European Journal of Sustainable Development

Sustainability and the Circular Economy through the Eyes of Students: A Comparative Analysis among Bulgaria, North Macedonia, Slovenia and Croatia

2025-01-29T18:28:22+01:00

Higher education institutions are the catalyst for building tomorrow's leaders who will take responsibility for addressing environmental issues and shaping a more sustainable future. Along with learning the principles of the circular economy and sustainability, students build the skills and knowledge needed to take up leadership positions in a variety of fields, including business, politics and non-governmental organizations.

This article analyzes the understanding of issues of sustainability, circular and green economy through the eyes of business-oriented students from four European countries: Bulgaria, North Macedonia, Slovenia and Croatia. An international team of scientists researches the attitudes and expectations of students from different bachelor's and master's programs with the aim of both improving their knowledge, skills and competencies related to circular and green economy and sustainability, as well as upgrading and enriching educational programs and processes.

The research identified gaps in the educational process along with identified good practices implemented by specific partner organizations. Interrelationships were sought between the final results and the current geopolitical situation of the respective country in the context of its membership or not in the European Union. The study analyzed the content of various disciplines, focusing specifically on research areas such as the circular and green economy and sustainability. The findings aim to enhance curricula in fields like corporate social responsibility, economics, marketing, and related areas.

Keywords: sustainability, circular economy, green economy, education

Assessing the Impact of Open Banking Initiatives on E-Service Quality in Saudi Arabia: A Quantitative Study

2025-01-29T18:35:14+01:00

This study investigates the impact of open banking initiatives on e-service quality in Saudi Arabian banks. Using a quantitative approach, we surveyed 513 bank customers to assess changes in perceived e-service quality following the implementation of open banking. The study employs an extended E-S-QUAL model, incorporating dimensions specific to open banking. Results indicate that open banking initiatives significantly enhance e-service quality, particularly in the areas of efficiency, system availability, and innovation. However, challenges remain in privacy and security perceptions. This research contributes to the understanding of technology-driven banking innovations in emerging markets and provides practical implications for banks and regulators in Saudi Arabia and similar contexts.

Keywords: open banking, e-service quality, Saudi Arabia, financial technology, E-S-QUAL

Child Labor Prevention and Supply Chain Sustainability: Evidence from German Outdoor Textile Companies

2025-01-29T18:37:35+01:00

The aim of this article is to present the measures that German textile companies in the outdoor industry are taking to minimize the risk of child labor in their supply chains. To this end, five company sustainability reports and a company assessment by the independent Fair-Wear-Foundation are evaluated as examples. The measures are assigned to predefined categories in accordance with the OECD guidelines. In a second step, subcategories are formed for the measures assigned to the main categories. The data analysis shows that companies are already taking a variety of measures to minimize the risk of child labor in their supply chains. The measures mainly focus on the companies' direct suppliers (Tier-1). Only few measures are taken regarding the deeper supply chain, even though the risk of child labor is rated as particularly high here. Contractual obligations between suppliers and audits along the entire supply chain are discussed as a measure that can contribute to reducing the risk in the deeper supply chain.

Keywords: child labor, supply chain, garment industry, OECD guidelines

Connecting Sustainable Development and Corporate Sustainability through a 2030 Agenda Disclosure Index: Evidence from the Top-listed Iberian Companies

2025-01-29T18:40:22+01:00

To conciliate theories regarding the connection between corporate sustainability and sustainable development, this study presents a 2030 Agenda Disclosure Index compatible with different perspectives and standards, and which is tested in the contents of the sustainability reports of the top listed Iberian companies. Unlike studies that construct the SDG contribution variable as a dummy, reflecting only ‘whether” and not ‘how’, our framework introduces content elements under ‘top-down’ and ‘inside-out’ approaches, which emphasizes management, monitoring and ability to connect with stakeholders, and reflecting different levels of alignment, from symbolic to substantive. Despite the observed improvement of the index and sub-indices over time, the contribution to sustainable development by Iberian companies can be considered, on average, mediocre and with room for improvement, especially in stakeholder engagement and monitoring, and in Portugal. In addition to business characteristics (location, size and sector), aspects such as adherence to frameworks and standards (UNGC and GRI) and benchmarking (DJSI) have been shown to be linked to increased substantiveness of indices or sub-indices; but also, more internal aspects such as ethical codes, sustainability committees and board size are determining factors. Thus, beyond transparency and disclosure, the framework introduces content and contextual elements that may be of interest to academics, managers and regulators concerned about corporate rhetoric or greenwashing

Keywords: corporate sustainability, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), 2030 Agenda, sustainability reporting, dissemination index, listed companies

Mapping the Digital Self: The Role of Self-Image Congruence and Brand Authenticity in Shaping Purchasing Behavior, with Insights into Sustainability in Online Commerce

2025-01-29T18:44:20+01:00

This study explores the influence of self-image congruence and perceived brand authenticity on purchasing behavior in online commerce, with data collected from 302 Saudi customers. Analyzed deploying covariance-based structural equation modeling (CB-SEM), the results depict a significant relationship between brand authenticity and self-image congruence, both directly influencing purchasing behavior. Additionally, brand attachment mediates the influence of self-image congruence on purchasing behavior. Social influence is identified as a key moderator, strengthening the relationship between perceived brand authenticity and purchasing behavior. These findings contribute to understanding how self-concept and authenticity drive consumer decisions in digital environments, offering insights into brand strategy development for online commerce

Keywords: self-image congruence, brand attachment, social influence, purchasing behavior, e-commerce

An Expert-Based Analysis of ESG Reporting in the context of the Circular Economy

2025-01-29T18:46:51+01:00

Existing literature has highlighted how Environmental Social Governance (ESG) reporting enables companies to drive their Circular Economy (CE) practices. However, current approaches to ESG reporting do not specifically consider how company activities and decisions about CE contribute to sustainable development. Indeed, CE has a great potential to ensure that companies actively participate in the achievement of the United Nations 2030 Agenda Goals although a more effective way to link CE and sustainability reporting processes is necessary. The present paper recognizes the importance of developing a standardized approach that aligns ESG metrics with CE practices to enhance both transparency and accountability. To this end, taking into consideration the relevance of the GRI guidelines to make the ESG performance of companies more transparent, an expert-based analysis of the importance of GRI topics to capture the ability of CE practices to create circular value is proposed. Creating circular value through CE improves the company’s profitability and resilience while reducing costs for customers, and benefits society and the environment. The use of the fuzzy AHP (F-AHP) method ensures that the relevance of the economic, environmental, and social performance is estimated to make ESG reporting more informative about the company's commitment to a restorative and regenerative business. The findings offer guidelines for using CE reporting information to compare the companies’ contributions to SDGs

Keywords: ESG reporting, GRI standards, Circular Economy (CE), Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (F-AHP), Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), circular value.

Sustainable Nature Therapy in Inclusive Educational Environments: Research Findings and Methodological Recommendations

2025-01-29T18:50:44+01:00

The article presents an empirical study on the use of nature therapy in inclusive educational environments in Ukraine. It highlights the prevalent use of plant and color therapy, while zootherapy and sand therapy are less applied. The research underscores discrepancies between the theoretical endorsement and actual practice of nature therapy, with gender-specific tendencies and urban-rural differences. The study concludes that educators need updated scientific and methodological resources to effectively integrate nature therapy. Future research should focus on developing effective strategies for broader application in inclusive settings.

Keywords: Inclusive Educational Environment, Therapy, Children with Special Educational Needs.

Improving EU Fund Absorption in Romania: A Case Study on Beneficiary Insights

2025-01-29T18:55:01+01:00

Funding has always been and will remain one of the essential challenges that any entrepreneur must overcome and find sustainable and efficient solutions for in the medium and long term. The same principle applies to the public sector, which needs investments for the production of goods, the provision of services, and infrastructure.

European non-reimbursable funds represent important sources through which both the public and private sectors can develop more quickly and efficiently. However, the absorption of funds is a slow process, with Romania not fully implementing the total amounts made available by the European Union.

Based on these ideas, we initiated our research, the aim of which is to identify methods to improve the absorption of European non-reimbursable funds. For this purpose, the research includes a questionnaire that was distributed via crowdsourcing and completed by 575 respondents. Subsequently, the recorded responses were processed econometrically using IBM SPSS20, and the analysis techniques used included quantitative data analysis, descriptive statistics methods, multiple response analysis, cross-data analysis, and the ?2 contingency coefficient.

Five research hypotheses were formulated, including three main and two secondary ones. Through these, we analyzed the perspective of potential beneficiaries regarding their relationship with the representatives of the relevant ministry, the absorption process, the difficulties encountered, and their perception of the way the Union distributes funds to member countries. In the end, all five research hypotheses were validated.

Keywords: European Funds, Investments, Project Management, IBM SPSS20, Organizational Communication

Investor Behavior in Venture Capital Investment: An Analytical Study of Georgian and Central-Eastern European Startup Markets

2025-01-29T18:58:42+01:00

This research paper investigates venture capital investor behaviors within the startup ecosystems of Georgia and Central Europe, providing comparative analysis of these markets. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, the study integrates qualitative and quantitative data derived from questionnaires distributed to VC investors in both regions. Detailed diagrams visualize critical trends and patterns, enhancing the understanding of investor behavior. The findings reveal distinct investment preferences, regulatory landscapes, and other details in each region. Georgian investors, often navigating an emerging market with limited infrastructure and networks, display cautious investment behavior, prioritizing stable returns and market potential. In contrast, Central-Eastern European investors benefit from more mature ecosystems, demonstrating higher risk tolerance and a greater focus on innovative ventures. Key factors driving investment choices include market potential, innovation levels, startup industry, and regulatory frameworks. The study highlights how these elements interact to influence investor confidence and preferences. For instance, while Central-Eastern European investors are motivated by Innovative Technologies and market size, Georgian investors are more influenced by government incentives and emerging market opportunities. By understanding these behaviors, this paper offers valuable insights for entrepreneurs, policymakers, and investors. It aims to enhance the startup ecosystem in both regions, providing a foundation for more informed and strategic investment decisions. This analysis contributes to the broader discourse on global VC trends, emphasizing the critical role of regional contexts in shaping investor behavior and their implications for emerging markets.

Keywords: Venture Capital, Startups, Startup Ecosystem, Georgian Startup market, Investors

Impact of E-government on Institutional Performance: Fostering Sustainable Higher Educational Practices

2025-01-29T19:03:46+01:00

This study explores the role of e-government services in enhancing institutional performance, with a specific focus on Northern Border University (NBU). E-government initiatives have transformed public sector operations globally by improving accessibility, transparency, and efficiency. This study employs the E-GOVQUAL model, a widely recognized framework for evaluating the quality of e-government services, and assesses key dimensions such as interactivity, information quality, ease of use, support quality, functionality, privacy, and aesthetics. Through a structured questionnaire targeting NBU employees and faculty members, the study examines how the quality of e-government services impacts institutional performance. Ten questions on institutional performance and 21 questions based on the E-GOVQUAL model are formulated. The data were organized and analyzed by using Smart PLS software. The findings reveal that all dimensions of e-government services have a statistically strong positive effect on institutional performance, with strongest factors being information quality, interactivity, and web functionality. The study underscores the importance of optimizing e-government services to improve institutional efficiency, reduce transaction times, and increase user satisfaction. By providing insights into the impact of e-government on institutional outcomes, stakeholders understand the ongoing efforts to enhance public sector performance through effective digital transformation.

Keywords: E-government, GOVQUAL, Northern Border University, public service, institutional performance

Transfering Sustainability Competences through Green Pedagogies and Service-Learning in Higher Education

2025-01-29T19:11:56+01:00

Sustainability competences are reflected in the ability to look ahead to change and shape the future of the societies in which they live through active participation in the sense of sustainable development. Through service-learning, students take responsibility for their actions. The complex nature of sustainability issues makes it useful to explore problems and their solutions holistically.

In the framework of the NEMOS project (A New Educational Model for Acquiring Sustainability Competences through Service-Learning), a collaborative process was initiated to pool the knowledge and experience of five Higher Education Institutions working together to implement new educational models for effectively acquiring sustainability competences through service-learning in food-related degrees. This EU-funded project was launched and aimed to advance the transition to sustainability education through practical and innovative educational approaches and interventions. Green pedagogy can support transformative learning through the exploration and clarification of learners´own values.

In the case of the Public University of Navarre (UPNA), which leads the NEMOS project, practical sessions on service-learning and green pedagogies were held to train university lecturers who teach in different degrees to integrate sustainability in higher education, recognising the relevance of the connection with the environment and the active participation of educators in this process.

Keywords: Experiential learning, know-how, sustainability education

Reviewing Transition Economies (1989-2021): Sustainable Reform Outcomes in Post-Socialist Countries

2025-01-29T19:15:09+01:00

The article is devoted to the assessment of the results of reforms in transition economies for 1989-2021 using cluster analysis. The article allocates 27 indicators characterizing the main parameters of the transformations of 25 post-socialist countries of CEE, SEE, Baltic, South East Asia, former CIS countries, etc. Using the methods of elbow, silhouette and gap analysis, the optimal number of clusters for transition countries is determined. The Ward method was used to cluster the transition countries into two groups and to draw a diagram with the boundaries of the clusters. The first group includes countries that are less successful in reforming, and the second group includes countries that have achieved significant results in reforming. Based on the analysis, conclusions and recommendations are drawn towards social entrepreneurship development as a driving force of social innovative dissemination.

Keywords: results of post-socialist transformation in 1989-2021, cluster analysis, transition economies, social entrepreneurship development, public administration

Economic Awareness in Early Childhood Education: The Basis for Success

2025-01-29T19:18:28+01:00

This paper studies the intersection of economics and early childhood education through institutional analysis, emphasizing the importance of fostering economic awareness among the children of preschool age. The research emphasizes the importance of early education in equipping children with fundamental economic concepts and decision-making skills, preparing them for independent engagement into society. Through interdisciplinary methodologies, the study synthesizes economic awareness, education, and early childhood development, provides a comparative analysis of Georgian and international practices. Outcomes highlight the lack of integrated economic education in preschool curricula in Georgia, despite its critical role in holistic development and future societal contribution. The paper offers recommendations on introducing age-appropriate economic education into preschool programs, using children’s literature as a resource, and developing methodological guidelines to improve early economic awareness. This study proposes for a systemic approach to early economic education that consistent with global best practices to foster future generations of economically literate citizens.

Keywords: economic awareness, education, early childhood education, preschool children

The Impact of Sustainable Practices on Organizational Reputation: The Mediating Role of Social Responsibility in Saudi Organizations

2025-01-29T19:21:59+01:00

This research paper deals with a study on the relationship between sustainable practices and organizational reputation through the mediating role of social responsibility in Saudi organizations. The main purpose of the research is to contribute to understanding how sustainable practices can enhance organizational reputation. The study uses a quantitative research design, and surveys data collected from a sample of 304 administrators working in a number of Saudi organizations. The organization of literature sources and problem-solving methods indicate that the importance of this scientific problem lies in the need for an empirical examination of how sustainable practices can improve organizational reputation through the mediating effect of social responsibility. The methodological tools of the research included the use of SPSS v.23 and AMOS v.23 to test the hypotheses. The results of the empirical analysis show that sustainable practices positively affect organizational reputation, and this relationship is mediated by social responsibility. The results of the study confirm that the application of sustainable practices can enhance the organization's reputation by enhancing its social responsibility. The results also confirm that there are no gender differences in the perception of the practices of the study variables. The results of this study can also be useful to policy makers and university administrators who seek to promote sustainable practices and enhance the organization's reputation through effective social responsibility initiatives.

Keywords: corporate social responsibility; environmental sustainability; organizational image; reputational management; sustainable business practices.

Embracing Industry 4.0: Navigating the Evolution of Entrepreneurship in Romania

2025-01-29T19:25:58+01:00

Entrepreneurship constitutes one of the oldest and most profitable occupations. It has evolved alongside the Industrial Revolutions (IR), directly influencing each other. One of the fundamental pillars of technological development is represented by inventive and innovative entrepreneurs who had the courage to investigate and implement what initially seemed to be mere dreams. The first three IRs brought major and decisive changes on a global level. The fourth revolution, called Revolution 4.0 - R 4.0 (or Industry 4.0 - I 4.0), which we consider an evolution, has brought to the forefront new fields of interest and heterogeneous areas of concern: artificial intelligence, robotics, automation, the Internet of Things, 3D printing, etc.

In our research, we aimed, on the one hand, to analyze the perspective of Romanian entrepreneurs regarding IR 4.0, whether they implement measures specific to new technologies, and what the impact of these measures is. On the other hand, following the analysis of the collected data, we sought to identify possibilities for stimulating local entrepreneurship under the new R 4.0 conditions. Noting that, still, in Romania, there is insufficient investment in the necessary technological infrastructure, we began our research with a theoretical analysis of the data and the state of the specialized literature. The specific infrastructure that Romania lacks includes reliable broadband internet connectivity, advanced digital technologies such as IoT devices, and accessible automation tools. These gaps significantly hinder the ability of entrepreneurs to leverage Industry 4.0 advancements, thereby limiting their capacity to innovate and compete globally. Addressing these issues will require targeted government investments in digital infrastructure, incentives for technology adoption in key sectors, and partnerships between the private and public sectors to accelerate the deployment of Industry 4.0 technologies. In the next stage, we analyzed the data collected through a semi-structured questionnaire disseminated via crowdsourcing, to which 1026 subjects responded. Before conducting the econometric analysis of the data, three research hypotheses were formulated, which were ultimately validated.

The working methodology included quantitative data analysis, descriptive statistics methods, categorical principal component analysis (CATPCA), and correspondence analysis. Data processing was performed using the IBM SPSS 20 application. A limitation of our research is that we did not select the questionnaire participants based on their competencies, allowing individuals with still limited knowledge to intuitively express opinions on a field they do not know or only think they know. The lack of competency-based selection for survey participants means that respondents may not have had the requisite knowledge to provide informed opinions, potentially skewing the results. This limitation impacts the reliability of the data and could mean that the findings are not fully reflective of expert perspectives in Industry 4.0. Future studies should consider a more rigorous selection criterion, ensuring participants possess relevant competencies. This approach would help in obtaining more accurate insights, leading to more actionable conclusions. As a future action direction, we aim to analyze the issue of local entrepreneurship by involving respondents from different professional categories who possess the necessary competencies, so that their opinions can form the basis of a more detailed analysis. This would facilitate establishing viable action directions as a basis for the sustainable and enduring development of entrepreneurship in Romania in the context of the Fourth Industrial Revolution

Keywords: Entrepreneurship, Industrial Revolution, Revolution 4.0, Artificial Intelligence, Technology, Investments

International Marketing Diversification: A Path to Sustainable Enterprise Development

2025-01-29T19:29:35+01:00

This study demonstrates the critical importance of international marketing diversification during wartime, particularly for Ukrainian businesses seeking to expand their sales markets and mitigate risks associated with specific markets. By adopting this strategy, businesses can better withstand conflict-induced challenges and remain resilient in difficult circumstances. The article explores strategies for international marketing diversification that can help companies maintain competitiveness during wartime conditions. Drawing on a synthesis of domestic and international scholarly perspectives, the study positions international marketing diversification as a forward-looking approach to securing enterprises’ sustainable development in global markets. The strategy emphasizes the selection of optimal development trajectories while accounting for various influencing factors and indicators.

Given Ukraine’s significant role in the European apple market, its advantageous geographical location, and its annual apple production of approximately 700,000 tons – of which only 250,000 tons are high-quality apples for fresh consumption – it is concluded that Ukrainian apple producers have opportunities to export to new international markets. Investing in apple processing technologies, such as apple chips and apple powder production, could enhance export potential.

An analysis of export-import operations for the product group “0813 Dried Fruits,” which includes apple chips and powder, from 2021 to 2023 identifies the United States, Germany, China, the United Kingdom, France, the Netherlands, Italy, Canada, Spain, and Poland as the leading markets. These countries account for 55% of global imports in this product category. Ukrainian companies involved in apple cultivation and processing are advised to target these markets, where demand for dried fruit is evident.

Expanding export geography can enable Ukrainian fruit producers and processors to grow their businesses and increase production volumes. Diversifying customer bases through market expansion can secure stable revenues and foster sustainable growth, contributing to the broader development of the Ukrainian economy.

The study underscores the importance of high-quality apple cultivation for several reasons. First, it ensures the production of premium dried fruit that meets high consumer standards. Second, diversifying apple processing into value-added products like chips and powders can expand product portfolios, align with food industry trends, and enhance competitiveness in international markets. Thus, supporting high-quality cultivation not only ensures the quality of processed products but also fosters industry development and product diversification.

The convergence of new international markets for Ukrainian producers of the product group “0813 Dried fruits” is assessed, and it is determined which of them are the most attractive for the development of an international marketing diversification strategy by Ukrainian producers of the product group “0813 Dried fruits”. The markets of the United Kingdom, Italy, and Spain showed higher scores, which indicates their convergence and readiness of conditions for the successful development of a strategy for international marketing diversification of Ukrainian producers in the product group “0813 Dried fruits”.

It is substantiated that the implementation of the international marketing strategy of diversification by Ukrainian producers of the product group “0813 Dried fruits” in the markets of Great Britain, Italy, and Spain will allow to intensify the sale of dried apple slices and apple powder, which will become a promising direction of sustainable development.

Keywords: International marketing diversification, sustainable development, enterprises, form, provision, internationalization, export, import, risk, strategy, competitiveness, markets, research, development, globalization, business, innovation

Sustainable Municipal Reform in Ukraine: Theoretical Foundations and European Integration Perspectives

2025-01-29T19:33:24+01:00

The relevance of the study is determined by the ineffectiveness of the local self-government reform in Ukraine, in particular, the lack of autonomy of local authorities. The purpose of the article is to carry out a comprehensive analysis of the regulatory and legal framework of the activities of local self-government bodies, and the state in the area of local self-government reform. The leading methods of research have become dialectical (when defining the reform itself); general methods of synthesis and analysis (when defining the concepts of "reform", "local self-government bodies", "municipal power", etc.); comparative and legal method (when examining relevant sources, scientific texts, international legislation). It is determined that the problem of local self-government reform is a very urgent problem for Ukrainian society; it is characterized by inadequate legislation, difficult socio-economic situation, and mass ignorance of the population regarding their rights to participate in solving issues of local importance, as well as the forms of exercising such rights. The above is related to improperly conducted work of local authorities with the population. The need to take measures for the effective implementation of local self-government reform in Ukraine based on foreign experience is proven.

Keywords: state reforms; local self-government reform; reform measures; the right of citizens to local self-government; local councils and executive bodies.

Reinvesting Decisions on Marketing Activities: Leveraging Marketing Data Analytics for Sustainable Business Practices

2025-01-29T19:36:15+01:00

This research explores the pragmatic domain of marketing management. As it explores the antecedents of reinvestment decisions in marketing activities, the importance of data usage satisfaction and marketing data analytics was also felt. To explore marketing data analytics, this research investigated its constituents, such as information quality and technology quality. A sample of 184 marketing managers was utilized, and the data was processed using SPSS 20.0 and Lisrel 10.0. Findings reveal that technology quality had a favorable influence on data usage satisfaction and, finally, on reinvesting decisions among marketing professionals. Moreover, a substantial and positive relationship exists between the quality of information and the level of satisfaction among marketing professionals, which was also observed. There is a favourable association between Data usage satisfaction with reinvesting plans. The findings have very serious and practical implications for the usage of marketing data analytics and decisions to reinvest in certain marketing practices of Big business corporations. The study acts as a cornerstone in this domain.

Keywords: Quality of Information, Quality of Technology, Marketing managers reinvest decisions, Data usage satisfaction

Online Sale Trends and Perspectives of Development in Georgia: A Pathway to Sustainable Business Growth

2025-01-29T19:39:14+01:00

E-commerce is important for companies in order to gain competitive advantage in the market. It is solution for businesses to manage their operations and online sales. It enables merchants to set up an online store, lists services and products, and also accepts payments from consumer. It’s user-friendly interface, where customers can purchase products, track orders and etc.

Accordingly, the given paper presents theoretical and practical aspects of online sales and its place in business development; the current situation and perspectives for the development of online sales are analyzed; problems related to online sales in Georgian reality are highlighted; it is noted that, when the competition in the market is increasing day by day, in order to maintain and further strengthen its position in the market, companies should focus more on modern online sales strategies, which together with other general marketing strategies are the basis for further development. Companies must realize that for success they have to implement modern online communications systems in practice, in order to have constant communication with customers.

At the end of the paper, appropriate conclusions are given, the consideration of which will contribute to the fact that companies will use modern approaches in the field of online sales which will raise the image of the company, gain trust of customers and obtain competitive advantage.

Key words: Internet-technologies; Online Marketing; E-commerce; Online Sales; Online stores; Virtual stores, traditional stores

Forecasting Gross Written Premiums in Albania's Life Insurance Industry: Insights for Financial Sustainability

2025-01-29T19:42:24+01:00

The insurance industry in Albania is a sector that consistently receives significant attention in the overall financial industry and plays a crucial role in fostering a culture of insurance among the populace. Year after year, these companies have expanded their presence to the clients, and what is most important, they have expanded the products that they are selling to the clients.

This paper aims to analyze the historical development trends of the Albanian insurance industry, taking into account its significance for a developing economy. Additionally, empirical models will be constructed to predict the values of gross written premiums over a four-year period. The methodology that will be used consist of the analyses of SARIMA and Holt-Winter models to prevent the prediction of the four year period on gross written premiums (GWP) on the life insurance industry in Albania. These models and the comparison between them will prevent a better understanding of the future life insurance in Albania. Those results will help all participant actors of the industry to contribute to a safe and secure environment for the people. Also, the result will help to see the trend and lead the government and companies to prevent the impact of economic sustainability. The conclusion from this paper is that the years from 2024 to 2027 life insurance will grow

Keywords: Life Insurance, analysis, SARIMA, Holt-Winters, safe environmental, GWP, Albania.

Advancing Renewable Energy Transition for Economic Sustainability: Insights from Global Practices and Local Adaptation Strategies

2025-01-29T19:45:08+01:00

Renewable energy in Ukraine accounts for 9 per cent. Renewable energy is planned to be developed in the post-war reconstruction. The Swedish experience is suitable for this purpose and it is advisable to apply it. The biggest problem is the conversion of old enterprises to renewable energy sources. The article presents a methodology for assessing the possibility of transition to renewable energy sources

Keywords: energy, renewable energy, economic sustainability, energy system energy strategy

Strengthening Ecosystems and Biodiversity Conservation in Response To Climate Change In Saudi Arabia

2025-01-29T19:51:25+01:00

This study aims to assess the impact of climate change on Saudi Arabia’s ecosystems, particularly water scarcity and biodiversity loss. It focuses on evaluating the effectiveness of current adaptation strategies, including innovative water conservation techniques, sustainable agricultural practices, and biodiversity protection efforts.

We employed a qualitative approach using the Delphi method to gather insights from a panel of 12 experts in climate science, biodiversity conservation, and water resource management. The experts evaluated the critical impacts of climate change on the environment and provided recommendations for improving adaptation strategies. Data collected through multiple rounds of expert feedback were analyzed to identify consensus on effective policy reforms and adaptive measures.

The findings suggest that Saudi Arabia must prioritize climate adaptation efforts as part of its Vision 2030 objectives, which aim to strengthen environmental sustainability and economic diversification. The study advocates for policy reforms that promote both ecological preservation and innovative solutions to climate challenges. It also underscores the importance of collaboration between governmental bodies, the private sector, and local communities to effectively address the escalating threats posed by climate change and to safeguard the country’s fragile ecosystems for future generations.

Keywords: climate change, sustainability, ecosystems, water management, biodiversity

Acmeology of Education as a Determinant of the Sustainable Development Concept: Faith vs Fear

2025-01-30T13:55:46+01:00

The article delves into the phenomenon of acme and the acmeology of education as a pivotal vector for actualizing the values and principles inherent in the concept of sustainable development. The text offers a nuanced exploration of the semantic interplay between faith and fear, viewing these emotions as dual forces that shape both individual paths toward achieving one's acme and collective concerns regarding the sustainability of future generations. Faith embodies a belief in progress and human potential, while fear reflects apprehensions about environmental degradation, societal instability, and the uncertainties of the future.

The study emphasizes that the acmeological dimensions of education represent not merely a framework for personal growth but also a transformative mechanism for fostering a sustainable mindset. Education, enriched with acmeological principles, becomes a semantic space where values, aspirations, and challenges converge, enabling learners to develop a balanced perspective on progress. This balance involves nurturing a hopeful vision for the future while critically addressing the ecological and societal dilemmas that pose risks to sustainable development. Through this lens, acmeology serves as a semantic bridge connecting personal development with global sustainability goals

Keywords: acme, acmeology of education, sustainable development, semantic, faith, fear, future

Advancing Sustainable Education: Students' Vocational Fulfillment in Real and Virtual Environments within a Post-Conflict Society

2025-01-30T15:09:04+01:00

This paper analyzes the findings of a study on the attitudes and actions of Ukrainian psychology students regarding the awareness and fulfillment of their calling in real and virtual life spaces through the lens of sustainable development and in the context of a post-conflict society. The phenomenon of calling is viewed as a significant personal construct that not only contributes to successful self-actualization and psychological well-being but also establishes a foundation for sustainable professional development. Examining students' perceptions of the term "calling" is crucial as it enables monitoring, psychological support and the development of competencies essential for sustainable professional growth during their education.

An internalized sense of calling is seen as a key to successful professional self-determination in alignment with sustainable development principles, as well as a factor in the effectiveness of further professionalization. It was found that students predominantly perceive calling as an attractive activity that enables them to fulfill their potential while considering social responsibility.

Understanding the meanings and functions of calling among future psychologists is vital in the context of providing psychological assistance to clients dealing with difficulties in professional self-fulfillment, career building, and the development of conscious life strategies, particularly in a post-conflict society. The study also revealed that virtual spaces, particularly social networks, serve as a widespread platform for students to realize their calling by seeking relevant and engaging information, fostering social interaction, and expanding communication networks.

To mitigate the risks and challenges of the virtual space when understanding and fulfilling their calling, respondents employ critical thinking, a high level of self-respect, adherence to basic cybersecurity principles, information hygiene and sustainable development guidelines

Keywords: calling, self-actualization, sustainable development, post-conflict society, future psychologists, virtual space, social networks

Security Aspects of Implementing the Circular Economy: Advancing Sustainability within the Czech Republic's Strategic Priorities

2025-01-30T15:42:17+01:00

The article (prepared by combining an interdisciplinary, multidisciplinary and transdisciplinary approach of interested social sciences with the application of analytical methods) follows the current issues of implementing circular technologies in security contexts using the example of the Czech Republic. It points out the reduction of environmental risks and, at the same time, within the framework of the requirements of diversification and decentralization, draws attention to the possibilities of partially strengthening the energy security of the state through the use of waste as a renewable resource. The established economic policy of the state for the implementation of circular technologies is in line with the calls to fulfil the interrelated environmental, economic and security goals of NATO, the European Union and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development.

Keywords: circular economy implementation, sustainable development, environmental and energy security, renewable energy sources

The Impact of Gender Factors on Economic Development: A Global Comparative Analysis

2025-01-31T20:17:19+01:00

The purpose of this study is to determine trends and the current state of the gender issue, as well as the impact of different gender factors, taking into account the period of COVID-19, on the level of Ukrainian GDP compared with the countries of the world in modern conditions and to propose appropriate recommendations for the activation and stimulation of women’s participation in business. The authors emphasize that women are disproportionately affected by various social crises: climate change, wars, conflicts and human rights violations etc. The authors analyze the Ukrainian Gender Inequality Index in and make a conclusion that it more than halved during the last decades. The reason for this, especially in recent years, was the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine that had a very negative impact on business. The authors note that Ukraine is situated in 35th place in the European ranking of countries concerning the value of the Gender Inequality Index. A large number of women are generally not involved in the labor market or other economic activities. At the same time, a continuing consequence of the Russian full-scale invasion of Ukraine was a noticeable lack of qualified personnel on the labor market. This is due to the involvement of exclusively men in certain sectors of the economy and their mobilization. The results of the regression analysis indicate that economic participation has the greatest impact on GDP among all the components of the Global Gender Gap Index in the USA, Canada and Poland. Educational attainment is situated on the second place. As for Ukraine, the authors show that as the level of participation of women in the labor force increases, Ukrainian GDP also increases. Taking into account the results of the calculations, the authors conclude that gender factors have a direct impact on the country's economy

Keywords: gender factors, sustainable development, gender equality, Gender Inequality Index, Global Gender Gap Index, GDP, Ukraine, Poland, The USA, Canada.