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Ivan Marinov
ANALYSIS OF THE BEHAVIOUR OF ONLINE CONSUMERS FROM THE EUROPEAN UNION: RELATIONSHIPS AND EXTREME VALUES
Abstract:
The present study aims to reveal relationships and extreme values concerning online consumer activity within the European Union. The conclusions of the research are based on official statistics relating to people from the 27 EU member states who made online purchases in 2022. The study utilised analysis of variance (ANOVA) and descriptive statistical methods to analyse the grouped data from the research. In the course of the study, statistically significant correlations between sequentially selected factors, such as age, education, and digital skills of the respondents, and the dependent variable – online purchasing activity of consumers from the EU, were derived.
With the help of a box plot, it is observed that the percentages of male and female online shoppers aged between 16 and 24 years from Bulgaria, Romania and Cyprus reach moderately low extreme values in the distribution. Using the same graphical method, a moderately low extreme value of the percentage of women with higher education from Bulgaria, who made online purchases in 2022, is visualised. The percentages of online consumers who are "professionals" in the field of ICT from Cyprus, Bulgaria and Romania are abnormally low, and for "non- professionals" in this field, the percentage of online consumers from Romania appears as a moderately low extreme value. The obtained empirical results can be transformed into reference points for the formation of market strategies by traders.
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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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Mangair Karasi Manickam, Mohd Zaidi Abd Rozan
EXPLAINING THE INTENTION
OF SOFTWARE DEVELOPERS TO PERFORM ENTREPRENEURIAL COMPETENCIES
Abstract:
Recent studies have been promoting entrepreneurial competencies for software developers. However, software developers must have the intention to perform entrepreneurial competencies effectively. Therefore, this study aims to investigate behavioural intention of software developers by extending the Theory of Planned Behaviour with self-efficacy and entrepreneurial competencies and indirect relationships via antecedents of behavioural intention. This study adopted a purposive sampling technique and validated 268 questionnaires for statistical analysis. A Partial Learning Algorithm was used for data analysis. The Perceived Behavioural Control has demonstrated extreme impact on the intention of software developers to perform entrepreneurial competencies when developing a software product, while the subjective norm has shown a negative impact on the software developers’ intention. The study presents empirical evidence meant for the applicability of the extended Theory of Planned Behaviour to perform entrepreneurial competencies effectively. The findings contribute valuable insights to the growing interest of researchers to explain software developer’s intention to perform entrepreneurial competencies.
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Mariyana Pavlova Banova, Asen Bozhikov, Ivan Angelov, Iskren Tairov, Aleksandrina Borisova Aleksandrova, Kristina Georgieva, Mariela Stoyanova
INTEGRATING CRISIS MANAGEMENT MECHANISMS IN EUROPEAN COHESION POLICY
Abstract:
The series of challenges facing modern society posed by the consequences of the global economic crisis, the debt crisis in Europe, the Covid-19 pandemic, the war in Ukraine, etc. inevitably determine the relevance of research in the field of crises and the mechanisms for dealing with them.
The aim of this publication is to examine the effectiveness of the introduced crisis management toolkits within the EU. The research methods used are limited to the study of scientific knowledge on the relevant issue, critical analysis and expert evaluation of the adopted approach to recovery by the Community. As a result of the conducted research, the tools that the EU applies to deal with the negative consequences of Covid-19 and the war in Ukraine have been clarified. Priority areas for impact are identified depending on the applied mechanisms and new horizons for development are defined. In this context, the role of integrated territorial investments (ITI) in this process is also considered.
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Galina Zaharieva, Onnik Tarakchiyan, Andrey Zahariev
MARKET CAPITALIZATION FACTORS
OF THE BULGARIAN PHARMACEUTICAL SECTOR IN PANDEMIC ENVIRONMENT
Abstract:
The article is focused on the changes of the market capitalization in the Bulgarian pharmaceutical sector during the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of the article is to measure and justify the impact of a set of factors that affect the market capitalization of public companies from the Bulgarian pharmaceutical sector in a pandemic environment. The main performance indicator under consideration is the market capitalization of the leading pharmaceutical companies included in the BGBX40 stock exchange index during the two-year pandemic period (from June 2020 until May 2022). For the purpose of the research, a multiple linear regression model (OLS) is employed with the help of GRETL open-source software. Four of the selected eight impact factors are related to the sales of medical products; three are related to COVID-19 statistics and the last is a stock market index. The results from the analyses evidence a strong relationship between the impact factors and the market capitalization of Bulgarian pharmaceutical companies during the pandemic. The coefficient of determination shows that 96% of the change in the market capitalization could be explained by the change in the factors included in the model. The growth of the market capitalization of the studied Bulgarian companies over a period of 2 years is comparable to that of the world leading pharmaceutical companies that offer COVID-19 vaccines.
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Bożena Sowa
THE IMPACT OF THE TAX HARMONIZATION PROCESS (ON THE EXAMPLE OF VAT) ON BUDGET REVENUES IN 25 SELECTED EU COUNTRIES – A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS
Abstract:
As a result of the progressive integration of European countries, a need has emerged to integrate tax law provisions, especially in the field of indirect taxes. Over the years, it has been possible to introduce several changes aimed at, among other things, equalizing the level of tax rates as well as reducing the tax gap through preventive measures taken at the European level.
This paper aims to assess the impact of the VAT harmonization process on the level of budget revenues on the example of 25 selected EU countries that have been members of the community since 2004 (Poland, Estonia, the Czech Republic and Hungary). The impact of changes in VAT rates and the dynamics of revenues on the budgets of individual countries due to value-added tax is analyzed in particular.
The article is based on a comparative analysis of financial data posted on the official EU website, available literature on the subject, scientific articles and internet resources, with the particular use of national normative acts and EU legal regulations. In addition, a statistical research method is used, and the results, presented in tables and graphs, are then subjected to interpretation.
The results of the research carried out:
1) The need for tax harmonization is the result of the progressive integration of countries within the structure of the European Union. One primary aspect, which has not been achieved yet, is the harmonization of VAT rates applied in individual countries.
2) Another issue that requires additional harmonization regulations is the applicable registration thresholds, beyond which the obligation to register an active VAT payer arises.
3) Considerable success achieved in the process of VAT harmonization is the reduction of the gap size in each of the surveyed Member States over the years after the accession to the EU.
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Plamen Yordanov, Tanya Ilieva, Yordan Yordanov
THE SOCIO-ECONOMIC POTENTIAL
OF VOLUNTARY PENSION INSURANCE
IN BULGARIA
Abstract:
The aim of the study is to characterise the overall state and outline the development opportunities of voluntary pension insurance in Bulgaria. Research publications and officially disclosed empirical data for the period 2002 – 2024 have been used. The study examines changes in the number of insured individuals, the amount of the insurance contribution and the accumulated funds, the achieved returns, the share of net assets relative to GDP and to the total amount of household deposits, as well as the growth rates of managed assets and the amount of the insurance contribution compared to the growth rates of GDP, the average insurance income, and the amount of household deposits. It is concluded that voluntary pension insurance has not managed to provoke the desired widespread interest. The possible reasons for this are identified, and suggestions for its future development are outlined.
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Radi Dimitrov
CURRENT ISSUES IN ACCOUNTING FOR COSTS FINANCED BY THE EUROPEAN UNION FUNDS IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR
Abstract:
Projects, financed by the operational programmes under the European structural and investment funds, provide funding to individual sectors and activities under condition with the aim to enhance integration, increase the quality of operations and services, develop human resources, and in the long run to improve social, economic and political situation in the European Union Member States. The study clarifies the main problems in accounting for costs in relation to the implementation of these projects in budget organizations in the country. The focus is on regulations on the eligibility of operations and activities in regard to the absorption of the EU financial support.
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Mohamed Mostafa Ali Albaz
THE IMPACT OF TECHNOLOGICAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP ON ACHIEVING HUMAN DEVELOPMENT IN THE EGYPTIAN CHEMICAL COMPANIES
Abstract:
Purpose: The main objective of the research is achieving human development in Egyptian chemical companies, increasing the rate of productivity and technological development through the strategic impact of technological entrepreneurship and building authority in the business world at local, regional and global level.
Practical implications: The state seeks to adopt the technological entrepreneurship of Egyptian chemical companies in order to achieve human development in the light of the Strategy of Sustainable Development.
Originality/value: The approach of technological entrepreneurship should be adopted in companies with the aim of developing sustainable human resources. The research paper covers the human development framework of chemical companies.
Findings: The dimensions of technological entrepreneurship have a strategic role in building technological production plans and programmes for the chemical companies that achieve the highest performance rate of human development.
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Donka Zhelyazkova, Sergey Piddrubrivnyy
POSSIBLE SCENARIOS FOR DEVELOPING EU TRADE RELATIONS WITH RUSSIA
Abstract:
The study presents general scenarios for the future development of EU trade relations with Russia, which are conditionally marked as ‘stagnation’, ‘optimistic’ and ‘pessimistic’. The dynamics of the sanctions regime is used as a key indicator for distinguishing these scenarios. We associate the first scenario, called ‘stagnation’, with the expectations of a serious slowdown in the economic growth of the EU and Russia. The second, described as ‘optimistic’, is based on expectations for a gradual recovery and development of the trade relations between the two countries over a long period of time. The third scenario is defined as ‘pessimistic’, given the consolidated tightening of anti-Russian sanctions within the transatlantic alliance and the expansion of Russia’s countermeasures.
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Donka Zhelyazkova, Sergey Piddrubrivnyy
STAGES IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF EU TRADE RELATIONS WITH RUSSIA
Abstract:
The study focuses on four main stages in the development of EU trade relations with Russia, covering the time horizon between 1992 and 2020. These stages are conditional and follow the analogy of the life cycle main stages (establishment, growth and maturity of relations). However, in connection with the reciprocal restrictive measures constituting a special interest in the context of the issues discussed in the study, the contemporary stage, conditionally called the period of challenges, is examined separately. The relevance of the topic and the importance of the problem are related to the strategic significance of EU trade relations with Russia and the intensity of trade, investment and financial flows migrating between them on the one hand, and to the need to revise these relations in the context of the modern economic and political environment, on the other.
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Nelly Stangacheva
THE ECONOMIC IMPORTANCE OF THE INVESTMENT DECISION OF KOZLODUY NPP TO EXTEND THE SERVICE LIFE
OF UNIT FIVE AND UNIT SIX
Abstract:
In the contemporary dynamically changing macroeconomic and legislative environment, the issue of the efficiency of the investment decision to extend the service life of unit five and unit six of the only enterprise in the Republic of Bulgaria which uses nuclear power in the technological process of generating electricity is of crucial importance. Considering the fact that the materialization of any investment is an essential prerequisite for accomplishing the major objective of a company while ensuring that sources of funding are rationally exploited, the behaviour of Kozloduy NPPP is undoubtedly defined in unison with the imperative regulations of Bulgarian legislation and the priorities of Europe 2020 Strategy which aim at achieving sustainable development by promoting a more resource-efficient, sustainable, and competitive economy.
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Dragomir Iliev, Galin Stefanov, Yoto V. Yotov
ESTIMATING BULGARIA’S TRADE BORDERS WITH THE EU
AN APPLICATION OF THE EMPIRICAL GRAVITY MODEL OF TRADE
Abstract:
We use the empirical gravity model of international trade to evaluate the borders in manufacturing trade between Bulgaria and the European Union (BG-EU). Our results suggest that in 2006 the BG-EU border was quite large and not statistically different from the average border in our sample of 69 countries. As expected, our estimates confirm that the trade border between Bulgaria and the EU members was very large, and much larger than the average sample border, before the collapse of communism. The border fell sharply in the early to mid-90s, but it followed the average sample trend since then. We also document weak asymmetries in the BG-EU border in favor of EU exports to Bulgaria. Our results point to a series of extensions and further analysis.
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THE GLOBAL FINANCIAL CRISIS
IN EUROPE: TRANSMISSION, EVOLUTION AND IMPACT ON THE BANKING SECTOR
Abstract:
The global financial crisis of 2007, in its nature and depth, is one of the most serious challenges to the contemporary economy in the last century after the Great Depression of 1929. The fact that seven years after the occurrence of the first interference the economy has not fully recovered, is evidence of its extraordinary strength and negative influence. All this suggests increased research interest in the analysis and evaluation of its occurrence, development and impact on different sectors of the economy.
In this paper, the main transmission channels of financial problems in European economies and different stages of development of the crisis in the European Union are examined. Together with this, the measures taken by the European and national authorities and governments are analysed. Particular attention is paid to the impact of the global financial crisis on the European banking sector measured by a set of key indicators.
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Radi Dimitrov
PROVIDING ACCOUNTING INFORMATION FOR THE AUDIT OF EUROPEAN UNION FUNDS IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR
Abstract:
Professional players on the Russian market in microelectronics form temporary partnerships so that they can design and develop microelectronic devices with a certain life cycle. This paper proves that the capacity of such partnerships to develop successfully and to achieve the goals they have set depends on the stages of their development, i.e. the stages of a partnership life cycle. The materialisation of these partnerships refers to all stages of the technological value chain of microelectronic devices, which allows each professional player on the Russian market in microelectronics to perform their functions. Each stage of the partnership life cycle relates to specific features and key success factors. By analysing the stages of partnerships life cycles, it is possible to predict and identify potential problems in terms of the materialisation and development of inter-organisational relationships.
