bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Detection of earnings management in insurance companies in Slovakia
Authors: Svabova Lucia , Blazek Roman 
Published: December 2021

Research background: Manipulation and the use of creative accounting or earnings management have become an increasingly popular topic in the history of researchers. Since 2002, this issue has attracted the attention of scientists and economists around the world. On the Slovak market, more than 30 insurance companies are actually operating, and some analyses have revealed that some of these insurance companies are engaging in activities that do not comply with the law.
Purpose of the article: The article aims to use selected models for the detection of fraudulent financial reporting to determine whether there are unfair activities in insurance companies in Slovakia. At the same time, we evaluate the reliability of selected models and recommend the best models for this sector.
Methods: Based on the set criteria, the Beneish model with five parameters and the Beneish model with eight parameters are applied to selected 20 companies in the Financial and Insurance activities sector to determine which companies have manipulated the financial statements. The analysis is performed using real data on Slovak companies from the Amadeus database.
Findings & Value added: For the Financial and Insurance activities industry, we recommend using the Beneish model with eight parameters. Comparing the two models, we can conclude that this model is more accurate and thorough. The reason is also that this model works with more data from the financial statements.
The impact of debt management on corporate earnings: Indebtedness and its effects on the financial performance of selected Visegrad group enterprises
Authors: Valaskova Katarina , Gajdosikova Dominika 
Published: December 2021

Research background: One of the significant problems of corporate financial management in the international context is the appropriate determination of the total amount of capital as well as the correct composition of financial sources to finance the activities of enterprises. The determination of the optimal capital structure, and thus the minimization of the costs of capital have been of interest to authors worldwide for several decades, as they can significantly influence the level of corporate earnings.
Purpose of the article: The main aim of the paper is to find a mathematical formula to determine whether the indebtedness of an enterprise is related to any financial problems or does not affect the financial performance of an enterprise and thus contributes to the profitability, i.e. if the debt management is performed efficiently.
Methods: To find the mathematical formula, we used the financial data of enterprises operating in the selected Visegrad group and calculated the financial ratios of indebtedness, which were further used in the multiple discriminant analysis. The final discriminant function and calculated centroids allow dividing the enterprises into two different groups, with and without financial problems.
Findings & Value added: The results of this analysis can be used in the international context to determine the appropriate level of indebtedness also in other countries, not only in the Visegrad group, which may be helpful for corporate financial managers or creditors, because optimal indebtedness helps generate revenues.
Influence of the Team Value of Professional Football Clubs on Their Success in Sports
Authors: Warias Roman , Block Sebastian 
Published: December 2021

Research background:Professional football is becoming more and more commercialized. The most recent attempt to establish a “Super League” failed, but the big football clubs are nevertheless trying to generate success in sports through increasingly high player transfers.Purpose of the article:The aim of this paper is to empirically test the above statements and assumptions. On the one hand, the question arises whether the placement in a ranking table of a competition depends on the investment volume. At the same time, it is analyzed whether this relationship exhibits stability over time. Table placement was chosen because it has a direct influence on the distribution of funds in a competition. In addition, individual matches are analyzed to determine whether the investment volume has a statistically significant influence on winning a match.Methods:The years 2014 to 2020 of the competitions of one of the top five European leagues, the German Bundesliga, are prepared in a database. In addition to the player results and table positions, the market values of the players in the season are used. All data is taken from the website Transfermarkt.de. In the context of the table rankings, a regression analysis is performed to explain the place in the table by the market value of the team. When analyzing individual matches, the team value on the field in each case is determined and the differences between the values of the teams playing are established. These differences are explained as a dependent variable in a regression line with three dummy variables: won, lost, and draw.Findings & Value added:The results enable the management of football clubs to make an investment decision for a successful future. They show, on the one hand, whether the team value has an influence on the league position and, on the other hand, on the match result.
Could globally used Beneish M-score predict the manipulation of the accounting statements in the Slovak republic?
Authors: Zvarikova Katarina , Kovalova Erika 
Published: December 2021

Research background: Globalization is characteristic by many companies which are doing their business worldwide in various tax policies, so they are able to use the possibilities of creative accounting for their own benefit. And although the term creative accounting is concerned mainly with multinational companies, it is not an unknown technique also for local companies.
Purpose of the article: The PwC’s Global Economic Crime and Fraud Survey proved that economic crime is constantly evolving worldwide. At present, there is a huge number of frauds, which include corruption, misappropriation of assets, or fraudulent reporting. These papers are focused only on accounting fraud and creative accounting as the way to adjust accounting books and reports.
Methods: The aim of the papers is to analyse the detection ability of the Beneish M-score model in the specific condition of the Slovak republic. These specific conditions consider tax minimization as the key factor for creative accounting implementation. The analysis was made with a Slovak company that was legally convicted of intentional manipulation of the accounting statements.
Findings & Value added: The consideration of the specific condition in M-score for Slovak republic showed the best detection ability to reveal the frauds. As our study reveals, reduced M – score5 was unreliable in the condition of the Slovak republic and although Beneish consider 3 indicators as redundant it seems that in the condition of the Slovak republic it is important to carefully consider their implementation.
Smart cities in China: growth driver in the post pandemic world
Authors: Reshetnikova Marina , Vasilieva Galina 
Published: December 2021

Research background: In recent decades, a global trend towards the introduction of IoT technologies, artificial intelligence, blockchain, and many others into the field of urban management to create a single digital ecosystem has become increasingly noticeable. The urgency of this problem also manifested itself during the COVID-19 pandemic, and many components of the smart city made it possible to control and contain the spread of the infection. All these factors testify that in current conditions, the digitalization of cities is simply inevitable. In this regard, the number of smart cities continues to increase worldwide, and their development models are constantly improving under the influence of a considerable number of innovative solutions
Purpose of the article: Of particular interest are the Chinese successes in the rapid digitalization of the economy and society and the increase in the number of smart cities. The study aims to analyze and identify trends in the development of smart cities in China.
Methods: Since the concept of "smart city" is relatively modern and is in constant development, the authors have studied various articles and reports on this topic to identify different opinions about this topical problem. As part of the study, the authors carried out a visual clustering analysis of smart cities distribution in China.
Findings & Value added: The authors were able to identify that the Chinese smart cities market has its own characteristic features, which allowed it to achieve such success. In more detail in this article, the authors focused on cluster development and highlighted the geographical pattern of smart cities distribution in China and their strengths and weaknesses in each area.
Chatbots by business vis-à-vis consumers: A new form of power and information asymmetry
Authors: Davida Zanda 
Published: December 2021

Research background: The first notable early chatbots were created in the sixties, but the growing use of artificial intelligence (AI) has powered them significantly. Studies show that basically chatbots are created and used for purposes by government and business, mostly in consumer service and marketing. The new Proposal of the Artificial intelligence act aims to promote the uptake of AI and address the risks associated with certain uses of such technology. However, the act contains only minimum transparency obligation for some specific AL systems such as chatbots.
Purpose of the article: In light of this issue, the article aims to discuss how existing European Union (EU) consumer law is equipped to deal with situations in which the use of chatbots can pose the risks of manipulation, aggressive commercial practices, intrusion into privacy, exploitation of a consumer’s vulnerabilities and algorithmic decision making based on biased or discriminatory results.
Methods: The article will analyse the legal framework, compare guidance documents and countries’ experiences, study results of different consumer behavior researches and scientific articles.
Findings & Value added: The article reveals several gaps in current EU consumer law and discusses the flaws of proposing legislation (particularly the Proposal for an Artificial intelligence act) regarding relations between business and consumers.
Balancing the Slovak Energy Market After the Adoption of “Fit for 55 Package”
Authors: Zabojnik Stanislav , Hricovsky Marius 
Published: December 2021

Research background: Slovak energy sector is based on older strategic documents setting national interests within energy policy and energy security (before 2014). “Fit for 55 package” proposed by European Commission in July 2021 is one of the most politically ambitious projects after WW2 and brings crucial changes for EU27 energy systems, especially for CEE countries.
Purpose of the article: To analyze the potential impact of the “Fit for 55 package” objectives and consequences on the energy system of the Slovak Republic in terms of fossil fuels substitutes.
Methods: Authors use Energy Balance Sheet (EBS) to outline the unprecedented impact of the EU policy on the Slovak energy system and alternative scenarios for its development. Simulating the impact of CO2 emissions cuts via Gretl software, the authors outline crucial changes in the energy system and subsequent energy shortages within the Slovak energy market, which have to be replaced (in electricity generation, natural gas, and transportation fuels).
Findings & Value added: According to the authors´ findings, possible substitutes (hydrogen or renewable energy sources) will not fully cover the future demand, and authors suggest possible solutions. Secondly, the impact on transportation capacities and energy transportation corridors are outlined. Finally, the authors stress that political efforts oversize economic and energy reality, especially in Slovakia, and policymakers should better consider the specifics of the CEE energy systems and allocate financial grants for the upgrade of transport corridors
Formation of digital competencies in the public policy sphere: the EU and Russia experience
Authors: Morozova Svetlana , Kurochkin Alexander 
Published: December 2021

Research background: Today information technologies occupy many spheres of human activity, including political government systems. The new digital reality requires a revision of the political and economic science methodology and a transition to a new paradigm that meets the challenges of information globalization.
Purpose of the article: The article is devoted to the study of the European and Russian experience in teaching digital skills to citizens and civil servants. The need to improve existing digital competencies in the context of widespread digitalization is determined.
Methods: The main research method is a comparative analysis of the European and Russian approaches to the digital competencies formation in the sphere of public administration and politics, emerging and transforming under the influence of widespread globalization and digitalization. Particular attention is paid to state strategies, programs and projects aimed at digital development and modernization of all areas of society.
Findings & Value added: On the basis of the study, the authors formulated the European and Russian models of teaching digital competencies, focusing on the sphere of public administration and politics, highlighted the disadvantages of the Russian model and the advantages of the European approach, and also offered recommendations on the prospects for the spread of European practice in Russian conditions.
Triple bottom line of the CSR concept and its reporting
Authors: Belas Jaroslav , Zvarikova Katarina 
Published: December 2021

Research background: The global situation is alarming. Many scholars, politicians, non-profit organizations and journalists worldwide remind of these arising problems. Sustainability seems to be the only solution, and also many companies try to do their best to contribute to this issue.
Purpose of the article: CSR is considered a valuable tool in many fields – profit, stakeholders, and environmental dimensions. All these dimensions are characterized by their specifics, but it is proven that CSR positively impacts all of them. But the frequent problem is that although the companies are aware of the stakeholders´ importance, they are not able to report their activities or report them in an understanding way.
Methods: Methods of the literature review is used for the theoretical background to understand the importance of three dimensions of CSR. Method of analysis is used to analyze of GRI index.
Findings & Value added: Literature review proves the importance of CSR towards all three dimensions. According to analysis of the DRI index, it is evident, that not only organizations from developed countries have reported, but also organizations from developing countries had become reporting. Following the result of our analysis, we can see that 1 694 organizations from 80 countries try to come close to stakeholders and want to inform them about their activities.
Identification of business management improvement factors for start-up companies in Latvia in the conditions of globalization
Authors: Linina Iveta , Arbidans Dzintars , Vevere Velga 
Published: December 2021

Research background: Globalization trends are one of the main causes of global change in the world, and one of the most visible consequences of globalization is rapid market growth. In such market conditions, the focus must be on ensuring competitiveness. One of the key aspects of competitiveness is start-ups, which are sources of innovation and offer high value-added products, i.e. fast-growing and start-ups. Such companies play an important role in promoting economic growth and innovation in Latvia and Europe. It is essential to create a business ecosystem conducive to the further growth of these companies, including international cooperation, so it is important to ensure that these companies are given full access to start-up capital and adequate financing at all stages of the company's development and operation.
Purpose of the article: to determine preconditions and underlying factors for the formation of start-up companies.
Methods: A monographic or descriptive method was used to study the theoretical principles of start-up companies and the start-up situation in the Latvian economy, as well as expert interviews.
Findings & Value added: As a result of the research, the aim of the research was achieved and the preconditions for the formation of start-ups and the main factors influencing their successful operation and development, which will allow the relevant state institutions and organizations to focus on them, were identified.
Learning mobility for tertiary education in the context of globalization in European Union
Authors: Oancea Negescu Mihaela Diana , Ladaru Georgiana Raluca , Vasilache Petrut Cristian , Angheluta Petrica Sorin 
Published: December 2021

Research background:Mobility activities, unimpeded by borders, supports the modernization of national education and training. Increasing student mobility can help increase European competitiveness. The high challenges of globalization can be counteracted by skills up to date with the requirements of the labour market. Mobility in the case of tertiary education contributes to globalization in the field of education.Purpose of the article:In the current context, the purpose of the article is to analyze whether the process of globalization is reflected in the growth of mobile students from abroad enrolled in tertiary education. It also analyzes the evolution of the number of mobile graduates from abroad.Methods:In the article, the comparative situation of the number of mobile students from abroad enrolled for tertiary education in the European Union is presented. The article also presents an analysis of the number of degree mobile graduates from abroad in the European Union.Findings & Value added:Following the analysis, there is an increase in the number of mobile students from abroad enrolled in tertiary education. Also, for most countries there is an increase in the number of degree mobile graduates from abroad. Depending on the field of education, there is a high interest in the following areas: Business, administration and law; Engineering, manufacturing and construction; Arts and humanities; Health and welfare; Social sciences, journalism and information; Natural sciences, mathematics and statistics.
Land-sea interactions: case studies from the Baltic Sea Region
Authors: Neimane Leila 
Published: December 2021

Research background: Nowadays, mainstream discussions on maritime spatial planning (MSP) are tightly intertwined with the discourse on governance for land-sea interactions or interface (LSI), using multi-scalar and cross-sectoral governance systems. At the same time, principles with legal rank need to be respected and applied in both MSP and LSI and their respective governance structures while putting coastal communities at the centre and taking into consideration the process of “maritimisation.” In combination, these factors contribute to augmenting the pressure of competing uses both on land and sea in the frame of the Blue Economy. As an exemplary forerunner in the field of MSP, the Baltic Sea Region (BSR) and its case studies can provide a useful insight in this respect.
Purpose of the article: The aim is to identify and integrate the principles with legal rank of Effective Governance for sustainable development to be implemented through different LSI governance perspectives and in the framework of MSP and the Blue Economy, providing concise guidance as to their application through BSR case studies.
Methods: Preparation of this article involves applying traditional legal research methods (analysis and synthesis) and the results of maritime spatial plans and practical examples of pilot projects. Analysis includes the following techniques: descriptive, historical, special analytical and dogmatically comparable, including an analytical perspective of transnational environmental law. Synthesis is applied through the legally constructive method.
Findings & Value added: Based on conclusions and lessons learned from BSR case studies, the article offers added value by structuring and improving knowledge and providing a basis for further theoretical discussion.
G7 summit – analysis of decisions taken to step up on climate change challenge
Authors: Radulescu Carmen Valentina , Gole Iulian , Profiroiu Marius 
Published: December 2021

Research background: After the summit of G7 held in the United Kingdom, important decisions regarding future actions against global warming were taken. Some of them were appreciated by the environmental supporters but many others tend to have a different view, especially because of lack of details.
Purpose of the article: In this article, we will analyse what are the measure proposed by the most powerful and developed countries, members of G7, what is the position of the other big countries (China and Russia) that were not invited, and how this could really contribute to the saving environment progress.
Methods: Through descriptive and comparative analysis the paper reveals the financial and technical difficulties to implement these decisions and how they can contribute to a better environment and achieve the COP 21 objective.
Findings & Value added: The stress caused by the Covid-19 pandemic in all economies didn’t cancel the engagement of countries taken in Paris, to limit the rise of global temperatures to 1.50C comparing to the preindustrial era. The United States even came back on track and, generally speaking, it appears that there is a stronger will to take concrete actions.
Barriers and specifics preventing the global development of Slovak family enterprises in wood-working and furniture industry
Authors: Kocianova Anna , Schmidtova Jarmila , Moresova Maria , Melichova Miroslava 
Published: December 2021

Research background:The worldwide importance of family business is evidenced by its more than seventy percent share in all enterprises. A survey in the field of family business in wood-working and furniture industry in Slovakia has not been carried out yet. The situation is not helped by the fact that the family business is not legally defined in the conditions of Slovak Republic.Purpose of the article:The presented contribution tries to eliminate these shortcomings. Its goal is to map the situation of family wood-working and furniture enterprises in Slovakia as a hitherto unexplored segment to capture a view of their current position together with the main internal and external determinants hindering their development in practice and to approach the potential areas of future development of the businesses in question from their point of view.Methods:The research method of the questionnaire survey was chosen.Findings & Value added:Based on the results of the survey, it can be stated that more than half of enterprises in wood-processing and furniture industry are family-owned and their main determinants of development can be considered lack of skilled labor and increasing intensity of competition with specific problems arising from the nature of family business which is underestimation of the issue of succession. The vision of the future development of these family businesses is to take advantage of the growing demand for organic products which they have at disposal.