DSpace Repository :: Browsing 03. Graduate School of Public Policy by Title

03. Graduate School of Public Policy

Permanent URI for this community

https://nur.nu.edu.kz/handle/123456789/8130

Browse

Now showing 1 - 20 of 125

Restricted
Accessibility of the state financial support for small farmer households in Kazakhstan
(Nazarbayev University Graduate School of Public Policy, 2018-11-25) Akkassov, Dulat; Taizhanov, Aidos
This paper analyses the process of provision of financial support of the small farmer households by the Government of Kazakhstan. It describes the activities of JSC Fund for Financial Support of Agriculture, as a quasi-sector organization, which provides this financial support; the Farmers Union of Kazakhstan, which presents the interests of farmers; and small farmer households who are the recipients of financial resources. The primary data was collected in the forms of interviews with main stakeholders. The secondary data was represented as the statistical information, reports and international experiences in the literature review. This paper draws the current situation in Kazakhstan in the field of state financial support for small farmer households. The results of the interviews identified the common and non-common factors, which have affected the accessibility of state financial support for farmers. The analysis of key findings showed that the policy-makers are fully aware of the challenges for farmers. Moreover, the Government of Kazakhstan addresses much money and other resources to deal with them. Nevertheless, we conclude that the main obstacles to access to state financial support in Kazakhstan are complicated bureaucracy, low valued collateral in a rural area, and lack of business knowledge and skills among the farmers. Based on the key findings of this research, we recommend farmers to unite into farm cooperatives; in addition, the Government should continue to develop the digital technologies, and introduce large-scale educational programs.
Restricted
After school programs in rural Kazakhstan: a comparative case study
(Nazarbayev University Graduate School of Public Policy, 2017) Kozhanbayev, Damir
Studies show that children greatly benefit from participating in after school activities: they succeed academically and socially, and are less likely to engage in wrongdoing. There is, however, little information on after school programs in rural Kazakhstan. The goal of this comparative study is to describe and explain how after school programs in rural Kazakhstan are implemented. For this purpose, two villages (in Akmola and Karaganda regions) were visited to collect data from local authorities, schools and parents. While the findings revealed some minor differences, they supported the main assumption that the situation in rural after school programs is poor and that, in fact, there are no significant differences in engaging children after formal school hours in both communities. Recommendations for national and local authorities include adequate funding, focusing on enabling environment for after school programs; increasing residents’ participation in school activities and local governance; building partnerships with academic institutions and other.
Restricted
Agricultural Cooperatives in Kazakhstan: Example of Dairy Sector
(Nazarbayev University Graduate School of Public Policy, 2019-04-26) Karagul, Beknur; Seidek, Sholpan
Agricultural cooperatives are important tools to encourage small farms to overcome various limitations in developing countries. Cooperative membership can reduce transaction costs, improve safety, increase bargaining power, and enhance quality for agriculture. A 2015 bill on agricultural cooperatives by the Kazakhstani government aims sustainable development in agriculture dependent regions., Repeated reform efforts and changes in ministry cabinets have altered the bill. We study the link between productivity and cooperative membership in Kazakhstan using a survey of 80 farmers from different regions. Our survey respondents are predominantly from rural regions. Overall, we find evidence to support that agricultural cooperatives are effective for sustainable development in rural regions of Kazakhstan. The government policy should focus on financial support to help the agricultural cooperatives in addition to promoting education, expanding information services, providing training and improving production facilities...
Restricted
Analysis of the state role during the formation and operation of NGOs in Kazakhstan
(Nazarbayev University Graduate School of Public Policy, 2020) Akimbay, Alibek; Baktybayev, Bektas
Embargo
“ANALYSIS OF THE “SERPIN-2050: THE YOUTH OF ETERNAL STATE TO THE INDUSTRY”
(Nazarbayev University Graduate School of Public Policy., 2024-04-05) James-Aguh, Christabel Chinecherem; Takenov, Diyas
“Serpin-2050 - The Youth of Eternal State to the Industry” is a program aimed at providing scholarships to young people from rural southern regions of Kazakhstan. The participants can study only in the assigned northern regions and are provided with a comprehensive scholarship with a range of assistance measures from the government. The official goal is to move people from the southern labor-excessive regions with high unemployment to the northern regions with a deficit of labor force. In return for government support, the participants are obliged to stay for two years in one of the assigned regions. However, numerous reports indicate that the program is not working and the number of the program graduates that leave assigned regions far exceeds the number of those who stay. This study aimed to understand the causes of this situation and make recommendations to alleviate it. Using statistical data, interviews with students and university administrators of three universities participating in the program, and the central government officials, we discovered that housing is the main issue for the graduates. This problem is further complemented by low salaries, not speaking Russian, social integration, and other issues. Based on the findings and the analysis of the government's proposed measures, we put forward the recommendations to develop the program.
Restricted
ASSESSING THE EFFECT OF JOINING THE WORLD TRADE ORGANIZATION ON TRADE PERFORMANCE: A STUDY OF CIS COUNTRIES
(Nazarbayev University, Graduate School of Public Policy, 2023-05) Tanaguzova, Mereke
The primary objective of this academic research is to evaluate the impact of trade policy on trade performance. Particularly, the study investigates the impact of World Trade Organisation (WTO) on trade performance of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) countries. The research applies gravity model and analyses secondary data by incorporating bilateral trade determinants, including natural causes of trade, thus, isolating the impact of trade policy. The thesis examines three critical areas of inquiry. First, this study broadens the scope of global trade investigation by incorporating CIS countries into the research sample. As the most recent members to join the Organization, the Russian Federation and Kazakhstan underwent a thorough and prolonged accession process that has yet to be examined within a global context. It is crucial to analyze how the results might vary when these regions' experiences are taken into account within a global perspective. Second, this study examines the consistency of trade dynamics for CIS countries. Considering CIS nations historical regional trade patterns, geographic isolation from global trading partners and significance of Kazakhstan and the Russian Federation as one of the main oil exporters, the CIS results might deviate from baseline results. Further, this study investigates the level of trade diversification or trade concentration of CIS countries and provides sectorial analysis of post WTO accession period export share. The research has contributed to the literature by expanding the scope of investigations to encompass the long-term impact of WTO membership on trade performance over 20 years. The study analyse trade patterns from 1990 to 2019 and provides in-depth analysis of the CIS region. The study's findings are particularly relevant to policymakers seeking to improve trade performance of the CIS region. The study, which integrates CIS countries into the survey on the impact of the WTO on world trade, reveals a positive increase in world trade and findings highlight amplified impact of WTO membership and trade agreements. WTO membership has proven to significantly enhance bilateral trade flows, particularly for countries undergoing the WTO accession process. These findings are of particular relevance to CIS countries due to their accession process, pre-existing regional trade agreements and the post-accession comprehensive trade agreement - Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) - comprising five CIS members, with four members in WTO. The research suggests a less favorable impact of WTO membership on trade among CIS nations. Despite the conventional expectation that WTO membership should promote trade, the results paint a different picture. Membership of the WTO has not increased trade within the CIS bloc, nor does it appear to promote trade between CIS countries and other WTO members. While the impact of post-accession trade agreement, such as EAEU, positively influenced trade development of the region.
Restricted
The Assessment Of State Support Programs For Smes Development: The Case Of Damu State Program
(Nazarbayev University Graduate School Of Public Policy, 2018-11) Imashev, Anuar; Zhumazhanov, Arman
The purpose of our study is to analyze the effectiveness of the DAMU State Program for the provision of financial support to SMEs. We used an inductive grounded theory approach to build qualitative case study design research method by analyzing the primary data. The data were collected through a semi-structured interview from four randomly selected SMEs in various sectors such as trade, agriculture, and two from medical. Based on data analysis we found out that SMEs are using benefits of the financial support of the DAMU State Program as intended and generally satisfied with conditions and procedures. We provide practical recommendations based on our findings. This study contributes to government officials, policy makers and SME top management to enhance effectiveness and efficiency of their decisions.
Restricted
ASSESSMENT OF THE FACTORS LIMITING GROWTH OF MEDIUM-SIZED BUSINESSES IN KAZAKHSTAN
(Graduate School of Public Policy, 2023-11-19) Kokkozov, Dimash; Zhuszhassarova, Meruyert; Myrzatay, Gaukhar
With the growth of entrepreneurship globally and its potential gains to the economy and society, governments are focusing efforts on creating the fertile ground for their talents to innovate, grow and flourish. Acknowledging the fact that entrepreneurial activity is no one’s priority, state policies and programs aim to foster entrepreneurial culture by easing the burden on business creation and facilitating a supportive environment. Kazakhstan’s policy priorities for entrepreneurship development have been on the agenda of the government over the twenty years with major focus on advancement of the institutional context. Progress in the development of small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) in the last decenniums has not yet produced results that would allow Kazakhstan to fully benefit from SMEs contribution to employment and economic growth. Statistics on SME performance and their contribution towards GDP falling below the national targets reflects the necessity of further research in quest for the future success of SMEs. This is particularly relevant with the trend in declining number of medium-sized enterprises despite the state efforts to increase their share of contribution to the country's GDP. The thrust of this research, then, is to examine the factors limiting the growth of small enterprises and enhance recognition of the importance of medium-sized businesses that is currently undervalued in state policies.
Open Access
An Assessment of the Rehabilitation of Convicts in Kazakhstan
(Nazarbayev University Graduate School of Public Policy, 2020-04) Anuarbek, Yersin; Zharkenova, Tokzhan
In the last five years, Kazakhstan faced a radical change in the penal system. One of the challenges was the introduction of the probation and rehabilitation program that helps to integrate convicts back into society. The research looked at the employment of ex-offenders because it helps to prevent issues with housing, health problems, and sustaining family. It reduces the major problem - recidivism. Employment is a vital need for every individual that helps to feel included in society, to earn money, and feel self-worth. This study showed that there are barriers for some groups of people to be employed. One of the crucial obstacles can be a criminal past, which makes it problematic for employers to hire ex-offenders. Many reasons can influence the probability and chance to be employed. Several research studies have shown that incarceration makes a set of obstacles: type of job available in the market, individual motivation, remuneration, skills, and knowledge. Paper discusses in detail the difficulties and barriers of ex-offenders in securing employment. Qualitative analysis of interviews and secondary data analysis were conducted for the research. The study focused on the correlation between employment and rehabilitation programs in Kazakhstan, with references to the practice of different countries. Then the recommendations were given as the measures to overcome the employment issues.
Restricted
THE ATTITUDES OF ASTANA RESIDENTS ON THE USAGE OF DIFFERENT LANGUAGES ON STREET SIGNS, BANNERS AND PLACARDS TOWARDS LANGUAGE POLICY
(Nazarbayev University Graduate School of Public Policy, 2019-04-26) Syzdykova, Zhansaya; Urazalina, Marzhan
This paper focuses on the attitudes of Astana residents on the usage of different languages combination on the street signs, banners, and placards. The paper discusses whether the language/-s used on the visual infrastructure of the city affect and encourage residents to learn and speak that language/-s. Another aspects that the paper reviews are what categories of street names exist in Astana, what categories residents prefer and what do really affect people’s language behavior....
Open Access
BARRIERS AND DIFFICULTIES FOR CSR DEVELOPMENT IN KAZAKHSTAN
(Nazarbayev University, Graduate School of Public Policy, 2021-11-07) Mussabekova, Ainur; Aldanova, Malika; Turganova, Alua
Corporate Social Responsibility, or CSR, has been attracting significant interest as one of the key instruments for governments in maintaining the sustainability of local communities. The CSR approaches include not only the economic profitability of companies but also the societal and environmental aspects. The purpose of our master’s project is to investigate the barriers and difficulties for CSR development in Kazakhstan via testing two hypotheses, specifically whether (i) a better understanding of CSR and enhanced communication among stakeholders (Akimats, companies, local communities/NGOs) results in the improved realization of CSR and (ii) better planning and availability of CSR monitoring & feedback tools/mechanisms by local authorities or Akimats increases realization of more sustainable projects which address local community needs. The research has been done with a focus on the oil & gas industry, based on the case-study example of the North Caspian Operating Company in Atyrau Oblast. The research findings have demonstrated that: (i) varied perceptions of CSR by stakeholders lead to a disparate understanding of the CSR realization process; (ii) insufficient involvement of certain stakeholders leads to poor communication among parties; (iii) the absence of a clearly defined national framework for CSR implementation results in the weak realization of CSR projects; (iv) Akimat’s objectives are not clearly defined, which leads to lack of planning and contribution; (v) limited opportunity for company’s long term planning leads to projects that don’t address the needs of the local community; (vi) Akimat lacks the expertise and knowledge to support the realization of CSR project from the government’s side, which leads to its dependency on company’s decision-making and capacity during the CSR realization process; (vii) the absence of CSR monitoring and feedback processes from the local governments results in the realization of non-sustainable projects.
Restricted
BEHAVIORAL INTERVENTIONS TO COMBAT CORRUPTION: AN EXPERIMENTAL STUDY
(Nazarbayev University Graduate School of Public Policy, 2024-04-30) Kuzenbayev, Nygmetzhan
In this study, I explore the potential of behavioral interventions as complementary tools to deter corrupt behavior. By conducting an online between-subject experiment with 482 participants recruited from the Prolific.com platform, I test the effectiveness of moral reminder (prompting participants to reflect on their ethical standards), commitment (asking participants to promise that they will report honestly) and moral warning (explicitly requesting honesty and warning about the unethical nature of misreporting) nudges in reducing dishonesty. Participants play a ten-round mind game, guessing a randomly generated number from 1 to 6 in each round, with the opportunity to misreport to increase their earnings. Results indicate that commitment and moral warning nudges significantly reduce cheating, consistent with predictions of the reputational model, which posits that behavioral interventions can increase the perceived risk of detection by making this risk salient. Unlike the mind game, where participants only risk reputational losses if caught cheating (due to the absence of monetary punishments), real-life bureaucrats not only risk their reputation but also face substantial penalties if detected. Therefore, in real world contexts, using behavioral interventions may contribute to reducing corruption by amplifying the perceived risk of getting caught.
Restricted
Benchmarking for success – the case of AIFC in comparative perspective
(Nazarbayev University Graduate School of Public Policy, 2017) Bekbassarov, Tilek
This paper is focused on assessing the chances of the recently announced project of establishing Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC). At the same time Kazakhstan already has an unsuccessful attempt with the regional financial centre of Almaty. But this time the idea of AIFC sticks to the successful DIFC (Dubai) model with all its respective features as an anchor benchmark. Having some country specific differences between United Arab Emirates and Kazakhstan perhaps it is not enough just to make a copy of the center’s model, it’s also important to take into account characteristics of their economy and policy. To take into account other benchmarks like Singapore or Hong Kong would also make sense. The chances of Astana to become an IFC for the target region should be performed in comparative perspective having in mind the long lasting plans of Turkey and Russia to establish Istanbul and Moscow IFCs. Thus the research will be based on cross-country comparative study in following directions: with benchmark models of Dubai and world’s top IFCs; with competitive models such as Istanbul and Moscow and other countries of the target region (Eurasia). The research should be a supportive tool for strategic policy planning and decision making.
Restricted
Burden of disease attributable to ambient air pollution in Kazakhstan
(Nazarbayev University Graduate School of Public Policy, 2018-11-25) Ibrayev, Maxat; Kenzhebek, Aidarbek; Issakova, Dana
Background. Ambient air pollution causes increased mortality from diseases of the circulatory and respiratory systems. The recent Global Burden of Disease study ranked exposure to the ambient particulate matter pollution as one of the top five reasons of premature mortality. Only high blood pressure, smoking, high fasting plasma glucose (prediabetes), high body-mass index and childhood undernutrition were ranked higher than ambient particulate matter. Exposure to the ambient air pollution was attributed to 4.2 million premature deaths worldwide. The overall burden of disease was considerably larger than from such diseases like malaria and HIV-AIDS combined which were attributed 1.5 million deaths combined. Methods. We estimated burden of disease attributable to ambient air pollution across regions and two major cities of Kazakhstan for the years 2005, 2010, and 2015. We conducted spatially resolved analysis at 0.01 x 0.01o (~1 km) grid resolution. By applying the Global Burden of Disease study methodology we calculated relative risks of premature mortality among four disease endpoints – namely ischemic heart disease, stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lower respiratory infections. Findings. In 2015 there were total 5970 ambient air pollution attributable mortality cases, 6178 cases in 2010 and 9698 cases in 9698. There was a downwards trend for ischemic heart disease and stroke. Mortality from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and lower respiratory infections are on rise. Western and South regions of Kazakhstan are found to be the most polluted areas of the country. During the period of our study there was little change in ambient air pollution attributable mortality. Our sensitivity scenarios showed that pulmonary diseases are the most responsive to the changes in air quality
Restricted
CARBON STRATEGIES OF KAZAKHSTAN POWER GENERATION COMPANIES UNDER ETS REGULATION
(Nazarbayev University Graduate School of Public Policy, 2021-04-30) Akhmetov, Daulet
Climate change is a global threat to the sustainable development of human civilization. The Paris Climate Agreement proposed a new international framework for consolidation of the climate mitigation and adaptation efforts of advanced, transitional, and developing economies. To support this global response to climate change, Kazakhstan was the first country in the Asian continent as well as in the post-Soviet region that adopted a national carbon trading system, which its government implemented in 2013. The Kazakhstan coal-based power generating companies have responded to the national carbon policy by different corporate carbon strategies, however, the country has failed to promote the decarbonization of its power industry and improve its carbon-performance. This study provides a comprehensive account of the challenges of decarbonization of the coal-based power industry within the context of a transitional economy such as Kazakhstan. A novel research methodology is developed that combines descriptive models of firms’ climate mitigation responses and the pluralistic research perspectives of the rational approach and Cultural theory. Empirically, the study involves the in-depth case study of carbon strategies of the Kazakhstan coal-based power generating companies under ETS regulation. The focus on the country’s coal-based power generation is explained by the significant contribution of coal combustion to the problem of climate change and about 70% of the share of coal in Kazakhstan's electricity production. The data collection and analysis is based on 20 interviews with representatives of Kazakhstan coal-fueled power generating companies and 10 independent industry experts, as well as official documents and media output...
Restricted
CHANGE MANAGEMENT IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR: THE CASE OF ONE-STOP-SHOPS (OSSS) IN KAZAKHSTAN
(Nazarbayev University Graduate School of Public Policy, 2022-11-20) Abdullah, Mohammad Habib; Abdramanova, Dinara; Bekmagambetova, Aspet
Since their establishment in 2005, one of the major challenges at One-Stop-Shop Public Service Centers (OSS PSCs) in Kazakhstan has been the ineffectiveness of employees in providing better public services, mainly due to their maladaptation to the change (digitalization). Therefore, the main purpose of this paper is to explore how employees at OSS PSCs in Kazakhstan can be effectively adapted to the change (digitalization) in order to provide world-class public services, particularly by implementing the ADKAR Change Management model in which ‘A’ stands for awareness of the need to change, ‘D’ stands for the desire to support and take part in the change, ‘K’ stands for knowledge of how to change, ‘A’ stands for the ability to implement the change, and ‘R’ stands for reinforcement to sustain the change. The data in this paper was collected mainly from the survey questionnaires which were distributed among 51 employees and semi-structured interviews which were conducted among 10 employees at 10 branches of One-Stop-Shops (OSSs) in Astana city. Based on the main findings of this research, there is a positive correlation between each element of the ADKAR Change Management model and effective performance of employees, especially at OSS PSCs in Kazakhstan. The limitation of this paper is in its scope since the main findings of this paper are based on the data collected only from Astana city. Limited literature is also another limitation of this paper. However, the findings of this paper can be used by the government of Kazakhstan to improve employees’ productivity at OSS PSCs as well as in other countries with similar contexts; it can also be used for further relevant researches and class discussions.
Restricted
COMMUNICATION STRATEGY ABOUT THE PROJECT OF THE NUCLEAR POWER PLANT IN KAZAKHSTAN
(Nazarbayev University, Graduate School of Public Policy, 2023-11-05) Akynov, Tomas; Gninenko, Saltanat; Kartpay, Aldiyar
Over the last two decades, the Kazakhstan government has discussed constructing a Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) to pursue an energy security agenda and, more recently, carbon neutrality. However, government communication on this topic has been inconsistent and intermittent, and in the past four years, we observed an increase in communication conducted by the government. The NPP, being a grand project with multiple stakeholders and complex implications for the country, deserves close attention and careful consideration from the country as a whole. Thus, this paper aims to study the communication strategy regarding the construction of NPP in Kazakhstan. A modified Laswell model is used as a conceptual framework to analyze communication in terms of “Who, Says What, in Which Channel, to Whom, with What Feedback,” where the last category replaces measuring the effectiveness of communication due to its recency. Semi-structured interviews with two groups, representing government officials responsible for the communication and the expert community and civil society activists providing feedback on the communication strategy, contributed to the findings of this research. In addition, documents related to the PR campaign, the results of sociological research, and the social media pages of the primary stakeholders in communication were analyzed. The two key stakeholders responsible for the communication are Kazakhstan Nuclear Power Plants (KNPP) LLP and the Ministry of Energy (MoE). The themes they cover are energy deficiency, experts’ opinions on the NPP, peaceful nuclear, and other materials informing the population about the benefits of nuclear energy. However, the second group is quite negative about the reasons provided by the KNPP, MoE, and the government, emphasizing the lack of addressed risks and concerns. The paper ends with the relevant recommendations that seek to improve the communication strategy of the MoE and KNPP on the project of NPP.
Restricted
The Comparative Advantages Of Kazakhstan In The Global Space Industry
(Nazarbayev University Graduate School Of Public Policy, 2018-11-25) Kangozhin, Ilyas; Zhekey, Bakhyt; Koldassov, Aidos
This project aims to identify the comparative advantage of the Baikonur cosmodrome in the global space industry. The project study includes the prospects for the development of the Baikonur cosmodrome as a community and aerospace center. The research analysis focuses on the Baikonur cosmodrome’s financing, technological, scientific utilization and identification of comparative advantages of the cosmodrome based on comparative advantage framework. The recommendations suggest to increase financing, promote private sector participation and further international engagement. Currently, Russian Federation is one of the active international participant. The research findings observed that the Baikonur cosmodrome has four comparative advantages such as its geographic location, reliable technologies, skilled workforce and potential area for international cooperation. This paper aimed to provide Baikonur cosmodrome’s comparative advantages in comparison with other international space ports.
Restricted
A Comparative Study of Gender Equality perception among top-ranked officials from public, quasi-government and private sector in Kazakhstan
(Nazarbayev University Graduate School of Public Policy, 2017) Mukhamejanova, Zhansulu; Tungatarova, Zhanerke
From the period 1990 Kazakhstan underwent through dramatic and unstoppable changes with tremendous consequences on the economic strategy and cultural values. With globalization processes that triggered the westernization of ideology, the minds and the mentality of the whole population entirely changed emphasizing the position of women. Taking into consideration these consequences of economic and ideological changes, participation and engagement of women in different spheres of the society should have been uplifted to the level of male representatives. Change is taking place, but not as quickly as in numerous parts of the Western world....
Restricted
The constitutional reform in Kazakhstan: Nur Otan’s role in legitimizing the procedure of constitutional change
(Nazarbayev University Graduate School of Public Policy, 2017) Didarbekov, Ualikhan; Aitmukash, Mariyam
After being a country with a powerful presidential system for last 26 years, Kazakhstan introduced a few but essential changes into its constitution this year. As a democratic country, Kazakhstan has undergone several significant constitutional reforms since its independence from the Soviet Union. The last one had occurred recently when the President of the country, Nursultan Nazarbayev, offered a transfer of power from President’s Administration onto Parliament and Prime Minister’s Office of Kazakhstan. The aim of these recent changes was to strengthen the Parliament’s role in dealing with legislations and make Prime Minister's Office more independent in developing a social and economic condition of the country. Indeed, president of the country wants to make ministries of the Republic of Kazakhstan to be more independent and strong in solving the inner problems of the country, while he is focusing on more global issues. Thus, the president’s decision to distribute the power was made only to improve and develop the state’s current political and economic conditions. Since good governance is the key to economic development, this decision of N.Nazarbayev was supported by many actors in the country including the "Nur Otan" Democratic People's Party (Nur Otan). In this paper, we discuss this transfer of power from the president to other branches of government such as parliament and ministries. To do so, researchers analyzed this particular constitutional reform from the viewpoint of the Nur Otan, people, and the international community...