"Scientific research" Almanac

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  MODELING PROBABILISTIC CHOICES WHEN BUYING

  This study systematizes the theoretical foundations of mathematical modeling of consumer behavior in the choice process in the context of random utility theory. The main attention is paid to some aspects of econometric estimation of discrete choice models. The main thesis is that based on the theory of random utility, you can create tools for ... This study systematizes the theoretical foundations of mathematical modeling of consumer behavior in the choice process in the context of random utility theory. The main attention is paid to some aspects of econometric estimation of discrete choice models. The main thesis is that based on the theory of random utility, you can create tools for predictive analytics of demand. The aim of the study is to develop a transpar-ent and traceable analytical methodology for analyzing empirical data from stated preferences, providing opportunities for evaluating, analyzing and predicting consumer choice. To achieve this goal, a brief synopsis of the discrete choice theory was made, as well as a review of methods for evaluating and analyzing traditional econometric mod-els with discrete dependent variables. Particular attention is drawn to the problems in specifying adequate binary and multinomial regression models, which are the core of analytical tools, and whose evaluation and verification is feasible with the help of open source software. Systematizing achievements in the field, recommendations are given for using predictive models for solving marketing problems. Methods for predictive analytics of consumer choice are proposed, including output of aggregated forecast estimates, building of market simulators for predictive modeling of market share, as-sessment of willingness-to-pay and price elasticity at the level of product alternatives.

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  THE INFLUENCE OF LEGALLY REGULATED TRAININGS ON THE PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OF INSURANCE BROKERS’ EMPLOYEES

  Insurance brokers are the preferred intermediary by consumers of insurance services in Bulgaria and their importance is constantly increasing. To ensure the necessary level of professional knowledge and skills, regulatory requirements for continuous professional training and development of the insurance brokers’ employees engaged in the ... Insurance brokers are the preferred intermediary by consumers of insurance services in Bulgaria and their importance is constantly increasing. To ensure the necessary level of professional knowledge and skills, regulatory requirements for continuous professional training and development of the insurance brokers’ employees engaged in the distribution of insurance products were introduced at the end of 2018 in Bulgaria. The purpose of this scientific research is to assess the impact of introductory training on the professional development of insurance brokers’ employees directly involved in the distribution of insurance products and to outline guidelines for conducting the legally required annual continuing trainings. To achieve this goal, the following tasks have been formulated: study of the importance of insurance brokers for the development of Bulgarian insurance market; outlining the preconditions for introduction of obligatory professional training of the insurance brokers’ employees, directly engaged in the distribution of insurance products; assessment of the satisfaction of insurance brokers’ employees from the introductory training conducted in 2019; outlining the guidelines for conducting continuing trainings for insurance brokers’ employees. The research thesis is that the continuous process of professional training and development of insurance brokers’ employees is a prerequisite for improving the quality of intermediary services, effective protection of insurance services consumers, sustainable development and reliability of the insurance market.

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  MODELS FOR BUILDING LOGISTICS CHAINS IN AGRIBUSINESS

  Characteristic of Bulgarian agriculture is the presence of many, mostly small and medium-sized agricultural enterprises, occupying an insignificant market share, which operate in the highly competitive market of agricultural products. This fragmentation challenges agricultural holdings to improve their competitiveness and imposes a realistic ... Characteristic of Bulgarian agriculture is the presence of many, mostly small and medium-sized agricultural enterprises, occupying an insignificant market share, which operate in the highly competitive market of agricultural products. This fragmentation challenges agricultural holdings to improve their competitiveness and imposes a realistic orientation towards market innovations, including the formation of logistics chains. Building and improving logistics models is essential for optimizing business processes and generating added value in the sector. In this regard, the main research goal is to construct logistics models applicable in agribusiness. The research defends the thesis that the construction of logistics chains is a market reaction of the business for effective utilization of available resources and generation of added value, contributing to cohesion among the regions in Bulgaria. The results of the study can be systematized in the following areas. First. Based on the surveyed 212 business organizations from different business sectors and 47 agricultural companies that support Internet platforms in carrying out their activities, the main problems facing the business have been outlined and good logistics practices have been identified. Second. Based on a benchmarking study, the strengths and key problems related to logistics in the analyzed organizations were identified. Third. Applicable in agribusiness models have been constructed for the leading sectors of logistics - Transport, Warehousing and Processing and Finishing, depending on the capacity of the organization.