bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
THEORIZING THE CONCEPT OF TRANSFORMATIVE LEARNING EXPERIENCE IN THE CONTEXT OF TEACHER PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Authors: Goba Līva
Published: May 2019

The concept of learning experience holds its eminent place within the paradigm of constructivism in contemporary educational science. The study process is being designed and construed to foster educative experiences in accordance with the desired learning outcomes. Transformative learning theory and the concept of perspective transformation marks a specific type of learning experience – one that reconstructs the frame of reference of the learner. Such a paradigmatic shift is also considered necessary for large-scale educational reforms to succeed. Transformative learning theory itself doesn’t provide clear-cut solutions for implementation of a certain reform ideology, to the contrary – it questions the assumptions that guide one’s action in order to construct a more inclusive, better informed and functional meaning perspective which may disagree with the assumptions that are imposed institutionally. As part of teacher professional development, transformative learning practices hold a promise for emancipation of the teaching profession and the development of agency. This article theorizes the concept of learning experience from the perspective of phenomenology and the theory of transformative learning, bringing forward the concept of transformative learning experience. The aim of the research is to explore the concept of transformative learning experience as an object of study within teacher professional development.
THE DEVELOPMENT OF FUTURE TEACHERS’ METHODOLOGICAL COMPETENCE IN PRIMARY SCHOOL WHEN LEARNING INTEGRATED COURSES IN THE NETWORK COMMUNITIES
Authors: Sergeeva Larisa
Published: May 2019

The purpose of the article is to describe a study of the possibilities of network communities for the development of students' methodological competence in studying integrated courses. The article substantiates the advantages of using the integrated approach for the formation future primary school teachers’ methodological competence. It’s revealed the didactic potential of network communities in the formation and development of students' methodological competence. There are tools and methods that ensure the development of the methodological competence in the integrated courses study. The research allowed establishing the positive impact of the selected methods and tools implementation when studying integrated courses using the network communities to develop students' methodological competence.
EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING AS THE PRECONDITION OF TEACHER’S PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE DEVELOPMENT
Authors: Dobržinskienė Rasa , Paurienė Giedrė , Stepanovienė Aušra
Published: May 2019

Society is pausing higher and higher requirements for teachers regarding their professionalism, efficiency of activity, personal qualities and other aspects. If we treated teachers’ professional development as a life-long process, we would find alternative learning forms, which enable continuous, individual and flexible learning. It is important to reveal the role of informal learning in the area of life-long learning process because its significance to teacher’s professional competence has not been fully estimated. Knowledge, skills, and abilities that teachers bring into their professional activity, gained as the outcome of informal learning and development, are not adequately valued. Insufficient attention is paid to professionality and contextuality of teacher’s professional competence development. Therefore, it is crucial to perceive experiential learning which determines development of the competence as a constituent part of informal learning. The aim of the article is to reveal the interaction between experiential learning and teacher’s professional competence development. Methodology of the research encompasses both theoretical, namely scientific literature analysis and summary, and empiric research methods. Qualitative research data were collected using biographical-narrative interviews while data analysis and findings are based on Abductive Reasoning Theory according to Peirce, Grounded Theory according to Strauss and Corbin and Formulating Interpretation according to Bohnsack. Scientific literature analysis has revealed that experiental learning is frequently random, spontaneous and unplanned. Due to its nature it is considered as a part of informal learning. The results of the biographical-narrative interviews with teachers show that professional activity provides pedagogues with rich experience and opportunity to develop regarding the contents of the subject taught as well as methodological and personal perspectives.
EXPLORING THE FACTORS INFLUENCING ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS IN REPORTING ON MIGRATION ISSUES IN LATVIAN NEWS MEDIA
Authors: Dāvidsone Agnese , Galvanovska Dagne
Published: May 2019

This article analyses the perceived importance of various influences on the ways in which Latvian local and national news media (print, online, TV, radio) have reported on migration issues and the process of accepting asylum seekers in Latvia during the last years. Previous studies indicate that the framing in media content depends on a large number of considerations such as general principles of ethical reporting, the established cultures inside media, and – in many cases – the individual perceptions of the “right” and “wrong” of the journalists and editors. The current study applies a qualitative approach drawing on 13 semi-structured interviews with media editors. The data analysis reveal how the perceptions of various individual, procedural and cultural influences intersect with the journalist perceptions of media roles, responsibilities and duties in a democratic society. Based on the results, suggestions are made about the opportunities of lifelong learning training development for journalists.
FORMATION OF TEACHERS’ COMPETENCES IN FURTHER EDUCATION
Authors: Augskalne Inese , Garjane Beatrise
Published: May 2019

The interest of contemporary society in improving the quality of education is mainly reflected in the issue of educational results - competences - and their provision in the learning process. Introducing the 21st Century educational standards, the development of competencies required for teaching become more relevant.  International documents indicate that a teacher should have the ability to teach, effectively use technologies in learning, help students gain transversal competencies. The teacher should be able to participate in research, use innovation, reflect on his/her work, collaborate with colleagues and parents. It is the teacher’s duty to direct the student's individual development.Latvian legislation offers wide opportunities for a person employed in education (especially in vocational and education of interests) to become a teacher. It is possible to work as a teacher after attending a short professional development course in education theory. In that case, competences in education (and the right to work at a school) is certified by the B-course certificate after basic training (72 hours total). The goal of this study is to identify and characterize teacher’s competences in education as acquired by teachers during this course. Research methods are a content analysis of 210 questionnaires filled in by vocational education teachers after attending the course and content analysis of their self-assessment.  The results of the research show that teacher’s competences are only partially formed and incomplete. The attitude towards the needs of the student's personality is inappropriate, there is a desire for an authoritarian style.
CASE STUDY ON THE IMPROVEMENT OF ADULT PROBLEM-SOLVING SKILLS
Authors: Vintere Anna , Čerņajeva Sarmīte
Published: May 2019

A number of research studies have been done on knowledge, skills and competences in relation to sustainable development. The concept of competences is seen as an essential landmark for orienting teaching and learning for sustainable development of society. One of the most common competencies mentioned in the surveyed literature and most often required by employers is problem solving. To develop an adult needs oriented education program to improve problem-solving skills, the aim of this study is to identify skills and competencies which are necessary for adults to manage their professional life and to overcome challenges of modern world as well as to improve their personal resilience. This study includes two parts. In the first phase of the study, a survey of adult education providers was compiled in four countries: Latvia, Sweden, Italy and Bulgaria. Summarizing the opinions, the main groups of adult problems were identified: family problems, work and career related problems, and so-called general problems (including problems related to decision making), as well as identified problem solving methods. This study summarizes also adult learners survey results in Latvia on problem-solving skills and the needs and opportunities for developing this competence are analysed in details.
ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS PERCEPTION OF YOUNG PEOPLE LIVING IN THE BIOSPHERE RESERVE IN LATVIA
Authors: Druva-Druvaskalne Iveta , Livina Agita
Published: May 2019

Environmental education issues are topical at all levels of education, from kindergarten to lifelong learning. The focus of this study was on young people. Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences (ViA) is located in Vidzeme region in Latvia, where the only biosphere reserve in Latvia is located. ViA researchers started research in this area already in 2006, surveying the local population on environmental, social and economic issues in 2007. In 2018 ViA students repeatedly carried out a study of this area by surveying young people up to the age of 19 (n = 120) with an aim of exploring the views of young people living in the biosphere reserve on environmental issues. Environmental awareness is one of the key factors influencing people's behaviour in deciding on a sustainable lifestyle.The European Union regularly conducts research of its citizens on environmental issues. In the latest report the respondents from Latvia have shown one of the lowest indicators when responding to the statement "You can participate in environmental protection yourself" – 76% agree with this statement, in comparison with, for example, the Netherlands – 97%, Sweden – 96%. The youth survey in a face-to-face form was conducted from April to May 2018; it was done by the students and the obtained results were analyzed and compared with the study of 2007 by the authors of the article to characterize the trends in the perception of young people of environmental issues in a specially protected nature territory.The perception of environmental issues was analyzed according to Bolscho environmental awareness dimensions. In general, the understanding and knowledge of environmental issues of the young people surveyed living in the territory of North Vidzeme Biosphere Reserve (NVBR) is positive, especially on resource-responsible, economical use. In terms of attitudes and values, young people express their support for the preservation of cultural traditions. With regard to the visibility of the NVBR, more work is required to explain the functions and possibilities of the NVBR. Compared to 2007, the feeling of pride of the fact that a respondent lives in a protected nature area has increased.
THE USE OF MODERN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY IN TEACHING ELECTRONICS
Authors: Ptak Paweł , Prauzner Tomasz
Published: May 2019

The paper presents systems created in the software environment are tested in terms of operation and the operating parameters. The testing also includes the faithfulness of representing the actual circuit operation. Students work with these circuits during laboratory classes of Introduction to Electronics. The results of measurements obtained during the classes are compared with the results obtained by students when working with simulated electronic circuits. The results of students’work carried out with the two methods were assessed.
ACADEMIC TEACHERS' PREFERENCES IN SELECTING SCIENTIFIC DATABASES
Authors: Kocira Sławomir , Kuboń Maciej , Malaga-Toboła Urszula , Kwaśniewski Dariusz
Published: May 2019

The objective of the paper was to determine the preferences of academic teachers in the selection of databases of scientific publications. Material consists of the results of research carried out with the diagnostic survey methods carried out with the questionnaire technique among the scientific employees and students of the selected Polish higher schools: University of Life Sciences in Lublin, University of Agriculture in Krakow. 135 scientific employees and 140 full-time students of the second cycle studies participated in the survey. University teachers the most often used publications in scientific journals and publications in the Internet. All students that took part in the questionnaire used scientific publications in the Internet and information included in the Internet. Databases of the Polish scientific publishing houses, Elsevier database, and Google Scholar database are the most useful in the scientific work. Students search for publications only in the Polish databases of publishing houses and Google Scholar base.
FEATURES OF ORGANIZATIONAL CULTURE IN THE WOMEN’S LABOR COLLECTIVE
Authors: Kurapova Irina
Published: May 2019

The article is devoted to one of the topical in modern management the problem of organizational culture. The problem of organizational culture is currently of increased interest in connection with the solution of practical problems of increasing the efficiency of organizations, taking into account the human factor. The basis of the life potential of an organization is its organizational culture, which involves certain ways and forms of people’s activities, based on a specific system of values, norms, ideals of both the organization and society as a whole. The activity of modern organizations depends on many factors, including the gender composition of the organization and the level of general and professional culture of employees, their personal profile.Therefore, the purpose of this research was to study the insufficiently investigated aspect of this problem - the features of the organizational culture in the women’s labor collective. The main method was chosen test method. The study was conducted using the method OCAI (Organizational Culture Analyze Instrument) by C. Cameron, R. Quinn, which allows to determine both the existing and the preferred type of organizational culture.As a result, differences in the profiles of organizational culture in the women's labor collective are shown, compared with the men's labor collective: the current state is characterized by the prevalence of hierarchical organizational culture and a slight severity of indicators of market and clan organizational cultures.It was found that the current state of the organizational culture is not satisfactory for the employees of the organization, preference is given to the clan and adhocratic types of organizational culture and the values of the hierarchical organizational culture currently expressed are rejected.Thus, the organizational culture is determined by the gender characteristics of the employees of the organization and is manifested in their values, norms of behavior and attitudes.
THE INTER-ORGANIZATIONAL NETWORK MANAGEMENT MODEL AND THE DIFFUSION OF INFORMATION
Authors: Gródek-Szostak Zofia , Kajrunajtys Danuta , Ochoa Siguencia Luis , Chęcińska-Kopiec Agnieszka
Published: May 2019

Contemporary companies are looking for opportunities to stay in the market in the long run. They invest a great effort in this purpose and create logical concepts for joint business activities, which take the form of inter-organizational networks. The challenge is to manage such a defined whole, as well as to provide information for decision-making. To streamline management, it is necessary to organize and manage the information flow in the network. The purpose of this paper is to outline the authors' approach to the design of an information flow in an inter-organizational network that takes into account the requirements of network managers. The starting point is to develop a common vision of the network’s business model. On this basis, the functionality of the information subsystem should be defined.
MARKETING STRATEGY IN THE DIGITAL SPACE
Authors: Hushko Serhii , Kulishov Volodymyr , Puriy Hanna , Hushko Olena , Znotina Daina
Published: May 2019

The aim of the research is to determine the preconditions for integration the Ukrainian digital market into the EU's Digital Single Market. The article is devoted to the definition of preconditions integration of Ukraine into a single digital market EU in accordance with the realities of the domestic market digital integration priorities. The article is identified trends in the development of Ukrainian market of digital technologies, comparison of individual indicators it development of appropriate indicators of the EU countries, revealed the degree of difference between these principles and trends, directions outlined measures to solve the problem "digitalization" Ukraine and creation of favorable conditions for cooperation with the European Union in the field of information and communications technology and future integration into the EU single digital market. It also identified high priority digital media channels and reasonable "gap" priorities of digital media distribution channels, due to the level of ICT use in countries. The paper analyzed Internet Stats and Facebook Usage in Europe and the necessity for priorities of the digital media space, depending on the selected region of the distribution at the stage of development of a marketing strategy. The research employed the following methods: monographic and descriptive, analysis and synthesis, comparative analysis, and statistical analysis.
POTENTIAL OF REGIONAL BONDS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE INFRASTRUCTURE OF THE ALTAI TERRITORY
Authors: Kulagina Maria
Published: May 2019

The development of the subjects of the Russian Federation is not possible without financial resources. Altai Territory is traditionally a highly subsidized region. Currently, it is ranked 4th in terms of federal subsidies. Now, the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation orients the subjects of the federation towards increasing the independence and efficiency of functioning. The Central Bank of Russia is intensifying its bond issues and sees in this direction an effective way of replacing credit resources and bill circulation in the coming years. Currently, there are no comprehensive methods for generating informed decisions on the issue of sub-federal bonds. The purpose of this study is to formulate a method for making an informed decision on the issue of sub-federal bonds, based on an assessment of their potential. To achieve this purpose, the methods of economic and system analysis, synthesis, synthesis, empirical methods, methods of abstraction and analogies were used. The main results of the study include: forecasting changes in the Russian bond market in the future based on a comprehensive assessment of the Russian ruble bond market; a critical assessment of the effectiveness of the use of bond instruments by constituent entities of the Russian Federation, the author’s proposed system of key indicators that allow an objective assessment of the potential of sub-federal bonds, as well as a method for forming a reasonable decision on the timeliness and feasibility of issuing bonds by a subject of the federation. The proposed method was tested on the example of the Altai Territory.
MECHANISM OF SUPPORTING THE ECONOMIC BALANCE IN THE SPHERE OF HOUSING AND COMMUNAL SERVICES
Authors: Bekirova Olga , Trifonova Maria , Stroganova Yana
Published: May 2019

Housing and communal services is one of the leading branches of the municipal economy at the present time, the quality of life of the population directly depends on the effectiveness of its development. Despite the high level of development of many socio-economic entities in the Russian Federation, in the housing and public utilities sector today there is no uniform effective methodology for assessing ongoing activities. Creating a universal methodology for assessing regional authorities in the implementation of measures to reform housing and communal services can be an important element in the information management of the industry. The scientific paper uses mathematical tools to build effective mechanisms for the functioning of programmes for housing and public utilities.The purpose of this study is a theoretical justification, the creation of an effective mechanism to maintain the economic balance in the housing sector.In this case, effective monitoring of management companies is considered as an important element of the economic mechanism of management of housing and public utilities, which will improve the quality of public services and ensure the level of satisfaction of the population.
INFORMATION AND ANALYTICAL SYSTEM FOR OBTAINING AN INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT OF THE QUALITY OF EDUCATIONAL SERVICES FROM THE POSITION OF CONSUMERS
Authors: Azarnova Tatiana , Barkalov Sergey , Bondarenko Yulia , Kalinina Natalia
Published: May 2019

The aim of the research study is the description of the information analytical system developed by the authors for the formation of an integral linguistic assessment of the quality of educational services from the perspective of three main groups of consumers: employers, students and young professionals. The computation of the integral linguistic quality assessment is based on specially structured information obtained in the course of a voluntary online survey of consumers on specialized quality criteria for groups. A site has been developed for the online survey. The algorithmic support of the information-analytical system is based on the methods SERVQUAL, SWOT-analysis and fuzzy linguistic information processing technologies. The tools of the information analytical system allow us to obtain: linguistic assessments of the quality of services from the perspective of each group of consumers, an integral quality assessment for all consumers and automatically build a SWOT analysis matrix to develop a strategy to improve the quality of the analysed services. In accordance with modern standards of quality management, the approach to quality assessment laid down in the methodology for generating results uses the assumption that the consumer assesses the quality of services based on a comparison of his/her expectations and perceptions of the service during its receipt.
PUBLIC-PRIVATE AGREEMENT AS A MANAGEMENT PROCESS: A STEP-BY-STEP MODEL OF EFFICIENCY IMPROVEMENT
Authors: Kurochka Pavel , Mazharova Lina , Polovinkina Alla
Published: May 2019

The aim of the study: to develop recommendations for the comprehensive improvement of the practice of concluding and implementing a PPP agreement. Research methods: analysis, synthesis, logical modeling.In the article the authors substantiate the analysis of the characteristic features of PPP agreements and  identified four stages of this  process: The first step. The process of initiation (start) of the project; Second step. The processes of execution (implementation) of the project; Third step. Monitoring processes (monitoring) of the project; Fourth step. The process of closing (completion) of the project. There are at least two participants in this process: a "public" partner (state) and a "private partner " - a business with different legal status and resources, as well as having different goals. Each of the four selected stages presents "inputs" (initial action) and "outputs" (final action) separately for each of the participants. In the paper the authors reveal the content of each stage of the process and give step-by-step recommendations to improve efficiency. From the point of view of the authors, consistent implementation of the recommendations presented in the practice of PPP will allow you to get away from the formalism and, in general, to increase the percentage of effective PPP projects.
MANAGEMENT OF PSYCHOSOCIAL RISKS IN THE EDUCATIONAL SECTOR OF LATVIA
Authors: Jemeljanenko Antonina , Geske Andrejs
Published: May 2019

Risk management is gaining acknowledgement in organisational management due to the benefits it brings with it, such as ability of managers to forecast possible threats and plan the most appropriate prevention measures. Psychosocial risk group is one of the largest risk group types and is related to the aspects of staff overburning, lack of employee motivation, health problems due to stress, etc. Study carried in Latvia about risk management showed that psychosocial risks are significant for educational institutions. Empirical research carried out in Latvia has shown that the top risks perceived by the education sector professionals in Latvia are overloading of employees and lack of employee motivation. Hypothesis of this study is that psychosocial risks, such as overloading and lack of motivation, are not dealt well with due to low awareness of effective psychosocial risk management techniques. There was no profound research performed on this topic in Latvia in the last ten years. The aim of this study is to explore different methods researched by other authors how the risk can be managed, analyse causes of these risks and provide the recommendation on how to deal with the psychosocial risks in the educational sector.
ANALYSIS OF FACTORS INFLUENCING QUALITY CULTURE AND THEIR IMPACT ON ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Authors: Kairiša Ilze , Lapiņa Inga
Published: May 2019

Total quality management is an approach geared towards the organization’s efforts to continuously improve its ability to provide its customers with high quality products and services. In order for the organization to be able to ensure efficient use of resources, increase productivity and maintain excellent quality, it is necessary to develop quality culture. The aim of the research is to study and analyse the quality culture factors that might influence the continuous improvement and development of the organization’s activities. The research is based on the study of quality culture factors using literature review, qualitative content analysis and the “Organizational Culture Assessment Instrument” developed by Cameron and Quinn. On the basis of the results of a qualitative content analysis, the frequency of the categories of quality culture parameters in the literature was determined; with the help of the method of logical analysis and comparative analysis, the factors of quality culture corresponding to the parameters – dominant features, organizational leadership, employee management, organization glue, strategic goals and success criteria – were identified. An organizational culture based on quality culture principles is a significant factor for utilization of organizational competencies, creating an effective management and resource-oriented approach that is implemented focusing on the organization’s long-term interests and goals. By adopting a total quality management philosophy in the organization’s operations, the company can become more competitive, creating a working environment in which every employee can contribute, as well as facilitating cooperation between team members.
WORKING ENVIRONMENT IMPACT ON THE LATVIAN LABOR MARKET GROWTH IN THE EDUCATION SECTOR
Authors: Silineviča Irēna
Published: May 2019

Increasing participation of the elderly people in the labor market has significant potential to reduce the demographic burden. People who want to stay in the labor market longer and are physically fit to work longer should create the conditions for these opportunities. Research is needed to discover these options. Extending people's working lives depends on many factors. One of them is a working environment that is specific to each sector and different in each company. The aim of this research is to study the impact of some working environment factors on people's decision to work in retirement age in the education sector. This topic has not been sufficiently studied in Latvia yet. Express surveys and the survey methods were used for self-assessment of the impact of the working environment on people's decision to stay in the labor market longer. The developed proposals concern to creation of career support strategies for the elderly employeed. It will be able to promote the growth of labor market potential in Latvia in the education sector.
RESEARCH ON THE PERSONAL INCOME TAX APPLICATION TO WAGES IN THE BALTIC STATES
Authors: Puzule Anita
Published: May 2019

Personal income tax and social insurance contributions must be paid on wages into the budget, the revenue of which most directly affects the changes in the number of persons engaged in the national economy and the increase of the average wage. To be able to evaluate how favourable the personal income tax systems applicable to employees are in the Baltic States, the author compares the factors that affect taxation and the tax burden in Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia, which have experienced tax reforms in the recent years. The aim of the research is to perform a comparative study of the requirements and issues of personal income tax application to wages in Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia. The monographic, comparative and analytical analysis, logical construction, and grouping methods have been used in the research study. Based on the research study, the author has concluded that despite the similarities in the personal income tax systems, each Baltic state has different normative regulation. The tax burden on Estonian taxpayers relative to wages is lower than that in Lithuania and Latvia.
KEY TRENDS IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF MARKETPLACES AS A TRIGGER FOR THE TRANSFORMATION OF GLOBAL BUSINESS
Authors: Mietule Iveta , Maksymova Irina , Holikova Kateryna
Published: May 2019

This research analyses marketplaces in Europe and some other developed countries in order to determine their impact on global trade and business. The paper aimed to answer an important question - how e-commerce could transform modern business taking into account digital changes, a boom of cryptocurrency erasing trade borders and globalization. Sufficient evidence of this transformation is illustrated. A subsidiary objective of this research involves the building of a logical model describing correlation between marketplaces as integral part of e-commerce and global business development. Statistical data were based on variable indicators describing four categories of trading platforms, particularly online stores, price aggregators, marketplaces and classifiers. In addition, global indexes and macro-economic criteria were used in analysis. The methodology of statistical and regression methods was employed for economic-mathematical modelling. This allowed revealing the most important indicators affecting e-commerce and to create reasonable predictions for global business and trade. The research highlights important trends in the development of e-business under the digital economy.
IMPACT OF HYPERLOCAL MEDIA ON LOCAL COMMUNITIES
Authors: Murinska Sandra
Published: May 2019

Nowadays one of the channels to get information about the local environment is hyperlocal news media. It is another way to reach an audience online,  as a number of users of local television, radio and newspapers is decreasing. Hyperlocals come in many different forms, but their main characteristics show them as a news source. Hyperlocal news media have much in common with weekly community newspapers – these sites focus on a small, geographically defined area, as theoretical literature about local media say. Such news sites are becoming an important part of information space because of their fastness, digital possibilities and variety of content authors. Thus, uncertainty of staff raises questions about values, behaviours and ethics of journalism.The aim of the paper is to examine the types and functions of hyperlocal news media to clarify what kind of content is produced in hyperlocal news media and what their role is in a local community in Latvia. There were seven Latvian hyperlocal news websites analysed; the quantitative and qualitative content analysis was made to explore research questions.An analysis of the content of the hyperlocal news media showed that it was primarily an initiative of people working in the media, not an initiative of the people themselves. Hyperlocal news media mainly inform about what is happening in the city, municipality or village, but community involvement is minimal. Overall, function to give information dominates, but the personification with the local community is not common, so it is difficult for the community to identify themselves with the media, and thus with the community.
GLOBAL G.A.P. AND INTEGRATED PLANT PRODUCTION AS A PART OF THE INTERNALIZATION OF AGRICULTURAL FARMS
Authors: Niemiec Marcin , Komorowska Monika , Kuboń Maciej , Sikora Jakub , Ovcharuk Oleg , Gródek-Szostak Zofia
Published: May 2019

Internationalization of farms involved in agricultural production requires ensuring appropriate quality of products, compliant with requirements of specific markets. Consumers from developed countries more and more often draw attention to the origin of food products and confirmation that they were produced in accordance with recognized environmental standards, while simultaneously respecting human rights. The aim of this research study was to assess the extent of changes in production technology and in the management system under conditions of implementing the GLOBAL G.A.P. system on selected fruit and vegetable farms associated in producer groups. The second aim was to evaluate the quantity of sold products along with specific certificates. The research was conducted in 2016; 91 vegetable farms and 71 fruit farms were studied. The results of the conducted research show that implementation of standards required creation of a quality management system on all the studied farms. The implementation of standards required creation of procedures for production management as well as the traceability system. The implementation of standards caused the necessity to change the infrastructure for storage and use of plant protection products and fertilizers, as well as infrastructure improving workers’ social conditions. The study results indicate that changes associated with the implementation of the GLOBAL G.A.P. standard applied more to vegetable farms than fruit farms. The implementation of the GLOBAL G.A.P. standard significantly increased producers’ chances to introduce products on the market through commercial networks and by selling them to foreign markets.
CIRCULAR ECONOMY DRIVEN INNOVATIONS WITHIN BUSINESS MODELS OF RURAL SMEs
Authors: Uvarova Inga , Atstaja Dzintra , Vitola Alise
Published: May 2019

The competitiveness of rural SMEs is low due to economic inefficiency and the lack of innovations. The main challenges faced by rural SMEs are the limited scale, the distance form larger sales markets, R&D and business support institutions, and the lack of innovative spirit. The circular and bio-economies are shaping the rural SMEs towards the environmentally friendly and eco-efficient production, the minimization of the generation of waste and less use of natural resources. This potential of the adoption of new business models within rural SMEs is not fully observed.The aim of this research is to analyse the opportunities of rural SMEs in introducing the innovative business models driven by the circular economy. This research explores the innovative business models of rural SMEs that transform the environmental challenges in business opportunities and keep a balance with the growing consumption needs. The results of the research are of both theoretical and practical value, providing recommendations for facilitation of innovative business models within rural SMEs. The research methods: desk research, statistical analysis, a grounded theory approach, case study, primary data gathering through seven focus groups with more than 200 stakeholders from six European countries.
SUSTAINABLE STRATEGY FOR A MORE RESILIENT STATE BORDER GUARD ORGANIZATION
Authors: Jukšs Valdis , Iliško Dzintra , Badjanova Jeļena
Published: May 2019

In line with the EU2020 strategy, sustainable development has been a high priority in the EU. Implementing a sustainable strategy in any organization is a complex, value-based multi-dimensional process where sustainability is translated and adapted in the regional context. Implementation of a sustainability strategy requires defining a vision, developing sustainable strategies, assessing the current state of arts, monitoring the process and providing the platform for all actors involved to implement the vision.The aim of the article is to offer a conceptual basis for building a sustainable strategy in the state border guard organization. This involves rethinking, repositioning the current strategy and formulating a future-oriented perspective in order to enhance awareness of the complexity, accept the dynamic nature of corporate sustainability and to adopt a proactive behavior towards sustainability issues. The paper presents a case study on challenges that the State Border Guard organization is facing for implementing a sustainability strategy. The research study presents a qualitative study for a deeper understanding of the process of conceptualizing and implementing a sustainability strategy in Latgale region. The methodology employed in the study is semi-structured interviews with the representatives of administration on the process and the challenges of implementing sustainability strategy.
THEORETICAL ASPECTS OF TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADERSHIP
Authors: Vonoga Aija
Published: May 2019

Leadership is one of the important topics in today's economic science. The topicality of the research is based on economic development requirements. Leadership influences important processes and development in the company. The paper contains a theoretical analysis of the term ,,transformational leadership” aspects presented in scientific literature and a determination of transformational leadership structure and research results. In the paper, the author researches four dimensions of transformational leadership. The research is based on an analysis of the specific literature and scientific publications, research papers, studies, survey results and other sources of information. Research methods: the monographic or descriptive method for research of the transformational leadership concept, the interview method. The aim of the paper is to research the conception and theoretical aspects of transformational leadership in contemporary economic science in order to develop suggestions for a company’s leaders. Tasks of the paper: to find out the main aspects of the term ,,transformational leadership”; to make interviews with a company’s leaders in order to clarify transformational leadership influence on interactions between the leaders and their followers; to develop conclusions and suggestions. The author concludes that main aspect of transformational leadership is symbiosis between the leader and the followers - transformational leaders transform the personal values of their followers to support the vision and goals of the organization.
SOCIAL AND LABOUR RELATIONS: MANAGING THE STRUCTURE IN IMPLEMENTING INNOVATIVE CHANGES
Authors: Belyaev Victor , Kuznetsova Olga , Pyatkova Oksana
Published: May 2019

Implementing innovation programmes often encounters employee resistance to change.  The paperprovides evidence that the essential characteristics of the causes for such resistance lie in the contents and structure of the social and labour relations. They manifest themselves as opportunism at work. The authors believe that this problem can be solved by developing K. Lewin’s and E. Schein’s change management models. While implementing innovative programmes by using one of these models, atthe opening stage, by the procedure developed by the authors, it is suggested to do  research aimed at identifying the contents of the social and labour relations that have been formed within an organisation in order to reveal the quantitative measure of opportunistic behaviour of personnel in their structure and their further correcting towards decreasing the potential of employee resistance to change. For this purpose, the authors developed five scenarios and tools for gathering data through an employee survey in the environment where implementing innovative changes is expected. The findings are supposed to be presented in the form of M. Porter’s diagram, on the axes of which are indicated the types of social and labour relations; it perfectly reveals problem areas in the general structure of the social and labour relations. It is the managerial impact on them that allows a decrease in employee opportunistic potential.  The evaluation of the methodical approaches, which the authors made in health care institutions, has shown that implementing innovation changes encounters much less employee resistance. Using this conceptual model of change management oriented towards changes in the structure of the social and labour relations allows an increase in efficiency and effectiveness of implementing innovative changes in organizations.
STUDENT MOBILITY AS THE ELEMENT OF INTERNATIONALIZATION OF HIGHER EDUCATION
Authors: Mietule Iveta , Arbidāne Iluta , Kalniņa Laura
Published: May 2019

Scientific researches on the potential of export of higher education became topical more than 10 years ago, but this issue remains very topical nowadays as well, and it is essential to keep searching for solutions for the future development of this area. The aim of the paper is to analyse the general trends of student mobility in Latvia in the context of the student mobility in the world.  Hypothesis of the research - comparative research on the student mobility rates in the research period from 2011 to 2016 shows that there is higher growth of student mobility in Latvia than on the global scale. The number of mobile students in the research period is increasing both in Latvia and in the world, but the statistical survey in Latvia confirms that this growth in Latvia is more significant.
ACCOUNTING AND ECONOMIC ANALYSIS IN CONDITIONS OF DIGITALIZATION AND GLOBALIZATION OF PUBLIC RELATIONS
Authors: Izmaylov Yaroslav , Yegorova Iryna , Viskers Evalds
Published: May 2019

The aim of the research is to identify the directions of accounting and economic analysis in the context of globalization and electronic data processing. The role of accounting and economic analysis in managing sustainable development of the national economy and economic entities is determined. The theoretical and methodological design of improved systems of accounting and economic analysis of  enterprises’ economic activity including expanded and updated functions, tasks and principles in accordance with current conditions of digitalization and globalization of public relations is presented. It allows creating appropriate organizational and methodological provision of accounting and analytical support of managing enterprises’ activity to increase reliability and relevance of accounting information. The authors prove that  improved components of the accounting and economic analysis system of enterprises’ economic activity in the conditions of digitalization and globalization of economic relations will enhance application of  accounting techniques, procedures, methodological support, management and internal control.
INTERPRETATIVE PHENOMENOLOGICAL ANALYSIS TO EXPLORE FATHERS’ EXPERIENCE WITH A CHILD IN PALLIATIVE CARE
Authors: Zuitiņš Juris , Pipere Anita , Sudraba Velga
Published: May 2019

Phenomenological research is commonly used worldwide in the field of health psychology to describe and explain the unique life experiences of health and disease. In Latvia, the phenomenological research in health psychology has not been performed yet. In this study, the methodological aspects of interpretative phenomenological analysis applied to explore the experience of fathers with a child in palliative care will be exemplified. The paper particularly aims to analyze the steps of interpretative phenomenological analysis applied during the study of one father’s experience. A single case will be presented detailing the disclosure of father’s experience and reflection on the process of interpretive phenomenological analysis on interview data. Conclusions in terms of the methodological aspects of interpretative phenomenological analysis will be provided.
ADOLESCENT CRISIS AND EDUCATIONAL CRISES OF ADAPTATION TO THE NEXT EDUCATIONAL LEVEL
Authors: Leonova Elena V.
Published: May 2019

The problem of pupils’ adaptation to new educational level is explored from the standpoint of human agency becoming.194 pupils (84 fifth-graders and 110 tenth-graders) took part in the study. Pupils’ agency and psychological resources were surveyed at the beginning of the academic year by Children’s Personality Questionnaire (CPQ), Pupils’ Motives Questionnaire (fifth-graders), High School Personality Questionnaire (HSPQ), Purpose-in-Life Test, Motives of learning activity Questionnaire (tenth-graders). Adaptation criteria (informational, behavioral and affective) were estimated by expert assessment method and academic performance analysis at the end of the academic year. K-means method of cluster analysis, U-test and Spearman's rank correlation coefficient are used for data analysis.In each age category of pupils we have found a lot of significant correlation links between the psychological resources and adaptation criteria indicators only in the cluster of pupils with high agency level. So, only pupils with a high level of agency use their psychological resources to successful overcoming of normative educational crises. Thus, without human agency qualities, both the intellectual and personal resources of pupils can remain unused during the period of adaptation and further training, the results of the study demonstrated.The study was funded by RFBR, project # 18-413-400001
WORKPLACE STRESS AMONG PERSONNEL OF PUBLISHING COMPANY, COPING AND WORKING ABILITY
Authors: Blumberga Solveiga , Mangule Raimonda
Published: May 2019

Most of the life of a human is spent at work, creating the economic and material foundation of the society, which, to a large extent, depends on the working ability of these people. The printing and publishing company is experiencing an increase in the numbers of days spent off work due to sickness, overtime hours and on-job casualties. The aim of the research is to study the causes of workplace stress among the personnel, the coping strategies, the working abilities and their mutual relationship. The research questions are: What are the major causes of workplace stress, what coping strategies are used by the personnel, what is the level of the working ability among the personnel, and are there statistically significant correlations between workplace stress, coping strategies and working ability?Based on the results, it was found that the key causes of workplace stress include the high volumes and amount of work. Active coping strategies are used most frequently to handle stress. No respondents were found to have low levels of working ability, A statistically significant correlation was found between the ratings on the scales “organisational culture” and “working ability”, i.e., the lower the evaluation of the organisation among the personnel, the lower the working ability. An explanation for this fact might be the different values of the personnel and the organisation.