"Scientific research" Almanac

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  MEASURING POVERTY IN BULGARIA: STATISTICAL ASPECTS

  Fighting poverty and social exclusion is among the biggest issues of modern social development and a priority of the social policy at both national and European level. The main goal of this paper is to explore the statistical dimensions of poverty in Bulgaria via theoretical justification and empirical analysis of the level, dynamics and ... Fighting poverty and social exclusion is among the biggest issues of modern social development and a priority of the social policy at both national and European level. The main goal of this paper is to explore the statistical dimensions of poverty in Bulgaria via theoretical justification and empirical analysis of the level, dynamics and determining factors of poverty for the period 2008–2017. The research thesis of the study is that the Gini coefficient and the multiple binary logistic regression models are appropriate analytical tools for analyzing the relationships and identifying the part of the population that is at risk of poverty and social exclusion. In this paper, we present the conceptual basis of poverty as a subject of the statistical analysis. We clarify the organizational and methodological aspects of the data provision. We have performed empirical analysis of the dynamics and factor relationships of poverty in Bulgaria on the basis of the statistical information, obtained from NSI and Eurostat. We have developed multiple regression models and estimated the socio-demographic conditions of poverty. The main results of the study can be summarized in several areas. The application of the statistical approach is a necessity for identifying the level and the factor relationships of poverty. The quantitative measure of poverty is based on comprehensive statistical information that is collected in accordance with the Eurostat methodology and adapted at a national level by the NSI. The dynamics of the Gini coefficient reveals that income inequality of the population is rising. The multiple logistic regression model states that the impact of the variables “gender”, “age” and “region” are statistically significant. The derived probabilities and odds ratios can be used in developing policies for poverty reduction.

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  MEASURING CONSUMER SATISFACTION WITH THE OMNI-CHANNEL EXPERIENCE

  Most consumer brands today are available in both physical and online stores, and marketing specialists are constantly seeking new ways to contact and engage their customers. More and more companies are trying to adapt to the digital world and create multiple channels to satisfy consumers' requirements for an optimal buying experience. These ... Most consumer brands today are available in both physical and online stores, and marketing specialists are constantly seeking new ways to contact and engage their customers. More and more companies are trying to adapt to the digital world and create multiple channels to satisfy consumers' requirements for an optimal buying experience. These channels include physical stores, websites, mobile apps, social media and more. The present study presents the results of an empirical study aimed at offering measurement models of consumer satisfaction with and expectation of the omni-channel customer experience. The study has also sought an answer to the question: how much the expectations of the different aspects of omni-channel experience affect the degree of customer satisfaction. The research tasks can be summarized as follows: (1) analysis of scientific literature in the field of omni-channel marketing, customer experience and satisfaction in an omni-channel setting; (2) collection and analysis of data about customer’s expectations and satisfaction with their experience in an omni-channel buying environment, as well as validation of their measurement models and a structural model of their relationship. The partial least squares method has been used in order to test the measurement and structural models. It has been found that customers are satisfied with their omni-channel experience if companies: offer them relevant offers, synchronize their promotions across channels, offer the "Click & Collect" option, integrate data on user devices and enhance the return options for products purchased through different channels. The results also show that only the expectations for integrating data from different devices used by consumers to contact the brand have a small effect on the level of consumer satisfaction

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  SOCIO-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF THE BULGARIAN DANUBE REGION – TRENDS AND PROSPECTS

  The aim of this research paper is to examine and analyse the trends and prospects in the socio-economic development of the Bulgarian Danube region in the period between 2010 and 2017. The thesis of the paper is that, because of the changes that the socio-economic development of the Bulgarian Danube region has undergone, there are clear trends and ... The aim of this research paper is to examine and analyse the trends and prospects in the socio-economic development of the Bulgarian Danube region in the period between 2010 and 2017. The thesis of the paper is that, because of the changes that the socio-economic development of the Bulgarian Danube region has undergone, there are clear trends and considerable potential for progress. The objectives of the research are: 1. To examine the economic development of the districts in the Bulgarian Danube region. 2. To identify major demographic issues in the Bulgarian Danube region. 3. To assess the labour market in the districts in the Bulgarian Danube region. 4. To analyse the social development in the districts in the Bulgarian Danube region. 5. To study the level of poverty in the Bulgarian Danube region, its current condition and trends in its development. The main conclusion of the practical research we have conducted is that unfavourable trends in the demographic development of the administrative districts in the Bulgarian Danube region, increasing unemployment and reducing the average wage in the sectors of the social sphere are the result of both the natural population mobility and migration processes and the economic situation in the country. The poverty level in the region is close to the average poverty level for the country, yet, the specific features and the dynamics of its development require a differentiated approach in order to cut poverty and boost economic security at a regional level.