how an HRIS interacts with an organization both from a functional standpoint and a reporting standpoint. The book includes a practical component, which includes real-world case studies that illustrate the advantages and pitfalls to implementing an HRIS enterprise system. Providing a thorough introduction to HRIS for both academics and practitioners, this volume is appropriate for researchers, graduate students, and practitioners in the fields of public administration, higher education administration, information systems, computer science, and human resources.

This book addresses major economic problems affecting the United States and proposes policy reforms to target them. The authors use a broad survey of economic research to conduct an evidence-based assessment of four economic issues affecting the US and other developed nations: slowing economic growth, unsustainable public debt increases, widening wage inequality, and climate change. Finding that the problems are interconnected and should be dealt with in a comprehensive manner, the authors explain how current policies have contributed to the issues and make recommendations on policy reforms. All four issues are examined in one place and the resulting policy recommendations form a consistent plan to mediate the problems simultaneously. Providing a comprehensive approach to some of economic policy’s most difficult problems, this book will be an excellent resource for students and researchers interested in macroeconomic theory, public sector economics, international economics, labor economics, and environmental economics.

This book addresses major economic problems affecting the United States and proposes policy reforms to target them. The authors use a broad survey of economic research to conduct an evidence-based assessment of four economic issues affecting the US and other developed nations: slowing economic growth, unsustainable public debt increases, widening wage inequality, and climate change. Finding that the problems are interconnected and should be dealt with in a comprehensive manner, the authors explain how current policies have contributed to the issues and make recommendations on policy reforms. All four issues are examined in one place and the resulting policy recommendations form a consistent plan to mediate the problems simultaneously. Providing a comprehensive approach to some of economic policy’s most difficult problems, this book will be an excellent resource for students and researchers interested in macroeconomic theory, public sector economics, international economics, labor economics, and environmental economics.

Net Zero is not enough. We have dithered so long about climate change that, by now, we would need to go to negative-emissions territory, well before 2050, to keep global warming under the iconic 1.5°C target. The national commitments made so far fall short of what is needed, and so do the investments envisioned. But even with the best of intentions, it is hard for policymakers and potential investors to discern where, in the profusion of initiatives and technologies, it would make sense to focus their attention and resources.This is where this book comes in. It offers a clear-eyed view of how far along the decarbonization path six key sectors of the economy are—namely energy, utilities, transportation, industry, buildings, and agriculture—and which areas and technologies within each sector are promising in terms of investments to advance the cause. Furthermore, a special chapter on Africa spotlights a continent that is simultaneously one of the worst affected by climate change, the most likely to see its greenhouse gas emissions increase—and the one with the greatest potential for solving the West's, and the world’s, energy transition and economic growth conundrum.As such, the book serves as a concise guide both to the state of the battle against global warming, and for investors, professionals, and policymakers to find their way through the maze of options.

Net Zero is not enough. We have dithered so long about climate change that, by now, we would need to go to negative-emissions territory, well before 2050, to keep global warming under the iconic 1.5°C target. The national commitments made so far fall short of what is needed, and so do the investments envisioned. But even with the best of intentions, it is hard for policymakers and potential investors to discern where, in the profusion of initiatives and technologies, it would make sense to focus their attention and resources.This is where this book comes in. It offers a clear-eyed view of how far along the decarbonization path six key sectors of the economy are—namely energy, utilities, transportation, industry, buildings, and agriculture—and which areas and technologies within each sector are promising in terms of investments to advance the cause. Furthermore, a special chapter on Africa spotlights a continent that is simultaneously one of the worst affected by climate change, the most likely to see its greenhouse gas emissions increase—and the one with the greatest potential for solving the West's, and the world’s, energy transition and economic growth conundrum.As such, the book serves as a concise guide both to the state of the battle against global warming, and for investors, professionals, and policymakers to find their way through the maze of options.

This book enables analysts in government and the private sector as well as policy advisors and decision makers to assess global risks and opportunities systematically, make well-founded and informed decisions, and anticipate the unanticipated. The authors illuminate the basics of intuitive and analytical thinking and how structured techniques can mitigate the impact of cognitive biases, misapplied heuristics, and intuitive traps. Three case studies illustrate how to apply over 30 Structured Analytic Techniques (SATs) with step-by-step instructions. The final chapter focuses on how to optimize the impact of your analytic product, be it a paper, briefing, or digital display.

This book enables analysts in government and the private sector as well as policy advisors and decision makers to assess global risks and opportunities systematically, make well-founded and informed decisions, and anticipate the unanticipated. The authors illuminate the basics of intuitive and analytical thinking and how structured techniques can mitigate the impact of cognitive biases, misapplied heuristics, and intuitive traps. Three case studies illustrate how to apply over 30 Structured Analytic Techniques (SATs) with step-by-step instructions. The final chapter focuses on how to optimize the impact of your analytic product, be it a paper, briefing, or digital display.

This book examines the adoption of digital technologies in different sectors in South Africa. The authors investigate how digital innovation impacts development in various areas in the public and private sectors. Chapters in the book cover digital transformation in authorities and government bodies and how this transforms governance, this includes digital transformation for good governance in the public sector, tax authorities, local government, and traditional authorities. The second set of chapters emphasizes the digital transformation of business corporations, such as digital transformation lessons for small businesses, digital transformation of finance, and the banking sector. Other chapters delve into enterprise processes such as auditing, corporate reporting, good corporate reputation, enterprise risk management, and marketing environment. The book will appeal to an audience of scholars and professionals wanting to understand more about the role of digital transformation in emerging economies and how innovation influences economic growth.

This book examines the adoption of digital technologies in different sectors in South Africa. The authors investigate how digital innovation impacts development in various areas in the public and private sectors. Chapters in the book cover digital transformation in authorities and government bodies and how this transforms governance, this includes digital transformation for good governance in the public sector, tax authorities, local government, and traditional authorities. The second set of chapters emphasizes the digital transformation of business corporations, such as digital transformation lessons for small businesses, digital transformation of finance, and the banking sector. Other chapters delve into enterprise processes such as auditing, corporate reporting, good corporate reputation, enterprise risk management, and marketing environment. The book will appeal to an audience of scholars and professionals wanting to understand more about the role of digital transformation in emerging economies and how innovation influences economic growth.

This book is about an intensive form of peacemaking interaction, in which the disputing parties agree to take time out from the routine of their daily life in order to negotiate solutions to their conflict. The interaction has rules, structure and a time frame. This book is a social instrument for finding practical and enforceable solutions to conflicts in a limited time frame.Most people experience conflicts in their daily, professional and political life. They tend to avoid dealing with these conflicts, even when doing so causes them a great deal of suffering. This book was written to introduce a powerful mechanism for conflict resolution - Solution-Focused Negotiation.Dr. Sapir Handelman has led, directly and indirectly, dozens of face-to-face and online Solution-Focused Negotiations. Dr. Handelman, his colleagues and students have helped many people to successfully resolve their conflicts. The cases presented here reflect tensions, frictions and struggles in nearly all dimensions of social life, from family disputes to politics. The goal of this book is to share this knowledge, experience and expertise with scholars, practitioners and the general public.

This book is about an intensive form of peacemaking interaction, in which the disputing parties agree to take time out from the routine of their daily life in order to negotiate solutions to their conflict. The interaction has rules, structure and a time frame. This book is a social instrument for finding practical and enforceable solutions to conflicts in a limited time frame.Most people experience conflicts in their daily, professional and political life. They tend to avoid dealing with these conflicts, even when doing so causes them a great deal of suffering. This book was written to introduce a powerful mechanism for conflict resolution - Solution-Focused Negotiation.Dr. Sapir Handelman has led, directly and indirectly, dozens of face-to-face and online Solution-Focused Negotiations. Dr. Handelman, his colleagues and students have helped many people to successfully resolve their conflicts. The cases presented here reflect tensions, frictions and struggles in nearly all dimensions of social life, from family disputes to politics. The goal of this book is to share this knowledge, experience and expertise with scholars, practitioners and the general public.

This book explains how central banks, banks and governments create money. Written in an accessible style, this book provides an introduction to modern monetary theory without requiring any prior knowledge of economics. It covers the most important aspects of monetary theory, including inflation targeting, government spending, and international trade, as well as economic policy to achieve macroeconomic goals, such as price stability, full employment and sustainable use of resources. Accordingly, it offers a valuable asset for students of economics, central bankers, banking professionals, and academics alike.

This book explains how central banks, banks and governments create money. Written in an accessible style, this book provides an introduction to modern monetary theory without requiring any prior knowledge of economics. It covers the most important aspects of monetary theory, including inflation targeting, government spending, and international trade, as well as economic policy to achieve macroeconomic goals, such as price stability, full employment and sustainable use of resources. Accordingly, it offers a valuable asset for students of economics, central bankers, banking professionals, and academics alike.

Written by a seasoned European Commission official and industry expert with over 30 years of experience, this book invites you to embark on a journey through Europe's digital evolution. It provides an insightful guide to the policies that have positioned the EU as a catalyst for Europe’s digital transformation. The book serves as a historical narrative and an indispensable resource for policymakers and academics alike. Readers will learn from past triumphs and pitfalls to forge a path towards sustainable growth, innovation, and entrepreneurship.Presenting the rationale behind key policy decisions, the author unveils the dynamics shaping Europe's digital landscape. From pivotal moments to technological leaps, the book illustrates how the process of European integration has increasingly empowered policymakers to shape outcomes. Understanding this interplay between technology and policy is crucial for grasping the complexities of digital policymaking. Accessible to all, this book enhances technical explanations with legal and economic insights. By doing so, it enables readers to understand the nuances of digital policymaking and to envision a future for a digitally integrated Europe.

Written by a seasoned European Commission official and industry expert with over 30 years of experience, this book invites you to embark on a journey through Europe's digital evolution. It provides an insightful guide to the policies that have positioned the EU as a catalyst for Europe’s digital transformation. The book serves as a historical narrative and an indispensable resource for policymakers and academics alike. Readers will learn from past triumphs and pitfalls to forge a path towards sustainable growth, innovation, and entrepreneurship.Presenting the rationale behind key policy decisions, the author unveils the dynamics shaping Europe's digital landscape. From pivotal moments to technological leaps, the book illustrates how the process of European integration has increasingly empowered policymakers to shape outcomes. Understanding this interplay between technology and policy is crucial for grasping the complexities of digital policymaking. Accessible to all, this book enhances technical explanations with legal and economic insights. By doing so, it enables readers to understand the nuances of digital policymaking and to envision a future for a digitally integrated Europe.

This book illustrates how central bank policies such as zero percent interest rates have brought about a $300 trillion global debt bubble. The authors, both academics and policy-makers, offer first-hand insights into the economic and financial market mechanisms that have caused the debt bubbles of the past few decades, as well as the political economy that drives such policy-making.Written in an accessible style, the book illustrates how central banks responded to recessions by creating successively larger debt bubbles with lower and lower interest rates, thereby distorting the pricing mechanisms of credit markets and bringing about a series of credit expansions beginning in the early 1980s.This book brings together senior policy-makers from the world of politics and central banking who describe the negative effects of central bank policies of the last generation. The policy-makers include the former manager of the Monetary and Economic Department at the Bank for International Settlements (the central bank of central banks), the Vice President of the Austrian central bank, the former governor of the Spanish central bank and a former senior member of the European Parliament.The core part of the book is written by experienced economists with academic rigor, with other chapters written by senior policy-makers going through the intricacies of the problems of central banking, and how things might be reformed.

This book illustrates how central bank policies such as zero percent interest rates have brought about a $300 trillion global debt bubble. The authors, both academics and policy-makers, offer first-hand insights into the economic and financial market mechanisms that have caused the debt bubbles of the past few decades, as well as the political economy that drives such policy-making.Written in an accessible style, the book illustrates how central banks responded to recessions by creating successively larger debt bubbles with lower and lower interest rates, thereby distorting the pricing mechanisms of credit markets and bringing about a series of credit expansions beginning in the early 1980s.This book brings together senior policy-makers from the world of politics and central banking who describe the negative effects of central bank policies of the last generation. The policy-makers include the former manager of the Monetary and Economic Department at the Bank for International Settlements (the central bank of central banks), the Vice President of the Austrian central bank, the former governor of the Spanish central bank and a former senior member of the European Parliament.The core part of the book is written by experienced economists with academic rigor, with other chapters written by senior policy-makers going through the intricacies of the problems of central banking, and how things might be reformed.

The Internet was once envisioned as a borderless realm, promising to unify nations into a peaceful global society and empower individuals with unlimited access to knowledge. Supported by Western deregulation, this dream flourished - until recently. The European Union's introduction of strict laws governing privacy, competition, and content moderation marked a turning point that shocked big tech and initiated a wave of regulations worldwide.In this book, two leading European experts present the reasons behind this seismic shift. They explain how American dominance by a few colossal companies has reshaped our online lives and triggered a movement towards a regulated Internet. This insightful book also offers perspectives on future developments, emphasizing that our collective decisions shape the digital landscape.This book is a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the changing landscape of Internet governance and its global implications.

The Internet was once envisioned as a borderless realm, promising to unify nations into a peaceful global society and empower individuals with unlimited access to knowledge. Supported by Western deregulation, this dream flourished - until recently. The European Union's introduction of strict laws governing privacy, competition, and content moderation marked a turning point that shocked big tech and initiated a wave of regulations worldwide.In this book, two leading European experts present the reasons behind this seismic shift. They explain how American dominance by a few colossal companies has reshaped our online lives and triggered a movement towards a regulated Internet. This insightful book also offers perspectives on future developments, emphasizing that our collective decisions shape the digital landscape.This book is a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the changing landscape of Internet governance and its global implications.

This book shows how blockchain technology can transform the foundational systems of our society. Written by an industry expert with a background in political science, international relations, law, management, and technology, the book merges social, political, economic, and legal theories with technological expertise to present a groundbreaking framework for using blockchain in governance and public organizations. Imagine a country as a digital space where humans and resources interact seamlessly. This book explores such possibilities, illustrating how blockchain can redefine governance beyond physical borders. Addressing the urgent need for adaptive solutions in a globally interconnected world, the author provides a strategic roadmap for implementing blockchain in public governance. With clear explanations, real-world examples, and practical applications, this book will inspire and guide professionals and policy-makers seeking to utilize blockchain technology for innovative governance solutions.

This book shows how blockchain technology can transform the foundational systems of our society. Written by an industry expert with a background in political science, international relations, law, management, and technology, the book merges social, political, economic, and legal theories with technological expertise to present a groundbreaking framework for using blockchain in governance and public organizations. Imagine a country as a digital space where humans and resources interact seamlessly. This book explores such possibilities, illustrating how blockchain can redefine governance beyond physical borders. Addressing the urgent need for adaptive solutions in a globally interconnected world, the author provides a strategic roadmap for implementing blockchain in public governance. With clear explanations, real-world examples, and practical applications, this book will inspire and guide professionals and policy-makers seeking to utilize blockchain technology for innovative governance solutions.

Climate security intelligence is the capacity to warn national and sub-national security organizations of the physical effects of climate change that can have a negative societal effect on nations, governments, and their populations. This book discusses the uniqueness of climate security intelligence, the maturity of its development as a knowledge domain, and its possible future. Written by an intelligence analyst with over forty years of experience, this book centers upon the challenges that organizations may face when analysts, their managers, and their organizations are given the task of warning policymakers and decision-makers about threats to climate security. Taking a necessarily transdisciplinary approach, this book will be of interest to a wide audience of students, researchers, practitioners, and policy-makers concerned with how the impacts of climate change affect the social, cultural, political, and economic stability of national interests.

Climate security intelligence is the capacity to warn national and sub-national security organizations of the physical effects of climate change that can have a negative societal effect on nations, governments, and their populations. This book discusses the uniqueness of climate security intelligence, the maturity of its development as a knowledge domain, and its possible future. Written by an intelligence analyst with over forty years of experience, this book centers upon the challenges that organizations may face when analysts, their managers, and their organizations are given the task of warning policymakers and decision-makers about threats to climate security. Taking a necessarily transdisciplinary approach, this book will be of interest to a wide audience of students, researchers, practitioners, and policy-makers concerned with how the impacts of climate change affect the social, cultural, political, and economic stability of national interests.

Enterprise AI represents a transformative moment in technology, empowering businesses to unlock the potential of data, automation, and advanced analytics. It drives innovation, streamlines operations, and amplifies competitiveness in an increasingly digital economy. Yet, as promising as this technology is, adopting Enterprise AI is no simple feat. It demands a strategic alignment of AI initiatives with organizational goals while addressing many complex risks and challenges. Businesses face a new frontier of operational dilemmas, from algorithmic bias and data privacy concerns to the legal and ethical quandaries of AI-generated content. Questions of accountability for AI actions, intellectual property rights, and the threat of data laundering or AI hallucinations further complicate the landscape. Amid these challenges, enterprises are tasked with navigating a "pre-regulatory era," where global authorities are racing to establish policies and frameworks for a trustworthy and lawful AI ecosystem. The AI Governance Handbook is a comprehensive guide tailored for stakeholders at the forefront of AI adoption—executives, managers, data scientists, engineers, and compliance professionals. This essential resource provides the knowledge, tools, and strategies to lead organizations through the complexities of implementing AI responsibly and effectively. Packed with actionable insights, the handbook explores critical topics such as aligning AI strategies with organizational objectives, managing ethical dilemmas, adhering to emerging regulations, and fostering transparency in AI operations. It offers readers a roadmap to build a resilient and dependable AI framework prioritizing fairness, accountability, and innovation.

Inspired by Karl Polanyi's assertion that a self-adjusting market cannot persist without undermining the human and natural fabric of society, this book explores the critical role of market regulation in sustaining capitalism. It defends the thesis that "regulation is saving capitalism," while acknowledging the cyclical nature of market regulation: periods of regulation are often followed by waves of deregulation, creating “a swinging pendulum” phenomenon.Combining approaches from political economy and history of regulatory approaches in theory and practice, the book investigates the sensitivity of the pendulum to its driving forces incl. “material causes,” changes in a political power, competing interests, etc. It verifies the capacity of two main theories of regulation to explain this cyclical phenomenon.Part I. of the book examines, with a specific focus on regulation in the European Union, main goals of regulation, the redistributive effects of regulation, regulatory capture by vested interests including “international policing mechanisms,” risks of regulatory failure, the dangers of overregulation, and limits of self-regulation as well as questions the efficacy of the Better Regulation agenda. Part II. provides an in-depth analysis of financial regulation, it explores the key endogenous factors and some exogenous factors of financial instability (like COVID-19, climate change) which underline the need to regulate financial capitalism in order to maintain financial stability without jeopardising innovation, growth and competitiveness. It discusses the rapid evolution of European financial regulation since the 2007/8 financial crisis, including efforts to complete the European Banking Union, advance the European Capital Market, and promote Sustainable finance.Drawing on the author's scholarly as well as practical experiences as the former Deputy Prime Minister (1994) and Finance Minister (1998-2002) of the Slovak Republic, this book is written for both professionals in regulatory agencies and government institutions, as well as scholars with an interest in regulatory issues and economic policy.

Inspired by Karl Polanyi's assertion that a self-adjusting market cannot persist without undermining the human and natural fabric of society, this book explores the critical role of market regulation in sustaining capitalism. It defends the thesis that "regulation is saving capitalism," while acknowledging the cyclical nature of market regulation: periods of regulation are often followed by waves of deregulation, creating “a swinging pendulum” phenomenon.Combining approaches from political economy and history of regulatory approaches in theory and practice, the book investigates the sensitivity of the pendulum to its driving forces incl. “material causes,” changes in a political power, competing interests, etc. It verifies the capacity of two main theories of regulation to explain this cyclical phenomenon.Part I. of the book examines, with a specific focus on regulation in the European Union, main goals of regulation, the redistributive effects of regulation, regulatory capture by vested interests including “international policing mechanisms,” risks of regulatory failure, the dangers of overregulation, and limits of self-regulation as well as questions the efficacy of the Better Regulation agenda. Part II. provides an in-depth analysis of financial regulation, it explores the key endogenous factors and some exogenous factors of financial instability (like COVID-19, climate change) which underline the need to regulate financial capitalism in order to maintain financial stability without jeopardising innovation, growth and competitiveness. It discusses the rapid evolution of European financial regulation since the 2007/8 financial crisis, including efforts to complete the European Banking Union, advance the European Capital Market, and promote Sustainable finance.Drawing on the author's scholarly as well as practical experiences as the former Deputy Prime Minister (1994) and Finance Minister (1998-2002) of the Slovak Republic, this book is written for both professionals in regulatory agencies and government institutions, as well as scholars with an interest in regulatory issues and economic policy.

In The Wildlife Enforcement Monitoring System, Remi Chandran chronicles a twenty-year journey to develop an innovative tool that enhances wildlife law enforcement information sharing through mapping technology. The book examines the intrinsic challenges of data sharing, which is shackled by conflicting regulations, ideologies, and institutional barriers. By exploring the changes in the wildlife-trade policy system and the evolving roles of key actors, Chandran reveals how these shifts transformed the Wildlife Enforcement Monitoring System  (WEMS). The novel WEMS  initiative redefined data-exchange  practices and shaped the way for platforms like the Digital Public Infrastructure to tackle humanature conflicts. More than a technical achievement, this is a story of collaboration, resilience, and shared knowledge.

This Open Access book highlights the importance of administrative microdata sources. Administrative data presents several advantages, including wide coverage, low measurement error and collection costs, and interoperability with surveys. Improved access would benefit many stakeholders: the research community would produce higher-quality and more numerous publications, policymakers and citizens would learn whether policies are effective, firms would benefit from greater market transparency, and trust in public institutions would increase. However, many barriers still exist. This book aims to address these issues.Focusing on the European Union, the book is organized into two parts. The first part analyzes the access regimes in each EU country. It provides data users with information on how to access administrative data and offers data holders best practices for combining access with data security. The second part documents the benefits of administrative data in key policy areas - society, the economy, and the environment - and identifies specific areas of intervention."Administrative data are the foundation for modern policy analysis. Berton and Paruolo’s exciting new book highlights state-of-the art applications of administrative data, offering practical advice on how to use the right data to learn “what works”. It also includes a valuable country-by-country overview of the administrative data in each EU country, curated by a who’s who list of experts.  A must-read for anyone looking to learn more about the prospects and potential for administrative data in the EU."David CardCo-winner of the 2021 Nobel Memorial Prize in Economics