Competitive Conditions Research Articles

Phenotypic plasticity variations in Phragmites australis under different plant–plant interactions influenced by salinity

Abstract Coastal wetland ecosystems are increasingly threatened by escalating salinity levels, subjecting plants to salinity stress coupled with interactions in the community. Abiotic factors can disrupt the balance between competition and facilitation among plant species. Investigating the effects of different neighboring species and trait plasticity could extend the stress gradient hypothesis and enhance understanding of vegetation distribution and diversity in salt marshes. We conducted a greenhouse experiment and investigated the plastic response of wetland grass Phragmites australis to seven neighboring plants of three functional types (conspecifics, graminoids and forbs) under soil salinity (0 and 10 g/L). Plant height, base diameter, density, leaf thickness, specific leaf area and total and part biomasses were measured. Additionally, the relative interaction index (based on biomass) and the relative distance plasticity index (RDPI) were calculated. Salinity significantly reduced the biomass, height, density and diameter of P. australis. The functional types of neighboring plants also significantly affected these growth parameters. The influence of graminoids on P. australis was negative under 0 g/L, but this negative effect shifted to positive facilitation under 10 g/L. The facilitation effect of forbs was amplified under salinity, both supporting the stress gradient hypothesis. The growth traits of P. australis had a plastic response to salinity and competition, such as increasing belowground biomass to obtain more water and resources. The RDPI was higher under salt conditions than in competitive conditions. The plant–plant interaction response to stress varies with plant functional types and trait plasticity.

Недопустимость ограничения или устранения конкуренции как принцип государственной политики и правового регулирования отношений в сфере высшего образования

The principle of inadmissibility of restricting or eliminating competition in the field of education in relation to public policy implies either the creation of equal conditions for competition, or non-interference of authorities in the processes of competition in the field of education, and the establishment of rules of conduct and legal mechanisms to ensure their compliance with legal regulation. The field of educational services is segmented by types of educational services (education levels, specialties, etc.), each of which represents a separate commodity market. Competition exists between educational organizations, and between educational programs, faculties, departments, scientific schools and other structural elements of the educational process as an activity. The application of the term “competition” to the educational sphere is conditionally permissible, in the field of education it is important to ensure not so much the development of competition as an independent activity of educational organizations, as to create a mechanism for determining the leadership of educational institutions and their structural elements, ensuring fair and non-discriminatory access to those educational services in which a particular consumer is interested.

Social Portrait of a Student of a Non-State Higher Education Institution of St Petersburg (on the Example of AN НЕО “University associated with IA EAEC”)

Introduction. Article is the result of a case analysis to study the satisfaction of students of the AN НЕО “University associated with IA EAEC” with the educational process as one of the indicators of the quality of education. An analysis of various aspects of student satisfaction with the activities of the university allows to identify problems in the organization of the learning process and find the best ways to solve them using available resources. In addition, determining the overall level of student satisfaction allows making managerial decisions based on relevant information about the needs of students and the quality of educational services provided. The purpose of the article is to analyze the degree of satisfaction of students of AN НЕО “University associated with IA EAEC” with the educational process in general and their career orientations. This formulation of the question will allow to identify more accurately the problems and needs of students, as well as to develop recommendations for improving the quality of the educational process itself. Methodology and sources. The case-study method was chosen as the methodological strategy. The main research method in the work is a survey. Results and discussion. The results of sociological research conducted in the form of a questionnaire survey are presented. The type of sampling is continuous. According to the results of the survey, students demonstrate pragmatism and focus on results in the learning process. Thus, 70.6 % stated that only intrinsic motivation helps them to study. In difficult competitive conditions, students need to be sure that the profession they get in higher education will be in demand, that their knowledge will be enough to compete effectively with other graduates in the labor market. In these conditions, modern students are aimed not so much at obtaining fundamental knowledge as at acquiring practical skills. Conclusion. One of the main results of the analysis is the conclusion that the most painful issues for students are the issues of internship and grant opportunities. The university management should pay the most attention to these two aspects of satisfaction, i.e., internship places and grant opportunities.

The Effects of Peer Competition-Induced Anxiety on Massive Open Online Course Learning: The Mediating Role of the Behavioral Inhibition System.

With the increased emphasis on competition in academic settings, anxiety is becoming more common, which inevitably has some impact on students' learning processes and results. This study aimed to explore how competition-induced anxiety influences students' subjective cognitive load (SCL), attention levels, and test scores. We also investigated the mediating role of the behavioral inhibition system/behavioral activation system (BIS/BAS) in those factors. A total of 101 college students were recruited in Study 1 to learn from five micro-lectures from massive open online courses (MOOCs) under competitive and non-competitive conditions. The results showed that participants' state anxiety (SA) scores were higher after the experiment, participants under the competition condition had higher test scores, and the relationship between SA/ trait anxiety (TA) and SCL could be mediated by the BIS. To obtain more objective data on learning processes (attention levels), we conducted Study 2, which collected behavioral and EEG data from 42 college students during the online learning. The results showed that the competition group had higher SA, lower attention levels, and worse test scores, and the relationship between SA/TA and attention levels could be mediated through the BIS. The present study not only expands previous research by finding that BIS functioning plays an important role in the effects of anxiety on cognitive load and attention but also offers implications for using competitive strategies to motivate students according to their aptitudes.

Exercising Market Power Without Using Prices: Service Time in Online Grocery

This paper studies how online grocers use service time to respond to local competition and demand conditions when prices are uniformly set at the national level. Using comprehensive data collected twice a week over three years from 172 Israeli local markets, we show that an online grocer sets identical prices in all markets. By contrast, service time is shorter in more competitive markets and on low-demand days. Next, we exploit regional and temporal variation in entry decisions to examine how the incumbent adjusts its service time when new online grocers enter the market. The incumbent’s service time falls significantly on low-demand days and in monopolistic markets. This decrease begins shortly before entry and is greater when the entrant poses a larger competitive threat. On high-demand days and in competitive markets we do not find a significant change in service time in the months surrounding entry. Our findings suggest that firms use service time to exercise their local market power when prices are unresponsive and that operational considerations affect the extent to which they respond. This paper was accepted by Joshua Gans, business strategy. Funding: Financial support by Eli Hurvitz Institute of Strategic Management, The Henry Crown Institute of Business Research in Israel, The Maurice Falk Institute for Economic Research in Israel Ltd., Coller Foundation, and the Israeli Science Foundation [Grant 568/17] is gratefully acknowledged. Supplemental Material: The online appendices and data files are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2022.01820 .

“Wrong” skewness and endogenous regressors in stochastic frontier models: an instrument-free copula approach with an application to estimate firm efficiency in Vietnam

Stochastic frontier models commonly assume positively skewed inefficiency. However, if the data speak against this assumption, sample-failure problems are often cited, but less attention is paid to economic reasons. We consider this phenomenon as a signal of distinctive population characteristics stemming from the inefficiency component, emphasizing its potential impact on evaluating market conditions. Specifically, we argue more generally that “wrong” skewness could indicate a lack of competition in the market. Moreover, endogeneity of model regressors presents another challenge, hindering the identification of causal relationships. To tackle these issues, this paper proposes an instrument-free estimation method based on Gaussian copulas to model the dependence between endogenous regressors and composite errors, while accommodating positively or negatively skewed inefficiency through simultaneous identification. Monte Carlo simulation experiments demonstrate the suitability of our estimator, comparing it with alternative methods. The contributions of this study are twofold. On the one hand, we contribute to the literature on stochastic frontier models by providing a comprehensive method for dealing with “wrong” skewness and endogenous regressors simultaneously. On the other hand, our contribution to an economic understanding of “wrong” skewness expands the comprehension of market behaviors and competition levels. Empirical findings on Vietnamese firm efficiency indicate that endogeneity hinders the detection of “wrong” skewness and suggests a lack of competitive market conditions. The latter underscores the importance of policy interventions to incentivize firms in non-competitive markets.

МАРКЕТИНГОВІ ТЕХНОЛОГІЇ ФОРМУВАННЯ ІМІДЖУ ТА УКРІПЛЕННЯ БРЕНДУ ЗАКЛАДІВ ВИЩОЇ ОСВІТИ

Formulation of the problem. The relevance of the article is determined by the role of special marketing technologies, which relate to various aspects of the functioning and development of higher education institutions, including communications, image, reputation and brand. The purpose of the article is to study the directions and features of the application of marketing technologies in the communication, image and brand policy of institutions of higher education, to develop recommendations for the use of marketing tools. The object of the study is the processes of applying marketing technologies and marketing tools by institutions of higher education. Research methods include desk research, theoretical generalization, system analysis, observation, synthesis, abstract-logical. The research hypothesis was formed in the direction of understanding marketing technologies (MarTech) as a set of knowledge, processes, specific methods, measures, operations and techniques, tools, programs, technical tools that allow higher education institutions to achieve marketing goals. Presenting main material. The authors emphasized that institutions of higher education use MarTech to organize, implement, coordinate, administer and evaluate the effectiveness of marketing campaigns, personalized experience, image formation, branding, and online and offline content creation. The application of educational technology (EdTech) marketing to create an engaging, inclusive, and personalized educational experience is considered. Several EdTech trends have been identified that are already creating value propositions for the learning of the future. Originality and practical importance are important. It was concluded that marketing technologies allow higher education institutions to form a successful competitive educational brand, build an attractive image, maintain a positive reputation, arouse the interest of the target audience and present the uniqueness of the university. The trends that higher education institutions should take into account when forming an image communication policy and branding are highlighted. Conclusions and prospects for further research. Marketing technologies and tools are considered, which, in the opinion of the author, will increase the recognition of the ZVO brand and promote the promotion of its individual specialties. It is recommended that institutions of higher education choose those marketing technologies that take into account the new conditions of competition, are based on non-standard approaches and creative ideas, are formed within the framework of a creative concept of marketing and correspond to the new generation of customers

Giving Meaning To Limitations

This article analyses the functions and disciplines of the cumulative injury assessment under Article 3.3 of the Agreement on Implementation of Article VI of The General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade 1994 (‘Anti-Dumping Agreement’). Since the text calls for cumulation only if ‘appropriate’, this article refers to the treaty context, the preparatory works, the precedent dispute settlement cases, as well as the relevant practice of the WTO member countries, to understand the purpose of cumulation and to give meaning to this key element of the treaty text. The analyses lead to the interpretation of Article 3.3 that, in order to ‘determine’ that cumulation is ‘appropriate’, an investigating authority needs to identify the factual circumstances where the subject products from all of the cumulated sources compete so intensively that the market position of dumped imports from all but one of the cumulated sources can be realistically taken over by the imports from one remaining source rather than the domestic like products. This article later calls such circumstances the ‘competitive overlaps’. While Article 3.3 gives an authority a certain degree of discretion, the authority’s determination must be based on the factual elements relevant for the competitive overlap in each case. GATT, WTO, Anti-dumping Agreement, anti-dumping, cumulation, cumulative assessment, conditions of competition, competitive overlap

Factors Influencing Income Smoothing Practice Among Manufacturing Firms in Kenya

This research aims to assess the factors influencing income smoothing practices among manufacturing firms in Kenya. Income smoothing, a financial management strategy used by organizations, intentionally manipulates reported earnings to achieve stable and predictable financial performance. This practice, driven by management incentives and regulatory frameworks, impacts decision-making processes and stakeholder perceptions. This study examines income smoothing practices among manufacturing firms in Kenya and recognizes the unique challenges they face, including fluctuating raw material costs and evolving regulatory environments. Based on theoretical frameworks such as agency theory and signaling theory as well as empirical findings, the factors that influence income smoothing behavior are examined. The most important influencing factors include regulatory frameworks, management incentives, industry competition and economic conditions. The study shows that during economic volatility, companies tend to adopt income smoothing measures to increase stakeholder confidence, while regulatory changes such as the introduction of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) increase transparency and reduce income smoothing. In addition to the compensation structures for executives, competitive pressure and access to capital markets also shape income smoothing practices. Understanding these influencing factors provides insights into the dynamics of income smoothing and its impact on financial transparency and decision-making in the manufacturing sector in Kenya.

Баланс интересов внешних и внутренних бенефициаров в условиях «неполных контрактов» ресурсной экономики

This article examines the uncertainties arising from agent interactions in interregional resource-intensive markets, particularly those prevalent in northern regions, and explores factors undermining their effectiveness Given these circumstances, the study aims to establish an optimal balance of interests between external and internal beneficiaries by taking into account interests, as well as reducing transaction uncertainty by considering their interests and mitigating transaction uncertainty through the optimization of market regulators in the context of interregional resource-intensive markets typical of northern regions. The analysis reveals that the condition of a single market equilibrium is compromised due to the influence of exogenous factors and the endogenous formation of institutional mechanisms that coordinate agent actions amid uncertain collaborations. Contrary to the neoclassical approach, which focuses on competitive pricing without altering the market structure, an alternative perspective posits that spatial externalities induce endogenous mechanisms characteristic of Chamberlin-type market structures. The study expands the understanding of uncertainty causes within the theory of incomplete contracts, incorporating social system costs into transaction costs in line with the neo-institutional concept. This conceptual framework enables the exploration of spatial entities as meso-economic systems, with a specific emphasis on the organizational and geographical characteristics of northern territories. The research evaluates four institutional zones governing economic management practices in northern regions. Through competence enhancement and optimization of market regulator design, the study demonstrates the feasibility of achieving a balance of interests between external and internal beneficiaries by strengthening institutional capital, thereby reducing social system costs. The proposed system of organizational and institutional measures enhances local institutional practices within the existing institutional matrix without violating antimonopoly legislation, as its focus is on restoring competitive conditions and reducing the costs of operating the social system.

The Influence of Service Quality and Facilities on Consumer Satisfaction

The food business is one of the businesses that is growing rapidly and has the potential to grow quite large. Many business people have already benefited from this culinary business. In the culinary business, you must be able to create many innovations in order to meet the needs and desires of consumers.The main thing that must be prioritized in conditions of intense competition is the satisfaction of service users in order to survive, compete and dominate the market. The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of quality of service and facilities simultaneously and partially on customer satisfaction Ayam Bakar Pak “D” Branch Ketintang I Surabaya. The sample of this research is the visitors of Ayam Bakar Pak “D” Branch Ketintang I Surabaya, with a total sample of 100 respondents. The analysis technique uses Multiple Linear Regression with SPSS programs or software. The results showed that jointly (simultaneously) showed that the quality of service and facilities affect customer satisfaction, partially the quality of service has a positive and significant effect on customer satisfaction, as well as partially the facility has a positive and significant effect on customer satisfaction

MARKET OF EDUCATIONAL SERVICES AT THE PRESENT STAGE IN UKRAINE

In modern conditions, the role of education is growing along with the development of human activity. The issue of the further development of the educational services market is becoming even more urgent, and especially in the conditions of the war in Ukraine. The article focuses attention on the important role of the market of educational services in providing alternative learning opportunities due to security measures. The concept of the market of educational services was analyzed and its main subjects were determined. It is noted that the market of educational services exists in conditions of fierce competition. The author identified the factors affecting the market of educational services. Emphasis is placed on the fact that the educational services market is a leading factor in economic growth, employment and income. The number of students of higher education institutions in Ukraine, the number of foreign students and other indicators of the educational services market were analyzed. It has been noted and proven that education acts as a stabilizing force, and it is especially important during the years of war in Ukraine, despite the fact that some students are abroad. The author singled out serious challenges faced by the education market in Ukraine in the context of Russia’s military aggression. Proposed directions for solving challenges in Ukraine at the current stage.

The future of accounting in Ukraine: trends and forecasts in the conditions of rapid digital transformation

The paper is devoted to the study of trends and forecasts of the development of accounting in Ukraine in the conditions of rapid digital transformation. Scientific and empirical methods (collection and comparison of information), as well as complex analytical methods (synthesis and generalization) were used during the research. The informational basis of the paper is the scientific works of both domestic and foreign scientists who studied accounting issues in the conditions of rapid digital transformation. The paper noted that accounting in Ukraine today is undergoing major changes in connection with the introduction of digital technologies, which is a necessary and key stage for ensuring the effective functioning of the organization. It was noted that digitization of accounting and its integration into the company's information system is not only a necessity, but also a strategic step in modern business. This process is aimed at optimizing financial processes, ensuring fast and accurate data processing. An integrated information system allows not only to store information, but also to analyze it, providing the company's management with valuable insights for making strategic decisions. This approach turns accounting into a powerful tool that contributes to the growth and success of the enterprise in conditions of constant competition. It is also stated that in the future accounting in Ukraine will continue to evolve rapidly under the influence of digital transformation and the latest technologies. The paper examines key trends and forecasts for the future of accounting in Ukraine in conditions of rapid digital transformation: process automation, "cloud" technologies, data analysis and forecasting, blockchain, cyber security. The conclusion states that the future of accounting in Ukraine is inextricably linked to the digital transformation taking place in modern business. Successful adaptation to the trends considered in the study will require not only technological readiness, but also cultural and organizational changes aimed at continuous improvement of processes and personnel skills.

An analysis of the non-financial motivation system of JSB “Almazergienbank” in order to increase the efficiency of personnel work

This article considers the system of non-financial motivation of personnel of Joint-Stock Commercial Bank “Almazergienbank”, a large regional bank by asset size, registered in the territory of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia). The key business lines are servicing corporate clients, municipal organizations and projects, attracting deposits and lending to individuals and legal entities. The relevance of this topic is due to the fact that in the conditions of fierce competition between organizations it is necessary to find ways to increase the productivity of employees. Improving the incentive system can be one of such ways. The purpose of the study is to determine the involvement of employees in the system of non-material motivation and to develop recommendations for improving the incentive system in the context of increasing the efficiency of work in the context of competition in the banking market. Intangible incentive, being a significant tool, allows to save resources and at the same time increase productivity and satisfaction of employees. The methodological basis of the research was a survey of bank employees, an analysis of the obtained data and the existing system of nonfinancial incentives. It was revealed that the most popular option for assessing the intangible incentive system among the respondents is the indicator “8”, which indicates incomplete satisfaction with the existing system. As a result of the study, recommendations were developed to improve the personnel incentive system in order to increase the efficiency of work in the competitive conditions of the banking market.

CARL SCHMITT AND FRIEDRICH HAYEK ON DEMOCRACY: ELECTIVE AFFINITIES?

The aim of the present paper is to disclose the structural affinities between Carl Schmitt and Friedrich Hayek regarding the concept of parliamentary democracy. Identifying Hayek’s neoliberal thinking with Schmitt’s theoretical justification of fascism would apparently be an a-historical overgeneralization. While Schmitt develops a model of absolute sovereignty relying on the sovereign’s decision on the state of exception, Hayek envisages the historical realization of those conditions allowing the market competition to flourish. Schmitt’s model subjugates market to an omnipotent state whereas Hayek views the latter as an engine abetting the free market competition. 
 A closer reading, however, could discern affinities behind the seemingly opposed models of the two thinkers. 
 Schmitt’s model of an emergency dictatorship and Hayek’s nomocracy are two different responses and attacks to the Left’s attempt to construct a democratic welfare state in the Weimar Republic and postwar Europe. Schmitt advocates the concentration of political power in a totalitarian state as the sole “remedy” to the democratic contamination of liberalism induced by the politicization of civil society. Similarly, Hayek castigates any state intervention taking the form of the welfare state but endorses a powerful state entrusted with the role of securing the conditions of market competition.

Scientific narrative as a factor of intensification of communicative relations of the «science — society» system

The article offers an analysis of communicative interaction in the modern academic field — among individual researchers, research teams and groups in conditions of high competition against the background of exponential growth of publication activity and digitalization of communications both within the professional community and taking into account the strengthening and transparency of interactions with the public. The author puts forward a working hypothesis, according to which it is the narrative attribute in the representation of the results of scientific research that can contain a reserve for evolutionary success within the framework of the systemic nature of communication and have a high potential for the formation of stable links between subsystems of science and other public actors, such as non-professional external observers.

Features injuries handball players 18-20 years old in competition

Handball is a game sport that combines a high level of physical psychological preparedness and technical and tactical skill. The first great successes come to players after 1-12 years of systematic preparation. The most talented young handball players from youth begin to move to the teams of men's clubs, and then join the ranks of the national team, while others, having received injuries, say goodbye to handball. The purpose of the study is to determine the nature of injuries to handball players aged 18-20 years, to identify the main types of injuries to handball players of different ages and playing positions. The data obtained suggest insufficient physical and technical-tactical readiness of handball players under 20 years old for the intense conditions of major international competitions. In turn, this makes it possible to develop effective means of preventing injuries in the early stages of long-term training.

Impact of Financial Liberalisation and Deregulation on Banking Sector in Pakistan

The paper analyses the market perception about the performance of Pakistani commercial banks in the wake of financial liberalisation and deregulation measures taken by the central bank over the last two decades. For this purpose, it uses the Survey approach. Out of 35 commercial banks, 15 banks have been chosen for analysis purposes. The paper mainly finds that key banking reforms have helped in removing the flaws in the banking sector of Pakistan. In particular, privatisation of banks, the deregulation and institutional strengthening measures, switching towards market-based monetary and credit management systems were instrumental in streamling banking operations. Similarly, the removal of restrictions on entry of private banks and operational restrictions on foreign banks also significantly contributed to the provision of quality banking services. The resultant competitive environment is the key factor behind improved efficiency of banks in Pakistan. The banks devised a number of strategies to respond to the competitive market conditions in the country. However, they faced various constraints in this regard, especially lack of managerial skills, and in hiring IT professionals, etc. As a part of future strategy, banks are likely to form more strategic alliances with foreign banks and undertake the expansion of business through widening of branch network. Despite a number of successful stories on different fronts, the central bank could not succeed in narrowing down the banking spread which is one of the key measures of banking performance. High domestic inflation, large non performing loans (NPLs) of banks, high administrative expenses, larger intermediation costs, and poor debt recovery are identified as important factors behind widening of banking spread. 1. INTRODUCTION The banking sector of an economy generally performs three primary functions: the facilitation of payment system, mobilisation of savings, and allocation of funds to stakeholders like government, investors, consumers, and business community who can utilise them for generation of economic activities.1 By virtue of its pivotal role, the banking sector can exert its positive influence on various segments of an economy. This gives it a privileged position among other sectors. In view of its significant role, economic managers always endeavour to devise such policies which could help provide the sector a level-playing field, thereby enabling it to operate on sound, efficient, and competitive footings. As in other emerging market economies, banks have been playing an important role in Pakistan also. However, the financial landscape of the country changed significantly in the 1970s with the nationalisation of Pakistani commercial banks. The Government also took various regressive steps, which included, among others, the initiation of subsidised bank credit schemes, the introduction of a complex system of credit ceilings, and imposition of controls on interest rates.3 These policy measures severely affected the efficiency of the banks. By the end of the 1980s, it was felt that Pakistan’s banking sector was not able to meet adequately the financial needs of the country

Scientific support of competition development processes in power market

The article studies the issues of competition development processes scientific support in the Russian power market. Based on the study results and the Russian electric power market current model experience evaluation, conclusions have been drawn about the need for additional research into the competition development in the market with the subsequent development and a new set of scientifically sound measures implementation to create acceptable conditions for competition of its subjects. The market properties in many respects diverge from the properties of markets with developed competition. The market has not yet managed to create any acceptable competition conditions, forming systemic conditions for a noticeable increase in the entrepreneurship efficiency. It is characterized by the presence of serious systemic problems that have a significant negative impact on its subjects functioning efficiency and require solutions. The article analyzes the directions and areas of insufficient scientific study on the issues of market interaction between consumers and electric power producers as important reasons for the the modern Russian power market problems persistence. The paper characterizes the complex of research and design developments for a new package of interrelated science-based measures implementation for competition conditions development in the power market, aimed at bringing its properties closer to the properties of markets with developed competition.

Assessment of Communication Resource Allocation by the Transmission Control Protocol for the Target Virtual Connection under Competitive Conditions

The mathematical framework presented in this article focuses on the controlled-transmission protocol’s asynchronous process of bandwidth allocation for the target virtual connection implemented under competition for communication resources. The studied process is formalized as a two-dimensional discrete Markovian chain, taking into account the distributions of queue lengths of TCP data fragments from competing client nodes. Such a chain describes the dynamics of filling the stack of transmitted but unacknowledged data fragments of the investigated end device. Distributions of the chain states were found for various ratios of the target virtual-connection bandwidth, transmission-protocol parameters, and communication-channel characteristics. Analytical dependencies for computing the performance of the target virtual connection for different operating modes were obtained. The results of experiments conducted based on the obtained analytical constructions showed that the performance of the virtual connection with a selective repeat mode is mainly determined by the data-loss intensity, the queue size distribution in transit nodes, and the ratio between the protocol window size and the route length.