Educational Services In Ukraine Research Articles

PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION OF EDUCATIONAL LEADERS: THE EXPERIENCE OF UTRECHT UNIVERSITY (THE NETHERLANDS)

The problem of developing managerial leadership potential for higher education, which acts as a direct catalyst for the organization of quality educational services in Ukraine and increasing the competitiveness of national higher education institutions, remains a priority at the stage of Ukraine's integration into the European Union. The article first examines the issue of professional training of educational leaders and managers in the field of higher education on the example of Utrecht University (the Kingdom of the Netherlands). Taking into account the review of previous studies carried out in the national space, as well as the study of relevant continental European sources, the data on the Dutch higher education system are updated. Based on the analysis of specialized legislation in the field of higher education and relevant institutional acts, the approaches to master's training in the Netherlands are characterized, the key among which is interdisciplinary. It is found that master's programmes are offered at research universities and universities of applied sciences; their duration varies from 1 to 4 years and ranges from 60 to 240 ECTS credits. It has been found that the undisputed trend in master's training is the uniqueness of educational programmes that correspond to the mission and vision of universities. It is established that among the offers on the market of educational services that further offer professional activities in the field of higher education management, there are master's degree programmes in pedagogy, management, art, administration and management, sociology, psychology, etc. The profiles of educational programmes of the University of Utrecht, in particular, specialties with a diverse academic load, which offer graduates after successful graduation positions in the Government of the Netherlands, sectors dealing with education, the Dutch Education Inspectorate, non-governmental educational organizations, as developers and reformers of educational policies, are considered.

ЗАСТОСУВАННЯ МОДЕЛІ ПОВЕДІНКИ ЕНГЕЛЯ-КОЛЛАТА-БЛЕКВЕЛЛА ЩОДО СПОЖИВАЧА ОСВІТНІХ ПОСЛУГ

The purpose of the study was to analyze the peculiarities of the formation of the behavior of consumers of educational services in Ukraine using the Engel-Collat-Blackwell (ECB) model. This is due to the interest of higher education institutions in improving the quality of the educational process, attracting more applicants and training qualified personnel for the state labor market, science and technology. The study considered the university as a provider of educational services and applied the EKB model using digital tools and surveys. The study analyzed the impact of various factors, such as advertising, recommendations, communication, reputation, image, and others, on consumers choosing an educational institution. It was established that the reaction of consumers to external (motivation, perception, and attitude) and internal (economic, social, cultural, etc.) factors is formed by the effectiveness of the use of marketing strategies and tactics, and it was also determined that their decisions and purchasing behavior depend on quality stimulation. The study applied EKB models to explain the factors influencing consumers' purchase decisions when searching, reviewing, and processing information about various educational specialties, services, and universities. An assessment of awareness of the proposals, the level of organization, provision and implementation of the educational process was carried out; the most effective communication channel of higher educational institutions with potential applicants was determined, as a result of which recommendations were formed for improving the interaction of consumers of educational services. The results of the implementation and application of the EKB model in the practical work of higher educational institutions will create an opportunity to attract more consumers of educational services and increase revenues to the institution's budget

РИНОК ПРАЦІ ТА РИНОК ОСВІТНІХ ПОСЛУГ В УКРАЇНІ В УМОВАХ ВІЙНИ ТА ПОВОЄННОГО ВІДНОВЛЕННЯ: ПРАВОВЕ ЗАБЕЗПЕЧЕННЯ УСУНЕННЯ ДИСБАЛАНСУ

Several issues caused by disparities between the labor market and the market for educational services in Ukraine have been investigated. Some scientifically substantiated ways to eliminate the professional-qualification imbalance in the labor market have been proposed. Suggestions have been prepared for improving the current legislation in the researched sphere, taking into account the prospects of post-war recovery. In particular, measures have been proposed to prepare a substantively detailed mid-term forecast of the demand for specialists and labor force in the labor market, including information on expected labor market demands for specific professional job titles. Additionally, it has been suggested to ensure annual publication of the mid-term forecast for the demand of specialists and labor force in the labor market. The expediency of amending Article 22, Part 3 of the Law of Ukraine “On the Basic Principles of Youth Policy” has been substantiated, providing that the state guarantee for job placement in the field of expertise for a period of not less than three years applies to young professionals – graduates of vocational (vocational-technical), advanced vocational and higher education institutions, regardless of ownership form, the demand for which was determined by the state and/or regional order. Attention is drawn to the inadmissibility of the state's retreat from guarantees of employment for graduates of vocational (vocational-technical) education institutions, which may create additional demotivating factors and complicate the situation in the labor market, especially during the period of post-war recovery of the Ukrainian economy. The expediency of using direct and indirect means of state regulation separately or simultaneously has been argued, such as reducing the licensed volume of preparation of excess specialists, or paying taxes for excess training of certain specialties by citizens who have chosen them for preparation, which are excessive for the domestic labor market.

Formation of Online Content Patterns of Higher Education Based on Trends to Preserve Intellectual Capital Quality Decreasing in Ukraine During Wartime

The article examines the current stage of forming online content in higher education worldwide and in Ukraine. The main goal of this paper is to develop patterns for creating educational content to improve the learning process at universities despite the full-scale war, including flexibility. To achieve these, the author used bibliometric, trends and cluster analysis. As analytical tools, Google Trends and VosViewer were chosen. The investigation is divided into three parts: study patterns of online content in higher education (HE) based on a literature review, identify trends in HE, and examine online educational content in the context of the flexible learning process at universities. The investigation stage of key trends in the development of higher education in Ukraine is initial because it demonstrates up-to-date theoretical background worldwide, and particularly in Ukraine, especially publication after 2019. The main approaches to renovating the educational system included improving distance or blended learning as a modern study pattern. The key stakeholders are students and teachers. However, teachers transform into facilitators who prepare educational content and support learners in self-directed learning based on their inquiries. As for Ukraine, the tendency was intensified because students affected by full-scale war cannot study in the traditional (in-person) way. To find how trends in HE in Ukraine during key political changes were modified in Ukraine, the author used Google Trends to search inquiries of main consumers of educational services in Ukraine concerning higher education through the keywords “university” in three languages. The customizing periods showed the reactions of the young to critical political changes in Ukraine. In such a way, attitudes towards higher education during the beginning of the Orange Revolution, the Revolution of Dignity, the war in the east of Ukraine and the full-scale war were investigated. The significant changes were noticed after February 24, 2022, compared to November 30, 2013. There was an increasing popularity of inquiries based on universities abroad and learning as a tool to get employment. The most relevant inquiries in forming online content are “distance learning” and “дистанційна освіта”. Moreover, the tendency of increasing inquiries in the Ukrainian language compared with russian inquiries of approximately 10% was found. It was confirmed that trends could be used as a tool of formation patterns of educational content. That is why the paper aims to explore terms across years such as “educational content trends”, “educational trends” (205 articles), “online content trends” (305 articles), and “educational online content trends” (25 articles) at the Web of Science (WOS) platform. Key sectors of educational online content include Education, Educational Research, Economics, Social Sciences, Interdisciplinary, Multidisciplinary Sciences, and Management categories. In addition, Ukraine leads in publishing articles in forming online educational patterns with Poland, russia, the USA, Bulgaria and others. Furthermore, “educational content trends” and “online content trends”were compared to measure theoretical gaps by cluster analysis, where the main clusters are teacher, content analysis, development, quality, educational progress, and social media. The findings of this study hold valuable implications and recommendations for the formation of online content in higher education, particularly during times of war and in post-war periods.

Аналіз попиту на освітні послуги ЗВО України в умовах сучасних викликів

The aim of the article is to study the demand for educational services in Ukraine under the influence of economic, political and social factors that are effective in the country. Among the main factors influencing the demand for educational services are the COVID-19 pandemic, the full-scale invasion of the russian federation on the territory of Ukraine and, as a result, migration processes, the destruction of educational infrastructure, changes in the structure of the labor market, budget constraints, reduction of funding at the expense of households, etc. The projected value of the reduction in demand for educational services (number of entrants) by 2025 based on the studied parameters is on average 10%. A correlation and regression analysis was carried out to study the demand for educational services of higher education institutions (HEIs) depending on the main demographic, economic, political and social indicators. According to the analysis of the correlation matrix, the factors that have a high level of closeness of interconnection and a direct impact on the number of entrants to HEIs are the number of school graduates, the number of population aged 16–59 years and the employment rate. Factors such as a decrease in education costs, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the occupation have an inverse impact on the number of entrants. The paper considers the study of the effectiveness of the State regulation of admission to the budget form of education in individual specialties. For this purpose, data on the results of the 2023 admission campaign from the Unified State Electronic Database on Education were used. It is found that in 2023, the highest demand is for specialties related to the social and philological direction (Psychology, Journalism), as well as those that have a well-established importance in terms of prestige and employment (Dentistry, International Relations, specialties in the IT profile, etc.). On the other hand, the lowest demand is for engineering specialties, where the competition is two applications for three budget-funded places. The article uses econometric methods of analysis of digital information, analyzes the influence model between the indicators of the passing score and the general competition. Recommendations are provided on the revision of the policy of admission and competitive selection of students in certain specialties, taking into account the existing established trends in the demand for engineering specialties and taking into account the factor of occupation of the country’s territory and, as a result, changes in the structure of production and needs in the labor market.

МОДЕЛЬ ВЗАЄМНОЇ АДАПТАЦІЇ РИНКУ ПРАЦІ Й РИНКУ ОСВІТНІХ ПОСЛУГ В УКРАЇНІ

The article reveals the content and main components of the model of mutual adaptation of the labor market and the educational services market in Ukraine, characterizes the aspects of state regulation of the educational services market in the conditions of war and crisis, identifies examples of the institutional environment that can ensure effective management of the reconstruction and development of educational services in Ukraine. The effectiveness of this adaptation involves several stages, each of which regulates a certain component of this model. The mutual adaptation of the market of educational services and the labor market depends on the form of education. The longer the learning process and the longer terms of educational services, the greater the time interval between the mutual adjustment of markets, the higher the level of informal uncertainty when choosing the type of educational services, the greater the probability of structural disparities in professional training. Ukraine's transition to a market economy involves not only a radical change in the style and methods of management, but also radical changes in educational activities. The modern development of market relations is quite closely related to the process of formation of the educational services market. The world experience of educational institutions clearly proves that the key to successful activity is the quality provision of educational services and their management. The provision and consumption of educational services is a necessary life process, without which neither the activity of the market nor the life of the state and society as a whole is possible. State regulation of the educational services market is of particular importance, as it regulates the educational process and controls the quality of the provision of educational services. The problem of increasing the efficiency of state management activities in the field of regulating the educational services market was and remains relevant. The scientific management of educational services requires, first of all, a deep study of the main theories and concepts that regulate the totality of educational services provided in the world and in Ukraine in particular, as well as the need for a better introduction of information support into education, which will be the basis for the formation of scientifically based, objective and operational management influences and management decisions.

‘Lemonisation’ and Information Asymmetry on the Educational Services Market in Ukraine

Aim. The article aims to analyse the manifestations of information asymmetry in the market of educational services to develop proposals for improving the communication programmes of higher education institutions of Ukraine. Methods. The authors describe the display of information asymmetry in the market of educational services based on a sociological study among the 1st and 2nd-year students of Ukrainian universities, which aimed to study the criteria for choosing an educational programme. The authors used correlation analysis to assess the statistical significance of the influence of individual criteria on the selection of entrants. The survey was conducted at the universities in Ukraine that provide educational services on the bachelor’s degree specialities of 073 Management and 075 Marketing. A critical and comparative analysis of state regulatory measures to overcome information asymmetry was also applied. Results. The annual decrease in the number of university entrants in Ukraine and around the world has led to increased competition among universities, resulting in an escalation of information asymmetry in the market of educational services and its ‘lemonisation’. Conclusions. According to the results of the sociological study, despite the high availability of sources of information, at the time of entering the university, the vast majority of students did not consider themselves sufficiently informed about the benefits of studying in the chosen educational and professional programme. Several state regulatory measures have been taken to provide quality educational services in Ukraine and ensure unbiased information about universities. It was revealed that by allocating state-funded places for a specific speciality and university, the government significantly influences the choice of applicants. However, it should be noted that such impact is not very significant for applicants with high scores. Given this, the impact and effectiveness of both the state regulation system of universities in Ukraine and its specific instruments require further study. Cognitive value. The study results contribute to overcoming the asymmetry of information in the market of educational services, serve as a methodological basis for improving the communication programmes of higher education institutions, promote healthy competition among them. The findings of this study can be considered an essential contribution to future research.

FINANCIAL SUPPORT OF EDUCATIONAL SERVICES IN UKRAINE

Introduction. Educational services in Ukraine play an important role in the formation of social and human capital, and the quality and level of education outline the acquired professional skills, characterize the ability to learn throughout life, promote innovative development of society, knowledge economy, increase competitiveness of graduates in the labour market their individual incomes and increase the welfare of the population of the state. That is, today the most important thing is that the society realizes that the provision of educational services is the key to the future of our state and the foundation of the development of the nation, society and individual. We believe that the progressive development of educational services in Ukraine is possible only if they are properly funded, effective, efficient and sound combination of financial and educational policies of the state. Methods. General scientific techniques and methods of economic research were used in the process of writing the article. The theoretical and methodological basis of intelligence was the analysis of scientific works of domestic and foreign scientists on the study of financial support of educational services in Ukraine, Internet resources. The study used general and special research methods, in particular: general and special – to ensure this goal; dialectical, abstract and logical – to substantiate theoretical positions and conclusions. Results. The article examined the state of financial support of educational services in Ukraine in recent years. The dynamics of consolidated budget expenditures on educational services in Ukraine, as well as in terms of state and local budgets was analysed. It was emphasized that the progressive development of educational services in Ukraine is possible provided they are properly funded. Discussion. Further research will focus on finding the optimal mechanism for financing educational services in Ukraine. Keywords: financial support, educational services, educational subvention, sources of financial support.

SOURCES OF FINANCIAL PROVISION OF EDUCATIONAL SERVICES IN UKRAINE

Introduction. In the process of ensuring the effective functioning and sustainable economic growth of the sphere of educational services, the issue of creating an effective mechanism for their financial support becomes especially important. For the successful functioning of the sphere of educational services, it is necessary to provide it with sufficient financial resources. Today, the financial aspect is one of the most problematic issues of the educational services system in Ukraine. Thus, insufficient financial support of the educational sphere directly affects other dimensions of this system. Analysts, researchers, scholars, that is, all those who are interested in educational services, are trying to answer the question of who should finance education and in what proportions should come from different sources? After all, the financial security of education and the allocation of resources are key to the success of reforms and the transformation of educational services. Methods. The methodological basis of the article is the dialectical method of scientific knowledge and a systematic approach to the study of sources of financial support for educational services in Ukraine. The scientific works of domestic and foreign scientists on the researched issues are the theoretical basis of the study. In the process of research general and special methods were used, in particular: the analytical method was used in the review of literature sources; abstract and logical – in theoretical generalizations and conclusions. The use of a set of methods based on modern theoretical and methodological approaches, allowed us to ensure the conceptual unity of the study. Results. The article considers aspects of the formation of educational resources of Ukraine at the present stage. The dynamics of changes in educational services of Ukraine during the study period by sources of funding was analysed. It was proved that the main sources of financial support for educational services are funds allocated from the state and local budgets. Statistical data on the state and compliance with the financial support of educational services in Ukraine were presented. Discussion. We will continue our research in the direction of forming strategic vectors for the development of the educational space of Ukraine in the global environment. Keywords: financial support, sources of financial support, financial resources, education expenditures.

Retracted: Quality management in higher education: Developing the methodology on the basis of total quality management

AbstractUnderstanding the needs of end users (customers, stakeholders) and the simultaneous application of new methodologies for the implementation of strategic plans in order to meet the needs of external (employers) and internal consumers (students and teachers) are essential elements of quality management in higher education. This article aimed to investigate the general state of modern quality management in higher education. A survey of consumers of educational services in Ukraine was conducted in order to study the current state of quality management in higher education. Interested parties’ theory and total quality management methodology in quality management of higher education served as the basis for the research methodology. The requirements of the administration and departments of higher educational institutions, students and employers in Ukraine to the quality of education were studied. Requirements for meeting the needs of consumers of educational services have been developed. During the study, the principle of ‘student‐centred learning’ and the protection of key interests of students were implemented. It was found that the quality of higher education in Ukraine is characterised by a significant level of dissatisfaction. An empirical assessment of the gap between expectations and actual experience of obtaining higher education was carried out and the discrepancy between education in Ukraine and the requirements of stakeholders was proved.

Research of consumer demand in the market of educational services of Dnipropetrovsk region

The purpose of the research. The aim of the work is to study consumer needs in the market of educational services in marketing management system at higher educational institutions. Methods. The following methods were used in the research process: statistical – to process data on the dynamics of supply and demand; sociological – in the study of factors that affect individual and socio-economic demand; survey – to collect primary data on consumer demand in the market of educational services in Dnipropetrovsk region. Results. It is proved that with the help of marketing researches and modern approaches it is possible to get a clear idea of qualitative and quantitative criteria of demand, the real situation in the market; identify problems of interaction between different market participants; determine trends and directions of demand development; evaluate the effectiveness of information channels. The authors emphasize that higher education institutions seek to achieve consistency between the potential of higher education institutions as producers of educational services and the needs of consumers in these services. The main development trends and problems of the market of educational services in Ukraine are described. In the light of the results obtained, it is established that understanding the behavior of potential and actual applicants for higher education will help the institution not only to adapt to it, but also to shape it. Practical meaning. The results of a survey conducted among consumers of the market of educational services in Dnipropetrovsk region allowed to make a portrait of the applicant and graduate through the eyes of employer. The obtained results can be used for further research on this topic Prospects for further research are the formation of a model of consumer behavior in the market of educational services, which will allow to organize effective management of marketing activities in higher education and not only meet consumer needs, but also to form market demand.

Methodology for Ensuring Quality Management of Higher Education

Higher education’s quality management requires an understanding of the needs of end users (customers, interested parties) and involves the application of new methodologies for the formation and implementation of strategic plans in order to meet the needs of external (employers) and internal consumers (students and teachers). The purpose of the academic paper is to investigate the current state of quality management of higher education based on the study of the requirements of different interested parties’ groups by surveying consumers of educational services in Ukraine. The methodology is built on the basis of interested parties’ theory and TQM (Total Quality Management) methodology in quality management of higher education. The methodology has been used to study the requirements of the administration and departments of higher educational institutions (HEI), students and employers in Ukraine towards quality of education. The methodology is based on a survey, which involves the formation of a structure of customers’ requirements (interested parties) and sets of questions for different groups of customers. Four requirements frameworks have been designed to meet the needs of consumers of educational services, which ultimately ensures the identification of priorities and assessment of the overall quality of higher education. The results demonstrate the implementation of the principle of “student-centered learning” and the protection of key interests of students in order to obtain and receive qualitative higher education in Ukraine. The spread of the practice of TQM integration in the private sector has been revealed, which determines the adaptation of this methodology in the management processes of educational establishments. The presence of a significant level of dissatisfaction with the quality of higher education in Ukraine has been proven. An empirical assessment of the significant gap between expectations and actual experience of higher education has been made, and the inconsistency of education in Ukraine with the requirements of interested parties has been proven.

Behaviour of Economic Agents in Services Market (Educational Services)

The paper considers the theoretical and practical aspects of the behaviour of economic agents in the market for educational services. The aim of the study is to improve the behavioural aspects of the interaction of market agents. The main objectives of the study are: (1) to determine the features of behaviour of economic agents; (2) to determine the behaviour model of every economic agent in the market for educational services in Ukraine; (3) to identify problems of development of the market for educational services; (4) to improve the mechanism of interaction of economic agents in the market for educational services. Thus, in the light of the statistical analysis, the behaviour models of economic agents have been defined. Each of them has been described in terms of the efficiency of their influence on development of the market for educational services. The identified problems made it possible to improve the mechanism of their relationship, which, in contrast to the existing ones, takes into account the transformational processes in the labour market, and is based on the interaction of resource, information, and organizational components. The operation of the mechanism is aimed at satisfying the interests of economic agents and improving the quality of educational services.

DEVELOPMENT OF EDUCATIONAL AND SOCIAL INCLUSION IN CONDITIONS OF SOCIAL TRANSFORMATION OF UKRAINE

In this article, the theoretical aspects of educational and social inclusion are considered. The level of educational services in Ukraine for children with disabilities is analysed. The basic problems of the successful implementation of educational and social inclusion into the educational process are specified. Practical recommendations for the development of educational inclusion in Ukraine are given.

INTERNATIONALIZATION OF HIGHER EDUCATION IN CONDITIONS GLOBAL CHALLENGES

Problem setting. Modern global challenges have significantly changed the landscape of higher education and intensified the process of its internationalization, the consideration of which has become one of the most discussed scientific problems in the field of higher education. Socio-philosophical understanding of the internationalization of higher education allows us to present it not only as an effective tool for improving the competitiveness of universities, but also as a basis for their social responsibility, a significant factor in improving the quality of higher education. This is extremely relevant to the study of the process of internationalization of higher education in a globalized world.
 Recent research and publications analysis. The study of the problems of internationalization of higher education belongs to the sphere of scientific interests of both Ukrainian and foreign scientists. Among modern domestic researchers who deal with theoretical and methodological issues of internationalization of higher education and analysis of the peculiarities of internationalization of higher education in Ukraine in the context of global challenges should be noted such scientists as Boychenko M., Verbytska A., Voronkova V., Gorbunova L., Debych M. , Zinchenko V., Kiykov A., Krasovska O., Kurbatov S., Mishchenko M., Nitenko O., Sbrueva A., Sikorska I., Stepanenko I., Terepyshchy S., Shipko O. and others. Significant contribution to the theoretical development of ideas for the internationalization of higher education in the context of globalization has also made foreign scientists ‑ Altbach F., Bergmann H., Branderburg W., Brooks R., Wang M., H. de Wit., Geissler M., Knight J. , Robertson S., Scott P., Hudzik J., Hundt S. et al. Despite the fact that the scientific literature has widely reflected the understanding of various problems of internationalization of higher education, still remain debatable a number of issues that need to be constantly considered.
 Paper objective. The aim of the article is to study the essence of the concept of internationalization of higher education in modern socio-philosophical discourse; consideration of methodological approaches to the analysis of internationalization of higher education; identifying the prerequisites for the development of internationalization of education in a globalized world; disclosure of the national strategy for the internationalization of higher education in Ukraine.
 Paper main body. The development of modern higher education takes place in the context of global challenges, among which the most important, as stated in the founding document of UNESCO "Higher Education in a Globalized Society", are: the growing importance of the knowledge society / knowledge economy; development of new trade agreements, which include, inter alia, trade in educational services; innovations in the field of information and communication technologies; the growing role of the market and market economy. To date, according to many scholars, the most comprehensive and scientifically sound of the existing definitions of the internationalization of higher education is the definition given by H. de Wit and F. Hunter. According to them, the internationalization of higher education is a deliberate process of integrating the international, intercultural or global dimension into the purpose, functions and methods of higher education in order to improve the quality of education and research for all students and staff and make a significant contribution to society. Experience shows that in the field of internationalization of higher education there are two institutional models: traditional and complex. The first model includes components such as academic mobility; internationalization of the curriculum; international cooperation in the field of scientific research; partnerships with foreign higher education institutions. The comprehensive model of internationalization of higher education includes academic mobility; internationalization of the curriculum; international cooperation in the field of scientific research; partnerships with foreign higher education institutions; international educational programs of joint / double / multilateral diplomas; branches abroad; online / electronic training courses. Currently, the main ideas of the strategy of internationalization of the market of educational services in Ukraine are: 1. strengthening international competitiveness in higher education and research; 2. active participation of Ukraine in the development of European higher education; 3. expanding the opportunities of Ukrainian higher education institutions to enter the European educational market; 4. positioning Ukraine as a leader in the international market of educational services; 5. expanding opportunities for improving the system of higher education and research infrastructure of universities; 6. development of cross-border higher education.
 Conclusions of the research. For leading Ukrainian universities seeking to become competitive members of the global education market, internationalization has already become an imperative and has become one of the most important tools for innovative development of higher education in Ukraine, its successful integration into the European and global educational space.

IDENTIFICATION OF THE MAIN DIRECTIONS OF ORGANIZATIONAL AND ECONOMIC SUPPORT OF EDUCATIONAL SERVICES MANAGEMENT IN UKRAINE

The article analyzes the main approaches to the interpretation of the concept of educational service, which consider it as: purposeful activity of participants in the educational process; the process of transmitting certain information for assimilation; a set of knowledge, skills, abilities and a certain amount of information, etc. It is established that the system of organization and management of education at the regional and state level as a whole is a set of interrelated elements: educational programs and state educational standards of different levels and orientations, networks of educational institutions that implement them regardless of organizational and legal forms, types and types, education management bodies and institutions and organizations subordinate to them. The problems inherent in the management of the modern education system of Ukraine are revealed: the lack of clear requirements for managers; uncertainty of the specific content of education management; negative consequences of the collapse of the previously existing management system (violation of the material supply system, lack of control and forecast of quantitative and qualitative characteristics of educational services). The specifics of educational services are determined, namely the combination of traditional characteristics of services and the inseparable connection of educational services with the source of their provision; changes in the quality of service when changing the level of staff; impossibility of preservation; intangible; active participation of the consumer in the process of providing educational services. The future main directions of organizational and economic support of management of educational services in Ukraine are determined: stimulation of effective demand for education through tax benefits; development of a control system for ensuring state educational standards, etc.

Competition of higher education institutions in regional markets of educational services in Ukraine

Introduction. The system of higher education in Ukraine is an integral part of the international educational space. In terms of the number of universities (total and per capita), Ukraine is among the top 25 countries with the largest number of higher education institutions. Although Ukraine has a fairly wide network of higher education institutions, this does not mean that there is only pure competition in the regional markets of educational services. The purpose of the paper is to study the competition of higher education institutions in the regional markets of educational services in Ukraine. Results. In the article the authors study the competition of higher education institutions in the regional markets of educational services in Ukraine. Maps of competition of higher education institutions in 29 fields of knowledge in Ukraine have been constructed. For each field of knowledge, the types of competition of higher education institutions in the regional markets of educational services in Ukraine have been identified, including such as “monopoly”, “oligopoly” and “pure competition”. If there are no higher education institutions in the region that train specialists in a certain field of knowledge, then such a region was referred to as a “free niche”. Conclusion. Exceptionally pure competition of higher education institutions in the regional markets of educational services in Ukraine takes place only in the fields of knowledge 05 “Social and Behavioral Sciences” and 07 “Management and Administration”. In other fields of knowledge to some extent there are signs of oligopoly and/or monopoly of higher education institutions in the regional markets of educational services in Ukraine. There is no pure competition of higher education institutions in the regional markets of educational services in Ukraine in such fields of knowledge as 04 “Theology” and 21 “Veterinary Medicine”.

ЕФЕКТИВНІСТЬ РЕГУЛЮВАННЯ ДЕРЖАВОЮ РИНКУ ОСВІТНІХ ПОСЛУГ У СУЧАСНИХ УМОВАХ

The effectiveness of state regulation of the market of educational services in Ukraine involves several stages. Each of them regulates a certain component of the effectiveness of state regulation. By government regulation we mean an alternative mechanism that compensates for market inefficiency. The basis for government intervention are market gaps, errors. The market and the state are not without flaws: the choice between the market and the state is only a choice between different degrees and types of imperfection. However, in a real mixed economy, state regulation is a typical phenomenon, so there are grounds for its analysis and evaluation. There are the following types of efficiency of state regulation: economic, social, adaptive. Economic efficiency presupposes the conformity of the obtained result to the set socio-economic goal and the methods by which it is achieved. Social efficiency implies a social, or social, succession of political and economic measures taken by the state, as the influence of most instruments of public policy is twofold and contradictory. The adaptive efficiency of state regulation is subject to both static and dynamic analysis. Static analysis considers adaptive efficiency in the narrow sense as a response to developments in the economy, as well as change. Dynamic analysis covers a broader aspect: the subject is the active activities of the state aimed at preventing problems that arise. The effectiveness of the state in the market of educational services depends not only on the increase in budget allocations, especially since public revenues and the public sector always have relative growth limits. The highest form of state regulation is state programming, as it involves the integrated use with a global goal of all elements of state regulation of the economy: political, economic rules and contracts. An example of state programming is the structural reforms that are being carried out in Ukraine today. An important component of structural reforms is education reform. Public administration is carried out through the process of interaction between objects and subjects of public administration. The subjects of public administration are the executive authorities, and the object is the system they govern, in those who are subject to the will of the subjects and their decision.

Analysis of education development in Ukraine in the context of the access to free educational services

The development of education is a complex managerial process that can combine or concentrate various directions, goals, and objects. Nowadays, the impact of the state or other public organizations on the competitiveness of higher educational institutions’ activity is quite a difficult process as the institutions have extended autonomy. In the COVID-2019 pandemic, contemporary people are actually limited in their rights to free full-time education at universities or other institutions providing educational services to determine all competitive advantages of a certain educational institution. Therefore, vertical and horizontal connections that generate the competitiveness of educational institutions should be taken into account when conducting comprehensive research of the mechanisms of the system of securing education through the analysis of educational institutions’ activity. From this perspective, consideration of various educational levels is a relevant research object that allows showing the current situation in the sector. The article aims to analyze the main educational levels in Ukraine, reveal the problem aspects in the sector, and generalize public measures taken to secure access to free educational services. The article analyzes the change paces of main development parameters of a private segment of general secondary education in Ukraine in 2012-2021 and educational expenses of Ukrainian households per month in 2002-2020. The share of private general educational institutions in their total number in Ukrainian regions for 2020 and the share of Government commission at the expense of state and local budgets in the total number of those having entered higher educational institutions in Ukraine in 2006-2021 are calculated. The trends in the number of vocational and higher educational institutions in Ukraine and their students in 1990-2019 are shown. The main measures taken by the state to secure access to free educational services in Ukraine are outlined.

Analysis of students' views about the quality of higher education (based on the survey results)

The article is dedicated to the issue of student involvement in higher education quality assurance and evaluation – a vital and highly relevant issue in today’s higher education of Ukraine. Changes instigated by the Law of Ukraine «On Higher Education» of 2014, foresee an active role of students in the formation and evaluation of higher education quality as 1) final beneficiaries, 2) interviewees and participants in accreditation of study programmes, 3) external evaluation experts during study programmes accreditation, as ruled by current legislation. Taking into account the significance of students’ role in quality assurance, it is necessary to find out:
 
 how university students interpret quality of higher education and higher education quality assurance;
 how students perceive their role in the formation and enhancement of higher education quality;
 to what extend they are ready and committed to influence and improve the quality of higher education.
 
 Accordingly, the aim of this article is to investigate students’ opinion on the quality of Ukraine’s higher education. To this end, students’ survey was conducted with the focus on the following:
 
 what is quality and quality assurance in students’ opinion;
 how respondents assess the quality of education in their HEI and in Ukraine in general;
 whether students can influence the quality of study programmes and quality of higher education;
 what hinders improvement of study programmes and enhancement of quality of higher education.
 
 The survey was conducted in May – October 2020; the respondents were 115 students of five Ukrainian universities (years three and four of bachelor programmes and master students) who volunteered to take part in the survey.
 The research resulted in the following conclusions: 
 1) There is no integral, holistic understanding of higher education quality among student community. Representatives of different HEIs interpret higher education quality differently, though in total 60% of respondents interpret quality as « new, relevant information and knowledge».
 2) On the whole, respondents value the quality of higher education rather low: only 25% of students regard it as high. At the same time, most of surveyed students rate the quality of their study programme higher, than the quality of higher education in their university or the quality of educational services in Ukraine in general.
 3) Students of different HEIs are rather diverse in their interpretation of quality assurance of higher education and choice of different means for quality enhancement. On the whole, respondents give preference to those tools that anticipate active students’ participation in quality assurance, like asking the teacher to change the manner of teaching, or leaving a complaint with student self-government, discussing the quality of teaching in a focus group, or filling in an evaluation questionnaire.
 4) Students who participated in the survey demonstrated critical thinking and fair judgement of their negative impact on the quality of higher education by stating that low student motivation is the most significant factor that obstructs quality enhancement. Other factors cited by respondents include low teacher motivation, underdeveloped infrastructure at HEIs, teacher workload.
 5) The positive finding of the survey is that the majority of students are confident in their capability to influence the quality of higher education in their HEI and only 21% responded they are deprived of the possibility improve higher education quality.