bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Challenges for Biomass Production in the Context of an Expansion of Biogas Plants
Authors: Bucur Camelia Gabriela
Published: July 2024

The evolution of European states is based on access to information and knowledge, as well as innovative methods. Thus, the European states began to be more and more aware of the fact that protecting the environment and preventing the destruction of ecosystems are the key elements for progress. Current thinking is based on the continuous transformation of resources towards a finished product. Green energy has become a subject of major importance for all countries of the world and they are constantly trying to find new methods of its production, as well as the constant improvement of existing methods. Part of this market for energy produced from renewable resources is biogas. Biogas is produced by fermenting organic waste of vegetable or animal origin in the absence of oxygen. Biogas consists of methane gas and carbon dioxide. It can be used like any other fuel, having the same properties. Biogas can feed a mini cogeneration plant and simultaneously produce heat, hot water and electricity. This renewable energy is considered CO2-neutral and is an environmentally friendly alternative as a wide variety of residues can be transformed into biogas. For most countries with highly developed agriculture, this alternative can be an affordable option in terms of cost, efficiency and return on investment in the medium and long term. Speaking in the short term, this is difficult to evaluate, given all the factors involved in the process: from inputs to outputs. The perspectives in this sense seem to be quite advantageous if we look at the whole, namely, the decarbonization at the European level, but the legislative and logistical barriers make the situation more and more complex. The legislation regarding biogas production is adapted to the economic-social context of each country, but the entire logistics part is the responsibility of the producer. Here comes a major problem for many potential producers: "how, when and how much" must be done for a biogas station to operate constantly, without interruptions from a logistical point of view. This article aims to find solutions for the flow of raw materials for potential investors in this renewable energy segment to be as cost efficient as possible and at the same time to provide predictability in production. The methodology of this paper is based on a comparative analysis of studies and indicators. The literature in this field is becoming more and more extensive, as interest in this direction has been growing recently. This paper aims to analyze whether this direction towards biogas can be the optimal option for most European countries and the key to a sustainable energy source.
Identification and Analysis of Main Drivers and Barriers to the Promotion of PPAs for Green Energy
Authors: Niculescu Elena , Tantau Adrian
Published: July 2024

With the current climate change, decarbonization is essential to the global energy transition. In this regard many instruments have been created or developed, Power Purchase Agreements, as a direct legal contract between a power provider and a power buyer, being one of the most popular instruments to increase the use of renewable energy. But sometimes, Power Purchase Agreements get violated due to the elements that constrain and prevent its development and implementation. This situation only brings a certain insecurity to the PPA, and the result is nothing other than to compromise its true role and to distance it from the achievement of the objectives established in its contents. The main goal of this research is to identify and analyze the main drivers and barriers which constrain or prevent the development and implementation of Power Purchase Agreements as a tool for promoting green energy. For this research the comparative analysis, survey based on questionnaires, Spearman’s correlation matrix and IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows are used. The article reduces the gap among the respondents' opinion regarding the Power Purchase Agreements and their involvement in the implementation and development of these contracts, roughly establishing the level where the PPA is located in the transition to green energy. The results suggest that Power Purchase Agreements play a major role in the renewable energy market and they will have a positive impact in what it means the transition to green energy and the achievement of climate neutrality. Therefore, although Romania is a country rich in energy resources that allow the achievement of climate neutrality, it is necessary to take additional measures to attract investors, whose investments will be crucial in the development of energy from renewable energy sources, the three Power Purchase Agreements concluded up to now, regardless they represent a gratifying step, they are not enough to talk about a real Power Purchase Agreement market.
“Green” Hydrogen Products and Their Economic End-Uses: A Statistical Perspective
Authors: Ocenic Elena
Published: July 2024

Mitigation of greenhouse gasses heightens attention on hydrogen as a crucial element in the global energy transition, while combating climate change. Building on previous analyses of hydrogen projects compiled by the International Energy Agency (IEA), this paper provides an updated and comprehensive analysis of this database while delving deeper into the intricacies of hydrogen products and their economic end-uses. Given the availability of alternative technologies in some sectors, it is crucial to understand the nuances of hydrogen projects, particularly in "hard-to-decarbonize" or "hard-to-abate" sectors such as iron and steelmaking, where the key benefit of using green hydrogen is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the process and energy use. Therefore, this paper’s objective is to provide insights into the distribution, technologies, and trends of hydrogen projects produced with renewable power, while unraveling the diverse products of these projects and identify the sectors benefiting most from them. Employing a rigorous statistical data analysis, a dataset encompassing approximately 2000 hydrogen projects worldwide is scrutinized. These questions guide the investigation: a) What is the distribution of hydrogen projects across different countries globally? b) What are the key trends in technology choice over time? c) What are the key trends of hydrogen projects using renewable energy? d) What are the primary products of green hydrogen projects? e) Which end-use sectors are benefiting from the “green” hydrogen products the most? The findings reveal a spectrum of internationally pursued hydrogen-derived products, ranging from hydrogen to ammonia and beyond. Moreover, they provide insights into industries that stand to gain from innovation, including mobility, ammonia production and other industrial applications. This paper significantly contributes to the understanding of “green” hydrogen products, and their end-uses. Governments and businesses can leverage this knowledge to make informed policy and investment decisions in a rapidly evolving market.
Energy Transition: The Impact of Increasing Energy Production from Renewable Sources on the Commercial Optimization Process of Conventional Power Generation Assets
Authors: Pamfile Lucian V.
Published: July 2024

Changing the way electricity is produced, as part of the energy transition process, brings new challenges to the energy industry and in particular to the power generation practices. The switch from energy systems based on fossil fuels to generation technologies based on renewable sources is proving to be much more complex than expected. Multiple recent studies have shown that the intermittency in renewable production processes is putting pressure on the system and increasing balancing and maintenance costs of the grid, calling for an efficient management of the electricity produced. Therefore, a complete phase-out of conventional power generation units (e.g. coal, gas and nuclear) is still difficult to imagine in practice, mainly because of their role in balancing the system during the hours when renewables are not available (e.g. no wind, no sun or reduced hydraulicity). From the perspective of technical and commercial management aspects, the operation of conventional assets involves the consideration of multiple constraints (such as a longer operating time before they are shut down, or a longer preparation time before they can be restarted) in order to avoid financial loss and further damages. Therefore, the aim of this is to: 1. study the impact brought by the large installed capacity of renewable assets on the energy system; 2. analyse the options for gradual phase-out of conventional assets, from the perspective of system stability; 3. draw conclusions on how the commercial optimization of the production assets should develop as the energy transition advances. The novelty of this paper lies in the fact that it makes a business study of this transition process, which does not really exist yet, and case and simulation studies, along with statistical and time series analysis were used as a methodological approach for the research.
How Should a Virtual University Be Managed? A Theoretical Approach
Authors: Comșa Viorica
Published: July 2024

The concept of a virtual university (VU) has grown in popularity among academics. It has been adopted by numerous traditional universities (TU) that got familiar with virtual education since spring 2020, triggered by the pandemic context. Today, university decision-makers should see VU as more than just an anchor, a mechanism to ensure the continuity of the educational process in grave conditions, or a model for distance online education through intense use of information technology (IT). This paper's research shows that a conceptual model of a virtual university (MVU) should be seen as a complex organization with a structure of roles held by people who interact in processes to provide products and services to students, researchers, and other learners in a virtual environment, supported by IT resources. The study aims to highlight management process (MP) on MVU. It analyzes and interprets the MP for an organization, followed by universities. This theoretical approach can address university's tactical management needs from the perspective of transition or adoption of MVU and understanding what it means to manage a VU. The presented way of managing VUs offers unique support for decisions of acceptance within the academic and administrative community in Romania to integrate and offer virtual education.
Farm Carbon Footprint Measurement Frameworks Based on the Digitization and Environmental Sustainability Paradigm
Authors: Pătărlăgeanu Simona Roxana , Constantin Marius , Dinu Mihai , Petrescu Irina Elena , Deaconu Elena Mădălina
Published: July 2024

The use of digital technology in agriculture, such as sensors, satellites, and artificial intelligence, for developing sustainable agriculture and controlling the impacts of climate change, has been enhanced under the European Green Deal. Given the environmental exigencies, the agricultural sector must adapt to new technologies that ensure the sustainable development of the whole agri-food sector. This paper emphasizes the importance of measuring carbon footprints in agriculture as a tool for further improving the sustainability of the sector. Specifically, the research addresses the importance of sustainable technologies and practices, including agriculture, circular economy, and conservation agriculture, which play an important role in reducing carbon emissions from the agricultural sector. Thus, in the framework of the European Green Deal and digitalization, a bibliographic analysis was carried out using the Web of Science database to review the scientific interest on carbon footprint generated by farms. The aim of the paper is to tackle the significance given by the scientific community on the carbon footprint of farms in order to enhance the development of a comprehensive set of measures that can incorporate the sector’s social and environmental responsibility, and ensure further the right path towards a sustainable future without affecting the profitability of the small farmers.
Proposal of a Gender Balance Index: An instrument for Enhancing Equality in Corporate Management Structures
Authors: Nicolae Iuliana , Volosevici Dana , Isbasoiu Gheorghe Dan
Published: July 2024

The persistent underrepresentation of women in decision-making roles across various levels of management within companies is a critical issue that has garnered significant attention in both academic and professional circles. Despite numerous legislative efforts and policy initiatives aimed at promoting gender equality in the workplace, women continue to face substantial barriers to accessing leadership positions. These challenges are not confined to specific sectors or company sizes; they are pervasive, affecting organizations worldwide. This paper proposes a novel instrument designed to measure women's participation in decision-making across all levels of management in a company. The versatility of this tool allows for its application across a broad spectrum of industries and organizational structures, making it a valuable asset for any company committed to advancing gender equality within its ranks.

The proposed instrument seeks to address a gap in the current methodologies used to assess gender diversity and inclusion in leadership roles. By providing a comprehensive framework for evaluating women's representation in decision-making positions, this tool not only highlights areas where disparities exist but also facilitates the tracking of progress over time. Its implementation can serve as a cornerstone for developing targeted strategies aimed at eliminating barriers to women's advancement and fostering a more inclusive corporate culture.

In contributing to the amelioration of women's situation regarding access to decision-making in companies, this instrument aligns with broader efforts to achieve gender equality. It not only aids companies in complying with legal requirements and societal expectations but also enhances their competitiveness and innovation by leveraging the full potential of a diverse workforce. Through its widespread adoption, this tool has the potential to catalyze significant shifts in how companies approach gender diversity and inclusion, marking a critical step towards the equitable representation of women in leadership across the corporate landscape.
The Role of Climate Change, Employment, Government Expenditure, and Imports on the Value of Agricultural Production in Romania
Authors: Zaharia Alina , Shonkwiler Vanessa P. , Mocanu Steliana , Tudorache Claudiu
Published: July 2024

Agricultural production is important for ensuring food security, supporting many activities of society and building strong trade economy of a country, but can be slightly influenced by numerous factors. Even if exists a lot of studies that analyze the influencing factors of agricultural production in terms of value, investments, climate change, credits, costs of energy and more, in the literature can be observed a research gap regarding the relation between emissions or mean weekly hours actually worked per employed person and value of agricultural production. The identified gap in the specialty literature was covered in this paper. The present paper aims to analyze a series of factors that influence the value of agricultural production, like: climate change, employment, government expenditure and imports, after discussing the theoretical framework about the subject. The methodological approach is based on using several linear regressions, tested with the EViews software. One of the main findings indicates the existence of relationships between both the change of imports and the change of emissions with the value of agricultural production in Romania during 1995-2021. Also, another result indicates a negative influence of temperature change on the value of agricultural production, showing once again that climate change does negatively impact agricultural output and, thus, the sustainable development of Romania. This study could be used further by policy makers to understand on which drivers should act on in developing sustainable policies for Romanian agriculture.
AR Technology Potential for Facilitating Access to Advanced Education for Students with ASD
Authors: Bejinaru Ruxandra , Toma Marian-Vlăduț
Published: July 2024

Facilitating access to advanced education and research is the mission of a proactive and future-oriented university. The university must also direct its attention to categories with disabilities such as students with ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorders). For this purpose, Augmented Reality (AR) can be used through applications that offer different types of support, as well as learning robotization processes. Students with ASD have diverse intellectual potential and can significantly contribute to scientific progress. It is important that universities recognize the intellectual potential and talent of students with ASD and provide appropriate support and accessibility to develop their skills and achieve their academic and research performance. Throughout this paper, we aimed to point out aspects of critical importance from these categories: conceptual and practical evolution, influencing factors, advantages and difficulties, perspectives but also risks regarding the lack of action in this direction. This work integrates qualitative literature review research with empirical research. The literature analysis section highlights the extent to which universities provide adaptation and orientation facilities in new spaces, taking into account the difficulty of people with ASD to adjust to unfamiliar spaces. We will present, both based on the literature and from the practice of the field at a global level, the technologies and platforms used in the development of AR applications for orientation in space. The research conclusions have an impact towards at least three directions: 1. Scientific impact, respectively enriching the specialized literature with new perspectives transmitted in a clear, concise and targeted manner; 2. Applicative impact, increasing the potential of implementing innovations in this field; as well as 3. Informative impact on the general public, which contributes to broadening the spectrum of knowledge but also to strengthening the image in the local community of the efforts made by researchers in this revolutionary field of AR.
Intermodal Transportation Challenges in Eastern Europe: Case Study of Romania
Authors: Turi Attila , Boglut Geanina-Ioana
Published: July 2024

The purpose of this paper is to analyze data from the Romanian intermodal transportation sector and provide an overview of its main terminals (sea, river, road and rail) and the operational challenges faced by its most important logistics service providers. Intermodal transportation (by rail) is encouraged at EU level as a sustainable alternative to current predominant truck haulage. Most research articles outline issues with connectivity, terminal handling infrastructure and cost efficiency as factors hindering large scale adoption. Other authors tend to emphasize the more reliable delivery schedules, reduced road congestion and emissions as drivers of cost competitiveness on medium term. Relevant cargo volume traffic (tons, TEU and ITU) is analyzed at Romania’s main intermodal hubs in the last 10 years (2014-2023) using quantitative and qualitative data to provide a comprehensive overview of its overall competitiveness in this sector. Most Eastern European countries are faced with the same challenge in terms of intermodal transportation: the shortcomings of their supporting network due to insufficient public investment, highlighted by the results from Romania (case study method). Main results show Constanta Port had record cargo traffic in 2023, but its throughput is hindered by constant congestion issues, similar to the highly competitive road sector where intense truck traffic creates bottlenecks on the major roads leading to Western Europe. Cargo is also shipped via the Danube and freight trains, but to a limited extent due to low average speeds and inconsistent reliability along most sectors. The paper highlights the importance of a country’s strategic hubs and their connectivity (sea and/or river ports, main railway lines and road sectors) as a source of future growth and development perspectives, for terminal operators as well as neighboring regions (EU and EEA) through increased business activity.
Internal and External Processes Improvement, a New Dimension of Balance Scorecard and Its Impact on Organizational Performance
Authors: Voicu Apostol Simona Alexandra
Published: July 2024

When talking about performance, financial aspects come first. Besides that, when organizational performance is the main subject, redesign of the processes, inputs and outputs analysis are various aspects taken into consideration. Financial indicators such as return of investment and earnings per share are no longer enough. Nowadays, process measurement, change management initiatives, risk analysis, stakeholder engagement, innovative financial measures, people learning and development, organizational culture orientation toward global trends, as well as KPI’s commitment are dimensions and future perspectives of the new approach of organizational success. This research will present the way an instrument as Balance Scorecard can secure competitive advantage and improve organizational performance by linking strategic goals, operational performance indicators and stakeholder’s enlarged participation. The research methodology questioned the perception related to balance scorecard main directions within companies belonging on the automotive and manufacturing industry. The four dimensions of Original Balance Scorecard model – financial perspective, customer perspective, internal business perspective and innovation and learning perspective – applied at all levels within the organization generate better measurable results, with a positive impact on people engagement and responsibility. The new proposed dimension, stakeholders’ participation gives substance on organization’s way of defining its purpose on the societal market that it belongs to.
Some Aspects in Trade Recеivables Assessment
Authors: Ilieva Marinela , Tsonkova Vanya
Published: July 2024

One of the most important aspects of operational financial management is related to the management of the working capital of enterprises. A significant portion of this capital is invested in trade receivables, which are obtained from deferred sales. On the one hand, nowadays trade credit has a stimulating effect on customer purchases, but on the other hand, incorrect assessment of the creditworthiness of customers and the risk of non-payment (default risk) can negatively affect the financial condition of the enterprise and lead to chain bankruptcies. In the specialized literature on company finance management, the problems of working capital management and risk management of trade receivables are considered in detail. However, the question of the complex assessment of the creditworthiness of customers and the decision on the optimal credit limit remains to some extent insufficiently developed. Summarizing the following key components considered in the literature – 1) overall economic situation, ownership, management and strategy of the company; 2) its revenue and profitability; 3) liquidity and financial leverage; 4) cash flow and turnover, this article focuses on developing and demonstrating the application of an approach to assess the financial condition of customers, to make an adequate decision on credit limit and to avoid the risk of non-payment of commercial loans. The article also presents the results of a descriptive statistical analysis regarding some key financial indicators of Bulgarian enterprises, the credit limits requested by them and the results of applying the presented model.
Brown Bear a Symbol of Past and Present
Authors: Anuțoiu Ana-Gabriela , Danțiș Dragoș , Ionescu Ovidiu
Published: July 2024

The brown bear subject has been characterized lately by an increased level of research complexity. Inside current article the brown bear will benefit from a broader assessment of its modern history and representation, showing that it can be understood as a symbol over time. The historical representation will be related to the evaluation of the existing literature, offering a multitude of mythological and folklore meanings, starting from King Ragnar to the Bear Dance, proving the animal was present in the daily life of people from different parts of the world. Through the details displayed, the meanings of bear will be understood, showing the value of this symbol in history. This is similar to the presence of the constellation Ursa Major (Great Bear) among the other stars in the sky.

Contemporarily it will be seen that the perception has changed today and what was previously deified is now stigmatized and brutalized. According to a survey conducted in Covasna and Brașov counties, 52% of the respondents expressed fear of bears, with 19% saying that they feel terrorized by them. As a result, people from Romania and from other countries use both non-lethal and lethal measures to solve possible conflicts with bears. In the Central Region of Romania, 220 preventive actions were taken from 2021 to 2022 to keep bears away from human settlements. Between 2017 and 2022, 4.405 phone calls were made to the 112 National Emergency Service reporting the presence of bears, while 154 bears were found dead for unknown reasons.
Improvement of Cyber Resilience by Implementation of a Digital Business Continuity Management System: Evidence from Romania
Authors: Coiciu Irina , Militaru Gheorghe
Published: July 2024

This paper aims to present a model for increasing the cyber resilience of organizations. Under the business context when cyber incidents risk is the most important risk worldwide for organizations for the third consecutive year, the model proposes a solution for improvement of cyber resilience of organizations, by implementation of a management system based on Business Continuity Management framework and a related software solution for handling the Risk Management data, Business Impact Analysis, Emergency and Recovery Planning, as well as Cyber Crisis Management. The implementation of the digital Business Continuity Management System and Cyber Crisis Management processes is tested through a simulation of a cyber incident leading to disruption of activities and cyber crisis caused by a ransomware attack. The simulation is presented both as design and execution and it can be implemented in any organization having the Business Continuity Management System in place and an internal IT department. The results of the simulation bring evidence for the contribution of the study to the increase of the cyber resilience of the organization. The novelty of the study is represented by the mix of concepts and instruments brought together in the model through which the framework of Business Continuity Management is implemented by means of a dedicated software solution, facilitating steps towards the digitization of the management processes and increase of the organizational and cyber resilience.
Corporate Governance Status of the IT Companies Listed on the Bucharest Stock Exchange
Authors: Ciurel Mariana , Dumitrescu Corina-Ionela
Published: July 2024

The paper presents the corporate governance status for the information technology (IT) companies listed on the Bucharest Stock Exchange for 2022, the most recent year for which the companies’ annual reports are available. The paper is part of the authors’ research series which focuses on SMEs from the Romanian IT sector, as one of the most dynamic sectors with growth perspectives nationally. Corporate governance is essential for the business success and sustainability of any company. It provides a framework made of principles, processes and practices for a company to be directed and controlled. In general, it covers aspects of efficiency and accountability for the board of directors, shareholders, management, statutory committees and control systems. For listed companies, these aspects are complemented by regulatory compliance, disclosure and transparency, as well as stakeholders’ engagement. The research is based on a content analysis supplied by Bucharest Stock Exchange, the reports of the IT listed companies and local and international financial institutions. The corporate governance status of the listed companies and the sector overall is determined by using the provisions of the Bucharest Stock Exchange Corporate Governance Codes for the main market and junior SMEs market (called AeRO) and analyzing, through a binary analysis, the annual comply or explain statements of the listed companies. Results show that IT listed companies on the Bucharest Stock Exchange comply with the majority of the provisions of the Corporate Governance Code, even though certain gaps need to be addressed.
Eco-Innovative Military Procurement: An Alternative Futures Approach
Authors: Bădilă Mădălina-Ioana , Cioca Lucian-Ionel , Oltean Maria-Delia
Published: July 2024

Military organizations must develop their capabilities to be innovative and achieve eco-innovative goals. A literature review was used as the research method to understand better how this can be done. Our approach combines existing literature from various sources to uncover new insights for military leaders. This study examines specific military literature to explore the different aspects of eco-innovation capability development within the Army. The findings can help military organizations enhance their command and supply capabilities and achieve success in their respective operational fields. We applied an alternative futures analysis to the hierarchy process to thoroughly examine the eco-innovation issue. This tool proved instrumental in formulating an initial scenario to enhance the considered capability. The resulting scenarios are critically evaluated to provide conclusive insights and address the research queries. The critical aspects synthesized for eco-leadership implementation in a military organization will be an essential extension for enabling future iterations of eco-innovation capability development processes.
The Sustainable Organization Design for Transport Services: Guarantees of Origin (GOs) via Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS)
Authors: Stoicescu Vlad , Vasiliu Cristinel , Goldiș Andrei
Published: July 2024

This study explores the potential for change that Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) can bring to the transportation sector. It seeks to tackle the pressing need for sustainable progress in light of increasing concerns about climate change and growing greenhouse gas emissions. The transportation industry, essential for global supply chains and movement, is confronted with the task of lessening its environmental impact while maintaining operational efficiency and dependability. The emergence of ITS presents a hopeful solution by combining information and communication technologies with transport infrastructure and vehicles to streamline logistics, improve safety, and reduce emissions. These systems offer crucial up-to-date information on traffic conditions, vehicle function, and route planning, enabling well-informed decision-making and effective resource management.

This study focuses on the creative use of the "Guarantee of Origin" (GO) idea, typically utilized in the renewable energy industry to validate the environmental friendliness of energy sources, in the field of logistics and transportation. The research suggests that expanding the GO framework to include detailed emissions tracking for complete travel plans within an ITS system could greatly improve the sector's environmental responsibility and openness. Generating a clean GO is exclusively feasible within an ITS, particularly for intricate travel itineraries or AWBs.

Using a qualitative approach, this study delves into an in-depth review of literature to investigate how the organizational structure of transportation needs to change in order to incorporate sustainability through ITS. The goal is to bridge the gap between ambitions for sustainable transportation and the practical steps necessary for their achievement. A new model for organizational design is proposed, which utilizes ITS and the GO concept. This model envisions a comprehensive travel system that integrates various modes of transport within a government-run cloud platform. It will allow for accurate calculation and distribution of emissions data for each segment and mode of transportation. Ultimately, this research aims to demonstrate that ITS can be considered as projects that reduce emissions upstream (UER), paving the way for new funding opportunities in digital infrastructure development with a focus on sustainability.

This study supports the overall objective of reaching carbon neutrality and sustainable growth in the transportation industry, emphasizing the essential function of ITS in aiding this significant shift.
Features of an Internal Communication Platform for Corporate Employees. Meeting the Needs of Employees in a Hybrid Era
Authors: Chincea Rebecca , Potra Sabina , Tamasila Matei
Published: July 2024

More and more corporations are adopting a hybrid work style in which employees can work both at the office and at home. The popularity of the hybrid workplace is a result of the Covid-19 pandemic crisis and one of the components of the hybrid work mode is the internal organizational communication platform without which the hybrid work mode could not exist However, internal platforms for corporate online organizational communication are not tailored to the needs of employees. Thus, this study outlines the characteristics that an internal communication platform between employees of a corporation must have to meet their needs. To find out which characteristics are important for the employees of a corporation, adequate data has been collected using a Kano questionnaire distributed online and analysed with the Kano quantitative method. The main result of the research is that the characteristics of the communication platform between employees must focus on meeting their psychological needs (e.g., the need for socialization, for recognition, to be motivated, etc.). The present paper provides a new perspective on how to communicate in organizations, focusing on the psychological needs of corporate employees since in the new hybrid era, meeting these needs with the help of online organizational communication is more important than technical attributes.
Innovation and Digital Transformation in the Business Environment: A Case Study on Analyzing the Impact on Organizational Performance in a CAD Company
Authors: Pop Alina Bianca , Țîțu Aurel Mihail
Published: July 2024

This article makes an exploratory attempt to study the impact of implementing a computer-aided design (CAD) system on a Romanian company. The firm has been established in 1998 and it is based on Baia Mare (Maramures), Romania. It is the commercial administrator of the CAD/CAM Technology Support Center. This center was a project initiated within the Maramureş Center for the Development of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), and it received funding from the PHARE FIDEL program, an European Funded program that supported at that time the development of SMEs). Using a multifaced approach encompassing semi-structural interviews and financial analysis data, the results show integration of innovative CAD technologies yields substantial gains for operational efficiency. For instance, most of the KPIs associated with production have improved: the time required to complete one cycle of production has decreased by 15%, from an average of 20 hours to 17 hours per unit and the efficient use of materials has increased by 10% resulting in cost savings. This research shows how Romanian companies can adopt CAD technologies and improve their activities.
Analysis of the Effective Tax Rate during the Coronavirus Pandemic on an Emerging Capital Market – Romania
Authors: Gavrilă Mihai-Daniel
Published: July 2024

In the context of the permanent global evolution and the flexible economic framework that investors encounter in the decision-making process, this paper aims to analyze the evolution of the effective tax rate in the context of the Coronavirus pandemic in Romania, as well as the factors of influence associated with it, results in the mentioned period. In order to answer these objectives, a quantitative research was carried out for the 85 companies listed on the regulated trading market on the website of the Bucharest Stock Exchange, where a retrospective methodology was applied based on the financial statements published by them for the years 2020 and 2021. Regarding the determination of the influencing factors associated with the evolution of the effective tax rate, it was performed a regular regression for both mentioned years, noticed that in 2020 the size of the companies (SIZE), their solvency (SOLV), as well as the return on assets (ROA), influenced the variation of the effective tax rate, aspect that could not the noticed in 2021. Regarding the evolution of the effective tax rate, it was found that the companies listed on the Bucharest Stock Exchange were undertaxed in the period 2020-2021.
Research on Data Security Measures in Romania
Authors: Popescu Mirona Ana Maria , Barbu Andreea , Simion Petronela Cristina , Moiceanu Georgiana
Published: July 2024

Information from the online environment is constantly increasing, as well as its value. In this context, for companies data security becomes a central pillar to protect sensitive information and to ensure its integrity, confidentiality and availability (CIA Triangle). The security measures adopted by the companies also increase the degree of trust of their partners and customers. But data security is not just about implementing the right technologies and policies; equally important is the awareness and proper training of personnel who interact with this data or the applications that contain it.

Human resource in companies playes an important role in protecting sensitive information by understanding the negative conseques of not securing and manipulating in a risky manner the confidential data used in their daily activies. To prepare the human resource and educate the employees in order to raise their awarness towards which is considered sensitive data, what measures and tools must be applied when handling it, trainings by specialisez personnel can be implemented. In this manner, the risks of cyber security attacks, data leak, are minimized and the business environment is strengthened. In this research it is presented a review of specialized literature that treat the subject of data security to highlight the current stage of development and have a general landscape from a scientific point of view. Having this as a base, the authors have developed a questionnaire that was distributed to romanian companies to find out the business perspective towards this subject. Therefore, by analysing the two perspectives, this study has the goal to present the dynamics of data security, the challenges brought by it and the good practices that can be addopted.
Navigating the Digital Frontier: A Comprehensive Examination of Romanian Public Administration Digitization and Its Perceptual Implications
Authors: Goldbach Dumitru , Popa Mircea , Paraschiv Oana-Valeria
Published: July 2024

As societies increasingly embrace digital transformations, public administration is confronted with the imperative to adapt and innovate in the face of evolving technological landscapes. This article delves into the multifaceted realm of digitization within public administration, focusing on the perceptual dimensions that shape the adoption and efficacy of digital solutions. By synthesizing empirical studies, case analyses, and theoretical frameworks, this research offers a comprehensive exploration of how digitization influences the perception of stakeholders, including citizens, public servants, and policymakers.

The study investigates the impact of digitization on efficiency, transparency, and accessibility in public services, aiming to unravel the complexities of the interplay between technology and public administration. Special attention is given to the challenges and opportunities associated with the integration of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, and data analytics. Through a comparative analysis of digitization initiatives across diverse administrative contexts, the article seeks to identify best practices and lessons learned, providing insights into the factors that contribute to successful digital transitions.

Furthermore, the research examines the societal and organizational factors influencing the perception of digitization in public administration, shedding light on issues of trust, privacy, and equity. By considering the perspectives of various stakeholders, this article aims to contribute to a nuanced understanding of the socio-political dynamics surrounding the digital transformation of public services.

Ultimately, this article not only contributes to the academic discourse on public administration and technology but also provides practical insights for policymakers and public administrators seeking to navigate the digital frontier effectively. The findings presented herein serve as a roadmap for harnessing the full potential of digitization while mitigating challenges and fostering a positive perception of technological advancements in public administration.
The Use of Information Technology in SMEs: Advantages and Main Challenges
Authors: Jercan Emilia , Nacu Teodora
Published: July 2024

From the beginning of the 20th century, a lot of research has been conducted on how SMEs contribute to the development of innovative activities and vice versa, on how new technologies and innovation have the potential to influence small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Nowadays, given the highly competitive and dynamic business environment, SMEs are constantly and actively trying to find ways to keep up with the latest developments, which is not always an easy task. Digital technologies and innovation in business administration and other related fields are key attributes that can be seen as essential elements in the field of entrepreneurship. Thus, digitization has become a crucial factor in the business world, and its impact on SMEs cannot be neglected. Nonetheless, company size, capital and resources seem to limit SMEs’ ability to adopt digital technologies. However, countless studies argue that a smaller firm size allows SMEs to be more flexible to change. Therefore, both digital progress and innovation have become highly relevant tools for businesses to improve their performance, reduce their costs and increase their efficiency, and are seen as key factors for competitiveness, development and economic growth. With this paper we understand how Romania, with its expanding economy and support for entrepreneurs, has the potential to be a relevant player in the digital economy, although its current ranking on the level of digitization and innovation is considerably lower than the EU average.
Conceptual Framework for Unified E-Government Web Platform
Authors: Popescu Mirona Ana Maria , Barbu Andreea , Costea-Marcu Iustina-Cristina , Dumitriu Dan
Published: July 2024

Technological development has an impact on various areas, and governments from all over the world search to make a smooth transition from traditional to digital, by adopting dedicated software solutions aiming to facilitate the interaction of citizens with public institutions. These platforms are designed to improve the citizens relationship with government by facilitating various processes and tasks.

The importance of having a unified web platform is easily justified. Citizens are no longer in need of searching different platforms for their specific needs, dealing with a lot of interfaces and accounts, as all are gathered in one, maintaining a robust, complex system that is easy to use. Therefore, they would benefit from an integrated digital environment, that meet their needs and expectations, also providing security and privacy of confidential and personal information. The authors present the value of creating such an environment, that has a high technical level, that is user-centered and accessible for interactions between citizens and government.

Designing and implementing a unified e-government web platform requires the analysis of various factors and aspects such as user interface, processes, services, security measures, integration with social media platforms, collaborative environment, and many others. First, an investigation on specific literature was made to offer a context to the present research and be used as a starting point, highlighting the main factors related to e-government and the impact of this type of platforms. The model proposed by the authors encapsulates considerations on both sides: government and citizens to offer a detailed understanding on e-government platforms.
Efficiency and Cost-Effectiveness in Agile DevOps with Cloud Computing
Authors: Stoica Marian , Niţu Alexandru Ionuț
Published: July 2024

This article explores how Agile methodology, DevOps principles, and Cloud Computing fit into the software industry. The synergy study focuses on Axes Software, the oldest logistics software company in Romania. The effects of the association of these technologies during the development cycle of a software product are explored. Both their impact in the operational activities and the transformation of the development mode, as well as the financial impact, are evaluated. In the first part, theoretical aspects of Agile and DevOps ways of working and cloud technologies are explored. The amplification of the potential of the association of the three concepts is examined. With the basis formed, the paper continues with a detailed case study of Axes Software. It looks at the adoption of new technologies and way of working. Challenges and successes encountered are also considered. Key performance indicators such as release frequency, bug incidence (dropped from 72 to 4), and development velocity are examined to validate the effectiveness of this integration. The financial aspects, including initial investment and savings, are also analysed, leading to an assessment of the return on investment. Notably, deployments of new software versions now take two days instead of eleven, while the market witnessed a 275% increase in clients preferring the company’s cloud-hosted solutions over on-premises options. Finally, the effects of the association for software developers are distinguished, emphasizing continuous learning, leadership vision and supporting digital transformation.
Complex Congenital Heart Lesion - Should We Operate or Not?
Authors: Ene Claudia-Andreea , Olaru-Lego Georgiana , Coman Ioan-Mircea , Platon Pavel , Mereuță Adrian
Published: July 2024

Congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries (ccTGA) is a rare congenital anomaly defined by double discordance – atrioventricular and ventricular-arterial. ccTGA frequently has associated lesions, which influence long-term survival.

The management of patients with ccTGA regarding the closure of defects and pacing strategies is often very challenging. Moreover, tricuspid valve regurgitation and its impact on the systemic right ventricle requires close monitoring and potentially timely interventions. In this paper, we present and discuss the management challenges raised by a patient with situs inversus totalis, dextrocardia, ccTGA, Ebstein anomaly of the tricuspid valve, atrial septal defect, and complete atrioventricular block.