Unfavourable Economic Situation Research Articles

Regional development in the Western Balkans through the support of EU projects

The paper shows how different support programs intended for institutions and organizations contribute to regional development and cooperation between the countries of the Western Balkans, as well as to higher economic development and prosperity of the region. Unfavourable economic and financial situation in most of the countries needs to be managed more efficiently through external financial support, which usually, in the case of the Western Balkans implies different EU programs. Such programs include the assistance in applying for CBC programmes, which further results in the development of the regional competitiveness through the implementation of joint projects. Such programs (CARDS 2000-2006, IPA 2007-2013 RSEDP2, IPA II 2014-2020) provide the financial support of the EU to resolve the issues of common interest (socio-economic, cultural and historical potentials) for neighbouring countries. The support programs should improve the institutional capacity of Serbia and strengthen the cooperation with the countries of the Western Balkans, which simultaneously implies alignment with European Structural Funds Regulations.

Hunting tourism in the function of rural development of Homolje

Homolje, an area in eastern Serbia, which coincides with the territorial area of the Municipality of Zagubica, is extremely rural. Despite the fact that it has significant natural resources, this area is among the least developed in Serbia. Decades of unfavorable economic situation in Homolje has led to permanent depopulation in the form of emigration to more developed centers in Serbia or abroad, on the one hand, and negative population growth, on the other hand. This pathogenic occurrence can be prevented only by the appearance of economic recovery based on the concept of intensive rural development, i.e. operation of a set of interrelated economic activities and other activities (agriculture, manufacturing, forestry, water management, trade, tourism, crafts, hunting, fishing, etc.). Analysis shows that, according to available adequate resources, hunting tourism can become a significant factor in fostering rural development of Homolje. The subject of this research is dedicated to finding the place, role and potential of hunting tourism from the aspect of rural development of Homolje.

CRIMINAL LIABILITY FOR SOCIAL HATRED AND ENMITY INSTIGATION, DIFFICULTIES WITH THEIR THEORETICAL AND PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

After the Latvian Republic’s accession to the European Union on 1st May 2004, the interaction between representatives of different race, color, nationality, ethnic origin, religion or culture increased and continues to grow with each year. The communication experience and lack of information is a breeding ground for prejudice and violence. The unfavorable economic situation and social challenges are promoting prejudice, intolerance, racism and discrimination. On 25 September 2014, amendments were made to the Criminal Law in Latvia, which improved the regulatory framework in relation to the so-called “hate crimes”, with liability for social hatred and enmity. The article aims to initiate a debate on potential problems related to the application of the Section 150 of the Criminal Law. The author offers his vision of the new regulatory framework application problems.

The factors of digital shadow consumption

Increasing volumes of e-trade contribute to motivation of consumers to obtain commodities and services in electronic space. At the same time, upsurge of e-trade determines rising scopes of shadow economy in respect of favourable conditions for traders and service providers to operate in e-space evading tax paying. The purpose of the article is to identify the factors of digital shadow consumption. In order to fulfil the defined purpose, the empirical research – survey of consumers (e-trade participants) – was performed. The research of the scientific literature has revealed that thus far the problem of consumers’ participation in digital shadow economy has been basically analysed focusing on the impact of e-payment systems on shadow economy. Nevertheless, the rapid spread of e-services determines the changes in the concept of shadow economy itself. It remains indistinct which features indicate whether economic activities performed in e-space should be accounted or not. Widely exploited e-spaces such as social network platforms, alternative future currencies, e-trade systems, cyber computer games or online gambling terminals generate turnover of real money (or its electronic equivalent), which is not officially accounted.The problem raised in this article is highly topical for Lithuania, where online networks as well as mobile connection systems are comparatively advanced (with reference to the data of Lithuanian Department of Statistics, the number of households possessing a computer and the Internet access made over 65% in 2013). Intense exploitation of advanced IT technologies and online networks is considered as a breeding ground for generation of digital economy, a part of which is presumed to be digital shadow. The results of the research have revealed that the most significant factors of digital shadow consumption include lower prices of products and services in digital black markets, unfavourable economic situation in the country, technological advancement, IT advantages, time saving obtaining a product/service in the local market and lack of opportunities to obtain a desired product in the local market. The majority of the consumers neither verify the status of a trader nor request (or not always request) purchase confirmation documents, which highly contributes to motivation of an illegal trader to maintain e-activities unregistered, this way escaping revenue taxation.

Planning of integrated/sustainable solid waste management (ISWM) - model of integrated solid waste management in Republika Srpska/B&H

Municipal solid waste management (MSWM) has become an important issue for countries around the world. The challenges are particularly notable in developing and transitional countries reflected mainly in inappropriate management, underdeveloped technology, an unfavorable economic situation and the lack of environmental awareness, causing a tremendous environmental impact. Today, various models are applied to analyze solid waste management systems from the regional to the municipal levels. Understanding the mechanisms and factors that currently drive the development of waste management is a crucial step for moving forward and planning sustainable waste management systems. The main objective of this paper is to apply the ISWM model, which is based on the Life-Cycle approach and follows the analytical framework methodology, to the research region. The transdisciplinary research framework was empirically tested and subsequently applied in the region Republika Srpska. Using the benchmark methodology, based on environmental, institutional and economical sustainability, the waste management is summarized in assessment profile. The results of the conducted analyses and the application of the developed model can be used further as a basis for the proposal of further strategic, political and managerial changes and support decision makers and stakeholders to handle waste in a cost-efficient and environmentally sound way.

Economic efficiency analysis of dairy cattle farms in Bulgaria

Dairy cattle production remains one of the traditionally most profitable sectors of agriculture and is at the same time among the most favored branches by farmers in Bulgaria. The aim of this article is to describe the present picture and provide analysis of its condition and economic efficiency, as well as to give recommendations for its improvement. The topic of dairy cattle and their products, especially milk, will always be an object of interest for agricultural economists. The relevance of the problem stems from the current unfavorable economic situation in Bulgaria, due to the global economic crisis and its impact on all segments of the production and consumption of dairy products. Some of the major results and conclusions made as a result of the study are that most of the of dairy cattle farms function on the edge of survival, which requires urgent rescue measures and subsequently, measures for their recovery. Appropriate recommendations are made at the end of the article to meet the objectives of the article.

Psychosocial determinants of postpartum depression

Objective. To evaluate the severity of postpartum depression for maternity cases in the first week after childbirth, and to establish the impact of the psychosocial factors on the occurrence of postnatal depression. Background. The study involved 285 women, who gave birth at the University Hospital No. 2 in Bydgoszcz. Methods. The study used the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), original questionnaire and medical records. Results. In the first week after the birth, 66 parturients received score ≥12 points on the EPDS, which is 23.2%. The average level of postpartum depression was significantly higher in the group of women who had experienced stressful life events during pregnancy. The presence of relatives during childbirth significantly reduced the level of postpartum depression. The dependent correlation was obtained between the memory of labor as a "traumatic experience", and the incidence of postpartum depression. In a sample of women who developed the postpartum depression, the percentage of anxiety cases due to motherhood was significantly higher. The dependent correlation was found between mental disorders occurring before pregnancy and the incidents of postnatal depression. In the group of women with postpartum depression, the percent of cases of mental illnesses in the family was significantly higher. There is a connection between an unfavorable economic situation of women and the occurrence of PPD. Conclusions. The prevalence of postpartum depression in first week after childbirth was estimated at 23.2%. Psychosocial determinants of postpartum depression include stressful life events during pregnancy, childbirth without the presence of relatives, the negative memory of labor, anxiety due to motherhood, the incidence of mental illness before pregnancy, family history of mental disorders and the unfavorable economic situation. There was no association between the lack of social support and the incidence of postpartum depression.

Chosen aspects of economic profitability in agricultural companies in the context of global economic crisis

Abstract Negative consequences of the economic crisis, which began in the United Sates in 2007, affected economies of all countries. The unfavourable economic situation on world markets was also reflected in the financial condition of Polish companies. It also refers to agriculture which plays a significant role in Polish economy. The following paper covers change trends in economic profitability of a group of 10 agricultural companies. Chosen liquidity and profitability ratios have been presented as well as synthetic measure which is at the root of the compilation “Ranking of 300 best agricultural companies”. The presented findings cover the years 2007-2012.

The Use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) among Legal Practitioners in Ibadan Metropolis

This work present the use of ICTs among legal practitioners in Ibadan metropolis and to determine how often the lawyers used ICTs for their information needs and to ascertain the extent to which they were satisfied with the services provided by ICTs. The analyses are based on data from a questionnaire survey of the legal practitioners in the metropolis. The findings revealed that due to lack of awareness, majority of the lawyers were yet to take advantage of the huge potential benefits that can be derived from using ICTs. The study revealed that legal practitioners used some ICTs more than others; for instance, mobile phones and computers were the most frequently used ICTs. Furthermore, young legal practitioners embraced ICTs more than the older lawyers. In addition, about 75.2% of the respondents strongly agreed that the application of ICTs in the legal profession would go a long way in improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the profession. The major problems and constraints identified to the use of ICTs among lawyers are the unfavorable economic situation of the country, excessive cost of procurement of ICTs facilities and inadequate infrastructure such as telecommunication and electric supply.

The introduction of library automation in the National and University Library and Slovene public libraries

ABSTRACTIn a series of articles on library automation, this is the first one describing and analyzing the introduction of library automation in the National and University Library in Ljubljana and in other Slovene public libraries from the outset to 1977. It discusses the process of creating the professional basis, which enabled the subsequent application of new technologies in public library services in Slovenia, and describes the terms and conditions in which the first attempts of implementation of computer systems were carried out. It especially underlines the importance of a very high level of professional awareness of the Slovene librarians. They promoted consistent consideration of the international professional standards and trends in library automation field in spite of the unfavourable economic situation in the country of that time, when the restrictions in the allocation of funds also limited the possibilities for the development of the Slovene librarianship. Therefore, it was very significant to make the best use of all disposable resources - also very moderate potentials of new information technology - even though only a very limited number of the Slovene librarians had the access.

Do local authorities use NPM delivery forms to overcome problems of fiscal stress?

Finding solutions to the unfavourable economic and financial situation that the local authorities are currently facing is of crucial importance. One such solution is to adopt mechanisms for restructuring local public services, through new management approaches to reduce costs and thereby reduce fiscal stress. The aim of this article is to determine the probability of a city council changing the way it manages services, selecting from different options, in response to situations of fiscal stress. To address this issue, we studied a sample of 1572 Spanish municipalities for the period 2002–2009, using a random-effects panel multinomial logit model. The results obtained show that outsourcing and inter-municipal cooperation are the management formulas that councils are most likely to choose in response to a financial crisis, especially the ones arising from insufficient transfers, negative cash flow, debt or budget deficit.

Allotment gardens and spatial development – two case studies from the Katowice conurbation, Poland

Abstract Allotment gardens are a characteristic feature of the industrial landscape of Upper Silesia. The purpose of the study has been to present various aspects of allotment location in the urban landscape. A more than a 100-year-old development process has shaped the contemporary structure of the allotments which constitute a multi-functional part of the development. In the historical development, there have coexisted the following functions: economic, recreational, ecological, landscape and socio-educational. Under the existing administrative restrictions, they were developed as a result of an unfavourable economic situation and focused on food production. Allotment gardens usually developed without the interference of urban planners, which had, and still have, many organizational consequences. Distance from the centre is the main factor influencing the spatial distribution of allotment gardens in urban areas. The detailed location is determined by the environmental conditions and administrative decisions that are usually taken, albeit under pressure, due to the high demand for allotments. Distance-related profiles demonstrate the relationship between the distance from the centre and the share of allotments in the land surface as well as the size of the time-space changes resulting from the development of the city. In many cities, there are concentric concentration zones at a certain distance from the centre. Analysis has shown that allotments are quite clearly linked to the structural units of the city. Larger concentrations are formed on the outskirts of residential multi-family buildings. The results of the research confirm compliance with the design recommendations that the distance should not cause too much time loss for users.

Enterprise Performance and Assessment Policy in Albania, Needs Social Development Strategies as an Important Key

This paper research overview of the leader behavior literature highlighted the fact that there are inconsistent relationships between the behaviors that leaders engage in and the effects of these behaviors on member attitudes, behavior, and group effectiveness. Making decisions is fairly simple if no responsibility is attached to those decisions. True leaders always assume the responsibility for their actions, their plans, their programmer and their decisions. Courage and personal honesty, the marks of leadership, will permit nothing else. Albania like the other transitional countries is left behind from the western countries concerning the real understanding of the term “management”. Also, management and the entrepreneurship skills are still considered as resources less efficient than the capital in a moment when management and entrepreneurship play a crucial role in business success and performance. The organizations are under pressure to show return on investment for training and development. Although positive trends, problems which management is faced are more challenging than the degree of preparation and performance that they offer, so their qualitative qualification remains the continuous preoccupation as the role of our school is in this direction. In this point of view education in distance can be considered as complementary approach and in some conditions as a worthy replacement of direct education, which still dominates educative systems in Albania. Implementation of efficient financial and economic policies in order to develop a socio-economic strategy, ensures security and stability in the interest of citizens .For this reason that the need for economic reform remains a priority as regional and European integration depends precisely this fact .Since 2006, Albania as a candidate country that aspires to European Union integration has applied and is monitored periodically for development mode of implementation of these policies. As expected, the unfavorable economic situation in the European continent is expected to have a negative impact on the Albanian economy. Either way, the fact that it will continue to have economic growth is good news for the country, especially in the context of a European economy in crisis. DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2013.v4n9p13

Du RMI au RSA : les trajectoires d’emploi des allocataires du revenu de solidarité active

On 1st June 2009, RSA took the place of RMI. To what extent has this new scheme encouraged people to return to work ? Based on data from the CNAF, the French national office of family social benefits, a study of the path to employment taken by unmarried recipients of RSA for the unemployed shows that only a minority of people (scarcely 15% both at the time of the reform and in the year preceding it) had episodes of employment. However, despite a more unfavourable economic situation, there were fewer people leaving employment at the time of the reform. Lastly, the new scheme is struggling to get unmarried benefit recipients with or without children back into regular employment.

REACTION OF CORPORATE MANAGEMENT TO THE UNFAVOURABLE ECONOMIC CONDITIONS

This study analyses trends in the economic development and measures and decisions adopted by companies’ management in order to deal with unfavourable external factors caused by the economic recession. Subject of research are trends in the economic development in the period from 60s to 80s in the past century. Study looks into their impact on managerial decision-making; compares their results with current trends in the economic development; compares reactions of management; evaluates relations and strategies within managerial reactions to the external influences and in adequate decisions made by companies’ management. Moreover, this study analyses the results of an empirical research, conducted in order to identify strategies of behaviour of companies in unfavourable economic situation, reactions and implemented decisions of companies’ management.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5755/j01.em.17.1.2296

Agglomeration and social return to R&D: Evidence from French plant productivity changes

This paper investigates the effect of inter-firm and intra-firm spillovers on the productivity of firms, using French data. The Luenberger Productivity Indicator (LPI) is used to estimate the productivity and to break it down into several components (e.g. efficiency, biased technical progress, scales effects, etc.). Using this approach, negative productivity changes are found due to the unfavourable economic situation over 2000–2002. Diverse forms of intra- and inter-firm externalities are then investigated through a Maximum Likelihood Random Effect (MLRE) model. Spillover effects due to spatial agglomeration – influencing Total Factor Productivity (TFP) and its correspondent components, technological and efficiency changes, are found.

Network analysis and wine routes: the case of the Bairrada Wine Route

This paper is the outcome of extensive research carried out with the purpose of defining a development strategy for the Bairrada Wine Route in Portugal. This region has low levels of development, a condition made worse by the unfavourable economic situation of the private agents of the wine sector. Thus, the need to increase the region's competitiveness and attractiveness associated with its endogenous products and services emerged as a priority. Considering that a wine route is a network of agents in a wine region, whose purpose is to promote regional development by employing strategies that lead to the development of an inclusive regional network which encompasses public and private agents from both sectors of activity (wine and tourism), this paper focuses on the way in which the implementation of communication tools and internal organization might encourage development at different levels and promote regional competitiveness. After the evaluation of the current situation of the Bairrada region and a literature review concerning wine tourism, wine routes and networks, we were able to design a strategic policy which allows the regional development plan, supported by an organization of destination management, to be put into practice.

Productivity Changes And Intangible Assets: Evidence from French Plants

This paper investigates the effect of inter-firm and intra-firm spillovers on the productivity of firms, using French data. The Luenberger Productivity Indicator (LPI) is used to estimate the productivity and to break it down into several components (e.g. efficiency, biased technical progress, scale effects, etc.). Using this approach, negative productivity changes are found due to the unfavourable economic situation over 2000-2002. Intangible assets of productivity change are then investigated through a Maximum Likelihood Random Effect (MLRE) model. Spillover effects – influencing Total Factor Productivity (TFP) and its correspondent components, technological and efficiency changes – are found.

Adolescents, fertility and reproductive health of the young in the Bosnian Serb Republic

This paper presents data which clearly reveal that the behavior model of young people in the Bosnian Serb Republic is characterized by an insufficient degree of information and poor knowledge on reproductive health, an increase in the number of alcohol consumers, drugs and cigarettes which leads to an increase in risky behavior, entering sexual relations and an earlier age, an increase in the number of sexually transmitted diseases and unwanted pregnancies which often result in abortions or premature birth. At the same time young people recognize the necessity for more information, mention competent authorities and expect help from them. At the same time, they show readiness to learn through peer education. On the other hand, the estimated results which we obtained by using available sources, because of the lack of a population census, give us information on the grave demographic situation in the Bosnian Serb Republic and negative tendencies in the future. When we speak of the total fertility rate and compare these data with countries of Europe and the surrounding areas, we can unfortunately only state that many factors - the most important being: war events, insecurity, unfavorable economic and social situation, significant migration of not only young people but of whole families - caused severely low total fertility rate in the Bosnian Serb Republic. Even worse, these tendencies are further decreasing and society is moving towards open depopulation with unforeseeable demographic, economic and national consequences. At the same time, it has been ascertained that young people are getting married at a later age, deciding on becoming parents at a later age and acting more riskily which decreases their fertility capacity and decreases their share in the total fertility capacity, making the already bad demographic picture of the Bosnian Serb Republic even worse.

Simulation modeling of the conditional resource potentials of the environment

It is suggested to describe the ecological and economic features of the local sites of natural environments (dry-land and water areas) by their resource potential conditional relative to the technologies of their application. An information model aimed at the prediction of scenarios of conditional resource potentials capable of evaluation of the efficiency of consumption of the resources is developed. The model is based on the monitoring of the amount of debt for the consumption of the resources accumulated by a branch of economy (plant) in the unfavorable economic situation or in the case of deterioration of environmental conditions. Examples of simulation of the processes of consumption of the resources aimed at the realization of control over the stable development of ecological and economic systems are presented.