Ecoforum Journal (University of Suceava, Romania)
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REVENIREA TURISMULUI INTERNAȚIONAL LA NIVELUL DE DINAINTE DE PANDEMIA COVID 19
No full textThe present study looks at the return of international tourism to pre-Covid-19 levels. Since the spring of 2020, travel bans and global economic challenges have led to a reduction in tourism activities and services around the world, thus affecting employment and income.
Despite economic uncertainty and geopolitical shocks, the tourism industry is close to reaching pre-pandemic levels, demonstrating its resilience and key role in the global economy. The research focuses on the industry\u27s global recovery five years after the health crisis, demonstrating the sustainability of the sector. High transport and accommodation costs are the two main challenges currently affecting international tourism. According to the Economic Impact Report (EIR), prepared by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) together with Oxford Economics estimates that 2025 will be a record year for tourism, with tourism\u27s contribution to global GDP exceeding the peak in 2019 by approx. 710 billion euros. For 2025, the UNWTO forecasts a full recovery (+2% compared to 2019), with expectations based on increased demand, improved air connectivity and easier access to visas. Despite global challenges, international tourism grew by 5% in the first half (H1) of 2025, compared to the same period in 2024, and by about 4% more than in 2019, which entitles us to hope that pre-pandemic levels will be exceeded this year.Prezentul studiu analizează revenirea turismului internațional la nivelurile anterioare pandemiei de Covid-19. Începând cu primăvara anului 2020, interdicțiile de călătorie și provocările economice globale au dus la o reducere a activităților și serviciilor turistice în întreaga lume, afectând astfel ocuparea forței de muncă și veniturile.
În ciuda incertitudinii economice și a șocurilor geopolitice, industria turismului este aproape de a atinge nivelurile de dinainte de pandemie, demonstrându-și rezistența și rolul cheie în economia globală. Cercetarea se concentrează pe redresarea globală a industriei la cinci ani după criza sanitară, demonstrând sustenabilitatea sectorului. Costurile ridicate de transport și cazare sunt principalele două provocări care afectează în prezent turismul internațional. Conform Raportului de Impact Economic (EIR), elaborat de Consiliul Mondial pentru Călătorii și Turism (WTTC) împreună cu Oxford Economics estimează că 2025 va fi un an record pentru turism, contribuția turismului la PIB-ul global depășind vârful din 2019 cu cca. 710 miliarde de euro. Pentru 2025, OMT prognozează o redresare completă (+2% față de 2019), cu așteptări bazate pe creșterea cererii, îmbunătățirea conectivității aeriene și accesul mai ușor la vize. În ciuda provocărilor globale, turismul internațional a crescut cu 5% în primul semestru (S1) din 2025, comparativ cu aceeași perioadă din 2024, și cu aproximativ 4% mai mult față de 2019, ceea ce ne îndreptățește să sperăm că anul acesta vor fi depășite nivelurile de dinainte de pandemie
From expectations to results: the effects of Erasmus plus mobilities on staff at a Romanian higher education institution
No full textThe purpose of this paper is to conduct a comparative analysis between the expectations of international mobility beneficiaries in the higher education sector, and the results obtained following participation in such programs. To this end, a pilot quantitative study was conducted among staff members of Ovidius University of Constanța, Romania, who benefited from at least one Erasmus Plus teaching or training mobility (N = 96). The research instrument was a questionnaire adapted from the EU Survey developed by the European Commission. The results highlight effects analyzed through both gap analysis and statistical significance testing. The gap analysis indicates improvements in organizational, managerial, and leadership skills, increased confidence in intercultural contexts, and the generation of indirect outcomes such as the development of joint curricula, courses or modules, academic networks, and research collaborations. The results of the statistical analysis indicate a negative outcome, expressed through unmet expectations concerning the development of professional and methodological competences, especially regarding innovative teaching practices and the acquisition of practical skills
BEYOND COMPETITIVENESS: THE GOVERNANCE DIMENSION OF ECONOMIC GROWTH
No full textThis paper explores the theoretical foundations of economic competitiveness as a multidimensional concept, and the various definitions and approaches proposed by international organizations and scholars, highlighting competitiveness as the outcome of multiple interrelated factors: trade, investments, governance, innovation, human factor, etc. The research proposes two hypotheses: (1) The level of competitiveness has the capacity to influence the overall economy and national welfare, measured by GDP per capita; (2) Government efficiency is a key determinant of competitiveness. To test these assumptions, the study employs empirical methods such as econometrics, statistical analysis, case studies and, of course – exploratory and explanatory research. Simple regression analyses, correlations and comparative evaluations are conducted, based on data for Singapore, Malaysia and Venezuela (as countries with a different economic development and competitiveness level) and the top 20 most competitive economies of the world, focusing on the relationship between the Global Competitiveness Index (GCI), GDP per capita and Government Efficiency. Overall, the findings indicate that competitiveness has a direct and measurable impact on national welfare, expressed through GDP per capita, yet this effect is evident mainly among developed countries. This outcome supports the view that effective and stable governance remains the cornerstone for fostering and sustaining long-term competitiveness.Această lucrare explorează fundamentele teoretice ale competitivității economice ca un concept multidimensional, precum și diferitele definiții și abordări propuse de organizațiile internaționale și de cercetători, evidențiind competitivitatea ca rezultat al unei combinații de factori interdependenți: comerț, investiții, guvernanță, inovație, factor uman etc. Cercetarea propune două ipoteze: (1) nivelul de competitivitate are capacitatea de a influența economia în ansamblu și bunăstarea națională, măsurată prin PIB-ul pe cap de locuitor; (2) eficiența guvernamentală reprezintă un determinant esențial al competitivității. Pentru testarea acestor ipoteze, studiul utilizează metode empirice precum econometria, analiza statistică, studiile de caz și, desigur, cercetarea exploratorie și explicativă. Sunt efectuate analize de regresie simplă, corelații și evaluări comparative, pe baza datelor pentru Singapore, Malaezia și Venezuela (țări aflate la niveluri diferite de dezvoltare economică și competitivitate), precum și pentru primele 20 de economii cele mai competitive din lume, concentrându-se pe relația dintre Indicele Global al Competitivității (GCI), PIB-ul pe cap de locuitor și eficiența guvernamentală. În ansamblu, rezultatele indică faptul că competitivitatea are un impact direct și măsurabil asupra bunăstării naționale, exprimată prin PIB-ul pe cap de locuitor, însă acest efect este evident în principal în rândul țărilor dezvoltate. Acest rezultat susține ideea că o guvernare eficientă și stabilă rămâne piatra de temelie pentru promovarea și menținerea competitivității pe termen lung
DIFFERENTIATED VULNERABILITY OF NEET YOUTH IN THE REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA: EVIDENCE, CLASSIFICATION, AND POLICY DIRECTIONS
No full textThis paper explores the phenomenon of NEET youth (Not in Employment, Education or Training) in the Republic of Moldova, highlighting it as a pressing socio-economic issue in the regional context. The study adopts a differentiated approach based on the economic activity classification of NEET youth, distinguishing between economically active (unemployed job seekers) and economically inactive subgroups (not seeking employment, often due to health conditions, care responsibilities, or demotivation). Using a statistical and comparative methodology, the research analyses national and international datasets from 2019–2024 to assess demographic, educational, employment, and health-related dimensions of youth vulnerability. The findings reveal that Moldova records one of the highest NEET rates among European countries, with pronounced gender disparities and a high concentration of economically inactive young women. Despite a positive trend in the expansion of educational coverage, youth employment rates, especially for those aged 15–24, remain critically low. Health indicators further underscore structural vulnerabilities, particularly among non-working and non-studying youth with chronic conditions. The paper identifies education, gender-sensitive employment policies, and intersectoral strategies (including volunteerism and health support) as key levers for reducing NEET vulnerability. It also emphasizes the importance of adopting integrated national strategies and drawing on best practices from low-NEET countries. The study contributes to understanding NEET youth as a heterogeneous and dynamic group, requiring nuanced, data-driven policy responses aligned with sustainable development goals
Integrarea strategică a departamentului de marketing în cadrul managementului: factori determinanți, modele și perspective de leadership
No full textThis article examines the paradox facing marketing in contemporary organizations: it is increasingly tasked with driving growth and innovation while remaining structurally and strategically marginal in many organizations. Synthesizing academic studies and recent business insights, the article maps the drivers, models, and leadership dynamics that determine whether the marketing department is embedded within top management. The review finds persistent misalignment between expectations and authority for marketing leaders: Chief Marketing Officers (CMOs) are responsible with growth yet have short tenures and limited access to board-level forums. Three enablers recur across the literature: (1) structural fit between the organization’s strategy and the marketing department, (2) contextual alignment with industry and life-cycle stage, and (3) leadership commitment and role clarity, especially in the partnership between Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) and Chief Marketing Officers (CMOs). The article also outlines how CMO mandates and team configurations should evolve as organizations move between development stages, from early ventures to developing and mature stages. Practical implications include giving marketing leaders a clear mandate, matching their goals with how their performance is measured, and ensuring they have a voice in the company’s most important decisions. Future research opportunities include board representation effects and longitudinal dynamics of CEO–CMO alignment.Acest articol examinează paradoxul cu care se confruntă marketingul în organizațiile contemporane: pe de-o parte, i se solicită tot mai mult să genereze venituri și inovație, iar pe de-altă parte rămâne marginalizat din punct de vedere structural și strategic în multe companii. Printr-o sinteză a studiilor academice și a articolelor recente din mediul de afaceri, acest studiu cartografiază factorii determinanți, modelele și dinamica de leadership care influențează măsura în care departamentul de marketing este integrat în top management. Analiza relevă existența unei discrepanțe persistente între așteptările plasate asupra liderilor de marketing și nivelul lor real de autoritate: Directorii de Marketing (Chief Marketing Officers – CMOs) sunt responsabili de creștere, însă au mandate scurte și acces limitat la forumurile de decizie la nivel de consiliu administrativ. Trei factori esențiali se regăsesc constant în literatură academică sau de business: (1) alinierea structurală dintre strategia organizației și departamentul de marketing, (2) alinierea contextuală la industrie și stadiul de dezvoltare al organizației și (3) angajamentul managementului și claritatea rolului, mai ales în parteneriatul dintre Directorul General (Chief Executive Officer – CEO) și CMO. Articolul evidențiază, de asemenea, modul în care mandatul CMO și configurarea echipei de marketing ar trebui să evolueze pe măsură ce organizațiile trec de la faza de start-up la cea de dezvoltare și maturitate. Implicațiile practice includ acordarea unui mandat clar liderilor de marketing, corelarea obiectivelor lor cu modul în care performanța este măsurată și asigurarea unui loc la masa unde se iau cele mai importante decizii ale companiei. Direcțiile viitoare de cercetare includ efectele reprezentăriia acestui departament în consilii administrative și dinamica alinierii dintre CEO și CMO
EVALUATION OF THE PERFORMANCE OF EUROPEAN HEALTHCARE SYSTEMS THROUGH CRITERIA OPTIMISATION
No full textThis study highlights the importance of using multi-criteria optimisation methods in the performance analysis of European health systems. The complementary use of SAW, TOPSIS, VIKOR and PROMETHEE II methods has enabled an assessment of the European healthcare system based on health indicators (life expectancy at birth, public expenditure on health (% of GDP), number of doctors per 1,000 inhabitants, preventable and treatable mortality rate, Euro Health Consumer Index (EHCI), number of beds per 1,000 inhabitants and infant mortality rate (per 1,000 births). The results of the study show that while Western European countries perform exceptionally well, Eastern European and Balkan countries perform less well, reflecting the need for public policies aimed at reducing inequalities and improving access to healthcare. According to the study, multi-criteria approaches are optimisation tools for the comprehensive assessment of health system performance. The combination of the methods analysed reinforces the conclusions and provides an understanding of the current state of public health in Europe
Payments in Digitalization Era: Factors Influencing Digital Payments on F&B Delivery Applications in Phnom Penh
No full textThe rapid growth of digital payment systems in emerging markets has reshaped consumer behavior patterns, particularly in cash-dependent economies like Cambodia. This study investigates the determinants of digital payment adoption within Cambodia’s food and beverage (F&B) delivery application. This research reviews the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT). From an analysis of 329 samples in Phnom Penh, the results reveal that perceived usefulness, ease of use, social influence, government support, and service quality significantly drive adoption. Notably, security and trust, which are often emphasized in prior literature, exerted negligible direct effects, suggesting these factors are now perceived as basic expectations. The findings identify the significant role of user-friendly interfaces, peer networks, and policy frameworks in accelerating cashless transitions. The study recommends simpler user interfaces, using social media to connect with users, and strong collaborations with governments and businesses to speed up the shift to digital payment systems. Theoretically, this research also contributes to technology adoption theories by contextualizing their applicability in emerging economies and offers actionable insights for stakeholders navigating Cambodia’s evolving digital landscape
CONCEPTUL DE EFICIENȚĂ ECONOMICĂ UTILIZÂND ANALIZA BIBLIOMETRICĂ
No full textEconomic efficiency is the optimal ratio between the use of resources and the results obtained within an economic system. This implies permanent reference to an ideal of maximizing results through the efficient use of available resources, in a context in which material and social constraints are becoming increasingly pronounced.
The research conducted involves a review of the literature on economic efficiency, followed by bibliometric analysis at global and national level.
The aim of the paper is to document researchers\u27 interest in economic efficiency. The research methodology involves conducting bibliometric analysis, through the cluster method and citation analysis, thus identifying the research conducted about economic efficiency.
The bibliometric analysis was conducted using VOS viewer software, which allowed for the import of data from the Web of Science database over an extended period and the creation of interactive, easily explorable maps.
The database query was conducted for the period 1975-2024, having as the main selection criterion the keyword: economic efficiency.
The results of the bibliometric analysis (metadata) manage to synthesize the main ideas, precepts, and relevant publications in the field, confirming the growing scientific interest in economic efficiency, both globally and nationally.
The careful study of economic efficiency remains indispensable for any rigorous analysis of modern economic dynamics.Eficiența economică este raportul optim între utilizarea resurselor și rezultatele obținute în cadrul unui sistem economic. Aceasta presupune o referire permanentă la un ideal de maximizare a rezultatelor prin utilizarea eficientă a resurselor disponibile, într-un context în care constrângerile materiale și sociale devin din ce în ce mai pronunțate.
Cercetarea realizată presupune o revizuire a literaturii de specialitate privind eficiența economică, urmată de analiză bibliometrică la nivel global și național.
Scopul lucrării este de a documenta interesul cercetătorilor pentru eficiența economică. Metodologia de cercetare presupune efectuarea analizei bibliometrice, prin metoda clusterului și analiza citării, identificând astfel cercetările efectuate despre eficiența economică.
Analiza bibliometrică a fost efectuată folosind software-ul de vizualizare VOS, care a permis importul de date din baza de date Web of Science pe o perioadă lungă de timp și crearea de hărți interactive, ușor de explorat.
Interogarea bazei de date a fost realizată pentru perioada 1975-2024, având ca principal criteriu de selecție cuvântul cheie: eficiență economică.
Rezultatele analizei bibliometrice (metadate) reușesc să sintetizeze principalele idei, precepte și publicații relevante în domeniu, confirmând interesul științific tot mai mare pentru eficiența economică, atât la nivel global, cât și național.
Studiul atent al eficienței economice rămâne indispensabil pentru orice analiză riguroasă a dinamicii economice moderne
VALUE ADDED TAX AS A SOURCE OF FINANCIAL RISK FOR ROMANIAN SMES: AN INTEGRATED CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK: TAXA PE VALOARE ADĂUGATĂ CA SURSĂ DE RISC FINANCIAR AL IMM-URILOR ROMÂNEŞTI: UN CADRU CONCEPTUAL INTEGRAT
No full textValue added tax is often conceptualized as a neutral fiscal instrument, but its operating mechanisms can generate significant financial effects on small and medium-sized enterprises, particularly on liquidity, cash flows, and profitability. This article aims to develop an integrated conceptual framework that explains how value added tax can be transformed from a tax obligation into a source of financial risk for SMEs. The methodology is based on a systematic analysis of the literature, combining narrative analysis with a bibliometric analysis based on publications indexed in the Web of Science database. The results indicate a predominantly macroeconomic orientation of the literature on VAT, while the microeconomic implications for the financial risk of firms are addressed in a fragmented manner. Based on this gap, the study identifies the main types of risk associated with VAT and integrates them into a conceptual matrix relevant to the financial management of SMEs.Taxa pe valoare adăugată este frecvent conceptualizată ca un instrument fiscal neutru, însă mecanismele sale de funcționare pot genera efecte financiare semnificative la nivelul întreprinderilor mici și mijlocii, în special asupra lichidităţii, fluxurilor de numerar și rentabilității. Prezentul articol își propune dezvoltarea unui cadru conceptual integrat care să explice modul în care taxa pe valoare adăugată se poate transforma dintr-o obligație fiscală, într-o sursă de risc financiar pentru IMM-uri. Metodologia se bazează pe o analiză sistematică a literaturii de specialitate, combinând analiza narativă cu o analiză bibliometrică realizată pe baza publicaţiilor indexate în baza de date Web of Science. Rezultatele indică o orientare predominant macroeconomică a literaturii privind TVA, în timp ce implicaţiile microeconomice asupra riscului financiar al firmelor sunt abordate fragmentat. Pe baza acestei lacune, studiul identifică principalele tipologii de risc asociate TVA și le integrează într-o matrice conceptuală relevantă pentru managementul financiar al IMM-urilor
The Dynamics of External Shocks and the Effectiveness of Monetary Policy Transmission Channels in Sub Sahara African Countries
No full textThis study examined the extent to which external shocks influence the effective monetary policy transmission mechanisms in the Sub-Saharan African countries in the periods between 1980 and 2024. The Recursive Structural Vector Autoregressive modelling approach was employed to capture the dynamic interactions, interactive effects among key variables and ascertain the most active channels of the monetary policy transmission shocks in the SSA countries. The study revealed the stationarity of the variables at levels and thus established the existence of long run relationships among the variables. The study found that monetary policy transmission effectiveness in SSA is largely influenced by external shocks from financial sector development, macroeconomic performance and the financial institution development index variables, while shocks originating from financial market development index constituted the least active policy transmission channels. This suggests that monetary policy transmission effectiveness is largely influenced by external shocks from financial sector development index and macroeconomic performance variables. Central banks and monetary authorities should thus, adopt an adequate appropriate policy that would leverage the shocks from both financial development and macroeconomic performance in order to reduce the effects of these shocks and boost the monetary policy transmission effectiveness in the SSA countries