Development In Armenia Research Articles

Ընտրական համակարգը Ուկրաինայում և Հայաստանում ժողովրդավարական փոփոխությունների համատեքստում (2005-2019. համեմատական վերլուծություն) / Election System in Context of Democratic Change in Ukraine and Armenia (2005-2019: Comparative Analysis)

The given paper aims to examine the relationship between electoral systems and democratic development in Armenia and Ukraine from 2005 to 2019. To achieve its goal the study outlines following problems: trace the evolution of respective electoral systems; and describe the interaction of electoral system with the broader institutional environment. The paper employs both quantitative and qualitative methods. Descriptive statistics and case study methods are utilized to examine the electoral systems of Armenia and Ukraine. Additionally, a comparative analysis is conducted to identify common features and peculiarities within the institutional context of these electoral systems.

Factors That Influence Domestic Tourism Demand: Evidence from Armenia.

ABSTRACT. Armenia has great opportunities and resources for tourism development. In 2021, the number of domestic tourists in Armenia was 1595826, an increase of 52.6% compared to 2020. In 2022, the number of domestic tourists was higher than in previous years - 1929940. The article evaluates the factors which influence domestic tourism demand with the use of ordinary and weighted least squares regression models. The main variables discussed in the models are: real GDP growth rate, consumer price index, average cost of tour packages from Armenia to other countries that can be considered as an alternative to domestic tourism, and dummy variables. The time series are based on quarterly data from 2005-2021. According to the analysis results, 1% increase in GDP will lead to a 0.22% increase in the number of domestic tourists, 1% increase in prices will lead to a decrease in the number of domestic tourists by about 0.12%, and 1% increase in foreign tour package prices will increase the number of domestic tourists by about 0.14%. The article also presents some suggestions for domestic tourism development in Armenia. The results may be useful for similar studies, as well as for state and private sectors conducting forecasts, planning, etc.

THE MAIN TRENDS IN RENEWABLE ENERGY DEVELOPMENT IN ARMENIA: CHALLENGES FOR ENERGY TRANSITION

The main trends in the development of renewable energy in Armenia are considered in the context of the challenges of sustainable development and energy transition. It is established that the development of renewable energy is one of the key directions of diversification of Armenia’s energy security system. The main direction of development of the industry is identified. In particular, opportunities for the development of solar, wind, geothermal and bioenergy are analyzed. Special attention is paid to the potential of development of small hydropower in Armenia. It is shown that the full and systematic development of the mentioned industries is possible only in case of effective state-private partnership. External risks of solar and wind energy development in Armenia are considered separately.

Հայաստանի ագրարային ոլորտի թվայնացումը որպես տեխնիկական առաջընթացի արագընթաց ճանապարհ/ Digitalization of the Agricultural Sector of Armenia as a Fast Path to Technical Progress

Just two decades ago, it was hard to imagine that artificial intelligence could control not only technical processes, but also the growth and development of plant and animal organisms. Just two decades ago, a sensor system that controls the feeding, care and milking of cows, or automatic climate control equipment for greenhouse farms, was perceived as the last word in technical progress in agriculture. However, they are now perceived as general innovations in the digitalization of production, as new digital technologies control tractors and combines in the field without direct human intervention, assess the needs of plants for nutrients and water, and automatically carry out irrigation and fertilization operations. Moreover, artificial intelligence monitors animal health, plant diseases and pests and takes the necessary measures. The paper highlights the current state of digitalization in the field of agriculture, the main directions of its development in Armenia and the importance of cooperation between the public and private sectors.

Զբոսաշրջության մրցունակությունը Հայաստանում և աշխարհում / Tourism Competitiveness in Armenia and Worldwide

After the collapse due to Covid-19 pandemic, tourism sphere started recovering in 2021 and 2022. International tourism climbed to nearly 60% of pre-pandemic levels in January-July 2022. In Armenia tourism is recovering and in 2022 January-October the number of incoming tourism arrivals was 1400000. This growth is also connected with the high number of Russian tourists visiting Armenia during RussianUkrainian war. This paper presents travel and tourism competitiveness and development indexes of 2019 and 2021. Armenia was the 61st with 4.0 score in 2021 in TTDI. The main issues are connected with the qualification of the labor force, country brand strategy, T&T capital investment, ticket taxes and airport charges, air and ground transport infrastructure, natural, cultural and non-leisure resources, environmental sustainability, pollution and environmental conditions, preservation of nature, seasonality of international tourist arrivals, etc. So, some steps are needed in above-mentioned directions to insure sustainable tourism development in Armenia.

Current State of Agro-Tourism and Development Preconditions in Armenia

Agrotourism is developing very fast worldwide, and Armenia is not left out of those rates of development. There are serious preconditions for the development of agro-tourism in Armenia. This study aims to reveal the current state of agro-tourism, outlining the development preconditions in Armenia, particularly the role of PR in the development of this field. To collect the necessary information, we used the methods of expert and in-depth interviews, document analysis and viewing. The studied data refer to gastro-houses, house-studios, adventure tourism and other interesting directions of agro-tourism, which were spread in the Republic of Armenia until the first half of 2020 and were in different regions, in particular: Gegharkunik, Vayots Dzor, Shirak, Lori, Kotayk, Tavush, Aragatsotn, Ararat. The results of the research allow us to conclude that: • Agro-tourism has prospects for development in Armenia; • Agro-tourism can contribute to the development of different villages and communities in the Republic of Armenia; • Planning PR campaigns is a necessary precondition for development; • The lack of a common tourism platform in the Republic of Armenia hinders the development. • The expansion of packages offering rural tourism by Armenian tour operators will contribute to development. • It is possible to create a network of guest houses, which will include only the ones that are engaged in agro-tourism.

Participation in Higher Education Curricula Development in Armenia and Possible Effects for the Labour Market—The Case of an “Organic Agriculture” Master’s Program

Weak or unstructured stakeholder participation in higher education curricula development still remains a problem in Armenia. Change in outdated curricula development processes is needed, as they often do not meet students’ needs; do not adopt innovative teaching methods or tools; and do not fit the labour market’s demand. This paper traces the evolution of the participatory curriculum development process of the Organic Agriculture Master’s program at the Armenian National Agrarian University (ANAU). Prioritizing mainly qualitative methods of research, five relevant stakeholder groups with approximately 10–12 members each at varying levels were involved in this action research. Additionally, paper-based and online surveys were conducted with 290 ANAU students. The results focus on the conceptual mapping of the process of participatory action research, bridging its relevance to the Armenian labour market’s needs. Moreover, the results highlight lessons learned from the process—shaping them around significant theories for participatory action research—and underline the possibilities of the Organic Agriculture Master’s development process as a model program at ANAU and perhaps elsewhere.

Leasing as an effective tool for agricultural financing: within the example of Armenia

Abstract. Through the decades’ Armenian agriculture doesn’t have sufficient growth. Technologies and methodology used by farmers are not sufficient for modern production creation. Financing system of rural areas are less effective as lack of stable income and low-price collateral doesn’t let banking institutions to actively finance the sector. The main purpose of this study is to define problems of agricultural financing and determine leasing as an effective tool for agricultural financing. Methodology of this study is based on quantitative analysis among farmers and other borrowers to take out leasing role in financing process and other relevant issues. Empirical data analysis of different countries’ experience and survey among local rural habitants were made to identify the most effective tools of agricultural financing. As a result, lack of effective financial and technological assistance has identified as an obstacle of agricultural development in Armenia. The importance of agriculture in the development of the country's economy was substantiated. The importance of public awareness in increasing the applicability of leasing has been identified. As a scientific novelty, the thesis of leasing as an effective financial tool for agricultural lending has been proven. The specifics of leasing efficiency for agricultural lending are explained. Absence of collateral as the only advantage of leasing was rejected.

Military Sociology in Armenia: Contemporary Development and Prospects

The purpose of the article is to acquaint with the history of military sociology and the peculiarities of its development in Armenia. Military sociology, which developed in connection with the need for theoretical and applied knowledge in the military field, occupies an important place among the sociological disciplines of the middle level. It develops theoretical and methodological concepts and approaches and expands the possibilities of their use. For a better understanding of the theoretical foundations of military sociology, the scope of research and its practical significance, it is necessary to comprehensively consider the scientific environment, prerequisites and reasons for the emergence, as well as the stages of development of military sociology in the country.

Analyzing the Demand of Agritourism for International Tourist in Armenia

This paper summarises the arguments and counterarguments in the frame of the scientific discussion on the issue of agritourism development in Armenia. The research aims at analyzing the demand for agritourism development for international tourists in Armenia, find out their needs. The analysis of the available literature sources and approaches shows the essence of agritourism, its activities, functions, needs of tourists. Armenia has a rich history and culture, beautiful nature, delicious cuisine, Armenian villages have a traditional way of life and ethnic diversity. All these factors are important for developing agritourism in rural places offering various activities for tourists: participation in agricultural activities, farming, animal care, hunting, fishing, horseback riding, beekeeping, carpet weaving, handicrafts, harvesting, winemaking, making national dishes, baking bread, also visiting historical and cultural places, participation in various festivals, etc. Investigation of the topic in the paper is carried out in the following rational arrangement. The essence and significance of agritourism in the literature are discussed, then a survey is done among international tourists to find out their needs. The results of the empirical analysis are presented in the paper, which shows that Armenia is considered a quiet and beautiful place for tourists who wish to rest in Armenian rural places, participate in many activities. The Pearson Chi-square testing shows some significant relationships between some factors. Mainly unmarried people want to rest in rural places alone or with friends, and they are willing to pay more than married people who have children. The tourists have also made some suggestions for agritourism development in Armenia: making everything more natural and fresher, doing good marketing, organizing pieces of training for local people and farmers, etc. The research results may be useful for developing agritourism in rural areas by organizing good strategies and marketing plans. Keywords: agritourism, agritourism activities, marketing, rural places, tourism.

ԿԱՅՈՒՆ ԶԲՈՍԱՇՐՋՈՒԹՅԱՆ ԶԱՐԳԱՑՄԱՆ ՈՒՂԻՆԵՐԸ ՀՀ-ՈՒՄ/ THE WAYS OF SUSTAINABLE TOURISM DEVELOPMENT IN THE REPUBLIC OF ARMENIA/ПУТИ РАЗВИТИЯ УСТОЙЧИВОГО ТУРИЗМА В РА

The necessity of sustainable development of tourism is a primary issue in the whole world. With the development of tourism, its negative effects on environment, economy and social-cultural conditions continue to grow. The purpose of the article is to analyze the trends of tourism development in the world and in Armenia, to outline positive and negative impacts of tourism, to assess the possibilities of sustainable tourism development in Armenia. SWOT analysis of sustainable tourism development in Armenia has been carried out in the article, and as a result, some suggestions has been made. In addition, an integrated model has been processed which unites the goals, outputs, main stakeholders and necessary actions of sustainable tourism.

Microfinance development in Armenia: Sectoral characteristics and problems

AbstractThe heavy‐handed regulation enforced a commercialization process and as a result pushed microfinance institutions in Armenia towards a commercial logic, which diminished the importance of the social component. Sector development problems include unfair fees, limit on annual interest rate, late cooperation between credit organizations, and regulated microfinance operations. Because of the high interest rates and difficult economic situation, micro‐loans do not necessarily help poor people in Armenia to escape poverty, but instead push them further down into greater poverty.

The Impact Of Technology Evaluation Programme On Agricultural Productivity In Armenia

Abstract The importance of innovative technologies in bringing about sustainable development in agriculture cannot be overemphasized in today’s world. Concerted efforts have been made by international organizations, ministries of agriculture and extension agents to ensure that farmers have access to these new technologies. Therefore, this study examined the role of technology as a guarantee of sustainable agricultural development in Armenia. The aim of this paper is to find out in what ways this specific technological program in Armenia could contribute to the sustainable development of agriculture and how the innovations applied in agriculture could improve the quality of products and improve the efficiency of production. Various technology programmes from 2001–2013 were critically examined using narratives based on the data obtained from the Agricultural Support Republican Centre. It has been found out that majority of farmers that participated in the Technology Evaluation Programme had increased productivity, had less post-harvest loss, produced high quality and safe output, and increased income accompanied by better welfare. However, new laws and regulations for shared roles and responsibilities of involved institutions are recommended. Farmers from isolated areas should also be engaged within the scope of the project, and promotion of nationwide awareness of the program should also be carried out to the end users.

Resource dependence and measurement technology: international and domestic influences on energy sector development in Armenia and Georgia

The effective measurement of natural gas consumption has become a central component of energy sector development in resource-dependent post-Soviet states such as Armenia and Georgia. Yet, while policy assessments have often emphasized the significance of technology upgrades in increasing the efficiency of gas distribution in Central Eurasia, it is necessary to consider other types of exogenous political and economic influences upon sourcing and adoption of measuring devices by national industries and their resultant impact upon energy sector performance. This study presents empirical data collected in northern Armenia and Tbilisi, Georgia, as well as from secondary sources, in order to examine the effect of both domestic and international factors upon the technology–performance relationship in the natural gas industries, and compares their relative implications for energy sector development in both countries since independence.

Times Higher Education World University Rankings for 2012-2013 and Prospects for Science Development in Armenia

Times Higher Education World University Rankings for 2012-2013 and Prospects for Science Development in Armenia

Pediatric emergency medical care in Yerevan, Armenia: a knowledge and attitudes survey of out-of-hospital emergency physicians.

BackgroundOut-of-hospital emergency care is at an early stage of development in Armenia, with the current emergency medical services (EMS) system having emergency physicians (EPs) work on ambulances along with nurses. While efforts are underway by the Ministry of Health and other organizations to reform the EMS system, little data exists on the status of pediatric emergency care (PEC) in the country. We designed this study to evaluate the knowledge and attitudes of out-of-hospital emergency physicians in pediatric rapid assessment and resuscitation, and identify areas for PEC improvement.MethodsWe distributed an anonymous, self-administered Knowledge and Attitudes survey to a convenience sample of out-of-hospital EPs in the capital, Yerevan, from August to September 2012.ResultsWith a response rate of 80%, the majority (89.7%) of respondents failed a 10-question knowledge test (with a pre-defined passing score of ≥7) with a mean score of 4.17 ± 1.99 SD. Answers regarding the relationship between pediatric cardiac arrest and respiratory issues, compression-to-ventilation ratio in neonates, definition of hypotension, and recognition of shock were most frequently incorrect. None of the participants had attended pediatric-specific continuing medical education (CME) activities within the preceding 5 years. χ2 analysis demonstrated no statistically significant association between physician age, length of EMS experience, type of ambulance (general vs. resuscitation/critical care), or CME attendance and pass/fail status. The majority of participants agreed that PEC education in Armenia needs improvement (98%), that there is a need for pediatric-specific CME (98%), and that national out-of-hospital PEC guidelines would increase PEC safety, efficiency, and effectiveness (96%).ConclusionsOut-of-hospital emergency physicians in Yerevan, Armenia are deficient in pediatric-specific emergency assessment and resuscitation knowledge and training, but express a clear desire for improvement. There is a need to support additional PEC training and CME within the EMS system in Armenia.

Renewable energy in Armenia

Armenia does not have any fossil fuel or coal reserves; therefore, it is entirely dependent on the imported fuel for transportation, electricity generation, and heat production. Armenian Government has plans to develop renewable energy resources. Renewable energy may not be the major source of energy development in Armenia but it should be an important component of it. A renewable energy road map for Armenia was prepared to evaluate feasible and reasonable renewable energy resources and plan a course of action for utilising them. This paper is a summary of the findings and conclusions of the studies and the roadmap.

Cloud Computing Development in Armenia

Purpose – The purpose of the research is to clarify benefits and risks in regards with data protection, cost; business can have by the use of this new technologies for the implementation and management of organization’s information systems.Design/methodology/approach – Qualitative case study of the results obtained via interviews. Three research questions were raised: Q1: How can company benefit from using Cloud Computing compared to other solutions?; Q2: What are possible issues that occur with Cloud Computing?; Q3: How would Cloud Computing change an organizations’ IT infrastructure?Findings – The calculations provided in the interview section prove the financial advantages, even though the precise degree of flexibility and performance has not been assessed. Cloud Computing offers great scalability. Another benefit that Cloud Computing offers, in addition to better performance and flexibility, is reliable and simple backup data storage, physically distributed and so almost invulnerable to damage. Although the advantages of Cloud Computing more than compensate for the difficulties associated with it, the latter must be carefully considered. Since the cloud architecture is relatively new, so far the best guarantee against all risks it entails, from a single company's perspective, is a well-formulated service-level agreement, where the terms of service and the shared responsibility and security roles between the client and the provider are defined.Research limitations/implications – study was carried out on the bases of two companies, which gives deeper view, but for more widely applicable results, a wider analysis is necessary.Practical implications:Originality/Value – novelty of the research depends on the fact that existing approaches on this problem mainly focus on technical side of computing.Research type: case study

Library development in Armenia: Problems and progress since the dissolution of the USSR

The paper provides a situation report on the state of libraries and information services, publishing and bookselling in Armenia. It briefly describes their development, outlines the international development assistance that they have received during the last twenty years, describes their current situation, and indicates some of their future needs.

Library development in Armenia: Problems and progress since the dissolution of the USSR

The paper provides a situation report on the state of libraries and information services, publishing and bookselling in Armenia. It briefly describes their development, outlines the international development assistance that they have received during the last twenty years, describes their current situation, and indicates some of their future needs.