pag. 30	Job Satisfaction of Banking Sector Employees in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina Author: Emira KOZAREVIC, Amela PERIC, Adisa DELIC
	Abstract Banks worldwide are looking for new and creative ways to operate and achieve competitive advantages under the global recession conditions. The recession effects have forced the banks to look into more effective utilisation of internal resources and their potential. Human resources are recognised as the key element in successful business navigation through difficult market conditions, including competition with other banks and non-banking financial institutions. This is even more important for the banks operating in developing countries, where the effects of the recession are considerably harsher. Many studies have acknowledged the direct link between productivity and the level of employee satisfaction. This work aims to establish and recognise some of the main factors associated with the job satisfaction of banking employees in the Federation of BiH and provide useful guidance to bank managers in this region and beyond, as a contribution to their continuous improvement efforts in business and people management during these challenging times. The research is predominantly based on the survey conducted in the banking sector of the Federation of BiH in 2013. The survey sample covers 529 respondents that represent 7.4% of the overall banking employee sector base of 7,130. The analysis of survey results, supported by empirical research and the review of related literature, revealed that job satisfaction amongst the bankers is determined by a wide spectrum of factors such as: demographic characteristics, management and supervision, monetary compensation, non-monetary recognition, work environment, job responsibility and type of tasks, social atmosphere at work and general satisfaction with life. JEL Classification: G21, M12, J24 Keywords: banking sector, employee productivity, Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (Federation of BiH), global recession, job satisfaction.

 

pag. 50	Impact of Clusters on Innovation, Knowledge and Competitiveness in the Romanian Economy Authors: Cristina VLĂSCEANU
	Abstract The concept of clusters has become extremely popular in the recent years, as more and more practitioners and theorists refer to it. From my point of view, clusters are the ideal structure for some companies to build their skills, knowledge and know-how together. To the same extent, this form of organization enables the creation of common structures / facilities, which allows the smaller firms or the ones that lack experience to learn from the ones with more experience and to benefit from their more advanced capabilities, and thus to grow together. Moreover, the participation, collaboration and cooperation of universities, institutes, research centers and other organizations/entities inside a cluster undoubtedly leads to the growth of the economic development of the region, from which the cluster is part of. In the case of Romania, the eight development regions could greatly benefit from the formation and implementation of clusters. With the shift to a knowledge-based economy and society, the difference, made by clusters and creative networks that promote innovation, is now clear. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to outline the benefits that can come from the development of clusters, and to highlight the impact of clusters on innovation, knowledge and competitiveness in the Romanian Economy. JEL Classification: D83, O32, R11 Keywords: Cluster, competitiveness, innovation, knowledge, networking.

 

pag. 61	The Composition Effect of Macroeconomic Factors on Foreign Direct Investment in Selected SAARC Countries Author: Mehwish MALIK, Mushab RASHID, Khalid ZAMAN
	Abstract The objective of the study is to investigate the most promising economic variables i.e., foreign direct investment (FDI), exports and financial development on economic growth in selected South Asian Association of Regional Co-corporation (SAARC) countries. In addition, this study argued that whether FDI, Exports and financial development fosters or hinder economic growth in SAARC countries, for this purpose, panel data set of selected five SAARC countries namely, Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan and Srilanka considered for empirical consideration over a period of 1975 to 2011. By using two-stage least square (2SLSL) technique, empirical evidence on the effects of FDI, exports and financial development on economic growth is mix in terms of apriori expectations. In case of Bangladesh, exports and broad money supply (M2) is the positive and significant contributor to increase economic growth, whereas, M2 increases India’s GDP. FDI is the only significant contributor to increase Pakistan’s economic growth. In case of Nepal and Srilanka, broad money supply increases economic growth, whereas, due to high dependency on imports, exports could not considerably increases economic growth in those regions. JEL Classification: C33 Keywords: FDI; Exports; Broad money supply; Economic Growth; SAARC countries.

 

pag. 78	Green ICT Awareness in Organization - An Empirical Study in Romanian Companies Author: Minodora URSĂCESCU
	Abstract Business strategy involves adopting the equilibrium between competitiveness and performance, on one hand, and the responsibility towards environmental goals, on the other hand. The transition to green economy becomes synonym with two structural transformations: firstly, the IT industry restructuration through the development of green information and communication technologies (green ICT), and secondly, the using of IT solutions, according to environment protection and sustainable development. The purpose of this paper is to assess the organizational behavior on adopting green information tools into the policies and processes of an enterprise. To conduct this research, a methodology based on an empirical study was used. Proceeding from an investigation that shows the concerns of some Romanian companies in green ICT concept and practices, the findings suggest a low awareness level about these subjects. Practical implications of the study refer to the fact that the results of research may be useful for managers who are looking to implement green ICT practices in their business strategy and the organizational processes. JEL Classification:  O33, M14, M15 Keywords: green ICT, sustainable development, energy efficiency, server virtualization, environmental goals.

 

pag. 88	Knowledge Transfer Management in the Italian Agricultural Cooperatives Author: Andreea MIRON
	Abstract Due to the close, direct relation with their members, cooperatives have an advantage over other forms of organization in achieving knowledge transfer. This research aims to identify the way in which the process of transmitting information and knowledge takes place in the Italian cooperative sector. The necessary data was collected by applying a questionnaire trough a structured interview to six agricultural cooperatives from the Region of Veneto. Issues such as the communication strategy, the relations with members and third parties and the main means of communication used, were analyzed. The results prove once more, the important role of these structures in optimizing the knowledge transfer process. JEL Classification: Q01, Q13, 033 Keywords: Communication strategy, cooperative, cooperative members, information, knowledge transfer management.

 

pag. 100	Drinking Water Supply Management through Innovative Methods and Finance in Municipal Councils of Mumbai Metropolitan Region Authors: Sanjay RODE
	Abstract Drinking water is a basic need of human being. Adequate, continuous and safe quantity of drinking water supply reduces the burden of diseases and improve standard of living of people. The water demand is continuously increasing with urbanization in Mumbai Metropolitan Region. The supply of drinking water is inadequate due to more demand by different units. The demand of drinking water is higher by population, commercial units, health care, educational institutions and industry. The deficit in supply of drinking water supply is observed in all the municipal councils of Mumbai Metropolitan Region. The Tobit regression shows that the water demand is positively co-related to the population, malls and theaters in all councils. Therefore the policies of public private partnership will bring good result in water supply infrastructure. The municipal councils should be allowed to issue municipal bonds to raise long term capital. The water use laws and awareness among people about scarcity of water will reduce water waste and improve its effective use. Government and municipal councils should look long term solution to reduce water scarcity in metropolitan region. JEL Classification: D1, H7, I1, Q5 Keywords: Equality, Health, Tariff

 

pag. 114	Management Behavior and Key Issues on Cereal Market Author:  Dan-Marius VOICILAŞ
	Abstract The paper analyses the evolution of the Romanian cereal sector, with special focus on the management behavior under the influence of the institutional and legislative framework. We concentrate our analysis on the main regions of cereal production. We look to put in evidence the transformations of the sector, challenges and tendencies by the analysis of the statistical data available, with examples from practice. In the same time, we intend to identify the key issues in the field. The results show a general positive evolution of the cereal market, both at national and regional level, but also the negative factors of influence on the development of the sector. The analysis opens new discussions about the role of the legislation, institutions and management of the business. We highlight the role of the cereal market and regions in Romanian economy and the ways of development in the context of high level of competitiveness among European Union countries and other countries in the world. JEL Classification: M21, Q13, Q18 Keywords: cereal market, key issues, Romania.

 

pag. 126	Strategic Management Analysis: Case of Erzeni LTD Authors: Alba KRUJA, Sidita RESHKETA
	Abstract In the last two decades Albania had shifted from a closed, communist economy to an open market where private sector has increased its influence, especially in production and trade sector. Today it can be studied and found the leaders of each sector by analyzing the position that these private companies have in the market. Erzeni LTD is a company operating in the market for more than 17 years. The company‘s first operations were production and trade of home, office and school furniture, operations which later on were expanded in new product such as inside and armored doors. Erzeni LTD, known also as the leader in wood/MDF based products, arranges its sale in three different directions: 1. Sales in Albanian free market, 2. Sales through fixed long-term contracts, 3. Export sales. In this paper it will be analyzed the past, present and future of Erzeni LTD, by developing an implementable strategy that would improve the future position of the company not only as an operator in the Albanian market but also abroad. In order to develop the company`s strategies, the SWOT-TOWS analysis will be conducted in which it will be identified the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats that the company is facing. JEL Classification: M10 Keywords: Strategic Management, Furniture Market, Exports, SWOT Analysis, Growth.

  

pag. 140	The Bullwhip Effect in Different Manufacturing Paradigm: An Analysis Author: Shamila Nabi KHAN, Mohammad Ajmal KHAN, Ramsha SOHAIL
	Abstract Slight fluctuation in the customer demand produces huge fluctuations in the inventory and production levels of the upstream member of the supply chain. This is known as demand amplification or the bullwhip effect. The bullwhip effect produces huge inefficiencies along the supply chain, captures much-needed working capital by high inventory levels and results in dissatisfied customers. Analyzing a set of nine case studies, results show that agile manufacturing is best suited to deal with a turbulent market with unpredictable demand. JEL Classification: M11 Keywords: Bullwhip, Agile, Lean, Agility, Traditional, Manufacuring paradigm.