The Possibility of Meeting University Studies by Migrants

Author(s): Casen Panaitescu / Language(s): English / Publication Year: 0

Effective integration policies must be considered as a priority on the migration agenda of any government, regardless of whether migrants are temporarily staying or permanently settling in the country. Integration is essential for all stakeholders to benefit from migration and the contribution it brings to the security, prosperity and stability of society.Addressing the role of online socialization platforms in the mobility period knows in the literature a duality of experts' opinions. That is why the present work focuses on the advantages of socializing in the virtual environment, in the sense that these interactions facilitate the integration in the new academic environment and overcome the cultural shock, against the voices who believe that the use of these instruments favors the phenomena of loneliness, social anxiety, etc.

The potential for regional development in the Baltic states: case study of regions with free economic zones

Author(s): Büşra Demirelişçi,Vita Juknevičienë,Samanta Pukinskytë / Language(s): English / Issue: 1/2020

In modern society, a region has been considered not only a territory, but a system of different economic and social interconnected participants as well. Regional development as a form of systematic progress, including social, economic, environmental, cultural and other aspects, is becoming less dependent on public policy implemented on the European level and requires more national or regional efforts. Therefore, development is closely connected to the activity of all regional players (participants in the regional institutional system). Free Economic Zones (hereinafter FEZs) aim to function as the catalyst for economic activity in regions; however, some zones are more successful and create greater potential for regional development than others. The main problem of this article can be seen in the following question: how can regions which have FEZs enhance their potential in terms of regional development? The main aim of this paper is to reveal how regional development potential is enhanced in regions with FEZs in the Baltic states. It presents the results of empirical research which was undertaken in three regions with FEZs (Šiauliai in Lithuania, Liepaja in Latvia and Sillamäe in Estonia) by using scientific methods such as statistical data analysis and interviews with three representatives of the executive administration of the analysed FEZs. The research has revealed that, even given the favourable socio-economic environment (on both national and regional scales) for FEZs, all three FEZs in the Baltic states cannot guarantee the realisation of the full potential of FEZs. The analysis has disclosed that FEZs face certain challenges – infrastructural, attracting resources (investment and professionals), and even political ones - in their activities. All those challenges have to be dealt with, which can lead the FEZ to make a successful contribution to the growth of regional development potential.

The Potential Impact of Group Certification for Organic Agriculture in Romania

Author(s): Adina Roxana Munteanu / Language(s): English / Issue: 04/2014

In a global market for organic food which in 2011 was estimated to 63 billion US Dollars (Sahota, 2013), smallholding are important as they could fuel further growth. One of the main constraints for organic certification of smallholdings is the cost of certification, which is quite high compared to the turnover. Group certification for organic agriculture is a type of certification which does not require yearly inspection of all farmers and it comes with a smaller price tag for each individual farmer. In several countries such as Canada, India and East African countries the group certification is possible while at the moment in the EU it is not. This article investigates the potential impact of group certification for Romania in the context of the EU still undergoing debate regarding the review of the EU policy on organic agriculture.

The Potential of Economic Diplomacy for Kosovo’s Economic Growth

Author(s): Arben Salihu / Language(s): English / Issue: 1/2015

Historically, the wise use of country’s economic potential brought conducive political gains. In con-temporary times, where the business competition has reached its peak, the creative diplomacy that caters economic concerns, generally called the economic diplomacy is gaining pace. The term of Economic Diplomacy is fairly new, but apparently their search and evaluation of this concept is rapid-ly increasing, primarily to assess its impact on economic growth. Despite gaining popularity and ac-knowledgment, many countries are not taking full advantage of economic diplomacy, the Republic of Kosovo is case in point. The aim of this work is to explore the importance of economic diplomacy for Kosovo, a developing country, but with vast potential for growth. The study begins with a brief anal-ysis on Kosovo economic history and the first signs of economic diplomacy. In addition, it discusses the role, importance and the future of economic diplomacy for Kosovo, vis a vis challenges and op-portunities. It analysis the level of the use of economic diplomacy in the region, as well as presents data concerning Kosovo trade with world during the period 2004-2014. Finally, it offers a number of recommendations for economic development in relations to economic diplomacy and concludes that success of the economic diplomacy largely depends on active, creative and proactive leadership as well as shrewd decision making.

The Potential of National Export Brands to Build a Nation Brand for Romania

Author(s): Iustina Macovei / Language(s): English / Issue: S2/2009

A country’s export brands can represent real „engines” for the development of nation brands. It is the case of Nokia and Finland, of Volkswagen, Audi, BMW and Germany, of Sony and Japan, which, by their quality and viability, constantly proved in long periods of time, have created positive associations in the minds of the people in many countries of the world. They create expectancies and they consolidate a trust-based relationship with customers. In the case of Romania, the export brands are, in most cases, unknown, even in the EU member states, our main commercial partner. This article presents a perspective on the existing perception of Romanian export brands in the country and abroad and draws attention on several threats and challenges for them on long term.

THE POVERTY REDUCING EFFECT OF HEALTH - THE CASE OF REPUBLIC OF MACEDONIA

Author(s): Shenaj Hadzimustafa,Marjan Nikolov,Remzije Rakipi / Language(s): English / Issue: 2/2017

Beyond its intrinsic value for individuals, improving and protecting health is also central to overall human devel-opment and to the reduction of poverty. Enjoying the highest attainable standard of health is one of the funda-mental rights of every human being without distinction of race, religion, political belief and economic or social condition. Good health contributes to development through a number of pathways, having a macroeconomic impact, intergenerational spillover effects that are clearly shown in micro-economic activities, not least in the household itself. Based on this, the aim of this study is to examine the impact of the health costs of reducing the poverty in the Republic of Macedonia, this specifically by excluding the health cost from the poor family budgets, and to, therefore, reduce the inequality in the country. The at-risk-of-poverty rate in the Republic of Macedonia in 2015 is 21.5% and the Gini coefficient 33.7%.The study examines health cost based on available official data from the State Statistical Office (Household Consumption in the Republic of Macedonia and Laeken poverty indicators) from the period of 2005-2015. Findings show that if we exclude the costs for health from the cost structure, the poverty line would be reduced by 3% on average and the number of poor reduced for 15 000 persons in average. Therefore the health system in the country should be based on the pro-poor approach, be more fair and responsive to the needs of people.

The practice of evaluation of EU projects in local governments in Poland

Author(s): Aleksandra Januszkiewicz / Language(s): English / Issue: 3/2016

Background: This paper discusses a process of development of evaluation practice at the local level of self-government in Poland. The author raises the question whether the current practice of evaluation of the projects co-financed by the European Union contributes to building of the evaluation capacity and development of sustainable evaluation culture in Polish local administration. Research aims: The aim of this study was to analyze the conditions of application of evaluation of the EU projects in communes and counties in Poland, i.e. to examine the scale of evaluation practice, methods of its application, evaluation functions, and factors favouring or limiting development of this practice at the local level. Methodology: The study was based on a review of literature on evaluation and evaluation capacity building. In the conducted field research complementary quantitative and qualitative methods and techniques were used: computer assisted telephone interviews with representatives of 25 counties and 125 communes in four Polish provinces, in-depth interviews with representatives of 13 local governments, and an analysis of relevant documents. Key findings: The current process of implementation of the EU funds in Poland has contributed to the development of an evaluation practice at the local level of self-government only to a limited extent. Evaluation is regarded primarily as a formal requirement associated with implementation of EU grants (as accountability instruments), which does not promote evaluation capacity building in the local administration in Poland. The main barrier to the practice of evaluation at the local level is a lack of knowledge about evaluation and a low level of internal motivation for its use. Financial constrains are also important obstacles.

The Practices of Management Accounting in Spain

Author(s): Anca Antoaneta Vărzaru / Language(s): English / Issue: 24/2015

Until two decades ago management accounting has had a limited importance in the management of the Spanish companies. The purpose of this study is to highlight that the new importance of management accounting in Spain is not only a consequence of a competitive environment, but rather is closely linked to the characteristics of the social and organizational contexts of the Spanish enterprises, in particular, to the changes experienced over the past few decades. Accounting is a vast area and to study the elements, this study had to study and interpret carefully its notations. The study notes a growing trend openness of management accounting in Spain to influences from the social and organizational contexts.

The preconditions for reducing social inequality in Europe

Author(s): Jeremy Leaman / Language(s): English / Publication Year: 0

Author, building on the contributions of Messkoub and others, assesses the particular challenges of reversing the trend within European societies towards greater inequalities of income and wealth. Beyond the intellectual challenge of weakening the grip of disciplinary neoliberalism on both policy elites and many elements of European political culture, the trust of a progressive social agenda has to address the widening disparities of 'market incomes' as an issue of public policy, as well as the fiscal implications of a system of asymmetrical mutuality (Messkoub). Recent taxation policy has tolerated divergence among member state tax systems, encouraging both inter-state tax competition and weakening the fiscal potential for neutralising chronic social disparities. Reversing this trend and establishing sustainable and progressive systems of public goods and public finance is a critical precondition for the survival of the European project.

The Prediction of Economic Activity Growth by Sovereign Bond Spread in France, Germany and Great Britain

Author(s): Jana Hvozdenská / Language(s): English / Publication Year: 0

The steepness of the bond yield curve should be an excellent indicator of a possible future economic activity. A rise in the short rate tends to flatten the yield curve as well as to slow down real growth the near term. The relationship between the spread and future GDP activity was proved already before. One question remains – which spread is the best for the future prediction? Is it the spread between sovereign 10-year bonds and 3-month bonds or 30-year and 1- year or 10-year and 1-year sovereign bonds? This paper aims to analyze which spread is the most suitable for predicting of future economic growth in France, Germany and Great Britain between the years 2000 and 2016. The natural and probably the most popular measure of economic growth is GDP growth, taken quarterly. We have found out that the best predictive spreads in France, Germany and Great Britain are the spreads of 30-year and 1-year and 10-year and 1-year government bond yields. These findings might be beneficial for investors and provide further evidence of the potential usefulness of the yield curve spreads as indicators of the future economic activity.

The predictive power of comprehensive income in Polish companies listed on the Warsaw Stock Exchange

Author(s): Katarzyna Bareja,Magdalena Giedroyć,Małgorzata Wrzosek / Language(s): English / Issue: 105/2019

Poland is historically classified within the Continental European model of accounting. The aim of the paper is to find the answer to the question of whether the Anglo-Saxon measure of financial results, which is comprehensive income, introduced into Polish reporting practice by the implementation of IFRS, has better predictive power than net income. The consequences of reporting comprehensive in-come are still a research gap in Poland. This article fills the gap regarding the predictive value of compre-hensive income on the Polish market, and at the same time, it constitutes a contribution to global research in this area. The content presented in this article was developed using studies of the domestic and foreign literature. The methodology adopted in our study refers to the commonly used methodology of quantita-tive research on value relevance and the predictive value of comprehensive income. Our results indicate that net income and comprehensive income have the same predictive value for future performance. The research showed that neither other comprehensive income as a single indicator nor separate items of other comprehensive income has significant predictive power for future performance. The results of our re-search may help legislative bodies to make decisions on whether to extend the financial statement by requiring the statement of comprehensive income. In addition, our study presents, in a very broad way, the results of the latest research on NI and CI.

The preparation and course of the land reform in Slovakia, 1939–1945

Author(s): Martina Fiamová / Language(s): English / Issue: 5/2018

The subject matter of land reform and the related issue of ensuring that land was owned by ethnic Slovaks, had already appeared in Slovakia in the time of autonomy after 6 October 1938. Reflections about the change of land ownership from the beginning referred not only to Jews, but also to the land of foreigners, the land allotted within the 1st land reform, as well as to the land of Slovaks. The prepared land reform was supposed to compensate for the iniquities caused by the 1st land reform and return the land back “to the hands of those who truly work on it”. Unlike the owners of shops and enterprises, Jewish landowners did not represent a very large class of people, but even in spite of this fact, the following Aryanization of this Jewish land property was subject to corruption. The local and state authorities as well as common people participated in the process of transferring Jewish land into the hands of “Aryans”. However the Slovak government failed in its effort to create a strong middle class of peasants who would support Hlinka’s Slovak People’s Party.

The Price Bubble Morphology

Author(s): Waldemar Tyc / Language(s): English / Issue: 1/2013

The article presents a discourse on the mechanism by which price bubbles emerge and burst. For idealization purposes the author assumes that even though price bubbles emerge in various markets, their morphology differs from market to market, be it the hi-tech stock (or, more generally, the stock market), the real estate market (where land is of fixed supply) or the housing market. The sources of their diversification lie in the type and weight of the causes of their appearance, the differences between their causative and functional determinants and the market feedbacks. Any interpretation of the nomological diversification of price bubbles (in the sense of their categorisation) requires looking at the system pragmatics and the market in which they emerge. Thus the designations of economic systems and the specifics of markets constitute both the economic and the institutional environment of their origin. They also constitute the necessary context for their understanding and interpretation, as price bubbles rise and collapse within specific functional structures of an economic system.

The Price Dynamics on the Organic Market in Romania Between 2010 and 2015

Author(s): Adina Roxana Munteanu,Ioan-Vladut Nutu / Language(s): English / Issue: 12/2016

For a correct functioning of a market, prices represent vital information. As the organic agricultural market is much younger than the conventional agricultural market, the prices for organic agricultural commodities tend to be less transparent than those of the conventional commodities. In Romania there are no published informational bulletins dedicated to organic prices. In order to try to fill in the informational gap, this paper reviews the evolution of prices of wheat on both conventional and organic markets between 2010 and 2015 in Romania and at EU level. Furthermore, the paper discusses the importance of the transparency of prices for the proper functioning of the market and reviews some of the available organic price information in USA and EU.

The Price Volatility of Precious Metals in Times of Economic and Geopolitical Crisis

Author(s): Viorel Mionel,Oana Mionel,Alexandra Moraru / Language(s): English / Issue: 3/2017

THE PRINCIPLE OF COMPETITION IN PUBLIC PROCUREMENT – POSSIBILITY OF SUSTAINABLE AND COMPETITIVE DEVELOPMENT OF REGIONS

Author(s): Maria Boteva / Language(s): English / Publication Year: 0

The object of the article is the award of the public procurement in compliance with the principles of the Treaty of the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU) and more specially the ones for free movements of goods, freedom of establishment and freedom to provide services and mutual recognition. From them comprise other principles, which are explicitly mentioned in Art. 2 in the Public Procurement Act – among them is the principle of free competition and this is the subject of this research. The purpose is to analyze the significance of the principle of free competition in public procurement award procedures both in the spending of public funds and for the successful management and implementation of the growth, sustainability, convergence and competitive development policies of the regions.

The Principle of Equal Chances Versus The Concepts of Labor Market

Author(s): Marek Proniewski,Paweł Piątkowski,Arkadiusz Niedźwiecki / Language(s): English / Issue: 5/2017

The paper characterizes the selected theories of the labor market, starting from the classical theories, through the Keyenesian, neoclassical and neo-Keynesian theories and ending with the concepts that point at the possibility of unemployment in the conditions of equilibrium on the labor market, in the context of the essential principle of the EU economic policy related to equal chances. The principle, in accordance with which no person or social group may be discriminated against, may have positive impact on the efficiency of the market mechanism in the aspect related to employment.

THE PRIVATE DEMAND FOR INNOVATION: THE CASE OF EX – YU COUNTRIES

Author(s): Slagjana Stojanovska,Violeta Madzova,Biljana Gjozinska / Language(s): English / Issue: 1/2018

In the era of high sophisticated technology, the innovation is recognized as a key driver towards better national competitiveness and economic growth, creating opportunities for better employment and better responding to global social challenges. At the company level however, innovation improves efficiency, boosts company productivity and provides numerous benefits to the consumers. Being identified as a key variable for the importance of demand for innovation, buyer sophistication signals the ability of buyers to select products and services based on performance rather than price. Furthermore, the companies witnessing more sophisticated domestic market are likely to sell products with higher quality and to better understand the customers’ needs and how they perceive the value of the product. This paper aims to provide a comparative analysis of private demand for innovation in selected ex- YU countries using the two key indicators: “buyer sophistication” and “sales of new-to-market and new-to-firm product innovations for the period 2011-2016. Although sharing the same sociopolitical and historical background, the analysis of these selected countries show significant discrepancies among their business leaders’ assessments about the level of their customer demand for innovation and business sophistication.

The Privatisation Process in Kosovo

Author(s): Hysni Terziu / Language(s): English / Issue: 1/2015

This paper aims at analysing activities of the privatisation process in Kosovo, seeing that privatisation is treated as a fundamental factor of overall transformation of the whole society. It may be established that the primary aim of privatisation process is increasing economic efficiency, reflection of the current state and directions of development in general. Privatisation as a process has as primary aim of opening new areas of freedom, economic efficiency and individualism. Key aim of privatisation process in Kosovo must be increase of economic efficiency, preservation of the healthy economic potential created up to date, and ensuring of the long-term concept, which enables growth and macroeconomic stability. The policy of privatisation should give a response related to strategic aspects of privatisation of these sectors: of models, procedures, potential investors, technological modernisation and overtaking of social barriers. Process of privatisation and transition, which has now covered countries of the Eastern and Central Europe, aims at profound economic and political transformation of these countries. To achieve this, it is necessarily required to have some basic preconditions, which are related to incitement of general efficiency of the enterprises, expansion of the capital market, introduction of competition, development of business culture in private property and freedom of entrepreneurship. Impacts of privatisation in economic development of Kosovo take a considerable place compared to other countries, therefore our aim is that through this paper we analyse factors and methods of implementation in this process.

The problem of mounting income inequalities in the world vis-a-vis the phenomenon of harmful tax competition. The ICIJ tracking down the greatest financial scandals of the 21st century

Author(s): Maciej Walkowski / Language(s): English / Issue: 2/2016

In May 2016, over 350 economists from thirty states signed a letter to global political leaders and the G-7 in particular, warning that tax havens are socially unfair and have no economic justification whatsoever. The author of the best selling Capital in the Twenty-First Century, Thomas Piketty, Professor of Columbia University, the adviser to the UN Secretary General Jeffrey Sachs and Professor of Princeton University and Nobel Winner, Angus Deaton, alongside many renowned academics, called to make the global tax system more transparent and to introduce regulations that would curb the activities of Offshore Financial Centers (OFCs). An NGO Oxfam International, which coordinated the writing of the letter, called upon global leaders to develop a joint standpoint to abandon the secrecy of business operations in tax havens and reveal what harms they bring. According to the analysts from Oxfam, Credit Suisse and UNCTAD, what is called tax optimization actually contributes to greater global income disparities, which are treated as the gravest global issue in the 21st century. The author refers to academic analyses and the results of the journalistic investigations of the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) in an attempt to diagnose and examine those mutual dependencies and to present the various harms the procedure brings to economies and societies, and presents his own assessment and forecasts for the future.