MAPAMOND

 MANAGEMENT

 

pag. 28	The effects of migration and fertility on the age-sex structure of Lagos State, Nigeria Author:  Esther Ugomma EJEKWUMADU,  Ignatius Ani MADU,  Chukwuedozie Kelechukwu AJAERO
	Abstract This research was carried out to appraise the influence of fertility and migration on the age-sex population structure of Lagos State, Nigeria. Respondents were randomly selected and given questionnaire to fill with regards to fertility and migration trends in the study area. Using partial correlation and multiple regression analyses, we determined the influence of migration and fertility on the age structure of the population. The combined effects of the partial correlation of fertility and migration were 0.66 (males) and 0.79 (females). The regression analyses yielded influence of fertility of 9.6 and 11.7 for males and females respectively, which far outstrips the influence of migration of 6.4 and 1.5 for males and females respectively on the age-sex structure. Also, the base constant was -5.1 for females and -3.2 for males i.e. the minimum change in age of male and female populations that would occur before the influence of fertility and migration become noticeable. Finally, the socio-economic implications of the age-sex structure were highlighted. JEL Classification: J13, O15, R11, R23 Keywords: age-sex population structure; fertility; impact; Lagos State; migration;Nigeria.

 

pag. 39	An assessment of partnerships between technical vocational education and training and its stakeholders in the development of Ethiopian SMEs Author:   Killian MUNZWA, Tendayi GONDO,  Augustine TIRIVANGANA
	Abstract This paper examines the Ethiopian Technical, Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in terms of policy, strategies, curriculum, implementation, practice and challenges faced on the ground by both the TVET program and the nation in meeting the skills needs of industry and human capital development in general as enunciated in the goals of ESDP III, (Ministry of Education, 2005). In doing this the paper reviews the skills needs of industry against the capacity of the institutions of higher education's capacity to meet these needs. It is in this context that the appropriateness of the curriculum and its implementation in respect of the TVET goals is scrutinized (Ministry of Education, 2008). Furthermore, government policies and strategies in the identification and selection of appropriate candidates for the TVET program and the incorporation of stakeholders are examined. In this assessment issues of collaboration by stakeholders in the provision of training resources and facilities are assessed, especially financing and human resource requirements in respect of staffing levels and requisite technical skills and supportive equipment and other resources. Policies and organizational structures in the identification, mobilization and distribution of such resources are also examined. To this end any opportunities that may exist for the retention and further training of the TVET graduates already employed by the industry are also reviewed. An important aspect of this evaluation is to identify and understand the kind of relationships and partnerships that exist between the TVET colleges, and government. Similarly an assessment is done concerning curriculum implementation, practice and delivery. JEL Classification: I21, I22, N47 Keywords: technical vocational education, curriculum, implementation, partnership.

 

pag. 57	Practicing governance: pitfalls and potentials - a study of Bangladesh Author:Khan Rubayet RAHAMAN ,  Zakir HOSSAIN,  Ashiq-ur RAHMAN, Mohammed Shariful ISLAM
	Abstract Governance is a manner of undertaking activities performed for a state's people by the state's government to ensure development. Hence, it has scope of having conflicts between state policy and government bodies resulting poor quality of governance: abuse of rule of law, bureaucratic discrimination, corruption, poverty, inequality, low level of human resource development, low level of per capita income, poor utilization of country resources, etc. The reason for conflicts is poor governance vis-à-vis the result from poor governance, i.e., as there has conflict, there exists poor governance and at the same time as there exists poor governance, there has conflict. On the other hand, interrelationships between state policy and government bodies assist ensuring good governance: participatory, consensus oriented, transparent and accountable, equitable and efficient, etc. Developing nations like Bangladesh require having good governance in their countries for promoting development indicators: ‘country resource' mobilization, increasing GDP growth, increasing per capita income, enhancing quality of socioeconomic indices of people, etc. The major of findings from this paper is ‘good governance for sustainable development'. This paper addresses issues of historical performance of governance exercise, obstacles towards good governance, and reforming agendas come up in past studies. The authors conclude by explaining why and how good governance is essential in Bangladesh for sustainable development. JEL Classification: R38 Keywords: governance, pitfalls, potentials, Bangladesh.

 

pag.73	Entrepreneurial characteristics of indigenous housing developers: the case of Malaysia Author: Mastura JAAFAR,  Abdul Rashid ABDUL AZIZ,  Roslinda ALI
	Abstract Since the colonisation era, the immigrants from mainland China (and now their descendents) dominate the Malaysian housing industry. Their high entrepreneurial ethics stimulated early venture in all economic sectors to become dominant in business. To increase the participation of indigenous entrepreneurs in economic activities, Malaysia has practiced its own version of the affirmative policy since the 1970s which is known as National Economic Policy (NEP). Unlike other economic sectors such as construction, manufacturing and agricultural, the government has not provided special assistance (other than those that are generic in nature) for the indigenous populace to penetrate and thrive in housing development. As a consequence, their participation in this sector is conspicuous by their absence. A study was conducted to look into the involvement of indigenous housing developers in housing industry. Data was collected through postal questionnaires followed by face-to-face interviews. The discussion on the data analysis is presented together with interview findings. JEL Classification: R31, L26, C83 Keywords: indigenous housing developer, housing development industry,entrepreneur characteristic.

 

pag.92	Benchmarking in Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) - Tool for training reform Author:  Rodica MOLDOVEANU
	Abstract Adults invariably need to change their job from sector to sector and place to place as their life and training needs change. In this respect the importance of recognizing people's knowledge, skills and competencies as basis for further learning and development can not be overstated Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition process (PLAR). Accepted benchmarks for PLAR support assessment process by providing a list of function, skills and knowledge that need to be used as a complementary set of generic standards of best practices in PLAR. JEL Classification: D83, J24 Keywords: assessment, benchmark, competencies, PLAR, training, reform.

 

pag. 98	Examining an important urban transportation management tool: subarea modeling Author:  Xueming CHEN,  ying CHEN
	Abstract At present, customized subarea models have been widely used in local transportation planning throughout the United States. The biggest strengths of a subarea model lie in its more detailed and accurate modeling outputs which better meet local planning requirements. In addition, a subarea model can substantially reduce database size and model running time. In spite of these advantages, subarea models remain quite weak in maintaining consistency with a regional model, modeling transit projects, smart growth measures, air quality conformity, and other areas. Both opportunities and threats exist for subarea modeling. In addition to examining subarea models, this paper introduces the decision-making process in choosing a proper subarea modeling approach (windowing versus focusing) and software package. This study concludes that subarea modeling will become more popular in the future. More GIS applications, travel surveys, transit modeling, microsimulation software utilization, and other modeling improvements are expected to be incorporated into the subarea modeling process. JEL Classification: R48, L86, L92 Keywords: subarea model, regional model, SWOT analysis, software evaluation.

 

pag. 114	Statistical approaches of the credit and the banking rating in the national economy Author:  Ion PaRTACHI,  Lilian HANCU,  Stella ENACHI
	Abstract The appearance of the credit is closely related to the appearance of the commercial banks, the mobilization of the monetary disposals on the market and their efficient placement to the funds solicitors is being accomplished through credits. The credit giving can be generally described as the process through which a certain value is loaned to a potential debtor which has a certain activity, accepting a financial risk to the possibility that that person/entity may not be capable to fulfill their obligations in the future. JEL Classification: E51, G21, G24, y10 Keywords:bank credits, evolution, rating, the balance credit/deposits, weight of credits.

 

pag. 122	Short history of the theories regarding services quality Author:  Delia POPESCU, Andreea MARIN-PANTELESCU
	Abstract We could all observe how much has the importance of quality increased in every buyer's life in the case of a product as well as in the case of a service. The term quality comes from the Latin ''qualis'', which means ''of the kind that'' and it has been used as far back as the antiquity by the philosophers of the period, Cicero and Aristotle (Stanciu, 2005). The first standard related to quality control appeared in 1935 and it was called ''Applying the statistical methods to the industrial standardization and to the industrial quality control''. After the Second World War, quality was approached more and more as a managerial function and in 1960 Japan chose the month of November to be the national month of quality, which, in a little while after that, transformed into the month of quality in the world. 1986 is the year in which the first international standard ISO 8402 appeared, standard concerning the terminology in the field of quality. Another important year is 1988 because in the United States of America, the ''Malcom Baldrige'' National Award for Quality was awarded to Motorola for the first time, due to the performances obtained in the field of quality. Nowadays, when the buyers' and society's exigencies are increasingly greater and the competition is much more ruthless, the following can be easily observed: quality has become ''the strategic instrument of any company's global management'' because it is what can maintain its loyal customers and, at the same time, attract new buyers for the products or services offered by any company. JEL Classification: N01 Keywords: quality, services, standard, strategy.

  

pag. 133	Assessment and self-assessment of project manager Author:  Ion VASILESCU
	Abstract The activities for projects preparation and progress are run within a hard and hostile environment, requiring the project management to perform an assessment/selfassessment before getting involved in activities specific to investment and production processes. The paper presents a series of criteria that must be taken into account, such as: the health degree and the efficiency, social obligations towards family (parents, children, relatives, etc.), the training degree within business, efficiency within run activities, past incisiveness and initiatives, capacity to plan an action, to lead and make decisions: flexibility degree, accommodation to new situations, perseverance degree and complex approach of the business, capacity to observe the principles of business ethics. JEL Classification: L83, O22, O32 Keywords: project manager, ethics, competition, objectives, prices.

 

pag. 139	Risk and uncertainty in innovational management Author:   Ana COTELNIC
	Abstract Firms face a certain major problems in recognizing the potential of an innovation. These barriers can be a real problem for organizations. yet, managers must overcome them to produce the innovation that may prove vital for long - run survival of their firms. Our goal in this article is to explore these uncertainties. JEL Classification: D81, O31, O32 Keywords: innovation management, innovation risk, uncertainty.

 

pag. 145	The role of technological transfer in the societies based on knowledge economy Author:  Daniela HiNCU,  Corina FRASINEANU,  Ioan FRASINEANU
	Abstract The knowledge based economy is an economy based on innovation. Implementing innovation requires acquiring new technology, using the technique of technological transfer. The problems and the timing for implementing an emerging technology are under discussion in this paper. JEL Classification: O14 Keywords: knowledge based economy, innovation, technology transfer, emerging technology.

 

pag. 154	Globalization: an open door for the knowledge economy  Author:   Andreea MARIN-PANTELESCU,  Gabriela TIGU, Olimpia STATE
	Abstract Globalization refers to an emphasized process of global integration and spreading a set of ideas related to the economical activity and goods' production, the premises being the liberalization of international commerce and the capital flows, the speeding up of the technological progress and informational society. The cognitive society is more and more obvious and unanimously accepted, which actually proves its efficiency. If traditional, conservative communities, which are not open to change and reject from the start anything new on the horizon, still exist today, they are isolated cases that will eventually be "converted" by this wave of information that has become indispensable to any development because in its absence resources could not be used efficiently. Taking into consideration these elements, this paper wishes to give arguments to the fact that globalization can be seen as being an open door for the cognitive society. JEL Classification: A11, A13, D83 Keywords: globalization, knowledge economy, multinational organizations.

 

pag. 162	Lean principles applied to software development - avoiding waste Author:  Ionel NAFTANAILA,  Paul BRUDARU
	Abstract Under the current economic conditions many organizations strive to continue the trend towards adopting better software development processes, in order to take advantage of the numerous benefits that these can offer. Those benefits include quicker return on investment, better software quality, and higher customer satisfaction. To date, however, there is little body of research that can guide organizations in adopting modern software development practices, especially when it comes to Lean thinking and principles. To address this situation, the current paper identifies and structures the main wastes (or muda in Lean terms) in software development as described by Lean principles, in an attempt to bring into researchers' and practitioners' attention Lean Software Development, a modern development methodology based on well-established practices such as Lean Manufacturing or Toyota Production System. JEL Classification: M15 Keywords: Lean, software development, agile methodologies.

 

pag.  171	The GIS and data solution for advanced business analysis Author:  Carmen RADUT
	Abstract The GIS Business Analyst is a suite of Geographic Information System (GIS)-enabled tools, wizards, and data that provides business professionals with a complete solution for site evaluation, selective customer profiling, and trade area market analysis. Running simple reports, mapping the results, and performing complex probability models are among the capabilities The GIS Business Analyst offers in one affordable desktop analysis solution. Data and analyses produced by The GIS Business Analyst can be shared across departments, reducing redundant research and marketing efforts, speeding analysis of results, and increasing employee efficiency. The GIS Business Analyst is the first suite of tools for unlocking the intelligence of geography, demographic, consumer lifestyle, and business data. It is a valuable asset for business decision making such as analyzing market share and competition, determining new site expansions or reductions, and targeting new customers. The ability to analyze and visualize the geographic component of business data reveals trends, patterns, and opportunities hidden in tabular data. By combining information, such as sales data of the organization, customer information, and competitor locations, with geographic data, such as demographics, territories, or store locations, the GIS Business Analyst helps the user better understand organization market, organization customers, and organization competition. The business intelligence systems bring geographic information systems, marketing analysis tools, and demographic data products together to offer the user powerful ways to compete in today's business strategies. JEL Classification: L10, L20, L86 Keywords: Geographical Informatic Systems, business analysis.

 

pag. 181	Implications of critical chain methodology for business process flexible automation projects in economic organizations Author:  Paul BRUDARU, Ionel NAFTANAILA
	Abstract Business processes flexible automation projects involve the use of methods and technologies from Business Processes Management area (BPM) that aim at increasing the agility of organizations in changing the business processes as response to environmental changes. BPM-type projects are a mix between process improvement projects and software development which implies a high complexity in managing them. The successful implementation of these projects involves overcoming problems inherent as delays in the activities of projects, multi-tasking, lack of focus which can not be solved by traditional project management tools. An approach which takes account of the difficulties of BPM projects is critical chain methodology. Using critical chain method provides the methodology fundament necessary for the successful completion of BPM-type projects. JEL Classification: M15, L20 Keywords:critical chain, project management, business process, BPM, process improvement.

 

pag. 188	Current issues in ITC investments management Author:  Camelia Elena CIOLAC
	Abstract The paper aims to provide an overview of the current issues in IT investments management. Topics such as IT investments evaluation, the reflexive relationship between the business context and IT investments are analyzed in detail. Also, the paper analyzes the impact of time over IT investments as well as the causes that lead to IT projects failure. A synthesis is carried out among the arguments regarding the IT Investments Paradox. Different evaluation methods are exposed along with their practical usage. The results are presented both from an economical perspective and from a technical one. JEL Classification:M15, O33 Keywords: management, IT investments, metrics, investment decision.

  

pag. 205	Bankruptcy - the consequence of defective bank management Author:  Imola DRIGA,  Dorina NITA
	Abstract Bank failure is the result of a defective management in banking leading the bank to a stage of bankruptcy, which means that the insolvent bank is going to be closed by the banking authority. In general, the banking sector is viewed as more vulnerable to contagion than other industries since banks are viewed as more susceptible to failures. Thus, the paper addresses the issue of bank insolvency as an extreme consequence of materialized risks, resulting in a payment disability for the bank. The paper presents the causes and consequences of bankruptcy and analysis the situation of bankruptcies in the Romanian banking system which was confronted with a number of bankruptcies beginning with 1994 and involving several significant financial institutions. JEL Classification: G21, G14, E58, F34 Keywords: insolvency risk, bank failures, systemic risk, bank regulation.

 

pag. 223	Occupational standards. User's perspective of banking sector Author:  Andreea VOINEA,  Rodica MOLDOVEANU
	Abstract As the banking market is rapidly developing, Banca Comerciala Romana started a project of implementing occupational standard concept. yet the project has successfully developed BCR privatization through BERD and IFC came out with changes that stopped the process of competence assessment and training based on occupational standards. The article presents BCR experience in this area, inclusively lessons learned, that may be used for similar initiatives. JEL Classification: D83, J24 Keywords: occupational standard, assessment, competence, education, training.

 

pag. 232	Recession-An issue for organizations Author:  DanielGEORGESCU
	Abstract The reality in all organization is that the directors and board are in the position of highest influence and their primary responsibility is leadership. As such, considering the consequences of a recession such as we currently face is not the time for directors to abdicate their responsibilities - it is time for governance leadership. The directors and the board must think and respond strategically. The article shows a matrix for positioning the general manager in recession that is similarly with BCG matrix and in the final a table with a set of essential questions for helping the board in new strategies building. JEL Classification: L10, L20, M10 Keywords: recession, management, strategy, leadership.

 

pag. 239	The importance planning of public relations in tourist organizations' communication Author:  Maria Carmenl IORDACHE
	Abstract Accomplishing efficient communication on tourist markets means efficiently developing and operating a communication system, that is designing and implementing an adequate structure of communication activities. Tourist organizations must have a communication strategy according to communication activities' target, global objectives pursued, communication targets aimed, communication media used and contents of transmitted messages and, last but not least, resources allocated to implement communicational procedures. In order to attract consumers on a highly competitive market, there are several management-marketing instruments of which some are public relations whose role is to create a positive image of a tourist organization and, implicitly, of its products and services. JEL Classification:L83, M21, M31 Keywords: communication of tourism, public-relations, planning PR.

 

pag. 249	Adjusted instruments for evaluating the efficiency of implementing knowledge management systems Author:   Dana Adriana LUPSA-TATARU
	Abstract The present paper aims to present the results of a scientific research based on application of DeLone and McLean model, for evaluating the efficiency of implementing a knowledge management system into a Romanian university. The model was made operational according to the suggestions of the author and was adjusted to the realities of the higher education institutions. JEL Classification:D83, I23, M15 Keywords: knowledge management, efficiency, DeLone and McLean model.

 

pag. 260	About performance and evaluation of employee performance Author:  Irinel MARIN
	Abstract The goal of this article is the importance of the performance and the performance evaluation in any company. Performance can be viewed as being in close relationship with the effort made by the employee, his ability, charging station or place and role within the organization. Performance refers to the contribution that employees make to the goals of the organization. While the performance evaluation is an activity which determine an organization in which employees perform their duties or their responsibilities. Performance evaluation is required in a company because it represents a process of employee motivation and development. JEL Classification:M12 Keywords: performance, performance evaluation, ability of employees, charging station, organization goals, process of employee motivation.

 

pag. 273	On the strategical policies and decisions in the main fields of the activity enterprise Author:   Florica BADEA,Cosmin DOBRIN
	Abstract To obtain the established objectives from the general strategy, the enterprises have to adapt theirs policies and decisions to the real conditions in which they function. The adoption of such a set of tools is not always an easy action, because one always has to take into account the reciprocal influences of a lot of factors from the economical environment of the enterprise. This paper is a review of the main problems of the present enterprises in the adoption process of the strategically policies and decisions in the main fields of their economical activities. JEL Classification:L15, L16, L25 Keywords: strategy, policy, decision, capacity, flexibility.