Innovative approach to the concept of innovation in public administration

Purpose – Public administration, its functionality and efficiency become an important element of prosperity not only for individual economies but also for transnational entities. We are looking for new directions and new practices for public administration that are inspired by the business sector, which to orientation for results, satisfaction of customers, and reflections on the mix of services that will be provided to the citizen. The basic principle of all reforms in public administration is the understanding of administration as a service to citizens. The aim of the paper is to explain the essence of some selected innovative theoretical approaches in public administration and also to analyze citizens' access for e - government from the point of view of communication with representatives of the public administration at the level of individual EU member states. Design/methodology/approach – Characteristics of selected innovative approaches in public administration. Based on selected indicators within EU member countries, to analyze citizens' access for e – government. Findings – Innovative methods introduced in public administration are implied by the private sector. The availability of digital information of the public administration for citizens, about its representatives as well as about the financing of public administration has greatly improved over the period 2008-2017. Research limitations/implications – The availability of citizens' information in the context of communication with the public administration was monitored on the basis of selected indicators within the EU member states over the period 2008-2017. Practical implications – In addition to summarizing individual innovative approaches of management of public administration, the practical benefits are also experience with individual types of these approaches of management of public administration public administration in selected countries. Originality/Value – Theoretical aspects are complemented by indicators that assess the use of e-government by citizens of EU Member States. Keywords: public administration, management of public administration, innovative approaches, e- government, EU member’s countries Research type literature review JEL classification: H40, H0, B40.

Characteristics of the level of economic security of Ukraine in the agrarian sector

Purpose. Economic security is an important component of any system, whether it is a state or a society, or a family. It reflects the ability to maintain and create conditions for restoring economic well-being and protecting interests. According to the political situation in Ukraine, the protection of economic security has become one of the most important issues for resolution. In recent years, the agrarian sector has become one of the key parts for GDP since the industrial business has now turned to the background. The purpose of the article is to determine the economic security level in the agrarian sector. Methodology. The authors have used the questionnaire method and have made a survey in 67 Ukrainian companies which are operating in the agriculture in the Lviv region, Ukraine. The survey was conducted from June to July 2018. Findings. Survey results show that enterprises have an extremely negative attitude to the state of economic security of the country. However, it should be noted that entrepreneurs believe that the level of economic security of their business is at a higher level in comparing with the level of economic security of the country. Research limitations/implications. As noted above, the study was conducted at 67 agribusiness enterprises in the Lviv region. In the future, this study may be the basis for the same research in other regions of Ukraine. Practical implications. In the questionnaire template, we have made the list of methods which can help to prevent the effects of negative factors that could damage the company's economic security. The list of these measures can be used by enterprises in practice to ensure a high level of its security. Originality/Value. It should be noted that the originality of our work is that we have combined the research of two areas: the economic security of the company and agribusiness. We have identified the main problems of agrarian sector in ensuring the economic security of enterprises and provided a list of methods to improve the level of this type of security, the use of which will lead to a better functioning of the firm. Keywords: economic security, agrarian sector, GDP, Ukraine; Research type (choose one): research paper. JEL classification: О11, О13, Q12.

A review of the tendencies and challenges in the European Union labour market

Purpose – The paper presents the phenomenon of the past decade (2008-2018) that shaped the labour market all over Europe and also points out the differences lying beneath with the changes generated in the post-crisis period. In the context of this study this literature review is intended to provide a theoretical background for the development of a piece of research revealing the new labour market phenomena. Design/methodology/approach – The study first examines theoretical frameworks, solutions, and their practical operation through international experience. Findings – The economic crisis, initially of financial nature, had its percussions felt on the state budget and went on to real economy. Its consequences were also felt on the labour market. According to global experience, modern economies and societies are facing several challenges including unemployment, labour shortage and underemployment at the same time, in spite of the fact that the level of employment has significantly been rising in the past few years. Research limitations/implications – We applied an abductive approach. The reconstruction of past events is based on abduction, as we can deduce the events from their consequences and impacts on the present. Practical implications – Both unemployment, labor shortages and underemployment result in unfavorable economic conditions in a country. It is of utmost importance to effectively address these phenomena in order to reduce and control their negative effects. Originality/Value – Our study deals with the impact of employment on the labour market, the three key phenomena of the labor market: labour shortages, chnages in underemployment and international migration (labour migration) in European Union countries. Analysis is needed because conscious economic policy begins timely preparations for these changes. Keywords: job vacancy, labour market, labour shortage, migration, underemployment Research type (choose one): research paper JEL classification: J24, J62

Invention of product and communication in tourism enterprises

Purpose - the tourism sector is faced with the great challenges posed by globalization, technological development, shrinking geographical distances, faster transport options, etc. There is also a strong pressure on innovation in this area to expand and improve not only product but also communication policy. The aim of the paper is to highlight the importance of product innovation and to evaluate tourism communication and its transfer to practice, which results in the company's sustainability in a competitive market. Design/methodology/approach - the goal of the contribution was met by two partial goals. The object of the survey was a travel agency with an important position on the Slovak market. The time period was the period of 2012-2018. Several quantitative and qualitative processing methods were used in the thesis, namely group interview, questionnaire survey, Delphic method, Likert scale, comparative method. We worked with the three expert groups on the Delphi method. For the sake of comprehensive knowledge, the tourism market research was carried out by both supply and demand. Findings - there is a change in foreign tourism products from last minute to first minute, to the preference of domestic holidays due to the negative effects of tourism from several areas, most political. Research limitations/implications - the results of the phenomenon examined can be generalized marginally. Since the qualitative data would be appropriate to supplement basic economic data, which is sensitive to the legal form and ownership of the object under investigation. The investigated object operates in the private sphere and did not provide all the data that would assist in wider research and deeper understanding of the subject under consideration. Practical implications - the results have indicated that targeted work with the structure and scope of tourism products, communication tools used by the enterprise can lead to sustainability, positive image creation or prestige. Originality/Value - the results reported in the contribution are the results of field research, obtained and compared, with the relevance of the data being highlighted by identical unchanged entities operating this activity, established on a long-term basis in the tourism market. Keywords: product in tourism, communication in tourism, levels of product. Research type: research paper. JEL classification: Z32

Investigation on preconditions of productive manager-employee interaction

Purpose – to explore the factors for productive relationship between managers and employees. The article examines the role of the interrelationship of managers and employees in order to improve organisational performance. Design/methodology/approach – A quantitative study was conducted to collect empirical data. Research method - questionnaire. The questionnaire contains statements formulated on the basis of the theoretical analysis. Respondents were asked to answer the statements by choosing one of the 6 options: totally disagree, disagree, mostly disagree than agree, mostly agree than disagree, agree and fully agree. The summarized study results are shown in diagrams in a percentage. Findings – it was determined that during the period of transformations of public sector organisations, in order to improve the performance results, the heads of social service institutions should pay more attention to such factors as: attention to quality policy, promotion of personnel motivation, employee qualification improvement, employee involvement in decision-making, informing clients about the performance of the institution, tasks based on consensus between the managers and employees to improve the performance of the institution. Research limitations/implications – as respondents' answers were analyzed as a whole, it was not clear how much the opinion of managers and employees were close or different. Because of this limitation, we can only evaluate the research insights as general trends, and we cannot claim that most employees or most managers agree with the statement at the same level as after both managers' and employees' opinions were combined and analyzed. Practical implications – the results of this study may be useful for the heads of social service institutions to improve their organisational performance. Originality/Value – the study examined the role of the relationship between managers and employees in improving the organisation's activities in the field of social services. The article is based on a new approach to the manager's ability to achieve important results for the company: the theoretical analysis shows that without employees' provision and devotion, the manager would not be able to achieve high results even if he or she has the necessary competences, knowledge and skills. The study is original in that it was empirically verified and confirmed that this theoretical approach is indeed relevant to social service institutions. Keywords: management, leadership, employee commitment, organisational performance improvement. Research type: original research; viewpoint. JEL classification: I 31; I 39; J 24.

Review of a process prioritization in mass customization

Purpose – The present article aims to analyze the content of process prioritization methods and possibilities of its application in the context of Mass Customization. Design/methodology/approach – As the analysis is based on exploratory approach, qualitative methodology is the main tool used in the research. Moreover, author do not aim at providing conclusive answers to research questions; in opposition, generating relevant insights about a current situation is a goal. Findings – Results suggest that prioritization methods and principles are compatible, necessary and can be successfully applicable to Mass Customization at different process stages or even this concept types. In addition, this research reveals the need to have a combined and multidimensional prioritization at the beginning of Mass Customization processes. Research limitations/implications – Main research limitations can be divided into two parts. Firstly, when prioritization is taken into consideration, it is noticed that a limited scope of research focus on combined prioritization models as well as their effect on organizations results, especially in Public and Non-governmental sector. Secondly, in a case of concept of Mass Customization and its analysis, scientific discussions show extremum transitions to Big Data, Internet platform capabilities and overall customer flow management via modern economic theories in the last decades. Therefore, a lack of sufficient scientific attention to important parts of prioritization severely affect customer input, Design and Infrastructure of Mass Customization. In addition, both parts require not only proper understanding of the theoretical background but also following detail description of practical implication tools and guidelines as well as defining possible application effect. Since this article is based on the theoretical literature review, case studies and comparative analysis towards a practical implication are elaborated briefly. Practical implications – This research may serve as relevant insights into the context of the Mass Customization system and processes, where organizations constantly cope with prioritization by making a number of decisions on product selection, specifications, quantities, or pricing. From the perspective of process prioritization, the research serves as a concise review of main quantitative and qualitative methods, showing their demand of alignment and effect for Mass Customization. Originality/Value – The main value of the presented article can be described as a holistic theoretical focus on different types of prioritization methods and underlying points where it takes effect in Mass Customization concept. Moreover, the selected research object and findings are also valuable and applicable for organizations of different type, sector and working field Keywords: process prioritization, optimization, combined methods, Mass Customization Research type: general review. JEL classification: M19.

Computer mediated communication in a context of modern organization: a scoping review

Purpose - The present article aims to reveal and summarize key points of the application of information and communication technology (ICT) and Internet technology in the context of modern organization communication, related management processes. Design/methodology/approach - methods of meta-analysis, comparative analysis and systemizing-synthesis are used in this article. A scoping review methodology was chosen as dominant for the research with the purpose of assessing key points in the context of Computer Mediated Communication (CMC) usage in modern organizations. The research is based on a qualitative paradigm. Findings – Results of the scoping review suggest that ICT and CMC are compatible and can be successfully applicable to solve the main challenges in management and control contexts of inter-organizational, organizational, group (team) and inter-personal communication and related processes. In addition, this new combination of management methods and technological innovations has a great impact on opinion and behavior of customers and overall society, process improvement in business organizations, and change management. Research limitations/implications - Firstly, a limited scope of organizations especially in Public and Non-governmental sector use CMC in everyday duties. Nevertheless, a usage of ICT and CMC requires not only the understanding of the theoretical background but also strict practical implication guidelines as well as measurement and evaluation indicators, targets, and an overall model for analyzing. Since this article is based on the scoping review where main findings and conclusions are outlined from a meta-analysis, case studies and comparative analysis towards a practical implication are not sufficiently elaborated. The second limitation which can also be called a future implication might be a wide scope and content of the CMC concept as well as the dynamics of the communication process in organizations, increasing demand from business organizations. Practical implications -The research may serve as a starting point to a further scientific discussion regarding the usage ICT and CMC both separately and as a part of other hybrid project and process methods, optimization and continuous improvement of communication, learning, control and other related processes and systems in organization management. Originality/Value - The main value of the presented article can be described as underlying spheres where CMC has the major impact in management of modern organizations: it takes effect in a wide field of internal and external processes as well as in overall process optimization activities and change management. Keywords: Computer Mediated Communication (CMC); organization management; information and communication technology (ICT); Human Resource Management (HRM); leadership; technostress; online learning. Research type: literature review. JEL classification: M15- IT Management, D83 - Information and Knowledge, Communication.

RM/RA CRAMM as the new quantitative method for risk management

Purpose – The aim of this paper is to introduce new risk management method based on quantitative approach. RM/RA CRAMM was designed by Slovak researchers as user-friendly method for Public institutions dealing with risk management, crisis planning, civil protection. It has a multipurpose use. Design/methodology/approach – Three-phase procedure is introduced, including risk identification, analysis and evaluation. The case-study of risk assessment as an example of the application is included. Findings – Quantitative methods in risk management are rare due to the complex of factors influencing the risks being assessed. Research limitations/implications – A complex Area/Location risk assessment needs number of exact values and estimations for proper risk identification. Team-work is very welcomed but not necessary. Practical implications – Practical value of the method is incredible due to its applicability on the wide range of the research fields related to the risk management. Originality/Value – The method introduced is an original product of Slovak team of researchers led by author of this paper. Keywords: RM/RA CRAMM, risk management, risk assessment, quantitative, single equation method, case study. Research type: case study. JEL classification: C20 – General.

Religion as a way of branding in the age of consumerism

Purpose – taking into account, that consumption of spirituality and more precisely brand religion in development of the market has been well acknowledged as well as it has been largely abandoned in secular consumer society. The aim of this paper is to explore the theoretical concept of this phenomenon and search for the answers in regards the symbolic brands and fiddled in religious rhetoric to build a narrative tradition for example the symbolic brand, and establish a community of loyal followers, which sticks strong. How do people adjust their religious and spiritual beliefs and practices in such a society? What are the limits to marketing and branding religious and spiritual goods and practices? Design/methodology/approach– the research implements a qualitative exploratory approach using cases of symbolic brands. It explores the causes of religious consumer society and the most common personal adjustments (quality expectations, syncretism, religious shopping) and organizational answers (marketing and branding strategies the theoretical concept of consumer ambiguity and its influence on affect. Our goal is not to test any theory, nor to apply the scheme to any particular phenomenon. Rather, we show that very different ideas and examples about, as branding of religion, quasi-religions, religious-secular competition could be combined into one conceptual scheme. Finding – the research demonstrates the limitations and difficulties for religious marketing and branding. In fact, religious marketing and branding may not be accepted by the organizations’ members and/or by the public in general. Finally, marketing and branding may stumble upon the difficulty that transcendent claims are increasingly difficult to sustain in modern societies. Research limitations/implications – it is acknowledged that the current research is limited by its exploratory nature, however, it highlights that consumer’s search of religion in brands should not always be viewed as negative and provides important insights into the consumption of spirituality and the pursue of the meaning in the life. Practical implications – First, consumption of spirituality in marketing has been poorly researched in recent times. The current research found that individuals did embrace the market in this area and enjoyed the symbolic meaning in branding inherent in many of the products/services on offer. Second, has been niggardly studied in societies in which brand community flourishes. The current research has contributed to this literature through findings, which reveal that we see that modernization creates rules according to which individuals have the right to choose, gives them the resources be able to make choices, and provides representations and values that legitimate religious consumer behavior or new open space for new believing systems. Originality/Value – the theme and the research are not very popular among marketing and sociology researchers and the dangerous of these specific belonging and loyalty to certain brand as religion- still not discovered what an output it will provide to society. Keywords: branding, religion, society, symbols, believes. JEL classification: Z12 - Religion D12 - Consumer Economics: Empirical Analysis

Exploring the potential for enhancing export of agricultural products of Lithuanian origin

Purpose – the main purpose of this scientific paper is to reveal the potential of agricultural products of Lithuanian origin to compete in ever-growing international market for Western style food. Design/methodology/approach –The methods of research employed are as follows: analysis of a scientific literature, analysis of a statistical data, correlation analysis and small sample interview. Findings – International trade in agricultural products is one of the most competitive sectors of national economy providing a substantial surplus to foreign payments balance. One of potential export facilitators of agricultural products of Lithuanian origin are businessman, engaged in re-export of agricultural products from Lithuania. The ability of Lithuanina agricultural producers to sell their production in the World market is lower than in other similar EU countries. Research limitations/implications – the research provides insights, on how it could be possible to facilitate export of agricultural products of Lithuanian origin. In order to get clear directions what steps should be taken, there is a need for further researches. Practical implications - new approach of increasing export of agricultural products of Lithuanian origin is presented. Originality/Value – The paper provides new insights on Lithuanian international trade in agricultural products. Keywords: intra-industry trade, export, agricultural products, Lithuania. Research type: viewpoint. JEL classification: F14 - Empirical Studies of Trade.