Conditions Of Rapid Change Research Articles

COMPETITIVENESS OF ENTERPRISES OF THE TRANSPORT AND LOGISTICS SYSTEM IN THE DIGITAL ENVIRONMENT

Despite the number of scientific developments related to the theory of competition and factors that affect the competitiveness of enterprises, the problem of their determination for enterprises of the transport and logistics system in the conditions of digitalization and rapid varia­bility, uncertainty of the environment, remains relevant. Based on the theoretical studies of scien­tists in various fields, including transport and logistics, which relate to the impact of digitalization on the competitiveness of enterprises, it is determined that factors that comprehensively cover the possibilities of digitalization and the influence of VUCA and BANI of the world on enterprises and consumer behavior in the digital environment require further consideration. In the article, the theoretical definition of factors affecting the competitiveness of enterprises of the transport and logistics system was further developed, which, unlike the existing ones, comprehensively take into account such components as changes in technologies, equipment, enterprise management, consu­mer behavior, and marketing activities. Among the identified factors, considerable attention is paid to innovation, both in engineering and technology, and in enterprise management and marketing activities. An important place among the factors of competitiveness of enterprises is the stakeholder approach to management and marketing, which provides an opportunity to comprehensively take into account the interests of stakeholders, among whom the main ones are consumers of transport and logistics services. Changes in their behavior in the modern world are considered. Factors related to the internal management system that affect the competitiveness of enterprises are also determined. Thanks to a comprehensive approach to determining competitiveness factors and changes occurring in the digital environment, enterprises of the transport and logistics system will be able to form their strategy and tactics in certain aspects, which will increase the level of their competitiveness. The results of the study provide an opportunity to further systematize and detail the factors that affect the competitiveness of enterprises of the transport and logistics system and affect the sustainability of the enterprise in conditions of rapid changes.

PROSPECTS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF SOCIAL INNOVATIONS IN THE CONTEXT OF INNOVATIVE DEVELOPMENT OF THE COUNTRY

The article examines current issues and prospects for the development of social innovations in modern conditions of rapid changes and innovative progress in society. The author analyzes the impact of social innovations on the formation of a sustainable andinclusive society, highlighting their impact on various spheres such as education, health, social protection and the economy. The article is based on the results of empirical research, providing readers with an overview of current projects and initiativesin the field of social innovation. Special attention is paid to assessing the effectiveness and sustainability of social innovations in the context of innovative development of the country, as well as identifying factors contributing to or hindering theirsuccessful implementation. The author concludes that social innovations play an important role in shaping a society capable of adapting to the challenges of modernity. The results of the study can be useful for the development of public policy strategies in the field of social innovation aimed at the sustainable and harmonious development of society.

МОДЕЛЬ ІННОВАЦІЙНОГО РОЗВИТКУ КОМПЕТЕНТНОЇ ОРГАНІЗАЦІЇ

In the conditions of rapid changes and technological progress, innovative development becomes a necessary condition for the effective functioning of any organization, which confirms the relevance of this issue. The purpose of the study is to determine the features and elemental composition of the innovative development model of a competent organization. Innovative development of a competent organization involves the implementation of strategies, tools and practices aimed at ensuring high competence of employees and effective knowledge management. The results of the analysis show that the innovative development of any organization is a unique multifactorial process of change, aimed at finding new ways of creating and realizing potential, the main goal of which is to maintain competitive positions on the market in conditions of a changing external environment. A conceptual model of innovative development of a competent organization is proposed, the main elements of which are the goal, organization, interested parties, innovative capacity and investment opportunities, components of innovative development. According to the proposed model, the main components of innovative development of a competent organization are: innovation-investment; administrative; behavioral; competent. The peculiarity of the proposed conceptual model is that it is focused on ensuring the innovative development of a competent organization, combining innovative and competence approaches. Effective management of the innovative development of a competent organization requires the integration of all elements of the model into a single system, which will allow the organization not only to maintain a competitive position in the market, but also to ensure an increase in the level of competitiveness in conditions of constant changes. The practical use of the proposed innovative development model will allow a competent organization to quickly adapt to changes in the external environment, flexibly respond to consumer demands, promote sustainable development, effective use of human capital, and increase the level of competitiveness, which is a necessary condition for the success of modern organizations.

МУЛЬТИДИСЦИПЛІНАРНИЙ ПІДХІД ЯК ГОЛОВНА УМОВА ЕФЕКТИВНОЇ РЕАЛІЗАЦІЇ СУЧАСНОЇ МОДЕЛІ ПРИРОДНИЧОНАУКОВОЇ ОСВІТИ В УКРАЇНІ

The article examines the problems of natural science education in Ukraine and their negative impact on the state of the intellectual sphere of society in the direction of the creation, dissemination and use of new scientific knowledge, as well as its transformation in the conditions of rapid changes in the global world space. It has been established that today the main problem of natural science education is its preservation without losing the high level at which it was distinguished in the past. It was noted that the main shortcoming of natural science education is the separation of disciplines of the natural science cycle with the maximum concentration on narrowly specialized training of specialists. It has been proven that one of the most effective modern models of formation of natural scientific knowledge is an educational model built on the basis of a multidisciplinary approach, which will ensure optimal integration of natural scientific disciplines and thorough fundamental training of specialists who have chosen the natural scientific branch of knowledge for professional activity. It is proposed to pay special attention to the preparation of interdisciplinary master’s programs. It is emphasized that in the conditions of a multidisciplinary approach in the implementation of natural science education, the importance of its integration with academic science is significantly increased.

Мathematical model of the problem of optimizing logistics networks under conditions of interval determination of input data

Problem. In the conditions of rapid changes in demand and supply in transportation markets, there is a need for corresponding changes in logistics technologies and networks, which are carried out through their reengineering. Existing mathematical models for the optimization of logistics networks are designed for conditions with point-wise, clearly defined input data, which does not allow obtaining solutions resistant to changes in the external environment. This determined the relevance of the scientific and applied task of developing mathematical models of multi-criteria optimization problems of logistics networks for the conditions of interval submission of input data. Goal. The goal is to increase the efficiency of the logistics network optimization technology at the stage of re-engineering by developing a mathematical model of the multi-criteria optimization problem for the conditions of interval submission of input data. Methodology. According to the results of the decomposition of the problem of system optimization of logistics networks as the most complex defined task of their structural and topological optimization. When developing the model, the methodology of system design of territorially distributed objects, methods of multi-criteria optimization, theories of utility and decision-making were used. The apparatus of interval mathematics was used to compare solution options with vaguely specified input data. The results. The result are the formulated and completed formalization of the task of optimizing logistics networks as territorially distributed objects. The relationship for the objective function and constraints of the optimization task of topological structures of centralized three-level logistics networks is proposed. Originality. A mathematical model of the task of reengineering topological structures of centralized three-level logistics networks according to cost and efficiency indicators for interval defined input data and values of local criteria using comparison indices based on the Hukuhara difference has been developed. Practical value. The obtained results make it possible to increase the reliability of optimization results in the processes of design, development planning and reengineering of logistics networks, to obtain variants of the construction of their topological structures that are resistant to changes in external conditions.

Project office as a key element of the corporate project management system: the case of neFU experience

Abstract. In the conditions of rapid changes, instability and a high degree of uncertainty of the future, the problem of trust in the system of personnel training is extremely exacerbated. Trust in universities from the labor market today is becoming fragile [1]. Trust between the university and the employer is built through the National Qualifications System (NQS) of the Russian Federation as a tool for coordinating the demand for employee qualifications from the labor market and the supply from the education system. Universities face the urgent need for transformational changes in the field of management, the introduction of mechanisms for external assessment of the quality of education in educational activities. All of the above radically changes the traditional image of a classical university. One of the possible solutions to this issue is seen in the introduction of a corporate project management system, which was the subject of consideration in this article. The implementation of project management can provide the university with the opportunity to effectively use its own competitive advantages in the educational services market and adapt to external factors.

Knowledge of Risk and Crisis Management for Managers of Companies and Organizations

Abstract In today’s conditions of globalization and digitalization, in the conditions of rapid change, it is important to be flexible and adapt to new challenges. In order, for companies and organizations to be able to successfully manage crises, it is important that people who take leading positions in organizations and companies, have an understanding of risk and crisis management. Some of the current students will later take leading positions in various organizations and companies. Propose of the paper is to find out trends, how safe students feel in Europe, as well as how important they think understanding crisis management is, as well as whether they have studied subjects related to risk management and crisis management during their studies. The main finding is that insufficient attention has been paid to risk management and crisis management, subjects, people don’t realize the devastating effect of the crisis, as well as the fact that the crisis is not only a threat but also an opportunity.

Methodology for searching multi-criteria solutions based on digital twins

Aim. To justify and propose a methodology for searching multi-criteria Pareto-optimal solutions based on the use of socio-economic models or digital twins of complex dynamical systems.Tasks. To substantiate the relevance of using predictive methods for making managerial decisions in conditions of rapid changes and the need to use for these purposes recommendation systems using socio-economic models or digital twins. To propose a methodology for searching multi-criteria Pareto-optimal solutions and to evaluate its accuracy on mathematical and socioeconomic models. To formulate recommendations and limitations on the use of this methodology.Methods. General scientific methods (analysis, synthesis, grouping), mathematical methods of searching for Pareto-optimal solutions and generation of LP -sequences, results of mathematical modelling and numerical experiments were used in the research.Results. The methodology of searching for multicriteria Pareto-optimal managerial decisions is proposed, proposals and limitations on its application are formulated.Conclusions. In conditions of rapid changes it is important to be able to make managerial decisions that take into account the influence of many factors and, accordingly, many criteria characterising the socio-economic system, and at the same time it is necessary to make these managerial decisions in accordance with the logic “from the future”. The method of searching for multi-criteria Pareto-optimal solutions based on the use of socio-economic models or digital twins is proposed. The accuracy of this method is investigated on mathematical models of different degrees of nonlinearity with different number of parameters when solving production multi-parametric problems.

Nakosnik puloker as a component of the Moksha national Costume: on the problem of genesis and ethno-cultural meanings

This article presents the experience of studying the unique nakosnik of Moksha puloker women, which existed from the VIII to the XVIII centuries in a traditional women's costume as an ethnic symbol of the people. The most important aspects of the characteristics of the hairpiece associated with determining the cause of the appearance of this artifact, revealing the general attitude to hair in traditional culture, in particular in the heroic epic of the Mordovian people "Mastorava", which reflects the events of the medieval history of the ethnos; the nature of the era that caused the appearance of new elements in the folk costume. Both general scientific methods and systematic, comparative-historical and structural-semiotic approaches were used in the study. The role of the crisis factor in the culture of the Mordovian tribes of the second half of the I millennium A.D. was revealed, manifested in the activation of human activity aimed at adaptation in conditions of rapid changes and intercultural contacts. It is established that the result of the creative work of women, forcibly limited by the space of the family and home (possibly due to the appearance of a small family), was the development of socio-economic and cultural processes related to the ritual sphere, which required the segregation of the married woman's social group and a new element of the headdress, which emphasized the status of the hostess of the house. The novelty of the research is determined by the conclusions about the values of culture embodied in the materialization of the goals of collective activity in the form of an artificially created form of decoration, as well as in the justification of the significant influence of the Turkic peoples on the development of culture in the period under consideration.

Professional adaptation of university students in the changing world of professions

Introduction. The relevance of the problem of the article is determined by the need to improve approaches to the professional adaptation of university students in the conditions of rapid changes in the world of work and professions. The subject of the study is various forms of professional adaptation of students.Aim. The present research aims to identify the forms of university students’ professional adaptation, which have the greatest potential for adapting students to the future profession. The hypothesis of the study was the assumption that one of the new and effective forms of professional adaptation of students at the university can be their project activities.Methodology and research methods. The research methodology was mainly based on the community-based and activity-based approaches. The empirical basis of the article is the results of the research on the adaptation of students in Russian universities (2022 May–June). The conducted research was implemented using the methods of online survey, focus group, semi-formalised interview.Results. The main results of the study are the following: characteristics of the forms of professional adaptation of students at the university, the assessment of its main background factors, as well as the development by students of the norms of the academic environment as a predictor of mastering work and professional ethics, the problems of implementing project activities as a new form of adaptation to the profession. The scope of application of the research results is the practice of university project training and the development of programmes for professional students’ adaptation.In conclusion, project-based learning is considered as one of the most promising forms of students’ professional adaptation, the potential of which is not fully used. An important conclusion of the authors is that there is the need to focus student projects on an external customer in order to create a situation of students’ real immersion in the professional environment.Scientific novelty. The authors considered new forms of professional adaptation of students at the university and justified the significance of the revealed adaptation forms.Practical significance. The practical significance of the article is the possibility of using the results and conclusions of the study in the elaboration of university adaptation programmes for students and the improvement of their professional adaptation practices.

The prospects for CSTO activities after the end of the peacekeeping operation in Kazakhstan

The study assesses the prospects of CSTO activity after the end of the peacekeeping operation in Kazakhstan. In 2022 important security processes were taking place in the geographical area of the CSTO (conflict between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, including aggravation of the situation on the borders of Armenia, the activation of NATO), which indicates the relevance of the topic. The aim of the study is to establish the pro-spects of the CSTO activity after the completion of the peacekeeping operation in Ka-zakhstan in conditions of rapid changes at the international and regional level. The methodological basis of the research consists of general scientific methods (analysis, synthesis, induction, deduction, comparison). The author believes that in the near fu-ture, even taking into account the special military operation of the Russian Federation in Ukraine, which affects the intensification of Russian-Belarusian defense coopera-tion, CSTO activity is unlikely to change. At the same time the activation of NATO will make certain adjustments in the practical work of the CSTO, for example, it will affect the practice of specific actions in the course of exercises. The article offers the prognostic possibilities in the study of different issues related to the analysis of CSTO activity in the future, including in the context of Russia's national interests.

FIRST DATA OF MODERN SEDIMENTATION RATE IN THE SOUTHERN TATAR STRAIT OF THE SEA OF JAPAN

The study of natural archives, such as bottom sediments of lakes and seas, becomes promising for paleoreconstructions due to the conditions of rapid changes of the environment, anthropogenic impact, and insufficient data of instrumental measurements. Based on a radioisotope dating using the non-equilibrium 210Pb, the modern sedimentation rates for the last 150 years in the southern part of the Tatar Strait have been established. According to the two models (CIC and CRS), the sedimentation rate was 0.20–0.22 сm/year.

МОДЕЛЬ ОЦЕНКИ УРОВНЯ ЭКОНОМИЧЕСКОЙ ЗАЩИЩЕННОСТИ ИНТЕРЕСОВ НЕКОММЕРЧЕСКОЙ ОРГАНИЗАЦИИ

the presence of structural changes in the world economy, the consequences of sanitary and epidemiological restrictions, as well as the increase in international tension with the transition to armed conflicts near the borders of the Russian Federation force us to formulate criteria and possibilities for protecting the economic interests of the population and the state. At the same time. The relevance of the topic is due to the need to study the issues of ensuring the security of the economic interests of non-profit organizations, since in the conditions of rapid changes in the situation, it is these enterprises, including those with state participation, that in many ways allow them to implement the above-mentioned tasks without the purpose of extracting profit from their activities. In the course of research, a general model for assessing the level of economic protection of the interests of non-profit organizations has been proposed, which has the form: Y=β0+β1*X1+β2*X2+β3*X3+β4*X4+ε. The peculiarity of the author's approach to the formation of the model is that as factors affecting the level of economic protection of the interests of a non-profit organization, the model included not only financial indicators, but also indicators showing the personnel and management status. The overall level of economic security, indicated by the dependent variable Y, is influenced by factors X1 (expenditure level), X2 (property security), X3 (personnel) and X4 (managerial) potential. According to the results of the study, during which the analysis of randomly modeled data was carried out, evaluated depending on the specified criteria in the score assessment included in the general model, a private model of the form Ŷ=0,408+0,349∙X1+0,482∙X3 was obtained. A study of the general model, as well as the included variables, was conducted, as a result of which, with a significance level equal to 0.01, the level of expenses and the personnel potential of the organization were significant. The obtained research results can be applied in practice by administrative and statistical services of enterprises and state bodies.

ФІНАНСОВИЙ МЕХАНІЗМ РЕАЛІЗАЦІЇ СТРАТЕГІЙ СТАЛОГО РОЗВИТКУ ТЕРИТОРІАЛЬНИХ ГРОМАД

In today's conditions of rapid changes in the economy of territorial units, it is a difficult task to forecast the implementation of their development priorities. This, in turn, determines the need to define for each territorial community a specific vector of strategic development based on scientifically based approaches. Objectively assessing the financial state of communities, it is extremely difficult to predict the implementation of the priority directions of development of individual territories in the future. Therefore, the issue of strategic planning in the conditions of the modern decentralization reform increases attention to the financial mechanisms for the implementation of the strategic goals of the sustainable development of territorial communities. It was determined that the basis of the functioning of an effective system for achieving the goals of sustainable development, set at the strategic level, is the financial support of this process. It has been proven that the effective use of financial tools in the strategic planning system makes it possible to ensure the implementation of planned measures for the long term. In this context, the article substantiates the theoretical and methodological foundations of the effective functioning of the financial mechanism for the implementation of strategies for the sustainable development of territorial communities. It is substantiated that the implementation of sustainable development strategies of territorial communities consists of two conditional stages (planning and implementation) and, accordingly, the process of financial support includes such conditional stages (funding and direct financing). The main elements of the financial mechanism for the implementation of sustainable development strategies of territorial communities, which gradually implement their functions to achieve the specified parameters, have been identified. It is justified that when implementing programs and projects at the system level for the implementation of sustainable development strategies, it is advisable to use investment financing tools.

Systematic literature review of сarbon-neutral economy concept

The purpose of the article is to study trends in the development of scientific interest in the issue of implementing a carbon-neutral economy. The authors performed a bibliometric analysis of the publications indexed in the Scopus database using VOSviewer 1.6.16 software and Microsoft Excel. This analysis contributes to determining prospects for transitioning to a carbon-neutral economy and priority areas requiring special attention to accelerate this process. The obtained results of the study of the patterns of the development of the carbon-neutral economy indicate that this concept has a dynamic development, which traces the prerequisites for the formation of a powerful scientific school that investigates the influence of changes in the level of energy efficiency in the process of carbon-neutral development of the national economy. Analysis of the dynamics of publication activity demonstrates a reasonably rapid growth in the number of publications. From 1992 to March 2023, the average growth rate of published research results in the analyzed field was 28.50%. A comparison of subject areas in the study of the carbon-neutral economy shows the predominance of energy, ecology, and socio-economic studies. As a result of the bibliometric analysis of 654 publications indexed by the scientometric database Scopus during 1992-2023 on the topic of the carbon-neutral economy using the software VOSViewer v. 1.6.10, six scientific clusters were identified, which study the possibilities of building an economic system with minimal carbon emissions, taking into account the technical, technological, climatic, social and economic aspects of this issue. However, there is an urgent need to study the organizational and economic mechanisms of replacing non-renewable energy resources with renewable ones in the conditions of rapid changes in the global energy market. The study of the geographical affiliation of the authors of scientific works in this area showed that scientists from China, the USA, Great Britain, Germany, India, Canada, Italy, Japan, Switzerland, and Spain published the most significant number of publications. The share of publications by geographical affiliation to these countries is 75%. At the same time, the number of publications in the Scopus database published by domestic authors is relatively small, which once again confirmed the lack of research and timeliness of the study carried out in Ukraine.

ПРОБЛЕМИ ЦИФРОВІЗАЦІЇ ЕКОНОМІКИ І ВИКОРИСТАННЯ ЦИФРОВИХ ПЛАТФОРМ: ПРАКТИЧНІ АСПЕКТИ ТА РЕКОМЕНДАЦІЇ

The study is devoted to the issues of globalization shifts, transformational processes, the development of modern scientific economic thought and the progressivity of changes, the issue of solving the problem of digitalization of the economy of the countries of the world, taking into account the potential use of modern digital platforms and systems at various stages of management decision-making, to ensure a high level of competitiveness of the country's economy remains urgent one of the fundamental ones in modern practice. The article provides a deep and detailed analysis of the current state of digital transformation in the countries of the world. The main aspects of the digitalization of the economy of the countries of the world in the conditions of rapid changes in the influence of European integration processes are revealed from the standpoint of practical experience. A comprehensive analysis of the available indicators of the digitalization of the economy was conducted based on the research materials of foreign and domestic scientists, which are revealed through three relevant components: «Global Index of Electronic Government Development», «Index of Network Readiness» and «Index of Development of Information and Communication Technologies». The synergistic combination of the specified constituent elements creates prerequisites for the progressive potential development and formation of the digital economy, ensuring the use of digital platforms of various levels and models, making quick balanced strategic management decisions by company management. The main directions of the development of the digital economy of the countries of the world are considered and highlighted, the main principles of digitalization of the country's economy are determined (taking into account the transformational economic shifts in the economies of the countries of the world. The positive aspects of the development of the digital economy are proposed and characterized, which create prerequisites for the formation of a progressive long-term strategic plan for the economic development of the country with the aim of ensuring a high level of its competitiveness and achieving growth in economic indicators.

НАПРЯМИ АДАПТАЦІЇ ВІТЧИЗНЯНИХ ПІДПРИЄМСТВ ДО ЗМІННИХ ФІНАНСОВИХ УМОВ

The article considers the key aspects of adaptation of enterprises to changing financial conditions in the conditions of globalization and digital transformation. The authors emphasize the importance of analyzing the external environment, optimizing financial management, diversifying funding sources, as well as the role of internal audit and control in the process of enterprise adaptation. Special attention is paid to the challenges and opportunities that arise for enterprises as a result of digital transformation. The article is based on the analysis of modern research, publications and practical experience of companies. The research findings can be useful for company managers, financial directors, auditors and other specialists in the field of management and finance. The article also emphasizes the need for continuous training and development of personnel in the context of adaptation to digital innovations. Education and training of employees are identified as key elements of successful digital transformation. The authors also consider the issue of corporate culture and its influence on the process of adaptation of the enterprise to changing conditions. The article presents recommendations for the implementation of modern technological solutions, in particular cloud technologies, artificial intelligence and blockchain, which can contribute to increasing the efficiency of business processes and provide competitive advantages in the market. It is substantiated that adaptation to changing financial conditions and digital transformation requires a comprehensive approach that combines strategic planning, innovative technologies and human capital. Only such an approach will allow enterprises not only to survive in conditions of rapid changes, but also to prosper, ensuring stable development and long-term success in the market. The issue of ethics and social responsibility in the conditions of digital transformation is considered. It is important to ensure that innovative solutions and technologies are used in the interests of the community, respecting the principles of transparency, confidentiality and data security. Only a comprehensive approach to this challenge will allow enterprises to reach new horizons of development and ensure their competitiveness in the future.

УПРАВЛІННЯ ЯКІСТЮ В УМОВАХ ЗАБЕЗПЕЧЕННЯ ІННОВАЦІЙНОЇ СТРАТЕГІЇ ДІЯЛЬНОСТІ ПІДПРИЄМСТВА

The article is devoted to the substantiation of the interdependence of quality management processes and the formation and implementation of the innovative strategy of the enterprise under the conditions of rapid changes and modern challenges of the real business environment. Definitions of quality, quality management, innovation, innovative strategy of enterprise activity in their interdependence have been studied and substantiated. General characteristics of products (goods and services) and factors affecting their quality (production, resource, economic) are systematized in order to find ways to increase the efficiency of quality management in the general management system of the enterprise. Modern quality management systems are analytically systematized, taking into account the evolutionary logic of their formation, current challenges and prospects for implementation. The main quality management systems are defined as ISO, TQM, Quality Awards, Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing, Kaizen, Best Practices, which can be used to implement innovative enterprise strategies. The innovative strategy of the enterprise is considered from the point of view of the stages of its development and implementation. Analyzed four types of enterprise innovation strategy (proactive, active, reactive, passive) from the point of view of their content, goals, type of technological innovation, sources of knowledge, innovation costs, risks, priority quality management systems (emphasized by us), examples of real business structures. The relationship and interdependence of the totality of quality management processes based on the choice of an adaptive system of innovative development of a modern enterprise based on the development of an appropriate strategy is proven. At the same time, the importance of innovative provision of both the general strategy of the enterprise and the actual quality management process is defined.

CHOOSING SCRUM OR KANBAN METHODOLOGY FOR PROJECT MANAGEMENT IN IT COMPANIES

Taking into account the conditions of the functioning of modern business, it is necessary to take into account the constant changes that occur in the process of developing projects in IT companies. Therefore, when creating projects, there is a need for a well-founded choice of project management methodologies, which will allow to quickly solve problems that arise in the process of their creation and will provide an opportunity to ensure high efficiency of project-oriented activities of companies.
 The conducted analysis of the methodologies showed that today there are a sufficient number of them, among which there are rigid and flexible ones. Among the hard methodologies, as Waterfall model, V-model, Incremental model, Spiral model, and Iterative model are known. Among flexible methodologies, the Agile model, as well as Scrum and Kanban are most often used. The following flexible methodologies are also known: Lean, eXtreme Programming (XP), Rational Unified Process (RUP), Dynamic Systems Development Model (DSDM), Rapid Application Development (RAD), and Extreme Programming (XP).
 It has been determined that most researchers prove in their studies that agile methodologies are more widespread nowadays and are better adapted to the conditions of rapid changes in projects. The only exceptions are those methodologies that apply to certain industries, such as medical, aviation, and others. Such fields involve the use of only brutal methodologies.
 The article examines the modern Agile approach to project management, its difference from the traditional approach of the rigid Waterfall methodology or others; the scope of application of Agile; a short story; the advantages and disadvantages of implementation and its use.
 The article provides a comparative analysis of the most popular today's flexible Scrum and Kanban methodologies. The roles that are indicated in projects in Scrum and Kanban are considered. The events performed by the teams are also analyzed in more detail.
 The article elaborates a block diagram for a justified choice of Scrum or Kanban methodology. The article is based on research on the international and Ukrainian markets of IT companies.
 The direction of future research of the authors is to conduct a more detailed analysis and comparison of rigid and flexible methodologies with the aim of using combined forms of project management.

A free-associative experiment for identifying the factors for the personal development of youth in the context of professional education

In the conditions of rapid changes taking place in the socio-economic life of Kazakhstan, much attention is paid to young people who are gradually taking active positions in the economic, political, and cultural spheres. Young people are aimed at developing and promoting their initiatives, mainly starting to implement them during the professional training.  In these conditions, the socio-cultural potential of the youth acts as a combination of qualities and capabilities of the younger generation, formed under the influence of certain factors and a professionally oriented educational environment. From this perspective, we should determine these factors in accordance with the realities of modern times and youth's point of view. The purpose of the research was to determine the structure of significant indicators for youth’s socio-cultural potential development in the context of professional education via the free-associative method. It was considered how the different categories of respondents react to the incentive words and phrases such as "youth", "youth's socio-cultural potential", "socio-cultural environment", and "cross-cultural interaction".  Interpretation of the obtained results allows us to divide associations based on keywords and the repeatability sums values of the mentions into groups that make up the semantic core for each definition. As a consequence, twenty cognitive paradigmatic signs with a positive connotation were identified. The scientific value and novelty of the work arrows in proving the possibility of using the free-associative method for the definition of the logical components of the concepts in accordance to the ideas of a certain social group about it. The main conclusions of the research confirm that the youth of Kazakhstan, as a social group, has a formed structure of associations regarding the role and status of youth in society and the development of socio-cultural potential, including in conditions of intercultural interaction. The practical significance of the results provides a base for the determination of the socio-cultural potential of youth indicators in the professional study field. Key words: associative method, frequent reactions, semantic core, socio-cultural interaction, youth.