Theses and Dissertations

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    Cartel parties and cartel party systems
    (Nazarbayev University Graduate School of Public Policy, 2008-01) Pelizzo, Riccardo
    The transformation of Western European Party Systems was associated with the emergence of a new model of party organization: the cartel party.The cartel party differs from previous party models because it is increasingly less an agent of society, has interests on its own, depends on state subsidies and struggles to preserve the conditions under whihc it prospers by distorting electoral competition. Through such a distortion the cartel of parties resembles the behavior of oligopolistic firms. The purpose of this book is to investigate whether and to what extent patterns of inter-party competition resemble the functioning of oligopolistic markets.The results of our comparative analysis reveal that there is a growing gap between voters' demands and party system's political supply. In addition to arguing the implications of these findings for the theory of responsible party government, this books shows that the growing gap between voters' demands and party systems' supply creates the condition for the rise of the parties of the New Extreme Right
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    Divorced mothers in Kazakhstan: A preliminary assessment of their financial and social issues
    (Nazarbayev University Graduate School of Public Policy, 2016) Okanova, Ainara
    This research assesses the economic and social issues faced by middle-income divorced mothers heading single-parent families with minor children in Kazakhstan. The economic and social status of divorced-mother families in Kazakhstan is an unexplored area of research. Current Kazakhstani laws do not recognize the legal status of divorced mothers. Therefore, after divorce, a family’s status is recognized as “incomplete family.” This research provides a preliminary assessment of the economic and social difficulties faced by divorced mothers. It is the author’s goal to identify particular problem areas and policy challenges relevant to divorced mothers in the area of economic and social stability. Interviews with key stakeholders were performed to 1) assess the current difficulties faced by divorced mothers, 2) identify the conditions of legal support offered to divorced mothers that face problems recovering alimony payments from their ex-partners, and 3) understand the extent of social support that divorced mothers receive from the government. This research concludes with an offering of numerous policy recommendations for each of the major issues identified.
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    External debt management policy in Kazakhstan
    (Nazarbayev University Graduate School of Public Policy, 2016) Tlegenova, Assel; Yeshmagambetova, Aziza
    The study is aimed at comprehensive overview of the current external debt management policy in Kazakhstan. As a new modern state with ambitious strategic vision of becoming one of the most developed countries by 2050, Kazakhstan has to introduce sound external debt management institutions and ensure implementation of the effective policy. We examined the structure of statutory bodies engaged in external debt management and assessed their efficiency in regard to the current economic situation in Kazakhstan. The analysis defined positive and negative results of the external debt management policy in Kazakhstan. Philippine external debt management policy of the 1970-1980s was used for development of a new framework for Kazakhstan due to similarities in economic polices focused on attraction of foreign investments and infrastructure development. This framework was adapted to the established political and economic structure and its legislative base in Kazakhstan. The results of this study introduce the external debt management policy with excluded existing gaps in competencies and cooperation among public authorities, and statutory regulations on external debt in Kazakhstan.
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    Should Kazakhstan join a monetary union?
    (Nazarbayev University Graduate School of Public Policy, 2016) Zhukenov, Ilyas
    In order to answer whether Kazakhstan should or should not join a monetary union, this project gauges the practical ideal type of a monetary union that brings a fair, stable and prosperous exchange rate arrangement. In doing so, it reveals common criteria of such union via careful literature review. Then it compares Kazakhstan‟s current state against these practical criteria using necessary research methods. The evidence suggests that a monetary union within the EAEU is considerably far from its practical ideal type, as most of the revealed criteria are not fully satisfied. Thus, a monetary union within the EAEU would not be feasible for Kazakhstan. Nevertheless, a monetary union between Kazakhstan and Russia might become feasible, but not necessarily beneficial for Kazakhstan in the long-term perspective. These countries might actually experience endogenous real convergence if necessary institutional reforms were made in both countries, thereby increasing the sustainability of a fixed exchange rate arrangement between them.
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    Health Financing Reform in Kazakhstan: Estonian and Russian experience on implementation of social health insurance system
    (Nazarbayev University Graduate School of Public Policy, 2016) Urazov, Alibek
    The primarily objective of this study is to make a comparative analysis of health system reforms and determine the most important aspects that deserve attention when reforming Kazakhstani heath system. For this purpose, this study examines the reforms of Estonian and Russian health systems, focusing on the implementation of SHI system. Analysis of countries’ experiences in healthcare reforms will allow giving a recommendation to MoH authorities on how to implement the mandatory SHI system and to make it work effectively.
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    Implementation of meritocracy in the public sector of Kazakhstan
    (Nazarbayev University Graduate School of Public Policy, 2017) Saginova, Nargis
    Kazakhstan's ultimate goal for the next 20 years is to become one of the most economically successful top 30 countries in the world. In order to get onto that list, the President of the country, on a regular basis, sets goals that should be achieved by politicians, businessmen, scholars, students and others. One of the latest goals was the introduction of 5 reforms in 2015 that included a huge transformation of the civil service. The reform was aimed at creating a professional and effective civil service free from corruption, nepotism, and tribalism, with bright leaders who will guide the country towards success and prosperity. Thus, political stability will gradually result in economic success. The focus of the civil service reform was the implementation of principles of meritocracy. Meritocracy guarantees that access to the civil service will be equally given to everyone interested in working for the government and who has the proper qualifications. Promotion should be based on their merits ignoring things like subjectivism, nepotism, corruption etc. On the basis of the reforms, the government has introduced new law ‘On civil service’. Thus the main objective of this thesis paper is to investigate whether the principle of meritocracy has been introduced and implemented in the civil service of Kazakhstan. Using the example of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan I have researched whether the results of this process have been successful or not. The primary source of data is interviews conducted with the representatives of the MoFA. The results of the interviews showed interesting findings regarding merit-based and non-merit basedpriniciples of recruitment and promotion in the MoFA. According to the interviews one of the important factors besides merits is professionals networking connections which can play crucial role in the candidate’s recruitment and promotion. The implementation of a meritocracy will contribute to the building strong government institutions free from corruption and will also support Kazakhstan’s economic development.
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    Implementation of project management approach in public sector of the republic of Kazakhstan
    (Nazarbayev University Graduate School of Public Policy, 2017) Saidullayev, Rakhmatullo; Sakipova, Kamila
    Performing of strategic tasks for development of a country, such as modernization and conversion of its economy into the innovation vector, improvement of the level and quality of life of the population requires the search for effective management models that are adequate to the modern economy. At the same time, improving public administration focusing on the concentration and rational use of scarce resources (financial, investment, human, managerial, etc.) in public and private sectors play an important role in these processes. As demonstrated by successful world experience, the implementation of a project management approach to the activities of government organizations helps to solve these problems. In this connection, the main features and advantages of this approach, distinguishing it from the current practice of organizing the activity of public authorities are analyzed in this thesis, and the peculiarities of development of studies and practice of project management in the world are presented. The main "generic" features of a project as a basic category of the concept and its classification have been identified. The authors while studying the existing publications and domestic experience have revealed a number of problems hindering its implementation in the public organizations. Finally, measures encouraging the formation of favorable conditions for the implementation of project management approach as a tool, allowing to improve the efficiency of public management in Kazakhstan have been proposed.
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    Improving public administration through project management approach in Kazakhstan
    (Nazarbayev University Graduate School of Public Policy, 2017) Amanzholov, Galym; Malibayev, Almas
    Introduction of project management and delivering results approaches in public sector accompany structural changes in public administration. This study is aimed to demonstrate effects brought by project management to the public area of Kazakhstan within the framework of the Third modernization of an economy. In this context, project management is a tool to achieve priority growth rate of the economy of Kazakhstan through the efficient and timely implementation of the project portfolio of the Government of Kazakhstan. Herewith, favorable results can be met only in a condition of proper introduction and implementation processes. In that regard, the focus of the research was set to identify current issues in the process of introduction of project management in the Government of Kazakhstan and develop possible recommendations for public administrators. The study started from the review of current problems in the system of public administration in Kazakhstan and review of primary project management and delivering results’ methodologies. Consequently, we studied the structure of the Government of Kazakhstan with an application of project management tools. Based on the information above and data, we derived three criteria and eleven sub-criteria for a public sector that are influenced by project management approach: system criteria, operations criteria, and human capital criteria. To determine effects on these criteria in public administration system in Kazakhstan, we collected information based on the survey, direct meetings and phone calls, from the public and quasi-public servants, who are directly engaged in the projects of the Government’s portfolio. After the processing of collected information, we estimated effects of the introduction of project management and delivering results on public administration’s processes in Kazakhstan. Final recommendations provided for the further improvement of the current system of public administration.
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    Ethics commissioners in Kazakhstan: challenges and perspectives
    (Nazarbayev University Graduate School of Public Policy, 2017) Atauov, Asset; Karibay, Assiya
    The purpose of the research is to examine current situation with Ethics Commissioners in Kazakhstan based on their direct opinion/feedback derived from the group discussions and individual interviews. The project objective is to define main acute problems (if any) that Ethics Commissioners have and provide recommendations for the improvement (if necessary). In order to complete the research objectives qualitative methods of study were used: questionnaires and interviews. Secondary data analysis in regards to studying the international practices and changes in legislation was also in place....
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    A Comparative Study of Gender Equality perception among top-ranked officials from public, quasi-government and private sector in Kazakhstan
    (Nazarbayev University Graduate School of Public Policy, 2017) Mukhamejanova, Zhansulu; Tungatarova, Zhanerke
    From the period 1990 Kazakhstan underwent through dramatic and unstoppable changes with tremendous consequences on the economic strategy and cultural values. With globalization processes that triggered the westernization of ideology, the minds and the mentality of the whole population entirely changed emphasizing the position of women. Taking into consideration these consequences of economic and ideological changes, participation and engagement of women in different spheres of the society should have been uplifted to the level of male representatives. Change is taking place, but not as quickly as in numerous parts of the Western world....
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    The constitutional reform in Kazakhstan: Nur Otan’s role in legitimizing the procedure of constitutional change
    (Nazarbayev University Graduate School of Public Policy, 2017) Didarbekov, Ualikhan; Aitmukash, Mariyam
    After being a country with a powerful presidential system for last 26 years, Kazakhstan introduced a few but essential changes into its constitution this year. As a democratic country, Kazakhstan has undergone several significant constitutional reforms since its independence from the Soviet Union. The last one had occurred recently when the President of the country, Nursultan Nazarbayev, offered a transfer of power from President’s Administration onto Parliament and Prime Minister’s Office of Kazakhstan. The aim of these recent changes was to strengthen the Parliament’s role in dealing with legislations and make Prime Minister's Office more independent in developing a social and economic condition of the country. Indeed, president of the country wants to make ministries of the Republic of Kazakhstan to be more independent and strong in solving the inner problems of the country, while he is focusing on more global issues. Thus, the president’s decision to distribute the power was made only to improve and develop the state’s current political and economic conditions. Since good governance is the key to economic development, this decision of N.Nazarbayev was supported by many actors in the country including the "Nur Otan" Democratic People's Party (Nur Otan). In this paper, we discuss this transfer of power from the president to other branches of government such as parliament and ministries. To do so, researchers analyzed this particular constitutional reform from the viewpoint of the Nur Otan, people, and the international community...
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    ISLAMIC WORK ETHICS: DO EMPLOYEES OF ‘BANK RBK’ JSC POSSESS VALUES OF ISLAMIC WORK ETHICS
    (Nazarbayev University Graduate School of Public Policy, 2017) Baigonak, Aidos
    On May 2015, Kazakhstan made effective the “2015 Islamic Finance Amendments”. According to a Baker McKenzie 2015 Legal Report, this contains a “legal basis for provision of certain new Shari'a compliant services, in particular, Islamic insurance (takaful), Islamic leasing (ijara) and Islamic banking operation, and the commodity murabaha (tawarruq)”. Also, with the launch of the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) this 2018, a center poised to be a regional Islamic Finance hub, the government of Kazakhstan is indeed working towards increasing the presence of Islamic Banking in the country. The present research aims to investigate whether the employees of “Bank RBK” JSC possess the values prescribed by Islamic work ethics. By focusing on the significance of work ethics, this research also intended to examine the effect of Islamic work ethics on work connected results that contain job performance and organizational commitment on the example of the largest bank in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB).
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    Public Policy Strategy for Cost-effective Road-traffic Safety
    (Nazarbayev University Graduate School of Public Policy, 2017) Suleimenov, Daniyar
    In the modern day world, increasing number and power of vehicles on the road has caused road casualties number to increase rapidly. The World Health Organisation (WHO) provides that 1.24 million lives were lost worldwide to road accidents in 2010 and this number is expected to rise to 1.9 in 2020. In modern-day Kazakhstan increased car ownership has followed economic growth pattern throughout the XXI century. This has in turn caused increased number of deaths from road accidents per capita - the statistic peaked at 28.19 per 100,000 of population in 2008 (from 18.47 in 2003). In this regards Kazakhstan measured poorly both against close neighbours and other countries, both developing and developed. The cost of road casualties expressed as a factor of value of human life lost or impaired, loss of productive capacity, loss of human consumption, medical and other related costs has the potential to undermine the country’s capacity for sustainable development.
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    Implementation of meritocracy in the public sector of Kazakhstan
    (Nazarbayev University Graduate School of Public Policy, 2017) Saginova, Nargis
    Kazakhstan's ultimate goal for the next 20 years is to become one of the most economically successful top 30 countries in the world. In order to get onto that list, the President of the country, on a regular basis, sets goals that should be achieved by politicians, businessmen, scholars, students and others. One of the latest goals was the introduction of 5 reforms in 2015 that included a huge transformation of the civil service. The reform was aimed at creating a professional and effective civil service free from corruption, nepotism, and tribalism, with bright leaders who will guide the country towards success and prosperity. Thus, political stability will gradually result in economic success. The focus of the civil service reform was the implementation of principles of meritocracy. Meritocracy guarantees that access to the civil service will be equally given to everyone interested in working for the government and who has the proper qualifications. Promotion should be based on their merits ignoring things like subjectivism, nepotism, corruption etc. On the basis of the reforms, the government has introduced new law ‘On civil service’. Thus the main objective of this thesis paper is to investigate whether the principle of meritocracy has been introduced and implemented in the civil service of Kazakhstan. Using the example of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan I have researched whether the results of this process have been successful or not. The primary source of data is interviews conducted with the representatives of the MoFA. The results of the interviews showed interesting findings regarding merit-based and non-merit basedpriniciples of recruitment and promotion in the MoFA. According to the interviews one of the important factors besides merits is professionals networking connections which can play crucial role in the candidate’s recruitment and promotion. The implementation of a meritocracy will contribute to the building strong government institutions free from corruption and will also support Kazakhstan’s economic development.
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    After school programs in rural Kazakhstan: a comparative case study
    (Nazarbayev University Graduate School of Public Policy, 2017) Kozhanbayev, Damir
    Studies show that children greatly benefit from participating in after school activities: they succeed academically and socially, and are less likely to engage in wrongdoing. There is, however, little information on after school programs in rural Kazakhstan. The goal of this comparative study is to describe and explain how after school programs in rural Kazakhstan are implemented. For this purpose, two villages (in Akmola and Karaganda regions) were visited to collect data from local authorities, schools and parents. While the findings revealed some minor differences, they supported the main assumption that the situation in rural after school programs is poor and that, in fact, there are no significant differences in engaging children after formal school hours in both communities. Recommendations for national and local authorities include adequate funding, focusing on enabling environment for after school programs; increasing residents’ participation in school activities and local governance; building partnerships with academic institutions and other.
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    Public councils. The way to improve public engagement in Kazakhstan?
    (Nazarbayev University Graduate School of Public Policy, 2017) Dyusseneva, Assiya; Maikenova, Gaukhar
    Limited opportunities for citizens to participate in decision making in Kazakhstan is a legacy of the soviet history of Kazakhstan. In an attempt to enhance citizen engagement, Kazakhstan has established a new system of Public Councils from January 1, 2016. Public Councils are proposed as autonomous and independent bodies set up to ensure accountability of all government agencies at all levels, which is based on the extensive participation of NGOs and citizens in the decision-making process. The regulation on introduction of the Public Councils states that their common goal is to increase the efficiency, openness and transparency of public bodies and local self-government. The way to achieve that includes protecting public interests, increasing public confidence and trust in the government actions and involving the public in the process of fighting corruption. This is an extremely ambitious but quite innovative agenda for change. At the same time, if properly implemented, Public Councils would enable a clear mechanism of participation from the bottom up instead of the top down. Due to their quite recent introduction, there is no research on whether Public councils provide an effective mechanism for public participation and accountability of state bodies in Kazakhstan. This master project aims to address this research gap....
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    Benchmarking for success – the case of AIFC in comparative perspective
    (Nazarbayev University Graduate School of Public Policy, 2017) Bekbassarov, Tilek
    This paper is focused on assessing the chances of the recently announced project of establishing Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC). At the same time Kazakhstan already has an unsuccessful attempt with the regional financial centre of Almaty. But this time the idea of AIFC sticks to the successful DIFC (Dubai) model with all its respective features as an anchor benchmark. Having some country specific differences between United Arab Emirates and Kazakhstan perhaps it is not enough just to make a copy of the center’s model, it’s also important to take into account characteristics of their economy and policy. To take into account other benchmarks like Singapore or Hong Kong would also make sense. The chances of Astana to become an IFC for the target region should be performed in comparative perspective having in mind the long lasting plans of Turkey and Russia to establish Istanbul and Moscow IFCs. Thus the research will be based on cross-country comparative study in following directions: with benchmark models of Dubai and world’s top IFCs; with competitive models such as Istanbul and Moscow and other countries of the target region (Eurasia). The research should be a supportive tool for strategic policy planning and decision making.
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    HOW TO CREATE CONDITIONS FOR DEVELOPMENT OF MINING SECTOR THROUGH ADMINISTRATIVE REFORMS
    (Nazarbayev University Graduate School of Public Policy, 2017) Serikbayeva, Assel
    The topic of achieving sustainable development and growth in natural resource abundant countries has received considerable attention from scholars and policy makers alike. Most commodity exporters have followed a variety of policies and recommendations in numerous attempts to achieve economic growth and spillovers to the rest of the economy. This Master thesis argues that industrial development should start from development of a competitive mining sector. Kazakhstan has abundant mineral and hydrocarbon base. While its oil industry is relatively developed, the mineral sector has not achieved its potential despite the large reserves. Large parts of the current mineral legislation and tax regime are uncommon in an international practice and deter investment. This Master thesis carries out a comparative analysis of the Kazakhstan’s mining regime in terms of legislation, fiscal framework, and non-tax benefits. The paper makes recommendations on changes that should be made to achieve a world class mining industry and mimic the development path of resource rich industrialized countries.
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    Constitutional Reforms in Kazakhstan: were they participative and responsive?
    (Nazarbayev University Graduate School of Public Policy, 2017) Imanaliyev, Zhandos; Zhumabekov, Nariman
    Twenty-five years after the Republic of Kazakhstan became independent ‘almost by accident’, the continuous improvement of the country's governance system is on the top of its political agenda. Over the last years, decision-makers in Astana have been working hard to improve Kazakhstan’s governing structures on all levels, realizing that the future development of the country depends on the quality of political decision-making, effective policy implementation, and accountable communication between the state’s institutions and citizens. Especially the latter point has been highlighted as crucial for improving the young Republic’s democracy, and for making it last. In this thesis, we study President Nursultan Nazarbayev’s recent decision to transfer central aspects of presidential power onto other branches of the government, thereby strengthening the role of the Parliament as the supreme representative body exercising legislative power. To do so, we analyze the most recent wave of constitutional reform from the perspective of the government, citizens, and the international community; and compare developments in Kazakhstan with similar reforms taking place in other countries. To contextualize our claims, we also explore the constitution of Kazakhstan, paying special attention to how, when and by whom it was written, and what kind of amendments were made to it over time. The main Research Question of this thesis is why and by whom recent constitutional reform were initiated, and whether they were participative or responsive in nature. In answering this question, we attempted to measure the effectiveness of implementing recent reforms through conducting surveys among interested groups, opinion polls, and analysis of other data sources. On the basis of these data, we consider whether – and if yes, how - recent reforms will give impetus to the development of democratic structures in Kazakhstan, and contribute to the well-being of its people....
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    Technical modernization of court rooms for increasing trust of citizens
    (Nazarbayev University Graduate School of Public Policy, 2017) Myrzabayev, Vagiz; Nurkey, Aisulu
    The research studies the effectiveness of the project in the form of video and audio recording systems that were established in all court rooms within the nation plan “100 concrete steps”. The paper reflects the main problems that people faces with during the trials such as unfair judge decision, transcript falsification, incorrect behavior of the court stuff and so on. New technologies were introduced to the Judicial systemin order to solve mentioned problems. However, the practical usage showed all defects of the project systemas well as the legislation amendments. The comparison of the surveys conducted within this research in 2017 and the research conducted in 2012 shows negative indicators on trust of citizens in Judicial system of Kazakhstan.