Lithuanian Case Study Research Articles

Assessment of the Environmental Public Goods of the Organic Farming System: A Lithuanian Case Study

Organic farming is a farming system that combines environmental farming practices, a high degree of biodiversity, and the protection of natural resources. All these environmental services are used in society as public goods, contributing to societal welfare. Understanding the opinions of residents on these environmental public goods is essential because they are both consumers and financial contributors to the common agricultural policy. Therefore, it is imperative to further existing scientific knowledge in the field of consumer behaviour. Using Lithuania as a case study, the present study focuses on analysing societal opinion and willingness to pay (WTP) with respect to the environmental public goods (reflected in three components: the reduction in water, soil, and air pollution) of organic farming. This study uses the contingent valuation (CV) method to obtain the WTP for public goods. The median WTP was calculated for multiple environmental public goods from organic agriculture, excluding the protest zero. This study revealed that the residents of Lithuania understood the contribution of organic farming in creating environmental public goods and were concerned about environmental issues. It was crucial for them to have a clean environment with, for example, better drinking water quality, lower air pollution and soil erosion. The application of the CV method showed a median WTP of EUR 24.58 annually per family for environmental public goods. The preference towards environmental public goods differs depending on the socioeconomic characteristics and knowledge about organic farming. These findings provide quantitative information regarding the demand for the environmental effects of organic farming, which could be useful for policy-makers. Such research could also prove useful in setting the future direction of the common agricultural policy. The example of Lithuania was used to present a universal research problem that concerns European countries, especially those in the European Union.

Social Cooperative Model Choices in the Socially Unsustainable Environment: Evidence from Lithuania

This research analyses the establishment and development of social cooperatives exposed to adverse factors in socially unsustainable contexts. The study focuses on a Lithuanian case study, with participants having limited experience creating a socially resilient enterprise ecosystem. The study employed a qualitative approach using case study and comparative analysis methods. The study found that Lithuania’s opportunities to leverage the benefits of social cooperatives are held back by a weak cooperative movement, a socially unsustainable environment, and limited understanding among professionals. The involvement of public policy actors in debates on legalising social business models is also limited. The study participants had mixed opinions about the social cooperative model for business development. Some favoured its cooperative principles and profit-sharing advantages, while others preferred non-profit organisations or smaller communities. The study also found a contradiction in the concepts of social business. The researchers suggest that the conditions for establishing social cooperatives could be more favourable in Lithuania, but social business founders require help understanding cooperative companies’ organisation and finances, for which the current public and private resources available are insufficient. Lithuania’s current policy of support and regulation for social business prioritises several social business models, which complicates the decision-making process for prospective social cooperative founders.

Disturbing Values: Historic Thematic Framework as a Tool to Deal with the Soviet Architectural Legacy

The value of cultural heritage is a constantly evolving and debated issue in heritage theory. While primarily the focus was on tangible qualities, intangible values gained more importance in the twenty-first century. However, in some cases, it can be complicated to evaluate the intangible values of specific artefacts with politically disturbing associations, such as Soviet architecture in a post-Soviet context. Based on a Lithuanian case study, the paper contributes to the debate on the value of Soviet architecture, focusing not on individual buildings but on broader themes. By using framework analysis as a conceptual background, the article analyzes the legacy of the Soviet past not as physical objects but as cultural references. Interpreting “cultural references” as containers of social and cultural meanings that are much broader than just the embodiment of the ideological system, the paper suggests that dissonance should not lead to the uncompromising delisting and probably the destruction of the built heritage of troublesome past. Although the article focuses on the evaluation of Soviet architecture in a post-Soviet context, the conceptual approach can contribute to the broader debate on postcolonial heritage globally.

Factors Influencing NGO Activities: Lithuanian Case Study

The article aims to explore the external and internal factors influencing the activities of NGOs, in Lithuania. A qualitative empirical study was conducted (10 expert surveys) on this issue, what are the factors that help and hinder the activities of NGOs in Lithuania. The study allowed us to identify groups of factors positively influencing the activities of NGOs: human skills; infrastructure, as well as the organisation's relationship with public authorities, the hindering factors were also identified: the application of contracting authority status to NGOs; "activities in the public interest" interpretation; peculiarities of taxation of non-profit organizations; etc. The most relevant groups of NGO activity problems and related legal acts were distinguished: application of the contracting authority status to NGOs (Law on Public Procurement of the Republic of Lithuania); Interpretation of “activities in the public interest” (STI material. Peculiarities of taxation of non-profit organizations; etc. legislation); application of corporate income tax to non-profit organizations (Law on Corporate Income Tax of the Republic of Lithuania).

Role of information management in implementing the Green Deal in the EU and the US

The global climate crisis poses an existential threat to the natural ecosystem and the entire humanity, while new effects (Covid-19, war in Ukraine, etc.) and factors increase the risk to national security and public stability in the EU countries and beyond. The most important global challenge of our time has prompted the formation of climate change management policies around the world; international agreements have been concluded for this purpose. In 2015 the Paris Agreement was signed and the United Nations General Assembly approved the United Nations Agenda for Sustainable Development until 2030. The goal 13 "Take urgent action to combat climate change and its effects" and tasks for the implementation of this goal were established and approved by the EU legal acts. The European Green Deal was initiated to define the EU's vision of creating a climate-neutral economy by 2050. Those interested in climate change and the green course often raise the question of whether everything possible has been done to prevent (stop) or eliminate climate "erosion" processes. To climate change sceptics, these documents or efforts may seem excessive (and expensive), but it is important to determine whether the full-fledged, comprehensive or targeted communication is available in the EU, whether the dissemination of public information about the processes of the green deal is sufficient and what the management of this information entails. This is because information management is one of the most important components of the successful implementation of the Green Deal. The supreme audit institutions of the EU countries conducted assessment of EU countries in preparation for the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The assessment of the public's knowledge and understanding of the EU green deal was performed using a uniform, approved and generally accepted control model. The article aims to analyse the role of information management in implementation of the Green Deal in the EU and the US by distinguishing the 2020-2022 period of global COVID-19 pandemic based on a Lithuanian case study.

Ensuring the Child's Right to Communication With Both Parents in the Context of Parental Divorce: A Lithuanian Case Study

Abstract Reflecting on the Sustainable Development Agenda 2030, which emphasises that progress in sustainable development depends on ensuring prosperity, and in line with the Sustainable Development Goal 3, which aims to promote the well-being of all age groups, including children, this study aims to examine the child's legitimate right to communicate with both parents in the context of divorce and support arrangements. Filling the gaps in previous research, our research problem is focused on analysing the impact on sustainability, the child's emotional well-being and the protection of the child's rights in the situation of parental divorce. Following the emergent approach, an instrumental case study design and a qualitative research strategy were employed using methods such as content analysis of legal documents and semi-structured interviews. The research questions addressed two dimensions of the analysis: the factors contributing to the exercise of the child's right to communicate with the separated parent; and violations of the child's rights where the child's right to communicate with both parents is not properly ensured or not at all ensured. The results of this study reveal that the parent living with the child after the divorce acts contrary to the best interests of the child, denying the child's inherent right to be raised and educated by both parents.

The Influence of Values and Social Environment on Parents’ Environmental Attitudes: Lithuanian Case Study

The conducted research reveals the significance of parents’ values and social environment factors, and their influence on pro-ecological attitudes. Parents from Lithuania were invited to participate in the study by filling out a questionnaire that aimed to assess their personal and ecological values, as well as factors of their social environment; the New Ecological Paradigm (NEP) scale was used to assessed the pro-ecological attitude of the respondents. The results demonstrate that, among the personal values of parents, money takes a place of priority, but this cannot be treated only in the context of materialism, because parents seek the good of their children by fulfilling their needs, while also contributing to their education regarding financial literacy and consumption. In the context of ecological values, the results reveal the values of safe food and fresh air, showing how much parents care about their own and their children’s health, as well as noting air pollution as one of the pressing eco-problems. The results also show that family and school are factors of the social environment that most significantly influence parents’ pro-ecological attitude. The results reveal the respondents’ overall support for a pro-environmental worldview, and that parents who are older, more educated and live in the city are more likely to have a pro-environmental attitude.

Corporate Social Entrepreneurship Practice: Lithuanian Case Study in Public and Private Organizations

Corporate Social Entrepreneurship Practice: Lithuanian Case Study in Public and Private Organizations

Sustainable Energy Development and Climate Change Mitigation at the Local Level through the Lens of Renewable Energy: Evidence from Lithuanian Case Study

The penetration of renewable energy is one of the main challenges for sustainable energy development. Local governments across the European Union commit to development and implementation of the Sustainable Energy (and Climate) Action Plan. This paper focuses on the case of Lithuania—a Central and Eastern European country. Almost one-third of Lithuanian municipalities have joined the Covenant of Mayors and prepared the plans that include SWOT analysis. However, there is a lack of information on how those plans contribute to climate change mitigation and sustainable energy development. This study identifies the links between key policy financial instruments, increasing energy efficiency. The Strategic Action Plans aimed at reducing GHG emissions and energy consumption in Lithuanian municipalities are analyzed. The challenges in promoting the renewable energy generation in Lithuanian rural regions are discussed. Moreover, the importance of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats identified is elicited at the local level. The study uses a combination of methods, such as expert surveys and SWOT analysis, that complements the tools used for regional energy climate planning and allows for overarching analysis. The expert survey shows that priority is given for renovation of buildings and modernization of energy infrastructure, making them more sustainable and more energy efficient. The results also show that, in the case of Lithuania (and possibly elsewhere in the post-Soviet countries), conditions and opportunities should be created beforehand to increase energy efficiency. Once this is achieved, the policies should focus on energy transition by switching to sustainable energy resources.

COVID-19 effect on energy poverty: Lithuanian case study

COVID-19 effect on energy poverty: Lithuanian case study

Sustainability impact assessment of glue laminated timber and concrete-based building materials production chains – A Lithuanian case study

In recent years, wood has received increased interest in Europe as a multi-storey building material. The trend is driven by the recognition that wood, as an environment friendly material, can contribute bioeconomy development and the achievement of sustainable development goals. In Lithuania, multi-storey wood-based building is still at the level of policy and political discussions. Therefore, the presented research focuses on quantification and comparison of the sustainability impacts of both wood- and concrete-based building materials value chains and provides applied scientific knowledge relevant to decision makers and in this way contributes to mitigation of the climate change.In detail, study covers the production value chain – from raw material extraction to manufacturing using the same method, while documenting and assessing the material sourcing stages transparently and consistently. In our study glue laminated timber and sawn timber building materials represented renewable material value chains, while site-cast concrete and precast reinforced concrete building materials represented non-renewable materials value chains. In discussion with study partners in the BenchValue project and during a project stakeholder workshop, twelve environmental, social and economic indicators were selected to perform the sustainability impact assessment of selected building materials. Building materials were compared by using a decision support tool ToSIA. The relevant data was gathered from local, well-known companies in the national and international arena.Our results revealed that glue laminated timber and sawn timber value chains compared to site-cast concrete and precast reinforced concrete value chains have more positive sustainability impacts. This is especially true when analysing environmental indicators: GHG emissions, Energy use, Generation of wastes and Water use. Analyses also revealed more positive socio-economic impacts of wood-based building materials. The socio-economic advantage of wood could increase competitiveness of the regions and contributes to their sustainable development.Our paper is in line with the applied research. Since it is a case study, the presented results are country specific, because the estimation of indicators was done by applying local data. The presented research is relevant to policy experts and decision makers in the context of the reduction of CO2 emissions. Also, this paper is relevant to the companies and architects who want to build and compare various building materials. Partially, results of this paper could be applied in other countries with comparable to Lithuania economic development level, having in mind the possible shortcomings already highlighted.

Environmental Sustainability of Creative Economy: Evidence from a Lithuanian Case Study

The objective of the undertaken study is to investigate the sustainability of creative economy and present a case study providing the main findings on the linkages between creative economy and sustainable development. The in-depth literature review of the creative economy and sustainable development offered the main insights in the development of the case study hypotheses. A case study on the biggest music festival that was organised in Lithuania is provided. The findings confirm that creative economy can be environmentally sustainable, and the customers identified their clear preferences for sustainability criteria in music festivals; however, not all these preferences are properly addressed by the organisers of cultural events, as it was revealed by this case study. The results of a quantitative study show that the festival participants are increasingly expressing the need for sustainable music festivals, but organisers have not yet taken the necessary actions to address this need. It is likely that, in the near future, the festival organisers in Lithuania will have to start applying various sustainability criteria during the festivals in order to attract more visitors and generate more income from such events as well to ensure environmental safety. The practical implications of conducted study are equally important for all stakeholders, such as the community, policymakers, companies, and regulatory agencies that are concerned with the implementation of sustainable development practices.

The defense industry in Lithuania: a case study of the Lithuanian Iron Triangle through an Interconnectivity Map framework

ABSTRACT The aim of this study is to characterize the Lithuanian indigenous defense industry (IDI) and introduce an Interconnectivity Map framework as a tool to determine the strengths of interrelations among the components of the ‘Iron Triangle.’ According to the results, the Lithuanian IDI is small, mostly privately-owned, and composed of Tier 2/Tier 3 producers. The Lithuanian government is currently not focusing on the IDI as it is not contributing significantly to state economics. An Interconnectivity Map framework was applied for the Lithuanian case study. The outcome suggests that the Interconnectivity Map is a useful tool for further analyses of the Iron Triangle.

Model for Assessing Information Logistics Systems in Banks: Lithuanian Case Study

This study aims to provide valuable insights into the information logistics process and to ensure the effectiveness of its systems in the business environment by discussing the banking sector. In this regard, this study investigates the information logistics system of a bank’s IT service center. For this purpose, the instruments for transfer of the bank Z information logistics system were empirically tested in order to highlight the assessment factors; the various factors related to the bank Z information logistics management methodologies and the methods were examined. The key findings and contributions were achieved, i.e., we developed a systematic model for assessing information logistics systems in a bank. The model explains the adaptation of various methodologies and techniques of information logistics systems in the banking sector and justifies the platform of interaction of information logistics processes. The first part of the article introduces the concept of information logistics systems and unpacks its development and management methodologies and processes. The second part introduces the research methodology for assessing information logistics systems. The results highlight the system of management processes applied to the information logistics and discuss the areas and tools for improving this system. The main outcome of this research is presented in the third part, where the systematic model for assessing information logistics systems is developed. This model distinguishes the stages of information logistics cycles and the levels of the information logistics environments. It indicates the information logistics methodologies and techniques linking to the six types of management processes in the IT service center of a bank. The developed model helps to make the assessment of the information cycle more efficient and demonstrates a customizable result which can be adapted by other companies within their IT service centers.

Cooperative learning issues in elementary education: a Lithuanian case study

Aim. Cooperative learning (CL) is a widely recognised pedagogical practice which involves students working together to achieve common goals that they could not complete individually. Johnson and Johnson are among the main theorists behind the movement. In 1994 they announced five elements essential for the successful incorporation of CL in the classroom: (a) positive interdependence; (b) face-to-face promotive interaction; (c) individual and group accountability; (d) interpersonal and small group social skills; (e) group processing. In this study we seek to understand how primary school teachers implement cooperative learning and include the above-mentioned aspects in their classes. Methods. The qualitative case study was conducted at a primary school in Vilnius, Lithuania. Two lessons were recorded, transcribed, and analysed to gather evidence concerning variables that mediate cooperative learning. The teachers planned the lessons together, using the principles that are outlined in a professional development method called Japanese lesson study. The study involved two teachers and 40 (20+20 pupils in two classes) fourth graders. Also, interviews were conducted with the teachers and three pupils from each class. Results and conclusion. The forms of cooperative learning observed in the classrooms were markedly different, even though the lesson plans were almost identical. In Lesson 1 the teacher paid more attention to interdependence, interaction, and reflection. Consequently, students mentioned cooperation, assistance, and specifics of group workmore frequently. In Lesson 2, there was more traditional group work than CL schemes, and less interdependence, interaction, and reflection. The five essential elements were unequally represented in the lessons, highlighting the varied understanding of CL. ‘In situ’ research revealed which elements of cooperative learning need to be stressed inteacher pre-service and in-service settings. The study also deepened the understanding of which aspects are more difficult to implement, or which have made significant inroads into classroom practice. Originality. Situational research involving both CL and Japanese Lesson Study techniques provide valuable insights into the professional development of teachers who aim to improve their classroom practice.

Representation of Lithuanian Citizens in the European Parliament: Between European and National Interests

The article analyzes the problem of conflict of European and national interests in the activities of a Member of the European Parliament (MEP). The study seeks answers to the following questions: what factors impact the decision and voting of EP members, elected in Lithuania, in the plenary sessions in the cases of collision of interests, and to what extent the interests of the electorate, national parties, or European political groups are important to MEPs elected in Lithuania. To achieve the goal, first, a review of the scientific literature on the representation of interests in the European Parliament, the issues of conflict of interests is carried out. Next, the theoretical model of the “two-level game,” which is applied in the analysis of an MEP’s activities, is discussed. In the second part of the article, a Lithuanian case study is carried out, analyzing the data of semistructured interviews with MEPs, results of public opinion poll of the Lithuanian population, and other quantitative data. The results show that MEPs elected in Lithuania, like the MEPs elected in other countries, face the problem of a conflict of interests. The inquiry also revealed that an MEP’s decision on how to vote in an EP plenary session depends not only on whether they are a member of the opposition or the ruling party, but also on their personal preferences.

Implementation of the European Union Floods Directive—Requirements and national transposition and practical application: Lithuanian case-study

This work investigates the implementation of the European Union (EU) Floods Directive (FD) in Lithuania. First, it analyzes the requirements set in the EU law for the correct and effective implementation of the directive. Second, it addresses the implementation of the FD in the national law of Lithuania and the practical application of it, particularly in regard to the amendments of the land use regulations. The assessment revealed that Lithuanian authorities comply with the deadlines and requirements set in the FD. However, not all measures are considered to be effective. The distribution of tasks, among particular authorities, especially the potential role of the river basin district council, is not clear, which can lead to an inconsistent decision-making process. The urbanization in the flood hazard territories is still growing, and the usage of hazardous chemicals in agriculture in these areas is allowed. Therefore, the legal limitations of construction and intense agriculture were not sufficiently effective. These drawbacks in the effectiveness of the implementation of the FD can significantly affect the contribution of Lithuania in achieving European and global sustainable development goals.

Off-farm role in stabilizing disposable farm income: A Lithuanian case study

The paper aims to investigate family farm income volatility by decomposing disposable farm income (DFI) into the on-farm income, income from production support and off-farm income (OFI) over time. The research is focused on the OFI, assessing its role in achieving DFI above reference level based on the average net earnings. Three main indicators consistent with Farm Accountancy Data Network (FADN) were indicated. The research results revealed the significance of OFI. In 2017, 76% of the family farms were engaged in off-farm activities indicating, on one hand that such approaches as part-time farming or lifestyle farming are becoming more attractive to Lithuanian family farmers. On the other hand, research disclosed that farms mostly engaged in off-farm activities yield the lowest on-farm income levels. Moreover, the OFI tends to produce a stabilizing effect on quite a number of farmers as the majority of family farms cannot rely upon the on-farm income as their only income source. Thus, the agricultural and rural development policy makers, aimed at supporting viable farm income and strengthening farm resilience, have to answer the part-time farmers’ needs.

Integrated Assessment of Farming System Outputs: Lithuanian Case Study

Agriculture provides people with different market outputs. However, market outputs are not the only kind of output provided by agriculture: non-market outputs are produced jointly with the market ones in an agroecosystem. All the outputs produced by agriculture can be classified as the ecosystem services. The magnitude and levels of farming outputs depend on different technologies of production; i.e. different farming systems generate different outputs. Assessing the output of agriculture is quite simple in terms of the market value, but not so easy for non-market outputs. Moreover, evaluation of market and non-market outputs is usually performed separately. The objectives of this paper are to present an integrated evaluation framework for the outputs, marketable and non-marketable, associated with different farming systems. For the case study, we proposed the evaluation of the market and non-market output, associated with milk production in Lithuania, considering both organic and conventional production. In terms of the market evaluation, the results have shown that organic farming produced a value 1.24 times higher than conventional, while the valuation result associated with the non-market output is 83 time higher in organic than in conventional one. The study is the first attempt to develop a framework for integrated evaluation of farming outputs, taking into account market and non-market outputs and considering different types of farming systems.

Lithuanian case study on evaluating suitability, acceptance and use of IT tools by students – An example of applying Technology Enhanced Learning Research methods in Higher Education

The aim of the paper is to present application of the methodology (i.e. model and method) to evaluate suitability, acceptance and use of information technology (IT) tools for particular students as well as a case study of evaluating two IT tools widely used while studying human-computer interaction (HCI) design at Lithuanian Universities. These IT tools are “Axure” and “Balsamiq Mockups”. High-quality IT tools should be optimised to particular students according to their personal needs, e.g. learning styles. In the paper, optimised IT tools should have the highest probabilistic suitability indexes for particular students according to Felder-Silverman learning styles model. Personalised IT tools' evaluation methodology presented in the paper is based on (1) well-known principles of Multiple Criteria Decision Analysis for identifying quality evaluation criteria; (2) Educational Technology Acceptance & Satisfaction Model (ETAS-M) based on well-known Unified Theory on Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) model, and (3) probabilistic suitability indexes to identify technology's suitability to particular students' needs according to their learning styles. In the paper, there is also a case study of implementing the methodology in Lithuania. This methodology is applicable in real life situations where teachers have to help students to apply IT tools that are most suitable, acceptable and useable for their needs and thus to improve students' motivation, which in its turn creates the conditions for better and more efficient education. The case study aims at analysing the results of evaluating HCI tools using this novel methodology. The methodology is one of the examples of application of Technology Enhanced Learning Research in Higher Education.