Analyzing governance challenges using Process Net-Map: a case study of a government microcredit scheme in Bangladesh

Purpose This paper aims to examine the governance challenges confronted by a government microcredit program in Bangladesh following a case study approach. Design/methodology/approach A novel qualitative research tool called process net-map (PNM) was applied to develop a framework for visual understanding of the exact credit implementation process and to identify the actors responsible for creating governance challenges. Key informant interviews were also conducted to identify and distinguish the challenges faced by both the supply-side and demand-side stakeholders. Findings The findings reveal that the studied case faced problems in allocating adequate resources to human and physical capacity development. It was combined with the shortage of funds that made it impossible to meet the clients’ expectations. The lack of legal and regulatory framework disabled the organization from controlling political influence and corruption in the system. Moreover, the policy of lending only to groups proved counterproductive as it led to the exclusion of potentially viable borrowers. Practical implications The key recommendation of the study is on increasing the microcredit fund and a reform of the group lending policy along with several other recommendations. Originality/value The PNM is a newly developed participatory mapping technique that has not been applied in the field of microfinance. Therefore, the use of this method may add new knowledge of conducting an in-depth analysis of why such challenges are associated with mostly public microfinance programs and how they are linked to the implementation process. The challenges encountered are relevant for the implementation of developmental programs that are dependent on the allocation of public funds.

A Measurement Method of the Interoperability of Integrated Systems Based on Process Net

Interoperability is the key target of integrated architecture design, as well as the basis of the capability of integrated systems. Since interoperability plays an important role in fulfilling operational missions, this study proposes a quantification measurement method for the interoperability at architecture level by matching the missions with the initial conditions of executable model—Petri Net. First, the process net of the Petri net model is used to present the interoperation relationship between systems. Then the quality attribute for interoperation is assigned by incident matrix of system interoperation to accomplish the measurement on the interoperability of a heterogeneous set of integrated systems. Finally, the National Missile Defense System is taken as an example to illustrate the application of this method.

Effects of inhibitors in lumen on PAH and urate transport by isolated renal tubules

Effects of the presence of unlabeled p-aminohippurate (PAH) or urate, probenecid, and phenol red in the lumen on labeled PAH or urate transport by isolated, perfused snake (Thamnophis spp.) proximal renal tubules were studied. Net secretion of labeled urate and luminal membrane permeability to urate were unaffected by the presence of unlabeled urate (up to 0.1 mM) or probenecid (up to 1.0 mM) in lumen only. The data are compatible with movement of urate from cells to lumen during urate secretion by a simple passive process. Net secretion of labeled PAH was rapidly and reversibly depressed to about 25-35% of control when unlabeled PAH (0.05 mM), phenol red (0.05 mM), or probenecid (0.1 mM) was added to the lumen only. During maximum depression of PAH transport, luminal membrane permeability to PAH was reduced by 60-70%. The data suggest that movement of PAH from cells to lumen down an electrochemical gradient during PAH secretion occurs by a readily inhibited, mediated process.