bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Use of Innovation: A Source of Competitive Advantage for Companies: Bearing Point Case Study
Authors: Vlad George
Published: July 2024

This thesis explored the topic of “innovation as a competitive advantage” and how this factor contributed to the success of BearingPoint. It seems that innovation will be a matter of concern for all market participants who intend to maintain effective competition over a long period in the complex and volatile business environments. Initially the “innovation as a competitive advantage” was generally introduced and then an overview of existing studies on this topic was presented. It became evident that innovation was a factor that distinguished if companies remained successful for a long time on the market or not. Finally, an example from BearingPoint was described and discussed: a purely typology of innovation carried out from them with the help of qualitative research. For this purpose, an interview with the company’s executives was conducted in semi-structured format for flexibility and more likelihood of new input. Moreover, it was more beneficial to see various viewpoints and receive the maximum amount of data, so instead of one respondent, five BearingPoint executive managers from different departments were interviewed. The main topics that were addressed were: the flow of innovation from idea to implementation, obstacles and success factors. This case study provided an in-depth analysis on how innovation can create a competitive edge. One objective was to examine thoroughly how these innovations impact company success and demonstrate that they indeed enhance their competitiveness. In the final section there is concluded that innovation is indeed one of the key success factors that help companies achieve a better competitiveness and maintain a powerful market position for a long time. This study reveals relevant findings for companies that work in highly competitive market environments.
Moving Towards Green Farming: The Challenges of Implementing the Green Deal in Agriculture
Authors: Bucur Louisa-Maria
Published: July 2024

In recent years, there has been much discussion in the European Union about the Green Deal. As this plan is in full swing, it is worth looking at how it is implemented and how it is evolving with the goal of achieving its objectives. This article will examine just one of the objectives of the Green Deal, which is to increase the amount of agricultural land dedicated to organic farming. This article inspects the progress made between 2017 and 2021 in terms of the agricultural area dedicated to this objective, which is influenced by the demand for organic products, in other words the consumption of such products. The analysis of data on agricultural land in each EU Member State and organic food consumption shows that the Green Deal target of 25% of agricultural land dedicated to organic farming faces major challenges. Explanatory diagrams are used to highlight the differences between Member States and the main obstacles to achieving the target. Finally, the article points out that the differences between EU Member States in the implementation of sustainable and organic farming practices and the appetite for consumption of organic products means that disparities between them in the implementation of the Green Deal are large. These results could be a starting point for raising awareness of the importance and extent of organic farming practices and for getting more people to choose organic products.
Bibliometric Insights into Circular Economy Strategy: Mapping Key Research Streams
Authors: Cisma Timea , Agache Andrei , Ivascu Larisa , Coroian Alexandra
Published: July 2024

The circular economy is a modern and captivating subject, even though different areas remain inadequately explored. Creating a circular economy strategy involves transforming the traditional linear model of production and consumption into a system that is more sustainable and regenerative. In order to create a circular economy plan, a comprehensive approach is needed in order to identify connections with relevant areas of interest. This study analyzes in depth existing research on circular economy strategies, offering a detailed perspective on the relationship between various elements. The methodology consists of a bibliometric analysis of Web of Science data from 2016 to 2023. The paper is structured around three main objectives. The main objective is to determine the most widely read articles, significant publications and understand how did the topic evolve. Secondly, a examination of keywords was performed on the top 100 most referenced publications in order to ascertain the main subjects associated with circular economy initiatives. Thirdly, in order to identify the most discussed points when addressing strategies in the circular economy, a key words analysis and a qualitive analysis was conducted on the same most often cited papers. The primary conclusion is that circular economy solutions are a significant and interesting topic, prompting extensive scholarly investigation. Within research, distinct streams are identified: Circular Business model, Framework and Methodology, Key elements and Capabilities, Assessment and Indicator, Barriers and Enablers, Network and Collaboration, Technology and Innovation, Costumer behavior and perspective, and Industry specific.
Exploring the Evolution of Sustainability Paradigms: From Linear to Circular Economy Models
Authors: Dabija Dadiana , Năstase Carmen
Published: July 2024

As a response to the urgent environmental degradation and depletion of resources, this article analyzes the historical evolution from linear to circular economy models as a response for achieving sustainability. Tracing back to sustainable forest use proposed in 17th-century and evolving towards modern circular economy principles, there is a paradigm shift of decoupling economic growth from resource consumption. Moving through the landscape of sustainability, the paper criticizes the linear economy model that originated during industrialization period and was incapable of addressing sustainability. Key milestones, such as sustainable development, closed-loop-systems, and biomimicry, demonstrate the journey to current business models. An extensive literature review proves the interdisciplinary importance of circular economy research, exploring domains such as Sustainability Science, Management, and Bioengineering. The present research combines bibliometric analysis and systematic review on articles published between 2000 and 2023. These methods were chosen to assess the main directions of research for development of circular economy models, and recent trends. Research is centered around dynamics and trajectory of scholarly outputs on the topic, mainly those published in the past five years. A sharp rise in the number of publications regarding circular economy models is found, characterized by three notable inflections in 2017, 2018 and 2021. Two pivotal articles emerge as influential contributions. The interdisciplinary landscape of circular economy research is observed, covering diverse research areas such as Supply Chain and Logistics, Bioengineering, or Social Psychology. The cooccurrence analysis reveals 6 thematic clusters for which we propose a conceptual framework. The clusters are: environmental impact, sustainable development, interdisciplinary connections (niche sciences), circular supply chain, climate change, and IT-centric approaches that have emerged in research in the past five years. Insights from recent trends provide valuable guidance to researchers, professionals, and policymakers by using an interdisciplinary lens in the transition to a circular economy.
Use of Digital Media in the Public Sector
Authors: Dobre Florin , Popescu Maria Loredana , Pargaru Ion , Vatase Florin
Published: July 2024

In the current context, more and more public services are offered in digital format, the trust of users in these online environments is essential to ensure the adaptation and use of these services efficiently and effectively. The main aim of the paper is to investigate and identify the factors that positively or negatively influence users’ trust in public sector digital environments. The paper will refer to the way users interact with the digital services that the local public administration makes available. Based on the presented case study, it was possible to analyze the degree and mode of interaction of citizens with these online services. It could be concluded that the essentiality of increasing users’ trust in digital environments in the public sector, by improving the accessibility, security and quality of these services, is crucial for promoting their use and for encouraging citizens’ participation in the decision-making and administrative process. The most important factors that affect users’ trust in digital environments in the public sector are the transparency of information, but also the security of personal data, the quality of information and the accessibility of digital platforms for effective use, respectively services and information to be up-to-date, easily accessible and the platform to be easy to navigate to streamline time spent on the platform or work time for public sector employees.
Rethinking the Circularity of Fast Fashion. Study Case on Mass Retailers’ Current Practices
Authors: Eremia Maria Cristina
Published: July 2024

The fashion industry despite its big contribution to the global economy is one that impacts the environment and uses a big number of resources during the process of manufacturing, period of use and after the supposed end of life of the clothing items. Based on previous studies, in this article we will analyze the consumer behavior of buying clothes, especially from the fast fashion platform SHEIN, but not only. For the literature review we took the relevant studies that go around the fashion manufacturing and circularity. The article will also propose and analyze viable solutions for reintegrating clothes while checking current ethical and sustainable practices. It is known that time and commodity are two essential factors that determine the behavior of the consumers, a hypothesis that is further verified. The research methods for this were both quantitative and qualitative. Some of the questions followed the attractivity elements that keeps consumers engaged despite knowing the environmental problems caused by fast fashion. Circular fashion is a possible future scenario by taking a deeper approach on the supply chain management in the relation with the consumers ongoing and changing needs.
A Review of the Information Technology and Operational Technology Convergence Using Internet of Things within the Circular Economy
Authors: Gheorghe Sorin-Daniel
Published: July 2024

The historical separation of Information Technology and Operational Technology in organizations, particularly in the industrial sector, is being challenged by the digital transformation. This shift towards a converged platform is driven by technological advancements, market pressures, and environmental and regulatory considerations. This paper explores the convergence of Information Technology and Operational Technology through the Internet of Things within the Circular Economy. A comprehensive overview of the current scientific literature is provided using a systematic review method. Initially, the evolving landscape of the Information Technology and Operational Technology integration is reviewed, then Internet of Things and Circular Economy are presented. The findings of this study include the challenges of the converged solution implementation, such as the technical integration complexities, cybersecurity risks, organizational and cultural barriers, and workforce skills gap. Furthermore, the role of the Internet of Things is demonstrated using novel smart circular loops, products, and applications showcasing innovative ideas such as product-as-a-service models, digital circular practices, products with embedded sensors, energy harvesting, and modular and upgrade capabilities as well as novel digital factory use cases such as smart manufacturing and industrial symbiosis networks. The key findings also outline the best practices and recommendations for a successful implementation of this converged infrastructure, highlighting the importance of a strategic implementation and cross-domain collaboration to achieve operational efficiency and environmental sustainability. The insights provided in this paper are valuable for academics, practitioners, and policymakers aimed to understand and harness the digital technologies for advancing sustainable practices towards a smart circular economy.
Identification of Slovak Tourists’ Attitudes Towards Digitalization for Circular Economy and Waste Management
Authors: Kubíková Ľubomíra , Rudý Stanislav
Published: July 2024

The research paper explores the perspectives of a chosen group of Slovak tourists on how digitization drives circular economy practices and promotes efficient waste management in tourism. The study involves data from 103 participants, who expressed their opinions on sustainability concepts like digitization, innovation, circular economy, and waste management in tourism, using a 5-point Likert scale. The research’s main objective is to understand sentiments and attitudes towards integrating digitization and innovation for sustainable practices in the tourism sector. The findings reveal differences in attitudes among respondents. Visual aids like box plots are utilized to help interpret the results and emphasize how factors like interest in new technologies impact respondents’ attitudes. Implementing digital technologies in tourism plays a key role in creating efficient waste management systems and reducing the environmental burden. Data tracking and processing systems enable detailed analysis of waste generation patterns, providing valuable information to optimize collection and recycling processes. Digital technologies contribute to the overall reduction of the impact of tourism on the environment through electronic reservations, intelligent transport systems and other innovative solutions. These initiatives increase waste management efficiency and minimise tourism’s negative ecological impact, contributing to more sustainable and ecologically responsible tourism.
Valuing Modern Technologies to Boost the Circular Economy in the Fashion Industry
Authors: Mionel Oana , Ştefănescu Mihaela
Published: July 2024

In the context of solving pollution problems, the circular economy appears to be a mandatory practice because it emphasises the principle of reuse - repair - reconditioning - recycle. In this context, the paper aims to analyse how modern technologies facilitate the implementation of circular economy principles through better traceability of goods produced and used in the fashion industry. In this way, our research is exploratory and the information on which it is based was gathered using the Google search tool, which identified brands who use Big Data, RFID and QR code tools, as well as online tools (cloud-based platforms) that offer integrated garment tracking services. Following detailed analysis of EU data, it was found that major companies have integrated QR Code technology into their products and cloud-based platforms are increasingly used.
Definition of Sustainability - Bibliometric Analysis of the Most Highlighted Papers
Authors: Coca Laura-Crina Miraute , Pîslaru Marius
Published: July 2024

We live in a world where sustainability is a concept encountered often and discussed a lot in academic literature, taking on a special scope since the 1990s and developing significantly as a notion until now. The definition of sustainability is mostly open to readers, giving them the opportunity to think about it, rethink it, or even interpret it and then redefine it. In the research, it is carried out a review of some definitions from the literature of the term sustainability, then it is carried out a bibliometric analysis in this field over a period of 10 years, from 2013 to 2023, where it is identified the largest research networks in the field formed by groups of authors with a common interest, the most cited works of the period, respectively, the most encountered and cited keywords, in order to emphasise the evolution of the concept from the perspective of several authors who have a common research topic. To carry out the research, it is used the Harzing Publish or Perish software, with which it is extracted information from the Google Scholar database and which it is later used for the network representation using the VOSviewer tool. The largest research network that is obtained is made up of seven authors, also it is carried out a top of the most cited papers, finding the one with a number of 6917 citations at the top and it is noticed that during the years 2013–2018 they most works in the field have been published. The research carried out offers a perspective of the evolution of the concept of sustainability, which can be extended for the purpose of more detailed research.
Management of Derivative Financial Products within the Banking Activity
Authors: Radulescu Carmen-Valentina , Dima Cristina , Gaf-Deac Ioan , Gombos Carol Cristina
Published: July 2024

Current developments in the national financial markets, as well as in the international market, mark a period of great changes. As the process of globalization intensifies, the economic environment is marked by increasing volatility and uncertainty. Financial institutions, as links in the financial intermediation process, play a crucial role in directing capital flows to the areas where they are most productively used. This is also the case of derivative financial products, stock exchange and over the counter, which become elements found in the reports of commercial banks. In this context, this article wanted to identify, on the one hand, the causes that determined commercial banks to focus on activities with financial derivative products, going beyond the traditional sphere of banking operations, and on the other hand to explore ways in which products derivatives can be used in banking. Within the article, complex methods were used, both at the statistical level, materialized through the econometric model exposed, and at the theoretical level, of observation and analysis. An entire point of discussion is intended to x-ray the main derivatives, how they can be used and integrated into banking. Another goal was to deepen, at least theoretically, the consequences of using derivative financial products in banking on systemic risk and monetary policy. Also, the paper aimed to highlight the current conditions and prospects for increasing the use of derivative products in the Romanian banking system.
Do the Bulgarian Media Have a Social Marketing Orientation?
Authors: Antonova Diana , Todorova Ana
Published: July 2024

The paper examines the problem of building a media environment through a socially responsible management model. The specific nature of this part of the non-production sphere – media business organisations – provides an opportunity to present a study of a relatively new phenomenon: the role of socially responsible marketing in mass media. A study of the importance of socially responsible marketing according to the practice of regional media in Bulgaria is presented, including a continuum review, nonstandardised interviews, and a survey of media teams and users applied. Answers are sought to the questions of how socially engaged the media are and what the expectations of their users are. The study shows that the monitored media produces products that objectively and impartially reflect social issues of public importance. However, there is a significant discrepancy between assessment and self-assessment of their contribution to public life. From the interviews conducted with journalists, it is clear that the media self-assess exceptionally highly as responsible participants in public life. However, users give a "two" on the five-point scale for the social role of the media. The main conclusion is that the creation of a socially responsible and alternative media space through social marketing approaches is essential for the effective functioning of a sustainable and solidary society.
Inclusion and Diversity in Healthcare Organizations’ Teams
Authors: Căruceru Nicoleta , Ștefan Simona Cătălina , Olariu Ana Alexandra , Breazu Andreea
Published: July 2024

Inclusion and diversity (D&I) are an integral part of an organization’s success in today’s world due to the impact they can have on employees and managers in all fields of activity. Teams and organizations are shaped and changed in ways that were not considered years ago. The review of the literature showed what D&I are, the differences between the two, and the impact on organizations worldwide, as well as in Romanian organizations. The research goal is the analysis of the differences in perception of manager and team members regarding D&I in healthcare/clinical research organizations, since one of the values of the organization analyzed is inclusion. The research method used for this study is quantitative research using a self-administered questionnaire, with structured questions. The 53 responses received were processed with Mann-Whitney nonparametric test in IBM SPSS Statistics software. The results showed that managers put greater emphasis on D&I than team members. Considering the global structure of the organization, the aspects of D&I have a great importance within management teams, their effects being able to influence team performance, the motivation of their members, and especially employees’ retention. The findings underscore the managerial implications, particularly those within the healthcare sector, in prioritizing and actively cultivating diversity and inclusive environments. In addition, research contributes to the theoretical background by providing empirical evidence that substantiates and enriches existing theoretical frameworks related to organizational inclusivity.
Cohesion Policy Dedicated to Human Capital: A Comparative Analysis of ESF Funded Operational Programs in Portugal and Romania
Authors: Ștefănescu Mihaiela Simona , Colesca Sofia Elena , Păceşilă Mihaela
Published: July 2024

The Cohesion Policy, among the earliest policies established by the European Community, constitutes a significant portion of the EU budget, as it accounts for one third. It is structured through various instruments, among which the European Social Fund, whose aim is to support initiatives and programs focused on lifelong learning, employment, social integration, and broader to combat discrimination and enhance human capital. As a driver of development, human capital also stays under the influence of other factors that make a mixture of the educational system, the labor market, economic development and social, historical, contextual or either regulatory framework present in each country. The aim of Cohesion policy is to foster sustainable development and lower disparities between Member States. The last financing cycle has just ended in 2023 and preliminary achievements are available for operational programs implemented during 2014-2020. The attempt of the present study was to gain perspective over the results Romania registered as compared to other Member States and comparison was conducted with the achievements Portugal reported. Notable variations have been emphasized regarding program participation and the benefits experienced by participants. Additionally, insights and best practices have been derived from contrasting approaches employed by the two countries, which played a role in shaping the outcomes.
The Role of Genuine Human Faces and Social Presence in Charitable Websites
Authors: Tanase Ionuț , Barbu Lucia Nicoleta , Rusu Georgiana , Prelipcean Mihai
Published: July 2024

In the digital age, charitable organizations increasingly rely on websites as crucial platforms for fundraising, outreach, and communication. Integrating human traits to digital interfaces as a mean to improve the user’s attitude and experience is a well-researched topic with various case studies. This study investigates the impact of images featuring genuine human faces and perceived social scenarios on user engagement metrics within the context of charitable websites, focusing on trust perception, social media sharing behavior, and donation willingness. A controlled A/B/C test was conducted, presenting participants with three versions of a charitable website: one displaying a stack of books (Version A), another showcasing a stock image of children in school (Version B), and the third featuring a genuine photo of Romanian children engaged in learning activities (Version C). Data was collected from 150 respondents (50 for each version), and quantitative analysis was performed to evaluate the effectiveness of each background image in influencing user behavior. Results shown that authentic photographs evoke more trust and willingness to donate to a cause among Romanian respondents. The conclusions of this paper can be used to further improve the results of online crowdfunding efforts of charitable organizations.
An overview on Argentina Energy Market
Authors: Grasu Stelian , Popa Marius
Published: July 2024

The article presents Argentina energy market. It is made an overview on legal framework, regulatory authorities and transport and distribution system for electricity and oil and gas sector. Finally it is presented the today market of energy and renewables sector. Argentina's energy landscape is a dynamic tapestry woven with various legal frameworks, regulatory authorities, and transportation and distribution systems for electricity and oil and gas sectors. The country's energy market, encompassing both conventional and renewable sources, presents a compelling narrative of challenges and opportunities. Navigating the complexities of Argentina's energy market requires a comprehensive understanding of the legal framework, regulatory landscape, and transportation and distribution systems. The interplay of conventional and renewable energy sources further adds to the dynamic nature of the sector. As Argentina strives to secure a sustainable and affordable energy future, it will need to address the challenges while capitalizing on the opportunities that lie ahead.
Political Regime and Governance on climate Change. Evidence from the Western Balkan Economies
Authors: Triarchi Eirini , Kolias Dimitrios , Karamanis Kostas
Published: July 2024

The political environment plays a crucial role in steering societies to address the challenges posed by global warming and contributing to global initiatives toward a resilient and environmentally sustainable future. Political regimes in different places in the democracy-authoritarianism spectrum show varying degrees of effort to reduce their nation's respective carbon emissions. This paper aims to determine the role of political regimes along with governance dimensions in climate change mitigation. The analysis uses the V-Dem database and the World Governance Indicators (WGI) to conceptualise and measure each country's political system and its institutional quality of governance, respectively. The empirical model uses a panel database of the variables of interest for the years 1998-2022 regarding the Western Balkan (WB) economies. The target group of countries sparks our interest due to their significant challenges, such as widespread pollution, political regime changes, and severe governance problems. Furthermore, integrating the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) hypothesis, which suggests a complex relationship between economic growth and environmental sustainability, the analysis provides evidence that the relationship between CO2 emissions and GDP per capita follows a quadratic trend, suggesting that as GDP per capita increases, the associated CO2 emissions may not change linearly but instead follow a parabolic pattern. WB countries also share the ambition of EU accession and hold the EU candidate status. To the extent these states manage to overcome their institutional issues, they will be in the position to implement the EU environmental acquis efficiently, which will amount to a critical step in the region's environmental health. Policymakers and scholars of the field will benefit from this paper since it determines the impact of political systems precisely matched with empirical results to derive conclusive answers regarding the political systems and climate change debate.
Addressing Cybersecurity Issues in ERP Systems – Emerging Trends
Authors: Anica-Popa Liana-Elena , Vrîncianu Marinela , Pugna Irina-Bogdana , Boldeanu Dana-Maria
Published: July 2024

The integration of emerging technologies in Enterprise Resource Planning systems has the potential to enhance security, automation, decision-making, and predictive capabilities. However, this also introduces new cybersecurity challenges, as the systems may become targets for malicious attacks or data breaches. Understanding the nexus between organizational systems, artificial intelligence (AI), and cyber-security requirements, offers new insights for the modern business environment. Our study begins with an exploration of recent cases of AI-enhanced cybersecurity tools implemented within organizational information systems, as these currently stand. This research landscape is our starting point for an analysis of the impact of these tools on different types of systems, of the cyber risks reported in recent literature, and the configuration of cyber-security solutions tailored after current vulnerabilities of the business environment. We also identify trends and gaps in the existing research that suggest possible new topics for further investigation.
Artificial Intelligence – Opportunities and Challenges for Small and Medium Enterprises in Romania. A Case Study on the Exonia Group
Authors: Călinescu Gabriela
Published: July 2024

The economy of Romania is changing quickly, and small and medium-sized enterprises are at a stage where implementing artificial intelligence could make all the difference. Small and medium enterprises that do not have sufficient cash or specialised knowledge find this hard to apply, according to the literature. This paper tries to connect the dots by analyzing the relationship between small and medium enterprises and artificial intelligence in Romania through document analysis and a case study of Exonia, a group of Romanian companies that successfully implemented artificial intelligence in their businesses. The methodology also entails the analysis of graphs based on the digital economy and society index, exemplifying the latest information regarding the position of Romania in respect of small and medium-sized enterprises (and not only) that implemented artificial intelligence compared to the other countries in the European Union. Exonia's example shows how small and medium enterprises can make artificial intelligence an opportunity to obtain more efficient operations and happier customers. This paper was co-financed by The Bucharest University of Economic Studies during the PhD program.
Reconceptualizing Stability: Dynamics of Shadow Banking in Financial Markets
Authors: Croicu Andreea-Elena , Călin Adrian Cantemir
Published: July 2024

The purpose of this paper is to provide a thorough analysis of the existing research on the topic of shadow banking. As it has captured attention from policymakers, academics, and market participants, non-bank financial intermediaries, often referred to as shadow banking, have acquired significance due to their scale and economic ramifications. The review begins with an overview of the topic and then focuses on specific key areas, including vulnerabilities of non-bank financial institutions (NBFIs), liquidity, financial leverage, and financial stability. We provide an overview of significant contributions that clarify the connection between shadow banking and financial stability.
Mapping Circular Economy Performance: EU Member States Analysis and Insights
Authors: Vargas Vanesa Madalina , Ciucu Durnoi Alexandra-Nicoleta , Teodorescu Cosmin Alexandru , Delcea Camelia
Published: July 2024

The concept of the circular economy was created around the desire to extend the life of products and, implicitly, their use in an economy. The waste reduction process is founded on the basis of the three R's - reduce, reuse, recycle, which aims to conserve natural resources. In order to determine the contribution made by the European Union (EU) states regarding the circular economy sector, a descriptive analysis was carried out at the level of the member countries, followed by the identification of their ranking regarding the performances recorded in accordance with the analyzed indicators, a final step being the realization of a cluster analysis through which to determine the similarities and differences between them. Among the results obtained, it was found that the countries in the center of the EU have among the highest values in terms of private investment related to circular economy sectors, but also for resource productivity, although they have among the lowest percentages of people employed in this field, but and among the largest greenhouse gas emissions from production activities.
Digitalization in Banking: Navigating the Effects of Automated Decision-Making on Customer Experience
Authors: Gavrila Andreea-Raluca
Published: July 2024

This study explores the impact of automated decision-making processes on customer experience within the banking industry, set against the backdrop of digital transformation. The objectives are to provide insights into how automated decision processes shape the contemporary banking experience and influence customer perceptions, acknowledging both the positive and negative implications for the evolving nature of banking services in the digital era. The literature review examined the contributions of the cited authors, generating a summary of information categorized into three parts: a comprehensive overview of the banking landscape in the context of digital transformation, brief considerations regarding automated decision-making processes and several insights into customer experience. The research methodology employed a questionnaire, encompassing both close-ended inquires and an open feedback section. The study was conducted for the Romanian banking system and had a sample size of 102 respondents. The gathered data was subsequently correlated and analyzed to evaluate the alignment of customer perception with the opportunities and challenges identified in the specific literature. This paper also tries to widen its relevance by facilitating practical applications of the research findings. Thus, in the result section, key considerations were formulated, targeting a more precise definition of automated decision-making processes in the banking industry, aiming to optimize the experience for the utilizing customers. The conclusion indicates that both strengths and weaknesses of automated decision-making processes in banking industry are of relevance in the perception of customers, as the questionnaire’s responses align in form and extend with the theoretical concepts identified in the relevant literature.
Towards Sustainable Happiness: Examining the Impact of CSR on Employee Well-Being
Authors: Jigani Adina , Ciucu Durnoi Alexandra-Nicoleta , Delcea Camelia , Chiriță Nora
Published: July 2024

The main interest of any company is to make as much profit as possible. But, in addition to economic considerations, it is also necessary to take into account the social context in which these companies operate, as well as the well-being of their employees. Now, when stress and burnout are more and more present among employees, the need for a balance between private and personal life is more and more evident. The happiness of employees is closely correlated with the efficiency they offer in solving work tasks, so it is desirable that the work environment ensures their well-being. The present study aims to analyze the relationship between organizational culture and corporate social responsibility (CSR), but also the impact of the latter component on employee happiness. Using Smart PLS on some ordinal data obtained from a questionnaire that intended to obtain answers regarding organizational culture (clan, adhocracy, market and hierarchy) as well as the balance between personal and private life, adaptability to change and occupational health and safety (elements that comprise CSR) and the happiness of individuals, the positive effect generated by CSR on happiness was found.
Smart Urban Mobility: The Role of AI in Alleviating Traffic Congestion
Authors: Lungu Mihai Adrian
Published: July 2024

This article delves into the impact of intelligence (AI), on easing traffic congestion as cities strive to become more intelligent. It highlights advancements in AI technologies like networks (ANNs) and genetic algorithms (GAs), within the context of urban transportation and movement. The incorporation of intelligence, into transportation systems is motivated by the necessity to adapt to evolving circumstances while emphasizing improvements, in the effectiveness and environmental friendliness of transportation networks. Mobility as a Service (MaaS) combines options like transit, ride-sharing and bike rentals. Through the use of networks AI enhances urban traffic management by predicting congestion and optimizing traffic signal control at intersections. Genetic algorithms play a role, in optimizing vehicle routes by taking into account variables such as travel time and associated expenses. The research indicates a rise in the use of AI in the transportation industry signaling a change, in commuting patterns. This study highlights the significance of progressing AI technologies to meet changing infrastructure requirements and fluctuating traffic trends emphasizing the impact of AI on shaping the urban transportation landscape.
Correlation between Economic Growth and Carbon Emissions in the Context of the Transition to a Zero-Carbon Economy
Authors: Topa Răzvan
Published: July 2024

The energy sector is increasingly popular today and plays a vital role in our everyday lives. That is why, in this paper I am trying to analyze the existing literature and find a correlation between economic growth and carbon emissions. I utilized various scenarios for this research. The first direction is based on a study seeks to scrutinize earlier literature encompassing economic growth, energy consumption, and carbon emissions, encompassing both individual country analyses and multi-country studies spanning until the year 2019. The second one on usage of both growth and environmental functions to illustrate the efficacy of renewable energy in fostering economic growth and mitigating carbon emissions in the context of the 15 primary renewable energy-consuming nations. Exploring the impact of disaggregated energy consumption, technological innovations, and capital on economic output and CO2 emissions in India from 1990 to 2018 is the third direction, while the fourth has at its base the influence of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) on renewable energy consumption using panel data from 90 countries spanning the period 2000-2014. The fifth scenario is about the effects of climate change and technological innovation on economic growth, energy consumption, and carbon emissions by analyzing annual observations of diverse variables across Asian and European countries from 1996 to 2021. The final perspective investigates the factors influencing Energy Mix Diversification (EMD) by utilizing a panel sample encompassing seven major emerging (E7) economies—Brazil, China, India, Indonesia, Mexico, Russia, and Turkey—observed from 1995 to 2018.
An Overview of Implementation of EU Funds in the 2014-2020 Period of Cohesion Policy
Authors: Crețu Corina
Published: July 2024

This article explores the implementation of EU funds in the 2014-2020 period of the Cohesion Policy, providing a broad perspective on how Member States have managed and applied these resources to reduce economic and social disparities. In a context where EU cohesion policy has adapted to economic and social changes, we analyse its evolution, management structures and the impact of investments on regional development. Through a review of the literature, we examine how researchers have approached this theme, from implementation structures to the concrete impact on communities. This article also aims to provide an insight into the lessons learnt over the period and explore their implications for future EU cohesion policies.
Social Responsibility as a Factor in the Survival of Small Agricultural Producers of Pigs in the Rural Area of the Republic of Croatia
Authors: Dokić Dragan , Gantner Ranko , Mocanu Steliana , Gantner Vesna
Published: July 2024

The Republic of Croatia has several rural areas where agricultural production is carried out. Unfortunately, these areas have been experiencing negative trends and decline, leading to concerns about their survival. Despite state policies that are supposed to protect small agricultural producers, these conditions have been threatened by other interest groups and factors. The current state policy measures have proven to be ineffective, which is evident through the numerous barriers that small agricultural producers face when attempting to place their products on the market. To address these issues, a research paper was conducted to highlight the social responsibility of the state to protect small agricultural producers and ensure that they have equal market conditions. The research paper also presents the concrete demographic and economic situation in these rural areas, and regression calculations, trends, and hypothesis testing were used to identify possible future perspectives of development in these areas. The data used in this research paper were collected from various sources such as the State Statistical Office of the Republic of Croatia, the Agency for Payments in Agriculture, and the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Croatia. The research analysis was carried out using mathematical and statistical methods to quantify the collected data and present them in the form of research results. Based on the findings of the research paper, concrete activities were proposed to create assumptions that small agricultural producers can carry out their business activities without hindrance. These activities aimed to protect small agricultural producers and ensure that they have equal market conditions, thus creating a healthy and sustainable agricultural sector in Croatia.
The Dynamics of Trade in Vegetables in Romania
Authors: Giucă Andreea Daniela , Berevoianu Rozi , Ilie Diana Maria
Published: July 2024

The aim of the study was to identify current and future trends in terms of trade in vegetables in Romania starting from the analysis of imports and exports of horticultural products. The results of the research highlighted a significant imbalance in the trade in vegetables at the national level. The net higher values of imports compared to those of exports indicated that Romania presented an increased demand for vegetables imported from countries such as: Turkey, Holland, Germany, Poland and Spain, compared to exported values. This situation led to the registration of a deficit in the trade balance, which increased by 104 million euros in the last 3 years. The forecasts made for 2032 indicated a continuous increase in imports, reaching one million euros. At the same time, an increase in exports was anticipated, which will tend to reach 175 thousand euros, reflecting an attempt to compensate for the current imbalance.
Value Added in Irrigated Contrary to Rainfed Corn Production
Authors: Jeločnik Marko , Subić Jonel , Ivolga Anna , Erokhin Vasilii
Published: July 2024

Occurred climate change and incurvation of weather patterns globally brings unpredictable production in many economic sectors, especially agriculture, or closely in crop production. In this circumstances, rainfed crop production in many countries used to become old-fashioned system of production, while implementing irrigation tends to be reality that provides long-term food security and farms’ profit stability. The main goal of research is to economically justify the appliance of irrigation in conventional corn production at the farm level. In research used dataset corresponds to South Banat region in Serbia, while used method assumes calculation of contribution margin. Comparing the values of gross financial results gained in corn growing organized in similar production conditions, but with or without applying the irrigation, achieved results show its rise for almost six times after implementing the irrigation systems. Besides, overall profitability in rainfed corn production shows much higher sensibility towards the change in obtained incomes and variable costs.
Technological Innovations in Agricultural Firms in Bulgaria: What is the Role of EU Funds?
Authors: Ma Lingling
Published: July 2024

The value chains that originate from agricultural production across the globe are of critical importance to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. In the context of Bulgaria on the country level, the gross capital formation of agricutural firms has experienced an incredible increase of 95% because of buying machines and equioments during the years 2018 and 2022. Our research project focuses on analyzing the effects of governmental financial support on the growth and competitiveness of agricultural companies. For the study, data on firms that were financially aided to buy agricultural machinery between 2021 and 2023 was derived from the eufund.bg database. It was discovered that medium and large businesses are two to three times more likely to receive funding from the EU compared to the micro-enterprises. The study identified a significant North-South divide signaling a positive impact of funding to the less developed regions and in particular the Northwest region. Furthermore, the crucial role of the EU funding in enhancing the growth of the agricultural sector are emphasized by the study. The study identifies gaps in the efficacy of support programs and policy interventions in enhancing innovations in the agricultural sector. The study also offers insights on specific impacts on farm productivity, profitability, environmental sustainability, and socio-economic implications for the future studies.
Social Capital and Environmental Performance: An Investigation in the Kenyan Meat Supply Chain
Authors: Obonyo Edwin , Ndiritu S. Wagura , Formentini Marco
Published: July 2024

This paper aims to investigate the effect of social capital on environmental performance in the Kenyan informal meat supply chain. Social capital is categorized into three categories: structural capital, relational capital, and cognitive capital. The authors seek to understand which of the three dimensions of social capital influences environmental performance within the meat supply chain. The study was based on data collected using surveys from 85 abattoirs and 164 traders from four counties in Kenya: Nairobi, Kiambu, Machakos, and Kajiado. Statistical analysis was conducted using partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM). The results also indicated a positive and significant relationship between structural social capital and environmental performance, while relational and cognitive capital had positive but insignificant relationships. The findings highlighted the disparities in the effect of social capital on environmental performance between formal and informal agri-food supply chains. To our knowledge, this finding presents a distinct contribution to social capital and environmental performance studies in informal buyer-supplier relationships in agri-foods. The study is one of the first to examine social capital and environmental performance in an informal agri-food supply chain with a focus on trader-abattoir relationships. The informal supply chain is an important context in which to examine the effects of social capital.