Purpose This study proposes a problem-solving framework grounded in Total Quality Management (TQM) to enhance preparedness for future pandemics. By comparing COVID-19 responses in Japan, United States, Taiwan, and India, it examines how TQM principles can strengthen adaptive governance and public health resilience. Design/methodology/approach A comparative analysis of infection trajectories, policies, and behavioral responses was conducted across four countries/regions with different governance structures. TQM principles, particularly process integration and preventive design, were applied to explain variations in infection and mortality rates, and to systematize quality elements and risk governance frameworks in daily social processes. Findings Timely, science-aligned leadership, and structured social processes were essential for effective pandemic response. Taiwan’s early cross-sectoral coordination fostered trust and compliance. In Japan, bureaucratic decision-making delayed timely actions, while in United States, fragmented federal-state leadership hindered policy consistency. India’s socio-economic constraints limited process control. These cross-national contrasts demonstrate that institutional maturity, advanced healthcare infrastructure, and abundant public resources alone do not guarantee effective crisis management. Rather, TQM principles – science-based leadership, process assurance, digital risk communication, and protection of high-risk populations – are key to ensuring coherent governance and behavioral compliance under uncertainty. Originality/value This paper reconceptualizes pandemic preparedness as a quality assurance challenge. By integrating TQM with digital governance and risk stratification, it presents a structured, feedback-driven model for minimizing risk, promoting equity, and reinforcing resilience in public health systems.

Purpose This paper explores people’s responses and perception of information supplied by actors across various societal sectors during the COVID-19 pandemic in Japan, Germany, and the United States. Design/methodology/approach Descriptive and regression analyses were conducted using survey data covering 1,572 individuals in the three countries. Findings There are three key findings. First, information published by governments is considered highly reliable, while the perception of fairness was evaluated as second lowest after news media. Conversely, the perceived fairness of information provided by healthcare professionals is ranked relatively high. Information reliability from family/friends is almost as high as information disseminated by government and healthcare professionals, and the perceived fairness is the highest. Second, people transmit information from family/friends to others as actively as information given by governments and news media. Government information influences daily life the most, although the impact of information provided by news media and family/friends is also significant. Third, people tend to obtain information mainly from family/friends, news media, and government. However, the contact time for collecting information through social media is relatively low. Originality/value The study examines individual differences in information perception and attitude and analyses the association with individual characteristics to identify important factors.

Purpose The paper examines the challenges and strategies for cross-border urban planning coordination between Hengqin and Macao, China, under the “One Country, Two Systems” framework. By doing so, it aims to enhance regional integration within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. Design/methodology/approach This study employed a qualitative case study approach to analyze the current urban planning systems and practices in Hengqin and Macao, as well as the needs and obstacles associated with cross-border planning coordination. The research data were derived from an examination of national policies, a compilation of data from the National Bureau of Statistics, field research conducted between 2021 and 2024, and an analysis of 14 semi-structured interviews with relevant groups, including urban planners, cross-border commuters, and citizens in both places. Findings Significant differences exist in the social, cultural, and institutional systems between Hengqin and Macao, which hinder effective communication and exacerbate disparities in urban planning objectives, priorities, regulations, and technical standards. These challenges have resulted in contradictory planning practices, particularly in transportation and public facilities. Cross-border planning coordination remains in its infancy and requires immediate attention. This study proposes leveraging the “One Country, Two Systems” policy to establish a formal coordination mechanism and foster multi-level, effective communication to address these challenges. Originality/value This study explores the cross-border coordination mechanisms between the urban planning systems of Hengqin and Macao, thereby addressing a research gap in cross-border planning coordination under the “One Country, Two Systems” paradigm. It emphasizes the significance of such coordination, a concept that is frequently disregarded in practical applications, and provides pragmatic recommendations for Hengqin.

PurposeThis paper investigates how universities could offer more integrative curricula to enhance the skills of students. While many have historically narrowed the study of public policy to a mixture of economics, ethics, and politics, this paper extends beyond these walls to advance the discipline towards higher knowledge and effectiveness.Design/methodology/approachA literature review with a theory-building approach was employed to identify public policy’s central perspectives of economics, ethics, and politics, juxtaposed with an investigation of more peripheral perspectives. These perspectives are synthesized, and tangible examples of how to pursue pluralism are provided.FindingsWhile public policy has several common traits engrained in its literature and practice, the integration of additional perspectives, such as post-structural and psychoanalytic, can enhance disciplinary cognition and ultimately, spur virtuous policymaking. Referred to as ‘pluralist epistemology’, this approach is identified as a strategy that develops more innovative public service leaders. This type of critical thinking can be fundamental as institutions of higher education continue to seek dynamic ways to meet the evolving academic demands of the 21st century.Originality/valueThis paper examines alternative viewpoints that can be useful for studying public policy and encourages policy schools and programs to pursue pluralist epistemology. It fills a gap by offering a structured suite of actionable approaches that operationalize pluralist epistemology in public policy education.

Purpose This study aims to review the variety of smart city development projects in Guangdong-Hong Kong, Macao, and Shenzhen of the Greater Bay Area (GBA) of China, based on social, economic, and political factors. Design/methodology/approach A comparative and actor-focused political-economic method is applied to explore project-level smart city implementation models (SCIMs). A framework is first constructed to assess the state-market-community relationships of smart city projects. Subsequently, the array of smart city projects is examined, along with the explanations of how social, economic, and political factors influence these cities against the backdrop of the ‘One Country, Two Systems’ principle. Findings The findings show four varieties of SCIMs that highlighted proactive government support for smart city development, with place-specific strategies and pathways. With the state-market-community background and engagement of mega-technology firms, a variety of smart cities were found to exist and thrive. Originality/value This study reviews the political-economic framework of smart cities under the ‘One Country, Two Systems’ principle. Different SCIMs are examined and investigated, and the locally adopted pathway for smart city development are identified.

PurposeWith the broader adoption of United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and increased life expectancy, it is essential to understand the factors that shape well-being and quality of life of the elderly population. This paper aims to extend the existing body of knowledge by scrutinizing the crucial role of physical health and economic activity that contribute to well-being and quality of life in post-retirement age, especially for those aged 65 and above in the Czech Republic.Design/methodology/approachThe research utilizes data from the Czech sample (N=8,435) drawn from the annual Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE). Data from the survey waves conducted between 2010 and 2020 were analyzed by multivariate regression to reach the conclusion.FindingsThe key findings underscore the importance of economics-related well-being drivers, such as being employed or self-employed in post-retirement age, the household financial situation, and the interactions between the economic variables and the health status of the respondents. In particular, economic activity, i.e., being employed or self-employed positively influences the levels of well-being. Better perceived health was also positively related to the overall well-being. Overall well-being decreases with age. However, there were no differences concerning gender despite the expected differences in life expectancy.Originality/valueThis paper provides valuable insights for policymakers considering further support for integrating the post-retired population into the labour market through options such as partial employment contracts or self-employment.

PurposeIt is a challenge for Small-Cap companies, i.e., Small and Medium-sized listed companies in Hong Kong (“SMEs”) in Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) reporting as they may lack knowledge, skills and motivation. This paper investigates a spectrum of the drivers and barriers that these SMEs faced for better ESG reporting.Design/methodology/approachIn this study, 22 persons responsible for ESG reporting in their SMEs were interviewed. The results were analysed by using grounded theory with the assistance of concept mapping.FindingsRegulations and management support are the first two critical drivers, whereas lack of management support and lack of expertise are the first two significant barriers. To overcome the obstacles, various stakeholders including regulators, bankers, investors, customers, competitors, NGOs and employees have their roles to play. Stakeholder theory is most relevant in explaining the results as stakeholders can exert effective pulling forces by creating tangible benefits for SMEs, resulting in more substantial management support.Originality/valueThis is amongst the first comprehensive investigation on the motivational factors in SMEs’ ESG reporting. Policy makers should not only focus on the effort to upgrade the reporting standards but also contemplate more effective ways to balance the short-term and the long-term benefits of ESG reporting by mobilising various stakeholders to exert more influences.

The PAP journal was first published in 1992 and has been published online in open access on the Emerald Insight Platform since 2018. This year marks the 32nd anniversary of its first launch and 7th anniversary of its online publication with Emerald. It now publishes three issues with at least one special issue and around twenty-five articles per year. PAP attracted over 140 paper submissions from authors from 42 countries in 2023. Its articles were widely read and cited all over the world as the monthly download was over 15,000. PAP has obtained the 2023 Journal Impact Factor (JIF) of 1.4 as released by Clarivate, being abstracted and indexed by Emerging Sources Citation Index (ESCI). The Scopus/WoS Citations were 198 and 106 respectively in 2023 (increased from 152 and 83 in 2022) while the Scopus CiteScore index is of 2.5 (increased from 2.1). Under SJR (SCImago Journal Rank) Citations 2022, PAP is in Q2 under the categories of (1) Geography, Planning and Development; and (2) Sociology and Political Science. It is in Q3 of (3) Health (social science); and (4) Public Administration.

PurposeDuring the COVID-19 pandemic, Local Educational Management Units (UGELs), the key government stakeholders in the provision of education services in Peru, implemented responsive interventions. This paper analyses the relationship between UGEL organisational resilience and their responses during this period.Design/methodology/approachA survey was conducted to measure UGEL management practices, with 251 valid responses from directors and managers. Based on organisational resilience theory, 67 questions were grouped into 13 factors and 3 components: (1) leadership and organisational culture, (2) preparation for change, and (3) networks building on the Organisational Resilience Index (ORI). These factors correlated with the number of interventions and the impact of those interventions implemented by UGELs.FindingsThe findings indicated that of all ORI components, leadership and organisational culture ranked the highest. Moreover, the ORI is positively associated with the number of interventions and the perceived impact produced by those interventions. Interestingly, it was found that when the gender variable is included in the correlation between the ORI and the number of interventions, women leading UGELs display a higher number of interventions than their male counterparts; and the coefficient increases even more when women lead a UGEL in a more challenging context (i.e., when the UGEL is located in a low-income area and operates under scarce resources).Originality/valueThis is the first study in Peru which analyses organisational resilience in the education sector, specifically about UGELs during the COVID-19 pandemic. It may help set priorities for institutional strengthening initiatives aimed at improving organisational resilience, which is particularly important in such uncertain and changing contexts.

PurposeThis paper aims to examine the role of stakeholders and their interconnected relationships based on power and interests in realising sustainable development in coastal areas using the Maritime Village program in Tambaklorok, Semarang City, Indonesia as a case study.Design/methodology/approachData were collected from in-depth interviews and focus group discussions (FGD) with stakeholders, observations, as well as online news, and official government reports, followed by taxonomic analysis.FindingsThe results showed the four categories of stakeholders, namely players, context setters, subjects, and crowd. The Ministry of Public Works and Housing (PUPR), Regional Development Planning Agency (BAPPEDA) of Semarang City, Spatial Planning Agency (DISTARU) of Semarang City, and the Fisheries Office of Semarang City were found to be key players with a role in the success of the program. PT Pelindo (Indonesia Port Corporations) was identified as a context setter with low interests but high power, acting as an accelerator in the development program.Originality/valueThe originality of this study lied in its examination of the power and interests of stakeholders involved in government projects. It was recommended to strengthen coordination among the stakeholders to ensure the success of the program.