-
Emilija Gjorgjioska, Margarita Janeska, Tatjana Spaseska, Meri Boshkoska, Violeta Gligorovski
CORPORATE TRANSPARENCY AND DISCLOSURE: METRICS OF MACEDONIAN JOINT STOCK COMPANIES
Abstract:
The disclosure and transparency of joint stock companies is fostering safe and sound governing of joint stock companies and reduces the risks of corporate crises and scandals.
The purpose of the research is to identify the transparency level of the Macedonian listed companies that are obligated to comply with the Corporate Governance Code of the Macedonian Stock Exchange, according to 20 indicators related to the publication of information on the company's website and in their annual reports. The study adopts a mixed methods approach, combining qualitative and quantitative techniques. Qualitative component involved collecting and examination of data for 20 corporate governance indicators obtained from reliable sources. Quantitative analysis entailed assessing and scoring each indicator based on predefined criteria, followed by statistical processing and graphical representation of the results using Microsoft Excel.
The research has shown that the average transparency level of analysed joint stock companies belongs to the “good” level. Considering the findings, the study provides recommendations aimed to enhance the transparency practices of Macedonian joint stock companies.
-
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.
-
Danh Luu Xuan, Nguyen Thanh Long
THE IMPACT OF DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION, CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
AND MARKET ORIENTATION ON FIRM PERFORMANCE: EVIDENCE FROM VIETNAMESE COMMERCIAL BANKS
Abstract:
Digital Transformation (DT) has become a critical factor for maintaining competitiveness in the financial sector. However, the interplay between Market Orientation (MO), Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), DT, and their combined impact on Firm Performance (FP) remains underexplored, particularly in emerging markets such as Vietnam. This study addresses this gap by examining the relationships in Vietnam's financial industry. The structural equation modeling (SEM) approach was applied to analyze 250 valid responses collected from 2,411 commercial bank branches in Southeast Vietnam. Stratified sampling and snowball sampling methods ensured regional representation. The findings reveal that DT directly enhances FP and acts as a key mediator, strengthening the effects of MO and CSR. DT facilitates real-time responsiveness, enhances transparency, and integrates technological advances with market and social strategies. The study highlights the strategic importance of embedding DT into CSR and MO frameworks to optimize efficiency, achieve sustainable development, and create competitive advantages in an increasingly digitized financial sector.
-
Aitana Maria Gonzalez Caceres, Maria Fe Portocarrero Mendoza
THE PRACTICE OF WEBROOMING IN GENERATION Z: EMPIRICAL ANALYSIS ON PERUVIAN BUYERS
Abstract:
This article focuses on the practice of webrooming among Generation Z youth residing in metropolitan Lima. The research seeks to answer the following question: How do convenience orientation and impulse buying propensity influence the practice of webrooming, and how does this practice impact channel integration and purchase preferences in physical stores? To address this, a conceptual model was developed based on relevant academic literature, which was validated through field research. An online survey with Likert-scale questions was conducted with a non-probability sample of 384 young individuals with webrooming experience. Data analysis was carried out using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), a technique appropriate for the type of hypotheses and sample size. The main results reveal that: 1) convenience orientation negatively influences webrooming; 2) impulse buying in digital media is driven by factors such as website design, product features, and retailer strategies; and 3) webrooming moderates the relationship between channel integration and purchase intention in physical stores, particularly among Generation Z consumers. These findings contribute both to the academic field and to omnichannel retail management by providing a better understanding of the behavior of a key segment entering the Economically Active Population.
-
Alexander Anatolyevich Nosachenko
DETECTION OF LATENT RESERVES
OF WHOLESALE TRADE IN FOOD INDUSTRY IN CONDITIONS OF ECONOMIC CRISIS
Abstract:
The article considers approaches to identifying and assessing latent reserves in the global economic crisis in the food industry, as strategically important for the country. The aim is to consider the possibility of identifying latent reserves in wholesale trade of the food industry. The measurement model of latent variables is chosen as the research methodology, which allows to take into account internal and external variables and is based on the provisions of factor analysis. Theoretical research of the concept allowed to substantiate the reserve as an untapped opportunity for the development of economic entities, which are enterprises, and increase their competitiveness by identifying hidden values, and for further effective operation of entities used resources. Types of latent reserves of wholesale trade in food industry in crisis conditions are substantiated. Latent reserves with correlated features were selected by factor analysis. The variance of the variables for the five selected factors and the standard deviation of the normalized value are calculated. As a result of the calculations, the treatment for two identified factors was chosen. The coefficients of connections between external and internal latent variables are determined and the probable latent features are singled out. The calculations showed a significant pressure, depending on the severity of external influences, so on the scale of measurement, experts gave higher scores on the last parameters, which are reflected in the constructed matrix. The results of the study allowed us to trace the links between external and internal latent variables and to build a SWOT-analysis for food industry enterprises, which allowed to outline the prospects for the functioning of food industry enterprises.
