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Julia Yereshko, Petyo Bozhinov Bozhinov, Iryna Udovychenko, Nomeda Dobrovolskienė, Oksana Tsimoshynska
A DUAL-LAYER HYBRID SECURITY FRAMEWORK: ANALYZING DIGITAL MODELS TO ENHANCE CYBERSECURITY MANAGEMENT FOR START-UPS AND SMES
Abstract:
The rapid evolution of generative AI is transforming cybersecurity practices by providing advanced capabilities for threat detection and response. For start-ups and SMEs, these technologies offer a cost-effective way to defend against sophisticated online threats without the need for massive capital investment. While AI facilitates the identification of anomalies and malicious behavior, it also introduces new risks, such as deepfakes, zero-day exploits, and the potential for attackers to manipulate AI models themselves. The study examines the impact of large language models and artificial intelligence on the software and architecture of cybersecurity systems. The main types of attacks on artificial intelligence systems and the changes in the software development paradigm that result from them are being considered. To address the evolving threat landscape, this study proposes a Dual-Layer Hybrid Security Framework that integrates high-speed algorithmic detection with cognitive analysis. We present an algorithm for building a security system using LLM models. We also propose a software application tailored explicitly for the comprehensive analysis of network traffic while detecting cybersecurity incidents using Python and the Pandas library. Furthermore, it leverages artificial intelligence to provide a comprehensive approach to detecting and mitigating cybersecurity threats. This will enable start-ups and small businesses to manage their cybersecurity in-house.
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Dinko Herman Boikanyo
ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS AND SOCIETAL IMPACTS OF AI ADOPTION IN SMEs WITHIN EMERGING MARKETS
Abstract:
This paper examines the ethical considerations and societal implications of AI adoption by small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in emerging markets. Drawing on Stakeholder Theory, Diffusion of Innovation, and the Technology-Organization-Environment framework, it proposes a comprehensive conceptual model that places ethical principles, fairness, accountability, and inclusivity at its core. The discussion highlights the complex interplay of technological, organizational and societal dimensions, illustrating how AI can enhance competitiveness while potentially exacerbating inequalities and raising privacy, bias and transparency concerns.
By integrating ethical and societal factors into a single framework, this study addresses a critical gap in current research, offering guidance for SME leaders, policymakers and researchers. The propositions suggest that ethical leadership fosters stakeholder trust, and that inclusive policies are essential to prevent AI-driven inequalities. This framework can serve as a roadmap for responsible AI adoption, informing capacity-building initiatives, regulatory guidance and future empirical studies. Ultimately, the paper invites further research to validate and refine its concepts and to explore cross-industry and cross-regional variations, ensuring that AI’s benefits are realized while mitigating its ethical and societal risks.
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Toufik Marmad, Ritahi Oussama, Echaoui Abdellah
THE IMPACT OF TAXATION ON INVESTMENT FINANCING: THE CASE OF MOROCCAN SMALL AND MEDIUM-SIZED ENTERPRISES
Abstract:
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are pivotal to investment, employment, and economic growth in developing economies. However, their financing decisions are often influenced by complex tax environments that can either encourage or hinder investment. This study investigates the impact of taxation on the investment financing decisions of Moroccan SMEs, focusing on three fiscal dimensions: tax pressure, fiscal incentives, and the tax treatment of financing modes. A quantitative survey was conducted between March 2024 and October 2024 among 390 SMEs operating in various sectors across Morocco. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire and analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). The findings show that all three tax-related factors significantly and positively affect financing decisions, with fiscal incentives and tax treatment exerting the strongest influence. These results emphasize the strategic role of tax policy in shaping SME financial behavior and offer actionable insights for policymakers aiming to enhance private sector investment and support SME development.
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Snezhana Hristova, Dimitar Kovachevski, Ivona Mileva
INDIVIDUAL AND GROUP DECISION MAKING IN MACEDONIAN SMES
Abstract:
Management is principally a bundle of decision-making processes. Decision-making is the process of selecting the best alternative among various available courses of action. The managers of any organization are responsible for achieving the vision, mission and operational and financial goals in particular. All the functions like planning, organizing, coordinating and controlling are dependent on the quality of the decisions made. In companies, no matter of their size, decisions are made on all hierarchical levels.
Structured decision-making process is important for large corporations, but not less important for small and medium enterprises. The innovation capacity that enables the competitive points of difference, utilization of market opportunities and potentials depend on the accuracy and timing of the decisions.
This paper discusses the different methods used in individual and group decision-making processes and their application in the small and medium enterprises in North Macedonia. We conducted a research on a sample of SMEs from North Macedonia and analyzed the different decision-making methods applied and the role of individual and group decision-making methods from the perspective of managers (entrepreneurs) and employees including their roles and involvement.
