bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Shaping an Evaluation Framework for Simulations
Authors: Kappers Wendi M.
Published: August 2019

This chapter presents a hypothesized evaluation framework for measuring the effectiveness of simulations for learning, while indirectly providing an instructional design framework. The proposed framework was formulated using course design concepts, a newly emerged purpose-based simulation taxonomy, and a frame using Kolb's Experiential Learning Theory. To examine the untested taxonomy, which posited an alignment between purpose-based simulation categories to that of Bloom, an analysis reviewing literature within the last decade identified 80 articles. Correlation analysis indicated the area of application when compared to that of a modeling-based simulation type presented the strongest relationship. A summary section includes various domain examples to demonstrate an initial examination for fit to the newly proposed framework.
Improvement of the Transmission of Information for ICT Techniques Through CBEDE Methodology
Authors: França Reinaldo Padilha , Iano Yuzo , Monteiro Ana Carolina Borges , Arthur Rangel
Published: August 2019

There is no single and universal definition for ICT (information and communication technology). The term is normally adopted to all devices, networking components, applications, and systems that allow combined people, companies, and organizations (i.e., businesses, nonprofit agencies, governments, and enterprises) to interact in the digital world, the modern era. In this digitally globalized world, we deal with a huge set of data all the time. Data refers to facts, events, actions, activities, and transactions which have been and can be recorded (i.e., the raw material from which information is produced), nurturing the infrastructure and components that enable modern computing. Based on this, the present study aims to implement a discrete events-based model with advanced modulation format DQPSK in a simulation environment, the Simulink of MATLAB software, aiming to improve the transmission of information in communication systems. The results show better computational performance related to memory utilization related to compression of the information, showing an improvement of up to 92.6%.
Effects of Internet on Tourism Marketing
Authors: Uğur Nihan Garipağaoğlu
Published: August 2019

The purpose of this study is to search for the difference between traditional marketing and electronic marketing on tourism. The data is based on empirical researches and literature reviews. The study is based on descriptive analysis. An overview of this study indicates that hotels and mostly visitors prefer to use an online reservation system and online travel agencies. This study provides tourism suppliers with ways to use electronic marketing and communication with visitors. Also, tourism suppliers are able to prepare marketing strategies based on visitor choice to use while travel planning.
Electronic Payment Systems in Electronic Commerce
Authors: Kuscu Rana Atabay , Cicekcisoy Yasemin , Bozoklu Umit
Published: August 2019

Technological advances and correspondingly the spreading usage of the Internet have significantly changed commerce, and also the concept of money has become more abstract. Customers with the help of the technological advances don't have the necessity of cash money, and consumers/firms tend towards alternative payment methods. At this point, electronic commerce (e-commerce) web sites have started to use block chaining payment methods. In this digital world, new payment technologies have started to spread far and wide thanks to fast improvements in payment technologies, and they offer different options in payment methods. Each electronic payment (e-payment) system has some advantages; however, each of them has some disadvantages as well. The aim of this study is to investigate the e-payment systems which are different from traditional payment methods.
Can Interlending and Document Supply Be Undervalued
Authors: Enakrire Rexwhite Tega
Published: August 2019

The multifarious task of information services, which academic libraries are saddled with, continues to require the support of interlending and document supply from other libraries, in order to meet users' increasing information needs. The rationale that spurs this drive was the shifting nature of operations from traditional to virtual/technological platforms. This article employed the qualitative research approach grounded on documents/textual content analysis of literature extracted from databases of Scopus, Science Direct, and LISTA. Findings revealed that academic libraries should utilize interlending and document supply to fulfill growing and diverse demands for information. The ability to fulfill information needs requires diverse knowledge and the skills of librarians, information resources, and infrastructure to strengthen interlending and document supply. The study recommends the adaptation of grey literature as part of the collection development, cooperation with library associations and securing funding for academic libraries in Nigeria as the way forward.
Web-Based Information for Patients and Providers
Authors: Lejbkowicz Izabella
Published: August 2019

The exponential development of Information Technologies revolutionized healthcare. A significant aspect of this revolution is the access to health information in the Internet. The Internet World Stats estimates that 56.8% of the world population used the Internet in March 2019, an increase of 1,066% from 2000. According to The Pew Research Center survey of 2012 81% of Americans used the internet and 72% of them searched for health information. Even though there is a lack in more recent data on the percentage of online health information seekers, it is clear that this trend is on the rise. This chapter focuses on the characteristics of the search for online health information by patients and providers, investigates features related to the quality of health web sites, and discusses the impact of these searches on healthcare.
Patient-Centered Empowerment Through Evidence-Based Engagement in Sensitive Clinical Settings
Authors: Reychav Iris , McHaney Roger W. , Zhu Lin , Moshonov Rami
Published: August 2019

Patient-centered empowerment is enhanced through evidence-based engagement in stressful medical situations. The current study provided expert-vetted educational materials in dynamic text and video formats using the 5S approach. The materials are relevant, reliable, and readable for patients with abnormal Pap test results. Findings indicated patients that understood the information better were more engaged. Engagement was measured using a coding system that kept track of explicitly shared information, requested recommendations, and tacit knowledge during patient-physician interaction. Other outcomes were that dynamic text had a greater impact on engagement in both initial and follow-up meetings. Important findings included that those who found the dynamic text relevant had their social well-being, self-esteem, optimism, and acceptance improved in initial meetings. Those who found the dynamic text reliable were more confident in the relationship with their physician in follow-up meetings and felt their social well-being was improved in both initial and follow-up meetings.
Marketing Strategies with Private Labels During Economic Recession
Authors: Gümüş Niyazi , Geçti Fatih , Yılmaz Ali
Published: August 2019

It is important for retailers to be prepared for these difficult times because economic recession periods can cause serious changes in consumer behavior. Private label product strategy is one of these strategies, since the price sensitivity of consumers is increasing during bad economic times. Therefore, retailers have to give more importance to private label products in order to both pull through these difficult times with minimum casualty and increase their market share after these periods. The main purpose of this study is to investigate the marketing strategies of retailers with private label products during an economic recession. In order to reach this aim, several research questions were asked, and the related literature and practices were examined to answer these questions. It is expected that this study will provide a different perspective by contributing to the academicians and practitioners working in this field.
Package Communication
Authors: Yildirim Emre
Published: August 2019

Today's private label products are not as in the past and trying to compete with the national brands. They generate a significant threat through the premiumness packaging for them. In this context, eight food products from the brand Harras, which belongs to File Market, have been analyzed in terms of premiumness perception. To this end, a premiumness filter has been generated through the literature and these products selected based on it. After conducting a focus group, the findings show that the factors such as black and gold colors, thin, upright and minimalistic design, durable and soft materials, differentiation and authenticity via reflecting the intrinsic value of the products generate a premiumness perception. Moreover, other factors such as bright red color of tea, transparent window, and the usability of the package after the consumption under the new dimension “culture” are also found the factors that evoke a premium image.
Customer Segmentation and Factors Affecting Willingness to Order Private Label Brands
Authors: Jagani Khyati , Oza Falguni Vasavada , Chauhan Himani
Published: August 2019

E-grocery as a retail service of delivering grocers to consumer's door step is a new phenomenon for Indian consumers. Private label brands of e-grocery retail creates a new level of complication for consumers. As consumers are familiar with private label brands of popular supermarkets through past experience, they are not aware about private label brands of e-grocery retailer and therefore have not developed a level of trust with the private label brands making them reluctant to purchase private label brands from e-grocery retailers. However, there is lack of research done to understand the consumer attitude towards private label brands available on the e-grocery platform. Therefore, the purpose of the present study is to focus on two key areas: first, on types of private label brand buyers on e-grocery sites based on consumer reaction towards private label brands; and second, situations where consumers show their willingness-to-purchase private label brands on e-grocery site.
The Relationship Between Sales Promotion Activities, Private Label Attitudes, and Purchase Intention
Authors: Aykaç Ömer Sezai , Yilmaz Aykut
Published: August 2019

This chapter examines the effect of sales promotion activities for PLs on consumers attitudes toward PLs and how these attitudes influence their purchase intentions. Regarding this objective, three hard-discount retail stores that have the highest number of branches around Turkey were included in the study. In addition to this, the PLs of dairy product category from each of the retail stores were examined, since is frequently consumed and dairy PLs have high market shares in most of the countries. In the scope of the study, 756 surveys were gathered and analyzed. Regarding the results, it was seen that the effect of sales promotion activities on consumers' attitudes toward PLs is 0.30. Moreover, the effect of consumers' attitudes toward PLs on their purchase intentions is 0.48, which means that if consumers' attitudes toward PLs can be developed in a positive way, it will increase their intention to purchase these products or brands by 48%. The findings of the study provide important implications to the practitioners and scholars in marketing and retailing fields.
The daily physiotherapy regimen in cystic fibrosis?
Authors: Davids L. M.
Published: August 2019

The aim of this paper is to question the accepted physiotherapy regimen for children with Fibrocystic Disease. Is it the most effective way of keeping the lungs clear of secretions? How much are we imposing added stress on an already stressed family? Is it not possible to design a programme which reduces stress and is socially acceptable?The traditional physiotherapy regimen of breathing exercises, postural drainage and percussion is described. Forced expiratory technique is described as well as various forms of nebulisation.The psychological impact on the family of a chronic, life-threatening disease, is discussed. Compliance with set physiotherapy regimens and the family's (especially the mother's) reaction to them is discussed.The most recent literature on the effectiveness of traditional physiotherapy techniques is reviewed.From this review as well as from personal experience, it is concluded that a rigid physiotherapy regimen is stressful and compliance is frequently poor. Suggestions are made on how to overcome this. It is stressed that this paper deals with the home programme, not with the hospital programme for acute exacerbations of the disease.
Evolving a national preventive protocol for vertical transmission of group B streptococcus in a low-resource country: The culture-based approach
Authors: Abdulbaki Mariam , Ijaiya Munirdeen , Fadeyi Abayomi , Adesiyun Omotayo , Adeniran Abiodun , Aliyu Onozare , Jimoh Abdulgafar
Published: August 2019

Objective: The study objective was to determine the role and applicability of the culture-based approach to Group B Streptococcus(GBS) screening and the effect on pregnancy outcome. Materials and Methods: This is a prospective cross-sectional study involving 166 consenting antenatal clinic attendees at 35–37 weeks' gestation using purposive sampling. All participants had vaginal and rectal swabs collected and cultured with the availability of culture results at the time of presentation in labor. All GBS-colonized mothers received intrapartum prophylaxis with parenteral antibiotics based on antibiotic sensitivity from the onset of labor or the rupture of membrane until delivery. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS software version 21.0, while P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The GBS maternal prevalence was 7.8%, and culture-positive women had both vaginal and rectal colonization. Marital status (P = 0.002), multiple sexual partners (P =0.001), previous sexually transmitted infections (P = 0.013), and low socioeconomic status (P = 0.012) were significantly associated with GBS colonization. GBS isolates were 100% sensitive to ampicillin, all participants had a minimum of two doses of intrapartum prophylaxis with parenteral ampicillin, there was no maternal morbidity, and the vertical transmission of GBS was 0%. Conclusions: The culture-based approach and the culture-based maternal intrapartum prophylaxis prevented both maternal and neonatal complications from GBS. Establishing regional- and national-level preventive protocols will be a central strategy for the prevention.
Proposed Amendment to the Articles of Agreement on the Reform of the IMF Executive Board and Fourteenth General Review of Quotas—Status of Acceptances and Consents
Authors:   International Monetary Fund
Published: August 2019

This paper updates the status of consents to the proposed quota increases under the 14th General Review of Quotas and of acceptances of the Proposed Seventh Amendment on the Reform of the Executive Board (“Board Reform Amendment”) as set out in the Board of Governors Resolution No. 66-2.
Extension of the Period for Consent to Increase Quotas Under the Fourteenth General Review of Quotas, the 2008 Reform of Quota and Voice, and the Eleventh General Review of Quotas
Authors:   International Monetary Fund
Published: August 2019

This paper proposes a six-month extension of the period for consent to increase quotas under the Fourteenth General Review of Quotas. The current deadline is due to expire on December 31, 2011; however, Resolution No. 66-2 provides that the Executive Board may extend the period for consent as it may determine. An extension under the Board of Governor’s Resolution No. 66-2 will also extend the periods of consent for quota increases under the 2008 Reform of Quota and Voice (Resolution No. 63-2) and the Eleventh General Review of Quotas (Resolution No. 53-2).
Classification of Low-Income Countries for the Purpose of Debt Limits in Fund-Supported Programs - 2011 Update
Authors:   International Monetary Fund
Published: August 2019

This short paper informs the Executive Board of staff’s assessment of macroeconomic and public financial management capacity (henceforth “capacity”) in PRGT-eligible countries (henceforth “low-income countries”) with Fund-supported programs for the purpose of setting debt limits. Capacity plays an important role in the framework for debt limits. This framework includes a menu of options for concessionality requirements to reflect the diversity of situations in low-income countries (LICs). Eligibility for a particular option is related to an assessment of debt vulnerabilities and capacity.
The Fund's Income Position for FY 2012--Midyear Review
Authors:   International Monetary Fund
Published: August 2019

This paper updates the outlook for the Fund’s income position for FY 2012. The overall outlook is broadly unchanged, with the FY 2012 net operational income now projected at SDR 500 million compared with the projection of SDR 482 million in April 2011. This primarily reflects additional lending activity, which is partially offset by lower implicit returns on the Fund’s interest-free resources owing to the prevailing interest rate environment.1 The actual outcome is subject to considerable uncertainty in light of conditions in the global economy, which could affect the timing and amounts of disbursements under current and potential new arrangements and the performance of the Investment Account (IA).
Guidance Note on Letters and Statements Assessing Members’ Economic Conditions and Policies
Authors:   International Monetary Fund
Published: August 2019

This note provides guidance on the need for, content, review and circulation of assessment letters or statements. Such letters or statements may be prepared for countries with programs supported by the Fund through financial assistance or a policy support instrument, countries receiving Fund emergency assistance, countries with staff-monitored programs (SMPs), or surveillance-only cases
Poverty Reduction and Growth Trust - Review of Interest Rate Structure
Authors:   International Monetary Fund
Published: August 2019

This is the first review of the interest rate mechanism approved under the 2009 reforms of the Fund’s concessional lending facilities. The mechanism links the Poverty Reduction and Growth Trust (PRGT) interest rate structure to world interest rates and provides a setting to differentiate interest rates across the various PRGT facilities. The framework requires reviews every two years, with the first such review to be completed by December 31, 2011.
A New Rule for Setting the Margin for the Basic Rate of Charge
Authors:   International Monetary Fund
Published: August 2019

In April 2008, the Executive Board adopted a package of measures to reform the Fund’s income model. This followed an intensive work program building on the recommendations of an independent committee appointed by the Managing Director to study options for sustainable long-term financing for the Fund. The resulting new income model aims to broaden the Fund’s income sources and reduce its reliance on lending income as the primary source of revenue. This new model includes: (i) creating an endowment funded with the profits from a limited sale of the Fund’s gold holdings; (ii) expanding the Fund’s investment authority to enhance the expected return on the Fund’s investments; and (iii) resuming the practice of reimbursing the General Resources Account (GRA) for the cost of administering the PRG Trust
The WTO Doha Trade Round - Unlocking the Negotiations and Beyond
Authors:   International Monetary Fund
Published: August 2019

This note provides an update on the status of Doha negotiations and an outlook on significant non-Doha trade issues that should be tackled in the near future. Section II investigates what has stalled progress on Doha since the IMF Executive Board was last briefed in October 2008 (World Bank and IMF, 2008). Section III illustrates that notable gains would come from a Doha conclusion, both from actual new market access and--perhaps more crucially--from the added trade security that Doha would bring. However, Section IV suggests that the time may now have come to devote more resources to discussing important non-Doha issues at the WTO. Section V concludes that the Fund should continue to support both a Doha conclusion as well as the important work on non-Doha issues.
Statement by the Managing Director on the Work Program of the Executive Board - Executive Board Meeting - October 31, 2011
Authors:   International Monetary Fund
Published: August 2019

The global economy has entered a dangerous new phase with severe downside risks. The Fund has been called by the IMFC to contribute to an orderly resolution of these tensions, and the membership must be prepared for bold action. Our first responsibility is to help develop and coordinate solutions to immediate threats to global stability, in particular to provide insightful analysis and policy advice to address fiscalfinancial vulnerabilities and rekindle growth and job creation. Yet we must also be prepared to fortify the global financial safety net. Secondly, we must redouble efforts to make the international monetary system (IMS) stronger in the longer term—through more effective surveillance and a clearer shared vision of the system’s key underpinnings.
Managing Director's Statement on Strengthening Surveillance - 2011 Triennial Surveillance Review
Authors:   International Monetary Fund
Published: August 2019

After inputs from country authorities, outside experts, and staff; after extensive deliberations at the Executive Board; after further guidance from ministers and governors at the IMFC meetings—after all that, we need to move from diagnosis to action. The goal of making surveillance as interconnected as the world economy remains an inherently long-term endeavor. Nevertheless, building on recent progress, we can do better even in the near term. I want to take this opportunity to put forward some specific measures, based on Executive Directors’ many thoughtful comments and suggestions (Table 1)
Guidance Note on the New Design for Article IV Consultation Reports
Authors:   International Monetary Fund
Published: August 2019

Earlier in 2011, Management approved a new design covering both the design and structure for stand-alone Article IV staff reports. All stand-alone Article IV reports issued to the Board after September 1 are being prepared in the new format. It is anticipated that this new design will be rolled out gradually over the course of the next fiscal year for other country reports and policy documents.
Managing Director's Consolidated Multilateral Surveillance Report to the International Monetary and Financial Committee
Authors:   International Monetary Fund
Published: August 2019

The global economy has entered a dangerous phase. Policy makers must act boldly to finish the job they began in 2009, lest the gains from the recovery since then be lost. Collective action can put the global economy on a path to strong, sustainable, and balanced growth.
Safeguards Assessments - 2011 Update
Authors:   International Monetary Fund
Published: August 2019

Under the Fund’s safeguards policy introduced in 2000, assessments of central banks are carried out for countries seeking financing from the IMF. They are part of the Fund’s approach to prudent lending and complement the Fund’s other safeguards such as program design, conditionality, and access limits, to name a few. The assessments aim to provide reasonable assurance that governance and controls can protect Fund resources from misuse and guard against misreporting of monetary data used for program monitoring purposes.
2011 Triennial Surveillance Review - Report of the External Advisory Group
Authors:   International Monetary Fund
Published: August 2019

This report was prepared by the External Advisory Group (EAG) for the 2011 Triennial Surveillance Review (TSR). The Group comprised the following members: Shankar Acharya, Marc Antoine Autheman, Kemal Dervis, Martin Hellwig, Takatoshi Ito, David Li, Pedro Malan, Stephen Pickford, Chukwuma Charles Soludo, Umayya Toukan, and Edwin Truman.

The EAG was set up to provide an independent check on staff’s analysis and recommendations which are set out in the 2011 Triennial Surveillance Review—Overview Paper. The EAG contributed in written form and met twice during the course of the Triennial Surveillance Review (TSR)—on April 18 and July 29, 2011—to discuss the direction, emerging findings, and recommendations of the review.
2011 Triennial Surveillance Review - Overview Paper
Authors:   International Monetary Fund
Published: August 2019

This paper assesses progress in strengthening Fund surveillance and identifies needed improvements. It differs from past reviews insofar as it: (A) encompasses not only bilateral but also multilateral surveillance; and (B) steps-up external inputs in the form of studies by outside observers, commentaries, and assessment of recommendations by an external advisory group.
2011 Triennial Surveillance Review - Review of the 2007 Surveillance Decision and the Broader Legal Framework for Surveillance
Authors:   International Monetary Fund
Published: August 2019

This paper reviews the 2007 Surveillance Decision and the broader legal framework for surveillance. While the 2007 Surveillance Decision on Bilateral Surveillance over Members’ Policies (thereafter, the 2007 Decision) requires the Fund to review the decision itself, this paper takes a broader view. It recognizes that the 2007 Decision cannot be assessed in isolation from the legal framework it derives from, i.e., the Articles of Agreement, and that a debate on the adequacy of this broader framework is also necessary. The paper therefore discusses the strengths and limitations of the current system as set out in both the Articles of Agreement (primarily, Article IV) and the 2007 Decision and explores options going forward.
2011 Triennial Surveillance Review - External Study - IMF Surveillance
Authors:   International Monetary Fund
Published: August 2019

External study prepared by Stephen Pickford, former IMF/World Bank Executive Director for the United Kingdom and former Managing Director of International and Europe at H.M. Treasury and G-20 Finance Deputy, United Kingdom:

Surveillance (both bilateral and multilateral) is a key instrument for the Fund’s crisis prevention role, analyzing economic developments and policies at national, regional and global levels. It also identifies risks and vulnerabilities, and forms the main basis for the Fund‘s discussions with policy-makers.
Niger - Assessment Letter for the World Bank and the European Union
Authors:   International Monetary Fund
Published: August 2019

Niger’s macroeconomic performance in 2010 was strong, mainly reflecting the exceptional 2010–11 harvest. The bumper crop and the completion of the year-long transition to democracy have also brightened the near-term economic outlook. The recently-adopted revised 2011 budget foresees an increase in expenditure financed in large part by the expected pick-up in external support, helped by the freeing up of resources as ill-targeted fuel price subsidies are gradually phased out. The authorities have expressed a wish to initiate discussions on an economic program that could be supported by the Fund under the Extended Credit Facility in the coming months.
Framework Administered Account for Selected Fund Activities - African Development Bank Subaccount for Selected Fund Activities
Authors:   International Monetary Fund
Published: August 2019

In March 2009, the Fund established a new Framework Administered Account to administer external financial resources for Selected Fund Activities (the "SFA Instrument"). The financing of activities under the terms of the SFA Instrument is implemented through the establishment and operation of a subaccount within the SFA. This paper requests Executive Board approval to establish the African Development Bank (the “AfDB”) Subaccount for Selected Fund Activities (the “Subaccount”) under the terms of the SFA instrument.
Review of the Fund’s Involvement in the G-20 Mutual Assessment Process
Authors:   International Monetary Fund
Published: August 2019

This paper responds to the Board’s call for a review of the Fund’s role in the G-20 Mutual Assessment Process (MAP) after about a year of implementation. The review covers the period from December 2009 to the April 2011 meeting of the G-20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors in Washington. It considers the Fund’s inputs against the background of the evolving MAP and discusses expectations for this work going forward. The paper does not review the G-20 MAP itself. The implications of broader G-20 Fund cooperation for the Fund’s own surveillance will be discussed in the forthcoming TSR.
Notification of Effectiveness of Partial Distribution of the General Reserve Attributed to Windfall Gold Sale Profits
Authors:   International Monetary Fund
Published: August 2019

On February 24, 2012, the Executive Board approved a partial distribution of the general reserve equivalent to SDR 700 million attributed to part of the gold sales windfall profits to all members in proportion to their quotas.
2011 Review of Conditionality - Technical Appendices
Authors:   International Monetary Fund
Published: August 2019

This section provides the background studies relating to dimensions of Fund policy on conditionality. Appendix 1 provides a review of Fund experience with coordination, both in a low-income country (LIC) setting (in African programs) and in an emerging market and advanced economy setting in the European Union (EU) and Euro Area (EA). Appendix 2 summarizes the recent changes to debt limits in LICs and provides an assessment of the implementation of this policy in the early stages (up to mid-February 2011). Appendix 3 reviews the experience of countries with the Flexible Credit Line (FCL) and Precautionary Credit Line (PCL)-supported programs. Appendix 4 examines the impact of the 2009 Special Drawing Rights (SDR) allocation on program design
Enhancing Financial Sector Surveillance in Low-Income Countries - Case Studies
Authors:   International Monetary Fund
Published: August 2019

This supplement presents ten case studies, which highlight the roles of targeted policies to facilitate sustainable financial deepening in a variety of country circumstances, reflecting historical experiences that parallel a range of markets in LICs. The case studies were selected to broadly capture efforts by countries to increase reach (e.g., financial inclusion), depth (e.g., financial intermediation), and breadth of financial systems (e.g., capital market, cross-border development). The analysis in the case studies highlights the importance of a balanced approach to financial deepening. A stable macroeconomic environment is vital to instill consumer, institutional, and investor confidence necessary to encourage financial market activity. Targeted public policy initiatives (e.g., collateral, payment systems development) can be helpful in removing impediments and creating infrastructure for improved market operations, while ensuring appropriate oversight and regulation of financial markets, to address potential sources of instability and market failures.
Poverty Reduction and Growth Trust - Review of Interest Rate Structure
Authors:   International Monetary Fund
Published: August 2019

This paper provides the basis for the second review of the interest rate structure approved under the 2009 reforms of the Fund’s concessional lending facilities. Based on the application of the Poverty Reduction and Growth Trust (PRGT) interest rate mechanism, PRGT interest rates for 2015–16 would be zero percent for both the Extended Credit Facility (ECF) and Rapid Credit Facility (RCF), and 0.25 percent for the Stand-by Credit Facility (SCF). The interest rate on remaining balances of the Exogenous Shock Facility (ESF) is not set by the PRGT interest mechanism and it would be 0.25 percent. In accordance with the PRGT Instrument, the next review of PRGT interest rates will take place by December 31, 2016.
Reform of the Policy on Public Debt Limits in Fund-Supported Programs—Proposed Decision and Proposed New Guidelines
Authors:   International Monetary Fund
Published: August 2019

This supplement refers to the reforms proposed in Reform of the Policy on Public Debt Limits in Fund-Supported Programs to the existing framework governing external debt limits in Fund arrangements, and presents the proposed decision that is needed to implement these reforms. The proposed new guidelines are included in the Attachment to the decision, while Annexes I and II set forth for the convenience of Executive Directors include redlined texts that show revisions against the current guidelines and to the Policy Support Instrument decision, respectively
Statement by the Managing Director on the Work Program of the Executive Board - Executive Board Meeting - November 24, 2014
Authors:   International Monetary Fund
Published: August 2019

The Managing Director’s Global Policy Agenda (GPA) presented to the IMFC in October identified a range of actions needed to prevent growth from settling into a “new mediocre” with unacceptably low job creation and inclusion. These actions included managing eventual monetary normalization in advanced economies and its effects on other economies, growth-friendly fiscal policies to enhance the quality of public expenditure and reduce distortions in revenue collection, policies to safeguard financial stability while strengthening credit transmission, structural reforms to buttress productivity and strengthen growth, and increasing investment in infrastructure. The GPA also outlined how the Fund would support the membership through assessments and policy advice provided in the context of multilateral and bilateral surveillance, capacity building, and financial support.
Recent Fall in the SDR Interest Rate--Implications and Proposed Amendments to Rule T-1
Authors:   International Monetary Fund
Published: August 2019

The SDR interest rate is at historic lows. Under the current Rule T-1, the SDR interest rate is calculated as the weighted average of interest rate instruments in the SDR basket, and stood at just 3 basis points for the week of October 13th. Market rates could decline further, which could reduce the SDR interest rate to zero or negative levels under the formula of the current Rule T-1.

However, there is no authority under the Articles of Agreement for the Fund to establish a zero or negative SDR interest rate. The wording of the relevant provisions in the Articles does not leave room for a zero or negative rate, and nothing in the legislative history of the First and Second Amendments suggests that zero or negative rates were ever contemplated. Negative SDR interest rates would also have adverse implications for the Fund’s finances.

Moreover, very low SDR interest rates affect the functioning of the burden sharing mechanism for deferred charges. Under current Board decisions, the equal burden sharing, where creditors and debtors as a group generate equal amounts to cover deferred charges, requires a minimum positive SDR interest rate to operate. The SDR interest rate has now fallen below that minimum level.

This paper proposes technical amendments to Rule T-1 and the burden sharing mechanism to address these issues. In particular, the paper proposes setting a 5 basis point floor on the SDR interest rate, changing the rounding rules on the SDR interest rate and the burden sharing adjustment, and reducing the 1 basis point minimum of the burden sharing adjustment to 0.1 basis point. These measures would preserve a minimal capacity of equal burden sharing aimed at protecting the Fund’s balance sheet, while limiting potential departures of the SDR interest rate from market interest rates.
Arab Countries in Transition - Economic Outlook and Key Challenges
Authors:   International Monetary Fund
Published: August 2019

In spite of deepening and spreading conflicts in the region, as well as, in many cases, a challenging internal socio-political environment, the Arab Countries in Transition (Egypt, Jordan, Libya, Morocco, Tunisia and Yemen) have broadly maintained macroeconomic stability. At the same time, however, their economies are not delivering the growth rates needed for a meaningful reduction in unemployment, in particular for the youth and women. Notwithstanding diversity of conditions, countries should quickly advance structural reforms to foster higher and more inclusive growth, and continue to strengthen fiscal and external buffers to maintain stability amid heightened uncertainty. Coordinated support from the international community will be crucial in the form of financing, improved trade access, and capacity building assistance.
Report on the Incidence of Longer-Term Program Engagement
Authors:   International Monetary Fund
Published: August 2019

Longer-term program engagement (LTPE) occurs when a member has spent at least seven of the past 10 years under Fund-supported financial arrangements. In response to the Executive Board’s request for periodic updates on the incidence of LTPEs, this is the fifteenth such report and provides information through September 1, 2014
Safeguards Assessments - 2014 Update
Authors:   International Monetary Fund
Published: August 2019

The safeguards policy aims to mitigate the potential risks of misuse of resources, including Fund resources, and misreporting of program monetary data. The policy, introduced in 2000, is an integral part of the Fund’s financing policies and complements other safeguards, such as program design, conditionality, and access limits. Safeguards assessments of central banks of the borrowing member are required for almost all forms of Fund financing, and are followed by a period of monitoring for as long as Fund credit is outstanding.
IMF Policies and Practices on Capacity Development
Authors:   International Monetary Fund
Published: August 2019

This statement summarizes the IMF’s policies and practices with regard to the delivery of capacity development (CD) activities. It updates the 2001 Policy Statement on IMF Technical Assistance, incorporating the principles outlined in the 2013 CD strategy paper approved by the Executive Board as well as relevant principles described in earlier documents considered by the Executive Board.1 The purpose of the statement is to consolidate the guiding principles endorsed by the Board with policies and practices that are within the authority of IMF’s Management and are followed by staff in carrying out capacity development activities. The statement is expected to be of use to IMF staff, Executive Directors and their staff, country authorities, and donors. It also serves as a point of reference for future reviews of the IMF’s CD activities.
Statement by the Managing Director on the Independent Evaluation Office Report on Recurring Issues from a Decade of Evaluation
Authors:   International Monetary Fund
Published: August 2019

The Managing Director welcomes the IEO's novel report, which identifies recurring issues from past evaluations and assesses progress in addressing them. The report's focus on organizational silos, attention to risks and uncertainty, country and institutional context, evenhandedness, and Executive Board guidance and oversight is appropriate given their relevance and importance for the effectiveness and credibility of IMF operations.
The Consolidated Medium-Term Income and Expenditure Framework
Authors:   International Monetary Fund
Published: August 2019

The medium-term income projections have been updated since the last estimate provided to the Executive Board in April 2013. Lending income is higher compared with the earlier estimates as a result of new arrangements approved since April 2013. Non-lending income is lower primarily due to revised projections for investment income. The updated expenditure path assumes the net administrative budget remains constant in real terms at the FY 2014 level, implying a nominal medium-term path that is somewhat higher than in the April 2013 projections. Precautionary balances are projected to reach the current target of SDR 20 billion in FY 2018. The projections also illustrate a broad balance between income and expenditures even if lending were to return to pre-crisis levels.
Provisional Agenda for the Twenty-Ninth Meeting of the International Monetary and Financial Committee
Authors:   International Monetary Fund
Published: August 2019

The following is the provisional agenda for the Twenty-Ninth Meeting of the International Monetary and Financial Committee, which is to be convened at the IMF's Headquarters in Washington, D.C. on April 11, 2014.
Extension of the Period for Consent to Increase Quotas Under the Fourteenth General Review of Quotas, the 2008 Reform of Quota and Voice, and the Eleventh General Review of Quotas
Authors:   International Monetary Fund
Published: August 2019

This paper proposes a further six-month extension of the period for consent to increase quotas under the Fourteenth General Review of Quotas. The current deadline is due to expire on December 31, 2015, however, Board of Governors Resolution No. 66-2 provides that the Executive Board may extend the period for consent as it may determine. An extension under Resolution No. 66-2 will also extend the periods of consent for quota increases under the 2008 Reform of Quota and Voice (Resolution No. 63-2) and the Eleventh General Review of Quotas (Resolution No. 53-2).

As of December 14, 2015, 21 members have not yet consented to their proposed quota increases under Resolution No. 66-2 (see Appendix I). Once the conditions for effectiveness of the individual quota increases are met, members may then pay for their quota increases to make them effective.
The Acting Chair’s Summing Up - Independent Evaluation Office—Self Evaluation at the IMF—An IEO Assessment - Executive Board Meeting 15/89 - September 18, 2015
Authors:   International Monetary Fund
Published: August 2019

Executive Directors welcomed the report by the Independent Evaluation Office (IEO) on self-evaluation at the IMF, the accompanying statement on the report by the Managing Director, and the IEO’s response. They were encouraged by the report’s findings that there is considerable self-evaluation at the IMF; that such self-evaluation is generally of high quality; and that it contributes usefully to reforms in policies and operations. At the same time, they also noted the finding that there are gaps and weaknesses in the Fund’s self-evaluation. Against this background, Directors considered the recommendations of the report to adopt an overall policy for self-evaluation; conduct self-assessments for every IMF-supported program; explicitly set out a plan for how policies and operations will be self-evaluated; and better disseminate lessons from self-evaluation. In this context, many Directors supported strengthening the current mechanisms for self-evaluation. More broadly, Directors agreed on the importance of having a clearly articulated approach to self-evaluation that builds on current processes, takes due account of resource constraints, and adapts over time to changing circumstances. Directors also concurred on the need to better disseminate lessons from self-evaluation. The implementation plan would be a first opportunity to reflect on how best to carry these considerations forward.
Provisional Agenda for the Thirty-Second Meeting of the International Monetary and Financial Committee
Authors:   International Monetary Fund
Published: August 2019

The following is the provisional agenda for the Thirty-Second Meeting of the International Monetary and Financial Committee, which is to be convened in Lima, Peru, October 9-10, 2015.
The Fund's Income Position for FY 2015 - Actual Outcome
Authors:   International Monetary Fund
Published: August 2019

This paper reports the Fund’s income position for FY 2015 following the closing of the Fund’s accounts for the financial year and completion of the external audit. FY 2015 net income, including income from surcharges, amounted to SDR 1.6 billion or about SDR 133 million more than estimated in April. The bulk of this difference reflects a smaller net loss in the valuation reported under the revised accounting standard for employee benefits (IAS 19).

In accordance with decisions taken in April 2015, investment income from the Fixed-Income Subaccount of SDR 84 million has been transferred from the Investment Account to the GRA. GRA net income for FY 2015 of SDR 1.5 billion has been placed to the Fund’s reserves, further strengthening the Fund’s precautionary balances, which reached SDR 14.2 billion at the end FY 2015.
Statement by the Managing Director on the Independent Evaluation Office Report on Self-Evaluation at the IMF - An IEO Assessment - Executive Board Meeting - September 18, 2015
Authors:   International Monetary Fund
Published: August 2019

The thrust of the report’s recommendations to strengthen the institutional framework for self-evaluation, adapt it over time to changing circumstances, and better disseminate lessons from self-evaluation are well taken. I believe, however, that there is considerable scope to address these recommendations by refining and building on existing processes and initiatives already underway rather than by introducing substantial new architecture. I see limited value added relative to the costs in following through with the report’s two other key recommendations; namely, to conduct self-assessment for every IMF-supported program and to set out plans ex ante to self-evaluate every policy and thematic review.
Extension of the Period for Consent to Increase Quotas Under the Fourteenth General Review of Quotas, the 2008 Reform of Quota and Voice, and the Eleventh General Review of Quotas
Authors:   International Monetary Fund
Published: August 2019

This paper proposes a further six-month extension of the period for consent to increase quotas under the Fourteenth General Review of Quotas. The current deadline is due to expire on June 30, 2015; however, Board of Governor’s Resolution No. 66-2 provides that the Executive Board may extend the period for consent as it may determine. An extension under Resolution No. 66-2 will also extend the periods of consent for quota increases under the 2008 Reform of Quota and Voice (Resolution No. 63-2) and the Eleventh General Review of Quotas (Resolution No. 53-2).

As of June 10, 2015, 24 members have not yet consented to their proposed quota increases under Resolution No. 66-2 (see Appendix I). Once the conditions for effectiveness of the individual quota increases are met, members may then pay for their quota increases to make them effective.