Influența factorilor contingenți asupra răspândirii metodei costurilor bazate pe activități (I)

Author(s): Elena Daniela Crișan,Luminița Ramona Grama / Language(s): Romanian Issue: 3/2022

The ABC (Activity-Based Costing) method is a special form of functional analysis of the costs, providing a modern understanding and a more accurate description of these and reflect an organisation’s financial status more accurately than the traditional accounting methods. Since its introduction at the end of the 80s, researchers all over the world have tried to assess the degree to which the companies have adopted and implemented the ABC method in various countries, as well as to identify the factors influencing its adoption and implementation.

Analiza poziției financiare și a performanțelor unei entități din domeniul construcțiilor

Author(s): Bogdan Cosmin Gomoi / Language(s): Romanian Issue: 3/2022

Any economic entity may be represented by means of two fundamental financial images, the held financial position, respectively, on the one hand, and the achieved performances, on the other hand. If, regarding the financial position, we aim at a dual approach, reflecting the method of financing the assets based on equities and debts, with regard to the performances, we are considering a dual structuring according to engaged causes/expenses and achieved effects/incomes. For the purpose of substantiating relevant managerial decisions, an efficient management of the information provided by the financial position and performances is required. A relatively easy and extremely suggestive way of managing this information is the analysis based on the installment method, namely of indicators of percentage reports type regarding various aspects, like the companies’ structure, liquidity, solvability or profitability.

Research on the Role of the Company’s Financial Statements in the Decision-Making Process

Author(s): Adriana Florina Popa,Mihaela Andreea Nedelea / Language(s): English Issue: 3/2022

The research comprises the importance of the accounting information provided in the financial statements with the purpose of having an effective and efficient decision-making process. The accounting information has to be clear, accurate and precise in order to present an objective and real image of the company. At the same time, the financial statements have the role of illustrating the company’s financial position, performance, as well as the flows occurring in the company’s cash. The major strength in the decision-making process of an organization would be a well-projected management plan, and a well-defined strategy. The research aims to outline and present the role of the financial statement in the complex decision-making process inside a company. The analysis is focused on examining and interpreting how much is the predicted variable influence by the independent ones, as well as establishing the relationship between them.

Beyond Case Studies: Alternate Methods for Teaching Ethics with an Emphasis on the Jewish Tradition

Author(s): Hershey H. Friedman,Deborah S. Kleiner,James A. Lynch / Language(s): English Issue: 1/2022

There is evidence that traditional courses in business ethics have not been successful in making students ethical. The conventional methods used to teach ethics include discussing case histories and studying the writings of great philosophers such as Kant. Using a text-based approach may not be ideal for reaching today's digitally-savvy students. The authors demonstrate numerous ways to instill values that include analyzing and studying cases, philosophy, history, literature, film, television, YouTube/TED talks, music, famous speeches, quotations, social justice humor, Scripture, Talmud/Midrash, Kabbalah, and Mussar.

Diversity and Inclusion 3.0

Author(s): Philippe Rosinski / Language(s): English Issue: 1/2022

Promoting diversity and inclusion (D& is increasingly perceived as a societal imperative and many organisations are putting in place D&I policies and practices However, as necessary as they are, a lot more could be achieved thro ugh D&I programmes. One reason is that when most organisations talk about D&I, they are really referring to what the author labels D&I 1.0, missing out on opportunities to augmenting it with D&I 2.0 and D&I 3.0. D&I 1.0 focuses on external (or visible) diversity. Combatting prejudice and discrimination against certain groups of people, and promoting equal opportunity constitutes its primary goal. D&I 1.0 is informed by social psychology as well as by anthropology and traditional interculturalism. It is not solely a matter of ethics. In a time of great resignation/attrition, organisations can ill afford to shun the talents of diverse group sof people.D&I2.0 refers to internal (or cognitive) diversity. At this stage, the categorical thinking that potentially gives rise to stereotyping and discrimination is avoided. Beyond demographics, D&I 2.0 focuses on diverse mental models. Inclusion at this level is about the synthesis of cultural differences (‘ versus ‘ to promote unity in diversity. People don’t only feel welcomed and respected. They have the sense that their different viewpoints are seen as opportunities rather than as threats. They feel they belong and can thrive, in the interests of all parties and stakeholders.D&I3.0 considers implicit (or hidden) diversity. Inclusion at the 3.0 level i s about tapping into our unconscious diversity potential and leveraging it, individually and collectively. This concept can notably be put into practice when coaching teams in order to remove cultural blind spots and access teams’ hidden cultural potential. An apparent homogeneous team could indeed still be considered diverse and heterogeneous, albeit in an implicit, enfolded sense. Intercultural coaching applies to all forms of diversity. Systematically weaving a cultural perspective into coaching represents a formidable opportunity to deploy the human potential in its rich cultural diversity, even when these cultural differences are still latent rather than unfolded. In practice, intercultural coaching for D&I combines D&I 1.0, 2.0 and3.0 as appropriate and necessary in the situation. Intercultural coaching allows us to be more ambitious in what we can all expect from D&I programmes, by unleashing the full richness of diversity.

Influence of Liquidity on Market Value of Deposit Money Banks

Author(s): Adebayo Olagunju,Aderemi Olalere Adebayo,Jimoh Ibrahim / Language(s): English Issue: 4/2021

This study assessed how liquidity influenced the market value of 12 listed Nigerian Banks within the range of 2011 and 2019 with 108 observations. Data was generated from certified annual reports of selected banks. The study employed descriptive and multiple regressions techniques to analyse data while relevant diagnostic tests were conducted to validate data. The result indicated that liquidity had a negative significant influence on earnings per share (EPS) and divided yield (D/y) respectively. Bank size had a positive significant influence on the (EPS). On the other hand, bank size had a negative significant influence on the (D/y). Leverage gave us the positive insignificant influence on the (EPS) but it had a positive significant association with (D/y) respectively. The study concluded that negative effect of liquidity can lead to a decline in the earnings and reduce the growth of investment thereby has adverse effects on dividend yield to shareholders.

Does Entrepreneurship Guarantee Youth Empowerment in Nigeria? The Role of Small and Medium Scale Enterprises

Author(s): Wahid Damilola Olanipekun,Yimka Samson Alalade,Bolanle Olubunmi Amusa,Timothy Ayomitunde Aderemi / Language(s): English Issue: 4/2021

Качество на хартията за рециклиране в условията на COVID-19

Author(s): Velichka Marinova / Language(s): Bulgarian Issue: 1/2022

Paper for recycling (PfR) is fast becoming the raw material of the future for the pulp and paper industry. The quality of the recovered paper is directly related to its composition, determined by the properly organized waste management, in particular the systems for collection and sorting of PfR, according to the capacity of recycling companies and the prerequisites for normal operation of production facilities in the new crisis. The aim of the article is to present the quality of PfR in the conditions of the Covid-19 pandemic. In the study have been used the descriptive - analytical approach, the methods of comparison, analysis and synthesis.

Потребление, производство и безопасност на храни и напитки в България в условията на COVID пандемия

Author(s): Vladi Hristov Kurshumov,Radoslav Radev / Language(s): Bulgarian Issue: 1/2022

The scientific goal of the article covers research and analysis of consumption, production and safety of food and beverages in Bulgaria in the context of the Covid pandemic in order to derive basic trends and prospects for mitigating the pandemic effects. The study found that the Covid pandemic affects the consumption and production of food and beverages in Bulgaria. Consumers reallocate their costs to certain specific foods and beverages. Difficulties in production are mainly related to the need for rapid adaptation of staff to new working conditions in a pandemic environment. In pandemic conditions, Covid-19 was not found to pose a serious risk to food and beverage safety, which is essential for consumers. The results obtained in the study may be useful in future studies related to the effects of the Covid pandemic on the food industry in Bulgaria.

PRAVNI REŽIM PLOVIDBE DUNAVOM I DUNAVSKA STRATEGIJA U KONTEKSTU RAZVOJA EKOLOŠKI PRIHVATLJIVOG TURIZMA U REPUBLICI SRBIJI

Author(s): Milan Stanković,Saša Virijević Jovanović,Anđela Alijević / Language(s): Serbian Issue: 1/2022

The current tendencies of regionalization and subregio-nalization in the European Union are burdened by the political, legal and social circumstances in which our country, the Danube region, and even the entire European community find themselves. Hence, there is a need for an analysis of the most important legal sources, which regulate the complex relations in the connection and cooperation of the Danube countries in the process of building a strong social and economic society. Such legal sour-ces are, first of all, traditional international agreements (Belgrade Conven-tion, Bratislava Agreement, Budapest Convention and Geneva Convention - SVN) which regulate the navigation regime on the Danube, and then, the Danube Strategy as a legal document adopted in 2010 by European Union for the Danube region, which is clearly recognized through Chapter 14 and Chapter 21 in the negotiations for our country's accession to the EU. The Danube Strategy regulates the area of connecting the countries of the Da-nube region, environmental protection, building prosperity and the area of institutional strengthening of this region. Given that our country is a signa-tory to the Danube Strategy, as well as that this strategy regulates very important economic, social and cultural areas of life, there is a need for its analysis. It should be especially emphasized that in the future, a new enlar-gement methodology will be applied in the relations between Serbia and the EU, which is based on the idea that instead of individual chapters, more gender classes will be opened in the future.

Students' perspective of internship in vocational higher education

Author(s): Milena Vukić,Marija Kuzmanović,Milorad Vukić / Language(s): English Issue: 1/2022

Research Question: This study aims to determine students’ satisfaction, experience and attitude toward internship in hospitality higher education. Motivation: Work integrated learning in the system of vocational higher education should enable young people, who have acquired theoretical and practical knowledge, to increase their employability, develop expertise through the process of socialization in the workplace, as well as to develop work habits and have a better understanding of the work culture. According to Hussien and La Lopa (2018), well-organized internship with detailed feedback, flexible working hours, adequate institutional support, and the ability to acquire a diverse range of skills, can increase satisfaction of all stakeholders. Idea: The main idea is to examine students’ experience, attitudes and satisfaction with internship, in order to propose practical implications for internship improvement. Data: The data were collected by means of a questionnaire during the summer term of 2017/18 academic year. The survey involved 189 students of The College of Hotel Management. Tools: Collected data were analysed and interpreted using some descriptive statistics techniques, as well as non-parametric tests such as Mann-Whitney U Test, Kruskal-Wallis H Test and Spearman's Rho. Findings: A vast majority of students were given employment opportunities during internship, which has increased their satisfaction. Gastronomy and hospitality students most often worked in the profession, while junior and senior students find the curriculum to a lesser extent consistent with the internship program. Students were most satisfied with the mentor’s objectivity in the assessment, and least satisfied with the school support during internship. Student satisfaction is also affected by better alignment of theory and practice, adequately rewarding overtime and doing the job for which they have been trained. Contribution: This study contributes to the identification and understanding of factors affecting satisfaction of hospitality students with internship and proposes measures to better internship organization.

Service Quality of the Higher Vocational Education

Author(s): Ana Jovičić Vuković,Jelena Damnjanović,Nataša Papić-Blagojević / Language(s): English Issue: 1/2022

Research Question: The paper will investigate the service quality of the higher education provided by the higher schools of vocational studies using SERVQUAL methodology. Motivation: The paper will show the characteristics of higher education of vocational studies, and it will point out the significance of creating and maintaining a quality management system in higher education institutions. The new reform of higher education in Serbia and establishment of academies of vocational studies are the main reasons why the question of service quality becomes one of the most important issues for higher education institutions and basis for competitive advantage, better image and reputation. Also, a growing competition on the higher education market and a smaller number of prospective students are also problems which higher vocational schools are faced with. Idea: The goal of this research is to find the differences between expected and perceived service quality. Furthermore, the paper will show if there are differences between perceived service quality among the students of different study years, as well as differences between the students with State scholarship and the self-funded students. Data: The research included 244 students of the first, second, and third years of bachelor studies from higher schools of vocational studies in Novi Sad, significant and the second-largest educational centre in the Republic of Serbia. Tools: Statistical methods used in this paper are frequency analysis, descriptive statistics, while the hypotheses are tested using the paired sample t-test, the independent t-test, and the one-factor variance analysis – ANOVA. Findings: The results of the research show that service quality of higher vocational education does not meet students' expectations (sig.<0,001) and that the gap is negative for all dimensions of service quality (Tangibles (-.32), Reliability (-.52), Responsiveness (-.49), Assurance (-.33), and Empathy(-.26)). It is also shown by this research that there are no differences in higher education service quality based on the status of students (sig.>0.05) and the year of studying (sig.>0.05). Contribution: The results can be used as basis for introducing further measures to improve the quality of service provided by higher vocational institutions.

Model for Considering the Propensity of Students to Accept M-learning

Author(s): Isidora Milošević,Ana Rakić,Sanela Arsić,Anđelka Stojanović,Ivica Nikolić,Predrag Đorđević / Language(s): English Issue: 1/2022

Research question: The aim of the study is to examine the inclination of engineering students in Serbia to adopt M-learning. Motivation: Mobile technologies provide new solutions in the current concept of learning. Students today have a new approach to learning since they live in the era of digital technology. The use of mobile technology in higher education came along with the technological enlightenment of professors and students, eradicating geographical boundaries and enabling cooperative learning. Idea: Mobile learning (M-learning) is unthinkable without the use of mobile devices and it plays an increasingly important role in the development of teaching methods in higher education. The research refers to the analysis and assessment of M-learning in higher education with the aim to identify problems and weaknesses related to the application of M-learning in order to set alternatives and criteria for the proposed model. Data: The survey was conducted through a questionnaire, and 341 correctly filled out questionnaires were collected. The obtained data were processed by the Visual Promethee software package. Tools: The research methodology was based on the Multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) method which was used in the form of PROMETHEE II/GAIA technique. In order to rank the student programmes from different study areas, groups of questions were used as criteria, and study programmes were used as alternatives. Findings: The acquired results indicated that M-learning was mostly used by the students of Engineering Management, since they frequently used mobile technology in certain required courses, as well as for obligatory business practice. It was also concluded that the study programme Metallurgical Engineering had the lowest performance concerning the implementation of M-learning among all other observed study programmes. Contribution: The conclusions of this study can add to the awareness-raising of the higher education institutions' interested parties and alert them to improve the quality of M-education by pointing out that there are differences in the adoption of M-learning depending on the type of engineering sciences.

Expected Competencies from University Graduates for Employment in Serbia

Author(s): Jelena Anđelković Labrović,Ivana Milinković,Nikola Petrović,Ivana Kovačević / Language(s): English Issue: 1/2022

Research Question: This paper investigates into which competencies and competency areas are essential for graduates to be employable in Serbia. Motivation: The research was conducted with the aim to recommend to the Faculty of Organizational Sciences to adjust their curriculum, so that graduates could acquire competencies necessary for employment at junior positions. Combining qualitative and quantitative approaches, the paper includes required competencies according to popular reports, analysis of vacancies for junior positions in the field of Management and IT, focus groups and surveys conducted in companies in Serbia. Idea: The main idea of the research was to empirically evaluate the need and importance of general competencies for performing a job at junior positions. Participants in the research were experts from human resource management departments and domain experts from different fields who participate in the selection process. Data: During the research, 52 competencies from world reports, 60 competencies from open job vacancies, and 69 competencies during the focus group were analyzed. The questionnaire was created based on 29 competencies that were results from the qualitative research and filled out by 118 representatives from companies from different business domains. Tools: Content analysis of reports and vacancy ads, focus group report and statistical analysis of survey data (t test, Principal component analysis) were used to draw conclusions about required competencies for junior positions in the Serbian market and to categorize them. Findings: Competencies that are expected from future employees are to be socially skilled leaders capable of solving problems and intrinsically motivated to create and to be productive. Above all, they should be able to learn continuously. Specifically, when comparing managerial junior positions to junior IT professionals, it seems more important to be competitive, have strong presentation skills and to be conscientious. Contribution: Competencies important for graduates’ employability in Serbia are identified and grouped in different competency areas based on what universities’ curricula could be adapted.

The Relationship between Workplace Conflicts and Job Satisfaction in the Public Sector in Serbia

Author(s): Marko Pavlović,Biljana Stojanović-Višić,Marija Runić Ristić / Language(s): English Issue: 1/2022

Research Question: This paper starts with the research question regarding the relationship between workplace conflicts and job satisfaction in the public sector in Serbia. Motivation: The main motivation for this research study was: to examine a compromising conflict resolution in the public sector in Serbia; to examine the frequency, causes, conflict resolution strategies and methods for their reduction and for improving work climate in the public sector in Serbia; to examine the job satisfaction in the public sector in Serbia; and to examine the relationship between workplace conflicts and job satisfaction in the public sector in Serbia. Idea: This research started with the intention to study job satisfaction or dissatisfaction and workplace conflicts in the public sector in Serbia in order to reach a more efficient and effective human resource management. Data: The research study was conducted from the beginning of March 2019 until the end of April 2019. The total sample size amounted to 300 respondents employed in the public sector in Serbia. Tools: Two scales have been used to gather data and conduct the research: the compromising conflict resolution scale and the job satisfaction survey scale. Findings: More than half of the respondents employed in the public sector in Serbia believe that conflicts in their workplace are not frequent, while less than half of them finds them frequent. This finding shows that opinions are divided regarding conflicts. As the main reason for conflicts, the respondents reported personal conflicts, organizational conflicts and communication conflicts. The best strategies to handle conflicts, according to the employees in the public sector in Serbia, are cooperation, competition and avoiding. At the same time, compromise occupies the bottom place according to its frequency occurrence. As regards the methods to lower the levels of conflict frequency and to improve the organizational climate, the employees in the public sector in Serbia emphasized better planning and division of work and more resources that a company has at its disposal. Regarding job satisfaction, these findings put employees in the category of ambivalent emotions. Contribution: The primary contribution of this paper is in its effort to lead to better human resource management in the public sector in Serbia due to the research study results.

The Relationship between ESG and Financial Performance Indicators in the Public Sector: Empirical Evidence from the Republic of Serbia

Author(s): Violeta Domanović / Language(s): English Issue: 1/2022

Research Question: This paper investigated whether a relationship exists between environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG) performance indicators and financial performance measures in the public sector. Motivation: Performance measurement plays a significant role in public management and public policy and could be considered to be a segment of the whole performance management process. Growing awareness of climate change, human capital and corporate governance issues have imposed the necessity of introducing environmental, social and corporate governance performance indicators (ESG) in public enterprises’ annual reports. ESG performance indicators encourage investors to make socially responsible investment decisions (De Lucia, Pazienza & Bartlett, 2020). Hence, the paper is focused on the specifics of measuring performance in the public sector. Besides, it is very interesting to acquire knowledge about the correlation between ESG indicators and financial performance measures (Kalaitzoglou, Pan & Niklewski, 2020; Landau, Rochell, Klein & Zwergel, 2020). Idea: The purpose of the research is to highlight relevant performance measures in the public enterprises in the energy sector in the Republic of Serbia and to examine whether the application of the ESG indicators implies better financial performance. Data: Four large Serbian companies in the energy sector were analysed. Data were collected on the web site of the Agency for Business Registers of the Republic of Serbia. The observation period is from 2017 to 2019. The financial performance indicators are ROA, ROE and the economy ratio. Tools: Based on annual financial statements, non-financial reporting of public companies is monitored, whether companies invest in environmental and social protection, as well as whether they implement activities directed to more consistent implementation of corporate governance. The dynamics of selected financial indicators is analysed according to base and chain indices. Findings: The results show that the public enterprises in the energy sector of the Republic of Serbia mainly report on traditional financial measures in their annual financial statements. One of them applies all ESG indicators and the others do it partially. However, no direct and positive correlation between ESG indicators and financial performance measures could be found. Conversely, there is the case that ESG indicators have no linkage with the financial performance measures. Contribution: This paper contributes to the existing literature in the field of public enterprises’ sustainability.

From management consultancy to management therapy: diagnostic of managerial disorders and anatomy of management therapy

Author(s): Cosmin-Florin Lehene / Language(s): English Issue: 1/2021

In this paper I develop an idea which can provide the ground in order to start the transition from an amatorial/common sense management consultancy practice towards a scientific validated management consultancy practice. Rooted in medicine, psychiatry and psychology, the innovative tool is aiming at moving the management consultancy practice towards a direction already present in the classical fields of science mentioned above. The new more formal, rigorous, systematic and science-based management consultancy practice is called management therapy (MT). The MT is different from management consultancy because it is substantiated in the emerging field of research called Evidence Based Management (EBM). The paper introduces the first two steps in order to favor opening the discussions and the practice of management therapy: (1) developing the analogous/equivalent of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) in the management field and (2) developing the action/process of MT (the anatomy of the MT).

The role(s) of the business english teacher: a practical approach

Author(s): Oana Alexandra Alexa / Language(s): English Issue: 2/2021

Starting from Jeremy Harmer’s (1994) general list and Evan Frendo’s (2012) Business English-focused perspective on teacher roles, this paper aims to discuss in more detail the different dimensions of the teaching process I have identified during my seminars at the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration and provide practical examples of the teacher’s role(s) in the classroom based on the fundamental process of needs analysis. It will show that teaching ESP is indeed more of a collaborative process between the students and the teacher and, consequently, the latter’s role must shift according to the former’s learning needs.

Le rôle des entreprises et leurs comportements sur la stabilité du système financier

Author(s): Farelle Yandza Ikahaud,Mohamed el Haddad / Language(s): French Issue: 2/2021

Investment determines the sustainability and prosperity of an economy. The paper seeks to (1) give an overview of the roles of companies on the stability of the financial system, based on existing theoretical and empirical work; and (2) to highlight the reasons which expose them to the non-application of their duties against the State. For this purpose, a bibliometric analysis using the Direct Science database was employed. The results of the analysis allowed us to study the search trend by analyzing the distribution of publications, authors, types of publications and fields of research and also showed that the themes of the study are of great scientific interest because of the surge in the number of publications on the role of companies over the last ten years averaging 76.3 per year while 1,690 were on the impact of company behaviour on the stability of the financial system.

Compliance evolution toward the IIRF in the case of european financial institution: public vs. Private organization

Author(s): Gianluca Zanellato / Language(s): English Issue: 2/2021

Financial organizations are playing an essential role in our societies. The economic crises brought a loss of confidence by citizens, had repercussions in government budgets as aid was provided to save financial organizations. Today after ten years of unfortunate events, stakeholders are more interested in the activity of similar organizations than ever. The increasing need for information brought financial organizations to adopt different non-financial reports to communicate their activity toward their stakeholders, including the latest trend in corporate reporting: “Integrated Report.” Therefore, the present paper analyses the compliance evolution toward the International Integrated Reporting Framework and contraposes the results in the context of the public-owned institution and private-owned institutions. The results of the study outline an increasing compliance toward the framework and it demonstrates State Owned Enterprises predilection toward content that help them in explaining their existing reasons.