Various Groups Of Stakeholders Research Articles

The Circular Economy: Conceptual Definition and Framing for Socially Responsible Stakeholders

"The paper provides a definition of the circular economy, which could serve as a foundation for taking further actions to enhance the organizational and management mechanisms of the circular economy’s development, in particular through the formation of strategies for the transition to the circular economy both at the level of the state and at the level of the territorial community and individual enterprise as a social responsible stakeholders. This study performs a meta-analysis of the scientific publications indexed by the Scopus database, published from 2001 to 2023 by the keyword “circular economy”, taking into account interdisciplinary approach. Expert opinions and assessments were obtained through an expert survey, which included 300 territorial communities from all regions of Ukraine as one of the key stakeholder groups. Circular economy is understood as a concept that aims to create or develop economic relationships through the operation of sustainable business models based on business processes with an extended product life cycles, socially responsible behavior at micro, macro, and meso levels within the framework of planetary boundaries. The proposed definition is suitable for use by various groups of stakeholders, as it emphasizes that the development of a circular economy is only possible through the interaction of business, individual citizens, and the state."

NON-FINANCIAL REPORTING: PRACTICE OF GENERATING AND MONITORING ESG DATA

The implementation of the sustainable development agenda is driving growing interest in the formation and disclosure of ESG data in companies» non-financial reporting. Currently, reporting in the field of sustainable development in the Russian Federation is at the stage of development, but already has many years of experience in the formation of estimated values and the application of Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) standards. This article analyzes the dynamics of non-financial reporting of Russian companies and identifies the main trends in its development. A content analysis of non-financial reporting items was carried out using a score in the context of ESG components: environmental, economic and social. The results of the study, on the one hand, allow us to conclude that the reporting indicators of leading companies in the field of sustainable development are highly complete, clear and reliable, but, on the other hand, they indicate low comparability of the reporting indicators of different economic entities. The lack of uniform approaches and standards for developing the structure and composition of non-financial reporting indicators is the main obstacle to its interpretation by various groups of stakeholders.

Identifying, categorising, and mapping actors involved in resilience in healthcare: a qualitative stakeholder analysis

BackgroundResilience in healthcare is the capacity to adapt to challenges and changes to maintain high-quality care across system levels. While healthcare system stakeholders such as patients, informal carers, healthcare professionals and service managers have all come to be acknowledged as important co-creators of resilient healthcare, our knowledge and understanding of who, how, and in which contexts different stakeholders come to facilitate and support resilience is still lacking. This study addresses gaps in the research by conducting a stakeholder analysis to identify and categorise the stakeholders that are key to facilitating and sustaining resilience in healthcare, and to investigate stakeholder relationships relevant for the enactment of resilient healthcare systems.MethodsThe stakeholder analysis was conducted using a sample of 19 empirical research projects. A narrative summary was written for 14 of the projects, based on publicly available material. In addition, 16 individual interviews were undertaken with researchers from the same sample of 19 projects. The 16 interview transcripts and 14 narratives made up the data material of the study. Application of stakeholder analysis methods was done in three steps: a) identification of stakeholders; b) differentiation and categorisation of stakeholders using an interest/influence grid; and c) investigation and mapping of stakeholder relationships using an actor-linkage matrix.ResultsIdentified stakeholders were Patients, Family Carers, Healthcare Professionals, Ward/Unit Managers, Service or Case Managers, Regulatory Investigators, Policy Makers, and Other Service Providers. All identified stakeholders were categorised as either ‘Subjects’, ‘Players’, or ‘Context Setters’ according to their level of interest in and influence on resilient healthcare. Stakeholder relationships were mapped according to the degree and type of contact between the various groups of stakeholders involved in facilitating resilient healthcare, ranging from ‘Not linked’ to ‘Fully linked’.ConclusionFamily carers and healthcare professionals were found to be the most active groups of stakeholders in the enactment of healthcare system resilience. Patients, managers, and policy makers also contribute to resilience to various degrees. Relationships between stakeholder groups are largely characterised by communication and coordination, in addition to formal collaborations where diverse actors work together to achieve common goals.

АНАЛИЗ ТРЕБОВАНИЙ ЗАИНТЕРЕСОВАННЫХ СТОРОН ПРИ ФОРМИРОВАНИИ ГРАНТОВОЙ ПОДДЕРЖКИ АГРОПРОМЫШЛЕННОГО КОМПЛЕКСА

State grant support for small businesses in the agro-industrial complex is an important form of stimulating and financing innovative activity. The research is based on a stakeholder approach to business change management and specific innovative projects in the interests of the state and the business entities themselves with the help of the Foundation for Assistance to Small Innovative Enterprises (FASIE) in scientific and technical spheres. The analysis conducted showed that out of the total financing volume for all “Start” and “Commercialization” programs, 9.29% of grant support was allocated to projects in the agro-industrial complex in 2021, and only 8.81% in 2022. The largest share of funding goes to the “Commercialization” program (74.22% in 2021 and 64.65% in 2022), which aims to support innovative projects of existing agricultural organizations, involving the creation, expansion, and modernization of production necessary for serial release. This does not fully satisfy the needs for supporting startups and young developing organizations. At the same time, the structure of satisfied applications reflects the requests of their authors – the largest share of allocated financing is for the “Biotechnology” direction (55.38% in 2021 and 42.58% in 2022), followed by “New instruments and intelligent production technologies” (29.58% in 2021 and 31.28% in 2022). However, the analysis of the requirements of state policy in the field of digitalization of the economy and changes in the needs of economic entities shows the inevitability of a gradual reorientation of their projects towards “Digital Technologies” and “Artificial Intelligence”. Geographically, the largest volume of allocated funds is for the Central and Volga Federal Districts (36.47% and 25.2% respectively), which does not sufficiently satisfy the needs of businesses in other regions of the country. A proposal is justified to satisfy the information needs of various groups of stakeholders in the innovative development of the agro-industrial complex (including government bodies) by disclosing information on the actual implementation and effectiveness of funded projects by supported organizations and on the Fund's website.

Application of the theory of stakeholders in assessing the investment attractiveness of corporate structures

Purpose of the article is to describe the authors' proposal on the use of the concept of stakeholders in assessing the investment attractiveness of corporate structures, an alternative to traditional fundamental investment analysis.Methods: the basis of the research is the expansion of ideas about the factors affecting the investment attractiveness of the corporate structure on the basis of multi-subject assessments, in accordance with the theory of stakeholders.Results: currently, the investment attractiveness of a large corporate structure is formed under the influence of a variety of financial and nonfinancial factors that depend on actions or judgments broadcast (via the media, the Internet or other modern means of communication), not only by investors, but also by other interested parties. The approach proposed by the authors to assessing investment attractiveness differs in that it is based on the need to meet the information needs of various groups of stakeholders, not just investors. To achieve this goal, two interrelated tasks have been solved in the work. Firstly, the impact of factors influenced by stakeholders on the indicators of investment attractiveness is considered. Secondly, the assessment of investment attractiveness is carried out on the basis of information about the company's solution of environmental, social and other modern tasks.Conclusions And Relevance: the approach considered in the article, which involves the use of the theory of stakeholders to study the factors that influence investment attractiveness, has practical importance for corporate structures. The authors' calculations made on the basis of open information from one of the largest Russian oil and gas companies, PJSC Lukoil, confirm the hypothesis about the correctness of using the theory of stakeholders as another approach to assessing the investment attractiveness of the company. The calculations illustrate the significant closeness of the relationship between indicators traditionally used in assessing investment attractiveness and non-financial indicators that reflect the information needs of not only investors, but also other stakeholders (employees, customers, suppliers, financial institutions, the media, environmentalists, trade unions, etc.).

MODERN TRENDS IN MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS FOR FARMS

The relevance and significance of marketing communications in agriculture in the context of global challenges is highlighted. The importance of taking into account the seasonality of products, which requires strategic planning of promotion to the market, is emphasized. Emphasis is placed on the influence of weather conditions and regional features on cultivated crops, which necessitates the flexibility of marketing strategies. It was noted that agriculture needs an approach that takes into account the diversity of target audiences, their needs and interests. The need for strategic orientation of farms on risk management, adaptation to a specific region and development of a reliable brand is shown. Outlines key aspects of farm communications, including the role of community programs. The growing popularity of the brand as a tool of trust between producers and consumers is emphasized. It was noted that modern marketing communications are becoming more and more integrated and adapted to various groups of stakeholders. The significance of the brand for farms in ensuring consumer trust and forming a positive image is emphasized. Attention is focused on the fact that in the conditions of variability of agriculture, there is a need for adaptive communication strategies. Methods of interaction with the target audience have been determined, in particular, through regional media, social networks and partnerships. The importance of combining different forms of communication to achieve optimal interaction with the market is shown. It is shown that the adaptation of marketing communications to the peculiarities of the region, seasonality and weather conditions is the key to successful product promotion. The key modern tools of marketing communications of farms, their content, advantages and disadvantages are presented. It is shown that the analysis of modern trends in marketing communications allows farms to optimize their communication strategies, responding to market needs and strengthening their positioning.

Development of competitive strategies by enterprises in the globalization of market

The subject of the study is the process of formation and implementation of competitive strategies of enterprises in the conditions of globalization of markets. The purpose of the article is to study the relationship between the globalization of markets and the development of competitive strategies of enterprises, as well as to provide recommendations to enterprises on the development of effective competitive strategies that take into account global trends and the peculiarities of local markets. The methodological basis of the article can be various research approaches and methods, depending on the specific orientation. The methods of economic analysis are used, in particular, comparative analysis of various competitive strategies, SWOT analysis, Porter's analysis, and others. Also used are methods of sociological research, in particular surveys of various groups of stakeholders, or methods of practical experience, including case studies of successful enterprises and their strategies. Results of the article. It has been established that in the conditions of globalization of markets, enterprises must develop competitive strategies that take into account the trends of global market development and the peculiarities of competition in different regions of the world. The main factors influencing the development of competitive strategies of enterprises in the conditions of globalization of markets are identified, in particular: changes in the political, economic, socio-cultural and technological environment, the growth of competition, changes in consumer requirements, the strengthening of the influence of regulatory bodies, etc. The main strategies that can be applied by enterprises in the conditions of globalization of markets, such as: differentiation strategies, cost reduction strategies, focusing strategies and combined strategies, are studied. It was found that the success of the company's competitive strategy in the conditions of globalization of markets depends on several factors, in particular: choosing the right strategy, effective management of resources, adaptation to local conditions and interaction with partners. Recommendations are given on the development and implementation of competitive strategies of enterprises in the conditions of globalization of markets, in particular: analyze trends in the development of the global market. An additional result is the identification of key factors that influence the formation and implementation of competitive strategies of enterprises in the conditions of globalization of markets. This enables enterprises to more effectively adapt to changing market conditions and develop their strategies based on the analysis of these factors. Field of application of results. The recommendations for the development of competitive strategies that have been formulated can be used by enterprises of various sizes and industries that wish to compete in international markets. In particular, the research can be useful for managers who are responsible for the development of company strategies, as well as for researchers and teachers who deal with problems of competitiveness of enterprises. Conclusions. The development of competitive strategies of enterprises in the conditions of globalization of markets is an important factor in their success and preservation of competitiveness. Effective selection and implementation of strategies requires a deep analysis of external and internal environmental factors, a thorough study of the competitive field, and the use of modern strategic management tools.

Переосмислення суті управлінського обліку в контексті досягнення Цілей сталого розвитку

Introduction. Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) within the framework defined by 2030 is possible only if the socially responsible behavior of citizens, businesses, and public administration bodies is activated in tandem. And business has the most significant role here. The role of management accounting in achieving SDGs has practical dimensions and a strategic task arises to form such accounting and analytical information that can help in achieving the 17 SDGs. Such information should be public, i.e. presented not only to internal stakeholders, but also to external ones, and also show both positive and negative impacts of business on the community and the country within which it operates. Problem Statement. Since there is an objective need to consume accounting and analytical information of a strategic nature in the context of SDGs to meet information needs of various groups of stakeholders, it is worth talking about expanding the traditional understanding of the essence of management accounting (that is, in its legislative definition). Purpose. Rethinking the essence of management accounting in the context of its role in achieving SDGs and making proposals for improving the legally established definition of the term “management accounting” in Ukraine. Methods. General scientific and special methods are used, such as logical analysis, synthesis, comparison, theoretical generalization, and abstract-logical. Results. The conducted analysis of the role of management accounting in achieving SDGs casts doubt on the generally accepted statement that management accounting forms information only for internal users. The article presents arguments that prove the need to amend the Law of Ukraine “On Accounting and Financial Reporting in Ukraine”. The definition of management accounting is proposed, which, taking into account the potential of accounting tools in achieving SDGs, can provide modern information needs of stakeholders motivated by socially responsible behavior. Namely, management accounting should be interpreted as a system of collecting, processing, preparing, and analyzing financial and non-financial information about company's activities for various groups of stakeholders in the process of making management decisions. Conclusions. The clarity in the theoretical aspect regarding the interpretation of the essence of management accounting and confirmation of this in normative legal acts will be an impetus for expanding the practical implementation of management accounting in solving the problems of sustainable development.

The mediating role of carbon emissions in the relationship between the board attributes and ESG performance: European evidence

PurposeThis study seeks to investigate the impact of board attributes on environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance, along with exploring the mediating role of carbon emissions in this relationship.Design/methodology/approachTo address this objective, the panel data approach was used to analyze the data were collected from 1,621 European companies from 2017 to 2021.FindingsThis study shows that board gender diversity, audit committee independence, expertise and board meeting attendance help enhance ESG performance. On the contrary, board size and composition do not affect ESG performance. The findings also showed that board gender diversity, audit committee independence, expertise and board meeting attendance are negatively related to carbon emissions performance. However, board size is related positively to carbon emissions performance. This indicates that the larger boards of directors may have diverse experiences that enhance the environmental performance of companies. Furthermore, the finding showed companies that contribute to lowering carbon emissions are more willing to improve their ESG performance. Also, carbon emissions mediate the relationship between the board's attributes and ESG performance.Originality/valueThe study's results have significant implications for firm managers in enhancing the efficiency of board decisions in determining environmental practices that matter to various groups of stakeholders. In addition, this study provides valuable input to regulators and policymakers regarding strengthening the regulations and controlling tools that enhance environmental performance.

AN INTEGRATED APPROACH TO THE ANALYSIS OF THE SPECIFICS OF DEVELOPMENT INDUSTRIAL TOURISM IN RUSSIA

Introduction. The study of industrial tourism is relevant due to its significant role in solving socio-economic problems at the level of enterprises, regions and the national economy as a whole. The development of industrial tourism contributes to the growth of the prestige of working professions, the demand for the products of domestic producers, the creation of new jobs, the development of tourist infrastructure, the increase of the investment attractiveness of enterprises and regions, solving the problem of uneven spatial development of territories with insufficiently developed tourist and recreational potential. Such a wide range of problems necessitates the use of an integrated approach to the analysis of the specifics of the development of industrial tourism in Russia, which is the purpose of this study. Methods. In the article the authors used methods of analysis, synthesis, generalization of data, an integrated approach, which made it possible to identify modern features, constraining factors and prospects for the development of industrial tourism in Russia. Results. The essence, goals and classification of types of industrial tourism are characterized. Its significance and advantages of development for various groups of stakeholders are determined. Modern trends in the development of industrial tourism in Russia are considered by means of an analysis of the information support system for industrial tourism. Conclusion. Industrial tourism is one of the most popular areas of development of the domestic tourism industry. Its development is characterized by significant advantages for enterprises of various sectors of the economy, regions of the Russian Federation, the tourist market and consumers of tourist services.

ENTREPRENEURIAL ECOSYSTEM FORMATION: THEORETICAL ASPECTS

Background. Modern trends, such as globalization, open markets, the development of knowledge-intensive industries, artificial intelligence, automation, and robotics, lead to a decrease in the need for labor since many tasks that humans previously performed can now be performed by machines. According to World Bank forecasts, about 600 million new jobs will be needed by 2030 to fill the growing global workforce. The international community recognizes that entrepreneurship can effectively perform the mentioned task, which makes its development and support a priority of the state policy of various countries. In developed countries the importance of creating entrepreneurial ecosystems as an environment and stimulus for the growth and support of entrepreneurship and innovation is recognized. However, there is no single definition of an entrepreneurial ecosystem, and the factors that contribute to an entrepreneurial ecosystem’s success are still being explored. Therefore, the purpose of the article is to summarize the existing theoretical approaches to the definition of the entrepreneurial ecosystem and its key elements. The object of research is the entrepreneurial ecosystem, which is considered a complex system consisting of various interconnected elements, including entrepreneurs, investors, mentors, educational institutions, and government bodies. Methods. General scientific and special research methods were used, including the system method, methods of analysis, synthesis, abstraction, and generalization. Results. The entrepreneurial ecosystem was defined as a set of legal entities and individuals from various sectors, different in nature of the activity, which functions for the development of innovation and entrepreneurial activity by combining the efforts of various groups of stakeholders. Key components of the entrepreneurial ecosystem include policy development, infrastructure, finance, innovation, markets, support, culture, and human resources. Entrepreneurial ecosystems can be developed through various activities such as creating an enabling environment for entrepreneurship, providing support to entrepreneurs, and raising awareness of entrepreneurship. Conclusions. The research demonstrated the high importance of entrepreneurial ecosystems for the development of business, described its major components, and identified the roles of the key stakeholders in the process of entrepreneurial ecosystem formation.

Проблеми та перспективи цифрової трансформації банківського сектора України

Digital transformation is a key driver of changes in the established state of the banking sector both in Ukraine and in the world as a whole. Digital transformation is a lever for strengthening the level of efficiency of banks and increasing the level of profitability of activities by optimizing costs, deepening customer analytics, and accelerating managerial decision-making in the bank. Digital transformation also poses a number of challenges for the established work of banks that have not prioritized their work in the field of digitalization. Accordingly, the problems of planning and implementing strategic plans of the Ukrainian banking sector within the framework of digital transformation are becoming more acute. The aim of the article is to analyze the specifics of the digital transformation of banks at the present stage and the formation of a set of actions to strengthen the results of digital transformations for banks in Ukraine. The article examines the current context of digital transformation of the banking sector. The key challenges for banks in the direction of digital transformations are allocated. The main priorities for banks in the framework of digital transformation are considered. The ramification of the effects of digital transformation for banks is emphasized, in particular in terms of increasing the level of efficiency and increasing the profitability of the banking business. An analysis of the context of the main trends in the digital transformation of the banking sector from the point of view of the regulator based on the experience of the European Central Bank (ECB) is carried out. The main challenges of digital transformations of the Ukrainian banking sector are allocated. A comprehensive set of key measures has been formed that will contribute to strengthening the efficiency of the digital transformation of Ukrainian banks. The presented study may be of scientific and practical interest to specialized researchers, the expert community of the banking market, digital transformation consultants, public authorities, and the NBU. Prospect for further research is an extended study of the problems of integrating digital transformation into the development strategies of Ukrainian banks in the plane of various groups of stakeholders, as well as adapting the process of digital transformation of banks in Ukraine to the requirements of the EU banking sector in the context of the European integration movement.

Dual studies as a response for the needs of the contemporary market

Purpose: Dual studies, a modern educational programme combining conventional academic classes with professional work, they are enjoying a growing popularity among students and companies. Dual studies are an alternative form of obtaining employees by employers. Employers during the work placement they have the opportunity to offer to the students the internships and employment in their company. For the students it is a chance to gain the experience. The research presented in the article are referring to the dual studies at the Faculty of Organization and Management at the Silesian University of Technology in the field of Logistics 2nd rank. These studies began in February 2019 and it will take three terms. The purpose of the article is to answer for the questions if dual studies are the best answer for the requirements of the contemporary labor market and if dual studies are the optimal model of graduate education. The research will be conducted in 4 steps: after the 1st term and terminated work placement; after terminated internship; after the third term and after one year from the defense of the master's thesis. Design/methodology/approach: In this article were used the interview and questionnaire method. Interviews and questionnaire were conducted with both students and companies where the practice and internships taken place. Findings: Obtained results provide preliminary information regarding to the effects of the first term, usefulness of classes, use of the knowledge gained during the work placements and internships. The results of the research present the expectations of the employer towards graduates in scope to their competences: knowledge from the field which they are studying, and soft competences in the scope of teamwork or communication. Originality/value: Dual studies are a new form of education, having a practical nature and combining the acquisition of knowledge and experience at the same time. Students are theoretically prepared, thanks to which they can find themselves in the industry in practice. Dual studies are a source of potential benefits for various groups of stakeholders (universities, employers, students). Dual studies are presented in the article as a form of development of entrepreneurial attitudes and professional competences of students (including social competences highly valued in the labor market). These studies are a great opportunity to prepare for the requirements posed by the labor market for each graduate. Keywords: logistics, dual studies, modern educational model, trainings, market requirements. Category of the paper: general review.

Research - based technology education – the EDURES partnership experience

The paper presents the state regarding practices in teaching at partner universities of the EDURES project and current approaches supporting research-based education. It also presents the needs of various groups of stakeholders formulated on the basis of survey results. Moreover, the paper proposes new methodologies which are useful if research results are implemented in teaching programmes at technical universities (research-based lectures, e-learning, web portal methodologies, wizards, etc). It is finally stated that research-results implementation into teaching processes is possible by the use of various tools and approaches proposed by the EDURES partnership and has a potential to be appreciated by students, academics and external stakeholders.

МОДЕЛІ ВЗАЄМОДІЇ ЗІ СТЕЙКХОЛДЕРАМИ В УПРАВЛІННІ ДЕВЕЛОПЕРСЬКИМИ ПРОЕКТАМИ

The article is devoted to research and systematization of existing models used in the process of stakeholder management and their involvement in the development and implementation of real estate development projects. The views of scientists on the issues of project management research were analyzed, including developer, as well as taking into account the interests of the parties involved in their implementation. Distinctive features of the development project were established, such as entrepreneurial nature, complexity, efficiency, organizational and control direction. The essence of development as management of an investment project in the field of real estate has been studied, its stages and stages have been studied. The need to take into account the interests of stakeholders in development, purposeful involvement of stakeholders during the development and implementation of the development project is substantiated. It has been established that in the process of development activity, many interests and goals of various groups of stakeholders may overlap, the involvement of which is one of the essential features of development projects. It has been established that interaction with stakeholders within the framework of development project management is a continuous cyclical process that involves the constant development of practices and procedures, forms and methods, so the choice of one or another model can significantly affect the degree of probability of achieving the desired. It has been proven that in order to improve interaction with stakeholders, it is advisable to use models focused on improving communications, change management and direct relations with them. The expediency of dividing the models used in stakeholder management of real estate development projects into three main groups is argued. Among such groups, communicative models, change management models, and interaction adjustment models are distinguished. A general overview of each group of models in stakeholder management of real estate development projects is provided, examples of models related to each group.

Trilingual and biliterate language education policy in Hong Kong: past, present and future

Hong Kong’s ‘trilingual and biliterate’ language policy (TaB, 三語兩文) is almost as old as the special administrative region (SAR) itself. Through free education and language support measures in school, students are expected to be conversant in English and Putonghua in addition to Cantonese, and be able to read and understand written Chinese and English. After being implemented for over two decades, however, there are signs that most students’ language standards in Chinese and English fall short of the TaB target, as measured by the public examination results of successive generations of secondary school leavers. Designed with essentially Cantonese-dominant Hongkongers in mind, the TaB policy consists of many measures, with the ‘medium of instruction streaming policy’ introduced since September 1998 being the most controversial. Driven by the twin principles of monolingual English-medium instruction (EMI) and ‘no language mixing allowed’, secondary schools are divided into two streams. Stringent requirements must be met before a school could claim to be an EMI school. According to this ‘late immersion’ model for students aged 11–12 at secondary level, every year about 30 percent of the primary school leavers are allocated to an EMI school. Following Li (Multilingual Hong Kong: languages, literacies and identities. Springer, Cham, 2017), this paper will first discuss why the TaB target is such a tall order for Cantonese-dominant students by reviewing the relevant literature along five inter-related dimensions: contrastive linguistics, psycholinguistics, sociolinguistics, cognitive neuroscience, and instructional strategies and bilingual pedagogies. I will then examine the SAR government’s language support measures to assess their effectiveness and explore possible alternatives. The paper will end with a number of recommendations, which together constitute an LPP (language policy and planning) roadmap for improving the chance with which the TaB policy is likely to produce more positive outcomes. (i) To re-prioritize the investment and extent of language support by strengthening the quality of language input at the key stages of learning from age 3–9, which in curriculum terms correspond with K1–P3; (ii) To use Cantonese as the medium of instruction for teaching all subjects except English and Putonghua as separate subjects at preschool (K1–K3, age 3–6); (iii) To explore the possibility of implementing total immersion in Putonghua for three years at lower primary level (P1–P3, age 6–9); (iv) To abandon the ‘maximum exposure, no mixing’ dogma in secondary education and to encourage basic and action research in bilingual pedagogies and instructional strategies informed by Content-and-language integrated learning (CLIL); (v) To attract academically bright and linguistically gifted students to receive professional training and be prepared and committed for a career in language teaching; and (vi) To encourage civil servants of various government offices, schoolteachers, and university staff to initiate a ‘speak English/Putonghua where we can’ campaign. For these policy measures to be successfully implemented and bear fruit, apart from careful planning, there ought to be strong leadership from within the government and the education sector, plus mechanisms for coordinating concerted actions on the part of various groups of stakeholders, notably teachers, school principals, educationalists, and experts of language teaching and learning in academia.

Sustainable City Logistics of Last-Mile Delivery and Returns on the E-Commerce Market. Various Groups of Stakeholders’ Perspectives – Aims and Scope of the Project

The paper presents the research project implemented at Wrocław University of Economics and Business led by Eng. Maja Kiba-Janiak, Ph.D., Prof. of WUEB, financed by the National Science Centre in Poland, granted based on the decision number 2018/31/B/HS4/03711. The project answers the challenges created by the dynamically growing e-commerce market. Attractive purchase prices, low cost, short time, and convenient delivery places motivate consumers to shop online, which is a challenge for e-trade services and transport companies. Meeting the expectations of e-clients in terms of delivery of the purchased products leads to congestion, pollution, and road accidents. The project is the conceptualization of a model of sustainable city logistics in the field of last-mile delivery and the returns on the e-commerce market, including the tools stimulating stakeholders to change their preferences in terms of the last-mile delivery and goods return, making them more sustainable (environmentally, socially and economically).

A social network analysis of mangrove management stakeholders in Sri Lanka's Northern Province

The sustainable management of complex social-ecological systems (SES) typically requires coordination and collaboration between various groups of stakeholders. Yet, research on collaborative stakeholder networks and their linkages with sustainable mangrove management strategies is lacking in Sri Lanka. This study presents a social network analysis (SNA) of mangrove management stakeholders and their perceptions of both existing and preferred collaborative relationships (or ties) between stakeholder groups, in the Northern Province of Sri Lanka. It further illustrates how SNA can be used to identify stakeholder collaboration and their potential role(s) in mangrove management. The perspectives of all key stakeholders have an impact on how mangroves need to be managed. Therefore, it is crucial to identify and meet with all key stakeholders in the early stages of management processes to understand their needs and constraints. Our findings indicate that the government departments mandated to conserve mangroves are not only formally appointed key stakeholders but are also perceived as central by others. Communication barriers, lack of awareness regarding the importance of mangroves, and shortages in staff and resources for conservation were major constraints to the existing mangrove management network. We highlight the potential of other stakeholders (i.e., non-mandated government stakeholders, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and private organizations) in improving and influencing the social network in order to increase the diffusion of information. Despite existing resource extraction activities, private organizations were less represented in the mangrove management network of our study. After considering stakeholders’ expectations and requirements, we suggest the inclusion of a bridging organization such as an “Environment Network Unit” or the establishment of bridging entities in the universities and research institutes. We also recommend certain government organizations (i.e., Central Environmental Authority) to take up the role of bridging. This may help to facilitate the incorporation of relatively marginalized stakeholders in an effort to foster sustainable mangrove management in the Northern Province of Sri Lanka and beyond.

Digital Health Research Priorities

The present-day digital health grew out of telemedicine developed for the provision of health services to patients in remote locations (e.g., seafarers, astronauts). The great potential of the digital and remote services was soon noticed, and technological developments followed, accelerating rapidly during the COVID-19 pandemic. The easing of the pandemic is a moment for a reassessment and an interdisciplinary reflection on the progress in digital health. Several researchers addressed the barriers and facilitators for the adoption of digital health solutions. The research on AI developments in the processing of big clinical databases is featured in numerous scientific publications. However, the big data approach may have de-emphasised the research on individual care paths of patients. Therefore, it seems a priority to refocus again on patients’ individual paths and outcomes. This may entail more interdisciplinary research on the legal aspects of data privacy protection The telehealth services changed the degree of social presence in patient-provider interactions, and thus affected the social contract which was the pillar of therapeutic encounters. Many researchers are pointing in the direction of patient satisfaction as a key factor affecting the adoption of digital solutions [1]. Hence the next priority is the research on digital solutions and care management procedures that would improve patients’ acceptance and satisfaction. Considering the shortage of medical practitioners, also more research is needed on the integrated care systems and the involvement of more groups of medical and care specialists. The key groups of stakeholders’ shaping the landscape of digital health are venture capitalists, digital health companies, payers, and health care system providers or leaders. Their priorities and goals need to be aligned for the digital transformation to become fully adopted in health care systems [2]. The cross-sectional research involving various groups of stakeholders in digital health is yet another priority.

Stakeholders’ Perspective on Groundwater Management in Four Water-Stressed Mediterranean Areas: Priorities and Challenges

Recent studies highlight the fragility of the Mediterranean basin against climate stresses and the difficulties of managing the sustainable development of groundwater resources. In this work, the main issues related to groundwater management have been identified from the stakeholder’s perspective in the following four representative water-stressed Mediterranean areas: the coastal aquifer of Comacchio (Italy), the Alto Guadalentín aquifer (Spain), the alluvial aquifer of the Gediz River basin (Turkey), and the Azraq aquifer (Azraq Wetland Reserve, Jordan). This has been achieved by designing a methodology to involve and engage a representative set of stakeholders, including a questionnaire to learn their point of view concerning the current management of aquifer systems and their experience with the already available tools for groundwater resource management, such as monitoring networks and numerical models. The outcome of the survey has allowed us to identify both particular and common challenges among the four study sites and among the various groups of stakeholders. This information provides valuable insights to improve the transfer of scientific knowledge from the research centers to the authorities managing the groundwater resources and it will help to plan more effective research activities on aquifer management. The proposed methodology could be applied in other aquifers facing similar problems.