FAP - Social Sciences Interdisciplinary & Educational research

Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://localhost:4000/handle/123456789/33

Browse

Now showing 1 - 20 of 26

E-learning platforms supporting the educational effectiveness of distance learning programmes: a comparative study in administrative sciences
(Elsevier, 2013) Matei, Ani; Brosser, Luise
Over recent decades, the transformation of education through technology has created a more extensive tool for enhancing the Bologna process for increasing the quality, effectiveness and accessibility of higher education. In this context, literature supports the importance of Web platforms for education, in particular through comparative analysis, focusing on educational effectiveness and promoting quality education. Few studies have integrated the analysis with the economic issues. This paper aims to achieve a comparative study of Web platforms, in terms of raising the effectiveness of distance education, and the economic costs required to implement them. The research methodology is using, for the first time, an adapted version of cost-effectiveness analysis. Empirical research will be carried out on two platforms of e-learning - Learning Management System (LMS) and Moodle - used by our university to support distance education programs. The working hypothesis starts from the fact that open source software is cheaper than that developed internally, even if it does not fully meet the needs of the university.
The National Policy-making Process in the Context of the International Economic and Financial Movements
(Elsevier, 2014) Dogaru, Tatiana Camelia
The international movements, known to our current society have a visible impact on national public policies. Therefore, a wise Government should implement a policy mechanism, which takes into account the involvement of various international actors on public arena. Romania by dint of European Commission, International Monetary Fund, World Bank through stand-by arrangement puts into practice a programme of measures that changed the view of public policy-making. The current paper reveals the changes of policy-making process under the involvement of international actors. From methodological view, and taking into consideration the theoretical and normative framework, the research is based on the matrix of interest factors, as well as on the reviews under the stand-by arrangements, achieving an analysis in a multi-actor context. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/).
Education 2.0: E-Learning Methods
(Elsevier, 2015) Tîrziu, Andreea Maria; Vrabie, Cătălin
Information and communication tools (ICT), Web 2.0 applications and the impact that these resources are having on education are rapidly creating new challenges for teachers and learners faced with learning online. Teaching and learning in an e-learning environment happens differently than in the traditional classroom and can present new challenges to professors and learners participating in this online learning environment. Objectives: The purpose of this article is to provide a framework for teachers for a better e-interaction with students. Approach: It shows the literature and research that focus on e-learning statistics. Results: Continuing to learn and try new methods of communication will aid in improved learning and foster teacher-student respect and collaboration. Value: There are effective techniques to presenting face-to-face material in the online environment that will allow the student to achieve a higher level of satisfaction of learning and cognitive understanding of the course material.
The Quality Initiative of E-Learning in Germany (QEG)-Management for Quality and Standards in E-Learning
(Elsevier, 2015) Brosser, Luise; Vrabie, Cătălin
Quality in E-Learning is a critical success factor that is not easy to determine and achieve. In this paper, we aim to describe the challenges in quality development and show as solution approach, an innovative process management for planning, production and application of e-learning and the importance of quality standards. We will focus especially on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), because in the SME sector, the special optimization potential is what the introduction of explicit quality strategies concerns. This paper illustrates at first the problematic and defines its quality development in education and training. Subsequently, appropriate tools and aids, used by both providers and users, will be demonstrated. The focus will be on quality standards and instruments for their application, which will be developed by the Quality Initiative E-Learning in Germany. In particular, the reference process model of PAS 1032-1 and the subsequent constructive first standard for quality management in education and training (ISO / IEC 19796-1) and the type of Quality Management Support Systems (QSS) are explained. (
Erasmus+ Social Entrepreneurship. A New Formula for Exploring the Creativity and Innovation for Young People
(National University of Political Studies and Public Administration, 2017) Rădulescu, Crina; Sandu, Cristina
The driving forces behind the redesign of the Erasmus programmes were the EU and the national initiatives in knowledge, innovation, education, digital society, green production, competitiveness, job creation, skill acquisition and in the fight against poverty. The European Commission (2014) has stated the great importance of education, training, youth and sport in helping to tackle the key challenges that Europe is facing both now and in the next decade. Key action 2 of the Erasmus+ Programme “Cooperation for innovation and the exchange of the good practices” promotes innovative actions for enhancing employability and entrepreneurship, namely “Knowledge Alliances” and “Sector Skills Alliances”. Following the important aspects of the Key Action 2 of the Erasmus+ Programme, the paper aims at identifying the current concerns and partnerships in using a new formula for exploring creativity and innovation in young people: Erasmus+ Social Entrepreneurship. The arguments for the current research are: firstly, the great focus on the issue of social entrepreneurship and Erasmus+ in educational programmes across Europe (Euclid Network UK – projects of Erasmus for Social Entrepreneurs; Salto Youth network European Commission – training course Using Social Entrepreneurship in Erasmus+); secondly, the great need in identifying innovative solutions for youth employment (the youth unemployment rate reached a new historic high of 23.5% in February 2013, Eurostat, 2013); thirdly, the fact that social entrepreneurship represents one of the most effective and innovative solutions to youth unemployment and poverty reduction (the “Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs” Programme of the European Commission aims to increase the number of start-ups, to boost their resilience and to create jobs). In order to achieve the aim of the paper, the research methodology will employ two main sections: - The first section – an empirical study of successful Erasmus stories from within the National University of Political Studies and Public Administration, Romania in its cooperation with partner-universities. The objective is to analyse and identify the labour insertion opportunities for Erasmus students after attending this programme. The empirical study will make use of questionnaires completed by former Erasmus students within the National University of Political Studies and Public Administration, Romania with partner-universities and statistical data obtained; - The second section – a descriptive analysis of the current initiatives in Erasmus+ and Social Entrepreneurship, connected to the empirical study’s results. The objective is to identify the partnerships and financing opportunities for Erasmus+ and Social Entrepreneurship across Europe. The descriptive analysis will make use of reports and documents at European and national levels.
Resilient Entrepreneurship among European Higher Education Graduates
(MDPI, 2018-08) Zamfir, Ana Maria; Mocanu, Cristina; Grigorescu, Adriana
Resilience represents the ability of systems and individuals to adapt and overcome the difficulties and challenges they face. Resilient entrepreneurs are those who cope with stressful or adverse situations by relying on both internal and external factors. This article examines the way higher education graduates express entrepreneurial resilience in various national contexts. We analyze the Research into Employment and professional Flexibility (REFLEX) data set that provides information on early career of higher education graduates leaving education in the academic year 1999/2000 in 13 European countries. We study resilience in entrepreneurship by considering both how long higher education graduates succeed to remain in self-employment and the extent to which they re-entry in entrepreneurship after exiting. Survival analyses, logistic and cox regressions indicate important differences in patterns of starting, remaining and returning in self-employment and in factors influencing the retention in entrepreneurship among higher education graduates. It is argued that structural factors, personal characteristics and educational background explain a large amount of variation in resilient entrepreneurship.
Leading Role of Big Data Analytic Capability in Innovation Performance: Role of Organizational Readiness and Digital Orientation
(MDPI, 2023-06) Binsaeed, Rima H.; Grigorescu, Adriana; Yousaf, Zahid; Condrea, Elena; Nassani, Abdelmohsen A.
The advancement of technology offers various opportunities for business organizations to achieve sustainable growth. Through emerging technologies, business organizations are able to collect and analyze essential information vital for the acceleration of innovation. Therefore, this study investigated how big data contribute to the innovation activities of manufacturing entrepreneurs in terms of big data analytic capability (BDAC). The aim of this study was to relate BDAC to organizational readiness and innovation performance (IP). Moreover, we examined the mediating role of organizational readiness between BDAC and IP. We also examined the strengthening role of digital orientation. To collect the study data, we approached 494 frontline managers of the manufacturing sector of Saudi Arabia. The collected data were analyzed using statistical techniques such as descriptive, correlation, and hierarchical regression techniques. We found that BDAC plays a vital role in developing organizational readiness and IP. The findings also proved that organizational readiness has a significant effect on IP. The results revealed that organizational readiness mediates between BDAC and IP.
Digital Revolution and Digitization Process to Promote AIS as a Vector of Financial Performance
(MDPI, 2023-07) Binsaeed, Rima H.; Yousaf, Zahid; Grigorescu, Adriana; Radu, Valentin; Nassani, Abdelmohsen A.
Nowadays, many businesses recognize the importance of digitization as a strategic advantage to maintain competitiveness. As a result, current research aims to investigate three significant factors that influence digital transformation: digital innovation (DI), digital orientation (DO), and the accounting information system (AIS). These factors are supposed to impact the financial success and performance of firms. The objective of this study is to examine the positive association between digital orientation and financial performance (FP) and to explore how the AIS mediates this relationship. Additionally, this paper investigates the moderating role of digital innovation in the relationship between digital orientation and financial performance. To collect data, a quantitative method was employed using a random sampling technique. Data were collected via a questionnaire survey from small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in China, with a sample size of 550. Structural equation modeling (SEM) and a bootstrapping technique with 5000 iterations were used to test the study hypotheses. The findings of this study indicate a positive link between digital orientation and the financial performance of organizations. Furthermore, the results confirm that the AIS acts as a mediator between digital orientation and financial performance. The outcomes also demonstrate that digital innovation plays a moderating role in the relationship between DO and financial performance. This paper contributes to the existing literature on digital transformation by providing a deeper understanding of the aforementioned antecedents of the digital revolution (DO, AIS, and financial performance) and how they should be integrated within digitalization settings to achieve financial performance.
Emotional Intelligence, Innovative Work Behavior, and Cultural Intelligence Reflection on Innovation Performance in the Healthcare Industry
(MDPI, 2023-07) Binsaeed, Rima H.; Yousaf, Zahid; Grigorescu, Adriana; Condrea, Elena; Nassani, Abdelmohsen A.
Innovation requires creativity, risk-taking, and the ability to manage change effectively, all of which are closely linked to emotional intelligence. Individuals with high levels of emotional intelligence are more flexible, adaptable, and resilient in technological advancements and are better able to respond effectively to new challenges and opportunities. Thus, this study aims to recognize the significant role of emotional intelligence, along with the mediation of innovative work behavior (IWB) and the moderation role of cultural intelligence in the attainment of innovation performance. This is quantitative research and for data collection, a questionnaire was used in healthcare institutions. The result shows that emotional intelligence is an antecedent of innovation performance. The finding also proved that IWB mediates the linkage between emotional intelligence and innovation performance. In addition, the outcomes show that cultural intelligence strengthens the relationship between emotional intelligence and innovation performance. However, the current dynamic business world has created an urgency to understand the linkage between the employee's emotional intelligence and employee innovative performance, particularly taking into consideration the mediation effect of IWB. Emotional intelligence and innovation are closely linked, and innovative work behavior connects this link in a stronger way. This study offered a unique framework for achieving innovation performance through the nexus of emotional intelligence, innovative work behavior, and cultural intelligence.
Knowledge Sharing Key Issue for Digital Technology and Artificial Intelligence Adoption
(MDPI, 2023-07) Binsaeed, Rima H.; Yousaf, Zahid; Grigorescu, Adriana; Samoilă, Alina; Chițescu, Răzvan Ion; Nassani, Abdelmohsen A.
In the current digital era, digital technologies develop and emerge rapidly, businesses, especially the electronic sector more connected to information technology, facing challenges in the terms of its technology infrastructure and tactical directions. That's why most of them adopt the latest digital technology (DT) and design novel business strategies and models. The growing significance of AI in the transformation of manufacturing operations and the demand for a thorough knowledge of the variables affecting its adoption serve as the driving forces behind the study. Several researchers have presented that digital technology can lead toward AI adoption. Though, previous studies lack an efficient transformation pathway. Therefore, this study establishes an inventive approach and aims to investigate the direct link between digital technology and AI adoption, the mediating function of knowledge sharing (KS) between them, and explore the moderating impact of privacy and security that assist in the acceleration of AI adoption in electronics manufacturing enterprises through the antecedent of digital technology. This study is quantitative in nature, random sampling method and questionnaire is used as a survey tool. Depending on 298 questionnaire data from electronic firms of Saudi Arabia, this study performs multi-level correlation and regression analysis to evaluate study hypotheses. Findings confirm that digital technology has a positive influence on AI adoption. In addition, outcomes corroborate that knowledge sharing mediates in the linkage between digital technology and AI adoption. The results also proved that privacy and security have a positive moderation impact on the association between digital technology and AI adoption. This study enlighten that the adoption of this framework enables electronic manufacturing companies to strategically integrate digital-technologies to promote effective AI adoption, increase its operational efficiency, and sustain a competitive advantage in the constantly evolving manufacturing landscape. The outcomes as well supplement the previous study on the linkage between digital technology and AI adoption, expand application space and theoretical boundary from the perspective of knowledge sharing, privacy and security at the managerial level, and give reference for AI adoption in, as electronics manufacturing firms.
Revisiting R&D intensity and CO2 emissions link in the USA using time varying granger causality test: 1870∼2020
(Cell Press, 2023-10) Chang, Hao-Wen; Chang, Tsangyao; Xiang, Feiyun; Mikhaylov, Alexey; Grigorescu, Adriana
R&D intensity, per capita GDP, and per capita CO2 emissions links in the USA over the period of 1870-2020 reflects the evolution of the economic development and technology for the environment benefit. Using Time varying Granger causality, the empirical results indicate both causal links between R&D intensity and per capita CO2 emissions and between per capita GDP and per capita CO2 emissions are time varying. In addition, R&D intensity significantly affects per capita CO2 emissions since 1975, and the per capita GDP significantly influences per capita CO2 emissions since 1978. That is, these findings not only in supportive of the EKC theory, but further disentangle the subtly linkages for the R&D intensity and CO2 emissions and the per capita GDP and CO2 emissions. Finally, the policy implication is that launch the new technical innovation and increase in R&D investment to maintain its sustainable economic growth are the best government strategy to reduce CO2 emissions in the USA.
E-Banking Convergence and the Adopter's Behavior Changing Across EU Countries
(SAGE , 2023-10) Grigorescu, Adriana; Oprișan, Oana; Lincaru, Cristina; Pîrciog, Speranța
"The concepts of internet banking and mobile banking have led to changes in people's financial behavior in terms of earning, consuming, and saving. This new concept, which entered the market quite recently, was used at the beginning of the new digital technology in various types of activities, banking operations, and nowadays these services are used by all people who want to save through banks or create new sources of income, as well as to make quick currency exchanges without going to credit institutions. The main purpose of this paper is to analyze people's behavior toward new digital technologies, e-banking adoption, and non-banking financial institutions internet services. The objectives pursued are: whether e-banking users are homogeneous in their characteristics in the EU 27 and which users have the most convergent or divergent behavior in the EU 27. Statistical data taken from Eurostat 2023 was used for the Sigma convergence analysis, the time series taken into consideration being from 2004 to 2022. The results showed that the changes in the procedural-fiscal-financial sphere are the ones that fully reflect the two principles underlying the tax evolution: digitization and simplification. These results confirm that people are adopting the new digital technology and change their behavior from consumer to prosumer. The study shows that all most categories adopted e-banking using new digital technologies when it comes to consumption and saving, with few exceptions that should be carefully supported. E-Banking convergence and the adopter's behaviour within the EU CountriesThe concepts of internet banking and mobile banking have led to changes in people's financial behavior in terms of earning, consuming, and saving. This new concept, which entered the market quite recently, was used at the beginning of the new digital technology in various types of activities, banking operations, and nowadays these services are used by all people who want to save through banks or create new sources of income, as well as to make quick currency exchanges without going to credit institutions. The main purpose of this paper is to analyze people's behavior towards new digital technologies, e-banking adoption, and non-banking financial institutions internet services. The objectives pursued are: whether e-banking users are homogeneous in their characteristics in the EU 27 and which users have the most convergent or divergent behavior in the EU 27. Statistical data taken from Eurostat 2023 was used for the Sigma convergence analysis, the time series taken into consideration being from 2004 to 2022. The results showed that the changes in the procedural-fiscal-financial sphere are the ones that fully reflect the two principles underlying the tax evolution: digitization and simplification. These results confirm that people are adopting the new digital technology and change their behavior from consumer to prosumer. The study shows that all most categories adopted e-banking using new digital technologies when it comes to consumption and saving, with few exceptions that should be carefully supported. Digital transformation is not just about buying new, modern equipment, or retrieving data quickly and securely, but also about the technical implementation of state-of-the-art IT systems. It should be noted that digitization has had important effects on both public and private organizations and people, which can be translated as follows: time saved in people's interaction with public and private organizations; efficiency in administrative processes; transparency in their work. The economic environment becomes much more attractive and leads to investment and innovation in all areas. The digitization of all public or private services would also strengthen the administrative capacity of the whole population. Through studies, research, and future studies, it is essential to analyze and demonstrate that new digital technologies and their use could lead to the elimination of tax fraud, increased public confidence in local or central government and confidence in business. Finally, we can say that it is essential that new research in the field of digitization and e-banking use strengthens the literature reviews and explains at a higher level the answers to all research questions."
Unraveling Digital Transformation in Banking: Evidence from Romania
(MDPI, 2023-11) Ionașcu, Alina Elena; Gheorghiu, Gabriel; Spătariu, Elena Cerasela; Munteanu, Irena; Grigorescu, Adriana; Dănila, Alexandra
This research probes into the digital transformation shifts in Romania and sets them against a backdrop of certain EU countries. Its primary objective is to spotlight digitalization's significance and assess its level of integration within the Romanian banking landscape. Our approach relies on a detailed examination of the adoption of digital banking instruments in Romania through correlation and ANOVA assessments. The ANOVA analysis of the DESI index and its associated dimensions reveals how Romania's digital transformation stands in relation to other EU member states. Our findings emphasize the numerous advantages Romanian banks have garnered from increasingly embracing digital innovations and artificial technologies. These perks span from optimized operations and efficiency to enhanced customer experiences and a sharpened competitive advantage. The research indicates a strong positive correlation between a bank's return on assets and its liquid assets to deposits and short-term funding ratios. This suggests that as digital integration deepens, there is a marked upturn in financial robustness. Additionally, the study sheds light on the perks of individuals adopting digital banking offerings and delves into factors that propel and impede the digital evolution in the banking arena. Overall, this paper presents valuable insights into Romania's digital banking trajectory and the sector's long-term viability.
To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield
(Transylvanian Review of Administrative Sciences, 2024) Iancu, Diana Camelia
This essay explores the essential role of universities in modern society, emphasizing their need to transcend isolation and actively engage with their communities. Drawing on Alfred Lord Tennyson’s ‘To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield’, it argues that universities must rebuild trust, confront challenges, embrace collaboration, and reaffirm their moral responsibility. The essay highlights practical examples illustrating how universities innovate, imagine the future, and address pressing societal needs. Public administration is presented as a model discipline that bridges academic silos, engaging directly with community concerns and demonstrating how universities can anchor themselves in everyday life. The narrative positions universities as living entities that learn, adapt, and inspire. It underscores their ability to foster open dialogue, where diverse perspectives converge to solve real-world problems. By promoting transparency, collaboration, and ethical action, universities can become not just centers of learning but beacons of hope and progress. Ultimately, the essay challenges universities to embrace their role as vital contributors to society, urging them to innovate, connect, and lead with integrity toward a brighter, shared future.
Exploring the Universities’ Resilience in Times of Crisis by Reporting to the Pattern of the National Culture
(Association of Economists and Managers of the Balkans, 2024) Dincă, DragoșValentin; Nicolescu, Cristina Elena; Berceanu, Ionuț Bogdan
Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, superior education demonstrated remarkable adaptability during crises, particularly by swiftly embracing a borderless virtual learning environment. From this perspective, the paper is focused on the resilience of the university educational system, underlining the importance of two key pillars that model it: the pattern of national culture and the level of public spending on education. To this end and by reference to Hofstede’s cultural dimensions theory, the paper highlights that the pattern of national culture explains a good deal of the levels of budget allocations on education between 2007-2020 of the current 27 EU member states. Thus, beyond the good practices identified in the institutional development plan by implementing a new management model, the results of the paper analysis indicate the need to consolidate the national educational policies through proper financing of the field, towards achieving the European Education Area.
Parlamentul European: adoptarea rezoluției „Cadrul UE pentru situația socială și profesională a artiștilor și lucrătorilor din sectoarele culturale și creative"
(Wolters Kluwer Romania SRL, 2024) Dutu Buzura, Andrei
De exemplu, în anul 1980, în cadrul celei de-a 21-a sesiuni a Conferinţei Generale a UNESCO, a fost adoptată o recomandare care vizează îmbunătăţirea statutului profesional, social şi economic al artiştilor; aceasta a fost urmată de o solicitare formală de punere în aplicare a politicilor şi măsurilor referitoare la formare, securitate socială, locuri de muncă, venituri şi condiţii fiscale, mobilitate şi libertate de exprimare. Un atare demers se dovedeşte a fi ambiţios atât sub aspectul formei, cât şi sub cel al conţinutului; astfel, demarând prin mai bine de şaizeci de paragrafe cu caracter introductiv, rezoluţia cuprinde nu mai puţin de 23 de considerente şi 73 de recomandări, care tratează subiecte marcate de un grad ridicat de diversitate: de la remunerarea artiştilor, bolile profesionale ale acestora, la provocările digitale, un nivel minim de protecţie socială, mobilitatea lor în cadru european etc. Astfel, articolul 167 din Tratatul privind funcţionarea Uniunii Europene (TRUE) defineşte rolul Uniunii Europene în domeniul culturii ca o „competenţă de sprijin", în acest sector urmărindu-se „susţinerea, coordonarea sau completarea acţiunii statelor membre" (art. 6 TRUE). Motivele unei atare precarităţi economice sunt multiple şi, din păcate, nu sunt identificate sau avute în vedere în documentul de faţă. Şi aceasta în condiţiile în care diversificarea din ce în ce mai accentuată a ofertei artistice şi culturale se dovedeşte a fi, de cele mai multe ori, neprofitabilă, iar entităţile în domeniu depun eforturi semnificative în căutarea mijloacelor de subzistenţă, ceea ce le determină să ocolească normele imperative din domeniul dreptului muncii şi, astfel, să recurgă la forme contractuale precare sau informale pentru a reduce costurile remuneraţiilor şi al contribuţiilor sociale, afectând astfel în mod negativ şi chiar dăunător regimul de protecţie a artiştilor şi profesioniştilor. Problema lipsei unor reglementări concrete O atare abordare intersectorială nu este pur aleatorie; şi aceasta în condiţiile în care multe studii şi rapoarte, europene, naţionale sau internaţionale, au evidenţiat un dezechilibru din ce în ce mai semnificativ în cadrul contractual care leagă creatorii de diferiţi operatori şi difuzori media, relevându-se pe această cale necesitatea de a pune în aplicare o politică comună mai puternică spre a consolida protecţia intereselor profesionale ale artiştilor şi lucrătorilor din sectoarele de divertisment (totuşi, în mod explicit au fost invocate în acest sens, trei studii elaborate tot în cadrul Parlamentului European: K. Muszyński şi A. Gromada, Cadrul Uniunii Europene pentru politica socială şi situaţia profesională a artiştilor şi lucrătorilor din sectoarele culturale şi creative, septembrie 2023; C. Kammerhofer-Schlegel, C. Navarra, M. Centrone şi C. Cesnovar, Cadrul UE pentru situaţia socială şi profesională a artiştilor şi lucrătorilor din sectoarele culturale şi creative, octombrie 2023; S. Carre, S. Le Cam şi F. Macrez, Contracte de achiziţii impuse de platformele din sectorul cultural şi creativ, noiembrie 2023). în Franţa, observaţii aparţinând aceluiaşi registru de analize au fost făcute în mod repetat (B. Racine, Autorul şi actul de creaţie, raport către Ministrul Culturii, ianuarie 2020; Misiune flash privind statutul autorilor, P. Bois şi C. Le Grip, iulie 2020; P. Sirinelli şi S. Dormont, Contractul de comandă, raport prezentat în şedinţa plenară a CSPLA din 15 decembrie 2020), fapt care a determinat iniţierea unor reforme duse mai mult sau mai puţin la bun sfârşit. Cu toate că sectorul angajează 3,8% din forţa de muncă europeană şi reprezintă 4,4% din PIB, acesta încă nu se bucură de o protecţie juridică corespunzătoare, pe motiv că se caracterizează prin modele şi condiţii atipice de muncă, venituri neregulate şi posibilităţi limitate de negociere şi dialog social unitare.
Fostering Democratic Values for the Future An In-Depth Exploration of Romania's Preuniversity Education System
(Civil Rewiev, 2024) Cărăuşan, Mihaela V.
Delving into the subjects that contribute to the democratic values frame. We will investigate the active role of individuals in shaping cultural norms and emphasize the importance of their participation in manifesting democratic power within the state. Moreover, the study questions whether the education system effectively prepares the future generation to be responsible members of society. The paper starts with the concept of co-creation and assesses whether individuals are ready to understand or know its implications. It reviews the empowerment of individuals as active decision-makers in societal processes and their ability to critically reflect on social movements and evolution. Furthermore, the research explores whether the upcoming generation possesses values that enable them to reject or aspire to different ideologies. In addressing the relationship between individuals and civil society, the paper investigates when and how nongovernmentalorganizations play a role in the education of future generations' values. An essential aspect of the study is an analysis of the education system's contribution to promoting Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Romania. The research evaluates whether citizens have the necessary values to protect and support a sustainable future. The methodological framework for the paper is structured around a combination of qualitative and quantitative research methods, such as literature and document review, content and comparative analysis, and a multidisciplinary approach to gather comprehensive insights. Through this comprehensive examination, the paper aims to contribute valuable insights and recommendations for enhancing Romania's preuniversity education system, strengthening civil society, and promoting a sustainable future.
Space-Time Forecasting of Heating & Cooling Energy Needs as an Energy Poverty Measure in Romania
(MDPI, 2024) Grigorescu, Adriana; Pîrciog, Camelia Speranța; Lincaru, Cristina
Lack of access to basic energy services, known as energy poverty, remains felt in the country, with seasonal changes and an economic divide. The frameworks to measure energy poverty differ spatially and temporally, with climate change and behavioral culture being the essential influencing factors. This paper is focused on heating and cooling energy demands, which can be defined as an energy poverty metric for the propensity to be at risk of energy poverty caused by climate regime. Employing sophisticated statistical space–time forecasting tools, we build a model incorporating spatial and temporal energy consumption volatility across Romanian regions at the NUTS3 level. The model considers climatic conditions and raw data from 45 years (1979–2023) of cooling and heating degree days to determine local trajectories for the next nine years. Identifying high-energy-poverty-risk areas in our research can provide valuable insights for policymakers, enabling them to develop targeted plans for eliminating energy poverty and ensuring equitable access to heating and cooling. The results underline the necessity of differentiated approaches in energy policies and add value to the general understanding of energy poverty issues and conditions, considering the Romanian climatic and socio-economic context.
NO ONE LEFT BEHIND: ENABLING DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION OF HUMAN EUROPEAN WORKERS
(Vilnius University, 2024) Duke, Benjamin; Grigorescu, Adriana; Lincaru, Cristina; Ciucă, Vasilica; Dragomir, Mihai Silviu
Digital transformation generates rapid and radical structural changes, increasing the need to leave no one behind during the Industrial Revolution 4.0. New categories of workers are generated, and we can talk about the bots/robots as Digital Workers, the employees who are using digital facilities and have a digital education as Digital Human Workers, and the Human Workers who are not using digital instruments. Human Workers are the most exposed to being left behind once digital transformation is adopted by almost all the actors of the social and economic environment. Therefore, we find it urgent to dimension the scale of digital skills demanded at the EU level for the persons at risk of being left behind and estimate the average costs of transformative action at the enterprise level used for digital skills development. Public Employment Services have an important role among the enablers meant to accelerate digital skills for workers. Its primary target is the most vulnerable categories of workers. The study estimates the financial effort of continuous vocational training using a Linear Mixed Model on panel data from Eurostat. The results highlighted the new role of Public Employment Services as enablers of the Digital Transformation of Human European Workers, creating digital skills as portable skills that enhance the intersectoral mobility of Human Workers. Estimating the cost impact is relevant for policymakers and public decision-makers to create the framework of no one left behind. The findings contribute to a better understanding of the implementation effort for Enabling the Digital Transformation of Human European Workers.
The relevance of open educational resources for post-soviet higher education in the digital age
(Routledge, Taylor & Francis Inc., 2024) Dneprovskaya, Natalya; Shevtsova, Inessa; Vacarelu, Marius
The digital era has seen the rise of innovations such as online training platforms and digital toolkits for teaching and learning whilst at the same time open access initiatives are losing the attention of educators. The problem under consideration in this paper is the replacement of open educational resources (OER) with digital innovations in higher education (HE). The purpose of this study is to identify the relevance of OER to post-Soviet HE in the digital age. The research employed methods of descriptive analytics to process data on users' activities extracted from OER repositories with web-analytic apps. The survey was conducted among 441 lecturers to elucidate their request for access to and patterns of usage of digital OER. The findings confirmed the relevance of OER in contemporary education through the similarity of lecturers' experience worldwide. During the urgent transition to remote learning owing to the COVID-19 pandemic, OER helped lecturers access informed digital practices through appropriate methods and content. OER has thus retained its relevance against the backdrop of the emergence of digital innovations in HE. The international comparison of findings demonstrates the existence of a shared awareness of the importance of OER and similar drivers for OER production and usage.

Browse

Browsing FAP - Social Sciences Interdisciplinary & Educational research by Issue Date