Risk Management in Public Sector

Abstract submission deadline

30 October 2025

Manuscript submission deadline

30 December 2025

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Topic Information

Dear Colleagues,

Cross-country divergences in COVID-19 pandemic death rates highlighted the importance of public sector risk management. Estimated European COVID-19 mortalities were the lowest in Iceland, with 0.00042 (or 153 deaths for a population of 364,134), while those in Bulgaria (BG) were the highest, with 0.00536 (or 37240 deaths for a population of 6,951,482). Germany fell in the lower middle range, with a COVID-19 mortality rate of 0.00169 (or 141020 for a population of 83,166,711). These figures indicate that the experience of the COVID-19 pandemic has been varied, with some countries being much more severely affected than others. If we were to take the extreme cases of Iceland and Bulgaria, COVID-19 mortality rates would differ by a factor of more than twelve. Similarly, the chance of death from COVID-19 in Bulgaria was three times as high as that in Germany. Suffice to say that Bulgaria was not an isolated outlier in terms of COVID-19 mortality. Other European countries with high COVID-19 mortality rates included Hungary (0.004775), Croatia (003957), Romania (0.003399), Slovakia (0.003691), Czechia (0.00377), and Poland (0.003067). This was closely followed by Belgium (0.002769), which had the highest COVID-19 mortality rate of western EU countries. Seen collectively, these figures are particularly puzzling, given the widespread availability of vaccines across Europe. The aim of this issue is to look at the contribution of public sector risk management to the management of this crisis, and risks in general and identify good practice in public sector risk management, covering areas such as disease prevention, public education, early warning, risk communication and risk assessment.

Prof. Dr. Matthias Beck
Prof. Dr. Andrew Watterson
Topic Editors

Keywords

Participating Journals

Journal Name	Impact Factor	CiteScore	Launched Year	First Decision (median)	APC
Administrative Sciences admsci	3.0	4.8	2011	29.1 Days	CHF 1400	Submit
Businesses businesses	-	-	2021	24.7 Days	CHF 1000	Submit
Economies economies	2.1	4.0	2013	21.9 Days	CHF 1800	Submit
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ijerph	-	7.3	2004	25.8 Days	CHF 2500	Submit
Journal of Risk and Financial Management jrfm	-	4.5	2008	21 Days	CHF 1400	Submit
Risks risks	2.0	3.8	2013	20.5 Days	CHF 1800	Submit
Systems systems	2.3	2.8	2013	19.6 Days	CHF 2400	Submit

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Published Papers (10 papers)

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17 pages, 2723 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Innovating Airport Luggage Disinfection Systems with Advanced Technologies and Automation

by Samer Al-Rabeei, Michal Hovanec, Volodymyr Tymofiiv and Juraj Horkay

Systems 2024, 12(9), 345; https://doi.org/10.3390/systems12090345 - 2 Sep 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1503

Abstract

In this article, we point out that luggage disinfection is a key step in stopping the spread of infectious diseases that can be contracted at airports due to viruses and bacteria, which can spread through passenger luggage at airports. To prevent the spread [...] Read more.

In this article, we point out that luggage disinfection is a key step in stopping the spread of infectious diseases that can be contracted at airports due to viruses and bacteria, which can spread through passenger luggage at airports. To prevent the spread of respiratory infections at airports, in this research study, we compare two types of baggage disinfection system. The first method uses UV light to disinfect luggage while selectively checking it for the presence of bacteria and viruses. The second system uses non-selective disinfection, taking into account the possibility of the spread of disease from the aircraft’s home country. An analysis and simulation of a specific airport security procedure was carried out on the model under study, which is an automated system for disinfecting baggage at airports in two variants. The aim is to reduce the transmission of harmful diseases and, at the same time, to ensure the accuracy of passenger security screening by efficiently exhausting each of the proposed models. This research shows that the suggested measures to stop the spread of infectious diseases that travelers’ luggage can bring in will enhance screening procedures and, in particular, boost overall security while lowering the risk of infection transmission at airports. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Risk Management in Public Sector)

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16 pages, 4196 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Evolutionary Game Analysis of Government–Enterprise Collaboration in Coping with Natech Risks

by Shaojun Guo, Wei Feng, Guirong Zhang and Ying Wen

Systems 2024, 12(8), 275; https://doi.org/10.3390/systems12080275 - 30 Jul 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1304

Abstract

The synergistic interaction between emergency management departments and enterprises constitutes a fundamental mechanism for mitigating the risks of technological accidents caused by natural disasters (Natech). The efficacy of this collaborative approach is impacted by comprehensive risk analyses and the game between government and [...] Read more.

The synergistic interaction between emergency management departments and enterprises constitutes a fundamental mechanism for mitigating the risks of technological accidents caused by natural disasters (Natech). The efficacy of this collaborative approach is impacted by comprehensive risk analyses and the game between government and enterprise. Predicated on these premises, the evolutionary game analysis of government–enterprise collaboration in coping with Natech risk was carried out. Firstly, an evolutionary game model of government–enterprise collaboration in coping with Natech risk was constructed. Secondly, the evolutionary stability strategy (ESS) was developed. Finally, these strategies were substantiated through numerical simulations. The findings revealed that at lower levels of Natech risk, enterprises will choose low investment in coping capacity building, and emergency management departments will choose delayed disposal. Under moderate Natech risk, enterprises will increase their investments if emergency management departments persist with delayed strategies, and emergency management departments will react proactively if enterprises persist with low investment. Under a high Natech risk, a pattern of strategic misalignment emerges between the two entities. This study contributes a theoretical basis for the optimization of government–enterprise collaboration in coping with Natech risks. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Risk Management in Public Sector)

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20 pages, 1355 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Factors Affecting the Implementation of Risk-Based Internal Auditing

by Abdulwahab Mujalli

J. Risk Financial Manag. 2024, 17(5), 196; https://doi.org/10.3390/jrfm17050196 - 11 May 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3458

Abstract

This paper aims to investigate the factors affecting risk-based internal audit (RBIA) implementation in public sector organizations in Saudi Arabia. This paper utilized 234 usable answered questionnaires from internal audit managers, internal auditors, accountants, and executives working in Saudi public sector agencies. The [...] Read more.

This paper aims to investigate the factors affecting risk-based internal audit (RBIA) implementation in public sector organizations in Saudi Arabia. This paper utilized 234 usable answered questionnaires from internal audit managers, internal auditors, accountants, and executives working in Saudi public sector agencies. The gathered data were analyzed by applying partial least squares–structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). Results show that management support, internal auditor role, risk management system, and training in risk management all positively and significantly influence the RBIA. Improved internal auditing procedures and an efficient internal monitoring system will significantly curtail any risks impeding the organization’s goals, diminish the temptation to fabricate financial data or statistics, and enhance the accuracy of financial reporting/statements. Moreover, this study’s results have crucial implications for managers of public sector organizations, heads of internal audit departments, internal auditors, and accountants seeking to improve the reliability of internal audits and other aspects of financial information. Published research on what variables are influencing RBIA implementation is scarce. This study adds to the nascent literature by focusing on Saudi Arabian public sector organizations, establishing empirical variables based on an in-depth review of the relevant research and conducting an empirical investigation of the factors associated with RBIA implementation in the Saudi economy. By concentrating on public sector organizations in Saudi Arabia, this paper sheds light on other nations with comparable systems for governance policies and processes in their government-run entities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Risk Management in Public Sector)

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21 pages, 327 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

The Role of Expectation Management in Value Creation: A Case Study on Municipal Managers’ Experiences with Offering Supported Housing

by Kim Ulvin, Laila Tingvold, Karina Aase and Siv Fladsrud Magnussen

Adm. Sci. 2024, 14(5), 95; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci14050095 - 6 May 2024

Viewed by 1565

Abstract

Theoretically rooted in public service logic (PSL), this article explores managers’ experiences constructing value propositions and facilitating the value creation process in a public sector environment. It reports on a qualitative study from a Norwegian municipal setting based on individual and focus group [...] Read more.

Theoretically rooted in public service logic (PSL), this article explores managers’ experiences constructing value propositions and facilitating the value creation process in a public sector environment. It reports on a qualitative study from a Norwegian municipal setting based on individual and focus group interviews supported by participant observations and relevant documents. The data were analyzed according to the guidelines of stepwise-deductive inductive analysis (SDI). The findings substantiate changes in the utilized supported housing forms and highlight urgency’s pervasive effect on transition processes to supported housing for individuals with intellectual disabilities and the need for around-the-clock support. This study contributes to public management research by examining the process of constructing value propositions and the managers’ efforts to contribute to the formation of more realistic expectations towards the municipality’s scope and level of service among prospective service users and their families. The article contributes to the PSL discourse by providing the complementary concept of expectation–reality mitigation as a particular form of expectation management suited for the complexities and constraints of value creation in public service settings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Risk Management in Public Sector)

12 pages, 583 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Government Funding Allocations to Universities and the Business Cycle: An Analysis of Canada’s Provincial Governments

by Duane Rockerbie and Stephen Easton

Economies 2024, 12(4), 94; https://doi.org/10.3390/economies12040094 - 16 Apr 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2206

Abstract

Canada’s universities each receive an annual operating grant from their provincial government to partially finance operating expenses. This paper estimates the sensitivity of provincial operating grants to the business cycle by disentangling the effects of procyclical income on government revenue and the countercyclical [...] Read more.

Canada’s universities each receive an annual operating grant from their provincial government to partially finance operating expenses. This paper estimates the sensitivity of provincial operating grants to the business cycle by disentangling the effects of procyclical income on government revenue and the countercyclical effect on student demand by utilizing an economic regression model composed of three equations. Our panel data include the total real operating grant paid to all universities within a province, total student enrolment, real per capita government revenue, and real per capita gross domestic product for Canada’s ten provinces over the 1992–2019 sample period. The results confirm that real per capita government revenues are procyclical and that full-time equivalent student enrolments are counter-cyclical. The total real operating grant is only weakly associated with cyclical changes in provincial government revenue. Instead, the total real operating grant is mainly determined by countercyclical changes in student demand. This partially offsets the potential reduction in funding to universities during an economic downturn. Provincial governments in Canada can smooth the total allocation over the business cycle by adjusting other expenditures and using debt financing. Our results suggest they do this to some extent, but not enough to avoid a net reduction in real operating grants during an economic downturn. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Risk Management in Public Sector)

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18 pages, 1376 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Risk Assessment and Countermeasures of Logistics Terminal Distribution under Public Health Emergencies

by Hualing Bi, Ran Zheng and Fuqiang Lu

Systems 2024, 12(4), 128; https://doi.org/10.3390/systems12040128 - 7 Apr 2024

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1981

Abstract

In recent years, the frequent occurrence of public health emergencies has affected people’s daily lives. In response, this paper evaluates the risk of logistics terminal distribution and puts forward the corresponding countermeasures. Firstly, this paper summarizes relevant literature and analyzes the characteristics of [...] Read more.

In recent years, the frequent occurrence of public health emergencies has affected people’s daily lives. In response, this paper evaluates the risk of logistics terminal distribution and puts forward the corresponding countermeasures. Firstly, this paper summarizes relevant literature and analyzes the characteristics of public health emergencies and logistics terminal distribution. This paper constructs the risk index system of logistics terminal distribution under public health emergencies for the first time. Secondly, this paper conducts a questionnaire survey on a domestic e-commerce enterprise. In this paper, the intuitionistic fuzzy entropy weight method is applied to the obtained data to determine the weight of risk index. Finally, this paper adopts the grey fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method to evaluate the risk index of logistics terminal distribution under public health emergencies. This paper takes the impact of public health emergencies into account for the risk of logistics terminal distribution for the first time. Some suggestions are provided for preventing the logistics terminal distribution from stagnation and paralysis when public health emergencies occur. This paper supplements the existing research in this field. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Risk Management in Public Sector)

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23 pages, 7363 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Navigating Resource Challenges in Health Emergencies: The Role of Information Diffusion and Virus Spread in Demand Dynamics

by Yizhuo Zhou, Jianjun Zhang and Yundan Yang

Systems 2024, 12(3), 95; https://doi.org/10.3390/systems12030095 - 13 Mar 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1939

Abstract

The dynamics of medical resource demand during public health crises pose significant challenges to emergency supply chain management, particularly within an evolving and complex social environment. To explore this, the interactive effects of information diffusion and virus spreading on medical resource demand are [...] Read more.

The dynamics of medical resource demand during public health crises pose significant challenges to emergency supply chain management, particularly within an evolving and complex social environment. To explore this, the interactive effects of information diffusion and virus spreading on medical resource demand are investigated using a novel three-layer coevolution “information–epidemic–resource” model through Markov process simulations. The study firstly identifies eight factors influencing demand fluctuations in terms of some city characteristics, such as media exposure, consistency of public opinion, self-protection level, and restrictive protection level, while categorizing resources into individual holdings and centralized storage. Then, extensive simulations are examined to elucidate the impact of these factors. The results reveal that various city characteristics can affect fluctuation in demand for both individual holdings and centralized storage. Inaccurate media information tends to inflate fluctuations, while higher public opinion consistency can reduce it. Reinforcing self-protection decreases the demand fluctuations of individuals, and effective restrictive protections can reduce fluctuations in centralized resource storage. Moreover, an analytical simulation of various city scenarios, underpinned by statistical data from selected Chinese and German cities, demonstrates that distinct city characteristics significantly influence medical resource demand changes during epidemics. This underscores the importance of tailoring emergency medical supply strategies to the specific developmental traits of different countries and cities. This study provides valuable insights to researchers, governments, and enterprises, enhancing their preparedness and response for emergency supply chain disruptions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Risk Management in Public Sector)

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20 pages, 610 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Analyzing Vulnerabilities of Disaster Risk Management Systems of Local Governments in South Korea: Evidence from National Audit Office Reports

by HyoungSuk Cho and NakHyeok Choi

Systems 2024, 12(3), 76; https://doi.org/10.3390/systems12030076 - 27 Feb 2024

Viewed by 2942

Abstract

The capacity of local governments to act as frontline disaster management agencies is crucial to urban sustainability and disaster risk management systems. However, vulnerabilities in the management systems can hinder the effectiveness of disaster risk management, affecting the resilience and sustainable development of [...] Read more.

The capacity of local governments to act as frontline disaster management agencies is crucial to urban sustainability and disaster risk management systems. However, vulnerabilities in the management systems can hinder the effectiveness of disaster risk management, affecting the resilience and sustainable development of urban areas. This study examines vulnerable areas of disaster risk management from a practical perspective, based on audit findings conducted by the Board of Audit and Inspection (BAI). The stages of disaster risk management are classified as prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery. The disaster risk management activities that local governments should undertake at each stage have been identified and summarized. The vulnerabilities and associated cases related to disaster risk management were comprehensively analyzed by compiling the results of local government disaster risk management audits conducted after 2015. This study revealed vulnerabilities in areas such as disaster management funds, prevention facilities, safety inspections, forecasting and warning systems, and resident evacuation, all of which are integral to maintaining urban sustainability. To avoid the recurrence of these issues, this study suggests that local governments should develop and implement improvement measures for each vulnerable area. The findings of this study can serve as valuable guidelines for local governments on ways to enhance their disaster risk management systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Risk Management in Public Sector)

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20 pages, 3877 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Integrated System Design for Post-Disaster Management: Multi-Facility, Multi-Period, and Bi-Objective Optimization Approach

by Byung Duk Song, Sungbum Jun and Seokcheon Lee

Systems 2024, 12(3), 69; https://doi.org/10.3390/systems12030069 - 22 Feb 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2347

Abstract

Disaster management requires efficient allocation of essential facilities with consideration of various objectives. During the response and recovery phase of disaster management (RRDM), various types of missions occur in multiple periods, and each of them needs different support from facilities. In this study, [...] Read more.

Disaster management requires efficient allocation of essential facilities with consideration of various objectives. During the response and recovery phase of disaster management (RRDM), various types of missions occur in multiple periods, and each of them needs different support from facilities. In this study, a bi-objective mathematical model was derived to support multi-period RRDM by optimal allocation of required facilities such as drone stations, shelters, emergency medical facilities, and warehouses according to the mission life cycle. Connectivity between facilities was considered to ensure inter-facility complementarity. For efficient derivation of Pareto solutions, a modified epsilon-constraint algorithm for bi-objective optimization was developed. The algorithm was tested with a realistic disaster simulation scenario using HAZUS 4.0 as a demonstration of the benefits of the proposed approach. With the simulation experiments, the proposed approach was expected to provide efficient operational plans and guidelines to decision makers for the bi-objective optimization problem in RRDM systems. In addition, the consideration of inter-facility connectivity can play an important role in the RRDM, especially for robustness and readiness. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Risk Management in Public Sector)

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21 pages, 1105 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

The Activity-Based Costing System Applied in Higher Education Institutions: A Systematic Review and Mapping of the Literature

by Pedro Borges, Maria do Céu Alves and Rui Silva

Businesses 2024, 4(1), 18-38; https://doi.org/10.3390/businesses4010002 - 30 Jan 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 7056

Abstract

Objective: In recent years, management accounting in higher education institutions has undergone significant changes due to the various New Public Management (NPM) reforms. One of the management accounting tools that has been advised to HEIs is Activity-Based Costing (ABC). With this evolving field [...] Read more.

Objective: In recent years, management accounting in higher education institutions has undergone significant changes due to the various New Public Management (NPM) reforms. One of the management accounting tools that has been advised to HEIs is Activity-Based Costing (ABC). With this evolving field of research, this article aims to analyze research in international scientific journals focusing on ABC in HEIs. To this end, this article provides an overview of how research in this area has evolved. We present an overview of the past, present, and future of research in the field of the ABC model applied in HEIs. Methodology: Through a systematic literature review, the Web of Science and Scopus databases were used as a source of articles. Our analysis is based on a total of 139 articles. We used a systematic literature review combining different bibliometric techniques. These allowed us to develop a mapping of the literature on the application of the ABC model in HEIs, which helps us better understand the research related to the topic and its evolution. Results: It is concluded that the existing literature on this topic has developed along three lines of research: implementation of ABC as a cost-control method, TDABC as a time-based cost-control method, and the application of the ABC Method in health services. Originality: Based on the results found, this article identifies avenues of research that can be explored, namely the study of the application of ABC in the education sector, and provides a research agenda for future studies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Risk Management in Public Sector)

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