Consumer Cooperation System Research Articles

APPLICATION OF EUROPEAN CORPORATE GOVERNANCE PRINCIPLES IN THE PLANNING ACTIVITIES OF POST-WAR UKRAINE'S MULTI-LEVEL CONSUMER CO-OPERATION SYSTEM

The Association Agreement between Ukraine and the EU requires Ukraine to consider the adoption of a European model of corporate governance. The EU has a wealth of experience in the effective management of consumer co-operation, which can inform the development of best practices for Ukraine. The subject of the study is the adaptation and substantiation of the current specifics of the application of European principles of corporate governance in the process of planning the activities of a multi-level system of consumer co-operation in Ukraine. This study employs a range of general scientific methods, including modelling, economic analysis, forecasting, a system approach and synthesis. These methods have been used to develop generalisations and conclusions related to the object of research as a whole, namely the multi-level and multi-sectoral system of consumer co-operation in Ukraine. The objective of this study is to justify the implementation of European principles, mechanisms and tools of corporate governance, based on a comprehensive analysis, with the aim of optimising the planning processes and the development of a multi-level system of consumer co-operation in Ukraine. The fundamental characteristics of co-operative systems have been elucidated, and the principal distinctions between them and corporations have been identified. The functions of the corporate governance system are examined and a conclusion is reached regarding their alignment with the responsibilities and principles of consumer co-operation. The factors that contributed to the success of the development of the consumer co-operation trade sphere in the Soviet period are identified. This study considers the information base for planning the retail turnover of consumer co-operatives in the context of a planned economy. It identifies the main shortcomings and weaknesses of this approach. The principal indicators of activity for consumer co-operatives in Ukraine are examined in the context of their statutory mission. In light of the application of the substitution method, potential indicators of trade turnover for consumer co-operatives, contingent upon collaboration up to the level of 1990, are modelled. It can be concluded that the system of consumer co-operation has not yet fully adapted to the new economic conditions, new legislation and processes of increasing competition in the market, despite the transition to a market economy. In light of the aforementioned circumstances, it is imperative to implement European principles of corporate governance and contemporary international principles governing the advancement of the co-operative movement within the framework of consumer co-operation. The principles of corporate governance, developed by such international organisations as the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, the European Confederation of Shareholder Associations, and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, have been subjected to detailed analysis. The evolution of the corporate governance system has been delineated with respect to the consumer co-operation. This trend coincides with the imperative necessity for the consumer co-operation of Ukraine to reform its planned system, which represents a key component of its commitment to more effective management. The necessity for additional harmonisation of Ukrainian co-operative legislation with European legislation has been established. The composition of the information base for the development of indicators of the plan of retail turnover of the consumer society in the modern context is justified. The article's primary conclusions are that the negative trends and the quantitative and qualitative indicators of consumer co-operatives in Ukraine can be halted and improved through the implementation and advancement of institutional co-operative advantages, which are codified by legislation and validated by both domestic and European experience. Consequently, members of consumer societies and potential shareholders must be regarded as a central object and subject of planning, regulation, operational activities and the development of consumer co-operatives. In the context of the implementation of the decentralisation policy in Ukraine, in order to optimise the relations between co-operative enterprises and organisations at the horizontal and vertical levels, it is necessary to plan the development of the co-operative system as a component of regional development. The use of IT technologies will allow automating all operational processes, using the full range of planning forms and methods, and at the same time preserving the scientifically sound principles of consumer co-operation development as a system with the possibility of medium- and long-term planning.

Investment attractiveness as a generalized indicator of the competitiveness of a service sector organization

Subject. This article interprets the integral assessment and structures the investment attractiveness of the service sector organization. Objectives. The article aims to consider theoretical aspects and form a system of indicators for assessing investment attractiveness, as well as present an algorithm for calculating the integral assessment. Methods. For the study, I used the methods of systems and content analyses, comparison, and expert assessment. Results. The results of the study confirm the hypothesis that investment attractiveness is one of the indicators of the competitiveness of consumer cooperation organizations. The article presents a chain of values for optimal management of the competitiveness of consumer cooperation organizations on the basis of structuring the investment attractiveness of organizations. Relevance. The results of the study can be used by specialists of public administration when developing strategic policies in the field of cooperation with enterprises in the service sector of a diversified consumer cooperation system to make the investment attractiveness of regional organizations more effective.

Improving the agricultural cooperation system's competitiveness through leasing

Subject. This article discusses the issues of improving the competitiveness of the agricultural cooperation system through the modernization of the physical infrastructure based on the use of leasing relations. Objectives. The article aims to conduct a comprehensive multi-factor analysis of various aspects to create competitive advantages of agricultural enterprises based on the modernization of facilities and resources and the use of leasing transactions, and determine the priority areas for the development of agricultural cooperatives. Methods. For the study, we used the methods of analysis and generalization. Results. The article identifies the factors affecting the insufficient competitiveness of agricultural cooperation enterprises, and offers certain recommendations for the technical modernization of the consumer cooperation system, including the use of leasing operations tools. Relevance. The results of the study can be used by agricultural cooperation enterprises, municipal authorities, participants in the leasing market, as well as research and educational organizations to analyze the areas of agricultural cooperation development.

МОДЕРНИЗАЦИЯ СИСТЕМЫ СЕЛЬСКОХОЗЯЙСТВЕННОЙ КООПЕРАЦИИ НА ОСНОВЕ ПРИМЕНЕНИЯ ЛИЗИНГА

Subject. Increasing the competitiveness of the agricultural cooperation system through the modernization of the material base based on the use of leasing relations.
 Purpose. To conduct a comprehensive multifactorial analysis of various aspects to create competitive advantages of agricultural enterprises based on the modernization of the technical base and the use of leasing transactions. The study of the factors of creating competitive advantages of agricultural cooperatives by determining the main priority areas of development. Possible ways to increase the competitiveness of consumer societies.
 Methodology. The presented article is based on the generalization of statistical and empirical data, analysis of materials provided by the Tatpotrebsoyuz of the Republic of Tatarstan and individual cooperative organizations. The authors critically processed the results of their own research, as well as the scientific research of authors dealing with the problems of the cooperative movement, including A.R. Nabieva[1], E. G. Zhulina and I. V. Kuznetsova [5]. A.I.Klimenko[6]. The peculiarities of the use of leasing instruments are reflected in the works of M.I. Zakharova [10], E.A.Fomina [11].
 Results. The main results of the study are the identification of factors affecting the insufficient competitiveness of agricultural cooperation enterprises, as well as measures recommended for the technical modernization of the consumer cooperation system. In particular, by using the instruments of leasing operations.
 Scope of application. The results of the study can be used by enterprises, agricultural cooperatives, municipal authorities, leasing market participants, as well as research and educational organizations in the analysis of the directions of development of agricultural cooperation
 Conclusions and Relevance. In the proposed article, the issues of the development of the system of agricultural consumer cooperation were investigated through the prism of increasing competitiveness due to the technical re-equipment of enterprises. The authors conducted monitoring of the economic activity of the cooperative, analyzed the factors affecting the competitiveness of enterprises, and proposed recommendations for its improvement.

Механизм экономического развития системы потребительской кооперации на основе кластерного подхода

The relevance and novelty of the mechanism of economic development of the consumer cooperation system based on the cluster approach is due to the modern need for the economic development of consumer cooperation organizations using methods and tools of regional development that have proven themselves in developed countries, which ensure the appropriate competitiveness of consumer cooperation products in the regional and national markets. The mechanism of economic development provides an effective link between the elements of the regional cooperative cluster, the core of which is consumer cooperation.

Кластерный подход к региональной потребительской кооперации

The relevance and novelty of considering the regional cooperative cluster in the context of the consumer cooperation system is aimed at studying the possibility of its formation for the development of the consumer cooperation system of the region. Variants of definitions of the cluster are considered, the main characteristics of the cluster are highlighted, a generalized definition of the cluster is formulated, the main characteristics of the consumer cooperation system are highlighted, the characteristics of the cluster and consumer cooperation are compared, the characteristics of the consumer cooperation system are analyzed, the definition of the economic cluster of consumer cooperation is derived.

SCHOOL COOPERATION IN THE REPUBLIC OF BASHKORTOSTAN: HISTORY OR A STEP INTO THE FUTURE

The article examines the history of the cooperative movement in Russian schools, the modern development of the cooperative movement and school entrepreneurship in the Republic of Bashkortostan; suggests measures and a roadmap for the development of school cooperation and entrepreneurship in the region, the implementation of which will allow organizing a stable regional school cooperative system, and will also contribute to the withdrawal of cooperative formations from the crisis. The author substantiates the need to provide effective state support through the Ministry of Education and Science, the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Bashkortostan to the system of consumer cooperation, since school cooperation can contribute to increasing not only the economic, but also the social effect: it will allow students of grades 8-11 to form entrepreneurial competencies, more effectively use agricultural land, which are household plots of municipal schools, to increase the income of schools and their students from cooperation with cooperative organizations, and will also contribute to improving the food security of the region by saturating the consumer market with high-quality locally produced goods.

The development of consumer cooperation in the Republic of Tatarstan and ways to improve its competitiveness

Subject. This article discusses the spatial development of the Republic of Tatarstan and improving the competitiveness of the Republic's agricultural cooperative enterprises. Objectives. The article aims to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the theoretical and practical aspects of the formation of competitive advantages of agricultural enterprises on the basis of the development of cooperative relations. Methods. For the study, we used the methods of analysis, generalization, and data structuring. Results. The article offers certain methods and tools to improve the competitiveness of agricultural consumer cooperation enterprises. Conclusions. It is advisable for each particular enterprise of the consumer cooperation system of the Republic of Tatarstan to conduct an analysis of its financial and economic activities and, based on the analysis results, develop measures to improve the competitive ability.

анализ современного состояния и проблем функционирования системы потребительской кооперации России

The modern development of the consumer cooperation system in Russia is characterized by degradation processes, which requires an analysis of its activities and the identification of problems that impede the increase in the efficiency of its activities. On the basis of such an analysis, it is possible to determine the directions for improving the methodology and efficiency of the functioning of consumer societies and the Tsentrosoyuz. In the article, the authors have made a brief analysis of the functioning of the organizations of the Central Union. It also highlights the problems that hinder the effective functioning of consumer cooperation, identified in the legal, economic and social spheres.

К ВОПРОСУ РАЗВИТИЯ КОЛЛЕКТИВНЫХ ФОРМ ХОЗЯЙСТВОВАНИЯ В САМАРСКОЙ ОБЛАСТИ: ДЕЯТЕЛЬНОСТЬ КООПЕРАТИВНЫХ ОРГАНИЗАЦИЙ

The concept of sustainable development of rural areas has set the tasks for the development of collective forms of farming in the countryside, the main of which are cooperatives. Developed agricultural cooperation is the most important mechanism for increasing production efficiency and social stability in society. It allows providing the population with high-quality food products of its own production, increasing the level of their income. However, activities of cooperative organizations are not covered fully enough, and activities themselves are poorly developed. Samara Oblast is one of the regions with a low development of supply, marketing and processing cooperation. At the same time, credit cooperation is developing quite actively here. The region’s administration pays attention to the development of cooperative organizations. Support is provided mainly in the form of subsidizing interest rates on loans under the State Development Program. Despite the measures taken by the regional government bodies, in recent years the region has seen a decrease in the number of agricultural consumer cooperatives. For more than twenty years, Russian agricultural cooperation has been developing in market conditions. This development is not going without problems. Heads of agricultural enterprises and of municipal districts understand that it is impossible to stabilize and increase the efficiency of the agricultural sector, to develop rural areas without the development of production cooperative organizations. Empirical material was obtained through surveying in order to form certain ideas about the rural residents’ awareness of the activities of cooperative organizations, of their involvement in the social life of the village and in the increasing of the population’s social activity. The results of the survey show that the respondents have little understanding of the activities of agricultural cooperatives. When asked about the awareness of their activities, every third respondent answered that he had heard something about cooperatives of the 1990s. For all the difficulties, the cooperative movement in the countryside is a condition for the successful promotion of food products produced by small forms of farming. Agricultural cooperation can become a serious force not only in achieving the individual goals of consumers, workers of the consumer cooperation system and shareholders, in strengthening their personal well-being and social security, but also in implementing national tasks, priority national projects, targeted programs, and ensuring the population’s employment.

ИСТОРИЯ ДЕЯТЕЛЬНОСТИ АКМОЛИНСКОГО УЕЗДНОГО СОЮЗА КООПЕРАТИВОВ (1917–1922 гг.)

Based on the analysis of the previously unused archival sources and research works on the history of Russian cooperation, the main areas of the activities of the Akmola District Union of Cooperatives in 1917–1922 are studied and generalized. In terms of methodology, the study is based on the works of ideologists of Russian cooperation (M.I. Tugan-Baranovsky, V.F. Totomianets, A.V. Chayanov, and others) and the original concepts they developed. The article analyzes the activities of the Union of Cooperatives of a particular micro-region: the number of employees, organizational structure and management, organization of industrial production, financial and social policies, cultural and educational activities. The author substantiates the role of the District Union of Cooperatives in the development of economic relations in the region and in the district peasant farms’ entry into the all-Russian market. Despite the difficult political circumstances and the relatively short period of existence (from August 1917 to the end of 1922), the Akmola District Union of Cooperatives became an economic and organizational center, contributed to the establishment and development of the consumer cooperation system not only in the district, but also in the region: it initiated the establishment of the regional Union of Steppe Cooperatives. In the conditions of the territorial remoteness from industrial centers and the underdeveloped transport infrastructure, the District Union of Cooperatives significantly facilitated and promoted the production activities of the peasants of the region connecting them with the market, expedited the involvement of Kazakh farms in the regional economy. The Union carried out an active social policy and diversified cultural and educational work, allocated significant amounts from its profits to the development of education in the district. According to the author, the activities of the Akmola District Union of Cooperatives can be considered as an integral part of the national cooperative movement, and its success was due to the application of the allRussian experience during the heyday of cooperation in the country.

Beef and dairy cattle breeding: development trends of small agribusiness in conditions of state support

Current development trends of the global and national economies require a search for effective approaches to expand participation of small agribusiness entities in providing population with domestic livestock products. The article focuses on state support programs for family livestock farms and novice farmers in the framework of the national project “Creating a system of support for farmers and the development of rural cooperation.” Development trends of the meat and dairy cattle breeding industry in the Rostov region—a large agricultural region of Russia - have been noted. A deep comprehensive economic analysis of the composition and structure of financing state programs to support small regional agribusiness entities in the livestock industry was conducted, and the ways for its further development have been determined. Regional authorities have been established to be able to identify and significantly expand priority areas for the development of the meat and dairy cattle breeding industry, while consolidating state support measures regarding the distribution of grants to family farms and novice farmers. The need to develop industrial and economic relations of small business in the livestock sector of the region due to the system of consumer cooperation has been justified. A considerable potential for cooperation in the dairy industry has been noted. The methodology of the research on the problem was based on a system of general scientific and local methods and techniques. The information-analytical basis of the study was the data of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food of the Rostov Region and data of the Federal State Statistics Service of the Russian Federation.

Проблемы кадрового обеспечения в контексте экономической безопасности потребительской кооперации

The article highlights the relevance of economic security, including for enterprises of the consumer cooperation system, analyzes the forms of departmental statistical observation of the number and wages of employees of the consumer cooperation system of the Republic of Tatarstan, draws appropriate conclusions, and suggests measures to improve staffing.

Strategic perspectives of rural households development in Ukraine

The article studies the peculiarities of functioning of rural households, the substantiation of strategic scenarios for their development and the development of an effective mechanism for strengthening their role in the formation of agri-food resources of Ukraine. Taking into account the current state of the agricultural sector and real conditions of rural households existence, several alternative ways of their development are defned: individual (independent) development; integration of rural households with agricultural and processing enterprises; cooperation with other rural households and with small businesses. The analysis of the structure of agricultural production in terms of rural households that can be consumer oriented, consumer – production oriented and production oriented allows us to conclude that a long-term development of rural households will lead to a change in their commodity proposal. The results of the design analysis of the average growth rates of all three resource components showed: the average annual growth rate of labour remuneration - 24.3%; average annual growth rate of fnancial assistance - 21.5%; average annual growth rate of rural household income - 14.6%; the average annual growth rate of total revenues (resources) - 18.7%. Having used the statistical package "STATGRAPHICS",we analyzed the tendencies of decrease of incomes share of rural households from own labor and capital; as well as growth of incomes from hired labor. Having used the ARIMA model, we made a forecast until 2025, and found that the share of population incomes from rural households will decrease to 20.2%. However, the decrease in income from own labor and capital should be offset by an increase in income from remuneration of labor received in the real sector of the economy. In addition, the share of gross output of households in the total gross output of agriculture is calculated. The Brown model (exponential smoothing model) with the parameter alpha = 0.3639 was used for the forecast. According to the results of calculations, it can be concluded that in the future the share of gross agricultural output will decrease and may reach 35.7% by 2025. Today it is also obvious that production oriented rural household, in conditions of increase of marketability level and effective mechanisms for the sale of manufactured products, can be the base for the development of entrepreneurship in agricultural production. This can be created through the organization of a system of purchasing manufactured products from the population, or through the organization of a system of consumer cooperation. Based on this, we believe that the development of land mortgage lending is important to meet fnancial resources needs of small agricultural producers in Ukraine, to achieve maximum economic effect from the realization of land potential, and as a result, to reduce risks in agricultural production. The mechanism for solving this problem, to our opinion, is the creation of mortgage funds of entity at the state level or at the level of united territorial communities. Key words: rural household, incomes of rural households, family farms, rural territories, mortgage lending, cooperation.

ОРГАНІЗАЦІЙНО-ІНСТИТУЦІЙНІ ЗАСАДИ МІЖНАРОДНОГО КООПЕРАТИВНОГО СПІВРОБІТНИЦТВА

The modern organizational structure and priority areas of activity of the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) as the world center of the cooperative movement are investigated. The role of the ICA as a significant factor in world economic and political life is demonstrated. Directions for cooperation support by United Nations specialized agencies are analyzed: the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), the Organization for Industrial Development (UNIDO), the Organization for Education, Science and Culture (UNESCO), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). The content and priorities of the Joint Committee for the Promotion and Assistance to Cooperatives have been identified. The role of the International Labor Organization in the development of cooperation is attested. Institutional prerequisites for collaboration and integration of the cooperative sector of European countries are explored. Active support was given to the activities of cooperative organizations by influential European Economic Institutions (European Commission, European Unit of ICA Europe, Coordinating Committee of the Association of European Cooperatives (CCACE), European Cooperatives Project).The composition of the multi-profile cooperative network «European cooperatives» is analyzed. The main goals of the European Consumer Cooperative Consumers’ interests have been investigated. The content and directions of EuroCoop’s cooperation with the institutions of the European Union (European Parliament, European Commission, Council of the European Union) and leading European and world sectoral institutions have been identified. The main activities of EuroCoop are structured. The content and composition of the main policies for the implementation of EuroCoop activities are analyzed. The role and tasks of the EuroCoop network in the implementation of the project of the ICA «Cooperative Decade of Sustainable Growth» have been determined. The experience of collaboration of the system of consumer cooperation of Ukraine with international cooperative organizations is generalized and perspective directions of further collaboration are proposed.

Wholesale trade of consumer cooperation in the system of goods movement of the country

In the beginning of article the essence and value of process of commodity movement is considered, the role of trade in it, including trade of consumer cooperation is revealed. Further in the article the role of wholesale trade in the sphere of commodity circulation is considered. Their intermediary role between the spheres of material production and consumption of goods is emphasized. The theoretical essence of wholesale and retail trade in the process of commodity movement is revealed. Further the sequence of development of theoretical validity of these economic categories in various periods of formation of domestic science is considered. According to the author, wholesale trade is a type of entrepreneurial activity in the field of trade associated with the sale of goods by manufacturers or Resellers for further use in retail trade or for professional use. In the context of the study of wholesale trade in the system of consumer cooperation, we prefer the first part of this definition.

The most important stages in the formation of a consumer cooperation system

This article attempts to analyze the stages of the formation and development of the cooperative movement in Russia, one of the most important sectors of the economy in which the most important activities are carried out to meet the needs of the rural population. Consumer cooperation in Russia has a nearly two-century history. During this period of its diversified activity, both positive and negative trends are clearly visible. However, despite this, consumer cooperation has maintained its identity, regardless of the political and economic changes in the country. Currently, consumer cooperation in Russia is a diversified economic organization, integrated into a market economy, which does not exclude its fulfillment of a significant amount of social functions.

ДЕЯТЕЛЬНОСТЬ ПОТРЕБИТЕЛЬСКОЙ КООПЕРАЦИИ САРАТОВСКОЙ ОБЛАСТИ ПО ОРГАНИЗАЦИИ ТОРГОВЛИ И ОБЩЕСТВЕННОГО ПИТАНИЯ В СЕЛЬСКОЙ МЕСТНОСТИ (1950-Е ГОДЫ)

The article deals with an attempt of organizing trade and catering in the system of consumer cooperation of Saratov region. The analysis of the activity of consumer cooperation in the expansion of the trade network, increase in trade turnover and goods range, the public catering network branching in the village is carried out. Attention is focused on the inconsistency of this process, the measures to improve trade and public catering in rural areas. The paper concludes that despite success in consumer cooperation development in the 1950s, it had not yet been possible to overcome the existed shortage of goods and services and thus meet the rural workers’ needs.

Система потребительской кооперации: принцип институциональных матриц

Система потребительской кооперации: принцип институциональных матриц

Развитие системы потребительской кооперации в Самарской области

В статье рассмотрено современное состояние системы потребительской кооперации в Самарской области, существующие меры государственной поддержки кооперации; выявлены проблемы, сдерживающие развитие кооперации; обоснованы направления совершенствования системы потребительской кооперации и перспективы ее развития. При анализе результатов деятельности кредитных кооперативов за 9 месяцев 2014 г. можно наблюдать увеличение показателей по отношению к 2013 г. Сумма активов сельскохозяйственных кредитных потребительских кооперативов увеличилась относительно 2013 г. на 36,5 % и составила 159,6 млн руб. Сумма привлеченных займов в 2014 г. составила более 100 млн руб., что на 31,4 млн руб. больше, чем в 2013 г., при этом сумма предоставленных займов в 2013 г. составила 137,6 млн руб., а по итогам девяти месяцев 2014 г. — 95,5 млн руб. В настоящее время все большее значение на федеральном уровне придается развитию сельскохозяйственной потребительской кооперации как одному из важнейших катализаторов развития сельских территорий. И если федеральный центр только в 2013 г. приступил к формированию направлений государственной политики в этой сфере, то в Самарской области целевая программа развития потребительской кооперации начала реализовываться с начала 2010 г. Учитывая задачи, стоящие перед аграрным комплексом, в том числе по сокращению зависимости отечественного продовольственного рынка от импортных поставок мяса, молока и молочной продукции, обеспечению продовольственной безопасности страны в условиях санкционного давления, необходимо стимулировать развитие животноводства и потребительской кооперации как в Самарской области, так и России в целом.