Volume 40 / 2015

REGIONAL ASPECTS OF ECONOMIC RESILIENCE IN ROMANIA, DURING THE POST-ACCESSION PERIOD 

Gheorghe ZAMAN, George GEORGESCU

Abstract: The paper focuses on the issue of regional resilience to the economic crisis impact in the case of Romania, taking the county as territorial unit of observation. Based on the idea that the shock of a crisis spreads asymmetrically in the territory, with different contagion effects, the study advances a new approach to the speed and duration of GDP decline recovering. Data analysis shows that, at macroeconomic level, Romania has not proved resilient to the crisis impact, after two years of recession and a recovery period of 4 years barely succeeding in 2014 to return to the 2008 GDP level. The research highlighted the differentiated recovery duration of the economic decline in territory, as in 2014 many counties had to recover in the coming years the remained GDP gaps, up to 10 pp or even more. The study paid a specific attention to the crisis impact on employment, focusing on the R&D sector, revealing the endogenous growth generating potential at county level.
Keywords: global crisis, regional economic resilience, economic decline recovery, employment, knowledge-based re-industrialization
Classification-JEL: G01; I28; O18; O33; R10; R12; R58


ICT, TELEWORKING AND LABOUR POTENTIAL  

Silvia PISICĂ

Abstract: Highly qualified human resources are essential for the development and dissemination of knowledge and constitute the crucial link between technological progress and economic growth, social and environmental development, and the population welfare in general. To face the challenges of the accelerated pace of innovation and technological development a workforce increasingly specialized and efficient is required. The level of education is one of the key factors to facilitate access to employment, to speed up the insertion in the employment of persons belonging to the labour potential of a country.The links between the size and characteristics of labour potential and research, innovation and ICT will be highlighted in this paper by two categories of information: human resources in science and technology (HRST), and the teleworkers.
For both categories of information the primary data source is the Labour Force Survey (LFS) carried out by the National Institute of Statistics (INS) on the population households.
Keywords: Labour potential; Human resources; Science and technology; Teleworkers; Research; innovation and ICT 
Classification-JEL: I25; J24


TESTING THE KEYNESIAN CONSUMPTION HYPOTHESIS ON EUROPEAN PANEL DATA  

Rodica IANOLE, Elena DRUICĂ

Abstract: The aim of the paper is to explore to what degree the main hypothesis of the Keynesian model of consumption current real income represents the most important determinant for consumption, in the short run is still valid in current European economies. While there is a fairly extensive economic literature discussing different theoretical versions of this initial model, we believe there is yet not enough empirical evidence to rely upon for clearly accepting or rejecting one of them. The added value of our work is particularly salient in the contemporary context of declining rates of savings, augmented by the extending pressures of overconsumption. The analysis is based on a set of panel data available for 42 European countries, for the time period 2000-2013, including final consumption expenditures as dependent variables, regressed against GDP and a dummy variable for the financial crisis. A random effect model offers the best explanation for the consumption trends depicted by the data, offering a clear quantification for the impact of income: each 1% increase in income results in roughly 0,58% increase in consumption, thus confirming the theory, and also pointing out to the remaining percentage as unobserved individual influences, not correlated with our independent variables.
Keywords: Keynesian model, random effects, consumption and savings theories, panel data analysis, European economies 
Classification-JEL: C33; E12; E21


OPTIMAL STRUCTURE OF INTERNATIONAL UNION BUDGETARY REVENUES 
Andrii BOIAR

Abstract: This article proposes a new approach to the issue of political and financial sustainability (equilibrium) in an international union. The proposition is made to set members budgetary payments proportionate to their willingness to pay. It is argued that this willingness-to-pay principle ensures an optimal setup in the institutional system of an international union. Application of this methodology to the EU allowed deriving the members optimal budgetary contributions and brought up some other important insights.
Keywords: international union, budget, contribution, optimal, member state, EU
Classification-JEL: F36; F55; G28 

 


PREVENTING AND DETECTING FRAUD THROUGH DATA ANALYTICS IN AUTO INSURANCE FIELD 
Adrian BĂNĂRESCU, Aurel-Mihail BALOI

Abstract: Currently, in the auto insurance field, fraud has become a real phenomenon, and insurance companies are making efforts to identify and implement effective means of fraud prevention and detection. This article aims to present the data analysis and related tools, as a possible alternative to fraud, in the context of the current information society (I-society).In the literature, data analysis processes are presented as a highly effective means for the prevention and detection of fraud, but their implementation at both inter and intra-company levels is a difficult process, because it involves organizational transformations in which the decision should be based on knowledge. Although in Romania the institutional framework for fraud detection in the auto insurance field is created, the information processes that take advantage of the potential of intangible assets (data, information, knowledge, relationships, etc.) are not systematically exploited and are not integrated into decision-making (whether strategic or operational).
Keywords: fraud; IT Systems; data analytics; network analysis; geospatial analysis
Classification-JEL: G32; K42; O39 

 


PRODUCING SMALL AREA ESTIMATION USING R IN THE ROMANIAN OFFICIAL STATISTICS  

Ana Maria DOBRE, Nicoleta CARAGEA

Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to reveal the opportunities found in the Romanian official statistics to develop a long-way but strong implementation of the Small Area Estimation techniques, together with the use of R statistical software. The Small Area Estimation technique, a model-based approach to produce regional or even locality level data, has been already succesfully applied on the estimation of the international migration, which is often hard to estimate. In these circumstances, the official statistics in Romania face new challenges in data analysis tools. In the last two years, a small team of statisticians introduced R both in the official statistics and academia, as an opportunity for progress. The paper contains an overview of the small area techniques applied to the estimation of international migration and covers other possible applications of small area estimation methods, presenting the challenges currently considered in the official statistics
Keywords: Small Area Estimation, Labour Force Survey, R Software, Official Statistics, International Migration
Classification-JEL: C13; C51; C88; F22

 


HOUSING AFFORDABILITY IN ROMANIA. TOWARDS QUANTIFYING THE TRENDS 
Costin CIORA

Abstract:In recent years, the impact of negative price movement of housing has led to difficulties both to sellers and potential buyer. This intense volatility has affected not only the financial sector but also the way in which housing affordability can be understood and measured. With variation in prices, together with variation in income, assessing housing affordability for different periods could be difficult, because of the changing economic environment. The aim of this paper is to answer the question of housing affordability measurement by applying it to the Romanian real estate market. The development of cities creates the premises for new apartments that should be affordable. Also, old apartments should be considered more affordable. Our research provides an in-depth analysis on measuring apartment affordability in Bucharest, by taking into consideration different age intervals relevant for the study.
Keywords: house affordability; home ownership; housing market; real estate analysis
Classification-JEL: O18; R21; R31

 


THE STATISTICAL SIGNIFICANCE OF HIPPOTHERAPY FOR CHILDREN WITH PSYCHOMOTOR DISABILITIES 
Anca Nicoleta BÎLBĂ

Abstract: Topic The recovery and social integration of children with psychomotilitydisabilities is an important goal for the integration of Romania into the European Union. Studies conducted in this area reveal that people, who practice therapy using the horse due to a recommendation by professionals, benefit from a much faster recovery and at a much higher level. Purpose of study Identification of results for adaptive areas due to participation in a therapy program with the help of the horse for children with psycho-motility disabilities. Research Methods A number of 27 children with psycho-motility disabilities I take part in the study.They participate in 20 sessions of treatment with the help of the horse over a period of 2 months. All participating children are aged 2 to 14. The diagnostics of children are:autism, ADHD, cerebral paralysis. All participants will be assessed at the beginning and at the end of the program. For assessment, the ABAS II assessment form shall be used. It is a multifunctional tool used to assess the overall skill level of everyday subjects necessary for the efficient adaptation in life and research. Results The results of the assessments are composite scores for skills areas in the General Adaptive, Conceptual, Social and Practical field. These scores are rated as average for each subject. The value of the average will determine how horse therapy using adaptive skills influences the uptake in the scored areas.Conclusion: This research aims at demonstrating that therapy with the help of horses hippotherapy is a method that produces positive effects on the acquisition of skills necessary to children with psycho-motility disabilities.
Keywords: hippotherapy; autism; ADHD; cerebral paralysis; therapy.
Classification-JEL: H51; H 52; H 53; H 75


AN ONTOLOGY OF GOOD GOVERNANCE.A POLITICAL THEORY APPROACH 

Cătălin-Valentin RAIU

Abstract: In the public discourse of European and international institutions the word 'government' seems to be replaced by 'governance'. While there is a very traditional liberal approach in political theory claiming that to govern means to exercise political power, it is not clear what governance means. In public administration theories, governance is used to imply statecraft that is the exercise of governmental responsibilities. The connotation of governance was borrowed from management and implies, in politics, to scale down big governments. The entire governance process tends to be depoliticized as the debates over basic democratic values have been overshadowed in the European Union context. Starting with Plato's definition of good governance, which he describes as right order, this paper aims to explore the ontology of (good) governance from a political theory perspective.
Keywords: political representation; governance; power; oikonomia; democracy
Classification-JEL: F55; F68; N4


THE FACTORS RESPONSIBLE WITH CORPORATE REPUTATION: A STRUCTURAL EQUATION MODELLING  APPROACH 
Mihaela Cornelia SANDU

Abstract: In recent years, the concept of corporate reputation has gained wide consideration in the academic field as well as in the business world. Companies are very carreful with their corporate reputation because it is the item that can determine competitive advantage and establishes good relations with stakeholders. This study examines the elements that are responsible for corporate reputation. Data used in this study were collected from the responses of people regarding the perceptions about corporate reputation. Structural modelling analysis is used to analyze data and to test hypothesis concerning the factors that are responsible for corporate reputation.
Keywords: corporate reputation; emotional appeal; confirmatory factor analysis; structural equation modelling
Classification-JEL: C01; C12; C15


THE COORDINATION OF THE MONETARY AND FISCAL POLICIES IN ROMANIA AND THEIR IMPACT ON THE ECONOMIC CYCLE 
Bogdan Andrei DUMITRESCU

Abstract: A rate of economic growth close to potential while ensuring a low inflation rate is the primary objective of macroeconomic policies. The monetary and fiscal policies are widely used in Romania and in the European Union to achieve this goal, as modifying their stance is seen as a way to reduce the amplitude of the business cycle fluctuations. This research aims to assess how the monetary and fiscal policies have managed to smooth the business cycle fluctuations in Romania during 2004-2014 and also their degree of coordination and to analyze the restrictions applying to these policies given the rule-based framework within they operate. The results show a lack of coordination of the fiscal and monetary policies, the former permanent acting pro cyclically in the analyzed period, while the latter acting only partly counter cyclically, being mainly concerned with achieving price stability.
Keywords: fiscal policy; monetary policy; coordination; countercyclical policies
Classification-JEL: E32; E61; E63


EPIDEMIOLOGICAL FEATURES AND SOCIOECONOMIC BURDEN OF CHILDHOOD WILSON DISEASE 
Alexandra MORARU

Abstract: Wilson Disease is a rare autosomal recessive disorder of copper metabolism with a disabling chronic evolution. This condition requires lifelong treatment of the patient. Positive diagnosis is hard to establish due to the fact that a single test alone does not provide certainty. After the diagnosis is established the chelating treatment must be started. Delaying the treatment can be fatal to the patient. The socioeconomic factor is very important during the diagnostic stage and monitoring of the patient. In special literature, this subject is not addressed. This factor must not be ignored, especially in Romania. The purpose of this paper is to highlight the costs generated by the diagnosis and treatment of Wilson Disease in South-Eastern Romania taking into consideration the main research results of a study elaborated in the Grigore Alexandrescu Emergency Hospital for Children, in Bucharest, between January 2004 and December 2014.
Keywords: children Wilson Disease; rare disease; socioeconomic; medicoeconomic
Classification-JEL: I10; I15


ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL FACTORS FIGHTING AGAINST HEPATITIS B AND C CONTAGION 
Irina ANDRONIE (DIJMĂRESCU)

Abstract: Socioeconomic factors may influence the epidemiology of viral hepatitis. We present the results of an ongoing prospective study which included a number of 56 patients. Sixty-two percent of them came from urban areas and 50% came from medium income families. Ninety percent of the children were in school and most parents were educated up to secondary school. A significant percentage of families did not have appropriate indoor toilet and plumbing facilities. Systematic prevention methods should be available and the awareness level needs to be raised in order to fight contagion and lower the incidence of chronic viral hepatitis in Romania.
Keywords: chronic viral hepatitis; children; socioeconomic; contagion
Classification-JEL: I15; I18


SOCIO-FINANCIAL MECHANISMS OF A PREVENTIVE STRATEGY AGAINST PEDIATRIC OBESITY 
Iulia Florentina TINCU

Abstract: Pediatric obesity is considered to be one of the most stressful health problems that in time leads to important adult obesity consequences. Although adequate prevention is required, many national strategies have failed in adopting a unitary attitude. Incorporating multilevel actions might be useful in pediatric obesity prevention and special frameworks should be designed in accordance to practical clinical observation and cost analyses. In a study conducted in the Grigore Alexandrescu Emergency Children Hospital, between June 2014 and December 2014, the authors enrolled patients presented for the mandatory one-year consultation, whose parents completed a detailed questionnaire which included both socio-demographic and nutritional data.
Keywords: public health; nutrition; standard of living
Classification-JEL: I180; I130; I310


HARNESSING INNOVATION IN ROMANIA – A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS 
Victor IANCU

Abstract:In order for national economies to ensure a high degree of competitiveness in the area of research, development and innovation, the former need to secure and develop a commercial coordinate so as to support the demand side for innovative goods and services. Measures taken in this direction can be revealed by a series of indicators such as the contribution of medium/high technology products to the trade balance or external revenues derived from patents and licenses. This paper aims to investigate, through a comparative analysis, the results recorded by Romania in terms of capitalizing on intellectual output, as well as the prerequisites of the relevant system’s competitiveness.
Keywords: statistical indicators; comercialization; intellectual output; innovation
Classification-JEL: K11; L24


IDENTIFICATION AND CLASSIFICATION OF THE FACTORS CAUSING FALLS FROM HEIGHTAT WORK  
Nicoleta CRĂCIUN

Abstract: Existing in most sectors, the workstations at different heights expose workers to hazards causing serious injury, disability or death in most of the situations. Due to their repercussions, the work injury as a result of falling from height representa significant economic burden both on employees, the employers, and the society as a whole. The present paper aims to identify and classify the main factors that generate work accidents due to the falls from height in order to find the optimal solutions to reduce them.
Keywords: falls from height; hazards; risk factors
Classification-JEL: I15; I00; I19


METHODOLOGICAL CONSIDERATIONS ON THE EVALUATION OF COST OF WORK ACCIDENTS AND OCCUPATIONAL DISEASE 

Cătălin RUSU-ZAGĂR

Abstract: The accident at work is a phenomenon which unpredictably interrupts the work processes, causing unscheduled effects on economic activity. The events of this nature produced within the organizations will affect every element of it, and the system as a whole. No company and no national economy cannot afford to eliminate or lessen, at once, all risks of injury and occupational diseases, because they would not have sufficient resources to resume the production cycle, the one that makes the organization survive. Diminishing human capital, time loss, damage or destruction of fixed capital is negatively reflected in quantifiable decreasing of economic-financial performance which have important implications for the economy.
Keywords: accident; cost; work; computing; economics
Classification-JEL: I15 


THE QUALITY OF HUMAN RESOURCES - A DETERMINANT OF SUSTAINABLE RURAL DEVELOPMENT IN ROMANIA 
Vergina CHIRIȚESCU, Mariana BĂLAN, Ciprian Silviu BUCUR

Abstract: The evolution of rural areas is a major concern of humanity as it imposes a balance between the requirement of economic, environmental and social conservation of rural areas with a logical modernization trend of rural life. The evolution of human society led to fundamental structural and functional changes of the countryside. In this context, human resource is a key factor in the sustainable rural development and its security features directly influence the development of rural communities. The quality of human resources determines the sustainable development of rural communities, manifested by the shift from the old qualitative state to a new one, a general increase of the civilization level and improvement of the quality of life.
Keywords: sustainable rural development; human resources; rural communities; economic growth; quality of life
Classification-JEL: Q01; O15; E24; I30; J01


PROFILE OF ROMANIAN PRE-UNIVERSITY TEACHERS, A SOCIAL MEDIA APPROACH 

Angel-Alex HĂISAN

Abstract: Teachers have an extremely important role in society. Through their work, they influence all sides of the human beings’ character, since the earliest stages in life, throughout adolescence and beyond. It is generally accepted that without a proper educational system a society won't manage to achieve that extra step on the socio-economic development ladder. In consequence, through our present paper we are trying to address to the first link in the educational chain and determine, using an inside-out approach, who are the ones who choose to educate, what personal problems they encounter, emphasize positive and negative aspects of their profession and maybe establish some connections between their condition and the system’s general state.
Keywords: Romanian educational system; profile; pre-university teachers
Classification-JEL: I14; I21; Z13


THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE INNOVATION ORIENTATION AND ORGANIZATIONS’ PERFORMANCE IN ROMANIA
Adrian IONESCU, Cornel IONESCU

Abstract: The purpose of this research is to contribute to the conceptual understanding of innovation orientation and to inquire the relationship between the innovation orientation and the firm's performance. The empirical data was obtained from top executives of 106 companies activating in Romania. It has been empirically proven that there is a direct, strong and positive link between the innovation orientation and market and financial performance.
Keywords: innovation; innovation orientation; firm performance; innovation in Romania; market orientation; innovation orientation in Romania
Classification-JEL: L25; M31; O32