Aim. This study aims to substantiate the necessity of using an agent-based model (ABM) during the implementation of large projects, which would enable an assessment of the consequences of unscrupulous performance of duties on the part of project participants. Tasks. This study analyzes both the efficiency of the agent-based approach in simulating socioeconomic processes and step-by-step simulation of ABM processes, as well as identifies the basic features of agent types. Methods. The research is based on the developed model of a general balance of the Russian socioeconomic system ( CGE -model). This study is a logical extension of research based on the application of an agent-based approach to simulations, which involves shifting the focus from the macro level to the level of independent economic actors, i.e., agents. Results. This study shows the application of an agent-based approach to the simulation of large project implementation processes, where companies involved in the project and their employees are independent actors (agents) capable of active action according to their preferences. For instance, human agents in the model can change jobs and/or places of residence and company agents can develop partnerships for performing certain stages of work on the simulated projects. Human agents contribute to the performance of company agents according to their labor potential but can also act unscrupulously and so can company agents, if managed by such employee agents. Thus, the model simulates the behavior of agents engaged in illegal financial transactions. As a result, some portion of the funds allocated for the work is not involved in production and the project’s goals are not achieved. The probability of such agent behavior depends on the general level of decency, which is a controlled parameter of the model. The model also simulates population dynamics.

This study examines the transformation of business management mechanisms in the context of globalization at the current stage of economic development in Russia. Aim. This study analyzes implementation mechanisms of business structures in the global integration process, identifies potential problems, and propos corresponding solutions. Results. We analyze implementation mechanisms of Russian businesses in the current global economic integration processes. Key strategic directions, namely increased government support for R&D to minimize production costs, enhanced international cooperation, overall economic growth, prevention of environmental problems that emerge in countries where transnational companies set up their production facilities, provision of economic security regarding shortages in labor force, and increased employment rate among business service entrepreneurs where competition is based on innovation, are determined.

This study assesses regional government programs based on implementation reports provided by the authorities. Aim. This study estimates the effectiveness and efficiency of social policy in the Magadan region by analyzing reports about the implementation of regional government programs. Tasks. This study analyzes the compliance of the annual reports provided by the Ministry of Labor and Magadan region’s social policy on the implementation of regional government programs with the regulatory requirements applicable to the progress reports and the criteria for estimating the efficiency of regional government programs. Methods. Comparative analysis of the implementation of regional government programs in the Magadan region and statistical analysis of their funding shows drawbacks in the assessment mechanism and the need for an improved system to assess the efficiency of social policies. Results. Many innovative regional government programs on social policy can either not be practically implemented or their actual effectiveness is much lower than planned. This is partly due to the lack of actual tools for planning, assessment, and control of program implementation. This study identifies drawbacks in the existing model for the assessment of regional government programs’ efficiency. Based on the authors’ approach, an index of compliance between actual and specified indicators of program assessment is calculated. Conclusion. This analysis makes it possible to estimate the efficiency of regional government programs and provides recommendations for their improvement.

This study intends to assess the feasibility of predicting the socio-economic status of certain regions based on identified trends in its development. Aim. This study aims to assess the feasibility of predicting the socio-economic situation in a region based on a system of aggregated parameters. Tasks. The study determines systemic prerequisites for the emergence of inertia in the region’s socio-economic system as well as organizational prerequisites for the efficient monitoring and prediction of the region’s state. Methods. General scientific methods are used. The focus is on collection of empirical data and similar practices in the Republic of Karelia and other Russian regions. Results. A system of parameters for the efficient monitoring of regional development is determined based on established monitoring practices. The system includes a set of factors that determine (describe) the development of the economic and social spheres of the regions. Conclusion. The inertia of the socio-economic system allows for objective, efficient monitoring based on the proposed parameters and indicators. Aggregated parameters determined by experts are used with the aim of monitoring trends. A social contract in a region is crucial for efficient monitoring as it makes it possible to engage the expert community and general public in the management process.

This study examines the Czarist-era method of organizing sheepskin production in the Ufa province, one of the Russian Empire’s largest regions. Aim. This study unravels the origins and specific features of the establishment of sheepskin production in this province. Tasks. This study examines published source material, presents it in a structured fashion according to the subject’s main areas, determines resettlement specifics of leather crafters, and identifies features of production organization. Methods. This study uses methods of scientific analysis, such as cause-and-effect, historical, chronological, statistical, and systems analysis. Results. The specific features and results of sheepskin production organization and their applicability under the current conditions of import substitution are identified. Conclusion. Historically, the Ufa province was one of the most important regions for sheepskin production. The Ufa region’s experience shows that it is important to develop the sheepskin industry in the Republic of Bashkortostan, which should serve as an example of the import substitution policy. The Republic is rich in natural resources and raw materials, has high agricultural potential, and is capable of maintaining leadership in sheepskin production in the present-day Russia.

This study examines ways of organizing efficient management systems in trauma centers and medical institutions. Aim. This study develops the basic elements and methods of a trauma center management system with the goal of framing an efficient management policy. Tasks. This study develops a strategy for trauma center development based on SWOT analysis, outlines the most efficient recruitment methods, analyzes measures for establishing an organizational culture and a communications policy, describes the information system of a medical institution, and develops measures for ensuring efficient communication between employees across departments. Methods. This study uses general methods of scientific cognition to examine a system for organizing an efficient trauma center management system in various aspects, determines trends in the current state and the development of implemented policies, and identifies major directions for their improvement. Results. Each medical institution should tackle the problem of improving management efficiency individually, based on the specific features of its existing management system. However, the institution’s administration should note that the most efficient management system can be achieved using a combination of various methods, based on the organization’s current objectives and strategy. Conclusion. More efficient trauma center management in medical institutions can be achieved in a significant number of ways, each of which is related to a specific field. Management efficiency can be improved using various methods, including those directly associated with a manager’s activity. Improving a manager’s qualifications and providing additional training are particularly effective.

Aim. This study aims to examine measures for improving the efficiency of entrepreneurship under current economic conditions. Tasks. This study develops fundamental measures to improve the economic efficiency of entrepreneurial activity. Methods. This study takes a complex approach to the development of measures aimed at improving the efficiency of entrepreneurial activity, from adaptive measures to incentives, depending on the financial and economic subject of entrepreneurship. Results. Strategic directions for organizational and entrepreneurial development under current economic and market situations based on the preventive mechanisms of business structures. Conclusion. Analysis of internal and external factors affecting the development of entrepreneurial activities to enhance entrepreneurial effectiveness and improve its efficiency in contemporary Russia. It is emphasized that these should be based on the following directions: improving the use of socioeconomic resources; taking advantage of economies of scale; and utilizing advanced information technology for automation in accounting. This study proposes measures for improving the efficiency of entrepreneurial activity under current Russian conditions, in the context of organizational objectives and dynamics. Accounting for strategic and socioeconomic aspects of entrepreneurial development and efficient use of the financial resources of business structures are emphasized in the context of rational use of liquid assets for the purpose of maintaining entrepreneurial stability in the medium and long terms.

Integration of the Russian system of higher education into the global academic arena requires development of its innovative potential. This feat may be achieved provided that the quality of human capital in universities is high. Aim. This study aims to identify the areas of formation of innovations in human capital management in Russian universities based on a theoretical and practical survey and analyze their effects on the major characteristics of human capital management. Tasks. This study identifies innovations in human capital management and areas of their formation in Russian universities. It further analyzes their effects on the key characteristics of human capital and assesses the conditions that encourage the staff to be creative and proactive by means of considering examples from a technical university. Methods. Substantiation of several points and deductive reasoning to arrive at conclusions is provided through general scientific and special research methods - dialectic and case studies - along with the coevolution (system-process) approach. Results. Innovations in human capital management in universities are mostly characterized by a top-down management style and determine conflicting trends in the development of key characteristics of human potential. Reducing number and increasing proportion of researchers with academic degrees, an increasing number of publications by Russian authors in international scientific journals along with low citedness, persisting high average age of researchers in the higher education sector and decreasing number of postgraduates and Ph.D. students are examples of such conflicting trends. We find that universities are insufficiently prepared to create an environment that is conducive to innovation and find vague criteria that prevent efficient contracts. Conclusion. Higher education institutions need to be transformed into innovative universities, which implies attaining unity of education, research, engineering, and business activities, through a complex integrated structure comprised of complex processes that require the development of special methodological tools.

This study examines the processes of neo-industrialization in the Russian economy and estimates its socio-economic efficiency. Aim. This study develops a set of indicators that estimate the socio-economic efficiency of neo-industrialization. Tasks. This study identifies major problems in the current state of the Russian economy, draws a parallel between the state of the economy and the forms of government that support neo-industrialization, and determines integral indicators to estimate the socio-economic efficiency of neo-industrialization. Methods. This study uses general methods of scientific cognition to examine the processes of economic neo-industrialization on various aspects, identifies trends in the assessment of the current state of the Russian economy, and determines major indicators for estimating the socio-economic efficiency of neo-industrialization. Results. Major problems in assessing the current state of the Russian economy include the performance of national economic enterprises, which often ignores the inflation rate, the lack of an actual methodology for assessing the government’s budget loss due to incompetent financial arrangements and commodityflows within groups of companies, the lack of correlation between economic and social effects, and an imperfect methodology to assess the knowledge content in high-tech industries. Bearing in mind these aforementioned problems, assessment of the socio-economic effects of neo-industrialization should take into account the continuity and frequency of discounting financial expenses. Efficiency should be estimated both for the economy as a whole and for each of its levels, paying due attention to the fact that the ultimate goal of neo-industrialization is growth of the national economy as a whole and not just in some of its sectors. Conclusion. Indicators of socio-economic efficiency should be classified into four groups: the economy as a whole, the government, various enterprises, and the population. For the economy as a whole, the main indicators are the amount of funds allocated to improve production, increase in GDP, tax revenues, and welfare and purchasing power of the population. The government’s main indicators are the private sector revenues, which exceed expenses on modernization, and annual increases in the said revenues and the population’s income. The main indicators for the enterprise are an increase in company’s profits, lower expenses, and higher productivity. For the population, the main indicators are improved welfare and purchasing power, availability of high-quality staple goods, and lower prices, caused both by manufacturers’ lower expenses and greater competition among companies.

Informational and technological development of the economy of higher education institutions, particularly SPSIT (TU), which generates intellectual forms, enhances activity in the leading areas. The process of industrial production turns scientific research into innovation oriented processes. Universities are becoming increasingly involved in knowledgebased cooperation with innovative enterprises. Lateral (educational) clusters are meant to play a crucial role in this process. Aim. This study aims to develop the conceptual framework of the effect of the clusters on economic growth in higher education. Tasks. This study examines the specific features of lateral cluster formation in Russia compared with international experiences; develops guidelines for the development of new educational cluster models to ensure innovative economic growth in the country; assesses the efficiency of the creation and functioning of clusters involving the Saint-Petersburg State Institute of Technology (Technical University) - (SPSIT(TU)). Methods. This study uses general methods of scientific cognition. This is a case study of lateral clusters involving the Saint-Petersburg State Institute of Technology. Conclusion. The efficiency of cluster functioning involving the Saint-Petersburg State Institute of Technology created with the purpose of establishing competence centers in composite materials is assessed. As a result, it is established that the SPSIT (TU) is, in the author’s opinion, not efficient enough in its interaction both with its departments and with external enterprises and organizations. The main reasons for inefficient cooperation are as follows: low tangibility of results of cooperation; insufficient development of communications in the context of a future cluster; insufficient development of inter-university cooperation, etc. It is proposed to measure the efficiency of implementation of the clustering concept with respect tothe system of professional education in the region using social and economic metrics.

Cooperation between Russia and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam (SRV) is developing rapidly. However, trade relations are stagnating despite significant commodity resources. This problem can be solved by introducing a new form of relations in the EEU-SRV free-trade area. Aim. This study aims to perform a complex analysis of Russian-Vietnamese trade in the second decade of the 21st century. Tasks. This study determines the causes of the slowdown in mutual trade between Russia and Vietnam and identifies potential and plausible growth factors. Results. Trade dynamics and export and import patterns are enumerated. The mutual interest of Russia and Vietnam in expanding trade and enhancing the relative competitiveness of Vietnamese products, compared with China, in the Russian consumer market is substantiated. It is concluded that a new form of trade between Russia and Vietnam in the EEU-SRV free-trade area can facilitate trade expansion and allow for sustainable increases in exports and imports. The recovery of Russian industry, the products of which are in steady demand in Vietnam, will also become a growth factor.

This study develops and defines a methodology for the development of strategic investment priorities. Aim. This study develops a methodology for the development of strategic investment priorities in a region. Tasks. This study determines macroeconomic and microeconomic indicators that affect the investment attractiveness of a country, region, industry, or project, as well as the analytic sequence of these indicators for identifying strategic investment priorities. Methods. This study uses general methods of scientific cognition to develop a methodology for identifying strategic investment priorities in various aspects. Results. As a result of the study, a methodology for identifying strategic investment priorities is developed and determined. Conclusion. Correct identification of strategic investment priorities at various levels helps conserve financial resources and maximize benefits at minimal costs.

With the growth of economic globalization process, China’s insurance institutions have showed diversified development. In 2010, Ping An Insurance Group Company of China Ltd. (China Ping An Group) implemented a comprehensive acquisition of Shenzhen Development Bank. Aim. This paper makes an appraisal regarding six-year scale efficiency and technical efficiency of Ping An Group before and after the acquisition. Methodology. The investigation requires a wide range of meeasures such as data envelopment analysis (DEA) that is used in this paper, the profitability evaluation, business growth assesment. To build a reasonable bank performance appraisal system we used an estimation of quality of assets and solvency. Results. According to this research there is no obvious improvement of profitability and operating growth capacity in the financial indicators after the implementation of the merger and acquisition, and the decline in assets quality and solvency shows that the short term effect is not obvious also. However it has good efficiency and strategic significance in a longterm period. Conclusion. M&A transactions among financial institutions in China don’t render the synergetic effect on financial performance of the company in the short term that has been proved on the example of merger of the Shenzhen Development bank by Ping An Group group of companies.