The presented study examines the functional relationships between enterprise efficiency and the criteria of estimated utility indicators in the technological cycle of economic industrial growth of quality and value.

Aim. The study aims to propose a mechanism of contractual management of the resource potential of an industrial enterprise and its efficiency according to the given quality parameters of the product.

Tasks. The authors determine the efficiency indicators of resource potential utilization; specify the parameters of the structural relationships within the technological process and the given functionality of production relations; determine the value of the potential of structural links and normative (rent) interest rates on the resources used.

Methods. This study uses general scientific methods of cognition to examine the technological methods of assessing the resource potential of a structural unit in various aspects and to determine the principles of formation of qualitative and quantitative indicators of production output.

Results. The authors propose a methodological approach to assessing the efficiency of industrial structural units under market conditions in terms of utility and value, with many managerial decisions being disintegrated. The result is a snowball of uncertainties that destroys motivational interest in the efficient economic growth of value and utility.

Conclusions. The target functional relationships between the interests of industrial enterprises make it possible to improve the efficiency of value and labor principles in the management of the technological process and to substitute the resulting estimated value indicator for an indicator of added value and utility in a cycle of consumer production. The focus is on balancing interests according to the potential resource capacity of all technological participants of integrated production. This approach allows for an efficient, balanced impact on the technological, organizational, and economic potential of industrial growth.

The presented study examines the economic nature of cycles and its key component — crisis — the initial phase of a business cycle.

Aim. The study aims to determine the effect of business cycles and their alternation on the Russian economy.

Tasks. The authors examine models that explain the functioning of medium-term business cycles; identify the major causes of financial and economic crises at the turn of the cycle; determine the consequences of modern business cycles for Russia in terms of its macroeconomic indicators.

Methods. This study uses general scientific methods of cognition to examine the concept of business cycles and determine the causes and consequences of modern crises for the country’s economy.

Results. Among the existing types of business cycles there are medium-term cycles, a global turn in which over the last three decades is caused primarily by the problems in the financial sector of the US economy. A comparative analysis of the current medium-term cycle and the previous one makes it possible to determine their quantitative and qualitative implications for the Russian economy. The 2008–2009 turn in business cycles pointed at the low efficiency of the Russian economic policy at the time, which had achieved great results during the previous cycle. The average gross domestic product (GDP) growth rate in Russia decreased not only in comparison between the two business cycles, but also in comparison with the global GDP growth rates. The modern world is currently in the final phase of the business cycle after a sustained growth, while the state of the Russian economy has long been characterized by stagnation in many industries, which poses a threat to the economic stability of the state on the verge of a new crisis.

Conclusions. Examination of the concepts of business cycles as recurring periods of fluctuating business activity makes it possible not only to identify external and internal causes of economic instability during a cycle and at the turn of a cycle, but also to analyze the state of the economy in different phases of a cycle to improve the efficiency of the national economic policy.

The presented study examines the results of the assessment of the strategic sustainability of the complex of large, medium, and small enterprises in Russian regions. The specific features and parameters of the complex of enterprises in the depressed regions of the Russian Federation are identified. The hypothesis about the dependence of the economic indicators of regional development on the strategic sustainability of enterprises operating in the region is confirmed. Directions for applying the results of this study to boost the economies of the depressed Russian regions by improving the management of the complex of enterprises are proposed. Aim. The study aims to analyze the methodological approaches to assessment proposed by the authors as well as the strategic sustainability of large, medium, and small enterprises in the depressed regions of Russia.

Tasks. The authors develop a methodology for analyzing the strategic sustainability of the complex of large, medium, and small enterprises in Russian regions as a crucial factor of regional economic growth; identify specific features in the development of this complex in the depressed regions of Russia by calculating an integrated index for performance assessment – index of strategic sustainability of the complex of enterprises in the region; determine the sustainability parameters of the complex of enterprises in the constituent entities of the Russian Federation based on the developed system of indicators. According to the results of the study, the authors characterize directions for improving the management of the complex of large, medium, and small enterprises.

Methods. The theoretical and methodological basis of the study comprises theories and concepts of the role of enterprises and entrepreneurship in regional economic development, allowing the authors to propose definitions for the concepts of ‘strategic sustainability of the complex of enterprises in the region’ and ‘regional profit center’. This study also uses general scientific methods: analysis and synthesis, comparative and statistical analysis, systematization, calculation of an integrated index, cluster analysis, and correlation analysis. The calculations are based on the data of the Russian Federal State Statistics Service, Russian Federal Tax Service, and SPARK database by Interfax.

Results. The study shows that the complex of enterprises in depressive regions is not strategically stable. In comparison with regions where the socio-economic development rate is higher, the depressed regions of the Russian Federation have a significantly lower proportion of large business enterprises, lower labor productivity and innovative activity of enterprises, less favorable demography of enterprises, much lower share and growth rate of corporate income taxes in the total tax revenues of the region, and other indicators pertaining to the analysis of activity of enterprises. This confirms the hypothesis of the dependence of regional economic development on the business structure of the region and makes it possible to propose ways of improving the management of strategic sustainability of enterprises in depressed regions for federal and regional authorities.

Conclusions. The complex of large, medium, and small enterprises in depressed regions is characterized by low and extremely low sustainability parameters, which affects the economic and social development of the regions. Many key indicators of the development of depressed regions over the past 30 years have values below 50 % of the average level in Russia. Improvement of the management of development of depressed regions should focus on enhancing government support tools that facilitate the development of the complex of enterprises in the regions. The management of sustainability of the complex of enterprises in a region should be integrated into the strategic management system at the federal and regional level.

The presented study examines the statistics of labor productivity and wages in the Russian Federation.

Aim. The study aims to analyze trends in the changes of labor productivity and wages in Russia in the territorial and temporal aspects.

Tasks. This study examines and compares the dynamics of wages and labor productivity in Russia, identifying the specific regional features of their fluctuation.

Methods. The authors conduct a statistical research of the current situation in Russia as well as a dynamic, correlation, and structural analysis based on the data of the Federal State Statistics Service, and formulate economic assessments of the results from the perspective of the systems approach.

Results. The study substantiates that it is inadvisable to traditionally exclude anomalous data in the statistical research of economic systems as this leads to unacceptable changes in the structures of the latter. The authors propose comparing these systems by enlarged structural elements. Some common Russian trends in the changes of labor productivity and wage levels in time and space are analyzed and specified by federal districts and constituent entities of the Russian Federation. Consistent patterns in the dynamics of annual frequency distributions and variations of these indicators by regions, districts, and republics of the Russian Federation are described, and the leading and underperforming regions are identified.

Conclusions. Over the examined time period, labor productivity in Russia grew with slight fluctuations, while average wages only increased during economically favorable periods (in constant prices). The overall situation in the country is slowly improving and remains relatively stable in the regional aspect, but not the best. It would be advisable to implement economic mechanisms aimed at improving the self-sufficiency of the country and its regions. The authors believe the current methodology of the Federal Statistics Service to be applicable to the measurement of performance of industrial regions and — to a lesser extent — agricultural regions.

The presented study examines the conceptual aspects of strategic regional management.

Aim. Based on the analysis of the theory and practice of regional management, the study aims to propose a generic concept for formulating a strategy for the development of a constituent entity of the Russian Federation.

Tasks. The author analyzes theoretical approaches to strategic regional management; determines the conditions and factors that affect strategic regional management; formulates the rational principles of strategic regional management; identifies the causes of disproportions in the development of the constituent entities of the Russian Federation.

Methods. This study uses systems analysis, synthesis, induction and deduction, specification and generalization, analogy and modeling.

Results. A generic concept of strategic regional management is proposed, which classifies the basic system components of the external and internal environment of a constituent entity of the Russian Federation. Practical recommendations for improving the regional development strategy of are formulated. Analysis of the current state of strategic regional management practices in Russia shows that efficient work of regional authorities in the field of strategic management can compensate for a lack of resources and partially outweigh an unfavorable investment climate.

Conclusions. It is advisable for administrative and territorial units to develop and implement systematic medium-term development strategies adequate to the national regional policy and based on the current and projected availability of all kinds of resources and analysis of the factors of the external (in relation to the region) and internal environment, to continuously control and verify the implementation of the said strategies according to the pre-emptively developed efficiency criteria (monitoring) with the aim to improve the living standards of the population and maintain the highly competitive status of the managed unit within the regional economy.

The presented study examines the business climate of the Smolensk region, with applied developments based on the material of this region.

Aim. The study aims to characterize the specific features of ‘competitive environment’ as an economic category in the context of formation of a favorable business climate within the region.

Tasks. The authors analyze theoretical approaches to the definition of ‘competitive environment’ and ‘business climate’; assess the state of the competitive environment as a factor affecting the business climate in the region (through the example of the Smolensk region) with allowance for the competition intensity rating and survey of entrepreneurs; examine the implementation of government initiatives aimed at forming a favorable competitive environment in the Smolensk region; formulate proposals to improve the efficiency of implementation of measures by the local authorities of the Smolensk region aimed at forming a favorable competitive environment.

Methods. This study uses general scientific methods of cognition to examine the factors of formation of a favorable business climate in various aspects and to identify trends in the current state and development of entrepreneurship in the region.

Results. Analysis of measures taken by the authorities of the Smolensk region to implement a government competitive policy and qualitative assessment of the competitive environment in the region by the business community show that changes and adjustments to the regulatory framework are not introduced quickly enough, while entrepreneurs show a low level of awareness about the activities of the authorities in enhancing competition. A potential solution to this problem involves creating a Competition Development Project Office in the region, which would unite representatives of the authorities, including employees of the Office of the Federal Antimonopoly Service (OFAS) in the Smolensk region, natural monopolies, and entrepreneurs (by including representatives of associations and business communities). Establishment of such an office would make the decision-making more balanced and immediate, which would in turn improve the quality of the competitive environment in the Smolensk region.

Conclusions. The authors propose assessing the quality of the competitive environment, ranking regions, and including the results into the annual report of the Federal Antimonopoly Service (FAS) on the state of competition in Russia. Improvement of the business climate is identified as a priority for regional authorities. Therefore, monitoring and evaluation of the business climate and its factors is an essential task.

The current stage in the development of civilization is characterized by the development and practical implementation of advanced technology, particularly innovative information technology, which affects all areas of society. Digitalization of the economy forms new competitiveness factors for business structures and calls for a comprehensive consideration of all competitiveness factors in managerial decision-making.

Aim. The study aims to determine the effects of digitalization of the economy on the competitiveness of business structures and to identify additional factors that need to be taken into account during its assessment.

Tasks. The authors determine the specific features of digitalization of the economy, reveal the integral factors of the competitiveness of business structures, and identify the specifics of consideration of competitiveness factors in the context of digitalization of the economy.

Methods. The study is based on the dialectical systems approach as well as logical and factorial analysis using the theoretical framework of analysis of economic processes. The analysis is based on the international scientometric database Scopus and the bibliographic database of the Russian Science Citation Index (RSCI).

Results. The authors substantiate the need to make allowance for additional specific factors of competitiveness of business structures under modern conditions, particularly in the assessment of the competitiveness of business structures, financial factors, and the level of human capital development in addition to the factors of operating efficiency, strategic positioning, and innovation potential.

Conclusions. During the assessment of competitiveness of business structures, particularly in the context of digitalization, it is advisable to make allowance for return on assets, indicators of innovation potential, integrated human capital development index, and integrated indices of financial sustainability, variability and at the same time stability of the financial state of a business structure.

The presented study is relevant due to the need to improve the living standards of the population as a social indicator of economic security in the context of digitalization.

Aim. The study aims to formulate directions for solving the problems of improving the living standards of the information society through a comparative analysis of factors influencing life expectancy in the Russian Federation and abroad.

Tasks. The authors analyze the living indicators of the information society in major countries to reveal shortcomings in the measures taken by the public sector to ensure the quality of life of the population and to define the role of digitalization and digital economy in the improvement of living standards; identify problems of declining life expectancy in Russia to develop appropriate government policy measures.

Methods. The methodological basis of this study includes modern general scientific research methods, such as comparative analysis, statistical and structural-logical methods.

Results. The fundamental factors influencing life expectancy in the regions of the Russian Federation under modern conditions include lifestyle, genetics, level of education, level of information development, and level of digitalization in healthcare. Russia is lagging far behind developed countries in many of these respects. At the same time, there is a positive dynamics of improving living standards through the adoption of a strategy for the development of the economy and digital society in our country. With a direct correlation between living standards and economic development, global informatization, mobile communication, and digital technologies significantly increase the availability of information and opportunities to use it in healthcare.

Conclusions. As a major trend in the development of modern society, digitalization is particularly important when it comes to ensuring the socio-economic efficiency of the healthcare system. Therefore, an increase in the quality of digitalization brings about an improvement in the living standards of the population in terms of its interaction with the government as well as preservation of life and health. Implementation of a policy in the field of digitalization requires a high degree of digital culture and health literacy, including literacy in digital medicine, and active development of digital competencies among health professionals.

This study presents a business process model for economic security management at an industrial enterprise developed by the authors on the basis of the functional principle.

Aim. The study aims to build a business process model for economic security management at an industrial enterprise using the information approach.

Tasks. The authors examine the organizational and economic structure of an industrial enterprise and on its basis develop a business process model for economic security management at an industrial enterprise; analyze the functions and effects of economic security during the operation of an industrial enterprise.

Methods. This study uses empirical methods and theoretical methods of formal and dialectical logic.

Results. Analysis of scientific works on the assessment of the level of economic security shows that there is no consensus in this regard. In most cases, indicators used in the assessment of the level of economic security are not tested for reliability. Using unreliable information when making decisions on economic security management can lead to inefficiency.

Conclusions. When assessing the level of economic security, it is necessary to test input information for reliability. A model of economic security is built to assess its level. The functions of each element in the model of economic security management are described, and the effects of implementation of these functions are determined.

The presented study analyses the process of admission to higher education institutions, develops a hierarchical tree of the sub-processes (objectives) of admission and a set-theoretic model of the process.

Aim. The study aims to improve the efficiency of higher education institutions by automating the admission process.

Tasks. The authors identify groups (categories) of applicants to higher education institutions, develop a set-theoretic model of the admission process, and build a hierarchy of the admission process.

Methods. This study uses the methods of systems analysis (structural parametric analysis) and modeling (development of a set-theoretic model).

Results. Different categories of applicants to higher education institutions are analyzed; these categories are presented in the form of sets. A set-theoretic model is developed, which conceptually describes an information system that solves the problem of admission automation. A hierarchical objective tree is developed.

Conclusions. Automation of document submission is one of the key objectives of the modern infrastructure of higher education institutions. Distribution of data flows, protection of personal data, reduction in the time spent on the formation of the personal records of the applicants can improve the efficiency of admission campaigns at universities. A conceptual description of all processes along with the development of their models and hierarchy make it possible to design an information system for admission automation.

The presented study addresses the issues of franchising in the Russian food service industry.

Aim. The study aims to determine the key factors of the success of franchising in the Russian food service industry and to identify the formats of franchising that are used in Russia.

Tasks. The authors analyze the materials of information portals about franchising and examine research papers on this subject.

Methods. To achieve the set aim, this study uses analysis and synthesis, systematization and structuring of information, and classification approaches.

Results. The growth of the food service market in the Russian Federation has led to the popularization of franchising, while the emerging additional business opportunities facilitate the development of new franchising formats.

Conclusions. The success of a franchise depends heavily on its buyer. Thus, new formats of franchising form and develop under the influence of many factors (location, regional peculiarities) when a new franchise unit opens.

Aim. The presented study aims to determine the conceptual framework of the organization and development of business activities in dentistry.

Tasks. The authors analyze the dynamics of development indicators of a dental enterprise and determine directions for managerial influence at specific periods of its operation.

Methods. This study uses the methods of analysis and synthesis, observation, generalization, forecasting, and scientific abstraction.

Results. The study provides a roadmap for business development, which is an important tool of strategic management.

Conclusions. The process of establishing and developing a dental clinic follows a business model, the individual modules of which form and interact within a common management system and are described qualitatively and quantitatively. A significant aspect of the operation of any business is its readiness and ability to use tools to support small and medium enterprises offered by the government within the framework of MSE support programs and implementation of priority national projects.