Year 2020, Issue 28
Date published30.3.2020
Table of content
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Margarita Bogdanova, Hristo Sirashki, Evelina Parashkevova Velikova, Mariela Stoynova
AGILE PROJECT MANAGEMENT IN PUBLIC SECTOR ORGANIZATIONSKeywords: agile project management, methodology, “non-software” industries, public sector organizations.Summary: One of the latest approaches to improve the operations of business organizations is the Agile Project Management. It emerged in the software industry in 2001, but gradually entered other, non-software industries. However, the... One of the latest approaches to improve the operations of business organizations is the Agile Project Management. It emerged in the software industry in 2001, but gradually entered other, non-software industries. However, the transfer of the approach to the public sector requires a specific transformation of the Agile methodology, insofar as the two sectors are radically different. The purpose of this study is to present a methodology for agile project management in the public sector in Bulgaria and to define the conditions and barriers for its effective implementation in public sector organizations. The tasks of the research are the following: 1) scientific literature research and critical analysis related to the object of the study; 2) developing a methodology for agile project management in the public sector; 3) approbation of the methodology and definition of the conditions for its implementation. The thesis of the research states that agile project management methodology can be adapted and integrated into public sector practice, although further efforts are needed to create organizational sensitivity to implement this approach. As a result of the study, a methodology for agile project management in the public sector in Bulgaria has been developed, which includes basic principles, specific roles and preconditions. Three stages of the methodology are formed, each with steps and iterations that are visualized through a process map. The conditions and barriers to the implementation of the methodology in public sector organizations are outlined. -
Angelin Lalev, Alexandrina Alexandrova
DEEP NEURAL NETWORKS FOR DETECTION OF CREDIT CARD FRAUDJEL: C45.Summary: This publication presents research on the possibility of using Deep Neural Net-works (DNNs) for detection of credit card fraud. The research is based on an open da-taset and aims to determine how the varying number of hidden layers... This publication presents research on the possibility of using Deep Neural Net-works (DNNs) for detection of credit card fraud. The research is based on an open da-taset and aims to determine how the varying number of hidden layers and other archi-tectural parameters (width of each layer, activation functions) affects training and predictive potential of the network. It also aims to determine how to use generative-adversarial approach efficiently in order to overcome the problem with the imbalance between legitimate and fraudulent transactions, which is crucial characteristic of the datasets related to detection of credit card fraud. The publication presents the results of various experiments, conducted to achieve the stated goals. A number of experiments have been carried out combining network training of various depth of the network and with different parameters of the learning process, for example, activation function and dropout values. The experiments focus on using generative-adversarial approach as a method for oversampling, in par-ticular. The results indicate that deep neural networks with moderate hidden layers, combined with methods for oversampling are performing much better in identifying fraudulent transactions than the classical neural networks, consisting of only one hid-den layer. The results also indicate that using generative-adversarial approach as a method for oversampling is comparable in efficiency to other widely used techniques. -
Desislava Aleksieva, Elena Yordanova
INTERESTS AND BEHAVIOUR – MANAGERIAL ASPECTSSummary: Managing employees’ behaviour is a challenge that every leader has to face and is closely related to managing their interests. Changing human behaviour is a gradual process because behavioural change is the most difficult and... Managing employees’ behaviour is a challenge that every leader has to face and is closely related to managing their interests. Changing human behaviour is a gradual process because behavioural change is the most difficult and slowest to achieve, and the outcome is expected in the long run. The main objective of this research is to study the theoretical and empirical aspects of the categories of “interests” and “behaviour” in terms of their functional and rational integration in the management process. The research thesis is based on the assumption that interests and behaviour are interrelated and interactive in the management process. To prove the thesis, the authors have set the following tasks: • to review and analyse the relationship between “interests” and “behaviour” in the field of management; • to present theoretical grounds for the impact of interests on behaviour; • to conduct an empirical survey for verification of the thesis; • to summarize and systematize the scientific and empirical results and outline the contributing points. The conducted research confirms the research thesis, outlining the scientific and applied results of the research as follows: a generalized, systematized and analysed conceptual apparatus, which enriches the scientific theory in the field of management and administration; opportunities for influence and interaction between interests and behaviour are presented; techniques and mechanisms ensuring the sustainable management of the organization are explored. Recommendations and proposals for balanced and sustainable development of internal organizational relations are presented. -
Silviya Kostova, Krum Krumov, Daniela Vatkova Milusheva
THE ROLE OF INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL AUDITORS FOR IDENTIFYING FRAUDS IN ORGANIZATIONSSummary: The variety of ways and approaches to fraud necessitates the updating of measures and mechanisms to identify and limit them. By properly implementing these mechanisms and approaches, the risk assessment and the display of indicators... The variety of ways and approaches to fraud necessitates the updating of measures and mechanisms to identify and limit them. By properly implementing these mechanisms and approaches, the risk assessment and the display of indicators signalling misconduct contribute to reducing them and improving the effectiveness of the control impact. The relevance of the study is due to the growing threat of spreading fraud and the need for adequate and timely measures to limit them. The purpose of the research study is to outline the possible actions to curb fraud, applied by internal and external auditors, as well as to examine the methodology used in the preparation of fraud risk assessments. The tasks are as follows: to clarify the role of internal audit in combating fraud; examining methodological guidelines for fraud risk assessment; implementation of anti-fraud management measures and adequate audit procedures. The thesis being defended is that fraud is a complex phenomenon and the role of internal and external auditors is essential for detecting and limiting it by applying innovative and adequate methods. The study substantiates the relationship between management actions and the ability to prevent and detect fraud, as well as the conditionality of audit procedures, performed by external auditors on the type and nature of possible fraudulent financial reporting schemes. -
Silviya Kostova, Presian Ilianov Vasilev, Ivana Dimova
CHARACTERISTICS OF FRAUD AND PERPETRATORS OF FRAUDSummary: The development of economic processes and activities raises the need for adequate knowledge and skills related to fraud detection. The relevance of the study is related to the continuous change and development of the means and... The development of economic processes and activities raises the need for adequate knowledge and skills related to fraud detection. The relevance of the study is related to the continuous change and development of the means and approaches used by the control bodies, the emerging phenomena and processes requiring innovative thinking and the developing technologies and software tools for financial fraud. The purpose of the research study is to identify the inherent characteristics of financial fraud and their perpetrators by analysing the regulations governing its manifestations and systematizing the types of financial fraud. The goal is achieved by performing the following tasks: defining the concept of "fraud"; outlining the main features of financial fraud; analysis of the legal framework; systematizing the types of financial fraud by certain indicators; examining the profile of the perpetrator of financial fraud. The thesis being defended is that financial fraud is a dynamic and complex phenomenon that requires adequate measures by the control and judicial authorities, taking into account the changes in the profile of the perpetrators and the methods of committing misconduct. As a result of the study, the legal regulation of financial fraud was systematized, criteria for their differentiation were drawn up and the characteristics and profile of the perpetrators of financial fraud were drawn up. -
Tihomir Varbanov
EVALUATION OF CONVERGENCE IN SOCIAL PROTECTION EXPENDITURE IN THE EUROPEAN UNIONKeywords: social protection expenditure, club convergence, beta-convergence, fixed effects models, panel data.Summary: The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the degree of convergence across the EU Member States in social protection expenditure for the period 2008-2016 by using statistical and econometric approaches for measuring convergence. This... The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the degree of convergence across the EU Member States in social protection expenditure for the period 2008-2016 by using statistical and econometric approaches for measuring convergence. This is achieved by accomplishing several tasks: presentation of theoretical concepts and statistical and econometric approaches for convergence evaluation; exploring the convergence process through the club convergence approach; exploring the convergence process through the beta-convergence approach across European Union Member States as a whole, and between countries in individual convergence clubs; analysis of the impact of structural variables on social protection expenditure and the cohesion process. The thesis defended by the author is that by using the applied approaches for the study of the club convergence and beta-convergence, an adequate evaluation of the degree of convergence of the EU Member States is achieved. This makes it possible to establish the rate of convergence to the general equilibrium both within the European Union and within separate convergence clubs. As a result of the study of club convergence, convergence clubs, clubs in a process of transitional divergence, as well as countries that are not involved in that process are identified. The study of beta-convergence shows a process of reducing disparities in convergence clubs and the European Union as a whole. The findings of the study indicate that the additional variables in the models of conditional beta-convergence have a significant impact on the increase in the social protection expenditure and the cohesion process. EU countries converge at a faster pace into the general equilibrium level of social protection expenditure when it is presented as a percentage of Gross Domestic Product. -
Tanya Todorova
EFFECTS OF GOVERNMENT BUDGET BALANCE ON ECONOMIC GROWTHSummary: The necessity of adequate use of public budget as a fiscal instrument for economic regulation is even more tangible in conditions of slow economic growth rate. The debate on whether the public budget can maintain a balance between... The necessity of adequate use of public budget as a fiscal instrument for economic regulation is even more tangible in conditions of slow economic growth rate. The debate on whether the public budget can maintain a balance between economic stability and social equity has a long history. Another question is whether budget deficit or budget surplus would trigger higher economic growth. The main objective of the empiric analysis is to evaluate the budget deficit/ surplus impact on real economic growth rate by using econometric analysis and comparative analysis between Bulgaria and the other Member States of the European Union as well as the Balkan States (Cyprus, The Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Romania, Croatia, Greece, Serbia, Turkey and North Macedonia). The specific task is to justify the need to balance the public budget and reduce the budget deficit in order to achieve sustainable real economic growth. The thesis of the research is that balancing public budget and reducing distributive and redistributive government activities contribute to higher real economic growth rate in the analyzed Bulgarian and European economies. The main results of the research prove that reduction of budget deficit and balanced government budget have a positive effect on realized economic growth rate in the analyzed European countries over the period 2007 – 2018. -
Veselin Popov, Petya Emilova, Iskren Tairov, Vladislav Vladimirov Vasilev
INFORMATION SECURITY OF HOSPITALS IN BULGARIAJEL: D80.Summary: The relevance of this study is determined by the increasing requirements of and threats to the information security of healthcare facilities. The aim of the study is to investigate the state of information security of hospitals in... The relevance of this study is determined by the increasing requirements of and threats to the information security of healthcare facilities. The aim of the study is to investigate the state of information security of hospitals in Bulgaria and to define the concept of the model for information security. The following tasks are solved: studying the state of information security of hospitals in Bulgaria and opportunities for improvements; highlighting the good practices; analysing the capability of new technologies. On this basis, a concept for an information security model is developed, taking into account the features of Bulgarian hospitals. The research thesis, which is defended, is that threats and information security requirements have been steadily increasing. This requires precautionary measures and a high level of security and protection of data and services, as well as business continuity and is particular important to hospitals that collect, store and process personal data and health data of their patients. The information security level can be increased by applying an information security model. The studies have analysed the state of information security of medical establishments in Bulgaria and defined a concept for an information security model based on: good practices; following the recommendations for technical implementation required by the GDPR; accounting for the principle of protection levels. -
Krasimir Shishmanov, Mariya Tashkova, Michaela Markova
CURRENT TENDENCIES IN E-COMMERCE APPLICATION DEVELOPMENTKeywords: information technology (IT), digital transformation, e-commerce, e-commerce applications, web site-building platforms.Summary: In today’s competitive and dynamic business environment, companies need to transform their business in order to survive. There has been a steady trend for companies to engage in e-commerce and business based on online technologies,... In today’s competitive and dynamic business environment, companies need to transform their business in order to survive. There has been a steady trend for companies to engage in e-commerce and business based on online technologies, since it has become clear that unless they do so, they will drop out of the market. Although their presence on the internet offers new channels for the distribution of goods and services, it also poses a number of risks which companies need to be aware of so that they could analyse and adequately manage them. The aim of this study is to present the opportunities provided by different technological solutions for developing e-commerce applications. Those solutions, like any new technology, are viewed from different standpoints and provoke different reactions and assessments. It is therefore necessary to present their specific characteristics, as well as the impact of their implementation. The main thesis of the research is that business transformation requires the development of e-commerce apps with maximum efficiency according to the resources, which companies have at their disposal. The findings of the study indicate that teams engaged in the digitalisation of a business must be aware of current trends in developing e-commerce apps and the ability of a company to adjust to them. Hence, there are two major issues to be resolved in terms of digital transformation: first, designing and running the right online store (e-commerce website) and second, choosing the best approaches to accomplish that. -
Atanaska Reshetkova, Krista Neykova
IMPACT OF DIGITAL MARKETING CHANNELS ON CUSTOMER LOYALTY IN THE BANKING SECTORJEL: Ì31.Keywords: customer loyalty, customer satisfaction, digital channels, digital innovation, consumer behaviour.Summary: Globally, digital sales in the personal banking sector are increasing, as well as the investment of banking institutions in digitalization. Being inspired by these trends, the objective of this study, set by the authors, is to... Globally, digital sales in the personal banking sector are increasing, as well as the investment of banking institutions in digitalization. Being inspired by these trends, the objective of this study, set by the authors, is to explore the potential of digital marketing channels to influence customer loyalty in the banking sector, creating additional benefits for the customer. It is argued that the use of digital marketing channels in retail banking can have a positive effect on customer loyalty. Three main benefits of using digital marketing channels in the banking sector have been outlined - saving money, saving time and convenience in managing banking products. These benefits are included in a conceptual model that implies direct influence of perceived benefits from digital banking to customer loyalty, as well as indirect effect through customer satisfaction. The validity of the model is tested by using a structural equation modelling method and non-parametric procedures are applied for parameter estimation. It has been found that the perceived benefits of using digital innovations in banks' marketing channels have an indirect effect on customer loyalty by influencing customer satisfaction. Satisfaction with the use of digital channels, in turn, promotes loyal customer behaviour. The verified model is valid both for clients using the services of only one bank and for clients of more than one bank. -
Diana Imalova, Galya Ivanova Kuzmanova, Radosveta Krysteva Hristova
TRAINING IN THE DOCTORAL PROGRAM "ACCOUNTING, CONTROL AND ANALYSIS OF BUSINESS (ACCOUNTING)" AT D. A. TSENOV ACADEMY OF ECONOMICS – PROBLEMS AND PROSPECTSSummary: Achieving an economic and social standard of society is related to the need for highly qualified scientists and specialists. Policies and activities in the field of education and science are a guarantee for such achievement. Higher... Achieving an economic and social standard of society is related to the need for highly qualified scientists and specialists. Policies and activities in the field of education and science are a guarantee for such achievement. Higher schools face the problem of developing and continuously improving doctoral education, incl. education in the field of accounting. The purpose of the research is to outline the existing problems and directions for the development of the doctoral program "Accounting, control and analysis of business activities (accounting)" at D. A. Tsenov Academy of Economics, based on theoretical and empirical study of training in this programme in the context of the European priorities. The main research thesis is that training at D. A. Tsenov Academy of Economics in a doctoral degree in the field of accounting requires integrated management of all aspects of its regulation, organization and practical implementation, which will contribute to increase the competitiveness of the doctoral programme and its position as a leader in the educational market in the country and abroad. By examining the regulatory and strategic documents in the country and within the EU in the field of education at Doctoral level of tertiary education and by outlining the characteristics of the doctoral programme under study, as well as by applying a survey method to study the motivation and satisfaction of those interested in the programme, the state and prospects for its development and opportunities for increasing its competitiveness have been outlined.