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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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Ivan Marchevski, Krista Tsvetanova Neykova
THE CONSUMER CHOICE OF TOURISM PRODUCTS – SUSTAINABLE CRITERIA
FOR MARKET SEGMENTATION
Abstract:
The purpose of this paper is to empirically identify relevant and sustainable criteria for segmentation of Bulgarian consumers of tourism products in the process of making purchasing decisions. The study draws on original data gathered through an online survey of 898 Bulgarians, which was analysed using a range of statistical tests. Segmentation was performed using cluster analysis (hierarchical and non-hierarchical clustering). The analysis suggests that Bulgarian consumers of tourism products can be adequately and consistently segmented on the basis of five criteria: (1) their preferred mode of travel, (2) mode of planning and organising tourist trips, (3) the type of tourism they prefer, (4) the budget they normally spent for tourism and (5) their preferences regarding used sources of information. The market segments identified are directly related to a specific aspect of consumer choice in the purchase decision process. The results of this study can be used by providers of tourism services (tour operators, travel agencies, etc.) when defining the parameters of the tourist services they offer in order to influence consumer choice in the purchasing decision process.
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Liubov Ivchenko, Nataliia Pohuda, Olena Sushchenko
THE ROLE OF INTERNET RESOURCES AND SOCIAL MEDIA IN THE STRATEGIC DEVELOPMENT OF TOURISM
Abstract:
The article is devoted to the study of the influence of Internet resources, social networks in particular, on the dynamics of inbound world tourist flows. A 30-year dynamic series of the number of Internet users with 5-year periods has been studied. Modeling this indicator with a linear trend has made it possible to obtain estimates of the average annual increase in the number of Internet users for certain periods. An analysis of factors is provided, which has influenced the dynamics of tourist flows and growth quantity and users of the global network for the period 2005-2023. It is determined that social networks play a significant role in the growth of the number of Internet users, which has a more quantitative impact for them, and a qualitative impact on tourism. The influence of the emergence and development of social networks and the most popular tourist websites on changes in the number of travelers is analyzed. Quantitative assessment of this relationship using regression analysis methods is proposed. Methods of analysis and synthesis, generalization and comparison, modeling, correlation and regression analysis are used in the research process.
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Diyana Ivanova, Galya Kusheva
ANALYSING THE FINANCIAL VARIABLES
OF BULGARIAN MUNICIPALITIES
FOR THE PURPOSE OF THEIR FINANCIAL RECOVERY
Abstract:
Some of the latest supplements to the Public Finance Act deal with the local management of public funds and activities and prescribe a procedure for identifying municipalities in a financial difficulty and adopting measures to overcome it. This paper presents a set of methods for analysing the financial variables of individual municipalities on the basis of the methodological guidelines and the information provided by the Ministry of Finance. We have analysed data available as of the end of 2015 about the financial variables of Bulgarian municipalities as they have been defined by legislation and identified some common problems related to the financial management of that segment of the public sector.
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Alla Alexeyeva
ANALYTICAL PROCEDURES IN SALES FORCASTING BASED ON FACTORS OF INFLUENCE
Abstract:
The article discusses the analytical procedures that can be used by the auditor at the stage of obtaining information, such as the verification of the procedures in order to collect direct evidence of the errors, irregularities and false statements in financial reporting. The proposed methodology for the prediction of outcome indicators based on the "factors of influence” over the example of sales volume can be a simple and reliable tool in the arsenal of the auditor.
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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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Aglika Kaneva
THE EFFECT OF SOME BANK INDICATORS UPON THE GDP, THE UNEMPLOYMENT RATE AND FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT IN BULGARIA
Abstract:
The article presents the findings of a research into the effect that loans to non-financial corporations, household deposits and interest rates on new business loans in Bulgarian currency to non-financial corporations have upon the GDP, the unemployment rate and foreign direct investment in Bulgaria. The research employs regression analysis and provides a review of related literature about the impact of bank loans, bank deposits, interest rates on bank loans and deposits, as well as other bank indicators upon economic growth, employment and investment.
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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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Krasimir Kulchev
TOOLS OF ECONOMIC ANALYSIS WHEN RESEARCHING THE TOURISM MARKET
Abstract:
The study aims to test tools of economic analysis from different classification groups by using real data in order to derive the main characteristics of the Bulgarian tourism market serving as a basis for making sound management decisions. Tools for factor and structural analysis are used in compliance with the purpose of the article. It is argued that a tourism market research approach combining in a balanced way the tools typical of economic analysis with those applicable to other fields of knowledge has the potential to provide the necessary information environment for effective management of tourism activities at macro and micro levels. As a result of the study, it is concluded that the use of a similar balanced research approach makes it possible to reveal both the strengths and weaknesses of the Bulgarian tourism market and the gaps in the information presented. The outlined information deficit hinders the analysis and the timely development of operational, tactical and strategic decisions, respectively.
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Rosen Ivanov Kirilov
SOFTWARE SOLUTIONS FOR MANAGING PROJECTS CO-FINANCED UNDER
THE EUROPEAN UNION’S OPERATIONAL PROGRAMMES
Abstract:
This article is dedicated to the problems of software solutions used for managing projects. A task like this one is full of many challenges because, on one hand, on the market there are many versions of software platforms developed for managing projects. On the other hand, the projects co-financed by the Operational Programmes of the European Union are very specific. These peculiarities are related mainly to the complexity of the documentation combined with the need of serious financial planning of the interim and final reports. Adhering to task schedules is a key moment in planning and returning of funds. The development of the research topic includes a description and an analysis of software solutions that are often used for managing projects. The article also provides a comparative analysis of project management software features based on a defined number of criteria and indicators. The findings of this analysis permit the formulation of recommendations for the development of new systems, which will allow users to manage the funds received under EU projects adequately, and according to schedules.
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Mihail Chipriyanov, Magdalena Slave Andonovska
SPECIFIC CHARACTER OF THE MEDIA AS BUSINESS ORGANIZATIONS AND MODELS
FOR ANALYSING THE VALUES
CREATED BY THEM
Abstract:
The article focuses on current issues related to strategic analysis of value creation in the media. At the beginning, the characteristic features of a media organization as such are presented and the specific aspects of its business management are assessed. Methodological issues of the analysis of value creation in the network form of partnership are clarified. The concluding part visualizes a generalized model of the value chain after the example of the audiovisual media in the Republic of North Macedonia.
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Kremena Marinova
THE CURRENT STATE AND DEVELOPMENT PROSPECTS OF MOBILE AND ELECTRONIC PAYMENTS IN BULGARIA
Abstract:
Present – day mobile and electronic payment systems, like all innovative solutions, do their best to meet the requirements of the business by being in line with its technological capacity. Online payments have a number of benefits not only for the banks and institutions that implement them but also for the clients and sales companies that use them to do their business.
The purpose of the article is to outline the features of mobile and electronic payment systems that permit them to be one of the most promising and rapidly developing means of payment in Bulgaria. The study will also analyse their strengths and weaknesses and will clearly define the opportunities and threats of their application. This will be accomplished by taking into account the current political and social conditions in Bulgaria.
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Katya Kirilova, Aleksandar Tsvetanov Naydenov
THE STATE OF E-GOVERNMENT AND DIGITAL ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES IN THE REPUBLIC OF BULGARIA
Abstract:
The present article focuses on the problems of e-government and digital administrative services on a European scale and in the Republic of Bulgaria in particular. This is a controversial topic, important for all economic and social processes. In the context of the evolving Covid-19 crisis, investing in new digital administrative services can bring added value and significantly improve services provided to citizens and businesses. The study focuses mainly on the state of e-government and digital administrative services at a European level and in Bulgaria in particular, as the analyzed data cover the period from 2003 to 2020. As a result, some conclusions are formulated and a course of searching for opportunities to expand the policies towards developing individual components and systems, part of the e-government, to develop and change the administrative services provided, and to increase the efficiency of the services in the public sector is outlined.
