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Economics and Management

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No 12 (2017)

ACTUAL PROBLEMS DEVELOPMENT OF ECONOMICS

5-16 132
Abstract
The presented study examines the discrepancies between the substantial raw material potential of Russian regions and the increasing complexity and heterogeneity of its composition. The authors believe that the said discrepancies can be resolved not only by facilitating and expanding geological exploration and prospecting with appropriate funding (particularly from private investments), but also by improving the systems for the management and coordination of these activities. Aim and tasks. Macro- and microeconomic aspects of the current processes of development and use of natural resources make it necessary to raise many new issues regarding the implementation of certain projects and formation of the institutional framework and conditions, and, most importantly, to determine the new role that natural resources play in solving crucial socio-economic problems. Methods. This study uses general scientific methods of cognition as well as comparative, statistical, and structural analysis to describe a linear model of involvement of all possible natural resources and a more complex “network structure”, and to propose a roadmap for the transition from fragments to an integrated system for the development of resource regions. Results. At the macro-level, production tools are becoming increasingly important, and more and more types of mineral raw materials serve as financial assets. The process of interaction of the natural resource sector with the economy and the financial system is undergoing a fundamental transformation. The main features of the “network structure” include constant “returns” to the previous stages within the framework of a linear model or, the other way round, “leaps” over the next few stages, which provides a new concept of the appropriate chronological sequence of different stages of exploration, prospecting, and development of mineral deposits. Conclusion. The natural resource sector is undergoing fundamental changes (due to the significantly increasing role of the knowledgedriven economy and the intellectual component in general) in terms of the development and use of natural resources. Some developed countries are becoming dependent on resources once again. However, this phenomenon and its distinctive features are of a different nature, prioritizing the knowledge-based economy. Russia’s current problems are in many respects due to the fact that the country explores its resource potential in an extremely non-complementary institutional environment. The principal way of overcoming mutual discrepancy is a well-founded course of economic development making objective allowance for the environmental, technological, and institutional components as well as their close interaction and mutual influence.
17-32 153
Abstract
Aim. The presented study aims to develop a concept for a global integration project associated with the formation of a free trade zone between Russia and the countries of West and South Asia. Tasks. In order to increase freight traffic volume along the North-South transport direction, the latter should be viewed as a complex innovative industrial and technological value creation zone, i.e. as a Russian-Iranian-Indian economic corridor codenamed “the Volga trade route of the 21st century”. Methods. This study uses general methods of scientific cognition. Results. This study analyzes the causes of the significant delay in the beginning of regular large-scale freight transportation along the North-South International Transport Corridor (NSITC). The authors advance proposals on the transformation of the corridor into a global integration project associated with the formation of a free trade zone between Russia and the countries of West and South Asia. This global initiative should be based on the innovative and economic ambitions of the participating countries, their foreign policy interests and contradictions, and the desire to become the hubs of international and regional TTS. Conclusion. The geopolitical rivalry between India and China, in the context of which the project of the Chinese-Pakistan Economic Corridor is being implemented in South Asia, may prompt the Indian government to put extra effort into attracting freight traffic from Southeast Asia to the North-South direction. It is in Southeast Asia that large multinational corporations are currently concentrating their production, instead of China. Viewing the North-South direction as an economic corridor makes it possible to build infrastructural deviations (branches) from the original ITC concept, for example, towards Iraq and Syria in the Iranian territory. Different branches of the NSITC in the Caspian region facilitate competition between alternative routes, inevitably resulting in favorable tariff options. The global Russian-Iranian-Indian initiative of creating the Volga trade route of the 21st century can become both a competition or a natural continuation and addition to the Chinese One Belt One Road Initiative.

MODERNIZATION OF THE REGIONAL ECONOMICS

33-40 103
Abstract
Following the normalization of bilateral relations, the U.S. has become one of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam’s (SRV) major trading partners (second only to China). American TNCs have been heavily investing in Vietnam to enhance innovative development. Donald Trump’s rise to presidency in 2017 raises questions about the possibility of the U.S. maintaining its highlevel partnership with Vietnam. While the SRV took pride in its inclusion in the Trans-Pacific Partnership, the United States made a rather shocking exit. However, geopolitical factors continue to impel an active use of the “Vietnamese factor” by the U.S. through its APR policy, which is based on the containment of China. The SRV is thus forced to maintain its balance while making the most of such contradictions in order to get closer to attaining EAEU affiliation. Aim. The presented study analyzes Vietnam’s participation in integration associations, problems and challenges in the new geopolitical environment. Methods. This study uses general methods of scientific cognition, with data from the U.S. FRS, SRV, EU, and EAEU CSO serving as statistical bases. Results. The study substantiates that changes in the American policy under its new President have diminished the role of government in foreign economic strategy for the SRV, yet it did bring about a modified strategy with respect to integration associations. Vietnam depends on both the US and China economically, since trade relations with these countries define the dynamics and volume of foreign trade to a large extent. This three-way relationship (Vietnam - China - USA) effectively stipulates that Vietnam could get involved in the growing internal conflicts of these two great nations. Still, Vietnam can use the confrontation between the U.S. and China (and their policy contradictions) to its advantage.

THEORY AND PRACTICE OF GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

41-45 150
Abstract
Aim. The presented study aims to examine the major forms and tools of support for socially important projects, such as public-private partnership. Tasks. The tasks of the study are as follows: •• outlining the results of implementation of socially important projects both for the society and for the business; •• presenting major methods and factors that determine support for socially important projects in a structured fashion; •• identifying criteria (factors) that prompt support for socially important projects; •• determining major methods of support for socially important projects. Methods. This study uses general scientific methods of cognition to examine support for socially important projects, both from the government and from the business, in various aspects. Results. The results of the study are as follows. First, the results of support for socially important (not only for the society and the government, but for business as well) projects are determined and formulated. Second, major factors and tools that both the business and the government can use to implement projects in the socially important fields. Conclusion. Identifying the principles, factors, and tools of support for socially important fields of activity is beneficial not only for the government, which is thus aided in performing its social functions, but also for the business, which is provided with the necessary infrastructure.
46-50 322
Abstract
The presented study examines the concept of investigative techniques for the detection and exposure of bribery in customs affairs. To date, there has not been a unified definition or approach to the general concept of investigative techniques as part of the investigative theory. Aim. This study aims to provide a definition for investigative techniques in customs affairs, to identify system elements and present them in a structured fashion. Tasks. The authors evaluate the necessity of developing special investigative techniques for the detection and exposure of bribery in customs affairs, stipulated by the fact that the developed special investigative techniques are essentially different sets of their elements, which sometimes makes it difficult to put them into practice. Methods. This study uses general scientific methods of cognition to develop guidelines within the scope of the subject under examination. Results. The study shows that certain issues associated with crime exposure are not even considered in special guidelines, which calls for evidence-based developments in the investigative theory aimed at developing special techniques for crime detection, exposure, and investigation. Conclusion. Having analyzed the examined definitions, the authors conclude that investigative techniques for the detection of bribery in customs affairs are a combination of theoretical and scientific provisions and the developed guidelines on the use of investigative activities aimed at identifying factors that encourage the perpetration of such crimes and developing means to minimize or eliminate them.
51-57 347
Abstract
The presented study examines the scope of interdisciplinary research in the science of public administration. Aim. This study aims to examine the organization of interdisciplinary research projects in the science of public administration and to analyze their major issues. Tasks. The authors specify the definitions of different types of interdisciplinary research, determine stages in the organization of interdisciplinary projects, describe the mechanisms of knowledge integration, and identify major problems of interdisciplinary research in the science of public administration. Methods. This study uses general scientific methods of cognition to analyze major problems in the organization of interdisciplinary research projects in public administration. Results. The study examines the methodological basis for the organization and conducting of interdisciplinary research; specifies the definitions that help distinguish between interdisciplinary research (in a narrow sense), multidiscplinary and transdiscplinary projects; introduces the concept of an interdisciplinary platform as an amalgamation of the basic principles, objectives, and methodological references that are common for the participants of an interdisciplinary project and allow them to understand each other and coordinate their activities; identifies major stages in the organization of an interdisciplinary project (from providing a rationale for interdisciplinary research to conducting working sessions); clarifies the basic methods of knowledge integration in interdisciplinary projects; analyzes the key problems in the organization of interdisciplinary research in general and the science of public administration in particular. Conclusion. The definitions of the types of interdisciplinary projects are specified. Major stages in the planning of interdisciplinary research are identified, which should aid the organization of interdisciplinary research in public administration. The basic mechanisms of integration of interdisciplinary knowledge are examined, and major methodological problems of interdisciplinary projects in public administration are determined.
58-63 136
Abstract
The study examines regional problems in the formation and modernization of cluster-based economic systems, exemplified by Russian and foreign experience. Aim. This study aims to analyze cluster functioning practices in Russia and foreign countries for the purposes of facilitating further research when forming regional cluster systems. Tasks. The authors will determine positive system approaches to the formation of efficient innovative cluster systems by examining best practices in the formation and functioning of innovative clusters. Methods. The study is based on the following methodological principles: •• systems approach to the examination of regional economic development; •• practical implementability of the results of the study; •• consideration of specific regional aspects. Methods of economic, functional, structural, and statistical analysis and expert assessment are also used. Results. The study materials have applied significance and can be used to develop an organizational and economic mechanism for forming regional innovative clusters. The lack of methodology problem for assessment cluster development is updated. The results of the analysis can be used in developing a methodology to form innovative clusters, to assess cluster development, and to consider the effects of cluster interaction. Conclusion. Under current conditions, the modernization of economic systems for the formation of innovative clusters is the most important and the efficient direction for structural reforms, both at federal and regional levels.
64-69 13073
Abstract
The presented study examines the process of investment in innovative development strategies. Aim. This study aims to examine the existing approaches to the modeling of investment in innovative strategies and to propose an economic and mathematical investment model. Tasks. The author analyzes the recorded investment theories, examines economic and mathematical models of investment in innovative strategies and their distinctive features, and proposes an economic and mathematical mod el of investment in an innovative development strategy for a sustainable business based on the analysis of scientific literature. Methods. This study uses general scientific methods of cognition to examine the theories of investment in innovative strategies in various aspects and identify trends in the current state and development of investment. Results. Having examined the existing model of investment in innovations and innovative strategies such as the rigid and flexible accelerator models, the Keynesian and the neoclassical models, the author concludes that these models disregard the selection of an innovative strategy and investment risks. When investing in innovative development strategies, it is important to take into account the company’s stable operation and participation in social programs, and the necessary profit level, which should be higher than mandatory payments. The most rational innovative development strategy is selected by comparing all options, and the economic and mathematical model of investment in an innovative development strategy is determined. Using the tools of mathematical modeling, it is possible to make allowance for changes in the external environment and determine the complex economic and mathematical model of investment in innovative development strategies for a sustainable business. Conclusion. Using the proposed model of investment in an innovative development strategy makes it possible to select the best possible option. Implementation of the results of this study in the economic practices of sustainable companies shows that they improve the efficiency of innovative activity, accelerate innovative development, enhance competitiveness, and improves the company image. The authors believe that this problem can be further examined with a focus on the specification and structuring of the developed models taking into account the distinctive features of innovative development of a sustainable business.

POST-GRADUATES’ RESEARCH EFFORTS

70-75 151
Abstract
The presented study compares the level of professional competence of young specialists to the requirements of the executives of large industrial enterprises. Aim. This study aims to determine the degree of conformity of the professional education of university graduates to the requirements of employers defined by the enterprise’s scope of activity. Tasks. The author substantiates the mechanism of conformity of professional and educational standards and the requirements of employers - executives of large industrial enterprises - to the modern requirements of improving the professional competence of various professional qualification and status employee groups. Methods. The study uses systems analysis, content analysis, overt observation, and interviews of university graduates and executives of large industrial enterprises. Results. The results of the study show the possibility of convergence between the standardized competence of university graduates and the professional competence of the executives of large industrial enterprises. Conclusion. The identified differences in the approaches to understanding professional qualification prompt us to pay attention to the ethic and moral aspects of competence formation in various professional qualification and status employee groups.
76-84 135
Abstract
The presented study identifies key problems in the development of small and medium enterprises in dentistry and undertakes to find potential solutions. Aim. The aims of the study is to identify key problems in the development of small and medium enterprises in dentistry in St. Petersburg. Tasks. The authors determine the structure of the dental services market, examine trends in its development and potential ways of enhancing its competitiveness, and compartmentalize problems that arise during the establishment and development of small and medium enterprises in dentistry. Methods. This study uses methods of scientific cognition that help identify specific traits in the development of the dental services market in Russia and determine specific problems in the development of small and medium enterprises in dentistry. Results. Analysis of scientific literature and marketing analysis of the dental services market help reveal factors that have a negative impact on the development of enterprises in dentistry, outline potential solution, and de termine corrective measures aimed at improving the development management system in the Russian dentistry, including the private sector. Conclusion. Problems in the development of small and medium enterprises in dentistry are identified and divided in two groups: “Common for SME in St. Petersburg” and “Specific Problems in the Development of SME in Dentistry”. Potential solutions to the identified problems are proposed, such as more active use of external resources (e.g. government support for small and medium enterprises) by enterprises in dentistry.

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ISSN 1998-1627 (Print)