THEORETICAL ASPECTS OF HUMAN CAPITAL AND ITS MEANING IN THE CONTEXT OF KNOWLEDGE-BASED ECONOMY

Human capital is closely related to the economic behaviour of an individual, especially to the way in which accumulated knowledge and skills increase person’s productivity and income, thus increasing the general welfare of a society. Within the Article, the author studies the historical development of the theory of human capital, paying attention to opinions, expressed by founders of this issue - T.Schultz and G.Becker. There are considered changes of competences of employees, growing out of transition from skills-based economy to knowledge-based economy. There is no united approach concerning researches on human capital in order to determine the content of human capital; there is a lack of unified opinion regarding its creation, therefore the author considers the interpretation of the content of human capital in scientific works of several Latvian and foreign authors. During the research, education was analyzed as one of the main elements of creation of human capital, because knowledge-based economy broadens the signification of self-education, lifelong learning; it demands improvements in the fields of science and research as well as quality improvement of working skills. As a result of successful implementation of these factors, it is possible to reach a positive impact on economic development of a region

THE IMPACT OF GLOBALIZATION ON CHANGES IN LABOUR MARKET OF LATVIA

Globalization is a process connected with economical, social, technological, political and other changes, as a result many countries of the world and geographical regions are becoming more related, but also more dependent from each other. In practice the globalization can be expressed as increasing flow of goods and services, as well as capital, money and workflow among countries. The globalization process can be also described as distribution of more intense information and knowledge, as well as technologies and innovations in the world. The article examines the theoretical aspects of globalization impact on changes in labour market. The author analyses impact of migration process on labour market and its development tendencies in Latvia

SALES LABORATORY CONCEPT FOR PROBLEM SOLVING BASED LEARNING: THE EXPERIENCE OF THE BALTIC COUNTRIES

Very often youth faces many difficulties when trying to enter the labour market. It is because of lack of experience, insufficient vocational education, inadequacy between professional education and requirements for specialists in the job market. It is necessary that students get competencies and skills needed for the labour market and increase their employment possibilities. Rezekne Academy of Technologies implemented a project, where one of the objectives was integration of problem-based learning (PBL) into study processes. The aim of the research study is to investigate problem-based learning experiences among students and lecturers. Research methods – the monographic method, the analysis and survey methods. Problem-based learning is much more exciting for students and faculty than traditional learning, but it is also more time consuming and expertise intensive

CUSTOMER BEHAVIOUR DOING ONLINE SHOPPING: LATVIA’S CASE

E-commerce is important branch in economics and it is the fastest growing retail market, expected to reach more than 250 billion EUR in 2017. Sucessfull online business make impact on customer behaviour.  The aim of the article is to research customer behaviour doing online shopping. This article contain the analyse of theoretical approaches to consumer behaviour and analyse of customer survey results  to find out  the  Latvia’s customer behaviour doing online shopping

DEVELOPMENT POSSIBILITIES OF THE GREEN ECONOMY IN LATVIA (EXAMPLE OF REZEKNE MUNICIPALITY)

Preserving natural capital is important topic in 21st century in order to ensure prosperity by sustaining qualitative ecosystem services that are both - non-material and material benefits provided by nature. As research outlines, green economy is based on three pillars of sustainable development - social, economic and environmental. It was concluded, that the main principles of the green economy are sustainable development, which stimulates economic growth, reduces poverty, while placing natural capital as a major asset; development adapted to the interests and opportunities of each country, regions and local areas ensuring participation of the population, social inclusion; promotion of green industries (renewable energy, waste management, sustainable agriculture); efficient use of natural resources. Research paper analyses the current situation and future potential of Latvia in the implementation of the green economy, taking as the example evaluation of the situation in the Rezekne Municipality. Research methods such as logical constructive method, document analysis, and interviews were used to gather, analyse and reflect information which was then used to create evaluation model that was used in the focus group to assess weaknesses and potential of Rezekne Municipality, for example, potential in the production of gas from waste. Also important is education of society and their involvement in non-governmental organizations, and the development of the greener way of thinking, where there are noticeable weaknesses. It is possible to take direct examples from other countries (case studies from Finland, France, Lithuania, and Great Britain) that already have experience and real results

EXTERNAL BUSINESS ENVIRONEMENT PROBLEMS AND OPPORTUNITIES IN REZEKNE CITY

Entrepreneurship is an essential driving force for the social and economic development of any city. Well-arranged external environment is a fundamental prerequisite in order to motivate local entrepreneurs and to attract investors for establishing new businesses and development of the existing ones. An important role in the development of the external business environment is played by the political position of the local government and the process regulations at the city. The paper aims to carry out the assessment of the external business environment factors and their impact in Rezekne City. The external business environment analysis was performed using PESTEL analysis method; the document “Analysis of the Current Situation” elaborated for Rezekne City in 2014 was used as the base for the current research. The external business environment was evaluated based on six factors: political factors, economic conditions, sociocultural forces, technological factors, environmental factors, and legal/regulatory conditions. Results of the research indicate that the development priorities are defined in Rezekne; the appropriate measures are being performed to achieve the objectives. Overall, it enables entrepreneurs to plan their activities

EVALUATION OF DIGITAL MARKETING USE IN THE PROMOTION OF LATGALE REGION TOURISM

Destination communication is essential for improving the economic and social development of cities, regions and countries, as tourism has become a major component of gross domestic product in most countries of the world. The development of information technology has fundamentally changed the use of traditional communication tools. Due to the development of modern information technologies, the Internet has become an integral part of tourism communication. Aim of the research is to explore the use of digital marketing in tourism promotion in Latgale region. Research methods - document analysis, statistical data analysis, survey - surveyed tourism information providers in Latgale region; statistical grouping, reading method, interview. The results of the research show that only 20% of Latgale region tourism information providers are actively involved in the use of social media. In the work of tourism information providers more attention is paid to printed materials than to video materials in the digital environment. But the most effective means of digital marketing is that all tourism information providers emphasize the importance of social networks. Digital Marketing Costs has only 40% of the Latgale region tourism information providers and they make between 100 and 3000 euros per year. On Visitlatgale.com and latgale.travel, most of the analyzed digital marketing criteria are not present. Latgale marketing action plan is quite varied and wide where costs are for many exhibitions both in Latvia and abroad, visits of Latvian tour operators and journalists, visits of foreign tour operators and bloggers, training seminars, but the marketing plan for 2019 does not include expenses for digital marketing. Latgale Region Tourism Association Ezerzeme marketing plan necessary to provide expenditure for the development of a communication plan - actively should be used funded projects possibilities, for example costs can be partly covered by the European Union's European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) and the Rural Development Program. Latgale Region Tourism Association needs to attract project funding for tourism information providers training in digital marketing. More attention should be paid to publishing video materials and attracting appropriate specialists. Latgale Planning Region and Rezekne Municipality should improve tourism websites Latgale.travel and visitlatgale.com

MANAGEMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES IN THE CENTRAL ASIAN REGION

The term "natural resources" refers to both the natural and socio-economic realms. Natural resources - bodies and forces of nature - are linked to ensure close interaction in the process of nature management. Currently, this specific region has some vulnerable issues such as biodiversity loss and land degradation that are connected with poor resource management. The activities of modern society are followed by enormous changes in nature, which are reflected in the Earth's exterior appearance as well as the states of geosystems. Modern production is distinguished by the inclusion of significant reserves of natural resource potential. However, its participation and application are ineffective. Sustainable development necessitates the management of natural resources in a sustainable and integrated manner. The main purpose of the work is to investigate the main natural resources of the Central Asian region, and to show the cost of poor management. The methods that were used are synthesis, analysis, comparison method, and forecasting method. The novelty of the research is the attention paid to the mismanagement of natural resources in a specific region.

ROLE OF LEADERSHIP AND POSSIBILITES FOR ITS DISPLAY IN THE STATE BORDER GUARD

The authors explore the display of leadership in the State Border Guard in order to find out whether there is a place for leadership and the human factor in the relationship between management and subordinates in the strictly regulated organization. The aim of the research: to study the role of leadership and its display in the State Border Guard. Tasks of the research: 1) to describe the nature of leadership and its role in the organization's activities; 2) to conduct a survey on the most significant aspects of leadership manifestation in regards inspectors and officers from different border guard units of the State Border Guard; 3) to make conclusions and develop proposals regarding the necessity of leadership and possibilities for its display. The research methods: 1) literature analysis, observation; 2) surveying, data processing, analysis, and interpretation. At the end of the research, the authors conclude that the respect and appreciation provided by the superior to the subordinates is as important as a good salary and work conditions at the State Border Guard. Hence, in the opinion of the subordinates, a superior who can display the respect and appreciation to the subordinates will be able to become the leader. Even in a strictly regulated organization such as the State Border Guard, the superior can offer his/her subordinates the assistance – not by completing a task on behalf of the subordinate, but by providing the advice and guidance. This behaviour is an attribute of a democratic management style creating a favourable ground for leadership development

FACTORS AFFECTING CUSTOMER SATISFACTION WITH TELECOMMUNATIONS SERVICES

The most significant changes in the international economy for the recent decades have been related to the growing role of the sector of services. As the proportion of services increases, customer satisfaction has become more important, so that customers return, do not go to the competitors and become a loyal customer. To understand their behaviour, it is necessary to know the things that affect their satisfaction – their needs, reasonable prices, pleasant service or anything else that can improve the company’s image. During the global pandemic, people stay at home, so the demand for telecommunication services has rapidly grown. Its quality and customer service are a lot more needed. In this study case, these aspects are considered through Tele2’s tariff plan “Bezlimits” (“Unlimited”) and the opinion of its users. A questionnaire has been made to collect the data, analyse, interpret and to make conclusions that can be binding to all companies in the telecommunications industry