Authors:Inga Jekabsone Pages: 8 - 17 Abstract: Nowadays the importance of involvement of citizens in decision-making processes is underlined in most recent research on effectiveness of public administration. Taking into consideration that development of science and research is fundamental for economic growth as well as sustainable development, the process of policy making in science should involve relevant stakeholders building effective relationships with key stakeholders. In case of EU, Ministries responsible for science have developed Smart Specialization Strategies for transformation of economies towards higher added value. For successful implementation of the strategies, Ministries have identified different initiatives towards involvement of key stakeholders in science policy making. In circumstances of low public and private funding to research and development in EU-13, the communication with science community has been challenging. Taking into account all mentioned before, the purpose of the study is to analyse the approaches on involvement of stakeholders in science policy making, especially in EU countries with relatively low budget for research and development. In order to achieve the purpose, the tasks are formulated as follows: 1) to review the theoretical background for involvement of stakeholders in science policy making in EU; 2) to analyse the best practice in ensuring the participation of key stakeholders in science policy making in EU, special focusing on case of Latvia; 3) to provide the recommendations for the ministries in EU responsible for science in ensuring the participation of key stakeholders in policy making. Research methods used: scientific literature studies, statistical data analysis, expert survey. The research showed that effective involvement of key stakeholders in science policy making process is topical challenge for policy makers in EU, especially in countries with low share of budget for research and development. Successful strategy of involvement of key stakeholders in science policy includes effective communication at different levels, development of high-quality services as well as development of participatory administrative culture for civil servants. PubDate: 2019-10-29 DOI: 10.5755/j01.eis.0.13.23529
Authors:Tom Sander, Biruta Sloka Pages: 18 - 36 Abstract: Recent technological developments have determined that Social network sites (SNSs) are also marketplaces to exchange information between members e.g. to inform individuals about new products or to cooperate with each other. Such aspects of SNSs use are under the academic researchers’ interest worldwide. The strategy to create a market in SNSs for different countries can be successful if companies have a deep understanding of SNSs. That needs the investigation if mechanism in SNSs and the use of SNSs is similar world-wide. The aim of the research is to investigate how people use SNSs and to analyze reasons to use SNSs, as well as analyze differences of SNSs use depending upon the respondent’s country of origin. The tasks are to investigate similarities or differences in use of SNS in different countries and compare results of SNS use in Germany (GER), Latvia (LV), United Kingdom (UK) and Hungary (HU). The research methods applied are as follows: 1) theoretical studies in scientific publications and 2) analysis of survey level data on SNS use in Germany, United Kingdom, Latvia and Hungary. The data is analyzed with main indicators of descriptive statistics, Spearman correlation coefficient and partial least square calculations with WarpPLS to investigate difference between the countries. The intensity of use of SNSs is a kind of investment in SNSs e.g. time to share information. That can be defined as social capital. The main result of the current research is that the local conditions influence the global tool SNSs. PubDate: 2019-10-29 DOI: 10.5755/j01.eis.0.13.23550
Authors:Giorgio Oikonomou Pages: 37 - 50 Abstract: The quality of government represents a critical parameter of modern states for delivering sound public policies for the benefit of citizens. Dimensions such as accountability, impartiality, mechanisms which cope effectively with corruption and government effectiveness stand as core components of the quality of government, whereas at the same time account for much of the variation in the quality of government across European Union (EU) countries. This paper seeks to examine the quality of government by comparing and contrasting countries of the EU with substantially different administrative characteristics and traditions. The research explores two Nordic countries, namely Denmark and Sweden, and, two Mediterranean countries, Italy and Greece. Taking stock of theoretical insights from the political and economic literature the core aim of the paper is to identify plausible explanations with regard to the variations in the quality of government across the four selected EU member-states. The research draws on quantitative data based on the World Bank’s Worldwide Governance Indicators (WGI) and the European Quality of Government index (EQGI). It is argued that certain traits (legacies) of the political-administrative systems of the countries under examination can explain much of the observed, often striking, variations in the quality of government between the North and the South European bureaucracies. PubDate: 2019-10-29 DOI: 10.5755/j01.eis.0.13.24033
Authors:Biruta Sloka, Inga Jekabsone, Kate Cipane, Sabine Anete Vasina Pages: 52 - 60 Abstract: Income differences in regions of Latvia is becoming a greater problem for families as there are made decisions for emigration, for municipalities as there are significant reductions in tax (income and property) payers and for entrepreneurs as there are less customers for their products and services: those aspects are on great importance but not enough researched and discussed in academic research. Purpose of the study is to analyse income differences in the regions of Latvia. The tasks of the study: 1) to review theoretical background of income differences in context of regional development; 2) to review existing research of income differences in the regions in EU; 3) to analyse problems of income indifferences in the regions of Latvia. Research methods used in preparation of the paper: scientific publication and previous conducted research results analysis, analysis of EU-SILC results (in 2014-2017) and European Central Bank conducted survey on Household income and expenses survey results, results are compared with the results of other Eurozone countries. Survey results are analysed using indicators of descriptive statistics (indicators of central tendency or location - arithmetic mean, mode, median), indicators of variability (indicators of dispersion - range, standard deviation and standard error of mean), cross-tabulations for regions in Latvia, for household members, for urban – rural living and analysis of variance - ANOVA are used. The results of analysis have indicated different challenges for decision makers on different levels. PubDate: 2019-10-29 DOI: 10.5755/j01.eis.0.13.23562
Authors:Pawel Mlodkowski Pages: 61 - 69 Abstract: The paper contributes to a discussion on developments in output for the EU-27 group over the next 11 years, up to year 2030. It departs from a discussion on arguments of the production function, with focus on sudden changes to population in Europe, its growth rate and composition. A brief study of population-decreasing events in the European historical perspective may represent an inspiring part. Reasons for inconsistency in estimated parameters of production function for European countries seems to be well-explained this way. The projection for the next 11 years, up to 2030 has employed the production function framework. Parameters have been estimated on the period 2004 – 2016 that matches most closely conditions that one may expect over the projection horizon. Feeding the estimated production function for the 2018-2030 forecast has employed projected population by Eurostat, while private capital investment has been generated by an ARIMA model. Projection is offered in two forms: (1) aggregated real output for the whole EU, and (2) the same category for each of the EU-27 countries. PubDate: 2019-10-29 DOI: 10.5755/j01.eis.0.13.23709
Authors:Natalja Tocelovska, Biruta Sloka, Karlis Purmalis Pages: 70 - 79 Abstract: In the period 2013-2017 Latvian corporate bond market had experienced the abrupt growth of the number of public Latvian corporate bond issues outstanding. The base of the expansion was formed by the financing activity of Latvian financial sector issuers (FSIs) with their weight in the pool of corporate bond issues listed in Nasdaq Riga at 85%. In 2019, FSIs remain the main issuer in Latvian corporate bond market (64% of the number of issues (Nasdaq Baltic, 2019)). The financing needs and preferences of the FSIs not only shape the segment profitability but also build Latvian corporate bond market sustainability. Academic papers provide broad motivation for corporate debt issuing: an efficient competition to bank funding, long-term financing, improvement of the cash flow by decreasing the cost of debt, optimization of the financial structure, and efficient ownership structure. The existing academic research is modest on the analysis of the FSI segment as the issuer segment in the debt market where academics do analyse the corporate bonds issuance by the FSIs where motivating factors stimulating FSIs to come to the public debt market are seldom separated while size and characteristics of the issuers are mostly scrutinised. The aim of this article is to analyse the determinant of the development of the FSI segment of the corporate bond market in Latvia by defining the factors stimulating the bond issuing decision as made by the FSI segment. This article provides primary data analysis of both survey and in-depth interviews with Latvian FSI segment representatives run in the period June-August 2017. The results of the analysis indicate that bank borrowing is not treated as the funding alternative for FSIs where issuing debt and equity funding are the recognised funding sources of the FSI segment. The growing role of the peer-to-peer platform financing is recognised and will further influence the FSI segment alternative financing. The main factors motivating FSIs to come to the debt market are reputation a company gets as the result of the bond issue, strategical ambition to be present in the public market, cost of funding in the long-term (more than 3 years). The methods used in this article are scientific publication analysis, document analysis, expert survey, in-depth interviews, and statistical data analysis. PubDate: 2019-10-29 DOI: 10.5755/j01.eis.0.13.23500
Authors:Ieva Brence Pages: 80 - 88 Abstract: The foundation of successful business relies on recognition and positive experience among customers. The article examines theory of the brand and how well it is recognized in the Latvian spice market, focusing on the Tex Mex production. The research in this field is important as the Latvian spice market is still growing and many different brands are offered by various manufacturers therefore the competition is tough and it is important to strengthen the market space of Tex Mex spices. Moreover, there is an increase in the European spice market, therefore the research results are important for the European spice market in general. The purpose is to examine theoretical aspects of the brand and to evaluate the Tex Mex products’ brand recognition in Latvia. The research novelty lays in the fact that a survey of 1011 Latvian residents is used, by analyzing their habits in Latvian spice market and, expecially the Tex Mex products. The paper contains following research methods: theory analyses; document analyses and analysis of a survey involving A 1011 Latvian residents - 454 females and 557 males, age group 15-74. The key results of the research: compared to the previous year, customers' attitude to the products of the brand Santa Maria Tex Mex has increased and currently Santa Maria is the market leader in Latvian Tex Mex products. At the same time more than half of Latvia’s people have never purchased Tex Mex products.To promote the visibility of the Tex Mex products, product tastings should be chosen as they provide further information to consumers. PubDate: 2019-10-29 DOI: 10.5755/j01.eis.0.13.23437
Authors:Kristīne Casno, Daina Šķiltere, Biruta Sloka Pages: 90 - 99 Abstract: The purpose of the study is to research the relative importance of various factors that motivate Latvian consumers to purchase products and services from social enterprises in order to provide practical suggestions and recommendations for Latvian social enterprises that would allow them to improve their performance. The primary method used by the study is quantitative research by the means of an online survey of Latvian consumers. The results of the research indicate that Latvian consumers find the product / service quality aspects, as well as aspects of social responsibility and convenience of the shopping location, on average, as most motivating to purchase products / services of social enterprises. However, the results of factor analysis highlight the importance of emotional aspects during on-site shopping as well as the importance of digital presence. Such factors as pleasant atmosphere and friendly service have the highest potential to generate repeat purchases among Latvian consumers. Communication of social value is important, but should not be the only focus of social enterprises. PubDate: 2019-10-29 DOI: 10.5755/j01.eis.0.13.23495
Authors:Irina Glushkova, Natalja Gurvits Pages: 100 - 107 Abstract: With time Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) attracts has become a matter of high attention and it is obvious that its influence on companies is increasing. More and more organizations both in Estonia and worldwide are voluntarily implementing non-financial reporting as a part of their business strategy. These initiatives seem to have high impact on the reputation and recognition of the company by stakeholders. The aim of the present research is to investigate whether the type of ownerships is related to the way the company presents CSR related information and the focus of these disclosures. Authors studied the available information of top100 Estonian most successful companies to find out the type of ownership and the type of CSR-related disclosures (web-site or non-financial report) as well as the focus of the reporting about the most popular and commonly used certificates related (health, safety, environment and quality). The findings of the present research clearly demonstrate that Estonian companies have implemented CSR reporting practices with website being the main channel of presentation of CSR related information. It is also important, that the leading issue of CSR disclosure for all types of companies are environmental performance as well as environmental and quality management certification. Results indicated that in case of individual ownership CSR disclosures are less frequent and less aspects are reported, while in case of corporate and institutional ownership, CSR reporting is widely adopted and the wide scope of aspects is reported. In general, it may be concluded that the type of ownership has impact of the type and focus of CSR reporting. PubDate: 2019-10-29 DOI: 10.5755/j01.eis.0.13.23455
Authors:Biruta Sloka, Kate Čipāne, Sergejs Volvenkins Pages: 108 - 116 Abstract: Recent developments of internet applications and increase in application of various information technologies have supported fast development of internet shopping worldwide and also important topics for academic researchers. Aim of the research: check findings of recent preferences by customers on internet shops and factors for internet shop choice, different aspects on internet shopping and comparisons with academic research results in other countries. Tasks: scientific findings studies and empirical investigations on customer preferences and determining factors for choice of different factors in internet shopping. Research methods used: recent scientific publications studies, studies of statistics on internet shopping development, survey on internet shop choice and on internet shopping in Latvia realised at the end of 2017 and beginning of 2018. Survey was developed and realised in co-operation with company specialising on internet marketing: iMarketing, University of Latvia and Chamber of Trade and Commerce of Latvia. Respondents were selected randomly in assistance of Chamber of Trade and Commerce of Latvia. Survey was filled in by 2530 respondents. For many aspects in evaluation of opinion of respondents it was used evaluation scale 1 – 10, where evaluation by 1 was - do not agree with the statement; 10 – fully agree with the statement. For data analysis there were used indicators of descriptive statistics: indicators of central tendency or location (arithmetic mean, mode, median, quartiles), indicators of variability (variance, standard deviation, standard error of mean), cross – tabulations, statistical tests of hypotheses, multivariate analyse methods: regression and correlation analysis, analysis of variance (ANOVA), factor analysis and other data analysis methods. Main results and findings of the study, theoretical and practical implications of the work: response rate of respondents was very high in comparison with other surveys; respondents have expressed also their suggestions for internet shopping improvements; respondents have indicated the most attractive internet shops by their views. Main conclusions: increase in internet shopping in Latvia is not increasing so fast as in other countries, customers use also mobile devices for shopping on internet. PubDate: 2019-10-29 DOI: 10.5755/j01.eis.0.13.23496
Authors:Pawel Mlodkowski Pages: 117 - 130 Abstract: This paper offers a biased review of digital platforms introduced recently and operated by national posts in several European Union countries. Authors chose the most interesting cases, including those deemed as most successful, those that failed, and the most modern ones. The paper compares diverse European experience with modern solutions introduced by the Japan Post. Methods used for delivering the study included direct interviews with Japan Post officials and systematic review of official documents and announcements by national post operators in European countries covered bin the paper. European Union Member States, and their national postal operators seem to be well ahead of Japan in the way modern technology is utilized in the process of providing traditional (and new) postal services. Paper makes an attempt to show how representative national postal operators benefit from advanced Information and Telecommunication technology and by replacing the manner in which postal services are rendered. There are numerous successful cases of digital platform implementation, like those from Denmark, France, Czech Republic, and Poland, among others. One will find interesting insight into reasons for failed case from Italy among conclusions, at the end of the paper. Environmental issues are also addressed, along with e-government issues. It happens that European Union postal operators optimize their operations with modern technology in the form of digital platforms in a much wider scope than the Japan Post. Japanese organizations deal with extremely challenging geographic conditions. This, in turn, should motivate much more advanced optimization by the means of solutions enabled by digital platforms. PubDate: 2019-10-29 DOI: 10.5755/j01.eis.0.13.22897
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