The aim of this study is to identify the peculiarities of a hospitalization process of the health care institution X and to find out their optimisation possibilities, also to determine how this process is evaluated by health care professionals and their managers working in the orthopaedic traumatology units. The aim was to determine how the management methods of health service can be used in order to improve the quality of these processes. Recently, the ISO management quality standards have been used mainly, and Lean is often implemented as one of the most successful management concepts. Aim: to reveal the possibilities to optimise processes of orthopaedic services in the health care institution X in terms of employees and managers. Tasks: 1. To reveal features of planned hospitalization processes of orthopaedic services in the health care institution X; 2. To identify disadvantages of optimal functioning of planned hospitalization services in the institution X from the point of view of employees and managers; 3. To reveal the possibilities of improving services of planned hospitalization and health care process in the institution X. Methods and sample of the study: the study was carried out in March and April 2019 at the Orthopaedic traumatology units at the institution X. The research instrument was an anonymous standardized questionnaire, with a response rate of 89.47 percent. During the study it was chosen to analyze the non-random target sample for the evaluation of the processes of hospitalization. 51 respondents took part in the current study: 68.6 percent (n=35) of women and 31.4 percent (n=16) of men; 46.9 percent of doctors, 53.1 percent of nurses; 15.7 percent (n=8) of administrative staff and 84.3 percent (n=43) of clinical specialists. Results: 39.2 percent of respondents indicated that the implementation of information technologies was important for the work optimisation, 33.3 percent FOR updating of work procedures, 78.4 percent FOR upgrading of medical equipment, 72.5 percent FOR staff qualification improvement, 86.3 percent FOR salary increasy and motivation. 75 percent of managers pointed out that the implementation of information technology improves the efficiency of work, which was statistically significantly different from those employed in the medical unit (p=0.024). It was found that the lack of qualified professionals (51 percent) and medical equipment (52.9 percent) are the main obstacles for the improvement of medical services. 62.9 percent of female respondents noted that the lack of qualified professionals influenced the availability of orthopaedic services, which was statistically significantly different from men (p=0.012). 73.1 percent of nurses pointed to a shortage of skilled employees, and 78.3 percent of doctors indicated a sufficient number of qualified staff (p=0.001). According to the respondents, lack of funds (84.3 percent) was the main source of improvement in the quality of medical services. Managers stated that the lack of initiative of health system politicians and heads of the institution plays an important role for optimising quality of services compared to medical unit workers (75 percent), p=0.016. Planned hospitalization process was well rated by respondents (54.9 percent). The patient's transport process was well rated by 72.5 percent, and unsatisfactory only 9.8 percent (n=5), had no opinion 17.6 percent (n=9) of respondents. 37.5 percent of managers judged the process unsatisfactory, and medical staff 4.7 percent, p=0.01. 67.9 percent of nurses supported the establishment of a new courier unit for patient's transportation, p=0.017. The study revealed that the patient's hospitalization process is mostly prolonged by the insufficient number of medical staff (51 percent) and technical barriers (52.9 percent). 73.7 percent of nurses pointed out that late discharge of patient's from hospital is one of the reasons for prolonged hospitalization, doctors 26.3 percent, p=0.021. 87.5 percent of managers stated that medical equipment was not sufficient, and medical staff 42.2 percent, p=0.024. 65 percent of nurses indicated that the patient was insufficiently prepared, therefore the operation delayed, and doctors 35.0 percent, p=0.032. The prolonged discharge of patients from the hospital was mainly influenced by late document delivery (51.0 percent), late patient transfer to another department (39.2 percent), inadequate patient information about departure from hospital (31.4 percent). A statistically significantly more nurses than doctors indicated that late delivery of the medical documents to the patient was an important cause of late discharge, respectively, 69.3 and 34.8 percent, p=0.016. More doctors than nurses indicated that late patient transfer to another specialized department influences late patient discharge a lot, respectively 72.2 and 27.8 percent, p=0.007. Conclusions. 1. Stages of processes of planned hospitalization of the health care institution X and their peculiarities starting with arrival of patient to discharge from hospital were analysed, as well as the main obstacles of processes identified. The study revealed the following findings: insufficient number of professional workers is an obstacle to improve medical services. In order to optimise the process of a patient transportation in the orthopaedic units, a new courier unit could be established. Late discharge of patients from hospital is one of the reasons for prolonging hospitalization time in hospital. The greatest reason for a patient's delay in surgery is poor preparation of a patient. Delay of medical documentation to the patient was a more important cause for a late discharge compared to doctors. 2. The processes of implementing orthopaedic services of the institution X and their optimisation possibilities are differently perceived by medical staff and managers. Employees of the administrative division paid more attention to the implementation of information technologies in order to optimise work. They have stated that the lack of initiative of health politicians and heads of the institution is very important for improving the quality of medical services. A transportation process of patient's to an operating room was more unsatisfactory. Medical equipment was reported more often as inadequate for diagnostics, treatment, and research compared to the medical unit. The research indicated that managers (administrative staff) emphasize upgrading and purchasing of medical equipment. Medical staff though underlined qualification improvement, motivation incentive, and a lack of medical personnel. 3. It was found out that all staff should be involved in the improvement of processes, and processes of planned hospitalization of the institution X should be optimised. Questions and decisions concerning patient flow should be addressed to a social worker or unit administrator who does not require for medicine qualification, not to the medical staff. The Ministry of Health, international funds could be considered as a source to apply for finances for upgrade and purchase of medical equipment. Since the number of nurses seems to be too low search and hiring of new qualified nurses is advisable. Issuing patient's medical documentation on time ensures the process of hospital discharge. Informing patients timely about being discharged from hospital or moved to a different unit is also recommended.
The aim of this study is to identify the peculiarities of a hospitalization process of the health care institution X and to find out their optimisation possibilities, also to determine how this process is evaluated by health care professionals and their managers working in the orthopaedic traumatology units. The aim was to determine how the management methods of health service can be used in order to improve the quality of these processes. Recently, the ISO management quality standards have been used mainly, and Lean is often implemented as one of the most successful management concepts. Aim: to reveal the possibilities to optimise processes of orthopaedic services in the health care institution X in terms of employees and managers. Tasks: 1. To reveal features of planned hospitalization processes of orthopaedic services in the health care institution X; 2. To identify disadvantages of optimal functioning of planned hospitalization services in the institution X from the point of view of employees and managers; 3. To reveal the possibilities of improving services of planned hospitalization and health care process in the institution X. Methods and sample of the study: the study was carried out in March and April 2019 at the Orthopaedic traumatology units at the institution X. The research instrument was an anonymous standardized questionnaire, with a response rate of 89.47 percent. During the study it was chosen to analyze the non-random target sample for the evaluation of the processes of hospitalization. 51 respondents took part in the current study: 68.6 percent (n=35) of women and 31.4 percent (n=16) of men; 46.9 percent of doctors, 53.1 percent of nurses; 15.7 percent (n=8) of administrative staff and 84.3 percent (n=43) of clinical specialists. Results: 39.2 percent of respondents indicated that the implementation of information technologies was important for the work optimisation, 33.3 percent FOR updating of work procedures, 78.4 percent FOR upgrading of medical equipment, 72.5 percent FOR staff qualification improvement, 86.3 percent FOR salary increasy and motivation. 75 percent of managers pointed out that the implementation of information technology improves the efficiency of work, which was statistically significantly different from those employed in the medical unit (p=0.024). It was found that the lack of qualified professionals (51 percent) and medical equipment (52.9 percent) are the main obstacles for the improvement of medical services. 62.9 percent of female respondents noted that the lack of qualified professionals influenced the availability of orthopaedic services, which was statistically significantly different from men (p=0.012). 73.1 percent of nurses pointed to a shortage of skilled employees, and 78.3 percent of doctors indicated a sufficient number of qualified staff (p=0.001). According to the respondents, lack of funds (84.3 percent) was the main source of improvement in the quality of medical services. Managers stated that the lack of initiative of health system politicians and heads of the institution plays an important role for optimising quality of services compared to medical unit workers (75 percent), p=0.016. Planned hospitalization process was well rated by respondents (54.9 percent). The patient's transport process was well rated by 72.5 percent, and unsatisfactory only 9.8 percent (n=5), had no opinion 17.6 percent (n=9) of respondents. 37.5 percent of managers judged the process unsatisfactory, and medical staff 4.7 percent, p=0.01. 67.9 percent of nurses supported the establishment of a new courier unit for patient's transportation, p=0.017. The study revealed that the patient's hospitalization process is mostly prolonged by the insufficient number of medical staff (51 percent) and technical barriers (52.9 percent). 73.7 percent of nurses pointed out that late discharge of patient's from hospital is one of the reasons for prolonged hospitalization, doctors 26.3 percent, p=0.021. 87.5 percent of managers stated that medical equipment was not sufficient, and medical staff 42.2 percent, p=0.024. 65 percent of nurses indicated that the patient was insufficiently prepared, therefore the operation delayed, and doctors 35.0 percent, p=0.032. The prolonged discharge of patients from the hospital was mainly influenced by late document delivery (51.0 percent), late patient transfer to another department (39.2 percent), inadequate patient information about departure from hospital (31.4 percent). A statistically significantly more nurses than doctors indicated that late delivery of the medical documents to the patient was an important cause of late discharge, respectively, 69.3 and 34.8 percent, p=0.016. More doctors than nurses indicated that late patient transfer to another specialized department influences late patient discharge a lot, respectively 72.2 and 27.8 percent, p=0.007. Conclusions. 1. Stages of processes of planned hospitalization of the health care institution X and their peculiarities starting with arrival of patient to discharge from hospital were analysed, as well as the main obstacles of processes identified. The study revealed the following findings: insufficient number of professional workers is an obstacle to improve medical services. In order to optimise the process of a patient transportation in the orthopaedic units, a new courier unit could be established. Late discharge of patients from hospital is one of the reasons for prolonging hospitalization time in hospital. The greatest reason for a patient's delay in surgery is poor preparation of a patient. Delay of medical documentation to the patient was a more important cause for a late discharge compared to doctors. 2. The processes of implementing orthopaedic services of the institution X and their optimisation possibilities are differently perceived by medical staff and managers. Employees of the administrative division paid more attention to the implementation of information technologies in order to optimise work. They have stated that the lack of initiative of health politicians and heads of the institution is very important for improving the quality of medical services. A transportation process of patient's to an operating room was more unsatisfactory. Medical equipment was reported more often as inadequate for diagnostics, treatment, and research compared to the medical unit. The research indicated that managers (administrative staff) emphasize upgrading and purchasing of medical equipment. Medical staff though underlined qualification improvement, motivation incentive, and a lack of medical personnel. 3. It was found out that all staff should be involved in the improvement of processes, and processes of planned hospitalization of the institution X should be optimised. Questions and decisions concerning patient flow should be addressed to a social worker or unit administrator who does not require for medicine qualification, not to the medical staff. The Ministry of Health, international funds could be considered as a source to apply for finances for upgrade and purchase of medical equipment. Since the number of nurses seems to be too low search and hiring of new qualified nurses is advisable. Issuing patient's medical documentation on time ensures the process of hospital discharge. Informing patients timely about being discharged from hospital or moved to a different unit is also recommended.
Relevance of the dissertation is determined by the object of research – the influence of logistical factors on transport flows distribution. The growth of world economics, business globalization, progress in technology skills extends the distances between geographical points of raw materials resources, manufacturers and consumers. Due to the membership in the European Union (EU) Lithuania has got new opportunities for international trade growth, and all the Eastern Baltic countries have become the buffer region for the EU trading with the countries of the Eastern Europe and Asia. A proper transport policy and infrastructure development would increase significantly the GNP in warehousing, transport and distribution sectors. Forecasting of potential transport flows according to logistical requirements of freight suppliers is most important for transport network optimization. Scientific problem. Contemporary transport engineering theory approaches the peculiarities of transport flows formation too narrowly, only as an analysis of internal factors determining freight flows. There is no analysis of external factors. Many researchers assume that transport flows are determined only by the existing transport network and its characteristics. Other researchers consider transport flows as a result of logistic elements only. The estimating of internal and external logistical factors provides a possibility to forecast the transport flows. Aim of the research is to create a model of logistical factors influence on transport flows distribution. Seeking to meet this aim, the author of the dissertation has solved the following tasks: 1. To make an analysis of the theory provided by Lithuanian and foreign researchers concerning the common interaction of logistics and transport, as well as to point out the advantages and disadvantages in the approaches and hypotheses of many authors, and to propose own conclusions. 2. To create a model of logistical factors and their indicators, which determine transport flows distribution in the transport network. 3. To make empirical research of indices of logistical factors in Lithuanian case. Scientific novelty of the research 1. The analysis of the research level of the scientific problem shows a very narrow theoretical view of determining transport flows. Many authors analyze internal factors only and do not estimate logistical needs of consignors and consignees. 2. The created new models determine transport flows and freight flows in transport network by internal and external specific logistical factors as well. 3. The results of empirical research of external factors confirm the created new models and provide a new interpretation and theoretical view of regularities of freight flows formation. Direct influence on basic transportation process characteristics and control is exercised by clients of transport companies. The basic attitudes for defending 1 The advantages and disadvantages of approaches of numerous researchers on logistic and transportation functions. 2 The models determining distribution of transport flows according to logistical factors. 3 The conclusions of empirical research of logistical factors' influence in Lithuanian case. The significance of the research. Theories proposed by many authors on transport and logistic functioning and interaction are analyzed, and a new point of theoretical view is given. The created models would be fit for forecasting of transport flows and planning of investments in transport infrastructure. The models would help the government, transport and logistics companies to make strategic decisions for development projects. Results of empirical research, which prove theoretical models are important for transport and logistic service providers and their customers for better common understanding and common activities. Methodology of the research is based on regression and correlative analysis, forecasting, as well as on market survey and mathematical modeling. Approbation of the work. Main theses of the dissertation were approbated in 3 scientific published works and 14 scientific conferences papers. Dissertation's structure. The work consists of introduction, three chapters, conclusions and a list of literature (123 scientific works). The amount of the work is: 108 pages, 61 figures and 20 tables. The work includes 6 appendixes. Conclusions The theoretical analysis of logistics influence on transport flows distribution concepts by many researchers, the mathematical modeling of transport flows determination factors and empirical research to give the following conclusions: 1. Many scientists explore logistics and transport by different concepts, however there are no special investigations of logistical impact on transport flows distribution in their works. The analysis of scientific works shows a dual aspect of transport flows distribution. The first theory maintains that technological engineering solutions determine transport flows; the second theory considers that they are determined by logistical factors such as: 1) added value; 2) minimization of logistics costs; 3) customer service. 2. The supporters of technological approach focus the attention on mathematical modeling of freight flows in transport network, nodes and links, as well as logistical chains. According to this point of view, physical characteristics of links and nodes only give possibility to solve the task of freight flows distribution. The scientific problem is that physical characteristics do not suffice for the right solution of this task. It is important to find and estimate external logistical factors. 3. It is important to estimate that transport flows formation is determined in long-term period according to the requirements of manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers and consumers. The trade centralization is one of the basic elements in formation of logistical channels and distribution centers, and transport flows of course. 4. The mathematical model of transport flows distribution is created here. The model gives peculiarities of freight flows distribution according to estimation of economical, juridical and physical parameters of nodes and links. If a logistical subsystem of the given sub-region does not constitute the entire goods traffic channel from the consignor to the consignee, but it is a constituent part of the entire logistical channel from the consignor to the consignee, then the flow traffic goods through that sub-region will be dependent not only on the characteristics of the logistical channel existing in the sub-region's logistical system, but it will also depend on other regions, the logistical systems of which are involved in the common logistical channel. The minimization of the characteristics of any element may cause the minimization of the characteristics of the entire logistical channel as well as the loss of its competitive abilities. 5. The model of shipment grouping according to peculiarities of transport flows and logistic requirements is created. The model enables the estimating of characteristics of freight origins and destination points and forecasting of grouped shipment routes. 6. The survey shows dual approach to transport flows distribution as well as theoretical analysis. Transport flows are distributed according to logistic strategy of transport service consumers and technological solutions, and implementations of providers as well. The survey demonstrates that transport companies are not only 'sellers' or 'providers' of transport services. They are logistical partners of transport service consumers. The strategic partnership of trading and transport companies determines in many cases the formation of transport flows in Lithuania. According forecast of 5 % yearly trade growth, freight volume by road and rail in Lithuania will increase to 133.6 million tons in year 2015. 7. The basic logistical factors determining the distribution of transport flows in Lithuania according to the survey are these: geography of consumers markets, geography of basic transport nodes, structures of logistical channels, perspective of urban development, shortest paths, political and anti-criminal security of transit, grouping of goods, national factor.
Relevance of the dissertation is determined by the object of research – the influence of logistical factors on transport flows distribution. The growth of world economics, business globalization, progress in technology skills extends the distances between geographical points of raw materials resources, manufacturers and consumers. Due to the membership in the European Union (EU) Lithuania has got new opportunities for international trade growth, and all the Eastern Baltic countries have become the buffer region for the EU trading with the countries of the Eastern Europe and Asia. A proper transport policy and infrastructure development would increase significantly the GNP in warehousing, transport and distribution sectors. Forecasting of potential transport flows according to logistical requirements of freight suppliers is most important for transport network optimization. Scientific problem. Contemporary transport engineering theory approaches the peculiarities of transport flows formation too narrowly, only as an analysis of internal factors determining freight flows. There is no analysis of external factors. Many researchers assume that transport flows are determined only by the existing transport network and its characteristics. Other researchers consider transport flows as a result of logistic elements only. The estimating of internal and external logistical factors provides a possibility to forecast the transport flows. Aim of the research is to create a model of logistical factors influence on transport flows distribution. Seeking to meet this aim, the author of the dissertation has solved the following tasks: 1. To make an analysis of the theory provided by Lithuanian and foreign researchers concerning the common interaction of logistics and transport, as well as to point out the advantages and disadvantages in the approaches and hypotheses of many authors, and to propose own conclusions. 2. To create a model of logistical factors and their indicators, which determine transport flows distribution in the transport network. 3. To make empirical research of indices of logistical factors in Lithuanian case. Scientific novelty of the research 1. The analysis of the research level of the scientific problem shows a very narrow theoretical view of determining transport flows. Many authors analyze internal factors only and do not estimate logistical needs of consignors and consignees. 2. The created new models determine transport flows and freight flows in transport network by internal and external specific logistical factors as well. 3. The results of empirical research of external factors confirm the created new models and provide a new interpretation and theoretical view of regularities of freight flows formation. Direct influence on basic transportation process characteristics and control is exercised by clients of transport companies. The basic attitudes for defending 1 The advantages and disadvantages of approaches of numerous researchers on logistic and transportation functions. 2 The models determining distribution of transport flows according to logistical factors. 3 The conclusions of empirical research of logistical factors' influence in Lithuanian case. The significance of the research. Theories proposed by many authors on transport and logistic functioning and interaction are analyzed, and a new point of theoretical view is given. The created models would be fit for forecasting of transport flows and planning of investments in transport infrastructure. The models would help the government, transport and logistics companies to make strategic decisions for development projects. Results of empirical research, which prove theoretical models are important for transport and logistic service providers and their customers for better common understanding and common activities. Methodology of the research is based on regression and correlative analysis, forecasting, as well as on market survey and mathematical modeling. Approbation of the work. Main theses of the dissertation were approbated in 3 scientific published works and 14 scientific conferences papers. Dissertation's structure. The work consists of introduction, three chapters, conclusions and a list of literature (123 scientific works). The amount of the work is: 108 pages, 61 figures and 20 tables. The work includes 6 appendixes. Conclusions The theoretical analysis of logistics influence on transport flows distribution concepts by many researchers, the mathematical modeling of transport flows determination factors and empirical research to give the following conclusions: 1. Many scientists explore logistics and transport by different concepts, however there are no special investigations of logistical impact on transport flows distribution in their works. The analysis of scientific works shows a dual aspect of transport flows distribution. The first theory maintains that technological engineering solutions determine transport flows; the second theory considers that they are determined by logistical factors such as: 1) added value; 2) minimization of logistics costs; 3) customer service. 2. The supporters of technological approach focus the attention on mathematical modeling of freight flows in transport network, nodes and links, as well as logistical chains. According to this point of view, physical characteristics of links and nodes only give possibility to solve the task of freight flows distribution. The scientific problem is that physical characteristics do not suffice for the right solution of this task. It is important to find and estimate external logistical factors. 3. It is important to estimate that transport flows formation is determined in long-term period according to the requirements of manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers and consumers. The trade centralization is one of the basic elements in formation of logistical channels and distribution centers, and transport flows of course. 4. The mathematical model of transport flows distribution is created here. The model gives peculiarities of freight flows distribution according to estimation of economical, juridical and physical parameters of nodes and links. If a logistical subsystem of the given sub-region does not constitute the entire goods traffic channel from the consignor to the consignee, but it is a constituent part of the entire logistical channel from the consignor to the consignee, then the flow traffic goods through that sub-region will be dependent not only on the characteristics of the logistical channel existing in the sub-region's logistical system, but it will also depend on other regions, the logistical systems of which are involved in the common logistical channel. The minimization of the characteristics of any element may cause the minimization of the characteristics of the entire logistical channel as well as the loss of its competitive abilities. 5. The model of shipment grouping according to peculiarities of transport flows and logistic requirements is created. The model enables the estimating of characteristics of freight origins and destination points and forecasting of grouped shipment routes. 6. The survey shows dual approach to transport flows distribution as well as theoretical analysis. Transport flows are distributed according to logistic strategy of transport service consumers and technological solutions, and implementations of providers as well. The survey demonstrates that transport companies are not only 'sellers' or 'providers' of transport services. They are logistical partners of transport service consumers. The strategic partnership of trading and transport companies determines in many cases the formation of transport flows in Lithuania. According forecast of 5 % yearly trade growth, freight volume by road and rail in Lithuania will increase to 133.6 million tons in year 2015. 7. The basic logistical factors determining the distribution of transport flows in Lithuania according to the survey are these: geography of consumers markets, geography of basic transport nodes, structures of logistical channels, perspective of urban development, shortest paths, political and anti-criminal security of transit, grouping of goods, national factor.
Relevance of the dissertation is determined by the object of research – the influence of logistical factors on transport flows distribution. The growth of world economics, business globalization, progress in technology skills extends the distances between geographical points of raw materials resources, manufacturers and consumers. Due to the membership in the European Union (EU) Lithuania has got new opportunities for international trade growth, and all the Eastern Baltic countries have become the buffer region for the EU trading with the countries of the Eastern Europe and Asia. A proper transport policy and infrastructure development would increase significantly the GNP in warehousing, transport and distribution sectors. Forecasting of potential transport flows according to logistical requirements of freight suppliers is most important for transport network optimization. Scientific problem. Contemporary transport engineering theory approaches the peculiarities of transport flows formation too narrowly, only as an analysis of internal factors determining freight flows. There is no analysis of external factors. Many researchers assume that transport flows are determined only by the existing transport network and its characteristics. Other researchers consider transport flows as a result of logistic elements only. The estimating of internal and external logistical factors provides a possibility to forecast the transport flows. Aim of the research is to create a model of logistical factors influence on transport flows distribution. Seeking to meet this aim, the author of the dissertation has solved the following tasks: 1. To make an analysis of the theory provided by Lithuanian and foreign researchers concerning the common interaction of logistics and transport, as well as to point out the advantages and disadvantages in the approaches and hypotheses of many authors, and to propose own conclusions. 2. To create a model of logistical factors and their indicators, which determine transport flows distribution in the transport network. 3. To make empirical research of indices of logistical factors in Lithuanian case. Scientific novelty of the research 1. The analysis of the research level of the scientific problem shows a very narrow theoretical view of determining transport flows. Many authors analyze internal factors only and do not estimate logistical needs of consignors and consignees. 2. The created new models determine transport flows and freight flows in transport network by internal and external specific logistical factors as well. 3. The results of empirical research of external factors confirm the created new models and provide a new interpretation and theoretical view of regularities of freight flows formation. Direct influence on basic transportation process characteristics and control is exercised by clients of transport companies. The basic attitudes for defending 1 The advantages and disadvantages of approaches of numerous researchers on logistic and transportation functions. 2 The models determining distribution of transport flows according to logistical factors. 3 The conclusions of empirical research of logistical factors' influence in Lithuanian case. The significance of the research. Theories proposed by many authors on transport and logistic functioning and interaction are analyzed, and a new point of theoretical view is given. The created models would be fit for forecasting of transport flows and planning of investments in transport infrastructure. The models would help the government, transport and logistics companies to make strategic decisions for development projects. Results of empirical research, which prove theoretical models are important for transport and logistic service providers and their customers for better common understanding and common activities. Methodology of the research is based on regression and correlative analysis, forecasting, as well as on market survey and mathematical modeling. Approbation of the work. Main theses of the dissertation were approbated in 3 scientific published works and 14 scientific conferences papers. Dissertation's structure. The work consists of introduction, three chapters, conclusions and a list of literature (123 scientific works). The amount of the work is: 108 pages, 61 figures and 20 tables. The work includes 6 appendixes. Conclusions The theoretical analysis of logistics influence on transport flows distribution concepts by many researchers, the mathematical modeling of transport flows determination factors and empirical research to give the following conclusions: 1. Many scientists explore logistics and transport by different concepts, however there are no special investigations of logistical impact on transport flows distribution in their works. The analysis of scientific works shows a dual aspect of transport flows distribution. The first theory maintains that technological engineering solutions determine transport flows; the second theory considers that they are determined by logistical factors such as: 1) added value; 2) minimization of logistics costs; 3) customer service. 2. The supporters of technological approach focus the attention on mathematical modeling of freight flows in transport network, nodes and links, as well as logistical chains. According to this point of view, physical characteristics of links and nodes only give possibility to solve the task of freight flows distribution. The scientific problem is that physical characteristics do not suffice for the right solution of this task. It is important to find and estimate external logistical factors. 3. It is important to estimate that transport flows formation is determined in long-term period according to the requirements of manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers and consumers. The trade centralization is one of the basic elements in formation of logistical channels and distribution centers, and transport flows of course. 4. The mathematical model of transport flows distribution is created here. The model gives peculiarities of freight flows distribution according to estimation of economical, juridical and physical parameters of nodes and links. If a logistical subsystem of the given sub-region does not constitute the entire goods traffic channel from the consignor to the consignee, but it is a constituent part of the entire logistical channel from the consignor to the consignee, then the flow traffic goods through that sub-region will be dependent not only on the characteristics of the logistical channel existing in the sub-region's logistical system, but it will also depend on other regions, the logistical systems of which are involved in the common logistical channel. The minimization of the characteristics of any element may cause the minimization of the characteristics of the entire logistical channel as well as the loss of its competitive abilities. 5. The model of shipment grouping according to peculiarities of transport flows and logistic requirements is created. The model enables the estimating of characteristics of freight origins and destination points and forecasting of grouped shipment routes. 6. The survey shows dual approach to transport flows distribution as well as theoretical analysis. Transport flows are distributed according to logistic strategy of transport service consumers and technological solutions, and implementations of providers as well. The survey demonstrates that transport companies are not only 'sellers' or 'providers' of transport services. They are logistical partners of transport service consumers. The strategic partnership of trading and transport companies determines in many cases the formation of transport flows in Lithuania. According forecast of 5 % yearly trade growth, freight volume by road and rail in Lithuania will increase to 133.6 million tons in year 2015. 7. The basic logistical factors determining the distribution of transport flows in Lithuania according to the survey are these: geography of consumers markets, geography of basic transport nodes, structures of logistical channels, perspective of urban development, shortest paths, political and anti-criminal security of transit, grouping of goods, national factor.
Relevance of the dissertation is determined by the object of research – the influence of logistical factors on transport flows distribution. The growth of world economics, business globalization, progress in technology skills extends the distances between geographical points of raw materials resources, manufacturers and consumers. Due to the membership in the European Union (EU) Lithuania has got new opportunities for international trade growth, and all the Eastern Baltic countries have become the buffer region for the EU trading with the countries of the Eastern Europe and Asia. A proper transport policy and infrastructure development would increase significantly the GNP in warehousing, transport and distribution sectors. Forecasting of potential transport flows according to logistical requirements of freight suppliers is most important for transport network optimization. Scientific problem. Contemporary transport engineering theory approaches the peculiarities of transport flows formation too narrowly, only as an analysis of internal factors determining freight flows. There is no analysis of external factors. Many researchers assume that transport flows are determined only by the existing transport network and its characteristics. Other researchers consider transport flows as a result of logistic elements only. The estimating of internal and external logistical factors provides a possibility to forecast the transport flows. Aim of the research is to create a model of logistical factors influence on transport flows distribution. Seeking to meet this aim, the author of the dissertation has solved the following tasks: 1. To make an analysis of the theory provided by Lithuanian and foreign researchers concerning the common interaction of logistics and transport, as well as to point out the advantages and disadvantages in the approaches and hypotheses of many authors, and to propose own conclusions. 2. To create a model of logistical factors and their indicators, which determine transport flows distribution in the transport network. 3. To make empirical research of indices of logistical factors in Lithuanian case. Scientific novelty of the research 1. The analysis of the research level of the scientific problem shows a very narrow theoretical view of determining transport flows. Many authors analyze internal factors only and do not estimate logistical needs of consignors and consignees. 2. The created new models determine transport flows and freight flows in transport network by internal and external specific logistical factors as well. 3. The results of empirical research of external factors confirm the created new models and provide a new interpretation and theoretical view of regularities of freight flows formation. Direct influence on basic transportation process characteristics and control is exercised by clients of transport companies. The basic attitudes for defending 1 The advantages and disadvantages of approaches of numerous researchers on logistic and transportation functions. 2 The models determining distribution of transport flows according to logistical factors. 3 The conclusions of empirical research of logistical factors' influence in Lithuanian case. The significance of the research. Theories proposed by many authors on transport and logistic functioning and interaction are analyzed, and a new point of theoretical view is given. The created models would be fit for forecasting of transport flows and planning of investments in transport infrastructure. The models would help the government, transport and logistics companies to make strategic decisions for development projects. Results of empirical research, which prove theoretical models are important for transport and logistic service providers and their customers for better common understanding and common activities. Methodology of the research is based on regression and correlative analysis, forecasting, as well as on market survey and mathematical modeling. Approbation of the work. Main theses of the dissertation were approbated in 3 scientific published works and 14 scientific conferences papers. Dissertation's structure. The work consists of introduction, three chapters, conclusions and a list of literature (123 scientific works). The amount of the work is: 108 pages, 61 figures and 20 tables. The work includes 6 appendixes. Conclusions The theoretical analysis of logistics influence on transport flows distribution concepts by many researchers, the mathematical modeling of transport flows determination factors and empirical research to give the following conclusions: 1. Many scientists explore logistics and transport by different concepts, however there are no special investigations of logistical impact on transport flows distribution in their works. The analysis of scientific works shows a dual aspect of transport flows distribution. The first theory maintains that technological engineering solutions determine transport flows; the second theory considers that they are determined by logistical factors such as: 1) added value; 2) minimization of logistics costs; 3) customer service. 2. The supporters of technological approach focus the attention on mathematical modeling of freight flows in transport network, nodes and links, as well as logistical chains. According to this point of view, physical characteristics of links and nodes only give possibility to solve the task of freight flows distribution. The scientific problem is that physical characteristics do not suffice for the right solution of this task. It is important to find and estimate external logistical factors. 3. It is important to estimate that transport flows formation is determined in long-term period according to the requirements of manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers and consumers. The trade centralization is one of the basic elements in formation of logistical channels and distribution centers, and transport flows of course. 4. The mathematical model of transport flows distribution is created here. The model gives peculiarities of freight flows distribution according to estimation of economical, juridical and physical parameters of nodes and links. If a logistical subsystem of the given sub-region does not constitute the entire goods traffic channel from the consignor to the consignee, but it is a constituent part of the entire logistical channel from the consignor to the consignee, then the flow traffic goods through that sub-region will be dependent not only on the characteristics of the logistical channel existing in the sub-region's logistical system, but it will also depend on other regions, the logistical systems of which are involved in the common logistical channel. The minimization of the characteristics of any element may cause the minimization of the characteristics of the entire logistical channel as well as the loss of its competitive abilities. 5. The model of shipment grouping according to peculiarities of transport flows and logistic requirements is created. The model enables the estimating of characteristics of freight origins and destination points and forecasting of grouped shipment routes. 6. The survey shows dual approach to transport flows distribution as well as theoretical analysis. Transport flows are distributed according to logistic strategy of transport service consumers and technological solutions, and implementations of providers as well. The survey demonstrates that transport companies are not only 'sellers' or 'providers' of transport services. They are logistical partners of transport service consumers. The strategic partnership of trading and transport companies determines in many cases the formation of transport flows in Lithuania. According forecast of 5 % yearly trade growth, freight volume by road and rail in Lithuania will increase to 133.6 million tons in year 2015. 7. The basic logistical factors determining the distribution of transport flows in Lithuania according to the survey are these: geography of consumers markets, geography of basic transport nodes, structures of logistical channels, perspective of urban development, shortest paths, political and anti-criminal security of transit, grouping of goods, national factor.
Relevance of the research. Recognition and education of children and teenagers gifted in sporting activity is an important part of the attainment of particular results in sports. Identification of children and teenagers gifted for sports is a process, when athletes are recognised at the early stage of their development and have a possibility to attain high results in adulthood (Williams, Reilly, 2000; Vaeyens, Lenoir, Williams, Philippaerts, 2008). It means that individually or in combination, their physical, physiological, psychological and social features, as well as technical capabilities can help to predict their potential in the future (Williams, Reilly, 2000). Some scientists maintain that aiming to achieve high results in sports gifted athletes should be selected by appropriate methods at an early age and involved into a long and systematically planned training (Sevim, 2007; Bompa, Haff, 2009). However, recognition of young gifted athletes is a complex process, since the results of teenagers' physical development, as well as their value-based provisions, attitudes and motives change in the process of growing and development (Callender, 2010; Gonçalves, Rama, Figueriredo, 2012). According to some scientists (Byrne, Davenport, Mazanov, 2007), adolescence is a specific and rather complicated age period, when rapid and big changes occur not only in physical development, but also in psycho-social maturity. Therefore, recognition and selection of children and teenagers gifted for sports is a multi-faceted process, when it is important not only to evaluate an athlete's present appearance considering their physical, physiological, psychological, cognitive and sociological features, and technical capacities, but also evacuating such important aspects as social, emotional, motivational and temperamental factors (Pruna, Tribaldos, Bahdur, 2018). Whether the talents will be disclosed depends not only on an athlete's innate capabilities, but also on the educational factors affecting them. A great influence is made by the coach and educational environment created by the school, which allows developing and growing an athlete's personality (Williams, Reilly, 2000; Pensgaard, Roberts, 2002). However, it is not the school that affects the educational environment and motivational climate. The attitude of family members towards physical activity, their support for an athlete, the coach and his/her ability to appropriately plan the training content, teammates, facilities, attention from the media and other people, as well as values and social provisions also contribute to this process (Hassandra, Goudas, Chroni, 2003; Lenzen, Brouwers, Dejardin et al., 2004). An effective programme of the identification of children and teenagers gifted for sports can help to recognize talents at an early stage, which can become a vitally important element when trying to enhance successful competitiveness of the country (Vaeyens, Gullich, Warr, Philippaerts, 2009). The programmes of the identification of children and teenagers gifted for sports facilitate the process of athlete selection, which maximizes the number of gifted persons (Anshel, Lidor, 2012). Early recognition of gifted athletes can attract funding and training opportunities for athletes having the greatest potential for success (Durand-Bush, Salmela, 2001). Countries are concerned with creating research-based methods to select the most gifted athletes that could successfully compete on the international sports arena. Over the past two decades, the increasing number of studies have been accomplished trying to understand the issues concerning experience in the identification and education of children and teenagers gifted for sports (Williams, Reilly, 2000; Abbott, Button, Pepping et al., 2005; De Bosscher, De Knop, Van Bottenburg, Shibli, 2006; Pearson, Naughton, Torode, 2006; Lidor, Cote, Hackfort, 2009; Anshel, Lidor, 2012; Roth, 2012; Brouwers, De Bosscher, Sotiriadou, 2012; Nijs, Gallardo-Gallardo, Dries, Sels, 2014; Swann, Moran, Piggott, 2015). However, despite considerable achievements in the process of identification of children and teenagers gifted for sports, a universally recognized model of the identification of children and teenagers gifted for sports does not exist Hohmann, 2001; Abbott, Collins, 2004; Vaeyens, Lenoir, Williams, Philippaerts, 2008; Davids, Araujo, Vilar, Pinder, 2013; Louzada, Maiorano, Ara, 2016). There are cases when decisions concerning the selection of athletes are made subjectively, without scientific validation (Regnier, Salmela, Russell, 1993; Williams, Franks, 1998; Abbott, Button, Pepping, Collins, 2005), whereas a lot of potentially gifted athletes are not selected due to inappropriate selection criteria or applying no selection criteria at all, as well as due to athletes changing a sports branch or a large number of drop-outs from sports (Abbott, Collins, 2004; MacNamara, Collins, 2011; Tranckle, Cushion, 2006; Winfried, 2001). It is important that children and teenagers get interested in sports, are selected to appropriate sport branches, as well as attempts are made so that they do not break their sporting career too early (Schiffer, 2013); every year approximately 35% of young athletes quit sports and it is not clear if they ever resume their sporting activity again (Purcell, 2005; Breunner, 2012). Therefore, the application of these selection criteria and a large drop-out of athletes from sports can be partly justified in countries with high population. The principle of natural selection can have a greater influence. In the case of a small country (for instance, Lithuania), such a selection is not suitable. Trying to avoid subjectivity, the majority of the latest scientific studies in sports science are related to the investigation of the influence of innate (natural) and acquired (educated) features on sporting results (Baker, Bagats, Büsch, Schorer, 2012; Coutinho, Mesquita, Fonseca, De Martin-Silva, 2014; Davids, Baker, 2007). With the increasing competition among athletes over the past period (De Bosscher et al., 2006) and sports becoming a political and commercial phenomenon (Green, Oakley, 2001), there appears a necessity for timely and appropriate choice of a specific branch of sports, which would help to achieve good results in the future. Different methods and programmes of selecting the most capable athletes are applied all over the world. In the majority of countries, selection models consisting of several stages are applied, which rely on a coach's competence, test results and analysis of competition results, whereas the selected athletes are invited to learn and do sports in specialised schools. Similarly to some other countries, in Lithuania concern about (self-) education of children gifted for sports has led to the emergence of sports gymnasiums. Panevėžys Raimundas Sargūnas Sports Gymnasium is one of the three general education schools of Lithuania that implement basic and general education alongside with sports education, and in which a part of sports education in the field of specialized education aims at training students that have special educational needs due to their giftedness in sports for high excellence and results (Order No. V-1010 of the Minister of Education and Science of the Republic of Lithuania, 24 October 2014). The programme outlines the knowledge, abilities and attitudes that athletes should acquire to comply with physical, technical, tactical requirements, as well as requirements for fitness and achievements. The purpose of Panevėžys Raimundas Sargūnas Sports Gymnasium gives a possibility to analyse the gymnasium as a case revealing the aspects of the selection of teenagers gifted for sports, which can help to better understand what educational preconditions are created and how to select teenagers gifted for sports and to disclose their talents, as well as to help create and improve practical models for schools educating teenagers gifted for sports. Therefore, the research question was formulated: how does the selection of teenagers gifted for sports occur and how are the educational preconditions for the selection of teenagers gifted for sports created? The problem-based question and the fact that a universal and effective model of the selection of children and teenagers gifted for sports does not exist, highlight the research object, i. e. the selection of teenagers gifted for sports. The aim of the research is to reveal the educational preconditions for the selection of teenagers gifted for sports. The research objectives: 1. To theoretically validate the educational preconditions for the selection of teenagers gifted for sports. 2. To identify the educational factors and notice of the choice of sporting activity by athletes. 3. To explore the physical and functional fitness of athletes and its dynamics. 4. To determine the attitudes of athletes as educational preconditions for the selection of teenagers gifted for sports. 5. To determine the attitudes of coaches as educational preconditions for the selection of teenagers gifted for sports. Scientific novelty and practical significance of the doctoral research ● The validated educational factors that influence the selection of teenagers gifted for sports allow better understanding of the factors of choosing a sporting activity and survival in sports as educational preconditions for the development of capabilities. ● The determined dynamics of physical and functional fitness of teenage athletes in an educational environment beneficial to the development of their innate capabilities for sports helps to understand the dynamics and multi-dimensionality of the selection of teenagers gifted for sports as a process, as well as problematic control of its components when identifying and developing their capabilities. The case of one of the three sports gymnasiums of Lithuania has been explored in terms of the selection of teenagers gifted for sports – such studies have not been performed in Lithuania so far. ● The results of the theoretical and empirical research complement the theory of sports science with innovative and original data on the expression of the educational preconditions affecting the selection of teenagers gifted for sports. Practical significance. The educational preconditions for the selection of teenagers gifted for sports that affect athletes' decision to choose a sporting activity from other spheres of supplementary education have been analysed and generalised. The determined peculiarities of motivation will help coaches to select appropriate pedagogical and psychological tools to motivate athletes to seek for high results in sports. The educational factors stimulating and aggravating athletes' selection and motivation to seek for high results in sports have been distinguished during the research, the role of a coach as one of educational factors has been revealed in the process of selecting and training athletes – these findings will allow a more purposeful planning of the (self-) development of coaches' competences and provision of all the necessary support concerning the selection of athletes to them. The analysis of the changes in the results of athletes' physical and functional fitness will give a possibility to make a more thorough selection of teenagers gifted for sports to 12 sports branches, as well as to train them more purposefully and effectively for national and international competitions. The research data can be applied in compiling model characteristics of different age periods and different sports branches by specifying training programmes and evaluating the changes in athletes' individual fitness. The research results can be used by the administration, coaches and other employees of athletes' educational centres, federations and sports schools. CONCLUSIONS 1. The search and selection of gifted children is a complex, dynamic, long-lasting, and special educational process that depends on a variety of factors interacting and constantly changing in the process. The factors influencing the selection and results in the sporting activity can be divided into four groups: genetic-physiological, psychological, social, and educational factors. The genetic potential, anthropometric data and physical abilities are essential indicators for the identification and selection of teenagers gifted for sports. Psychological features, such as perseverance, self-confidence, positive attitude, devotion, dedication, strong intrinsic motivation, concentration, attentiveness, and emotional control, are important in selecting gifted teenagers. Social factors include sports policy, culture, natural conditions, geographical location of the country, various opportunities, specific tendencies in the development of modern sports, and support rendered to the participants of the educational process. Educational factors – educational environments, parent support, practice, the coach and teammates, have an educational impact on athletes and can influence their decision making, motivation, habits, training and skills.Therefore, the selection of gifted teenagers should be specific to each sports branch and include a multi-disciplinary approach when clearing out athletes' motives, the attitudes of athletes and coaches, as well as implementing the monitoring athletes. 2. Regardless of gender and a group of sports branches, the main factors that motivate the choice of sports activities include educational (motivation of the coach, parents and friends) and internal cognitive motives (desire to master a sports technique). The least important motives involve material (possession of own inventory, good facilities for training), geographical (a sports school close to home), not being admitted into another sports branch, or lack of other choices. The choice of a sport from other areas of supplementary education is determined by a desire to be physically fit and a desire to engage in leisure activities. The least important motives are the desire to become famous and the desire to be attractive. Intrinsic motivation is more pronounced than extrinsic.The boys' external motivation is stronger than that of girls. Amotivation is more characteristic of the girls. The internal and external motivation is more expressed by the athletes of team sports; external motivation in individual sports appears to be the weakest, whereas the weakest intrinsic motivation and the strongest amotivation is revealed in duelling sports. 3. The results of physical development, physical fitness and functional capacity of stronger athletes are not always statistically significantly different from those of other athletes or control group athletes. A part of the indicators of stronger athletes are better, which leads to an assumption that alongside with psychosocial abilities, social factors, educational factors, and high motivation, they are essential to achieve high results. The correlation study reveals which indicators need to be taken into account and developed when selecting teenagers gifted for sports and achieving high results. 4. The most important factors for teenagers' decision to start doing sports and choose a sports branch include the surrounding environment, where the most important roles are ascribed to the coach, family members and friends. The genetic-physiological and psychological factors that are affected by the coaching and environmental factors are considered as the main factors determining success in sports. The coach is identified as the most important educational factor in the selection of gifted teenagers, whereas a favourable climate, motivating influence of the coach, his/her competence and ideal conditions help to disclose the athletes' talents and achieve high results. While choosing a sport and training, the self-educational factor is distinguished seeking to change oneself, as well as to change own or others' future relating it to sports. The factors that reduce the motivation of athletes and thus prevent the full potential of talented athletes, as well as leading them to end their sporting careers are highlighted: stabilisation of their progress in the results, injuries and high loads of physical activity. 5. The coaches distinguish the importance of psychological and physiological factors in selecting teenagers gifted for sports. The coaches consider the teenagers to be prospective athletes who have a strong internal and external motivation to train, innate capabilities, and physical abilities that are influenced by environmental factors, coaching competence, and practice. The role of the coach as the most important educational factor is highlighted in the search for gifted athletes among those already in the sport or referring to the competence of other coaches, recommending athletes who can achieve higher results in other sports branches. Identifying gifted teenagers-athletes, the coaches look for dedicated, hardworking and goal-seeking athletes with strong motivation. Family members and peers are recognised as educational factors that have a significant impact on athlete selection. The research also highlights the problems faced by coaches in the selection process. These are physiological and psychological changes in the body and the priorities of teenage athletes, which are influenced by their surrounding environment.
Relevance of the research. Recognition and education of children and teenagers gifted in sporting activity is an important part of the attainment of particular results in sports. Identification of children and teenagers gifted for sports is a process, when athletes are recognised at the early stage of their development and have a possibility to attain high results in adulthood (Williams, Reilly, 2000; Vaeyens, Lenoir, Williams, Philippaerts, 2008). It means that individually or in combination, their physical, physiological, psychological and social features, as well as technical capabilities can help to predict their potential in the future (Williams, Reilly, 2000). Some scientists maintain that aiming to achieve high results in sports gifted athletes should be selected by appropriate methods at an early age and involved into a long and systematically planned training (Sevim, 2007; Bompa, Haff, 2009). However, recognition of young gifted athletes is a complex process, since the results of teenagers' physical development, as well as their value-based provisions, attitudes and motives change in the process of growing and development (Callender, 2010; Gonçalves, Rama, Figueriredo, 2012). According to some scientists (Byrne, Davenport, Mazanov, 2007), adolescence is a specific and rather complicated age period, when rapid and big changes occur not only in physical development, but also in psycho-social maturity. Therefore, recognition and selection of children and teenagers gifted for sports is a multi-faceted process, when it is important not only to evaluate an athlete's present appearance considering their physical, physiological, psychological, cognitive and sociological features, and technical capacities, but also evacuating such important aspects as social, emotional, motivational and temperamental factors (Pruna, Tribaldos, Bahdur, 2018). Whether the talents will be disclosed depends not only on an athlete's innate capabilities, but also on the educational factors affecting them. A great influence is made by the coach and educational environment created by the school, which allows developing and growing an athlete's personality (Williams, Reilly, 2000; Pensgaard, Roberts, 2002). However, it is not the school that affects the educational environment and motivational climate. The attitude of family members towards physical activity, their support for an athlete, the coach and his/her ability to appropriately plan the training content, teammates, facilities, attention from the media and other people, as well as values and social provisions also contribute to this process (Hassandra, Goudas, Chroni, 2003; Lenzen, Brouwers, Dejardin et al., 2004). An effective programme of the identification of children and teenagers gifted for sports can help to recognize talents at an early stage, which can become a vitally important element when trying to enhance successful competitiveness of the country (Vaeyens, Gullich, Warr, Philippaerts, 2009). The programmes of the identification of children and teenagers gifted for sports facilitate the process of athlete selection, which maximizes the number of gifted persons (Anshel, Lidor, 2012). Early recognition of gifted athletes can attract funding and training opportunities for athletes having the greatest potential for success (Durand-Bush, Salmela, 2001). Countries are concerned with creating research-based methods to select the most gifted athletes that could successfully compete on the international sports arena. Over the past two decades, the increasing number of studies have been accomplished trying to understand the issues concerning experience in the identification and education of children and teenagers gifted for sports (Williams, Reilly, 2000; Abbott, Button, Pepping et al., 2005; De Bosscher, De Knop, Van Bottenburg, Shibli, 2006; Pearson, Naughton, Torode, 2006; Lidor, Cote, Hackfort, 2009; Anshel, Lidor, 2012; Roth, 2012; Brouwers, De Bosscher, Sotiriadou, 2012; Nijs, Gallardo-Gallardo, Dries, Sels, 2014; Swann, Moran, Piggott, 2015). However, despite considerable achievements in the process of identification of children and teenagers gifted for sports, a universally recognized model of the identification of children and teenagers gifted for sports does not exist Hohmann, 2001; Abbott, Collins, 2004; Vaeyens, Lenoir, Williams, Philippaerts, 2008; Davids, Araujo, Vilar, Pinder, 2013; Louzada, Maiorano, Ara, 2016). There are cases when decisions concerning the selection of athletes are made subjectively, without scientific validation (Regnier, Salmela, Russell, 1993; Williams, Franks, 1998; Abbott, Button, Pepping, Collins, 2005), whereas a lot of potentially gifted athletes are not selected due to inappropriate selection criteria or applying no selection criteria at all, as well as due to athletes changing a sports branch or a large number of drop-outs from sports (Abbott, Collins, 2004; MacNamara, Collins, 2011; Tranckle, Cushion, 2006; Winfried, 2001). It is important that children and teenagers get interested in sports, are selected to appropriate sport branches, as well as attempts are made so that they do not break their sporting career too early (Schiffer, 2013); every year approximately 35% of young athletes quit sports and it is not clear if they ever resume their sporting activity again (Purcell, 2005; Breunner, 2012). Therefore, the application of these selection criteria and a large drop-out of athletes from sports can be partly justified in countries with high population. The principle of natural selection can have a greater influence. In the case of a small country (for instance, Lithuania), such a selection is not suitable. Trying to avoid subjectivity, the majority of the latest scientific studies in sports science are related to the investigation of the influence of innate (natural) and acquired (educated) features on sporting results (Baker, Bagats, Büsch, Schorer, 2012; Coutinho, Mesquita, Fonseca, De Martin-Silva, 2014; Davids, Baker, 2007). With the increasing competition among athletes over the past period (De Bosscher et al., 2006) and sports becoming a political and commercial phenomenon (Green, Oakley, 2001), there appears a necessity for timely and appropriate choice of a specific branch of sports, which would help to achieve good results in the future. Different methods and programmes of selecting the most capable athletes are applied all over the world. In the majority of countries, selection models consisting of several stages are applied, which rely on a coach's competence, test results and analysis of competition results, whereas the selected athletes are invited to learn and do sports in specialised schools. Similarly to some other countries, in Lithuania concern about (self-) education of children gifted for sports has led to the emergence of sports gymnasiums. Panevėžys Raimundas Sargūnas Sports Gymnasium is one of the three general education schools of Lithuania that implement basic and general education alongside with sports education, and in which a part of sports education in the field of specialized education aims at training students that have special educational needs due to their giftedness in sports for high excellence and results (Order No. V-1010 of the Minister of Education and Science of the Republic of Lithuania, 24 October 2014). The programme outlines the knowledge, abilities and attitudes that athletes should acquire to comply with physical, technical, tactical requirements, as well as requirements for fitness and achievements. The purpose of Panevėžys Raimundas Sargūnas Sports Gymnasium gives a possibility to analyse the gymnasium as a case revealing the aspects of the selection of teenagers gifted for sports, which can help to better understand what educational preconditions are created and how to select teenagers gifted for sports and to disclose their talents, as well as to help create and improve practical models for schools educating teenagers gifted for sports. Therefore, the research question was formulated: how does the selection of teenagers gifted for sports occur and how are the educational preconditions for the selection of teenagers gifted for sports created? The problem-based question and the fact that a universal and effective model of the selection of children and teenagers gifted for sports does not exist, highlight the research object, i. e. the selection of teenagers gifted for sports. The aim of the research is to reveal the educational preconditions for the selection of teenagers gifted for sports. The research objectives: 1. To theoretically validate the educational preconditions for the selection of teenagers gifted for sports. 2. To identify the educational factors and notice of the choice of sporting activity by athletes. 3. To explore the physical and functional fitness of athletes and its dynamics. 4. To determine the attitudes of athletes as educational preconditions for the selection of teenagers gifted for sports. 5. To determine the attitudes of coaches as educational preconditions for the selection of teenagers gifted for sports. Scientific novelty and practical significance of the doctoral research ● The validated educational factors that influence the selection of teenagers gifted for sports allow better understanding of the factors of choosing a sporting activity and survival in sports as educational preconditions for the development of capabilities. ● The determined dynamics of physical and functional fitness of teenage athletes in an educational environment beneficial to the development of their innate capabilities for sports helps to understand the dynamics and multi-dimensionality of the selection of teenagers gifted for sports as a process, as well as problematic control of its components when identifying and developing their capabilities. The case of one of the three sports gymnasiums of Lithuania has been explored in terms of the selection of teenagers gifted for sports – such studies have not been performed in Lithuania so far. ● The results of the theoretical and empirical research complement the theory of sports science with innovative and original data on the expression of the educational preconditions affecting the selection of teenagers gifted for sports. Practical significance. The educational preconditions for the selection of teenagers gifted for sports that affect athletes' decision to choose a sporting activity from other spheres of supplementary education have been analysed and generalised. The determined peculiarities of motivation will help coaches to select appropriate pedagogical and psychological tools to motivate athletes to seek for high results in sports. The educational factors stimulating and aggravating athletes' selection and motivation to seek for high results in sports have been distinguished during the research, the role of a coach as one of educational factors has been revealed in the process of selecting and training athletes – these findings will allow a more purposeful planning of the (self-) development of coaches' competences and provision of all the necessary support concerning the selection of athletes to them. The analysis of the changes in the results of athletes' physical and functional fitness will give a possibility to make a more thorough selection of teenagers gifted for sports to 12 sports branches, as well as to train them more purposefully and effectively for national and international competitions. The research data can be applied in compiling model characteristics of different age periods and different sports branches by specifying training programmes and evaluating the changes in athletes' individual fitness. The research results can be used by the administration, coaches and other employees of athletes' educational centres, federations and sports schools. CONCLUSIONS 1. The search and selection of gifted children is a complex, dynamic, long-lasting, and special educational process that depends on a variety of factors interacting and constantly changing in the process. The factors influencing the selection and results in the sporting activity can be divided into four groups: genetic-physiological, psychological, social, and educational factors. The genetic potential, anthropometric data and physical abilities are essential indicators for the identification and selection of teenagers gifted for sports. Psychological features, such as perseverance, self-confidence, positive attitude, devotion, dedication, strong intrinsic motivation, concentration, attentiveness, and emotional control, are important in selecting gifted teenagers. Social factors include sports policy, culture, natural conditions, geographical location of the country, various opportunities, specific tendencies in the development of modern sports, and support rendered to the participants of the educational process. Educational factors – educational environments, parent support, practice, the coach and teammates, have an educational impact on athletes and can influence their decision making, motivation, habits, training and skills.Therefore, the selection of gifted teenagers should be specific to each sports branch and include a multi-disciplinary approach when clearing out athletes' motives, the attitudes of athletes and coaches, as well as implementing the monitoring athletes. 2. Regardless of gender and a group of sports branches, the main factors that motivate the choice of sports activities include educational (motivation of the coach, parents and friends) and internal cognitive motives (desire to master a sports technique). The least important motives involve material (possession of own inventory, good facilities for training), geographical (a sports school close to home), not being admitted into another sports branch, or lack of other choices. The choice of a sport from other areas of supplementary education is determined by a desire to be physically fit and a desire to engage in leisure activities. The least important motives are the desire to become famous and the desire to be attractive. Intrinsic motivation is more pronounced than extrinsic.The boys' external motivation is stronger than that of girls. Amotivation is more characteristic of the girls. The internal and external motivation is more expressed by the athletes of team sports; external motivation in individual sports appears to be the weakest, whereas the weakest intrinsic motivation and the strongest amotivation is revealed in duelling sports. 3. The results of physical development, physical fitness and functional capacity of stronger athletes are not always statistically significantly different from those of other athletes or control group athletes. A part of the indicators of stronger athletes are better, which leads to an assumption that alongside with psychosocial abilities, social factors, educational factors, and high motivation, they are essential to achieve high results. The correlation study reveals which indicators need to be taken into account and developed when selecting teenagers gifted for sports and achieving high results. 4. The most important factors for teenagers' decision to start doing sports and choose a sports branch include the surrounding environment, where the most important roles are ascribed to the coach, family members and friends. The genetic-physiological and psychological factors that are affected by the coaching and environmental factors are considered as the main factors determining success in sports. The coach is identified as the most important educational factor in the selection of gifted teenagers, whereas a favourable climate, motivating influence of the coach, his/her competence and ideal conditions help to disclose the athletes' talents and achieve high results. While choosing a sport and training, the self-educational factor is distinguished seeking to change oneself, as well as to change own or others' future relating it to sports. The factors that reduce the motivation of athletes and thus prevent the full potential of talented athletes, as well as leading them to end their sporting careers are highlighted: stabilisation of their progress in the results, injuries and high loads of physical activity. 5. The coaches distinguish the importance of psychological and physiological factors in selecting teenagers gifted for sports. The coaches consider the teenagers to be prospective athletes who have a strong internal and external motivation to train, innate capabilities, and physical abilities that are influenced by environmental factors, coaching competence, and practice. The role of the coach as the most important educational factor is highlighted in the search for gifted athletes among those already in the sport or referring to the competence of other coaches, recommending athletes who can achieve higher results in other sports branches. Identifying gifted teenagers-athletes, the coaches look for dedicated, hardworking and goal-seeking athletes with strong motivation. Family members and peers are recognised as educational factors that have a significant impact on athlete selection. The research also highlights the problems faced by coaches in the selection process. These are physiological and psychological changes in the body and the priorities of teenage athletes, which are influenced by their surrounding environment.
In Lithuania like in the majority of other countries around the globe the need of investments and their improvement regarding public infrastructure and public services is growing at a fast pace. Limitations of the public sector concerning the possibilities to fund these objectives promote the search for new tools and opportunities to achieve these purposes. The co-operation of the public and private sectors is defined as any kind of agreement that involves both sectors, which allows private organizations to function within the field that previously was only governed by the public sector. In the international practice one of the co-operation types is the partnership of private and public sector (PPS) that creates opportunities to attract private funds in order to meet the needs of the public sector. Broadly this partnership can be defined as a co-operation of both public and private sectors in order to accomplish various projects involving infrastructure or public services. Thus, the co-operation between these two sectors is inevitable. As an alternative to traditional ways of supplementing public services, the partnership of public and private sector encompasses a wide spectrum of various forms and mechanisms. It could vary from agreements made by county with a private communal office in order to create a system for trash extermination to an establishment of a joint company, which would govern the building and exploitation of a new atomic power plant. These contracts are usually distinguished by establishing a clear partnership type regarding PPS terms; thus, it could be an agreement implemented on a contractual basis or an agreement based on an institutional basis. The European Commission distinguish two types of co-operation of the public and private sector: (1) institutional – when a company of mixed funds is required to be established in order to accomplish a goal; (2) contractual – when a certain goal is achieved by constructing agreements (consensuses, contracts based on a public purchases, joint practises, and other various agreements that are determined by the law). It has to be noted that certain concepts such as consensus, PPS projects, long-term lease, public purchases and others because they denote different ways of partnership of government and public sectors; in other words these concepts could be ineligible. Even though the contracts of purchases and consensuses are regulated by different laws, they in their essence involve similar legal correlations, which have similar aims of regulation. Consensus a try way agreement between the granting instruction, the provider of the service, and the customer. A public purchase is a two way agreement between a service provider and the organization that buys the service, which in consequence pays for the bought service and takes the economic risk of the purchase. The correlation of a consensus and a public purchase are different in the way and process of creating a contract. In case of a consensus provider of the service receives a right to use the service it provides as part of the payment. The concessionaire recognizes the risks of the purchase while the pay is usually arranged by the services user. Although, there is no singular definition of consensus there are certain attributes that allows to distinguish it from other partnerships or public and private sectors; these attributes involves such signs as a long time-span of arranging the contract, a clear allocation of possible liabilities to all the parties, a clear allocation of possible risk, while the majority of these risks are moved upon the private buyer, financial commitments. A major matter for the public sector regarding the co-operation of private and public sector is a selection of private party in a fair competition manner. Before making any kind of partnership contract it is essential to establish an effective and clear competition within the contestant participants within the market. This kind of competition allows the public sector to choose the most effective private partner. The competition allows the governmental institutions to select a partner in a most rational way; due to this information, it is possible to choose such a partner that would meet all the requirements and would fulfil the goal in question. In order to ensure the best selection of the partner it is important to oblige the principles of transparency and non-discrimination. It is important to act according to these principles in order to avoid violating the public and private interests, which are quintessentially different. The public sector seeks to receive the best possible service, while the private sector seeks profit. The equality of rights is important to every legal form that involves the co-operation of public and private sector. According to this principle the procedures of selection of a private party must be determined in an objective and clear way as well as they have to oblige to the rules and requirements. If certain predetermined rules do not exist the participating private parties must be selected according to objective criteria. The principal of non-discrimination defined the object of purchase; the technical specifications cannot defy the concrete process of making, the trade mark, patent, country of origin or production because these specifications might provide extra help for the participating parties or could even rule out some of the participants. The transparency principal is a principal that requires for the conditions of the contest to be clear and understandable; also, it requires that all the conditions that were set could not be changed. By obliging to the transparency principal allows to foresee the decision that should be made during the contest. It is quite natural to agree that the principal of partnership between the public and private sector is the essential part of the partnership concept because without clearly stating them it would be impossible to accomplish any kind of goal regarding such co-operation. The implementation of projects regarding co-operation between the public and private sector is a difficult and lengthily process, which is formed not only by the configuration of partnership but by the selection of partners, negotiations regarding the requirements of the contract, risk management, project management, and the surveillance of the project management. Taking into account the difficult specifics of the co-operation between public and private sector, often there is no singular way to formulate the technical requirements of an object, which would fulfil the public subject's needs and aims, or would defy the objects legal status or its financial consent. Whatever the form of co-operation regarding the partnership of private and public sector is employed, for the successful contest, some sort of negotiations will be required. Each form of such co-operation has a different kind of way to regulate the negotiation. For instance, according to the Public procurement law the negotiations are not mandatory during the public purchase. However, in the contest regarding the grant of the consensus once of the mandatory stages is the negotiation, which's aim is to come to a compromise between the participant of the contest and the institution that grants the consensus. It needs to be noted that the negotiation cannot be used as a tool to distort the technical, financial, or commercial criteria. While appointing the contractual conditions of the consensus, the conditions of the agreement and its main requirements cannot be an object of the negotiation. However this means that the initial agreement will be changed in a slight way. If negotiation takes place it is quite natural that the primary draft of the project changes. A change is fundamental if its implementation within the agreement would quintessentially change the outcomes that the participants would provide. It such change takes place a new contest must be organized. The legal provisions concerning public purchases and consensuses foresees such changes only if the principals of equal right, non-discrimination and transparency are taken into account.
In Lithuania like in the majority of other countries around the globe the need of investments and their improvement regarding public infrastructure and public services is growing at a fast pace. Limitations of the public sector concerning the possibilities to fund these objectives promote the search for new tools and opportunities to achieve these purposes. The co-operation of the public and private sectors is defined as any kind of agreement that involves both sectors, which allows private organizations to function within the field that previously was only governed by the public sector. In the international practice one of the co-operation types is the partnership of private and public sector (PPS) that creates opportunities to attract private funds in order to meet the needs of the public sector. Broadly this partnership can be defined as a co-operation of both public and private sectors in order to accomplish various projects involving infrastructure or public services. Thus, the co-operation between these two sectors is inevitable. As an alternative to traditional ways of supplementing public services, the partnership of public and private sector encompasses a wide spectrum of various forms and mechanisms. It could vary from agreements made by county with a private communal office in order to create a system for trash extermination to an establishment of a joint company, which would govern the building and exploitation of a new atomic power plant. These contracts are usually distinguished by establishing a clear partnership type regarding PPS terms; thus, it could be an agreement implemented on a contractual basis or an agreement based on an institutional basis. The European Commission distinguish two types of co-operation of the public and private sector: (1) institutional – when a company of mixed funds is required to be established in order to accomplish a goal; (2) contractual – when a certain goal is achieved by constructing agreements (consensuses, contracts based on a public purchases, joint practises, and other various agreements that are determined by the law). It has to be noted that certain concepts such as consensus, PPS projects, long-term lease, public purchases and others because they denote different ways of partnership of government and public sectors; in other words these concepts could be ineligible. Even though the contracts of purchases and consensuses are regulated by different laws, they in their essence involve similar legal correlations, which have similar aims of regulation. Consensus a try way agreement between the granting instruction, the provider of the service, and the customer. A public purchase is a two way agreement between a service provider and the organization that buys the service, which in consequence pays for the bought service and takes the economic risk of the purchase. The correlation of a consensus and a public purchase are different in the way and process of creating a contract. In case of a consensus provider of the service receives a right to use the service it provides as part of the payment. The concessionaire recognizes the risks of the purchase while the pay is usually arranged by the services user. Although, there is no singular definition of consensus there are certain attributes that allows to distinguish it from other partnerships or public and private sectors; these attributes involves such signs as a long time-span of arranging the contract, a clear allocation of possible liabilities to all the parties, a clear allocation of possible risk, while the majority of these risks are moved upon the private buyer, financial commitments. A major matter for the public sector regarding the co-operation of private and public sector is a selection of private party in a fair competition manner. Before making any kind of partnership contract it is essential to establish an effective and clear competition within the contestant participants within the market. This kind of competition allows the public sector to choose the most effective private partner. The competition allows the governmental institutions to select a partner in a most rational way; due to this information, it is possible to choose such a partner that would meet all the requirements and would fulfil the goal in question. In order to ensure the best selection of the partner it is important to oblige the principles of transparency and non-discrimination. It is important to act according to these principles in order to avoid violating the public and private interests, which are quintessentially different. The public sector seeks to receive the best possible service, while the private sector seeks profit. The equality of rights is important to every legal form that involves the co-operation of public and private sector. According to this principle the procedures of selection of a private party must be determined in an objective and clear way as well as they have to oblige to the rules and requirements. If certain predetermined rules do not exist the participating private parties must be selected according to objective criteria. The principal of non-discrimination defined the object of purchase; the technical specifications cannot defy the concrete process of making, the trade mark, patent, country of origin or production because these specifications might provide extra help for the participating parties or could even rule out some of the participants. The transparency principal is a principal that requires for the conditions of the contest to be clear and understandable; also, it requires that all the conditions that were set could not be changed. By obliging to the transparency principal allows to foresee the decision that should be made during the contest. It is quite natural to agree that the principal of partnership between the public and private sector is the essential part of the partnership concept because without clearly stating them it would be impossible to accomplish any kind of goal regarding such co-operation. The implementation of projects regarding co-operation between the public and private sector is a difficult and lengthily process, which is formed not only by the configuration of partnership but by the selection of partners, negotiations regarding the requirements of the contract, risk management, project management, and the surveillance of the project management. Taking into account the difficult specifics of the co-operation between public and private sector, often there is no singular way to formulate the technical requirements of an object, which would fulfil the public subject's needs and aims, or would defy the objects legal status or its financial consent. Whatever the form of co-operation regarding the partnership of private and public sector is employed, for the successful contest, some sort of negotiations will be required. Each form of such co-operation has a different kind of way to regulate the negotiation. For instance, according to the Public procurement law the negotiations are not mandatory during the public purchase. However, in the contest regarding the grant of the consensus once of the mandatory stages is the negotiation, which's aim is to come to a compromise between the participant of the contest and the institution that grants the consensus. It needs to be noted that the negotiation cannot be used as a tool to distort the technical, financial, or commercial criteria. While appointing the contractual conditions of the consensus, the conditions of the agreement and its main requirements cannot be an object of the negotiation. However this means that the initial agreement will be changed in a slight way. If negotiation takes place it is quite natural that the primary draft of the project changes. A change is fundamental if its implementation within the agreement would quintessentially change the outcomes that the participants would provide. It such change takes place a new contest must be organized. The legal provisions concerning public purchases and consensuses foresees such changes only if the principals of equal right, non-discrimination and transparency are taken into account.
In Lithuania like in the majority of other countries around the globe the need of investments and their improvement regarding public infrastructure and public services is growing at a fast pace. Limitations of the public sector concerning the possibilities to fund these objectives promote the search for new tools and opportunities to achieve these purposes. The co-operation of the public and private sectors is defined as any kind of agreement that involves both sectors, which allows private organizations to function within the field that previously was only governed by the public sector. In the international practice one of the co-operation types is the partnership of private and public sector (PPS) that creates opportunities to attract private funds in order to meet the needs of the public sector. Broadly this partnership can be defined as a co-operation of both public and private sectors in order to accomplish various projects involving infrastructure or public services. Thus, the co-operation between these two sectors is inevitable. As an alternative to traditional ways of supplementing public services, the partnership of public and private sector encompasses a wide spectrum of various forms and mechanisms. It could vary from agreements made by county with a private communal office in order to create a system for trash extermination to an establishment of a joint company, which would govern the building and exploitation of a new atomic power plant. These contracts are usually distinguished by establishing a clear partnership type regarding PPS terms; thus, it could be an agreement implemented on a contractual basis or an agreement based on an institutional basis. The European Commission distinguish two types of co-operation of the public and private sector: (1) institutional – when a company of mixed funds is required to be established in order to accomplish a goal; (2) contractual – when a certain goal is achieved by constructing agreements (consensuses, contracts based on a public purchases, joint practises, and other various agreements that are determined by the law). It has to be noted that certain concepts such as consensus, PPS projects, long-term lease, public purchases and others because they denote different ways of partnership of government and public sectors; in other words these concepts could be ineligible. Even though the contracts of purchases and consensuses are regulated by different laws, they in their essence involve similar legal correlations, which have similar aims of regulation. Consensus a try way agreement between the granting instruction, the provider of the service, and the customer. A public purchase is a two way agreement between a service provider and the organization that buys the service, which in consequence pays for the bought service and takes the economic risk of the purchase. The correlation of a consensus and a public purchase are different in the way and process of creating a contract. In case of a consensus provider of the service receives a right to use the service it provides as part of the payment. The concessionaire recognizes the risks of the purchase while the pay is usually arranged by the services user. Although, there is no singular definition of consensus there are certain attributes that allows to distinguish it from other partnerships or public and private sectors; these attributes involves such signs as a long time-span of arranging the contract, a clear allocation of possible liabilities to all the parties, a clear allocation of possible risk, while the majority of these risks are moved upon the private buyer, financial commitments. A major matter for the public sector regarding the co-operation of private and public sector is a selection of private party in a fair competition manner. Before making any kind of partnership contract it is essential to establish an effective and clear competition within the contestant participants within the market. This kind of competition allows the public sector to choose the most effective private partner. The competition allows the governmental institutions to select a partner in a most rational way; due to this information, it is possible to choose such a partner that would meet all the requirements and would fulfil the goal in question. In order to ensure the best selection of the partner it is important to oblige the principles of transparency and non-discrimination. It is important to act according to these principles in order to avoid violating the public and private interests, which are quintessentially different. The public sector seeks to receive the best possible service, while the private sector seeks profit. The equality of rights is important to every legal form that involves the co-operation of public and private sector. According to this principle the procedures of selection of a private party must be determined in an objective and clear way as well as they have to oblige to the rules and requirements. If certain predetermined rules do not exist the participating private parties must be selected according to objective criteria. The principal of non-discrimination defined the object of purchase; the technical specifications cannot defy the concrete process of making, the trade mark, patent, country of origin or production because these specifications might provide extra help for the participating parties or could even rule out some of the participants. The transparency principal is a principal that requires for the conditions of the contest to be clear and understandable; also, it requires that all the conditions that were set could not be changed. By obliging to the transparency principal allows to foresee the decision that should be made during the contest. It is quite natural to agree that the principal of partnership between the public and private sector is the essential part of the partnership concept because without clearly stating them it would be impossible to accomplish any kind of goal regarding such co-operation. The implementation of projects regarding co-operation between the public and private sector is a difficult and lengthily process, which is formed not only by the configuration of partnership but by the selection of partners, negotiations regarding the requirements of the contract, risk management, project management, and the surveillance of the project management. Taking into account the difficult specifics of the co-operation between public and private sector, often there is no singular way to formulate the technical requirements of an object, which would fulfil the public subject's needs and aims, or would defy the objects legal status or its financial consent. Whatever the form of co-operation regarding the partnership of private and public sector is employed, for the successful contest, some sort of negotiations will be required. Each form of such co-operation has a different kind of way to regulate the negotiation. For instance, according to the Public procurement law the negotiations are not mandatory during the public purchase. However, in the contest regarding the grant of the consensus once of the mandatory stages is the negotiation, which's aim is to come to a compromise between the participant of the contest and the institution that grants the consensus. It needs to be noted that the negotiation cannot be used as a tool to distort the technical, financial, or commercial criteria. While appointing the contractual conditions of the consensus, the conditions of the agreement and its main requirements cannot be an object of the negotiation. However this means that the initial agreement will be changed in a slight way. If negotiation takes place it is quite natural that the primary draft of the project changes. A change is fundamental if its implementation within the agreement would quintessentially change the outcomes that the participants would provide. It such change takes place a new contest must be organized. The legal provisions concerning public purchases and consensuses foresees such changes only if the principals of equal right, non-discrimination and transparency are taken into account.
Lithuanian historical sources mentioned the divers for the first time in the 1990s. With intention to assist emerging national formations of the Department of National Defense of Lithuania, , Valerijus Krisikaitis reported to the local national defense department in Klaipeda in September of 1990. He was a certificated diver and karate instructor and expressed his desire to work in the national defense service. Also, he had displayed an unorthodox approach by offering to organize and train a squad, which would be prepared for combat self-defense and combat diving. These skills could be applied to protection of Klaipėda Seaport again possible attacks organized and executed by foreign hostile military forces. This was the beginning of the formation of combat divers' units in Lithuanian military. Currently, this combat capacity has increased significantly. Due to "Restricted" and "Secret" classification marks, the exact figures cannot be disclosed, but open sources indicate that there are two separate units, The Underwater Action Team, which is part of the Naval Forces and the Combat Divers Service, which is subordinated to the Special Operations Forces. These units have separate boat crews, maintenance and supply teams, individual explosive ordnance disposal experts, combat divers, rescue teams and much more. The structure of research in the master 's thesis consists of a summary in English, an introduction and three chapters. Also, it includes conclusions, list of literature and sources, recommendations and appendices. The first chapter analyzes the key aspects of formation and origins of the Lithuanian Army Combat Swimmer Squad in 1990-1992, the incorporation of combat swimmers into the Lithuanian Armed Forces and the squad contingent formation instructions, divers and possibilities of starting / financing / supplying the technical base. The second chapter is concentrated on the activities of the Lithuanian Combat Swimmers Squadron in 1993-2004. Separate chapters discuss the change of the Lithuanian Armed Forces 'leadership in terms of combat swimmers' platoon and the planning of the platoon employment, the genesis of the Lithuanian Armed Forces 'combat swimmers' platoon competence building system and its transformation. Also, evolution of the technical base of the Lithuanian Army combat swimmers' platoon: financing and supply. The third chapter examines the image of Lithuanian military divers in media in 1991–2004. The main aspects and narratives that need to be paid attention to: the Lithuanian society (media) in relation to Lithuanian combat swimmers are analyzed. It is examined why Lithuanian combat swimmers benefited from media attention. The goal of the research. The main goal of the research is the information analysis of the Lithuanian combat divers' activities during formation of the independent and modern Lithuanian military structure. This analysis includes available sources from the Lithuanian military and public media related with the topic. The methods of the research. The main research was performed applying combined study using both qualitative and quantitative methods of research. The main tools utilized in the research were the questionnaire and in-depth interviews. Statistic data processing and the content analysis methods had been applied in order to process the data collected. The target audience of the qualitative research were 7 individuals who had completed military service in the combat divers' unit in the past. The research was conducted according to the ethical standards. The results of the scientific research. The analysis of the data revealed that Lithuanian combat divers have been perfectly prepared to act as soldiers, both physically and psychologically, during the timeframe of this research embracing periods of 1990s to 2004. Their activities were limited only due to the financial constraints and lack of the reliable diving equipment and infrastructure. The importance of the combat divers in the Lithuanian Armed Forces has been significant since the beginning of their activities and was slowly increasing during the time period of the research. This was mostly attributed to their skills and abilities to perform demolition tasks underwater and this field of activities was equally high skilled in comparison to modern and highly equipped foreign military forces and their divers. The age and education of the potential candidates to the Lithuanian combat divers' unit also had a great significance. Because training and preparation process of the candidates could take years, only young soldiers from the professional military service units have been accepted to be trained as highly professional combat divers. According to the interviewees, the significance of the Lithuanian combat divers was definitely high in the Lithuanian military because a small unit of underwater subversive divers could cause a greater damage than an infantry battalion. Conclusions and recommendations. 1. The origins of formation of the Lithuanian combat divers' squad in 1990s. Back at that time, the leader and main instructor of the combat divers' unit Valerijus Krisikaitis had started to recruit the team and train the diver candidates. There was a clear vision at that time that independent Lithuanian Armed Forces would meet the demand of the highly trained combat divers. The problem of the incorporation of the unit into the structure of Lithuanian Military Forces has been addressed gradually. In the beginning the combat divers under the name of the diving club "Nautilius" were incorporated into the local SKAT department in Klaipėda. In 1992, after the establishment of the "Iron Wolf" brigade and the paratrooper regiment in Klaipėda, the combat divers became subordinated to the regiment commander. Due to insufficient funding during the period from 1990s to 1992, there were active efforts in order to find necessary funding from both private supporters and the government. 2. The position of the senior leadership of the Lithuanian Armed Forces towards the issues of the Lithuanian combat divers had improved since 1993. It was the beginning of the actual support and assistance. Orders had been issued to establish a squad of combat divers. The support has been growing ever since due to the fact that the necessity of this unit had been proved and there were no uncertainties about the quality of training. Overall formation of the Lithuanian Armed Forces and incorporation of the combat divers took more than a few years. Time was necessary for training of the candidates able to perform combat tasks, special operations, reconnaissance and demining tasks both underwater and on the surface. During the period of 12 years since 1992, the training system was implemented from the scratch. The heart of the diving training became the squad of combat divers in Klaipėda, led by Valerijus Krisikaitis. The Lithuanian Armed Forces during the period from 1993 to 2004 had become capable of training the combat divers and explosive ordnance disposal experts in their own local training centers. These locally trained combat divers have been internationally acknowledged as perfectly prepared to perform combat tasks and being able to train other soldiers to perform diving tasks. A positive change in Lithuanian legislative and executive powers' opinion towards the Lithuanian combat divers led to increase of both, reliance and funding. The undisputed importance of the only diving unit able to perform underwater countermining was the main reason that caused such a trust. Back in the period from 1993 to 2004, the territory of the Republic of Lithuania had been covered by unexploded ordnance items left after World War II and still causing threats to the local inhabitants. 3. After the restoration of the independence, Lithuanian media has been used effectively in order to create a positive public opinion about the activities of the combat divers. The soldiers who have been doing their service in the unit have been portrayed as brave and professional specialists doing underwater countermining and other secret military tasks. The main aspects and the common narrative in the media and the public eye were the combat training of the divers, also training in the public sectors, assistance to the rescue services and their contribution to the society. The content of the media publications has changed. In the beginning, the main topic was the issues of the combat divers' service, mostly the financial scarcity. Invitations to join the diving club "Nautilius" and information about private and commissioned diving tasks performed by the unit had been published. Since 1997, the media had changed earlier used kind of publications into information about the international military trainings attended by the Lithuanian combat divers and their autonomous training. The invitations for the civilians to join the combat divers' service disappeared from the media and were replaced by the publications about well-trained divers and their professionally carried out underwater tasks that demonstrate the competence equal to the modern foreign military divers.
Lithuanian historical sources mentioned the divers for the first time in the 1990s. With intention to assist emerging national formations of the Department of National Defense of Lithuania, , Valerijus Krisikaitis reported to the local national defense department in Klaipeda in September of 1990. He was a certificated diver and karate instructor and expressed his desire to work in the national defense service. Also, he had displayed an unorthodox approach by offering to organize and train a squad, which would be prepared for combat self-defense and combat diving. These skills could be applied to protection of Klaipėda Seaport again possible attacks organized and executed by foreign hostile military forces. This was the beginning of the formation of combat divers' units in Lithuanian military. Currently, this combat capacity has increased significantly. Due to "Restricted" and "Secret" classification marks, the exact figures cannot be disclosed, but open sources indicate that there are two separate units, The Underwater Action Team, which is part of the Naval Forces and the Combat Divers Service, which is subordinated to the Special Operations Forces. These units have separate boat crews, maintenance and supply teams, individual explosive ordnance disposal experts, combat divers, rescue teams and much more. The structure of research in the master 's thesis consists of a summary in English, an introduction and three chapters. Also, it includes conclusions, list of literature and sources, recommendations and appendices. The first chapter analyzes the key aspects of formation and origins of the Lithuanian Army Combat Swimmer Squad in 1990-1992, the incorporation of combat swimmers into the Lithuanian Armed Forces and the squad contingent formation instructions, divers and possibilities of starting / financing / supplying the technical base. The second chapter is concentrated on the activities of the Lithuanian Combat Swimmers Squadron in 1993-2004. Separate chapters discuss the change of the Lithuanian Armed Forces 'leadership in terms of combat swimmers' platoon and the planning of the platoon employment, the genesis of the Lithuanian Armed Forces 'combat swimmers' platoon competence building system and its transformation. Also, evolution of the technical base of the Lithuanian Army combat swimmers' platoon: financing and supply. The third chapter examines the image of Lithuanian military divers in media in 1991–2004. The main aspects and narratives that need to be paid attention to: the Lithuanian society (media) in relation to Lithuanian combat swimmers are analyzed. It is examined why Lithuanian combat swimmers benefited from media attention. The goal of the research. The main goal of the research is the information analysis of the Lithuanian combat divers' activities during formation of the independent and modern Lithuanian military structure. This analysis includes available sources from the Lithuanian military and public media related with the topic. The methods of the research. The main research was performed applying combined study using both qualitative and quantitative methods of research. The main tools utilized in the research were the questionnaire and in-depth interviews. Statistic data processing and the content analysis methods had been applied in order to process the data collected. The target audience of the qualitative research were 7 individuals who had completed military service in the combat divers' unit in the past. The research was conducted according to the ethical standards. The results of the scientific research. The analysis of the data revealed that Lithuanian combat divers have been perfectly prepared to act as soldiers, both physically and psychologically, during the timeframe of this research embracing periods of 1990s to 2004. Their activities were limited only due to the financial constraints and lack of the reliable diving equipment and infrastructure. The importance of the combat divers in the Lithuanian Armed Forces has been significant since the beginning of their activities and was slowly increasing during the time period of the research. This was mostly attributed to their skills and abilities to perform demolition tasks underwater and this field of activities was equally high skilled in comparison to modern and highly equipped foreign military forces and their divers. The age and education of the potential candidates to the Lithuanian combat divers' unit also had a great significance. Because training and preparation process of the candidates could take years, only young soldiers from the professional military service units have been accepted to be trained as highly professional combat divers. According to the interviewees, the significance of the Lithuanian combat divers was definitely high in the Lithuanian military because a small unit of underwater subversive divers could cause a greater damage than an infantry battalion. Conclusions and recommendations. 1. The origins of formation of the Lithuanian combat divers' squad in 1990s. Back at that time, the leader and main instructor of the combat divers' unit Valerijus Krisikaitis had started to recruit the team and train the diver candidates. There was a clear vision at that time that independent Lithuanian Armed Forces would meet the demand of the highly trained combat divers. The problem of the incorporation of the unit into the structure of Lithuanian Military Forces has been addressed gradually. In the beginning the combat divers under the name of the diving club "Nautilius" were incorporated into the local SKAT department in Klaipėda. In 1992, after the establishment of the "Iron Wolf" brigade and the paratrooper regiment in Klaipėda, the combat divers became subordinated to the regiment commander. Due to insufficient funding during the period from 1990s to 1992, there were active efforts in order to find necessary funding from both private supporters and the government. 2. The position of the senior leadership of the Lithuanian Armed Forces towards the issues of the Lithuanian combat divers had improved since 1993. It was the beginning of the actual support and assistance. Orders had been issued to establish a squad of combat divers. The support has been growing ever since due to the fact that the necessity of this unit had been proved and there were no uncertainties about the quality of training. Overall formation of the Lithuanian Armed Forces and incorporation of the combat divers took more than a few years. Time was necessary for training of the candidates able to perform combat tasks, special operations, reconnaissance and demining tasks both underwater and on the surface. During the period of 12 years since 1992, the training system was implemented from the scratch. The heart of the diving training became the squad of combat divers in Klaipėda, led by Valerijus Krisikaitis. The Lithuanian Armed Forces during the period from 1993 to 2004 had become capable of training the combat divers and explosive ordnance disposal experts in their own local training centers. These locally trained combat divers have been internationally acknowledged as perfectly prepared to perform combat tasks and being able to train other soldiers to perform diving tasks. A positive change in Lithuanian legislative and executive powers' opinion towards the Lithuanian combat divers led to increase of both, reliance and funding. The undisputed importance of the only diving unit able to perform underwater countermining was the main reason that caused such a trust. Back in the period from 1993 to 2004, the territory of the Republic of Lithuania had been covered by unexploded ordnance items left after World War II and still causing threats to the local inhabitants. 3. After the restoration of the independence, Lithuanian media has been used effectively in order to create a positive public opinion about the activities of the combat divers. The soldiers who have been doing their service in the unit have been portrayed as brave and professional specialists doing underwater countermining and other secret military tasks. The main aspects and the common narrative in the media and the public eye were the combat training of the divers, also training in the public sectors, assistance to the rescue services and their contribution to the society. The content of the media publications has changed. In the beginning, the main topic was the issues of the combat divers' service, mostly the financial scarcity. Invitations to join the diving club "Nautilius" and information about private and commissioned diving tasks performed by the unit had been published. Since 1997, the media had changed earlier used kind of publications into information about the international military trainings attended by the Lithuanian combat divers and their autonomous training. The invitations for the civilians to join the combat divers' service disappeared from the media and were replaced by the publications about well-trained divers and their professionally carried out underwater tasks that demonstrate the competence equal to the modern foreign military divers.
Lithuanian historical sources mentioned the divers for the first time in the 1990s. With intention to assist emerging national formations of the Department of National Defense of Lithuania, , Valerijus Krisikaitis reported to the local national defense department in Klaipeda in September of 1990. He was a certificated diver and karate instructor and expressed his desire to work in the national defense service. Also, he had displayed an unorthodox approach by offering to organize and train a squad, which would be prepared for combat self-defense and combat diving. These skills could be applied to protection of Klaipėda Seaport again possible attacks organized and executed by foreign hostile military forces. This was the beginning of the formation of combat divers' units in Lithuanian military. Currently, this combat capacity has increased significantly. Due to "Restricted" and "Secret" classification marks, the exact figures cannot be disclosed, but open sources indicate that there are two separate units, The Underwater Action Team, which is part of the Naval Forces and the Combat Divers Service, which is subordinated to the Special Operations Forces. These units have separate boat crews, maintenance and supply teams, individual explosive ordnance disposal experts, combat divers, rescue teams and much more. The structure of research in the master 's thesis consists of a summary in English, an introduction and three chapters. Also, it includes conclusions, list of literature and sources, recommendations and appendices. The first chapter analyzes the key aspects of formation and origins of the Lithuanian Army Combat Swimmer Squad in 1990-1992, the incorporation of combat swimmers into the Lithuanian Armed Forces and the squad contingent formation instructions, divers and possibilities of starting / financing / supplying the technical base. The second chapter is concentrated on the activities of the Lithuanian Combat Swimmers Squadron in 1993-2004. Separate chapters discuss the change of the Lithuanian Armed Forces 'leadership in terms of combat swimmers' platoon and the planning of the platoon employment, the genesis of the Lithuanian Armed Forces 'combat swimmers' platoon competence building system and its transformation. Also, evolution of the technical base of the Lithuanian Army combat swimmers' platoon: financing and supply. The third chapter examines the image of Lithuanian military divers in media in 1991–2004. The main aspects and narratives that need to be paid attention to: the Lithuanian society (media) in relation to Lithuanian combat swimmers are analyzed. It is examined why Lithuanian combat swimmers benefited from media attention. The goal of the research. The main goal of the research is the information analysis of the Lithuanian combat divers' activities during formation of the independent and modern Lithuanian military structure. This analysis includes available sources from the Lithuanian military and public media related with the topic. The methods of the research. The main research was performed applying combined study using both qualitative and quantitative methods of research. The main tools utilized in the research were the questionnaire and in-depth interviews. Statistic data processing and the content analysis methods had been applied in order to process the data collected. The target audience of the qualitative research were 7 individuals who had completed military service in the combat divers' unit in the past. The research was conducted according to the ethical standards. The results of the scientific research. The analysis of the data revealed that Lithuanian combat divers have been perfectly prepared to act as soldiers, both physically and psychologically, during the timeframe of this research embracing periods of 1990s to 2004. Their activities were limited only due to the financial constraints and lack of the reliable diving equipment and infrastructure. The importance of the combat divers in the Lithuanian Armed Forces has been significant since the beginning of their activities and was slowly increasing during the time period of the research. This was mostly attributed to their skills and abilities to perform demolition tasks underwater and this field of activities was equally high skilled in comparison to modern and highly equipped foreign military forces and their divers. The age and education of the potential candidates to the Lithuanian combat divers' unit also had a great significance. Because training and preparation process of the candidates could take years, only young soldiers from the professional military service units have been accepted to be trained as highly professional combat divers. According to the interviewees, the significance of the Lithuanian combat divers was definitely high in the Lithuanian military because a small unit of underwater subversive divers could cause a greater damage than an infantry battalion. Conclusions and recommendations. 1. The origins of formation of the Lithuanian combat divers' squad in 1990s. Back at that time, the leader and main instructor of the combat divers' unit Valerijus Krisikaitis had started to recruit the team and train the diver candidates. There was a clear vision at that time that independent Lithuanian Armed Forces would meet the demand of the highly trained combat divers. The problem of the incorporation of the unit into the structure of Lithuanian Military Forces has been addressed gradually. In the beginning the combat divers under the name of the diving club "Nautilius" were incorporated into the local SKAT department in Klaipėda. In 1992, after the establishment of the "Iron Wolf" brigade and the paratrooper regiment in Klaipėda, the combat divers became subordinated to the regiment commander. Due to insufficient funding during the period from 1990s to 1992, there were active efforts in order to find necessary funding from both private supporters and the government. 2. The position of the senior leadership of the Lithuanian Armed Forces towards the issues of the Lithuanian combat divers had improved since 1993. It was the beginning of the actual support and assistance. Orders had been issued to establish a squad of combat divers. The support has been growing ever since due to the fact that the necessity of this unit had been proved and there were no uncertainties about the quality of training. Overall formation of the Lithuanian Armed Forces and incorporation of the combat divers took more than a few years. Time was necessary for training of the candidates able to perform combat tasks, special operations, reconnaissance and demining tasks both underwater and on the surface. During the period of 12 years since 1992, the training system was implemented from the scratch. The heart of the diving training became the squad of combat divers in Klaipėda, led by Valerijus Krisikaitis. The Lithuanian Armed Forces during the period from 1993 to 2004 had become capable of training the combat divers and explosive ordnance disposal experts in their own local training centers. These locally trained combat divers have been internationally acknowledged as perfectly prepared to perform combat tasks and being able to train other soldiers to perform diving tasks. A positive change in Lithuanian legislative and executive powers' opinion towards the Lithuanian combat divers led to increase of both, reliance and funding. The undisputed importance of the only diving unit able to perform underwater countermining was the main reason that caused such a trust. Back in the period from 1993 to 2004, the territory of the Republic of Lithuania had been covered by unexploded ordnance items left after World War II and still causing threats to the local inhabitants. 3. After the restoration of the independence, Lithuanian media has been used effectively in order to create a positive public opinion about the activities of the combat divers. The soldiers who have been doing their service in the unit have been portrayed as brave and professional specialists doing underwater countermining and other secret military tasks. The main aspects and the common narrative in the media and the public eye were the combat training of the divers, also training in the public sectors, assistance to the rescue services and their contribution to the society. The content of the media publications has changed. In the beginning, the main topic was the issues of the combat divers' service, mostly the financial scarcity. Invitations to join the diving club "Nautilius" and information about private and commissioned diving tasks performed by the unit had been published. Since 1997, the media had changed earlier used kind of publications into information about the international military trainings attended by the Lithuanian combat divers and their autonomous training. The invitations for the civilians to join the combat divers' service disappeared from the media and were replaced by the publications about well-trained divers and their professionally carried out underwater tasks that demonstrate the competence equal to the modern foreign military divers.
Lithuanian historical sources mentioned the divers for the first time in the 1990s. With intention to assist emerging national formations of the Department of National Defense of Lithuania, , Valerijus Krisikaitis reported to the local national defense department in Klaipeda in September of 1990. He was a certificated diver and karate instructor and expressed his desire to work in the national defense service. Also, he had displayed an unorthodox approach by offering to organize and train a squad, which would be prepared for combat self-defense and combat diving. These skills could be applied to protection of Klaipėda Seaport again possible attacks organized and executed by foreign hostile military forces. This was the beginning of the formation of combat divers' units in Lithuanian military. Currently, this combat capacity has increased significantly. Due to "Restricted" and "Secret" classification marks, the exact figures cannot be disclosed, but open sources indicate that there are two separate units, The Underwater Action Team, which is part of the Naval Forces and the Combat Divers Service, which is subordinated to the Special Operations Forces. These units have separate boat crews, maintenance and supply teams, individual explosive ordnance disposal experts, combat divers, rescue teams and much more. The structure of research in the master 's thesis consists of a summary in English, an introduction and three chapters. Also, it includes conclusions, list of literature and sources, recommendations and appendices. The first chapter analyzes the key aspects of formation and origins of the Lithuanian Army Combat Swimmer Squad in 1990-1992, the incorporation of combat swimmers into the Lithuanian Armed Forces and the squad contingent formation instructions, divers and possibilities of starting / financing / supplying the technical base. The second chapter is concentrated on the activities of the Lithuanian Combat Swimmers Squadron in 1993-2004. Separate chapters discuss the change of the Lithuanian Armed Forces 'leadership in terms of combat swimmers' platoon and the planning of the platoon employment, the genesis of the Lithuanian Armed Forces 'combat swimmers' platoon competence building system and its transformation. Also, evolution of the technical base of the Lithuanian Army combat swimmers' platoon: financing and supply. The third chapter examines the image of Lithuanian military divers in media in 1991–2004. The main aspects and narratives that need to be paid attention to: the Lithuanian society (media) in relation to Lithuanian combat swimmers are analyzed. It is examined why Lithuanian combat swimmers benefited from media attention. The goal of the research. The main goal of the research is the information analysis of the Lithuanian combat divers' activities during formation of the independent and modern Lithuanian military structure. This analysis includes available sources from the Lithuanian military and public media related with the topic. The methods of the research. The main research was performed applying combined study using both qualitative and quantitative methods of research. The main tools utilized in the research were the questionnaire and in-depth interviews. Statistic data processing and the content analysis methods had been applied in order to process the data collected. The target audience of the qualitative research were 7 individuals who had completed military service in the combat divers' unit in the past. The research was conducted according to the ethical standards. The results of the scientific research. The analysis of the data revealed that Lithuanian combat divers have been perfectly prepared to act as soldiers, both physically and psychologically, during the timeframe of this research embracing periods of 1990s to 2004. Their activities were limited only due to the financial constraints and lack of the reliable diving equipment and infrastructure. The importance of the combat divers in the Lithuanian Armed Forces has been significant since the beginning of their activities and was slowly increasing during the time period of the research. This was mostly attributed to their skills and abilities to perform demolition tasks underwater and this field of activities was equally high skilled in comparison to modern and highly equipped foreign military forces and their divers. The age and education of the potential candidates to the Lithuanian combat divers' unit also had a great significance. Because training and preparation process of the candidates could take years, only young soldiers from the professional military service units have been accepted to be trained as highly professional combat divers. According to the interviewees, the significance of the Lithuanian combat divers was definitely high in the Lithuanian military because a small unit of underwater subversive divers could cause a greater damage than an infantry battalion. Conclusions and recommendations. 1. The origins of formation of the Lithuanian combat divers' squad in 1990s. Back at that time, the leader and main instructor of the combat divers' unit Valerijus Krisikaitis had started to recruit the team and train the diver candidates. There was a clear vision at that time that independent Lithuanian Armed Forces would meet the demand of the highly trained combat divers. The problem of the incorporation of the unit into the structure of Lithuanian Military Forces has been addressed gradually. In the beginning the combat divers under the name of the diving club "Nautilius" were incorporated into the local SKAT department in Klaipėda. In 1992, after the establishment of the "Iron Wolf" brigade and the paratrooper regiment in Klaipėda, the combat divers became subordinated to the regiment commander. Due to insufficient funding during the period from 1990s to 1992, there were active efforts in order to find necessary funding from both private supporters and the government. 2. The position of the senior leadership of the Lithuanian Armed Forces towards the issues of the Lithuanian combat divers had improved since 1993. It was the beginning of the actual support and assistance. Orders had been issued to establish a squad of combat divers. The support has been growing ever since due to the fact that the necessity of this unit had been proved and there were no uncertainties about the quality of training. Overall formation of the Lithuanian Armed Forces and incorporation of the combat divers took more than a few years. Time was necessary for training of the candidates able to perform combat tasks, special operations, reconnaissance and demining tasks both underwater and on the surface. During the period of 12 years since 1992, the training system was implemented from the scratch. The heart of the diving training became the squad of combat divers in Klaipėda, led by Valerijus Krisikaitis. The Lithuanian Armed Forces during the period from 1993 to 2004 had become capable of training the combat divers and explosive ordnance disposal experts in their own local training centers. These locally trained combat divers have been internationally acknowledged as perfectly prepared to perform combat tasks and being able to train other soldiers to perform diving tasks. A positive change in Lithuanian legislative and executive powers' opinion towards the Lithuanian combat divers led to increase of both, reliance and funding. The undisputed importance of the only diving unit able to perform underwater countermining was the main reason that caused such a trust. Back in the period from 1993 to 2004, the territory of the Republic of Lithuania had been covered by unexploded ordnance items left after World War II and still causing threats to the local inhabitants. 3. After the restoration of the independence, Lithuanian media has been used effectively in order to create a positive public opinion about the activities of the combat divers. The soldiers who have been doing their service in the unit have been portrayed as brave and professional specialists doing underwater countermining and other secret military tasks. The main aspects and the common narrative in the media and the public eye were the combat training of the divers, also training in the public sectors, assistance to the rescue services and their contribution to the society. The content of the media publications has changed. In the beginning, the main topic was the issues of the combat divers' service, mostly the financial scarcity. Invitations to join the diving club "Nautilius" and information about private and commissioned diving tasks performed by the unit had been published. Since 1997, the media had changed earlier used kind of publications into information about the international military trainings attended by the Lithuanian combat divers and their autonomous training. The invitations for the civilians to join the combat divers' service disappeared from the media and were replaced by the publications about well-trained divers and their professionally carried out underwater tasks that demonstrate the competence equal to the modern foreign military divers.
