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This study examines how consumers would be influenced, if payday loans be prohibited. To reach the goal, normative evaluative, descriptive explanatory, comparative analysis methods were applied. Below it is presented the results of the study. Changing needs of the country's economy accordingly lead to the change of people's need to adapt to natural changes in society. As these needs grow, some people (usually, more socially vulnerable persons) often experience shortage of additional income. Additional income is often necessary to meet the minimum needs of the individual: food, treatment or extra events, such as car repairs, etc. Usually, this group of people has no alternatives of borrowing, because fail to meet the applicable requirements for income. In such case, these persons obtain additional income through consumer payday loans. However, the society seeks to form the view that this type of credits is harmful to society, since it is considered to be a "costly" borrowing product that gives rise to a "vicious circle of borrowing", when the consumer is forced to pay the cost of credit extension (which further increases the cost of the credit) due to shortage of income to repay full amount of the credit. For this reason, the state started regulating procedures for granting consumer payday loans (fast credits). The main reason why Lithuanian legislators adopted such strict regulation of the market is the inability of consumers to manage their finances. However, such restrictions do not solve the problem; on the contrary, all the negative effects of regulation are placed exclusively on the consumer obtaining the credit. Attention should be drawn to the fact that before taking these drastic measures, no research was performed as to assessing their impact on the interests of consumers and Lithuanian credit market. However, this thesis aims at determining whether the prohibition of small consumer credits or very strict regulation of loan granting would have negative or positive effects. In this case, preventing individuals from legally obtaining income for the purposes of meeting their material needs violates Article 46 of the Constitution of the Republic of Lithuania. Regardless of this fact, borrowing is both moral and statutory right of a person. When managing their income, individuals exercise and ensure their rights, such as right to nutrition, education, health care, etc. Thus, the right to availability of credit can be directly related to ensuring these rights of individuals. Furthermore, it supports the right provided for in Article 23 of the Constitution, i.e. unrestricted disposal of property, because borrowing is also type of disposing of one's property. The thesis failed to demonstrate that prohibition of consumer payday loans (fast credits) would ensure more positive than negative consequences. There is also no evidence that granting consumer payday loans (fast credits) in the current Lithuanian market is harmful. Therefore, prohibition of consumer payday loans (fast credits) would violate Article 46 of the Constitution of the Republic of Lithuania.

Universities today are situated at the center of an emerging social imperative - considered vital and necessary - to effectively prepare individuals for entry into the job market with the capacities to respond to the fluctuating needs of evolving economies. Brought about by globalization and the Council of the European Union's call for strengthening "Europe's competitiveness in a global knowledge economy" (2007), these transformations crystallized in France through the law, LRU (2007) detailed in the Plan License (PRL, 2007). This law mandated the following three principal axes: Universities shall prioritize student career guidance and professional development (as well as training and scientific research); criteria to measure and evaluate graduate employability shall be developed; and, at least half of each graduating class must meet the qualifications required for a higher education diploma. In light of these developments, this research is interested in the study of academic orientation, and more precisely questions surrounding the implementation, reception and appropriation of these policies by the full range of University orientation professionals. This research is subsequently concerned with the introduction of "active guidance" at the University level. It is within this space of experimentation and construction that inherent tensions foreground a polarization between what is described as "Educational Work" and "Pedagogical Mystification". This research will thus examine how teacher-researcherengagement unfolds at the center of a paradigm shift to cultivate creative tensions between social utility and professional development. ; L'Université se trouve aujourd'hui au cœur d'un impératif social, présumé légitime et incontournable, de former des citoyens capables de s'insérer de manière durable sur le marché du travail, d'évoluer et de participer activement aux besoins de l'économie. Ces transformations, induites par la mondialisation et les injonctions du Conseil de l'Union européenne pour « favoriser la compétitivité européenne dans une économie mondiale fondée sur la connaissance » (2007), se sont cristallisées en France dans le cadre de la LRU (2007)et de ses précisions avec le Plan réussite en Licence (PRL, 2007). Trois principaux axes s'en détachent : l'orientation et l'insertion professionnelle des étudiants doivent être une priorité de l'Université (au même titre que la formation et la recherche scientifique) ; une logique de rentabilité et de rationalisation de l'enseignement universitaire et de ses débouchés doit se développer ; au moins la moitié d'une classe d'âge doit parvenir au niveau de qualification d'un diplôme d'enseignement supérieur. C'est au regard de ces changements que ce travail de recherche s'est intéressé à la thématique de l'orientation universitaire, et plus précisément aux questions que pose aujourd'hui la mise en œuvre de ces politiques quant à leur réception et leur appropriation par les « acteurs de l'orientation » à l'Université. Dans cette perspective, notre attention s'est portée sur l'instauration de l' « orientation active » à l'Université. Au sein de cet espace en construction,dont les tensions intégrées traduisent une bipolarisation autour de ce que nous nommons « travail éducatif » et « mystification pédagogique », cette recherche montre que l'engagement des enseignants-chercheurs se situe au confluent d'un ajustement de logiques, en tensions créatrices entre utilité sociale et développement professionnel.

У статті досліджено можливості органів місцевого самоврядування створювати належні умови для розвитку промислового виробництва міста. Проаналізовано позитивний досвід управлінської взаємодії між промисловими підприємствами міста і органами місцевої влади. Запропоновані дієві методи та інструменти впливу органів місцевого самоврядування на активізацію розвитку промислового виробництва міста. ; В статье проанализированы возможности органов местного самоуправления создавать необходимые условия для развития промышленного производства в городе. Установлено, что роль местных органов власти в решении вопросов развития промышленного производства состоит в возможности конкретизировать методы, способы и механизмы достижения целей, определенных в рамках общегосударственной промышленной политики, привязать их к особенностям тех или иных административно-территориальных единиц, учесть специфику демографических, экологических, ресурсных и других характеристик. На основе статистических данных приведена зависимость территориальной динамики развития от отраслевой. Обосновано, что в современных условиях хозяйствования в качестве реальных субъектов промышленной политики Украины может выступать местная власть только в крупных городах - индустриальных центрах страны. Исследован положительный опыт управленческого взаимодействия между промышленными предприятиями города и органами местной власти. С целью активизации развития промышленного производства на конкретной территории для органов местного самоуправления предлагается ряд действенных методов и инструментов влияния, среди которых основными являются: проведение экспертизы инвестиционных проектов; реклама местных товаропроизводителей; предоставление бюджетных кредитов, гарантий и поручительств; продажа или передача в аренду объектов коммунальной собственности; формирование стратегии внутреннего саморазвития и стратегии привлечения внешних ресурсов. ; The possibilities of self-governing authorities to create necessary conditions for development of industrial production in the city were analyzed by author in this article. It was established that the role of self-governing authorities involves the possibility to concretize the methods, means and mechanisms of goal achievement which are determined within the frame of national industrial politics and also to attach them to the peculiarities of different administrative-territorial entities and to take into account the specificity of demographic, resource, ecological and others characteristics. The article includes the dependence between the territorial dynamics of development and branch one. It was proved that only local authority of big cities the industrial centers of country can act as party of Ukrainian industrial politics in modern business environment. The positive experience of managerial cooperation between industrial enterprises of the city and local authorities was investigated. In conclusion it was said that the advantages for self-governing authorities of industrial type of the organization of subnational entity consist in that fact that this type significantly simplifies search and realization of developmental variation. Firstly, it has wide guaranty support from the part of state government, secondly, the profit from the side of attraction possibility of investment and other financial resources to the economy of industrial cities is provided. With the purpose to activate the development of industrial production on the concrete territory there is a range of efficient methods and instruments of influence for self-governing authorities. The main from them are: execution of an examination of investment projects; advertisement of local manufacturers; providing of budgetary credits, guaranties and assurances, sale or lend-lease of objects of communal properties; formation of strategy of internal self-development and strategy of attraction of external resources.

Defence date: 14 November 2014 ; Examining Board: Professor Marise Cremona, European University Institute (Supervisor); Professor Bruno de Witte, European University Institute; Professor Massimiliano Montini, University of Siena; Mr. Xavier Troussard, European Commission. ; This thesis explores the relationship between culture and development as reflected in the current international debate on human and sustainable development through the lens of the EU's external policy practice. For long time culture has been kept aside from the international debate around development, yet, during the last twenty years, culture become considered a relevant vehicle to promote human sustainable development and nowadays many voices at local and global stages argue for recognizing culture as the fourth pillar of sustainable development and call for a greater integration of culture into developmental policies. Although culture as a driver and enabler of sustainable development is rather peacefully accepted, mainstreaming culture within developmental policies is a considerably challenging task. This often implies confronting contradictions and tensions, arising, in particular, when culture interacts with trade and other aspects of today's global economy. The debate around the need to promote culture as a vehicle for development highlights the need to intensify cultural flows at the global level. On the other hand, the unbalanced access to global trade and the unfair relationship between developed and developing countries raise issues concerning the protection and promotion of less economically important cultures. A balance between the interest to foster cultural exchanges and to protect cultural diversity needs to be found. The European Union, as a major international actor on the international scene, is taking part to the global debate about mainstreaming culture in developmental policies. In particular, the Union's external initiatives concerning the role of culture in contributing to sustainable development has gained strength since the EU's ratification of the UNESCO Convention for the Protection and Promotion of the diversity of cultural expressions (2008). This thesis develops around the following questions: is the EU – as a global actor – carrying out a coherent policy when mainstreaming culture as a vector of development in its external action? If not, how can the Union improve the mainstreaming of culture as a vector of development in order to pursue a more coherent approach? The analysis carried out in this research tries to answer this main question by analysing the EU's action in three specific cases dealing with the interaction of culture with development, namely the free circulation of cultural goods and services, the mobility of artists and cultural professionals, and the protection of traditional knowledge related to the use of genetic resources. The thesis demonstrates that, although the inner institutional and constitutional features of the EU often hamper the achievement of an overall coherent EU policy, the Union is certainly contributing to the shaping of a global governance for "culture and development". The thesis also argues that the overall action of the Union could gain added value from a better use of the principle of integration and, more broadly, the principles of sustainable development.

The essence of economic category "corporate social responsibility" of the company as a voluntary contribution to sustainable development of society is grounded in the article. The main directions of action of the concept of corporate social responsibility, and its interaction with society are investigated. The current state of corporate social responsibility on the domestic industrial enterprises in conditions of the changing economic environment is analyzed. The basic problems of implementation of the social responsibility of Ukrainian companies under conditions of the lack of government incentives are found. The necessity of complex approach to the process of compliance with corporate social responsibility in Ukraine according to international standards is grounded. The proposals to address these issues of CSR in Ukraine are made. The scheme of interconnectivity in the management of CSR to the development of communication processes in the business environment is compiled. Special attention is paid to the issue of sustainability reporting according to the project GRI categories: economy, environment and social policy. The latest version of the instructions GRI is reviewed and the level of its usage by enterprises of Ukraine is investigated. The necessity of state support of CSR and reporting in this field is justified. ; В статье раскрыта сущность экономической категории «корпоративная социальная ответственность» как добровольного взноса компании в устойчивое развитие общества. Исследованы основные направления действия концепции корпоративной социальной ответственности и ее взаимодействие с обществом. Проанализировано современное состояние корпоративной социальной ответственности на отечественных промышленных предприятиях в условиях изменяющейся экономической среды. Выявлены основные проблемы внедрения социальной ответственности украинских компаний в условиях отсутствия стимулов со стороны государства. Обоснована необходимость комплексного подхода к процессу соблюдения корпоративной социальной ответственности в Украине согласно международным стандартам. Внесены предложения по решению обозначенных вопросов относительно развития КСО в Украине. Составлена схема информационной взаимосвязи в менеджменте КСО с целью развития коммуникационных процессов в бизнес-среде. Особое внимание уделено вопросу отчетности по устойчивому развитию согласно проекту GRI по категориям: экономика, экологическая и социальная политика. Рассмотрена последняя версия инструкции GRI и исследован уровень ее использования предприятиями Украины. Обоснована необходимость государственной поддержки КСО и отчетности в данной сфере. ; У статті розкрито сутність економічної категорії «корпоративна соціальна відповідальність» як добровільного внеску компанії у сталий розвиток суспільства. Досліджено основні напрями дії концепції корпоративної соціальної відповідальності та її взаємодія із суспільством. Проаналізовано сучасний стан корпоративної соціальної відповідальності на вітчизняних промислових підприємствах в умовах мінливого економічного середовища. Окреслено основні проблеми впровадження соціальної відповідальності українських компаній в умовах відсутності стимулів з боку держави. Обґрунтовано необхідність комплексного підходу до процесу дотримання корпоративної соціальної відповідальності в Україні згідно міжнародних стандартів. Внесено пропозиції щодо вирішення окреслених питань щодо розвитку КСВ в Україні. Складено за власним баченням схему інформаційного взаємозв'язку у менеджменті КСВ з метою розвитку комунікаційних процесів у бізнес-середовищі. Особливу увагу приділено питанню звітності зі стійкого розвитку згідно проекту GRI, по категоріям: економіка, екологічна та соціальна політика. Розглянуто останню версію інструкції GRI та досліджено рівень її використання підприємствами України. Обґрунтовано необхідність державної підтримки КСВ та звітування у даній сфері

Published in: Origin Spatial Development of Contemporary Poland in Łódź University Geographical Research, edited by T.Marszał ; The last 20 years of scientific research on metropolises and metropolitan areas in Poland can be divided into three basic stages. The first one, observed at the turn of the 20 th century, focused on the implementation of the basic terminology and methodology from European and American scientific literature. That was also the time of the first attempts of identify Polish metropolises and delimit their functional areas. This period strongly influenced further achievements in this field, first of all, two basic approaches towards understanding the metropolis were applied then. The first one, according to the international terminology, refers to a big city which due to well-developed metropolitan functions is considered (or aspires) to be an important centre on the global scale (global metropolis). In Poland only the capital city, Warsaw, to some extent seems to meet such criteria. In such circumstances, this term more and more often was used to refer also to other regional and supra-regional centres. As a result, scientists who certainly acknowledged this nuance, began to equate "metropolitan areas" with "urban agglomerations". The popularity of this approach could be explained in the context of prestige and political objectives. However, despite the fact that for many years numerous attempts to institutionalize such metropolitan areas have been made, still there is no agreement on the identification of metropolises and the delimitation of their functional areas, not mentioning other issues related to metropolitan governance. The second stage of research in the described field fell on the first decade of the 21 st century. The main focus was on identification of metropolitan functions in the biggest Polish cities, usually four or five of them. At that time a dual approach towards the understanding the idea of metropolis was clearly visible. Nowadays we experience the third stage of metropolitan research, in which the internal structure of metropolitan areas as well as the relations within them attract scientific attention. Simultaneously, numerous projects focusing on smaller territorial units (e.g. small towns located in metropolitan hinterland) are being carried out. It seems that in future this stage could be followed by focusing the interest on the institutionalisation of metropolitan areas. This ought to result in integration of transport policies, land management and performing other municipal tasks, and, in a broader perspective, in establishing complex metropolitan management. The example of considerable advancement in this field may already be found in Poznań, where local authorities, together with the scientific circ les, successfully stimulate integration of the metropolitan area. To conclude, metropolises and metropolitan areas are nowadays among the most important scientific research subjects in Poland. Not only does this refer to socio-economic geography, but also to economy, urban sociology and management. A considerable share of the scientific projects in this field has application values – their results are implemented in various planning documents prepared at each level of territorial organisation. This evidently proves the importance of research activities regarding metropolisation processes as well as the necessity of their continuation in future.

El objetivo de este artículo es mostrar cuáles fueron las características de la política agrícola stricto sensu que favoreció el agronegocio y el desarrollo agropecuario en Brasil en los últimos 30 años. Para entender este proceso, se realiza una breve descripción de los instrumentos de política agrícola adoptados por el Gobierno en ese lapso, en función de la necesidad de adaptarse a las exigencias de la OMC y a las restricciones de la coyuntura. En la primera fase, de 1964 hasta 1985, se consiguió aumentar significativamente la producción agrícola garantizando el abastecimiento interno, que era el gran obstáculo verificado en el período pre-1964. La modernización agrícola fue conseguida con un gran costo social, pero cabe resaltar que esta cuestión no era una preocupación central de los gobiernos militares. En la segunda fase (1985-2001), cuando comienza la redemocratización, la política agrícola también se integra y es consistente con los objetivos macroeconómicos. Se buscaba en esa época disminuir el déficit fiscal y pagar la deuda externa, lo que fue conseguido con los grandes excedentes generados por el agronegocio a pesar de la disminución drástica de los subsidios agrícolas que fue necesario implementar. En el tercer período (2002-presente) se busca conciliar la promoción del agronegocio con la reducción de la pobreza, que era una agenda pendiente de la democratización y que había sido postergada en función de la necesidad de resolver los problemas fiscales e inflacionarios de la década del 80. Una vez resuelto el problema de la inflación, el Estado recupera su capacidad de planificación y comienza a atacar los problemas sociales. ; The aim of this article is to show characteristics of the agricultural policy stricto sensu that favored the agribusiness and agricultural development in Brazil in the past 30 years. To understand this process, the article has a brief description of the instruments of agricultural policy adopted by the Government during this period, so as to adapt to the demands of the WTO and the constraints of the economic situation. In the first phase, from 1964 to 1985, was achieved significantly increase agricultural production by guaranteeing domestic supply, which was a important bottleneck of Brazilian economy in the period pre-1964. Agricultural modernization was achieved with a high social cost, but it should be noted that this issue was not a central concern of the military governments. In the second phase (1985-2001), when Brazil starts the redemocratization, agricultural policy also changes and is consistent with macroeconomic objectives. By that time it was necessary to reduce the fiscal deficit and pay foreign debt. This goal was achieved with the large surpluses generated by the agribusiness despite the drastic reduction of agricultural subsidies. The third period (2002-present) seeks to reconcile the promotion of agribusiness with the reduction of poverty, which was an outstanding democratization agenda and which had been postponed according to the need of solving the fiscal and inflation problems from the 80's. Once solved the problem of inflation, the State regain its planning capacity and begins to attack social problems.

The requirements for global enterprises have changed dramatically in recent years. Increasing customer demands, shorter product life cycles, increasing transport costs and more complex products and processes are just some of the current challenges in the global economy. These challenges reveal that thinking in closed systems is not up-to-date. Globally distributed business activities and value creation networks require a high systemic, integrative thinking, which points out global synergies and ensures an effective and efficient global cooperation. Thus, the importance of cross-site coordination considering different cultural, political and economic conditions becomes increasingly important. In this focus, an essential task of the management is to create a suitable organizational base to optimally integrate the enterprise in the turbulent environment, to facilitate continuous improvement, to be able to quickly react to changing demands and to define the structure for a successful global cooperation. The basis for a global quality management system is a process oriented organization with defined business processes as the core of the enterprise. Therefore, globally standardized processes are considered to be a key success factor for outsourcing of business activities with a consistent high quality level. Globally valid processes with common terms, key performance indicators (KPI), objectives, responsibilities etc. enhance the enterprise-wide communication and cooperation. Furthermore, global standards concerning different areas such as quality, environmental protection and occupational health and safety can be established in the global organization. A major challenge in the heterogeneity of the global value chain is the definition of an appropriate level of detail where global standards (processes, documents, etc.) are mandatory and at which level local adaptions are allowed to ensure local flexibility and improvement. Thus, the objective of the developed approach is not a globally uniform standardization in every detail, but to grant the local sites sufficient flexibility to adapt to their specific local requirements. The implementation is based on a combined approach of top-down and bottom-up. Thus, in the first phases the top-management is in charge and must define the strategic objectives and create a suitable conceptual framework for the global quality management system. In the following phases, a defined core project team and the employees are in charge to realize the operational implementation of the management system. Thus, primarily the necessary processes must be designed and implemented. Here it is important to create a global applicable standard and to identify local specific requirements in an interdisciplinary and international team. This is necessary to create global acceptance, which is inevitable for a successful and vibrant management system. In close cooperation with an industry partner an approach for the implementation of a global quality management system was developed. It is based on a process oriented global organization that assures the standardization of core business principles, processes and values2on the one hand, and respects differences of the local sites concerning culture, laws, norms etc. on the other hand. Furthermore, this approach fulfills both the internal requirements of the employees and the management as well as the external requirements of norms, laws and customers.

Il presente elaborato si prefigge l'obiettivo di verificare la reale e concreta applicazione delle disposizioni derivanti dall'ordinamento comunitario, all'interno della realtà portuale italiana, che, consapevole del fatto che i porti costituiscono forti infrastrutture nonché fonte di ricchezza per il paese, avverte l'esigenza di modificare fermamente il regime amministrativo dei propri porti. Le profonde innovazioni introdotte nel sistema portuale italiano a seguito della riforma del 1994, attraverso l'introduzione di assetti istituzionali ed organizzativi, hanno favorito la crescita dei traffici marittimi del paese. In ragione dei significativi mutamenti che hanno segnato la realtà economica mondiale negli ultimi anni, in cui si è assistito, al fenomeno della c.d. globalizzazione economica, che spinge verso la delocalizzazione produttiva e verso l'apertura di nuovi mercati di consumo, particolare attenzione è stata posta alle esigenze nascenti all'interno del sistema portuale, di apportare delle significative modifiche alla Legge 84/1994, per affrontare le nuove sfide poste dalla competizione comunitaria ed internazionale, e migliorare l'efficienza delle attività produttive ed uniformare l'impianto normativo. Nello specifico è stato esaminato il testo unificato della recente proposta di legge di riforma del settore portuale, le cui novità maggiormente rilevanti si sviluppano essenzialmente su tre livelli: la governance dei porti, la programmazione e la pianificazione delle aree, le attività economiche ed i servizi portuali. In maniera precisa e dettagliata, si è proceduto all'analisi dei servizi portuali tecnico-nautici, prestando attenzione alle prospettive di liberalizzazione del settore ed al principio di uniformità in materia tariffaria, al fine di rendere detti servizi funzionali e trasparenti. Infine, l'attenzione è stata posta alla realtà portuale a livello comunitario, esaminando le recenti disposizioni emanate dalle istituzioni comunitarie, al fine di verificare il miglior funzionamento dei porti marittimi e lo sviluppo della rete transeuropea di trasporto. ; The main research interest aims to study the the impact of the European principles and rules in the Italian port system with particular reference to the new Italian trends and developments in ports' legislation. Recently, the economic global situation had changed. In fact, the globalized economy lead to the outsourcing of the production processes and to the creation of new markets. For this reason, Italian Government felt the urgency to modify the Italian ports law, that is law no. 84/1994, in order to make Port Authorities more competitive in a international perspective. In particular has been analyzed the so called "unified text", that is a new project of law which reforms the Italian ports' system. Specifically, the most important novelties of the ports legislation reform are: the ports' governance matter; the planning of the port areas; the economical activities and the port services. The research also analyzes the analysis of technical-nautical port services, the prospects for liberalization and the principle of uniformity with regard to tariffs , in order to make these services functional and transparent. Finally, particular attention was paid to examining the recent regulations issued by the Community institutions , in order to ensure the best operation of seaports and the development of trans-European network transport.

The pursuit of cultural heritage conservation is particularly problematic in China as the country has been undergoing substantial changes in its governance processes in the post-reform era. As the regime becomes less authoritarian and more pluralized, a multitude of stakeholders (both state and non-state), are now involved in promoting, constructing, challenging and safeguarding a variety of meanings and values in heritage. This thesis incorporates an urban governance lens to examine the policy and practical problems in conserving urban built heritage in contemporary China. This approach offers a new perspective in understanding the distribution of authority and power between the state and society as well as its effect on the management of public affairs. The reconfigurations of the role of the state, market and civil society have ushered in a new phase of urban politics that have enormous implications for built heritage conservation practices. As a result of reforms, conventional stakeholders have assumed new roles in politics; meanwhile, an increasing variety and number of new stakeholders connected to the non-state sector have also emerged; and their relationships and interactions with the state have become increasingly complex. An urban governance perspective draws attention to the new arrangements embedded in these relationships, which have profoundly impacted the decision-making processes in conservation, re-shaped the interpretation of heritage values, re-defined the scope of heritage and re-thought the use of heritage in Guangzhou. By employing a case-study approach, this thesis provides a detailed analysis of the conservation efforts undertaken by various stakeholder groups in Guangzhou in the post-reform era. Guangzhou is one of the country's designated historic cities; it is also the provincial capital of Guangdong and has experienced rapid marketization over the past three decades. Three district-specific cases are selected to provide an in-depth analysis on the changing relationships among concerned stakeholders. The case of Shamian Island demonstrates the rigidity and constraints of central-local relation; while the case of Xinhepu discloses the evolving state-market relation. Finally, the case of Enning Road examines the rise of non-state stakeholders and their power struggle against the state. These cases were selected because each of them covers a particular heritage aspect that is directly related to the three-pronged national conservation hierarchical framework. The findings in the three cases respectively reveal the intricacies of conservation politics: the bureaucratic politics in the management and conservation of designated heritage; the struggle between state and society over what legitimate type of history is considered as "national" history and the maintenance of its local significance; and the operation-cum-conservation of heritage assets by market forces in China's transitional economy. The findings of this thesis contribute to a broadened understanding of the changing roles and functions of the state, market and civil society in China's transitional period; thus revealing the major deficiencies in the existing institutional and managerial frameworks for built heritage conservation in Guangzhou. This thesis also documents the impacts and outcomes of the actions of various state and non-state stakeholders on the prospect of built heritage conservation at an urban scale in China. ; published_or_final_version ; Geography ; Doctoral ; Doctor of Philosophy

Антропологи, изучающие зарождение и развитие ранних сложных обществ, признали невозможность провести ясные границы между стадиями политической эволюции. Однако многие исследователи все еще полагают, что траектория развития обществ, существовавших в сходных природных условиях, была одинаковой даже при отсутствии между этими обществами исторических связей. Сравнение двух независимых, ранних и достаточно сходных в природно-хозяйственном отношении центров становления цивилизаций, какими являются Центральные Анды и Передняя Азия, ставит подобный постулат под сомнение. Сходным оказывается лишь магистральный тренд (усложнение технологии, демографический рост, появление все большего числа уровней надобщинной организации). Различия же касаются характера и последовательности появления археологически видимых признаков социальной сложности (монументальная архитектура, богатые захоронения и др.). Эти различия указывают на разные методы, которые элита использовала для удержания власти: контроль над производством продуктов потребления, циркуляцией престижных предметов, тайным знанием. Самые первые сложные общества возникают до появления или по крайней мере до существенного развития производящей экономики. Расхождение путей социо-политического развития Передней Азии и Америки могло начаться в палеолите и быть обусловлено факторами, о которых невозможно пока судить. Сравнение сложных обществ, по которым нет письменных данных, должно опираться на археологически видимые признаки. Применение к таким обществам ярлыков типа «вождество» или «раннее государство» не вполне корректно. «Настоящими» государствами могут быть признаны только те, по которым есть как этная (свидетельства археологии), так и эмная информация (осознание обществом государственности как нормы). ; Anthropologists studying the emergence and development of early complex societies realised that it was impossible to delineate precise borders between the stages of political evolution. Many scholars still believe, however, that the developmental trajectory of societies existing in similar environments was more or less identical even when these societies had no historical links between them. The comparative study of the Central Andes and the Near East, i.e. of two independent, early and rather environmentallyand economically-similar centres of early civilization, casts doubt on this theory. Though sharing a basic developmental trend (the growth of technology, demography and social complexity), the two regions are totally different in terms of the nature and successive emergence of certain evidence of complexity that are known thanks to the archaeological research (monumental constructions, rich burials and the like). These differences reveal a dissimilarity of methods used by the elites to consolidate power (controlling the production of staples, circulation of prestige goods and sacred knowledge). The very first complex societies emerged before the spread of productive economies, or at least before this type of economy began to play an important role. The paths of socio-political development in the Near East and the Central Andes may have begun to diverge in the Paleolithic period and the factors responsible for it are still not known. Comparative studies of pre-literary societies should be based on traits visible thanks to archaeological research, while labels devised by anthropologists (chiefdom, early state, etc.) should be applied with the utmost caution. States can only be recognised as "real" when their status is based on both etic (archaeological data) and emic evidence (statehood becoming the norm for members of corresponding societies).

В настоящее время проблема перехода с экспортно-сырьевой модели развития экономики на инновационную приобретает всю бόльшую актуальность. В статье дается определение тенденций и перспектив развития инновационной системы России. Рассматриваются основные индикаторы инновационного развития страны, производится сравнение с аналогичными показателями по Европейскому союзу. Анализируются основные положения Концепции долгосрочного социально-экономического развития Российской Федерации до 2020 года и Стратегии инновационного развития Российской Федерации на период до 2020 года. Подводятся промежуточные итоги выполнения намеченного. Дается оценка основным механизмам государственного воздействия на формирование инновационной системы страны, таким, как создание объектов инновационной инфраструктуры, развитие механизмов государственно-частного партнерства, создание и поддержка венчурных фондов и политика по повышению заработной платы определенных категорий специалистов. Сделан вывод о том, что для перехода на инновационную модель развития экономики России, прежде всего, необходимо определиться с приоритетными направлениями инновационного развития. Такими направлениями должны стать высокотехнологичные секторы: разработка нанои биотехнологий, химия и нефтехимия, разработка медицинских технологий, электроники и средств связи, информационных технологий. Государству необходимо увеличивать расходы на образование и здравоохранение, принять закон о государственно-частном партнерстве и стимулировать работу согласно его положениям, продолжать работу по развитию объектов инновационной инфраструктуры, создавать новые венчурные фонды и поддерживать работу тех, кто уже осуществляет свою деятельность. Также следует учитывать, что любые политические решения, принимаемые государством, оказывают влияние на инновационное развитие экономики. Результаты проведенного исследования могут быть использованы органами государственной власти при разработке стратегии социально-экономического развития страны. ; Presently, the problem of transition from the export and raw model of economic development to the innovation-based model assumes greater relevance. The article defines the trends and prospects of the Russian innovation system development. The author considers the basic indicators of the country's innovation development and compares them with similar indicators of the European Union. The paper analyses the basic provisions of the Concept of long-term socio-economic development of the Russian Federation for the period up to 2020 and the Strategy of the Russian Federation innovative development for the period till 2020. The author summarizes interim results and assesses the basic mechanisms of the State influence on the innovation system of the country, such as creation of innovation infrastructure, development of public-private partnership mechanisms, and creation and support of venture capital fund, and also a policy aimed at increasing wages of certain categories of specialists. The author concludes that the transition to the innovation model of the Russian economy development, first of all, requires identifying priority areas of innovation development. High-tech sectors should become such areas, i.e. development of nanotechnologies and biotechnologies, chemistry and petrochemicals, medical technology, electronics, communications, and information technologies. The State should increase spending on education and health care, enact a law on public-private partnerships, stimulate work according to its provisions. The State should continue developing innovation infrastructure, creating new venture capital funds and supporting the operation of existing ones. The paper emphasizes that any political solution undertaken by the State has an impact on the economy's innovative development. The results of the study can be used by public authorities to develop strategies for socio-economic development of the country.

В статье рассмотрены возможности практического использования в налоговом законодательстве субъектов РФ гибкой налоговой системы, в которой суммарная ставка налогов по предложенному алгоритму снижается в зависимости от дополнительного прироста объемов производства, а также других определяющих параметров и обременяющих условий. Этот алгоритм описывается универсальной формулой налогообложения. В качестве конкретного механизма снижения суммарной ставки налогов предлагается использовать налог на прибыль, ставки которого регулируются на уровне субъектов РФ. Посредством анализа статистических данных консолидированных бюджетов РФ и Волгоградской области выявлена динамика налоговых поступлений по налогу на доходы физических лиц (НДФЛ) и налогу на прибыль в разрезе ВВП и ВРП как в периоды устойчивого роста, так и в условиях стагнации экономики. Выполнен системный анализ обременяющих условий, стимулирующих рост налоговой базы по НДФЛ и налогу на прибыль. Показано, что в расчетном алгоритме гибкой налоговой системы (универсальной формуле налогообложения) в условиях стагнации экономики необходимо либо использовать поправочный понижающий коэффициент к суммарной ставке налогов, либо ввести необходимое и достаточное обременяющее условие: темп роста налоговой базы по НДФЛ и налогу на прибыль должен быть не менее темпов прироста объемов производства, от которого исчисляется снижение суммарной ставки налогов. На примере использования гибкой налоговой системы в законодательстве Волгоградской области в 1998-1999 гг. доказывается, что применение понижающих ставок с обременяющими условиями позволяет существенно увеличить темпы роста промышленного продукта и доходы в бюджет. ; The article considers the possibilities for practical use of a flexible tax system in the tax legislation of the constituent entities of the Russian Federation, in which the total tax rate under the proposed algorithm is reduced depending on further growth of production volumes, as well as on other determining parameters and onerous conditions. This algorithm is described by the universal taxation formula. As a specific mechanism for reducing the total tax rate, the authors suggest using income tax, which rates are regulated at the level of the constituent entities of the Russian Federation. Based on the analysis of statistical data of consolidated budgets of the Russian Federation and the Volgograd region, the authors revealed the dynamics of tax revenues from personal income tax (PIT) and income tax in terms of GDP and GRP, during the periods of sustained growth and under the stagnant economy conditions. The authors made the system-oriented analysis of onerous conditions stimulating the growth of taxation base from PIT and corporate income tax. The paper shows that in the flexible tax system algorithm (the universal taxation formula), in the conditions of economic stagnation, it is necessary either to use a correcting reduction factor to the total tax rate, or to introduce a necessary and sufficient onerous condition: the rate of tax base growth for PIT and income tax should be not less than the level of growth rates of production growth, based on which the total tax rate reduction is calculated. Using a flexible tax system in the Volgograd region legislation in the 1998-1999, the authors prove that decreasing tax rates with onerous conditions enable to increase significantly the rate of growth of industrial product and revenues to the budget.

Рассматриваются актуальные вопросы формирования «инвестиционной привлекательности» для решения проблем реализации политики модернизации на Дальнем Востоке России в начале ХХI в. и варианты ее реализации. Показаны изменения государственной политики в отношении развития дальневосточных субъектов в период новейшей истории России, которые предусматривают широкое интеграционное взаимодействие со странами АТР, интеграцию субъектов Дальнего Востока и Сибири на внутреннем региональном рынке, а также взаимодействие с центральными районами страны. Дана статистическая информация, характеризующая современное состояние инвестиций на Дальнем Востоке России, условия, определяющие благоприятный «инвестиционный климат» как для отечественного, так и для зарубежного бизнеса, и наличие их в дальневосточных субъектах. Рассматривается формирование территорий опережающего роста (ТОР), как новый вариант решения проблем формирования «инвестиционной привлекательности», способствующий достижению стратегических задач развития региона и страны в целом для «соразвития» с деловыми кругами АТР. Отражено участие отечественных финансовых институтов в создании инфраструктуры территорий опережающего роста (ТОР) и комплекс мер, проводимых правительством России в субъектах юга Дальнего Востока России, для формирования «инвестиционной привлекательности» в области финансовой и административно-организационной деятельности: расширение информационного поля для инвесторов и предпринимателей, экспертные оценки инвестиционных проектов, рейтинговые оценки территорий для реализации приоритетных инвестиционных проектов, расширение правовых гарантий для инвесторов. Все эти меры направлены на реализацию новой экономической модели, целью которой ставится не экспорт сырья, а готовой продукции; привлечение огромных прямых инвестиций, активного использования возможностей государственно-частного партнерства ; The article describes research on state policy on enhancing the investment policy in response to changes in global market for Russian and modern orientation of the vector of its development in the Far direction to strengthen the economy in the early twenty-first century. The article covers changes in the state policy regarding the development of the Far East territories in modern Russian history that encompasses broad integrative cooperation with Asia-Pacific countries, integration of territorial entities of the Far East and Siberia with domestic regional market, as well as interaction with central regions of the country. The article provides statistical information that characterizes the modern state of investments in Russia's Far East, the conditions defining the favorable «investment climate» both for national and foreign businesses, and their presence in the Far East regions. The article explores the formation of territories of outrunning growth (TOG) as a new solution of the problem of creating «investment potential» that provides the strategic tasks fulfillment of regional and nation-wide development with the purpose of «co-development»with business communities of Asia-Pacific countries. The article stresses the role of national financial institutions in creating the infrastructure of the territories of outrunning growth (TOG) and the set of measures taken by the Government in the territorial entities of the south of Russia's Far East with the purpose of creating «investment potential» in the field of financial and administrative activities: expansion of information field for investors and entrepreneurs, expert assessment of investment projects, evaluating territories for implementing high-priority investment projects, extension of legal guarantees for investors. All these measures aim to create a new economic model focused on generating products instead of commodities and raw materials, attracting ample investments and active leveraging of the potential of state-private partnership

В статье проанализированы мнения зарубежных и отечественных исследователей по вопросу эффективной деятельности органов местного самоуправления как основного фактора конкурентоспособности территории. Выявлены прочие факторы, влияющие на конкурентоспособность территории. Дана первичная оценка конкурентоспособности муниципальных образований Республики Мордовия на основе миграционных процессов, происходящих на территории. Проведен углубленный анализ социально-экономического положения внутрирегиональных территорий путем систематизации и оценки развития по более чем пятидесяти показателям, сгруппированным по блокам. Результатом анализа стал рейтинг муниципальных образований Республики Мордовия по уровню социально-экономического развития. Описан алгоритм расчета комплексного показателя эффективности деятельности органов местного самоуправления, предусмотренный официальной методикой оценки эффективности. Приведены рейтинги муниципальных образований Республики Мордовия по результатам комплексной оценки эффективности, составленные Министерством экономики Республики Мордовия. Сопоставлены результаты исследования конкурентоспособности муниципальных образований, уровня их социально-экономического развития и оценки эффективности деятельности органов местного самоуправления путем разбиения территорий на зоны в зависимости от занимаемого места в рейтинге. Выявлены территории, имеющие стабильно высокий, средний и низкий уровень по всем направлениям оценки. Сделаны выводы о степени влияния эффективной работы муниципальной власти на развитие территории, подкрепленные математическим расчетом вероятности попадания территорий в одну и ту же зону по рассматриваемым направлениям оценки. Дана характеристика официальной методики оценки эффективности деятельности органов местного самоуправления с позиции учета вклада муниципальной власти в развитие территории. Предложены рекомендации по совершенствованию методики оценки эффективности. ; The article analyzes the opinions of foreign and Russian researchers on the effective local government activities as the main factor of competitiveness of the territory. Other factors affecting competitiveness of the territory are defined. The article gives the initial estimation of competitiveness of municipal units of the Republic of Mordovia on the basis of migration processes taking place on the territory. The author has carried out detailed analysis of the socio-economic situation of intraregional areas by means of systematization and evaluation of development for more than fifty indicators grouped into blocks. The result of the analysis is the rating of municipal units in the Republic of Mordovia in terms of socio-economic development. The article describes the algorithm for calculating the complex index of the local government efficiency, stipulated by the official methodology for efficiency evaluating. The rating of municipal units of the Republic of Mordovia is given as the result of a comprehensive evaluation of the efficiency compiled by the Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Mordovia. The author compares the results of the research of municipalities' competitiveness, their level of socio-economic development and evaluation of the local government efficiency by dividing the area into zones depending on their ranking. The areas with consistently high, medium and low level in all fields of evaluation are revealed. Conclusions about the degree of influence of the effective local government activities on the territorial development are backed by mathematical calculation of the probability for the areas to get into the same zone on the considered estimates. The article gives characteristics to the official methodology for estimating the local government efficiency from the perspective of the impact of municipal authorities on the development of the area. The author also proposes some recommendations for improving the methodology for efficiency evaluation.