Ecoforum Journal (University of Suceava, Romania)
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A STUDY ON THE SCOPE OF REUSABLE MENSTRUAL PANTIES: A BOON FOR WOMEN\u27S HEALTH, HYGIENE AND START-UPS FROM THE INFORMAL SECTOR
No full textAbstract:
Menstrual health and hygiene management remain significant challenges for women in India, particularly in low-resource settings. The research aims to understand the negative impacts of disposable menstrual products on women\u27s health and hygiene, and examine the potential of period pants for startups in the informal sector. The study reveals that disposable menstrual products pose several risks to women\u27s health, including chemical exposure, skin irritation, and increased risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome. Reusable menstrual panties offer a sustainable and healthier alternative, with potential benefits for both women\u27s health and the environment. The research identifies significant opportunities for startups in the informal sector to enter the period panties market, including product innovation, consumer education, and leveraging e-commerce platforms. A cost feasibility analysis demonstrates the potential profitability of such ventures, with an estimated daily production capacity of 320 units and a significant profit margin per unit. The study also highlights the importance of government support through MSME-focused schemes in facilitating the growth of this market. Overall, the findings suggest that reusable menstrual panties present a promising opportunity for improving women\u27s health and hygiene while fostering entrepreneurship in the informal sector
USING GO PRINCIPLES AND STRATEGIES IN PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION. AN APPROACH FOR EFFICIENCY AND ADAPTABILITY
No full textThe game of Go, with ancient roots and deep complexity, offers valuable lessons that can be applied in various fields, including public administration. Go principles and strategies can be integrated into public administration practices to increase efficiency, adaptability, and success in managing complex and dynamic problems. Public administration often faces complex and dynamic challenges that require strategic and adaptive approaches to be effectively managed. Integrating Go principles and strategies into public administration practices can provide an innovative and effective way to address these challenges, thereby promoting more effective governance, more effective problem solving, and the promotion of peace and stability in society.Administrația publică din Islanda are câteva caracteristici și particularități unice care sunt legate de guvernanța la scară mică, nivelul ridicat de încredere, descentralizarea și autonomia locală, integrarea tehnologiei digitale, concentrarea asupra mediului, influența culturală, egalitatea de gen, reziliența și managementul crizelor, cooperarea internațională. Diplomații islandezi se concentrează asupra domeniilor în care țara poate avea un impact semnificativ, cum ar fi promovarea mediului, drepturile omului și cooperarea multilaterală. Diplomația Islandei este modelată de locația sa geografică unică, populația mică și contextul istoric și cultural. Ca o mică națiune insulară din Atlanticul de Nord, Islanda a dezvoltat o abordare distinctă a relațiilor internaționale care pune accent pe neutralitate, multilateralism și susținerea mediului
ACCOUNTING VALUATION AND CREDIT RISK MANAGEMENT: AN ECONOMETRIC ANALYSIS OF NON-PERFORMING LOANS IN THE ROMANIAN BANKING SYSTEM
No full textThis paper investigates the factors influencing the evolution of non-performing loans in the Romanian banking system and aims to develop an econometric model based on quarterly data from 2014-2024. Among the variables analyzed, return on assets and unemployment rate are the most influential factors in the evolution of the non-performing loan (NPL) rate, suggesting a direct link between economic performance, labor market dynamics and loan portfolio quality. In contrast, inflation has a minor impact. The study also traces the accounting transition from the incurred loss model (IAS39) to the expected loss model (IFRS 9), showing that the implementation of IFRS 9 has contributed to a reduction in the NPL ratio, demonstrating increased efficiency in credit risk management.Acest articol investighează factorii care influențează evoluția creditelor neperformante în sistemul bancar din România și are ca obiectiv dezvoltarea unui model econometric bazat pe date trimestriale din perioada 2014-2024. Dintre variabile analizate, rentabilitatea activelor și rata șomajului sunt cei mai influenți factori în evoluția ratei creditelor neperformante (NPL), sugerând o legătură directă între performanța economică, dinamica pieței muncii și calitatea portofoliului de credite. În schimb, inflația are un impact minor. Studiul urmărește și tranziția contabilă de la modelul bazat pe pierderi suportate (IAS39) la cel centrat pe pierderi preconizate (IFRS 9), evidențiind că implementarea IFRS 9 a contribuit la reducerea ratei creditelor neperformante, demonstrând o eficiența sporită în gestiunea riscului de credit
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE, JOB INSECURITY, AND PSYCHOLOGICAL STRAIN: A STUDY AMONG REAL ESTATE AGENTS IN THE WESTERN BALKANS
No full textThe focus of this research is the examination of interconnections between emotional intelligence (EI), job insecurity (JI) and psychological strain (PS) among real estate agents in the Western Balkans. The real estate business in the region is volatile and commission-driven and hence, in many cases, causes a state of occupational stress and uncertainty. With quantitative cross-sectional design, 155 agents were used to complete a self-report survey with validated scales of EI ( 789 ), PS ( 870 ) and JI ( 827 ). The important results indicate a strong, negative correlation between EI and PS (r=−.191, p<.05), which are illustrative of a protecting role of EI. JI had a positive correlation with PS (r=.347, p<.01). The mediation analysis revealed that JI-PS are related partially through EI (B=0.056, p=.045), indicating that one of the ways that JI relates to strain is by foamishing emotional competencies. Theoretically, this paper enhances the knowledge on the psychological well-being in high-stress career in the Western Balkans that can be of use to real estate companies. Suggestions are creating helpful environments, developing EI and decreasing negative JI impacts towards a stronger workforce.
 
DESCENTRALIZAREA – CHEIE PENTRU ÎMBUNĂTĂȚIREA FURNIZĂRII SERVICIILOR PUBLICE LOCALE. O ANALIZĂ CRITICĂ A LITERATURII DE SPECIALITATE
No full textThis paper presents the concept of decentralization, its benefits, and its potential to improve the delivery of local public services. Through the study of specialized literature, we aim to identify whether the benefits that decentralization brings to local public services are real, and what the disadvantages, or rather the limitations, of implementing decentralization in practice may be.
The purpose of this article, through the use of bibliographic research methods, is to analyze the extent to which decentralization contributes to the improvement of public service delivery at the local level.
Decentralization, increasingly analyzed in academic settings, is a process by which central authorities transfer administrative and financial powers to local levels of government, with the goal of bringing decision-making closer to citizens and improving the quality of public services, an aspect emphasized by numerous studies and adopted reforms.
Decentralization is frequently perceived as a means of improving the functioning of public administration, being associated with the hope that services will be delivered more efficiently and more tailored to the needs of local communities. The conclusion is that although decentralization offers numerous advantages for enhancing the efficiency of local public services, the associated risks must be considered, such as regional inequalities, the limited financial capacity of local administrations, and institutional coordination challengesLucrarea prezintă conceptul de descentralizare, beneficiile sale și potențialul de a îmbunătăți furnizarea serviciile publice locale. Vrem să identificăm, prin studiul literaturii de specialitate, dacă sunt reale beneficiile pe care descentralizarea le aduce serviciilor publice de la nivel local și care sunt dezavantajele sau mai degrabă limitările pe care le presupune aplicarea descentralizării în practică. Scopul acestui articol, prin utilizarea metodei cercetării bibliografice, este de a analiza în ce măsură descentralizarea contribuie la îmbunătățirea furnizării serviciilor publice la nivel local.
Descentralizarea, tot mai analizată în mediul științific, reprezintă un proces prin care autoritățile centrale transferă competențe administrative și financiare către nivelurile locale de guvernare, având ca scop apropierea deciziei de cetățean și îmbunătățirea calității serviciilor publice, aspect evidențiat de numeroase studii și reforme adoptate. Descentralizarea este frecvent percepută ca un mijloc de îmbunătățire a funcționării administrației publice, fiind legată de speranța că serviciile vor fi furnizate mai eficient și mai adaptat nevoilor comunităților locale. Concluzia este că deși descentralizarea oferă numeroase avantaje în eficientizarea serviciilor publice locale, trebuie avute în vedere riscurile asociate, precum inegalitățile regionale, capacitatea financiară limitată a administrației locale și problemele de coordonare instituțională
Local Gastronomic Points (LGPs) in Suceava and Bucovina. An Example of Neo-Entrepreneurship Supporting Rural Sustainable Development
No full textThis paper explores the emerging role of Local Gastronomic Points (LGPs) as a form of neo-entrepreneurship supporting sustainable rural development in Suceava and the wider Bucovina region. Institutionalized through Romanian Law 412/2023, LGPs are small-scale, community-based culinary enterprises with the potential to stimulate rural economies, preserve cultural heritage, and promote circular, regenerative practices. Drawing on a systematic literature review covering 2010–2025, this study finds that LGPs enhance economic resilience, support local value chains, and reinforce entrepreneurial ecosystems by integrating traditional gastronomy with agroecology and sustainable tourism. Despite these promising roles, current literature lacks robust impact assessments, underscoring the need for future longitudinal and comparative studies. This research contributes to the growing discourse on food-based entrepreneurship, socio-cultural revitalization, and rural policy innovation.Această lucrare explorează rolul emergent al Punctelor Gastronomice Locale (PGL) ca formă de neo-antreprenoriat care susține dezvoltarea rurală durabilă în Suceava și în regiunea Bucovina. Instituționalizate prin Legea românească 412/2023, PGL-urile sunt întreprinderi culinare comunitare la scară mică, cu potențialul de a stimula economiile rurale, de a conserva patrimoniul cultural și de a promova practici circulare și regenerative. Bazându-se pe o analiză sistematică a literaturii de specialitate care acoperă perioada 2010-2025, acest studiu constată că PGL-urile sporesc reziliența economică, sprijină lanțurile valorice locale și consolidează ecosistemele antreprenoriale prin integrarea gastronomiei tradiționale cu agroecologia și turismul durabil. În ciuda acestor roluri promițătoare, literatura actuală duce lipsă de evaluări robuste ale impactului, subliniind necesitatea unor studii longitudinale și comparative viitoare. Această cercetare contribuie la discursul tot mai accentuat despre antreprenoriatul bazat pe alimente, revitalizarea socio-culturală și inovarea în politicile rurale
DEFENDING THE EU\u27S FINANCIAL-BUDGETARY POSITIONS AT THE STATE LEVEL — A STRATEGIC PERSPECTIVE APPROACH FOR THE CASE OF ROMANIA
No full textOur paper considers that protecting the financial and budgetary positions of the European Union at the national level is a key strategic objective for Member States, having a direct impact on the integrity and efficiency of the use of European funds. In this context, we have highlighted that Romania has strengthened its regulatory and strategic framework by adopting specific policies for fraud prevention and combat, among which the National Anti-Fraud Strategy for the Protection of the Financial Interests of the European Union for the period 2023-2027 stands out, alongside a well-defined anti-fraud legislative framework. This article analyzes the structure and effectiveness of the mechanisms implemented at the national level, addressing key aspects such as fraud prevention, detection, and combat, administrative investigation, prosecution, fund recovery, and the application of sanctions. Based on a methodology that combines qualitative analysis of legislation and policies with quantitative analysis of recorded outcomes, the study aims to assess the impact of the adopted measures on the protection of the EU\u27s financial interests in Romania. Additionally, concrete examples of recent results achieved through the implementation of these measures are presented. Through a comparative, qualitative, and quantitative analysis, the article explores the efficiency of the existing protection mechanisms. The conclusions highlight the need for more effective interinstitutional cooperation at both the national and European levels, emphasizing the importance of a continuous and adaptable monitoring mechanism to ensure responsible, transparent, and sustainable financial management
Factors Influencing Customer Satisfaction in Retail Chains in Bosnia and Herzegovina: A Case of Bingo d.o.o.
No full textRetail chains are continuously improving their strategies to fulfill client desires and guarantee long-term satisfaction in the competitive retail industry, where customer loyalty is a valued commodity. With a particular focus on "Bingo," a well-known retail chain, this study examines the major variables affecting consumer satisfaction and loyalty in the context of Bosnia and Herzegovina\u27s retail sector. The study looks at important factors such as price strategies, product diversity, perceived sales quality, and sales staff competency. Customers of "Bingo," using a quantitative approach, were asked to complete an electronic survey that collected information on their opinions on staff interactions, pricing, product variety, and service quality. The results show a strong positive correlation between total consumer happiness and elements like competitive pricing, product assortment, and perceived service quality. Additionally, the study shows that promoting client loyalty requires high levels of customer satisfaction. By presenting actual data on the factors influencing consumer satisfaction in the retail industry and making insightful recommendations for retail managers, the study adds to the body of knowledge already in existence. The knowledge gathered from this study can help retail companies, especially those in Bosnia and Herzegovina, optimize their tactics to increase client pleasure and foster enduring loyalty
BIBLIOMETRIC ANALYSIS OF FEMALE LEADERSHIP RESEARCH IN HOSPITALITY
No full textThe aim of the paper is to explore the female leadership in the hospitality industry, be-cause businesses within the hospitality sector should actively seek to attract skilled women, develop their potential as future leaders, and promote them to retain them in the organization over the long term.
The work is based on a bibliometric analysis of papers published on the Scopus platform in the period 1994-2023 and was conducted starting from an advanced search using the keywords \u27women hospitality\u27, \u27hospitality leadership\u27, \u27female leadership\u27 that are found in the title of the article, abstract or keywords.
The authors started from the research question: What is the situation regarding the specialized literature on female leadership in the hospitality industry? To answer this question, they proposed the following objectives: identifying the number of publications regarding female leadership in the hospitality industry, determining the evolution of the number of publications, establishing the most common types of published works and highlighting a bibliometric map regarding the countries with the most publications on this topic.
The analysis was conducted in August 2023 using Microsoft Excel for creating graphical representations and the VOS Viewer software to visualize connections among the representative keywords in the selected articles. The bibliometric analysis served as a rigorous and objective method to explore the body of knowledge available in the field of hospitality and female leadership
ASSESSING THE IMPACT OF ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL FACTORS ON SUSTAINABLE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AT THE LEVEL OF EU COUNTRIES
No full textSustainable economic development is an important objective for EU Member States, given the need to balance economic growth with environmental protection and social equity. We aim to analyze the impact of economic and social factors on sustainable economic development in five EU Member States in Central and Eastern Europe: Romania, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Romania and the Czech Republic. The methods used consist of literature review, database consolidation and econometric modeling to assess the impact of economic and social factors on sustainable economic development in the five EU countries. At the same time, public policies for economic development will be formulated, mainly aimed at integrating young people into the labor market and promoting innovation, all of which are essential for achieving sustainable economic development in the region