Management Theory and Studies for Rural Business and Infrastructure Development

SMART CITY FINANSING: OPPORTUNITIES AND PROSPECTS

2025-09-03T16:18:25+03:00

The development of smart cities is a global trend. However, the implementation of smart projects requires significant resources. In global practice, cities are searching for and developing new mechanisms to attract funds. The purpose of this article is to study and systematize the financial opportunities for implementing the concept of successful smart city functioning. The article uses the method of systemic-structural analysis to systematize the entire set of financial opportunities for the implementation of smart city projects. A comparative analysis of the implementation of various projects has made it possible to illustrate the successful experience of smart cities. The main result of the article is the proposed system of financial resources for a smart city. This system is important both in a theoretical and practical context. It can be useful both in the practice of individual cities and for further research in this area.

THE IMPACT OF REAL EARNINGS MANAGEMENT ON INVESTMENT EFFICIENCY IN THE NASDAQ BALTIC LISTED COMPANIES

2025-08-18T16:19:09+03:00

The aim of this study is to reveal the impact of real earnings management on the investment efficiency in Baltic joint-stock companies. The empirical study used data from companies listed on the Nasdaq Baltic Stock Exchange for the period 2010–2023. In order to investigate the impact of real earnings management on the investment efficiency, multiple panel regression was used, applying a fixed-effects model, and F, Breusch–Pagan and Hausman tests were performed. The results of the study revealed that there is a statistically significant negative relationship between real earnings management and the investment efficiency in companies listed on the Baltic Stock Exchange. This means that the more companies manage real earnings, the lower the efficiency of investment decisions is. Larger companies tend to make more efficient investment decisions, while the investment decisions of older companies and companies generating higher cash flows are less efficient. This empirical study may be useful for investors, regulatory authorities and policymakers. It complements the currently scarce research on the impact of real earnings management on investment efficiency, provides insights for listed companies in the Baltics on how to improve investment decisions.

STRATEGIC PLANNING AND STRATEGIC THINKING COMPETENCIES OF KAZAKHSTAN’S MANAGERS IN THE AGRICULTURAL SECTOR

2025-07-04T10:33:00+03:00

The present study explores the impact of organizational and individual factors: length of managerial tenure, leader’s gender, firm’s age, and size, on the tax-payment dynamics among grain companies in Kazakhstan (N = 127) that relates to managers’ strategic thinking orientation. The article aims at identifying what firm- and leader-level variables significantly correlate with an agricultural company’s tax-payment increase. Tax‐payment data for 2014-2024 were sourced from the Kazakh Grain Union website, while firm metadata (registration dates, headcounts, and managers’ gender and tenure) were obtained from the Paragraph Information System. Each enterprise’s compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of tax payments was computed, and a multiple regression with heteroskedasticity‐consistent standard errors was estimated. Managerial tenure significantly predicted higher CAGR (β = 0.113, p = 0.023), however, firm age failed to support the hypothesized positive relationship, exhibiting only a marginally non-significant negative effect (β = -0.095, p = 0.080), whereas leaders’ gender and workforce size did not influence the tax-payment dynamics. The model explained 6.6% of the variance in growth. The evidence suggests that retaining leaders in agribusiness for longer periods will bring larger financial returns due to their strategic focus on growth.

DECONSTRUCTING SDG PERFORMANCE FOR STRATEGIC INSIGHT: QUANTITATIVE INSIGHTS FROM TÜRKİYE AND EUROPEAN COUNTRIES

2025-07-21T13:33:08+03:00

Significant disparities remain in the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) among European Union (EU) member and candidate countries, despite their common commitments. This article aims to address this issue by examining Türkiye's SDG performance through an in-depth, indicator-based comparative analysis with other EU and non-EU European countries. The methods include standardized scoring of indicators on a 1–10 Likert scale, regression analyses, and comparative visualization techniques. The data comprises quantitative SDG indicators from the EUROSTAT database, gathered from April to August 2024, encompassing 79 indicators related to 16 SDGs. Findings reveal that while Türkiye holds the lowest overall rank, it exhibits notably high performance in specific indicators significantly surpassing the European average in certain areas. These strengths highlight substantial potential areas where Türkiye can leverage existing successes to enhance its overall sustainability performance. However, Türkiye also demonstrates critical weaknesses, with the lowest scores in 32 out of 79 indicators, particularly in SDGs such as gender equality, affordable and clean energy, decent work and economic growth, and no poverty. The study’s results provide policymakers with detailed insights into Türkiye's SDG-related strengths and weaknesses, guiding targeted interventions to reinforce and expand upon these areas. This focused analytical approach offers practical guidance for future strategic planning and emphasizes the value of nuanced, indicator-based evaluations in sustainability assessments.

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND INFLUENCER MARKETING: MAPPING THE FIELD OF KNOWLEDGE

2025-09-28T20:52:58+03:00

Purpose: This review aims to map the current body of knowledge on AI in influencer marketing by outlining the theoretical and methodological backgrounds and contexts and identifying key areas for further exploration in this field. Method: A systematic literature review of 188 articles published on the Scopus database on AI and influencer marketing was conducted to identify recent research trends in the field. The review was performed based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) protocol guidelines and the TCM organizing framework encompassing theory, context, and methodology analyses. Findings: The domain of AI in influencer marketing was found to be in its infancy stage; however, the number of articles published on AI and influencer marketing has been exponentially growing since 2017. The main term used by the authors to name the influencers generated using AI was found to be ‘virtual influencer’ and is constantly gaining its position. The most followed theories were found to be the Source Credibility Theory, Mind Perception Theory, Parasocial Interaction Theory, Construal Level Theory, and Trust Transfer Theory. Five main research contexts were identified: sender-focused, source-focused, message-focused, receiver-focused, and context-focused. The research methods used in the field of AI in influencer marketing have been identified as three principal approaches: quantitative, experimental, and qualitative. Contributions/implications: This paper is among the first review papers mapping the innovative and complex domain of AI and its intersections with influencer marketing. By mapping the existing research scope, it identifies the main theoretical, methodological, and contextual backgrounds of the domain.

IMPACT OF GREEN INNOVATION ON ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE AND FIRM PERFORMANCE: MODERATION OF FIRM CULTURE AND LEADERSHIP COMMITMENT

2025-05-20T10:39:46+03:00

This paper investigates how green innovation impacts environmental performance and firm performance, focusing on moderating role of firm culture and leadership commitment. The research implements questionnaire surveys using SmartPLS software to analyze gathered data and this study used stratified random sampling method. The research demonstrates favorable connections between green innovation and firm performance and environmental improvement factors that become stronger because of firm culture alignment and executive-level green strategy focus. Firm culture and leadership commitment were shown to strengthen effects, particularly in enhancing environmental outcomes. Findings highlight importance of firm context in maximizing green innovation strategies benefits.

WORLD EXPERIENCE AND UKRAINIAN PRACTICE OF IMPLEMENTING HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS’ MODELS ACCORDING TO THE PRINCIPLES OF SUSTAINABILITY IN THE DIGITALIZATION CONDITIONS

2025-05-07T19:18:59+03:00

The article considers the main aspects of implementing the principles of sustainable development in the process of managing higher education institutions in the context of digitalization. The purpose of the article is to develop conceptual provisions for implementing models of higher education development based on the principles of sustainability in the context of digitalization of society according to the existing practices and world experience. The main models of development of higher education institutions have been analyzed. It has been announced the Concept of development of higher education institutions based on the principles of sustainability, which is being formed simultaneously with the implementation of sustainable development priorities in the socio-economic sphere, and the main prerequisites for its implementation have been determined. The purpose of the model is to form skills adapted to the changing conditions of society's functioning in the context of meeting the social, environmental, and economic needs of an individual and the state. The model of development of higher education institutions according to the principles of sustainability is based on taking into account the following factors: the available capabilities and resource deficit of the educational institution; the opportunities for public participation in managing the educational process and establishing an effective communications system. The main components of the model of sustainable development of higher education institutions have been determined. The structure of the mechanism for managing higher education institutions based on the principles of sustainability and the principles of implementation has been substantiated. The structure of the mechanism for managing higher education institutions according to the principles of sustainability is determined by: the nature and characteristics of sustainable development and the place of digitalization in the implementation of sustainability conditions; the specifics of the development of educational and scientific activities of a higher education institution and the conditions of administration; the possibility of obtaining a synergistic effect as a result of the interaction of the motivational, regulatory and economic components of the mechanism. The Strategy for managing the development of a higher education institution based on the principles of sustainability has been proposed.

COMPARISON OF THE AGRICULTURAL LAND MARKET OF UKRAINE AND POLAND IN THE CONTEXT OF SUSTAINABILITY

2025-07-30T14:36:03+03:00

The aim of the article is to compare the features of the formation and development of agricultural land markets in Ukraine and Poland in the context of sustainable development. The following methods were used during the research: system analysis, statistical analysis, comparative legal analysis, historical method. To calculate the price index, the price of agricultural land in the specific year for which the index is calculated and agricultural land in a selected base year.

A comparative analysis of the initial years of the market was carried out based on the calculation of the agricultural land price index in Ukraine and Poland. The impact of the full-scale war on agricultural land prices and contractual practices in Ukraine and Poland was analyzed. The institutional similarities and differences in the formation of the agricultural land market in Poland and Ukraine are investigated. The relationship between land value and purchase and sale contracts as one of the main regulators of achieving sustainable development goals was investigated.

THE ROLE OF YOUTH ENGAGEMENT, EDUCATION, COMMUNITY BUSINESS AND COLLABORATION IN THE TRANSITION TO A SMART VILLAGE

2025-09-02T14:49:58+03:00

The decline in the rural population and the weakening of vitality are pressing issues, which scientists associate with the migration of young people to cities and the weakening of social and economic structures. Research and practice show that one of the sustainable solutions may be the transition to a smart village. This is recognized as an effective practice in the EU, but its potential has not yet been sufficiently revealed and exploited. The authors took the view that smartness is a goal, where local community organizations raise the level of governance and take targeted action to achieve smart status. A systematic analysis of the study was performed based on the PRISMA 2020 methodology (Moher et al., 2021). This article identifies the role of youth engagement, education, community business, and collaboration in the development of smart villages. The factors are closely interrelated and complementary, and their integration forms subsystems for the transition to a smart village. A conceptual spiral model of transition to a smart village has been developed, consisting of six stages linked by three main axes: social mobilization, strategic planning, and innovation integration. The principles of community business organisation can be applied in smart village strategies to ensure the transition to a smart village.

IMPACT OF MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS ON THE COMPETITIVENESS OF AGRIBUSINESS IN UKRAINE

2025-05-13T19:02:42+03:00

This study explores the impact of marketing communications on the competitiveness of agribusinesses in Ukraine, focusing on two key companies: MHP SE and Agroliga Group. It examines how strategies like branding, customer loyalty programs, and digital marketing influence financial performance and market competitiveness. Using secondary data from 2018 to 2023, including company reports and industry publications, the research employs comparative analysis, descriptive statistics, and correlation analysis to evaluate the relationship between marketing investments and key performance indicators (KPIs), such as revenue growth, profit margins, and export growth. The findings reveal a positive correlation between higher marketing communication investments and competitiveness. MHP SE demonstrates superior results through its integrated digital marketing strategy, outperforming Agroliga Group’s more traditional branding approach. The study underscores the significance of brand perception, customer loyalty, and digital engagement in enhancing market position and competitiveness.

FORECASTING SCENARIO OF THE INVESTMENT ATTRACTIVENESS OF THE HOTEL BUSINESS IN RURAL AREAS: CASES FOR UKRAINE

2025-08-12T13:17:49+03:00

The focus of the paper is to identify the short-term impact of the war economy on the hotel business, the decline in foreign direct investment trends, and to develop a simulation model for forecasting the investment attractiveness of the green hotel business.

The methods and approaches of the system approach were used to formulate the general theoretical provisions. To assess the status and forecast future directions of activating the investment attractiveness of green hotels, the scenario method, the Delphi method, Swot analysis, the “branch” and “cone of probability’ methods were used to identify the main trends and possible scenarios for the investment development of the green hotels during post-war recovery. The method of expert assessments and the Likert scale were used to identify current trends in foreign direct investment. The research is aimed at assessing the investment development of the hotel sector, analysing the volume of capital investments in the activities of hotels, studying the dynamics of the investment attractiveness index, which allows to predict the investment attractiveness of green hotels in the long term.

The research's value lies in assessing the investment attractiveness of hotels in rural areas as a promising area for ensuring the viability of the agrarian sector and the green hotels.

COORDINATING GOVERNMENT FISCAL POLICY AND DEBT MANAGEMENT: BIBLIOMETRIC ANALYSIS AND VISUALIZATION

2025-09-18T11:18:08+03:00

The coordination of government fiscal policy and debt management is critical for economic stability, yet emerging economies face distinct challenges in balancing fiscal sustainability with growth objectives. This study addresses the research gap regarding the interplay between fiscal space, debt dynamics, and policy coordination, particularly in understudied regional contexts. Using a bibliometric analysis of 562 Scopus-indexed publications (1999-2024), we employ citation network analysis, keyword co-occurrence mapping, and burst detection to identify evolving research trends and thematic clusters. Results reveal that fiscal sustainability and debt responsiveness are central concerns, with emerging themes including fiscal reaction functions, COVID-19 impacts, and sovereign debt management. The study highlights the need for context-sensitive fiscal rules and improved policy coordination to enhance debt sustainability in infrastructure-focused development settings. These findings offer practical insights for policymakers designing fiscally responsible growth strategies.

HOUSEHOLD FOOD WASTE: CAUSES AND REDUCTION STRATEGIES IN TAURAGĖ COUNTY

2025-09-12T13:26:16+03:00

This article investigates the drivers and manifestations of household food waste, reviews prevailing methodological approaches in food waste research, and presents the design and outcomes of an empirical case study. The analysis demonstrates that food waste most often results from excessive purchasing, insufficient meal planning, and limited attention to product expiration dates. While respondents acknowledged the significance of the issue, they nevertheless continued to encounter leftover or expired food in everyday practice. Mitigation strategies identified in the study highlight the importance of education starting from early schooling, the establishment of food-sharing initiatives, and adjustments in retail practices such as broader availability of products sold by weight. Although the empirical evidence derives from households in Tauragė County, Lithuania, the findings reflect broader patterns observable in many contexts and underscore the need for strengthening both consumer awareness and systemic measures to reduce food waste globally.

ANTI-CRISIS ADAPTIVE DIGITAL MODEL OF HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTION MANAGEMENT IN THE CONTEXT OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF THE SMART ECONOMY

2025-09-03T16:41:25+03:00

The article presents the concept of an anti-crisis adaptive digital model of higher education institution management in the context of sustainable development of the smart economy. The proposed model combines tools of digital transformation, logical-linguistic analysis and cybernetic modeling to create a functionally reliable, flexible and institutionally stable management system. Particular attention is paid to the analysis of modern challenges, such as digitalization, demographic crisis, financial instability, as well as political and environmental factors. The study proves that the use of the fuzzy set method allows you to effectively take into account the uncertainty and dynamics of the external environment, which contributes to making strategic decisions in conditions of complexity and multifactoriality. The model is focused on strengthening the role of higher education as a driver of sustainable development, as well as on increasing its competitiveness in the global space.