The purpose of the article was to reveal the concept of positioning in the market and its main components by identifying the main strategic advantages and properties of this approach. In addition, the article notes the basic rules for positioning the product and highlights the importance of using the positioning map in controlling the position of the product. The article considers the history of the concept of positioning, defines the features of the approaches and definitions of various authors, as well as the analysis of the selection of its criteria. The authors of the article explain the essence of the positioning process, justify the conditions for choosing a positioning strategy.

Methodology - The authors used a comparative method of analyzing various positioning strategies and strategic branding, as well as a structural and functional approach in assessing the versatile risky positions of products in the market, in presenting individual positioning processes and describing their stages.

Originality / value of the research. The results of the study provide new systematized knowledge that contributes to the further development of the scientific foundations of strategic positioning, increasing the level of scientific research, as well as expanding practical application.

Findings - The authors summarize the theoretical and methodological aspects of strategic positioning, based on the systematization of existing practices, the author's interpretation of the concept of "positioning" is given, an author's algorithm is proposed for the actions of companies to develop and implement a positioning strategy based on the need to plan brand development and mandatory analysis of the competitive environment through the definition of attributes and images of competing companies.

The fundamental structural transformations that have taken place in the country's economy have led to a deterioration in the quality of the economic system and increased dependence of the national economy on the conjuncture of world markets. Our previous research was concerned with determining what triggered the change in the structure of the economy, how effective the changes were, and what changes in sector proportions they led to. In this article, we tried to analyze whether we are facing the consequences of the "Dutch disease", which led to structural transformations in the economy.

The purpose of the study is to confirm our assumption that the economy of the Republic of Kazakhstan is subject to the "Dutch disease".

Methodology of the study. The authors relied on the cointegration analysis of time series using the Engle-Granger tests, the analysis of the stationarity of the Dickey-Fuller methods in order to determine cointegration, to assess the degree of interrelation between the values of mining and manufacturing production volumes on GDP indicators, as evidence of the presence of "Dutch disease".

Originality / value of the research. The originality and value of the study lies on the fact that the authors tried to analyze the economy for the presence of "Dutch disease" in the economy of Kazakhstan using time series analysis methods.

Findings. There is an assumption that the economy of Kazakhstan has certain symptoms and signs of the "Dutch disease", but it is not possible to say unequivocally that it was the main catalyst for structural changes, due to the fact that we could not prove the existence of a negative relationship between the growth rates of the mining industry and the manufacturing industry.

The purpose of the research is to develop a model for managing the innovative activity of textile enterprises in Kazakhstan, taking into account the study of foreign experience, scientific works in the field of managing innovative activity, and also taking into account the peculiarities of the functioning of domestic textile enterprises.

Methodology – the article uses generally accepted scientifi c methods of analysis and synthesis, methods of comparison, generalization of research results, methods of expert assessment. We also used a systemic and integrated approach to the study of management problems and the development of socio-economic processes in society.

Originality / value of the research. Most of the textile enterprises in the Republic of Kazakhstan are small and all of them belong to the private sector. Despite various measures of state support, the competitiveness of domestic textile enterprises remains at a low level. Therefore, in order to increase the competitiveness of textile enterprises, it is necessary to stimulate their innovative activity. The article examines the need to create a management model for effective management of innovative activities of domestic textile enterprises.

Findings. A model for managing innovative activities of textile enterprises has been developed. The model proposed by the authors provides for the creation of a center for the management of innovative activities of textile enterprises and the use of a cross-functional integrated method when forming a team of employees implementing innovations. According to the authors, this will have a positive impact on increasing the competitiveness of domestic textile enterprises.

Purpose - This study aims to investigate the environmentally and socially-conscious behavior of Kazakhstani consumers in the sector of hospitality and tourism.

Methodology - This empirical research is based on the quantitative research method and applies a survey data collection technique. The self-administered questionnaires were distributed among potential consumers relying on a convenience sampling technique. The attitudes of consumers towards responsible business practices of hospitality and tourism firms have been examined by the application of the Pearson Correlation Analysis.

Originality / value - The study contributes to the theory building in the field of consumer behavior by responding to a contextual gap in the literature on environmentally and socially-conscious behavior of Kazakhstani consumers focusing on their attitudes towards sustainable business practices in hospitality and tourism and offers practical implications for domestic tourism and hospitality service providers.

Findings - The findings show that consumers with higher levels of awareness about sustainable business practices and principles tend to pay higher prices for environmental and socially friendly hospitality and tourism offerings corresponding to sustainability standards and such kind of behavior does not depend on income or education level of individuals.

Purpose of research. The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic lockdown has created a significant threat to the global economy as well as the life of each of us. This paper examines the effect of coronavirus on tourism and proposes a framework of how Kazakhstan can adopt strategies from the international experience (e.g., the UK, Italy, Spain) in order to support tourism sector.

Methodology. To achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the study applies qualitative research method that includes in-depth literature reviews of secondary data including research publications (books, peer reviewed journal, reports, government portals, conference papers, online news/article sources etc.).

Originality / value. The study includes the analysis of the secondary data concerning the consequences of COVID-19 on economy through comparative analysis between the actions concerning the recovery process of two governments: Kazakhstan and the UK. Based on that the most appropriate recovery steps were presented that would be helpful for tourism support.

Findings. This study finds that in the short- term, it might be more appropriate for national economies to prioritize domestic rather than international tourism. Also, in terms of medium to long terms plans, it is important for Kazakhstan learning lessons from international experiences to take actions for the tourism recovery plan, e.g., the support scheme for heritage places and organizations.

The article recognizes the practical impact of this review that it can be consulted as an action plan (or handbook) on which steps could be adopted to support tourism. The limitation is that this research is based on the secondary data which is scarce and that the COVID-19 is still happening and the recovery process is an ongoing event, there are not many reliable academic literatures published yet. The findings of the study are expected to aid the academics to conduct future in-depth research.

The purpose of the study is to determine the model of corporate social responsibility in Kazakhstan, as well as to identify problems and development prospects based on the analysis of the promotion of its ideas.

Methodology. To determine trends in the development of corporate social responsibility in Kazakhstan, the following approaches have been applied: systemic, dialectical, comparative, territorial-evaluative. The variety of methods is combined into groups: description, comparison, economic and statistical methods, correlation analysis, generalization, other methods and techniques.

Originality / value of the research. The article discusses the features of promoting the principles of corporate social responsibility (hereinafter - CSR) in the Republic of Kazakhstan. All components of promoting CSR principles in Kazakhstan are considered as a single system, which defines the conceptual framework, stakeholders in the development of CSR, as well as legal support for its development in the country. The authors characterize the Kazakhstani CSR model of large business and provide examples of the practical implementation of its principles at the present stage. Social investment of subsoil user companies in the territory of their presence in Pavlodar region is analyzed. The considered social investment was carried out within the framework of memorandums of mutual cooperation with local executive authorities.

Findings. Based on the study, the authors formulated conclusions about the state of development of CSR business in Kazakhstan.

The purpose of the study is to systematize modern ideas about the principles and processes of corporate social responsibility (CSR) in the quasi-public sector.

Methodology - formalized methods for the analysis of literary sources - contextual analysis, deduction, adaptation method.

Originality / value of the research. Research represents the value for companies of the quasi-public sector of the Republic of Kazakhstan, since it allows to eliminate existing gaps of knowledge (research gaps) in the methodology of corporate social responsibility management. To summarize the quality and effectiveness of CSR, the principles of CSR and the principles of effective management of CSR in the quasi-public sector of the economy are formulated. These principles are implemented in practice through CSR processes and projects.

Findings - the model of effective CSR management is proposed, linking the PDCA cycle (Plan-Do-Check-Act), CSR processes and principles of effective CSR management. The proposed model can be taken as a general structural framework of the CSR management system in a quasi-public company and further decompose this system to the level of specific CSR procedures and projects.

The purpose of the study is to analyze the current state of the youth labor market in Kazakhstan and its main indicators, consider and assess the mechanism of functioning of the system of state support for youth employment; also in reviewing the possibilities of government programs aimed at combating unemployment, including youth unemployment resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The research methodology includes statistical and economic, dialectical and comparative methods that were used in writing this scientific article. Since statistical and economic methods are a set of methods used in a comprehensive analysis of the dynamics of the development of certain economic processes, in this article, using the method under consideration, indicators of youth employment in Kazakhstan were grouped, statistical information was developed and analyzed, and also with the help of graphs and diagrams, the analysis results are displayed and assessed the state of the youth labor market. And with the help of the dialectical method, the state of development of economic processes in the labor market, in particular the relationship and interaction between the elements of the mechanism of state support was revealed. Using the comparative method, a comparative analysis of the indicators of the youth labor market and the experience of the functioning of the mechanism of state regulation, as well as the dynamics of changes in the indicators of youth unemployment over a five-year period was carried out.

The originality / value of the study lies in a comprehensive analysis of youth employment indicators in Kazakhstan for 2015-2019 and an assessment of the mechanism for the functioning of state programs and other elements of the state regulation system aimed at supporting the youth labor market in the context of the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic.

Findings - main focus andfindings of the article. The research results are related to the analysis of the main indicators of the youth labor market in Kazakhstan and the identification of the main priorities of social policy aimed at improving the system of state support for youth employment.

The purpose of the research is to assess the impact of the action plan of the Employment Roadmap on the unemployment rate in Kazakhstan.

Methodology. Synthetic Control Method was used in this paper. The method, which compares one or more units exposed to the event and determines what would have happened if the unit had not been treated. In other words, this method creates a weighted combination of control states to create a single «synthetic» control group, in order to approach the counterfactual unit in Kazakhstan in the absence of a plan or Roadmap.

The originality / value of the research based on the analysis, panel data from Kazakhstan and 13 donor pool countries for the period 2000-2019 were taken for modeling.

Findings: As a result of the study, it was revealed that the unemployment rate would have been 2% higher in 2019 if Kazakhstan had not adopted an action plan in the form of an Employment Roadmap in 2009.

Purpose of research. In recent years, the mechanism of public-private-partnership (PPP) has advanced as an effective approach in developing social and infrastructural projects. Improving sustainability performance in PPP projects is an important strategy for pursuing not only the mission of sustainable development but also economic goals of developing countries. This paper aims to review and combine what we know about PPP projects in Kazakhstan and to present future directions for research and practice.

Methodology. This article has been composed using descriptive methodology. An explorative and unstructured literature review was performed, later was subsequently paired with a structured literature review. This article joins several research areas on literature relating to problems, perspectives of PPP projects and their role in gaining SDG.

Originality / value of the research. The research focus was concentrated on the study and analysis of publicprivate partnership projects in Kazakhstan and their role in achieving sustainable development goals.

Findings. PPPs in Kazakhstan require comprehensive consideration to improve the legislative aspects and approach the forms of PPPs common in Western countries, improve conditions for the private sector and public involvement.

The purpose of the research is study and define methods for evaluating the effectiveness of regional programs

Methodology - in the course of the study, methods of comparative analysis, analogies, generalizations, classification, systemic and structural approaches, as well as the theory of strategic management at the city level were used. The research information base includes data from the Bureau of National statistics of Agency for Strategic planning and reforms of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Ministry of Regional Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan, as well as information published in foreign publications.

Originality / value of the research. The study carried out a comprehensive multilateral assessment of the effectiveness of regional programs, which is a system of indicators characterizing regional programs in different aspects.

Findings - the ways of increasing the efficiency of regional programs by means of their separation and periods of implementation are proposed, ensuring their continuity in achieving a comprehensive effect. Recommendations are given to regional authorities and administrations to improve the effectiveness of the main regional programs in the short and long term.

The purpose of the study based on the analysis of current trends in the development of housing construction and the assessment of the role of the state in this process, to identify existing problems and propose promising ways to solve them in the Republic of Kazakhstan.

Methodology. The article uses such research methods as comparison, generalization, analysis and synthesis, modeling (making a trend forecast).

Originality / value of the research. The results of the assessment of the development of the housing market in the Republic of Kazakhstan over the past 18 years allowed us to identify current limitations and problems in its development, including on the basis of the forecast of the development of the housing market until 2025 in order to develop appropriate recommendations for their solution.

Findings. According to the results of the study, the process of housing construction development from 2003 to 2020 in Kazakhstan was carried out mainly thanks to state financial support. The results of the trend analysis for the period from 2020 to 2025 showed that the peak of commissioning of residential buildings put into operation will be observed in 2023, and housing prices will increase. In this regard, the authors have proposed recommendations for solving such problems as reducing the level of corruption in the system of distribution of tender purchases, in the process of adoption and commissioning of the housing stock, as well as in the distribution of housing, the closedness of general plans of settlements to the population, insufficient quality of housing and others.

The purpose of the study is to disclosure of the essential incentives for digital transformation of traditional business models in the modern conditions of the world economy development and to form a model of digital transformation of the company's trading activities.

Methodology. The scientific work is based on the method of theoretical analysis of research by modern authors regarding the features in the field of digital transformation of business models of companies.

Originality / value of the research. Values and prerequisites for digital transformation of business models of trade organizations have been determined. The advantages of this transformation in the system of long-term planning and management of the organization are highlighted.

Findings. The basic business model of digital transformation has been identified and refined. The specification of the organization's business model key components in the context of digital transformation of operating activities has been determined.

The purpose of the study. Assessment of the impact the COVID-19 pandemic on the quality of education based on a study of the implementation of e-learning technologies using digital platforms in both foreign and Kazakhstani universities.

Methodology. Problems related to online learning and possible solutions were identified based on a retrospective and comparative analysis of foreign and Kazakhstan scientific research. Scientific literature search was carried out in large databases: Researchgate, Springer, ScienceDirect. During the search, 481 scientific articles were found that matched the entered search parameters. Given the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 465 papers were screened out, and the remaining 16 were sent for analysis.

Originality / value of the research. Along with identifying barriers to the introduction of e-learning, the main factors during the COVID-19 pandemic were identified that influenced the effectiveness of the educational process. The study revealed that digital platforms create sustainable competitive advantages and are the main tool for modernizing the learning process.

Findings. As a result of the study, the most significant factors related to technological knowledge management, as well as the level of readiness of universities, teachers and students to implement e-learning, were identified.