Kosovo Research Articles

Investigation of the Effects of University Field Courses on Distance Education

This research focuses on examining the effects of university field courses on distance education and the integration of distance education into courses. A group of 357 university students studying biomedical engineering at universities in the Kosovo region and the Russian Federation volunteered to participate in the research. A quantitative research method was used in the study. In the research, the "Distance Education" measurement tool developed by the researchers was used as a data collection tool. The questionnaire was developed and edited by experts in the field. Data were collected using an online survey. The collected data were ana-lysed using the SPSS program. Frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, minimum and maximum values, one-way ANOVA and T-test were applied to analyse the data obtained from the Distance Education measurement tool. This re-search concluded that the majority of university students consider them-selves competent enough to use distance education technologies in the learning environment in the field courses, and they do not have difficulty using the systems in the field courses and their universities do not have sufficient equipment for the use of distance education technologies.

Two Narratives about Kosovo’s Political Friends: A Critical Discourse Analysis of Articles in Two Newspapers

This article analyzes the portrayal of the USA and NATO as Kosovo’s friends in the Kosovan media discourse. The research will use the Critical Discourse Analysis based on the model by Van Dijk to demonstrate the production and continuity of the friendship discourse in the Kosovan media. Two daily media outlets are analyzed: Koha Ditore and Epoka e Re, focusing on the strategies used to construct the image of Kosovo’s friends for the countries that have supported the independence of the new state of Kosovo. The ideological framing of the friendship discourse is pointed out as the dominant topic in these two mainstream newspapers, but on the other hand, the papers emphasize two different perspectives of using the discourse of friendship, which are adjusted to the editorial policies and persuasive goals of the respective papers.

Organizational and Structural Approaches on Administrative Simplification: The Case of Kosovo

Administrative simplification is a particular approach that is considered a key aspect to ensure the quality of regulations and legislation. The appropriate organizational and structural approach to managing, coordinating, and monitoring administrative simplification is an important factor. The institutional framework for managing and coordinating administrative simplification initiatives has been the subject of discussions in the Government of Kosovo for several years. The objective of this paper is therefore to analyze the institutional set up in the central administration, as well as gaps and challenges, and their implications for the implementation of such reforms in Kosovo. It also presents the context of the reforms implemented by the Kosovo state administration to simplify administration and reduce administrative burdens. Particular attention is paid to the importance, status of implementation, and administration of the Law on General Administrative Procedures. Several recommendations and options have been made based on the findings of this study, the authors’ first-hand experience, and best comparative international practice.

The relationship between the President of the Republic of Kosovo and the Assembly in general and in particular in the time period 2011-2016

The Constitution of the Republic of Kosovo in its basic provisions has defined the form of government and separation of state powers, as a fundamental principle of democracy, where the President of the Republic of Kosovo is not part of any of the state powers, but the constitutional powers he exercises affect that he has connections with all state powers. This paper addresses the relation of the President of the Republic of Kosovo with the legislative power, including the exercise of some of his constitutional powers, namely the convening of the constitutive session of the Assembly, the dissolution of the Assembly and the annual speech of the President in the Assembly of the Republic of Kosovo. The above-mentioned competencies, in addition to the theoretical aspect, are also analyzed in the practical aspect when these constitutional competencies of the President were materialized by President Jahjaga during the mandate 2011-2016. Also, the political stalemate and the actions taken by the President, Mrs. Atifete Jahjaga for his overcoming, criticisms and recommendations of the European Commission in the Progress Reports regarding the political stalemate in the country. since the declaration of Kosovo as an independent state in 2008, it has managed to complete a full constitutional mandate, five years, unlike its predecessors and successors until 2019. Therefore, this paper aims to elaborate the exercise of some constitutional powers and the practice of one of the most important constitutional institutions in the Republic of Kosovo, that of the President of the Republic of Kosovo.

The impact of tax changes on the liquidity of construction companies in the developing market

Studies to date show that taxes have a very high impact on company liquidity (Law & Yuen, 2019; Drogalas, Lazos, Koutoupis, & Pazarskis, 2019). The International Monetary Fund (IMF, 2022) shows the need to release tax procedures and their monitoring in the Republic of Kosovo. Kosovo law is such that it disables the timely liquidity of construction companies which has an impact on the reduction of construction companies’ projects. The main purpose of this paper is to describe the effects of changing the tax laws, namely the law on corporate income tax, personal income, and value-added tax (VAT) on the liquidity of construction companies in Kosovo. For this paper, we employ survey data collected from accountants and financial managers who through the questionnaire have reflected on the need to change the law on personal income, corporate income, and VAT. The models for measuring latent variables are structural equation models 1 and 2 (SEM1 and SEM2) and the ordinary least squares (OLS) models. The empirical results of the SEM1 and first OLS model (OLS1) reveal that the current law on corporate income tax and the law on personal income tax have negative effects on the liquidity of construction companies in the Republic of Kosovo and the empirical results from the SEM2 and second OLS model (OLS2) show that the current law on value-added tax has significant negative effects on the liquidity of construction companies in the Republic of Kosovo.

Internet use and its importance in Kosovo

The Internet as a communication medium, with its possibilities and its rapid development, revolutionized the way of doing business, so much so that it pushed a large number of economists to declare that, in the coming years of doing business through information technology, will be one of the most preferred opportunities for businesses and consumers across the globe. The main purpose of this paper is to identify the opportunities that businesses have to influence the economic development in the Republic of Kosovo, through their ability to generate new jobs, increase exports, and contribute to improving the living standards of the citizens of the Republic of Kosovo. Kosovo, using the Internet, as a contemporary and competitive form of business development. In order to realize such an environment, of course we have to consider two main issues, one to recognize and identify the problems that business has and another issue, how much human and material capacity Kosovo has, to provide a favorable environment. doing business online. The study realizes the first issue, which means that, in a scanned way, we tell the decision-making institutions that here are the administrative barriers that concern the business, here are the obstacles that unfairly tire the business, etc. The second issue should be asked by the relevant institutions and it should be noted that, if we want a success and sustainable economic development, then Kosovo should also provide an attractive business environment by applying the Internet.We conclude that favorable conditions must be created for the development of business and the Internet, in order for it to be efficient and sustainable, which is a necessary precondition for achieving the main goals of a sustainable economy, which contributes to the generation of countries. new jobs, improving the welfare and living standards of citizens in the Republic of Kosovo.

Priroda i status Specijalizovanih veća i Specijalizovanog tužilaštva Kosova - projekat Evropske unije sproveden po "propisima Kosova"

In this article, the Author considers various issues concerning the nature and the status of the Kosovo Specialist Chambers and Specialist Prosecutor's Office whose establishment was projected by the European Union (in the field of foreign and security policy) and implemented through legal instruments of the so-called "Republic of Kosovo", with the full logistical and financial support of the European Union. Those judicial institutions deal with key events from 1998 to 2000 and also with the legal qualifications and status under international law of the main actors in the conflict on the territory of Kosovo and Metohija. The institutional and Legal framework established by the creation of the Kosovo Specialist Chambers and Specialist Prosecutor's Office enables implementation of the prosecutorial policy that goes in the direction of the "legalization" of the Kosovo Liberation Army and strengthening the claim of certain political actors for Kosovo independence.

The application of the international and domestic arbitration law in settlement of legal disputes: A comparative study

This paper aims to analyze the credibility and perception of business entities on arbitration with domestic and international elements, which operate particularly in the Republic of Kosovo and the Republic of North Macedonia, in resolving economic and civil disputes. The main advantages that arbitration has in resolving disputes are the speed of resolution and the lowest cost of expenses (Larson, 2018). In the article, comparative, interpretative, and analysis methods are used to reach the final goal of this paper. In this paper, it is found that business entities, which are registered in the Republic of Kosovo and in the Republic of North Macedonia, prefer arbitration as an alternative method of resolving disputes, but their experience regarding the domestic arbitration response is not at the gratification level. These findings are important to quote and avoid obstacles to the promotion of arbitration, and the perception, and credibility of business entities, which may be parties in legal economic, and civil legal disputes with a domestic or international element. From this data, we create a general puzzle on the probability of promotion and use of arbitration in the future in this region.

NEW AND UPDATED GEOMAGNETIC REPEAT STATIONS IN THE REPUBLIC OF KOSOVO

Each country is good to have their own geomagnetic repeat stations for monitoring and defining the geomagnetic anomaly field. The paper present and define the network of geomagnetic stations in the Republic of Kosovo. A network of 10 geomagnetic stations has been define on the territory of the Republic and on the basis of the performed observations and measurements that were conducted during the SFRY, a new and updated network for monitoring the geomagnetic field in the Republic of Kosovo is defined. The researches for selection of locations for geomagnetic stations according to INTERMAGNET standards are presented.

Crime and firm performance: Empirical evidence from the Balkan region

This paper aims to analyze the impact of business-related crime on the performance of Kosovo firms. This also represents the research problem of this paper. The sample of firms consists of 200 firms from different economic sectors. This research is based on the research of Moyo (2012) and Botrić (2021) who used similar variables related to this issue. Through the ordinary least squares (OLS) econometric model, the results have been obtained that show that criminality or different types of crime of a business nature have a negative impact on the performance of these firms. Also, the results obtained prove that firms from the region of Pristina and Mitrovica are more exposed to crime, while as for the size of the firms, medium-sized firms are more exposed to crime compared to other firms. Firms in the textile and wood sectors, compared to firms in other sectors, are most affected by crime. Business associations and government institutions should design state policies that would ensure a safe environment for all firms in all regions of Kosovo and economic sectors. The relevance of this research lies in the fact that these findings have never been elaborated on by other authors from Kosovo.

The role of university programmes in the development of future board members

Contemporary higher education institutions (HEIs) are extensively oriented toward offering professional and technical programmes but have neglected the significance of instilling ethical and socially responsible values in university students. This study investigates the extent to which HEIs include business ethics (BE) and corporate social responsibility (CSR) courses in the undergraduate curricula and examines the importance of equipping university graduates as prospective corporate board members with ethical values. Involving public and selected private HEIs in the Republic of Kosovo, the study employs a cross-institutional and content analysis approach. The database of the Kosovo Accreditation Agency and structured interviews with relevant staff of academic service units are the primary sources of data used for the study. The findings reveal three significant trends: 1) only fifty-five percent of the institutions offer the course of BE; 2) HEIs offer BE as an elective course and for one semester only, and 3) except for one HEI that offers CSR as a separate course, other institutions have included it as part of other courses. The study contributes to academia and industry by identifying the gaps in the current programmes among HEIs and advocates for the inclusion of BE and CSR courses in their curricula as demanded by corporations.

“The Sun is also a star”: The foreign policy issue in the Republic North Macedonia EU-integration

The article is devoted to the foreign policy aspect of the EU-integration of the Republic of North Macedonia. The main attention of the article is paid not only to the interaction of official Skopje and Brussels, but also to the problems of the regional dimension of integration processes. Three main regional challenges for Macedonia are considered: the Macedonian name dispute, the Political views on the Macedonian language and the Albanian issue. The last one is not only about the rights and claims of the Albanian community of the country, but also It is the issue which seriously affecting Macedonia bilateral relations with neighboring Albania, the so-called “Republic of Kosovo”, Serbia and Montenegro. In the course of the study, the main contradictions of the parties were analyzed, the stages of the integration process of Macedonia in relation to NATO and the EU were highlighted, and a forecast was made regarding the prospects of the Skopje state to leave the top ten applicants and become a full member of the EU. Based on the results of the study, we came to the conclusion that in the future it is equally likely that both the successful resolution of existing conflicts in the case of a new focus of Brussels on the problems of the Western Balkans, and the freezing of existing contradictions and, even, under certain circumstances, the resumption of seemingly subsided memory wars, as this happened with the Political views on the Macedonian language in Macedonian- Bulgarian relations.

The Correlation Between Elementary Students’ English Listening Skills and Their Interest in and Views on Learning English

This paper examines the relationship between students’ listening comprehension skills and their opinions and interest in learning English. The participants were 514 ninth-grade students in public elementary schools in the Republic of Kosovo. A standardised listening comprehension test was used to assess students’ listening skills, followed by a questionnaire covering a range of opinions and interest in learning English. The results indicate a significant positive correlation between proficiency in English listening and factors such as interest in learning English, perception of English as a motivating skill, and lower levels of learning difficulty. In addition, favouring a dedicated language school for learning English was found to be a significant factor in English listening proficiency.

Technology and composition of traditional and industrial Rugova cheese

Rugova cheese is an endogenous dairy product in the Republic of Kosovo, which originates from the region of Peja, where it is traditionally produced from the raw milk of cows, sheep and goats. This research determined physicochemical characteristics such as dry matter, protein, fat, titratable acidity, pH and sensory attributes such as colour, taste, aroma, consistency and appearance. These parameters were determined in traditional and industrial cheeses from the Rugova region with an altitude of about 997.14 meters. These cheeses were analyzed on the first day, the 30th day and the 60th day of storage. The highest pH value was in traditional cheese. Traditional cheese had the highest value of dry matter on the end of ripening while the highest salt concentration was in industrial cheese. The significantly (P<0.05) higher protein and fat content was in traditional cheese. In conclusion, traditional cheese has a higher nutritional value but variable technological properties than industrial cheese and it needs to be standardized.

Noise measurements of wind turbines for electricity generation in Shala Park

The global energy crisis has increased the emergency demand for electricity generation in the Republic of Kosovo. In order to respond to the challenges of climate and energy, our country has also given priority to strategic investments. These investments are regulated by the law of Kosovo on Alternative Wind Energy in Shala of Bajgora Park. Our paper has presented the effect of noise exposure of the rotation of the wings from the head of wind turbines and their negative effects on the mobility of people who frequent their spaces, creating health concerns with symptoms that are exposed to such cases. During the research of the paper the effect of noise and acoustic pollution was treated, including low frequency noise which is gradually reduced with increasing distance from different geographical positions for the installation of 27 GE (Generation of Energy) 137-3.8 MW (Mega Wat) wind turbines of the General brand. Prejudices of the selection of the development of disturbing noise indications related to the measurements performed during the study work were found annoying elements that affect the sustainable environmental development. Experimental measurements have shown that the aerodynamic noises in the form of wind waves blowing with the turbine blades were above the permitted standards.

Social economic outcomes of remittances from the diaspora and their role in managing the COVID-19 pandemic in the emerging economy

Migration and remittances in Kosovo are promoters of local economic development and have an important role in the economic well-being of citizens, as well as other aspects in financing and developing the economy through stimulation. This article will evaluate and assess using subjective research methodologies the impact of diaspora during the pandemic period time. Anytime was crucial for many citizens that depend on the remittances, according to this statement, we mention that diaspora has a major role also in economic development in general. So, the purpose of this paper is to define and deeply explain the socio-economic outcomes of diaspora during the pandemic of COVID-19. In this way, we have used two types of data, primary and secondary for further analysis where we have used different techniques such as descriptive, crosstab, and Chi-square, which we have analyzed and shown by using SPSS software. Also, our paper is based on Hamdi Hoti and Hoxha’s (2018) and Jusufi and Ukaj’s (2020) findings and suggests that remittances have always been one of the most important and stable sources of external financing for the country. This is very important for states such as the Republic of Kosovo.

Challenges of women entrepreneurs in the developing economy

Entrepreneurship takes a very important role in employment, improving economic and social indicators. The importance of enterprises is great for both developed and developing countries, so they are known as the key to the economic development of a country (Sharma &amp; Gaur, 2020). Entrepreneurial women and their importance is a topic of discussion in itself in all countries of the world for the sake of gender equality in every economic and social aspect. This research aims to analyze the challenges of women entrepreneurs in the case of Kosovo. The research paper uses extensive literature and is based on secondary data provided by the Kosovo Agency of Statistics and various official reports and primary data provided by the survey, also, this work is realized based on the primary data. The purpose of this paper is to highlight the challenges faced by women entrepreneurs in transition countries, specifically in the state of Kosovo. The sample included 87 women entrepreneurs. The findings of the research paper show that childcare, care for the elderly, and access to finance remain challenges for women entrepreneurs in the case of Kosovo. The research paper further recommends increasing government support and government programs to support women entrepreneurs in all types of businesses and economic activities.

THE IMPACT OF DEMOGRAPHIC FACTORS ON CONSUMER PURCHASING PREFERENCES IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES: EMPIRICAL EVIDENCE FROM KOSOVO

This paper analyses the role and the level of impact that different demographic factors have on buying preferences during the selection process between local and imported goods in developing and emerging economies, with a specific focus on the Kosovo region. A total of 630 questionnaires were distributed, from which 536 valid responses and an empirical study is applied to test the hypothesis. A probability sample (randomly selected), which was stratified by seven regions throughout the country was applied, by covering all levels of the society, cultural background, different locations (urban and rural), different levels of education, and income. Some of the respondents have shown a preference for imported goods and were willing to pay a price premium for it based on the quality offered by top producers (around 41.79%). Whereas, 58.21% of respondents prefer local products. It is proven that there is a correlation between demographic factors and buying preferences process when deciding between local and imported products. Whereas, price is considered as the main factor in the buying process in developing countries, due to the low income, whereas the level of imported products depends on the country’s ability to fulfill the local needs with local products.

Local government in Albania and Kosovo: comparative overview

The purpose of this article is to file the administrative-territorial reforms, conducted by Albania Republic, in a comparative point of view with some other countries, especially with Kosovo Republic as a result of their past. Looking at the historical evolution of reforms in these countries with different local governance systems, and analysis of the latest developments will give us a deeper knowledge about the topic. This comparison would address reforms of the political bodies of local government (such as those relating to political accountability and decision-making in local government), with regard to administrative structures, because only by looking at both sides of the currency of the local government can we get a complete picture of the changes and improvements to be made. The decentralization process and reforms, as well as the territorial and administrative reform (TAR) and its effects in the country, were subject to extensive debates among experts and the media, especially during last years .Comparison aims at providing knowledge about the terminology and concepts used in the comparison of countries and characteristics of each country in connection with the territorial administrative reforms carried out, followed by a reformation of the local government. This treatment is based on the legal framework of local government, taking a look at its changes over the years, analyzing and decentralization strategy. The article offers concrete conclusions based on the performance of this multilateral process and its implementation in local units of state.

THE CHALLENGES OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION REFORMS IN KOSOVO IN THE CONTEXT OF EUROINTEGRATION PROCESS

The phase of transition and the ambition for EU membership has caused the administration and the Government of Kosovo to act differently, allowing it to address a variety of issues that have brought Kosovo's state administration closer to the European family. Kosovo has not remained indifferent to its claim to join the EU, therefore it has undertaken the public administration reform. The results of the reform are being felt slowly. Problems in administration reform over the past few years have been; political influence on public administration recruitment and independent decision-making, size of administration, lack of professionalism, etc. The objectives of this paper consist of a) reflecting the real situation of the public administration reform process, b) analyzing the results of the administration reform over the years, c) analyzing the harmonization of legal acts and the transformation of the public administration of Kosovo with acts legal and EU policies. The research methods used in this study were normative, analytical, and statistical methods. Reforming and modernizing the public sector remains one of Kosovo's most pressing challenges on the road to EU membership.