Journal of Research Administration

Shuying Zhang1 and Supot Rattanapun2 PDF

Amid the demographic shifts brought about by China’s three-child policy and the growing participation of women in the labor market, the demand for equitable and high-quality childcare services for infants aged 0–3 has intensified. This study investigates the evolution of childcare policy in Chongqing from 2015 to 2024 through an integrated approach combining policy analysis, literature review, and field research conducted between 2022 and 2025. The findings reveal that despite the government’s efforts to expand childcare access, structural inequalities persist. Key challenges include imbalanced resource distribution between urban and rural regions, fragmented coordination among governmental departments, shortages of trained childcare personnel, limited financial incentives, and unresolved tensions between work and family responsibilities. In addition, insufficient public awareness and unclear policy accountability mechanisms continue to hinder sustainable policy outcomes. The analysis highlights a notable gap between national policy intentions and local implementation, particularly in areas of affordability, inclusiveness, and service coverage. Drawing on international best practices, the study proposes a multi-level governance framework aimed at strengthening policy coherence and implementation capacity. The proposed framework emphasizes: (1) a coordinated city–district supervision mechanism to ensure accountability; (2) diversified financing models integrating public and private resources; (3) performance-based regulatory systems to enhance service quality; and (4) mechanisms that encourage community engagement and parental participation. These recommendations are expected to reduce regional disparities, foster long-term institutional resilience, and align China’s childcare policy with the objectives of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).  

1 Mohammad Tawfeeq A Alzoori, 2 Dhakir Abbas Ali PDF

This study explores the influence of employee engagement on sustainable human resource practices (SHRP) within Saudi medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), emphasizing the mediating role of digital skill development (DSD). As Saudi Arabia advances toward its Vision 2030 goals—centered on economic diversification and environmental sustainability—SMEs are vital contributors to organizational innovation and responsible workforce management. Grounded in the Resource-Based View (RBV), this study employs a quantitative, deductive research design and gathers data through a structured survey administered to 384 employees and HR professionals across various Saudi SMEs. Structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was used for data analysis. The findings reveal that employee engagement significantly and directly affects SHRP, highlighting the importance of fostering employee commitment, recognition, and involvement in sustainable practices. Moreover, digital skill development partially mediates this relationship, demonstrating that engaged employees who are digitally competent can more effectively support and implement sustainability-focused HR strategies. While digital skills enhance the impact of engagement, the strongest influence on SHRP remains the employee engagement factor itself. These results offer both theoretical and practical contributions by linking engagement and digital capabilities within a unified HRM sustainability model. For HR leaders, the implications are clear: to meet long-term performance and sustainability objectives, SMEs must simultaneously invest in engaging their workforce and enhancing digital readiness.  

1 Mohammad Tawfeeq A Alzoori; 2 Dhakir Abbas Ali PDF

In the context of rapid digital transformation and growing sustainability demands, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Saudi Arabia face increasing pressure to modernize their human resource management (HRM) practices. This study develops a conceptual framework that examines the combined influence of artificial intelligence (AI) and employee engagement on sustainable HRM practices, with a particular focus on the mediating role of digital skill development. Drawing upon the Sustainable HRM theory, the Resource-Based View (RBV), and the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), the framework captures the interplay between technological innovation, human capital, and organizational sustainability. While existing literature addresses these variables in isolation, few studies have integrated them into a cohesive model, especially within the unique socio-economic and digital context of Saudi Arabian SMEs. This research addresses that gap by proposing that digital skill development enables employees to effectively utilize AI systems and enhances their engagement in sustainability-driven HRM initiatives. The framework also underscores how digitally capable and engaged employees can become catalysts for sustainable organizational practices. The study provides practical implications for HR managers, SME leaders, and policymakers by emphasizing the need for targeted digital training, strategic engagement practices, and supportive infrastructure to promote sustainable HR outcomes. It also offers a theoretical foundation for future empirical validation. This integrative approach offers a timely contribution to the evolving discourse on digitalization, engagement, and sustainability in human resource management.  

K. Ramya PDF

In recent years, the growing preference for natural and Ayurvedic alternatives has fueled a renewed interest in traditional herbal remedies for personal care. Among these, Pathimugam (Caesalpinia sappan L.) has been traditionally celebrated in South India for its detoxifying and therapeutic properties. This study describes our formulation and preliminary evaluation of a polyherbal hair oil infused with Pathimugam wood. We combined it with coconut oil, castor oil, fenugreek seeds, curry leaves, and optional hibiscus petals to create a scalp-friendly oil aimed at addressing common issues such as dandruff and dryness. Through a combination of laboratory-based physicochemical assessments, antimicrobial assays, and a short-term user trial, we evaluated the stability and effectiveness of the formulation. The results were promising, showing good viscosity, ideal pH, notable antimicrobial activity, and positive user feedback. These findings suggest that Pathimugam-based oil may offer a safe, well-tolerated, and effective natural alternative for scalp care.  

Ahmad Mubaraq1; Muh. Natsir2; Tajuddin3; La Ode Suriadi4; Muhammad Syarif5; Heppi Millia6; Muh. Yani Balaka7; Saemu Alwi8; Muh. Nur Afiat9; Zainuddin Saenong10; Lapipi11 PDF

This study aims to analyze the influence of investment, labor productivity, household consumption, government expenditure, and technology on the economic growth of regencies/cities in Southeast Sulawesi Province. This study uses secondary data from the Central Bureau of Statistics in the form of panel data covering 17 regencies/cities in Southeast Sulawesi Province for the period 2017-2024. The analysis method used is panel data regression to determine the influence of independent variables on the dependent variable. The results of the study indicate that partially investment has a positive and significant effect on economic growth, labor productivity has a positive and significant effect on economic growth, household consumption has a positive and significant effect on economic growth, government expenditure has a positive and significant effect on economic growth, technology has a positive and significant effect on economic growth. Simultaneously, investment, labor productivity, household consumption, government expenditure, and technology have a significant effect on economic growth in Southeast Sulawesi Province. The implication is that regional economic development policies must be focused on increasing investment effectiveness, developing skills and workforce competitiveness, strengthening people's purchasing power through stable household consumption, and managing government expenditure efficiently and productively. In addition, the use of technology in various economic sectors is also an important catalyst in increasing productivity and innovation. Therefore, the regional government is expected to formulate a comprehensive development strategy, encompassing improvements in human resource quality, fiscal policy reform, support for digital transformation, and the creation of a conducive investment climate. With this approach, Southeast Sulawesi Province has significant potential to achieve sustainable economic growth.