bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Potential of Moringa oleifera to Induce Cerebral Leptin mRNA Expression and to Attenuate Oxidative Stress, Cognitive and Motor Deficits, Depression- and Anxiety- Like Behavior in Experimental Obese Model
Authors: Mahmoud Asmaa Ahmed , Metwally Fateheya Mohamed , Rashad Hend Mohamed , Ahmed Hanaa Hamdy , Elfiky Asmaa M. , Abdalla Aboelfetoh Mohamed
Published: July 2017

Moringa oleifera showed an evident role against obesity and leptin resistance. However, Moringa oleifera potential effects
on alteration of moods, cognitive as well as motor deficits in obese animal model have not been evaluated in a mechanistic
way. So, the aim of the current study is to examine the potential of Moringa oleifera to induce cerebral leptin mRNA
expression, and consequently its effects on amelioration of behavioral and biochemical alterations in obese female rats.
Ethanolic extract of Moringa oleifera was orally administered (600 mg/kg b.wt) for 12 weeks to those obese rats. Memory
behavior, depression- and anxiety-like behavior, as well as motor activity were examined by object recognition test, forced
swim test, light and dark test, and open field test, respectively. Leptin mRNA gene expression and its concentration were
determined in cerebral cortex using quantitative real time-PCR and ELISA, respectively. Oxidative stress markers
malondialdehyde and glutathione were also evaluated in the cerebral cortex. Moringa oleifera significantly up-regulated
cerebral leptin mRNA expression and its level, as well compared to control obese rats. Moreover, Moringa oleifera
decreased lipid peroxidation significantly, whereas they improved glutathione significantly in comparison with those
untreated rats. Regarding behavioral deficits, Moringa oleifera attenuated the declined memory, depression and anxietylike
behavior, as well as the motor deficit that observed in obese untreated rats. This study indicated the potential of
Moringa oleifera in triggering cerebral leptin mRNA expression, hence protection of brain from oxidative damage as well
as improvement of cognition, moods and motor deficits in obese rats.
Penetration of Ubiquinone (Q10) Nanoemulsion Using Olive Oil Through Rat Skin
Authors: W. Soeratri , F. Deapsari , T. M. Erawati
Published: July 2017

Ubiquinon (Q10) is an endogenous antioxidant. It is lipophilic and practically insoluble in water. To improve its
solubility and penetration, it was formulated into O/W nanoemulsion. The resulting Q10 nanoemulsion was then
physically characterized for its droplet size, morphology, and viscosity. In addition, it was conducted a penetration test of
Q10 in nanoemulsion delivery system compared to Q10 in emulsion using male Wistar rats. From the characterization
results, it was found that the droplet size of Q10 nanoemulsion (70.07 ± 12.42 nm) less than Q10 emulsion (21.063 ± 3,57μm),
the morphology of droplet Q10 nanoemulsion and Q10 emulsion that are spherical, and that the viscosity of Q10
nanoemulsion (10.5 CPa.s) less than Q10 emulsion (16 CPa.s). The penetration rate of Q10 in nanoemulsion and emulsion was
observed at 2 hours, 4 hours, and 6 hours after treatment. The result was known that the penetration rate of Q10 in
nanoemulsion (174.49 μm/h) > Q10 in emulsion (20.429 μm/h).
Reflections on Quality Clinical Teaching and Evaluation Through the Input of Nursing Students at the University of Babylon in Iraq
Authors: Khaleel Muna Abdulwahab , Al-Yaseri Amean A.
Published: July 2017

The researchers had conducted this descriptive study aimed at given the nursing students at university of Babylon chance
to reflect on their opinions of clinical teaching and evaluation. The study consisted of (136) third and fourth year nursing
students from college of nursing/University of Babylon. Data were gathered by using questionnaire form which consisted
of four items (21 statements). All items were rated on 3 Point Likert Scale whereas (Always, Sometimes and Never). Data
analysis was done through the application of simple descriptive statistical methods such as frequencies and percentages to
assess the results of the study. The results of the study indicated that some of the teaching skills of the clinical teacher
components are at accepted levels, other like quality of bedside teaching (integrating theory to practice) needs more efforts
on the part of the teacher. Also, results showed the responses for the statement clinical teacher provided chances to practice
skills (37%) and responses to statement encouraged students to actively participate in the discussions (37%) needs to be
looked into future. As well as results showed that the opportunities for practicing nursing skills, (46%) seems to show that
less than half of the students are able to achieve these opportunities. The study concluded that the learning environment
created by the teacher and his/her characteristics can and does have a profound effect on learning and the challenge for
nurse education is to provide learning experience that facilitates the so called knowledge doer. Finally, the study
recommended the necessity for improving the quality of the theoretical knowledge and bedside teaching in the clinical area
and emphasized on provision for more chances to practice skills
The SME in a Globalized Economy. Challenges of the Albania's SME in the Optic of Small Business Act
Authors: Xhafka Eralda , Avrami Elidon
Published: July 2017

In the context of globalization, SMEs tends to consolidate and the question of how SMEs manage the competition is intriguing. Besides larger competitors with visible, physical premises, other processes related to globalization are presenting SMEs with both opportunities and threats. The next 5 years are an important benchmark for a number of EU political processes that indirectly effect the well-being of the SME´s. SBA is a bright idea how to follow-up and reinvigorate the Lisbon Strategy so that the continuing efforts of Entrepreneurs are focused on the real reforms that they desperately need to implement. All SME face rigid labor markets that keep a large part of the work-force outside the labor market. They have tax systems that not only discourage innovation and creativity but also actually destroy incentives and risk-taking. Entrepreneurs need secure and stable rules. Otherwise they might become disillusioned about the European project as a whole. They know that closer integration can give them increased competitiveness, growth and jobs. They must therefore be able to continue to believe in Europe as their natural platform for trade and investment. The Small Business Act, launched by the European Commission, identifies the right priorities to unleash the potential of the SME. This paper analysis the characteristic of the Albania SMEs, advantages and disadvantages in relation to Globalization and present the solution of the ten principles of SBA as a way forward to improve their performance.
The Integrated Model of Dwyer and Kim as a Tool to Evaluate and Rank the Determinant Attributes of a Tourist Destination Competitiveness
Authors: Berdo Sonila
Published: July 2017

The aim of this paper is to explain the importance of the Integrated model of Dwyer - Kim, in terms of its application to different tourist destinations, as a valuable tool to measure and evaluate the impact of different factors in their competiveness level and making possible to compare them to each other. Managing tourist destination competitiveness is a very challenging process. This model serves as a tool to identify, to evaluate and rank the importance of different attributes and sub-attributes of a tourist destination. Having the information on the relative importance of all the factors and sub-factors makes destinations/countries well oriented to select and invest or effectively manage those factors which are of high impact in achieving and maintaining the sustainable competitiveness level in the market. How this model is composed? Which factors and sub-factors are involved in this model for being evaluated and ranked, as tourist destination competitiveness attributes? How these factors and sub-factors can be converted in measurable ones? How this model can be applied in practice? Answering the above questions and giving some evidences in different countries about the last question will be the objectives of this paper. After a literature review process on different models of evaluating tourist destination competitiveness, the integrated model of Dwyer - Kim, here presented, results as the most completed model which does integrate the both sides of the tourist market factors, those of the supply and demand side.
Comparative Study in Central and Eastern Europe Regarding Restitution/Compensation Process
Authors: Bejtja Saida , Bejtja Dritan
Published: July 2017

The aim of this paper is to analyze the transformations that occurred in the area of private property ownership following the change of political regime in former socialist or communist countries. The six countries looked at are: Albania, Bulgaria, Croatia, Romania and Serbia. These countries illustrate well the whole range of contentious problems in a region where the Communist regimes have varied tremendously in their approach to private property, intensity of social control, repression and overall legitimacy. This diversity of situations poses today different types of dilemmas for the property restitution process, dilemmas which are approached by each country in a different manner. The main question for the countries is how an emerging democracy can "respond to public demands for redress of the legitimate grievances of some without creating new injustices for others. " Moreover, property rights and transparency represent the very bases of a functioning market economy: each of the countries faces the difficult task of finding a balance between remedying violations of property rights and guaranteeing a functioning land market, which enables or will enable full freedom of movement of capital in the EU. There are a number of fundamental difficulties and dilemmas regarding nationalization and restitution/compensation policies in the post-Communist governments in Albania, Bulgaria, Romania and the Western Balkans had to face.
The Distribution in International Marketing - Correlation between International and Local Channels in Kosovo
Authors: Karaxha Hidajet , Karaxha Halit
Published: July 2017

Nowadays, with all these turbulent markets, the international channels are becoming more and more important. The motivation of channel members is an important characteristic in building the relations between international and local channels. The distribution channels in countries in transition can be spread and not effective. Therefore an adequate design of the firm's strategies about marketing should be responsible for the changes between distribution channels in different countries. Sometimes this can require the delegation of marketing functions beyond national affiliates in businesses activities in promoting prices and making the products available for consumers in different countries. The globalization of markets is a phenomenon that has received great attention and is being broadly debated in all levels. In every process of globalization, the distribution of products and services between and inside local industrial markets is very important. The globalization of markets and the reorganization of distribution are interdependent processes that include changes in markets structures. In enhanced national markets, kosovar companies in order to satisfy customer requirements try to specialize the distribution levels of products and services treated with increased pressure to develop a communication in countries of the region and Europe, in dissemination of information that ease the free flow of information and products in national and international borders. This paper contains empirical data that were collected through questionnaires and interviews, and secondary data as well based on reviewing the existing literature about international distribution – the correlation between national and local channels. The final compilation of the questionnaire, the methodology and the sample were realized by analyzing the determining factors that affect the distribution in international markets. The research was realized with the owners, directors, managers and other company holders in Kosovo. The methods that were used in this paper were quantitative and qualitative methods. The sample is intentional (not probable).
The Role of Audit in Detecting Errors in Financial Statements
Authors: Kastrati Agim
Published: July 2017

The main objective of the audit is to detect potential errors in the client's financial statements. This study aims to identify faults that are detected by auditors during auditing of financial statements. Ten audit firms are interviewed, in various cities of Kosovo, for the purpose of collecting data for errors found during the audit of the financial statements of their clients, for the period January-December 2012. The data obtained show that through the implementation of various audit procedures are found different type of errors which occur for various reasons ranging from lack of experience of clients personnel, insufficient knowledge of accounting principles and negligence. Data from this study provide empirical support to previous studies. Researches undertaken by Hylas and Ashton (1982) have shown that the audit affects the detection of errors in the financial statements, which have occurred for various reasons. The study provides knowledge that audit helps companies to eliminate errors which affect the accuracy and reliability of financial statements.
The Relationship between International Marketing Resarch Process and Innovation Capacity
Authors: Yarkın Dinçer , Yeşil Yeliz
Published: July 2017

Market orientation, investment on R-D, leadership, culture are few key determinants of innovation capacity. According to our research, internationalization by exporting playing a role on improving innovation capacity, which requires proper international marketing research. In this study, qualitative data collected from exporters who are the members of Aegean Export Union in Izmir-Turkey. In depth interviews were conducted for investigating the relationship between international marketing research process and innovation capacity.
Waste Management in Ancient Times and Today from the Perspective of Teachers: Reflections to Diaries
Authors: Avcı Dilek Erduran , Çeliker Huriye Deniş
Published: July 2017

Wastes, which are results of human activities, have reached to amounts that threaten the lives of current and future human generations. The only way to create a waste-aware and recycling-aware society is through the education of our children. At this point, science teachers have a key role in formation of recycling generation. With this fact in mind, Project "Look forward, recycle: Recycler teacher" was conducted to make teachers witness the effects of two lifestyles, with and without wastes, to increase their knowledge on the issue, and to develop positive behavior about recycling. This project was conducted with the support of Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey and Mehmet Akif Ersoy University in Burdur during August, 2014. Twenty teachers from different provinces of Turkey participated in the project activities. Nature trainings included 23 activities and they were conducted by academic consultancy. In this process, participant teachers wrote diaries about the assigned subjects after completing their daily activities. Diary topics were determined in such a way that the participants could convey their feelings and opinions about the daily activity content. This study covers the results of five activity events and written diaries about them since the activity topics and contents were comprehensive. The names of these five events are as follows: (1) Let us trace the wastes, (2) Where to our wastes travel?, (3) Irregular and regular storage, (4) A journey in history: Introduction to the ancient city of Kibyra, and (5) Waste and waste management in ancient times. Teachers wrote diaries about the subject "Can you compare waste and waste management between ancient times and today?” after completing five events. The analysis of the diaries indicated that almost all teachers displayed an increased awareness and knowledge about waste and recycling increased by means of activities performed in modern technological facilities (purifying, waste collection facilities, wild-landfill storage areas) and historical remains. However, many teachers stated that still standing sewerage system made up of soil and stone of Kibyra ancient city and solid waste landfill site called as Bothros interested them much more rather than the modern technological system. Obviously teachers found waste management of ancient times much nature-friendly in comparison to the modern era.`
The Economic Crisis in Europe and its Consequences
Authors: Korsi Zaim , Zenelhasani Dashurie , Korsi Arzena
Published: July 2017

European economic growth is one of the major influences on the progress of the economy in the countries included in it. It has been a stimulus for the development of these countries, thus adding their neighbors’ economic improvement of the country. The inclusion of these countries in economic growth has impacted pricing and the development of innovation and new in Europe technology. This thing helps in achieving the highest standards. Its coverage is an overwhelming contrast crisis that was reflected in the world in 2008.Duhet said that the effects of the crisis continue to be still visible in the livelihood of citizens and businesses.Edmund Phelps has proposed a rule on the establishment of high standards for the livelihood of citizens, in which specifies how many people have to work, conserve and invest today in order to be more sure which will be the future economy. This is called "Golden roles".But what are challenges that still confronts us economic crisis? How difficult it is now for businesses to apply the theory of Jim Collins, Good to Great?This article aims to reflect the economic situation in the EU countries, as well as laying economy recommendation that these countries will faced tomorrow. How difficult is to identify the companies that can make a Leap to develop their business? What are these difficulties? Is there a solution for them?
The Impact of Macroeconomic and Banking Factors on Credit Growth in the Albanian Banking System
Authors: Shingjergji Ali , Hyseni Marsida
Published: July 2017

The aim of this paper is to analyze the influence of some macroeconomic and bankhttp://ejes.euser.org/issues/may-august-2015/Ali.pdfing factors on credit growth in the Albanian banking system. From the literature review is noticed that the credit growth in the banking system is influenced by both macroeconomic and banking factors. We use credit growth as a dependent variable while as independent variables we use: GDP growth, inflation rate, unemployment rate, loan interest rate, capital adequacy ratio, bank size and NPL ratio. The relationship between credit growth and macroeconomic and banking factors was tested by using a regression model like the ordinary least squares (OLS). We take into consideration a period from 2002 – 2013 using quarterly panel data for the whole Albanian banking system with a total of 48 observations per each variable. The regression results find out that the credit growth in the Albanian banking system is positively related to GDP growth, inflation rate and capital adequacy ratio while is negatively related to unemployment rate, interest rate, non performing loans and bank size.
Critically Analyse the Role of Senior Managers as Barriers to Organizational Change and Explore How this can be Addressed
Authors: Zogjani Jeton , Raçi Samed
Published: July 2017

In this research papers is analyse the critically role of senior managers on organizational change and how their role can be addressed in the best and appropriate way in organizational change. Organizational change can achieve through effect of behaviour on organizational performance as well as role and responsibility that senior managers have on motivation within organizational changes. In some cases senior managers during process of organizational change create barriers for any group of interest within organisation. The managerial decisions in the process of organizational change are associated with conflict and it can be from internal and external environment. Managerial decisions may affect the interest of internal groups in organization and senior managers need to their authority to resolve the conflict situation in organization. Internal conflict usually is associated with poor decisions, administrative allocation and latent roles while most of external conflicts are from technology and environment change. In modern economy, the nature of organizational change and behaviour has their impact from different factors, such as: rapid change of technology, competitions, market change and environment change.
The Creation of Economic Zones as Instruments for the Attraction of Fdis and for the Promotion of Exports: Case of Kosovo
Authors: Terziu Hysni , Terziu Besnik
Published: July 2017

Various theories and studies suggest that the Economic Zones are actual and very important instruments for the attraction of the FDIs and for the promotion of exports. However, on the other side, there are pro and against economic arguments regarding the opinions for the creation of economic zones, suggesting also that the adoption of such schemes is not always profitable. Economic Zones are a solution for the whole region because it creates demand for a variety of jobs that would encourage technological education and that would promote economic growth for the existing population in the areas that are currently attracting new residents. For the reason that benefits arising from the making of Economic Zones are of unique value and very important for the country in which they are established, therefore on this it is based the decision of many countries to adopt the schemes for the Economic Zones. However, even more important is to know the other side of the coin, i.e. limitations and obstacles to achieve the expected benefits, problems and costs which in many cases are unforeseen or underestimated. In addition to the abovementioned benefits for the country as a whole, the state must also perform an analysis of costs and revenues, so to evaluate the effects that would have on the state budget the establishment and management of these areas and its ability to realize other public investments. This paper also provides details of benefits and problems arising from implementation of Economic Zones, such as: the potential growth of foreign exchange earnings; the effect of income taxes; transfer of technology, knowledge and relationships in the supply chain; employment effects on local and national economy; as well as the benefits from the development of human capital. In the focus of this paper are the policies and the structural and institutional reforms of Kosovo on the creation of appropriate conditions for the attracting of FDIs and for the promotion of exports. This for the fact that Kosovo is among the countries with the lowest indicators of exports regardless of the kind of products or services. Therefore, the establishment of economic zones, except that are very important instruments for the promotion of exports, they will make also possible the generation of new work places that Kosovo needs for the fact that unemployment is very pronounced. Various cases of creating Economic Zones in Kosovo are presented in the final part of the paper. The purpose of this paper is that in both in practice and in theory to treat the economic zones from a critical perspective regarding their main benefits and to find the factors that would minimize the positive impact on the host country.
Taxation and Government Expenditures in the Center of the Albanian Policy Debate
Authors: Balliu Teuta , Bebi Loreta
Published: July 2017

There are only a very limited number of instruments at a government's disposal when it tries to stimulate long-run growth, and one of these instruments is fiscal policy. The last few years we have seen government spending, taxation, and deficit financing move to the forefront of policy debates worldwide. That is why it's very important to analyze the way in which taxation and government expenditures influence economic growth. This problem is especially vital for the countries suffering very low or negative rates of growth, as Albania is. The aim of this study is to have a clear view of the fiscal reform process and economic development in Albania starting from 1991 till to present and to analyze the impacts of tax revenue and government expenditures on economic growth and development. In general a tax policy aiming at reducing the number of taxes and tax rates, expanding tax incentives to encourage investment, boost exports, encourage the development of domestic production, transfer economic structure and stabilize finance and monetary policies in accordance with the requirements of a market economy to meet the requirements of international economic integration. Tax policy has contributed to encourage investment and promote business and production. Entrepreneurs and investors considered the tax reduction rate and the increase of government expenditures extremely positive and encourage business investment decisions and expansion. Government expenditures in sectors like education, health, infrastructure, and research and development have a positive impact on economic development of a country.
Customer Relationship Management (CRM) in Banking Sector in Albania
Authors: Ramaj Aurela
Published: July 2017

The aim of this paper is to examine the Customer Relationship Management as a new methodology looks forward to identify and attract consumers through the process of developing relationships (business - customer). The methodology of the CRM aims to maintain customer satisfaction and increase consumer loyalty. The purpose of this paper is to know the basic capabilities of CRM systems and in-depth knowledge of methods and management techniques customer relationships. This paper will examine the methods and techniques of customer relationship management and display functionalities customer relationship management-implemented in banks.
The Influence of Demographic Factor on Customer Service Quality Perception
Authors: Grazhdani Soniela , Merollari Klaudeta
Published: July 2017

Banks are continually striving for increased service quality in order to achive a competitive edge. In order to improve service quality is necessary understanding the factor that can influence the customer perception of the service quality. Marketing literature posits demographics as an important factor affecting customer service quality. Development of marketing strategies requires appropriate understanding of factor that can influence customer perception about service quality. Bank customers’ needs according to their demography are still an unserved area. So, the purpose of this paper is to analysis the relationship between customer demographic characteristic such as gender, income, age and occupation and the bank service quality factors in Albania. For this purpose the data was collected through the survey of bank customers (N=352) in two major cities in Albania. For measuring bank service quality perceptions a modified BSQ instrument was used. Statistical techniques used to determine the influence of demographic factor on customer perception of service quality were one way ANOVA and post hoc test. A significant difference was found in service quality perception by age groups whereas no significant difference was found on bases of gender, income and occupation. The results of the study enhance the understanding of service quality perception in Albanian banking industry and provide useful insight for the management and delivery of service quality. Also, the study finding can help bankers to design strategies that can fulfill customer requirements according to their gender, ages, and income and occupation characteristics.
Concentration and Competition in the Albanian Banking Sector
Authors: Lici Eleana , Boboli Irena
Published: July 2017

Albania has a relatively new financial system, where banking system is the most developed financial service in our country, with a share of 94, 4% of the total financial services. This is a phenomenon of countries with emerging economies, which proves that there is greater reliance on the state economic development of the banking sector, by effecting from the households to the biggest investors and the government. As in any market, competition is important for the banking sector because, it affects the efficiency and the quality of services offered. Furthermore, competition in banking has also implications for other sectors of the economy. So, higher competition in the banking sector is found to be associated with a faster growth of other sectors of the economy that rely on external financing. The main goal of this paper is to understand the characteristics of competition in our banking system and study the relationship between the level of concentration and competition. We are going to measure the concentration by the “H” indices. The “H” (Herfindaflit) indices is a measure of the level of the concentration of the banking system of a country. A high level of the indices shows a high level of concentration and as a consequence a low level of competition. A low level of the indices shows a low level of concentration which is sign of a banking market with a high competition.
Excessive Credit Growth – An Early Indicator of Financial Instability
Authors: Golemi Ela
Published: July 2017

This article discusses the issue of excessive credit growth, which is generally considered as an early indicator of financial and macroeconomic instability. It focuses methods that should be used in order to evaluate if the level of credit growth is excessively enough in order to start applying “countercyclical capital buffer”, a macro prudential tool proposed in the new regulatory framework of Basel Committee on Banking Supervision. Analysis focused in Central and Eastern European countries experiences with credit growth approach before the global financial crisis, show that the HP filter calculation proposed by the Basel Committee is not a suitable indicator of excessive credit growth for converging countries. A broader set of indicators and methods based in economic fundamentals of each country should be employ to determine a country’s position in the credit cycle.
Empirical Analysis on the USD/all Exchange Rate Volatility in Albanian Market: Preliminary Results
Authors: Todri Ardita , Di Liddo Giuseppe
Published: July 2017

This paper aims to forecast the USD/ALL exchange rate volatility in short term period in Albanian market, being that the American dollar is considered a safe currency independently to the political context in the rest of the world. Furthermore, USD is the second foreign currency after Euro (according to financial and commercial transactions) and it is characterized by a peculiar probabilistic volatility distribution. In particular, USD volatility represents a continuous concern for economic agents exposed to the exchange risk. It follows that the measurement of the USD/ALL exchange rate volatility may help in the assessment and maintenance of capital needed for coverage purposes. The common financial time series dynamic models such as ARMA (1;1), ARCH (1) and GARCH (1;1) can be used to estimate the USD/ALL exchange rate volatility in short term period. Our results suggest that, in the presence of political factors as well as external shocks derived from country’s main trade partners, the best way to estimate and forecast the USD/ALL exchange rate volatility in the short term is the use of the MS-GARCH model.
The Impact of Brand Name on Consumers, Case of Bosnia and Herzegovina
Authors: Mamuti Agim
Published: July 2017

Brand name is important for every company and every product, because the more people know about one product the more it will be sold. This paper will deal with the brand management and its impact on the consumer’s behavior and society in Bosnia and Herzegovina. A survey is conducted about the brand name products in domestic correspondents via the internet. The results of the survey will show how big the impact of brand name products on the society and market is, and what are their positive and negative sides. The data which is used is primary data and its source is a survey which had 76 respondents from different cities in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The primary focus groups were people between the ages of 20 to 35, because the main focus of advertisements is on them. The collected data is numerical except of the demographic data. The Seven point Likert scale was used in order to get the agreements of correspondents over six variables and twenty eight questions. The collected data were analyzed through statistical formulas to get the most accurate results.
The New Albanian Company Law a Serious Effort for the Implementation of Europian Standards of Law on Commercial Company
Authors: Shukarasi Valbona
Published: July 2017

Albanian Company law has changed profoundly in recent time. These changes have not merely been limited to technical issues, but amount to a revolution in core areas of the Albanian company law framework. To a large extent, these changes were driven by the Stabilisation and Association Agreement between Albanian and The European Union, aiming inter alia at the approximation of Albania’s existing legislation to the Community acquis. Given the objective to bring Albanian law in line with European Union requirements on company law, it is not a big surprise that the legislator assisted by international experts essentially decided to design a new company law “from scratch” rather than modifying the existing Albanian legal framework. After all, the peviously on companies followed a very different approach than most of the Member States’systems which served as the basis for the Community legislation in this area. Rewriting a whole company law system undoubtedly is a very ambitious task, as each country’s legal and economic environment has its very own specifics; additionally, company law always interects intensively with different areas of legislation (e.g. accounting, tax and securities laws).
Factors Affecting the Effectiveness of the Implementation of a Modern System of Financial Management and Control in Albania
Authors: Konomi Ariana
Published: July 2017

One of the three pillars of public internal financial control is financial management and control. Through this work, we aim to address the factors which influence the effectiveness of the implementation of a modern system of financial management and control in public sector entities.''The model of Public Internal Financial Control is welcomed and widely implemented in many countries, within and out the European Union. It has a track record of success and I strongly recommend that countries should follow the exciting journey toward the world art of internal control system ''. This system means: assignment of authority and responsibility; empowerment and accountability; and appropriate reporting lines, resulting in improved governance of the organization.Based on data on self-evaluation questionnaires (COSO model) designed by CHU / FMC for public units of the general governance, about the opinions on each component of the system and on the first results obtained from questionnaires sent in some local government units it will be analyzed, that the effectiveness of the modern system of FMC in Albania depends on: The level of knowledge, in the Albanian context, of concepts and principles of FMC; Simultaneous functioning of its five components for each category of principles; Undertaking the appropriate management actions.
Foreign Direct Investments in Albania, Structure and Dynamics
Authors: Merollari Klaudeta , Koti Sorina
Published: July 2017

After the fall of communism regime, Albania has become a host country to foreign direct investments (FDI) from many countries around the world. Albania represents four of the five types of FDI: those which gain access to specific factors of production; those which gain access to disposable production factors; those which gain access to Albanian consumer markets and those which organize joint ventures.Our country widely supports the FDI as there are no high taxation and commerce barriers to gain access to the new markets. Foreign direct investments are a very important segment of the economic activity of a country. In theory and also in practice, there are recognized the effects of FDI. They have brought significant positive effects on the economy. One of the advantages of FDI is that they help in the economic development of the country where is invested.FDI are usually applied in developing countries. During the 90s, they were one of the major external financial sources for most countries that had an economic growth perspective. FDI have been a significant support for some countries which faced economic difficulties.The main aim of this paper is to analyze the theoretical part and the relations of FDI in general.Another aim of this paper is to provide a general picture of FDI in Albania over the years, the main sectors where they are centralised, districts / cities where they are allocated, and so on.At the beginning it is given a theoretical framework, definitions and relations of FDI to various economic aspects.Then it is described the evolution in time and the development of FDI in different levels, for example in the countries of origin, currency in which it is mostly invested, main sectors, etc.There is also a comparison of FDI in Albania in relation to other countries in the region and beyond. We have mentioned here also the factors that affect FDI.
Determinants of Customer – Perceived Service Quality in the Albanian Banking Industry
Authors: Grazhdani Soniela , Vërçuni Arben
Published: July 2017

The purpose of this paper is to identify the determinants of customer service quality perceptions and to develop an instrument to measure the level of service quality in Albanian banking industry. For this purpose we use the BSQ instrument and evaluate whether it can be applied in Albanian banks context. The BSQ items are evaluated and new item are added after an extensive and in depth analysis of the literature review published on bank service quality measurements. As a result of this analysis, a modified version of BSQ was created as a measurement scale of bank service quality in Albania. Data were collected through customer surveys conducted in two major cities in Albania, Tirana (the capital city) and Korca. A structured questionnaire was used in face to face interview with 352 retail bank customers. The questionnaire was formulated using BSQ items and items find from the literature review. The collected data were analyzed through tools such as factor analysis and one way ANOVA. This analysis helped to provide the validity and reliability of the modified instrument. The proposed scale comprises 28 items which spans four dimensions: responsiveness and informing, reliability and security, commodities, effective access. The research findings confirm that the BSQ instrument needs to be modified to the cultural context of Albania. Given the limited research done in measuring bank service quality in Albania this study is a significant contribution to the literature. The instrument developed in this study is important to bank managers for evaluating, controlling and improving service quality.
The Impact of Waste Management in the Macroeconomic Performance
Authors: Matraku Doriana , Çafuli Adela
Published: July 2017

Public attention to solid waste management has increased dramatically over the past decade in Europe because of the fact that the economic development has had its impact in consume. This increase in consume has affected to the production of different waste and therefore the necessity to manage them through different necessary policies of each country. Currently, Albania is a potential candidate country to be part of European Union. With the assignment of the Stabilization-Association Agreement, in 2006, the government undertook a series of commitments, where some of them are relative to taking into consideration the environment values during the decision-making process, in line with the sixth Action Program for the Environment, 2002. This paper provides an overview of recent trends in solid waste and management and the related public policy issues, in some cases combined with the economics literature related to this issues, in Europe and in particular in Albania. The main issues that will be treated in this paper are the public policies in Albania for solid waste and management. Is Albania completely ready for their management or not yet? The first part of this paper will give a theoretical overview of solid waste and of the ways used for their management as well as the economics literature related to the issues of the paper. A literature review will describe the recent trends in solid waste in some of the countries of European Union that have undertaken a lot of waste management policies and that have taken economic profit from this industry. The second part of the paper will focus in the Albanian case. Taking into consideration that Albania is a potential country to be integrated to European Union, we have commitment to complete also the waste management, in the framework of environmental issues. Also a very important part will focus in the impact of this issue to GDP growth of the country. In the end we will focus in some conclusions and also in recommendations about these important issues.
The Role Corporate Governance in Foreign Direkt Investment in Kosovo
Authors: Beqiraj METË
Published: July 2017

Good corporate governance (CG) ensures transparency which makes Kosovo more attractive and valuable for investors or buyers. The transition to a market economy and private ownership transfer issue highlights the CG in Kosovo. This created the prerequisites for the creation of a new system of legal framework and thus a new model CG. The purpose of this paper is to inform interested parties by offering favors of Kosovo for investment. In addition to the literature, for this paper research various reports and data of Kosovo institutions were used and publications of this field online. Kosovo has good potential to offer prospects for foreign direct investment (FDI). FDI in Kosovo are very important for a sustainable economic growth. Government of Kosovo, supported by the international community has made continuous efforts to create an enabling environment and favorable investment. However, lack of law enforcement, high level of corruption, the judiciary and other factors affecting Kosovo has failed to be an attractive place for attracting FDI.
Online Banking in Albania
Authors: Sherifi Idaver
Published: July 2017

In nowadays society, in the globalized economy, the new economy also called internet-economy has become one of the major issues of economic and technical literature. The spread of information and communications technologies, the increased use PCs, facilitating internet connectivity, as well as a wide spreading of mobile phones, have drawn attention of banks towards internet banking. Main reason that made profitable use of this channel was the need to minimize costs and to increase efficiency of banking services and at the same time to achieve customer satisfaction. Internet banking was firstly introduced in the 80s, but only in the mid-90s it was widely spread and since then, it has advanced a lot. Over the past decade, e-banking transactions have grown dramatically. E-banking in Albania was firstly used in 2002 only by American Bank of Albania (now ISP Bank). Years after there have been efforts by other banks and now the number of banks using online banking in Albania has increased. Therefore, the internet-economy, with the use of IT systems constitutes a new paradigm of business and development.
Restarting after Business Discontinuity among Bumiputra Small and Medium Enterprises
Authors: Mohamad Azlina , Rizal Adriana Mohd. , Quoquab Farzana , Juhdi Noor Hasni , Sahimi Musli
Published: July 2017

Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) entrepreneurial activities are critical to nation’s economic development and wealth creation. The governments provide both financial and non-financial assistances to support the development of these firms. Despite the government assistance, SMEs experience business discontinuity at the early stage of the firm development and unable to bounce back. Research on restarting after business discontinuity among SMEs is vital to enrich the existing literature in regards to firms’ learning and survival ability, and improving their current strategy to compete and sustain in the market. The objective of this study is to identify the factors that contribute to restarting after business discontinuity among Bumiputra Small and Medium Enterprises. This study utilized the case study methodology and selected Bumiputra firms under Majlis Amanah Rakyat as the research setting. The study found that five factors, including personality, environment, internal factor, resilience, and spiritual belief contributed to restarting after business discontinuity among Bumiputra SMEs. These findings broaden the theory of firm failure in entrepreneurship studies and their relations to firm learning. These insights are useful for both entrepreneurs of new firms and policy makers to improve entrepreneurial learning in supporting firms’ survival.
Ethical Decision Making Process of Albanian Accountants: the Impact of Organizational Factors
Authors: Bebi Loreta , Llaftiu Brunilda
Published: July 2017

Taking into consideration the fact that nowadays ethics regarding the accounting profession constitutes one of the most discussed issues all over the world this paper aims to study the impact of organizational variables in the ethical decision-making process of Albanian accountants. Based on the previous researches made mainly in developed countries and as in Albania researches regarding this discipline are extremely rare in this study four organizational variables will be considered:Code of Ethics, industry type, organization size and ethical climate.A sample of about one hundred management accountants who work in Albanian organizations was chosed and they were asked to fill a questionarie regarding these variables and their impact in the ethical decision-making process. Data were entered and processed in SPSS and concluded that these factors have no significant in the ethical decision-making process of the accountants. This study represents a simple contribution for our country as we have an emerging economy for which understanding the factors that influence the ethical decision-making process is crucial.
How can We Measure the VAT Fraud and Evasion? Case of Albania
Authors: Shahini Ledjon , Malaj Arben
Published: July 2017

Taxation is one of the most important fiscal instruments which in many case is used to recover the economy performance of a country. It is the main budget revenue and its role in decreasing budget deficit is undisputed. The intensity of the instrument efficiency is depended although by the level of tax evasion in the country. At this point, knowing the level of tax evasion from one side is one of the most important topics that fiscal policy could work and from the other side improving the tax administration system is a purpose for public financial stability. The focus of the paper will be only on the value added tax (VAT) as the main tax revenue component in Albania with about 37 % of total tax revenue. In the absence of a comprehensive analysis between VAT that should have been paid by all taxpayers and real VAT collected, the divergence between them could be considered as VAT evasion, or known as VAT gap, which will be our objective measurement. Calculations will be based on the data from the national accounts (Supply-Use Tables), more concretely on the use side of the economy. All the variables of final demand are treated at a very detailed level specifying the VAT ratio by product and the threshold level for each component of final use. Estimations are done for year 2011 as the latest year where the Supply Use Tables are available for Albania.