Makoveychuk A.V.

Purpose. To study the perspective students’ motivational characteristics to select university in 2016. Methodology and methods. With the aim to achieve the stated purpose a sociological survey of entrants was organized in the period of 2016 summer enrollment campaign. The survey was conducted in the form of a written questionnaire designed as a set of questions, logically connected with the central goal of the research. Results and scientific novelty. Following the research results key factors and criteria have been identified determining the dominant influence on the enrollees’ motivation to select a university, the most popular sources of information about the university in the perspective students’ environment and the impact of university ranking and brand on decision-making process of selecting a university. New materials are obtained that allow analyzing the changing trends in the motivational characteristics of the perspective university students in 2015 compared to 2016.

Purpose. To research the main trends of social media development in the field of political activity and social management at regional level, their roles in implementing the information policy concept, and also the role of the personal ity factor in this process. Methods. Stages and mechanisms of implementation of the image strategies of the subjects of political activity through the modern information and communication technologies and media, in particular social media, are analyzed. As an empirical basis, the results of the years-long monitoring of a politician's activity in social media are analyzed in the article. Results. In the research the "social media" and "blogosphere" phenomena are considered in the context of their current impact on political process at regional level. Any representative of the regional government having decided to campaign for the formation and promotion of their image and the image of the structure they work for in the blogosphere and social networks benefits in the way that it is here where they can find "their" targeted audience, addressing certain niche structures, choose the target groups they are interested in out of the huge mass of users of social networks, selecting motivators for each of them. Interactivity and promptness of information flow enable representatives of the authorities and private individuals, interest groups and civil society organizations to maintain an effective dialogue in order to conduct a balanced internal policy corresponding to the actual problems of the reality. Scientific novelty. The paper reveals development regularities of using the new information technologies in modern political process at regional level, and provides the most effective mechanisms, forms and models of interaction with target audiences.

Purpose. In the article, the authors make an effort to analyze main trends and development pathways of higher education in modern world, in particular in Russia, aimed at development of a new innovation-oriented personality, expert possessing a wide set of knowledge and competences, having permanent education skills. Methods and methodology. As an empirical basis, the authors of the article reveal certain statements and results of a series of sociological research conducted in Lobachevski Nizhniy Novgorod State University during entrance exams campaigns of 2011-2014. Results and scientific novelty. The authors analyze the role influence of ranking status and image indices of universities on applicants’ motivation when choosing their place for study.