Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Violeta Dimitrova Author-Email: violeta_dimitrova@ue-varna.bg Author-Workplace-Name: University of Economics - Varna, Varna, Bulgaria Title: E-commerce and Competitiveness of the Bulgarian Trade Sector Abstract: Digitalisation in trading processes is one of the main sources of economic growth. Retail and wholesale trade are significantly and directly affected by the ongoing process, the dynamics of which increased in the conditions of economic crisis and Covid-19 pandemic. This study aims to make a comparative analysis of the trade sector in Bulgaria in comparison with the European countries, Central and Eastern Europe in particular, for the period after the 2008 economic crisis until the onset of the current crisis. We carried out a descriptive analysis by key economic indicators such as sales growth, e-GDP, gross margin of goods of resales, and labour productivity. We used mainly Eurostat data for the trade sectors according to the Statistical classification of economic activities in the European Community, as well as some date from the National Statistical Institute of Bulgaria (NSI). Keywords: trade sector competitiveness, e-commerce, digitalization, retailing, wholesaling, gross margin Classification-JEL: L81, M21 Pages: 3-11 Journal: Izvestia Journal of the Union of Scientists - Varna. Economic Sciences Series Volume: 9 Issue: 3 Year: 2020 Month: December DOI: 10.36997/IJUSV-ESS/2020.9.3.3 File-URL: http://su-varna.org/journal/IJUSV-ESS/2020.9.3/3-11.pdf File-Format: Application/pdf Handle: RePEc:vra:journl:v:9:y:2020:i:3:p:3-11 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Evgenia Tonkova Author-Email: tonkova@ue-varna.bg Author-Workplace-Name: University of Economics - Varna, Varna, Bulgaria Author-Name: Sevdalina Hristova Author-Email: s.hristova@ue-varna.bg Author-Workplace-Name: University of Economics - Varna, Varna, Bulgaria Author-Name: Dancho Petrov Author-Email: dpetrov@ue-varna.bg Author-Workplace-Name: University of Economics - Varna, Varna, Bulgaria Title: Comparative Advantages in Attracting Investments - Contemporary View Abstract: Knowledge of the comparative advantages of territorial units and their proper use to attract investments is important for the development of all countries. The specific comparative advantages that underpin investment attraction policies need to be clearly articulated and communicated. Integrated policies at the territorial unit level can be used as a tool in the effort to overcome the territorial and sectoral imbalance of investment activity and socio-economic development. The focus of the study is on the comparative advantages in attracting investments and their recognition by municipal administrations in Bulgaria. Specific recommendations are proposed to improve the balance of investments and the mechanisms for their management. Keywords: comparative advantages, investments, imbalance Classification-JEL: E22, R11 Pages: 12-18 Journal: Izvestia Journal of the Union of Scientists - Varna. Economic Sciences Series Volume: 9 Issue: 3 Year: 2020 Month: December DOI: 10.36997/IJUSV-ESS/2020.9.3.12 File-URL: http://su-varna.org/journal/IJUSV-ESS/2020.9.3/12-18.pdf File-Format: Application/pdf Handle: RePEc:vra:journl:v:9:y:2020:i:3:p:12-18 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Pavel Petrov Author-Email: petrov@ue-varna.bg Author-Workplace-Name: University of Economics - Varna, Varna, Bulgaria Author-Name: Svetoslav Ivanov Author-Email: svetoslav_ivanov@ue-varna.bg Author-Workplace-Name: University of Economics - Varna, Varna, Bulgaria Author-Name: Volodymyr Petrivskyi Author-Email: vovapetrivskyi@gmail.com Author-Workplace-Name: Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Kyiv, Ukraine Title: An Approach for Creating Business Model for Using Virtual Tools in Startup Companies Abstract: The forms of business organizations follow some steady trends driven by tendencies like the rapid development of IT and the transition of information systems. The application of virtualization and the use of virtual tools by start-up companies are discussed. The article reviews the phases of the business model and software product development. The activities in them are grouped and sample tools for each is listed. Also, the modern form of organization as the virtual office and corporation are reviewed as becoming necessary. In detail, the startup company is reviewed in the form of a virtual corporation with its characteristics. They are classified and areas of application and management issues are discussed. Finally, the coverage of activities with virtual tools is evaluated and summarized. Keywords: business organization, startup, virtualization, virtual corporation Classification-JEL: O33 Pages: 19-26 Journal: Izvestia Journal of the Union of Scientists - Varna. Economic Sciences Series Volume: 9 Issue: 3 Year: 2020 Month: December DOI: 10.36997/IJUSV-ESS/2020.9.3.19 File-URL: http://su-varna.org/journal/IJUSV-ESS/2020.9.3/19-26.pdf File-Format: Application/pdf Handle: RePEc:vra:journl:v:9:y:2020:i:3:p:19-26 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Silvia Dimitrova Author-Email: silvia_dimitrova@ue-varna.bg Author-Workplace-Name: University of Economics - Varna, Varna, Bulgaria Title: Ethical Fashion Abstract: Given the increasing interest in ethical brands, the paper identifies and analyses the key issues within the fashion industry regarding ethics in modern society and economy. What exactly makes researches state that fashion is deadly, unsustainable and unethical? The article considers the issues on the basis of the human and animal rights, environmental impacts, governments' lack of regulation, fashion industry and its supply chain characteristics, and consumers' behavior. Globalization, outsourcing, geographically longer and extended supply chains and the lack of visibility and control, are some of the premises identified in causing ethical issues in fashion industry. Finally, it concludes with what are the features of ethical fashion in general. It uses secondary sources obtained mainly through the media and the literature to review the current debates within the industry. Keywords: ethical fashion, fashion industry, supply chains, labour issues, animal rights, environment Classification-JEL: Q53, Q56 Pages: 27-39 Journal: Izvestia Journal of the Union of Scientists - Varna. Economic Sciences Series Volume: 9 Issue: 3 Year: 2020 Month: December DOI: 10.36997/IJUSV-ESS/2020.9.3.27 File-URL: http://su-varna.org/journal/IJUSV-ESS/2020.9.3/27-39.pdf File-Format: Application/pdf Handle: RePEc:vra:journl:v:9:y:2020:i:3:p:27-39 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Milen Vlaev Author-Email: milen.vlaev@ue-varna.bg Author-Workplace-Name: University of Economics - Varna, Varna, Bulgaria Title: The Purchase of Agricultural Land a Well Thought out Process in the Agribusiness Enterprises Abstract: The changing economic environment has and will continue to have an impact on the price of agricultural land and lease. It is the possession of this main asset for production (agricultural land) that is becoming increasingly important for the processes in the Agribusiness enterprises. The purpose of the article is to explore and present possible models for assessing the need to own agricultural land and how this asset affects the processes in the Agribusiness enterprises. The results focus on the need to identify and build a proper strategy in the Agribusiness enterprises, trends and processes in the pricing of land properties. The subject of the study is the determinants leading to changes in the prices of the agricultural land and lease, and their impact on the processes in the Agribusiness enterprises. The survey covers processes related to price dynamics, both at national level and external effects, determining trends in the country. Keywords: agricultural land, lease, financing, balance sheet structure, interest rate, land price Classification-JEL: Q10 Pages: 40-47 Journal: Izvestia Journal of the Union of Scientists - Varna. Economic Sciences Series Volume: 9 Issue: 3 Year: 2020 Month: December DOI: 10.36997/IJUSV-ESS/2020.9.3.40 File-URL: http://su-varna.org/journal/IJUSV-ESS/2020.9.3/40-47.pdf File-Format: Application/pdf Handle: RePEc:vra:journl:v:9:y:2020:i:3:p:40-47 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Mohammad Hazimeh Author-Email: mohamadmhazimeh@outlook.com Author-Workplace-Name: University of Economics - Varna, Varna, Bulgaria Title: Important B2C Aspects of Location Based Marketing Abstract: Location Based Marketing is the act of the organization getting their business in front of their customer. This act aims to attract customers at the moment when they are most interested in purchasing from the business. This process requires a two way interaction where the business reaches out for the customer and the customer is grasped by the action and therefore responds to the marketing technique being targeted by. A customer may be targeted remotely where they would be far off, or maybe within the targeted area geotargeted by the business’s location based marketing tactics. Location Based Marketing is shaping up now a day marketing techniques where it has even become much of a necessity in the year 2020 due to the ongoing Covid-19 Pandemic. Keywords: Marketing, Location, Location Based Marketing, business, customers, targeting, geotargeting. Classification-JEL: M31 Pages: 48-51 Journal: Izvestia Journal of the Union of Scientists - Varna. Economic Sciences Series Volume: 9 Issue: 3 Year: 2020 Month: December DOI: 10.36997/IJUSV-ESS/2020.9.3.48 File-URL: http://su-varna.org/journal/IJUSV-ESS/2020.9.3/48-51.pdf File-Format: Application/pdf Handle: RePEc:vra:journl:v:9:y:2020:i:3:p:48-51 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Zhaklin Stoykova-Valcheva Author-Email: jacquelinestoykova@gmail.com Author-Workplace-Name: Medical University-Varna - Varna, Varna, Bulgaria Title: Orphan Drugs of Personalized Medicine in Bulgaria and Their Cost-Effectiveness Abstract: The orphan drugs development is related to the progress of personalized medicine. The relationship between them is based on a treatment tailored to personalized patient needs. Personalized medicine is defined as “providing the right patient with the right drug, at the right dose and at the right time”, while the orphan drug is defined as “intended for the treatment, prevention or diagnosis of a rare disease or condition, which is one that affects less than 200,000 persons in the United States” and no more than 10,000 people for the European Union. The main goal of the article is to study the approved orphan drugs in Bulgaria, determining how many of them are reimbursed by the NHIF and are cost-effective. Keywords: Orphan drug; Personalized medicine; Cost-effectiveness Classification-JEL: A00 Pages: 52-62 Journal: Izvestia Journal of the Union of Scientists - Varna. Economic Sciences Series Volume: 9 Issue: 3 Year: 2020 Month: December DOI: 10.36997/IJUSV-ESS/2020.9.3.52 File-URL: http://su-varna.org/journal/IJUSV-ESS/2020.9.3/52-62.pdf File-Format: Application/pdf Handle: RePEc:vra:journl:v:9:y:2020:i:3:p:52-62 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Mariya Veleva Author-Email: maria.veleva@ue-varna.bg Author-Workplace-Name: University of Economics - Varna, Varna, Bulgaria Title: Best Practices as Opportunities for Leadership Soft Skills Improvement in Human Resource Management in Bulgarian Tourism Organizations: The Four Season Hotels Example Abstract: Contemporary leadership requires flexibility and adaptability because of the constant changes in the business environment. The purpose of this study is to discuss best practice example in leadership soft skills for managing human resources in Four Season Hotels, and the opportunities for their implementation in Bulgarian tourism organizations. First, the new leadership approaches and a new understanding of the leadership were outlined. Second, pointed out was the essence of the soft skills concept and its close relation to organizational leadership. The characteristics of human resource management in tourism organizations were described. Four Seasons Hotels good practice example was discussed, reffering the leadership soft skills application in successful tourism companies. Best practice implementation in Bulgarian tourism companies was suggested. Keywords: leadership, soft skills, human resource management, tourism Classification-JEL: M12, M54 Pages: 63-71 Journal: Izvestia Journal of the Union of Scientists - Varna. Economic Sciences Series Volume: 9 Issue: 3 Year: 2020 Month: December DOI: 10.36997/IJUSV-ESS/2020.9.3.63 File-URL: http://su-varna.org/journal/IJUSV-ESS/2020.9.3/63-71.pdf File-Format: Application/pdf Handle: RePEc:vra:journl:v:9:y:2020:i:3:p:63-71 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Tsvetelina Kabakchieva Author-Email: ts.kabakchieva@uni-svishtov.bg Author-Workplace-Name: D. A. Tsenov Academy of Economics - city of Svishtov, Svishtov, Bulgaria Title: Sources of Funding and Financing Opportunities for Agricultural Business Abstract: The purpose of the present exploratory case study is to justify and determine the innovative leasĺ as a possible alternative to effectively solve and overcome the investing problems affecting the innovative development of agribusinesses. The actual relevance of lease transactions is related on the one hand to the dynamic structural changes and transformations in a number of industries along with the obsolescence management of equipment and technologies, and on the other hand - to the high demands for obtaining financial instruments based long-term loans, both at the domestic and international levels. Keywords: agribusiness, finance lease, lease transactions Classification-JEL: G24, O16, O13, Q13, Q14 Pages: 72-79 Journal: Izvestia Journal of the Union of Scientists - Varna. Economic Sciences Series Volume: 9 Issue: 3 Year: 2020 Month: December DOI: 10.36997/IJUSV-ESS/2020.9.3.72 File-URL: http://su-varna.org/journal/IJUSV-ESS/2020.9.3/72-79.pdf File-Format: Application/pdf Handle: RePEc:vra:journl:v:9:y:2020:i:3:p:72-79 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Nadezhda Veselinova Author-Email: n.veselinova@uni-svishtov.bg Author-Workplace-Name: D. A. Tsenov Academy of Economics - Svishtov, Svishtov, Bulgaria Title: Planned Solutions in Tourism in Terms of COVID-19 Abstract: The special situation in which the tourism industry finds itself requires the search for new paradigms for dealing with the emerging reality. This paper examines different approaches to planning activities in the tourism sector in an unprecedented pandemic environment. It is proposed to systematically solve the emerging problems through targeted-adaptive attitude to the environment. Attention is paid to the possibility for flexibility of the decisions in order to achieve optimality of the results, the possibilities for alternative in the choice of strategic and tactical solutions for dealing with problems are presented. Keywords: planning, flexible planning, planning decisions, situational planning Classification-JEL: L83, M21, O21, P41 Pages: 80-87 Journal: Izvestia Journal of the Union of Scientists - Varna. Economic Sciences Series Volume: 9 Issue: 3 Year: 2020 Month: December DOI: 10.36997/IJUSV-ESS/2020.9.3.80 File-URL: http://su-varna.org/journal/IJUSV-ESS/2020.9.3/80-87.pdf File-Format: Application/pdf Handle: RePEc:vra:journl:v:9:y:2020:i:3:p:80-87 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Petya Petrova Author-Email: petya.p.petrova@ue-varna.bg Author-Workplace-Name: University of Economics - Varna, Varna, Bulgaria Title: Modern Challenges in The Application of Personalized Models in Student Education for The Benefit of Business and Society Abstract: With each passing day, consumers, particularly students, expect more intelligent and personalized services. The key to providing such services is the concept of a personalized model. Applying appropriate personalized learning models to students is a process that is filled with many challenges. The main purpose of the current report is to explore the challenges that impede the design and implementation of models that are strictly customized to the interests of students. In order to achieve this goal, it is necessary to explore the contemporary factors that are essential in designing personalization models. The factors are mainly related to the requirements of the business towards professionalism among students, as well as the goals set by the state for the education improvement. In order to achieve this goal, it is also necessary to investigate the technologies by which the personalization of models is realized and by which successful implementation of the personalized models is ensured in the students' education. Keywords: Personalized Model, Appropriate Personalized Learning, Learning Students, Education Goals, Learning Scales. Classification-JEL: A29 Pages: 88-95 Journal: Izvestia Journal of the Union of Scientists - Varna. Economic Sciences Series Volume: 9 Issue: 3 Year: 2020 Month: December DOI: 10.36997/IJUSV-ESS/2020.9.3.88 File-URL: http://su-varna.org/journal/IJUSV-ESS/2020.9.3/88-95.pdf File-Format: Application/pdf Handle: RePEc:vra:journl:v:9:y:2020:i:3:p:88-95 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Boncho Mitev Author-Email: bonchomitev@ue-varna.bg Author-Workplace-Name: University of Economics - Varna, Varna, Bulgaria Title: A Model of Creating Hospital Strategic Alliances Abstract: Different forms of partnership in the hospital sector exist depending on the degree of integration between the individual participants, the types of partners, their goals and motives for cooperation. The theory describes many conceptual frameworks of the strategic alliance formation process. The purpose of the publication is to analyze some of the existing models and as a result to present a model of creating hospital strategic alliances. This framework integrates the strategic process of cooperation with the particular features of healthcare management. Some of the elements in the model are specific and derive from the characteristics of the Bulgarian healthcare system. The emphasis in its application is the creation of a successful strategic alliance. Keywords: strategic alliances, model of strategic alliance formation, hospital, hospital alliances. Classification-JEL: I11, I18, M00 Pages: 96-105 Journal: Izvestia Journal of the Union of Scientists - Varna. Economic Sciences Series Volume: 9 Issue: 3 Year: 2020 Month: December DOI: 10.36997/IJUSV-ESS/2020.9.3.96 File-URL: http://su-varna.org/journal/IJUSV-ESS/2020.9.3/96-105.pdf File-Format: Application/pdf Handle: RePEc:vra:journl:v:9:y:2020:i:3:p:96-105 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Vesselina Maximova Author-Email: v_maximova@ue-varna.bg Author-Workplace-Name: University of Economics - Varna, Varna, Bulgaria Title: Organisation Design and Adaptability of the Organisation Abstract: The article builds upon the thesis that developing an adaptive organisation is strongly determined by the choice of organisational design. By reviewing design components and their importance for organisational adaptability, we outline the organisational features that design choice is to ensure for adaptability to be achieved. The benefits of using project organisational structure, adhocracy and networks in ensuring adaptability are discussed. Beside the requirements regarding “organisational hardware”, arguments for the significance of softer organisational components are given. Results of our own and others’ empirical studies on the role of soft organisational elements such as managerial philosophy, trust- and loyalty-based relationships with contracting parties and staff and aptitude to continuous innovation in building agility are also reported. Keywords: organisation design, adaptability, project organisational structure, adhocracy, networks, soft organisational elements, organisations’ agility Classification-JEL: L200, L220, M100 Pages: 106-116 Journal: Izvestia Journal of the Union of Scientists - Varna. Economic Sciences Series Volume: 9 Issue: 3 Year: 2020 Month: December DOI: 10.36997/IJUSV-ESS/2020.9.3.106 File-URL: http://su-varna.org/journal/IJUSV-ESS/2020.9.3/106-116.pdf File-Format: Application/pdf Handle: RePEc:vra:journl:v:9:y:2020:i:3:p:106-116 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Desislava Racheva Author-Email: desislava_racheva@ue-varna.bg Author-Workplace-Name: University of Economics - Varna, Varna, Bulgaria Title: Analyzing Different Approaches to the Relations with the Insurance Intermediaries on the Non-Life Insurance Market in Bulgaria Abstract: The non-life insurance market in Bulgaria is relatively unified when ot comes to terms of conditions and rates. This makes establishing a competitive advantage for insurance companies a difficult, multifaceted and complex task. The desire to achive leading market positions, in line with the development of a stable policy in terms of risk exposure dictates the need to systematically analyze the actions of market participants - competitors, customers, intermediaries. This article will summarize some of the approaches for studying the relationships in the channels for the realization of the insurance service and will propose a complex one in which to unite the positive aspects of each of them and to neutralize the negative ones. Keywords: insurance intermediation, non-life insurance market, sales channel, insurance service, competitive advantages, buyer power Classification-JEL: G22, M31 Pages: 117-126 Journal: Izvestia Journal of the Union of Scientists - Varna. Economic Sciences Series Volume: 9 Issue: 3 Year: 2020 Month: December DOI: 10.36997/IJUSV-ESS/2020.9.3.117 File-URL: http://su-varna.org/journal/IJUSV-ESS/2020.9.3/117-126.pdf File-Format: Application/pdf Handle: RePEc:vra:journl:v:9:y:2020:i:3:p:117-126 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Tanya Georgieva Author-Email: t.georgieva@ue-varna.bg Author-Workplace-Name: University of Economics - Varna, Varna, Bulgaria Title: Vertical Coordination as an Opportunity for Market Risk Management in Agricultural Holdings in Bulgaria Abstract: The purpose of this article is to assess the impact of the Common Agricultural Policy on the potential of agricultural producers in Bulgaria to manage price risk through a vertical coordination strategy. A comparison was made between the established producer organizations in Bulgaria and other Member States of the European Union on the main indicators of the level of development - number of recognized organizations, organization rate and average number of members. It is concluded that the policy objective of reducing producer price volatility through vertical coordination along the supply chain has not been achieved at this stage. In order to make it possible for the market (including price) risk to be managed by farmers in Bulgaria in this way, it is necessary to seriously increase the share of farms that cooperate for the purpose of joint sale of products, as well as to increase the size of established producer organizations. Keywords: market risk, agriculture, producer organizations, vertical coordination Classification-JEL: Q1 Pages: 127-135 Journal: Izvestia Journal of the Union of Scientists - Varna. Economic Sciences Series Volume: 9 Issue: 3 Year: 2020 Month: December DOI: 10.36997/IJUSV-ESS/2020.9.3.127 File-URL: http://su-varna.org/journal/IJUSV-ESS/2020.9.3/127-135.pdf File-Format: Application/pdf Handle: RePEc:vra:journl:v:9:y:2020:i:3:p:127-135 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Tsvetomir Manolov Author-Email: wt_varna@ue-varna.bg Author-Workplace-Name: University of Economics - Varna, Varna, Bulgaria Title: Analysis of the Non-Financial Information Disclosed by the Bulgarian Thermal Power Plants Abstract: Presentation of environmental and social aspects of enterprises' activities is usually done by disclosing of non-financial information. It is possible to be realized as a part of the annual financial statement, as an element of the activity report, through other reports or websites of the companies. This article examines how such information is disclosed of three of the largest Bulgarian thermal power plants. The results of the study are summarized through a table, and the corresponding conclusions are formulated. Keywords: non-financial information, disclosure, thermal power plants Classification-JEL: M41, Q56 Pages: 136-143 Journal: Izvestia Journal of the Union of Scientists - Varna. Economic Sciences Series Volume: 9 Issue: 3 Year: 2020 Month: December DOI: 10.36997/IJUSV-ESS/2020.9.3.136 File-URL: http://su-varna.org/journal/IJUSV-ESS/2020.9.3/136-143.pdf File-Format: Application/pdf Handle: RePEc:vra:journl:v:9:y:2020:i:3:p:136-143 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Aleksandar Shivarov Author-Email: a.shivarov@ue-varna.bg Author-Workplace-Name: University of Economics - Varna, Varna, Bulgaria Title: Circular Economy: Limitations of the Concept and Application Challenges Abstract: Circular economy is a popular notion promoted by the EU, by a number of national governments and by many businesses around the world. However, it looks like a collection of visionary ideas without a firm scientific basis. We try to place it in the framework of sustainability and outline some of the existing limitations of the current form of the concept. The second part of the paper presents an overview of the rate of adoption of circular economy approaches at global, European and industry level and the challenges to their application Keywords: Circular economy, Sustainable development, Sustainability, Recycling Classification-JEL: Q55, Q56 Pages: 144-152 Journal: Izvestia Journal of the Union of Scientists - Varna. Economic Sciences Series Volume: 9 Issue: 3 Year: 2020 Month: December DOI: 10.36997/IJUSV-ESS/2020.9.3.144 File-URL: http://su-varna.org/journal/IJUSV-ESS/2020.9.3/144-152.pdf File-Format: Application/pdf Handle: RePEc:vra:journl:v:9:y:2020:i:3:p:144-152