Year 2013, Issue 19
Date published20.4.2013
Table of content
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Lyubcho Varamezov, Yavor Stanev
OUTSOURCING OPPORTUNITIES FOR INCREASING THE COMPETITIVENESS OF MACHINE-BUILDING ENTERPRISESJEL: L24Keywords: outsourcing, opportunities, competitiveness, machine-building enterprises, Veliko Tarnovo districtSummary: This study aims to identify the outsourcing opportunities for increasing the competitiveness of machine-building enterprises. The following main tasks are solved to achieve the stated objective: first, the state of the... This study aims to identify the outsourcing opportunities for increasing the competitiveness of machine-building enterprises. The following main tasks are solved to achieve the stated objective: first, the state of the machine-building enterprises is investigated and assessed and the prospects for their development are outlined; second, the opportunities for gaining competitive advantages by using the potential of outsourcing are analyzed and evaluated; third, the degree of use of these opportunities is analyzed and evaluated based on the empirical study. The study includes 26 machine-building enterprises from Veliko Tarnovo district. The state of enterprises, outsourcing implementation, functions and activities that are often assigned to external specialized organizations, as well as various competitive advantages resulting from the implementation of this business model, are revealed based on data from the surveys. -
Bozhidar Bozhinov, Pavel Dodov
THE BANKING SECTOR IN CRISISJEL: G21Summary: Banking crises are costly for the economic crises, not only because of the high direct rescue costs, but also due to the negative effects on the economy by limiting the access to credit resources, negative impact on the price of... Banking crises are costly for the economic crises, not only because of the high direct rescue costs, but also due to the negative effects on the economy by limiting the access to credit resources, negative impact on the price of government debt and securities of local companies, as well as a possible devaluation of the national currency. The aim of this study is to clarify the causes and transmission mechanisms of the global financial crisis of 2007, and to advocate the following idea: effective risk management in the financial sector at the international level is the only way to prevent future global financial crises. In this context, the following main tasks are defined: (1) factors for the occurrence of banking crises, and in particular – the global financial crisis of 2007, (2) transmission mechanisms of infection in the international banking sector, (3) the impact of the global financial crisis on the banking sector, and (4) policy options for risk management in the banking system and for strengthening it. -
Rositsa Koleva, Stela Kasabova, Galya Kusheva
ANALYSIS OF HOTEL BUSINESS COMPETITIVENESSSummary: „Europe 2020” Strategy and „Bulgaria 2020” National Program’s underlying issues relate to smart and sustainable growth. It is associated with the creation of a greener and more competitive economy in which resources are used... „Europe 2020” Strategy and „Bulgaria 2020” National Program’s underlying issues relate to smart and sustainable growth. It is associated with the creation of a greener and more competitive economy in which resources are used efficiently and environmentally-friendly. The relationship „quality-competitiveness” is interpreted in accordance with the ideas put forward in these programs The search for competitive advantages of a tourism product can be improved mainly through reorientation of the strategy of tourist companies to a higher standard and better services, differentiation of the Bulgarian tourism product, development of alternative products to attract wealthy tourists and create conditions for intense competition in the industry. The paper involves practical research on the quality of the tourism product, its impact on the competitiveness of hotel chains, which illustrates the significant features in the development of tourism for the five-year period (2007-2011). -
Georgi Gerganov, Violeta Blazheva
PRODUCTION AND MARKETS OF GENETICALLY MODIFIED ORGANISMS, FOODS AND AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTSKeywords: production, markets, genetically modified organisms, genetically modified foods, agricultural productsSummary: This paper aims to study and find out the problems in the production and markets for agricultural products in terms of genetically modified organisms and genetically modified foods. To achieve this aim the influencing factors,... This paper aims to study and find out the problems in the production and markets for agricultural products in terms of genetically modified organisms and genetically modified foods. To achieve this aim the influencing factors, defined in the tasks, are identified. The scarcity of land as a resource, the global economic crisis, food security, global famine and some other factors make it necessary to create species sustainable to natural and climatic conditions, on the one hand. On the other hand, the insufficient information about how safe species are in terms of production, distribution and use of genetically modified organisms and foods requires state intervention. The agricultural sector is a strategic sector that requires the application of well-grounded economic measures by the government for seeking ways to control and eliminate potential negative consequences in terms of providing normal conditions for the existence of humans, plants and animals and protection of environment. -
Todor Krystevich, Marusya Smokova
PREDICTING DEMAND OF BUNDLED TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICES USING DISCRETE CHOICE-BASED MODELSKeywords: menu-based conjoint analysis, multinomial logit model, hierarchical Bayes model, bundled telecommunications services, predictive analysisSummary: This study explores consumer choice of bundled telecommunications services and empirically investigates some new possibilities of menu-based choice models for explaining and predicting the share of preferences. It demonstrates how... This study explores consumer choice of bundled telecommunications services and empirically investigates some new possibilities of menu-based choice models for explaining and predicting the share of preferences. It demonstrates how to use menu-based conjoint analysis, aggregate multinomial logit and hierarchical Bayes models in order to estimate part-worth utilities of attributes and price levels of digital telecommunications services for home users. A spreadsheet-based analytical simulation model for predictive analysis of the demand structure for alternative scenarios is composed based on empirical estimates of preferences. Our research purpose is to offer and demonstrate opportunities for optimal planning of product bundles that match the actual and potential customers’ expectations and willingness to pay. -
Mariyana Bozhinova, Konstantin Radulov
STATE AND GUIDELINES FOR IMPROVING THE ENERGY EFFICIENCY OF REAL ESTATE PROPERTIES IN BULGARIAKeywords: energy efficiency, real estate, real estate agencies, professional management of residential real estateSummary: The aim of this study is to outline guidelines and recommendations for the implementation of the commitments under the EU directives related to climate change and energy efficiency, contributing to prosperity of the market and its... The aim of this study is to outline guidelines and recommendations for the implementation of the commitments under the EU directives related to climate change and energy efficiency, contributing to prosperity of the market and its sustainable development based on an empirical study of the state of real estate market in Bulgaria. To achieve the goal the following tasks are defined: clarification of the EU strategy on energy efficiency; outlining the place and role of real estate buildings in the country's economy; the development of a model for professional management of residential real estate buildings as a product provided by real estate agencies, able to foster increased energy efficiency. The main research thesis is that improving energy efficiency in buildings is essential for the stabilization and sustainable development of the real estate market by offering long-term benefits for owners and users of real estate. -
, Pavlin Pavlov
MANAGING PROJECTS FOR ELECTRICITY PRODUCTION FROM RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCESSummary: The main purpose of the present study is to identify possibilities for improving the management of renewable energy projects in Bulgaria. This goal is achieved by completing the following tasks – reviewing the characteristics of... The main purpose of the present study is to identify possibilities for improving the management of renewable energy projects in Bulgaria. This goal is achieved by completing the following tasks – reviewing the characteristics of renewable energy project management as a factor of ecologically-oriented company policies; outlining the possibilities for improving management mechanisms of such projects within companies. The object of study is the renewable energy projects carried out in Bulgaria and in particular the possibilities for effective company management of photovoltaic parks. Special attention is paid to the possibilities for overcoming setbacks in the management of such projects regardless of the causes that have led to them. The study proposes a flexible model for managing renewable energy projects (photovoltaic parks) by companies as a way of implementing ecologically-oriented practices. -
Eva Tsvetanova
STUDYING THE INNOVATIVE ACTIVITY IN PRIVATE AND PUBLIC SECTOR IN THE DANUBE REGIONKeywords: innovation activity, regional development, regional innovation systems, analysis of regional innovation requestsSummary: The main objective of this study is to investigate the activity of businesses and local authorities in the Danube region in terms of demand and creation of knowledge and innovation. The tasks are: to examine the need for innovation... The main objective of this study is to investigate the activity of businesses and local authorities in the Danube region in terms of demand and creation of knowledge and innovation. The tasks are: to examine the need for innovation in the private and public sector in the Danube region and to provide specific recommendations and measures to increase their innovation activity. The main thesis advanced in this study is that the search for knowledge and innovation by local businesses and administration is insufficient, but can and should be induced by apparent and tacit knowledge exchanged between entrepreneurs in regional innovation systems. The output of multidimensional quantitative analysis of the innovation needs of the public and business sectors is systematized in the study. To solve the problems identified in the study specific recommendations and measures are outlined, which are to support the creation of local creative environment, full exploitation of the endogenous potential of the Danube region and to facilitate the diffusion of knowledge and innovation in both business organizations and the work process of local authorities. -
Aneta Deneva, Tihomir Lichev, Katya Licheva, Veneta Hristova, Kiril Mitov, Hristo Sirashki, Daniel Dimanov
CONTEMPORARY ASPECTS OF INDUSTRIAL POLICYKeywords: policy, economic policy, industrial policy, industrial enterprises, administrative failureSummary: The industrial policy in the European Union is developing both in the context of improving the regulations and in restructuring the sectors, especially that of industry in order to enhance competitiveness and to support investment... The industrial policy in the European Union is developing both in the context of improving the regulations and in restructuring the sectors, especially that of industry in order to enhance competitiveness and to support investment and employment. The key question that the industrial policy raises is what has to be done to help businesses and industry to be competitive in a volatile, turbulent global market. The aim of this study is to analyze the industrial policy conducted so far in our country, and based on extensive theoretical and practical studies to derive reliable indicators for its monitoring and analysis. The objectives of the study are to generalize and systematize the theoretical formulations regarding what policy, policy levels, industry and industrial policy are, and to analyze the advantages and disadvantages of the existing indicators of industrial policy assessment. The findings of the research are aimed at evaluating industrial policy and justifying its trends. -
Galina Zaharieva, Nikolay Yordanov, Nikolay Andreev, Dimitar Kostov
COMPARATIVE ANALISYS OF THE BULGARIAN AND ROMANIAN EXTERNAL SECTORSSummary: Being an area of free movement of “people, goods and capital”, EU gives both Bulgaria and Romania opportunities to improve their access to markets, as well as to attract more foreign direct and portfolio investments. The global... Being an area of free movement of “people, goods and capital”, EU gives both Bulgaria and Romania opportunities to improve their access to markets, as well as to attract more foreign direct and portfolio investments. The global economic crisis, that began two years after the two countries’ full EU accession, is likely to discontinue these advantages and to pose serious hardships to the ability of their economies to function in a crisis and reduced cash flows. The project “Comparative analisys of the Bulgarian and Romanian external sectors” is focused on studying the trends in the balance of payment of the two countries and its components in the light of Euro membership and under the conditions of an economic crisis. Its scope includes the key specifics of trade and capital flows as well as the correlations between them. The views on balancing the external sector are generalized and tools are identified to assess the trends in the balance of payment. -
Krum Krumov, Penko Dimitrov, Silviya Kostova, Diana Krumova
MECHANISMS FOR REGULATION AND AUDIT OF EU FUNDS ABSORPTIONSummary: Funding received from EU programmes is vital for the national economy as it helps solve crucial socio-economic problems. In some cases, the absorption of these funds is accompanied by attempts to commit fraud or violate existing... Funding received from EU programmes is vital for the national economy as it helps solve crucial socio-economic problems. In some cases, the absorption of these funds is accompanied by attempts to commit fraud or violate existing regulations. In order to prevent these from happening, the process has to be subject to audit and regulation. Research on various mechanisms for regulation and audit of the absorption of EU funds demands that the overall organization of their management should be examined. The focus is on legal, accounting and audit problems on which sound financial management of funds is based. -
Todor Todorov, Miglena Vachevska
VOLATILITY OF CORRELATIONS BETWEEN MACROECONOMIC INDICATORS IN THE SYSTEM OF NATIONAL ACCOUNTS (2000-2011)Keywords: system of national accounts, volatility, macroeconomic correlations, macroeconomic equilibrium, consumptionSummary: This study aims to prove that not only macro indicators, but also the correlations between them should be used as main macroeconomic indicators since being relative quantities they have richer content and create more favourable... This study aims to prove that not only macro indicators, but also the correlations between them should be used as main macroeconomic indicators since being relative quantities they have richer content and create more favourable opportunities for using them in the macroeconomic analysis, modeling and forecasting of socio-economic phenomena and processes. The main purpose of this study is to examine the correlations between macroeconomic indicators which are associated with drops, recovery, upsurge and peaks of economic development. In this context, the object of the study is focused on the volatility of these correlations in the period 2000-2011, and its impact on the country’s economic development. The results prove our thesis and indicate more intense volatility, which is caused by the world economical crisis. -
Tsvetan Dilkov, Hristo Sirashki
STUDYING THE DEVELOPMENT OF GREEN ECONOMY IN BULGARIA AS A EUROPE 2020 PRIORITY STRATEGYSummary: The aim of this study is to reveal the trends of the green economy in relation to the Europe 2020 priority strategy. The tasks that are set relate to revealing the nature of green economy, as well as the reasons for green... The aim of this study is to reveal the trends of the green economy in relation to the Europe 2020 priority strategy. The tasks that are set relate to revealing the nature of green economy, as well as the reasons for green management. The object of study is the development of green economy in Bulgaria. The subject of study is the changes to be made in the national economy of the Republic of Bulgaria so that humane green economy will be built. The paper advocates the idea that in order for life on Earth to survive, today's economy, stimulating social inequality and waste of natural resources, must be replaced by a steady green economy. Naturally, this should be done globally by consensus of all countries in the world and mutual respect for their interests. There are many possible ways of Bulgaria’s integration into the European and world economy, but in economic terms building a green economy is the most justifiable way. -
Gergana Vasileva
EXPLORING THE POSSIBILITIES FOR IMPROVING THE COMPETITIVENESS OF BREWERIES IN BULGARIASummary: Contemporary realities and the transition to a new civilizational model of development – “Knowledge-based economy” modify the ways of achieving competitiveness of enterprises. ICT, innovations and human capital are becoming major... Contemporary realities and the transition to a new civilizational model of development – “Knowledge-based economy” modify the ways of achieving competitiveness of enterprises. ICT, innovations and human capital are becoming major factors of corporate progress. The three listed pillars determine relevant changes in the sectoral structure of Bulgaria, especially in the brewing sub-sector; in the “architecture” of its competitive intensity and in the formation of its competitive advantages. In this respect, the purpose of this particular project study is to assess and analyze the competitiveness of Bulgarian enterprises in the brewing sub-sector at present and in the future. The paper advocates the idea that in order for the breweries in Bulgaria to be highly competitive, they have to intensively use ICT, actively implement innovations and constantly broaden and enrich the knowledge of their staff. The assessment (based on surveys and direct interviews) of the competitiveness of national brewers reveals their state and “bottlenecks”, defines the main conclusions and outlines recommendations for their effective development and growth. -
Tanya Ilieva
ANALYSIS OF SUPPLEMENTARY PENSION FUNDS OPERATIONS IN BULGARIAJEL: G23Keywords: supplementary pension insurance, pension funds, profitability, pension assets, insured peopleSummary: The purpose of this research paper is to evaluate pension funds operations in Bulgaria. The achievement of this goal involves reviewing the following tasks: Clarifying the nature and goals of supplementary pension insurance;... The purpose of this research paper is to evaluate pension funds operations in Bulgaria. The achievement of this goal involves reviewing the following tasks: Clarifying the nature and goals of supplementary pension insurance; Evaluation of the macroeconomic environment for the development of supplementary pension insurance; Analysis of supplementary pension insurance funds operations in Bulgaria for the period 2007-2011 according to the following indicators: achieved investment results, net assets, and number of insured people. The main thesis of the current research paper supports the idea that the functioning of pension funds is closely related to the macroeconomic environment. It influences investment policies and the financial situation of private pension funds, as well as the capitalization of individual accounts of insured people. We have formulated the following conclusions based on the current study: Supplementary pension insurance provides supplementary insurance protection against the following risks: disability, old age, death; Supplementary pension insurance leads to increased pension savings; The size of payments of supplementary pension insurance to insured or entitled people depends on the accrued funds in the individual accounts and their investment gains; Due to the global economic crisis there has been a drop in profitability that has affected all pension funds. Net assets have decreased in professional and voluntary pension funds; The Sharpe ratio gives a comprehensive overview of the investment policy of pension providers; By assessing the Sharpe's ratio, we can conclude that the leader among pension providers is “Rodina” PIC .