bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Linearization and discretization risks in knowledge management
Authors: Bratianu Constantin 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to analyze the limitations induced in Knowledge Management by the processes of linearization and discretization, which happen frequently in decision-making. Linearization is a result of applying linear thinking models in decision-making, regardless of the complexity of knowledge management phenomena. Knowledge and all the other intangible resources are nonlinear entities and they should be evaluated with nonlinear metrics. However, in many situations managers use simple solutions based on linear thinking models and get large errors in their decision-making, with significant negative consequences in management. Also, linear thinking model is dominant in legislation, which may lead to significant errors in managerial decision-making. Discretization is a process in which an entity with a continuous representation, like a knowledge field, is transformed into a piecewise entity to be handled more easily. Also, social media uses discretized systems for different evaluations which should be interpreted accordingly. For instance, counting the number of “like” on Facebook for a certain message or image may lead to the conclusion that friendship is proportional with the number of “friends”, which might not be in concordance with reality. Knowledge management is a complex activity dealing with knowledge, which means nonlinear entities. Using linear thinking models and discretization methods in evaluations and decision-making may lead to significant errors and negative consequences.
Cruise industry in Romania – An emerging market
Authors: Anton Emanuela 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Cruise tourism has experienced an enormous growth in the last few decades and the future of this industry is also encouraging. The Caribbean and the Mediterranean Sea, the two major destinations, offer the most exciting itineraries since the beginning of this industry. The cruise passenger’s perception about destinations, onboard and onshore aspects have been less investigated in the past years but this information shall be used for planning and developing marketing materials, new cruise itineraries, ship designs and shore excursions. The following study was conducted in Romania and aims to clarify the Romanian passenger’s perception about cruise destinations and their preferences. Using a quantitative method, the research is based on some of the most representative international studies as well as a survey sent to the most active customers of a cruise travel agency in Romania, who have shown interest in this kind of trip at least once. As a qualitative research method, a convenience sample of participants were recruited through the researcher’s professional contacts in the cruise and travel industry. Among other conclusions following this research, the most important aspect for a Romanian guest is the itinerary of the cruise ship, followed by the price and the embarkation port. The number of sea days, the service quality onboard and the cruise line are also relevant when choosing a cruise vacation.
Developing rural tourism in the context of sustainable bioeconomy – a Romanian perspective
Authors: Hadad Shahrazad 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Due to the massive urbanization during the second half of the 20th century, rural areas have undergone major structural changes defined by the migration of villagers to cities (implicitly the depopulation of villages), the introduction of new techniques and technologies for working the land and infrastructure developments. In order to call public attention upon these problems and in the attempt to rehabilitate rural areas, more intensive exploitation of tourism resources has taken place. Tourist resources are the elements referring to the social, cultural, historical, human and natural specifics of a country. In rural tourism, travelers take part in the activities, lifestyle and traditions of rural communities, and in this manner they benefit from an entirely personalized experience. They usually rent rural accommodation, which they can combine with rural activities and attractions (recreational and fun). Rural tourism is defined as all rural tourism activities, primarily agrotourism boarding houses and farms, but also small restaurants and hotels or other accommodation. However, there are countries that classify any activity undertaken outside the city as rural tourism. Research in the field of rural tourism development favors the creation of so-called integrated rural tourism (at both the theoretical and practical level) for the exploitation of underdeveloped regions, creating strong links between the social, cultural, economic and environmental resources. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the level of rural tourism in Romania by means of econometric methods and establish means of aligning the Romanian rural tourism product to international standards. One of the main conclusions the present study draws that is tourism is an important economic segment of sustainable development and is also a key component in the formation of the country image at regional and international level.
Biomonitoring climate change and air quality assessment using bioindicators as experimental model
Authors: Cozea Andreea , Bucur Elena , Vasile Andrei , Stoica Catalina 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Nowadays, the air pollution has become a major environmental problem due to rapid increase of industrialization and anthropogenic activities which led to climate change. Air pollution is considered as a harmful agent for human health. Different classes of gaseous pollutants (SOx, NOx) are continuously released in air and perceived/recognized as pollutants. Among the biological models, plants could give us information related with pollution range in a monitored area, analyzing injuries caused on the leaves surfaces. The aim of this study was to identify and select certain species of plants for using them in experimental biomonitoring studies. An experimental fumigation system with a closed fumigation glasshouses maintained under defined conditions with environmental control and pollutant delivery was used to study the effects of air pollution on plants species. The relative degrees of injury as a response of plants to pollutants fumigation were assessed. Considering the sensitiveness degree to pollutants, the indigenous tobacco Nicotiana rustica proved to be the most sensitive followed by cultivated tobacco Nicotiana tabacum and least sensitive Petunia hibrida. Future researches will focus on field biomonitoring.
Reframing business reporting in a Big Data world
Authors: Dutescu Adriana , Pugna Irina Bogdana , Stanila Georgiana Oana 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
This paper investigates the challenges raised by the “datafication” of the business environment in the area of performance management. Big Data and its powerful analytics are now essential elements of the business landscape, and the mindset of managers and decision-makers has a crucial impact on how the opportunities offered by these new technologies can be capitalised. Our focus is on how and to what extent business performance management models need to be reviewed and reframed in this era of Big Data. We propose a model, called Balanced ScoreCard System Thinking, that may insure an integrative, highly dynamic and agile construction. This “top-down-bottom-up” approach assess the way in which every segment of the Balance Score Card is affected by Big Data and Business Analytics. These findings may enable business leaders to develop a more agile and forward-looking approach to performance management, which is only made possible through these new technologies of data analytics.
Qualitative and quantitative Analysis of consumers perception regarding anthropomorphic AI designs
Authors: Ene Irina , Pop Mihai-Ionuț , Nistoreanu Bogdan 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Business intelligence and analytics are nowadays being integrated into diverse industries, from healthcare to customer relationship management and behavioral profiling, due to the competitive advantages that they offer. Nevertheless, most companies try to integrate as many forms of business intelligence systems as possible into different internal processes. This overall digitization applied to more and more business departments is being analyzed with both curiosity and reluctance. The decision regarding the implementation of innovative forms of automation is taken in an attempt to discover and solve business challenges. However, there are several issues involved, which need to be addressed. One of the risks that are being discussed in the research environment refers to the level of acceptance of artificial intelligence systems. The tolerance and overall readiness of the consumers towards innovation and technology is one of the critical factors which need to be determined before implementing disruptive business intelligence systems. Moreover, in an effort to make devices friendlier to consumers, some developers chose to assign anthropomorphic appearances and even create individual identities for each artificial intelligence system. In this context, it is important for most companies investing in intelligent automation systems to determine to which extend the use of anthropomorphic designs impacts the customer’s perception. The objective of this research paper is to analyze the unconscious reaction of consumers towards two opposite designs of artificial intelligence systems: a robotic-like form and a human-like design. Based on this difference, a photo collage was created figuring two pictures: one with a metallic robot having a conversation with a human being and one with a robot with a strong anthropomorphic figure found in the same situation. For the analysis, an eye tracking device was used, in order to measure the point of gaze, the unconscious motion of the eyes, along with the time spent on each fixation and the order in which different elements were fixated upon by the respondents. As the eye-tracking device can generate data in various forms, this research includes both qualitative and quantitative analyses of the results, which confirm the same hypothesis, regarding the consumer’s preference towards artificial intelligence systems with robotic designs.
Key drivers and skills need for innovative companies focused on sustainability
Authors: Grigorescu Adriana , Maer Matei Monica Mihaela , Mocanu Cristina , Zamfir Ana-Maria 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Innovation is essential for European competitiveness and provides key inputs for developing business models that are conducive for a more sustainable economy. Recent evidences show that businesses have increased the management attention and investments they’re dedicating to sustainability. This paper aims to identify the most important drivers supporting companies to develop innovation activities oriented towards making the business models more sustainable. We explore microdata from the 2016 Innobarometer “EU Business Innovation Trends” (Flash Eurobarometer 433), covering 14,112 companies from 30 countries. Using statistical classification methods, we identify the most important factors that are related to innovation activities that have potential to shape the efficiency of raw materials usage and the environmental protection. Special focus is given to companies’ investments in training, software development, research and development, company branding, design of products and services, organization or business process improvements and acquisition of machines, equipment, software or licenses. Also, our analysis highlights the skills that are needed the most by companies in order to support their innovation activities targeting sustainability. Our results are useful for better understanding the attention that is given to sustainability by innovative companies and which are the main factors that boost innovation dedicated to sustainability.
New approaches to customer experience: where disruptive technological innovation meets luxury fashion
Authors: Harba Jacqueline-Nathalie 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Consumer behavior is shifting radically with the rise of e-commerce and new technologies. As a result, luxury retailers are forced to embrace a variety of technologies to keep their customers engaged. How do brands captivate shoppers and provide the customer experience that will satisfy their desires? Through dissemination of literature and case studies on examples from the industry, this paper presents a detailed discussion on the new approaches to customer experience in the luxury fashion industry, in the context of a modern economy that is highly shaped by disruptive technological innovations. The discussion includes two detailed case studies, focusing on two key themes that define contemporary customer expectations: the story – discussing customer’s desire to be immersed in the narratives behind catwalk collections, and the experience – discussing the use of technology to create a unique retail space through the use of online and mobile specific technologies. The first case study focuses on how new technologies provide brands with new opportunities to present their products through narratives. Using famous luxury retailers Dior, Givenchy and Prada as examples, the case study provides a detailed discussion on the use of virtual reality and augmented reality as tools that enable customers to project themselves into the story behind a catwalk show and become active characters in the narrative, through the use of technological devices. The second case study focuses on the importance of merging the online and the traditional brick-and-mortar store. “The Store of the Future”, by luxury retailer Farfetch is used as an example of how retailers make use of high-tech equipment, virtual reality and augmented reality not only to create a tech-powered interactive experience that will intrigue customers, but also to improve retail productivity by capturing customer data. The study adopts a qualitative research method to evaluate the validity of the concepts discussed in the Literature Review, using a sample of three in-depth interviews with industry experts, focusing on the use of technology to improve customer experience in physical retail spaces. Based on previously published research, it is estimated that the primary research will indicate that it is not the use of technology that drives the customer experience, but customer expectations that determine the adoption and adaptation of disruptive technologies to satisfy the shoppers’ requirements.
Game mechanics and aesthetics differences for tangible and intangible goods provided via social media
Authors: Haziri Fortesa , Chovancová Miloslava , Fetahu Faton 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Companies aspire to fulfil consumers’ needs, wants and desires by offering products and services. Due to globalization and digitization, the world became a small village by facilitating the obtainability of products/services across the globe. Furthermore, the online purchasing via social platforms mirrors the traditional purchasing process. Gamification, game techniques and elements have been employed in the different domain for engaging and motivating consumers, students, end-users in numerous countries and cultures. Gamification is considered the appliance of game techniques and game elements in the non-game environment. It’s been adjusted in different models founded as a need to explore and explain variables, phenomena and theories. Game mechanics as one of the game elements are applied in different disciplines to achieve better performance, fruitful collaboration, active and enthusiastic participation, creating enjoyable, pleasurable and entertaining environment. Aesthetics are described as the sensory part that game evoke within the player. To identify the differences within consumers who purchase via social media when game mechanics and aesthetics are applied, the chi-square test for independence has been employed. The results estimate that the association between products and services as variables is not statistically significant and the relationship between them is weak or moderated. The findings of this research are useful for private companies and other interested stakeholders.
A balanced approach: Brexit from political and business perspectives
Authors: Hoinaru Răzvan , Năstase Mihnea 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
There is a considerable amount of publications written on rolling back the EU supra state, national sovereignty regain, and strategic (mis)conceptions for analysing Brexit scenarios for both the UK and the EU. Many articles present a unilateral point of view with a tendency to be normative. The presentation of only one-sided political, historical, and business perspectives can be very dangerous, limiting understanding and constructive approaches. This also happens with macro-economic analyses that are used fit for purpose. David Cameron’s political calculation to call for a referendum regarding the UK’s withdrawal from the European Union has had complex ramifications. With causes that have led to the British citizens’ decision that range from multiple crises in the European Union, member states’ inability for burden and risk sharing, to the lack of trust portrayed by European institutions and a confusing internal rhetoric. With a City of London remaining undecided and continuously evaluating the value at risk of Brexit, and in the absence of a new European financial center, it is important to make sense of the arguments of both in and out supporters. Thus, this article attempts to present a more integrated approach, spanning across politics, trade, private businesses and social attitudes. This paper looks beyond international relations between nations and takes into consideration the international relations between corporations and their business strategies.
Accounting for the future: How will corporate business models deliver sustainability?
Authors: Haslam Colin , Hoinaru Razvan , Daniel Buda 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
This paper considers the information value of carbon-emissions disclosures for investors. Our argument is that Financial Institutions (FIs) do need to map the carbon-financial intensity of corporate activities so as to provide investors with higher returns on capital relative to the carbon emissions attached to this capital. Our analysis maps out carbon-financial risks in the S&P500 constituent companies that are domiciled in the US and capturing approximately 82% of the total U.S. equity market value. We examine the extent to which carbon-financial risk has already impacted on the allocation of capital (debt and equity) and market value exposure from carbon emissions in the S&P500. Our analysis of carbon generating and carbon dependent business models in the S&P 500 reveals a complex and interconnected physical-financial value chain. This new insight will force FIs to now become active investor’s rather than simply investing (or disinvesting) at a distance in order to secure a long-term decarbonisation of their portfolios. This papers also argues for new innovative disclosures such as company’s reporting their top 10 material carbon-stakeholder relations. This would help FIs understand a company’s business model in terms of carbon interdependency and inform regulatory and technical interventions thereby avoiding the possibility of a disruptive evacuation of capital from carbon-intensive business models.
Was Euro the magic wand for economic growth? An analysis of the real benefits of Euro adoption for the New Member States
Authors: Holobiuc Ana-Maria , Mihai Bogdan 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
At the beginning of the 21st century, the European single currency has been considered a guarantor of prosperity and welfare for the countries that were able to meet the nominal convergence criteria. Starting with Slovenia, a number of five Center and Eastern European Countries joined the Economic and Monetary Union, aiming to achieve the economic prosperity of the Western countries. The concept of economic convergence has been popularized through the economic growth literature during the last century and has become more and more debated with the deepening and expansion of the European Union. The main purpose of this paper has been to evaluate whether there is any hard evidence attesting that Euro adoption accelerated the economic development and created a significant advantage for the New Member States that opted for the single currency, as compared with their peer countries. In this respect, we have studied a panel of New Member States that joined the European Union in 2004 and 2007, comprising both Euro and Non-Euro countries, and we concluded that the single currency do not necessarily guarantee higher growth rates. Moreover, we revealed that the Euro New Member States were more affected by the economic and financial crisis than their Non-Euro peers. We have also shown that there are significant discrepancies between the early adopters of the Euro and the countries that joined the Eurozone after 2004 in terms of convergence and that the differences between the two groups have expanded in the last years. Last and not the least, in order to test our hypotheses, we have compared two sister-countries: Slovakia that joined the Eurozone in 2009 and Czech Republic that has not taken until now the decision to adopt the Euro. In this respect, our results suggest that both countries had good economic performances, and for some periods Czech Republic outperformed Slovakia, mainly in terms of GDP per capita and Foreign Direct Investment. Therefore, we concluded that the single currency has not significantly enhanced the economic performances in the case of the New Member States.
Land taxation
Authors: Izvoranu Anca Marina , Călin Henriette Cristiana 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
The process of producing agricultural goods involves natural resources, cataloged as inputs. Neutral, the most important is the land, as the primary resource among seeds, land, agricultural machinery, fuel. The present paper will analyze how the land resource is taxed, the needs and opportunities of taxation, and what are the shortcomings of this niche. The study does not aim to deal exhaustively with the legislation related issues in this sector, but has in particular sought to identify future directions of development in terms of the ability of agricultural actors to cope with the commitments they have since they are owner of agricultural land. At the same time, the information resources landowners would need to help understand and overcome the tax obstacles that they live when they want to grow through acquisitions or expansions, will be considered. Taxes, as part of fiscal policy, part of the economic policy, are established instruments, considering the level of development and the state national economy. That’s why they differ from one country to another, relative to their level of development. In low-developed countries, a smaller redistribution of the Gross Domestic Product of Taxes is observed, through the state budget, to the situation of the developed countries.