The cultural sector is currently understood as a social cohesion vector and the Eurostat statistics show that it triggers the prosperity of the connected activity sectors, in the period 2006-2013, this sectors’ contribution experiencing an increase of almost 27% in the EU GDP. From this perspective, the paper at hand performs a comparative analysis focused on the financing mechanisms of the cultural sector and on their impact, by orientating the thorough research towards the statute of artists in the selected countries. For the comparative analysis, the paper considered a number of EU member states, grouped on geographical spaces (North, West, South-East and Center). The analysis performed within the paper emphasizes the fact that the great majority of these states, understanding the socio-economic benefits conferred by a developed cultural context (national and European), are properly committed, both to financing the cultural sector and to providing a comprehensive statute of the artist, numerous common points having been identified in this sense, as well as significant differences between these states.
- Type: Case Study
- Published on: 1st November, 2017
- Keywords: EU, Cultural sector, Financing mechanisms, Statute of the artists
- Final revision and acceptance: 25th October, 2017
In the literature there are studies that deal with intermediaries in banking services (especially), mutual funds and pensions, insurance, real estate, etc. Most of them focus on subjects like investor behaviour, ethical issues and market manipulation. In this paper we intend to observe the stages in the evolution of the Financial Investment Services Companies (SSIF) between 1995-2016 in relation with the number of transactions, the volume of traded shares, the number of issuing companies as well as the economic and political situation of our country. Moreover, our study shows that the number of SSIF's is little affected by economic crises or declines and is rather influenced by the annual net incomes of the population. Basically, SSIF’s are in constant competition with the rest of the financial institutions, banks being a good example.
- Type: Case Study
- Published on: 1st November, 2017
- Keywords: Financial Investments Services Companies (SSIF), Stock Market, Shares, Investors
- Final revision and acceptance: 25th October, 2017
Although there has been made considerable progress in the corporate social responsibility (CSR) field in Romania, there are limited research papers presenting the CSR dynamics in the banking system. One of the main objectives of this paper is to highlight the CSR particularities for two of the most important banks operating on the local market: The Romanian Commercial Bank and BRD – Groupe Société Générale. This approach will outline the significant relationships in the CSR development, building on the dominant CSR themes and focusing on both similarities and differences in order to select the appropriate CSR practical framework. The results of this paper reveal a competitive context in the Romanian banking sector for the CSR initiatives, the influence of the marketing forces and particular CSR measures to rebuild banking trust. The CSR commitment of the banks address societal needs through the employee volunteering, as a new form of competitive advantage, becoming a strategic point in the reputational and financial performance.
- Type: Case Study
- Published on: 1st November, 2017
- Keywords: Corporate social responsibility, Banking sector, Reputation
- Final revision and acceptance: 25th October, 2017
This essay tries to analyse the phenomenon of national and transnational organized crime, which focuses the attention of several countries, governments, security and judicial apparatus throughout the world, on its threat to world stability and its destructive impact on the economic, social and security plans. The various aspects of this phenomenon are described through the follow-up of the various stages in which organized crime in Algeria developed. Its impact on the stability of neighbour countries is also worth mentioning, because is increasing in intensity and diversifying national and transnational criminal activities.
- Type: Case Study
- Published on: 1st November, 2017
- Keywords: Organized crime, The contraband, Money laundering, Drug trafficking, The firearms traffickin
- Final revision and acceptance: 25th October, 2017
International developments are driven by an impact on a number of economic, social, cultural and political factors - none more so than those relating to the processes and structures of the world economy. To what extent, if any, does the study of diplomacy have the analytical tools to highlight and explain major global economic developments such as regionalization, globalization, and economic development? This is a question often ignored by scholars of diplomacy but one which those who study International Relations (IR) are constantly confronting. Mainstream studies of diplomacy have traditionally approached international relations using realist and neorealist frameworks (see Lee & Hudson 2004) and this has determined both focus and approach, resulting in state-centric analyses of mainly political agendas. In recent years, however, there have been significant ontological and conceptual shifts in the study of diplomacy. Scholars have highlighted the necessity of understanding international relations outside the narrow state-centric security nexus.
- Type: Case Study
- Published on: 1st November, 2017
- Keywords: Diplomacy, Security, Target, Economy, Globalization
- Final revision and acceptance: 25th October, 2017
The present study aims to be a recovery of the suffering, of the victims of the Second World War, Sandu Tudor's biography being approached as exempla. The observation of the up to the edge experiences he went through is, we believe, an effective method to reconstruct historical phenomena and processes that also can facilitate bringing to light the obscured areas. The presentation of the investigation and the process in which Monk Agathon was involved are added to the samples of spiritual dare and sacrifice of the director of "Credința (Faith)", one of the representatives of the elite of the spiritualist younger generation who placed his existence into a continuous war held in the name of Orthodoxy, for the promotion of spiritual and social dimension of faith, rooted in liturgical horizon, was a constant and fervent mission of our subject. The Second World War was for Sandu Tudor, apparently paradoxically, a time of deepening his spiritual and clerical searches, a stage in the formation of the one who was to become the founder of the Burning Altar. In our try to re-build a real image of the process in which Monk Agathon (Sandu Tudor) was involved, we conjunction the documents from the archive C.N.S.A.S. with interwar press.
- Type: Case Study
- Published on: 23th December, 2017
- Keywords: Sandu Tudor, Orthodoxy, Paradox, Resistance, Intellectual spirituality, Monk Agathon
- Final revision and acceptance: 19th December, 2017
Being published in 2017 by the L'Harmattan Publishing House, Paris, under the coordination of Pierre Dupriez and Blandine Vanderlinden (MIME-ICHEC, Brussels), the book Perspectives on interculturality manages to capture the main aspects of the cultural dimension of management, using a multicultural and multidisciplinary team.
- Type: Book Review
- Published on: 1st October, 2017
- Final revision and acceptance: 27th September, 2017
During the presentation of this study, we try to show a model that allows the upgrade of human resources and skills development in the workplace with a reduced cost. Through this proposal, we put emphasis on the actors and the areas of uncertainty in the organization, according to the theory of strategic analysis of Michel Crozier, on one part. Targeting, on the other part, the reliable transfer of knowledge, modern technologies and skills by the actors, as they have important influences on group members.
- Type: Case Study
- Published on: 6th July, 2017
- Keywords: Strategic analysis, Actor, Uncertainty area, Competence, Training
- Final revision and acceptance: 30th June, 2017
The regional conflict that takes place now in the middle east from Afghanistan, Iraq to Syria has proven to be incrementally complex and difficult to manage from a geo-political point of view. It is becoming harder to know who are the violent non-state actors and who is backing them, turning what was at first a civil war into a proxy war between the western countries on one side and Russia, pro al-assad forces and Iran. Also, Turkey who at once was considered to be an important ally to the US has now grown closer to Russian interests, bombing kurdish troops backed by the US. In this regard it is becoming obvious that there are a number of threats, risks, and vulnerabilities that arise in an unpredictable manner. In conclusion, this paper analyzes the main solutions that can be adopted in order to control and manage the complex dynamic that are unfolding in Syria.
- Type: Case Study
- Published on: 6th July, 2017
- Keywords: Islam, Syria, War, ISIL, The US, Russia
- Final revision and acceptance: 30th June, 2017
The proposed article presents introductive aspects regarding intercultural communication in business. The main milestones that define the field are identified (culture, communication, intercultural situation) and examples of economic rationality and organizational models are presented with influence on intercultural communication in business, in order to understand the importance of knowing the cultural contexts that require different approaches in business relationships.
- Type: Case Study
- Published on: 6th July, 2017
- Keywords: Intercultural communication, Culture, Romanian values, Intercultural situation, Intercultural communication in business, Organizational models
- Final revision and acceptance: 30th June, 2017
Lately we are speaking increasingly more about progress, peace, cooperation, understanding and integration in the context of increased efforts to level the inherent differences between individuals or groups of individuals, belonging to different cultural and ideological traditions. But if we do not want all these aspirations to lead to a new Tower of Babel, it must be borne in mind the consideration as a whole and as a particular the real anthropological context of human development, in terms of immanento-transcendental axiology, the two coordinate whose balance determines the progress and the regress of history. From this perspective, the practical approach to an issue so ambitious is obliged to take into account, first the importance both of the spiritual and rational factor understood in its full forming dimension. This paper is intended to be a concise and systematic exposure of the missionary and proselyte thinking and its relationships with the process of secularization in the democratic environment of the XXI century.
- Type: Case Study
- Published on: 6th July, 2017
- Keywords: Democracy, Secularization, Multicultural proselytism, Education
- Final revision and acceptance: 30th June, 2017
Practicing tourism in Bucovina is a way to counteract the problems and restore them by finding solutions for economic, social, moral and political issues by natural and anthropogenic tourism potential. Promoting the area of Bucovina has various economic implications, and the increased volume and complexity of the supply of tourism generated the development of a true industry of tourism trips, which implies treating tourism phenomenon as a distinct branch of the national economy, a component of the tertiary sector . We want to make an analysis on identifying the position makers to promote tourism and their level of information on the promotion, strategies, tourism and tourists. Through this analysis we want to find information on the position of those involved in tourism for the practice of tourism, whether they are aware of the benefits that will be brought to the locality where they operate tourism, the benefits to the local mayoralty and then the whole tourist areas if they have information on the many tourist services available to tourists.
- Type: Case Study
- Published on: 6th July, 2017
- Keywords: Promotion strategies, Tourism, Tourists, Tourist area Bucovina
- Final revision and acceptance: 30th June, 2017
This article's main purpose is to emphasize the main directions in the research made regarding the relations between the Romanian State and the Romanian Orthodox Church during 1923-1928, using the specific research's instruments of micro-history. The biography of Sandu Tudor can be approached as exemple, precisely because the analysis of the limit-experiences he had made, we believe, an efficient method of reconfiguration of some phenomena and historical processes from alternative and complementary positions, facilitating, at the same time, the enlightenment of dark and hidden areas. During this period, Sandu Tudor was a member of the Romanian Christian Students' Association. This membership allowed him to discover the discrepancy between YMCA, an inter-confessional, missionary Christian organization, founded in 1844, in Great Britain, which existed under the patronage of a protestant inspired Christianity, but which had orthodox values. In our try to re-build a real image of the Romanian Christian Students' Association. in which Sandu Tudor was involved, during 1923-1928, we conjunction the documents from the archive C.N.S.A.S. with interwar press.
- Type: Case Study
- Published on: 6th July, 2017
- Keywords: Sandu Tudor, Orthodoxy, Christian organization, A.S.C.R., Micro-history
- Final revision and acceptance: 30th June, 2017
Data from literature, especially from the US, has provided data on prediction, prevention and treatment of premature membrane rupture (RPM). RPM is a significant cause of premature birth and can cause complications of a term task. Considerable research on RPM has led to a better understanding of the mechanism of spontaneous breakage of membranes, risk factors, and good results for newborns resulting from such obstetrical events. Spontaneous rupture of the membranes increases the risk of intrauterine infection and umbilical cord compression as well as the risk of premature detachment of placenta. Newborn babies resulting from RPM have an increased risk of morbidity compared to gestational age, and the risk of infection is increased compared with other premature babies due to ancillary causes. If RPM occurs in the second trimester, there is an additional risk of pulmonary hypoplasia and hip dysplasia. Pre-term conservative treatment prolongs latency to birth. Antibiotics reduce the risk of infection while corticosteroid treatment (dexamethasone) reduces respiratory complications and interventricular haemorrhage without increasing the risk of infection. Birth is necessary or unavoidable in many cases by RPMs and because conservative treatment often results in no results; That is why studies are needed to identify all risk factors and the need to treat pregnant women at risk of RPM; 17-hydroxy-progesterone is a specific treatment for preventing recurrent membrane rupture. (http://www.ginecologultau.ro/ruptura-prematura-a-membranelor, 2013).
- Type: Case Study
- Published on: 6th July, 2017
- Keywords: Premature rupture of membranes, Chorioamnionitis, Prematurity, Newborn
- Final revision and acceptance: 30th June, 2017
Compliance with the construct validity criteria is necessary for the correct assessment of the research in terms of quality and for further development of the marketing models. The identification of formative and reflective constructs as well as the correct testing of their validity and reliability are important methodological steps for marketing research as described in this article. The first part defines the reflective and the formative constructs and highlighst their particularities by analysing the theoretical criteria that differentiate them. In the second part of the study aspects of validity and trust for the formative and reflective constructs are presented as well as some empirical considerations from research literature regarding their measurement.
- Type: Case Study
- Published on: 6th July, 2017
- Keywords: Formative, Reflective, Validity, Trust
- Final revision and acceptance: 30th June, 2017
Energy is an essential factor regarding the economic development and for providing a high standard of living to the population of any country. Because energy is produced mainly using classic fuels (coal, oil and gas) for a few decades there are signals regarding their exhaustion. Therefore, mankind should concern more about finding viable alternatives to replace the classical fuels. This way the use of nuclear fuels appeared, then the force of the wind, of the tides and of the photovoltaic cells. However, there are still enough energy resources for further growth of the global energy production. The great consumers are both the major energy producers, only their hierarchy has changed and changes over time. The paper presents all these countries, and also Romania, including its specific developments in recent years.
- Type: Case Study
- Published on: 6th July, 2017
- Keywords: Energy, Production, Consumption, Clean energy, Energy intensity
- Final revision and acceptance: 30th June, 2017
It has been demonstrated that the reality as we perceived it, is essentially a social construct, and that the media as a pillar in the process of the socialisation of the human individual and a component part of society, contributes greatly to its construction. By extrapolation this principle also applies to the assessment of certain social actors, such as women who manifest anti-social behaviors. The identity of human individuals originates from the assumption of the genre to which they belong and is found in its specific traits. The gender concept is one of the basic categories that are used to classify human beings (Brennan,2002). When it comes to expectations regarding gender-specific behavior, generally the associations between women and anti-social behaviors does not first come to mind. That is why the present paper aims to explore the variety of statutes and hyposthesis in which, women who exhibit antisocial behaviors can be found, in the articles published by the main Romanian newspapers.
- Type: Case Study
- Published on: 6th July, 2017
- Keywords: Identity screening, Women, Anti—social behavoior, Press articles
- Final revision and acceptance: 30th June, 2017
The paper, as the title has announced, proposes a discussion about Sandu Tudor's newspaper Floarea de Foc („Fire Flower”), political and literary magazine, published sporadically (1932, 1933, 1936). On January 6th, in the art manifesto Sandu Tudor proclaimed the need for an „authentic universal dogma” based on „clear consciousness”, „good thinking” and „clean thinking”. The value of the publication is confirmed by the various subjects and cross-cultural knowledge of his collaborators, some of the leading Trăirists, modernists or political radicals: Mircea Eliade, Emil Cioran, Mircea Vulcănescu, Petru Manoliu, Paul Sterian, Camil Petrescu, Ovidiu Papadima, Petru Comarnescu, Arșavir Acterian, Haig Acterian, Dan Botta, , Henri H. Stahl, Horia Stamatu and Octav Șuluțiu. The director Sandu Tudor manages to attract in his review Floarea de Foc („Fire Flower”) the famously Eugène Ionesco, a stern defender of authenticity, and disseminates throught the magazine his polemical pieces targeting the contemporary literary scene and the mainstream of modernism. „Floarea de Foc” („Fire Flower”), was at the same time an ideologically unregistered journal and, consequently, open to all political opinions. In our attempt to reconstruct a truthful image of „Floarea de foc” („Fire Flower”), we combine the documents from the C.N.S.A.S. (National Council for Studying the Security Archives) archive with interwar press.
- Type: Case Study
- Published on: 6th July, 2017
- Keywords: Sandu Tudor, Newspaper, Fire Flower, Political, Literary magazine
- Final revision and acceptance: 30th June, 2017
In this article I will present in summary, in the first part of the paper, the European legislation on economic concentrations. The purpose of this work will be to analyze the intercultural aspects that affect the evolution of economic concentration operations at European level. The first step will be to determine the countries of the European Union that are most often involved in acquisitions and mergers in the last years. I will then analyze, taking into account the model of Geert Hofstede, whether or not there is a direct link between this evolution and the cultural particularities of each country.
- Type: Case Study
- Published on: 6th July, 2017
- Keywords: Competition policy, Geert Hofstede`s Model, Mergers & Aquisitions
- Final revision and acceptance: 30th June, 2017
In the Internet world, the amount of information available reaches very high quotas. In order to find specific information, some tools were created that automatically scroll through the existing web pages and update their databases with the latest information on the Internet. In order to systematize the search and achieve a result in a concrete form, another step is needed for processing the information returned by the search engine and generating the response in a more organized form. Centralizing events of a certain type is useful first of all for creating a news service. Through this system we are pursuing a knowledge - events from the Internet documents - extraction system. The system will recognize events of a certain type (weather, sports, politics, text data mining, etc.) depending on how it will be trained (the concept it has in the dictionary). These events can be provided to the user, or it can also extract the context in which the event occurred, to indicate the initial form in which the event was embedded.
- Type: Case Study
- Published on: 6th July, 2017
- Keywords: Event Extraction System, Designing Methods, UML
- Final revision and acceptance: 30th June, 2017
According to the OECD, competitiveness is a measure of a country's advantage or disadvantage in selling its products on international markets. While economists consider productivity and growth rate as basic indicators of competitiveness, those dealing with economic- and social policy - including the OECD and various bodies of the EU - also emphasize the importance of high level employment rates. The regional policy of the EU,which is targeting balanced territorial development, considers the improvement of the competitiveness of its regions as the most effective tool achieving cohesion. The study contains an analysis of the GDP of the 12 member states that joined the Union in 2004 (Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovak Republic, Slovenia) and those in 2007 (Romania and Bulgaria) in relation with the employment rate, corporate tax, personal income tax values, imports and exports value.
- Type: Case Study
- Published on: 6th July, 2017
- Keywords: GDP, Competitiveness, Corporate tax, Personal income tax, Inflation, Employment rate, Imports and exports value
- Final revision and acceptance: 30th June, 2017
This article offers a summary of the foundations of the knowledge management literature referring to subsidiaries of multinational companies. We look at the way in which the literature on managing knowledge has evolved, and investigate how the streams have built upon each other. We also examine the literature in the light of different management fields, revealing similarities and differences between the distinct research areas. Based on 98 reviewed articles, we build a theoretical framework for a better organization and understanding of MNC related knowledge management literature. Finally, using this framework, we look into the potential future research directions of the field.
- Type: Case Study
- Published on: 6th July, 2017
- Keywords: Knowledge transfer, Knowledge management, Absorptive capacity
- Final revision and acceptance: 30th June, 2017
