"Scientific research" Almanac

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  CLOUD-BASED E-LEARNING FOR THE NEEDS OF BULGARIAN BUSINESS ORGANIZATIONS

  The purpose of this study is to examine the potential of the technologies of cloud computing and Web 2.0 for turning e-learning into an effective business practice for Bulgarian organizations. To achieve this objective, the authors solved the following tasks: studying the socio-economic aspects of e-learning and the use of cloud computing and Web ... The purpose of this study is to examine the potential of the technologies of cloud computing and Web 2.0 for turning e-learning into an effective business practice for Bulgarian organizations. To achieve this objective, the authors solved the following tasks: studying the socio-economic aspects of e-learning and the use of cloud computing and Web 2.0 in education; analyzing cloud-based e-learning models; examining the current status of e-learning in Bulgaria and the prospects for turning it into an effective business practice; proposing an authors’ model for cloud-based e-learning, suitable for the needs and peculiarities of Bulgarian organizations. The research thesis of the study is that cloud computing and Web 2.0 technologies have significant and multifaceted (technical, economic and social) potential for turning e-learning into an efficient business practice. For this purpose, Bulgarian organizations can adapt different strategies and models.

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  OPPORTUNITIES AND PROBLEMS OF INTEGRATED PRODUCTION IN THE AGRICULTURAL SECTOR

  The study is based on the thesis that integrated production is a system for agricultural production, processing and realization of food, which optimizes the use of resources and natural regulation mechanisms, ensuring viability and sustainability of agriculture in the long term. In this regard the main research objective is deduced: studying the ... The study is based on the thesis that integrated production is a system for agricultural production, processing and realization of food, which optimizes the use of resources and natural regulation mechanisms, ensuring viability and sustainability of agriculture in the long term. In this regard the main research objective is deduced: studying the opportunities for development and the problems in practising plant-growing integrated production, as well as the prospects for sustainable development of the agricultural sector. The specific tasks are related to disclosing the economic, ecological and social benefits of integrated production; identifying its problems, assessing the readiness of economic subjects for sustainable integrated production and outlining possibilities for coordination and interaction in its development in the rural areas. The results of the study are: working out approaches to reduce the risks and impact of pesticide use on human health, stability of agrarian-ecosystems and environmental pollution, through long-term sustainable development of agricultural business and increasing the viability of the rural economy; preparation of an alternative model for sustainable agricultural development based on the integrated production of plants and plant products; displaying the advantages and challenges as an opportunity for manufacturing high added-value products while managing sustainably the natural resources.

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  THE HYPOTHESIS ABOUT ACCESSION TO THE EUROPEAN BANKING UNION – OPPORTUNITIES AND DANGERS FOR BULGARIA

  The idea of creating a European Banking Union occurs in times of crisis after identifying some gaps in the activities of the existing establishments and institutions and their inability to ensure the smooth functioning of the banking sector in the European Union and in the Eurozone in particular. Over the last three years (2012 – 2015), a number ... The idea of creating a European Banking Union occurs in times of crisis after identifying some gaps in the activities of the existing establishments and institutions and their inability to ensure the smooth functioning of the banking sector in the European Union and in the Eurozone in particular. Over the last three years (2012 – 2015), a number of measures for the institutionalization of the European Banking Union have been taken. These measures have led to contradictory views and have raised a number of questions regarding opportunities and dangers of its application. The subject is topical so the study tries to clarify the need for the existence of the European Banking Union and revises the mechanism of functioning of the European Banking Union through its three pillars. In this context, controversial issues in terms of the practical applicability of the ideas underlying the European Banking Union are outlined, potential positive and negative results in case Bulgaria decides to join the Union are also clarified, and a recommendation on the issue is formulated. The thesis that is defended in the study is as follows: ‘centralization of the regulatory framework of bank supervision, crisis and post-crisis management through the European Banking Union is an objective necessity in order to ensure the smooth functioning of the EU banking sector.’ As a result of its defense, the identified gaps in the national legislation after the global economic crisis and taking into account the loss of institutional trust, including in the banking sector, undertaking timely steps for Bulgaria’s accession to the European Banking Union is regarded as a positive aspect to the banking sector and the national economy.