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Importance of Integrating SDGs Into Business Process by Telecommunication Operators: Opinion of Estonian Customers European Integration Studies (IF 0.5) Pub Date : 2021-09-16 Natalie Aleksandra Gurvitš-Suits,Anna-Liiza Lvova
Sustainable development is recognized by the United Nations as a challenge for social and economic policy Hughes&Johnston (2005), an urgent call for action by all countries addressing all groups of stakeholders (Mio et al., 2020) and one of the main priorities for business community all over the world (Tsalis et al., 2020). Successful implementation and achievement of these goals should be a result
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Influencer Marketing from a Consumer Perspective: How Attitude, Trust, and Word of Mouth Affect Buying Behavior European Integration Studies (IF 0.5) Pub Date : 2021-09-16 Kamaldeep Singh
Influencer marketing is a marketing method that more and more companies are using when it comes to marketing brands. The purpose of the study has been to gain a deeper understanding of how social media influencers affect consumers' buying behavior. To understand this, consumers' attitudes and confidence in the phenomenon have been relevant factors to examine. The study also aimed to find out whether
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The European Administration as a Facilitator of the European Integration Process: Organizational and Ethical Implications from the Proliferation of European Union Agencies European Integration Studies (IF 0.5) Pub Date : 2021-09-16 Giorgio Oikonomou
The purpose of this study is to explore the evolution of EU administration by focusing and critically examining the role of EU agencies in advancing the European integration project. The research question deals with identifying the factors that account for the formulation of EU agencies and the reasons behind their sharp increase in numbers since the 2000s. The tasks are to analyse critical EU agencies’
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Possibilities and Restrictions on the Use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems in Security Work in Latvia European Integration Studies (IF 0.5) Pub Date : 2021-09-16 Vilnis Veinbergs,Ivita Kisnica
Unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) have become available not only in the military environment, but to every member of society. They can be effectively used in security work, although, if used unprofessionally, UA can pose a threat to the public or the protected object. The aim of the article is to find evidence that the use of UA for the protection of a security object can be of a technical nature. With
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Energy Research Infrastructures in Europe and Beyond: Mapping an Unmapped Landscape European Integration Studies (IF 0.5) Pub Date : 2021-09-16 Mikkel Stein Knudsen,Marianna Birmoser Ferreira-Aulu,Jari Kaivo-oja,Jyrki Luukkanen
European research and innovation policy highlights the importance of transnational scientific collaboration, International collaborations in science concentrates and magnifies resources for conducting research and foster innovation. Often, individual institutions, or even individual European countries, cannot provide the right capabilities by themselves. Joint facilities and Research Infrastructures
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Financial Literacy Self-Evaluation of Young People in Latvia European Integration Studies (IF 0.5) Pub Date : 2021-09-16 Evija Dundure,Biruta Sloka
Regular and proportionate voluntary savings in private pension funds can become an important part of oldage pensions. However, this can happen if the savings are made for a long period of time. This justifies the target group of the 3rd pension level, which are young people who have started to receive a regular income from their professional activity. One of the most discussed issues in promoting voluntary
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Developing Intercultural Competence Through Design Thinking European Integration Studies (IF 0.5) Pub Date : 2021-09-16 Tetiana Hantsiuk,Khrystyna Vintoniv,Nataliia Opar,Bohdan Hryvnak
Cultural competence, as the ability to interact effectively with the culturally diverse others, is a key component to your success in the globalized world. Developing cultural competence gives us an insight how to benefit from the diversity within intercultural interactions. Everyone may misinterpret the cultural differences due to the low level of cultural competence. That can influence further cooperation
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Strengthening Lithuanian - Latvian Cross - Border Cooperation in the Context of International Trade European Integration Studies (IF 0.5) Pub Date : 2021-09-16 Ineta Zykiene,Rūta Laučienė,Rasa Daugėlienė,Aistė Leskauskienė
The article analyses the strengthening of the competitiveness of countries based on crossborder cooperation through the prism of international trade indicators. Due to the increase in international competition, countries, especially small economies, are finding it increasingly difficult to maintain their position in the global market and remain competitive if this position is pursued individually.
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Social Entrepreneurship Intentions Among Business Students in Latvia European Integration Studies (IF 0.5) Pub Date : 2021-09-16 Velga Vevere,Edgars Cerkovskis,Aija Sannikova
Theoretical literature has identified a number of factors that determine social entrepreneurship intentions. Social entrepreneurs play an important role in the economic and social developments of the communities in which they operate. They are a special type of entrepreneur, driven by a variety of motives, including the alleviation of poverty, hunger or illiteracy; the improvement of human health;
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Digital Agenda, New Technologies and Education for the Integration of Europe: an Economic Study European Integration Studies (IF 0.5) Pub Date : 2021-09-16 Javier Cifuentes-Faura
New technologies are a key factor for integration in Europe by enabling citizens to solve their daily problems and interact with people everywhere. The European Commission established the Digital Agenda for Europe with the aim of improving the speed of navigation, establishing a single market for telecommunications and achieving a digital single market. We highlight the importance of applying new technologies
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Assessment and Development of Public Servants Using the Design Thinking Methodology for the Reforms and Innovations Introduction European Integration Studies (IF 0.5) Pub Date : 2021-09-16 Mariana Orliv,Brigita Janiūnaitė,Valentyna Goshovska,Rasa Daugėlienė
The purpose of the study is to investigate the features of assessment of public servants’ characteristics and their ability development to introduce reforms and innovations in public authorities using the design thinking methodology. The following tasks were set: 1) to investigate the problems of assessing the personal qualities and behavioral characteristics before and after training activities; 2)
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Design Thinking Method Implementation in Personnel Certification Procedures European Integration Studies (IF 0.5) Pub Date : 2021-09-16 Galyna Malynovska,Larysa Mosora,Sviatoslav Kis,Tetiana Topolnytska,Yaryna Kalambet
Personnel certification is one of the most effective tools for implementing human resources development processes and procedures. By certifying employees, either enterprises, institutions or organizations strive to expand their capabilities by acquiring new or improving already existing knowledge, skills, abilities and experience in order to improve the efficiency of performing professional duties
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Analysis of the Legal and Regulatory Situation of Uncovered Corporate Bond Issuance in the Baltic States: is there a Common Framework Possible? European Integration Studies (IF 0.5) Pub Date : 2021-09-16 Natalja Tocelovska,Agne Eglite
While the development of the Baltic corporate bond market is based on the uncovered bond segment, the elaboration of the legislative base has a devoted emphasis on the covered bonds. The shift from a country-focused to the pan-Baltic-focused capital market has been publicly acknowledged by the governments (Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Latvia, 2018) and is in line with the ongoing Capital
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Critical Review of Sustainability Priorities in the Heritage Sector: Evidence from Latvia’s Most Visited Museums European Integration Studies (IF 0.5) Pub Date : 2021-09-16 Elina Vikmane,Anda Laķe
A vibrant debate about the role and participation of museums in urbanisation, industrialisation, human rights protection, technological progress, climate change and other global challenges has persisted in the field of museums ever since the boom of theoretical museology, which coincided with the development of the sustainable development concept. However, often culture is considered a part of social
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The Market’s Maturity for Public Procurement of Circular Furniture: A Study from Latvia European Integration Studies (IF 0.5) Pub Date : 2021-09-16 Jana Simanovska,Inese Pelsa
Public procurement plays an important role in the market by making up 14% of the Gross Domestic Product in the European Union, therefore it is seen as an important instrument to promote such products and services that better meet society’s demands, for example, sustainability. Starting from 2015, circularity is an important aspect of sustainability. Furniture is among the product groups with a significant
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General Aspects and Perspectives of Immigrant Diversity in Organizations European Integration Studies (IF 0.5) Pub Date : 2021-09-16 Dovilė Balevičienė,Loreta Huber
More than 10% of the world's working-age population are migrants. Migration issues are particularly relevant in Europe, as 2.7 million people came to Europe in 2019 alone. According to the report “WWWforEurope”, the quantity of research investigating cultural diversity is on the rise, the authors of the report Dohse and Gold (2014) have also noted that cultural diversity affects critical economic variables
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Critical Thinking Competence and its Impact on Acquisition of Basic Principles of Enterpreneurship Among Business Students in Latvia European Integration Studies (IF 0.5) Pub Date : 2021-09-16 Iveta Linina,Velga Vevere
Critical thinking is mental process of analysis and evaluation of information. The source of information can be experience, reflection, observation, communication, etc., as well as study process. Business education is based on the ability to navigate the market situation and make informed decisions. The aim of the research is to determine correlation between business students information processing
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THE IMPACT OF INWARD FDI ON THE GROWTH OF ADVANCED EXPORTS IN CENTRAL-EASTERN EUROPEAN REGION European Integration Studies (IF 0.5) Pub Date : 2020-10-22 Agata Maria Gorniak
The main objective of the paper is to examine the potential factors which, according to the literature, may be impacting the structure of exports by allowing more exports from high and medium-high research and development intensive sectors. In the paper, particular emphasis is put on the foreign direct investment’s role in export advancement. Apart from foreign direct investment inflows, the research
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Exploring Tendencies in Migrants’ Legal Consciousness Research and Uncovering Factors for Socio-Legal Integration European Integration Studies (IF 0.5) Pub Date : 2020-10-22 Ramunė Miežanskienė
The current state of scientific discourse on legal consciousness occurs within a range of topics of enquiry. In this scope of research, a trendline of publications emerged which employs a narrower focus on the aspects of migrants‘ legal consciousness. As there were no systematic research aspirations in this particular field, this research explores the current scientific discourse, addresses factors
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Between the state and the kin: one-person household social security in Latvia European Integration Studies (IF 0.5) Pub Date : 2020-10-22 Kristīne Rolle,Agita Lūse
One-person household is the dominant type of household in today’s Latvia. Research on kinship in contemporary Europe suggests that weak kinship ties are characteristic of institutionally strong countries that provide an individual with social security when he or she becomes incapacitated. However, the statistical data on Latvia show that of all household types, one-person households are the most exposed
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Marketing Communications of Latvian Social Enterprises from a Consumer Perspective European Integration Studies (IF 0.5) Pub Date : 2020-10-22 Kristīne Casno,Daina Šķiltere,Biruta Sloka
The purpose of this study is twofold - to contribute to the further understanding of social enterprises’ marketing by providing a consumers’ perspective on the content that social enterprises generate in order for them be to be able to better understand their strengths and weaknesses and to establish a reference point with regards the current situation to be able to compare and measure improvement
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Enhancement of Retail Consumer Loyalty in Latvia by Means of Social Media Communication European Integration Studies (IF 0.5) Pub Date : 2020-10-22 Iveta Linina,Velga Vevere
Social media communication has become an important tool both in relying information to potential consumers, as well as in creating experience sharing opportunities. The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of’ social media communication on the loyalty formation in retailing. The tasks to be carried out are: (1) to research theoretical framework of social media communication and loyalty; (2)
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Restrictive Factors for Micro-Company Growth in Latvia European Integration Studies (IF 0.5) Pub Date : 2020-10-22 Ilona Beizitere,Biruta Sloka,Ieva Brence
Every country is interested in entrepreneurship development as entrepreneurs form the basis for economic development, so academic researchers are looking for supportive and restrictive factors in business development. In Latvia, the majority of companies are micro and small enterprises. The aim of the paper is to investigate the restrictive factors related to the successful development of the company
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Factors Contributing to the Development of E-Commerce by the Degree of use in Latvia European Integration Studies (IF 0.5) Pub Date : 2020-10-22 Inga Jekabsone,Ina Gudele
Several studies have recognized that e-commerce can have a positive impact on any type of business, making enterprises work faster, more efficient and more economical. Taking into account different degrees of e-commerce use, it is important to analyse the factors contributing to the development of the e-commerce in respective enterprises, so decision-makers can develop the strategy accordingly. Purpose
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Cost-effectiveness of prison system development - comparison of the European countries European Integration Studies (IF 0.5) Pub Date : 2020-10-22 Elina Kruze,Janis Priede
The possibility to achieve successful resocialization of former prisoners back into society is an ongoing public debate, making it challenging for policymakers to implement prisoner rehabilitation programs capable of maintaining the public safety while allocating public funds in the most efficient way. The main aim of this study is to examine what is necessary for an investment in prison system development
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Idea Management System Application Type Impact on Idea Quantity European Integration Studies (IF 0.5) Pub Date : 2020-10-22 Elina Mikelsone,Aivars Spilbergs,Tatjana Volkova,Elita Liela,Janis Frisfelds
Idea management system application considers idea quantity as the key to idea management success. The purpose of this paper is to examine how different idea management system application types impact idea management system results. The authors conducted empirical research by conducting a survey based on adaptive structuration theory framework. In the research paper, an analysis of 447 responses was
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Tax Incentives as a Part of Governments’ Applied Mechanisms for the Third Pension Pillar in Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania European Integration Studies (IF 0.5) Pub Date : 2020-10-22 Evija Dundure,Biruta Sloka
The main objective of the improvements to public pension systems is to create a balanced three-pillar pension structure and increase public accountability for pension capital formation. Most pension systems are based on the first two pension system pillars – mandatory contributions in the state compulsory unfunded pension scheme and the state-funded or accumulated pension scheme in pension funds. However
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ESTIMATING PRODUCTION FUNCTION BEFORE COVID-19 PANDEMIC IN EUROPE European Integration Studies (IF 0.5) Pub Date : 2020-10-22 Pawel Mlodkowski
The purpose of the study is to discuss consequences of pandemic events for estimating the economic growth mechanism in the European Union. The most recent COVID-19 growing death toll has drawn the attention to impact such unexpected, but not unprecedented situations have on society and economy. In the current study the focus is on estimating economic effects of a disease, which reduces the working
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Contemporary Innovation Challenges – Future of Adoption Artificial Intelligence: Case of Estonia European Integration Studies (IF 0.5) Pub Date : 2020-10-22 Valeria Gavrilova,Natalie Aleksandra Gurvitsh-Suits
Nowadays artificial intelligence is gaining popularity and brings changes into everyday lives and business. Latest research outline various options and challenges related to the implementation of artificial intelligence in different fields (Garbuio&Lin, 2019; Kumar et.al, 2019; Tambe et.al 2019). It is obvious that its adoption will have a notable significant impact on certain industries. However,
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Trade in Services in the European Union European Integration Studies (IF 0.5) Pub Date : 2020-10-22 Ines Kersan Skabic
Services dominate in creation of value added in national economies, especially in developed countries and they have growing trend in developing (emerging) economies. They cover four modes of trade (according to GATS), that makes their calculation complex and a part of services is hidden in the value of production/trade of manufactured goods. Their importance in foreign trade, despite the increasing
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Requirements for CFO Within The Business Model European Integration Studies (IF 0.5) Pub Date : 2020-10-22 Rosita Zvirgzdina,Helena Skadina,Alida Vane
The concept “Business modeling” has become commonplace in everyday business due to the rapidly changing market situation, fierce competition and digital transformation trend that affects every business. Other player can appear unexpectedly and bring a new business model to the market, typically fueled by innovative technologies and ideas, and render everyone else obsolete. To remain successful shifting
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Public Financing Support Options to Micro-Enterprises for Innovation European Integration Studies (IF 0.5) Pub Date : 2020-10-22 Ilona Beizitere,Ieva Brence,Biruta Sloka
Innovation related to the technological advances of entrepreneurship are essential in Industry 4.0. The availability of sufficient funding is one of the factors promoting innovations in companies. Therefore the issue of access to finance remains relevant. The study investigates the availability of public financial support for micro-enterprises - the largest enterprise category in Latvia (approximately
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Immigrant Integration: the Role of NGO’s in Lithuania for Upholding Immigrant Assimilation European Integration Studies (IF 0.5) Pub Date : 2020-10-22 Vishnu Muraleedharan
Migration and migrant movement are one of the most contested phenomena in the contemporary world due to the large-scale displacement of the people across the globe due to socio-political unrest in the form of wars, internal rebellions, and political upheaval. It led to the scenario of people’s movement across the borders in search of better living conditions and safety. However, the aspect of immigration
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International Finance Trilemma as a Tool for Balanced Development of an Economy European Integration Studies (IF 0.5) Pub Date : 2020-10-22 Ilja Arefjevs,Olga Bogdanova
International financial trilemma is a challenge of balancing the governmental policies ensuring healthy financial sector for facilitating economic development of a country. The scientific purpose of the paper is to develop a model of the international financial trilemma, defining the three key pillars of the international financial trilemma, the corresponding relevant metrics of economy, as well as
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Legal and politological aspects of competition in Bosnia and Herzegovina as a paradigm of the European integration process European Integration Studies (IF 0.5) Pub Date : 2020-10-22 Kanita Imamović-Čizmić,Samir Sabljica
As a country in transition and development, committed to the path towards membership in the European Union, Bosnia and Herzegovina encounters many challenges and obstacles in terms of fulfilling the tasks set before it. Quite complicated governmental and legal arrangement determines the pace of achieving the tasks that are prerequisites for the European Union membership status. By signing the Stabilisation
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CSR and ownership interrelation: evidence from Estonia European Integration Studies (IF 0.5) Pub Date : 2019-10-29 Irina Glushkova, Natalie Aleksandra Gurvits-Suits
With time Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) attracts has become a matter of high attention and it is obvious that its influence on companies is increasing. More and more organizations both in Estonia and worldwide are voluntarily implementing non-financial reporting as a part of their business strategy. These initiatives seem to have high impact on the reputation and recognition of the company
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INCOME DIFFERENCES IN REGIONS OF LATVIA – PROBLEMS AND CHALLENGES European Integration Studies (IF 0.5) Pub Date : 2019-10-29 Biruta Sloka, Inga Jekabsone, Kate Cipane, Sabine Anete Vasina
Income differences in regions of Latvia is becoming a greater problem for families as there are made decisions for emigration, for municipalities as there are significant reductions in tax (income and property) payers and for entrepreneurs as there are less customers for their products and services: those aspects are on great importance but not enough researched and discussed in academic research.
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FACTORS THAT MOTIVATE LATVIAN CONSUMERS TO PURCHASE PRODUCTS AND SERVICES FROM SOCIAL ENTERPRISES IN LATVIA: THE CASE OF SOCIALLY RESPONSIBLE CONSUMPTION European Integration Studies (IF 0.5) Pub Date : 2019-10-29 Kristīne Casno, Daina Šķiltere, Biruta Sloka
The purpose of the study is to research the relative importance of various factors that motivate Latvian consumers to purchase products and services from social enterprises in order to provide practical suggestions and recommendations for Latvian social enterprises that would allow them to improve their performance. The primary method used by the study is quantitative research by the means of an online
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PARTICIPATION OF KEY STAKEHOLDERS IN SCIENCE POLICY MAKING IN EU European Integration Studies (IF 0.5) Pub Date : 2019-10-29 Inga Jekabsone
Nowadays the importance of involvement of citizens in decision-making processes is underlined in most recent research on effectiveness of public administration. Taking into consideration that development of science and research is fundamental for economic growth as well as sustainable development, the process of policy making in science should involve relevant stakeholders building effective relationships
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Use of Social Network Sites Depending on the Country of Origin of the Social Network Site User European Integration Studies (IF 0.5) Pub Date : 2019-10-29 Tom Sander, Biruta Sloka
Recent technological developments have determined that Social network sites (SNSs) are also marketplaces to exchange information between members e.g. to inform individuals about new products or to cooperate with each other. Such aspects of SNSs use are under the academic researchers’ interest worldwide. The strategy to create a market in SNSs for different countries can be successful if companies have
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BRAND RECOGNITION OF THE TEX MEX PRODUCTS IN LATVIA European Integration Studies (IF 0.5) Pub Date : 2019-10-29 Ieva Brence, Juris Bogomazovs
The foundation of successful business relies on recognition and positive experience among customers. The article examines theory of the brand and how well it is recognized in the Latvian spice market, focusing on the Tex Mex production. The research in this field is important as the Latvian spice market is still growing and many different brands are offered by various manufacturers therefore the competition
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Financial Companies in Latvia: Why are they Coming to the Bond Market? European Integration Studies (IF 0.5) Pub Date : 2019-10-29 Natalja Tocelovska, Biruta Sloka, Karlis Purmalis
In the period 2013-2017 Latvian corporate bond market had experienced the abrupt growth of the number of public Latvian corporate bond issues outstanding. The base of the expansion was formed by the financing activity of Latvian financial sector issuers (FSIs) with their weight in the pool of corporate bond issues listed in Nasdaq Riga at 85%. In 2019, FSIs remain the main issuer in Latvian corporate
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INTERNET USE FOR SHOPPING IN LATVIA: FINDINGS BY RECENT SURVEY European Integration Studies (IF 0.5) Pub Date : 2019-10-29 Biruta Sloka, Kate Čipāne, Sergejs Volvenkins
Recent developments of internet applications and increase in application of various information technologies have supported fast development of internet shopping worldwide and also important topics for academic researchers. Aim of the research: check findings of recent preferences by customers on internet shops and factors for internet shop choice, different aspects on internet shopping and comparisons
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Variations in the quality of government within the European Union: A comparative approach of Northern and Southern public bureaucracies European Integration Studies (IF 0.5) Pub Date : 2019-10-29 Giorgio Oikonomou
The quality of government represents a critical parameter of modern states for delivering sound public policies for the benefit of citizens. Dimensions such as accountability, impartiality, mechanisms which cope effectively with corruption and government effectiveness stand as core components of the quality of government, whereas at the same time account for much of the variation in the quality of
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DIGITAL PLATFORMS FOR POSTAL SERVICES IN EU AND JAPAN European Integration Studies (IF 0.5) Pub Date : 2019-10-29 Maciej Lewandowski, Pawel Mlodkowski, Marek Wróbel
This paper offers a biased review of digital platforms introduced recently and operated by national posts in several European Union countries. Authors chose the most interesting cases, including those deemed as most successful, those that failed, and the most modern ones. The paper compares diverse European experience with modern solutions introduced by the Japan Post. Methods used for delivering the
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ECONOMIC GROWTH PROJECTION FOR EUROPEAN UNION BY 2030 European Integration Studies (IF 0.5) Pub Date : 2019-10-29 Pawel Mlodkowski
The paper contributes to a discussion on developments in output for the EU-27 group over the next 11 years, up to year 2030. It departs from a discussion on arguments of the production function, with focus on sudden changes to population in Europe, its growth rate and composition. A brief study of population-decreasing events in the European historical perspective may represent an inspiring part. Reasons
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Economic Integration and Corruption - EU Enlargement in Western Balkans European Integration Studies (IF 0.5) Pub Date : 2018-12-10 Hannu Laurila
The paper examines possible EU enlargement in Western Balkans from the point of view of corruption. Transparency International warns from the risks of acceleration and spreading of corruption in economic integration between states with different levels of integrity, and draws ambitious guidelines for optimal anti-corruption policy. The paper aims for policy advices concerning proper policy. The method
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Identification of Smart Regions with Resilience, Specialisation and Labour Intensity of globally Competitive Sector – The Examination of the LAU-1 Regions in Finland European Integration Studies (IF 0.5) Pub Date : 2018-12-10 Teemu Haukioja, Jari Kaivo-oja, Ari Karppinen, Saku Vähäsantanen
The purpose of the study is to construct smart specialization indicators for LAU-1 regions in Finland. Established indices are based on indicators on region’s revealed comparative advantage, and the degree of diversification in its sub-regional industrial structure. Further, we introduce a measure that can be used to assess the socio-economic importance (employment) of diversification and specialization
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THE EVALUATION OF IMPACT OF MERGERS ON THE MARKET ECONOMIC ACTIVITY: THE CASE OF LITHUANIAN TELECOMMUNICATION SECTOR European Integration Studies (IF 0.5) Pub Date : 2018-12-10 Jurgita Bruneckienė, Jonas Rapsikevičius
This paper focuses on the merger and acquisitions valuation, the research aims to evaluate it’s impact on the market economic activity. The research problem lays upon inconsistent valuation methodology of different economic subjects in these processes and the calibration of complex valuation methodology. Many researchers approach the evaluation of impact on the economic activity only by narrowing the
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The European Mind-set, European Opinion and Economic Developments in 2007-2017: Major Changes of Public Opinion and the European Mind-set in Years 2004-2018 European Integration Studies (IF 0.5) Pub Date : 2018-12-10 Jari Kaivo-Oja, Theresa Lauraeus
This study reports major changes in public opinion in the European Union. First part of the study includes (1) citizens´ assessments of the most important issues facing the EU at the moment, (2) The second part of study report changes in (1) national economic situation evaluations, (2) European economic situation evaluations, (3) European economic crisis recovery evaluations (the impact on the crisis
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ENHANCING EFFICIENCY OF BALTIC RETAIL CONTACT CENTERS European Integration Studies (IF 0.5) Pub Date : 2018-12-10 Iveta Linina, Velga Vevere, Rosita Zvirgzdina
Private consumption is one of the main cornerstones of economic growth in any country. Retail sales also play an important role in today's society and in the national economy as it introduces and develops new technologies in customer service, provides jobs and increases the welfare of society. Adapting to customer needs and requirements gives the company, on the one hand, the opportunity for further
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PRODUCTIVITY TRAP IN LATVIA European Integration Studies (IF 0.5) Pub Date : 2018-12-10 Sandra Jekabsone, Irina Skribane
Along with a more rapid economic growth tension can be observed in the Latvian labour market. Number of economically active population is decreasing because of negative natural increase of the population and emigration, while number of job vacancies is rising and labour shortages become more acute. As a result wages are rising rapidly, and it, in turn causes increase in production costs and negatively
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EFFECTS OF CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY ON CUSTOMER BRAND CHOICE IN BALTIC REGION: MEDIATING ROLE OF PRODUCT INVOLVEMENT LEVEL European Integration Studies (IF 0.5) Pub Date : 2018-12-10 Muhammad Zafran
The purpose of this study is to investigate how CSR initiatives of company influence customer brand choice. Specific research objectives include: (1) evaluating consumer understanding of CSR concept; (2) CSR influence on consumer brand choice in low involvement product; (3) CSR influence on consumer brand choice in high involvement product; (4) CSR effects on customer brand equity. This study establishes
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PROMOTING THE REGIONAL COMPETITIVENESS THROUGH CLUSTERS‘ APPROACH: CASE OF THE LATVIAN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY CLUSTER European Integration Studies (IF 0.5) Pub Date : 2018-12-10 Zane Zeibote, Tatjana Muravska
The purpose of this research is to contribute to the debate on regional competitiveness concept by evaluating genesis of the studies of concept development, and the impact assessment. This paper also presents the impact of clusters on regional competitiveness through the experience of the Latvian Information Technology (IT) cluster. The methods used in the research are literature analysis, correlation
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SUB-STATE MOBILIZATION IN ‘HIGH POLITICS’: THE ROLE OF REGIONAL AND LOCAL GOVERNANCE IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE EUROPEAN NEIGHBOURHOOD POLICY European Integration Studies (IF 0.5) Pub Date : 2018-12-10 Giorgio Oikonomou
Subnational mobilization literature has flourished since the mid. 1990s. Regional and local authorities have tried, not always successfully, to utilize alternative channels of representation in the European Union (EU) in different policy areas and with different scope and depth. The policy areas and the degree of subnational mobilization is greatly varied contingent on exogenous -at the EU level- and
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PRIVATE FINANCING ALTERNATIVES FOR INFRASTRUCTURE OF STATE OWNED ENTERPRISES European Integration Studies (IF 0.5) Pub Date : 2018-12-10 Ilja Arefjevs, Jurijs Spiridonovs, Natalja Tocelovska
The aim of the article is to examine infrastructure classification and assess private financing alternativesfor major groups of physical infrastructure under ownership of state owned enterprises in Latvia.Tasks of the research include examining types infrastructure with a focus on physical infrastructure,explaining importance of physical infrastructure to economy of a country and society, studying
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MAIN MOTIVATORS OF SOCIAL AUDIT: CASE OF ESTONIA European Integration Studies (IF 0.5) Pub Date : 2018-12-10 Chrislin Nestra, Natalja Gurvits
In recent years the growing importance of sustainable development has been widely recognized worldwide. Organizations actively implement social and environmentally sustainable work practices in their business strategy. The growing concern from the stakeholders for the transparency and social responsibility has put more focus on social audit as an important tool of measurement of social and environmental
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DETERMINANTS OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE CORPORATE BOND MARKET IN LATVIA European Integration Studies (IF 0.5) Pub Date : 2018-12-10 Natalja Tocelovska, Biruta Sloka, Ilja Arfejevs
The development of the corporate bond market in Latvia while being quick and robust in the period 2012-2017 (the average growth rate 131%, median 44%), has faced major challenges in 2018 (Nasdaq Baltic, 2018). The latter has demonstrated the vulnerability of this alternative to banking financing method in Latvia. In the environment, where the ongoing changes in the banking financing as initiated by
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DEVELOPING INTERCULTURAL NEGOTIATIONS SKILLS TO MEET CURRENT CHALLENGES OF DIVERSE EU BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT AS PART OF UNIVERSITY SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY European Integration Studies (IF 0.5) Pub Date : 2018-12-10 Velga Vevere, Aija Sannikova
Rapid internationalization of the European business environment requires development of international project and team management, intercultural internal and external communications, conflict management skills, etc. These skills, in their turn, involve negotiation process (strategical, tactical and ethical aspects) and cross-cultural proficiency. Development of such skills could be regarded as responsibility
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Data-based Startup Profile Analysis in the European Smart Specialization Strategy: A Text Mining Approach European Integration Studies (IF 0.5) Pub Date : 2018-12-10 Levan Bzhalava, Jari Kaivo-oja, Sohaib S. Hassan
The aim of the paper is to develop novel scientific metrics approach to the European Smart Specialization Strategy. The European Union (EU) has introduced Smart Specialization Strategy (S3) to increase the innovation and competitive potential of its member states by identifying promising economic areas for investment and specialization. While the evaluation of Smart Specialization Strategy requires