Cooperative Management Research Articles

Multi-agent game operation of regional integrated energy system based on carbon emission flow

In the process of promoting energy green transformation, the optimization of regional integrated energy system faces many challenges such as cooperative management, energy saving and emission reduction, as well as uncertainty of new energy output. Therefore, this paper proposes a multi-agent game operation method of regional integrated energy system based on carbon emission flow. First, this paper establishes a carbon emission flow calculation model for each subject, and proposes a comprehensive tariff model based on the carbon emission flow, which discounts the carbon emissions from the power supply side to the power consumption side. Secondly, considering the interests of each subject, this paper establishes the decision-making model of each subject. And the new energy uncertainty, the cost of energy preference of prosumers, and the thermal inertia of buildings are considered in the decision model. Finally, the model is solved using differential evolution algorithm and solver. The case study verifies that the comprehensive electricity pricing model based on carbon emission flow developed in this paper can play a role in balancing economy and low carbon.

The Impact of Computerized Systems on Efficiency and Productivity of Cooperatives in Rwanda. A Case Study of Cooperative Management System (CMS) Software Developed by MNK Digital Group Ltd

This research analyzed “Project design and implementation of cooperative management system (CMS) software and its impact on the efficiency and productivity of cooperatives in Rwanda” on 146 cooperatives using Cooperative Management System (CMS) across 19 districts of 4 Provinces of Rwanda (Eastern, Western, Northern, and Southern). The study used a sample of 750 respondents including 730 cooperative members from a total population of 61,320 members of 146 cooperatives plus 19 District Cooperatives Officers and 1 Director of Cooperatives Promotion and Capacity Building Unit in Rwanda Cooperative Agency (RCA). A questionnaire designed in form of five levels Likert scale was used and data was collected and analyzed through KoBo Toolbox and SPSS. The results of descriptive statistics showed that overall appreciation of CMS by cooperatives managers is “Good” (x̄= 3.8; σ = .270). The regression results revealed that CMS Membership management module was positive and significant to Cooperative productivity and efficiency (β1= 0.049; p< 0.05); CMS Payments management module was positive and significant to Cooperative productivity and efficiency (β2= 0.258; p< 0.05); Accounting management module was positive and significant to Cooperative productivity and efficiency (β3= 0.242; p< 0.05); CMS Human resource management module was positive and significant to Cooperative productivity and efficiency (β4= 0.016; p< 0.05); CMS Requisitioning management module was positive and significant to Cooperative productivity and efficiency (β5= 0.020; p< 0.05); CMS Credit management module was positive and significant to Cooperative productivity and efficiency (β6= 0.206; p< 0.05). The coefficient of determination R-squared value for this study is 0.705 (r > 0.7) indicating strong effect size. It shows how that the model fits the data at strong extent. These results indicate that 70.5% of variance in dependent variable was explained by independent variables meaning that 70.5% of change in Cooperative productivity and efficiency come from CMSMembMgtMod, CMSPayMgtMod, CMSAccMgtMod, CMSHrMgtMod, CMSRequisMgtMod, CMSCreditMgtMod. The main CMS challenges outline by the respondents include CMS is not free and requires additional installation and maintenance fees (x̄= 5.0; σ =.000); CMS requires advanced education level (x̄= 4.3; σ =.080); CMS has issue of confidentiality of the data managed by the government which hosts the CMS system (x̄= 5.0; σ =.000); CMS use requires additional cost for internet (x̄= 4.1; σ =.351). Proposed solutions are: Support from the RCA on installation cost and the cooperatives should cover maintenance costs(x̄= 4.8; σ =.070); More training on even members with good primary education on the use of CMS (x̄= 4.3; σ =.380); Confederations should play important role in the management of CMS and the role of the government should be reduced (x̄= 4.9; σ =.290); The government should reduce the cost of internet (x̄= 4.7; σ =.151); More capacity building for cooperative managers.

The Role of the European Union’s Neighbourhood Policy in Developing Cross-Border Cooperation in the Polish-Ukrainian Borderland

Abstract Cross-border cooperation, financially supported by the EU Neighbourhood Policy instruments, is an important factor for the socio-economic development of cross-border areas at the EU’s external borders. This paper is devoted to cross-border cooperation on the Polish-Ukrainian border, which was financed by the Cross-Border Cooperation Program Poland-Belarus-Ukraine 2014–2020, which was one of the programs of the European Neighbourhood Policy. This issue becomes particularly significant in the context of cooperation with Ukraine, which is challenging due to the ongoing conflict in its territory. There is a need to examine existing solutions and propose future directions for cross-border cooperation. The aim of the article was to present evolution and identify the attributes of the European Neighbourhood Policy, which is a key instrument of the development of cross-border cooperation at the EU’s external borders. The second aim was a multidimensional analysis of Polish-Ukrainian cooperation during a period 2014–2020, taking into account the structure of projects, partners and areas of cooperation. The structure of partners was examined and discussed based on their status, sector, and level of activity. The research augmented the current knowledge in the field of cross-border collaboration supported by the European Neighbourhood Policy. The management of cross-border cooperation on the Polish-Ukrainian border can benefit from the study’s practical conclusions.

ПРОЄКТНИЙ МЕНЕДЖМЕНТ У СФЕРІ ТУРИЗМУ: ТРАНСКОРДОННИЙ ДОСВІД ЧЕРНІВЕЦЬКОЇ ОБЛАСТІ ТА СУМІЖНОГО ПРИКОРДОННЯ

The goals of this article are to justify the methodical and technological components of the organization and the implementation of the acquired project experience in the management of cross-border cooperation in the field of tourism on the example of projects implemented in the territory of Chernivtsi region and the adjacent border with the participation of three neighboring countries: Ukraine, Romania and the Republic of Moldova. The methodology of our work was consisted in the systematization of the experience of project activities in the field of tourism in the territory based on the results of the implementation of cross-border cooperation programs with the participation of Chernivtsi region of Ukraine, Suchava and Botoshan counties of Romania and adjacent northern regions of the Republic of Moldova. General scientific and special research methods are used: analysis, synthesis, theoretical generalization, comparative characteristics, project approach. The results. The authors summarized the experience of implementing project management in the tourism industry of the Ukrainian-Romanian-Moldovan cross-border region. On the example of the territory of Chernivtsi region, Suchava and Botoshan counties of Romania and the northern regions of the Republic of Moldova (which directly border Ukraine and Romania), the results of the implementation of projects under cross-border cooperation programs within the framework of the Joint Operational Program "Romania - Ukraine - Republic of Moldova 2007-2013"and Joint Operational Programs "Romania - Ukraine 2014-2020" and "Ukraine - Moldova 2014-2020" were analyzed. The priorities of such programs, key directions and results of project activities were determined according to the criteria of significance and impact on the development of tourism and recreation within the cross-border recreational and tourist destination. The scientific novelty of the work is the generalization of the experience of implementing cross-border projects within the framework of cross-border cooperation programs and recommendations regarding the priority areas of project activities in tourism. The implications of the research lies in the possibility of implementing project management experience in the activities of educational institutions and relevant structural divisions, which is particularly relevant in the context of the implementation of decentralization processes and the activities of territorial communities, in particular, in relation to the management of tourism projects. The results of the research were used in the training of specialists in tourism and recreation and management of the tourism industry in the educational process of the Yuriy Fedkovych Chernivtsi National University.

Management innovations: A double-edged sword for workplace well-being in worker cooperatives? An investigation among employees and general managers

The impact of managerial innovations (MI) on workplace well-being remains underexplored. In this study, we examine how MI influence two crucial dimensions of professional well-being - hedonic and eudaimonic - among 545 employees and 205 general managers of French worker cooperatives. We also investigate whether MI mediate the relationship between transformational leadership and employee well-being. The findings vary according to role: For employees, MI are positively linked to both dimensions of well-being, highlighting their value as essential workplace resources. For general managers, however, MI are associated with negative emotions, likely due to the additional job demands imposed by their implementation responsibilities. Finally, MI emerge as a key factor, fully mediating the relationship between transformational leadership and employees' eudaimonic well-being.

Research on the Organizational Strategy Management of the Potential Cooperation between Virgin Group and Fosun Group

Research on the Organizational Strategy Management of the Potential Cooperation between Virgin Group and Fosun Group

КОНЦЕПТУАЛЬНАЯ МОДЕЛЬ УПРАВЛЕНИЯ МЕЖДУНАРОДНОЙ КООПЕРАЦИЕЙ КОМПАНИЙ

The relevance of the study is due to the formation of new conditions of economic activity associated with the need to overcome barriers in the implementation of foreign economic relations. The purpose of the article is to substantiate the conceptual model of process management of international cooperation of companies and the application of these developments to substantiate the directions of international cooperation for the SVEL group of companies. The approbation of the developed conceptual model made it possible to identify priority areas of international cooperation for the SVEL group of companies, which consist in attracting new technologies and innovative solutions for the implementation of business processes and searching for the optimal model of adaptation to sanctions pressure from unfriendly states.

A Novel Zeroing Neural Dynamics for Real-Time Management of Multi-vehicle Cooperation

A Novel Zeroing Neural Dynamics for Real-Time Management of Multi-vehicle Cooperation

Operations management of cooperatives’ information and communications technology in Nueva Vizcaya

This study evaluated the impact of information and communications technology (ICT) on the operations management of cooperatives in Nueva Vizcaya. By evaluating the respondents’ profiles and cooperatives’ profiles, and their relationship to ICT infrastructure and ICT access, the researcher would recommend ICT strategies to improve the operations of the cooperatives. The concept of the study was drawn from the modernization theory, and ICT access in terms of skills, literacy, and attitude toward technology. This study used a descriptive design to determine the respondents’ profiles and the cooperatives’ profile. In addition, the descriptive design was also used to determine the level of ICT access of the cooperative personnel and the extent of ICT infrastructure of the cooperatives. Moreover, this study used the correlational research design to determine the significant relationship between the profile of the personnel and the level of ICT access, the profile of the cooperative, and the extent of ICT infrastructure of the cooperatives. To assess the relationships between variables, two correlation coefficients were employed: Pearson’s correlation coefficient and Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient. The study revealed that cooperatives had a “moderate” extent of utilization of ICT infrastructure. Utilization was higher in systems configuration and Internet connectivity compared to organization and management and information technology strategy, while cooperative personnel had the necessary technology skills and literacy to effectively utilize ICT tools and applications in their work. Also, cooperative personnel demonstrated a great extent of positive attitudes toward ICT utilization.

Entrepreneurship Development Programme And Venture Creation: The Issue Of Effectiveness

The present paper aims to examine the effectiveness of Entrepreneurship Development Programme (EDP) offered by the Institute of Co-operative Management (ICM) on the venture creation aspect of the trainees of this institute. The researchers collected data from 404 respondents trained by ICM using a structured schedule through face-to-face interview and telephone calling. Data was analyzed using SPSS software. The findings reveal that the EDP training influences its trainees to become the first-generation entrepreneurs in their families. A significant 68.56% established their ventures post-EDP training. Additionally, the study highlights the marked changes in both occupation and income levels of EDP participants. According to the findings of the study, there is a need to check the efficacy of the system of loan sanction as it affects the process of venture creation. In conclusion, these findings underscore the value of EDPs as a catalyst for regional economic development.

Conceptual Model of the Influence of Value Chains and Livelihood Assets on the Performance of Coconut Product Processing Cooperatives in North Maluku Province, Indonesia

This study formulates a model of the influence of value chain and livelihood asset variables on the operational performance of coconut product processing cooperatives in North Maluku Province. Sample determination was conducted using a purposive sampling technique. The samples used in this study include cooperative managers and production units. The analytical method employed is structural equation model (SEM) analysis with the SmartPLS approach. The research findings indicate that the model for improving the operational performance of cooperatives through the value chain and livelihood asset approach in North Maluku Province indicates that these two variables have a significant impact on cooperatives’ operational performance. Value chain variables such as outbound logistics, service, infrastructure, and technology development are strongly correlated with cooperatives’ operational performance. Likewise, livelihood asset variables, such as natural, financial, social, and entrepreneurial capital, also have a significant impact on cooperatives’ operational performance. Higher value chains and livelihood assets have a more significant impact on cooperatives’ operational performance. This indicates that both the value chain and livelihood assets play an important role in improving cooperatives’ operational performance. Therefore, enhancing the value chain and livelihood assets can significantly improve cooperatives’ operational performance.

Increasing Sharia Financial Literacy of the Ngaglik Disabled Savings and Loans Cooperative

Abstract. Management of Savings and Loans Cooperatives (KSP) for people with disabilities is a breakthrough for empowering people with disabilities, especially from the aspect of capital to be independent in trying to build an economic unit. Islamic financial literacy is an effort to increase the understanding of the Ngaglik Disabled Bank KSP management in the financial system and operations at the Disabled Bank KSP in accordance with Islamic sharia principles, namely free from usury, maisir and ghoror. KSP Bank for the Disabled Ngaglik is a financial institution engaged in the financial sector with the business of saving and borrowing money from the community managed by people with disabilities under the auspices of the PP Muhammadiyah Community Empowerment Council (MPM). The management system is still based on an interest system that is not in accordance with Islamic sharia so that in its operationalization it still applies the principles of usury, maisir and ghoror which are forbidden in Islam. Community service activities from UMY, namely providing education and outreach to increase Islamic financial literacy for KSP managers of Disabled Banks as well as increasing personal capacity in managing KSPs of Disabled Bank Ngaglik, Sleman.

Unveiling the Dynamics of Service Quality and Member Loyalty: A Comparative Analysis of Different Savings and Credit Cooperatives in Nepal

This study explores the level of service quality and member satisfaction within the context of Savings and Credit Cooperatives (SACCOS) in Nepal. By using data from a survey of 1209 randomly selected SACCOS members, the study dealt with the demographic composition, service quality perceptions, and member satisfaction levels across three distinct SACCOS: Bindabasini-Kavrepalanchock, Mahila Milan-Makawanpur, and Siddhartha-Kapilbastu. The analysis uncovers intriguing patterns in demographic characteristics and establishes a positive correlation between service quality dimensions and both member loyalty and positive words of mouth. The findings highlight the crucial role of tailored service quality dimensions in fostering member loyalty, positive advocacy, and overall cooperative success. Findings of this study not only contributes to the understanding of cooperative management strategies but also provides insights for the enhancement of member experiences, leading to sustained growth and impact. Thus, the findings of this study have important implications for cooperatives, researchers, policy makers, cooperative movement, government for devising appropriate intervention to enhance members’ satisfaction levels.

Pitfalls of Cooperatives: Framework for Effective Management: Qualitative Evidence from Developing Countries

This qualitative research investigates the difficulties of cooperatives in Nepal, concentrating on governance, management, and financial sustainability. The study used deliberate sampling to identify thirteen cooperative managers in Kathmandu, Nepal, as participants. Semi-structured interviews were performed, using an interview guide consisting of open-ended questions covering major topics such as challenges, decision-making processes, organizational structure, financial management, and sustainability plans. The sample size was set based on data saturation to ensure complete data collection. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the transcribed interviews, which included systematic data coding using a mix of deductive and inductive coding approaches. The investigation found recurring mistakes and obstacles in cooperative governance, management, and financial sustainability. To enhance legitimacy, direct quotes from participants were used. The results emphasize the need of resolving governance concerns, enhancing communication and dispute resolution within cooperatives, and adopting good financial management practices. The research adds to the current literature by offering framework and insights into the unique issues encountered by cooperatives in Nepal and making suggestions to improve their sustainability.

Towards Integration of Religious Values and Transformational Leadership to Improve Cooperatives Performance

This study aims to explore a new empirical model of Mas'uliyah Transformational Leadership (MTL) formed through organizational learning (OL) and Islamic change motivation (ICM) to increase member participation and organizational performance. MTL is a new concept that is an integration between transformational leadership and religious values. Data were collected from 223 cooperative management respondents in Central Java, Indonesia, using a questionnaire. Furthermore, data analysis was carried out using the SEM method. The results of the research show that the new MTL concept developed in this study can be leveraged from the Islamicchange motivation possessed by the leaders. Furthermore, leaders with the MTL style can increase the participation of cooperative members, and ultimately improve overall performance.

The effect of COVID-19 epidemic to the sustainable operation of the Hungarian social cooperatives based on financial reports from 2019, 2020 and 2021

This paper measures the effect of Covid-19 crisis to the sustainable operation of the Hungarian social cooperatives based on financial reports between 2019 and 2021. Consequently, 740 financial reports were analysed, which covers the population of the whole social cooperative sector in Hungary. The purpose of research was to detect the effect of Covid crisis to the management of Hungarian social cooperatives sector that faced two challenges in this period – the draining out of state subsidies and the dramatic changes caused by the epidemic. The changes of net sales, value-added, operating profit, net profit, and the changes of investment were examined between 2019 and 2021. Rank correlation was used to detect the significance of sectors to the variables, where the sectors were identified by one digit depth (according to Nomenclature of Economic Activities, NACE). The overall ranking was determined by calculating the aggregate average ranking by each examined variable. Findings were the followings: The operational sustainability of social cooperatives is determined by the aptitude of the management, the local microeconomic environment, and the availability of financing sources, rather than the changes in macroeconomic climate. In the world of social cooperatives, the outperforming sectors were the accommodation and recreation ones, while the construction industry and information services performed poorly.

Sistem Pendukung Keputusan dalam Penentuan Pemberian Pinjaman Uang Pada Anggota Swasti Sari dengan Metode Promethee

Credit Cooperative (KOPDIT) Swasti Sari is a financial institution founded in 1988 in East Nusa Tenggara. Every year, these cooperative experiences a significant development, seen from the increase in assets and the number of members who continue to grow. Determination of credit policies by cooperatives requires the formulation of standard and credit requirements that include customer character, credit payment capacity, capital capability, and guaranteed customers. Provision of appropriate credit is very important and requires effective and efficient service. However, credit administration procedures in this cooperative are still not effective and often the granting of credit is not on target. This study aims to assist cooperative managers in making decisions on loan or credit to members using the Promethee method. This method is an auto ranking method that helps decision makers analyze multicriteria problems and determine the priority of receiving loan application. The results of the study are expected to be a reference in the development of a decision support system for the determination of loans in the Swasti Sari Cooperative.

The cooperative management of internationally shared fish stocks in a world of instability

Internationally shared fishery resources account for one third of commercially exploitable marine fishery resources. This paper analyses the economic management of these shared resources, with the aid of case studies; doing so through the lens of game theory. The relevance of the management of these resources to strong individual user rights at the national (entity) level is straightforward. Ineffective management of the resources at the international level will undermine national user rights schemes based upon these resources. The management of different classes of internationally shared fish stocks is threatened by several forms of instability, with the most important of these being shifting and unpredictable zonal attachments, and free riding. Progress is being made, with one of the cases studies showing how a seemingly intractable and devastating problem of free riding, which threatened national user rights based upon the relevant resource with destruction, has been fully overcome.

Peningkatan Keterampilan Laporan Keuangan Koperasi Berbasis Microsoft Excel di Koperasi Wanita Kenanga Madiun

Koperasi Wanita Kenanga Madiun as a local economic entity, requires improved skills in preparing Microsoft Excel-based financial reports. These skills are important to ensure transparency, accuracy, and efficiency in cooperative financial management. Due to limitations, cooperative management still uses manual methods to record cooperative transactions. Besides, cooperative administrators also do not really understand the knowledge of financial reports using Microsoft Excel. Therefore, this service aims to improve Microsoft Excel-based Cooperative Financial Reports skills. This research uses a combination approach between lectures, questions and answers, and training methods followed by the management of the cooperative. After applying this method, there was a significant improvement in the skills of preparing financial statements using Microsoft Excel. Participants were able to effectively implement the concepts taught, increase efficiency in preparing financial statements, and reduce potential errors.

Cooperative management of an initial training program: case study of a Czech production site of a Japanese globalized manufacturing firm

PurposeThis study examines the case of an initial training, called “Dojo”, invented and implemented at a production site in the Czech Republic. It clarifies the initial training program implementation process and offers a conceptual framework for cooperative management of subsidiary activities at the site and firm.Design/methodology/approachThis study conducts an in-depth analysis of qualitative data from the Czech production site over a five-year period. The theoretical base is the theorization and labeling phase of management innovation (MI), the final phase of which legitimizes a new management practice. Interview data, archival data, pictures and financial data are used for the analysis.FindingsTo legitimize the Dojo in the operational flow controlled by the site and firm, the Czech production site acquires validation of the Dojo from employees and board members of the Japanese and European headquarters, helping the site build trustful relationships with them. Training programs, process standardization and skills standardization of the workers offer benefits to the trainees, production site and firm.Originality/valueThe authors offer theoretical insights into MI at the subsidiary-level, which past studies have not differentiated at the firm-level. The authors also provide details of the implementation and management of initial training for newly hired blue-collar workers at the production site. The findings complement related literature on human resource management and operational management.