Annals of Spiru Haret University
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AUTOMATED (SEMANTICS DRIVEN) DATA RETRIEVAL FROM FISCAL DOCUMENTS: A COMPREHENSIVE APPROACH
Full text linkThe importance of paper documents in regular business flow cannot be underestimated. They are an important part of the business domain increasingly digital landscape, complementing digital solutions by providing a plus of transparency, reliability and security. Making prompt decisions in the business world requires fast access to relevant and up-to-date data, and working with paper-based documents is very inefficient. Digitization of documents is ubiquitous, and digital document management systems (DMS) play an important role in fields like science, business or health. In the business domain, Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems represent an entire ecosystem of solutions, meant to address every aspect of the business process, in a unified approach. An important aspect of successful ERP implementations is related to the integration of DMS into the ERP. Enabling automated retrieval of data from all kinds of fiscal paper documents into the ERP is the next logical step. In this paper, we provide a hands-on approach for the task of automated text retrieval from fiscal documents. The novelty of our work resides in the manner in which we addressed the semantics of the retrieved data, such that the system associates meaning to the retrieved text elements, at the same time easing the processing of future documents. The solution is presented in a generic form, with a thorough discussion of the technological aspects. It is further implemented in the ERP system. We present and discuss experimental results, finally drawing conclusions and providing several ideas to further develop our work
A critical Analysis of Collective Bargaining Extension Mechanisms in the Public Sector in Botswana: A critical Analysis of Collective Bargaining Extension Mechanisms in the Public Sector in Botswana
No full textThe widespread emphasis on democratic governance makes it relevant for social partners to view collective bargaining as a significant means for joint work regulation. Collective bargaining promotes workers’ voice and creates symbiotic relations between employers and trade unions. The study focused on the aspect of collective bargaining extension mechanisms. The study encompasses group of workers covered and those excluded from collective agreements (not necessarily unionised workers), parties involved, extension of collective agreements, workers with the right and without the rights bargaining. The study was qualitative in nature, with a sample size of 15 participants from the public service. Participants were selected using purposive sampling method. The findings of the current study revealed that when a decision is made, government, as the employer, takes a holistic approach and extends the benefits to all government employees, including those who are unionised and non-unionised, as well as management and disciplined forces. It has become apparent that though extension mechanisms are not documented nor provided for in the law, there is a default erga omnes effect of collective bargaining agreements in the public sector
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ORGANIZATIONAL CULTURE AND CORPORATE SUSTAINABILITY
No full textIn an era marked by increasing concern for the environment and a drive to improve corporate performance, the interplay between sustainability and organizational performance has emerged as a major focal point for businesses. Businesses, as integral components of a global economy, face the dual challenge of addressing complex sustainability imperatives while striving to improve organizational culture, the collective values, norms and beliefs that shape the behavior and decisions of individuals within the enterprise. The extent to which businesses adopt and cultivate a culture that prioritizes sustainability initiatives while promoting efficiency and innovation can profoundly affect their prospects in today's dynamic business environment. The purpose of this paper is to establish the relationship between corporate sustainability and organizational culture, exploring how the conscious integration of sustainability values and principles into an enterprise's culture can provide significant opportunities not only to mitigate adverse environmental impacts, but also to improve performance of the organization. The main research methods involved in the development are content analysis, method of analysis and synthesis, method of observation, intuitive and systematic approach. The expected results of the development identified key aspects of the relationship between organizational culture and corporate sustainability
SUSTAINABILITY ACCOUNTING AND INTEGRATED REPORTING IN THE CIRCULAR ECONOMY
No full text: Circular economy is a priority for the European Commission and European Parliament. Recently, the European Commission adopted the new circular economy action plan, in order to reduce pressure to natural resources and to provide the necessary conditions for the sustainable economy.
Sustainability accounting has attracted the attention of professional accountants, private organizations, public institutions and governments all over the world, in order to implement new methods to the circular economy and to measure the circular economy disclosure.
Sustainability accounting and integrating reporting in the circular economy are catalysts for circular business models, very useful to redefine values, measuring the impact and risks in waste management and recycling. Thus, the circular economy is a good opportunity to make European economy more competitive and innovative, associated with financing and accounting for circular business. Contributing to the global economy, sustainability accounting provides opportunities for investors to transform their businesses and increase business profitability
Workers’ Perceptions of Social Security, Social Opportunities and the Challenges in Hotel Employment
No full textThe study delved into the concept of social security as a fundamental human right, emphasizing its relevance in the hospitality industry, which contributes significantly to the global economy. Despite its substantial impact, the sector faces challenges, particularly in the form of precarious work. In order to gain empirical insights into this problematic, we took a comprehensive approach, engaging with 120 individuals from a dozen three-star hotels in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory. To ensure consistency, we adhered to the European Hotelstars Union's classification criteria. Through thoughtfully crafted questionnaires, we delved into workers' perspectives on social security, social opportunities, and challenges. Employing both quantitative and qualitative methods, our analysis utilized frequency and simple percentage techniques, yielding 114 completed responses. The study unfolded the notion of social security as a fundamental human right, spotlighting its pivotal role in the vibrant hospitality industry, a cornerstone of the global economy. However, despite the industry's undeniable impact, the study reveals that hotel workers continue to grapple with social security and employment-related challenges that include human rights abuses, precarious working conditions, imposition of restrictive dress codes and gender-based violence. Based on findings, the study recommends the implementation of liberal dress codes among workers, provision of regular counseling and training, involvement of workers in the decision-making process, offering worker-friendly packages, and organizing relevant training programs to enhance staff skills and well-being, thus promoting sustainable development in the hospitality industry
MARKETING APPROACHES FOR EFFECTIVE MUSEUM MANAGEMENT
No full textWhen it comes to effective museum management, implementing smart marketing approaches is crucial for attracting visitors, engaging with the community, and ensuring long-term sustainability. Some key marketing activities can be highlighted for a successful museum management: targeted audience segmentation; compelling branding; engaging content marketing techniques; collaborations and partnerships; the application of specific principles for digital marketing and promotion of a strong online presence; community engagement; visitor experience enhancement; membership programs and loyalty benefits implementation; data analytics and continuous evaluation and adaptation. By implementing these marketing approaches, museums can effectively promote their collections, engage with diverse audiences, and secure their long-term success. Museum management involves overseeing all aspects of a museum's operations, including administration, collections management, exhibition planning, educational programs, marketing, fundraising, and visitor services. The present paper approaches different marketing instruments that can effectively enhance the efficiency of museums activity and shows a practical example regarding „Alexei Rilets” Museum from Rila.
Overall, effective museum management requires a combination of leadership, strategic planning, financial acumen, creativity, and a deep passion for preserving and sharing cultural heritage. By managing these various aspects, museum managers can nurture vibrant institutions that educate, inspire, and engage audiences from all walks of life
IMPACT OF TRADE UNIONS’ PRESENCE ON THE ENHANCEMENT OF SAFETY PERFORMANCE OF WORKERS IN THE MARITIME INDUSTRY IN LAGOS STATE
Full text linkTrade unions plays a pivotal role in championing the rights and well-being of workers, including the enhancement of job safety performance. The study investigated the impact of trade unions’ presence in the enhancement of job safety performance of workers in the Maritime industry in Lagos state. Proportionate random sampling technique was employed to select two hundred (200) workers. The data collection instrument consisted of a researcher-designed questionnaire. The data analysis involved pie charts and multiple regression analysis. The findings reveal that trade unions’ presence significantly enhance workers’ adherence to safety regulations and standards to perform their job safely (R=.783, P<0.05); trade unions’ presence significantly enhance safety knowledge and skills of workers to perform their job safely (R=.590, P<0.05); trade unions’ presence significantly improve the provision of proper safety equipment to enhance workers' job safely (R=.671, P<0.05); trade unions’ presence significantly enhance workers with hazard identification and control to perform their job safely (R=.592, P<0.05); trade unions’ presence significantly enhance support to workers who experience injuries or accidents to perform their job safely (R=.671, P<0.05) in the Maritime industry in Lagos state. Considering the findings, it was therefore suggested that trade unions should continue to actively engage with workers and employers to promote adherence to safety regulations and standards; prioritize the provision of safety knowledge and skills to workers through ongoing training programs; actively support employers in ensuring the provision of appropriate safety equipment to workers; work closely with employers to strengthen hazard identification and control processes in the workplace; focus on establishing support systems for workers who experience injuries or accidents
Medicinal Herbs and Biodiversity Resources in Nigeria: An Ethnographic Analysis of their Governance Mechanisms and Implications for Sustainable and Economic Development
Full text linkThis article examines the present systems for regulating biodiversity resource use, with a specific focus on Osun State, Nigeria. The study undertakes an exploratory research design due to the novelty of the subject matter. For data collection, qualitative research methodologies, specifically in-depth interviews (IDIs) and key informant interviews (KIIs), were purposefully adopted. Herbal medicine sellers were key participants in the in-depth interviews, while key informant interviewees included a diverse group of leaders of herb sellers' associations, traditional healthcare providers, government officials responsible for Forestry Resources Management, practicing ethnobotanists, and knowledgeable academics with expertise relevant to the subject matter. The study further unfolds a comprehensive analysis of the threats to biodiversity, delving into the underlying causes and far-reaching consequences of biodiversity depletion in Nigeria. The study's findings further shed a discerning light on the regulatory mechanisms governing biodiversity utilisation in Nigeria. Despite the existence of these mechanisms, they have struggled to realise the anticipated positive outcomes. This predicament is largely attributable to a lack of strong political will on the part of the government to ensure compliance among users of Nigeria's rich biodiversity. A critical observation is that the legal and policy frameworks that oversee biodiversity in Nigeria have not undergone periodic reviews, rendering them out of touch with current societal dynamics. Consequently, traditional medicine practitioners and vendors of medicinal herbs, among other biodiversity users, have exploited this policy vacuum to exploit plant, tree, and other biodiversity resources unabated. Of notable concern is the unregulated exploitation of plants for medicinal purposes, particularly the trade in herbs, which has emerged as a significant threat to public health and well-being. This unchecked practice undermines the prospects of Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG-3), which prioritises health and well-being. In light of these findings, the study strongly advocates for a two-fold approach to address this pressing issue. First, it underscores the critical importance of fostering robust political will to enforce existing regulations and institute much-needed reforms. Secondly, constant monitoring and oversight of medicinal herb utilisation and other biodiversity resources in Nigeria by government agencies are deemed imperative to safeguard the nation's natural wealth and the health of its citizens.
Keywords: Biodiversity, Mechanisms, Medicinal Herbs, Ethnobotanist, SDGs
JEL CLASSIFICATION: I30; I38; J18; J38; Q0
Strategic Total Rewards accross Generations during Pandemic
No full textThis study explored the influence of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) on total rewards within the pharmaceutical industry, specifically focusing on Middle and Senior Managers as the sample. The study explored the total rewards that the sample found valuable based on their gender and generational cohort, ie, Baby Boomers, Gen X and Millennials. A qualitative research approach utilised for the current study uses phenomenology to explore employees' lived experiences in the pharmaceutical industry. Data was gathered by conducting semi-structured interviews, with open-ended questions, to gain insight into specific topics, such as 4IR, COVID-19, total reward preferences, age and gender. The research findings indicated that 4IR and Covid-19 influenced pharmaceutical industry employees’ total rewards preferences. The findings also indicated that total rewards preferences are dependent on an employee's age, gender and life roles. An interesting finding was that regardless of age and gender, all employees valued the total reward of well-being above all others, but this reward was the most difficult to attain from their employer. The findings from the study may enable companies to become employers of choice
ENTREPRENEURIAL ORIENTATION AND SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES COMPETITIVE ADVANTANGE IN LAGOS STATE
No full textThere have been inconsistencies in the findings of academic researchers on entrepreneurial orientation and SMEs competitive advantage, which has demanded a further study. The issue of inadequate access to finance, poor infrastructure, inconsistency with government policy, poor support (business development work), inadequate sales, too many taxes and obsolete technologies leading to massive failures of SMEs and its effect on the epileptic growth of SMEs in Lagos state, but also due to the problem from entrepreneurial orientation. The survey research design was employed in this study and the study relied on primary data. The targeted population of this study is 1,511 SMEs (wholesalers and retailers only), which were drawn from Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) in Lagos state. A snowballing sampling technique was used to choose 316 participant SMEs to which the questionnaires were administered, of which 243 questionnaires were returned. The hypotheses of the study were analyzed using multiple regression analysis. The results showed that pro-activeness, innovativeness, and risk-taking significantly improve the performance of SMEs in Lagos state. The study came to the conclusion that innovative, entrepreneurial-oriented businesses are more likely to lead their industry in innovations and carry out tasks in a way that better serves clients and increases the firm's power. In order to improve the performance of their companies, the study recommended that SMEs' owners and managers to be dedicated to process and radical innovation in their interactions