bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Social Media Usage in Albanian Market
Authors: Çela Erlis
Published: July 2017

In nowadays we see a large use of social media in every aspect of the life. Social media personal usage, social media in terms of information (news), social media in elections and of course a large use of this definition is seen also in marketing. Social media is considered as a new medium in two way communication where people can share their experiences and where they can communicate with other people. It is very dynamic comparing to traditional media. What is published now and may be up-to-date today can be disappeared from the virtual environment tomorrow. The interactivity, the share/retweet effect have created the opportunity of reaching to more and more people. Corporations have become aware of these opportunities and also that all eyes were focused on social media for this reason they had to be adapted very quickly to this environment. Nowadays it is very difficult to find any company which does not have at least an account in Facebook. Most of the companies with the aim to reach to more people have created their profiles/pages in all social media platforms. This new development has forced the companies and marketing professionals to direct their market communication strategies also in the social media. The appearance of the new medium and the development in the communication technology has brought huge transformation even in the marketing science.
The Economic Informallity Opposite Fiscal Policy and the Legal Vacuum Issues. the Features of the Tourism Sector Informallity in Albania
Authors: Balliu Teuta , Llozana Aida Gaçe , Kotollaku Mimoza
Published: July 2017

Economists and researchers increasingly debate regarding costs, benefits and even measurements of the informal economy. Such discussions are also indisputable part of our country reality. They evidence more and more the influence that the informal economy occupies in the gross domestic product of a country. Others consider informal economy as lubricating social welfare. Nowadays taking into account the economic situation in Albania, the informal economy is considered blow in the market competition, this competition which in turn is considered of particular importance for the economic development of the country. Throughout the paper we will look at whether the policies and strategies of a state, undertaken in the framework of economic growth, do not bring a reduction in unemployment and efficient distribution of income then there will be no reduction of informality. In terms of tourism sector it will be concluded that it is this informality which deviates the so much required standards in domestic tourism. In the region, the lodging taxes are estimated at 1 euro, while in our country it varies no more than 5% of the price of the room. This is why it remains difficult to calculate costs, which amounts millions of euros just in this part of the tourism sector.
Albanian EU Integration and its Economic Convergence in the Agricultural Sector
Authors: Mitaj Arjola , Avdulaj Jonida , Muco Klodian
Published: July 2017

Recently, the core of political and economic debate in Albania consists on reflections related to increasing the Albanian competitiveness in international markets. Fiscal pressures, low labor costs in the Albanian market and the attraction of foreign investment during the last years seems to have not yielded the expected results, not only for being more competitive in foreign markets but even for domestic consumption. It is mentioned here domestic consumption because focused on agricultural sector, it can be considered as a strategic sector of the future in Albania, and especially the EU where we aspire to take part, requests from Albania to orient production toward agriculture. This sector although constitutes 22% of GDP and occupies 47% of total employees fulfills only a quarter of domestic consumption (INSTAT, 2013). The impact of this sector in EU countries is only 1.7%. These indicators are simple enough to understand that even though agriculture is the most important sector of the country, from the standpoint of employment and the strategies remains still one of the sectors with the lowest productivity in Europe and shows that our country in order to achieve EU levels, has a lot of work to do and it is very essential for this process taking in consideration or paying attention to the "best practices" of this sector to reduce the gap created between Albania and the EU countries if we truly aspire to become part of this family. It is often discussed about the stimulation of foreign enterprises to displace a part of their manufacturing in our country. Or more precisely, it has often been demanded that foreign enterprises should operate in traditional sectors with output compartments that use a non-specialized labor intensive. According to modern economic theories, low labor cost is one of the primary factors in the international fragmentation of production (Lucas, 1988; Stokey, 1991; Bassanini and Scarpetta (2002b). While talking about labor cost, this should not be confused with low salaries, because not always a low salary coincides with a low labor cost. The problem of these entrepreneurs is the fact that although they shift their production to countries like Albania, they do not create a long-term cooperation with these countries. Not even a distribution of technology or an increase of total productivity is noticed, even in those sectors where there has been a shift of production. The objective of this paper is to measure the convergence in the agricultural sector and the role that integration has played in the economic development of the country in order to give some modest suggestions for policy makers which may be necessary for designing development strategies in the future
The Analysis of Problems in Application of International Financial Reporting Standards in Kosovo
Authors: Kastrati Agim
Published: July 2017

Financial reporting, in terms of the internationalization of business, has a special role because the preparation of the complete and exact information is vital for users of financial statements, to support their decisions. Recent years in many countries there is a tendency towards harmonization of the use of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). In this sense IFRS represent a set of accounting standards that enable the compilation of comprehensive and transparent financial reports. In Kosovo, since 2011, with the Law on financial reporting has become mandatory application of IFRS for all entities. Fulfilling this obligation, except different priorities, often presents numerous difficulties for entities in their practical implementation. The practical application of IFRS for entities presents a problem because of the complexity of these standards and frequent changes made by the makers of these standards. Analysis of the collected data enables the detection of the current state of practical implementation of IFRS and problems during the implementation of accounting standards by entities. Based on data collected from the practical problems of economic units, will made recommendations in order to assist professionals in the accounting field, without damaging the quality of financial information.
Detection Techniques of Fraud in Accounting
Authors: Sahiti Arben , Bektashi Mejdi
Published: July 2017

The problem relating with the accounting fraud is that it has not stopped despite the numerous changes that have been made in legislation and strict controls by the internal and external auditors. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to asess strategies and techniques available to use for accounting fraud detection. Also, this paper aims to assess the impact of fraud, and the role of auditors and the media in combating this phenomenon. This research will be carried out using secondary data because it fits better the aim and purpose of the research. Data used derived from a range of sources that have a very high degree of credibility and reliability, and which have been carefully reviewed by other relevant bodies for accuracy and quality purposes. This includes databases and various publications. In addition, the data also stem from individual and group publications made by renowned scientific researchers who have solid expertise in their field of accounting. Narrative analysis is used to analyze the data in this paper. This research will conclude that techniques used for the detection of fraud in accounting and various strategies can positively influence the treatment of this phenomenon due to the alarm buzzer for possible fraud. However, vigilance is necessarily required to add all parties involved in the corporation through the use of different anti-fraud programs to stimulate the accountability of the management executives and employees through informants to fight this destructive phenomenon.
Competitive Analysis of the Hotel Industry in Konya by Using Porter’s Five Forces Model
Authors: Göral Ramazan
Published: July 2017

One of the areas of industry in Konya which needs to be analyzed regarding effective factors on competition is hotel industry. Accordingly, the current research tries to analyze factors impacting on the industry using Porter's five forces model. According to this model, an industry is affected by five competitive forces and these forces determine the state of competitiveness and profitability of an industry. Porter’s model is based on the insight that a corporate strategy should meet the opportunities and threats in the organizations external environment. Especially, competitive strategy should base on and understanding of industry structures and the way they change. Porter has identified five competitive forces that shape every industry and every market: entry of new investors, threat of substitutes, bargaining power of buyers, bargaining power of suppliers, and rivalry among existing competitors. Porter’s model supports analysis of the driving forces in an industry. Based on the information derived from the Five Forces Analysis, management can decide how to influence or to exploit particular characteristics of their industry. This study aims to analyze the competitiveness at Konya Hotel Industry by using Porter’s Five Forces Model. In this study, questionnaires have been used for data collection. The statistical population of the research consists of managers of hotel business (Senior, middle, executives).
Indonesian Online Tourism Promotion: a Rhetorical and Discoursal Look
Authors: Kristina Diah , Haryono Tulus
Published: July 2017

The new media offer a much wider opportunity for international recognition including the promotion of tourism destination in Indonesia. This study aims at exploring the ways tourist destinations in Central Java, Indonesia are promoted on the website done by five different online promotion developers. There were 20 online promotional texts scrutinized to see their typical characteristics using theories of Critical Discourse Analysis proposed by Dijk (1998) and Kress (2010). The research findings reveal that generally the online promotional texts were constructed as descriptive genres most of which were composed in simple and compound sentences. There were relatively limited numbers of complex sentences employed. The mental model of the texts typically shows a great concern to the history, philosophy, cultural myth and geographical location of the tourist destinations under discussion. Typical use of imperatives commonly found in advertisements seems to be hardly available. Likewise, rhetorical questions that function to engage readers are unlikely existing in the online promotion of tourist destination of Central Java developed by the Indonesian government and other private agents. In contrast, the online promotion of tourist destination of more developed institutions like the Singaporean and Malaysian government makes use of recount genre that functions as a testimony. For a thicker description of findings, in-depth interviews with English speaking tourists were also conducted.
Lack of Credit in Albania; Who is to “Blame” Analyzing the Demand
Authors: Musta Eugen , Meka Elvin
Published: July 2017

The last global crisis had it influence on Albanian economy as well. As the economy is still struggling to recover from the slowdown, a special attention is dedicated to lending which will in turn help investments pick up. Banks in Albania are currently flooding in excess deposits, but meanwhile the lending has hit its lowest score. What is refraining banks from lending? Is it really them to blame or maybe the demand is also part of the problem? Are businesses suffering from lack of funds to finance their activity or are they hesitating to invest and are waiting for better times to come along? The purpose of this study is to look into these questions and find the reasons behind them. This paper is focused on the demand side, analyzing some of the most important indicators influencing the demand for credit like enterprises growth, profits, planned investments, working capital needs, liquidity, etc. In order to get better understanding on the behavior of these variables the enterprises are divided in four groups by size criteria. The analysis is covering data for five-year timeframe, which is corresponding with the start of the economic slowdown. To help getting a prospect of the present and the future perceptions of the economic situation, a survey was conducted on a small sample of enterprises. This study comes to the conclusion that the demand for credit is growing, but what’s keeping businesses from applying for it, is mainly because of high interest rates and cost of credit, the study ends with some recommendations toward the solution.
Economic Development
Authors: Shahor Tal
Published: July 2017

Economic development is a process aimed at improving the quality of life of the citizens which can be achieved by increasing the national income. This increase includes: increased household income (employee salaries and self-employed profits), and no less important, increased taxes which would facilitate an improvement in the services that citizens receive from government system. To achieve improved quality of life, it is important that the additional income does not simultaneously increase the disparity between rich and poor (which is liable to occur if the main beneficiaries of the increase in income are the financiers and the managerial level). It should also not lead to an increase in unemployment (as sometimes occurs when companies go through a streamlining process), or cause environmental pollution. Additionally, to improve the quality of life, attention must be given to other areas such as education, culture, health, etc. which all require extensive resources, and their development is therefore also a matter of economic interest. The goal of this article is to present the principles and processes required to facilitate economic development without harming other components that comprise the quality of life.
Career Options and Entrepreneurial Potential among Female Graduates: Motivations, Obstacles and Realities
Authors: Marques Ana Paula
Published: July 2017

The objective of this paper is to contribute for a better understanding of the perceived motivations, obstacles and self-employment realities in the advanced technology sectors and knowledge intensive-business. In terms of public policies in economic and business, promoting female entrepreneurship emerges as a factor of mobilization of women for active economic life, as well as a strategy to support business initiatives, particularly as factor conducive to the promotion of equality between men and women. However, according to a recent study on the promotion of innovative women and entrepreneurship, one of the main obstacles that explains the lower participation of women in entrepreneurial activities of an innovative nature are related to educational choices pursued in formal education systems and the persistence of traditional stereotypes about women, science and innovation. Also, in comparison to men, women not only possess a lack positive attitudes about their own personal capacities or inclinations for starting businesses, but also have less personal contact with entrepreneurs. Empirical results are based on a case study project centred on a Portuguese University and the potential of entrepreneurship among graduates who have completed their course between 2002 and 2008. Drawing upon information-rich evidence from in-depth interviews, insights are presented in order to highlight an important relationship between the entrepreneurial intention and the social origin, field of education and gender of the graduates.
Understanding the Neuromechanisms of Consumer Behavior in Advertising Industry
Authors: Fauzan Norsiah
Published: July 2017

The objective is to acknowledge the relevance of the unconsciousness in the consumers’ behavior by providing a new point of view based on the innovative findings of cognitive neuroscience. This paper highlights recent studies on emotion, and memory, focusing on their implication in the advertising process. The intention of this paper is to open our eyes to new scientific findings that may well mean a new way of understanding how advertising works, giving a new value to the role of emotion and consciousness. The 21st century gives us the opportunity to look once more at the perspective of incorporating validated scientific contributions based on the new discoveries about brain functioning. This article will build bridges between these scientific results and current advertising practice in a way that allows us to introduce a new point of view which redefines the influence of emotions and its role in the processes of memory, attention, reasoning and decision-making.
The Implications of the Recent Economic Crisis on Fertility in Greece
Authors: Kotzamanis Byron , Kostaki Anastasia
Published: July 2017

A systematic review of past economic recessions occurred in developed countries confirms that social and economic crises often have serious effects on fertility while, beyond national differentiations, these effects have certain characteristics, e. g. a weak effect on generational fertility;an postponement on the timing of first birth, closely related to a late marriage or union;a close relationship between unemployment and age-specific fertility. The sensitivity of fertility behavior to economic crises is less marked in countries with longstanding family policies and strong social security systems. The recent social and economic recession in Greece took place under different social conditions than many recessions in the past. More women than ever are participating in the labor market, most couples use reliable contraception that enables them to postpone childbearing, while social security and health costs are burdened from the rapidly expanding numbers of elderly. All these factors can affect reproductive decisions and potentially aggravate the negative effects of the recession on fertility. This work, using the latest available official data of Greece, provides an investigation of the impact of the current economic crisis on fertility levels, as well as the evolution of these levels through time.
The Concentration-Profitability Relationship in Turkish Industry
Authors: Ozhan Meral
Published: July 2017

The concept of industrial concentration refers to the control of a given industry by a small number of leading firms which are exclusively engaged in that industry. In economic theory concentration is an important concept to understand a departure away from competitive market structure which is accepted as a reference point for efficiency. Using the traditional structure-conduct-performance (SCP) paradigm many researchers found that the higher the level of concentration is the higher the level of profitability. In an earlier study I attempted to determine the level of concentration in the Turkish manufacturing industry for 84 sectors. In addition, I conducted a multiple regression analysis in various forms to identify the determinants of concentration and its effects on profitability. In most regression results, the relation between concentration and profitability was found positive and statistically significant. The present paper takes one step further and summarizes two new dimensions of industrial concentration. The first is to understand the current level of concentration for the Turkish manufacturing industry using a larger set of data. The new data set obtained from the TurkStat provides some basic statistics over the period 2009-2012 for 224 four-digit manufacturing industries. A brief analysis of the current data shows a slightly declining trend in the overall concentration ratio. CR4 (four-firm concentration ratio) fell from 51 to 49, CR8 (8-frim concentration ratio) fell from 61 to 60, and HHI (or H for short, Herfindahl-Hirschman index) dropped from 0. 173 (or from 1730) to 0. 153 (or to 1530). However a much bigger drop is observed for a longer period in the data coming from the top 500 industrial firms of ICC (Istanbul Chamber of Commerce). The latter data show a sharp fall in CR8 from 32 percent to 24 percent. These results together reflect a falling tendency in the dominant role of large firms in the Turkish economy which is a sign of increased level of competitive environment.
Cash Benefits for Sickness and Maternity in Selected States of the European Union and Austerity Measures
Authors: Horváthová Zuzana , Abrhám Josef , Chvátalová Iva
Published: July 2017

The paper introduces the results of the research focused on cash benefits for sickness and maternity in selected Member States of the European Union during the financial crisis and concerns the economic and demographic data. The aim was to determine whether and to what extent the expected austerity measures touched the monitored social area. For the paper we studied the situation from 2009 to 2014, especially in relation to employees and employers. Regarding the methods of the research, the authors gathered the data obtained from the relevant legal, statistical and other printed documents as well as the documents from the website of the European Union, relevant national ministries, social insurance companies, sickness funds and similar institutions. They undertook a legal, economic and demographic data analysis and consequently its comparisons as well as the final evaluation.
Characteristics of the labor market in Kosovo and Europe
Authors: Haziri Artan
Published: July 2017

The level of economic development of Kosovo is reflected in a delay of many economic parameters in place which results even in the strangulation of the labor market as the biggest challenge in Kosovo. Would not mind that the most worrying aspect of the labor market in Kosovo is the high unemployment rate which reflects with the numerous problems in Kosovo society. The labor market in Kosovo was consistently followed by a different set of anomalies which have led to the raising concerns of the Kosovo population which are reflected not only by the unemployed, but also the active part of the population which in the absence of functioning of the collective contract, failure of unions, low average wage and a series of violations of workers' rights more and more is undergoing development gap in the labor market. Kosovo is the highest rate of unemployment in the region which is around 50%. And when we consider the composition of contingent labor, such as very young population which annually makes contingent labor increases in parallel with this also increases the rate of demand for labor and immigration as the feature itself, then the approach should become much more serious. From the statistical data shows that unemployment is the highest in young persons (16-24 years), this age includes about 40% of the total number of unemployed. Also, the unemployment rate appears too high even to women though are not very active. Viewing these data mean that unemployment in Kosovo is mostly long term and it is estimated that about 80% of the unemployed are long-term unemployed for more than 12 months. This condition appears as unemployment will remain for a long time the main challenges of the economy and society in general.
Environment and Women Entrepreneurs in Albania
Authors: Zmijanej Azra
Published: July 2017

Albania has become a much attractive environment for the development of women's entrepreneurship. If women are provided with the necessary resources, skills and opportunities to create strong businesses, and if they are willing to pursue the growth potential of these companies due to a more favorable environment, will benefit from economic growth. Promoting women entrepreneurs will create employment, empowerment and gender equality. But in fact the woman in the enterprise faces many challenges caused by various factors. In this study sought to analyze women entrepreneurs and their work environment in Albania and the challenges they face. It will identify policies for the development of enterprises managed by women in Albania. The data for this study were provided by various sources of literature. Secondary data are the result of the review of a wide and contemporary literature about women entrepreneurs, the environment and challenges. Primary data collection were carried out a series of in-depth personal interviews with some powerful women entrepreneurs in Albania. The results of this study show that woman has won respect in society and plays an important role in governance, political and private sector. It is clearly evidenced that women are becoming increasingly involved in social and economic life of the country and that an enabling environment for women's entrepreneurship, consolidates and supports their role.
Relationship between the Altman Z-Score and Quick Kralicek Test in Assessing Economic Units
Authors: Polo Antoneta , Ladias Christos , Caca Enkela
Published: July 2017

The existence of the crisis makes obvious the fact of predicting the financial position in which will be found an economic unit in the future. This constitutes one of the most important tasks of analysts. Altman Z-Score andQuick Test Kralicek are two very important cumulative indicators, on the basis of which, the analyst is able to give a judgment on the financial situation in which an economic unit is, as regard to the risk of bankruptcy (Altman Z -Score) and difficulty paying (Quick Test Kralicek). By analyzing these two indicators, it was foundthat they are connected with each other and lead us to the same conclusion for entities taken as a sample in this study. Through a statistical analysis (Pearson correlation coefficient) will be shown this connection and the conclusions derived from this analysis. Predicting in time unsatisfactory situations avoids the risk of bankruptcy, which is so much evident nowadays.
Analysis of Interest Rate Impact on the Profitability Level of the Banking System in Albania during the Period 2005 -2014
Authors: Ndoka Sokol , Bozdo Anilda
Published: July 2017

This study is an analysis of the movement and impact of interest rates on the profitability level of the banking system in Albania. This analysis covers a 10-year timeframe (is organized in three time segments - before, during and after the financial crisis), taking into consideration the critical point of the years 2008-2009 considered as the “peak” of the global financial crisis. Such separation is made in order to see the possible changes of each period of time and to identify the impact differences of this factor in each period of study. This study is based on the hypothesis that the decrease of the interest rate has positively affected the income increase from interest as a result of the impact of two factors, negative levels of Gaps and an increased level of spread toward the average assets. As a matter of fact, it has neutralized on a certain level the other risks such as that of the loan which has dominated over the other risks. This paper is based on an empirical study with secondary quantitative and qualitative data. This study provides a considerable contribution in the framework of identification of factors affecting the profitability of the banking system in Albania, namely in the context of interest rate; In addition, this study aims at highlighting the importance of open Gaps minimization for the efficient profitability increase of the financial system.
E-Banking as a Tool for Competition Advantage in Albania
Authors: Bazini Evelina
Published: July 2017

The adoption of e-banking is occurring quite extensively as a channel of distribution for financial services due to rapid advances in ICT and intensive competitive banking markets. E-banking offers o lot of benefits which add value to customers’ satisfaction in terms of better quality of service offerings and at the same time enable the banks gain more competitive advantage over other competitors. Internet banking is either offered as a value added service of physical bank branches or a virtual bank where customers can only perform banking transactions through the Internet and it is important to mention that operating costs of a virtual bank are much lower compared to traditional banks. This study is designed to evaluate e-banking as a strategy and related methods adopted in banking sector in Albania to improve the customer satisfaction. The aim was to analyze customers’ perception towards e-banking services, the quality of e-banking services provided by the banks and the constraints in achieving customer satisfaction. The study also recommends the possible and practical additional measures the banks should take in order to achieve maximum customer satisfaction. Data were collected from the bank customers through self designed structured questionnaires. Out of 100 questionnaires distributed, only 62% were returned/ responded back. Non-probability sampling was used due to the limitation of resources and time. Data management and analyses were done using SPSS program and Microsoft excel.
The Link Between Innovation Behaviors and Productivity Strategies of Enterprises in Albanian Economic Growth
Authors: Turan Güngör , Gjana Irma
Published: July 2017

The paper primarily aims to provide a link between the innovation behaviors and productivity levels of enterprises in Albania, which are the main source of job creation and employment in economic growth, as well as underscore the importance that the innovation behaviors and productivity strategies of enterprises play in Albanian growth in the long-run. The regression model developed and Johansen co-integration test applied on the data of GDP per worker and the number of created jobs or employed in 1991-2013, are investigated with the scanted literature throughout the study.
The Role of Finance on Achieving Companies Goals
Authors: Mehmeti Fatmir , Mustafa Pleurat
Published: July 2017

The role of companies on economic development, in increasing employment and improving the welfare of its citizen by offering various products and services is continually increasing and having a higher significant role, especially in today’s times of economic globalization that we have on. Different companies, whether privet or public have their own goals and objectives to achieve where their main goal is profit maximization. The basic element to achieve company’s goal and objective is to ensure and manage financial funds. Business owners determent in the accomplished of objectives, including financial objectives, based on the high competition environment that is persistent and each time more aggressive, in order to survive and to achieve their foreseen goals, the company must continually make investments in (equipment, land, buildings, staff training, new staff engagement, marketing, etc. ), and in order to make these investments possible the company needs to achieve these financial tools, successful management of funds, where the auditing plays a significant role in the successful management. The financial system is undoubtedly a correct catalyst or better yet a laboratory where economic developments take the right shape and form. Complexity and size of organization makes it impossible for the higher management to control each individual if the organization is running its activity in the most effective way. Financial statements are a passport of companies where the management, accounting and auditors are highly linked. The aims of these financial statements are intended to provide reasonable assurance regarding the achievement of key objectives such as: Effectiveness and efficiency of operations, reliability of financial reporting and management, compliance with laws and regulations and preservation of assets. In this paper we will focus on the sources of financial funds of companies, successful management of finances as a basic element of meeting the objectives and internal and external audit as a key element that ensures the success of companies.
Progressive Income Taxation and Economic Growth with Endogenous Labor Supply andPublic Good
Authors: Zhang Wei-Bin
Published: July 2017

This study builds an economic growth model of gender division labor, endogenous labor supply with nonlinear progressive income taxation.The tax income is spent on supplying public goods. The economic system consists of one production sector and one public sector. The publicsector is financially supported by tax incomes. The model describes dynamic interactions of growth and gender division of labor withprogressive income taxation. We simulate the model to demonstrate existence of equilibrium and motion of the dynamic system. We alsoexamine effects of changes in different parameters on the motion of the economic system.
Comparison of Economic Performance of Three Trade Free Zones in Iran (Kish, Gheshm, Chabahar)
Authors: Asgharizadeh Ezzatollah , Ajalli Mehdi , Momeni Mansoor
Published: July 2017

Free zones (Export Processing Regions) with their special Functions including assisting export development and making new job opportunities can be of major help to economy of countries. Present paper aims at comparing economic performance of three free trade zones of Iran, Kish, Gheshm and Chabahar during first ten years of their activities (1973 to 2004) using four techniques of operational research, SAW (Simple Additive Weighting), TOPSIS (Technique for Order-Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution), ELECTEER (Elimination et Choice Translating Reading) and Taxonomy and taking economic goals of these zones as indices. To this end, economic goals of these zones, that is attracting foreign and internal investment, making new job opportunities, enhancing value of export from these zones and their ability to attract internal and foreign tourists were considered as research indices. Results obtained showed that free zone of Gheshm had a better performance compared to two other zones and this is due to significant difference of its export value compared to other zones, with regard to the available statistics and the said indices. Kish and Chabahar respectively followed it.
Correlation of Ethical Conduct within an Organisation with the Absence of Employees from Work
Authors: Buzeti Jernej , Klun Maja , Stare Janez
Published: July 2017

The working environment of an organization in which employees perform their activities is a social system. It creates certain employee attitudes that are greatly influenced by the organisational or working culture and norms and the work ethics they define. The latter is actualised in certain organisational rules and standards and the manners and methods of employee communication and conduct. All aspects of conduct are relevant to employees, as behaviour directly influences the development of an (in)appropriate attitude to norms and working culture and, consequentially, also to absence of employees from work. Ethical conduct of employees is closely linked to the “strength” of the work ethic in an organisation and an analysis of studies shows that this is important also from the perspective of employee absence. This fact is confirmed by numerous studies that explain the statistical relationship between work ethics and employee absence. The INODEL study also used certain questions to establish the moral-ethical relationship of employees in Slovenia to medical absenteeism. On the one hand, the study checked whether employees ever abused sick leave and to what extent. On the other hand, the study sought to establish whether employees showed a moral-ethical attitude to work and performed their duties despite the fact that they could have been absent from work due to illness, injury or care for a family member. This article therefore presents certain results of the INODEL study that was performed among employees in the Republic of Slovenia.
Crucial Importance of Work Productivity in the Conditions of a-Typical Employment
Authors: Dobrowolska Małgorzata
Published: July 2017

Work productivity is of crucial importance to all employers regardless of what solutions they use, traditional or flexible ones. Most human resource management programs are oriented on HR tools that are favourable for employee efficiency, and hence on organizational effectiveness and productivity. When examining different psychological variables that are relevant in psychology of work and organization, popularity and productivity prove to be vital, since this variable correlates with all the remaining psychological dimensions due to continuous and intensive search for ways to improve efficiency in the work place. This article presents the results of the research carried out on n=2118 a-typical employees.
Financial Analysis and Bankruptcy Risk Identification Model Used by Companies Operating in Poland – Empirical Study Results
Authors: Kwinto Piotr Prewysz , Voss Grazyna
Published: July 2017

Financial analysis and bankruptcy risk assessment models are applied to assess an economic position and to identify risks to business activity. The assessment is conducted based on data from financial statements which in Poland can be prepared in accordance with both domestic and international accounting standards. Bankruptcy risk identification models which based on historical or prospective data allow identifying a probability of such an event started to appear in Poland a few years following the political changes of 1989. Currently, there are over 15 models developed by different authors and described in detail in the literature. The aim of this article is to present the results of an empirical study (survey study) on the application of financial analysis and bankruptcy risk identification models which was conducted among the largest Polish companies. The study results show that Polish companies apply tools of financial analysis to assess the economic position not only of their own entity, but also competition and business partners, and bankruptcy risk assessment models developed according to and adjusted to the Polish economic circumstances.
NPLs — The Solution Recipe for Albania
Authors: Shehu Elona , Meka Elona
Published: July 2017

The quality of the loan portfolio in Albanian banking system is facing many obstacles during the last decade. In this paper we look at possible determinants of assets quality. During the recent financial crisis commercial banks were confronted with deteriorating asset quality that threatened not only the banking industry, but also the stability of the entire financial system. This study aims to examine the correlation between non-performing loans and the macroeconomic determinants in Albania during the last decade. NPLs are considered to be of a high importance as they represent the high risk exposure of banking system. A solid bank with healthy assets increases the market efficiency. Our approach is based on a panel data regression analysis technique from 2005-2015. Within this methodology this study finds robust evidence on the existing relationship between lending interest rate, real GDP growth and NPLs. We expect to find a negative relationship between lending interest rate and asset quality. Further we assume an inverse relationship between GDP growth and non-performing loans, suggesting that NPLs decrease if the economy is growing. Furthermore this study proposes a solution platform, which looks deeper into the possibility of creating a secondary active market for troubled loans, restructuring the banking system or implementing the Podgorica model. This research paper opens a new lieu of discussion in terms of academic debates and decision-making policies.
Kosovo’s International Trade: Balance of Trade
Authors: Jusufi Gent , Mahmutaj Lura Rexhepi , Jusufi Gentina , Jusufi Nora
Published: July 2017

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present a review of literature on the composition of exports and imports during 2005-2011 in Kosovo and key findings from secondary research on the reasons for the high trade deficit which affects economic development within this country. Design/Methodology/Approach – This paper presents secondary data related to background of the international trade and its increasing importance throughout the years because globalization. Then it is followed by characteristics of Kosovo’s trade environment, its domination of imports from 2005 to 2011 and its comparison with EU and non EU countries. Findings – The results of this paper illustrates that Kosovo is facing a major problem with its negative balance of trade, suffering with excessive volume of imported goods and insufficient exported goods. Kosovo’s trade marked an increase of its exports with annual average growth rate of 36%, on the other hand imports marked an increase with annual average growth rate of 13%, while the share of exports and imports of GDP was relatively 60% by the year of 2011. The reasons of poor export performance are mainly based on social, political, and economical issues that Kosovo is confronting. Nevertheless, government took important macroeconomic steps, as well as developed comprehensive process to review, shift the political and economic policies, to sustain the countries balance of trade in long term.
Record-Keeping as a Factor Related to Meeting the Personal Financial Ratios Guideline
Authors: Xarba Belinda , Bejko Alketa , Peta Etleva
Published: July 2017

An effective way through which the families can measure the progress of their financial situation is using personal financial analysis. The aim of this study is to determine that household record-keeping of the personal expenditures and incomes is positively significant in achieving the recommended level of liquidity ratio, saving ratio and capital accumulation ratio. This study was conducted in the region of Gjirokastra, South Albania and this paper presents the partial results of this study. The analysis of personal financial ratios applied for Albania is still a “fragile seedling”. As a result, researchers, policy-makers and groups of interest should pay more attention to it. Up to the present day, there is no recommended level for financial ratios of personal financial reviews discussed in any academic projects especially for Albania. In order to perform the analysis of the ratios we have been referring to the foreign researches and their guide levels, from which were selected the guide levels that we shall refer to during the study. Based on the analysis of data related to this study, as well as on the results of Chi-Square Test, it resulted that the managers of household who keep notes on the personal expenditures and incomes are more probable to become closer to the recommended levels of financial ratios. The lack of alternative data led us to questionnaires in order to collect information. After the data was collected and refined, the programs Microsoft Office Excel and Spss Ibm Statistics were used for their elaboration. Chi – square test was used for testing.
The Impact of Family Income on Students Financial Attitude
Authors: Nano Dorjana , Llukani Teuta , Polo Antoneta
Published: July 2017

This research explores the differences on Financial Attitudes among Albanian university students based on their family income. The main objectives of this study are: i) firstly, to assess students attitude towards money management practices; ii) to examine whether their financial attitude differs based on the level of family income; and iii) finally, to present some conclusions and recommendations for parents, practitioners and students in way that they can shape healthy financial habits. An instrument comprised of specific and personal questions is administered to 637 students from five public and two private universities in Albania. The consistency and reliability of the survey is tested by the dimension reduction technique and Cronbach Alpha test. Data analysis is conducted based on analyse of variance. The results exhibits that Albanian university students do not have good financial attitude. Parental income is found to influence their children attitude towards money issues. Students with low parental income are discovered to show better financial attitude in comparison with other categories. This research recommends parents and other practitioners to teach proactively students about money smart.
The Analyses of Albanian Budget Expenditure
Authors: Nano Dorjana , Guga Eduina
Published: July 2017

Public expenditure efficiency has been an issue of concern for many researchers. Studies have shown that public budget of the developed and developing economies is not optimally allocated and managed. Anyway, discrepancies are found between both economies. This paper aims to investigate and critical analyze the allocation of public expenditure in the Republic of Albania. In addition, it provides some relevant comparison of the performance indicators among Albania, regional countries and OECD states. Data provided by the Ministry of Finance and Open Access Data are evaluated by considering the functional classification of the budget expenditure. Results of this study suggest that Albania spends more on social protection and social security, and less on education and health compared with the average of the EU countries and OECD countries. In addition, inefficiency of the public sector is discovered. This research recommends the necessity in the improvement of input allocation by using 70 percent less resources to achieve the same amount of public output and consequently contributing positively on fiscal consolidation.
Prospects of Using Early Neutral Evaluation in Case Management of Complex Civil Cases in Malaysia
Authors: Zakiyy Norman , Hassan Kamal Halili
Published: July 2017

In Malaysia, pretrial case management has been made an integral part of the litigation process since it is designed to manage cases systematically and within strict deadlines. However, dealing with the evaluative value of complex cases might not be easy, especially for the inexperienced lawyers and some judges who are not familiar with certain areas of law. This study proposes the use of early neutral evaluation for resolving complex civil cases in Malaysia during pretrial case management. Thus, this study sought to examine whether early neutral evaluation can be used effectively to identify issues at the earliest possible time to ensure early disposal or settlement of civil cases. Therefore, the objectives of this study are; first, to explore the viability of introducing an early neutral evaluation program during case management under Malaysia Rules of Court 2012; and secondly to evaluate the potential of adopting an early neutral evaluation programme in Malaysia. The finding shows that early neutral evaluation is consistent to the practice of case management under the Malaysian Rules of Court 2012. Although the Malaysia Rules of Court 2012 provides an opportunity for the adaptation of Early Neutral Evaluation, the introduction and sustainability of such programme would depend largely on a more in-depth study relating to financial resources, readiness of disputants, future goals and expectations of the Malaysian judiciary; and commitment of various stakeholders of the justice system. This study is expected to enrich present literature relating to civil procedure and also provide an overview on possible amendments to current procedural court rules particularly in Asian countries.