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on Confederation of Independent States |
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Issue of 2015‒01‒19
33 papers chosen by |
| By: | Gadzhieva, Sevil |
| Abstract: | This report is about dropshipping system, mainly its development level in Russia. There are essence of dropshipping in this article. We study the positive and negative aspects of this type of trade, and provide methods for its realization. |
| Keywords: | Internet, trading, dropshipping, shipping, intermediary, order, goods. |
| JEL: | M20 |
| Date: | 2014–12–24 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pra:mprapa:60907&r=cis |
| By: | Alexeev, Anton |
| Abstract: | This article discussed the main characteristics of the Russian smartphone yotaphone, sources of financing of the project , highlights some of the cost of advertising and the production of the smartphone , the prospects of development of Russian market of mobile devices. |
| Keywords: | Investing, smartphone , yotaphone, development, device, innovations. |
| JEL: | O3 O31 |
| Date: | 2014–12–23 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pra:mprapa:60864&r=cis |
| By: | Apollon Davidson (National Research University Higher School of Economics) |
| Abstract: | For decades of the Cold War and for centuries before it the interests of both Russian and British academics that studied the history of each other’s countries seemed to be centred mainly on differences and conflicts between them, providing multiple detailed accounts of mutual hostility. History, alas, gave enough ground for this. |
| Keywords: | Russian studies, British studies, historiography, international relations, relations between Russia and Britain. |
| JEL: | Z |
| Date: | 2014 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hig:wpaper:66hum2014&r=cis |
| By: | Natalia N. Morozova (National Research University Higher School of Economics) |
| Abstract: | This article aims to explicate the conceptual relationship between two intellectual traditions that informed Russian post-Soviet foreign policy discourse: European inter-war geopolitics and Russian post-revolutionary Eurasianism. It is argued that European geopolitics provided an important theoretical and normative point of departure for Russian Eurasians. The latter took issue with the politics of territorial expansionism underpinning European geopolitics. They therefore attempted to develop an idea of qualitatively different and better politics by subjugating politics to culture |
| Keywords: | geopolitics, Eurasianism, national identity, foreign policy discourse, Russia |
| JEL: | Z |
| Date: | 2014 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hig:wpaper:08/ir/2014&r=cis |
| By: | Elena V. Sirotkina (National Research University Higher School of Economics) |
| Abstract: | Does limited competition promote voting stability and party system institutionalization? Since Russian political parties face administrative impediments to participating in elections, only those who adapt to the changing rules remain in the game. Thus, voters have a limited number of parties to support and with no alternatives they might tend to stick to their choice. In this paper, I take stability in electoral support as an indicator of party system institutionalization and test whether limited competition in non-democratic Russia leads to voting stability and party system institutionalization. Empirical evidence is taken from the Russian State Duma elections in 2003-2011. |
| Keywords: | institutionalization, Russian parties, elections, voting geography. |
| JEL: | D72 |
| Date: | 2014 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hig:wpaper:15/ps/2014&r=cis |
| By: | Nina Ershova (National Research University Higher School of Economics) |
| Abstract: | The investment relationship between Japan and Russia has been rapidly expanding over the recent couple of decades. The intensive expansion began with the Sakhalin projects, and then was followed by the subsequent establishment of production facilities by Japanese companies in manufacturing industries in Russia, Today, investment cooperation has reached a new developmental stage, which reveals not only quantitative, but also qualitative changes in the pattern of FDI flows, especially in terms of structure and technology. This paper addresses the aspect of regional differences in the approach of Japanese investors toward projects in Russia. A comparison of the major macro-regions which attract Japanese investment (Far-Eastern and Western regions, including Central and North-Western Federal Districts) allows us to reveal critical differences in industrial distribution that reflect the specifics of the economic development and investment climate of these territories. However, the Western and Eastern parts of Russia complement each other in terms of their investment attraction, and contribute to the development of a multifaceted and diversified framework for investment cooperation between Russia and Japan. |
| Keywords: | Russia-Japan investment relations, investment projects, regions, Russian Far East |
| JEL: | F21 |
| Date: | 2014 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hig:wpaper:07/ir/2014&r=cis |
| By: | Tatiana V. Kossova (National Research University Higher School of Economics); Elena V. Kossova (National Research University Higher School of Economics); Maria A. Sheluntcova (National Research University Higher School of Economics) |
| Abstract: | This paper aims to investigate differences in the volume and structure of alcohol consumption and then to reveal the impact of alcohol consumption on life expectancy in Russian regions. We consider the contribution of different product to the dynamics of consuming absolute alcohol. Necessary data were collected from the Federal State Statistics Service of Russia from 2008 to 2012. Data on the volume of regional alcohol sales in liters were used as proxy variables because of the shortage of regionally divided statistical data on alcohol consumption. The data on absolute alcohol consumption in each region were obtained from the weighted-average share of spirits in each kind of alcoholic product considered. We estimate panel data models and reveal macroeconomic determinants of alcohol consumption that reflect economic development of regions, living standards, unemployment and degree of urbanization. We find strong positive relationship between alcohol consumption and mortality from external causes and negative with life expectancy in Russian regions. Results are valid for both male and female population |
| Keywords: | alcohol consumption, alcohol abuse, inter-regional differences, life expectancy, mortality, Russian regions |
| JEL: | I15 |
| Date: | 2014 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hig:wpaper:82/ec/2014&r=cis |
| By: | Roman Yu. Pochekaev (National Research University Higher School of Economics) |
| Abstract: | Mikhail Speranskiy, outstanding Russian statesman and legislator of the first half of the 19th century was the Siberian Governor-General from 1819-1821. The main result of this stage in his career was the reform of government in Asiatic Russia as well as development in 1822 of a set of codes – rules and regulations – for Siberia and its peoples. Speranskiy tried to incorporate his theoretical views on the state and law into these codifications. One of them were the “Rules on the Siberian Kirghiz” which provided reforms of the government system of Kazakhs (“Kirghiz” in the Russian pre-revolutionary tradition) of the Middle Horde which were under the control of Siberian regional authorities. The Middle Horde became a place for practical experimentation for Speranskiy’s ideas. Previous researchers have paid more attention to consequences of the promulgation of the “Rules on the Siberian Kirghiz” on the further history of Kazakhstan. This paper clarifies which specific ideas of Speranskiy on the state and law were reflected in the “Rules on the Siberian Kirghiz” and answers the question of whether they had practical importance. A substantial part of the “Rules on the Siberian Kirghiz” was, in fact, ineffective and didn’t use in practice because of lack of knowledge of Speranskiy on Kazakhs and his underestimation of their political and legal level. At the same time, authority of Speranskiy in the Russia of the 19th c. as legislator and reformer was so high that his “Rules on the Siberian Kirghiz” became actual until 1860s when next substantial reforms in Kazakhstan took place |
| Keywords: | Mikhail Speranskiy, Russian Empire, Kazakhstan, “Rules on the Siberian Kirghiz”, traditions and modernization, political and legal reforms, imperial legislation, traditional law |
| Date: | 2014 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hig:wpaper:43/law/2014&r=cis |
| By: | Thomas F. Remington (National Research University Higher School of Economics); Israel Marques (National Research University Higher School of Economics) |
| Abstract: | How and when do employers and governments cooperate to overcome skill shortages? Existing literature in the VOC tradition distinguishes between coordinated market and liberal market economy approaches. So far, however, little research has addressed this problem in the context of emerging market economies. This paper uses the case of Russia to address the ways in which postcommunist states overcome the commitment problems bedevilling skill formation in a market economy. Following a discussion of the history of skill formation in Russia from the Soviet era through the present, we present four case studies of Russian regions illustrating alternative institutional solutions to the problem of matching vocational education and training to industry's need for skill |
| Keywords: | Russia, skill formation, vocational education, regional government, labor market regulation, business-state relations |
| JEL: | Z |
| Date: | 2014 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hig:wpaper:19/ps/2014&r=cis |
| By: | Marina G. Kolosnitsyna (National Research University Higher School of Economics); Natalia A. Khorkina (National Research University Higher School of Economics); Khongor N. Dorzhiev (National Research University Higher School of Economics) |
| Abstract: | The world population is ageing and this demographic trend has become the subject of numerous research projects and discussions. In Russia, this process has also become a topic for many studies examining socio-economic characteristics and health status of elderly, their retirement behaviours. That said, research on the life satisfaction of Russian seniors and its determinants is still rather scarce. At the same time, revealing the factors of life satisfaction in old age could help develop a sound state policy towards the elderly thus enhancing the well-being of society as a whole. This paper explores the determinants of elderly life satisfaction using micro-data from the Russian Longitudinal Monitoring Survey. Our research show that for all Russian seniors aged 55+ the strongest and most common predictors of life satisfaction are: health status, personal income, type of settlement, and social status. We found significant gender differences in factors of life satisfaction: an inverse U-relation of age and happiness is characteristic for the oldest old females only; holding a job enhances life satisfaction for women but not for men; and the education level of seniors has almost no correlation with life satisfaction, while having children decreases an individual’s happiness. |
| Keywords: | happiness, life satisfaction, subjective well-being, ageing, elderly, Russia |
| JEL: | I31 J14 |
| Date: | 2014 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hig:wpaper:68/ec/2014&r=cis |
| By: | Ilya Prakhov (National Research University Higher School of Economics.) |
| Abstract: | Despite the trends of massification of Russian higher education and recently introduced standardized entry exams, university applicants still may face barriers during the process of admission. As a result, they may be admitted to less selective universities, which generally offer low quality education programs as opposed to selective universities. This paper examines the factors which influence student choice of university as measured by the level of university selectivity. We show that university selectivity can be determined not only by the Unified State Exam scores among admitted students (the main criteria of applicant selection in Russia), but by characteristics that are not directly related to the applicants’ abilities: parental education, family income, cultural capital, as well as by features of secondary school (type of school and class specialization) and level of investment in pre-entry coaching. These factors raise questions about equal opportunities for admission and the accessibility of top quality higher education for applicants from disadvantaged backgrounds. |
| Keywords: | accessibility of higher education, elite higher education, Unified State Exam, educational strategies of students |
| JEL: | I21 I24 I28 |
| Date: | 2014 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hig:wpaper:19edu2014&r=cis |
| By: | Yuriy O. Guyvoronskiy (National Research University Higher School of Economics); Svetlana A. Karandashova (National Research University Higher School of Economics); Elena V. Sirotkina (National Research University Higher School of Economics); Anastasia Y. Shishorina (National Research University Higher School of Economics) |
| Abstract: | Does the level of party system institutionalization influence high-level incumbents’ electoral support within subnational authoritarianism? Is it possible to ensure incumbent electoral success only with manipulative electoral practices? To what extent does this and other factors contribute to the incumbents’ landslide victory? Contrary to scholarly thought in this field, this paper argues that manipulative practices are not the only determinant of incumbents’ electoral success in an authoritarian regime. They are also insufficient. The research is based on the results Russian gubernatorial elections in 2012-2013 |
| Keywords: | party system institutionalization, incumbent, electoral authoritarianism, governor elections, regional regimes |
| JEL: | D72 |
| Date: | 2014 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hig:wpaper:17/ps/2014&r=cis |
| By: | Irina Denisova; Polina Kuznetsova |
| Abstract: | The main objectives of this paper are to estimate the burden of tobacco-caused mortality as a whole and by main tobacco-related diseases in Kazakhstan, the Russian Federation, and Ukraine, and to assess the distributional health impact of an increase in tobacco taxation in these three countries. According to the results obtained, in 2012 smoking caused around 310,000 deaths in Russia, about 70,000 in Ukraine, and 14,300 in Kazakhstan, representing a key factor of mortality among the working-age population. Using data from various sources, the paper estimates the distributional consequences of a hypothetical tax rise in the three countries that leads to an approximately 30 percent increase of the average retail price of cigarettes. The analysis includes an estimation of changes in smoking prevalence, mortality, life expectancy, and public health expenditures by income quintile and gender. Considered excise growth can lead to about 3.5 to 4.0 percent fall in smoking prevalence, which in turn can avert about 600,000 tobacco-related deaths in Russia, 140,000 in Ukraine, and 30,000 in Kazakhstan over a 50 years period. Reduced tobacco-related morbidity will also result in substantial decrease in health expenditures for the treatment of tobacco-related diseases. Positive health effects are expected to be pro-poor, as almost 60 percent of the reduction in mortality is concentrated in the two lower-income quintiles of the population of the three countries. |
| Keywords: | Addiction, adult population, Age Groups, age mortality, alcohol, alcohol abuse, alcohol consumption, arteriosclerosis, cancers, cardiovascular diseases, Causes of Death ... See More + Cigarette, Cigarette Taxes, Circulatory System, citizens, Clinical Research, Cost Effectiveness, current smoking, death rates, dependence, Developing Countries, Disease Control, economic costs, Economics of Tobacco Control, EFFECTS OF TOBACCO, excise taxes, female mortality, females, Global Health, health care, health care system, Health Consequences, health effects, health impact, Health Insurance, health system, health systems, heart disease, intervention, life expectancy, lifestyles, long-term smokers, lung cancer, male mortality, Medical Care, Medicine, Ministry of Health, morbidity, mortality, mortality rate, mortality reduction, neoplasms, Nicotine, number of deaths, number of people, Nutrition, Peer Reviewers, Population Processes, premature mortality, PRICE ELASTICITY, Price Increases, price of cigarettes, Price Policies, public health, pulmonary disease, Respect, respiratory diseases, Risk Factors, smoker, smokers, smoking, smoking cessation, smoking prevalence, smoking prevalence data, smoking rates, Social Impact, Tobacco Addiction, tobacco consumption, Tobacco Control, tobacco control measures, Tobacco Control Policies, tobacco excises, tobacco industry, tobacco products, Tobacco Research, tobacco smoking, tobacco tax, Tobacco Tax Increases, tobacco taxation, TOBACCO TAXES, TOBACCO USE, tobacco-related disease, tobacco-related diseases, tobacco-related illnesses, treatment, Tuberculosis, working-age population, World Health Organization, young women |
| Date: | 2014–10 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:wbk:hnpdps:92765&r=cis |
| By: | Alexander V. Larin (National Research University Higher School of Economics) |
| Abstract: | This paper investigates the sources of the downward nominal wage rigidity in Russia. The empirical analysis is based on the RLMS-HSE household survey from 2004 to 2013. We show that, in spite of weak labor unions in Russia, the extent of downward nominal wage rigidity is high. Moreover, the probability of a wage freeze is decreasing in firm size and is lower for industries with industry-level tarif agreements. Our ndings present empirical evidence that the main source of the downward nominal wage rigidity is not the labor unions, but firms' voluntary decision to prevent wage cuts, which may cause quits of valuable employees and/or a decrease in their efforts |
| Keywords: | Downward nominal wage rigidity, RLMS-HSE |
| JEL: | J31 J51 |
| Date: | 2014 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hig:wpaper:86/ec/2014&r=cis |
| By: | Alexey V. Obraztsov (National Research University Higher School of Economics); Irina V. Gaida |
| Abstract: | The paper outlines the life and works of the prominent Russian orientalist and rightist conservative statesman Grigoryev, the founder of Europe's first department of Oriental history, the president of 3rd International Symposium of Orientalists (St. Petersburg 1876). Grigoryev was not only a world-renowned scholar but also a top imperial bureaucrat of colonial type. In 1854-1862 he virtually ruled “the Kyrghyz” (Kazakh) steppe. This article is an output of the research project "“Minority” vs “Majority” in the Historical and Cultural Continuum of Asia and Africa " implemented as part of the Basic Research Program at the Higher School of Economics (HSE). |
| Keywords: | Oriental Studies, Vasily Valsilevich Grigoryev, Fyodor Dostoyevsky, Russian orientalist, the Kyrghyz (Kazakh), 3rd International Symposium of Orientalists. |
| JEL: | Z19 |
| Date: | 2014 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hig:wpaper:72hum2014&r=cis |
| By: | Israel Marques (National Research University Higher School of Economics) |
| Abstract: | When does business support the expansion of social policy in the developing world? Existing work on managers preferences has tended to concentrate on the developed world, where governments can credibly commit to policy, tax evasion is constrained, and mechanisms exist to hold the bureaucracy accountable for policy implementation. In this paper, I relax these assumptions, arguing that weak institutions create opportunities for some firms to shift costs onto others: making social policy more attractive. I argue that firms with political connections are uniquely positioned to benefit from subsidies and property rights protection, which decreases the cost of social policy, while firms with low visibility can evade taxes and free-ride off universalistic social policy. I test this argument using a survey of 666 firms in 10 Russian regions. |
| Keywords: | Labor markets, Firm manager preferences, Tax evasion, Politically connected firms, Welfare state |
| JEL: | L21 L33 O15 H53 |
| Date: | 2014 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hig:wpaper:87/ec/2014&r=cis |
| By: | Azer G. Efendiev (National Research University Higher School of Economics); Pavel S. Sorokin (National Research University Higher School of Economics); Maria A. Kozlova (National Research University Higher School of Economics) |
| Abstract: | In the present paper we analyze transformations in the life of rural population in the Belgorod region, Russia, in the period 2000-2013 in the context of active development of large vertically integrated enterprises – agroholdings. These transformations are seen through the prism of “modernization” concept: agroholdings promote advanced agricultural technologies, professional management and modern organization of labor and thus may be considered as an important factor stimulating rural modernization in Belgorod region. The traditional understanding of “modernization” in sociology implies a progressive transition from a “pre-modern” or “traditional” to a “modern” society which means changes in many areas such as: occupational structure (including the development of entrepreneurship), material well-being (growth of living condition resulting from efficient economy), and increase in rationality and individualism. However, literature shows that the adaptation to modernization processes might be painful for the local communities and for the society in general. Hence, reflecting on both, modernization theoretical framework and literature on Russian rural development, in our analysis of transformations in Belgorod region we focus on the following aspects: firstly, material well-being and living conditions of rural population; secondly, individualism and attitudes towards achievement and economic success; thirdly, the attractiveness of private farming. Finally, we look at the general perception by the rural population of their future (from the point of view of optimism/pessimism). The research is based on the two empirical studies, conducted in the years 2000 and 2013 which utilized similar methodology in the similar 15 villages of the Belgorod region. Possibly, the most interesting empirical finding is that despite rapid growth of material well-being of the rural population, the pessimistic expectations are no less widespread in 2013 than in 2000. This illustrates the complex nature of the transformations of the rural life in Belgorod region |
| Keywords: | rural Russia, Belgorod region, well-being of rural population, attitudes, social and economic transformations, modernization, agroholdings |
| JEL: | Z10 Z13 O18 |
| Date: | 2014 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hig:wpaper:56/soc/2014&r=cis |
| By: | Tsoy, Nataly |
| Abstract: | In article analysis the state of the modern fast-food market in Russian Federation. The author observes main trends in this area, the competitiveness of the different regions of the country. The special attention is given to the proposal of opening Subway franchise in the Crimea |
| Keywords: | franchise, franchising, fast-food, market of fast-food restaurants, economy of Crimea, Subway, Mc’Donalds |
| JEL: | D14 D23 D24 |
| Date: | 2014–12–15 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pra:mprapa:60940&r=cis |
| By: | Elena A. Vishlenkova (National Research University Higher School of Economics) |
| Abstract: | The article focuses on theoretical aspects of an analysis of visual culture and the national and ethnic imagination throughout the latter part of the 18th century and the first 30years of the 19th century. Social conventions of demonstration and vision are revealed through works of art were issued by mass artistic production, such as paintings, medals, tapestries, snuffboxes, caricatures, cheap prints, theatre decorations, optical toys and glazed tableware, and sculptured symbols. At that time, the achievement of these conventions was linked to the cultural elite’s desire to determine the boundaries of the Russian nation and to distinguish it from the other tribes and people of the Russian Empire. The author also scrutinizes the cognitive abilities of the image and its abilities to shape of national consciousness |
| Keywords: | Russian empire, visual culture, national imagination, ethnic consciousness, Russianness, natural knowledge |
| JEL: | Z |
| Date: | 2014 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hig:wpaper:77hum2014&r=cis |
| By: | Belskaya, Olga (University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill); Peter, Klara Sabirianova (University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill); Posso, Christian (University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill) |
| Abstract: | This paper evaluates whether the expansion of higher education is economically worthwhile based on a recent surge in the number of campuses and college graduates in Russia. Our empirical strategy relies on the marginal treatment effect method in both normal and semi‐parametric versions, and estimating policy‐influenced treatment parameters for the marginal students who are directly affected by college expansion. We use high‐quality panel data with multiple wage observations, many birth cohorts, disaggregated location information, and past economic conditions. We find that college expansion attracts individuals with lower returns to college, but the returns for marginal students vary considerably depending on the scale of expansion and the type of location where new campuses are opened. Marginal individuals in smaller cities and locations without college campuses receive the largest benefits from new campuses. The results provide important implications for the design of policies targeting the expansion of higher education. |
| Keywords: | education, returns to college, marginal treatment effect, policy‐relevant treatment effect, local instrumental variable, selection bias, college expansion, Russia |
| JEL: | J31 I21 P36 |
| Date: | 2014–12 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:iza:izadps:dp8735&r=cis |
| By: | Vladimir Ya. Zakharov, Ilya V. Zakharov (Nizhny Novgorod State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering (NNGASU), Russia; ORGKHIM Biochemical Holding, candidate of economics, Nizhny Novgorod, Russia) |
| Abstract: | Based on a comparative analysis of surveys of employees of the companies in Russia and the UK concluded that dissatisfaction information workers is determined primarily by the depth and speed of the reforms. Communication programs should be differentiated according to groups of employees, differing attitudes towards the occurring changes, primarily by developing channels of communication with, according to the workers, the most reliable information. |
| Keywords: | internal communications, transformation of the companies, dissatisfaction with information, relation to changes, communication programs |
| JEL: | L14 L23 L86 |
| Date: | 2014–09 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:esb:casdrg:2014-202&r=cis |
| By: | Maya Lavrinovich (National Research University Higher School of Economics) |
| Abstract: | This paper examines an attempt to implement modern disciplinary practices in a new charity institution in early 19th century Moscow. The Sheremetev Almshouse was the first charity institution in Russia to expose the applicants for relief to inspections and visitations – practice borrowed from the system of outdoor relief established in Central and Western Europe since Reformation. The study demonstrates that the recipients were married men or widows with numerous children. They all belonged to the middling sort of Moscow dwellers, i.e. they were families of clerks and officials or non-commissioned and commissioned officers of middle ranks, sometimes, of priests, and considerable number of them had additional sources of income besides the relief they intended to receive from the Almshouse. Apparently, for members of these strata, applying for an extraneous relief was a kind of everyday practice. Yet, even though for none of them this relief was crucial for survival, they were still willing to consent to the inspections conducted for the administration in order to confirm their decent way of life. The focus of administrators on evaluating the social and moral conditions on the poor indicates that the Sheremetev Almshouse played a role generally associated with the state institutions established during the Catherine II’s reign in order to extend the modernizing efforts to a wider strata of the Empire's population. |
| Keywords: | early modern state, Russia, the Sheremetev Almshouse, Malinovsky, Moscow, poor relief, social discipline |
| JEL: | Z |
| Date: | 2014 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hig:wpaper:65hum2014&r=cis |
| By: | Andrey V. Tkachenko (National Research University Higher School of Economics); Andrei A. Yakovlev (National Research University Higher School of Economics); Olga A. Demidova (National Research University Higher School of Economics); Irina O. Volmenskikh (National Research University Higher School of Economics) |
| Abstract: | This paper analyses the impact of reform and different regulation regimes on the effectiveness of procurement at a large state university in the period from 2008 to 2012. We evaluate the impact on the procurement effectiveness parameters of two significant changes in the public procurement regulations: transfer to electronic auctions from 2010 under the Federal Law and the adoption by this organization of its own Procurement Provision from 2011. We show that transfer to electronic auctions leads to higher competition and more significant price decreases, whereas the adoption of Procurement provision has the opposite effect. Regarding delays in contract execution, the first reform has no effect and the second regulation change results in decreasing delays. |
| Keywords: | public procurements, budget sector organizations, regulation, reforms, effectiveness |
| JEL: | H57 |
| Date: | 2014 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hig:wpaper:19/pa/2014&r=cis |
| By: | Vasily Astrov (The Vienna Institute for International Economic Studies, wiiw); Rumen Dobrinsky (The Vienna Institute for International Economic Studies, wiiw); Vladimir Gligorov (The Vienna Institute for International Economic Studies, wiiw); Doris Hanzl-Weiss (The Vienna Institute for International Economic Studies, wiiw); Peter Havlik (The Vienna Institute for International Economic Studies, wiiw); Mario Holzner (The Vienna Institute for International Economic Studies, wiiw); Gabor Hunya (The Vienna Institute for International Economic Studies, wiiw); Michael Landesmann (The Vienna Institute for International Economic Studies, wiiw); Sebastian Leitner (The Vienna Institute for International Economic Studies, wiiw); Leon Podkaminer (The Vienna Institute for International Economic Studies, wiiw); Sandor Richter (The Vienna Institute for International Economic Studies, wiiw); Hermine Vidovic (The Vienna Institute for International Economic Studies, wiiw) |
| Abstract: | Table Overview 2013 and outlook 2014-2016 (p. 1) Figure 2013 estimate and 2014 forecast for CESEE growth drivers (p. 2) Bulgaria upcoming early elections take centre stage (by Rumen Dobrinsky; p. 3) Croatia recession continues (by Hermine Vidovic; p. 4) Czech Republic fiscal relaxation to strengthen the recovery (by Leon Podkaminer; p. 5) Estonia ongoing stagnation (by Sebastian Leitner; p. 6) Hungary EU funds support accelerating growth (by Sándor Richter; p. 7) Latvia consumers keep the wheel turning (by Sebastian Leitner; p. 8) Lithuania investing in growth (by Sebastian Leitner; p. 9) Poland abrupt acceleration of investment activities (by Leon Podkaminer; p. 10) Romania consumption-driven growth (by Gábor Hunya; p. 11) Slovakia domestic demand on the rise (by Doris Hanzl-Weiss; p. 12) Slovenia first signs of recovery (by Hermine Vidovic; p. 13) Albania candidate, at last (by Mario Holzner; p. 14) Macedonia monuments and elections (by Vladimir Gligorov; p. 15) Montenegro tourism and elections (by Vladimir Gligorov; p. 16) Serbia floods and reforms (by Vladimir Gligorov; p. 17) Turkey economic adjustment in progress, political tussle continues (by Michael Landesmann; p. 18) Bosnia and Herzegovina floods and elections (by Vladimir Gligorov; p. 19) Kosovo unstable government in a stable economy? (by Mario Holzner; p. 20) Russian Federation stuck in stagnation (by Peter Havlik; p. 21) Ukraine in search of stability (by Vasily Astrov; pp. 22-23) |
| Keywords: | economic forecasts, GDP, investment, consumer prices, unemployment, current account, household consumption, net exports, GDP growth |
| Date: | 2014–07 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:wii:mpaper:mr:2014-07-08&r=cis |
| By: | Alyona A. Khaptsova (National Research University Higher School of Economics); Shalom H. Schwartz (National Research University Higher School of Economics) |
| Abstract: | Congruence between own values and those of one’s reference groups has been found to promote life satisfaction. Actual or anticipated support or sanctions from reference others presumably explains this effect. Does the effect extend to congruence with the values of others who are similar only in socio-demographic characteristics with whom one does not interact? We constructed 36 socio-demographic groups by crossing age, gender, religion, education level, and region of residence in a representative Russian national sample (N=961). We derived value congruence scores by correlating individuals’ values with the mean values of their constructed group. Value congruence and life satisfaction correlated significantly across individuals even in these groups. The less important self-direction values to individuals, the stronger the correlation. A meta-analysis of the correlations in the 36 groups also confirmed the positive association of value congruence with life satisfaction. The characteristics used to construct the groups did not moderate this association. |
| Keywords: | value congruence, life satisfaction , self-direction values, meta-analysis, constructed groups, refined values theory |
| JEL: | Z |
| Date: | 2014 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hig:wpaper:26psy2014&r=cis |
| By: | Anton S. Selivanovskiy (National Research University Higher School of Economics) |
| Abstract: | The disproportion of information in the stock market creates conditions for unlawful use of insider information, which, in turn, produces a negative impact on the stock market, investment conditions in the country and the economy as a whole. In Russia the institute of disclosure in the securities market does not secure provision of investor rights to obtain quality information on the issuer of securities, its group of entities, its financial conditions, as well as other important aspects, which are of principal significance for the issuer and its affiliated parties. Information disclosed by the issuer is not reliable for investors. Only a few pay attention to the disclosure of information, such information is not analysed and is hardly monitored by the regulator with regard to the obligation to report it. Issuers have no incentives to disclose information, as mechanisms of liability are ineffective. This institution in Russia does not mitigate the disproportion of information between insiders and outsiders. It leads to considerable costs for the issuers, while the level of investor protection is not increased. The rights of investors in the securities market are not protected. The whole system of the disclosure of information requires reasonable and systematic restructuring. An obligation for issuers to disclose information in good faith should be stipulated. It is necessary to abandon the attempt to foresee in legislation all possible important events, the details of which can affect investment decisions. Disclosure should be timely, correct, reliable, consistent, concise, and free from irrelevant information. A reconsideration of the system of liability for unfair disclosure is required. The CEO of the issuer shall be liable for proper disclosure. It is reasonable to consider the burden of proof of good-faith disclosure on the CEO. It is important to change the approaches to the administrative liability of the issuer (in violation of the rules of the disclosing of information fault must be presumed, lack of fault must be proved by the issuer; the statute of limitations for imposition of liability should be increased since detection of the violation within one year is often impossible). |
| Keywords: | the disclosure of information by issuers, protection of investor rights, legally relevant facts and disclosure of information on the securities market, duty of disclosure in the securities market, proportionality violations and penalties. |
| JEL: | Z |
| Date: | 2014 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hig:wpaper:42/law/2014&r=cis |
| By: | Andrey V. Makarov (National Research University Higher School of Economics) |
| Abstract: | This article focuses on the development of antitrust policy in transition economies in the context of preventing explicit and tacit collusion. Experience of BRICS, Kazakhstan, Ukraine and CEE countries (Bulgaria, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Czech Republic, Estonia) in the creation of antitrust institutions was analyzed, including both legislation and enforcement practice. This article analyzes such enforcement problems as: classification problems (tacit vs explicit collusion, vertical vs horizontal agreements), flexibility of prohibitions (“per se” vs “rule of reason”), design of sanctions, private enforcement challenge, leniency program mechanisms, the role of antitrust authorities etc. Main challenges for policy effectiveness in this field were shown |
| Keywords: | collusion, antitrust policy, leniency program, transition economies, CEE, BRICS |
| JEL: | K21 L41 L42 |
| Date: | 2014 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hig:wpaper:20/pa/2014&r=cis |
| By: | Konstantin Polivanov (National Research University Higher School of Economics) |
| Abstract: | The paper explores the tight relation between “art” and “immortality” in Boris Pasternak’s author’s ideology on the basis of his new discovered letter to his second wife Zinaida Nikolaevna Neigauz, written in the beginning of 1931. This letter, preserved only in a copy, sheds new light upon one of the most important point of author’s ideology. In this document, Pasternak explains his views on the unacceptability of suicide. The letter is closely related to his autobiographical work Safe Conduct, the final part of which was written soon after the suicide of Vladimir Mayakovsky. It is possible to stretch a line from the letter to the late Pasternak’s novel Doctor Zhivago. The life finals of two protagonists, Yuri Zhivago and his antipode Pavel Antipov-Strelnikov, are compared. The main protagonist dies, leaving behind his poetry. For Pasternak, it is the way of continuation, “life after death”, and the symbol of creative immortality of a poet. On the contrary, Antipov committed suicide, and it was consequential final of his life position. |
| Keywords: | Boris Pasternak, 20th century Russian literature, literary biography |
| JEL: | Z |
| Date: | 2014 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hig:wpaper:04/ls/2014&r=cis |
| By: | Dmitry I. Ignatov (National Research University Higher School of Economics); Sergey I. Nikolenko (National Research University Higher School of Economics); Taimuraz Abaev (National Research University Higher School of Economics); Jonas Poelmans (National Research University Higher School of Economics) |
| Abstract: | We present a new recommender system developed for the Russian interactive radio network FMhost. The system aims to improve the quality of this service; it is designed specifically to deal with small datasets, overcoming the shortage of data on observed user behavior. The underlying model combines a collaborative user-based approach with information from tags of listened tracks in order to match user and radio station profiles. It follows an adaptive online learning strategy based on both user history and implicit feedback. We compare the proposed algorithms with industry standard methods based on Singular Value Decomposition (SVD) in terms of precision, recall, and Normalized Discounted Cumulative Gain (NDCG) measures; experiments show that in our case the fusion-based approach produces the best results. |
| Keywords: | e-commerce, quality of service, consumer behaviour, music recommender systems, interactive radio network, hybrid recommender system, information fusion, CRM |
| JEL: | M13 M15 C6 C7 C8 |
| Date: | 2014 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hig:wpaper:31man2014&r=cis |
| By: | Popov, Vladimir |
| Abstract: | Why even after the dramatic increase in inequality in the 1990s and after the emergence and enrichment of “oligarchs”, the alternative (leftist, social democratic) economic policies that could have improved material and social wellbeing of the majority of the population is not supported by this majority? It is argued that in immature democracies (without efficient restrictions for the participation of private capital in politics) mass media and electoral campaigns are controlled by the rich, so there is vicious circle: market reforms and private property create the class of the wealthy “oligarchs” that are not only interested in these reforms, but also have power to maintain their political and economic might through mass media and democratic elections. The return of public opinion to the “norm” so that it reflects interests of the majority is possible only if mass media and political process are separated from private capital and private financing. |
| Keywords: | Public opinion, transition from socialism to capitalism, inequalities, elections, mass media |
| JEL: | H00 P26 P3 |
| Date: | 2014–12–24 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pra:mprapa:60915&r=cis |
| By: | Tamara G. Nezhina (National Research University Higher School of Economics) |
| Abstract: | In this theory-based article, the author examines how the cultural and anthropological or ethnocentric theory of corruption by Van Roy (1970) explains the emergence of systemic corruption in the Republic of Kazakhstan. Research findings are based on the secondary data analysis, which allows establishing theoretical connections among the economic transition, the culture and the systemic corruption in Kazakhstan. Following the Van Roy’s theory, the author determines that the emergence of systemic corruption was incentivized by cultural factors such as the transformation of the society and the corresponding value shift, and by the ethnocentric factors such as the parochial traditions of the country. The author analyzes the influence of the economic transition programs, known as the “shock therapy,” on the impoverishment of citizens, the high level of the acceptance of corruption and the effects of clan culture in Kazakhstan from 1991 until modern days. The author determines that the above factors were present in the country during the economic overhaul of 1991, and logically establishes the relationships between these factors and the systemic corruption. The author argues that culture matters in the process of economic and social development, and that the economists, who typically pay little attention to culture variables, should integrate these variables in their models of economic development. As experience of economic transition in Kazakhstan shows, culture may enhance or impede the success of economic transformation. The experience of Kazakhstan can be extrapolated to other countries in transition. |
| Keywords: | systemic corruption, cultural and ethnocentric theory, Republic of Kazakhstan |
| JEL: | O10 |
| Date: | 2014 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hig:wpaper:23/pa/2014&r=cis |
| By: | Starovoytov, Konstantin |
| Abstract: | Of all the possible ways to invest available funds in our time the most reliable and profitable is to invest in a business project. This article which was written based on real company, demonstrates the superiority of cash invested in production than in stocks or bank deposits |
| Keywords: | wood processing, lumber, business project, Kaliningrad, investment, free economic zone |
| JEL: | F5 O1 O4 |
| Date: | 2014–12–23 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pra:mprapa:60869&r=cis |
| By: | Balyakno, Alice |
| Abstract: | Every year the economic sphere is developing intensively. Increasingly there new industries for investment. The problem is to find an alternative and reliable object for investment to multiply the capital invested. This article is scientific in nature and serves as a model error-free investment for the construction and commissioning of the new enterprise |
| Keywords: | : Omsk region, investments, Kalachinsk , brick factory, investing in the development of Kalachinsk, economy of the Omsk region , natural resources of the Omsk region, Kalachinsky District |
| JEL: | O1 O4 |
| Date: | 2014–12–23 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pra:mprapa:60871&r=cis |