Development Management
Development Management
ISSN 2413-9610 e-ISSN 2663-2365 UDC 004; 005; 35; 336; 65
DOI: 10.57111/devt
Submit an article

Article

Download article

Characteristics of organisational structure and management decision-making systems in large shopping centres

Andrii Brynzylo

Received 02.12.2025, Revised 07.04.2026, Accepted 19.05.2026 Published 29.06.2026

Abstract

The study aimed to identify the characteristics of the organisational structure and the management decision-making system in large shopping and entertainment centres in Ukraine under a war economy. The methodology combined a structural-functional analysis of management models, an analysis of the distribution of powers between the strategic and operational levels of decision-making, and a comparative case study of the Gulliver, Lavina Mall and Nikolsky centres in 2022-2025. The study determined that Gulliver, with a total area of 158,000 m² and a lettable area of 108,000 m², operates under a hybrid organisational structure characterised by the strategic centralisation of financial control and the delegation of operations to an external manager, which provides for a guaranteed monthly payment of UAH 17,387,779.06 and the transfer of 70% of revenue. Lavina Mall, with a total area of 170,300 m² and a lettable area of 127,000 m², operates under a centralised group structure with managerial autonomy; in 2024, revenue stood at UAH 1.8 billion, occupancy exceeded 99%, and turnover in 2025 increased by 17%. Nikolsky, with a total area of 106,000 m² and a lettable area of 53,000 m², operates under a functional organisational structure with centralised strategic management and operational authority concentrated within the internal management team; following losses of approximately USD 18 million in 2022, the centre restored footfall to 85% and turnover to 90% thanks to a redistribution of management responsibilities and enhanced coordination between departments. The study recommends the implementation of a multi-level organisational structure with a clear distinction between strategic and operational powers, the formalisation of the roles and responsibilities of those involved in the decision-making process, the breakdown of integrated performance indicators to the level of departments and positions, and the combination of management adaptability with operational resilience. Practical significance of the study is determined by the possibility for owners and management of retail and leisure centres to use the proposed model to optimise the distribution of powers and enhance the stability of management


Keywords:

delegation; management; responsibility; manager; effectiveness

https://doi.org/10.63341/devt/2.2026.21

Retrieved from Volume 25, No. 2, 2026

Pages 21-33

References Suggested citation

References

  1. AIN. (2025). Gulliver in Kyiv is preparing for opening. How much did it cost to build a complex in the city center? Retrieved from https://ain.ua/2025/12/11/gulliver-u-kijevi-gotuiut-do-vidkrittia/.
  2. All Retail. (2025). Revenues and profits of the 5 largest Kyiv shopping centers for the first half of 2025. Retrieved from https://allretail.ua/analytics/80823-dohodi-ta-pributki-5-naybilshih-kijivskih-tc-za-pershe-pivrichchya-2025-roku.
  3. Aquilino-Navarro, A., Ramón-Jerónimo, J.M., & Flórez-López, R. (2022). Management control systems in shopping centres: Analysis of the managing director. Logistics, 6(1), article number 16. doi: 10.3390/logistics6010016.
  4. Blackmore, L. (2024). The 4 levels of strategy: The difference & how to apply them. Retrieved from https://www.cascade.app/blog/strategy-levels.
  5. Brynzylo, A. (2025). Integration of crisis management into the security strategy of shopping and entertainment centres in Ukraine in conditions of armed aggression. Scientific Bulletin of Mukachevo State University. Series “Economics”, 12(3), 9-20. doi: 10.52566/msu-econ3.2025.09.
  6. Decision of the Commercial Court of Kyiv No. 134081967. (2026). Retrieved from https://youcontrol.com.ua/catalog/court-document/134081967/.
  7. Dudka, O. (2025). Research: How consumer perception of the Lavina Mall has changed in recent years. Retrieved from https://rau.ua/news/doslidzhennja-trc-lavina-mall/.
  8. Escudero-Gómez, L.A. (2024). Shopping centers challenging decline: Competitive strategies in three case studies from Madrid’s urban area. Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, 79, article number 103826. doi: 10.1016/j.jretconser.2024.103826.
  9. García-Nieto, M., Ramón-Jerónimo, J.M., & Flórez-López, R. (2025). Effectiveness of customer relationship management in shopping malls: Mall-retailer collaboration empirics. Administrative Sciences, 15(1), article number 31. doi: 10.3390/admsci15010031.
  10. Gordiychuk, I. (2025). The capital’s Gulliver shopping mall has become the property of two banks. Retrieved from https://glavcom.ua/kyiv/news/trts-huliver-perejshov-u-vlasnist-dvokh-bankiv-1070281.html#google_vignette.
  11. Guo, H., & Kim, J. (2023). China’s new retail business model: The case of Super Species. Journal of Law and Sustainable Development, 11(10), article number e1449. doi: 10.55908/sdgs.v11i10.1449.
  12. Gutterman, A.S. (2023). Basic models of organizational structure. Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/373217565_Basic_Models_of_Organizational_Structure.
  13. Hmarochos. (2018). Gulliver is the tallest building in Kyiv, shopping malls were invented by an American. We destroy 10 myths about shopping malls. Retrieved from https://hmarochos.kiev.ua/2018/10/08/gulliver-nayvishha-budivlya-kiyeva-torgovelni-tsentri-vigadav-amerikanets-ruynuyemo-10-mifiv-pro-trts/.
  14. Huang, P. (2024). Research on the transformation issues and optimization strategies of traditional Chinese retail enterprises under the background of digital transformation. SHS Web of Conferences, 208, article number 01012. doi: 10.1051/shsconf/202420801012.
  15. Ingentis. (2025). Divisional Organizational Structure. Retrieved from https://www.ingentis.com/en/knowledge/divisional-organizational-structure.
  16. Institute of Legislative Ideas. (n.d.). Analytical note on the asset of the Gulliver multifunctional shopping and entertainment complex. Retrieved from https://izi.institute/analysts/Analytical_note_on_the_Gulliver_shopping_center_asset/.
  17. Ivanov, A.M. (2025). Methods for evaluating the stimulating impact of strategic management on the development of TRC enterprises in Ukraine. Scientific Notes of Lviv University of Business and Law, 45, 365-374.
  18. Kgakatsi, M., Galeboe, O.P., Molelekwa, K.K., & Thango, B.A. (2024). The impact of big data on SME performance: A systematic review. Businesses, 4(4), 632-695. doi: 10.3390/businesses4040038.
  19. Koblianska, I.I., & Stoyanets, N.V. (2021). Strategic planning of shopping centre activities based on KPI. National Economy: Intellect, 21(4), 9-13. doi: 10.32782/2415-8801/2021-4.2.
  20. Kondratenko, N.O., & Volkova, M.V. (2021). Peculiarities and conditions of making managerial decisions at the enterprise. Scientific Notes of the National University “Ostroh Academy”. Series “Economics”, 23(51), 47-53. doi: 10.25264/2311-5149-2021-23(51)-47-53.
  21. Kostenko, I. (2026). Gulliver shopping mall in Kyiv opens fully: date announced. Retrieved from https://www.rbc.ua/rus/news/trts-guliver-kievi-vidkrivayut-povnotsinno-1768825160.html.
  22. Kostruba, A. (2025). Managing foreign business operations in Ukraine in the context of war. Business Horizons, 68(1), 67-81. doi: 10.1016/j.bushor.2024.01.003.
  23. Maksym Gavryushin, Budhouse Group: We built the Nikolsky shopping center in one year and opened it in a very short time, despite the pandemic. (2021). Retrieved from https://rau.ua/news/budhouse-group-nikolsky/.
  24. Mandarin Plaza Group of Companies became a partner of the Ukrainian Retailers Association. (2024). Retrieved from https://rau.ua/news/mandarin-plaza-group-partner-asociacii-ritejleriv-ukraini/.
  25. Maranchak, N. (2023). Developer Vagif Aliyev plans to buy state share of capital’s Ocean Plaza shopping mall. Retrieved from https://forbes.ua/news/developer-vagif-aliev-planue-kupiti-derzhavnu-chastku-trts-ocean-plaza-09112023-17147.
  26. Matyash, T. (2025). ARMA elected the manager of the Gulliver shopping mall in Kyiv. Retrieved from https://lb.ua/economics/2025/01/10/654677_arma_obralo_upravitelya_trts_gulliver.html.
  27. Nesterova, K., & Brynzylo, A. (2024). Challenges of strategic management of large shopping and entertainment centers in the conditions of martial law. Entrepreneurship and Innovation, 32, 206-210. doi: 10.32782/2415-3583/32.31.
  28. Osiiyk, D. (2021). Between online and offline: How shopping centers build omnichannel communication with consumers. Retrieved from https://rau.ua/news/trts-omnikanalna-komunikatsiya/.
  29. Perederii, T. (2024). Features of the current practice of anti-crisis management of sustainable development in trade enterprises of Ukraine. Entrepreneurship, Trade and Exchange Activities, 278(8), 146-158. doi: 10.32752/1993-6788-2024-1-278-146-158.
  30. Ponomarenko, B. (2024). Every fourth office in the Kyiv BC Gulliver is empty: Realtors say that the others are even worse. Retrieved from https://kiev.informator.ua/uk/u-kijivskomu-bc-gulliver-porozhniy-kozhen-chetvertiy-ofis-rieltori-kazhut-shcho-v-inshih-shche-girshe.
  31. RACI matrix for budget management. (2025). Retrieved from https://www.meegle.com/en_us/topics/raci-matrix/raci-matrix-for-budget-management.
  32. Results of 2025 of the Lavina shopping center – comprehensive development and formation of market standards. (2025). Retrieved from https://www.mallsclub.com/tpost/6y0nfp1mb1-pdsumki-2025-roku-trts-lavina-kompleksni.
  33. Rosiak, J. (2025). Using RACI charts to strengthen risk management and InfoSec programs. Retrieved from https://www.bedelsecurity.com/blog/using-raci-charts-to-strengthen-risk-management-and-infosec-programs.
  34. Salehzadeh, R., & Ziaeian, M. (2024). Decision making in human resource management: A systematic review of the applications of analytic hierarchy process. Frontiers in Psychology, 15, article number 1400772. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1400772.
  35. Sánchez-Gómez, R., & Vázquez-Suárez, L. (2024). Organizational structure and store performance in the grocery retail industry: The moderating role of narcissistic leadership. Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, 79, article number 103796. doi: 10.1016/j.jretconser.2024.103796.
  36. Sharipov, O. (2024). Polishchuk’s Gulliver shopping center is planned to be transferred to the management of the ARMA: The decision was initiated by the Prosecutor General’s Office. Retrieved from https://forbes.ua/news/tts-guliver-polishchuka-planuyut-peredati-v-upravlinnya-arma-rishennya-initsiyuvav-ofis-genprokurora-24042024-20766.
  37. Slobodeniuk, A., Heidor, A., Velychko, O., & Sylkina, Y. (2024). Strategic management as a catalyst for the development and financial stability of modern enterprises. Multidisciplinary Reviews, 7, article number 2024spe078. doi: 10.31893/multirev.2024spe078.
  38. Spicer, A., & Alvesson, M. (2025). Critical management studies: A critical review. Journal of Management Studies, 62(1), 446-483. doi: 10.1111/joms.13047.
  39. Stankovic, D., Camiz, A., Tamburić, J., & Cvetanovic, A. (2025). Multipurpose character of shopping centers – possibilities and directions of further development. Journal of the Faculty of Civil Engineering and Architecture, 40(1), 107-119. doi: 10.62683/ZRGAF40.9.
  40. Suhanda, R.D., & Pratami, D. (2021). RACI matrix design for managing stakeholders in project: Case study of PT. XYZ. International Journal of Innovation in Enterprise System, 5(2), 122-133. doi: 10.25124/ijies.v5i02.134.
  41. Symonenko, K. (2022). How Nikolsky Shopping Center in Kharkiv works after renovation. Retrieved from https://rau.ua/news/jak-pracjuie-trc-nikolsky-harkovi/.
  42. The Gulliver shopping and entertainment center has opened in Kyiv. (2022). Retrieved from https://kiev.vgorode.ua/ukr/news/transport_y_ynfrastruktura/a1202091-u-kijevi-zapratsjuvav-torhovelno-rozvazhalnij-tsentr-gulliver.
  43. The largest dome in Ukraine was restored in the Nikolsky shopping mall in Kharkiv. (2023). Retrieved from https://interfax.com.ua/news/general/944329.html.
  44. Tse, C.H., Meyer, K.E., Pan, Y., & Chi, T. (2024). Evolution of MNE strategies amid China’s changing institutions: A thematic review. Journal of International Business Studies, 55, 657-675. doi: 10.1057/s41267-024-00715-5.
  45. Tymeichuk, Y. (2025). Conceptual principles of retail chains strategic and spatial development. Economy and Society, 77. doi: 10.32782/2524-0072/2025-77-46.
  46. Ukrainian Council of Shopping Centers. (2023). Unique restoration: How the Nikolsky shopping mall in Kharkiv lives and works. Retrieved from https://www.ucsc.org.ua/unikalne-vidnovlennya-yak-zhyve-ta-praczyuye-trcz-nikolsky-v-harkovi/.
  47. Wei, Y.-M. (2025). A hybrid multi-criteria decision-making framework for the strategic evaluation of business development models. Information, 16(6), article number 454. doi: 10.3390/info16060454.
  48. Zaheer, M.A., Anwar, T.M., Iantovics, L.B., Manzoor, M., Raza, M.A., & Khan, Z. (2024). Decision-making model in digital commerce: Electronic trust-based purchasing intention through online food delivery applications (OFDAs). Journal of Trade Science, 12(3), 220-242. doi: 10.1108/JTS-12-2023-0037.
  49. Zamfirache, A., Neacșu, N.A., Madar, A., Bălășescu, S., Bălășescu, M., & Purcaru, I.-M. (2025). Behavioural differences and purchasing experiences through online commerce or offline within mall-based retail structures. Electronic Commerce Research, 25, 4159-4191. doi: 10.1007/s10660-024-09879-6.
  50. Zeng, M., & Kim, Y. (2025). Institutional reforms and regulatory shifts in China’s digital platform sector: How domain-specific centralization shaped the 2020-2022 transition. Business and Politics. doi: 10.1017/bap.2025.10015.
  51. Zhang, L. (2025). Market in the fragmented state: Alibaba and the Chinese governance regime of Big Tech. Social Media + Society, 11(2). doi: 10.1177/20563051251340147.
  52. Zhou, R., Wang, C., Bao, D., & Xu, X. (2024). Shopping mall site selection based on consumer behavior changes in the new retail era. Land, 13(6), article number 855. doi: 10.3390/land13060855.

Suggested citation

Brynzylo, A. (2026). Characteristics of organisational structure and management decision-making systems in large shopping centres. Development Management, 25(2), 21-33. https://doi.org/10.63341/devt/2.2026.21