Year 2018, Issue VOLUME 25 Part I
Date published14.5.2018
Table of content
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Petya Emilova, Kremena Marinova, Teodora Spasova, Antoniya Manolova, Yanitsa Dimitrova
CLOUD COMPUTING IN THE ACTIVITIES OF BULGARIAN CORPORATIONS AND BIG ORGANIZATIONSSummary: The aim of the study is to investigate the features, state and problems of the IT infrastructure of big Bulgarian corporations by analyzing the possibilities of cloud computing technology in order to solve the outlined problems. On... The aim of the study is to investigate the features, state and problems of the IT infrastructure of big Bulgarian corporations by analyzing the possibilities of cloud computing technology in order to solve the outlined problems. On this basis, a model for effective functioning of the IT infrastructure of big Bulgarian enterprises has been developed. The research thesis, which has been defended, is that the strategy of moderate migration and the hybrid model of realization of cloud computing is an economically feasible and justified infrastructure model for implementation in a large Bulgarian enterprise. The following tasks have been solved: studying the specifics, state and problems of the IT infrastructure of big Bulgarian enterprises and analyzing the capacity of cloud computing to solve outlined problems. Public Cloud Migration is a new business opportunity from which objects of research can benefit after taking into account all potential opportunities and assessing the return on investment. The proposed transition model, applicable for major Bulgarian businesses provides answers to questions such as “what resources, when and how they can migrate to the cloud” and “what part of the infrastructure has to be stored in their own data centre”. The IT infrastructure of a particular Bulgarian industrial enterprise has been explored in depth, some financial assessments have been made and IT specialists of large enterprises and organizations have been questioned. A detailed classification of the cloud transition approaches has been made. -
Krasimir Shishmanov, Mariya Tashkova, Aleksandar Petrov
MODERN APPROACHES FOR IMPROVING THE INFORMATION SERVICEKeywords: information technology (IT), information service (IS), service, IT Service Management (ITSM), transformationSummary: Latest developments in the IT service imply a process of transition from traditional models of managing technologies and resources to a model of managing services. The project deals with issues related to transforming the management... Latest developments in the IT service imply a process of transition from traditional models of managing technologies and resources to a model of managing services. The project deals with issues related to transforming the management of Information services departments into a service management model. A research project for the state of the art of IT service management (ITSM) has been presented. Having identified major issues in terms of implementation and development of ITSM, we have analyzed the findings of our research and proposed solutions to existing problems. Hence, the main thesis of the research is that it is possible to identify a single approach to the improvement of the information service which will be based on the transformation of management of IT services into a service management model (ITSM – IT service management). The object of our research is the IT service within organizations, the focus of attention being on entities which have their own IT service departments. The subject of our research is contemporary approaches for improving the management of information services within organizations. The major objective of the research paper is to analyse the findings of our research of employing ITSM in Bulgarian organizations; review existing best practices and identify the potential of employing that model. As a result of an empirical study and analysis of its results, the main conclusions of the present study are as follows: • modern IT requires a transformation of the way of management and functioning of the information services; • the IT service delivery and management model will lead to cost reductions and increased efficiency and efficiency of not only IT service provision but also of the whole organization; • ITSM is a well-known, recognizable approach for improving IS governance in our country, whose implementation, use and development process has already started and expanded. -
Atanaska Reshetkova, Kostadin Bashev, Krista Parvanova
CONTRIBUTION OF DIGITAL MARKETING CHANNELS IN THE ONLINE STUDENT ACQUISITIONSummary: Bulgarian higher education that has been undergoing significant changes in the recent years has created the need for the universities to apply typical marketing instruments in order to reach potential students. At the same time,... Bulgarian higher education that has been undergoing significant changes in the recent years has created the need for the universities to apply typical marketing instruments in order to reach potential students. At the same time, digital channels are the preferred sources of information for young people. The frequent use of paid online communication by the higher educational institutions renders it necessary to manage the used channels in an effective way. This paper aims to present an approach to determining each digital channel’s contribution in the acquisition of students online, by applying multi-touch attribution model that considers the special features of educational products. The data-based attribution model takes into account the interest of the potential students to use different digital marketing channels and the extent to which they find the information in the specific channel useful, as well as their past experience with the channels. A review of possible applications of digital marketing channels has been made, as well as an overview of the data based attribution models proposed in the scientific literature so far. Recommendations have been made on the use of specific channels in the field of higher education marketing that, based on the estimated parameters of the tested model. It has been found that the channels that contribute most to the acquisition of students online are: (1) display advertising; (2) social media advertising (Facebook); (3) paid search channel. The tested model has a satisfying predictive validity. -
Nataliya Marinova, Iskren Tairov, Anatoliy Petrov, Radostin Georgiev
RESEARCH ON THE STATE AND TRENDS IN THE MOBILE BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT IN THE HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY OF BULGARIASummary: The main aim of the present paper is to study and analyze the current state of the hotel information systems in Bulgaria and the possibilities for implementation of mobile information technologies in the hotel sector. The research... The main aim of the present paper is to study and analyze the current state of the hotel information systems in Bulgaria and the possibilities for implementation of mobile information technologies in the hotel sector. The research thesis is defined in the following way: the modern hotel sector in Bulgaria has a clear need for more efficient information systems management, which can be improved on the basis of the most up-to-date information and communication technologies, including mobile ones. The stated aim also determines the specific tasks of the research, which are: 1. Theoretical study of hotel information systems and their importance for the hotel industry. 2. Exploration of popular reservation platforms and their application in different categories of hotels in Bulgaria. 3. Evaluation of the functionalities of hotel information systems in Bulgarian hotels and their readiness for their development and improvement. 4. Evaluating the economic benefits and risks of introducing modular technologies into hotel information systems. 5. Development of a practical methodology for the implementation of a mobile hotel information application. 6. Development of a website for online survey and popularization of the results of the survey of hotel information systems among the different categories of hotels in Bulgaria. The main conclusion of this study is that the use of mobile information technologies can bring substantial benefits to the hospitality sector in Bulgaria and contribute to the sustainable development of the tourism in the 21st century. -
Iskra Panteleeva, Lyubcho Varamezov, Nina Kostadinova
INNOVATIONS AND INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY – CURRENT STATE AND IMPACT ON COMPANY DEVELOPMENTKeywords: innovations, intellectual property rights, enterprises, manufacturing industry, company developmentSummary: The aim of this paper is to establish the impact of innovations and intellectual property rights on the company development, on the basis of an empirical study. The object of the survey is enterprises of the manufacturing industry... The aim of this paper is to establish the impact of innovations and intellectual property rights on the company development, on the basis of an empirical study. The object of the survey is enterprises of the manufacturing industry and the subject – the relationship between innovations and intellectual property rights, individual and team approach as a source for generating multipurpose benefits for the companies. The tasks deriving from the objectives are as follows:First, carrying out research on the current state of innovation, intellectual property rights and results achieved in enterprises. Sec-ond, determining the impact of innovations and intellectual property rights on compa-ny development and identifying benefits for the business. Third, identification of key problem areas and formulation of ideas and proposals for speeding up corporate de-velopment through innovations and intellectual property rights. The research thesis is that opportunities for business development can be created through implementation of innovations and operation of intellectual property objects. Systematic, structural and integrated approaches, inductive and deductive methods, index and comparative methods, questionnaire surveys, interviews and other methods have been used. On the basis of the empirical research, the following results have been achieved: the broad and multifaceted use of innovations and intellectual property objects, combined with the individual creativity and creative abilities of teams, helps companies achieve better results and company benefits. -
Marina Nikolova, Marusya Stancheva Linkova, Radka Nenova, Iliyana Krysteva, Georgi Dimitrov, Georgi Angelov, Desislava Milkova
OPPORTUNITIES AND MODELS FOR FUNCTIONING OF REGIONAL FARMERS' MARKETSSummary: The present study aims to explore the problems and opportunities for building regional agricultural markets in Bulgaria. In connection with this, the following tasks have been set: 1) Identification of the advantages of agricultural... The present study aims to explore the problems and opportunities for building regional agricultural markets in Bulgaria. In connection with this, the following tasks have been set: 1) Identification of the advantages of agricultural markets; 2) characterization of the administrative legal and internal company constraints in the organization of agricultural markets in Bulgaria; 3) analyzing the degree of coordination between interested parties in the construction of a farm market; 4) offering a model for the functioning of a regional farm market. The main thesis of the study is that coordinated efforts of farmers, local authorities, businesses and local communities are needed for the establishment and functioning of regional farmers' markets. Scientific and educational institutions can support co-ordination processes and offer models for regional farming markets. The following conclusions can be drawn from the study: there are external conditions for the establishment and functioning of agricultural markets in Bulgaria, but currently there is insufficient coordination between all stakeholders. In order to realize multiplier benefits from the agricultural markets, specific forms of cooperation between farms, local authorities and communities must be found in each region; the appropriate model for setting up and operating a farm market at municipal le -
Rositsa Koleva, Nikola Yankov, Krasimir Shishmanov, Galina Zaharieva, Ventsislav Vasilev, Tsetan Pavlov, Alexandrina Alexandrova
SOCIO-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT MODEL OF THE BULGARIAN DANUBIAN AREAKeywords: Bulgarian Danubian Area, municipalities in the Bulgarian Danu¬bian Area, economic potential, vision, development modelSummary: The main purpose of this paper is to conduct a comprehensive research of the territory along the Bulgarian bank of the Danube River, referred as the Bulgarian Danubian Area (BDA), which consists the main object of our research.... The main purpose of this paper is to conduct a comprehensive research of the territory along the Bulgarian bank of the Danube River, referred as the Bulgarian Danubian Area (BDA), which consists the main object of our research. Another objective is to assess the potential of the area and to identify opportunities for attracting direct, indirect and additional investment to the region. The main task in terms of the selected object is to determine the significance of the Bulgarian Danubian Area within the European Danube Hyper Region by applying systematic approach. The project team has therefore set the following specific tasks: to identify the different components of the BDA; to make an analysis of its economic potential and to present a systematic review of currently existing approaches of the municipalities in the region in terms of planning and strategic documents. A logical framework model for the social and economic development of the region follows the analysis. The main hypothesis is that the Bulgarian Danubian Area may become a strategic zone, a ‘focal point’ and a bridge for cross-border integration between Bulgaria and its bordering countries, and Romania in particular. This would be possible by gaining insight about the potential of the region and implementing appropriate conceptual instruments such as visions, strategies, plans, etc. The project research is done by conducting a survey among all municipalities in the Bulgarian Danubian Area and processing collected data with MS Excel software. -
Milen Mitkov
DEVELOPMENT OF THE INSURANCE MARKET IN THE CONDITIONS OF FINANCIAL AND ECONOMIC INTEGRATION OF BULGARIA IN THE EU FOR 10 YEARS MEMBERSHIP (2007-2016)JEL: G22Keywords: insurance, insurance payments, gross domestic product, insurance penetration, insurance densitySummary: This study presents the results of a survey conducted in 2017 on the insurance market in Bulgaria, carried out under Project ¹ 22-2017 of the Institute for Scientific Research. The main objective of the survey is to outline the... This study presents the results of a survey conducted in 2017 on the insurance market in Bulgaria, carried out under Project ¹ 22-2017 of the Institute for Scientific Research. The main objective of the survey is to outline the state of the insurance market in Bulgaria after the accession of Bulgaria to the European Union. The argument is that Bulgaria's accession to the European Union will lead to an expansion of the insurance sector and increase in the financial stability of insurers. Proving the thesis has been achieved by solving the following important tasks: - outlining the situation and trends in the development of key macroeconomic indicators for the period 2007-2016 related to insurance. - outlining the trends in the development of the insurance sector for the period 2007-2016. - outlining the indicators that characterize the place of insurance in the economy for the period 2007-2016. It was found that insurance companies in Bulgaria are financially stable. The pace of development of the insurance market outpaces the rate of growth of gross domestic product. The pace of development of insurance payments lags behind the rate of growth of gross premium income. The pace of investment development in the country outpaces the pace of investment development of insurance companies. Within the period under review, insurance penetration and insurance density are significantly lagging behind the other EU countries. -
Anatoliy Asenov, Tsvetan Dilkov, Irena Emilova, Milen Dinkov, Stanislava Stoyanova, Nadezhda Koseva Stefanova, Ivan Stefanov Ivanov
MANAGEMENT – REALITY AND FUTUREKeywords: management, social environment, organizational development, stra¬tegic management, eco-managementSummary: The objective of the study is to highlight the trends in the management development as a science and to reveal the challenges of economic and management knowledge in the 21st century. In this regard, the main tasks are the... The objective of the study is to highlight the trends in the management development as a science and to reveal the challenges of economic and management knowledge in the 21st century. In this regard, the main tasks are the following: to study the latest theoretical formulations on the research issues; to formulate thematic directions that enable the presentation and objective analysis of the theoretical views on management issues to the current situation; to present the views of the project participants according to their research on the themes. The main research thesis that is being defended is that in the new global economy the management as a science needs an analysis of the present, which will enable determining its priorities for the future. Priority areas in management development have been identified and reviewed in this paper. They are as follows: Man and social environment, Organizational development, Strategic Management, Eco-management. -
Petyr Todorov, Mariya Tashkova, Daniela Stoilova, Tsvetana Shenkova, Ivaylo Tsvetanov Petkov, Miroslav Ivanov
TEACHING STUDENTS IN THE MAJOR OF ECONOMICS OF TOURISM IN ENGLISH THROUGH A MOBILE SOFTWARE APPLICATIONJEL: Z32Keywords: mobile learning, mobile smartphone application, Economics of Tourism, mobile device, smartphoneSummary: Contemporary information and communication technologies bring about certain changes in the educational process. Such changes must be researched, analyzed and implemented. This research focuses on the possibilities of the... Contemporary information and communication technologies bring about certain changes in the educational process. Such changes must be researched, analyzed and implemented. This research focuses on the possibilities of the implementation of mobile learning in the training of students in the major of Economics of Tourism. The research aims at ascertaining the usability of the Moodle Mobile software application as well as testing the efficiency of the learning materials which can later be utilized in the development of courses taught in English. The following tasks have been completed in order to achieve the project goals: literature overview, conducting empirical research, data analysis and formulation of particular results that contribute to the research topic. We defend the research thesis that when learning materials are available via a mobile software application, students would prefer accessing them via this application rather than the full version of a website, and the learning materials provided to them are efficient and of high quality. The object of the research is the teaching of students in the major of Economics of Tourism in English by using a mobile software application in the courses of Tour Agent and Tour Guide. The scope of the research is the usability of the mobile software application and the efficiency of the additional learning materials in English in the above mentioned major and courses. In carrying out the research, we have used the following methods: triangulation, data flow diagram and pedagogical experiment.