bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Income Inequality Tolerance and Preferences for Redistribution in Turkey
Authors: Karayel Ayfer
Published: July 2017

In this paper, the extent to which redistribution is desired by the Turkish and its determinants are estimated. For this purpose, the 2009 Social Inequality Module of the International Social Survey Programme is used. Finding the attitudinal differences between urban and rural region residents, and understanding whether these can be attributed to educational differences is additionally aimed. The estimations indicate that pro-redistribution preferences are shaped by distributive justice considerations captured by the question on just payment at work. Having no or low educational qualification, living in urban regions and small cities also play an important role. Being in the lowest income categories is also associated with higher demand for redistribution. The attitudinal difference between rural and urban residents cannot be attributed to differences in the educational levels, differences in cultural values and/or income levels seem to play an important role. This study’s finding that women are more tolerant of income inequality than men is the opposite of the previous finding based on the 2011 WVS data, and of the more usual finding in other studies. Hard work has a non- significant effect in the present study although it was one of the determinants of pro-redistribution preferences previously. The impact of income is similar to previous analysis’ finding. However, mixed results were found in the previous analysis relative to the effect of living in a specific region. The effects are more homogeneous with ISSPA data, as all of the regions with significant coefficients have relatively reduced support for redistribution than Istanbul.
Economic Growth, Policies and Influencing Factors: The Case of Albania
Authors: Vangjeli Eleni , Mancka Anila
Published: July 2017

Monetary and fiscal policies are two policies that the government could use to keep a high level of growth, with a low inflancion. Fiscal policy has its initial impact on the stock market, while monetary policy in market assets. But, given that the goods and active markets are closely interrelated, both policies, monetary as well as fiscal have impact on the economy, increasing the level of product through the reduction of interest rates. In our paper we will show how functioning monetary and fiscal policies. But also in our paper we will analyze the different factors which have affected the economic growth of the country. The focus of our study is the graphical and empirical analysis of economic growth, policies and influencing factors. For the empirical analysis we have used data on the economic growth in Albania for 1996– 2014.
Cultural Diversity as a Source of Conflict in the Focus of Non-Governmental and International Organizations: Bosnian Case Study
Authors: Pilarska Justyna
Published: July 2017

The article tackles the issue of cultural diversity as a phenomenon present in many multicultural communities that encompass representatives of different ethnic, national or religious traditions. Bosnia-Herzegovina provides an example of one of such communities, subject to analysis within the framework of this paper. The author firstly concentrates on the issues related to terminology of “cultural diversity” and “non-governmental organization”, their specificity and interpretations. Then, an Introduction to Bosnian multiculturalism is made, displaying its local features, followed by a presentation of various NGO’s activities with reference to Bosnian war and its aftermath. The focus is on the regional organizations that make the effort to reconstruct the multicultural bond, revealing its educational potential. The final analysis considers intercultural aspects of such approach to cultural differences that can become a point of reference in educational projects oriented at cross-cultural learning and intercultural dialogue. The latter, in turn, could contribute to the process of shaping constructive attitudes to representatives of the culturally diverse traditions.
Big Data using Cloud Computing - Opportunities for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises
Authors: Vajjhala Narasimha Rao , Ramollari Ervin
Published: July 2017

Big Data has been listed as one of the current and future research frontiers by Gartner. Large-sized companies are already investing on and leveraging big data. Small-sized and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can also leverage big data to gain a strategic competitive advantage but are often limited by the lack of adequate financial resources to invest on the technology and manpower. Several big data challenges still exist especially in computer architecture that is CPU-heavy but I/O poor. Cloud computing eliminates the need to maintain expensive computing hardware and software. Cloud computing resources and techniques can be leveraged to address the traditional problems associated with fault tolerance and low performance causing bottlenecks to using big data. SMEs can take advantage of cloud computing techniques to avail the advantages of big data without significant investments in technology and manpower. This paper explores the current trends in the area of big data using cloud resources and how SMEs can take advantage of these technological trends. The results of this study will benefit SMEs in identifying and exploring possible opportunities and also understanding the challenges in leveraging big data.
The Role of Store Layout and Visual Merchandising in Food Retailing
Authors: Štulec Ivana , Petljak Kristina , Kukor Anja
Published: July 2017

Literature proposes a number of store attributes as potentially significant factors affecting customers’ evaluation of retailer’s image, store loyalty and overall satisfaction, such as merchandise assortment and quality, service in general, personnel, store layout, convenience, cleanliness and atmosphere. Successful and profitable retailers use effectively each and every square meter of the retail space, both in the store and in the warehouse. Since retail space is costly, space management is gaining strategic importance in retailing. Appropriate store floor plans, location of certain merchandise categories, levels of inventory and visual displays are crucial factors of proper use of retail space. Misuse of retail space can be detrimental to retailer’s bottom line as it can result in difficulties in orientation of customers in the store, their shorter stay in the store, consequentially lower sales and possible loss of customers. It is hypothesised that effects of poor space management are even more pronounced in retail formats that incorporate self-service as a selling method with food retailers being especially at risk because in a setting where consumers can find identical merchandise in more than one store, layout and presentation become key differentiating factors. An empirical study is conducted as to determine the role of food store layout and visual merchandising compared to other store attributes in achieving customer satisfaction and to define preferable large food store layout among consumers. Research results imply that retailers need to create stimulating atmosphere and appealing layout in order to trigger consumer's buying decision.
Faith-Based Organisations (FBO): A Review of Literature on their Nature and Contrasting Identities with NGO in Community Development Intervention
Authors: Mohd. Noor Asma Lailee , Nawi Noor  Hisham
Published: July 2017

Organizations with a faith basis play a dominant role within the development sector. In the latter half of the twenty-first century, many faith-based organizations (FBOs), motivated by their religious faith and beliefs, began to work beyond their own borders to improve the material well-being of the world’s poor. However, despite the significant presence of FBOs within the arena of aid and development, little agreement exists within the development literature as to the similarity or distinction between aid agencies that are faith based and secular. This study reviews the existing literature on the nature of the FBOs in order to analyse how FBOs are understood in relation to NGOs. It also suggests a number of different typologies that captures these diverse ranges of views of how FBOs are understood.
The Impact of Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs) on Economic Growth: The Solow Model in the Case of Albania
Authors: Lleshaj Llesh , Malaj Arben
Published: July 2017

In the developing countries, including Albania, attracting FDIs remains a government priority towards development of investments and the whole economy. Therefore, the main objective of this paper is to analyze the impact of FDIs on economic growth (GDP level) in Albania. The analysis is based on the neoclassical growth model, following the Solow model. The dependent variable in the model is the GDP level and independent variables are: capital (foreign and domestic capital investments) and labor (average salary) for the period 1996-2013 with quarterly data. The results of the econometric analysis indicate that the Solow model is applicable in the Albanian economy, showing a positive correlation which is statistically significant between the explanatory variables and the dependent variable both in the short and long run. The impact of FDIs on GDP is several times smaller than the impact of domestic capital investments. This elasticity can be explained by the lower level of FDI inflows compared to the domestic capital investments and the limitations in evaluating the "endogenous" growth of FDIs. Whereas the analysis of the sector and country of origin concentration of the FDI stock is done using the Herfindal - Hirschman index for the period 2007-2013 and the results determine a significant concentration of FDI stock, based on three sectors and a few countries of origin.
Carrying Capacity Assessment - An Essential Tool for Sustainable Tourism Development in Coastal Areas of Albania
Authors: Pasko Genci
Published: July 2017

Like in many Mediterranean countries, the coastal areas in Albania are recognised among the country’s great assets both from the development and environmental point of view. Their scenic beauty, favourable climate, diversity of ecosystems, rich cultural and historical heritage make them excellent resources for the development of tourism, which is recognised as one of most important sector contributing to country’s national long-term growth. During the last twenty years, the coastal areas in Albania have attracted the major part of tourism investments, which due to the lack of legislation, urban planning and institutional capacity for sustainable development, have been spontaneous and have negatively affected the sustainable use of natural recourses. Thus, the proper planning and implementation of sustainable tourism development model together with the assessment of tourism carrying capacity, take a paramount importance for sustainable development of the coastal resources. Yet such assessment in Albania is not considered part of integrated planning and management of the coastal areas, therefore the carrying capacity assessment (CCA) should be considered an extremely important tool that should be used during the course of drafting policies and development plans for coastal areas. The CCA should not only be considered as a concept, or scientific calculation that shows the precise number of tourists for a particular area. Instead, it should be used as a flexible management tool for sustainable development of tourism allowing for optimum level of capacity in a certain area. Carrying capacities should also be considered an integral part of defining development scenarios for a given area in order to ensure a harmonised and sustainable development for the future. This process should be more effective if it develops in sympathy with the nature and character of costal environment, tourist needs and local population’s expectation for tourism development. This article presents the necessity of assessing and applying the CCA concept during the course of developing various tourism development models of coastal areas, with a a strong focus at application of sustainable tourism development scenario.
Using List of Values as Base of Beer Consumer Segmentation Based on Their Lifestyle-Case of Study City of Pristina
Authors: Begunca Arsim
Published: July 2017

When studying lifestyles, value is an essential element in defining of internal status for individual. For almost as long as values were studied in consumer’s behavior, methodology was in favor of researchers. Human values have found increasing use as the basis of market segmentation. In our study using the LOV scale as a base for beer consumer segmentation based on lifestyle, we have managed to divide these customers/consumers in three segments. These segments are sports - entertainment segment; traditional-family segment and health-safety segment. Thus several hypotheses generated that have been confirmed. For Data Analysis program named Statistical Package for Social Science ( SPSS version 20) has been used. This study used descriptive analysis, factorial analysis, independent samples, T-test, one way between groups ANOVA and cluster analysis.
Cluster Mapping of Medical Tourism in Turkey and Regional Clustering for Health Tourism
Authors: Kirdar Yalçın , Sezer Ahmet
Published: July 2017

As the world population is aging, Health tourism has become vitally important and will be increased day by day. Because of the availability of quality health services and more favorable prices as well as to shorten the waiting list for medical services regionally and internationally. There are some aspects of managing and doing marketing activities in order for medical tourism to be feasible, in a region called as clustering in a region with main stakeholders groups includes Health providers, Tourism cluster, etc. There are some related and affecting factors to be considered for the feasibility of medical tourism within this study such as competitiveness, clustering, Entrepreneurship, SMEs. One of the growth phenomenon is Health tourism in the city of Izmir and Turkey. The model of five competitive forces of Porter and The Diamond model that is an economical model that shows the four main factors that affect the competitiveness of a nation and its industries in this study. The short literature of medical tourism and regional clustering have been mentioned.
Using Benefit Sought Variables for Soft Drinks Consumers Segmentation-Case Study City of Pristina
Authors: Begunca Arsim
Published: July 2017

Soft drinks market is a very large and important market where competition is very fierce. In recent years this market in global terms has not greatly increased. Thus for all the actors of this market without understanding (recognition) of the customer/consumer, they may lose a market share from competitors given the fierce competition. The purpose of this study is the identification of market segments within the city of Prishtina regarding soft drinks consumers based on requiredbenefits /benefits sought. The result of this study supports the effectiveness of soft drinks consumer segmentation using the required benefit variables. Statistical Package for Social Science program ( SPSS version 20 ) was used for data analysis. This study used a descriptive analysis, factor analysis and cluster analysis. Based on differentiating factors in selecting soft drinks (refreshments), social-demographic variables and soft drinks consumer behavior throughout theses segments, the managers can modify their marketing strategies to fulfil the needs of these segments and at the same time maximize the profit.
The Role of Business Dictionaries
Authors: Nimani Valbone Zeqiraj
Published: July 2017

English language is an international language or one can freely say that it is an everyday language no matter which country you live in or which country you come from. We can say so, considering the fact that business has become one of the life neccesities and knowing that doing bussines means having to do with different people from all over the world, and the language used in every field is English. Nowadays no studies, no travelling, no business can be run without being able to speak English language. In response to these needs, this article is an attempt to provide a guided approach to ESP dictionaries design for business students at tertiary level.. When designing an English course, the primary issue is the analysis of learners’ specific needs and the appropriate literature that suits those needs. Learners want to learn EOP ( English for Occupational Purpose), EBE (English for Business and Economics), EAP (English for Academic Purposes) etc, all for instrumental reasons. Some learners are preparing for future jobs in which they will use English, whereas others want to learn it to improve their current job performance in dealing with particular partners or customers. All of these purposes can be achieved only by using the proper dictionary which will enable learners to learn their ESP in a faster and easier way. A bilingual dictionary is necessary due to the level of the students at the beginning. An english-english one is only used with advanced learners. It is absolutely necessary to use one, but very often teachers first have to teach learners how to take advantage of it and take time to work with examples on the different meanings depending on the context.
Investment Property in the Financial Statements of Capital Groups Listed on the Warsaw Stock Exchange
Authors: Kwinto Piotr Prewysz , Voss Grażyna
Published: July 2017

In recent years, investing in property has become very popular. It is related to a significant decrease in interest rates, which has resulted in a decrease in interest rates on bank deposits and risk-free securities. What is more, this kind of investment seems to be less risky than investing in shares or raw materials due to a steady increase in property prices in Poland in the recent years. Investment property owned by an entity conducting business activity must be properly presented in financial statements, which is next reflected in the evaluation of financial position. Recognition, measurement and presentation of investment property in financial statements have been comprehensively prescribed in International Accounting Standard 40 – Investment Property, which was released in December 2003. It was first applied to financial statements prepared for the reporting period starting after January 1, 2005. The standard was revised twice – first in 2008 and then in 2013. The aim of this paper is to describe the recognition, measurement and disclosure of investment property under polish and international accounting regulations as well as to analyze the presentation of such information in financial statements of the largest companies listed on the Warsaw Stock Exchange. The main methods used include the analysis and evaluation of legal acts and subject-related literature as well as the analysis of information disclosed in financial statements of the largest companies listed on the Warsaw Stock Exchange
Characteristics of Human Resource Management in SMEs in Serbia
Authors: Hanić Azra , Pržulj Živka , Moravčević Marija Lazarević
Published: July 2017

The aim of this paper is to answer the question of whether the practice of small and medium enterprises ( SMEs) in Serbia represents the specifics of human resource management (HRM) in this type of enterprise. The paper contains the practice analysis of the human resource management as a precondition for creating competitive advantage of small an dmedium-sized enterprises in Serbia. The paper methodology is based on appropriate empirical research using a questionnaire, where the results were analyzed by the appropriate statistical method. The paper contains original research criteria in the process HRM in SMEs compared to large enterprises in a transition country that has not joined the EU. The research contributes to confirm the theoretical assumptions about the characteristics of HRM in SMEs and could have practical implications for the search for better professional solutions within the specific characteristics of SMEs. This paper presents only a part of the obtained results, which is the most important for the elaboration of the subject of this paper.
The Development of Small and Medium Enterprises - Their Impact on the Growth of Employment in Kosovo
Authors: Terziu Hysni , Lushi Isuf
Published: July 2017

The development of small and medium enterprises (SME) at a satisfied level can be achieved only through the application of knowledge and best practices that are developed at private sector, considering as their main derivation - the creation of new work places. The purpose of this paper is that even in our theory and practice to be provided modern concepts regarding the management of small and medium enterprises and regarding the business decision making. Small and medium enterprises can be considered as engines for the creation of new working places, in other words, can be considered as incubators for innovation and entrepreneurship. But in many poor countries, small and medium enterprises are not considered as the main players in the local ecosystem, which makes many of them operating outside the formal legal system and which phenomena results in the increase of informality and in the decrease of productivity. In addition, the condition becomes harder as they lack the funding and the long-term capital which on the other hand are the basis for the creation and function of companies. The development of SMEs is considered as the basic generator of economic growth. This development should be based on the advantages which should be further developed and on the obstacles and weaknesses, which, through strategies and means of economic policy, must be overcome and revitalized. Based on our studies, in the overall context of this work can be conducted the structuring of SMEs and the process of making business decisions in Kosovo. The focus of the analysis in this paper is the creation of friendly conditions for the development of small and medium enterprises towards employment policies and structural reforms, institutional market economy, generating of new work places. The necessity of these actions lays on the fact that in Kosovo exists a very large army of unemployed youth. The world today is undergoing through a global financial crisis which had started in the United States in 2008 and which has spread all around the globe. It can be said that this global financial crisis has been the longest that this world has recognized. For this reason, to the government of any country is added one more task, which is even more difficult, that through its policies to do the impossible in order to overcome this crisis and to send the respective country towards economic development, more specifically towards the development of the small and medium enterprise which in turn will have an impact on the decrease of unemployment. In addition, the purpose of this study would be to identify the current situation of small and medium enterprises, their structuring and their components in Kosovo.
Factors Determine Marketing Research Utilization Within Insurance Companies in Albania
Authors: Bazini Evelina
Published: July 2017

Doing business in today’s competitive environment is becoming very difficult and one of the most important factors for success is considered marketing research. Market research can provide the necessary information about consumer’s needs and expectations which is the first step on new product development and more market it. The aim of this paper is to give an overview of the factors that determine marketing research orientation in insurance companies in Albania, trying to understand of the role that marketing research information plays in anagement.
Professional Ethics and Disciplinary System in the KCA
Authors: Ukimeraj Albulena
Published: July 2017

The term “ethics” comes from the Greek word 'ethos/ethikos', which means 'tradition, custom or habit". On the other hand, the science that addresses the requirements/duty to act ethically is called Deontology. In exercising the legal profession, Deontology is found as a discipline incorporating a set of principles and rules which must be acknowledged and adhered to by an exercising lawyer in his/her profession. The conduct of lawyers must be exemplary both in exercising profession and outside, in accordance with the dignity inherent to the profession. In recognizing principles and rules of the Code of Professional Conduct and deontology, lawyers must also adhere in their own professional conduct. In exercising their functions, all lawyers are under oath and must live to the commitment of strict adherence and full willingness to an Ethical Code of the profession. The Code of ethics determines the rules of behaviour, which must be adhered to by all lawyers in exercising their profession and rendering their services, to maintain and uphold the dignity and reputation of the Bar Profession. Failure to know the code of ethics does not justify any breach that a lawyer may commit. The idea of addressing this topic stems from the fact that often, lawyers as legal professionals come to confront with their Code of Professional Ethics. Therefore, considering the role and relevance of ethics in the bar profession, in this paper, I have elaborated on the legal grounds of KCA foundation, the regional coverage of the KCA, with a special emphasis on the professional legal ethics and the disciplinary system established by the Chamber of Advocates of Kosovo, a constitutionally established institution, disciplinary proceedings and measures imposed on the lawyers in case of breaches of their own Professional Ethics, concluding with basic principles of conduct and service provision by lawyers.
Change Management and the Role of Leadership in Facilitating Organizational Change in Corporate Takeovers
Authors: Florea Radu
Published: July 2017

Facilitating organizational change depends to a great extent on the ability of the management team to coordinate the amendments related to a recent merger with another organization or to the takeover of a medium-sized company by a multinational organization. Change management is one of the most discussed topics in the study of organizations; modern companies that are constantly subjected to significant changes in order to adapt to market requirements need a management capable of developing the capacity to solve atypical problems and improve performance across their enterprises. In this regard, change management is the organization's orientation towards continuous development to improve results. This paper focuses on explaining the managerial role in modern organizations through the conceptual definition of management and by defining the principal element in organizational implementation, namely leadership. An organization can be brought to a desired status - significantly different from the actual one- only through optimum management of the change process; change management can thus be represented as the process of adapting the organization to the requirements imposed by an outside entity - in this case, a multinational organization that requires a different set of rules and procedures. This can be achieved through the development of leadership skills in management, in order to facilitate the change process specific to any takeover or corporate merger. The paper seeks to circumscribe leadership as a central element in facilitating the transition of the organization by acquiring and retaining organizational commitment. The new directions of leadership research as a reference for conceptual change management is defined respectively as transformational leadership and transactional leadership (Riaz and Haider, 2010).
Application of Quality Management System in Tourism Sector in Kosovo
Authors: Lleshi Samir , Syka Xhenet
Published: July 2017

Tourism is one of the most complex activities of today’s modern society. In developed countries and in some other countries in transition, it presents a significant product of export and employment generator. The increase of the quality of service and application of the quality management system in tourism industry is undoubtedly a challenge that we are all interested to deal with. Quality Management of Services is directly connected with training and qualification of human resources involved in this sector. Tourism sector in recent years, although, it was a priority for each government, we can freely say, it has increased in spontaneous way. More tourists don’t mean more progress in development, or generating of incomes for Kosovars. The type of tourism that one country is commited to develop is mainly determined from the contribution for enriching of its inhabitants. Emphasizing of natural and cultural tourism in Kosovo is mainly focused on benefiting from local communities, which, unfortunately, are currently facing the limited economic situation. Positive benefiting from a successful tourism sector strategy directly contributes to increase of employment, additional benefitting for economy, improved infrastructure and increase of tax revenue which directly has an impact in improvement toward health care, education, and other social development.
The Role of Taxes in Economic Development of Kosovo
Authors: Nimani Artan
Published: July 2017

To achieve prosperity and political stability, national governments aimed at achieving economic equilibrium. The government uses various instruments to stimulate economic growth, reduce unemployment and to achieve macroeconomic objectives. In the context of slow economic growth in recent years and fiscal pressures, Kosovo faces the complex challenge of economic development. Unemployment remains at a high level. Demand for labor is still very low and create an environment that will favor the formation of stable work places is a challenging task that requires a multidimensional reforms in the economy. This paper addresses the impact of fiscal policy on reducing unemployment, increasing investment and consumption to generate sustainable economic growth.
Importance of Flexibility of Employment in a Professional Education of Persons Endangered by a Social Exclusion
Authors: Dobrowolska Malgorzata
Published: July 2017

The paper includes description of selected results of the Author's research carried out in the last 10 years (2005 - 2015) focused on flexibility of employment. The most important notions related to flexible forms of employment have been indicated. At the end of the paper the author presents results of the research on a group of n = 489 persons endangered by a social exclusion, professional career of which were monitored after conclusion of programmes co-financed by the resources of the European Social Fund. Education of persons from groups endangered by a social exclusion is decisive for effective social-and-professional functioning, adequately to changing labour market and changes in economics.
The Importance of Entrepreneurship Learning in University: An Empirical Research
Authors: Turku Dhurata
Published: July 2017

After finishing the university, students usually do not know what to do. Most of them cannot find a job. Based on our mentality, working is considered by the student an employment with a salary, mainly in public sector or in private sector based on the diploma university. If this does not function, the graduated student calls him/herself unemployed and does not hope for his future. Salary employment is not and cannot be the only solution in everyone’s life. If a student is graduated and cannot find a job based on a salary, he/she may use his/her abilities about entrepreneurship that he/she has learnt at university. To be self-employed does not need the condition o having a diploma in economic studies. Everyone that has a diploma and who does not have a job based on a salary, may be a successful self-employed. A very important role is the entrepreneurship learning during studies. Such an education would be necessary for all the students in all university branches. To know how much our students know about entrepreneurship and which are their needs in relation to the entrepreneurship, there are analyzed and concluded questionnaires and interviews with 283 students of Education Sciences in “Aleksandër Xhuvani” University, Elbasan.
National Culture and the Model of Business Organization for the Case of Kosovo
Authors: Terziu Hysni
Published: July 2017

The study of culture of businesses is important for the requirements that today the globalization sets. While the expending of business across borders is becoming more and more common, the national challenges are becoming more and more present. The underestimation of all these trends and their relationship to the culture may a reason for the increase of the number of existing or even of new businesses. The research aims at explaining at how have changed the dimensions of national culture during the initial years of transition and during the continues years. Which are the new values that dominate the business activities in Kosovo? Can we admit that the new values determine the models for activity coordination? The article provides an overview of the dimensions of culture as a determinant of the type of organization. It aims to show the approximate positioning in these structuring forms. The modeling shows at modest way the competitive advantages that the culture offers. The economic contribution of culture shows how should be the models for cordinating the activities which will be the trend in the future. The Twenty-first century is putting Kosovo businesses in front of new perspectives and new challenges, which are added to existing ones and which are becoming even more acute. These all seek even more the attention of their managers. The purpose of this paper is to provide an insight on how to be organized from the structural and human aspect in order to react according to the culture in many organizations with new innovative ideas, in accordance to the requirements of the time in order to have an effect on the social system, on lifestyle, on economic system and on the organization of units in this system. All these help on the definition of basic models of organizations with a strategic planning as a condition for intercultural integration and coordination - national and international.
The Analysis of Weak-Form Efficiency in the Market of Crude Oil
Authors: Górska Anna , Krawiec Monika
Published: July 2017

Crude oil is the strategic commodity whose market has become the biggest commodity market in the world over the past 40 years. The main actors in the market, such as producers, refiners, financial institutions, and individual traders are interested in recognizing some trends, patterns or anomalies in performance of oil prices and returns, they could benefit from. Such anomalies among others are calendar effects, for example the day-of-the week effect, the month-of-the year effect, holidays effect or the turn-of-the month effect. Either the calendar effects are observed for stock prices, or for commodity prices, they make the markets inefficient. According to classical Fama’s definition: a market in which prices always fully reflect available information is called efficient. However, there are 3 types of market efficiency: weak-form efficiency, semistrong-form efficiency, strong-form efficiency. The weak-form market efficiency is tested the most often. There are several tools used for its verification, for example: some statistical tests (unit root tests, autocorrelation tests, variance ratio tests), long-run relationships and correlation analysis, calendar effects analysis. Our previous research focused on searching for calendar effects in the market of crude oil (Górska, Krawiec 2015), shows the existence of the-day-of-the week and the month effects. It may imply market inefficiency. That is why the present paper is aimed at further testing weak-form market efficiency. The empirical data covers daily closing prices of crude oil in USD per barrel from 2000 to 2015 and includes, both West Texas Intermediate (WTI) and Brent quotations. Having calculated their logarithmic returns, we apply the following tests: runs test, variance ratio, autocorrelation test.
The Position of Traditional Anatolian Jewellery in the Jewellery Sector and Production Problems
Authors: Er Birnaz
Published: July 2017

Traditional jewelry is a symbol of Anatolian culture. Anatolia has a rich identity in respect to handcrafts and nearly all of Anatolia districts have its own identical handicrafts. Jewelry is among this handicrafts that is produced only in special area and symbolizes its own region. Unfortunately, technological achievements adversely effects the traditional jewelry production such as, reducing the demands of them and decreased interest. The jewelry industry prefers the mass production techniques and this leads to destruction of traditional jewelry preferences. Nowadays, traditional jewelry is about to be destroyed. In this research, the position of traditional Anatolian jewelry in the jewelry sector will be investigated. In this context, firstly the Anatolian’s traditional jewelry will be introduced then, the position of traditional jewelry will be researched and the results will be explained, and suggestions for solutions will be presented.
Regular Econometric Model of Taylor for Albania
Authors: Misha Ergys
Published: July 2017

The Taylor’s Rule Central Banks is applying widely today from Central Banks for design the monetary policy and for determination of interest rates. The purpose of this paper is to assess monetary policy rule in Albania, in view of an inflation targeting regime. In the first version of the Model, the Taylor’s Rule assumes that base interest rate of the monetary policy varies depending on the change of (1) the inflation rate and (2) economic growth (Output Gap).Through this paper it is proposed changing the objective of the Bank of Albania by adding a new objective, that of "financial stability", along with the “price stability”. This means that it is necessary to reassess the Taylor’s Rule by modifying it with incorporation of indicators of financial stability. In the case of Albania, we consider that there is no regular market of financial assets in the absence of the Stock Exchange. For this reason, we will rely on the credit developmet - as a way to measure the financial cycle in the economy. In this case, the base rate of monetary policy will be changed throught: (1) Targeting Inflation Rate, (2) Nominal Targeting of Economic Growth, and (3) Targeting the Gap of the Ratio Credit/GDP (mitigating the boom cycle, if the gap is positive, and the contractiocycle if the gap is negative).The research data show that, it is necessary that the Bank of Albania should also include in its objective maintaining the financial stability. In this way, the contribution expected from the inclusion of credit gap indicators in Taylor’s Rule, will be higher and sustainable in time.
How Manufacturers Haste and Consumers Taste Turn into Environmental Waste: a Waste Analysis of Picnickers in Eskişehir, Turkey
Authors: Taslacı Nazmi , Sarı Yaşar , Uysal Davut
Published: July 2017

Since the modern life in the urban areas is fast and exhausting, people who are tired of the routine city life tend to involve in the recreational activities provided by the local governors in their neighborhood. One of these facilities is having a picnic in the picnic areas in the countryside. However, the expansion of these services produces great amount of rubbish and lacks of proper environmental management, too. This study presents an analysis of the waste generated by the visitors in the picnic areas of Eskişehir in Turkey. Based on observations in various different picnic areas, this study highlights the unsatisfactory aspects of the present situation in terms of the amount and the composition of the picnic waste scattered around. There is also a concern over the expansion of picnic activities in the area that would result in more waste being generated. The characteristics of domestic waste and people’s environmental awareness were studied by observing picnickers and analyzing over lefts they left in the picnic areas. The results showed that the wastes analyzed get accumulated in such categories like chicken packages, bottles, plastic bags, wet towels, diapers and cigarette butts. The motives that drive visitors to be ignorant about their wastes were laziness, carelessness, being accidental and unconsciousness. Therefore, both manufacturers and consumers need to be responsible for this environmental pollution in the picnic areas. Besides educating people about the issue in alternative ways, it is further suggested that governors must make manufacturers feel the need to touch a raw nerve by redesigning their products, and organizing social responsibility facilities and taxing products which are the most frequently found as waste in the recreational areas.
Analyse and Survey Variables of Macroeconomic Effects on Credit Risk of Bank Mellat
Authors: Ghahroud Majid Lotfi
Published: July 2017

Trying to identify, measure and manage credit risk in the banking system is crucial. Given that on the one hand financing system of the country is bank-based and on the other hand lack of proper investigation in the credit risk area lead to a reduction in the allocation of resources in the form of loans and has been increased the non-performing loan. Therefore, concerning about credit risk and its reduction strategies has grown. In this study attempted to examine the impact of macro-economic features, such as GDP, inflation, rate of GDP growth, imports goods and final services, rate of nominal interest, amount of credit risk in the last period and the growth rate of facility to be addressed in Credit risk of the Mellat Bank.Moreover, the effects of macroeconomic conditions on credit risk are investigated. In this regard, credit risk of 52 active branches of Mellat Bank with variables such as GDP growth, GDP rates, inflation ,credit growth and nominal interest rate since 1386 to 1391 has been measured by using panel data. To do this, combination of cross-sectional and time-series data (panel data) are used. That means relation between the variables evaluated and tested by using econometric methods such as data compilation methodology (panel data). To estimate the model, to select the best model of conventional panel data, fixed effects and random effects, the F and Housman tests will be done. In this regard, E-views software utilized and Excel for calculation of variables has been used. Based on the results of research the effect of nominal interest rate, facility growth rate and the grow rate of GDP on the credit risk is significant and positive in contrast, the inflation rate has had a negative effect on credit risk.
Supply Chain Planning in Defence Operations: a Review from Great Alexander Time to the Present
Authors: Rizopoulos Lazaros K. , Thomakos Dimitrios D.
Published: July 2017

We review the Supply Chain (SC) planning in Defence operations. Our main focus is an exploration of the literature to identify the significant factors concerning SC planning and the way they affect the implementation of Decision Making Processes (DMP) in (primarily) military operations. We take as our starting point the logistics of Alexander the Great’s army, to identify the key factors that led to his legendary success and to understand how these factors influenced his strategic decisions. We then review the practices, and evaluate the effectiveness, of countries and international bodies that have already implemented such SC management and planning systems to assist in their defence activities’ decisions. Then, we illustrate the literature review with specific modern day examples of military deployment. Although many countries have invested in IT systems which may provide up to date information and cost-effectiveness suggestions, nevertheless, the utility of these systems in the defence sector, seems to be often surrounded by emotions and private or vested interests. Our research thus far suggests that there are substantial benefits to be gained by adopting a relevant decision framework to be implemented among military activities. At the end we attempt an identification of the key factors concerning SC planning since Alexander’s time and their effectiveness level in recent defence operations among other existing DMP tools.
Towards a Real Reconciliation of Centralised and Decentralised Approach in Legal Regulation: Application of an AI-Toolkit to a Problem of Jurisprudence
Authors: Stoianov Lubomir Petrov , Ganeva Emilia Emilova , Goshev Georgi
Published: July 2017

We present results from the implementation of an approach and a toolkit overcoming the limitations of the existing approaches by which law creates mechanisms for regulating socio-economic interests. In the centralized approach the rules come down from the rulers to the ruled ones. That limits the range of interested individuals to establish and implement regulatory mechanisms. In the decentralized approach, if necessary, rulers delegate certain individuals to create rules ad hoc, expanding the range of subjects of decision. This presupposes possibility of power abuse and take conflicting decisions in analogous cases.These disadvantages have been identified back in the ancient Rome. For their overcoming the systems of ius civile and ius honorarium were combined (II B.C.-I A.C.). Such attempts continue, for example within the EU law. A model that overcomes these disadvantages hasn`t been applied so far, because optimal and socially-efficient combination of centralized and decentralized approaches presupposes specific mechanisms. Their establishment and implementation should cover all interested individuals by coordinating and integrating the partial decisions, guaranteeing an optimal adaptability of the society towards the environment. Such mechanisms are achievable by the application of a cognitive approach, methodology and the G-space architecture for identifying inaccurately or mistakenly formulated motivational mechanisms in legislation. We describe how this set of cognitive instruments could be used to correct mistakes in existing legislation and design new, subject to ex-ante defined purposes. We show that the approach, methodology and G-space architecture extend the boundaries of the inter-disciplinary area of Artificial Intelligence in Law.
Statistical Analysis of the Government Expenditure for Greece: January 2008- September 2015
Authors: Duzha Juxhen , Hoxhalli Brunilda , Lika Enxhi , Mici Steisi
Published: July 2017

The main purpose of the present study is to develop a statistical analysis of the government expenditure for Greece during the period January 2008- September 2015. The source of the official data is the Greece Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development. The Kolmogorov’s Central Limit Theorem, “fair game” concept in the sense of Stein-Vorobiev, Kolmogorov- Smirnov- Lilliefors test and Shapiro- Wilk test are applied. The government expenditure is estimated based on current price or as a percentage of GDP. Some results of the present study include: The official data of quarterly government expenditure for Greece during the period January 2008-September 2015 contradicts the CLT at the confidence level 95%. The official data of quarterly government expenditure expressed as a fraction of GDP for Greece during the period January 2008-September 2015 contradicts CLT at the confidence level 95%. The government expenditure process in Greece during the period January 2008-September 2015 is an unfair game at the confidence level 95%. The government expenditure as a fraction of GDP in Greece during the period January 2008-September 2015 is an unfair game at the confidence level 95%. The official data of quarterly GDP for Greece during the specified period contradicts CLT at the confidence level 95%. The quarterly GDP in Greece during the specified period is a fair game at the confidence level 95%.