International Business Development Research Articles

EU International Business Development and Sustainability

EU International Business Development and Sustainability

The intensity of regional food trade among the Western Balkan countries during periods of crisis

This study explores the intensity of food trade among the Western Balkan (WB) countries (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia) during periods of crisis, emphasizing the impact of COVID-19 and the Ukrainian-Russian conflict on regional trade dynamics. The impact of this crisis was measured over three analyzed years: 2018, representing a reference year for comparison, then 2020 as the year affected by COVID-19, and 2022, being affected by the pandemic as well as the Ukrainian-Russian crisis. All data collected are from the “Trade Statistics for International Business Development Database”. Conclusions about the intensity of exchange of agricultural and food products within the WB region were obtained by calculating Regional Intensity of Trade of Export (RITE) and Regional Intensity of Trade of Import (RITI). Higher values than 1 indicate intensity in trade or dominance of trade in specific products with a particular region compared with the trade with the world. In the case of trade among the WB countries, the COVID-19 crisis did not affect the increase in trade volume. However, there was an increase in intra-regional trade by about 50% when compared with 2020 and 2022. The RITE coefficients for all countries except Albania were greater than 1, indicating intensified export of agricultural and food products to the WB region compared with their global export. The RITI index is very important in crisis, as it somewhat answers the question of who "feeds" the country during crises. All WB countries had the RITI indices greater than 1, indicating a higher intensity of food imports from the region compared with the world. According to this research, the RIT coefficients measured generally declined in the years of crises, meaning that the countries shifted their export focus to other regions but still the most significant foreign and intense trade partners in agricultural and food products were countries from the region.

The Impact of Project Activities on the International Business Development

The impact of project activities on the international business development is an urgent issue in view of the increasing global expansion and intensifying competition between companies. The aim of the study is to assess the impact of project activities on the international business development. The research methodology is based on the analysis of modern trends in the development of international business using econometric modelling, statistical analysis, and extrapolation. The impact of project activities on business expansion was determined and the use of Agile and PMBOK methodologies was assessed. The obtained results show the experience of international companies in the use of project methodologies, which increased by 20% in 2023 compared to 2022. The study found that project activities have a significant impact on the international business development thanks to the support of bank lending. The results show that the effective use of project methodology optimize production processes and reduce costs in international business. The available results emphasize the importance of strategic project management for the successful development of enterprises on the international market using the example of Azerbaijan. The research findings indicate the effective practice of applying innovative technologies in project activities with the help of Agile for international business development. A comparative analysis of management approaches objectively determines the advantages, which include the promptness of decision-making, ensuring organizational efficiency. Further research into project management methods in international business will contribute to the improvement of management practices and the development of strategies that meet the modern globalization challenges.

Историческое архитектурное наследие и современная застройка Владивостока как ресурс интеграции в АТР и формирования бренда территории в рамках политики «Разворота на Восток»: тренды и проблемы

The article examines the problems of forming a brand for the territory of Vladivostok as the largest agglomeration in the Russian Far East and a center of international cooperation with the countries of the Asia-Pacific region. The author analyzes the features of the building and territorial development of the city both in previous historical periods and in the conditions of the present moment. The period of analysis covers the entire history of the city’s development – from the second half of the 19th century to the present day, territorially – the entire urban development, taking into account port and industrial development. The article pays attention to such problems as the established fame of Vladivostok, the features of the urban environment, the specific structure of urban space, the relationship ofthese aspects with the development of international cooperation, business and economic activity, inbound tourism and the transformation of the capital of the Far Eastern Federal District into a well-known international location. The modern Russian policy of "Turn to the East" on the scale of the Far Eastern Federal District turns out to be largely connected with such locations as Vladivostok, and for this reason it is necessary to pay more and more attention to the development of such territories, harmoniously linking the historical "background" with the possibilities of modern urbanism.

Features of the Development of International Trade in Tourist Services

Introduction. The relevance of studying the peculiarities of the development of international trade in tourist services is determined by the significant role of world tourism in the structure of the global economy. In the conditions of a complex international political situation, which is dynamically changing, it is crucial to identify the vectors of the development of the tourism industry to determine the future structure of the macro-regional distribution of tourist flows. Aim and tasks. The purpose of this study is to identify the dominant factors and prospects for the development of international tourism business in the conditions of modern global economic and political instability to determine the most favourable marketing strategies for interaction in the international market of tourist services by extrapolating the results to the possibilities of post-war recovery of the tourism industry in Ukraine. Results. An analysis of international tourism arrivals showed that the average annual growth rate of the industry from 1995 to 2020 average annual growth of international tourist arrivals was more than 4 per cent. Over the estimated period from 1995 to 2023, the average arrival rate decreased to 2.46 per cent. Macro-regions are considered the most promising for the scaling of international tourism, as well as the factors that will contribute to this and can inhibit economic processes. Special attention is paid to the positioning of Ukraine during the post-war recovery of the tourism industry. Forecast indicators indicate that international tourist arrivals to Ukraine could reach 61 million people in the tenth year of the post-war period. An alternative strategy for promoting national tourist products and brands in the target markets of Central and Eastern Europe, Asia, and the Middle East was proposed, and the feasibility of continuing the promotion of Ukraine as a tourist brand was substantiated. Conclusions. This study confirms the vector of the shift in global tourist flows under the influence of a number of factors that deepen the contradictions between the Global South and the North, revealing key trends in the growth and displacement of international tourist flows among countries belonging to two opposite camps. The directions of institutional and structural changes required to restore international tourism in Ukraine in the post-war period to strengthen Ukraine's position in the global tourism market are proposed.

Evaluating the Challenges and Prospects of Cross-Cultural Communication in Promoting Free Trade Zones in Nigeria

Free Trade Zones (FTZs) in Nigeria attract a diverse array of workers, businesses, and management teams from various cultural backgrounds. Effective communication within these environments is crucial for facilitating idea exchange, building trust, and maintaining relationships. With the expansion of global trade, the significance of cross-cultural communication in ensuring successful business interactions is paramount. However, the convergence of diverse cultural, linguistic, and business practices in Nigeria presents challenges that impede the optimal functioning of FTZs. This study delineates the challenges and prospects of cross-cultural communication in promoting investment in Nigerian FTZs. Using a qualitative approach, it employs in-depth interviews and document analysis to comprehensively explore these issues. Engaging stakeholders from different cultural backgrounds, the study identifies key communication challenges, including language barriers, stereotypes, ethnocentrism, and non-verbal communication differences. Despite these obstacles, implementing intercultural training programs and digital communication tools can enhance business interactions. This research contributes to international business, intercultural communication, and economic development discourse, offering insights for policymakers, business practitioners, and academics.

Концептуальные основы управления торгово-экспортной организацией в контексте международного бизнеса

The article studies the conceptual foundations for solving a significant-actual problem – managing a trade-export organization in the context of international business development in an unstable exogenous environment. The purpose of the study is to provide a detailed analysis of the key theoretical-conceptual issues of management and to justify a set of strategic decisions that contribute to the growth of Russian trade-export organizations’ competitiveness in the international market. The system-analytical and comparative theoretical methods, as well as actual works of scientists-economists, revealing some problematic components of managing in trade-export organizations, formed the methodological basis of the research. Both positive and negative experience of strategic planning in trade-export organizations in the context of modern challenges and trends in international business is demonstrated, the stages of strategic planning, the implementation of which ensures the achievement of long-term goals of the organization, are proposed and substantiated. It is shown that in the conditions of increasing competitiveness of the international environment the focus of the concept of increasing the potential of trade-export organization managing is a holistic approach to strategic management, which implies clearly designed and functioning in interaction systems of strategic planning, marketing, logistics and finance, promoting the development of international business.

Multinational corporations and grand challenges: part of the problem, part of the solution?

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to address the relationship between multinational corporations (MNCs) and grand challenges. Stressing the moderating impact of stakeholders and governments, it frames and introduces the six contributions of the special issue, equally divided into those illustrating how MNCs contribute to the existence of grand challenges and those exploring how MNCs contribute to addressing grand challenges.Design/methodology/approachBased on a review of the existing literature on the relationship between MNCs and grand challenges and recent developments in mainstream international business, the viewpoint emphasizes the need to move beyond a one-sided focus on the positive contributions of MNCs to grand challenges.FindingsThe special issue contributions reveal that even established MNCs are actively engaged in strategic efforts to perpetuate unsustainable practices and minimize the impact of societal rules and stakeholders. The contributions also highlight the complications when MNCs aim to tackle grand challenges.Practical implicationsDisplaying positive practices of how MNCs contribute to the solution of grand challenges should not be considered a functional substitute for regulatory action, contrary to the frequent assertion of MNCs and their political representatives.Originality/valueThis special issue is the first one in IB to address the relationship between MNCs and grand challenges from an empirical vantage point.

МІЖНАРОДНИЙ БІЗНЕС В УМОВАХ ТУРБУЛЕНТНОСТІ ГЛОБАЛЬНОЇ ЕКОНОМІКИ

The article is devoted to the study of trends in the evolutionary changes of international business in the context of global economic turbulence. It is established that the global economy is currently at the stage of turbulent fluctuations, the factors and at the same time the results of which are the strengthening of new features that are almost polar to the attributes of the economy of the past decade. The turbulence of the global economy provokes relevant trends in the development of international business: a decrease in the rate of scaling of the international companies activities; comprehensive digitization of business processes; reformatting of global chains of value formation in terms of length, fragmentation and localization; strengthening cyber security and information protection in order to minimize financial and reputational risks; the growth of e-commerce; multichannel communications with consumers; increasing the social responsibility of international companies and increasing investments in sustainable development; increasing the value of human capital and permanent modernization of the international companies HR management. Artificial intelligence and human creative capital are becoming the identifying carrier of globalization changes, which is a source of innovative efficiency of international business processes and a critical factor for sustainable development. This stimulates a steady increase of investment in the development of artificial intelligence and its implementation in international business practices. Artificial intelligence has become a factor in the development of traditional economic sectors and a driver of the creative economy as a new global phenomenon. It is established that the growth of the creative economy is characterized by the disparity between countries with different levels of development in international trade in goods and services of creative industries: a clear dominance of developed countries in the services segment and a dynamic increase in the contribution of developing countries in the segment of creative goods. On a global scale, artificial intelligence is not limited to international business and is being actively integrated into the process of developing and implementing sustainable development strategies.

ЦИФРОВІЗАЦІЯ КРАЇН АФРИКАНСЬКОГО КОНТИНЕНТУ ТА ПЕРСПЕКТИВИ РОЗВИТКУ МІЖНАРОДНОГО БІЗНЕСУ

The article is devoted to the study of the place and role of the digitalization process of the countries of the African continent in the context of their integration into the international business environment. The article highlights the essence and mechanisms of the implementation of information and communication technologies based on the measurement of the index of readiness of countries for digital networks, the theoretical and methodological aspects of formation of the conceptual apparatus of researched issues and the market competitiveness of African countries in the conditions of globalization of the world economy are determined. The work analyzes the global experience of managing the process of digitalization of the international economy in general and international business in particular, the methods and mechanisms of regulation of this process are determined; researched mechanisms of state influence on enterprises and the conditions under which it is appropriate to use it; a modernized approach to the implementation of leading experience in the management activities of enterprises in African countries is also proposed. The article identifies the leading countries in the field of digitalization, their role in global and local markets is clarified; the prospects for changing the rates of population growth in the African region and the consequences of this growth as part of the expansion of high-tech businesses to regional and international markets are outlined; the predicted degree of their presence in the countries of the African continent. Particular attention is paid to the general features of the modern stage of the development of international business, the role of innovations in the development of strategies for the development of the economies of African countries is determined; an assessment of the effectiveness of the set of strategies of international companies was provided, which ultimately allowed us to propose a number of practical and recommended actions aimed at improving and improving the process of managing the processes of digitalization of the business environment of the countries of the African continent.

КОНЦЕПТУАЛІЗАЦІЯ ЦИФРОВОЇ ТРАНСФОРМАЦІЇ У МІЖНАРОДНОМУ БІЗНЕСІ

Digital technologies fundamentally change business strategies, the mechanism of business organization both at the national and international level. Thanks to the automation of business processes, companies optimize costs, generate new types of products, transform their own business models, expanding their global presence. Based on the analysis of the existing scientometric base of the digital transformation of international business, the methodological foundations of its conceptualization were determined and a conceptual model consisting of a cognitive core, social environment, and technological superstructure was developed. It is substantiated that the methodological foundations of the conceptualization of digital transformation are long-term goal setting, digitalization, effective strategy, the principle of "empowerment", bimodal IT architecture, investment in artificial intelligence and digital competences. It was revealed that the concept of digital transformation of business lies in the plane of partnership, human-centered, knowledge, information technology, strategic dimensions and digitalization dimension. The article considers the conceptualization of digital transformation in international business. Digital transformation is a key factor in the modernization and development of modern companies operating on a global scale. The authors analyze the main trends, technologies and approaches that contribute to the introduction of digital innovations in international business, including artificial intelligence, big data, the Internet of Things, blockchain and cloud computing. Special attention is paid to the analysis of the impact of digital transformation on the competitiveness of companies in the international arena, optimization of business processes, improvement of supply chains and improvement of the quality of customer service. In addition, challenges related to the implementation of the latest technologies are considered, in particular, issues of cyber security, legal regulation and change management in organizations. The article emphasizes the importance of strategic planning and the development of digital competencies for successful adaptation to the new conditions of the business environment. Ultimately, the article highlights the importance of digital transformation for international business development, particularly as a tool.

INTEGRATION PROCESSES IN UKRAINE AND THEIR INFLUENCE ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS

The topic of integration processes in Ukraine and their impact on the development of international business is important and relevant in the context of the country's economic development. Ukraine's integration with global economic structures, such as the European Union and other regional blocs, opens up new opportunities for international business and has a significant impact on the development of the country's economy. The accession of Ukraine to the European Union and the signing of regional agreements contribute to the increase of trade relations and cooperation with other countries. This stimulates the growth of exports and the attraction of foreign investments, as well as promotes the transfer of best practices and technologies. International companies have the opportunity to expand their activities in the Ukrainian market and use its potential. However, integration also presents Ukrainian companies with challenges related to competition in the foreign market and the need to improve production processes and product quality. For the successful development of international business, it is important to attract foreign partners, introduce innovative technologies, improve the qualifications of employees and develop efficient logistics. Therefore, integration processes in Ukraine have a significant impact on the development of international business, create new opportunities for enterprises, and contribute to the attraction of foreign investments and the transfer of best practices. However, successful management of these processes requires effective strategies, adaptation to international standards and constant improvement of the competitiveness of Ukrainian business. The article examines integration processes in Ukraine and determines their impact on the development of international business; the challenges and opportunities of integration processes for the development of international business in Ukraine are considered.

Информационно-коммуникационные технологии в международном бизнесе средних и малых предприятий: роль, типы и решения

This article examines the role of information and communication technologies (ICT) in the interna-tional business development of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the modern world. The COVID-19 pandemic had forced managers of SME organizations to adapt quickly to new business conditions by adap-tation of new technologies and changing internal and external business processes. The article analyzes the key factors of integration ICT that influence the transformation of the way business is conducted in global markets. The specifics of ICT implementation in various areas of small and medium-sized businesses are described. The most significant challenges of digital transformation of SME business have been identified. The study high-lights the importance of addressing these issues in increasing the competitiveness and innovation capacity of SMEs in the global economy.

THE COMPETITIVE POSITION OF CONCENTRATED APPLE JUICE EXPORTED FROM POLAND

The objective of this research was to determine the competitive position of Concentrated Apple Juice (CAJ) exports from Poland in the years 2007-2022. The data used in this study were sourced from the Trade Map database (Trade statistics for international business development) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations (FAOSTAT). Global CAJ trade experienced a decline during this period. The average export volume from 2019 to 2022 amounted to 1.4 million tons, representing a 16% decrease compared to the average volume from 2007 to 2010. The major global CAJ exporters during the study period were China, Poland, and Turkey. China’s share in global CAJ exports decreased from 49% to 29%, while Poland’s share increased from 11% to 19%, and Turkey’s share rose from 2% to 11%. Additionally, Ukraine’s share increased from 2% to 6%, and Moldova’s share increased from 1% to 4%. The highest net export orientation ratios were observed for Moldova, Hungary, Poland, and Ukraine, all exceeding 40%. Throughout the study period, the competitive position of CAJ exports from Poland, Turkey, Ukraine, and Moldova improved, while China’s competitive position declined. This presents an opportunity for domestic producers due to the decreasing CAJ exports from China. However, there is also an increase in competitive pressure from other suppliers, primarily from Turkey, Ukraine, and Moldova.

PROBLEMS AND SOLUTIONS OF MARKETING RESEARCH IN ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS

In the article, the importance and necessity of using marketing research in the development of entrepreneurship and international business in the world economy is revealed using empirical research methods. Based on the scientific works of foreign scientists on the subject of marketing research related to entrepreneurship and international business, the author's approaches to the scientific recommendations given as effective solutions to the existing problems in the system are presented.

TRANSNATIONAL CORPORATIONS: THE CONCEPT AND BACKGROUND OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE THEORY OF CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

The article is devoted to the problem of theoretical understanding of the development of modern international business. The article discusses the terminological features of the description of the process of transnationalization, in particular, compares the content of the concepts of "transnational corporation", "multinational corporation" and "multinational enterprise". The distinctive features of transnational corporations are highlighted and the author's definition of this term is proposed. The main theories of business transnationalization that have developed in Western economic thought (the theory of internalization, the theory of internationalization, the theory of competitive advantages of M. Porter, the theory of the life cycle of R. Vernon, etc.) are analyzed and the limitations of their application are identified.

Major obstacles and directions for the application of artificial intelligence in international business

Aim. The presented study aims to investigate the nature of major challenges and obstacles that international companies are facing and to determine directions for using artificial intelligence (AI) technologies in the context of the digital transformation of the economy, global regionalization, and market fragmentation.Tasks. The authors analyze the legal framework for the use of AI technologies by international companies; identify challenges and obstacles for the implementation of business strategies in different countries; determine directions for the use of AI technologies in international business.Methods. This study uses the descriptive method, abstraction, deduction and induction, analysis and synthesis.Results. Based on the performed analysis, challenges and obstacles for implementing business strategies in various countries are identified, including regulatory, personnel, organizational and technological ones. Key development areas for international companies include smart HR policy, formation of flexible business models, analysis of customer and employee needs to prevent crisis situations and predict market trends, automation of production and reduction of costs using AI technologies, and formation of functional ecosystems that optimize cooperation, making it well-timed and well-managed.Conclusions. The findings of the study make it necessary to rethink the use of AI technologies as a tool for analyzing the requests and needs of both customers and potential employees in international business. There is an assumption that new directions for international business development will appear later. This will distort the current market situation, but adaptability and flexibility will remain key qualities that will allow an international company to ensure stability and competitiveness in the near future.

GREEN TREND IN INTERNATIONAL BANKING BUSINESS: OPPORTUNITIES FOR UKRAINE

The main forces influencing the bank's decision to switch to green banking are systematized, the potential for its growth in Ukraine is identified. Green banking in developing countries is explored, taking into account the growing need for finance to combat climate change in this group of countries. The conceptual and categorical apparatus of green finance research is improved due to the presentation of the author's approach to the interpretation of the "green bank" category, which is understood as a bank that, in both its credit and investment activities, gives priority to environmental protection over profit maximization. Based on the analysis of the latest scientific research, the systematic identification and classification of factors influencing the bank's decision to switch to green banking, which include economic (bank competition) and non-economic (ecological, cultural, moral, political) factors, are improved. It is concluded that the motives and pressure on banks for their switch to green banking have, unlike the factors, more subjective nature and are closely related to the future benefits or losses that each specific bank plans to receive or incur as a result of such switch. The ultimate goal of most motives is to increase the value of the bank, but political and economic motives for expansion and various non-economic goals of some international banks should be factored in, since they can significantly limit the effect of the market mechanism in the banking systems of recipient countries and lead to increased instability. Motives (risk avoidance, cost reduction, reputation improvement, profit maximization) are proposed to be identified as positive incentives for banks to switch to green banking, and pressure (regulatory or governmental; from stakeholders, customers and employees) as negative ones. Opportunities and challenges for international banking business in the process of the switch to green banking are considered. In the context of global trends in the development of international banking business, the development potential of green banking in Ukraine is analyzed.

International Business, digital technologies and sustainable development: Connecting the dots

Building on emerging debates on the ‘dark’ and ‘bright’ side of digital globalization, and calls for considering its environmental and social implications in more detail, this perspective article seeks to ‘unravel’ these components of ‘the digital age’ for International Business (IB). Inspired by the affordance perspective developed in Information Systems research, we offer IB scholars a new approach to ‘zoom in’ on the (potential) role of individual novel technologies in addressing specific sustainable development issues. Three examples illustrate the relevance of this approach for multinationals and for developing innovative research avenues in IB, which extend existing insights on digital globalization.

Faktor – Faktor Yang Mempengaruhi Ekspor Cocoa Powder Indonesia Ke China

This study aims to analyze the factors that influence Indonesia's cocoa powder exports to China. The data used in this study is time series data from 2008 M01 to 2019 M04. Data from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), trade statistics for international business development (trademap.org), the Indonesian ministry of agriculture, and the international cocoa organization (ICCO). This research is quantitative research with an ECM analysis model. The results showed that the international cocoa bean price and industrial production index had a positive effect on cocoa powder exports, but the international cocoa bean price variable was not significant in both the short and long term. On the other hand, the exchange rate variable has a large negative impact on Indonesia's cocoa powder exports to China in the long term and a small positive impact in the short term.