Irina Rodionova

This paper deals with the role of small and medium-sized business for the economy of Tula region. The author justifies the need for their support, particularly in the field of vocational training of their staff. The analysis of vocational training programs and business seminars for small and medium-sized business at Tula Branch of the Plekhanov Russian University of Economics is carried out. The problems of life-long education, which universities face today, are described and the ways to solve them are offered.

The paper deals with a comparative analysis of e-commerce markets in Russia and the UK. The authors underline the common features and differences in the development of the e-commerce markets in these countries.

This paper deals with the ways of raising students' motivation to extracurricular research work. The analysis of students' activity in this field since 2012 on the example of Tula Branch of Plekhanov Russian University of Economics is presented. Some steps, taken to improve students' motivation to do scientific work, are described and the results obtained are outlined.

The paper deals with the state of the Russian e-commerce market, as well as the identification of the causes that prevent its active development.

The article deals with the main types of distance learning depending on the form of teacher – student interaction. Particular emphasis is made on the combined distance education that combines work on an electronic educational platform and face-to-face sessions with the teacher.