Methods of integrated assessment of quality of life in the region

Abstract

Introduction. The article presents the theoretical justification, methodology and tools for assessing the quality of life for the purposes of system analysis of the socio-economic development of the regions. The developed evaluation system and research tools are a ready methodological solution for the analysis and management decision-making by municipal and regional authorities for the planning of the socioeconomic development. The article evidences the use of the method in the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia). The article was prepared in the framework of the project on the state task of the Ministry of Education and Science of the Russian Federation “Justification of priority activities and tools to ensure comfortable living in the north-east of Russia" [16]. Materials and methods . The basic data are the data of the standard annual statistical observations characterizing various aspects of the quality of life of the population. The method consists of the sequential solution of the following tasks: - selection of statistical indicators characterizing the quality of life, based on a given spatial and temporal localization - the selected region, time interval - and their grouping by categories; - calculation of normalized synthetic indicators within each category for the different elements of spatial and temporal localization (by regions, economic zones, by years or other periods); - calculation of integrated indices by regions and years, as well as aggregated (average) indices by groups of indicators; - presentation of the results in the graphical form for easy interpretation. The generalization of a significant array of indicators reflecting the most diverse aspects of the quality of life allows getting as close as possible to its objective assessment in dynamics. Research result . Estimates of the quality of life of the population of the regions and economic zones of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia), both general and in individual categories, have been obtained. The significance of the work lies in its application for leveling the socio-economic development of municipal districts and regions, in identifying problems in their socio-economic development Discussion and conclusion . The advantages of the method are the use of standard statistical parameters, the relative ease of obtaining results and their interpretation, as well as the ability to adjust them depending on the goals of the analysis. Based on the results of this study the directions of mid- and long term socio-economic development can be selected without excluding their further improvement.