CLUSTER ANALYSIS OF THE EUROPEAN UNION GENDER EQUALITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Purpose – The article aims at discovering classes and clusters of EU member-states considering their levels of economic development and gender equality to foster the enhancement of EU cohesion policy. Research methodology – The methodology includes the grouping by two parameters, economic development and gender equality, and the cluster analysis, the “far neighbor principle”, agglomerative hierarchical classification algorithm and the usual Euclidean distance as the distance between objects. Findings – There are no gender equality laggards among EU member-states. More developed countries belong to gender equality leaders, while there are two gender equality leaders and one gender equality adopter among transition countries. The group of less developed countries consists of six gender equality leaders and seven gender equality adopters. Research limitations – The results of cluster analysis may be impacted by off-shore activity of Ireland and Luxembourg. Practical implications – The EU supranational bodies can use our results to develop more efficient cohesion policy tools to ensure the adherence to the principle of gender equality. Originality/Value – The study is a pioneer one in determining nine classes and five clusters of EU member-states considering their levels of economic development and gender equality, as well as in introducing three types of countries depending on their level of gender equality, namely gender equality leaders, adopters, and laggards.

BORROWING ALTERNATIVES FOR HOUSEHOLDS IN LITHUANIA: CURRENT SITUATION, TRENDS AND CHALLENGES

Purpose – to analyse the main borrowing alternatives available to Lithuanian households and the credit market as a whole, focusing on its peer-to-peer (P2P) segment, the forecast of its growth, and possible challenges. Research methodology – the research methods applied were scientific literature analysis, statistical data analysis, comparative analysis, correlation-regression analysis, linear trend forecasting method. Findings – the prevailing borrowing alternative for Lithuanian households still remain bank credits. Besides, borrowing from P2P market is becoming more and more popular. Although the macroeconomic environment for all the credit market segments is the same, the P2P segment is developing significantly faster. If this trend remains unchanged, the whole credit market is likely to face challenges, such as the growth of overdue loans, insolvent customers, the rising share of non-performing-loans (NPL), etc., that may affect its overall stability. Research limitations – the empirical study relies on the country’s macroeconomic indicators that influence household borrowing. Such factors as borrower’s age, income level, marital status and others were not taken into account in this study. The forecast of the P2P segment growth of the consumer credit market and comparison with its banking segment is based on the analysis of 4 years of real monthly statistics for both segments. Practical implications – the performed analysis and its results can be useful for the future research within the household borrowing trends, especially in Peer-to-Peer platforms, and specifically for the Central Bank, the Ministry of Finance and other institutions that regulate the credit market, as it provides information on modern borrowing trends and the challenges it might bring. Also, for P2P platforms themselves, planning and further developing their activities and adjusting lending conditions with the aim to attract higher-quality customers. Originality/Value – household borrowing, the credit market and the P2P platforms are widely analysed by both academics and financial institutions, such as central banks. However, it is mainly limited to the analysis of statistical data and does not pay attention to possible market development issues. This study focuses on the analysis of the growth trends of the P2P market and the potential challenges that may arise thereafter.

PROMOTING FINTECH FINANCING FOR SME IN S. CAUCASIAN AND BALTIC STATES, DURING THE COVID-19 GLOBAL PANDEMIC

Purpose – to analyse the digitalization trends in the Central Caucasian (Georgia, Azerbaijan and Armenia) and Baltic States with the aim of reducing a financial gap for the Small and Medium size Enterprises in Georgia, Azerbaijan and Armenia. Research methodology – comparative analysis between Baltic and Caucasian countries are made to analyse the basic positions and farther development opportunities for Georgia, Azerbaijan and Armenia. Findings of the given paper – while SME sector crucially important contributor to employment, diversification and productivity in any country of the world and especially in developing ones, they still face significant credit constraints through traditional credit providing institutions. However, the trend is changing and modern digital technologies from the fintech area are providing new alternatives, which already had been widely used in Baltic, but still are waiting their chance in Georgia, Azerbaijan and Armenia, with different level of progress and readiness. Research limitations – some statistical data does not exist for all six countries or were possible to obtain for different periods of time. Lack of academic literature on fintech in Caucasian countries. Practical implications – It can provide a useful perspective for researchers, academics, investors, investment managers, decision-makers, and scientists. Originality/Value – The paper analyses three advanced European Union member state’s (Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia) fintech positions and perspectives as a model of development for three developing Caucasian states (Georgia, Azerbaijan and Armenia).

UNIVERSITY MANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC: A CASE STUDY OF LITHUANIA

Purpose – The article is aimed at analyzing university management decisions during the COVID-19 pandemic thus emphasizing the impact of the decisions made on the effective management of the situation. Research methodology – To achieve the established goal, research methodology involved the qualitative research strategy applying the semi-structured interview method and scientific literature analysis. The article is of a theoretical and empirical nature. The empirical part presents its individual research on implementing strategies in the field of adapting appropriate areas of the University as an important part of the study implementation process. The study involved 15 experts – 12 men and 4 women. The research results are the basis for developing practical guidelines for higher education institutions. Findings – Research findings have disclosed that successful management decisions fall into eight categories: management actions, the collaboration between the different levels of authorities and the academic community, the development and maintenance of a technical base, timely and continuous academic support for teaching staff, multipurpose support for students, control over the studying process, security assurance, solutions at the level of study programs. The article demonstrates a holistic approach to making the required decisions. Research limitations – Research limitations impose conducting a study in a specific culture and the organizational context of Lithuania. Practical implications – Practical implications suggest that the conducted research helps the leaders of various levels at educational establishments make the most useful necessary decisions for the institution in an emergency. Originality/Value – The uniqueness of the conducted research lies in the first attempt to show management solutions worked out by the universities in Lithuania during the COVID-19 pandemic.

FINANCIAL SECURITY OF THE ENTERPRISE: AN ALTERNATIVE APPROACH TO EVALUATION AND MANAGEMENT

Purpose – The main purpose of the article is to justify an alternative approach to assessing the level of financial security of the enterprises based on use the model of modified and adjusted financial statements. Research methodology – The following methods of general theoretical and empirical research were used in the writing of the article: abstract-logical (when systematizing scientific publications on the problems of financial security management of enterprises), comparisons and grouping (when developing and validating a model of modified financial statements), coefficient (when considering and using models for adjusting modified financial statements), grouping (when clustering enterprises depending on the results of the analysis), formalization (when developing a matrix for diagnosing the level of financial security of enterprises), generalization (when formulating research findings). Findings – Based on an established sample from nine of sunflower oil production enterprises of Ukraine their modified financial statements have been developed, it was adjusted to the consumer price index, key financial indicators of the model have been identified and the level of their financial security over the past 7 years have been assessed. The research identified a direct relationship between the level of financial security of enterprises and key financial indicators: financial stability, solvency and financial risk. Also, the proposed methodological approach can be not only an important tool for diagnosing the level of financial security of enterprises, but also its forecasting. Research limitations – The research limitation is associated with sampling size and geographical scope. Also, the diagnostic results may differ depending on the chosen adjustment base, determination of adjustment method and selection of inflation measurement method for the modification financial statements. Practical implications – Practical use of the proposed model proves that it is a convenient, simple, understandable and effective tool for diagnosing the financial security level of enterprises in terms of the main components: financial stability, solvency, and risk. The use of the proposed approach to the assessment of the financial security of the enterprise can serve as an indicator of the overall efficiency of its management at sunflower oil production enterprises and as an informative tool for factor analysis. Originality/Value – Consideration of a significantly different, alternative approach that allows enterprises to quickly and easily diagnose the level of their financial security; to manage it effectively during the current period, and can also become the basis for the formation of strategic directions of financial development and forecasting of the level of financial security for prospective period.

USING CUSTOMER-BASED BRAND EQUITY MODEL IN THE HIGHER EDUCATION CONTEXT: SIMULATING THE CURRENT UNIVERSITY’S BRAND

Purpose – the purpose of the article is to simulate the current version of a university’s brand using the Customer-Based Brand Equity (CBBE) model. Research methodology – the methodology of the paper includes analysis of theoretical sources and prior research on branding in higher education. For collecting primary data, a questionnaire based on the multi-dimensional CBBE model was used; a survey was conducted in Transport and Telecommunication Institute (Latvia). Structural equation modelling was then applied for confirmatory factor analysis of relationships between brand equity-related factors. Findings – Statistical analysis of the conducted survey’s data disclosed the importance of different brand dimensions within the CBBE model: Performance, Imagery, Judgments, Feelings, and Resonance. There is a notable difference between the perception of brand equity and associated factors by local and foreign students; it was discovered that local students have more concerns about the Imagery of the university brand, while foreign students are more focused on the Resonance factor. Research limitations – the research was conducted within one higher education institution. Further study with a broader research base that confirms the applicability of the Keller’s model in different settings would be beneficial. Practical implications – as brand equity affects the choice of a marketing strategy adopted by a university, the information obtained through simulation of the current version of the corresponding brand is vital for developing and updating an efficient strategy aimed at accomplishing a competitive advantage in both local and international settings. Originality/Value – the current brand’s version has been successfully stimulated in higher education settings, applying the CBBE model as a scalable framework – to demonstrate how different factors related to brand equity are perceived by the university’s students.

MODELING THE PROCESS OF RISK MANAGEMENT RESPONSE TO THE NEGATIVE IMPACT OF RISKS AS THE BASIS FOR ENSURING ECONOMIC SECURITY

Purpose – the main purpose of the article is to form a methodological approach to counteract risks that most negatively affect the system of ensuring the economic security of engineering enterprises. Research methodology – the research methodology involves the application of the theory of graph connections, modeling from IDEF0. Findings – the main risks that most negatively affect the system of ensuring the economic security of engineering enterprises were identified, modeling of the main stages of response to their impact was carried out. Research limitations – the article has a number of limitations and this applies to the area of the study. The emphasis was on the engineering industry. In addition, it should be noted that there are other modeling methods for mapping the stages of response to the negative impact of risks. Practical implications – practical application of our methodological approach can be suitable for engineering enterprises. Originality/Value – the originality of the study lies in the presented methodological approach to identifying the risks that most negatively affect the system of economic security of engineering enterprises and modeling the process of responding to this impact.

INFLUENCE OF INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL FACTORS ON THE STRUCTURAL CHANGES OF NATIONAL ECONOMY: AN EXAMPLE OF UKRAINE

Purpose – the purpose of our article is to study structural changes in the national economy using a portfolio model of sectors with different returns and, on this basis, processing the methodology for identifying the current state and instrumental factors of economic policy. Research methodology – the methodology of empirical research includes methods of grouping, abstraction, comparison, systems analysis, synthesis and generalization, graphical methods and regression analysis. To analyze the nature of the relationship between the index of structural changes and the dynamics of GDP, which determines the comparative profitability of the resource and non-resource sectors and the current position of the current structure relative to the equilibrium value, we used error-corrected models (ECMs). Findings – using regression models with error correction, a favourable long- and short-term relationship between structural changes in favour of non-resource exports and Ukraine’s GDP has been empirically confirmed. Using the index of structural changes, considering the ratio of raw materials and non-raw materials exports, the necessity of applying administrative measures is substantiated. Research limitations – the study concerned mainly the national economy of Ukraine, but in the future, attention should be paid to the application of the results of our study in other countries of Eastern Europe. In the future, the results obtained can be adapted for other countries of the world. The research was based on the use of specific mathematical methods, and not all mathematical possibilities were used. Practical implications – the model can be used in the practical activities of state economic structures In the future, it is possible to change key indicators and further expand the field of use of the model. Originality/Value – the novelty of the study lies in the development of a methodology for identifying the current state and instrumental factors of economic policy that can speed up economic growth based on favourable structural shifts (in favour of the non-resource export sector).

FACTORS DETERMINING THE DEVELOPMENT OF INTELLIGENT TRANSPORT SYSTEMS

Purpose – foreign and Lithuanian researchers analyse the benefits of ITS (Intelligent transport systems) application and development opportunities in various aspects. Due to the rapid development of technology, most authors emphasise the need for new or at least repeated research on intelligent transport systems ITS. The aim of this article is to evaluate the factors determining the development of ITS after theoretical substantiation. Research methodology – the primary data was collected from the following databases: Eurostat, OECD, World Bank. This study uses the analysis of scientific literature, expert survey, multicriteria assessment (SAW and COPRAS methods). Findings – the results of this article indicate which factors determine the development of ITS the most: investments, the aim to increase road safety, well-developed infrastructure. It also identifies which of the chosen for analaysis countries has the greatest potential for developing of ITS – Germany. Research limitations – firstly, due to the lack of statistics only eight countries are included and the period of analysis is only two years. Another limitation is that experts from only two countries completed the survey. Practical implications – research on the development of ITS is carried out in order to analyse the country that has the biggest opportunity to develop ITS and the factors affecting the mentioned development. The results can be beneficial for ministries of transport in different countries for planning the application of ITS. Originality/Value – current study contributes to the existing literature by examining the specific factors affecting the development of ITS that were not analysed earlier. This article differs from others as includes some Northern ,Western European and Baltic countries. Findings can be used by government in planning the installation of ITS to get the maximum benefit from it.

Macroeconomic sensitivity and firm level volatility: the case of New York Stock Exchange

Purpose – This paper investigates whether the macroeconomic factors affect the firm stock returns volatility differently depending on their location in different sectors. For this purpose, daily financial time-series data for 683 firms located in nine US sectors for the period of 2000 to 2017 are employed. Research methodology – The GARCH (1,1) model was applied to each firm located in nine US sectors. The four macroeconomic factors, namely, exchange rate, treasury yield spread, oil prices, and market return, are included in both mean and variance equations of GARCH (1,1) model to estimate the effect. Research limitations – This research study is limited to the New York Stock Exchange; therefore, it can be extended to the other economies as well. Further, this study uses one firm feature that is the sectoral location of the firm; it is recommended that some other firm features should be studied to explore the volatility behaviour of firms. In the methodological part, this study does not include the lag effect, since it is recognised in the literature that the investors underreact to public information, so future research can be extended to test the underreaction hypothesis. Practical implications – This study has implications for the investors and policymakers. Since it has emerged from the findings that some sectors are more sensitive than others to macroeconomic changes, so this knowledge will help the investors to diversify their portfolio and policymakers to maintain macroeconomic discipline. Originality/Value – The main contribution of this study is that it undertakes the assumption of heterogeneous nature of firms and conducts a detailed firm level analysis by sector covering a more extended period of time to investigate the impact of four macroeconomic factors, namely, exchange rate, treasury yield spread, oil prices, and market return on firm stock returns, volatility using daily data. Further, this study contributes by including all the macroeconomic factors together as an exogenous variable in mean and conditional variance equations of the GARCH (1,1) model to investigate the effect simultaneously.