Comprehensive Strategic Approach Research Articles

Empowering nurses to champion Health equity & BE FAIR: Bias elimination for fair and responsible AI in healthcare.

The concept of health equity by design encompasses a multifaceted approach that integrates actions aimed at eliminating biased, unjust, and correctable differences among groups of people as a fundamental element in the design of algorithms. As algorithmic tools are increasingly integrated into clinical practice at multiple levels, nurses are uniquely positioned to address challenges posed by the historical marginalization of minority groups and its intersections with the use of "big data" in healthcare settings; however, a coherent framework is needed to ensure that nurses receive appropriate training in these domains and are equipped to act effectively. We introduce the Bias Elimination for Fair AI in Healthcare (BE FAIR) framework, a comprehensive strategic approach that incorporates principles of health equity by design, for nurses to employ when seeking to mitigate bias and prevent discriminatory practices arising from the use of clinical algorithms in healthcare. By using examples from a "real-world" AI governance framework, we aim to initiate a wider discourse on equipping nurses with the skills needed to champion the BE FAIR initiative. Drawing on principles recently articulated by the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology, we conducted a critical examination of the concept of health equity by design. We also reviewed recent literature describing the risks of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies in healthcare as well as their potential for advancing health equity. Building on this context, we describe the BE FAIR framework, which has the potential to enable nurses to take a leadership role within health systems by implementing a governance structure to oversee the fairness and quality of clinical algorithms. We then examine leading frameworks for promoting health equity to inform the operationalization of BE FAIR within a local AI governance framework. The application of the BE FAIR framework within the context of a working governance system for clinical AI technologies demonstrates how nurses can leverage their expertise to support the development and deployment of clinical algorithms, mitigating risks such as bias and promoting ethical, high-quality care powered by big data and AI technologies. As health systems learn how well-intentioned clinical algorithms can potentially perpetuate health disparities, we have an opportunity and an obligation to do better. New efforts empowering nurses to advocate for BE FAIR, involving them in AI governance, data collection methods, and the evaluation of tools intended to reduce bias, mark important steps in achieving equitable healthcare for all.

Driving sustainable growth in SME manufacturing: The role of digital transformation, project, and capture management

In the landscape of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) within the manufacturing sector, achieving sustainable growth amidst increasing competition and evolving market demands presents a significant challenge. This abstract delves into the pivotal role of digital transformation, project management, and capture management in fostering sustainable growth for SME manufacturers. Digital transformation has emerged as a transformative force, offering SME manufacturers unprecedented opportunities to optimize processes, enhance efficiency, and expand their market reach. Through the adoption of advanced technologies such as Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and cloud computing, SMEs can streamline operations, improve product quality, and swiftly adapt to changing consumer preferences. Moreover, effective project management plays a crucial role in driving sustainable growth by ensuring timely delivery of products, cost optimization, and resource utilization. By implementing robust project management methodologies such as Agile or Lean, SME manufacturers can mitigate risks, enhance collaboration, and accelerate innovation, thereby gaining a competitive edge in the market. Furthermore, capture management, encompassing the identification, qualification, and pursuit of business opportunities, is instrumental in securing long-term growth for SME manufacturers. By strategically identifying target markets, understanding customer needs, and developing tailored solutions, SMEs can effectively capitalize on emerging opportunities and strengthen their market position. However, harnessing the synergies between digital transformation, project management, and capture management requires a comprehensive strategic approach. SME manufacturers must invest in cultivating a culture of innovation, fostering cross-functional collaboration, and nurturing talent equipped with the requisite digital and managerial skills. Driving sustainable growth in SME manufacturing necessitates a holistic approach that integrates digital transformation, project management, and capture management strategies. By embracing technological advancements, optimizing operational processes, and seizing market opportunities, SME manufacturers can embark on a trajectory of sustained success in the ever-evolving landscape of manufacturing.

Review of strategic alignment: Accounting and cybersecurity for data confidentiality and financial security

In the contemporary landscape of rapidly evolving technological advancements and the increasing prevalence of cyber threats, organizations face a critical imperative to align their accounting practices with robust cybersecurity measures. This review explores the symbiotic relationship between accounting and cybersecurity in safeguarding data confidentiality and ensuring financial security. Focusing on the intersection of these two domains, we examine the strategic alignment required to fortify organizations against the escalating challenges posed by cyber threats to sensitive financial information. The review begins by delving into the intricate connection between accounting processes and the protection of financial data, emphasizing the pivotal role of accurate financial reporting and transparent disclosure in maintaining stakeholder trust. Subsequently, it scrutinizes the evolving threat landscape, identifying cyber risks that specifically target financial systems and data. The analysis underscores the need for a comprehensive strategic approach that integrates accounting practices with cybersecurity protocols to effectively mitigate these risks. Furthermore, the review investigates the contemporary tools and technologies that facilitate the integration of accounting and cybersecurity, enhancing organizations' ability to detect, prevent, and respond to cyber threats. It explores the adoption of advanced encryption methods, intrusion detection systems, and artificial intelligence-driven analytics to bolster data confidentiality and financial security. In examining case studies and best practices, this review highlights successful instances of organizations aligning accounting and cybersecurity strategies to achieve a cohesive defense against financial cyber threats. Lessons learned from these cases offer valuable insights for practitioners and decision-makers seeking to implement effective measures within their own organizational contexts. Ultimately, this review contributes to the evolving discourse on strategic alignment by emphasizing the imperative of synergizing accounting practices with cybersecurity initiatives. As organizations navigate an increasingly complex and interconnected business environment, a holistic approach that unifies financial integrity and cyber resilience becomes paramount for ensuring sustained success and safeguarding against the multifaceted challenges of the digital age.

Strategiya biopolitiki gosudarstva v period pandemii COVID-19: istoricheskij analiz

The purpose of the study is a comprehensive analysis of the content and sufficiency of measures taken by the state aimed at ensuring the biological safety of citizens in the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. A comprehensive strategic approach to the development of state biopolitics is recommended. The conclusion is made about the need for a phased application of a set of preventive measures of a proactive nature, capable of protecting the interests of all participants in the process of socio-economic development of society and the state.

ЕКОНОМІЧНА БЕЗПЕКА ЄС ТА УКРАЇНИ: НОВІ ВИКЛИКИ ТА ЗАГРОЗИ

The paper examines the issues of economic security of the EU and Ukraine, new challenges and threats that arise as a result of negative processes in the world. The main postulates of the concept of economic security, which is based on counteraction to various threats and has the mandatory condition of protecting the economic interests of the state, are substantiated. It was determined that economic security is an undeniably important component of the country's national security, which includes a set of mechanisms and measures aimed at ensuring the stability of the state's economic system, economic development, and countering internal and external threats. It is noted that the European Union needs a comprehensive strategic approach to economic security, which will make it possible to reduce existing risks, ensure and promote technological advantages in critical sectors. The priorities within which the EU policy in the field of economic security will be implemented are presented: ensuring the competitiveness of EU countries, protection against economic security risks, partnership with the widest possible range of countries. New directions for the implementation of the EU economic security strategy are outlined, which should mitigate risks and eliminate new threats. New risks and threats were identified, as well as destructive processes that had a negative impact on the economic security of Ukraine (destruction of infrastructure and production facilities, halting the implementation of investment projects, inflation, growing negative trade balance, environmental catastrophe, etc.). The need for constant monitoring of risks and threats to economic security in order to form a mechanism and measures aimed at restoring and functioning of Ukraine's economy in the conditions of war is substantiated. The competitive advantages of the Ukrainian economy are determined. The importance of cooperation in the field of economic security of the EU and Ukraine for the successful integration of the Ukrainian and European economies has been proven. Keywords: economic security of the state, national security, risks, geopolitical threats, strategic interests, investment activity, economic development, innovative development, global economy, supply chains, competitiveness, competitive advantages.

JS-WHL-ISH-LANCET-4: VALIDITY OF AUTOMATED BPMD IN CLINICAL PRACTICE AND PUBLIC HEALTH. A GLOBAL NEED FOR HYPERTENSION MANAGEMENT

HEARTS in the Americas is the flagship program to improve population hypertension control and to reduce the CVD burden. Currently, the initiative is being implemented in 2095 primary health care facilities in 24 countries. Accurate BP measurement is key to effective management of hypertension and is one of the six strategic pillars of HEARTS. A pivotal action to facilitate the progress of the agenda was to examine the regulatory frameworks related to BPMDs in participating countries. Study found that most countries had an existing medical devices law, or the foundation for such a law, that stipulated a regulatory bodies responsibilities. However, only six countries had regulations that applied explicitly to BPMDs, and just two had regulations that mandated accuracy and precision validation criteria as a condition of premarket approval. Seven countries had government bodies responsible for enforcing medical device regulations, and seven had mechanisms to remove devices from the market that did not comply with regulations. Seven countries had a centralized system of acquiring BPMDs, but the acquisition was only regulated in six of these countries. In summary, BPMDs can be approved for sale in most countries without the manufacturer providing evidence of passing an internationally accepted clinical validation standard. The efforts to improve access to validated automated BPMDs are different for each country, in line with its priorities, health system maturity including regulatory, economic, and political conditions. Indeed, most of the facilities implementing HEARTS began to use accuracy-validated automated BPMDs. The general achievements showed in concrete actions are twofold: sectors of governments have been investing politically and administratively in modifications to regulations that do not require a substantive legislative process; and improved procurement toward exclusive access of validated automated BPMDs has been at least partially achieved. The improvement of procurement mechanisms has focused on defining technical specifications that include accuracy validation. The challenges that the countries face to reach the goal of exclusive use of validated BPMDs in PHC are enormous and multifactorial. This confirms the need for a robust regulatory framework and comprehensive strategic approach to exclusive use of clinically validated automated BPMDs at regional level. The successful implementation of the initiative depends on a coordinated effort across government and other stakeholders that will contribute to better diagnosis and management of hypertension in the Americas.

A comprehensive strategic approach for supplier management: selection, homogeneous clustering and negotiation

A comprehensive strategic approach for supplier management: selection, homogeneous clustering and negotiation

A comprehensive strategic approach for supplier management: selection, homogeneous clustering, and negotiation

A comprehensive strategic approach for supplier management: selection, homogeneous clustering, and negotiation

Are sport organisations environmentally sustainable? – A website analysis of sport federations in Belgium

ABSTRACT Research question: Sport is recognised as a significant contributor to a sustainable future. Sport federations (SFs) in particular can play an important role in this regard. However, literature that focuses on environmental sustainability (ES) in the sector is limited. To this end, the purpose of this study is to examine the institutionalised behaviour of SFs by analysing their environmental initiatives, environmental strategy and to detect and discuss opportunities for further development. Research methods: For the study, all available websites of the SFs in Belgium were examined by means of a content analysis. To assess the current behaviour of SFs and determine their progress in terms of ES, an extended version of the environmental wave typology created by McCullough and colleagues (2016) is empirically applied. Results and Findings: The results reveal a low commitment to ES, indicating that not dealing with the environment is still institutionalised in their natural behaviour. Only 37 of the 141 included SFs, communicated environmental initiatives or strategical considerations. The majority of the identified actions were low-intensity initiatives and only four federations provided a comprehensive strategic approach. Implications: This study contributes to the emerging research on ES in sport by examining the underresearched SF sector and applying the institutional theory to understand which factors influences their environmental behaviour. Opportunities that can initiate a positive change in the sector are described and due to its methodological approach, the study can serve as a blueprint for future research on the environmental performance of sport and other organisations.

Corporate health culture and employee behaviour-changing wellness practices

Introduction. Public health experts recognize that an environment that supports a culture of health best serves health goals. Therefore, some companies are creating a culture that supports health and builds healthy lifestyles for employees.
 Objective. A description of the key elements for creating a workplace health culture and the international experience of employers in applying corporate health practices to change employee behavior.
 Materials and methods. A content analysis of corporate health publications from the Scopus and PubMed bibliographic databases and public Internet sources.
 Discussion. Behavioral change programs aim to encourage workers to quit unhealthy habits, change-eating habits, increase physical activity, and manage stress and depression. Usually these programs implemented using a comprehensive approach. These interventions can be personal or mass-based. The former include individual counseling, food stamps or discounted fitness club memberships, systems of contracts that encourage behavioral changes in employees, rewards for quitting tobacco, free provision of anti-nicotine products, closure of company parking lots for those who live near the workplace, etc. The latter involve the introduction of a ban on smoking on the territory of the organization, reducing the cost of a healthy meal in the corporate canteen, etc.
 Conclusion. There is an ongoing discussion in the scientific community about the effectiveness of workplace wellness programs. Many experts agree that a comprehensive strategic approach that includes measures to create a culture of health and a supportive work environment, along with regularly updated programs to promote health and change employee behavior is beneficial to both workers and businesses.

Enhancing TQM’s effect on small business performance: a PLS-SEM exploratory study of TQM applied with a comprehensive strategic approach

PurposeGiven the positive organizational principles associated with total quality management (TQM) – customer focus, continuous improvement, and process management – one would assume TQM's application is universally beneficial across businesses. Generally, research supports that notion. However, given resource limitations and shallow management teams in small businesses, there are multiple challenges in implementing TQM in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Therefore, small business leaders should benefit from knowledge linking other management practices to TQM’s positive effect on small firm performance, which enhances these leaders' return on TQM investment.Design/methodology/approachThe authors apply partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) to explore TQM’s effect on small business performance and how other management practices enhance that relationship. Specifically, the authors explore how a comprehensive strategic approach (CSA) – a higher-order construct consisting of strategic planning, goal setting, and financial ratio analysis – moderates the relationship between TQM and small business performance. Given the complexity of the authors' model, the application of higher-order constructs, and the exploratory nature of this work, PLS-SEM is well suited for this study.FindingsConsistent with prior research, the authors found that TQM (also a higher-order construct, consisting of seven lower-order constructs) positively impacts small firm performance. In addition, the authors found that CSA positively moderates the relationship between TQM and financial performance.Originality/valueTQM’s effect on small business performance is enhanced when leaders implement a CSA. In other words, when small business leaders strategically plan, set goals, and analyze financial ratios, TQM's positive effect on firm performance is enhanced. This finding provides business leaders insights for how to maximize the TQM investment return.

Country experiences on the path to exclusive use of validated automated blood pressure measuring devices within the HEARTS in the Americas Initiative

The aim of the HEARTS in the Americas initiative is to promote the adoption of global best practices in the prevention and control of cardiovascular diseases, and improve the control of hypertension. HEARTS is being implemented in 21 countries and a diverse set of actions and measures are in progress to improve exclusive access in primary health care facilities to automated blood pressure measuring devices that have been validated for accuracy. The purpose of this manuscript is to illustrate these efforts, mainly in the regulatory and public procurement arena, and to present information on common challenges and solutions identified. Examples from six countries confirm the need for not only a robust regulatory framework to increase availability of validated automated blood pressure measuring devices but also a comprehensive strategic approach that involves relevant stakeholders, includes a multi-pronged approach and is associated with a national program to prevent and control non communicable diseases.

FORMALIZATION OF VALUE MEASUREMENT OF ECOSYSTEM ASSETS (ON THE EXAMPLE OF WATER RESOURCES)

Scientific approaches to the formalization of valuations of ecosystem assets on the example of water resources are studied. The peculiarities of application of methods, approaches and directions of economic assessment to water as an ecosystem asset are revealed, key directions of practical application of results of economic assessment of ecosystem assets related to water in the system of nature management of territorial communities are determined. An algorithm for formalizing the valuation of water-related ecosystem assets from the following five blocks is proposed: the first involves consideration of the essence and differentiated components of water-related ecosystem assets from the standpoint of the ecosystem approach; the second defines the methodology for identifying a set of ecosystem services that can be provided by identified ecosystem assets within spatial formations; the third is focused on the study of integration processes related to the study of the combinatorics of ecosystem services and system interaction of spaces; fourth - provides a rationale for the model of reproduction of ecosystem assets related to water in a formal form with the prospect of parameterization of their components; The fifth block concerns the identification of methods used for their cost measurement and the solution of financial and economic settlement issues and the definition of innovative ways of sustainable spatial development of united territorial communities. Further research has prospects in the following areas: formation of a comprehensive strategic approach to formalizing the value measurement of water-related ecosystem assets; and development and introduction of effective methodological approaches to the assessment of ecosystem assets for the formation of investment attractiveness of the territory through the use of local natural resources, including water, as a powerful potential for sustainable spatial development at the local level.

Adoption of phytodesalination as a sustainable agricultural practice for improving the productivity of saline soils

Due to the strong impact of soil salination on the productivity of crops, the implementation of sustainable agricultural practices (SAPs) such as phytodesalination is intended to reverse its effects. While this practice is used in most Middle Eastern countries, Mexico has just begun envisaging its benefits and potential. This study evaluated factors promoting the adoption of phytodesalination among agricultural producers based on the municipality of Villamar, Mexico. Two hundred forty-five semistructured surveys were designed and applied to farmers who participated in various events to disseminate the practice of phytodesalination. Information was gathered on the socioeconomic/demographic characteristics and affectation levels of their parcels due to the effects of salinity. Through a logistic regression using Lasso restriction, the factors influencing the farmers’ decisions to adopt phytodesalination in their specific productive models were evaluated. The results show that more than 87% of the surveyed farmers are male, that their average age is 52 years, that more than 82% have at most an elementary or high school education, that the average plot size in the study area is roughly 4 ha, that more than 76% of the farmers are native to the area and that approximately of 84% use their production exclusively for sales. According to the model employed [prediction of 90% and AUC (area under the curve) of 0.97], the surveyed farmers are mostly influenced by institutional (advice on implementing desalination), organizational (skills and competencies to spread halophyte species in accordance with parcel length and access to halophyte plants) and economic (time to implement phytodesalination) factors. The promotion of this approach and commitment of the region’s various institutions are recommended so that farmers can extend their knowledge of SAPs through a comprehensive strategic approach that allows them to address their specific challenges.

A Comprehensive Biological and Clinical Perspective Can Drive a Patient-Tailored Approach to Multiple Myeloma: Bridging the Gaps between the Plasma Cell and the Neoplastic Niche.

There is a broad spectrum of diseases labeled as multiple myeloma (MM). This is due not only to the composite prognostic risk factors leading to different clinical outcomes and responses to treatments but also to the composite tumor microenvironment that is involved in a vicious cycle with the MM plasma cells. New therapeutic strategies have improved MM patients' chances of survival. Nevertheless, certain patients' subgroups have a particularly unfavorable prognosis. Biological stratification can be subdivided into patient, disease, or therapy-related factors. Alternatively, the biological signature of aggressive disease and dismal therapeutic response can promote a dynamic, comprehensive strategic approach, better tailoring the clinical management of high-risk profiles and refractoriness to therapy and taking into account the role played by the MM milieu. By means of an extensive literature search, we have reviewed the state-of-the-art pathophysiological insights obtained from translational investigations of the MM-bone marrow microenvironment. A good knowledge of the MM niche pathophysiological dissection is crucial to tailor personalized approaches in a bench-bedside fashion. The discussion in this review pinpoints two main aspects that appear fundamental in order to gain novel and definitive results from the biology of MM. A systematic knowledge of the plasma cell disorder, along with greater efforts to face the unmet needs present in MM evolution, promises to open a new therapeutic window looking out onto the plethora of scientific evidence about the myeloma and the bystander cells.

METHODOLOGICAL EURO-ORIENTATIONS FOR EVALUATION OF ECOSYSTEM ASSETS OF TERRITORIAL COMMUNITIES RELATED TO WATER RESOURCES

The purpose of the article is to substantiate the theoretical and methodological approach to determining the key characteristics of the assessment of ecosystem assets of territorial communities related to water. The study considers the theoretical and methodological principles of assessing ecosystem assets for sustainable development of local communities. The initial methodological approaches of the accumulated world experience on the assessment of ecosystem services and ecosystem assets of local level territories in the context of three components (ecological, economic and social) in the context of water-related ecosystems are specified. An algorithm for estimating ecosystem assets is proposed. The key guidelines for assessing the ecosystem assets of territorial spatial entities based on European experience are revealed. The list of scientific recommendations for the assessment of water-related ecosystem assets to enhance the capacity of local communities and preserve and restore ecosystems is substantiated. The novelty of the study lies in the proposals for the implementation in Ukrainian practice of general approaches to the methodology of assessment of ecosystem assets and services, according to the recommendations of the international project of the European Commission “The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity” (TEEB). The key Euro-benchmarks proposed by the author for the assessment of water-related ecosystem assets will help increase the investment attractiveness of spatial territorial formations and create preconditions for the development of a new economy on an ecosystem basis. Further research has prospects in the following areas: formation of a comprehensive strategic approach to the introduction of ecosystem asset valuation at the local level; development and introduction of effective methodological approaches to the assessment of ecosystem assets for the formation of investment attractiveness of the territory through the use of local natural resources, including water, as ecosystem assets of sustainable spatial development.

Promoting green infrastructure in Mexico's northern border: The Border Environment Cooperation Commission's experience and lessons learned

This paper describes the application of a comprehensive strategic approach for integrating Green Infrastructure (GI) in urban planning in Mexican communities along the U.S-Mexico border as a means to mitigate the environmental, economic, and social impacts of inadequate stormwater management. Population growth and extended urban footprints in the region's cities have decreased rainfall infiltration and significantly increased runoff, carrying sediments and other pollutants into binational watersheds thus contributing to the pollution of aquatic habitats and potable water sources.As a strategy to mitigate these impacts, the Border Environment Cooperation Commission (BECC) developed a four year initiative with the long-term goal to support communities in building resiliency through the use of GI in public spaces such as parks, sidewalks, medians, and parking lots as a way to adapt to climate change, improve urban image, and strengthen native ecosystems. The Border Green Infrastructure Initiative was organized around training, strengthening municipal codes, developing pilot projects, restoring native vegetation, and the participation of residents, local government, and the private sector. The investment over the entire period was approximately USD$800,000. Outcomes were noteworthy. Approximately 900 professionals received various types of capacity building. Five cities and four Mexican border states were active participants in the program. Six pilot projects were implemented, three of which could capture a total volume of 4691 m3 of water in one year. In two sites the annual sediment collected was 656 m3. Finally, six technical tools were developed to assist communities in analysis and implementation.This approach represents a paradigm shift from the conventional management of stormwater through gray infrastructure and is intended to influence public policy at the local level, in a replicable and scalable way, resulting in more livable cities, improved water quality, and stronger binational environmental health.

Prevalence of allergic rhinitis in school going children in Kashmir

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> Allergic rhinitis is a common chronic paediatric disorder affecting about 40% of children affected. Allergic rhinitis results in day time fatigue, impairment of cognition and memory which significantly affect the learning process and impact on the school performance of children. The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of allergic rhinitis in school going children in Kashmir.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> Cross sectional questionnaire based observational study. Study group included the school going children chosen randomly from various schools of urban and rural areas of Kashmir valley aged 6-18 years. </p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> Out of the 402 children prevalence of allergic rhinitis was 28.85%. Prevalance in urban and rural area school going children was 55.2% and 44.8% respectively. The most common symptom was nasal obstruction 79.31%. The most common allergen was dust mite 77.58% and the most common comorbidity was asthma.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions:</strong> The prevalence of allergic rhinitis shows a significant rise in last few years, more common in rural areas, and existing as co-morbidity in a significant proportion of children demanding a comprehensive strategic approach to deal with them.</p><p class="abstract"> </p>

Sustainable management of a river basin by integrating an improved fuzzy based hybridized SWOT model and geo-statistical weighted thematic overlay analysis

Sustainable river basin planning and management is a complex and uncertain phenomenon involving social, economic, environmental and several technical criteria. Despite global advancement, the problems associated sustainability have not been sufficiently addressed, due to mismanaged governance, poorly implemented policies, lack of suitable data and over-exploitation of river resources. Therefore, major rivers basins across the globe need an integrative and comprehensive strategic approach considering the diverse stakeholder’s perspective and conflicting criteria pertaining to sustainable management. The present study develops a decision support framework to assess the sustainability by coupling an improved fuzzy based hybridized strength-weakness-opportunities and threats model (FH-SWOT) with a geostatistical approach. To demonstrate the effectiveness of the model Ganges river basin, India has been taken as a case study. The novelty of the study is to devise six different hybrid mechanisms under FH-SWOT framework to reach best possible strategic alternatives along with nominal, optimistic and pessimistic perspectives of the stakeholders. To enhance the model’s productivity, it is coupled with weighted overlay geo-statistical approach to identify/prioritize the most vulnerable/critical locations, which needs suitable implementation of strategic alternatives derived using FH-SWOT model. The FH-SWOT model developed herein simultaneously delineates strategic alternatives and corresponding priority zones, while addressing the uncertainties related to stakeholder’s conflicts and imprecise data to reach optimal, pessimistic and nominal viewpoints, which leads to development of an innovative and comprehensive decision-support framework for assessing sustainability. The key policies derived from the study involve enforcing regulations on disposal of heavy metals, developing hydropower, adaptation of organic farming, education and participation of stakeholders, regulations on dams and barrages with a score of 0.2453, 0.2205, 0.2088, 0.1898, and 0.1288 respectively. Also, Kanpur- Varanasi stretch has been delineated as very high priority zone followed by regions located along the banks of Ganges. Sensitivity analysis proves that the model is robust and can be used by the environment managers towards sustainable planning and management of any river basin, lakes, wetlands or any major water body of the world.

INTEGRATION OF CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY INTO THE CORPORATE STRATEGY

Introduction. The issue of strategizing corporate management approach during the implementation of the concept of corporate social responsibility (CSR) is considered in the article. The implementation of CSR concept in the enterprise’s overall strategy is one of the important areas of building mutually beneficial relationships with key stakeholder groups. Purpose. The research aims to justify a comprehensive strategic approach to CSR on the basis of the construction of integrated corporate and business strategies with a focus on the CSR principles. Method (methodology). A complex of scientific methods such as method of theoretical generalization, comparison and systematic approach to the formation of interconnected strategies for different hierarchical levels of enterprise management with a focus on CSR principles have become the methodological basis of the study. Results. The necessity to overcome the isolation of socially responsible programs and initiatives and provide their close relationship with key business processes on a strategic basis through the introduction of CSR elements in strategic management has been proved. Stages of forming integrated corporate (business) strategy with a focus on CSR principles, which allow implementing a comprehensive strategic approach to CSR at all hierarchical levels of enterprise management, have been proposed. It has been emphasized that corporate and business strategy integrated with socially responsible objectives and principles form prerequisites for improving operational efficiency of the enterprise management systems.