Leadership, Society, Strategic Visions

Belt and road: a friendly bridge between the Bulgarian dream and the Chinese dream

Wang Xuekun — Tue, 11 May 2021 00:00:00 +0000

While China is constantly developing, it is also willing to share development achievements with the world. We pursue the Belt and Road Initiative as a priority, following the principle of achieving shared growth through discussion and collaboration. As the Initiative is raised by China, its opportunity and gains belongs to the world.

Memorandum (The positive concept)

Editorial Board — Tue, 11 May 2021 00:00:00 +0000

The Bulgarian dream, the positive concept.

Interdisciplinary approaches, interpretations and key research relationships

Editorial Board — Tue, 11 May 2021 00:00:00 +0000

Theoretical and applied dimensions, approaches for analysis and interpretation. Methodology of understanding â€“ facts, context, endogenous and
exogenous factors, interdisciplinary knowledge sharing, consensus matrix and toolkit; new civilization philosophy, way of thinking, integrative criteria; the man of present and future â€“ parameters for constant investments, transformations and balances, index combinations, comparisons and preconditions.

The Bulgarian dream - the theoretical-applied frameworks for a possible positive concept (introductory presentation)

Dimitar Panayotov — Mon, 10 May 2021 00:00:00 +0000

The Bulgarian Dream â€“ a symbiosis of meaning, action and development (positive concept). Identity characteristics, theory of the soul and Bulgarian archetypes. Methodology of understanding â€“ facts, context, interdisciplinary knowledge sharing, consensus matrix and toolkit. Need for a new civilizational philosophy, way of thinking, integrative criteria, the person of the present and the future â€“ parameters for constant investments, transformations and balances, combinations of indices, comparisons and preconditions.

The transformations of the Bulgarian dream

Boyan Durankev — Mon, 10 May 2021 00:00:00 +0000

Historically, the manifestations of Bulgarian dreams are analyzed. Consider the extent to which endogenous and exogenous factors and conditions allowed dreams to come true. The Bulgarian dream for honest labor, creativity and life in their homeland was established back in time â€“ more than 1300 years ago. During all the distinct periods (from internal and external conditions and factors), this dream has undergone substantial alternations, however, not in its roots. My generation has experienced two signifi cant changes to our dream. The fi rst distinct period began in the distant 1945 when the dream was to ensure the livelihood, health and education of all Bulgarian citizens through the system of socio-economic planning in Bulgaria and in the CMEA. Society and the economy were systems, whether, businesses and people â€“ inseparable elements of these systems. The second distinct period began in 1990 when the creation of the â€žCommon European Homeâ€œ began on the basis of the â€ždecomposition of the planned economyâ€œ and the affi rmation of freedom of personality and human rights. During this second period, the European countries, Bulgaria, and the individual economic agents were placed in a competitive environment â€“ â€žwhatever you do, you do it for yourself.â€œ Society and the economy have become clusters in which the horizontal ties (seemingly) were dominant. Both, the first and the second, periods possessed their merits and defi ciencies, which suggests that potentially the Bulgarian dream has to redefi ne its format, as well as, its content.

Strengths and weaknesses of the competitiveness of the Bulgarian economy

Maria Marikina — Mon, 10 May 2021 00:00:00 +0000

Competitiveness is an actual and important issue of economic theory and practice. It is a challenge to highlight the current understanding of her, to present and analyze the spectrum of factors underlying her, and to reveal opportunities for implementing policies to manage. The report presents a survey at the macroeconomic level, and the object of the surveys is the competitiveness of the Bulgarian economy. The scientifi c community has an interest in such an understanding, but it would be a good study to explore the strengths and weaknesses of the competitiveness that is the subject of the study. The aim is to make them systematized and serve as a reference for the most appropriate policy. In order to achieve this, the following tasks are envisaged: 1) Identifying and analyzing the essence and basic concepts of the competitiveness ategory at macro level. 2) Analyzing the current competitiveness in Bulgaria. 3) Assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of the competitiveness of the Bulgarian economy.4) To formulate conclusions and recommendations for our national competitiveness and possible policy decisions.

To sustainable competitiveness: Bulgaria in the European context

Juliana Hadjitchoneva — Mon, 10 May 2021 00:00:00 +0000

This article discusses the competitiveness beyond its economic nature, infl uenced by the concept of sustainable development, and expanded to the issues of environmental in the centre, it is a crucial objective for the economies, reinforced by the common European challenges and context of development. In this sense, the studyâ€˜s purpose is to analyse the development of Bulgaria through several key factors of infl uence in the three directions. Based on them, specifi c recommendations are proposed to achieve sustainable competitiveness primarily through the achievement of high added value by stimulating intellectual capacity and increasing management effi ciency. Further, it is open a discussion about a new stage in the development of the competitive race, marked by â€žsharedâ€œ (cooperative, solidarity) competitiveness.

Integrated thematic direction: Economy â€“ human capital - values

Editorial Board — Mon, 10 May 2021 00:00:00 +0000

Investigating the effects of development dynamics on our foreign trade, using a calculated index to compare results with those of the EU, stimulating the search for new sources of economic growth, strategic decision-making for catching up, but also pre-emptive measures to ensure the sustainable
competitive advantage of our national economy.

The dynamic changes in global econoimy â€“ Bulgariaâ€™s place and the way forward

Eduard Marinov — Mon, 10 May 2021 00:00:00 +0000

The paper aims at summarizing the main trends and based on that to draw recommendations on the opportunities for the future development of Bulgarian international trade. It fi rstly discusses some of the main transformations and trends in the current global system of international economic relations which affect Bulgarian international trade. Then it summarizes the general trends in the dynamics of the countryâ€™s trade fl ows, assesses the economyâ€™s openness and dependence on international trade and discusses the changes in the commodity structure of trade. To conclude the analysis an index of the terms of trade is calculated and Bulgariaâ€™s results are compared to the results for EU-28. The paper ends with a summary of the main conclusions and recommendations.

Working conditions â€“ a factor for retaining and attracting highly qualified human capital

Mariana Dimitrova — Mon, 10 May 2021 00:00:00 +0000

In the dynamically changing modern world, work and employment call for a new approach on the behalf of the employers and society, as well as for rethinking of the meaning we put into the concept of job quality and job wellbeing. Competition for highly qualifi ed professionals on an European and on a global scale transforms working conditions into one of the key aspects that make an position attractive. It is also one of the key factors for developing and retaining talented professionals. The paper contains an analysis of data and guidelines for the development of the concept of working conditions in the Republic of Bulgaria as a model for improving workplaces and making them desired by Bulgarian citizens, by the Bulgarians emigrants abroad and by the foreigners seeking employment in the Bulgarian economy.

New digital literacy and human capital â€“ paradigm for successful adaptation and competitiveness in the fourth industrial revolution

Mariya Aleksandrova Ivanova — Mon, 10 May 2021 00:00:00 +0000

Basic features of the digital age and their impact on human capital are presented. The paradigms of the contemporary business environment and the opposite perspectives on the future are summarized: fear â€“ abundance. The analysis of the different opinions of the authors surveyed on digital literacy leads to the identifi cation of 5 key complementary perspectives. A model is presented by which organizations can evaluate their overall digital literacy status.

Individual values and attitudes to development

Alexander Pojarliev — Mon, 10 May 2021 00:00:00 +0000

Typically, dreams refl ect the achievement of a better and desirable state that can be considered as a form of development. One possible typology of different views of a desirable state is through the prism of values as criteria for choice and motivating factors of behavior. The present study aims to reveal the specifi cs of the value orientations of Bulgarian respondents with the help of Schwarzâ€™s internationally approved structural model of the basic values .The research seeks to address the question of how individual values relate to perceiving the importance of personal development and resources as time and money that people are willing to devote to it. The study covers 417 respondents and its methodology is based on a survey that includes the Schwarzâ€™s Portrait Values Questionnaire (PVQ).

Research tools for the development of human capital international companies

Martin Zafirov — Mon, 10 May 2021 00:00:00 +0000

A major feature of modern society is the enhanced process of globalization and international cooperation. These relationships are becoming increasingly complicated, which complication itself results in the need for better and more adequate management of the different types of resources in an economic system. This applies equally to human capital, especially to this human capital in transnational corporations. The article summarizes the basic tools and results of a study of evolution in the understanding and management of human capital in transnational corporations in the Persian Gulf, as well as the impact that cultural differences have on these processes.

The concept of corporate social responsibility and the transition to sustainable development in Bulgaria â€“ opportunities and problems& the management challenges

Diana Genkova — Mon, 10 May 2021 00:00:00 +0000

The paper presents an assessment of the opportunities for the Bulgarian economy and the Bulgarian business to move towards sustainable development under the concept of corporate social responsibility. On the part of CSR supporters, the concept in question is not just a channel for a transition to sustainability; they identify it with sustainable development. This paper is not intended to deny the concept of CSR, but to specify the limitations to CSR on the road to sustainability, on the one hand, and the defi cits related to CSR adoption in business management practice in Bulgaria. Based on a theoretical analysis within the system approach, the relationship between the two is interpreted: the concept of CSR and the concept of sustainable development. The main challenges to the process of CSR transformation into a means of transition to sustainability have been identifi ed. Results from a representative empirical study by other authors on CSR issues are also commented on.

Political culture and entrepreneurial activity as prerequisites for positive development in Bulgaria

Daniela Pastarmadzhieva, Mina Angelova — Mon, 10 May 2021 00:00:00 +0000

Thirty years ago, Bulgaria made a shift towards democratic development, but the social environment has the potential to strengthen or undermine the selected direction. The aim of the current work is to identify the state of Bulgarian political culture and entrepreneurial activity and make a forecast about their future development. The object of the study is Bulgaria since 1989. The focus are a selection of indicators, regarding the political culture and entrepreneurial activity. In order to achieve our goal we make review of the studies, regarding the topic and use quantitative data in order to evaluate the political culture and entrepreneurial activity. Among the sources are European values study, World values survey, Eurostat and Global Entrepreneurship Index.

Integrated thematic direction: sustainable development â€“ management models â€“ organizations â€“ policies

Editorial Board — Tue, 11 May 2021 00:00:00 +0000

Main highlights in the discussion. Sustainability is analyzed as a dynamic concept, updated with new visions, policies, goals and tools. An innovation accelerator management model is justifi ed, leading to increased business growth and a quality â€œmethodology of working within the organizationâ€.

Sustainable development of the national economy â€“ priorities, parameters and managdement instruments

Kiril Genadiev Radev — Tue, 11 May 2021 00:00:00 +0000

The report outlines the current characteristics and priorities of the management of sustainable development. Presented is an administrative regulatory framework for sustainable development. Defined are arguments on actual results of the implementation of the objectives of sustainable development in EU. An analysis of the priorities, policies and goals of the sustainable development of the Republic of Bulgaria has been made. Emphasis is placed on global insecurity, digitalisation and cybersecurity.

Innovative-growth accelerator management model

Tsvetana Stoyanova — Tue, 11 May 2021 00:00:00 +0000

Growth is the most important feature in the functioning of all modern business organizations and economies. It is the result of rapidly changing elements of the local, national and international socio-economic environment. The strength and direction of their impact to a certain extent depends on the specifi cs of the subject of activity and the target orientation of the enterprises. It is this impact that brings elements of uncertainty and instability to business development. In the last few decades, comprehensive methodologies and principles have been developed for the implementation of innovation in governance aimed at standardising good and effective practices so that they can be quickly and easily applied to different types of Organizations. In this publication, an attempt is made to justify the construction of an innovation accelerator leading to increased business growth.

Applicable aspects for integrated life cicle management (ILCM) in the case of ALSTOM

George Drensky — Tue, 11 May 2021 00:00:00 +0000

The author conducted an internal investigation in order to determine the level of maturity in regards to ILCM within the company. In parallel, an external investigation on selected companiesâ€™ best practices research was also initiated by the author in the area of ILCM. Various organizations in the power plant / energy industry and similar industries segments having product or business profi les similar to ALSTOM Thermal Power were researched and documented, including internet, own public information and selected company interviews. All of this work was complemented by an additional investigation of academia, scientifi c conferences and management literatures.

Conceptual and specific dimensions of virtual teams

Kristian Hadjiev — Tue, 11 May 2021 00:00:00 +0000

Fundamental factors related to the evolutionary development and functioning of virtual teams have been researched. The context, the prerequisites, the essential characteristics, the advantages and disadvantages of the virtual teams are analyzed in detail. Based on theoretical monitoring, different forms of virtuality, types of virtual teams and typology are defi ned. The reasons for the implementation of virtual teams in organizational practice are explored. Two fundamental factors are identifi ed: globalization and the development of new ICT. The result is the integration of virtual teams into the organizational infrastructure as a tool for managing change and achieving new levels of effi ciency and competitiveness in highly uncertain environments. This requires the development of competences (knowledge and skills) in the fi eld of social relations and communication, confi dence building, new behavior and adapted management leadership to coordinate technologies and processes in a multicultural business environment.

Making decisions under vague future results

Nadia Marinova — Tue, 11 May 2021 00:00:00 +0000

The rationale for investment and fi nancial decisions for business development in the real sector of the economy at risk is based on the development of their theoretical foundations. Particular attention is paid to the peculiarities of the business risk assessment in the real economy compared to the risk in the fi nancial sphere. To this end, we analyze the risk factors in different sectors of the economy that determine the opportunities for diversion of future business outcomes and also the specifi city of the main risk management methods. In this respect, key risk measures for the different activities and the theoretical criteria for assessing the risk decisions used in the decision-making process in the fi nancial markets take the cornerstone.

Effective project management â€“ a need for every corporation

Ediz-Hanif Bayazidov Saidov — Tue, 11 May 2021 00:00:00 +0000

The report examines the peculiarities of the behavior of transnational corporations in the context of globalization and continual changes in international corporate relations. The differences between traditional and non-traditional projects, as well as changes in the types, forms, dynamics and structure of the corporate model are analyzed in detail. The focus is on the specifi cs of managing non-traditional corporate projects and anti-crisis management tools. The conclusion is that the most effective organizational form for fi nancing and managing anti-crisis projects is through the creation of an investment structure such as corporate deposit funds.

The concept of sustainable marketing in the presence of Bulgarian activity

Nadezhda Dimova — Tue, 11 May 2021 00:00:00 +0000

The dynamic business environment changes and imposes the emergence of different forms of marketing, transforms demand and supply, modifi es consumer behavior itself. Managers at different corporate levels face a number of challenges to address these changes and respond to the ever-increasing pressures of technology, and in particular, digitization in all areas of life. The development of sustainable marketing is a kind of response to any changes that include even those on the planet as a whole. Wonderful and worthy of respect is the example given by Bulgarian companies or those that enter the Bulgarian market.

Alternative segmentation approaches for user typology profiling in gamified system, designed for company employee usage

Apostol Mushmov, Ivan Boevsky, Victor Avramov — Tue, 11 May 2021 00:00:00 +0000

We could profi le the employee of a company in many different ways. Nevertheless, when talking about gamifi ed system for employee motivation, there is a specifi c profi ling that could be done in terms of people being in a game like circumstances. In this research we propose some alternative approaches for such system, userâ€™s profi ling and the results are interpreted as well as the advantages and disadvantages are discussed in relation to future system improvement.

Effective management of agriculturall and from the state land in the Shumen region

Dimitar Varbanov — Tue, 11 May 2021 00:00:00 +0000

The Bulgarian state is the largest owner of agriculturall and son theterritory of Shumen Province. The State Land Fund is effectively managed throught heright choice of different time frames of short, medium and long-term leases inorder to achieve anoptimalsolution. The results, such as abid price and anaveragerent price, are very important and the Income Amount from ownership and control of agricultural land sin the republic an budget is directly dependent up on them. The results of analyzing the allocation of state farmland for previous business years should be the basis for a decision-making and the follow-up tender procedures.

Analysis of the structure and dynamics of labor cost in industrial enterprises from Ruse region

Ivanka Dimitrova, Diana Yankova — Tue, 11 May 2021 00:00:00 +0000

Labor plays an important role in the functioning of the economy and its cost has economic and social dimensions. From the point of view of the enterprises, the labor cost is an expense (labor cost), and in terms of employees â€“ employee income (salary). In this report, with the help of the structural and dynamic analysis, the level and the variation of the labor and wage costs, the comparisons in different cuts and the conclusions and proposals are formulated.

Implementation of the common agricultural policy in building sustainable business models in rural areas of Bulgaria

Teodorina Turlakova — Tue, 11 May 2021 00:00:00 +0000

The development and maintenance of applicable business models in rural areas requires support at different levels of government. The implementation of the EUâ€™s Common agricultural policy (CAP) measures in the rural areas creates the conditions for increasing the added value achieved through a number of initiatives, including through the concept of â€œsmart villagesâ€. The purpose of this article is to identify successful business models in rural areas of Bulgaria on the basis of an assessment of the local environment and in line with the CAP priorities. The article defi nes the concepts of â€œbusiness modelâ€ and â€œrural entrepreneurshipâ€, an analytical methodology assesses the business environment in several rural areas in Bulgaria.

The influence of integrated reporting on competitiveness of enterprises

Emiliya Vaysilova — Tue, 11 May 2021 00:00:00 +0000

In todayâ€™s globalized world, the world economy is booming. Human needs are being met more and more and the role of companies in society is growing, which unfortunately is accompanied by negative effects on the environment. In order for this role to be properly assessed, it is necessary to improve the reporting of the companies. As a result, the paradigm regarding the reporting of economic activities is changing. Integrated reporting is introduced, which includes both fi nancial and non-fi nancial indicators (social and environmental).This paper aims to explore the essence and importance of integrated reporting as one of the conditions for sustainable growth and development of enterprises. The main thesis is that, at the present stage of economic development, the presentation of non-fi nancial information is one of the main factors for enhancing the competitiveness of each enterprise.

Specialized thematic direction: alternative types of tourism â€“ concepts â€“ practices

Editorial Board — Tue, 11 May 2021 00:00:00 +0000

The conclusions, prerequisites and recommendations for the development of Bulgarian cultural tourism are justifi ed. With management, attractions, contemporary animation, leading to the realization of valuable events that reveal the best preserved cultural heritage and traditions; modern advertising of the destination; The â€žopeningâ€œ of Bulgarian museums to the public and others.

Special events and attractions in cultural tourism: Successful practices and new trends

Sonya Alexieva — Tue, 11 May 2021 00:00:00 +0000

Investment and changing attitudes towards cultural tourism which has grown increasingly high in demand among the various types of special interest tourism make of it a popular choice among Bulgarian and international tourists. In the era of social networks, the possibility for on-line exchange of comments and opinions has changed forever the way cultural tourism is managed and communicated. This type of special interest tourism requires a particular attention to special events, attractions, and modern animation. This paper deals with how our countryâ€™s chances as a promising cultural tourism destination can be enhanced at the background of the new trends in event management. It analyzes some good practices related to notorious special events and attractions and making many successful destinations recognizable.

Concept for the urban tourism development â€“ theoretical and practical aspects

Irena Emilova — Tue, 11 May 2021 00:00:00 +0000

Along with the economic benefi ts of urban tourism development, such as creating new business opportunities, providing employment to the local residents, and generating revenue, there are a number of unfavorable consequences of overtourism to some destinations at the same time. In particular, this involves the destruction of cultural heritage, environmental pollution, deterioration the quality of life and, in general, a lower quality supply of tourist services, which have a signifi cant impact on touristsâ€˜ experiences. The decision of these questions is on the one hand within the scope of local tourism management and concerns the behavior of tourists, on the other hand.

Analysis of the impact of hotel chains on the global tourism industry

Teodora Rizova — Tue, 11 May 2021 00:00:00 +0000

With the development of global hotel services markets as well as the general trends of the transnationalization of the economy lead to the expansion of international hotel chains. Hotel chains contribute to raising the level of organization of production and tourism services, creating a certain image of hotel services.Their impact on the market is strong and competitive. They are entering new tourist destinations and their network is constantly growing. This trend will continue in the future as well as strong competition between them for markets and offering innovative services.

State and development of electronic business in tourism

Margarita Misheva — Tue, 11 May 2021 00:00:00 +0000

This article analyze basic characteristics, peculiarities and tendencies in the development of e-business. In the article are systematized stages and principles in the development of e-business. Based on the study of the dynamics of e-commerce in tourism, are presented specifi c recommendations for its management in tourism companies. It is argued that with the development of e-business and e-commerce, tourism companies could successfully develop a personalized e-business strategy, could select and manage customer relationship and analyze quickly business situations and forecast their development.

An essay contest on a topic: â€œThe Bulgarian Dream â€“ The Positive Concept

Editorial Board — Tue, 11 May 2021 00:00:00 +0000

Over 60 students from Bachelorâ€™s and Masterâ€™s programs participated in the competition for the best essay, organized by the Final Scientific and Practical Conference, dedicated to the 25th anniversary of the creation of the fi rst programs in Business Administration in Bulgaria. Foreign students from Greece, Syria, Ukraine and Russia also showed interest in the competition.

Is world without dreams possible?

Iliana Getova — Tue, 11 May 2021 00:00:00 +0000

Over 60 students from Bachelorâ€™s and Masterâ€™s programs participated in the competition for the best essay, organized
by the Final Scientific and Practical Conference.

My dream and a dream for Syria

Basel Al-Garrui — Tue, 11 May 2021 00:00:00 +0000

Foreign students from Greece, Syria, Ukraine and Russia also showed interest in the competition.

Do we dream correctly?

Peter Getov — Tue, 11 May 2021 00:00:00 +0000

Content

Editorial Board — Tue, 11 May 2021 00:00:00 +0000