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Marajn Angeleski, Olivera Kostoska
DIGITAL LEARNING IN A POST-PANDEMIC ECONOMY: EVIDENCE FROM EUROPEAN COUNTRIES
Abstract:
Background: The Covid-19 pandemic has enabled countries to jump faster into the future of digital learning. However, the question arises as to what the lasting effects of the pandemic would be, in terms of what education will look like in the post-Covid era; will this way of learning become the ‘new normal’ or should the world immediately be returned to pre-pandemic mode of physical classroom.
Purpose: This article aims to address the above-mentioned challenge by examining trends, shifts, and changes in doing online courses or using online learning materials across European countries prior to the outbreak of the pandemic until the time when many countries removed the measures.
Methods: The analysis is based on Eurostat statistical data for 37 European countries regarding Internet use by individuals doing online courses and Internet use in general from 2019 to 2022. Aside from descriptive statistical analysis and distribution of data and trends, a cluster analysis is performed to examine how different groups of countries respond to pandemic-induced changes and how they can move forward in terms of digital learning practices. All statistical measurements are performed in the Python programming language using diverse set of libraries, including algorithm for conducting a cluster analysis.
Results/conclusions: The results suggest that during the temporary physical closures due to the pandemic, online courses were considered a safe backup system for learning and training, but the popularity of virtual courses declined as social restrictions began to ease. At the same time, the composition of clusters evolves over time, which points to changes in the dynamics of engagement in online courses among various groups of countries. Overall, the analysis made here represents a useful guide for formulating strategies to further promote and support digital inclusion and online education initiatives.
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Krasimir Kulchev
THE INTERPRETATION OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS IN TERMS OF CONTEMPORARY FINANCIAL ANALYSIS
Abstract:
The evolution of financial analysis is accompanied by an extensive use of indicators whose calculation is based on data provided both by entities in their financial statements and by financial markets. The analysis of data and indicators generated by the capital market is considered to be of primary importance when studying the financial position of enterprises. This view is supported by a substantial number of analysts and, although not applicable to all enterprises, it raises a number of questions, two of them being whether the new analytical indicators are replacing the classic indicators of financial statement analysis and whether financial statements have retained their fundamental role as a primary source of data in studying the financial position of enterprises. The objective of this paper is to answer these questions by approaching the interpretation of financial statements within the context of some unorthodox views about the evolution of financial analysis.
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Krasimira Slaveva
BUILDING AN EFFECTIVE RELATIONSHIP "EDUCATION-SCIENCE-BUSINESS" - STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE AND MEANS FOR INCREASING THE EFFICIENCY OF HIGHER EDUCATION EXPENDITURES
Abstract:
In the modern conditions of knowledge-based economy, higher education has the extremely responsible task of preparing specialists with a high level of theoretical and practical knowledge, skills and competencies in the relevant professional fields. The processes of internationalisation and globalisation in education pose a number of challenges to higher education institutions in Bulgaria, expressed in improving the quality of education and the practical applicability of the acquired knowledge, increasing the applied research of the academic staff and the formation of students’ research skills. The article examines the dynamics of key indicators for the higher education system in order to establish objectively formed regularities and trends and to assess the effectiveness of higher education costs.
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Izabela Filipova Yonkova
A CRITICAL REVIEW OF ETHICAL INFRASTRUCTURE BASIC MODELS
Abstract:
The study aims to consider and analyze the main theoretical formulations with a high degree of influence on the ethics in public sector organizations. It also presents basic ethical concepts and defines a conceptual apparatus applicable to the sector. The elements included in the existing models of the ethical infrastructure are analyzed and critically presented through the methods of comparative analysis. Discussion questions are raised with regard to building ethical infrastructure in public sector organizations.
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A. Pavlov
FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT MODELS FOR CORPORATE INVENTORY
Abstract:
The article reviews contemporary concepts about corporate inventory planning and management from a systematic perspective. It elucidates the nature and the underlying principles of the technology of corporate inventory management. These are followed by a detailed description of deterministic and stochastic quantitative models which are most frequently applied in the sphere of financial theory and practice. The article finally arrives at the conclusion that deterministic models are easy to apply, yet their major disadvantage is that they could only be applied for one type of inventory. Stochastic models, on the other hand, are much more complex in nature, yet they could be applied to any type of corporate inventory, which renders them more flexible and applicable.
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Margarita Bogdanova
UNIVERSITY BUSINESS MODELS IN CRISIS MANAGEMENT
Abstract:
The aim of the article is to present key features of the business model as a mental construction and to summarise successful practices of universities around the world that have implemented innovative management solutions to overcome crises. Osterwalder and Pigneur’s concept of business model and its applicability to higher education are considered. Variants of business models of different universities are analysed and crisis management approaches are synthesised in a summary model, with special attention paid to practices during the Covid-19 Global Crisis. The peculiarities of the analysis of the strategic risk after external threats are considered. Special emphasis is put on reviewing of business models in the context of new constraints and disturbed balance of revenues and expenditures. Timely reassessment of the business model can be a transition from a reactive to a proactive strategy and protect the organisation, at least in part, from the effects of future crises.
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Penka Goranova
CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT – A STRATEGY FOR COMPANIES TO ESTABLISH A COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE
Abstract:
Customer relationship marketing is complemented by the strategic vision of business development – customer management - which includes the following: customer analysis, customer contributions, life cycle, etc. The two visions - CRM and customer management - are essential for the development and higher competitiveness of companies.
These processes tend to accelerate and intensify. They result from imposing a new consumer culture, which encompasses customers from both developed and developing markets who possess a creative approach to thinking, dynamics as a style of behaviour, and “global” citizenship as a social characteristic. Marketing specialists must have a unique ability to engage with the modern customer and must be able to give their companies direction and focus in order to achieve effective results that will ensure their image and success.
