Digital Management and Business Models in Public Administration: An International Perspective—2nd Edition

A special issue of Administrative Sciences (ISSN 2076-3387).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 October 2024) | Viewed by 33034

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Faculty of Social Sciences, Department of Public Administration, University of Ss. Cyril and Methodius, Bucianska 4/A, 917 01 Trnava, Slovakia
Interests: public policy; public administration; management; smart cities
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Although the search for optimal management innovations may seem like a matter of the purely private sphere, this concept is increasingly being inflected with public administration. It is, therefore, necessary to focus on the identification of internal and external factors that limit the possibilities of using modern management methods with an orientation on the use of digital management and business models from an international perspective that can help develop an open administration close to the citizen and provide quality and targeted public services. In addition to strengthening the main principles of open government—transparency, participation, and accountability of the government to its citizens—this concept represents a way to increase people's interest in society. Whether we are talking about the micro-level in the form of the fight against corruption within a public institution and the effort to create an atmosphere of trust instead of fear in the workplace or the importance of involving the public and stakeholders in the macro-level of public policy-making.

This call is issued in the context of clearly growing interest in the conceptual building of innovative public administration, the use of modern management tools, specifically the possibility of using business models and digital management to increase the efficiency and pro-client orientation of public administration and the need to create intuitive tools to ensure the effectiveness of public policies. At the same time, we create space to summarize new knowledge about new management methods brought by a modern technological and digital society. Existing knowledge and experience are limited, opening many different directions for further academic research. Taking this into account, we would like to draw the attention of prospective contributors to the following questions:

  1. What factors limit the possibilities of using modern management methods in public administration specifically from the perspective of using business models and digital management to increase public service efficiency and pro-client orientation?
  2. What management competencies do leaders lack in order to create and sustain effective government and/or public sector organizations?
  3. Good public administration and governance are a key factor in its economic performance and the well-being of its citizens, is it essential for public authorities to be able to adapt to changing circumstances?
  4. What are the key factors in improving public administration performance? Is efficient, flexible, and effective governance a prerequisite for good governance and a key driver of growth?
  5. What tools and methods are needed to improve structures and processes to ensure that public policies are properly designed based on facts and analyses?
  6. Is codification and planning of legislation needed to ensure a proper concept of the legal framework of state governance and better policy-making?
  7. Is there a need to oversee the implementation of reforms by setting up a reliable management and monitoring system?

The contributors may focus on the experiences of individual countries, or they may provide broader international perspectives. Comparative papers containing clear analyses of empirical data will be preferred, but interesting case studies leading to a better understanding of some specific phenomena are also welcome.

Prof. Dr. Tomáš Peráček
Dr. Andrea Čajková
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • public administration and governance
  • public administration performance
  • public policies

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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23 pages, 678 KiB  
Article
The Past, Present, and Future of Cross-Border Cooperation between Municipalities in the South Bohemian Region: A Case Study
by Jiří Dušek
Adm. Sci. 2024, 14(7), 134; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci14070134 - 26 Jun 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1733
Abstract
The aim of this study is to provide a comprehensive view of matters of cross-border cooperation, with the main emphasis on the typology and development of structures supporting cross-border cooperation in a selected region of the Czech Republic (South Bohemian Region). The study [...] Read more.
The aim of this study is to provide a comprehensive view of matters of cross-border cooperation, with the main emphasis on the typology and development of structures supporting cross-border cooperation in a selected region of the Czech Republic (South Bohemian Region). The study focuses on the analysis of changes in the methods and ways of cooperation of municipalities in the programming periods 2007–2013 and 2014–2020 (Euroregions, cross-border impulse centers, European territorial cooperation groups, partner and friendly cities, etc.). The research not only analyzes the actual development of cooperation between municipalities in the region studied, but also identifies the prerequisites of and barriers to cross-border cooperation. The data obtained show a significant decrease in the interest of municipalities in cross-border cooperation within the conditions of the Czech Republic in recent years. The current situation with regard to the existence and development of cross-border cooperation in 2024 is not very satisfactory, although it is paradoxically an area strongly supported by the EU Cohesion Policy. This study employs a mixed-methods approach, combining both qualitative and quantitative research methods to provide a comprehensive analysis of cross-border cooperation in the South Bohemian Region. A thorough review of existing literature on cross-border cooperation and related policies was conducted to establish a theoretical framework. The practical part of the study is based on field research carried out by the author in 2007–2013 and 2014–2020. This research examined the level of cooperation between the 623 municipalities in the South Bohemian Region (in 2016, there were 624 municipalities in the region). In the case of cross-border impulse centers, the input data were represented by e-mail and telephone inquiries to representatives of individual municipalities and the websites of Euroregions. To conduct a comprehensive study on cross-border cooperation between municipalities in the South Bohemian Region, logical and scientific methods were used. Universal methods of logic ensured the correctness and orderliness of the thought process, with abstraction identifying key elements. Synthesis was used to divide the study into parts, analyze them in detail, and integrate them into a comprehensive analysis. Scientific methods included analysis to examine the current status and frameworks of cross-border cooperation and comparison to identify similarities or differences between the Czech Republic and neighboring countries. Full article
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17 pages, 829 KiB  
Article
How Do Digital Capabilities Affect Organizational Performance in the Public Sector? The Mediating Role of the Organizational Agility
by Thabit Atobishi, Sahar Moh’d Abu Bakir and Saeed Nosratabadi
Adm. Sci. 2024, 14(2), 37; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci14020037 - 19 Feb 2024
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 8165
Abstract
As public sector agencies face rising imperatives to digitally transform citizen services, data systems, and internal operations, questions persist as to whether investments in big data analytics and automation capabilities, evidenced to drive organizational performance in private industry, translate to bureaucratic government contexts. [...] Read more.
As public sector agencies face rising imperatives to digitally transform citizen services, data systems, and internal operations, questions persist as to whether investments in big data analytics and automation capabilities, evidenced to drive organizational performance in private industry, translate to bureaucratic government contexts. This research quantitatively investigates the link between digital capabilities and organizational performance in the Jordanian ministry of Justice. Survey data collected from 292 public officials assessed capabilities in data-driven decision making, flexible automation, and interactive constituent communications alongside organizational agility and performance indexes spanning efficiency, quality, and satisfaction metrics. Structural equation modeling analysis reveals that digital capabilities relate significantly to heightened agility and all targeted performance areas. Improved agility mediates over half the performance impact attributable to upgraded technical systems, highlighting the vital role of evolving digitally enabled flexibility in realizing returns on analytics and process modernization initiatives. Findings validate the applicability of conclusions on digitization returns formed in corporate environments to public sector contexts, contingent on bundled change management programming enabling both technical and adaptive capacity building across the workforce. As global regions expand e-governance programs premised on harnessing emerging technologies to enhance civic institutions, this research offers generalizable models guiding multifaceted preparations to amplify impact. Full article
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12 pages, 268 KiB  
Article
Implementation of a Working Time Recording System as a Digital Management Tool in Public Administration
by Phuong Ngoc Nguyen-Hadi Khorsand and Tomáš Peráček
Adm. Sci. 2023, 13(12), 253; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci13120253 - 12 Dec 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2692
Abstract
This theoretical scientific study explores using a working time recording system as a digital management tool in public administration. It explains why such a system is necessary in public administration and lays out the report’s goals. The main goal is to identify the [...] Read more.
This theoretical scientific study explores using a working time recording system as a digital management tool in public administration. It explains why such a system is necessary in public administration and lays out the report’s goals. The main goal is to identify the possibilities of using modern technology, such as the system of recording the working time of public administration employees, to improve its efficiency and pro-client orientation. Recording the working time management ensures that most government and public administration duties are organised and arranged promptly for easier retrieval and allocation of tasks to different departments. A thorough assessment of the literature also looks at the current studies on working time tracking systems, particularly in the context of public administration and their possible effects on effectiveness, accountability, and transparency. Employee privacy-related legal and moral issues are also covered. The Materials and Methods section describes the system’s implementation in detail, covering system selection, employee training, data collection methods, and technological considerations. As a result, the use of time recording systems in public administration has been found to have various benefits, including better work–life balance, fairness and transparency. These solutions improve accountability and trust by streamlining workforce management and ensuring compliance with labour laws. The main result of our research is the design of a theoretical model applicable in public administration for monitoring an employee’s working time. Full article

Review

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21 pages, 509 KiB  
Review
The Role of Business Angels in the Early-Stage Financing of Startups: A Systematic Literature Review
by Jürgen Lange, Stefan Rezepa and Monika Zatrochová
Adm. Sci. 2024, 14(10), 247; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci14100247 - 4 Oct 2024
Viewed by 6215
Abstract
Funding is an essential factor for the viability and growth of startups. As a result, business angels play a crucial role in providing financial support to these business companies, particularly those that are innovative and have significant potential for growth. This study sought [...] Read more.
Funding is an essential factor for the viability and growth of startups. As a result, business angels play a crucial role in providing financial support to these business companies, particularly those that are innovative and have significant potential for growth. This study sought to determine the role business angels play in the early-stage financing of startups. Specifically, the study looked at the value-added services provided by business angels, business angel funding impact on startup survival rates, the effectiveness of business angel networks’ impact on facilitating startup funding, and business angels’ contribution to the development of entrepreneurial ecosystems beyond financial investment for startups. This study adopted a systematic literature review methodology, employing key theoretical methods such as analysis, synthesis, comparison, and induction to assess the role business angels play in the early-stage financing of startups. The findings show that business angels’ expertise, networks, and mentorship emerge as critical value-added startup services. Similarly, it was found that business angel funding positively influences startup survival; however, other factors also influence this impact. Moreover, the results show that business angel networks play a significant role in facilitating startup funding. Furthermore, beyond financial investment for startups, it was found that business angels contribute significantly to the development of entrepreneurial ecosystems, including prioritizing the contributions of ecosystem builders in startup screening, access to mentoring, and entrepreneurial education. The study concluded that business angels play a positive role in the early-stage financing of startups. Full article
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18 pages, 293 KiB  
Review
Artificial Intelligence in Mental Health Care: Management Implications, Ethical Challenges, and Policy Considerations
by Stephan Hoose and Kristína Králiková
Adm. Sci. 2024, 14(9), 227; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci14090227 - 17 Sep 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 8959
Abstract
Adopting AI (Artificial Intelligence) in the provision of psychiatric services has been groundbreaking and has presented other means of handling some of the issues related to traditional methods. This paper aims at analyzing the applicability and efficiency of AI in mental health practices [...] Read more.
Adopting AI (Artificial Intelligence) in the provision of psychiatric services has been groundbreaking and has presented other means of handling some of the issues related to traditional methods. This paper aims at analyzing the applicability and efficiency of AI in mental health practices based on business administration paradigms with a focus on managing services and policies. This paper engages a systematic and synoptic process, where current AI technologies in mental health are investigated with reference to the current literature as to their usefulness in delivering services and the moral considerations that surround their application. The study indicates that AI is capable of improving the availability, relevance, and effectiveness of mental health services, information that can be useful for policymakers in the management of health care. Consequently, specific concerns arise, such as how the algorithm imposes its own bias, the question of data privacy, or how a mechanism could reduce the human factor in care. The review brought to light an area of understanding of AI-driven interventions that has not been explored: the effect of such interventions in the long run. The field study suggests that further research should be conducted regarding ethical factors, increasing the ethical standards of AI usage in administration, and exploring the cooperation of mental health practitioners and AI engineers with respect to the application of AI in psychiatric practice. Proposed solutions, therefore, include enhancing the AI functions and ethical standards and guaranteeing that policy instruments are favorable for the use of AI in mental health. Full article
17 pages, 294 KiB  
Review
Optimizing Retail Pharmacy Success: The Role of Multichannel Marketing Strategies
by Alexander Wick, Bernhard Koczian and Kristína Králiková
Adm. Sci. 2024, 14(9), 210; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci14090210 - 9 Sep 2024
Viewed by 4092
Abstract
This study focuses on the effect of multichannel marketing communication in retail pharmacies to establish customer satisfaction in a world experiencing the digitalization of health sectors. The objective of the study is to understand customer acquisition and retention practices, the role of online [...] Read more.
This study focuses on the effect of multichannel marketing communication in retail pharmacies to establish customer satisfaction in a world experiencing the digitalization of health sectors. The objective of the study is to understand customer acquisition and retention practices, the role of online and offline integrated communication, and the extent of customer preference for various marketing communication channels. As part of the study, the quantitative analysis of the publications included in the review was made using articles and reports published from 2014 to 2024. The review was conducted on the aspects of marketing using multiple channels in retail pharmacy and the healthcare-associated fields. The studies identified that comprehensive communication channel enhancement policies positively affect the generation of revenues, reduction in costs, and information delivery schedules in pharmaceuticals. Depending on the channel, consumers’ needs and wants differ, and there is success in personalizing and presenting reasonably logical thoughts to people. Synchronicity of online and offline communication effectively increases the customers’ power, trust, and satisfaction. E-marketing has always been significant in enhancing customers’ touch points, which is why digital transformation is vital. This study further supports the fact that multichannel marketing is mandatory for the success of a retail pharmacy in the prevalent, highly competitive environment. The implementation also presupposes knowledge of consumer differences, the synergy of online and offline contacts, the emphasis on personalization, and fast adaptation to the changing technological environment, but often within the framework of severe legislation. Full article
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