School of Management (capstones)

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https://er.auk.edu.ua/handle/234907866/3

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AI ADOPTION AND THE AUTONOMY-AUTHORITY GAP: EVIDENCE FROM A UKRAINIAN MARKETING FIRM
(Manuscript, 2026-05) Kosenko, Mykola
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the American University Kyiv, the School of Management for providing an inspiring academic environment and the opportunity to pursue my studies under challenging circumstances. I am especially thankful for the opportunity to continue my education while serving in the Armed Forces of Ukraine. This support has been invaluable and reflects the importance of accessible education for active-duty service members and veterans. I am grateful to the faculty for their guidance, professionalism, and commitment to academic excellence, which contributed significantly to my personal and professional growth. Finally, I would like to acknowledge the broader importance of supporting veterans’ education and development, as it plays a critical role in both individual growth and the future recovery and advancement of Ukraine. This experience has reinforced my belief in the value of continuous learning, resilience, and responsible leadership in times of uncertainty.
AI IN THE BOARDROOM: DIRECTOR SENSEMAKING IN UKRAINIAN CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
(Manuscript, 2026) Skorupych, Artem
While artificial intelligence increasingly influences organizational decision-making, how corporate board directors make sense of AI for governance purposes remains underexplored, particularly in non-Western and high-stress contexts. This study investigates three questions: how boards currently engage with AI, how board composition and organizational context shape directors' perspectives, and what governance practices directors identify as necessary for responsible adoption. Using a qualitative design, the research collected data through semi-structured interviews (n=5) and written qualitative surveys (n=17) with Ukrainian board directors across banking, technology, energy, healthcare, and other sectors. Analysis followed Gioia-inspired methodology, progressing from first-order concepts through interpretive themes to aggregate theoretical dimensions. Findings reveal directors hold a dialectical understanding of AI—simultaneously recognizing its potential to address cognitive constraints (information overload, backward focus, data fragmentation) while creating governance risks (explanation difficulties, accountability ambiguity, judgment erosion). Board composition, particularly the mix of technical and traditional expertise, systematically shapes these perspectives, while Ukrainian wartime conditions create paradoxical pressures making AI both more urgent and more risky. Directors converge on governance practices emphasizing human-in-the-loop principles, formal frameworks, transparency, and director capability-building. The study contributes to bounded rationality, upper echelons, and socio-technical systems theories while demonstrating how extreme contexts function as theoretical microscopes, revealing dynamics relevant to boards globally.
AI INTEGRATION FOR TEST CASES GENERATION AND MAINTENANCE: OPTIMIZING TEST TEAM WORKFLOW
(Manuscript, 2026-05) Stepaniuk, Taras
Manual quality assurance workflows in fast-paced software delivery increasingly struggle to keep pace with rapid code evolution, with QA teams spending disproportionate effort on interpreting requirements and maintaining test documentation. This research investigates whether an Artificial Intelligence-driven middleware can optimize this workflow by automating the synthesis of requirements, design, source code, and existing test documentation into actionable testing artifacts. A middleware solution was designed and implemented on the Fastlane framework, integrating data from Asana, Figma, GitLab, and TestRail, and leveraging the OpenAI GPT-4.1 model through a structured Chain-of-Thought prompt. The evaluation combined quantitative KPI tracking across 24 production tasks with qualitative feedback from three QA engineers. The results demonstrate a 68% reduction in the test documentation effort ratio, a decrease in the median number of dev/test iterations from three to one, and a doubling of the single-iteration resolution rate. Qualitative analysis confirmed accelerated feature comprehension and reduced cognitive load. The study validates a hybrid human–AI model of quality assurance and defines a roadmap toward autonomous test maintenance.
AI-AUGMENTED PRE-SALES: DESIGNING AND EVALUATING AN AGENTIC RFP WORKFLOW IN HEALTHCARE AND LIFE SCIENCES
(Manuscript, 2026-05) Budnichenko, Svitlana
This study investigates the design and evaluation of an AI-augmented Request for Proposal (RFP) response workflow within the Healthcare and Life Sciences (HC&LS) pre-sales practice of a global IT services firm. Using a Design Science Research methodology combined with a quasi-experimental before-and-after evaluation, the study develops a Minimum Viable Prototype (MVP) comprising three coordinated AI layers — Research Agent's Cluster, Prototype Brief Writer, and Proposal Narrative Writer agent — embedded within a multi-agent full architecture and orchestrated via the n8n workflow automation platform. The workflow incorporates Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) using a Supabase pgvector knowledge base constructed from 192 classified HC&LS proposals from the organization's knowledge base, of which 32 are fully enriched with ten structured fields and indexed via cosine similarity search. The MVP reduced the active effort required to produce a first reviewable draft by approximately 80–85%, compressing the elapsed cycle from a typical 5–7 day process to same-day draft availability, while achieving a proposal quality score of 25/30 (83%) on a six-dimension evaluation rubric. Findings show that AI creates the greatest pre-sales value when embedded in a redesigned end-to-end workflow as an augmentation layer, not when applied as isolated task automation. Six design principles are derived: augmentation over automation, RAG-based knowledge grounding, early-stage AI prototyping, modular agent architecture, human-in-the-loop validation, and incremental adoption. The study contributes both a functional prototype and a generalizable framework for AI-enabled workflow redesign in pre-sales contexts.
AN AI-DRIVEN PREDICTIVE MODEL FOR SCREENING LEGAL PROFESSIONALS IN INTERNATIONALLY ORIENTED UKRAINIAN IT COMPANIES
(Manuscript, 2026) Dzoban, Volodymyr
This applied research remedies a pressing talents issue for legal departments in Ukrainian IT companies because typical credentials are poor predictors for success in a fast-moving technology sector. The author created and tested a screening tool based on large language model and statistical modelling techniques to better evaluate candidates in an initial assessment stage. Using a dataset of 269 legal professionals who were 178 candidates for a major Ukrainian IT company and 91 professionals in the LinkedIn networking group, this study applied logistic regression analysis and narrative coding to explore predictors for success measured as acceptance of a job offer, retention for 24 months, and delivery of satisfactory performance. Results demonstrated that a background in the information technology industry, English language skills, foreign transaction experience, interest in technology, and a business focus were strong predictors for success, while traditional credentials such as university name, prior employment with a law firm, and membership in a bar association lacked predictive power. The model has 78.4% classification accuracy with 81.2% sensitivity and 75.6% specificity in cross-validation with AUC=0.78. It was used for creating a screening tool based on GPT for candidate screening where output classifies candidate data into organized assessments with scoring points for strong traits, areas of concern, and interview recommendations. Pilot testing showed a 60% reduction in screening time while maintaining quality. This study addresses a repeatable approach for statistical model development in the context of a particular legal staff environment and a usable screening tool for the technology sector legal recruitment. The results of this research challenge traditional forms of credentialism associated with legal recruitment and establish that culture fit factors potentially outperform legal credentials.
ANALYSIS OF INVESTMENT STRATEGIES FOR DRONE MANUFACTURING ON EXAMPLE OF AILAND SYSTEMS
(Manuscript, 2025) Tyshchenko, Daria
The drone manufacturing industry is one of the most dynamic and rapidly evolving sectors worldwide. It plays a vital role in defense, agriculture, logistics, and construction, with growing demand fueled by advances in technologies and AI. The full-scale war in Ukraine, along with these technological shifts, accelerated the need for enhanced drone capabilities. Ukraine's drone sector has demonstrated rapid growth since the start of the full-scale war in 2022, driving innovation and local production. International and local investors, venture capital firms, business acceleration, and government programs have increasingly supported this growth. However, the industry faces challenges, including supply chain reliance on China, regulatory hurdles, war-time risks, and export limitations. This capstone explores strategic investment opportunities in drone manufacturing, focusing on Ukraine. Through a financial analysis of Ailand Systems as a case study and risk and opportunities analysis using the PESTEL model, it provides insights into investment potential and strategic directions. The report is structured to first review the global market, then analyze investment opportunities, analyze a case study of Ailand Systems, identify industry challenges, and offer actionable recommendations for drone manufacturers on the example of Ailand Systems.
ANALYZING THE IMPACT OF AI ON THE DECISION-MAKING PROCESS IN MODERN MILITARY OPERATIONS IN THE KILL CHAIN FRAMEWORK
(Manuscript, 2025) Osaulenko, Volodymyr
This capstone project explores the transformative impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on decision-making processes within modern military operations, focusing on its integration into the Kill Chain framework. The research investigates key questions regarding the optimization of decision cycles and the role of AI in enhancing operational effectiveness. Participants in this study include an array of real-world applications, including unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and AI-augmented weaponry. Through qualitative analysis and case studies, this research examines how AI technologies, such as machine learning and neural networks, can automate critical stages of the Kill Chain—detection, tracking, targeting, engagement, and assessment. The findings demonstrate that AI significantly shortens decision-making timelines, enhances precision in engagements, and ensures adaptability under complex battlefield conditions. A practical scenario featuring autonomous drone swarms illustrates these advantages, emphasizing resilience against electronic warfare and the ability to operate independently of human oversight. The results underscore the dual nature of AI in military contexts: while it offers unparalleled efficiency and operational gains, it also raises critical challenges related to accountability, ethical compliance, and legal frameworks. This research concludes with recommendations for developing transparent oversight mechanisms and fostering international cooperation to govern AI integration responsibly.
ASSESSING THE IMPACT OF AI INTEGRATION ON BUSINESS EFFICIENCY AND PROFITABILITY: A CASE STUDY ANALYSIS
(Manuscript, 2025) Tkachuk, Oksana
The objective of this research is to evaluate how artificial intelligence (AI) can enhance business productivity and efficiency, particularly in response to the labor shortage crisis. This shortage is driven by demographic shifts, economic and social factors, skills mismatches, economic uncertainties, and evolving work preferences. Industries such as technology, healthcare, manufacturing, construction, finance, and education are most affected. AI technology has the potential to address these challenges, as evidenced by reports indicating significant improvements in productivity and potential GDP growth. This research aims to assess the impact of AI on business efficiency and profitability using real-case examples and modeling through Profit and Loss Financial Statements. The object of research in this study is the impact of AI technologies on business operations, with a focus on management-related aspects such as operational efficiency, financial performance, and strategic integration. The research addresses the critical challenges posed by global labor shortages and evaluates how AI can transform managerial processes to enhance productivity, profitability, and competitiveness. The study will examine AI's effects on operational efficiency, and financial performance, and provide a framework and roadmap for successful AI integration.
ASSESSING THE IMPACT OF KNOWLEDGE-SEEKING PRACTICES, COLLABORATION, AND AI TOOLS ON TICKET ESCALATION IN HEALTHCARE IT SUPPORT: A LOGISTIC REGRESSION ANALYSIS
(Manuscript, 2026-05) Lahus, Valeriia
This study investigates the factors influencing the escalation of support tickets to programmers in a healthcare IT environment. It focuses on three factors: knowledge-seeking practices (use of requirements and documentation), cross-team consultation, and the use of an artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot. Besides escalation frequency, the study examines valid escalation, defined as cases where escalation is justified and confirmed as a system defect, deficiency, or enhancement. A quantitative research approach was applied using logistic regression on a dataset of 150 support tickets to evaluate the main and interaction effects of these factors on escalation outcomes. The results show that knowledge-seeking practices have a statistically significant impact on both escalation and valid escalation. The use of requirements increases the likelihood of escalation while improving the accuracy of escalation decisions. Cross-team consultation and AI chatbot use do not have statistically significant independent effects. However, the interaction between requirements and AI chatbot is significant, indicating that AI can reduce escalation when combined with structured documentation. The findings suggest that effective technical support depends not only on reducing escalations but also on improving their accuracy and justification. The study recommends strengthening knowledge management, improving documentation quality and accessibility, and integrating AI tools with system requirements to optimize support operations in healthcare IT systems.
CHALLENGES OF TRANSFERRING BUSINESS PRACTICES: THE CASE OF “ECOSERVICE 2022” AND “BAV”
(2024) Zhuravel, Taras
This study analyzed the challenges of transferring business practices by conducting a case study involving two companies, examining the practical application of cross-cultural knowledge transfer and evaluating its effectiveness using the Kirkpatrick model. The significance of this research lies in its practical implications for organizations aiming to transfer business practices across different cultural contexts. The paper contributes to the existing body of knowledge by offering specific insights into the transfer of business practices from BAV to Ecoservice. By employing the Kirkpatrick model, the research provides valuable recommendations for fostering successful transfer of business practices in a globalized world.
CHALLENGES OF WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP IN PUBLIC SERVICE IN UKRAINE: THE CASE OF THE DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION
(2024) Onyiliogwu, Kateryna
This research study investigates the discrepancies between male and female leadership in Ukraine's public sector, focusing on the challenges that female leaders face in digital transformation. The Critical Incident Technique is used to analyse the experiences of ten senior female professionals working in the Ministry of Digital Transformation through semi-structured interviews. The study's key findings highlight a range of challenges that female leaders face, such as societal, organisational, interpersonal, and individual. This study fills a critical gap in the literature regarding women in leadership within the public sector, particularly in the digital transformation sphere. It contributes valuable insights to the broader discussion on gender diversity in Ukraine's public sector leadership.
CONSULTING ENGAGEMENT FOR A SOFTWARE ENGINEERING SERVICES COMPANY: TRANSITIONING FROM INBOUND LEAD GENERATION TO ACCOUNT-BASED MARKETING FOR ENHANCED B2B LEAD CONVERSION
(Manuscript, 2025) Makarchuk, Roman
This capstone project explores a consulting engagement with a software engineering services company aiming to transition from traditional inbound lead generation to a more strategic account-based marketing (ABM) approach. The company faced challenges with low-quality inbound leads and inconsistent B2B lead conversion rates, prompting the shift to ABM—a targeted strategy focusing on high-value accounts to improve engagement, alignment, and revenue outcomes. The consulting project involved three primary phases: problem statement and assessment, ABM implementation, results and observations. In the problem statement and assessment phase, existing inbound marketing efforts were evaluated, revealing misaligned targeting, lack of personalization, and weak sales-marketing collaboration. During the ABM implementation phase, the company’s Ideal Customer Profile (ICP) was refined, target accounts were identified, and a multi-channel ABM outreach plan was developed, including personalized content creation, stakeholder mapping, account-specific campaigns, and the integration of sales and marketing technologies. The results and observations phase focused on measuring and comparing performance metrices and drawing conclusions from the ABM approach adoption. Initial results demonstrated significant improvements in key performance indicators (KPIs) such as engagement rates, lead conversion, and pipeline processing efficiency. The ABM approach also better alignment between sales, marketing and presales teams, enabling more efficient resource allocation and higher deal closure rates. This project concludes that transitioning from inbound lead generation to ABM can significantly enhance B2B lead conversion for software engineering services companies. It highlights the importance of focusing on target accounts, building up stakeholder engagement, and cross-functional collaboration in achieving ABM success. Insights from this engagement provide a roadmap for other organizations considering a similar strategic shift to optimize their sales and marketing efforts.
CULTURAL INFLUENCE ON BARRIERS AND FACILITATORS OF KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER PRACTICES WITHIN MULTINATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
(2024) Vyshnyvetskyy, Ivan
Knowledge transfer is critical for multinational corporations to leverage expertise and achieve organizational success across geographically dispersed teams. However, cultural differences between countries can impede effective knowledge sharing. This quantitative study aimed to elucidate how national and corporate cultural dimensions influence knowledge transfer behaviors within multinational organizations. A survey was conducted with 59 employees from managerial and clinical research roles across six European countries in a multinational pharmaceutical firm. Participants completed validated instruments measuring cultural values based on the GLOBE model, and readiness for knowledge transfer initiatives based on the Theoretical Domains Framework. Results of correlation and regression analyses found that higher in-group collectivism, performance orientation, and lower power distance cultural values were associated with greater readiness for knowledge transfer. Interestingly, younger yet more experienced employees exhibited higher openness to knowledge initiatives. There were also notable correlations between specific cultural dimensions and behavioral domains influencing knowledge exchange. These findings suggest national and corporate culture fundamentally shape employees' readiness for knowledge transfer. The results have important implications for organizational leaders seeking to implement effective knowledge management strategies across global teams. Fostering collectivistic, egalitarian and achievement-oriented cultural values may pave the way for smoother knowledge transfer. Overall, a multifaceted approach considering both cultural and individual factors is key for optimizing knowledge flows within multinational corporations. The study makes a useful contribution by providing quantitative empirical evidence linking cultural values to knowledge exchange behaviors. However, limitations like the small sample size from one organization indicate findings may have restricted generalizability. Further research with larger, more diverse samples is critically needed to validate and extend the results across various cultural contexts.
DECISION-MAKING AND RISK MANAGEMENT IN THE UKRAINIAN VENTURE CAPITAL ECOSYSTEM DURING WARTIME
(Manuscript, 2025) Dumych, Taras
Venture capital has played a significant role not only in the success of individual companies and industries but also in the economic success of entire countries, as evidenced by the experience of the United States. This study explores the decision-making and risk management strategies employed by venture capital firms within Ukraine's venture capital ecosystem. Specifically, it examines the impact of war on the functioning of this ecosystem and its players. The analysis draws on a combination of literature focused on venture capital and risk management, as well as practical insights gathered from survey interviews conducted with ten top executives of venture capital firms. By integrating both theoretical and practical perspectives, this study offers a comprehensive understanding of the subject.
DEVELOPING A GO-TO-MARKET STRATEGY FOR A UKRAINIAN FURNITURE MANUFACTURER
(Manuscript, 2025) Chernii, Volodymyr
This Capstone project focuses on developing a go-to-market strategy for a Ukrainian furniture manufacturer seeking to enter the niche market of furniture adapted to the needs of people with functional disorders. Driven by increasing demand, particularly in the context of post-war rehabilitation for veterans, the project aims to explore market opportunities, understand customer needs, and recommend actionable steps for market entry. The research employs a combination of qualitative methods (expert interviews) and environmental analyses (PESTEL and Porter’s Five Forces) to assess the external and micro environmental factors influencing the Ukrainian furniture industry overall. Insights from experts in universal design, rehabilitation therapy, and inclusivity highlight critical needs, such as ergonomic, modular, and height-adjustable furniture that balances functionality and aesthetics. The market for adaptive furniture in Ukraine remains underdeveloped, creating opportunities for first-movers. Potential customers in B2C include individuals with functional disorders and members of their households, while the B2B segment encompasses rehabilitation centers, public spaces, and NGOs. Critical product features include customizable designs to meet specific needs, affordability to overcome market barriers, and aesthetics to encourage adoption. The project concludes with a set of strategic recommendations to position the Client as a leader in inclusive furniture design, which could be achieved through cost-efficient product development, customer-centric solutions tested in rehabilitation centers, and close collaboration with experts in the field. Further steps are associated with profiling consumers and their needs through online surveys, developing MVPs, and testing these in focus groups.
DEVELOPING A STRATEGY FOR AN ORGANIZATION IN UKRAINE’S GRAIN MARKET CONSIDERING THE IMPACT OF THE WAR ON TRADE (CASE STUDY)
(Manuscript, 2025) Krechkevych, Igor
The ongoing war in Ukraine has caused significant disruptions to the nation’s grain market, affecting production, supply chains, and export capabilities. This capstone examines the strategic challenges and opportunities faced by Kernel Holding S.A., a leading agribusiness company in Ukraine, amidst these unprecedented conditions. Utilizing a combination of qualitative and quantitative research methods, the study evaluates Kernel’s market position, the impact of the war on its operations, and potential strategies for resilience and growth. Key findings highlight Kernel’s ability to adapt through diversification of export routes, technological investments, and sustainability practices. Strategic recommendations include short-term operational adjustments, mid-term market expansion, and a long-term focus on innovation and sustainability. These insights not only provide actionable strategies for Kernel but also contribute to broader discussions on crisis management and food security in volatile global markets.
DEVELOPMENT OF A MODEL FOR MARKET ENTRY DECISIONS AND REALLOCATION STRATEGY: A CONSULTING PROJECT FOR IT SERVICE FIRMS
(Manuscript, 2026-05) Diachkova, Mariia
International delivery-center decisions are becoming more complex for IT service firms serving clients in the European Union and North America. Beyond labor cost and talent availability, firms must assess whether they are internally ready to expand, which locations best fit their delivery model, and how digital governance conditions affect operational efficiency and regulatory risk. This study addresses this challenge by developing a practical three-gate framework for international delivery-center expansion and reallocation. The framework combines firm-level readiness assessment, comparative country evaluation, and a digital governance filter calibrated to the firm's regulatory exposure. The framework is developed and illustratively assessed using publicly disclosed annual report data from four multinational IT service firms (EPAM Systems, Infosys, Capgemini, and Globant) selected as delivery-model archetypes for 2020–2025, together with a seven country dataset covering Denmark, Estonia, Poland, Ukraine, Brazil, India, and Uzbekistan for 2020–2024. These firms and countries are used as illustrative analytical cases rather than statistically generalizable samples. The study finds that delivery-center decisions can be structured as a sequential signal-based protocol using public data and clear stopping rules. It shows that digital governance operates as a dual-channel signal: it both reduces administrative friction for foreign firms and increases compliance complexity for those with high EU client exposure. Signal convergence across firms helps distinguish market-wide shocks from firm-specific operational issues. When applied prospectively to the sample firms, the framework produces outputs broadly consistent with observed decisions while identifying clear scope boundaries. The project contributes a structured, managerially applicable decision tool and extends the international business discussion of digital governance by showing that it should be assessed not as a generic country advantage, but as a firm-conditioned factor shaped by client geography, regulatory exposure, and delivery model.
DEVELOPMENT OF PRINCIPLES OF AN INNOVATIVE MODEL OF GROUP BUYING PLATFORM FOR ESTABLISHED COMMUNITIES: THE UKRAINIAN CONTEXT
(Manuscript, 2026) Natalukha, Vitalii
This research develops principles for an innovative Group Buying Platform (GBP) model tailored to the specific socio-economic context of Ukraine as a “frontier” economy and characterized by high inflation, institutional instability, and a social structure having low generalized trust. The study investigates how digital platforms can leverage pre-existing social ties within established communities, such as neighborhood associations and professional collectives, to facilitate collective bargaining power and overcome the interaction frictions. A qualitative survey was conducted with 37 residents of multi-apartment buildings in Kyiv to test hypotheses regarding consumer interest, trust dynamics, and willingness to pay for platform services. The results reveal that while economic savings are the primary motivator, the main barrier to participation is the risk of disorganization and financial loss. Data analysis confirms that a significant majority of users are willing to collaborate with strangers if the platform provides a guaranteed “Safe Wallet” escrow mechanism, effectively substituting institutional trust for interpersonal trust. The study concludes that sustainable investment model prioritizing resilience and sustainable growth is essential for the Ukrainian market. The proposed business model utilizes a bottom up, consumer-initiated approach that empowers existing communities to organize, thereby creating tangible economic value for households and acting as a substitute institution that fosters a culture of broader economic cooperation.
EFFECTIVE NEGOTIATION STRATEGIES FOR SUCCESSFUL IMPLEMENTATION OF PROJECTS IN THE RENEWABLE ENERGY SECTOR: THE CASE OF DTEK RENEWABLES
(Manuscript, 2025) Boiko, Serhii
This study examines effective negotiation strategies for implementing renewable energy projects, using DTEK Renewables as a case study. The research explores how negotiation processes shape project outcomes, focusing on stakeholder collaboration, transparency, and conflict resolution. The primary research question investigates the negotiation strategies contributing to project success in a complex, multilateral setting. Participants included project managers, investors, government officials, and community representatives engaged in DTEK Renewables' initiatives. Semi-structured interviews were conducted, yielding qualitative data analyzed through thematic analysis. Key themes identified include transparency, trust-building, strategy adaptation, and conflict management. Results highlight that transparency in sharing project information fosters trust among stakeholders. Trust enables flexibility in adapting negotiation strategies to various stakeholder needs. Conflict management, through facilitation and mediation, minimizes opposition and promotes mutually beneficial agreements. These interconnected elements form a "negotiation value chain" leading to successful outcomes. Data analysis underscores the importance of tailoring negotiation approaches to context-specific factors, such as cultural nuances and regulatory environments. While the study focuses on Ukraine, findings have broader implications for global renewable energy projects. Conclusions advocate for integrating transparency, trust, and context-sensitive strategies in project negotiations. Practical recommendations include public consultations, creating feedback mechanisms, and engaging independent mediators. Future research could quantify the impact of these strategies and compare them across international contexts to assess their universality.
EFFECTIVE STRATEGY PRIORITIZATION FOR SMES IN CRISIS MANAGEMENT: APPROACHES TO RESILIENCE AND RECOVERY
(Manuscript, 2025) Ponomarenko, Mykhailo
This research explores crisis management strategies employed by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Ukraine to ensure survival and growth during severe disruptions, such as the ongoing war and prior global crises like COVID-19. The primary research questions include: How can SMEs effectively manage crises to remain resilient? What risks do they face, and what strategies mitigate these risks? The main aim of the study is to examine the crisis management strategies employed by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Ukraine during severe disruptions and to identify actionable frameworks to enhance their resilience and recovery. The object of the research is the crisis management strategies and management practices of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Ukraine, accumulated from the experience of Ukrainian enterprises, particularly during periods of severe disruptions such as economic instability, armed conflict, and other critical challenges. The study is based on qualitative interviews with SME owners and managers across various industries, supplemented by insights from international reports and surveys. Participants shared their experiences with challenges such as operational disruptions, financial instability, market shifts, and workforce retention issues. Key strategies adopted during the crisis included operational flexibility (employed by 75% of participants), digital transformation (70%), and market diversification (60%). Post-crisis recovery focused on sustainable practices and organizational culture enhancement, which participants identified as drivers of long-term resilience.

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