@phdthesis{diakite_aid_2016, address = {Macau}, title = {Aid and poverty reduction: comparing {China} and {France}'s aid policies and projects in {Guinea}}, shorttitle = {Aid and poverty reduction}, url = {http://library-opac.usj.edu.mo/cgi-bin/koha/opac-detail.pl?biblionumber=174085&query_desc=kw%2Cwrdl%3A%20Government%20Studies}, abstract = {The purpose of this research is to analyse the nexus between foreign aid and poverty reduction. In this research, aid provided by traditional and (re)emerging donors, China and France, was compared to understand their strategies toward poverty reduction and the impact of their aid in improving the conditions of their beneficiaries. Guinea, a Least Developed Country, was used as unit of comparison and assessment. Qualitative research methodology was used to collect data about the two aid donors, China and France. Among other research tools used, there are documents’ analysis (official documents from donors and recipients, declarations, scholarly works, media articles, etc.), interviews with various stakeholders, site visits and observation. As for main findings, this research found similarities and differences between China and France’s aid strategies in general and in Guinea in particular. There are similarities in the ways they integrate poverty reduction into their aid policies, motives and partly in their geographical and sectoral allocation systems. In terms of differences, they use different instruments and conditions to deliver their aid for poverty reduction. Regarding the impact of their aid, both donors have to some extent contributed to improving the access of the poor population in Guinea to basic services such as education, health, water and sanitation, etc. Finally, contrary to those who have denied the importance of foreign aid as a financial tool to reduce poverty, this research posits that aid is still a relevant tool to address poverty. However, more work needs to be done at donor, recipient and direct beneficiaries’ levels to ensure its effectiveness. On the other hand, it posits that the divide between traditional and (re)-emerging donors is becoming blurred as their strategies to address poverty are becoming increasingly alike}, language = {eng}, school = {University of Saint Joseph}, author = {Diakité, Ansoumane Douty}, collaborator = {Tran, Émilie}, year = {2016}, keywords = {Thesis and Dissertations PhD in Government Studies (D-GS), University of Saint Joseph}, } @phdthesis{iong_conceptual_2022, address = {Macau}, title = {A {Conceptual} {Model} of {Behavioral} {Factors} {Affecting} the {Adoption} of {E}-government {Services} in {Macao} {SAR}}, url = {https://library-opac.usj.edu.mo/cgi-bin/koha/opac-detail.pl?biblionumber=201223}, abstract = {Information and communication technologies (ICTs) are highly associated with the study of e-government, and many scholars believe that within the coming decades, government operation and policy decision-making cannot persist without the use of ICTs (Van Dijk, 2018). This thesis aims to generate a conceptual framework of the behavioral factors that could contribute to the acceleration of the implementation of e-government services in Macao SAR. Rather than regarding e-government services as a goal to be realized in traditional practice through evaluating the outcome, a process-oriented study was conducted. The e-government services are regarded as advanced tools in the 21st century to transform Macao into a smart city. The design of the process-oriented approach and the comparative study of four groups of Macao citizens' behavioral intentions are solidly supported by the research gaps identified in the literature review of e-government studies in an international perspective and the actual context of local Macao studies. Under the framework of the Theory of Planned Behavior (Ajzen, 1985, 1991), the behavioral factors of the general public and civil servants are investigated through a qualitative approach, and the findings are triangulated from various aspects. Firstly, a systematic literature review of TPB was conducted thoroughly to better understand the current study of e-government around the world. Secondly, a content and thematic analysis of the official documents and articles from local press media and research institutes related to the topic of e-government services was carried out to demonstrate a more comprehensive picture of the current problems of implementing iv and adopting e-services in Macao SAR. Observations in some government premises that provided e-services and 40 in-depth interviews were conducted to generate detailed and first-hand data. Key issues were extracted from the interviewees’ narratives and daily actual usages. Different conceptual models for different age groups and civil servant group were formed. Special attention was paid to analyzing the "hard-to-reach" groups' behavioral intentions. Research limitations identified from the previous literature were overcome partially in this study too. After comparing the similarities and differences, a new conceptual model of significant behavioral factors that affect the behavioral intentions in adopting e-government services was built. Results and findings from the analysis could be used to develop effective interventions by the government policymakers in responding to the behavioral change of the general public in the aspect of e-government services acceptance and adoption}, language = {eng}, school = {University of Saint Joseph}, author = {Iong, Kit Yeng}, collaborator = {Lao-Phillips, Jenny Oliveros}, year = {2022}, keywords = {Thesis and Dissertations PhD in Government Studies (D-GS), University of Saint Joseph}, } @phdthesis{lai_chi_meng_identification_2023, address = {Macau}, title = {{IDENTIFICATION} {OF} {CRITICAL} {FACTORS} {TO} {DETERMINE} {THE} {INTENTION} {OF} {GOVERNMENT} {SERVICE} {MINI}-{PROGRAM} {ADOPTION} {THROUGH} {MOBILE} {PAYMENT} {PLATFORMS} {IN} {MACAU} {AND} {THE} {GREATER} {BAY} {AREA}}, url = {https://library-opac.usj.edu.mo/cgi-bin/koha/opac-detail.pl?biblionumber=208813}, abstract = {Government service mini-programs have become an integral component of eGovernment in the Greater Bay Area, and successful eGovernment is necessary for building a smart city. Service quality and citizens' trust play a vital role in urban integration and in-depth cooperation in the Bay Area. The ubiquitous nature of mini-programs based on WeChat and Alipay provides excellent flexibility in accessing government services. Technology advantages, mutual recognition of cross-border data, and online transactions bring value and benefits to citizens. However, the mechanism of mini-program adoption has not been elaborated. Homogenization, conflict of regulations, and policy effectiveness are issues of great concern. This study employed Self-Determination Theory and Motivation Theory, proposed an empirical model based on the extended SOR paradigm, and aimed to identify the critical factors determining the intention of government service mini-program adoption from the user’s perspective. Six hundred and nine valid samples were collected from Macau, Hong Kong, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen through online survey platforms. The findings suggested that service quality, trust in eGovernment, ubiquity, and social influence constituted the determinants of intention to adopt. Service quality and ubiquity were salient determinants, and a great extent of service quality and ubiquity could promote perceived value and intention. Citizens' trust in government service mini-programs was reasonable, where benevolence, integrity, and competence were crucial indicators of trust. Social influence amplified and transmitted risk perception while perceived risk significantly reduced intention. Perceived value positively associated with the four determinants and enhanced user intention; it acted as a mediator with high explanatory power in the model. Government support received positive ratings from citizens; it negatively regulated the relationship between intention and the determinants respectively, implying that excessive intervention from the government could lead to inhibition. Finally, we proposed relevant implications and suggestions for the GBA government agents and policymakers}, language = {eng}, school = {University of Saint Joseph}, author = {Lai Chi Meng and Marques, João Alexandre Lobo}, collaborator = {University of Saint Joseph}, year = {2023}, keywords = {Thesis and Dissertations PhD in Government Studies (D-GS), University of Saint Joseph}, }