Level In Serbia Research Articles

Impact of commercial and investment activities in agriculture on local development

The main idea in this paper was to investigate how agriculture and processing sectors are connected through commercial activity, and how they influence municipal economic development in transition economies. This was examined through the influence of relevant non-price structural factors related to agricultural and processing sector on the ratio between agricultural product procurement and overall agricultural production. The focus was placed on agricultural investments and subsidies. A multi regression model was developed based on hard data provided by SORS and SBRE on a municipal level in Serbia. The analysis confirmed the relation between agricultural commercial activity and municipal level of economic development. In addition, important findings concerning municipal investment and agricultural subsidies allocation have been provided as well.

Uticaj ulaganja u istraživanje i razvoj na ekonomski rast u Republici Srbiji

The main objective of this paper is to examine the impact of investment in research and development on economic growth in the Republic of Serbia, expressed through the correlation of this and other macroeconomic aggregates. A variety of statistical and econometric techniques of variables and time series analysis are employed. In order to quantify the contribution of investments in research and development to the GDP real growth, initially data series at current prices are converted in real terms, applying previously calculated composite deflator for research and development. Based on these data, estimated for the period 1995-2015, the contribution of R&D investments to the GDP real growth is explicitly shown and expressed in percentage points. Also, the latest available data since 2016. up to 2018. have been presented in order to show the trend in this area. The empirical results achieved in the study reveal a strong interdependence among the R&D expenditures and economic performance at the national level in Serbia. Based on these findings, a statistically significant causality relationship oriented from GDP real growth to research and development activity is confirmed. As real economic activities and growth rate increase, R&D must also increase for sustainability. However, the causality in the opposite direction cannot be verified.

Emigracioni potencijal mladih u Srbiji

Emigracioni potencijal mladih u Srbiji

Dropout at university level in Serbia: Analysis of measurement, research findings, services and prevention measures

Dropout in higher education attracts great attention due to serious effects on an individual and on society. This is an exploratory study aimed at: analysing drop?out measurement and tracking in the Serbian higher education, reviewing studies on dropout causes, and identifying available services and prevention measures. Various techniques are used to achieve these goals (statistics analysis, literature review, qualitative content analysis). Our results show that: 1. There are no accepted dropout definitions nor official statistics, but some rate estimate could be given; 2. Research is not systematic, but covers three major dropout factors (individual, socio-demographic, studying conditions); 3. Services are sporadic and not visible enough; 4. Legislation reveals state interest in promoting higher education, but implemented measures are not adequate enough. We see establishment of the Unified Education Information System as an important step in precise dropout measurement. There is a need for flexible studying routes and increased financial support orientated more towards vulnerable student groups. International studies highlight the importance of intensification of teacher-student and peer interaction built in modern student-centred teaching practice. At the end, we advocate creating a new educational policy by combining two major frameworks in this field and relying on inclusive research.

Stavovi studentske populacije srpske intelektualne dijaspore o uzrocima i posledicama fenomena "odliva mozgova" iz Srbije - pregled rezultata jednog empirijskog istraživanja

Currently unfolding before us is the process of globalization, which has led to the networking of the global society and the intensification of transnational mobility of human educational capital. In the conditions of regional and class division, the process of asymmetrical globalization is also reflected in the unequal labour exchange in the gray matter market between countries belonging to different areas of the global world system. Of course, Serbia today is also under the effect of the aforementioned process. The subjects of this paper are the global, regional and national causes and consequences of the brain drain from Serbia and the innovative-creative potential of the Serbian intellectual diaspora for the development of Serbia and the protection of its interests in the contemporary world. This research is of a multidisciplinary character - sociological-demographical, ethno-culturological and communicological. Following the dictates of the so-called integral paradigm, efforts have been made to obtain valid results for scientific conclusions through a unity of theoretical problematization and synthesis of the results derived from empirical research. The paper consists of the analysis and interpretation of the results of empirical research done on the topic of causes and consequences of the brain drain, as well as the potential of the Serbian intellectual diaspora, conducted on a two-fold sample: one part consisting of the student population of Serbia and the other of the Serbian intellectual diaspora. The focus of the research was on the beliefs of the respondents regarding the motives, causes and consequences of the brain drain happening in Serbia, as well as the motives and the possibilities for the return to the native country. The sample consists of more than 950 respondents (545 students from Serbia and 413 diaspora members). The results of the research have shown that students and members of the Serbian intellectual diaspora hold identical beliefs regarding the perception of the main cause behind the brain drain in Serbia, with both groups citing the economic underdevelopment of the country and low levels of the quality of life, with both of the aforementioned factors influencing the ability to keep cadres within the country or to encourage their return. Of course, this fact is also conditioned by, among other things, the level of Serbia's involvement in the processes of globalization, as well as by its position in the contemporary division of labour. The very end of the paper also highlights the program of possible measures and recommendations which have an action-oriented character, for the purpose of resolving this problem and creating a new policy regarding diaspora.

Intraregional inequalities in Serbia - testing the club convergence

Not only are all the regions in Serbia underdeveloped in comparison to EU-28 average, but there are also relatively large regional disparities in our country. Nevertheless, the largest part of the uneven spatial development in Serbia lies in pronounced and growing inequalities within the regions ? intraregional disparities are greater than the interregional ones. This paper aims to investigate the existence of club convergence on NUTS 3 level in Serbia. While a common approach is based on a priori dividing units of observation into individual groups based on some of their particular characteristics, we use a method that allows identification of clusters of convergence by using an algorithm that is data-driven and thereby avoids a priori classification of the data into subgroups. We use data on GVA per capita for NUTS 3 level in Serbia, for the period 2001-2016. Our results show that there are three convergence clubs in Serbia, while two districts - Belgrade district and South Backa district show no signs of convergence with any of the other clubs or between themselves.

Teaching Chinese at the University Level in Serbia: Examples of Good Practices and Possibilities for Further Developments

The aim of this paper is to give a short overview of the current situation in the field of Chinese language teaching in Serbian formal education with a special emphasis on teaching Chinese at the university level. The Faculty of Philology of the University of Belgrade is one of the institutions with the longest tradition of teaching Chinese language as a major in the whole Balkan region, and in Serbia it is the only one where students can study Chinese at both the undergraduate and the graduate level. An elaborate curriculum, which includes courses on language, literature and culture, enables their students to gain a thorough insight in many aspects of ancient and modern China. Accordingly a large section of this paper is dedicated to presenting the teaching practices used at that institution, together with examples of some practical in-class methods. The paper also offers a short introduction to one private university in Serbia where Chinese language teaching has been carried out successfully. Finally it offers some ideas how teaching Chinese as a foreign language can be improved at all levels of study worldwide.

A review of the current situation of aflatoxin M1 in cow’s milk in Serbia: risk assessment and regulatory aspects

ABSTRACTThe aim of this systematic review is to provide information regarding the incidence and levels of aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) in raw and heat processed cow’s milk in Serbia during 2015–16 and to compare these with collected data on the occurrence of AFM1 in raw milk and dairy products during the last decade in our region. Estimation of dietary exposure (EDI) and hazard index (HI) calculations for different age groups of the population were also carried out, based on the AFM1 content of milk samples and on available food consumption data in Serbia. AFM1 was detected in 69.9% (984/1408) of raw milk samples in 2015 versus 84.9% (3094/3646) in 2016, while in heat-processed milk, AFM1 was detected in 77.8% (364/468) in 2015 versus 98.5% (753/765) in 2016. On the basis of the obtained results, 450 (9%) of raw and 14 (1.1%) of heat-processed milk samples were contaminated with AFM1 levels above the maximum permitted level in Serbia (0.25 μg kg−1). However, a large percentage of raw and heat processed milk in Serbia (30.1% and 17.3%, respectively) was contaminated with AFM1 levels above the maximum permitted level regulated in the European Union (0.05 μg kg−1). Therefore, in order to protect consumer health, it is extremely important to further control the level of aflatoxins in milk, and this should be considered as a high priority for risk management actions.

The public perception of the print and electronic newspapers and magazines editions: Case of Serbia

Complex research in the field of print and electronic media and relations preference towards them has been non-existent in Serbia, so the paper aims to provide initial guidance in this regard. An instrument (questionnaire) was formulated for the purposes of this study and used for measuring respondents' assessment of strengths and weaknesses of the print or electronic media. The research was conducted at the national level in Serbia, with a large number of respondents (432), using a number of different variables on the Likert scale. Respondents evaluated a total of ten items pertaining to different aspects of the advantages and disadvantages of print and electronic editions. The results can be of great importance to the media and other participants in the advertising industry-advertising agencies and advertisers. The scientific contribution of this paper is shown in the initial data the researchers gained in the fields of the media, marketing and advertising, regarding the perception of the print and electronic newspapers and magazines editions in Serbia.

Implementation of the public health policy at the local community level in Serbia

Implementation of the public health policy at the local community level in Serbia

Implementation models for energy recovery measures of existing kindergarten facilities in Serbia

Original scientific paper Investments in the construction of new kindergartens are at a low level in Serbia. On the other hand, the existing facilities are outdated, devastated and do not meet current regulations, especially in terms of energy efficiency. The attendance of children in such facilities represents a significant social issue and therefore, the refurbishment of these structures is necessary. This paper presents measures for energy recovery and methods of their implementation within the framework of a comprehensive revitalization of the existing kindergartens. Through a case study, an analysis of energy efficiency and cost effectiveness for three sets of measures has been conducted, the findings of which are presented and discussed. The advantages of the applied methods are listed, as well as the potential areas for the implementation of the results. In addition, some recommendations for the future research are given and the limitations in the application of the obtained results are emphasized.

Gender equality: Perspectives of rural women entrepreneurship in Vojvodina

The aim of this paper is to analyze the situation of women in rural areas of the Republic of Serbia and Autonomous Province of Vojvodina. Surveys and studies by various authors and donors were carried out on several occasions from 2007 to 2013 and, unfortunately, gave basically the same results: the status of women in rural areas of Serbia is in very poor condition. Farms are mostly located on the territory of Vojvodina, so the emphasis is placed on women in these areas. The position of women in society is the same as the position of women in the countryside. Women who become entrepreneurs are rare. This partly depends on the level of education and on the possession of fonds for the realization of entrepreneurial ideas. Women living in rural areas lack awareness and the will to start an independent business. Although Serbia has signed various international conventions that commit to gender equality strategies adopted on the level of Serbia and Vojvodina, there has been insufficient implementation of these strategies in practice. This certainly affects the reluctance of women to engage in entrepreneurial attempt, and the number of women entrepreneurs is decreasing. To improve this situation it is necessary to resort to various forms of education for women, depending on preferences, age, level of education etc. Methods used in this research are characteristic of social science: desk research, analysis of the surveys that were previously done on a representative sample of entrepreneurs and managers, historical and comparative analysis and qualitative research.

Characteristics of psycholeptic and psychoanaleptic medicine use in general population in Subotica for the period 2009/2012

Introduction: Mood disorders are of great medical, social and economic importance. These diseases are considered one of the greatest public health problems, because they affect significantly the quality of life of the patients and their everyday functioning. According to research, the risk factors of these diseases include demographic factors. Regional disparities in the rate of morbidity and mortality have been observed in Serbia. Objective: The aim of this study is the analyze of financial and quantitative parameters of use of psycholeptics and psyhoanaleptics during the period 2009-2012 prescribed and recollected at a pharmacy in Subotica in comparison to the consumption of these drugs in the Republic of Serbia. Methods: The survey was conducted in the City of Subotica, and included data on issued prescription drugs at the pharmacy Subotica, during the period 2009-2012. The methodology that was used was ATC / DDD. Results: The trend of using psycholeptics for the reference period, expressed in DDD / 1000 inhabitants / day was negative in the Republic and in Subotica. According to the Pharmacy Subotica, the trend that was observed showed that the group consumption of drugs was uneven, which was the highest value recorded in 2009 (95.75), then it suddenly dropped (2012 / 48.32). Oscillations were present at the level of Serbia, with the proviso that after the fall of 2009 (119.77) in 2010 (77.26), the values in the coming years were to grow, and the maximum was recorded in 2012 (104.51). The correlation coefficient was 0.4947. The structure was dominated by the use of anxiolytics. Psyhoanaleptics consumption in Serbia was the highest in 2012, when it was recorded that the value for DDD / 1000 inhabitants / day was 31.42, and 12.27 in Subotica. The correlation coefficient of use of psyhoanaleptics in Serbia and Subotica was 0.884. The structure of the use of psyhoanaleptics, antidepressants in Serbia as well as in Subotica represents a subgroup with the highest share in the intensity of use. Conclusion: The use of psycholeptics and psyhoanaleptics in Subotica and Serbia was not most directly correlated. It can be assumed that the difference was caused by the differences in the demographics, health treatments and prescribing habits, inheritance and other factors.

Strategic planning and management at the local level in Serbia

Strategic planning and management at the local level in Serbia

On strategic spatial planning

The goal of this paper is to explain the origin and development of strategic spatial planning, to show complex features and highlight the differences and/or advantages over traditional, physical spatial planning. Strategic spatial planning is seen as one of approaches in legally defined planning documents, and throughout the display of properties of sectoral national strategies, as well as issues of strategic planning at the local level in Serbia. The strategic approach is clearly recognized at the national and sub-national level of spatial planning in European countries and in our country. It has been confirmed by the goals outlined in documents of the European Union and Serbia that promote the grounds of territorial cohesion and strategic integrated planning, emphasizing cooperation and the principles of sustainable spatial development.

The Efficiency of Public Procurement Centralization: Empirical Evidence from Serbian Local Self-Governments

Different approaches in creating mechanisms for efficient public procurements have been applied worldwide over the last decade. Among these, bundling of public procurement is seen as a potential efficiency boost in the practice in highly decentralized procurement environments. Nevertheless, the domain of public procurement efficiency is still at its infancy in academic terms. This study examines the effects of centralization of public procurement at the local self-government level in Serbia. In particular, the study explores various upsides and downsides of centralization. Reflective recommendations provide a sound base for public procurement policy holders at the level of local self-governments.

The role of event tourism strategy of Serbia in strategic planning

Tourist events represent not only a significant tourism potential, but also the touristic product of Serbia. There are approximately 2500 events every year, attended by several million visitors from Serbia and all around the world. Since the 1990s in the world and since the beginning of the 21st century in Serbia, the organization and development of events has become a significantly profitable activity. Certain countries developed event tourism strategies on the level of the country or on the regional level; in Serbia, the event tourism is mentioned in the national tourism development strategies and certain regional ones. This paper targets the need for development of Event Tourism Strategy on the level of Serbia.

(Un)sustainability in Serbia

Jasmina Kijevcanin received a degree in Sociology from the University of Belgrade. Currently, she serves as national director of an American humanitarian organization World Vision, office in Russian Federation. She has been engaged in development of strategy for sustainable development at local and national level in Serbia.

Strategic cultural development planning at local level in Serbia

The text is devoted to strategic planning as an instrument of cultural policy, and its implementation at the self-government level in Serbia, 2000-2010. The examples and ways local self-governments use in making their own development plans under provisions of the Self-Government Act are presented. Such initiatives are the more important because the state itself has not resorted to the instrument of strategic planning in the observed period. It follows that the bottom-up principle shaped the definition of cultural policy in Serbia since 2000. Only at the end of the first decade of the 21st century, and ten years after Serbia entered the transition, with a new Law on Culture, the implementation of instruments of strategic planning at all levels is stimulated. As the strategic planning turns obligatory, a methodology of its elaboration in the sphere of culture is suggested.

Endangerment of undeveloped areas of Serbia by forest fires

Considering the significance of discovering the causes of forest fires, the hypothesis on the solar activity is presented (i.e. physical-chemical characteristics of the solar wind) as the possible cause of these natural disasters. The empirical confirmation of the mentioned hypothesis was disabled by the non existence of an adequate data base on the (regional) distribution of the number of fires and burned areas on the level of Serbia. Therefore an emphasis is put on theoretical explanations, but also on the characteristic situations in which there is an agreement between the processes occurring on the Sun and fire phenomena in the area of Serbia and the Balkans. The formations of the corresponding data base would enable the systematic explanation of endangerment of undeveloped areas of Serbia, but also the confirmation of the solar wind-forest fires hypothesis. The directions of the future multidisciplinary research should be directed towards the models for better prevention.