The research aims to develop a systemic approach to state and entrepreneurial management of product quality in developing countries. To this end, empirical evidence on quality management in developing countries in 2026 from regions such as Europe, Central Asia, East and South Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean, the Middle East and North Africa, and Sub-Saharan Africa is systematized and reinterpreted from the perspective of facilitating the transition to ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 standards. Using correlation analysis, the authors quantitatively assessed the contribution of various legal and corporate responsibility measures to aligning national products of developing countries with international quality standards. The principal conclusion of this research is that the effectiveness of quality management measures varies significantly across domains (state and entrepreneurial governance) and across world regions. In light of this, the proposed systemic approach to product quality management is distinguished by the integrated implementation of measures in state and entrepreneurial governance and by a focus on those measures that yield the highest returns in terms of product quality. This approach ensures an optimal balance between legal and corporate responsibility in managing product quality.
The increasing complexity and dynamism of market demands necessitate rapid and efficient processes in manufacturing. 3D printing enables reduced prototyping time which can help companies to survive and be competitive. There are different additive manufacturing techniques such as fused deposition modeling (FDM), laminated object manufacturing (LOM), selective laser sintering (SLS), stereolithography (SLA) etc. Also, there are different 3D printers at the market. However, selecting an optimal 3D printer requires careful consideration of technical, economic, environmental, and performance criteria. This study employed the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) to evaluate and rank four 3D printer models available in Serbia based on five criteria. Sensitivity analysis confirmed the robustness of the decision-making model, with the highest-ranked alternative consistently maintaining its position under varying weight scenarios. The results demonstrate the utility of AHP in providing structured, reliable guidance for 3D printer selection, enabling manufacturers to enhance their prototyping capabilities efficiently.
This study examines the relationships between customer service, efficiency, electronic satisfaction, and electronic trust in digital marketplaces, focusing on the mediating role of satisfaction. Data were collected from 326 respondents using purposive sampling and analyzed with Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling. The findings indicate that customer service and efficiency significantly enhance satisfaction, which in turn positively influences trust. Satisfaction also mediates the relationships between customer service, efficiency, and trust, highlighting its critical role in building consumer confidence. These results emphasize the importance of responsive customer support and efficient platform design in fostering satisfaction and trust. Businesses should invest in improving service quality, userfriendly interfaces, and secure transaction systems to enhance customer experiences and loyalty. This study provides insights into trust-building mechanisms in digital marketplaces and offers recommendations for businesses and policymakers to promote customer satisfaction and trust in competitive and evolving digital environments.
This paper presents an analysis of the learning potential in Social Network-based Education (SNE) versus Project-Led Education (PLE). Analysis is based on data collected through the questionaires responded by students over twelve years of implementation of SNE. The results show that students generally perceived SNE as offering greater learning potential than classical PLE. The preference for SNE was also associated with higher perceived learning and with reported gains in personal growth and entrepreneurship. In this way, introduction of SNE, as an alternative educational methodology, is justified.
The use of process improvement methodologies to assist and support the improvement of processes has proven to be an important mechanism for effectively implementing these improvements. However, there is difficulty in choosing the best methodology and to ensure that it will lead to the best improvement results. In this sense, the research questions of this work can be formulated as the following: H1-There are differences between the major process improvement methodologies and gaps not covered by them; H2-A new process improving methodology may mitigate the gaps identified in the existing process improvement methodologies. Comparing the main process improvement methodologies available in the literature, namely, PDCA, Six Sigma, DMAIC, QC Story, 8D, TOC and Lean, it was proven the research question H1. To validate the research question H2 a new process improvement methodology, the MAPIC, was then proposed and compared with the other methodologies. From a theoretical view point, the research question H2 was validated, because the MAPIC covers the existed gaps from the others methodologies, namely, that there is no phase to promote proactive continuous improvement, nor to validate the proposed improvement before its implementation. As for its practical validation, the MAPIC is being applied in a case study and the results will be presented in further work.
This study seeks to fill a gap in the understanding of how blockchain smart contracts may improve logistics service quality and investigate the drivers of blockchain smart contracts. Semi-structured interviews were carried out with ten logistics professionals to collect data. According to the findings, the drivers of using blockchain smart contracts in the logistics industry comprised the strongest predictor amongst security, traceability, decentralization, transparency, efficient information sharing, and automation factors. The identified drivers of blockchain smart contracts could be used by logistics practitioners as a "road map" for the development of appropriate solutions to successfully strengthen logistics service quality within the logistics industry. The results indicate that blockchain smart contracts enhance payment transaction security, increase end-to-end visibility, and improve delivery timeliness. Moreover, this technology optimizes routing, advances fleet management, and reduces logistics costs. The existing literature focuses on the approaches to applying theoretical, technical, or operational benefits of blockchain smart contracts, but fails to propose a deep dive into logistics service quality. This research appraises blockchain smart contracts by assessing and suggesting how they can enhance logistics service quality.
This paper aimed to systematically review the papers on how GIS can be leveraged for sustainable urban development and related to quality of life. Google Scholar was searched to identify papers, and 25 papers were selected using the PRISMA flow process. The main points of each paper along with four parameters of quality were tabulated. Overall, the results of this review showed that many papers have discussed the role and integration of geospatial information which implies the use of GIS in many ways and contexts. Many of these papers included factors related to quality of life, some of them not using the term. Based on all observations, it can be concluded that GIS can be leveraged for a data-driven approach for sustainable urban development and enhancing Urban Quality of Life. Some limitations of this review have been mentioned in the end.
The research aims to develop a green approach to product quality risk management in the Eurasian economy. To this end, drawing on official international statistics for 2025, the authors summarized the empirical experience of twenty green economies of Eurasia belonging to the Eastern Europe & Central Asia region. The resulting approach comprises, first, a Eurasian model of environmental risk management of product quality, which mathematically describes the dependence of environmental product quality risks on managerial factors. Second, it includes alternative forecast scenarios for changes in product quality in the green economy of Eurasia up to the completion of the Decade of Action (until the beginning of 2031), depending on the intensity of efforts to combat environmental quality risks and the managerial measures applied by organizations. On this basis, the scenario of rapid environmentalization is substantiated as preferable, while the continuation of gradual environmentalization of quality risk management in Eurasia up to 2031 is deemed undesirable. Third, the research proposes applied solutions for improving environmental product quality risk management in Eurasia, the implementation of which will accelerate the reduction of production and consumption waste and decrease industrial air pollution in Russia, Serbia, and Uzbekistan.
This study analyzes the integration of poka-yoke systems within the concept of Industry 5.0, where humanmachine collaboration and intelligent autonomous systems play a key role. Poka-yoke, traditionally used to prevent errors at the source, is evolving into advanced, adaptive mechanisms supported by artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning. This integration enables real-time process monitoring and predictive failure prevention, allowing poka-yoke to dynamically adapt to changing production conditions and demanding manufacturing environments. The analysis includes case studies that illustrate poka-yoke applications in smart factories, emphasizing proactive quality control, flexibility, and sustainability. Challenges related to implementing poka-yoke in Industry 5.0, such as technology interoperability, data security, and employee training needs, are also addressed. Findings indicate that poka-yoke in Industry 5.0 contributes to defect reduction, enhances product reliability, and supports the development of sustainable production systems aligned with modern standards of quality and efficiency.
Cross-flow vortex-induced vibration of offshore structures is a complex, challenging to predict phenomenon with an impact on the structural integrity and lifespan and with the sensitivity to flow conditions. The current study is focused on the cross-flow vibration of a cylindrical structure in the linearly sheared and parabolic flows. The work is performed with the computational fluid dynamics method in 2D for the Reynolds number range of 350-2150, mass ratio of 2 and shear parameter from 0 to 0.05 for the linearly sheared current. The results obtained indicate differences in the width of the upper branch of the lock-in and characteristics of the lower branch related to the sheared flow profile. The study also reports a more stable trend in the growing lift coefficient, mean drag coefficient and frequency ratio in sheared flow, compared to the uniform flow.
The study describes the application of a methodology for assessing the safety of high-tech enterprises based on a risk-based approach within the control and supervisory activities. The authors justify the need to assess various risk groups (technogenic, environmental, economic) in the activities of hightech enterprises and show their impact on the level of safety of enterprises. The paper describes the possibilities of applying a criteria system for a comprehensive assessment of technogenic, environmental and economic risks in the activities of high-tech enterprises and presents an assessment mechanism of high-tech enterprises safety based on a comprehensive assessment of technogenic, environmental and economic risks. The study describes approaches to risk assessment in the activities of high-tech enterprises; carries out an analysis of existing approaches and methods of risk assessment in the activities of high-tech enterprises; shows a methodology for assessing the safety of high-tech enterprises based on a risk-based approach. The authors prove the possibility of applying the methodology for assessing the safety of high-tech enterprises by a risk-based approach within the control and supervisory activities as means of improving the quality and efficiency of supervisory activities, while reducing the cost of control and supervisory measures. Improving the quality of supervisory activities is achieved through an integrated approach that allows taking into account different groups of risks in the activities of enterprises, automating the safety assessment process due to strict assessment criteria. The practical significance of the presented study is justified by the possibility of introducing a methodology for assessing the safety of high-tech enterprises by a risk-based approach within the control and supervisory activities, which will reduce the time and material costs of this activity and reduce administrative pressure on business entities.
10.24874/IJQR20.01-20 Abstract: This study aims to address the existing research gap by empirically examining the operationalization and impact of absorptive capacity within the Republic of Croatia, a catching-up economy. The primary objective is to investigate how absorptive capacity stimulates innovation activities and assess its influence on both firms' innovation performance outputs and overall business performance. To achieve this, the relationship between absorptive capacity, financial results, commercial success, and innovation frequency was systematically analyzed. The results of a statistical analysis conducted on data gathered from a survey of technology-driven firms reveal a strong positive correlation between higher levels of absorptive capacity and increased innovation activity, which in turn positively influences business performance metrics. These empirical insights contribute to the theoretical development of absorptive capacity literature while offering practical implications for improving firms' internal innovation management processes, particularly within the context of catching-up economies.
The paper discusses the use of 3D printing for slab construction, focusing on the quality and competitiveness of new structures. An innovative approach to the construction of horizontal load-bearing elements is proposed, using mortar mixes with partial replacement of cement with aleuropelite and the viscosity modifier methocaolin. The main attention is paid to the printing technology, which includes the use of a gantry 3D printer with a "mortar extruder" and the development of the design of rotatable slab segments. The article analyzes existing methods and approaches to 3D printing in construction, identifying the shortcomings of traditional technologies and the need to improve them to increase efficiency. The existing experience of printing beams and flat trusses using concrete mixtures is considered. Methods for calculating and evaluating the quality of 3D printed slabs, including a qualimetric methodology for assessing competitiveness compared to traditional slab types, are proposed as part of this work. The results show that the new technologies can provide higher quality and lower construction costs, making them competitive in the market. In addition, the use of 3D printing can significantly reduce construction time, which is particularly relevant in the context of increasing demand for housing. The use of automated processes reduces dependence on labor, which helps to solve the problem of a shortage of qualified specialists in the construction industry. It is also worth noting that the introduction of eco-friendly materials in 3D printing helps reduce the negative impact on the environment, making construction more sustainable and efficient.
The study is devoted to the definition of leadership from the point of view of developing the competences of specialists in the field of public administration. Leadership in government and local self-government bodies should be based on publicity, institutional support and vertical social mobility principles. The article aims to analyse the specifics of the development of managers' leadership competences in the context of the post-war reconstruction of Ukraine. The study identifies significant features in the conceptual load of the "competence" definition. The basic types of competences are allocated. The category of leadership competences is analysed. The essential bases of leadership competences of future managers in the context of Ukraine's post-war European integration are determined. The main competences of a modern managerial leader are allocated. International standards for the profile of leadership competences for managers are described. Variations of configurations of leadership competences in the field of management are analysed. It is determined that leadership is seen in the ability to motivate, manage and inspire others to achieve common goals. It is found that the dynamics of social processes require the formation of an innovative concept of leadership, which combines strict compliance with legal requirements and intensifies the efficiency of management processes. It is substantiated that management leadership is manifested by the synergy of competences, skills, and abilities aimed at strengthening the personal influence of the leader and ensuring effective strategic management decision-making. In the context of Ukraine's adaptation to European standards in the post-war recovery period, the positions of the basic profile of leadership competences for managers are defined.
This study assessed the preservation of water quality in the Apt-Alb-Cenomanian aquifer complex (AAC AC) under conditions of long-term multidirectional oil and gas technogenesis. This involves two opposing processes: groundwater extraction to maintain reservoir pressure in productive horizons, and the injection of excess produced water into the complex. The scale of each of the above processes reaches hundreds of thousands of cubic metres of water per year. The AAC AC in the West Siberian oil and gas region belongs to the Mesozoic hydrogeological basin. To achieve this goal, data on the three largest oilfields were used. The research methodology involved the systematization of historical and current water quality data. The study found that, despite the significant anthropogenic load, the natural hydrogeochemical equilibrium in the system "water-rock" of the studied AAC AC remains largely intact.
This study explores how influencers and celebrities' impact female consumers' purchase decisions toward cosmetic products and the mediating role of brand awareness. Data were collected through an online survey offemale respondents on social media sites in Egypt and analyzed using structural equation modeling SmartPLS V.4, with 394 valid responses. Specifically, influencer marketing is more effective than celebrity marketing in building awareness among female consumers and influencing their decisions to purchase cosmetics. This finding indicates that brand awareness acts as a crucial mechanism through which influencers and celebrities affect female consumers'purchase decisions. Nevertheless, the findings highlight the importance of brand awareness in mediating the effect of influencer marketing and celebrity endorsements on consumer purchasing decisions. The effect of influencers and celebrities on female consumers' purchase decisions is magnified when marketing is based on brand awareness. Consequently, marketing campaignsmustfocuson promoting brand awareness. Previous research has not extensively examined the mediating role ofbrand awareness in the relationship between influencer marketing/celebrity endorsements and purchase decisions. This research is one of the first studies to demonstrate that influencer marketing and celebrity endorsements positively impact female consumers' decisions through the mediating role of brand awareness.
The research aims to develop a marketing-based approach to Quality Risk Management 5.0 for innovative products in high-tech manufacturing in developing countries. To this end, the authors conducted an econometric study of international experience in Quality Risk Management 5.0 in 2025 using regression and correlation analysis, focusing on developing countries with different income levels and belonging to different world regions. The new approach is grounded in a marketing model of Quality Risk Management 5.0 for innovative products in high-tech manufacturing in developing countries that has been developed by the authors. The approach includes a set of effective marketing methods of Quality Risk Management 5.0 tailored to developing countries from different world regions and belonging to different income categories (illustrated by lower-middle-and upper-middle-income countries). The novelty of the proposed approach lies in the integration of Quality Risk Management 5.0 for innovative products into the marketing mix (the 7P model) of high-tech manufacturing. The uniqueness of the approach also stems from the differentiation of marketing-based Quality Risk Management 5.0 methods in developing countries, depending on their income level.
The article evaluates the impact of external shocks on the energy revenues of the Russian Federation, particularly the oil and gas revenue of the federal budget. The authors analyze the value of fuel and energy products exported from Russia for 2021-2023-before and after sanctions imposed by Western countries. Despite the reduction in energy supplies to the Russian Federation, the country has managed to re-orient its supplies towards the East. In particular, Russia has increased exports of oil and gas products to China and India. This export diversification has made it possible to ensure steady revenues for the country's federal budget. It has had a beneficial effect on its financial security. In addition, the authors have considered the issues of the federal budget deficit and public debt. These indicators are significantly lower compared to similar indicators in developed and developing countries, which also contributes to the stability of the financial situation. The authors concluded that the level of financial stability remains high due to the successful reorientation of external supply sources and changes in domestic production. It also positively affects the main macroeconomic indicators of Russia.
In a hypercompetitive era, this paper assesses the impact of virtual and physical social networks on global economies. Thus, it assesses the correlation between the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita and social networks represented by the physical concentration of humans in urban environments and the use of the Internet as a virtual space. This research examines the GDP per capita of 172 countries between 2000 and 2023. Through the use of Mean Absolute Percentual Error (MAPE) and the Weighted Least Squares (WLS), we propose a mathematical model that best fits the real GDP data. The growth of the Internet has made it possible to reduce income inequality between countries. Furthermore, the mathematical model reveals that in 2020, the World radically shifted to the virtual space, and those who did not use the Internet faced major economic challenges.
The study aims to analyse the impact of digital transformation tools on optimising organisational culture and increasing the efficiency of human capital management. The need to update the company's internal management in the direction of distancing, automation, use of chatbots, cloud technologies, realtime data, and the application of B2B and HR programs, the use of artificial intelligence tools, data integration, and the formation of a new type of corporate culture oriented towards creativity and critical thinking is justified. It was found that digital optimisation of human capital management and organisational culture allows the automation of routine processes of collecting, accumulating, processing, and transmitting information and reporting, increasing the accuracy and speed of communication operations and improving corporate interaction processes. It is proven that such measures will help reduce resource costs and realise innovative opportunities, ensuring companies' effective corporate interaction and omnichannel efficiency in the market environment.
