Provision System Research Articles

A solar diffusion-absorption refrigeration system for off-grid cold-chain provision, Part II: System simulation and assessment of performance

The diffusion-absorption refrigerator (DAR) is a cooling technology that can be driven entirely by thermal energy. With solar-thermal collectors as the heat source, this technology can provide a zero-emissions solution for essential cold-chain provision in the world’s poorest regions. In the accompanying paper, a system model of a solar-driven DAR system was developed for simulating operation under variable solar conditions. In Part II of this study, we apply this model to assess the predicted performance of the system in its intended application: for on-farm refrigeration of harvested crops in rural India. The roles of the working-fluid charge pressure and collector array area for maximum cooling are investigated. A charge pressure of 16 bar is found to be optimal for ambient conditions during the October harvest season in Ahmedabad, with a collector-array area of 1.5 m2 found to be most appropriate for the nominal 70 W cooling-capacity system. However, the time taken to reach the required solar collector temperature for bubble pump activation results in a daily operating period of less than 5 h and a predicted overall solar-to-cooling efficiency of less than 1%. To address these limitations, modifications to various components are considered based on simple assumptions for improving performance.

Opinion of medical and pharmaceutical professionals on the quality of pharmaceutical care for patients with diabetes mellitus in the Novosibirsk region: a comparative sociological study

Relevance. Patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) in the Russian Federation have the right to receive free medications. Despite this, some patients with DM experiencing difficulties at various stages of preferential treatment are forced to purchase medications at their own expense. Medical workers (MW) who receive patients and pharmaceutical workers (PW) of preferential dispensing points (PDP), who dispense drugs on preferential terms and provide pharmaceutical information (PI) to patients, are of considerable interest as competent sources of opinion about the quality of the organization of drug provision.Objective. To conduct a comparative sociological study of the organization of PDP for patients with DM in the Novosibirsk region (NSR) using the method of questioning MW and PW.Materials and methods. The materials used were the MW and PW questionnaires developed by the authors. During the study, the following methods were used: sociological survey (questioning), content analysis, comparative analysis, induction, and logical method.Results and discussion. 71% of MW must deal with various difficulties when issuing preferential prescriptions for drugs. These include: absence of drugs in the preferential list (29%), funding limit (29%), and absence of drugs in the PDP (35%). An average level of compliance in taking medications by patients with DM according to the MW was revealed, with a low interest in PI according to PDP workers. 45% of PW experience difficulties when conducting PI of patients with DM. The majority of PW (88%) consider the range of PDP in which they work to be rich in international nonproprietary names, trade names, and release forms of both oral hypoglycemic drugs and insulins.Conclusions. The results obtained allow us to conclude that the drug provision system for patients with DM in the NSR needs to be optimized. Based on the results of the survey, the main directions of optimization can be identified: increasing the availability of drugs in the PDP and increasing the competence of the PDP’s PW through the development of additional training materials and activities.

Електронне урядування як невід’ємний атрибут публічних комунікацій громадянського суспільства

Ukraine has identified the digital transformation of public communications as a priority policy for developing civil society. After the Association Agreement of Ukraine with the European Union, the introduction of European norms and standards in establishing electronic democracy as the basis for further developing the digital public space is of great importance. The study aims to justify measures to improve the mechanisms of civil society’s public communications in the conditions of electronic democracy in Ukraine, considering foreign experience. The content of the theoretical foundations of electronic governance in the context of functional support is disclosed; the level of information and communication technologies in the system of public management and administration was analyzed; the system of electronic government was investigated in the context of the development of public communications and the renewal of the regulatory and legal framework of Ukraine; trends of state policy in the field of e-governance were monitored; ways of further development of the information and digital space in the system of public communications of Ukraine are proposed. Based on the aspect analysis, a conceptual model of the system of information and communication provision of e-governance is proposed, which is built based on the analysis of the subject area and the selection of priority electronic resources that consider the interests of the state and individual subjects of civil society. In modern conditions, the system of electronic public communications must be fully adapted to the needs and requirements of civil society, in which modern information and communication technologies are the main driving forces of social and economic transformations. Information technology innovations in public administration must be complex, simultaneously, and coherently combining informational, organizational, legal, socio-psychological, personnel, technical, and other factors. Keywords: electronic governance, communications, information and communication technologies, public administration, civil society.

Optimal control of a heat pump-based energy system for space heating and hot water provision in buildings: Results from a field test

This paper presents and discusses results from a field test that uses model predictive control (MPC) to optimise the operation of a multi-source heat pump-based energy system for space heating and hot water provision in a building. The objective of the optimisation is to minimise the electricity consumption of the heat pump using flexibility from the heat sources, the space heating and domestic hot water tanks while ensuring end-user comfort and system constraints. The field test was performed in the context of the RES4BUILD project. The integrated system consists of photovoltaic-thermal (PVT) collectors, an advanced vapour-compression multi-source heat pump and water buffer tanks for space heating and hot water needs. The heat pump utilises a solar buffer, a borehole thermal energy storage (BTES) and air as heat sources. The solar buffer is supplied with heat from the PVT collectors. The optimal operation of the system is obtained by monitoring and controlling the interactions between the different system components using MPC, taking into account the weather and heat load forecasts. Results have shown that MPC has a potential and added value for the optimal operation of multi-source heat pumps in real-life while considering system constraints and user behaviour to ensure thermal comfort. However, significant effort and expert knowledge are needed to develop the sufficiently accurate system models required by this control approach. The outcomes and conclusions of this work are therefore a basis for further development of such control approaches to improve their replicability and feasibility on a large scale, considering the diverse nature of energy system components in buildings.

Smartphone usage and daily trips: an empirical study of small and rural communities in Texas

ABSTRACT This study investigated stated trip changes related to smartphone usage among the residents in nine small and rural communities in Texas, based on a 419-respondent online survey. The survey results showed that most participants always used smartphones to perform tasks. After controlling for socioeconomic status, perceived adaptability to technology, and population density, smartphone usage was generally positively associated with the stated impact on daily trip frequency. High-income participants were less likely to report a positive impact of smartphone usage on work-related trips. Compared to younger adults, smartphone use among older adults (aged 50 years or older) was less likely to influence trip-making. Based on the study findings, policy recommendations about smartphone-based information provision systems and information accessibility were discussed. The findings could help policymakers and practitioners design planning protocols that encourage sustainable travel and build the next-generation small and rural communities.

ANALISIS SISTEM PEMBERIAN KREDIT MODAL KERJA PADA PD. BPR BAHTERAMAS KOLAKA UTARA

This research aims: to determine the system of providing working capital credit to PD. BPR Bahteramas North Kolaka. The variable in this research is the Working Capital Credit Provision System as a single variable. The population of this research is all employees at PD. BPR Bahteramas North Kolaka and customers, while the sample consists of (1) employees who have worked at least 1 year in the credit section of PD. BPR Bahteramas North Kolaka (2) employees who work to handle the process of granting credit to PD. BPR Bahteramas North Kolaka (3) working capital credit customers from 2020 to 2022 who have experience in procedures and lending credit funds to PD. BPR Bahteramas North Kolaka as many as 2 people. Data collection was carried out using documentation and interview techniques. Data analysis was carried out using qualitative descriptive analysis. The results of this research state that the credit granting system to PD. BPR Bahteramas Kolaka Utara has been running well and effectively, in accordance with the procedures, conditions, criteria for whether it is eligible or not and the guidelines that have been set, however there are several things that must be addressed because there are still differences in the recommendation for credit approval and the granting of credit approval.

Development of a mechanism for information security risk management of transport service provision systems

The object of the study is the process of analysis, assessment, and management of information security risks in transport service provision systems. The problem of applying the information security risk management approach in the activities of transport business entities was investigated. As a result of the application of effective forms, methods, and means of information security risk management based on international standards, a risk management mechanism was developed. The risk assessment process of transport systems has been systematized. This allows business entities in the transport sector to determine ways to prevent and counter information threats and challenges in their activities, both when designing and operating systems for providing transport services. Verification of the devised methodical approach to information security risk management was carried out on an example of the taxi company «Taxifay N». Threats and challenges of the company’s information system were evaluated by an expert method. Based on the results of the analysis of expert risk assessment, it was found that the concordance coefficient (0.86) confirms the high level of agreement of experts’ opinions. As a result, the company’s information security risk management program was developed. The effectiveness of the program was assessed by the efficiency ratio, which was 0.64. This testifies to the effectiveness of the implemented program of measures to manage information security risks. The scope of application may be the activity of business entities that provide transport services to the population, aimed at data storage and processing. The prospect of this study is to expand the list of threats and categories of vulnerabilities depending on the characteristics of the economic activity of various enterprises

A tale of two towns: Water provision and management in the towns of Beaufort West and Vanrhynsdorp, c. 1900–1970

The Karoo region of South Africa receives some of the lowest annual precipitation in South Africa. The towns of Beaufort West and Vanrhynsdorp share a history of unreliable water supplies, coupled with extreme poverty that left a large section of the population of these towns with little to no access to safe water and sanitation infrastructure. Vanrhynsdorp and Beaufort West had low populations and limited permanent infrastructure during the 19th century. As the 20th century progressed, agricultural market price drops, droughts, the opening of railway lines and the promise of better living conditions spurred on by local business pushed larger numbers of people towards the rural towns. This led to the rapid expansion of populations in rural towns that lacked the financial and practical means to accommodate the rising need for larger permanent water sources and supply infrastructure (often in the form of groundwater). This article will compare how Beaufort West and Vanrhynsdorp developed divergent water provision systems between 1900 and 1970. These two case studies represent a glimpse into the history of water provision struggles of towns in the arid interior during the first half of the 20th century.Contribution: This article focusses on South African water history, and specifically on the problematics of water procurement to towns and communities in the arid Karoo region amid failing water infrastructure and recurring droughts. It augments the historical knowledge on strategies to provide water to rural communities under conditions of duress. The article falls within the scope of New Contree’s scientific focus as it throws more light on the historical infrastructure challenges that two rural communities faced and what strategies they have implemented to overcome such challenges.

Spatial accessibility and travel to pharmacy by type in the Detroit region

BackgroundCommunity pharmacies are a critical part of the health care provision system. Yet less is understood about the spatial accessibility to pharmacies and how people travel to reach these services. ObjectivesThis study compared spatial accessibility and actual travel to different types of pharmacies among selected neighborhoods in the Detroit region. MethodsThree types of neighborhoods were selected and compared, including two lower income Black urban neighborhoods of high-density and four upper income White suburbs (two of low density and two of high density). Spatial accessibility was computed by pharmacy type and compared among neighborhoods using ANOVA. Pharmacy trips reported in a travel survey were geocoded and linked with community pharmacies in a list generated from ReferenceUSA business data. Destination choices were mapped and the relationship between spatial accessibility and actual distance traveled was examined using ordinary least squares regressions. ResultsOn average, urban residents in Detroit had higher access to local independent pharmacies (0.74 miles to the nearest one) but relatively lower access to national chains (1.35 miles to the nearest one), which most residents relied on. Urban residents also tended to shop around more for services even among national chains. In fact, they bypassed nearby local independent pharmacies and traveled long distances to use farther pharmacies, primarily national chains. The average trip distance to pharmacy was 2.1 miles for urban residents, but only 1.1 miles and 1.5 miles for residents in high-density suburbs and low-density suburbs, respectively. ConclusionSupposedly good spatial access considering all pharmacies together may mask excessive burden in reaching the pharmacy services needed in low-income minority urban communities, as shown in the case of Detroit. Thus, when mapping pharmacy deserts, it is important to distinguish spatial accessibility among different pharmacy types.

Reproduction of Fixed Assets in the Part of Their Formation as an Object of Management of Enterprises of the Complex Agrarian Economy of Ukraine

The article focuses on developing proposals to justify management decisions concerning the formation of fixed assets of agricultural enterprises. This is considered a crucial component of management of the reproduction of fixed capital, given the complexity of the agrarian economy of Ukraine. The article outlines the spectrum of negative consequences at the micro and macro levels resulting from the disturbance of the proportions of reproduction of fixed capital in agriculture. It emphasizes the significance of enhancing management approaches and tools throughout all stages of the reproduction process.The reproduction of fixed assets is characterized, which determines its specificity as an object of management. The main objects of reproduction management in terms of financial, investment, operational, and marketing management are outlined.The task of operational management of the reproduction of the basic assets of agricultural enterprises, including the formation of an effective system of fund provision of agricultural production, has been determined. The management of material and technical support in the context of its adaptation to institutional, macroeconomic, industry, and market factors is considered. The study considers the factors of the complexity of the agrarian economy, the peculiarities of agricultural production, the market of industry technical means, and the market of agricultural services.The need to apply alternative options for the material and technical support of production in agricultural enterprises has been proven: the purchase of own machines and equipment or the use of agro-technological services from third-party organizations. The task of management is to justify the expediency of one of the alternative options or their combination, taking into account the size of the company’s land.An algorithm for determining the appropriate format of technical and technological support for production in agricultural enterprises is proposed. By applying the algorithm, calculations have been made for farms that specialize in the cultivation of grain crops. Proposals have been developed for agricultural producers regarding the optimal option for the formation of material and technical support for agricultural production depending on the area of their lands.

DEFINING STRATEGIC INVESTMENT PRIORITIES IN BUSINESS ACTIVITIES

This paper underscores the role and position of investment activity within the framework of strategic enterprise management. It explores the economic essence and distinct characteristics of the investment process, which encompasses the issuance and accumulation of production resources as investment goods and services. It is argued that the investment process at an enterprise can be viewed from two perspectives: as a complex of potential alternative investment decisions based on available financial resources and the capability to attract additional funds (implemented through the development of the enterprise's investment policy strategy); and from the standpoint of each specific investment decision (the rationale and specific investment projects). The paper provides comprehensive recommendations that cover all aspects of the investment process to enhance the methodological support for selecting strategic investment priorities to ensure the enterprise's sustainable development. Distinctive features of financial and investment resources in the system of resource provision for enterprise development when forming an investment development strategy are highlighted. A matrix for defining the plan's priorities for investment provision of enterprise development is developed. It is substantiated that investment risk depends on numerous factors that directly influence the choice of investment strategy. To generalize the impact of these factors, a rating indicator is proposed, which considers the characteristics of investment attractiveness and the level of investment risk. The composition of attributes for assessing the investment attractiveness of the enterprise is justified, including the state of critical factors determining investment efficiency: technical-technological base of production; level of resource availability and efficiency of their use; economic parameters of business activity and financial condition of the enterprise; market demand dynamics and competitive intensity on the target market; level of management organization. Recommendations are provided for determining investment risk based on a summary of quantitative assessments of a complex of dangers and threats that are individual to each investment process participant.

Realitäten anerkennen, Rente zukunftsfähig gestalten

Abstract Current plans to permanently fix the level of benefits provided by the German Statutory Pension Scheme are at odds with the reality of demographic ageing and the requirements for sustainable pension policies. Instead, the causes of the ageing process ought to be addressed through poten-tially unpopular reforms. Linking the statutory retirement age to further life expectancy and building up supplementary funded pensions are core elements of a far-sighted reform that could stabilise the German system of old-age provision in the long run. In the short run, increasing con-tribution rates and reducing the benefit level are inevitable. This should be communicated very clearly.

The hidden roots of wetland methane emissions.

Wetlands are the largest natural source of methane (CH4 ) globally. Climate and land use change are expected to alter CH4 emissions but current and future wetland CH4 budgets remain uncertain. One important predictor of wetland CH4 flux, plants, play an important role in providing substrates for CH4 -producing microbes, increasing CH4 consumption by oxygenating the rhizosphere, and transporting CH4 from soils to the atmosphere. Yet, there remain various mechanistic knowledge gaps regarding the extent to which plant root systems and their traits influence wetland CH4 emissions. Here, we present a novel conceptual framework of the relationships between a range of root traits and CH4 processes in wetlands. Based on a literature review, we propose four main CH4 -relevant categories of root function: gas transport, carbon substrate provision, physicochemical influences and root system architecture. Within these categories, we discuss how individual root traits influence CH4 production, consumption, and transport (PCT). Our findings reveal knowledge gaps concerning trait functions in physicochemical influences, and the role of mycorrhizae and temporal root dynamics in PCT. We also identify priority research needs such as integrating trait measurements from different root function categories, measuring root-CH4 linkages along environmental gradients, and following standardized root ecology protocols and vocabularies. Thus, our conceptual framework identifies relevant belowground plant traits that will help improve wetland CH4 predictions and reduce uncertainties in current and future wetland CH4 budgets.

Suitability of paediatric legislation beyond the USA and Europe: a qualitative study on access to paediatric medicines

BackgroundPaediatric legislation has contributed to better access to appropriate treatments in the European Union and the USA by requiring paediatric research in return for financial incentives. This study explored whether...

The role of community engagement toward ensuring healthy lives: a case study of COVID-19 management in two Ghanaian municipalities.

Community engagement is one of the important requirements for strengthening health delivery in communities in a bid to achieve sustainable development goal 3, target 3.3 (SDG 3.3). The World Health Organization has strongly encouraged the use the five levels of community engagement, which are informing, consulting, planning, collaborating, and empowering communities in order to build resilience and to enable them contribute to the fight against diseases and for the uptake of health interventions. This study sought to explore and describe from the view of government institutions in Ghana how they engaged communities in COVID- 19 management and vaccine acceptance and how the communities within two municipalities also perceived the engagement process as well as the lessons that can be learned in engaging communities to deal with other health challenges and interventions toward the attainment of SDG 3 target 3.3. This case study qualitative research project employed in-depth interviews among 36 respondents composed of government officials (the Ghana Health Service (GHS), the Information Services Department (ISD), the National Commission on Civic Education (NCCE) and two Municipal Assemblies), and community leaders and 10 focus group discussions among 87 men and women most of whom were natives and some migrants in two administrative municipalities in Ghana. Data were collected from June to September 2021. Audio interviews were transcribed and uploaded to Nvivo 12 to support triangulation, coding, and thematic analysis. Ethical approval was obtained from the University of Health and Allied Sciences' Research Ethics Committee and all COVID-19 restrictions were observed. The findings revealed that all the four government institutions educated and informed the communities within their municipalities on COVID-19 management and vaccine acceptance. However, the Ghana Health Service was the most effective in the engagement spectrum of the other four; consulting, involving, collaborating, and empowering communities in the process of COVID-19 management and vaccine acceptance. The GHS achieved that through its CHPS program, which ensured a decentralized health service provision system with multiple programs and leveraging on its multiple programs to reach out to the communities. Government institutions such as the NCCE and the ISD faced challenges such as limited funding and support from the government to be able to carry out their tasks. Additionally, they were not involved with the communities prior to the pandemic and for that matter, they did not have access to community systems such as committees, and existing groups to facilitate the engagement process. Using communities to support Ghana's attainment of the SDG 3 target 3.3 is possible; however, the government needs to provide funds and resources to the institutions responsible to enable them to carry out community engagement effectively. Also, promoting decentralization among institutions can strengthen community engagement processes. It is important that state institutions continue to strategize to empower communities in order to promote their participation in healthcare interventions and in the fight against infectious diseases in Ghana.

More than the sum of its parts-A constructivist grounded-theory study on specialist palliative care during crises like the COVID pandemic.

The COVID pandemic is an example of a crisis challenging healthcare systems worldwide. The impact of the pandemic on providing high-quality palliative care calls for a deeper understanding of specialist services during crises. This is essential in preparation for further crises. To develop a conceptual understanding of the impact of the pandemic on specialist palliative care as an example for arising future crises. Qualitative interview study across Germany, following a constructivist grounded theory methodology. Eleven semi-structured interviews with experts with overarching knowledge of structures and processes in specialist palliative care between 05-07/2020 and between 02-06/2021, 23 semi-structured interviews with healthcare professionals working in a specialist palliative care setting. The complex system of palliative care provision during crises has properties that cannot be understood as separated parts of the care process. The pandemic led to unique structural and processual challenges characterized by interconnectedness, uncertainty, dynamic, underlying dilemmas, and unclear long-term goal. In response to the pandemic, teams experienced different phases, which enhanced adaption, innovation, and progress within complex care situations. Creative strategy approaches and dynamic responsiveness facilitated innovative development and could lead to long-lasting improvement within services. Availability of information, transparent communication, comprehensible instructions, participation in decision-making, and search for solutions contributed to teams' proactive development throughout the pandemic. Addressing the complex problems in specialist palliative care caused by crises requires system thinking and a learning mindset. This can facilitate teams to overcome the crisis and move forward rather than bounce back to normal.

Reforming Children’s Health Care in the Soviet Union after the World War II

The article presents the results of historical and medical research reflecting the issues of reforming children’s health care after the World War II. The aim of the study is to present the problems of reforming children’s health care in the USSR in the post-war decade (1946–1956). The study relevance is defined by necessity to examine the historical experience of reforming children’s health care during the most difficult for our country post-war period so we can learn crucial lessons from the past and use them further for the successful implementation of the federal project “Development of children’s health care, including the creation of modern infrastructure for medical care provision for children”. Published and unpublished documents of the USSR Ministry of Health and the USSR Academy of Medical Sciences, stored in the State Archive of the Russian Federation, as well as publications from medical journals, scientific collections, monographs were studied to cover this issue. The analysis of this study has shown that the most significant part in the state health reform started in the first post-war years was the merger of hospitals and clinics for adults, maternity hospitals with women’s consultations, children’s hospitals with children’s consultations and outpatients’ clinics. The post-war reform has contributed to the improvement of the quality of inpatient and outpatient medical care, to the increasing role of the hospital as the organizing and leading center of all united facilities. The integration of children’s hospitals with consultations and outpatients’ clinic, as well as the organization of the primary pediatric care according to the system of medical and preventive care provision for children aged from birth to 16 years by single pediatrician, have shown succession in the work of primary care doctors and hospitals. The increase in the health workers qualifications, the development of specialized types of medical care, the improvement in the quality of medical and preventive care were observed. The reform of children’s health care contributed to the diseases’ timely diagnosis and early patients’ hospitalization, strengthening the connection of the primary care doctor and nurse with the child’s family, and decreasing of child morbidity and mortality.

Effectiveness of information and communication technology-based integrated care for older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Information and communication technology (ICT) is a key factor in advancing the implementation of integrated care for older adults in the context of an aging society and the normalization of epidemics. This systematic review aims to comprehensively evaluate the effectiveness of ICT-based integrated care for older adults to provide input for the construction of intelligent integrated care models suitable for the context of an aging population in China. A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted using PubMed, Web of Science Core Collection, Scopus, MEDLINE, EBSCO, EMBASE, CINAHL with full text, ProQuest, and Cochrane Library databases, along with the Google Scholar search engine, for papers published between January 1, 2000, and July 25, 2022, to include randomized controlled trials and quasi-experimental studies of ICT-based integrated care for older adults. Two reviewers independently performed literature screening, quality assessment (JBI standardized critical appraisal tool), and data extraction. The results were pooled using a random effects model, and narrative synthesis was used for studies with insufficient outcome data. We included 32 studies (21 interventions) with a total of 30,200 participants (14,289 in the control group and 15,911 in the intervention group). However, the quality of the literature could be improved. The meta-analysis results showed that ICT-based integrated care significantly improved the overall perceived health status of older adults (n=3 studies, MD 1.29 (CI 0.11 to 2.46), no heterogeneity) and reduced the number of emergency department visits (n=11 studies, OR 0.46 (CI 0.25 to 0.86), high heterogeneity) but had no significant effect on improving quality of life, mobility, depression, hospital admissions and readmissions, or mortality in older adults, with a high degree of study heterogeneity. Narrative analysis showed that the overall quality of care, primary care service use, and functional status of older adults in the intervention group improved, but the cost-effectiveness was unclear. ICT-based integrated care is effective in improving health outcomes for older adults, but the quality and homogeneity of the evidence base need to be improved. Researchers should develop intelligent integrated care programs in the context of local health and care welfare provision systems for older adults, along with the preferences and priorities of the older adults.

Curriculum across the great divide: exploring a key problem of Australian tertiary education

ABSTRACT Tertiary education in Australia is dominated by a division between two large systems of provision: vocational education and training (VET) and higher education (HE). Over time, these tertiary education sectors have become distinct in several respects, including the way curriculum is conceived and practiced. In VET, competency-based training operates as a system-wide curriculum model. In HE, different professions and disciplines, in addition to university requirements, directly influence and shape curriculum design. The Australian competency-based model has been politicised over the last few decades, leading to fetishisation of the standards used to guide learning and teaching in VET and fostering distinct approaches to curriculum in the two systems. Schwab’s notion of curriculum commonplaces can be used to examine teaching and learning in VET to highlight ways in which an expanded concept of curriculum could lead to a renewal of VET and simultaneously promote generative articulation between the two tertiary systems.

Методичний підхід до оцінки рівня управління якістю послуг підприємств залізничного транспорту

The article develops a methodical approach to assessing the level of quality management of services of railway transport enterprises. It is specified that the introduction of a modern system for managing the quality of services of railway transport enterprises requires the development of methodological approaches to assessing the level of management, taking into account that the main element of this system is the focus on the quality of products and services, the development of new technologies, flexible pricing policy and a high culture of service, taking into account the specific requirements and expectations of consumers. It is emphasized that expert evaluation is based on intuitive and logical analysis under conditions of significant uncertainty of the environment or characteristics of the object under study. It is well-grounded that the comparative analysis of statistical characteristics made it possible to form a matrix of advantages and allocate the most influential indicators in each group of factors: 1) scientific and technical factors – modernization of existing equipment and automation and modernization of production processes; 2) organizational factors – improvement of the system of material and technical provision and the work of linear enterprises; 3) economic factors – increasing the level of investment attractiveness and the level of business activity of railway transport enterprises; 4) social factors – improvement of mechanisms of material incentives for employees and recruitment. A conclusion is made about the level of influence of individual indicators in each group of factors on the level of quality management of services of railway transport enterprises, namely: the sum of ranks, average rank, average value in points, moda and median, range of series, normed assessment. Identification of priorities, according to experts, will allow to form a strategy and directions for improving the efficiency of quality management of services of railway transport enterprises. The obtained normed estimates of each indicator open up the possibilities of economic and mathematical modeling, forecasting changes in the overall level of service quality depending on the change in each indicator. Assessment of the generalized degree of consistency of experts’ opinions according to the calculated concordance coefficients indicates a high level of such consistency.