A strategy is necessary. The policy–client conflict within different relational asymmetries: a comparison at the street-level

PurposeThis study aims to investigate the role of relational asymmetries in influencing the coping strategies adopted by frontline workers to deal with the policy–client role conflict.Design/methodology/approachA comparative analysis of three different services highlights the role of the service relationships characteristics in explaining similarities and differences in the strategies adopted by street-level bureaucrats (SLBs). The research is based on the secondary analysis of three case studies conducted in Italy: the reception system for homeless people, the job brokerage service in the public employment service and the dispute settlement procedure in the labour inspectorate.FindingsThe results underline the interaction between the characteristics of the service relationship and the different coping strategies adopted to deal with the policy–client conflict.Originality/valueThe contribution of this study is threefold. Firstly, the authors focus on the influence of the characteristics of the service relationship in terms of agency resources over SLBs’ strategies to face with users’ expectations. Secondly, the authors intend to discuss these issues analysing SLBs not only as agents with individual preferences. Thirdly, the research design allows the authors to return to the street-level bureaucracy theory its comparative essence, proposing a comparative strategy with an explorative intent.

Modification of Personal Investment Tools from the Perspective of Digital Finance and Its Influence on Ukrainian Finance Market

Drastic changes in the financial services market under the influence of digitalization determine the relevance of research of the modern structure of this market, taking into account the emergence and development of the FinTech innovations. The increase in new investment instruments is attracting the attention of an increasing number of individual investors in the digital finance industry. Considering these tools, the preferences of individual investors require a separate study. The article is aimed at studying the financial market in digital finance and analyzing such types of investments as cryptocurrencies and crowdfunding, as well as the characterizing the online brokerage as a way to obtain investment services among individual investors. As a result of the study, the place and role of cryptocurrencies, crowdfunding and online brokerage in the investment activities of individuals is substantiated; the main mechanisms of work of these financial instruments are allocated and features of their development in Ukraine are characterized. The main disadvantages and advantages of crowdfunding and cryptocurrencies are defined and further steps are proposed regarding the prospects for their development in Ukraine. In addition, the article analyzes the current state of functioning of the online brokerage service in Ukraine and proves the relevance of the allocation of these financial instruments at the legislative level. Prospects for further research in this direction are the analysis of other digital instruments of personal investments, as well as a detailed study of the specifics of functioning of crowdfunding, cryptocurrencies and online brokerage in Ukraine. For the more efficient functioning of investment instruments in the sphere of digital finance, as well as effective use in practical activities, it becomes necessary to closer define these concepts at the legislative level and to substantiate the specifics of their work in detail.

Flow Management with Differentiated Classes of Service and Quality of Experience

Recently, mobile networks have been overloaded with a considerable amount of data traffic. This paper proposes a brokerage service for mobile environments, using policies and quality metrics and ensuring better usage of network resources with more fine-grained management based on flows, and expands previous work (Silva, et al.) with the novel addition of differentiated classes of service. A closed innovative control loop included in a flexible brokerage service in the network, as well as agents at the mobile terminals, detects and counteracts an abnormal data load in any access technology. This allows the terminals to make well-informed decisions about their connections to improve the number of connected flows per technology and the individual service level offered to each flow. Simulation results indicate that the current proposed management solution optimizes the usage of available 4G/5G network resources among a high number of flows in several usage scenarios where the technologies are extremely overloaded, while at the same time, protecting the higher classes of service.

PRACTICAL APPROACHES TO BUSINESS MODELING OF INNOVATION PROJECTS

The article considers the role and methods of business modeling in the context of the implementation of innovative projects. The value of the business model as an instrument for innovation project planning for the enterprise, as well as for startups is argued. Considering the peculiarities of the company's adaptation to the external environment, as well as the degree of influence of management on the formation of the operating environment of the organization, it was determined that there are no identical business models. The plane of correlation of the business model, strategy, and business plan of the enterprise is considered: the enterprise chooses an effective business model that corresponds to its strategy and promotes its implementation, and the chosen business model lays the foundation for the business plan of the project. It is determined that depending on the method of income business models are trade, brokerage, service, subscription, community, information and media, affiliate, advertising, brokerage, licensing; depending on pricing – those that aim to maximize the value of the proposed idea and those that focus on minimizing the cost of implementing the idea. After analyzing the recommendations of an international consulting company, we came to the conclusion that the development of an effective business model takes place in three stages: offering value to the consumer; formation of a chain of creation of this value; determining the value that the company receives in this process, as well as ways to protect against competitors. Based on the generalization, it was found that different scientists in developing the structure of the business model of an innovative project identified their own hierarchy of values of its components. The necessity of using the canvas to ensure the speed and clarity of the formation of the business model is substantiated. The structure of the canvas most widespread in foreign practice is considered, as well as its modifications proposed for different purposes. After conducting research on existing practical approaches, the most significant aspects of business modeling of innovative projects were systematized.

Experiences and views of a brokerage model for primary care for Aboriginal people

Objective A mixed methods study was conducted to determine the views of Aboriginal people on their experiences of a brokerage model for access to community-based health services in an urban setting. Methods A broad range of approaches, using surveys, semi-structured interviews and community forums with Aboriginal people were used to find out people’s views and experiences of using the brokerage service. Results Of the 1304 people invited to participate, only 127 people provided feedback on the brokerage service model for Aboriginal people. Of these, 120 people identified as being Aboriginal. Participants said that the service helped them to navigate the system and access health care. Participants felt that the health professionals involved with the service were respectful of their needs. The service was not able to improve access to dental care. Conclusions The brokerage model implemented in this area appears to have been well received and is supporting urban Aboriginal people to access some of the health care needed. What is known about the topic? Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people often experience difficulty accessing health services. Urban brokerage models of care were funded by the Office for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health (OATSIH) under the Improving Indigenous Access to Health Care Services initiative and aimed to increase access to mainstream health services. What does this paper add? The brokerage model of care in South West Sydney has been well-received by the Aboriginal people receiving the service and participants are positive about the role of the service in increasing access to mainstream health care. What are the implications for practitioners? Navigating the healthcare system is difficult for some and a brokerage service with supportive Aboriginal health workers increases access.