Notion and Factors Determining Regional Development
The term "region" is widely applicable across various fields such as economics, science, politics, and daily life While its fundamental meaning remains consistent, it carries distinct connotations depending on the context in which it is used Understanding the nuances of "region" is essential for a comprehensive analysis in these diverse areas.
The term "region" originates from the Latin word "regio, regionis," which translates to two primary meanings: a movement in a specific direction and the outline of a space, encompassing surroundings, land, or district Over time, the latter definition, relating to area, has gained significant importance and widespread acceptance, leading to the term's usage in various languages and countries.
Polish economist Ponikowski highlights the polysemy of the notion discussed.
The definition of a region is based on two key premises The first premise identifies a region as an area linked to a major city, highlighting the interrelation and gravitational force between the urban center and its surrounding areas as essential elements The second premise views a region as a cohesive and homogeneous area defined by specific characteristics that shape its identity Ponikowski's definitions underscore the importance of borders between regions and their relationship with surrounding areas, leading to administrative divisions that significantly influence the understanding of regional phenomena This perspective can either concentrate or artificially diminish the perceived intensity of these phenomena.
Parteka, architect and urban planner, understands ‘‘region’’ as a material area that is a part of space usually used by people, i.e a fragment of a larger whole It is
1 Korenik S.: Development of Economic Region quoting the example of Dolny S´la˛sk [In Polish] Wyd Akademii Ekonomicznej we Wrocławiu, Wrocław 1999., p 9.
2 Ponikowski H.: About Properties of Regional Phenomena Space In: Local and Regional Econo- my in Theory and Practice [In Polish] Red D Strahl Prace Naukowe Akademii Ekonomicznej we Wrocławiu nr 1124 Wrocław 2006, p 194.
K Nermend (ed.), Vector Calculus in Regional Development Analysis, 5 Contributions to Economics,
Defining the concept of a "region" in spatial economy and geography is challenging due to the absence of a universally accepted definition A region is characterized as a homogenous and cohesive area, distinguished from a larger space based on specific criteria The importance of objective criteria in delineating regions is emphasized by Parteka, who expands on the concept by identifying the elements necessary to form a cohesive whole While both Parteka and Ponikowski address the boundaries of regions, they hold fundamentally different views; Parteka advocates for explicit border definitions, whereas Ponikowski argues that these borders are inherently natural and cannot be precisely marked.
This publication emphasizes the distinction between natural regions, defined by physical geography, and economic regions, which consist of interconnected spatial units that form part of a larger geographical whole Economic regions are characterized by shared features and can either be well-established or in the process of development These regions are interconnected with their natural environments through co-existence and interdependence, while also maintaining significant relationships with external environments through intense interdependence.
In the literature, economic region is classified in many different ways, for instance Kucin´ski divides economic region in the following way 6 :
1 Zonal region (surface, homogenous) that is homogenous in certain respects;
2 Central region (nodal), i.e area of gravities or economic links with a center of a region;
3 Extensive region, i.e manufacturing complex of a certain production-service specialization.
Korol's typology of economic regions categorizes them based on their specialization, identifying several distinct types of economic regions.
– Industrial, further divided by specialization (taken particular types of production into account),
3 Cf Doman´ski R.: Spatial Development [In Polish] Wyd Naukowe PWN, Warszawa 2002, p 109.
4 T Parteka: Regional Development Strategy In: Regions [In Polish] Red Z Brodecki Lexis Nexis, Warszawa 2005, p 63.
5 See: R Doman´ski: Shaping Open Economic Regions [In Polish] PWN, Warszawa 1972, p 7.
6 K Kucin´ski: Economic Geography [In Polish] SGH, Warszawa 2004, p 175.
7 J Korol: Indicators showing Sustainable Development in Regional Processes Modelling.[In Polish] Wyd Adam Marszałek, Torun´ 2007 p 15.
– Agricultural (can be divided further as well),
– Agricultural-industrial, depending on promotion between main production departments,
This typology is in accordance with what Kucin´ski has proposed Types of specialist regions coincide with zonal, central and extensive regions.
The concept of economic regions plays a crucial role in understanding regional development, which remains challenging to define due to its complexity and multifaceted nature Development is characterized by directed and irreversible changes within complex systems Borys argues that the term "development" is inherently ambiguous and lacks a definitive meaning, making it a fundamental concept As Piontek points out, the term is widely used, and the Dictionary of the Polish Language describes development as the progression from simpler to more advanced forms or stages, highlighting its broad applicability.
The regional development process has been extensively studied, with researchers highlighting challenges in defining its specific nature and essence For instance, M Pieńta's work, "Factors and Determinants Shaping the Development of Economic Region," published in 2002, addresses these complexities within the context of economic regions.
The literature on regional development and planning in Poland encompasses significant contributions from various authors K Secomski's work from 1987 focuses on theoretical frameworks for regional development, while T Kudłacz's 1999 publication delves into regional development programming In 2007, J Cha˛dzyn´ski, A Nowakowska, and Z Przygodzki explored the impact of globalization on regional development Kudłacz's earlier work in 1993 addressed socio-economic development at the local level K Gawlikowska-Hueckel's 2003 study examined regional development processes within the European Union, and S Korenik's research highlighted disparities in Polish regional development Additionally, the collective work edited by J Kaj and K Piech in 2005 discusses regional and local policy in Poland, while A Jewtuchowicz's 2005 publication addresses contemporary dilemmas in territorial development.
J Adamiak, W Kosiedowski, A Potoczek, B Słowin´ska: Management of Regional and Local Development, Theoretical and Practical problems [In Polish] Wyd Dom Organizatora, Torun´ 2001; B Winiarski: Regional Policy [In Polish] PWE, Warszawa 1976.
The determinants of regional development are explored in depth by Z Szymla in his 2000 publication from the Akademia Ekonomiczna w Krakowie, while W Krajewski discusses the concepts of development and progress in the context of historical research, edited by J Kmita and published by PWN in 1977.
In the article "Axiological Foundations of Development" by T Borys, featured in the compilation "Humanistic, Economic and Environmental Aspects of Development," the author explores the essential values that underpin socio-economic growth Edited by F Piontek and J Czerny, this work is part of the WSEiA Scientific Papers series and emphasizes the interplay between humanistic values and economic progress Borys's insights are further contextualized by B Piontek's analysis of contemporary determinants of socio-economic development, highlighting the significance of value-based frameworks in shaping sustainable growth.
The Free Dictionary by Farlex provides a comprehensive definition of "development," accessible online However, it lacks clarity on the intended beneficiaries and the specific criteria that need to be fulfilled for achieving development.
In order to define regional development, one should understand the notion
Development is a multifaceted concept often defined as both a product and a process As a product, it encompasses key indicators such as employment, wealth, investments, standard of living, and working conditions, which are crucial for individuals living, working, and investing in specific regions Conversely, as a process, development involves industry support, infrastructure enhancement, labor force growth, and market evolution, all of which are areas of focus for economists and planners.
Balancing the desired outcomes of economic development with the processes used to achieve them can be challenging This presents a dilemma for those managing economic development, as they strive to align product objectives with effective and acceptable economic strategies and plans.
Regional development serves as a foundational topic for discussions on economic policy, systemic transformation, and European integration, as noted by Strahl Markowska emphasizes that it encompasses socio-economic growth within a region, focusing on enhancing its economic potential and improving residents' quality of life This process involves both quantitative and qualitative advancements across economic, cultural, and social activities, as well as interactions within socio-production and political spheres Similarly, Kudłacz highlights that regional development signifies a consistent rise in living standards and economic potential within a specific area These definitions reflect changes in various components that drive regional progress.
12 B Piontek: Contemporary Determinants [In Polish] p 16.
13 Regional Development Assessment Methods [In Polish] Red D Strahl Wyd Akademii Eko- nomicznej we Wrocławiu, Wrocław 2006, p 13.
14 M Markowska: Regional Development Determinants [In Polish] Prace Naukowe Akademii Ekonomicznej we Wrocławiu nr 939 Wrocław 2002, p 20.
15 T Kudłacz: Regional Development Programming [In Polish] , p 15.
Data Monitoring for Regional Development Assesment
Accurate assessment of regional development relies on access to a wide range of diverse yet comparable information Any deficiencies or gaps in this data can obstruct the evaluation process, restricting its comprehensiveness and objectivity.
39 S Gil, J S´leszyn´ski: Lasting Economic Prosperity Indicators [In Polish] In: Economist [In Polish] Warszawa 2000, pp 608–609.
40 B Piontek: Determinants of Socio-economic Development in Contemporary Economy [In Polish] In: Economy and Environment no 1(27) [In Polish] Fundacja Ekonomisto´w S´rodowiska i Zasobo´w Naturalnych, Białystok 2005, p 25.
41 Cf S Gil, J S´leszyn´ski: op.cit., pp 608–609; J S´leszyn´ski: op.cit., p 362.
Assessment refers to determining the value and significance of a subject, which, in the context of regional development, involves diagnosing the state of a region This understanding aligns with numerous publications on the topic Furthermore, the ability to forecast future trends through historical data projections, dynamic analyses, or interregional comparisons relies heavily on the availability of comprehensive database resources.
Regional monitoring is crucial for understanding changes within a specific area, involving the systematic collection of both quantitative and qualitative data This ongoing observation of regional development phenomena enables the identification of responses to various actions The gathered information forms a comprehensive database that local authorities utilize for informed decision-making Consequently, monitoring plays a vital role in the programming and management of regional development, particularly when aligned with sustainable development principles Effective regional development relies heavily on the insights gained through continuous monitoring efforts.
The system of regional monitoring should be analyzed on the following planes:
The organizational structure of the monitoring system comprises various units, including statistical offices, local government statistical services, and other entities responsible for recording regional changes The Central Statistical Office (GUS) serves as the primary unit for collecting statistical information essential for evaluating regional development As a central body of public administration, GUS is mandated by legal regulations, such as the Public Statistics Act and Statistical Research, to ensure the widespread availability of data.
For further insights, consult the following sources: M Obre˛balski's study on the Urban Audit, which explores the measurement of living standards in selected European cities, published in the 2003 edition of Prace Naukowe Akademii Ekonomicznej we Wrocławiu, page 448 Additionally, M Markowska's work on regional databases as a tool for enhancing regional management can be found in the same publication, pages 102-103.
Monitoring refers to a systematic approach that involves long-term or repeated observation of specific phenomena and their responses This concept is characterized by continuous and consistent measurements, as outlined in various dictionaries, emphasizing the importance of ongoing assessment in understanding these phenomena.
45 Cf M Obre˛balski: Public Statistics as a Means for Supporting Local Authorities in Decision- making [In Polish] In: Strategic Decisions in Regional Economy [In Polish] Red R Krupski,
46 W Toczyski: System for Monitoring Sustainable Development in Northern Poland [In Polish]In: Sustainable Development – Polish and European Experience [In Polish] Red S Czaja.Biblioteka ‘‘Ekonomia i S´rodowisko’’ nr 23 Nowa Ruda 2005.
Programme announced every year) Access to data is at present relatively easy as it is published on websites of Central Statistical Office in the form of Regional Database (BDR) 47
Since its inception in 1995, the Regional Database has emerged as Poland's largest online repository of socio-economic, demographic, and environmental information The main website offers a comprehensive catalogue of available data, organized by various indicators that describe territorial divisions across the country The database continually evolves, with the number of features varying each year based on research scope and ongoing expansions To date, GUS has compiled approximately 1,800 features, covering categories such as territorial division, including the surface area of counties and the number of villages and towns.
– Local self-government (councilors by sex, age, occupational group),
– Population (population state and natural movement, migrations for permanent residence),
– Surface area and use of arable land (farmlands, other arable land and wastelands), – Transport and communications (county, local and city roads, post offices, tele- phone subscribers),
– State of the environment and environmental protection (municipal sewage treatment plants, air pollution emission, industrial waste, natural and landscape protection, greens),
– Communal economy (water system, sewage system, gas mains in cities, power industry, public transport routes),
– Tourism (tourist accommodation, accommodation places by categories), – Pre-school education (number of institutions, places, children, teachers), – Education (number of institutions, departments, pupils/students, teachers, grad- uates),
– Health protection and social security (hospitals, health care in spas, clinics, pharmacies, health service, cre`ches, social security institutions),
– Culture and art (libraries, cinemas, theaters),
– REGON, i.e National Economy Register (units registered in sectors and sec- tions of EKD, 48 i.e European Classification of Business Activity),
– Income and expenditure in the district budget (income and expenditure in the district budget by sources and purposes).
The above information refers to voivodships, counties and communes as subjects in the system of social and administrative organization of a country, as
47 The address of Regional Database website is as follows: http://www.stat.gov.pl/bdr/.
The European Classification of Business Activity (Polish EKD) is based on a project by the Statistical Bureau of European Community EUROSTAT, providing a systematic classification of socio-economic activities within the national economy This classification is integral to the Nomenklatura Jednostek Terytorialnych do Celo´w Statystycznych (NTS), which organizes Poland into five hierarchical territorial units Among these, three levels are regional and two levels are local, facilitating a structured understanding of regional and local economic activities.
1 level 1 – the area of a region (on May 1, 2004, 6 regions were outlined each of which included from two to four voivodships),
3 level 3 – sub regions (groups of counties).
The local level includes counties (level 4) and communes (level 5), aligning with the identifiers and nomenclature of administrative divisions outlined in the National Register of Official Territorial Division of a Country (TERYT).
A Polish voivodship qualifies as a region within the EU framework by meeting two essential criteria: it serves as the largest administrative unit in the country and possesses elective authorities, legal subjectivity, and its own budget Additionally, it aligns with the Assembly of European Regions' definition, which highlights the importance of political representation, as a region is defined as a territorial unit situated directly below central government with elected political representatives.
NTS nomenclature has been worked out on the basis of European Nomenclature of Territorial Units for Statistics (NUTS) that is in operation in EU Member States.
The nomenclature is vital for gathering and standardizing regional statistics across EU Member States, facilitating data accessibility It plays a crucial role in shaping regional policies and is essential for analyzing socio-economic development levels in various regions Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of assessing regional diversity and formulating effective regional development programs.
NUTS distinguishes the following categories 52 :
49 NTS description has been presented, among other things, on the website: Nomenklatura NTS. GUS, http://www.stat.gov.pl/bdrpl/slowniki.nts_info (accessed October 9, 2007).
The webpage you are looking for does not exist Please return to the homepage for further assistance Your IP address is 158.101.18.67, and the error ID is 20000051 (04).
51 See: Regulation (EC) NO 1059/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council (dated May
26, 2003) on the establishment of common classification of territorial units for statistics (NUTS). DzU L 154 dated June 21, 2003, p 1.
For more information on NUTS (Nomenclature of Territorial Units for Statistics), refer to the following sources: J Żebrowska-Cielek’s work on the nomenclature published in 2001, available online at http://eupolicy-jeanmonnet.sggw.waw.pl/publikacja/5.3.pdf (accessed August 7, 2007), and M Rozkrut's analysis of economic development in Polish counties in relation to NUTS 1, featured in "Taxonomy 13," edited by K Jajuga and M Walesiak, Wrocław 2006, pages 343-344 Additionally, you can find details about the division of Poland into statistical units at http://www.zyrardow.pl/ue,podzial (accessed August 8, 2007).
1 NUTS I – the largest unit inhabited by from 3 to 7 million people, corresponds to, e.g States of Germany and to level 1 in the aforementioned NTS nomenclature;
NUTS II allows for a comprehensive presentation of socio-economic issues within a regional framework, aligning with the structure of regions in countries like France and Spain, which have populations ranging from 800,000 to 3 million This classification corresponds to level 2 in the NTS nomenclature, specifically referring to voivodships.
NUTS III areas, which range from 150,000 to 800,000 inhabitants, are too small for comprehensive regional analyses These areas include entities such as French departments and German counties, corresponding to level 3 in the Nomenclature of Territorial Units for Statistics (NTS), which groups counties together.
4 NUTS IV – category defined only in certain countries, e.g British counties, corresponding to level 4 in NUTS (counties);
5 NUTS V – basic units, i.e communes (level 5 in NTS).
Regional Development Indicators
Effective monitoring requires identifying key areas for observation and selecting suitable indicators These indicators not only measure the achievement of objectives and track changes in influencing factors but also engage participants in the control process By doing so, they facilitate program implementation and enable adjustments to align behaviors with established management goals.
When developing a system of indicators, it is essential to define the criteria they must fulfill Drawing from experience in creating indicator systems for organizations like the UN and OECD, three key criteria emerge.
– Analytical and perceptual clarity for all the participants in monitoring system, – ‘‘Technical’’ feasibility, possibility of taking measurement in particular.
60 L Wojtasiewicz: Strategy for Voivodship Development Socio-economic Aspects [In Polish] In: Spatial Information in Regional Economy [In Polish] Instytut Geodezji i Kartografii, Warszawa
61 Indicator is understood as a measure determining the level of occurrence of a certain phenome- non and at the same time defining the degree to which objectives established have been achieved.
62 GUS (Central Statistical Office) website, http://www.stat.gov.pl/gus/opis_wskaznikow_2891_PLK_WAI.htm (accessed September 15, 2007).
On the basis of the above criteria, one can prepare a detailed set of features by which regional development indicators should be characterized These indicators should:
– Present a representative view of the system observed and conditions of environ- ment,
– Provide a well-founded basis for responding to occurring changes,
– Be related to systems recognized internationally, provide basis for making international, national and regional comparisons,
– Allow the assessment and interpretation of indicator value also via referring to standard values,
– Refer to functioning socio-economic models (development and control), decision-making models, models for forecasting and informing,
– Be based on available information that is well proven and of recognized quality, – Have a comprehensible construction, and results of measurement should be relatively easy to interpret,
Indicators play a vital role in evaluating regional development, as they allow for the comparison of countries and regions The significance of these indicators lies in their ability to facilitate relative assessments and track changes over time Without comparability, the effectiveness of indicators diminishes, making it challenging to gauge progress and understand the factors influencing development outcomes.
When developing a system of indicators, it is essential to tailor it to the specific roles and needs of different user groups, as well as the unique challenges faced in particular regions For effective communication with politicians and the broader public, a comprehensive system should aggregate detailed indicators to create synthetic measures for informed decision-making Selecting key indicators that align with specific objectives and issues is crucial Additionally, the indicator system should significantly impact social engineering, ensuring that the indicators accurately reflect reality and are appropriately weighted to facilitate knowledge acquisition.
In the realm of environmental studies, K Nermend's research highlights a synthetic measure of sea environment pollution, published in the Polish Journal of Environmental Studies in 2005 Additionally, D Strahl's work from 2003 employs classification methods to assess regional development levels, while W Tarczynski explores discriminatory analysis within stock exchanges in his 1996 article and further discusses capital markets in a 1997 publication Furthermore, M Oparło's 1972 work focuses on regional development measures These studies collectively contribute to a structured system of indicators tailored for specific audiences, as illustrated in Figure 1.4.
Regional development is influenced by a complex interplay of various factors, making it challenging to pinpoint specific indicators Key determinants include the region's location, natural resources, environmental conditions, agricultural characteristics, demographic trends, unemployment rates, and the qualifications of the labor force Additionally, the effectiveness of rural institutions, including local governments, property relations, capital availability, community engagement, economic structure, and infrastructure quality all play crucial roles in shaping regional development outcomes.
Number and range of indicators
Aggregation of information from indicators
Indicators to be made widely available
Fig 1.4 Aggregation of indicators depending on the way they are used
Source: elaboration based on R Coenen, H Paschen: Untersuchung zu einem integrativen Konzept nachhaltiger Entwicklung: Bestandsaufnahme, Problemanalyse, Weiterentwicklung. Institut fu¨r Technikfolgenabscha¨tzung und Systemanalyse, Karlruhe 1999, p 4
The socio-economic development level of communes in the Rzeszowski Region exhibits significant diversity, as explored by Kudłacz and Grzebyk in their 2002 study Additionally, Duczkowska-Małysz's 1996 report on rural area development highlights key factors influencing this growth Parysek's 1997 work on local economy fundamentals further underscores the complexities of economic dynamics within these communities.
All the indicators taken into account in regional development analysis can be divided into the following groups:
– Variables characterizing the degree to which socio-economic infrastructure has developed.
Demographic variables play a crucial role in shaping the social, political, and economic landscape of regions, making their assessment essential for effective regional development strategies The quality and quantity of human resources, along with their migration patterns, significantly impact this development Understanding whether a region attracts new settlers or experiences outmigration, as well as the age structure of these populations, is vital for formulating targeted strategies Distinct approaches are necessary for regions with elderly populations compared to those with a working-age demographic, as each group has unique expectations and needs Key demographic factors include birth rate, population density, and the gender ratio, which collectively inform regional development planning.
To accurately assess the demographic situation of a region, it is essential to consider multiple indicators, as relying on a single metric can lead to misleading interpretations For example, a region may experience a high number of births, yet still have a negative birth rate, indicating an unfavorable demographic trend Key indicators to analyze include the ratio of pre-working age men to working age individuals, the working age population relative to the total population, the ratio of post-working age individuals to the working age population, the number of married couples per 100 persons, and both population influx and outflow rates per 1,000 individuals.
Socio-economic indicators are crucial for understanding regional dynamics and include various metrics such as industrial production per capita, personal income tax per 1,000 people, and county investment income per 1,000 residents Other important indicators consist of total per capita income, educational and health service expenditures per 1,000 inhabitants, and public safety spending per 1,000 residents Additionally, the number of firms per 1,000 population, the distribution of firms between public and private sectors, and land use statistics, such as arable land and forest area percentages, are significant Employment metrics, including the working population ratio and the percentage of working women, along with registered unemployment figures, further illustrate the socio-economic landscape of a region.
In a demographic analysis of 100 working-age individuals, the percentage of unemployed individuals who have never held a job is highlighted, alongside the proportion of higher education graduates among the total unemployed Additionally, the data reveals the percentage of unemployed women who have not worked yet, as well as the share of higher education graduates within this group The analysis also includes insights into the average gross monthly remuneration for these individuals, providing a comprehensive overview of the employment landscape.
Socio-economic indicators are crucial for understanding regional development, as they provide insights into human resources within a region For instance, while the demographic variable of working-age population offers a broad perspective, indicators such as the employment rate per 100 working-age individuals, the percentage of working women among the employed, and the unemployment rate per 100 inhabitants present a more detailed analysis of the labor market The quality and engagement of human resources, alongside the region's economic context, are fundamental for shaping investment strategies and making informed decisions Additionally, environmental indicators, including sewage management and pollution emissions per 100 firms, are essential for assessing the ecological impact of regional activities, further influencing development initiatives.
Environmental indicators provide crucial insights into the living conditions of residents in a specific region They serve two primary purposes: first, they highlight the impact of the environment on residents, which can influence their well-being and decision to remain in the area Second, these indicators reveal the commitment of local authorities to fostering optimal environmental conditions within their jurisdiction.
The final set of indicators for regional development analysis focuses on the advancement of socio-economic infrastructure Key metrics include the length of water supply systems and sewage systems per 100 kilometers, the number of flats available per occupant, the average floor area of flats per occupant, and the extent of hard surface roads in the county These variables provide a comprehensive framework for evaluating regional infrastructure development.
Improving hard surface roads to 100 km² enhances regional infrastructure, benefiting residents and attracting potential investors These indicators reflect the living conditions in the area, making them essential for assessing investment opportunities.
Organization of Analytical Processes in Regional Development
The analytical processes in regional development investigations aim to assess and diagnose the condition of a region by examining its demographic, socio-economic, environmental, and infrastructural factors This comprehensive evaluation gathers valuable information that aids in informed decision-making.
The decision-making process consists of two key components: the analytical stage, which focuses on the preparation of decisions, and the decision-making stage, which involves selecting the appropriate choice These procedures for preparing and making decisions are visually represented in Figure 2.1.
Pre-decision actions are a crucial part of the decision preparation process, encompassing a thorough analysis of information requirements, the collection and processing of both textual and spatial data, and the organization of this information into structured decision-making alternatives.
Decision-making is a conscious choice of decision-making variant made by persons entitled to make a decision and proceeded by reflection and consideration 2
A decision is a thoughtful choice among various options, made after analyzing potential actions Experience shows that a final decision emerges from the interplay of preferences among participants in the decision-making process This interaction occurs within their spheres of influence, particularly during regional development initiatives.
E Radosiński discusses the application of artificial neural networks in decision support for long-term planning within local self-governments, as highlighted by K Nermend and M Borawski in their 2005 study published in "Organization Support Systems." This research emphasizes the importance of integrating advanced technologies to enhance strategic planning and decision-making processes in local governance.
2 J Kozielecki: Decision-making [In Polish] PWN, Warszawa 1992, p 155.
3 J Rudnian´ski: Before a Decision [In Polish] PWE, Warszawa 1965.
4 B Roy: Multi-crtieria Decision Support [In Polish] PWN, Warszawa 1990, pp 18–19.
K Nermend (ed.), Vector Calculus in Regional Development Analysis, 31 Contributions to Economics,
In the context of regional development and decision-making, it is essential to conduct a thorough analysis of information needs, defining their scope and objectives This foundational step may involve exploring various suggestions for achieving goals, including the selection of appropriate indicators, the application of different classification methods, and the modeling of decision-making alternatives Such qualitative analysis is crucial for informed decision-making in regional development initiatives.
Selection of decision-making variant
Information structuring into decision-making variants
Fig 2.1 Components of decision-making process and their interactions
The analytical stage of the decision-making process involves identifying key factors and defining goals based on user information needs This process encompasses both organizational and psychological aspects, as well as the determination of relevant quantities and quality indicators for analysis Understanding these needs requires a systematic approach to problem identification, often presented in a formal manner.
AnẳfPd;Ce;Wr;Mt;Hpg; ð2:1ị where:
Pd– set of decision-making subjects, i.e organisations and persons whose infor- mation needs are to be satisfied,
Ce– set of goals, requirements and their interrelation,
Wr– set of external and internal conditions in which the analysis is conducted, e.g. economic, technical,
Mt– set of methods and techniques that allows to identify goals and relations between them, e.g various heuristic methods or advanced techniques of computer simulation,
Hp– set of hypotheses, mainly in the form of coefficient of probability of specific situation occurrence or state of its surroundings.
In the decision-making process, the decision-maker plays a crucial role in addressing their information needs, which are often influenced by personal preferences and contextual factors Effective decision-making requires consideration of various alternatives while also incorporating the perspectives of other participants This process frequently occurs under challenging conditions, such as imprecise information, uncertainty, and risk Within the realm of regional development analysis, several key groups can be identified as integral to the decision-making process.
– Authorities and persons employed in local and regional self-governments, – Central authorities,
5 Z Bubnicki: IT Foundations of Management Systems [In Polish] Wyd Politechniki Wrocławs- kiej, Wrocław 1993; K Nermend: Introduction to Document Management in Enterprise. [In Polish] Studia Informatica no 17 Szczecin 2003, pp 55–62.
In "Computer Systems in Business," Kisielnicki and Sroka explore the role of informatics in management, emphasizing the significance of effective computer systems for business operations Additionally, Nermend discusses various methods for identifying patterns within enterprise information bases, highlighting the importance of data analysis in making informed decisions This collection of insights underscores the critical relationship between technology and management in enhancing business efficiency and decision-making processes.
7 W.T Bielecki: Informatics in Management [In Polish] PWE, Warszawa 2000, pp 66–74.
Influential groups and individuals involved in the decision-making process aim to achieve diverse goals aligned with their operational strategies These goals are defined by varying coefficients that indicate their relevance and feasibility Often, they are structured in a hierarchical format, consisting of primary and secondary objectives, and may be represented through relational or object models that illustrate their interconnections In the context of regional data analysis, the goals pursued by decision-making entities may include a range of specific outcomes.
1 Comparative analysis of regions with regard to their economic potential, devel- opment of local infrastructure, etc;
2 Selection of regions meeting the criteria of investors to the largest extent;
3 Offering the best conditions for investment by providing access to economic indicators and ordered information about a region;
4 Improvement in development planning and land development;
5 Effective expending of budgetary funds on investment activities.
When conducting analytical work, it is essential to recognize that internal conditions are often influenced by external factors from the surrounding region These external conditions can significantly impact the analyzed situation and impose constraints In the context of regional development, it is important to acknowledge that decisions are influenced by both economic and political factors Current political circumstances can greatly affect economic decisions, such as government investments in strategically important regions Such investments can increase the attractiveness of these areas, irrespective of the conditions that existed prior to these decisions.
Utilizing analytical methods allows for the identification and evaluation of information needs among participants in the decision-making process This process is inherently dynamic, making it challenging to clearly define the components involved, such as decision-making subjects, goals, and conditions Consequently, various hypotheses are generated regarding these elements The analytical phase involves practical data acquisition, processing, and the development of decision-making alternatives However, decision-makers often operate with incomplete information, necessitating the consideration of multiple complex factors.
E Kolbusz's work, "Analysis of Information Needs in Enterprises – Methodological Basis," highlights a significant information gap that can be addressed by enhancing information acquisition processes, improving the quality and quantity of information, and selecting appropriate processing methods This involves gathering essential economic data that underpins regional development analysis, such as information on grants, education spending, and financial investments in environmental protection By utilizing sets of indicators, analysts can effectively assess and forecast actions, leading to the creation of standard objects and the application of classification methods alongside statistical and econometric models for informed decision-making.
1 Demographic indicators, e.g birth rate, number of contracted marriages, influx and outflow of population in a particular region;
2 Socio-economic indicators, for example the amount of personal income tax and corporate income tax, per capita income, expenditure on health protection and education;
3 Environmental indicators, for example amount of sewage channeled or treated, emission of particulate and gaseous pollutants;
4 Socio-economic infrastructure indicators, for example length of working water supply system, sewage system, floor surface of flats, length of roads.
The level of regional development is assessed through accurate identification and analysis of changes in regional components This development encompasses various potential scenarios for services or products influenced by numerous quantitative and qualitative factors Additionally, the interdisciplinary nature of regional development complicates the decision-making process.
To effectively achieve the goals set by participants in decision-making processes, it is essential to anticipate, describe, and manage these processes while employing advanced methods such as data classification and analysis This approach facilitates economic assessments, enables the classification of regions based on various criteria, and helps identify favorable, neutral, and unfavorable relationships among different entities Additionally, it allows for the evaluation of the economic potential of specific communes, counties, and voivodships.
9 J Czermin´ski: Decision Support Systems in Corporate Management [In Polish] Dom Organiza- tora, Torun´–Gdan´sk 2002, pp 14–16.
10 W Flakiewicz: Semantic Aspects of Information and Decision-making Process [In Polish]