Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) are mostly presented as a means to introduce efficient procurement methods and better value for money to taxpayers. However, the complexity of the PPP mechanism, their lack of transparency, accounting rules and implicit liabilities make it often impossible to perceive the amount of public expenditure involved and the long-run impact on taxpayers, providing room for fiscal illusion, i.e., the illusion that PPPs are much less expensive than traditional public investments. This psaper, thanks to a systematic review of the literature on the EU countries experience, tries to unveil the sources of this illusion by looking at the reasons behind the PPPs’ choice, their real costs, and the sources of fiscal risks. The literature suggests that PPPs are more costly than public funding, especially when contingent liabilities are not taken into account, and are employed as mechanisms to circumvent budgetary restrictions and to spend off-balance. The paper concludes that the public sector should share more risks with private sectors by reducing the amount of guarantees, and should prevent governments from operating through a sleight of hand that deflects attention away from off-balance financing, by applying a neutral fiscal recording system.

The aim of this research is to explore the relationship between remuneration, job satisfaction, and employee performance. Remuneration, in this context, refer to a system synchronization that is based on performance appraisal result. In this, regard, the research employed a descriptive quantitative method, with a population comprising all University of Padjadjaran lecturers which were a total of 2,090. Furthermore, in order to gather the research sample, a probability sampling technique was employed. This technique was selected because of its reputation as the most general strategic sampling technique in quantitative research to achieve representativeness (1). The obtained result showed that there was a positive and significant relationship between the remuneration and job satisfaction of lecturers in University of Padjadjaran. Accordingly, a significant value of 0.000 < 0.05 and a t-count value of 19.330 > 1.95 was observed, meaning the H1 hypothesis in this research was accepted. It is also expedient to acknowledge that a positive and significant relationship was found between job satisfaction and the performance of the lecturers in study area. For this relationship, a significant value of 0.010 < 0.05 and a t-count value of 5.676 > 1.95 was found. These findings led to the acceptance of the H2 hypothesis proposed in this research. Similarly, the relationship between remuneration and the performance of the observed lecturers was found to be positive and significant. The observed significant value in this regard was 0.000 < 0.05 and the t-count value was 4.057 > 1.95, indicating that H3 hypothesis was also accepted. Lastly, the relationship between remuneration and employee performance mediated by job satisfaction of lecturer in University of Padjadjaran was explored, and it was found to also be positive and significant, with a significant value of 0.000 < 0.05 and a t-count value of 5.429 > 1.95. This indicated that the H4 hypothesis proposed in the research was accepted.

This study explores how public relations (PR) can give universities an edge in today’s competitive landscape. By examining past research, conducting interviews in 10 diverse cities in Vietnam, and analyzing case studies, it reveals the powerful link between PR strategies and student involvement. The research shows that well-crafted PR activities, tailored to different student groups and utilizing digital platforms, significantly impact student perceptions and enrollment decisions. It delves deeper than simply confirming PR’s effectiveness, offering insights into how specific PR tactics can resonate with student needs and expectations. Furthermore, it explores how PR influences student retention, highlighting the long-term benefits for universities. This research is a valuable tool for institutions seeking to thrive. By understanding the power of PR in shaping student decisions, universities can tailor their outreach efforts more effectively. Additionally, the study emphasizes the lasting advantages of a strategic PR approach, contributing to a broader discussion on its importance in higher education. Ultimately, these findings benefit both institutions and students, who can expect improved transparency, engagement, and communication within their academic communities.

Modern technologies have intensified innovations and necessitated changes in public service processes and operations. Continuous employee learning development (CELD) is one means of the molecule-atom that keep employees motivated and sustain competitiveness. The study explored the efficacy of CELD in relation to modern technology in the South African (SA) public service departments between 2014 to 2023 era. Departments are faced with challenge of equipping their employees with adequate professional and technical skills for both the present and the future in order to deliver specific government priorities. Data for the study were gathered utilizing a qualitative semi-structured e-questionnaire. The study sample consisted of 677 human capital development practitioners from national and provincial government departments in SA. The inefficacy CELD and the inadequacy of technological infrastructure and service delivery can be attributed to the failure by executive management and senior managers to invest in CELD to prepare employees for digital world. It is recommended that departments should use Ruggles’s knowledge management, Kirkpatrick’s training, and Becker and Schultz’s human capital models as sound measurement tools in order to gain a true return on investment. The study adds pragmatic insight into the value of CELD in the new technological environment in public service departments.

The state delivery of affordable and sustainable housing continues to be a complicated challenge in Africa, and there is a need to encourage private sector participation. As a result, this study examines the risks associated with private sector participation in affordable housing and supporting infrastructure investment and the strategies towards mitigating the risks from an Afrocentric perspective. The evidence from a systematic literature review was coupled with the opinion of an international expert panel to address the paper’s aim and provide recommendations for developing improved housing and supporting infrastructure in Sub-Saharan Africa. The review outcomes and the qualitative data from the panel discussion were analysed using thematic analysis. The results revealed that market dynamics, land supply and acquisition constraints, cost of construction materials, unsupportive policies, and technical and financial factors constitute risks to affordable housing in the region. Mitigation strategies include leveraging joint efforts, strengths, and resource bases, increasing access to land and finance for private sector participation, developing a supportive government framework to promote an enabling environment for easy access to land acquisition and development finance, local production of building materials, research and technology adoption. In line with the United Nations (UN) Agenda 2030 targets and principles, reforms are required across the housing value chain, involving the private sector and community. Application of the study’s recommendations could minimise the risks of affordable housing delivery and enhance private sector participation.