MEST Journal 

Abstract: During the COVID-19 pandemic, companies coped and still must deal with uncertainty greater than ever. Due to the unpredictability of consumer demand, the incredible growth in demand for certain products, dramatic fluctuations in supply chains, and general economic instability, the future still looks uncertain. It is up to the manufacturers to determine how things will be sorted out in the new normality, i.e., which changes will be long-lasting or even permanent. Lean production has emerged in recent decades as an excellent solution to increase the economy and quality of production and meet customer needs. In the market conditions affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, producers work in a significantly changed environment, and many wonder whether lean production remains as relevant and valuable as in the past. The paper discusses lean production from different aspects as the essence of the principles of the lean concept, events during the pandemic, and expectations in the post-Covid period. We used some examples to support the analysis of factors that negatively affect the course of lean production as well as some bright examples of companies that took advantage of lean production in the new conditions. The conclusions consider answer whether lean production will survive the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Abstract: The importance of strategic management and strategy development for determining the benchmarks of functioning and development of the economic security system is substantiated. This article describes the role of strategic management in ensuring the economic security of the business entity. The peculiarities of the organization of security-oriented company strategic management in the conditions of the expansion of the digital economy, Industry 4.0, as well as the peculiarities of functioning in the VUCA World have been determined. The paper proposes the use and formalization of the main characteristics of the strategy of security-oriented digital development and the strategy of personnel potential development with a focus on economic security. The proposals are based on the strategy of security-oriented digital development to lay the need for business transition to the digital plane, and digitalization of business processes with awareness and anticipation of all the risks that will accompany such transformations. To protect companies from reputational risks and with the awareness that the organization of effective risk management is impossible without the participation of persons, specialists, experts, etc., a paper proposed a strategy for human resources with a focus on economic security. The algorithm of its implementation involves the determination of the skills and competencies that staff will need in a few years in the context of continuing instability and uncertainty in the company environment and taking measures for their formation and development.

Abstract: At present, waste reduction or elimination has become a serious environmental concern for most countries and a priority for companies. Waste is not only an environmental problem but also an economic loss. A prerequisite for flourishing economic activity is the efficient management of waste and other resources. The recovery of waste resources has become an industrial reality due to technological innovations in the era of raw materials shortage. Sustainable materials management goes further than ecological waste management and focuses on the efficient use of available materials. The article aims to research the waste management process, shed light on the place of waste management in promoting the circular economy, and outline positive experiences in this area by highlighting the potential benefits and economic costs of applying these practices. That could serve as an incentive to accelerate efficient waste management processes in the Republic of Moldova. Waste management benefits the environment but also increases the number of companies and jobs. The presented article discusses waste management issues and shows some current issues related to them. The paper the authors wrote within the frame of the state project 20.80009.0807.22. - Developing a mechanism for the circular economy creation in the Republic of Moldova.

Abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a series of disruptions in production and transportation. After the reduction in mortality from COVID-19, trade, and tourism began to accelerate sharply, which resulted in increased demand, primarily for air transport. And then, there came a special intervention of Russia in Ukraine. During the ongoing intervention, the transport infrastructure in Ukraine was damaged significantly. The EU actively joined the war and adopted a series of sanctions to undermine Russian economic and financial ability to wage war. That led to the closure of the EU airspace for Russian aircraft, the closure of the EU ports to Russian ships, the banning of Russian transport operators, and bans on the export of goods and technology to the aviation, maritime, and space sectors. Pipeline transport is also under attack. The United States and several countries introduced similar bans. The sanctions caused a backlash and also affected transport in the EU, leading to difficulties in traffic, gas, and oil supply. Western airlines also cannot fly to or through Russia. Bottlenecks emerged in supply chains and the need to bypass traditional routes. That increased travel time and costs significantly. Transport companies faced restrictions from both the the Western countries and the Russian Federation. In connection with the 'special' operations in Ukraine and the Western sanctions, the transport situation in the Russian Federation has also deteriorated significantly. This paper will not deal in detail with the causes of crises but their effects on transport.