Конференция, 2024, Мултидисциплинарни иновации за социални промени

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A DUAL METHODS APPROACH TO CRUDE PALM OIL PRICE FORECASTING IN MALAYSIA: INSIGHTS FROM ARDL AND LSTM
(Бургаски свободен университет, 2024) Mohd Shahrin Bahar; Imbarine Bujang; Abdul Aziz Karia; Nur Zahidah Bahrudin
Understanding the volatile nature of palm oil prices is crucial due to its significant implications for the economy and the market. Due to its complexity, the central issue of the rise in palm oil price determinants and forecasting depends on various market demand and supply forces. However, many scholars fail to conclude that the factor drives palm oil prices. This study examines the factors affecting Malaysian Crude Palm Oil (CPO) pricing dynamics and uses estimated palm oil prices in forecasting. Using data from the Malaysian Palm Oil Board, spanning January 2004 to December 2021. Methodologically, we employed Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) and Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) models to evaluate and forecast CPO prices. Our findings revealed that the LSTM model outperformed the ARDL model in forecasting accuracy. Notably, the LSTM model was more effective with a selection of ten independent variables identified through LASSO and SHAP estimation, compared to using either eleven or four variables based on ARDL regression results. The analysis highlights the significant influence of weather conditions and macroeconomic factors, particularly tax rates, on CPO prices. The findings enhance understanding of market dynamics and assist in accurate forecasting of CPO prices.
A MODERN VIEW OF REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT
(Бургаски свободен университет, 2024) Георгиева, Дияна
Regional development has quite a lot of definitions. Generally, it refers to a broad category of policies aimed at reducing regional disparities within an economy or across economies by devoting resources to underdeveloped areas. Regional development can be national or international in nature. In aspect of my research interests is the close connection between entrepreneurship and regional development. All the recent trends in regional development can affect development and specialization of entrepreneurship.
APPLICATION OF INNOVATIVE NEUROSCIENCE TOOLS TO MITIGATE THE IMPACT OF HUMAN FACTORS IN AVIATION
(Бургаски свободен университет, 2024) Караджова, Красимира; Луизов, Атанас
Innovative assessment tools based on neuroscience can be powerful tools for developing critical competencies among employees in the aviation industry. This new branch of science leads to a more vibrant understanding of the biological processes involved in learning, the relationship between the cerebral hemispheres and sensory dominance, the impact on cognitive control, the meta-concept of learning ability, personal motivation, and social and emotional learning. Some neuroscience tools can measure individual risk of human error, which directly affects all aspects of human factor, aviation safety levels and risk management.
ARNESSING INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE FOR SOCIAL INNOVATION: A COMPREHENSIVE OVERVIEW
(Бургаски свободен университет, 2024) Keneilwe Victoria Ntuane
This paper explores the integration of information technology (IT) and artificial intelligence (AI) in driving social innovation. It highlights how IT and AI can collect and analyse data, personalize solutions, enhance efficiency, and improve accessibility and communication. The synergy between these technologies enables proactive measures and tailored interventions in healthcare, education, community development, and environmental sustainability. By leveraging IT and AI, we can develop innovative solutions to complex social challenges, fostering improved quality of life and sustainable development.
BRIDGING THE GAP: FINANCING THE CIRCULAR ECONOMY FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN CENTRAL AND EASTERN EUROPE
(Бургаски свободен университет, 2024) Yordanov, Nikolay; Asenova, Kamelia
The adoption of a circular economy (CE) in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) is a vital approach for achieving sustainable development. However, it has substantial financial obstacles, specifically in obtaining sufficient finance. This paper examines the function of green bonds as a fundamental financial tool to address the financing gap with respect to the CE in CEE. We analyze the current state of green bond markets in the region. By conducting research of green bond issuances, we investigate the effectiveness, difficulties, and future possibilities of green bonds in promoting the circular economy agenda. The results suggest that although green bonds have begun to acquire popularity, there are significant possibilities for expansion and improvement. The paper provides strategic ideas for policymakers, financial institutions, and enterprises to effectively utilize green bonds in expediting the shift towards a circular economy in CEE.
CONCURRENT VALIDITY OF THE PARTNER’S ABUSE SCALE: AN IPV MEASUREMENT ALTERNATIVE
(Бургаски свободен университет, 2024) Javier Andrés Gómez Diaz; LeonardoFranciscoBaronBirchenall
This study aimed to establish the concurrent validity of the Partners Abuse Scale (PAS) with the Revised Conflict Tactics Scales (CTS2). Subjects: A crosssectional design was employed with 246 men and 399 women (mean age: 24.34 years for men, 26.40 years for women). Procedure: Participants were contacted through an opportunistic (snowball or referral) sampling method and provided informed consent before completing both instruments. Results: Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) with an oblimin rotation revealed that both instruments explained a similar percentage of variance.
CORPORATE SUSTAINABILITY REPORTING IN BULGARIA: EMPIRICAL INSIGHTS
(Бургаски свободен университет, 2024) Желева, Румяна
The article presents, through the results of a series of empirical studies, a comprehensive and evidence-based answer to the question to what extent Bulgarian companies are willing to engage in the EU initiative for reporting on the economic, social, environmental and good governance-related aspects of sustainability as a way to contribute to sustainable development.
DIGITAL INCLUSION
(Бургаски свободен университет, 2024) Стоилова, Румяна
In 2023, the European Commission channeled the funding for European Semester 2024 to deal with the challenges facing European countries in ways that would develop their competitiveness potential. The problems pointed out are the insufficient labor market participation of women, of people with low levels of education, of disabled people – all of which are needed on the labor market. Over 20% of the population in an active age of Europe is economically inactive, including 8 million young people who are neither in employment nor in education (NEETs). These challenges face all European countries, including Bulgaria. Bulgaria needs to develop its competitiveness by the development of the skills required for the digital and green transition. Beside the obtainment of digital skills needed for better labour market position, digitalization involves the mediation of human relations in all spheres of life by the new digital technologies. People work increasingly often online, they bank online, communicate online, seek health information and obtain electronic prescriptions online, register their children on lists for kindergartens and schools likewise online. In the euphoria of the new technological transformation is easy to forget that digitalization enhances social differentiation and increases the vulnerability of certain social groups that we may define as the socially vulnerable, while digital vulnerability additionally enhances social inequalities. The reverse process, whereby socially vulnerable groups can obtain new skills and hence better possibilities for employment and for benefiting from digitalization requires the implementation of additional efforts, of policies and programs towards the digital vulnerable groups. The aim of this paper is to reveal the excluded from the digitalization, to investigate their scope and the factors for exclusion in order to give ideas for policy which are focused on the digital inclusion of everyone.
DRIVING SUSTAINABILITY: THE NEXUS OF CIRCULAR ECONOMY AND INNOVATION, THE EXAMPLE OF SINGAPORE’S DEVELOPMENT AS A LEADING MODEL
(Бургаски свободен университет, 2024) Nencheva , Violena
In a world marked by burgeoning populations, finite resources, and escalating environmental concerns, the traditional linear economic model of take-make-dispose is proving unsustainable. Enter the circular economy, a transformative concept reshaping the way we produce, consume, and discard. At its core, the circular economy aims to decouple economic growth from resource depletion by designing out waste and pollution, keeping products and materials in use, and regenerating natural systems. Yet, the realization of this vision hinges not only on visionary principles but also on the relentless pursuit of innovation. Innovation lies at the heart of the circular economy, driving its evolution from theory to practice. It encompasses a spectrum of advancements spanning technological breakthroughs, business models, policy frameworks, and societal shifts. Through innovation, we reimagine products as services, embrace renewable energy sources, harness digital technologies for resource optimization, and forge symbiotic relationships within ecosystems. Moreover, innovation fosters resilience, empowering businesses to adapt to shifting market dynamics, regulatory landscapes, and consumer preferences.
EMPOWERING MALAYSIAN AUDITORS OF TOMORROW: INSIGHTS FROM SOCIAL COGNITIVE THEORY ON FRAUD RISK ASSESSMENT
(Бургаски свободен университет, 2024) Fazlida Mohd Razali; Fazlin Mastura Binti Fadzil; Jamaliah Said; Norhayati Sulaiman
The revelation of a prominent corporate scandal due to decisions made by external auditors have highlighted a need to evaluate future auditors' risk judgment quality. This study investigates factors influencing the performance of accounting graduates' fraud risk judgment in Malaysia. Using Structural Equation Model, this study analysed the impacts of competency, digital technology skills, and academic performance on 106 respondents from various public and private universities in Malaysia. The results confirm that competency and digital technology skills significantly enhance fraud risk judgment consistency among accounting graduates. This finding aligns with the evolving business environment, where transactions predominantly occur on digital platforms, making digital skills essential. Higher learning institutions should focus on integrating digital technology skills into their programs to improve students' employability. This study also reveals that a high CGPA does not guarantee proficiency in fraud risk assessment. Therefore, education providers must develop programs that prioritise digital technology skills as a core learning outcome.
EXPLORING SOUTH AFRICA AS A CIRCULAR ECONOMY: A PATHWAY TO SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
(Бургаски свободен университет, 2024) Da-Nina Rose
The concept of circular economies is gaining prominence in political debate and corporate discourse globally as a sustainable development model that aims to improve resource productivity, promote sustainable consumption and production, and reduce environmental impacts. In South Africa, the adoption of circular economy principles is seen as a promising pathway to address environmental and resource management challenges while fostering economic growth and sustainability. This paper considers how South African organisations are using circularity to establish competitive advantage for their operations and the greater society.
FACTORS FOR SUCCESSFUL IMPLEMENTATION OF DIGITAL EDUCATIONAL PLATFORMS IN CONTINUING VOCATIONAL EDUCATION
(Бургаски свободен университет, 2024) Николова, Евгения; Русева, Виляна
This report examines the critical factors influencing the successful implementation of digital learning platforms in training in Bulgarian enterprises. The study assesses the readiness of Bulgarian companies to adopt digital learning platforms, using data from the National Statistical Institute and Eurostat. This assessment includes analysis of Internet usage, digital skills, cloud solutions, and collaboration with educational institutions.
FINANCIAL INNOVATION AND SUSTAINABLE FINANCE - CHALLENGES AND PROBLEMS
(Бургаски свободен университет, 2024) Nadya Velinova-Sokolova
Transitioning to a sustainable future with inclusive, green economies, financial innovation and resilient ecosystems requires huge investments. The development of suitable framework conditions is a requirement for encouraging private financial market players towards sustainability. A key requirement for the development of a sustainable financial system is a uniform taxonomy of sustainability. Ongoing research highlights how the adoption of new technologies can contribute to improved environmental outcomes and it is also argued that investments by firms in sustainable strategies should generate positive returns in terms of competitivity The purpose of this article is to present the impact of evaluation of financial innovation in the context of sustainable development, the challenges of assessment of financial innovation in the process on management and analyses. The results of the study show that the findings confirm that green innovation is indeed an extremely complex phenomenon.
HOW TO ACHIEVE COMPETITIVENESS IN HIGHER UNIVERSITIES?: AN INTELLECTUAL CAPITAL AND CORE COMPETENCES VIEW
(Бургаски свободен университет, 2024) Natalia Marulanda-Grisales
It is possible to examine intellectual capital (IC), which is comprised of a variety of intangible resources, as a useful and distinctive component for knowledge management in higher education. This study aims to examine how intangible intellectual capital (IC) interacts to generate competitive advantages and core competencies. The methodology design involved multivariate statistical analysis using System Dynamics (SD) and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). Regarding the research's uniqueness and significance, no prior studies that examined the connection between IC, core competencies, and competitive advantage in higher education have been found. The findings demonstrate that it is possible to identify the intangible resources of intellectual capital in core based on the traits and level of development of IC at each university.
INCLUSIVE DESIGN FOR DIGITAL LEARNING: THE UDL FRAMEWORK
(Бургаски свободен университет, 2024) Монова-Желева, Мария; Желев, Янислав
The prevalence of technology in all aspects of society, education, and work presents new opportunities to overcome challenges associated with vulnerable participants' inclusion. The proliferation of digital technologies in education, encompassing diverse technology-enhanced learning implementations like blended learning, online courses, simulations, virtual classrooms, and mobile learning, necessitates a paradigm shift based on the effective application of inclusive design principles and frameworks towards ensuring the learning environments, teaching materials, and educational services that are universally usable by all students, to the maximum extent possible. Researchers and experts in education and instructional design discuss and experiment with many proactive methodologies and instructional design approaches that prioritize the needs of a heterogeneous user base in digital learning environment development. The current paper presents some results and findings of a study that investigates globally recognized methodologies, principles, and frameworks for the design and development of inclusive digital learning environments carried out within the Erasmus+ project „Inclusive Digital Learning (Dig-2-Inc, 2022-1-FI01-KA220-HED-000090147).
ISSUES AND CHALLENGES OF THE ASNAF ENTREPRENEURSHIP PROGRAM
(Бургаски свободен университет, 2024) Sharifah Norzehan Syed Yusuf; Farah Aida Ahmad Nadzri; Norhayati Samba Mohamed
Through entrepreneurship, the Asnaf Entrepreneurship Program is a vital initiative by zakat institutions in Malaysia to improve the socio-economic conditions of the asnaf, or rightful beneficiaries of zakat. Since the program's recipients are Asnaf, the underprivileged who may or may not have had the experience of conducting business. This article examines the issues and challenges the program faces. The study highlights the significant role of zakat institutions in poverty alleviation and the promotion of social welfare, emphasising the need for effective management practices and the integration of modern accounting systems. Key challenges identified include trust deficits, management inefficiencies, the need for innovation and technological adoption and enhanced elements of social capital in the Asnaf Entrepreneurship Program. The findings suggest that addressing these challenges through strategic reforms and enhanced transparency can significantly improve the impact of the Asnaf Entrepreneurship Program, thereby contributing to sustainable economic development.
MULTIDISCIPLINARITY IN THE USE OF SCRIBBR AND EMPIRIO METHODOLOGIES FOR MODERN SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH
(Бургаски свободен университет, 2024) Димов, Сава
The author traces some of crucial points related to applying multidisciplinary innovations to modern online research. Consequently, the methodologies of the Empirio and Scribbr platforms are used to write and defend a PhD dissertation. The highlights are the stages of the research process, key parameters, research methods, testing scientific hypotheses and the results of an empirical study. Due attention is given to the criteria for quantitative and qualitative research, assessment of their respective reliability, validity and objectivity, indicators of transparency, comprehensiveness and intersubjectivity. The author's arguments are supported by examples that include the use of Meta-Analysis, Statistical Package for the Social Sciences and the Seven-step model.
MULTIDISCIPLINARY APPROACH IN THE MODERN REHABILITATION INDUSTRY
(Бургаски свободен университет, 2024) Radoslav Mirinchev
Medical management is a fundamental component of the multidisciplinary approach to rehabilitation. Physical rehabilitation is a vital component of the multidisciplinary approach to rehabilitation, offering targeted interventions to restore physical function, manage pain, and improve quality of life. Technological and innovative solutions are transforming the field of rehabilitation, providing advanced tools and techniques that enhance the effectiveness of treatment and improve patient outcomes. The multidisciplinary approach in the modern rehabilitation industry exemplifies a collaborative, patient-centered model of care. By leveraging the expertise of diverse healthcare professionals, it aims to provide comprehensive and effective rehabilitation services that enhance patient outcomes and quality of life. This approach requires ongoing coordination, communication, and education but offers significant benefits in terms of holistic care and improved recovery trajectories.
NAVIGATING CHANGE MANAGEMENT IN A YOUTH-DRIVEN BUSINESS LANDSCAPE: A CASE STUDY ON INTER GENERATIONAL MANAGEMENT DILEMMA WITHIN SOCIAL CHANGE
(Бургаски свободен университет, 2024) Mokgadi Julia Ngoepe-Ntsoane
In recent years, the business world has witnessed a significant shift as younger leaders ascend to positions of power and experienced professionals find themselves reporting to these new, dynamic bosses. This phenomenon, driven by rapid technological advancements, innovative business models, and a globalized market, presents both challenges and opportunities for organizations. This paper explores the intricacies of intergenerational cultures in this evolving landscape, focusing on strategies to harmonize the diverse perspectives and skill sets of a multigenerational workforce. It examines the cultural and operational adjustments required to foster mutual respect, effective communication, and collaborative innovation between young leaders and seasoned employees. Key areas of focus include the importance of adaptive leadership, the role of mentorship and reverse mentorship programs, and the implementation of continuous learning environments to bridge generational gaps. By leveraging the strengths of both youth and experience, organizations can cultivate a resilient and agile workforce capable of thriving in a rapidly changing business environment. Ultimately, this study aims to provide actionable insights for companies looking to navigate the complexities of this generational shift, ensuring sustainable growth and competitive advantage in the modern marketplace. Lifespan development theory which is guided by the assumption that development is a lifelong process that does not stop in adulthood was the theoretical approach selected for the study. We intend to expand the study at a national scale but only limit it to one sector. The future study shall be based on a nation-wide scale to determine the number of workers that fall into the age-cohorts identified and how many of the bosses/managers are young. The young inter-racial managers shall be interviewed to establish their perceptions on older workers.
PEDAGOGICAL TECHNOLOGIES FOR EFFECTIVE INTERACTION WITH STUDENTS IN THE ERA OF EDUCATION 4.0
(Бургаски свободен университет, 2024) Димитрова, Златина
Education 4.0 is a comprehensive concept for the modernization of formal education, which is inspired by the philosophy of Industry 4.0 and its advanced economic model. The parameters of Education 4.0 include distance, blended, personalized and project-based learning, online assessment, robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), database, virtuаl rеality (VR), augmеnted rеаlity (AR) and virtuаl environment. These approaches and tools can replace the cumbersome outdated procedures of conventional education with creativity and attention to children and students. The article examines the integration of technology as a learning tool and the possibilities of new pedagogical approaches and practices to provide answers tailored to the specific needs of each student. Among them are the method of learning through practical tasks (case study), VR/AR simulations, the flipped classroom, project-based and problem-based learning. Special attention is paid to gamification as an effеctive educational technology in the digital school. The presented pedagogical technologies are essential tools that can ensure the transition of the modern school to digital transformation in the educational process.