Browsing by Author "Pînzaru, Florina"

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Adopting sustainability and digital transformation in business in Romania : a aultifaceted approach in the context of the just transition
(Editura A.S.E., 2022) Pînzaru, Florina; Dima, Alina; Zbuchea, Alexandra; Vereș, Zoltan
This study investigates the many facets of sustainability and digital transformation in business in the context of the fair transition, which will generate multiple challenges and opportunities for companies in various industries. In such a context, a solution to increase resilience and adapt to the fair transition can be identified in the lessons learned by companies due to the application of sustainability and digitization and by understanding the various elements underlying these dimensions. Thus, in order to identify the various elements of this complex framework in practice, based on a semi-structured narrative review of the literature and quantitative analysis, exploring aspects such as the reasons and catalyst factors of the adoption of sustainability and digitalization in companies, the interpenetration of the two concepts in the practice of companies (in production, innovation, customer relationship, logistics, etc.), as well as the associated opportunities and challenges. The research bridges a gap in the academic literature, highlighting the relationships between the digital transformation of business and the adoption of sustainability in companies as a conducive basis for responding to the challenges of the just transition. The analysis details the dimensions of sustainability and digital transition in business in an exploratory model made using structural equations through SmartPLS software applied based on a quantitative study to which 154 professionals, executives, and managers, responded, from local and multinational companies, in different fields of activity. The results obtained after processing 128 valid answers out of the initial 154 are relevant both for the theoretical understanding of the challenges and the practical benefits associated with the digital transformation of business in the context of the development of sustainability strategies. Future lines of investigation are also highlighted.
AI in Project Management: Technical Prerequisites, Digital Knowledge, and Organizational Maturity.
(The Bucharest University of Economic Studies In partnership with: Paradigm Publishing Services, 2025) Pînzaru, Florina; Zbuchea, Alexandra; Stratone, Madalina-Elena
The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in project management is reshaping managerial roles, organizational maturity, and required technical competencies. This study examines the relationships between key constructs influencing AI adoption in project management: Technical Prerequisites (TP), Digital Knowledge of the Project Manager (DGK), Changes in the Project Manager’s Job due to AI-driven Digital Transformation (CDT), and AI-driven Digital Maturity of the Organization (AIM). The data collected from 186 project management professionals across eight countries (Romania, Belgium, Austria, Germany, the Netherlands, Italy, the United Kingdom, and France) and was analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) with SmartPLS 4.0. The results of the research demonstrate how important technical preparedness and digital expertise are to facilitating AI-driven changes in project-based settings. Furthermore, this paper offers a framework for businesses looking to improve digital maturity through project management techniques, as well as theoretical and practical insights into the changing capabilities needed for AI adoption.
Creative cities and urban regeneration : a research mapping
(IKAM, 2024) Zbuchea, Alexandra; Romanelli, Mauro; Pînzaru, Florina
Cities of tomorrow will invest knowledge sources in driving creative-led and culture-driven urban regeneration that contribute to revitalizing urban spaces and driving sustainable and inclusive urban growth, leading to community development and engagement. Urban regeneration processes enable creative cities to be socially inclusive communities that rediscover the importance of collaborative innovation as a framework that help shape wealthy urban spaces into engines of social innovation. It is relevant to map the present state of knowledge and practices to better prepare for future creative cities. The present paper investigates the relationships between creative cities and urban regeneration, as presented by the main academic outlets. The current bibliometric analysis identified five main research dimensions: macro-level phenomena, urban regeneration based on culture and communities, cultural policies, sustainability, and policies leading to the sustainable development of creative cities.
Cuvânt înainte. Impactul pandemiei COVID-19: o privire de ansamblu și lecții manageriale de învățat
(Tritonic, 2021) Pînzaru, Florina; Zbuchea, Alexandra
După COVID-19 : provocări de management între digitalizare, sustenabilitate și reziliență
(Tritonic, 2021) Pînzaru, Florina; Zbuchea, Alexandra
Pandemia de COVID-19 a fost caracterizată în mass-media nu o dată ca fiind o „lebădă neagră”, în sensul înțelegerii unui eveniment cu impact major și aproape imposibil de previzionat, deși ideea în sine de pandemie nu reprezintă deloc ceva neimaginabil: multe voci, din mediul științific, de afaceri și academic, au luat de-a lungul timpului atitudine, avertizând cu privire la iminența atât a fenomenului în sine, cât și a efectelor sale. La doi ani de la debutul pandemiei, este timpul pentru primele concluzii: exemple de bune practici și consecințe negative întâlnite în gestionarea activităților organizaționale din diverse arii de activitate devin, în paginile acestui volum realizat de doctoranzi în domeniul Management ai Școlii Naționale de Studii Politice și Administrative, lecții de învățat – de către manageri și angajați deopotrivă.
The evaluation of the equilibrium exchange rate based on the purchase power, for Romania’s case
(University of Craiova, Faculty of Economics and Business Administration, 2014-06) Anghel, Lucian Claudiu; Pînzaru, Florina; Treapăt, Laurențiu Mihai
The current paper aims to analyse one of the many models of evaluation for the equilibrum rate in an economy. It also briefly presents the main models and methods used in the specialized literature for the evaluation of the equilibrum exchange rate. The utilization of as many methods allows the deciders of monetary and economic policy to accurately ground the moment of one country adhesion to the euro zone. Also, an analysis can be made, whetehr the respective countru is ready and how fast the process of convergence to the Euro zone can devolve. In general, it is recommendable a country not to force de adhesion to the euro zone because the negative effects may occur for a long period of time, leading to a development for the respective economy under its potential.The estimated model in Romania based on data will be afterwards used for estimating the equilibrum rate and for issuing scenarios concerning its future evolution. Usually, the parity at which the national currency should be converted for an unlimited period of time, will also be around the level of the equilibrum rate. From that moment on, after attending the Exchange Rate Mechanism II (ERM II), the respective country’s economy loses an equilibrum buffer – the exchange rate. Starting from that moment, the country’s economy is supposed to be so performant that it absorbs the internal and external negative shocks, only relaying on the fiscal and budget policies. Hence, the particular importance of a correct evaluation for the equilibrum rate by using several models and methods, so that to be as close as possible to the equilibrum level on mid term.
Exploring the impact of digital platforms on publishing : a bibliometric analysis
(Academia de Studii Economice Bucuresti, 2024-08-12) Osadci Baciu, Ana Maria; Zbuchea, Alexandra; Pînzaru, Florina
Platformization is a phenomenon arising from the process of digitalization and affects businesses of all types throughout the world. While platformization closely relates to digital business models, it also influences the traditional models to some extent, concerning the marketing and distribution functions. This paper focuses on the implications of the new media on the generation, dissemination, and reception of content in publishing. Specifically, the study examines the effects and implications of the platformization processes, and the role played by digital ecosystems in the value chain of the publishing business and the structures of the book market. For the current study, the research carries out a network analysis of scholarly literature on the integration of digital platforms in publishing using VOSviewer. It declared to provide an understanding of the field’s conceptual directions, determine key articles, and depict the developmental process of this phenomenon. The paper contributes to the understanding of the primary discourses; the literature review reveals the research gaps and potential development. The contribution of this research shall be useful for both theorists and practitioners in the field. It can help practitioners analyze the current processes in the publishing industry’s transition to digital formats and inform policy decisions. It can also help small and medium companies within creative industries that possess characteristics that are akin to publishing and other businesses clustered within the book market niche category. Given that current trends and potential directions for development and innovation in today’s rapidly developing digital environment are traced and practical recommendations and further research questions are outlined in this study, it helps to get a detailed understanding of how platformization in the context of the publishing industry is addressed in the academic literature.
Exploring the motivations behind circular social entrepreneurs in Romania
(Springer, 2024-06-01) Zbuchea, Alexandra; Barna, Cristina; Stănescu, Simona Maria; Pînzaru, Florina
The chapter continues previous endeavors of mapping Romania’s circular social entrepreneurial landscape, identifying the Romanian social entrepreneurs’ main motives for adopting circular business models. After mapping the circular social enterprises, a quantitative investigation was developed. Four main dimensions were considered: personal traits, values and attitudes, personal motives, and externally linked motives. Regarding individual characteristics, the most favorable ratings were attributed to vision achievement, perseverance, and proactivity. Conversely, the least favorable assessment was related to the tolerance for ambiguity. When considering values and attitudes, the highest ranking was egoistic passion, while the lowest was associated with a desire for public recognition. In the realm of personal motivations, the most significant values were observed in the need for flexibility and independence, closely followed by a desire for personal security and new financial resources. Intriguingly, external motivations displayed an even balance between social and environmental concerns. For active circular social entrepreneurs in Romania, the primary drivers are rooted in their values and attitudes, with personal motives playing a relatively minor role. Consequently, this study underscores an altruistic profile and an entrepreneurial commitment equally directed toward society and the environment.
Fashion joining online gaming and the Metaverse
(Sciendo, 2023-07) Pătruți, Petra; Zbuchea, Alexandra; Pînzaru, Florina
In an era when targeting younger generations becomes more and more challenging, and classic fashion is starting to be seen as being outdated, the Metaverse and online gaming has attracted fashion brands' interest. Increasingly more fashion brands, such as Nike, Vans, Gucci, Supreme, Forever 21, Ralph Lauren, and NASCAR, are being present in the Metaverse and online games. The purpose of the study will be to bring some light on how the Metaverse might revolutionize fashion marketing communication for the younger and future generations. The paper also explores the customer benefits that the brands offer through the Metaverse and why the younger public tends to find this marketing type so appealing. From a methodological point of view, two focus groups were organized, one for gamers and another for casual players. The research directions investigate the relationship between fashion, Metaverse, and gaming marketing communications. It follows the perception of the audience, as also the benefits for organizations and consumers of games that include fashion brands. The qualitative analysis results showed that the gap between gamers and nongamers is becoming more and more narrow, as both consume the same type of content, and the benefits for organizations are worth the investment. For consumers, on the other hand, both advantages and disadvantages were highlighted as concerns for future generations. The study acknowledges why the younger generations invest so much time and money in the digital fashion world.
Fixing the central parity and the evolution of the currency within the exchange rate mechanism II in the countries that joined the Euro Zone
(Faculty of Management, SNSPA, 2013-06) Anghel, Lucian Claudiu; Pînzaru, Florina; Dinu, Mihaela; Treapăt, Laurențiu Mihai
The present paper aims to briefly present the models used by the countries that joined the Euro zone after 2000, in fixing the central parity and the evolution of the local currency towards Euro, when participating in Exchange Rate Mechanism II (ERM II). In this respect, the paper intends to synthesize the main theories for determining the equilibrium exchange rate, as well as to present the modality of putting them into practice in the countries that had already become members of the Euro zone. The better we know the other countries’ experience in the respect of the joining process to the Euro zone, the better will Romania be able to prepare itself for adopting the unique European currency. Thus, we will be synthesize the main approaches within the specialized literature and also in the economic policy deciders’ practice concerning the estimation of the equilibrium exchange rate and implicitly, of the central parity. The paper presents the modality of fixing the central parity and the experience of participating in ERM II for a number of member states that joined the Euro zone after 2000: Greece, Slovakia, Slovenia, Malta, Cyprus and Estonia. For these states, we will analyze both the evolution of the currency towards Euro while participating in ERM II. Starting from these concrete examples, we will explain the advantages and the disadvantages in fixing the central parity over/at/under the value of the exchange rate on the market at the moment of joining to ERM II and we will underline the problems that might occur in the case of choosing a central parity that is not compatible with the equilibrium value of the exchange rate.
Linking Sustainability-Driven Factors and Online Knowledge Sharing in Business: A PLS-SEM Analysis
(2023) Pînzaru, Florina; Dobrescu, Paul; Vițelar, Alexandra; Moldoveanu, Ion; Săniuță, Adina
Over time, the concept of sustainable development may transform into a business practice that mandates organizations to contemplate the interconnectedness between economic, social, and environmental factors. For organizations to grow in a competitive market, they should adopt cohesive policies founded on reliable sustainability strategies and combine this with efficient knowledge sharing. This approach supports an organization’s growth and enhances its social reputation. That is, these elements may be considered important for an organization’s growth in a competitive market. Building upon this context, we used structural equation modeling (SEM) to examine the structural correlations between organizational sustainability policies, supplier sustainability, online knowledge sharing, and external factors that encourage sustainable practices. This study’s originality and novelty lie in its proposal of a conceptual model that connects all these factors within a coherent framework, thus extending the existing literature on this topic. Our results confirm that external factors have a positive relationship with sustainability policies and that sustainability policies positively impact supplier sustainability and online knowledge sharing. We emphasize the importance of considering internal and external factors when implementing sustainable procedures and the need for authentic communication with stakeholders to integrate sustainable practices successfully. The findings can assist managers in comprehending the factors that impact a company’s sustainability strategies and in adapting policies to address environmental and social concerns.
Management and leadership in an interconnected world
(Tritonic, 2020) Pînzaru, Florina; Zbuchea, Alexandra; Vițelar, Alexandra; Ciuciuc, Victor Emanuel
The exploratory four essays proposed in this book investigate a series of aspects of interest for any current or future manager: the current global drivers of change; the imperative of the digital transformation and its impact on management; the issues of ethics and sustainability in a global race for efficiency; the new leadership that is needed and how to educate future managers. The book should be considered an invitation to reflection and to action, as well as an introduction to future discussions.
Mapping organizational performance using digital technologies
(Sciendo, 2024-07-03) Sarcea (Manea), Oana Alexandra; Zbuchea, Alexandra; Pînzaru, Florina
The present article studies the importance of new technologies connected with today’s business environment. From small businesses to corporations, companies are adapting to new high-tech solutions to increase efficiency, productivity, and customer engagement. The increasing use of artificial intelligence, automation, and other digital media is changing the way businesses are conducted. One of the most significant advantages of technology in business is efficiency. Process automation and the use of advanced software can help companies to reduce costs and to optimize their operations. Technology can also improve the quality of products and services through the use of digital testing and quality control tools. Technological innovations such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, and the Internet of Things have made process automation possible and given companies new ways to manage their operations and expand their businesses. The authors highlighted the latest literature related to the analyzed fields, and at the same time, VOSviewer was used as a reinforcement and literature’ tool for the chosen keywords.
Sustainable knowledge management and its impact on the performances of biotechnology organizations
(MDPI, 2019-01-11) Zbuchea, Alexandra; Pînzaru, Florina; Busu, Mihail; Stan, Sergiu Octavian; Bârgăoanu, Alina
Starting from the findings of specialized studies on knowledge management in the field of biotechnology, this paper aims to present the factors that underline sustainable performances of Romanian biotechnology organizations. Particularly, descriptive analysis of these factors has outlined a picture of the current situation of biotechnology in Romania. The design of an exploratory knowledge management model for organizations in the biotechnology sector was achieved and validated through a panel data model. Starting from a model of growth based on productivity, capital inflow, and human capital, three statistical hypotheses were validated by a time series data panel regression model using EViews 9.0 software. The data were collected for the enterprises active in the field of biotechnology for a period of nine years. The paper highlights the fact that the economic performance of biotechnology organizations is determined by the flow of capital, productivity, and the workforce. Knowledge-based growth strategies are essential in the econometric model presented. Nevertheless, in terms of knowledge management strategies, the sector has not reached its maturity, and full sustainability is not a norm.
Sustainable management of IT enterprises
(Springer, 2021-01-05) Pînzaru, Florina; Wereda, Wioletta; Moldoveanu, Ion; Ciuciuc, Victor Emanuel
Digital technologies and sustainability could be understood from a superficial point of view as mutually exclusive. One is driven by the Internet of Things, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and robotics, focusing on a constant increasing efficiency, while the other is driven by the public opinion’s expectations for a fair development in respect to environmental, social and economic factors. Apparently, two paradigms collide at present: the one of the digital transformation meant to innovate business models in order to satisfy a continuously growing demand of products and services, and the one of addressing social and environmental challenges. In reality, the two concepts are mutually reinforcing, as digital tools can and should be used in the framework of sustainable business approaches and the catalyzer of the digital transformation, the IT industry, could become the promoter of sustainable management using new technologies. We explore in this paper the perception of sustainability by Romanian IT managers and their orientation towards sustainable management approaches, considering the economic, social, environmental and technological dimensions. The results present a heterogeneous landscape dominated by economic and political conditionality, with a strong orientation towards education in the sector as a source of sufficient workforce, leaving room to further discussions on how the industry considered to be the source of all current disruptions could become the engine of future sustainable business models.
The impact of the COVID - 19 pandemic on business : a preliminary overview
(Tritonic, 2020) Zbuchea, Alexandra; Pînzaru, Florina; Anghel, Lucian Claudiu
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on business is significant and must be assessed on various levels, as it has determined fast-moving variables, many of them totally unexpected and for which managers all over the world were not prepared to handle. On the bright side, the COVID-19 crisis revealed the ability of mature businesses to adapt in an agile manner - both in strategy and in operations -, catalyzing the large-scale adoption of digitalization and remote working and thus, determining important changes in organizational cultures and management models. We present in this opinion paper a practice-oriented summary of the most important aspects that redesign business in the COVID-19 context, based on a semi-structured literature review approach of sources published between March and August 2020, both in academic journals and consultancy companies’ reports. Aspects such as agile resilience and recovery through rebuilding operations, rethinking the organization, acceleration of the adoption of digitalization, and adapted marketing responses are discussed with a managerial lens.
The relationship sales process in VUCA times – theoretical aspects (Part 1)
(Military University of Technology, 2024) Wereda, Wioletta; Pînzaru, Florina
Research objectives and hypothesis/research questions: In every enterprise, it is increasingly said that acquiring a new customer is several times more expensive than retaining an existing one. This more or less means that building relationships with customers is often much more important than sales. The pinnacle of success is the transformation of building relationships in the sales process, which is why recently a lot of attention has been paid to developing these skills. The concept of relationship selling hides an entire long-term process, often starting long before meeting a potential customer. Relationship selling is based on the ability to sell services or products based on understanding all the emotional needs of the customer. To learn about the most important needs, the seller must establish a relationship with the customer. Most often, this type of sales is useful in the service segment, such as insurance or investments, where the customer does not see a tangible product at the moment, but the promise of future benefits must be enough for him to make a decision. The aim of the article is to present the results of a critical analysis of the literature on the evolution of the relationship sales process based on the verification of publications in the Scopus and Web of Science databases. Research methods: Critical analysis of domestic and foreign literature. Main results: As a result of the analysis of the literature on the subject, four approaches to verifying the definition of the relationship sales process were noted: individual sales, which indicates that the beginnings of relationship sales are associated with the traditional, individual sales process; a place of purchase, where the exchange between the buyer and the seller was not discreet on both sides, and the most important thing was a lasting relationship that should be nurtured at every stage; adaptive selling, i.e. personal selling, focused on identifying the customer’s needs and desires; customer focus and modern sales solutions, in line with the general market shift towards a service-based economy and greater customer focus. Implications for theory and practice: In terms of the analysis of the definition of relationship sales, it can be noted that in the Polish literature on the subject there are no publications presenting a synthetic description of the evolution of this process, while in the case of implications for practice, this aspect is more limited, however, it indicates the need to change the approach in order to move away from traditional sales to relational in the business sector.
The relationship sales process in VUCA times – theoretical aspects (Part 2)
(Military University of Technology, 2024) Wereda, Wioletta; Pînzaru, Florina
Research objectives and hypothesis/research questions: The aim of the article is to present the success factors of the process of relationship sales created on the basis of the research made in innovative enterprises in Poland from the NewConnect market. In the article both quantitative and qualitative research methods were used. The data for analysis were obtained using the diagnostic survey method using the questionnaire technique, it means that the CATI method was used to obtain the data, which made it possible to find out the opinions of the respondents via a telephone conversation. The data was obtained in July – August 2022 in the form of a survey (quantitative research) – 100 enterprises, as well as interviews of selected innovative enterprises at the turn of September and October 2022 – 10 managers. The considerations contained in the article are the part of a broader research on the role of relationship sales in functioning innovative enterprises from the NewConnect market. The article presents elements that can be considered as the basis for the success of innovative enterprises on the market. The research part describes the research methodology and the results of the conducted surveys as well as the conclusions resulting from the research. Research methods: In addition to the empirical method, the study also used theoretical research methods, such as the analytical-synthetic method. Generalization and inference were used to formulate conclusions. Main results: The analysis of the literature and the results of the research showed that the prospects for the development of the relationship sales process are significantly high, especially this aspect has become quite important during the pandemic and VUCA times and enterprises are increasingly interested in creating the relationship sales process in their daily business activities. Implications for theory and practice: The research confirmed that there is a significant relationship between increasing the efficiency of the enterprise’s operations, financial liquidity, the effectiveness and continuity of the basic processes of the daily functioning of the company, creating long-term business relationships and obtaining important data for the company, and the company’s participation in the use of relationship sales. This relationship is illustrated by the fact that without building relationship sales, in the modern world of crises, aimed at achieving goals, innovation, cooperation and communication, it is impossible to build effective and efficient cooperation with the stakeholders of the organization.
Transformational leadership and innovative work behaviour: the mediating role of psychological empowerment
(Emerald Publishing, 2021-05-03) Stănescu, Dan; Zbuchea, Alexandra; Pînzaru, Florina
Purpose: This study aims to explore the relationship between transformational leadership and employees’ innovative work behaviour (IWB), additionally examining the mediating effect of psychological empowerment. Design/methodology/approach: The study is based on a cross-sectional design, data being collected from 139 employees through the following structured questionnaires: Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire, IWB and psychological empowerment instrument. Findings: The findings revealed a positive and significant relationship between transformational leadership and both IWB and psychological empowerment, as well as the fact that transformational leadership, through psychological empowerment, fosters IWB. Research limitations/implications: One of the main weaknesses of this study is the use of a cross-sectional design, which does not allow for an assessment of the cause–effect relation. Also, using a self-reported questionnaire might have brought common method bias. Practical implications: The paper shows that, by creating a greater sense of empowerment, leaders could have a higher positive effect on employee’s levels of IWB. Moreover, empowerment acts as one of the most important and effective processes within the transformational leadership framework in fostering innovation among followers. Originality/value: This study extends the empirical research on transformational leadership and its influence on employees’ work attitudes. Given the scant research on the role of the psychological empowerment, the results of this study confirm not only its mediating role but also the need for further studies in this direction.
What managers of SMEs in the CEE region should know about challenges of artificial intelligence’s adoption? : an introductive discussion
(Military University of Technology, Warsaw, 2022) Vidu, Cristian Mihai; Pînzaru, Florina; Mitan, Andreea
The next step of the digital transformation is to adopt artificial intelligence (AI), even if the technology itself is still evolving. Nevertheless, discussions on AI pros and cons are vivid: managers are in the frontline of the decision-making on the best ways for such transitions. If corporations are already familiar with AI, at least partially for some processes, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) face a double pressure: their inequal degree of digital maturity, as well as the everyday constraints on how to increase competitiveness. CEE SMEs, in particular, find themselves in a complex framework, and the adoption of AI, even if challenging, could be one of the solutions to advance in terms of efficiency. Nevertheless, risks in such an approach must be carefully considered. Based on a semi-structured literature review, this opinion paper discusses the main risks that managers of SMEs in the CEE region should understand regarding AI and the consequent challenges of adopting it in business. Final considerations and future research discussions conclude the paper.