The main issue of multivariate comparative analysis is the normalization of variables. The literature offers various procedures for data normalization, and therefore the researcher has to choose between them. The article presents and discusses the most commonly used normalizing formulas. The article assesses the impact of data normalization procedures on the results of the linear ordering of European Union countries in terms of the level of ICT usage in enterprises. A hypothesis was formulated that the method of data normalization influenced the position of the objects in the ranking. The study is based on statistical data from Eurostat for the year 2018. Based on the selected diagnostic variables, values for a synthetic measure have been determined for individual countries. The synthetic measure was calculated according to the model-less method of linear ordering using four types of normalization. The method used in the research allowed the creation of rankings for the countries. The compliance of the orders thus obtained was compared using the Spearman’s coefficient of range correlation and the measure of similarity of rankings. As the study shows, the choice of normalization formula influences the result of linear ordering, which is not due to any change in the data structure. It was proven that the quotient transformation with the normalization base equal to the maximum value allowed the most similar ranking to be obtained of the examined objects in relation to the Rother rankings. The results of the study show that Denmark, Sweden and Finland had the highest positions in each ranking while Bulgaria, Romania and Latvia had the lowest positions.

The aim of the study is to try to identify the impact of restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic on the activities of cultural institutions. In order to achieve the adopted goal, the method of critical analysis of the literature was used, using secondary data from the Central Statistical Office concerning the cultural sector since the announcement of the pandemic in Poland. The discussed issue is of significant importance in relation to the consequences of the pandemic and the search for solutions mitigating its negative impact. The topic of the work is topical due to the continuity of the pandemic, the uncertainty of the functioning of cultural institutions despite the restoration of their activities, the need to adapt to the new reality and the possibility of applying measures to counteract the crisis. The suspension of activities by cultural institutions was the basic organisational factor that caused, inter alia, redundancies and remote work. This form of work contributed to maintaining relations with recipients When comparing the first and second quarters of 2020, it should be noted that the increase in the “significant” effects of the pandemic in all units of cultural institutions was distinguished by their legal form. The greatest impact of the effects of the pandemic concerned voivodeship self-government organisational units. And in the structure of the CAC, these were institutions that provided activities related to the production of films, video recordings and television programs. The largest decrease in revenues – above 90% – was recorded for these voivodeship self-government organisational units. The activities undertaken by the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage, which include preserving culture, involve support under grants and scholarship programs, but a long-term policy and a radical revision of the activities are needed so that cultural institutions start to generate income.

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Objective: This paper is an attempt to examine protectionist practices, illustrated using the example of the United States, as a means of establishing equilibrium in the trade and current account balance, especially under competitive conditions in pursuit of economic and world leadership. Research Design & Methods:The research offers conclusions based on an analysis of the literature on the effectiveness of protectionist practices in economic relationships between countries and presents the reasons for the widening trade and current account imbalances. It also describes the results of a simulation on the implementation of punitive tariffs (by both parties) achieved using numerical models. Findings: Protectionist practices are ineffective instruments for handling trade deficits. Moreover, they undermine international trade principles, lead to conflicts between the countries, and instigate symmetric retaliatory actions. Implications/Recommendations: Apart from the overall ineffectiveness of protectionist practices in terms of optimising the trade and current account balance, there are adverse implications which may be beneficial to certain domestic groups of stakeholders while, on the international level, protectionist practices signify an attempt to weaken the position of other competitors in pursuit of world leadership. Contribution: The paper shows that protectionist practices pursued by countries are ineffective instruments for handling trade deficits. Their application restricts technology transfer, deflates the efficiency and effectiveness of an economy and reduces