Vol. 43 No. 6 (2016)

Purpose. To show the need to link implementation of modern managerial technologies based on the autonomy of the working groups in Public and Municipal Management (PMM) with the changes in management through adoption of public management decisions. Method. Axiomatic. Results and scope. The article used the author's research results on managerial decisions and management arrangements of budget organizations, on the basis of which prospects of bimodal management in the sphere of PMM, evaluation and suggested recommendations were considered. Scientific novelty. The author proposed a hypothesis about the need to split political (institutional, regulatory) and managerial decisions for a useful introduction of the «market» technologies in public management, considering the latter as widening the choice of actions rather than dictating certain activities.

Purpose. The purpose of the presented study is the evaluation of the transformation of approaches to the definition of neopatrimonialism through an analysis of the main lines of the contradictions between researchers in the interpretation of neopatrimonial type of political domination and identification of the concept kernel against which disputes are minimal. Methodology. Comparative qualitative study of texts, monographs and scientific articles published in the Russian and English languages, on selected topics. Meaningful comparison of the approaches to the interpretation of a neopatrimonial type of political domination was conducted in line with the neoinstitutional method. Scientific novelty. The most important approaches to the definition of neopatrimonialism were analyzed from several perspectives: relationship with the basic Weberian category of a patrimonial type of political domination, the role of bureaucracy functioning on the basis of rational-legal procedures, explanation of the meaning of the prefix «neo» in the interpretation of the concept. Results. Based on a critical review of the basic approaches the author formulated his own definition of neopatrimonialism, determined the vectors of research necessary to improve heuristic potential of the concept.

Purpose. Study of municipal policy in Russia during the period of building the «vertical of power». Methods. Using the methodologies of comparative analysis and comparative studies, the author identified general and specific characteristics of the municipal policies in Russia. The study used a complex of historical techniques (domain-chronological and historical-comparative), which involves analyzing the origin and development of local self-government in the Russian Federation. Results. In the article the author shows that there is a course on nationalization of local self-government; finds offensive tendencies of partial restoration of subordination inherent in local self-government of the Soviet period. The article makes a conclusion about domination of the approach to local self-government as a lower level of authority that must be under control. Scientific novelty. Scientific novelty of the research lies in the municipal policy on material samples taken from the political life of the Middle Urals.

Subject. The interrelationship and interdependence between public management and efficiency of social self-organization and self-realization. Purpose. Justification of a mechanism of public management under the conditions of sustainable development of our society. Methodology and methods. The author investigated the main conceptual approaches to the state entities with the aim of identifying the strengths and weaknesses of each, the synthesis of knowledge received on this basis and justification of the ways of state management optimization in the context of sustainable development of society. The method of system identification of the investigated objects that allows you to justify the system model of public management was used. Results. The result of the study is to structure perceptions about the State entity, these submissions with respect to the effectiveness of public management and the formation of the appropriate system model on this basis. The proposed method of improving public management activities can be used in the theory and practice of public administration, as well as in the legislative process. Study of the essence of the basic conceptual approaches to the state entity allowed to justify the methodology of public management and form an appropriate system model based on it, which operate through the interaction between institutional, regulatory and management culture that allows you to have a significant impact on the level of social self-organization and self-realization. Scientific novelty. The author made an effort to justify theoretical and methodological approach to the development of a scientific concept of public management in the context of sustainable development of society.

Purpose. The article is devoted to the analysis of major challenges and possible directions of improving institutional mechanisms for the development of socio-political systems of the northern regions of the country. Methods. On the basis of the system and process approaches the author uses methods of analysis, evaluation, comparison. Results and novelty. The researcher analyzed the main particularities and problems of modern political institutional development mechanisms in the northern regions of the country. In addition, the article examines the possible directions and prospects for the development of regional political systems in the northern Russia.

Purpose. Study of the basic problems of the implementation of the control and supervision activities in the field of labor in Russia and development of proposals for the reform of labor inspections in Russia. Methods. Economic and statistical analysis of key outcomes of the Federal labor inspection activities Rostrud, comparative analysis of burden on business arising from control and oversight activities both in Russia and abroad. Overview of the major innovations introduced by Rostrud. Study of the dynamics and major trends in detecting offences of labor legislation as well as administrative and criminal consequences of non-compliance with the legislation. Results. According to the analysis results, the authors of the article compiled a characteristic of state control and surveillance activities in the field of labor in Russia, identified major problems arising in the course of its implementation and suggested areas for improvement. Scientific novelty. The scientific novelty of this work consists in examining the key performance indicators of the Labor Inspectorate in Russia, identifying the existing shortcomings in the system of control and supervision in the field of labor statistics. In addition, the authors proposed a number of measures aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of the oversight activities of Rostrud.

Purpose. The work is devoted to analytical reconstruction of the conceptual content of such construct as “foreign agent of influence” and the specifics of its use for analyzing management processes in the society. Methodology and methods. The framework of the research is made by the interdisciplinary, systematic and determinism principles. The basis for the discussion is a traditional analysis of vocabulary, monographic and periodic professional sources, which refer to the “foreign agent of influence” category. Results. In the course of the research the basic for social and political sciences interpretation of the “foreign agent of influence” construct is specified, the main features are described and specifics of its application to analyze management processes in the society are updated. Scientific novelty. The attempt is made to clarify the actual semantics of the “foreign agent of influence” construct, actively used in the modern political process but poorly theoretically developed in the field of sociology and political science. The basic features of a foreign agent of influence are revealed, on the basis of which their types and classification can be identified.

Purpose. Disclosure of urgent problems of administrative and legal regulation of solving specific issues of local importance in the Russian Federation. Identification of gaps and conflicts of regulatory regulation of certain issues of local authorities at the level of federal legislation. Forming proposals on the elimination of gaps in the legislation on local self-government concerning the mechanism for the implementation of law enforcement in municipalities on the example of the city of Yekaterinburg. Methods. In the course of the analysis of the norms of the current legislation of the Russian Federation on local self-government and the protection of public order, formal legal and comparative legal methods are used. Results. The article deals with actual problems of legal regulation of law enforcement as a local issue. The theoretical and legal analysis of the powers of local government bodies for the protection of law and order is given. The practical problems of law and order protection at the municipal level are illustrated on the example of the municipal entity «city of Ekaterinburg». Scientific novelty. The author justified the need to bring certain provisions of the legislation on local self-government to the legislation on the police of the Russian Federation. The forms of activity of voluntary public associations for the protection of public order at the municipal level are classified. Author's proposals on improving the effectiveness of administrative and legal regulation of the protection of public order in municipalities are formulated.

Purpose. Study of the problems and shortcomings in the work of information-analytical structures in Russia, causes for the emergence of the crisis of institutional development expertise, analytics in the political aspect. Methods. The author analyzed the spectrum of issues related to the Russian analytics (the methodology of case study) using an integrated multidisciplinary approach, combining the role of expert knowledge in the political system, the interpretation of the expert accompaniment of political decisions, as well as social psychology approach to identify the dynamics of intra-group collaboration and communication analysis of expert structures with с political decision-making by power bodies. Results. Analysis of the results of the case studies has been used to the extent they are determined by the peculiarities of the activity of the public authorities in general and patterns of building expert accompaniment of political decisions. A retrospective comparison of the effects of financial crises, including those caused by international sanctions wars and instability in international financial markets allows to make a conclusion about the increased significantly the internal struggle between political elites protecting social ideas and financial interests of the country. Scientific novelty. Scientific novelty of the research lies in the fact that in the course of the study, theoretical approach, not previously used in studies of expert councils, is necessary to be applied in order to obtain results to assess the content of the expert councils activity and development of the empirical base for further studies of interaction of interest groups of experts with the State authorities.

Purpose. Consideration of peculiarities of public relations activities in public administration under different political regimes. Methods. Comparative analysis on various grounds of such ways to manage public relations, journalism, advertising and public relations activities. The need to implement this analysis was caused by the aim of defining the essential signs of public relations activities, the knowledge of which is a prerequisite for deeper analysis of specificity of its functioning in the sphere of public administration. The author analyzed the characteristics of the implementation of PR activities, depending on the actual political mode. Results. The author presented full characteristics of public relations activities, taking into account aspects such as the purpose of the activity, conditions for implementation, which are understood as the actually existing political regime, the range of the means used. In his characterization of public relations activities, the author uses the category «soft force of influence». In the article the author describes in detail a transition and management model of public relations activities, depending on the type of political regime. Fundamental differences in the transitional and managerial models exist as a result of the different nature of origin, their use in very different circumstances: in the situation of the so-called transitional and actually realized model of democracy. Scientific novelty. Scientific novelty of the research is to identify the essential characteristics of models of PR-activity, in determining their policy differences. Describing the patterns of public relations, the author separates the notions «public relations» and «PR-communication».

Purpose. Study of availability of reliable, quality information for youth required for its full formation and development through official websites of MSU bodies. Methods. The study is based on the methods of design analysis, content and interactivity of official websites sections related to the youth policy of Ekaterinburg administration and bodies of local self-government. For analysis, the authors developed a comprehensive system of evaluation criteria for websites. Results and practical value. The authors identified the problems that indicate a lack of attention OGV and MSU to information support for the implementation of the State youth policy. Serious shortcomings in information support of the websites of OGV and MSU were found out. The authors developed and proposed topics of official websites of the city administration of Ekaterinburg and MSU with possible information blocks. Scientific novelty. Scientific novelty is in the binding decoration and filling the content of informational official websites of the city administration and MSU bodies in the part concerning the youth policy to the Concept of socio-economic development of the Russian Federation for the period up to 2020 and the Fundamentals of the State youth policy in the Russian Federation up to 2025.

Purpose. To identify and analyze public estimates by Ekaterinburg residents of the executive authorities transparency. Methods. Pilot research through questionnaire, analysis of the sociological information obtained. Subject. Estimates by the residents of the city of Ekaterinburg of the complete, reliable, sufficient, understandable information on their activities and results provided by executive authorities. Scientific novelty. Justification on the basis of empirical information of opportunities and importance of using the latest generation of Internet resources to ensure the transparency of administration, perceived as government availability, accountability of their activities to the population and the level of involvement in administration activity as its actor. Results. Features of transparent management specific for the Russian Federation are revealed: lack of content in the Internet sources of public authorities; “digital divide” of the RF entities; resistance to welcome changes resulting in people’s reluctance to use the new online resources to communicate with the authorities. The authorities’ transparency and work to inform the population are assessed by the residents as “satisfactory”, the feedback on issues of people’s concern are considered unproductive by the majority of respondents. Only a third of residents believe that they have the opportunity to influence the decisions made by the authorities. Information messages are communicated through the standard government channels (television, print media, radio), while the new channels highly popular with the modern audience (social networks, blogs, electronic media) are hardly employed. Data on satisfaction with the experience of interaction with the authorities, the use of innovative technologies and the most sought-after way of providing residents with public services is featured.

Purpose. The analysis of people's level of satisfaction with various areas of life in the places of residence as information basis of development of the concept of perspective development of residential districts of Ekaterinburg. Methods. We used stratified sample of respondents who live in Ekaterinburg city (N=3547). We applied SPSS 22.0 for data analysis. Descriptive statistics, the correlation analysis and tests for independent samples were used. Results. The received estimates of citizens demonstrate differentiation of residential districts by value judgment of the population. The most safe on «feelings» of citizens: new residential districts with actively developing infrastructure; «old» prestigious residential districts of the downtown; the brought closer to the center and sleeping residential districts with the developed infrastructure. Significant correlations between the level of satisfaction and social and demographic characteristics of respondents are revealed: the assessment of financial position is higher, the degree of satisfaction with various areas of life in districts is higher. We found distinctions in estimates of some areas of life in residential districts depending on sex and an occupation of respondents. Results of research will form the basis of the Concept of perspective development of residential districts of the municipality of Ekaterinburg city till 2035 (the municipal contract No. 15/2016-2 of 17.11.2016). Scientific novelty. The realized research project is the first empirical work on microdifferentiation of the territories of accommodation in Ekaterinburg city. The significance of a study of satisfaction of inhabitants as element of a technique of applied urbanistic researches is shown. Use of results of such researches in the course of the municipal government, on the one hand, increases the level of validity of the made decisions, and on the another hand bring closer it to the models of city comanaging which were extremely demanded today.

Subject. The role of attitudes and institutions in family policies and policy of childhood in the Soviet and post-Soviet time. Purpose. To study on the specificity of formation and realization of the State family policy and policy of childhood in the Soviet and post-Soviet period. To determine the influence of institutions and approaches of the Soviet period on family policy and child protection policy at the present stage. The formation of child protection policies in Russia and abroad. Methods. The study is based on research, analysis and systematization of theoretical materials of the Soviet and post-Soviet periods on the research topic and the author's approach statement. Results. This study examined the formation and implementation of policy strategies in the family sphere; identified communications approaches and institutions in realization of policy strategies in the family sphere; analyzed international and national experience of child protection policy development in historical hindsight; highlighted priorities of family policy at the present stage. Scientific novelty. Scientific novelty and originality consists in the study of relationship of institutions and approaches in implementation of State family policy and policy on childhood. The authors defined a causal relationship of family policy and child policy at the present stage with the policy conducted during the Soviet era. Interrelationship of institutions and approaches in the modern child protection policies in Russia and abroad.

Purpose. The scientific study of the role of cultural factors in overcoming the consequences of the social and economic crisis in Russia. Subject. System of socio-cultural factors, their inter-conditionality in the context of the economic crisis. Methodology and methods. Study of the subject of the article is based on consideration of socio-economic indicators and cultural factors that characterize everyday life experience of people. Therefore, a phenomenological approach serves as the basic guideline for interpretation and understanding. Scientific novelty. The article deals with a specific relationship between the effects of the economic crisis as a deterioration of living standards, poverty growth and transformation of spiritual values. The author substantiates the stabilizing role of traditional values that affect the perception of the society negative manifestations of the crisis. Results. In the conclusions the author notes that patriotism as a basic element of contemporary spiritual culture, significantly affects the stability of the society and its social well-being. The stated material may be useful in the practice of public administration, as well as a sociological overview of the socio-cultural changes caused by the economic crisis.

Purpose. The purpose of the article is systematization and analysis of the factors influencing the cost of adaptation of migrants in general, as well as the identification of the specifity educational migrants's adaptation in terms of these factors. Methods. In the research, the authors used the methodology of comparative studies, through which they identified specific factors of adaptation of migrants. Results and novelty. As a result of this analysis, the authors identified the following factors that affect the cost of adaptation of migrants: type of migration, cultural distance, language competence, context of acceptance, attitude of the host community to the migrants from the sending region, the age of migration, appearance (phenotypic characteristics). The authors conclude that, on the basis of theoretical assumptions, the category of educational migrants is the least problematic from the point of view of adaptation, but in practice the process flow is affected by the fact how one or another parameter of differences is important in the current structure of social interactions.

Purpose. The aim of the study is to identify the conceptual approaches to the analysis of problems of interaction between universities and business subjects, the role of the knowledge economy to enable the design of the development of higher education systems in terms of cooperation and collaboration. Methodology and methods. Research methodology is based on the principles of structural-functional analysis of political processes, comparative analysis and synthesis. Results. In the article on the basis of the conducted analysis the author identified possible response strategies of educational organizations to influence the conditions of globalization; concluded that higher education is facing unprecedented challenges in defining its objectives, role, organization and participation in the life of society and the economy; analysed the conditions for information and communication revolution, development of a knowledge-based economy, turbulence of economic development and relevant changes of financing that allows you to review the requirements for the higher education systems in the world. The author came to the conclusion that one of the important answers to these challenges is the development of «entrepreneurial Universities» in theory and practice exemplifying innovation as a result of research, knowledge sharing, teaching and learning, management changes and building relationships with external environment. Such universities play a leading role in the interaction between universities and business, necessary for sustained economic growth, employment and prosperity. Scientific novelty. This survey allows project possible conditions for the objectification of the knowledge economy development, turbulence of the economic development of higher education by business, forecast conceptual aspects of educational environment development in the conditions of business cooperation.

Purpose. To study mass sports as a tool to overcome crisis in modern sport. Methods. Key reasons of the modern sport crisis are analyzed, mass sport is characterized as an element of the sport system. The research is based on the principles of institutional and neo-institutional approaches. Results. The research reveals features distinguishing mass sports from physical training, professional sports, high performance sports and leisure activities. Identification of mass sports as a separate element of the sport system in Russia is due to our historical peculiarities. The mass sports agents’ practice is interpreted in terms of rational choice theory. Scientific novelty. Mass sport is defined as sub-institution in relation to the social institution of sports, specific features of its functioning are considered.

Purpose. The purpose of the article is to define a rational path to technological modernization of the Russian economy. Methods. The author carried out a study of the theoretical and methodological framework, used methods of comparative analysis, synthesis, assessed socio-economic phenomena. Results. The author analyzed the two concepts in the technological development of the Russian economy. The first concept appeals to abandon large-scale industrialization and develop only the latest technology breakthroughs of the sixth technological mode. The second concept is indicative of the extraordinary significance of new industrialization in the development of the Russian economy. The author also identified strengths and weaknesses of both concepts and offered an optimum variant of the technological development of the economy. Scientific novelty. The author justified the impossibility of implementing technological jerks from the dominant fourth mode to the sixth technological one in the absence of strong industrial platform.

Purpose. The purpose of this paper is to develop scientific and methodical recommendations and practical measures on structuring the budget process in the face of limited financial resources by analyzing fiscal sustainability of constituent entities of the Russian Federation, to identify current problems of the budget execution. Methods. In the research, the authors used the methods of sociological research, statistical, comparative, content and planning-factual analysis. Results. The authors conducted a comparative analysis of the structure and trends of the implementation of the budget of the subject of the Russian Federation on the basis of budgetary reporting for the last two years; defined the problems of formation and execution of the budget of the region and to propose practical recommendations for public legal entities of the Russian Federation on implementation of the budgetary authority in the face of limited financial resources. Scientific novelty. Scientific novelty and originality consists in the development of theoretical and methodological approach to the use of indicators of fiscal sustainability within the context of limited financial resources.

Purpose. The purpose of this paper is an analysis of the main problems of State regulation of special economic zones in the Russian Federation and the development of measures to improve the management of the OEZ. Methods. The study used comparative analysis, statistical data, as well as the activity approach. Results and practical value. As a result of the analysis of contemporary trends in the development of special economic zones in the Russian Federation, the author identified management problems and developed practical recommendations aimed at improving the State regulation of the territories with special organizational and legal status. These recommendations can be used in the activities of the State power bodies of the Russian Federation. Scientific novelty. Scientific novelty and originality consists in identifying management problems in the functioning of the Institute of special economic zones in the Russian Federation, as well as developing measures for improving the State regulation of this sphere.

Purpose. The purpose of this paper is to identify problems and form recommendations on municipal debt management based on the foresight-research. Methods. Such methods as graphical analysis, visualization of qualitative analytical data, modeling and expert estimates are the methodological core of the article. Results. On the basis of the conducted research the author has predicted three stages of development of a municipal debt indicator. Therefore, in accordance with the short-term period (2016) level of municipal debts across the country will grow rapidly, in socio-economic development of the territories of the municipalities there is a noticeable downturn. In the medium term, the situation of uncertainty in the scope of municipal debts persists. Extension of municipal debt continues for a period of 20-30 years, due to a lack of funds local self-government bodies request assistance from the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation, a reduction in social spending and an increase in the borrowing limit are carried out. In this case, Prosecutor's Office of the Russian Federation has started solving problems in the field of non-effective management of municipal. Long-term perspective differs very little from the medium-term. Continued accumulation of problems in this area leads to a critical situation. Prepared recommendations on the management of municipal debt are associated with the development of the municipal debt management techniques, the introduction of administrative responsibility of the regulatory authority of a municipal entity (local administration), the transfer of a part of the VAT to the municipal level, training of a municipal debt management team, implementation of foresight tools and simulation modelling of the situation with municipal debt, adaptation of the best foreign experience on municipal debt management. Scientific novelty. The novelty of the research consists in the following. 1. Use of the views of lay experts in foresight research as a basis to study views of citizens concerning economic development of a municipal entity; 2. Implementation of this forecasting method for generating recommendations on the municipal debt management; 3. Modeling mapping the situation of municipal debt management as a result of the study.

Purpose. To identify and analyze factors determining the level of investment activity of the population, to specify criteria for their identification and assessment, to analyze methods and instruments of state regulation of the population’ economic behavior. Methods. The methodology of the scientific-research work is based on a systematic approach with the use of methods of analysis and synthesis, comparative studies, a combination of logical and historical, operation and development, induction and deduction, extrapolation and interpolation, structural-functional approach. Results and practical importance. The practical importance of this article is that the developed instruments of identification and assessment of factors can serve the basis for designing a model of government influence on the citizens' investment strategies. And certain provisions and conclusions can be used to improve the methodological basis for strategic management of the citizens’ investment behavior in the economic market. Scientific novelty. Factors defining the investment activity of the population are identified and systematized, also, potential consequences, identification and evaluation criteria are considered.

Purpose. Definition of priorities in the development of the Russian Federation, not with substantial resource potential, allows you to identify the mechanisms that can be used for positive changes in the situation in the regions caught in similar circumstances, as well as those whose capacity is reinforced by the presence of one or a few key resources. Methods. The author conducted an analysis of demographic trends, enterprise development, housing, structures of gross regional product and the dynamics of the basic branches of production activities; identified disparities in the development of basic spheres of life of the population in the municipalities of the region. Results. The main result of the study can be described as a definition of the priority directions for development of the Kostroma region, first, the timber industry. The author laid the foundation for understanding that «scattering” of scarce existing resources does not lead to positive results, and their concentration on development priorities is necessary. Conclusions. In the current socio-economic conditions the regions with weak resource potential need to concentrate efforts on the development of priority sectors, and specifically through the establishment of public and municipal enterprise, and later, after the accumulation of resources to embark on the development of social sphere and infrastructure.

Purpose. The purpose of the article is to analyze the possibilities of expanding activities within the framework of the APEC socio-economic agenda, focusing both on the priorities of internal development and on practical trade and economic interests in the Asia-Pacific region. Methods. The autor uses a comparative method, analysis, synthesis in the article. Results. The article features certain most striking examples of potential extension of Russian project activities in various directions of APEC socio-economic agenda, perspective primarily from the trade economic viewpoint. The provided examples are distributed in four categories according to the content of the Strategies: inclusive growth, sustainable growth, innovative growth, safe growth.

Purpose. The purpose is to explore the possibilities of liberalization of access for foreign suppliers into the field of public procurement. This is revealed both in the expansion of the scope of regulation of the WTO Government procurement agreement and in the development of the corresponding liabilities at regional level. Results and scientific novelty. Considering the protectionist policy of Russia in the field of public procurement and the objective necessity to develop the integration agenda and to join various promising integration projects and initiatives, in particular in the Asia-Pacific region, it was identified the most favorable for country interaction format on the issues of public procurement regulation.

Subject. The subject of the research is a set of economic and social relations developing in the process of formation of the intra-regional administrative-territorial subdivision system as a basis of the regional development policy. The article summarizes theoretical approaches to defining the content of the regional administrative-territorial subdivision concept and provides classification of modern sub-national territorial division. The interconnections and differences of the administrative-territorial, municipal-territorial subdivision of the region and socio-economic microzoning are considered. Factors and history of the modern sub-national territorial division development are covered. Methods. In the course of the research methods of theoretical, systematic and comparative analysis, cartographic method and regulatory analysis method have been used. The methodological basis of the research are theoretical provisions, conceptual-categorical framework, conceptual views of national scientists in the field of regional economy, regional school of economic geography and theories of socio-economic microzoning. Particular attention is paid to legal aspects of territorial subdivision within the law and state theory, constitutional and municipal law. Scientific novelty. The author's interpretation of the concepts of intra-regional administrative-territorial subdivision, of an administrative-territorial unit of the region and administrative-territorial entity is provided. The paper particularly emphasizes the need to study management aspects of the administrative-territorial division alongside with economic and legal aspects extensively covered in the scientific sources. Current trends in the sub-national territorial division transformations are identified. The need to adapt the territorial framework of regional administration to the challenges of the new economy is revealed. The urgency to replace the inertial approach to the territorial changes implementation for the activity-related one is justified. In the final part the research deals with the drawbacks of applying municipal and territorial subdivision for implementation of goals and objectives of the intra-regional administration. Results. The research provides and justifies conceptual trends to improve intra-regional administrative-territorial subdivision for the goals of regional policy and territorial development implementation. Basic approaches to developing the administrative-territorial subdivision grid of the region, to revealing the local socio-economic systems, to identifying the optimal size of the administrative-territorial formations are provided.

Purpose. The purpose of the article is to study and improve the system of organizational and economic support to the sustainable development of a territory, to define the role of strategic monitoring in this system and to design the system of its information-analytical support. Methods. In the article such scientific methods as abstraction, analysis and synthesis, induction and deduction, systematic approach, and also the methods of system analysis and expert evaluations are used. Results and practical importance. This paper features the system of implementation of the organizational and economic sustainable development of a territory with monitoring being emphasized as one of the key parts of the system. The main goals and objectives of strategic monitoring are considered. The information-analytical system to support the sustainable development is designed and analyzed. Scientific novelty. The system proposed by the author allows for the more effective implementation of the programs to achieve the goals of the territorial sustainable development, assuming the possibility of returning to any of the previous stages and continuous monitoring. Also, the author provides the system of information-analytical support for the sustainable development of the territory and considers its implementation stages.

Purpose. The aim of the research is to analyze the advantages and problems connected with the use of municipal order for the economic development of territories and to justify its wider use in solving problems of socio-economic development of cities. Methods. In the paper such methods as statistical analysis, content analysis of websites are used. Results. The research reveals the need to develop innovative forms of development, methods of municipal economy regulation, including municipal order, which allows to not only minimize the costs of municipal budgets, but also to develop business activity, competitive environment, to involve more businesses and consequently, to contribute to investment attractiveness growth and economic development of the territory. The article analyzes the problems and prospects of using municipal orders for the Russian urban economy development. The statistical data characterizing the development of small business in certain Russian cities is analyzed. Scientific novelty. The “municipal order” notion is specified, the activities of private small businesses and their participation in the system of municipal orders are characterized, the arguments in favor of improving modern forms and methods of the territorial economy development management and regulating legal framework are given, a set of measures for the further development and wider implementation of municipal order in Russian cities is provided.

Purpose. To identify tools at the entry, transformation and exit stages in the system of small and medium businesses support in order to reveal the efficient combination of methods applied in the course of implementation of the target program. Methodology and research methods. As the main method the systematic approach is used, which allows to assess, on the basis of synthesis of relationship between the individual elements of the program, and to identify the synergetic effect. Also, methods of comparative analysis, classification, and the secondary results of empirical research are used in the article. This work is based on using only the official statistics and accounting data, except for the influence of the shadow sector of the economy. Practical results. The increase in the number of small businesses and low efficiency of the existing support at local and regional level has brought to the containment of entrepreneurship development. The article analyzes the experience of effective use of the program-target method and the applied tools which allowed on the example of Nyagan town, Khanty-Mansiysk Autonomous Okrug, to reveal the existing strengths and weaknesses in the implementation of the entrepreneurial potential of the population and to identify the main areas for improvement in this direction.

Purpose. The article is devoted to designing the algorithm of comprehensive assessment of the urban infrastructure development, considering the processes of regional socio-economic development. Methods. Through the theoretical research methods the works by researchers in the field of urban infrastructure assessment issues have been studied and methods of scientific knowledge to develop the algorithm of comprehensive assessment of urban infrastructure development have been used, considering the processes of regional socio-economic development. Results. The algorithm is provided to comprehensively assess urban infrastructure development, considering the processes of regional socio-economic development. Scientific novelty. The provided algorithm to assess the comprehensive development of urban infrastructure, considering the processes of regional socio-economic development allows for seamless integration of the concept of urban infrastructure development and the strategy of socio-economic development of the region into a unified document.

Purpose. Development of a fuzzy-multiple approach for making managerial decisions to improve the competitiveness of an enterprise. Results. On the example of the smartphone market, market analysis was effectively carried out, comparative parameters (indicators) of the goods were revealed, an integral indicator was calculated the effect on competitiveness using a mathematical model. Scientific novelty. A mathematical model for assessing competitiveness, constructed using the Mathcad system based on the theory of fuzzy sets, is proposed. The constructed mathematical model of an estimation of criterion of competitiveness allows operatively to carry out the analysis in the conditions of quickly changing market with use of the scenario approach.

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. Analysis of the audit services market in the Russian Federation from the point of view of marketing communications development. Methods. The research uses the method of analysis of legislation, adaptation of the classic marketing communications model for audit services provision. Results and practical importance. Legislation in the field of audit services is analyzed, audit goals in terms of financial and economic activities (hereinafter FEA) of commercial enterprises on the part of the government are described. The classical model of marketing communication is featured and adapted to the revealed categories of auditing companies. In particular, the “Big Four” and other auditing organizations are considered in detail. The research will help to expand the audit services market, which will lead to improved quality of organization and FEA of commercial enterprises. Scientific novelty. Marketing communication models in the field of audit services provision are described, key regulations to be based on while attracting new audit customers are identified.

Purpose. The research aims at studying modern approaches to defining the concept of “project efficiency” and identifying the investment projects efficiency assessment directions. Methods. Systematic approach, comparative analysis, systematization and analysis are used in the article. Results. An integrated concept of “investment project efficiency” has been formulated, main directions of investment projects efficiency assessment have been described and indicators for projects efficiency assessment have been identified by the authors. Scientific novelty. As a result of the research a complex system of indicators has been formed to assess the commercial, economic, social and budgetary efficiency of investment projects

Subject. Searching for additional forms of investment activity financing is at the moment an important problem of the Russian economy. Project financing for the long time has been the actual form of financing in the world, while in Russia this form is only gaining momentum. The author comes to the conclusion that project financing is the most efficient investment form for the Russian economy under current circumstances, unlike traditional forms. Purpose. The aim of the research is to identify the essence of project financing to reveal the advantages and disadvantages of this form. Methods and Methodology. Comparative analysis of “project financing” term and other investment forms is carried out through qualitative methods in the research. Results and scientific novelty. The result of this work is identification of theoretical foundations of project financing and its key features. The obtained results will be most required when making management decisions for the large-scale investment projects implementation in Russia. Measures contributing to the further favorable development of project financing in Russia are identified.