bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Influence of Public Service Motivation on Service Quality of Civil Servants in West Sumatra Indonesia
Authors: Syamsir Syamsir
Published: July 2017

Background ¬– Most of PSM studies tend to conclude that PSM cases and theories are cross-culturally viable. Besides, so far, most PSM research focuses more on employees (public and private) in the Western and developed countries; and almost no study of the PSM in developing countries. In addition, most of the PSM theories tended to generalize the assumptions of the PSM among employees and often ignore cultural dimensions in their analysis, including in relation to the effect of PSM on the quality of work. Purpose – The purpose of this study was to find out the influence of Public Service Motivation (PSM) on service quality of civil servants in a wide range of government agencies in the province of West Sumatra. Design/methodology/approach – This study used quantitative methods. Data were collected through proportional stratified random sampling from a sample consisted of 1,270 respondents from some government institutions in West Sumatra province. Data were analyzed with multiple regression analysis. Finding – The finding of this study indicated that the overall public service motivation significantly influenced on the service quality of civil servants in a wide range of government agencies in West Sumatra province. Besides, the results of this study also indicated that the PSM dimension associated with commitment to public interest have a greater influence than the other dimensions of PSM, namely attraction to public policy making, compassion, and self sacrifice. Practical Implications – This study would be offering a consideration and advice to the local government about the need to consider the aspects of public service motivation in improving the service quality of civil servants, especially in West Sumatra Indonesia.
Financial Development Influence on Economic Growth in Albania
Authors: Musta Eugen
Published: July 2017

During the 2000s the private banking sector in Albania started to consolidate and the level of lending in the economy started to grow. In the same period the overall economic indicators were showing positive growth too, but that all changed after the financial crisis of 2008. It took a while for its effects to hit the country but when they came the economy started to slowdown and the banks while facing a rise in Non-Performing Loans (NPL) started to cut out lending. The drop on lending is considered a problem by policy makers who see a pattern of causality in the finance – growth nexus based on theoretical works saying that finance development can influence growth. Even though the theory linking economic growth with financial development is not unanimously accepted on academic circles, empirical studies support the fact that a better developed financial system helps to support a sustainable growth. This seems enough to keep policy makers concerned with keeping lending high in the economy. The purpose of this study is to find if there is a pattern of such correlation between lending and growth in the Albanian economy. For the purpose data from the last 21 years have been analyzed through a time series regression where per capita GDP growth rate is the dependable variable and the domestic credit to private sector by banks is undependable variable. For the analyze is based on the aggregate demand model where credit is influencing investments, the influence which government spending may have on output is tested it the regression as an influential factor. The result showed that the explanatory variable coefficient is negative, suggesting that in this case the financial sector growth has a negative effect on growth. We assume this is so because the main channel through which the finance influences growth, which is by allocating capitals towards the most efficient opportunities, is not actually working and this can be seen by the high number of non-performing loans on the banks’ balance sheets.
Hospital Location Selection with Grey System Theory
Authors: Şen Halil , Demiral Mehmet Fatih
Published: July 2017

The facility location selection is one of the most important decisions for investors and entrepreneurs. It is a strategic issue besides often decides the fate of such a facility. In this kind of strategic decisions, decision makers should take into account various objectives and criteria and the process of location selection is inherently complicated. This paper considers the hospital location selection for a new public hospital by using Gray Relational Analysis (GRA) and Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). Gray Relational Analysis have been developed based on Grey System Theory. Grey System Theory is an interdisciplinary approach which first quantified by Deng in the early 1980’s as an alternative method in creating the uncertainty have been proposed. The basic idea of emergence is to estimate the behavior of the systems which cannot be overcome by the stochastic or fuzzy methods with limited number of data. In this paper, the weights of criteria have been determined by using Analytic Hierarchic Process, then the grey relational degrees have been calculated for each alternative location.
Job Satisfaction in the Health Care Sector: Empirical Evidence from Medical Care in Greece
Authors: Gkliati Alexandra , Saiti Anna
Published: July 2017

It is extremely important for employees in every sector of an economy to be satisfied with their work since job satisfaction contributes significantly to improvements in their productiveness and performance. This paper deals with the very sensitive sector of health care in which medical staff provide citizens with health care services. The job satisfaction of these medical care providers is of particular importance when aiming to improve the quality of their services. Literature on job satisfaction among the providers of medical care is limited since researches have focused mainly on users’ satisfaction with the medical care services provided. In an era in which many countries worldwide are facing uncertainty and the social insurance systems are confronted with serious problems as they strive to respond to a number of changes, the Greek health care sector is no exception. With particular reference to the Greek reality, due to the heavy recession that the country has been facing for a number of years, health care expenditures have been cut dramatically and, as a result, the working conditions in public hospitals have been negatively influenced. Based on the above, the purpose of this paper is, through empirical investigation, to examine the levels of job satisfaction among Greek doctors who work in public hospitals and to determine the factors that may influence the satisfaction they gain from their work.
Integer Programming Model for Two-Centered Double Traveling Salesman Problem
Authors: Demiral Mehmet Fatih , Şen Halil
Published: July 2017

Traveling Salesman Problem (TSP) is among the most popular combinatorial problems and has been widely studied with many extensions in the literature. There have been integer programming formulations and solution approaches for TSP and its variations. One of the most popular topics is the multiple TSP (m-TSP). It has been started to work on the last decades. Generally, m-TSP has a single depot and more than one tour. However, some types have more than one depot. Besides, if seeking, many encounter with double traveling salesman problem (d-TSP). As inferred from the literature, d-TSP is a variation of m-TSP in which two salespersons operate in parallel. They start and end either in a single or two depots. Apart from the literature, a new TSP model has been constructed in this study. The model analyzes the behaviors of traveling salesmen both in the main and secondary tour. Tours have been aggregated via single node existing in the secondary tour. In the application part, Simulated Annealing (SA) was used to optimize the traveling paths of salesmen. The objective parameters of both tours have been explored within a numerical example. According to them, several cost values have been found. The optimum parameters and costs of both tours are to be determined and some practical issues relevant to the behaviors of traveling salesmen have been given. Results suggest that alternative travel plans of traveling salesmen could be possible. Also, findings give hints about both tours and their characteristics.
Labour Mobility Within the Eu: Major Effects and Implications for the Main Sending and Receiving Economies
Authors: Georgiana Noja Gratiela
Published: July 2017

The paper aims to analyse the effects induced by labour mobility within the European Union, focusing both on emigration and immigration effects for major sending and host economies in terms of the overall economic activity, empowering the business enterprise sector and labour market, as well as on economic (labour force) and non-economic (humanitarian, asylum seekers) migration. Labour mobility within the European Union is an important coordinate of the economic integration process and one of the freedoms granted to the member states, with significant consequences upon their economies. Nevertheless, the international labour migration mainly resides from wage differentials, working conditions or opportunities between sending and host economies, thus proving to be an important symbol of global economic inequality. Taking into consideration all these aspects, our analysis is based on developing various double-log fixed (LSDV) and random (ECM) effects models, using a panel structure that covers five main EU destination countries and ten New EU Member States, respectively a complex set of indicators compiled during 2000-2014 and 2006-2015. The models are processed through OLS and GLS methods of estimation, as well as by using the correlated panels corrected standard errors (PCSE) method, being completed by in-sample and out-of-sample predictions. The results show that immigration flows have important economic consequences leading to significant changes in labour market performances both for natives and foreign population (decreases in employment rates and lowering wage levels). Still, one of the most important positive effects of immigration reflected by the results obtained is represented by an increase in the number of innovative enterprises in the host country, thus confirming the theories linking migration to innovation. In terms of labour emigration, there is evidence to attest that it generates positive effects on the main sending economies from Central and Eastern Europe on the GDP per capita, earnings and exports, especially through remittances, but the overall negative impact is predominant.
Money Laundering in Albania for the Years 2008-2015
Authors: Ibraj Bajram
Published: July 2017

Study on Money laundering in Albania for the years 2008-2015, present typologies, the most prevalent forms through the banking system, the real estate sector, transfer companies and foreign exchange bureaus, and the most common forms of money laundering by free non-financial professions and other forms in Albania, with specific data. Present on the work of statistical data through tables and graphs, made possible through the development of concrete analysis of their comparisons on their own, thus reflecting typologies, forms and methods of money laundering in Albania for the years 2008-2015. In the context the detection and investigation of money laundering remains informal economy problem and transportation of cash at the entrance/exit of the border crossing points, which have been identified that are identified as the main risk of criminal product. Meanwhile, law enforcement to prevent and fight organized crime and trafficking through preventive measures against property and corruption remains far from the expectations and opportunities that this law grants within the confiscation of criminal products. Conclusions to improve work in terms of legislation, relevant structures, cooperation, and the implementation in practice and recommendations for further improvements to the security of citizens in general looked at closely by the services of the State Police, investigations and proceedings, in terms of criminal offense in the fight against organized crime, terrorism and corruption, significantly influences in the field of money laundering. At the origin of money laundering is any criminal activity, also held out, which generates money, often called "dirty", and/or other goods.
Labour Resilience and Vulnerable Groups in Times of Crisis: A Comparative Study in Eleven European Countries
Authors: Molina Sandra Martínez , Cotanda Elisa Valía , Ferrer Jorge Garcés
Published: July 2017

The financial crisis which hit the world economies in 2008 has had a negative effect across the spectrum of European economies. These impacts have been felt through the fall in economic activity and also by the deterioration of the labour market indicators. However, not all European markets have been hit with the same severity and intensity, causing territorial differences. But, beyond this, the crisis has had a clear impact on the labour force by exacerbating work inequality. Consequently, the concept of labour emerges through the adaptation of labour markets and the different results obtained amongst the collectives who make up the labour force. The present research has the dual goal of both describing and comparing the labour shock caused by the economic crisis in eleven European countries, establishing differences in employment outcomes of youth (15-24yrs of age), older (55-64yrs of age) and migrants workers by comparing key labour market indicators obtained from official statistical sources. Moreover, it reveals a documented analysis of various national reports describing the employment position of these groups. The results show similarities in the labour vulnerability patterns among countries in each of the groups studied. The analysis highlights the existence of certain factors linked to labour resilience of each group including economic, social, occupational, demographic and political factors. The results of this research are under the INSPIRES project, which has been funded by the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Commission.
Identifying Resilient and Non-Resilient Labour Conditions in Europe Using Qualitative Comparative Analysis
Authors: Molina Sandra Martínez , Pavía Paula Sabater , Ferrer Jorge Garcés
Published: July 2017

Based on the concept of labour market resilience, this paper is aimed to determine the combination of initial conditions behind resilient and non-resilient labour markets after the financial crisis in 2008 in Europe. We start from the assumption that some initial conditions in 2007 are crucial to achieve a specific labour result when a shock appears. In this sense, the effect of temporary employment in cyclical sectors, labour market flexibility, the level of education among the workforce, and the expenditure on Labour Market Policies (LMP) have been tested using crisp-set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (csQCA) in 25 European countries. Whilst our results do not explain labour market resilience in its entirety, we have found a model explaining 85% of the non-resilient cases. These findings suggest that the different levels of initial conditions may have prompted dissimilar labour adjustments with varying success rates in dealing with the job losses.
Locus of Responsibility for Professional Development in the Perspective of Organizations and Individuals – the Results of Empirical Research in Poland
Authors: Januszkiewicz Katarzyna
Published: July 2017

Modern companies operate under conditions of permanent change. A changing organization must be accompanied by changing - developing people. Therefore, if the development is imperative, the question is who has responsibility for it, is it the organization that makes human resources its strategic resource, or is it the employees who, in times of change, redefine the relation to the work. The answer to that question is not conclusive; therefore the article presents a dialectical approach to the responsibility for professional development, which may be located on the side of the organization, the employee or be the result of cooperation between these entities. Based on the results of own research conducted in Poland, a comparison was made of the locus of responsibility for development in the perspective of the organization and employees. The analysis was based on the results of own research conducted in Poland in 2015 on a representative sample of 289 companies and 2,274 employees (The project was funded from means of the National Science Centre conferred on the basis of the decision No DEC-2013/09 / B / HS4 / 02722). The results of the research allowed for a comparative analysis of the prospects of companies surveyed, and identification of discrepancies in this regard. This knowledge can provide guidance for the design of systems of human resources management in order to increase their effectiveness by matching organizational solutions to the expectations of employees.
Managers in Polish Organizations - the Results of Empirical Research
Authors: Wnuk Izabela Bednarska
Published: July 2017

Today we are dealing with unceasing changes that are not without influence on the functioning of the organization and its subsystems; and managers, who are specific moderators of all activities in the organization, in the face of the volatility of the environment, need to acquire new competences and roles, and realize relevant functions. It seems that the manager's role may be dependent on organizational characteristics such as the type of organization (for-profit, non-profit), the industry in which the organization operates and its size. These features can determine the roles and functions of the persons responsible for the management of organizations. Taking this into account, the aim of this article is to present the role of managers in Polish organizations, depending on their industry and size based on the results of empirical research. The study was conducted in 2015 among 289 organizations in Poland. One of their objectives was to identify a modern role of managers, depending on the selected organizational features based on interviews with people responsible for personnel policy in these organizations. Studies have shown that the role of the manager and basically just its scope is dependent on the size of the organization. On the other hand, no relationship between the role and the industry in which the organization operates has been observed.
Employees’ Motivation and Management of Human Resources in Public Enterprises in Dukagjin’s Plain
Authors: Berisha Ardian
Published: July 2017

This research is realized in city of Peja, in which included 30 employees of public enterprises that operate in this city. Participants were aged between 25-48; they were 8 females and 22 males. For the data collection is used an applied questionnaire with 12 questions. The first hypothesis of this research: “Motivation at work has a positive relation with the management of human resources “is made correlative analysis and we have this statistical production [r= .430*, p smaller than .018], a result that supports the hypothesis of this research.
The Reflections of Supply Chain Management Practices on R-D
Authors: Kiliç Mert , Demirkaya Harun
Published: July 2017

The globalization of the world brings lots of interferences and relationships for the firms to have competitive advantage. As the logistics services has a very important role for both reducing the direct costs and the customer satisfaction, Supply Chain Management increases its importance by the large area of its effect for both inbound and outbound processes of logistics. R-D is also very critical for the firms to sustain themselves in the age of competition. The customers always desires the best and the most brand-new products on the cheapest price. So examining the relationship between these two very important factors is inevitable. In this paper, it is examined that what is the reflections of supply chain management practices on R-D.
The Deliveries Chain and Value Added in Context of Coopetition Between the Service and Industrial Companies in Poland and UE
Authors: Ejsmont Aneta , Szczepanik Edward
Published: July 2017

In an activity of companies in Poland there is a problem in expansion of the small and medium- sized enterprises which can face difficulties with their development on both the domestic and international scene in relation to big economic entities. With reference to the above, as far as a financial situation of the researched companies or more precisely their expansion is concerned we should exert every effort to make connections between small and medium- sized enterprises of service character and big economic entities which produce material products. The aim of the article is to do the analysis in relation to selected enterprises from the SME’s sector which have their registered addresses in Poland and which cooperate with big companies and with the economic entities from other countries of the European Union in order to prove that the main principle is to increase expansion of the researched economic entities and that the cooperation between small and medium- sized firms and big holdings or concerns should be intensified especially when they refer to Poland and other countries of the European Union. Coopetition between the researched companies in that case should contribute to improvement in functioning of the deliveries chain and to increase in the Market Value Added (MVA) which is working out by both the small and medium- sized service enterprises and big industrial companies.
Internationalization of Albanian Firms: Challenges and Opportunities
Authors: Ashiku Marsida
Published: July 2017

In this paper we examine how the level of internationalization, i.e. a firm’s relative exposure to foreign sales, affects individual SMEs in Albania. Since it is conducted using a data sample with albanian SMEs, its applicability in other countries may vary. The purpose of this study is to increase the knowledge and provide insights on how internationalization affects SMEs in general and in Albania in particular. This empirical analysis aims to study if Albanian firms are internationalized or not, for a panel of 50 Albanian small and medium enterprises for the period 2014 to 2015. For the realization of this paper we were based on a rich contemporary literature but also in the analysis of data obtained from firms’ balances and from a survey in Albanian firms for the last 2 years. Results of this work will help the work of managers and financial managers in Albanian companies, but also other persons interested in the field of international finance, at a time when the main reason for the financial crisis in the world nowdays is precisely the lack of liquidity which consequently leads to the reduction of exports to foreign international markets.
Business Environment and Accounting System in Kosovo: Comparison of Different Periods
Authors: Aliu Muhamet , Sahiti Arbana , Sahiti Arben
Published: July 2017

Kosovo has undergone structural and fundamental changes in its business environment and accounting system from the period before 1999 under the rule of Yugoslavia, and after 1999 until today, after the liberation and its independence. This qualitative research attempts to compare both periods, and to analyze the decisions that were made throughout the time.
Sustainability Reporting in Turkey: Analysis of Companies in the BIST Sustainability Index
Authors: Kocamiş Tuğçe Uzun , Yildirim Gülçin
Published: July 2017

Sustainability reporting is a responsibility practice that towards sustainable development goals as related to corporate performance measurement, explaining and being accountable to internal and external stakeholders. Non-financial information relating to operating activities can be disclosed through sustainability reports. Sustainability reporting is a vital step of managing change towards a sustainable global economy—one that combines long-term profitability with environmental care and social justice. Sustainability reports developed using the GRI Reporting Framework covers results and consequences the emerged in the context of organization's commitments, strategy and management approach during the reporting period. Through the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Sustainability Reporting Framework, the GRI works to increase the transparency and exchange of sustainability-related information. The Borsa Istanbul Sustainability Index, published since 2014 is an important development for the business in Turkey which is aimed sustainable development. Sustainability reports have been prepared on a voluntary basis in Turkey and in many countries. In line with global developments the number of business is increasing who prefer to explain activities of economic, environmental and social dimensions through corporate sustainability reports in Turkey as well. This study conceptually reviews sustainability reporting and its benefits for the business. In order to see the effectiveness of the sustainability reports, sustainability reports of business in the BIST sustainability index will be subjected to content analysis basis GRI Reporting Principles on voluntary basis.
Sustainable Development and the Changes is the Modern Economic and Social Life
Authors: Zhivkova Stela
Published: July 2017

In the contemporary world, with its high technologies, constantly developing and improving production processes and globalization, the issue of sustainable development is present in the agenda of the whole world. Moreover, the international business in all its variety of forms and operations, is an integral part of the economic life of each country. It contributes to the increase of the gross domestic product of developed countries and for the economic progress of developing countries. In this context, what becomes important is not only achieving economic growth, but also the ways it is achieved. That’s where the concept of sustainable development comes. The ideas of sustainable development, getting economic growth with care for the environment, reaching higher living standard while protecting the natural resources are extremely popular at the beginning of this century, when environmental disasters and economic crises caused by the scarcity of certain resources are a reality and are not limited to one specific country but affect the whole world. These problems inevitably lead to changes in the economic life, as it has to respond to the need of finding a new approach to achieve economic prosperity. Such changes in the economic and social life, for example, are the emergence of new economic sectors such as eco-manufacturing, bio-products, provision of environmental services, changes in some state policies such as initiating green procurement, green public-private partnership, green supply chains etc. This article is dedicated to revealing some of these changes which result from the current trend for sustainable economic development.
Labour Discrimination Related to Pregnancy and Motherhood in Croatia
Authors: Špadina Helga
Published: July 2017

In 2012, Croatian Office for Gender Equality published report on position of pregnant workers and working mothers on the national labour market. Survey results clearly demonstrated concerning situation in the labour market where every second pregnant woman was dismissed due to pregnancy. The remaining 50% of pregnant workers and working mothers faced denial of one or more labour rights due to pregnancy or childcare. Apart from violation of basic human rights in the labour market, pregnant workers and working mothers faced discriminatory practices in financial sector i.e. denial of right to take bank loans. These practices are contrary to current Croatian labour and gender equality legislation, as well as European and international legal standards related to protection of pregnant workers and working mothers. Nonethless, due to high national unemployment rate, women faced with labour discrimination rarely use available legal remedies. This paper analysis legal framework applicable to labour discrimination of pregnant workers and working mothers, primarily through the lens of applicable European acquis communautaire i.e. Directives. It also investigates case law of Croatian courts and the European Court of Justice related to labour discrimination of pregnant workers and working mothers. More specifically, research explores convergences and divergences of national and European case law. The aim of the paper is to contribute to academic discussions on the labour market gender equality and measures necessary to achieve full respect of all national and international legal standards.
Exports, Exchange Rates and Productivity: An Analysis of the Japanese Manufacturing Sectors
Authors: Kato Atsuyuki
Published: July 2017

This paper examines the effects of exchange rate changes and productivity on manufacturing exports. Using the dataset of the Japanese manufacturing firms during the period, 2002 – 2012, we discuss if exchange rate fluctuations deter export activities and if productivity and markup differences affect it. For this study, we estimate both firm specific productivity and markups by the production function based approaches and incorporate them into the Heckman sample selection model. Our results show exchange rates are important factors to affect firm-level exports as a whole while temporal aggregation should be carefully considered. In addition, this study also reveals that productivity and markup give different impacts on firm-level exports across industries. In the transportation equipment industry, negative effects of appreciation on exports are partly mitigated by higher productivity. Markups are positively related to exports in the electronics industry while negative in the transportation equipment. Neither productivity nor markup absorbs the impact of exchange rate changes in the machinery industry. Those findings imply that stability of exchange rates is very important while the effective trade policy may vary across industries following their trade structure.
Economic Transition Process and Kosovo Pension Reform System
Authors: Shaqiri Nexhmedin
Published: July 2017

This article aims to study the Kosovo economic transition process and its impact on the Pension system reform. The study will focus on; model of new economic building system (market liberalization, economic recovery, the concept of entrepreneurship development, system integration of economic trends in the global economy, privatization and transformation of property, social welfare, social justice), etc. During this study different theories on the transition process in the economy will be used, as well as theories on reforming the pension system in the world, which affirm the sustainability of the construction of the new economic and pension system. Methods used will serve to draw relevant conclusions as follow; heuristic, descriptive, historical, comparative, statistical. The hypothesis of this study is, "Impact of the economic reform system in Kosovo and its results in the construction of the new sustainable pension system model." Through this study conceptual changes to the economic system will be put forward, dealing with socialist and liberal philosophy, as different concepts of economic development, the role of the state or the market as a regulator of the economic system. In particular, attention is paid to the new pension system in Kosovo; the causes for reform of the pension system, reforming the pension system, the basic goals of the reform of the pension system, the types of pensions systems in the world, the conceptual basis of the construction of the pension system in Kosovo, the principles of the reform of the pension system, the regulatory framework of the new pension system in Kosovo, advantages and challenges of multi pillar pension system model, the model used for Kosovo's pension system, pension schemes in Kosovo, the efficiency of the new pension system in Kosovo, comparing the new pension system in Kosovo with pension systems of other countries in the region.
Sustainable Tourism in the Albanian Riviera - Cultural Routes Contibution in Sustainable Tourism in the Albanian Riviera
Authors: Joijc Sonia
Published: July 2017

This article studies the potential impact of the cultural routes proposed in the Albanian Riviera case study on the development of sustainable tourism in the southern coast of Albania, focusing especially on the innovative co-creation of experience and narratives. Nowadays, in the field of cultural tourism, there is a similar shift away from static museums and monuments towards more interactive and intangible way of experiencing. Because of these new approaches, cultural tourists seek out the defining elements of the atmosphere of places even more than before. This knowledge empowers individuals not only to see or experience a place, but to live and breathe the very culture.
Evolving Diplomacy of Regional Organizations - Some Experiences in Balkans
Authors: LILA Fejzi
Published: July 2017

The regional organizations are becoming more and more the necessity of modern times. On vertically approaches the regional diplomacy and organizations are between international and national level of governmental institutions worldwide. Being in between global national levels the regional organizations are very interesting players to bring both above mentioned actors closer to each- other and to harmonize some time their contradictory approaches and interests. On horizontal approaches the regional organizations are located and operate in the common valuable areas with more or less the same or similar situations, in the common political landscape, in the same geography, geo-strategy, culture and markets. Therefore, they share the achievements and challenges together. That is why the increasing role of multilateral diplomacy through evolving regional organizations is very important facilitating mechanism to shift from old fashion bilateral oriented diplomacy toward globalization trends.
Opportunities for Increasing Efficiency by Public Utility Organizations
Authors: Kocziszky György , Somosi Mariann Veresné
Published: July 2017

The result and expenditure based performance measurement and evaluation are much the same age in the private sector with the modern enterprise theory. It is enough to make an overview of the Anglo-Saxon and German literature between the two world wars, which pays significant attention on the economic and work organizational tools and methods of enterprise level performance measurement and improvement. The public sphere and within this the issue of operational and economic efficiency measurement of public utility organizations has got a more modest past and methodological framework, although its significance is not smaller. The authors in their research make an attempt to compensate it, when they make suggestions for the performance evaluation process and methods of public utility organizations.
Business Digitalization in Albania: Where do SMEs Stand?
Authors: Curraj Erjon
Published: July 2017

The ICTs sector in Albania has marked some considerable progress with the market liberalization, the expansion of the Internet use, the improvements in e-government services and in the policy framework (EC, Progress Report 2012; NSDI, Draft, 2014-2020). The ICTs companies operate mainly at the domestic level, but there are growing efforts to gain better recognition at the regional and international level. The ICTs companies operating in Tirana are mainly registered as SMEs and work in the local market. This paper explores the level of smart business in the ICTs sector in Albania by looking in particular at the current level, future trends and underpinning reasons for the smart business development. The paper provides a framework analysis for smart business as outlined in the survey of literature and explores its contextualization in the ICT sector in Albania by looking at the readiness of the sector to develop smart business. The paper adopts a quantitative methodology and uses both primary and secondary data. The primary data are collected through online structured survey of the ICTs sector in Albania and the secondary data include reports, articles and studies on the ICTs market in Albania.
The Role of Internal Audit as a Starting Point for the Discovery of Irregularities in the Financial Statements of Public Companies in Kosovo
Authors: Ismajli Hysen , Aliu Muhamet , Sahiti Arben , Lutolli Lumbardha
Published: July 2017

The main purpose of this paper is to verify whether the internal audit affects the detection of anomalies and fraud in the financial statements of public companies in Kosovo. To achieve this purpose, we have prepared a questionnaire and distributed to public enterprises in the Republic of Kosovo. The questionnaire includes open and closed questions in the form of Likert scale established to asess proposition and oposition of the participants. Responses were analyzed through SPSS software, and hypotheses were tested by analyzing the correlation. Based on results we can conclude that the role of internal audit can serve as a starting point in finding fraud and errors in financial reports.
Creative Accounting- Nature, Usage, Labor and Relation with the Own Crisis Consequences in Practice in Kosovo
Authors: Sahiti Arbana
Published: July 2017

This project aims to provide a detailed view of the actual implementation of Creative Accounting (CA) concept amongst professionals in Pristina city. To accomplish this project I have tried to cover the below various topics: -Definitions of (CA); Motivation behind (CA); The various ways and methods in which (CA) can be assumed; Why management decides to involve in (CA); The roles of Governance, Regulators and Auditors; Ethical issues resulting from practicing (CA), and the difference between (CA) and fraud. 20 financial executives were surveyed, to determine the key factors on how they interacted with the (CA) concept and its implementation. 10 of these were semi-structured interviews. At the end, it was concluded that the complex and diverse nature of the business transactions and the autonomy existing in accounting standards and policies make it difficult to manage the issue of (CA). This does not mean that (CA) results are always incorrect. It is rather the determination, scale, materiality and timing of the disclosure which determine its true nature and justification.
Corporate Governance and the Sustainable Development
Authors: Boeva Bistra , Zhivkova Stela , Stoychev Ivan
Published: July 2017

Nowadays the issues of sustainable development are everywhere around us. Everybody talks about sustainability in all aspects of our life. It is becoming also part of the agenda of the business world not only for the small and medium size companies, but also for the big corporations. Gradually environmental and social issues begin to pose new topics in the agenda for board meetings of the big corporations. The corporate governance begins to pay more and more attention not only to the return rate of the investments but also to the footprint that the company has on the society. In this framework we decided to examine the relationship and interconnectivity between corporate governance and sustainable development. The research that backed this paper encompasses literature survey and analysis, on one hand and empirical research on another. This paper present some of the results from our survey showing the changes that occur in the corporate governance and the position of the managing boards of directors due to the sustainable development policy applied worldwide.
Collateral and Bank Credit – a Puzzle
Authors: Nehrebecka Natalia , Dzik-Walczak Aneta
Published: July 2017

The impact of firms characteristics on bank debt financing has always been a field of conflicts among economists (e.g. trade-off theory vs. pecking order theory). The pecking order theory predicts that firms holding more tangible assets are less prone to asymmetric information problems and reduce the agency cost. Generally, the supply of bank loans is expected to be higher for firms with higher collateral. In the empirical literature, this relationship is not always confirmed. We analyse this phenomenon from three points of view: meta-analysis of literature, country level data and case of Poland. This study provides a systematic analysis of the empirical literature on the usage of bank debt by conducting a meta-analysis. In particular, the problem of publication selection bias is discussed. We explore the sources of heterogeneity among studies including moderator variables in random- and fixed effects regressions. Our results indicate that there is an evidence of publication selection. Based on country level data we conclude that the impact of collateral on bank credit is negative. For Polish case we find that the impact of collateral on debt is positive, except for the subsample of large enterprises.
Advantages and Disadvantages of the Different Types of Working Hours' Organisation
Authors: Titopoulou Maria , Ganeva Ralitsa , Staykova Jeni , Titopoulos Efstathios
Published: July 2017

The variety of existing work schedules offers advantages and disadvantages for workers, as well as for their employers. While some flexibility in working hours is oriented to the needs of workers (beyond the minimum standards required for the protection of the employed), another is focused on meeting the needs of businesses (in the literature concerning the working hours, it is often called “variation”).
Economic, Social and Environmental Aspets for the Promotion of Cultural Heritage in the Balkans
Authors: Gavra Eleni G. , Gkioufi Kleoniki
Published: July 2017

This paper attempts an exploration of economic, social and environmental issues that are related to the promotion of cultural heritage of reference areas in the Balkans. The assessment of the value of cultural heritage contributes to the proper management of cultural identity and hence to the promotion of the image of a region. The enhancement and promotion of cultural identity, focusing on sustainable development, is a key issue in urban planning. In theoretical level it is analyzed the economic, social and environmental aspects of an area that affect the promotion of the cultural reserve and are related to the promotion of the area image. The socio-economic conditions, quality of life, historical traditions and aesthetic values directly affect the cultural environment as an extension of the global environmental system. Contemporary planning policies include practices for the protection and promotion of cultural assets through innovative applications, fulfilling technological requirements. The importance and wealth of cultural reserve in the Balkans is particularly demonstrated by the large number of monuments and sites classified as "World Heritage Sites" by UNESCO, contributing to the promotion of the cultural image of the region, through practical effects. Through specific reference examples, in this paper, we present the new urban policies that enhance the image of the Balkans, highlighting their characteristics. The objective is to evaluate/assess the implementation of economic, social and environmental aspects in planning as an anticipated public benefit in cultural promotion of areas in the Balkans.
The Macroeconomic Factors Impact on Liquidity Risk: The Albanian Banking System Case
Authors: Madhi Doris
Published: July 2017

Over the last five years, the Albanian banking system has experienced a deceleration on its activity, considering the recent financial crisis effects. The financial crisis did not propagate direct effects on the Albanian financial system, but indirect effects were visible based on the general slowdown of the foreign markets and public loss of confidence towards the banking system. Also, the foreign remittances decrease and the liquidity shortage of the public played an important role on the capacity to meet the payment obligations (especially on loans). During 2009, the Albanian Central Bank issued a new regulation on liquidity risk evaluation, monitoring and management. The main objective of the regulation was the determination of the minimal evaluation standards of liquidity risk and its effective management by all banks operating on the Albanian territory. The liquidity risk evaluation and monitoring, as suggested also by the literature, does not depend only on internal financial indexes of banks, but it finds its basis also on broader indexes such as macroeconomic indexes. This analysis is effectuated on the impact and importance these factors have on liquidity risk, considering the banking system composed by 13 banks over a period of five years.
Village-Based Institutional Development Strategy to Prevent the Paddy-Field Conversion at Pandeglang Regency, Banten, Indonesia
Authors: Kolopaking Lala M. , Koesmaryono Yonny
Published: July 2017

Indonesia government needs innovative policies preventing the paddy-field conversion in the current era of regional decentralization. Average of paddy-field conversion in Indonesia has reached 187,200 hectares per year. Irrigated-paddy-field in Indonesia that converted to non-agricultural purpose in 2009 had already reached 3.09 million hectares (42.4 percent). The highest conversion areas were in Java and Bali islands that reached 1.67 million hectares. The study in Pandeglang Regency has shown the prior strategy to prevent paddy-field conversion. It requires the integration the protection toward the peasant based on inter- village participatory partnership to develop the rural area. The developed institution should follow the current applicable regulation, namely the Local Public Service Agency or Badan Layanan Umum Daerah (BLUD) to protect the paddy-fields. It does not only by managing logistic to support the production of the peasants, but also as a synchronizer among multi-parties for the empowerment actions of the peasants to manage the paddy-field farming. The government should use various development approach policies to prevent paddy-field conversion. Top-down development and bottom-up approach is required to be affirmed. Moreover, technocratic approach should be supported by participatory development. Otherwise, the stakeholders should be involved to implement the rural-based institutional development strategy preventing the paddy-field conversion.
Bimodal, Multimodal or Platform – What is a Supply Chain Future Strategy?
Authors: Nowicka Katarzyna
Published: July 2017

This paper examines the idea of supply chain strategy in terms of ICT influence on supply chain business model. The aim is to present the most important technologies – Social, Mobile, Analytics (based on Big Data) and Cloud Computing – as the main enablers for reaching competitive advantages by supply chain strategy. Analysis are based on literature and market studies reviews supported by author’s empirical research results on supply chain manager’s perception on future supply chain development. During the analysis conducted in the paper the definitions of supply chain strategy and supply chain business model was introduced. Further the next phase of supply chain evolution was identified and the base for this new phase – the internet platform based on cloud computing – introduced. This solution, together with the rest SMAC technologies, creates new approach on how flows within supply chains are managed. Due to new potential created by SMAC and ubiquitous uncertainty managers should revise the ability to create multimodal supply chain strategy. That strategy is supported by customised supply chain business models able to meet events in the unpredictable environmental framework. The base for multimodal supply chain strategy development is market segmentation where the differentiator is described by value perceived by particular customer.