There is no clear view on how accountability is organised in the context of transgovernmental networks. In literature there is predominant view that accountability is threatened by the existence of... Show moreThere is no clear view on how accountability is organised in the context of transgovernmental networks. In literature there is predominant view that accountability is threatened by the existence of transgovernmental networks. This dissertation takes a micro-level approach by focusing on participants of transgovernmental networks, to understand the dynamics of accountability in this setting. This dissertation makes use of theory building and testing. A theoretical model links the function and governance style of a transgovernmental network to the type of accountability that can be expected. Four distinct empirical cases show that there is a link between the level of formalisation of a governance style and the extent of control. Moreover, this research shows that the function of a transgovernmental network is indicative for the source of control. Show less
Aims To develop a suite of quality indicators (QIs) for the management of patients with ventricular arrhythmias (VA) and the prevention of sudden cardiac death (SCD). Methods and results The... Show moreAims To develop a suite of quality indicators (QIs) for the management of patients with ventricular arrhythmias (VA) and the prevention of sudden cardiac death (SCD). Methods and results The Working Group comprised experts in heart rhythm management including Task Force members of the 2022 European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Clinical Practice Guidelines for the management of patients with VA and the prevention of SCD, members of the European Heart Rhythm Association, international experts, and a patient representative. We followed the ESC methodology for QI development, which involves (i) the identification of the key domains of care for the management of patients with VA and the prevention of SCD by constructing a conceptual framework of care, (ii) the development of candidate QIs by conducting a systematic review of the literature, (iii) the selection of the final set of QIs using a modified-Delphi method, and (iv) the evaluation of the feasibility of the developed QIs. We identified eight domains of care for the management of patients with VA and the prevention of SCD: (i) structural framework, (ii) screening and diagnosis, (iii) risk stratification, (iv) patient education and lifestyle modification, (v) pharmacological treatment, (vi) device therapy, (vii) catheter ablation, and (viii) outcomes, which included 17 main and 4 secondary QIs across these domains. Conclusion Following a standardized methodology, we developed 21 QIs for the management of patients with VA and the prevention of SCD. The implementation of these QIs will improve the care and outcomes of patients with VA and contribute to the prevention of SCD. Show less
Note: dissertation is under embargo.Following the establishment of the United Nations, states have increasingly conferred powers on international organisations, thus raising the significance of... Show moreNote: dissertation is under embargo.Following the establishment of the United Nations, states have increasingly conferred powers on international organisations, thus raising the significance of such organisations in international affairs.Private parties are increasingly impacted by the actions of international organisations. This underscores the need for a proper understanding of the accountability of such organisations and, more specifically, their responsibility in a legal sense. This dissertation concerns the liability of international organisations towards private parties (excluding the personnel of the organisation).As a rule, when an international organisation is sued before a domestic court, the former can claim immunity from jurisdiction. Accordingly, the dispute cannot be adjudicated by such a court. That is essential to safeguard the independence of international organisations.At the same time, international organisations often are under a treaty obligation to provide alternative remedies for the settlement of disputes of a ‘private law character’. It is submitted that in discharging that obligation, organisations should adopt a systematic approach in conformity with the rule of law. That is needed both to bolster the jurisdictional immunity of such organisations and to increase their legitimacy. The dissertation sets forth proposals based on such an approach. In doing so, the ultimate purpose of the study is to contribute to enhancing the effectiveness of international organisations. Show less
This chapter describes and analyzes the truth trial against Volkswagen for its role in the detention, torture, and disappearance of workers during the Brazilian dictatorship (1964-1985). This... Show moreThis chapter describes and analyzes the truth trial against Volkswagen for its role in the detention, torture, and disappearance of workers during the Brazilian dictatorship (1964-1985). This chapter uses the Archimedes’ Lever model to trace the evolution of the corporate accountability process since the country's democratization, through the establishment of the National Truth Commission (CNV), up to the negotiations between the company, the workers, and the Public Prosecutor’s Office (MPF) that reached an agreement in 2020. This case has seen mobilisation from unions and institutional innovators pushing for accountability, as well as a certain level of cooperation from the company, but it also faces strong veto players and a change in context with the election of Jair Bolsonaro as president in 2018. We conclude with notions of what the Volkswagen case has to offer to understand corporate accountability and transitional justice, and the enormous hurdles it faces in achieving those goals. Show less
