The paper aims to improve the methodology of measuring efficiency of Latvian banks. Efficiency scores were calculated with application of non-parametric frontier technique Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA). Input-oriented DEA model under Variable Returns to Scale (VRS) assumption was used. Potential model variables were selected based on the intermediation and profitability approach. Fourteen alternative models with different inputs-outputs combinations were developed for the research purposes. To substantiate the variables selection for DEA model the received data was processed, using such methods, as correlation analysis, linear regression analysis, analysis of mean values, and two-samples Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. The research results assisted the authors in providing general recommendations about the variables selection for DEA application in the Latvian banking sector. The present research contributes to the existing analytical data on bank performance in Latvia. The empirical findings provide a background for further studies, in particular, the efficiency of Latvian banks could be analysed in the extended time period.

Information and communication technologies enable the emergence of a new phenomenon called the “sharing economy”. An increasing number of articles in the media as well as debates about the positive and negative aspects of the sharing economy show a growing interest in the subject. The paper aims to review the different approaches to the definition of the sharing economy and to present the authors’ views on the concept. The reviewed literature reveals the main drivers for participating in the sharing economy. A survey was conducted to learn more about the motives of Lithuanian people participating in this concept. The survey reveals the following leading factors of using the sharing economy platforms: an easy way to make extra money; supporting individuals and/or small/independent companies; meeting new people and having an interesting experience/doing something most people haven’t tried yet. The survey also reveals that most of the respondents prefer to own things rather than share them. Despite the widespread popularity of the sharing economy platforms in the world, this phenomenon is in its infancy in Lithuania.

The paper presents an attempt to adopt a muticriteria decision making approach, particularly the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) model, and to evaluate the performance of banks. The model is based on a system of various qualitative and quantitative criteria and their mutual relations. A system of indicators is created and described and each indicator is assigned a different degree of significance taking into account the needs and priorities of both internal and external evaluators. Model adaptation to Lithuanian market and an empirical test enabled to compare banks between each other, reveal their ranking and identify the banks taking leading positions in the market. The conducted research has concluded that the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) model is appropriate for using it in the process valuating bank performance.

Using fuzzy cognitive mapping, this study aims to create a holistic framework whereby the determinants of bank branch service quality and their cause-and-effect relationships can be identified and dynamically analyzed. The methodology is applied using a group of experts from the banking industry in Portugal. Our results not only indicate the applicability and usefulness of the proposed approach, but identify human resource characteristics (which include collaborators' personal and professional training) and management team technical skills as particularly relevant driving forces of bank branch service quality. The proposal holds great potential for the operational planning and improvement of bank branch service quality, which is a prime concern for bank administrators, bank branch collaborators, and society at large. Advantages and shortcomings of the framework are also reported.

Industry 4.0 describes a phenomenon which augments business models and also communication channels in commercial enterprises. This paper analyses scientific publications related to the business model changes driven by Industry 4.0, and also digital internal communication channels used to reduce risks in the process. The paper is based upon a systematic review of scientific publications and evaluation by experts. The research revealed a gap between internal communication through digital channels and the change process in Industry 4.0-driven business models. Each channel has its mission and contributes to reducing risk during the change process. Since there is no universal digital channel for internal communication, different digital communication channels are efficient at different stages of change. The paper makes recommendations for enterprises, related to the effectiveness of digital communication channels during the business model transformation. It further contributes to existing knowledge by expanding the change process model and aligning the change process with features of digital communication channels. The research focused on the manufacturing sector, exploring digital communication channels used to reduce risk during the change process, which is a limitation of this study, along with assumption of a basic level of digital competences in the enterprise.