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BUILDING A COMPREHENSIVE SOCIAL IMPACT MEASUREMENT FRAMEWORK FOR UNICEF: INTEGRATING ESG PRINCIPLES AND ADDRESSING CHALLENGES OF AGGREGATION
(Nazarbayev University Graduate School of Public Policy, 2024-11-03) Aben, Dauren; Mukhambetzhanov, Daulet; Kanatbayeva, Shynar
This paper constructs an overall social impact measurement model for UNICEF, integrating ESG principles that shall enhance program effectiveness and accountability. We adopt a mixed-methods approach: we conduct document analysis from UNICEF annual reports from the year 2000 to 2023, perform quantitative regression analyses of health and education outcomes, and conduct the collection of insights from stakeholders via surveys and interviews. The findings also reveal that while environmental and social dimensions have increasingly been incorporated into the frameworks of UNICEF, much is yet to be done about its governance dimensions, which may hinder transparency and accountability. The regression results highlight that health investments by UNICEF, in actuality, cut down the under-five mortality rates; therefore, the programs are effective. On the other hand, it is found that investment in education is unrelated to enrollment rates, thus signaling systemic issues beyond financial inputs. This is further corroborated by the call from stakeholders for increased integration of ESG, with a higher emphasis on governance practices that would help inspire confidence and create better long-term outcomes. In building upon such a strategy are suggestions for increased integration within the strategic framework regarding governance, coherence in data collection methodologies, stakeholder outreach, advanced data analytics, and management software. This conceptual framework would position UNICEF to better measure and communicate its social impact, aligning it with the Sustainable Development Goals by building on the outcomes of sustainable development.
FACTORS THAT IMPACT STUDENTS’ SATISFACTION WITH MEDICAL CARE AT THE NAZARBAYEV UNIVERSITY HEALTH CENTER
(Nazarbayev University Graduate School of Public Policy, 2024-11) Zhumanov, Kanat; Kyzyrbayeva, Dinara; Sadvakassov, Askar
The objective of this research is to identify and assess the factors affecting students’ overall satisfaction with the quality of healthcare services provided by the UHC at Nazarbayev University. NU1 is widely recognized as one of the leading higher education institutions in Central Asia and it has its own medical center - UHC, which was established in 2018. UHC has since focused on achieving high standards in its services to meet the healthcare needs of NU’s growing student and staff population. The UHC employs 65 staff members, including both healthcare specialists and administrative personnel.
ETHNO-MEDIATION IN CONFLICT PREVENTION: AN INSIGHT ON THE COUNCIL OF AKSAKALS AND THE COUNCIL OF MOTHERS
(Nazarbayev University Graduate School of Public Policy, 2024-11) Abylgazina, Kuralay; Abirbek, Sauryk; Onyinyechi Doris Chima
This study examines the role of traditional councils, in particular the Council of Aksakals and Mothers, in ethnomediation and conflict prevention in Kazakhstan. It focuses on the events in Kordai district in 2020 to analyze the extent to which state policies, media narratives, and public perceptions converge or diverge in their approaches to resolving interethnic tensions. Using a qualitative methodology, the study includes analysis of state policies, media discourse, and interviews with local residents, government officials, and experts to assess the effectiveness and challenges of existing conflict management mechanisms.
The results reveal significant gaps between centralized and formalized state policies, media criticism of their rigidity and delays, and public trust in informal mechanisms based on cultural traditions. State policies emphasize national unity and integration through formal structures such as the Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan, while the media highlights socio-economic inequalities and lack of responsiveness. Local communities trust the Councils of Aksakals and Mothers for their local mediation efforts, but acknowledge their limitations due to the lack of institutional support...
EXPANDING HORIZONS: ESTABLISHMENT AND OPERATIONALIZATION OF THE SOCIAL INNOVATION HUB
(Nazarbayev University Graduate School of Business, 2024-12-09) Zeeshan, Mohammad; Dussupova, Ainagul; Serikbayeva, Akmaral
EXECUTIVE ABSTRACT
This academic paper presents a comprehensive investigation into fostering social innovation and entrepreneurship in Central Asia, with a primary focus on the launch and establishment of the Social Innovation Hub (SIH) in Kazakhstan. The project envisions the SIH as a pioneering platform dedicated to addressing socio-economic challenges such as unemployment, inequality, and lack of entrepreneurial support by creating an ecosystem that encourages innovative problem-solving and sustainable development.
At the heart of this initiative is the formation of an international collaboration and knowledge partnership with a globally recognized institution. This partnership aims to facilitate the sharing of resources, provide capacity-building support, and co-develop programs designed to promote social innovation and entrepreneurship. Through this collaboration, the SIH will gain access to global expertise and best practices, ensuring its alignment with international standards while addressing the unique challenges of the region.
Another key element of this project is organizing an annual Eurasian-level summit to serve as a platform for dialogue and collaboration among diverse stakeholders, including business leaders, investors, government officials, academics, and representatives of civil society. This summit aims to forge partnerships, stimulate investment, and build a cohesive community committed to advancing social entrepreneurship. The summit will also be instrumental in positioning Kazakhstan as a regional hub for social innovation.
The paper also emphasizes the importance of forging academic partnerships with universities to embed social innovation and entrepreneurship in their curricula. By incorporating these concepts into formal education, the project seeks to nurture a new generation of change-makers equipped with the skills and knowledge to create impactful social projects. These initiatives are complemented by the establishment of mentorship programs and incubation facilities to provide practical training and support for budding social entrepreneurs.
A cornerstone of the SIH initiative is its financial sustainability plan. A dual-revenue model is proposed, comprising renting out facilities and offering training programs. This model ensures the hub’s self-sufficiency in managing operational expenditures and working capital. Financial analyses, including metrics like Net Present Value (NPV), Internal Rate of Return (IRR), and payback periods, validate the model’s viability. While training programs demonstrate high profitability, renting operations require optimization in terms of occupancy rates and cost efficiency to maximize their contribution.
This paper further integrates strategic analyses using frameworks such as PESTEL, VRIO, and SWOT to evaluate the operational and strategic positioning of SIH. The findings underscore the potential of SIH to catalyze systemic change in the region by empowering individuals, building institutional capacity, and fostering collaboration. By addressing key challenges and leveraging the recommendations outlined, the SIH is poised to serve as a model for similar initiatives in Central Asia and beyond, driving a wave of social innovation and sustainable development.
SERIAL ACQUIRERS AND LONG-TERM STOCK PRICE REACTIONS
(Nazarbayev University Graduate School of Business, 2023-12-11) Malikova, Anel
This thesis explores the long-term impact of serial acquisitions on acquirers' stock performance, focusing on UK and European companies from January 2000 to August 2024. Using event study methodologies, including event dummy regressions and a modified Almon-lag approach, the study uncovers patterns in stock price behavior following acquisitions.
The findings reveal that while UK acquirers experience immediate positive market reactions, European acquirers, particularly in Milan and Euronext, show prolonged but delayed positive effects. Market factors consistently influence excess returns, emphasizing the role of broader market dynamics. However, industry-level analysis highlights significant heterogeneity, with some results constrained by sample sizes.
This research provides valuable insights into the stock price dynamics of serial acquirers, offering implications for corporate growth strategies and financial markets.