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FINANCIAL BENEFITS OF IMPLEMENTING PAPERLESS MANAGEMENT IN MUNICIPALITIES
Abstract
The transition to paperless management in municipalities is an essential step in achieving the goals of environmental economics and sustainability. To assess the benefits of such a transition and find weaknesses, the municipality of Liepaja (Latvia), in cooperation with the municipalities of Vila Nova de Poiares (Portugal) and Mielec (Poland), implemented a joint project. The present research evaluated the financial benefits of switching to paperless management as well as the benefits of training municipal employees to improve their digital skills. The research analysed and compared data collected in all three municipalities within one year. The research focused on the volume of paper consumed, the reduction in toner costs during the year and the effectiveness of training provided to municipal employees. Based on a previously conducted survey on self-assessment of municipal employees' digital skills, the training aimed to develop and implement appropriate courses to improve employees' digital skills and change their attitudes and habits. The research applied a combined approach, incorporating elements of both quantitative and qualitative methods. The specific amounts of paper consumption and toner costs in each of the three countries analysed were calculated using financial data from local governments. Qualitative methods were used to interview municipal employees and get an idea of the practical impact of implementing electronic governance. A survey of municipal employees was also conducted after completing the courses. The research developed recommendations for other municipalities in all three countries to improve employees' digital skills and reduce paper and toner costs.
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Number of times cited according to Crossref: 1
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