Template-Type: ReDIF-Paper 1.0 Author-Name: Leah Achdut Author-Name-First: Leah Author-Name-Last: Achdut Author-Email: leaha@vanleer.org.il Author-Workplace-Name: The Ruppin academic Center Title: Wealth Inequality and income Inequality Abstract: Wealth inequality and the contribution of wealth to households' well-being have received an increasing attention during the last years. This study examines the patterns of wealth inequality and the correspondence between the distributions of income and wealth. It takes advantage of a unique and multidisciplinary longitudinal survey on people aged 50 and older in Israel, conducted as part of the SHARE project (Survey of Health, Aging and Retirement in Europe). SHARE includes detailed information on disposable income and on the value of the various components of real assets, financial assets and debts. All this information allows us to construct a broad net worth measure on the household level. Based on the third wave of SHARE-Israel, the distributions of wealth and of income are examined by several measures: the mean to median ratio; the value of wealth at different percentile points of the distribution and percentile ratios; inequality measures - Gini coefficient and the General Entropy measure (?=2); and transition matrices based on the quintile distributions of income and net worth.We found that similarly to European countries, patterns in wealth inequality (stock data) differ strongly from patterns of income inequality. Wealth is more unequal distributed than income: the Lorenz curve for net worth is further away from the 45 degree line and its Gini coefficient is larger (0.573 versus 0.422). The median to mean ratio is 0.56 and 0.80 for net worth and income, respectively. Net worth of the 25th percentile was about 40% of the median, while the net worth of the 90th percentile was 4.3 times that of the median wealth. The corresponding findings for the income are 50% and 2.5 times, respectively. The relative share of the highest decile of the population is closed to 40% of total net worth, 65% of total financial wealth and to 28% of total income. The transition matrix shows that about 34% of the families are ranked in the same quintile according to net worth and income, about 35% of families are ranked higher by net worth than by income and 31% were ranked higher by income than net worth (found below the diagonal of the transitions matrix).Keywords: Inequality, wealth, net worth, income, SHARE ? Israel. . Length: 1 page Creation-Date: 2017-10 Publication-Status: Published in Proceedings of the Proceedings of the 34th International Academic Conference, Florence, Oct 2017, pages 1-1 File-URL: https://iises.net/proceedings/34th-international-academic-conference-florence/table-of-content/detail?cid=59&iid=001&rid=8247 File-Function: First version, 2017 Number: 5908247 Classification-JEL: Keywords: Inequality, wealth, net worth, income, SHARE ? Israel. Handle: RePEc:sek:iacpro:5908247 Template-Type: ReDIF-Paper 1.0 Author-Name: Ali Adami Author-Name-First: Ali Author-Name-Last: Adami Author-Email: aliadami2002@yahoo.com Author-Workplace-Name: Allameh Tabataba'I university Title: The Future of the Security in Europe: From European Union to Regional Complexes Abstract: Nobody thought that the security in Europe which had become close to each other after formation of the European Union and collective security arrangement in 1992, would undergo dramatic changes in 21 century, so much so that the future of the security in Europe faces the shaky situation. The security which was expected by the European countries did not take place due to many elements like security internal variables of the European Union, the appearance of ISIS and terrorism in the Middle East, different views of the United States is related to security, unilateralism of the Russians and also complicated issues in Europe. Therefore, this paper seeks to answer the main question as to: what is the security pattern of the future of security in the European Union and how could it be maximized? The hypothesis to the question is based on the fact that the future of security in the Europe due to different approaches of Eastern Europe, Northern (Scandinavian Region), Sothern and Western Europe, is moving from common union toward regional security complexes. Length: 9 pages Creation-Date: 2017-10 Publication-Status: Published in Proceedings of the Proceedings of the 34th International Academic Conference, Florence, Oct 2017, pages 2-10 File-URL: https://iises.net/proceedings/34th-international-academic-conference-florence/table-of-content/detail?cid=59&iid=002&rid=8231 File-Function: First version, 2017 Number: 5908231 Classification-JEL: Keywords: Regional Security Complex, Security, European Union Handle: RePEc:sek:iacpro:5908231 Template-Type: ReDIF-Paper 1.0 Author-Name: David Yechiam Aharon Author-Name-First: David Yechiam Author-Name-Last: Aharon Author-Email: dudi.ah@ono.ac.il Author-Workplace-Name: Ono Academic College Author-Name: Mahmoud Qadan Author-Name-First: Mahmoud Author-Name-Last: Qadan Author-Email: mahmodoqa@gmail.co Author-Workplace-Name: Univeristy of Haifa Title: How Much Happiness can we find in the fear Index? Abstract: Many studies dealing with calendar market anomalies have ascribed positive or negative patterns detected in returns to investors? moods. However, in these studies, mood was not measured directly but rather speculated upon or inferred. This paper suggests capturing investors? moods by dividing the information contained in the VIX, popularly called the fear index, into two components: that which is correlated with volatility forecasts and information that is not. By doing so, we provide further evidence about the relationship between investor mood and risk aversion around joyful occasions (holidays) as well as for other occasions that may result in negative moods (the disruption of sleep resulting from the move to and from daylight savings time). We find that the actual values of the VIX and its cousin, the VXO, tend to be lower than their expected values in the case of joyful holidays, reflecting a more optimistic mood among investors, while during daylight savings time weekends, the actual values of the VIX and VXO tend to be higher than their theoretical values. Our results shed light on the information content of implied volatility beyond that captured in other volatility estimators. Length: 1 page Creation-Date: 2017-10 Publication-Status: Published in Proceedings of the Proceedings of the 34th International Academic Conference, Florence, Oct 2017, pages 11-11 File-URL: https://iises.net/proceedings/34th-international-academic-conference-florence/table-of-content/detail?cid=59&iid=003&rid=8141 File-Function: First version, 2017 Number: 5908141 Classification-JEL: G10, G02, G14 Keywords: Financial markets; Mood; Behavioral finance; Holiday effect, Risk aversion, Stock returns Handle: RePEc:sek:iacpro:5908141 Template-Type: ReDIF-Paper 1.0 Author-Name: Mustafa akan Author-Name-First: Mustafa Author-Name-Last: akan Author-Email: mustafaakan1917@gmail.com Author-Workplace-Name: Do?u? University Title: Optimal Capital and Labor Investment in Price Regulated State Economic Service Enterprises Abstract: Investment behavior of a price regulated service firm facing fluctuating demand is investigated with a Cobb-Douglas type of production function using optimal control theoretic model. Both machinery and labor are assumed to be capital goods. Rates of change of demand, attrition rate of labor and the depreciation rate of capital are the primary parameters determining optimal investment behavior. Switching times between four phases of investment where (1) both labor and capital investment are positive, (2) capital investment is zero but labor investment is positive,(3) capital investment is zero but labor investment is positive and (4) where both investments are zero are identified. The same analysis is repeated using Constant Elasticity of Substitution (CES) type of production function. Length: 1 page Creation-Date: 2017-10 Publication-Status: Published in Proceedings of the Proceedings of the 34th International Academic Conference, Florence, Oct 2017, pages 12-12 File-URL: https://iises.net/proceedings/34th-international-academic-conference-florence/table-of-content/detail?cid=59&iid=004&rid=8306 File-Function: First version, 2017 Number: 5908306 Classification-JEL: C61 Keywords: Optimal Control Theory, Investment, Service Companies Handle: RePEc:sek:iacpro:5908306 Template-Type: ReDIF-Paper 1.0 Author-Name: Yousef Alanezi Author-Name-First: Yousef Author-Name-Last: Alanezi Author-Email: Dr.y.al-anezi@hotmail.com Author-Workplace-Name: Paaet Title: EffectEffective use of educational platform ((Edmodo)) for students of mathematics and Computer specialty in t Abstract: Of the highlights of the events witnessed this era is the information revolution, which made a big coup in the nature of receiving the information both on the level of the lesson or lecture, or at the level of general culture and knowledge-current technology, and techniques of social communication "Admodo- Edmodo" educational platforms. A modern technological programs that help deliver information to students, and the benefit of educators, parents, coaches and administrators, and generally in the teaching, learning and administration. -Known as electronic "Aladmodo" educational platforms as an interactive learning environment that employs Web 2.0 technology, combining the advantages of e-content management systems and the networks of social networking Facebook, and enables teachers to disseminate lessons and objectives, and the dissemination of the duties, and the application of educational activities, and contact teachers through techniques multiple, as it enables teachers to conduct electronic tests and the distribution of roles and the division of students into working groups, and help to exchange views and ideas between student teachers. And the participation of the scientific content and allows parents to communicate with teachers and see the results of their children, which helps to achieve high quality educational outcomes.This research aims to:First, identify the educational software platforms "Admodo- Edmodo" and its applications and the most important advantages in education and contemporary learning. Length: 1 page Creation-Date: 2017-10 Publication-Status: Published in Proceedings of the Proceedings of the 34th International Academic Conference, Florence, Oct 2017, pages 13-13 File-URL: https://iises.net/proceedings/34th-international-academic-conference-florence/table-of-content/detail?cid=59&iid=005&rid=7221 File-Function: First version, 2017 Number: 5907221 Classification-JEL: A20, A20, A20 Keywords: Edmodo; Green learning; Flipped Classroom Handle: RePEc:sek:iacpro:5907221 Template-Type: ReDIF-Paper 1.0 Author-Name: LIVIA ANASTASIU Author-Name-First: LIVIA Author-Name-Last: ANASTASIU Author-Email: anastasiu.livia@yahoo.com Author-Workplace-Name: TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY OF CLUJ-NAPOCA ROMANIA Author-Name: ALEXANDRA ANASTASIU Author-Name-First: ALEXANDRA Author-Name-Last: ANASTASIU Author-Email: ina.anastasiu@gmail.com Author-Workplace-Name: University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca Romania Author-Name: MIHAELA DUMITRAN Author-Name-First: MIHAELA Author-Name-Last: DUMITRAN Author-Email: mihaela.dumitran@yahoo.com Author-Workplace-Name: TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY OF CLUJ-NAPOCA ROMANIA Title: Methods to Adapt the University Curricula to the Market Demand in the Civil Engineering Sector Abstract: The present paper aims to identify whether the business environment is an important factor in the design of the university curricula because it is the place where the supply and demand of the workforce meet. The literature review revealed a gap between the competencies the graduates posess and the competencies the market demands. The surveys showed that the managers are interested both in the knowledge, skills and attitudes of the graduates in the employment process. Therefore, we proposed an interdisciplinary module system, where the practitioners coming from the companies involved in the study teach courses and applications in the domains where they have expertise. During the second phase of the experimental study, the students perform internships and apprenticeship in the organizations subjects of this research, after which they are evaluated and are given recommendation for their performance. We used the employability skills model to find that mix of competencies which will help the graduates meet the market demands. This innovative method serves universities, students and companies as well: the prestige of a university is quantified by the experts delivered to the labor market; companies will have well prepared employees in their specific area, with less costs; students will find jobs which will match their expectations, giving them motivation to perform. The limitation of the present research is that the study refers only to the Civil Engineering specialization of the Technical University Cluj-Napoca Romania. Further experiments will be focused on other specializations. Length: 1 page Creation-Date: 2017-10 Publication-Status: Published in Proceedings of the Proceedings of the 34th International Academic Conference, Florence, Oct 2017, pages 14-14 File-URL: https://iises.net/proceedings/34th-international-academic-conference-florence/table-of-content/detail?cid=59&iid=006&rid=8176 File-Function: First version, 2017 Number: 5908176 Classification-JEL: I21 Keywords: employability skills; performance; modular courses Handle: RePEc:sek:iacpro:5908176 Template-Type: ReDIF-Paper 1.0 Author-Name: Yaacov G. Bachner Author-Name-First: Yaacov G. Author-Name-Last: Bachner Author-Email: bachner@bgu.ac.il Author-Workplace-Name: Ben Gurion University of the Negev Author-Name: Nily Yosef-Sela Author-Name-First: Nily Author-Name-Last: Yosef-Sela Author-Email: Sela173@zahav.net.il Author-Workplace-Name: Ben Gurion University of the Negev Author-Name: Sara Carmel Author-Name-First: Sara Author-Name-Last: Carmel Author-Email: sara@bgu.ac.il Author-Workplace-Name: Ben Gurion University of the Negev Title: Caregivers' Open Communication with Terminal Cancer Patients about Illness and Death: A Comparison between Men and Women Abstract: Aim: Numerous studies document that caregivers face severe difficulties in communicating openly with their loved ones about both illness and death. This study compares the communication level of male and female caregivers, and examines the contribution of different caregiver characteristics and situational variables to the explanation of communication level within both male and female groups. Methods: 77 spouses--who were primary caregivers of terminal cancer patients-comprised of 29 males and 48 females, participated in the study. The questionnaire included measures of caregiver communication, caregiver characteristics (i.e. age, ethnic origin, gender, education level, and self-efficacy), and situational variables (i.e. duration and intensity of care). Results: Female spouses communicated more with their loved ones about the illness and death compared to their male counterparts. Among males, ethnic origin (?=0.50, p<0.01) and duration of care (?=-0.38, p<0.05) emerged as significant predictors of caregivers' level of communication; the model explained 44.1% of the variance. Among females, self-efficacy (?=0.50, p<0.001) and ethnic origin (?=-0.26, p<0.05) were revealed to be significant predictors; here the model explained 30.5% of the variance. Conclusion: This study demonstrates the importance of gender to caregivers' level of communication with terminal cancer patients about illness and death. Among both male and female caregivers, the caregiver characteristic of ethnic origin is a significant factor explaining communication. This should be considered by professionals when developing intervention programs to increase caregivers' level of communication with dying patients. Length: 1 page Creation-Date: 2017-10 Publication-Status: Published in Proceedings of the Proceedings of the 34th International Academic Conference, Florence, Oct 2017, pages 15-15 File-URL: https://iises.net/proceedings/34th-international-academic-conference-florence/table-of-content/detail?cid=59&iid=007&rid=8286 File-Function: First version, 2017 Number: 5908286 Classification-JEL: Keywords: men, women, caregivers, communication difficulties, terminal patients, cancer Handle: RePEc:sek:iacpro:5908286 Template-Type: ReDIF-Paper 1.0 Author-Name: Tova Band-Winterstein Author-Name-First: Tova Author-Name-Last: Band-Winterstein Author-Email: twinters@research.haifa.ac.il Author-Workplace-Name: University of Haifa, Department of Gerontology Author-Name: Offer E. Edelstein Author-Name-First: Offer E. Author-Name-Last: Edelstein Author-Email: offere@bgu.ac.il Author-Workplace-Name: 2. Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, The Spitzer Department of Social Work Author-Name: Yaacov G. Bachner Author-Name-First: Yaacov G. Author-Name-Last: Bachner Author-Email: bachner@bgu.ac.il Author-Workplace-Name: Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Department of Public Health Title: Determinants of depressive symptomatology in caregivers of frail older-adults: The case of ultra-orthodox Jewish community Abstract: Depression is the most frequent negative health outcome among informal caregivers. The aims of the current study were (i) to assess the level of depression, (ii) to explore associations between care recipients' characteristics, caregivers' characteristics, situational factors and depression among Ultra-Orthodox Jewish (UOJ) caregivers. A total of 112 (44 men and 68 women) UOJ primary caregivers of frail older-adults were interviewed face-to-face in their homes, using valid and reliable measures. Participants reported a notable depressive symptomatology. Three variables emerged as significant predictors of caregiver depression: higher external control (chance), being a spouse, and lower levels of social support. External locus of control, being a spouse, and social support are highly important factors for explaining depression among UOJ caregivers. Resources should be allocated to target spousal caregivers with lower levels of social support and a greater sense of external locus of control in order to alleviate their depressive symptomatology. Length: 1 page Creation-Date: 2017-10 Publication-Status: Published in Proceedings of the Proceedings of the 34th International Academic Conference, Florence, Oct 2017, pages 16-16 File-URL: https://iises.net/proceedings/34th-international-academic-conference-florence/table-of-content/detail?cid=59&iid=008&rid=8104 File-Function: First version, 2017 Number: 5908104 Classification-JEL: Keywords: Minorities, Ultra-Orthodox Jews, depressive symptomatology , caregiving, older adults Handle: RePEc:sek:iacpro:5908104 Template-Type: ReDIF-Paper 1.0 Author-Name: Nicolene Barkhuizen Author-Name-First: Nicolene Author-Name-Last: Barkhuizen Author-Email: nicolene.barkhuizen@nwu.ac.za Author-Workplace-Name: North-West University Author-Name: Mokhethi Paulus Matobako Author-Name-First: Mokhethi Paulus Author-Name-Last: Matobako Author-Email: nbarkhuizen@gmail.com Author-Workplace-Name: Southern Business School Title: Leadership talent mindset as a predictor of the motivation and retention of junior correctional officials Abstract: The main objective of this research was to determine whether leadership talent mind-set is a predictor of the motivation and retention of junior correctional officials. A cross-sectional research design was followed with a Talent Retention Measure, Employee Motivation Survey and Employee Retention questionnaire distributed among a sample of junior correctional officials (N=219). The results revealed that all talent management practices are currently poorly applied in correctional services. The respondents showed relatively high levels of intrinsic motivation. The results showed that all talent management practices were significantly related to motivation. Motivation moderated the relationship between talent management and turnover intentions of the participants. Recommendations are made. Length: 17 pages Creation-Date: 2017-10 Publication-Status: Published in Proceedings of the Proceedings of the 34th International Academic Conference, Florence, Oct 2017, pages 17-33 File-URL: https://iises.net/proceedings/34th-international-academic-conference-florence/table-of-content/detail?cid=59&iid=009&rid=8281 File-Function: First version, 2017 Number: 5908281 Classification-JEL: J24 Keywords: Government, Junior Correctional Officials, Motivation, Talent Management, Retention Handle: RePEc:sek:iacpro:5908281 Template-Type: ReDIF-Paper 1.0 Author-Name: Abdellah Benahnia Author-Name-First: Abdellah Author-Name-Last: Benahnia Author-Email: abenahnia@kfmc.med.sa Author-Workplace-Name: King Fahad Medical City Title: Intercultural competence skills: A tool for argumentative violence reduction in healthcare facilities Abstract: Argumentative violence among co-workers in healthcare facilities is a serious matter that needs close attention at different levels. There are many causes that may lead to this phenomenon. However, there are many different tools that might be used as a remedy to reduce violence, or at least find suitable solutions to minimize it. One of these solutions is to find a remedy via training which must be geared towards enriching the employees' intercultural competence and cross-cultural understanding. Previous studies have shown that lack of exposure to other cultures leads to cross-cultural misunderstanding, at the same token, lack of Intercultural Competence (ICC) skills might lead to cultural clashes. The present research is an attempt to investigate the issue of violence within KFMC, and tries to shed light on the importance of incorporating ICC skills and cross-cultural awareness programs in training for the sake of the wellbeing of healthcare communities. Some of the main objectives of the study is to:1- Determine if KFMC staff are aware of Intercultural Competence skills;2- find out if there are any cross-cultural clashes among KFMC employees; and3- find out how various variables affect respondents? perceptions of ICC skills.The research seems to be a pioneer study that would enlighten other researchers and pave the way to them as well as to those who are responsible of the health sector and policy makers to embark on in-depth research regarding ICC in the Arab world. Length: 1 page Creation-Date: 2017-10 Publication-Status: Published in Proceedings of the Proceedings of the 34th International Academic Conference, Florence, Oct 2017, pages 34-34 File-URL: https://iises.net/proceedings/34th-international-academic-conference-florence/table-of-content/detail?cid=59&iid=010&rid=7993 File-Function: First version, 2017 Number: 5907993 Classification-JEL: Keywords: Intercultural Competence (ICC); Violence in healthcare; culture in healthcare Handle: RePEc:sek:iacpro:5907993 Template-Type: ReDIF-Paper 1.0 Author-Name: ANIL ÇAMYAMAÇ Author-Name-First: ANIL Author-Name-Last: ÇAMYAMAÇ Author-Email: acamyamac@yahoo.com Author-Workplace-Name: CYPRUS SCIENCE UNIVERSITY FACULTY OF LAW Title: A BRIEF ASSESSMENT ABOUT THE LEGAL STATUS OF VATICAN Abstract: For a long time in history, Papal State was one of the most powerful state in all over Europe with the Pope as a head of state. But, the situation had changed after it lost its territory to Italy, which, as a consequnce, developed the problem of the status of Vatican under the principles of international law. At the time it continued to act as if it was a state, and some states promoted the very idea. This complex situation somehow eased by the conclusion of 1929 Lateran Treaty with Italy, in which a small territory was given to it and recognized its sovereignty over it. But, the question of status, as it would appear, has remained stand-still. In this respect, some jurists in doctrine challenges the status of Vatican as a state and acknowledges it as a sui generis subject of international law, while some recognizes it as a state. Hence, in this brief assessment the question of the legal status of Vatican will be analyzed. Length: 1 page Creation-Date: 2017-10 Publication-Status: Published in Proceedings of the Proceedings of the 34th International Academic Conference, Florence, Oct 2017, pages 35-35 File-URL: https://iises.net/proceedings/34th-international-academic-conference-florence/table-of-content/detail?cid=59&iid=011&rid=8289 File-Function: First version, 2017 Number: 5908289 Classification-JEL: K33, F50 Keywords: Vatican, Holy See, Lateran Treaty (1929), Subjects of International Law, Papal State Handle: RePEc:sek:iacpro:5908289 Template-Type: ReDIF-Paper 1.0 Author-Name: Serra Çelik Author-Name-First: Serra Author-Name-Last: Çelik Author-Email: serracelik@gmail.com Author-Workplace-Name: ?stanbul University Informatics Department Title: An Assessment Method for Employees Performance Evaluation Using Cluster Analysis Abstract: Call Center industry has rapidly increased in number over the last ten to 15 years in the world. Nowadays call centers have become an important part of Customer Relationship Management (CRM). They are often the primary source of contact for customers. As a result, customer representatives are most important components of such call centers. The customer representatives first welcome the customers. The customers assume that the agents represent both the company and theirselves. Thus, the quality of the service by given the agents represent the company. In this context, the performance of the agents are extremely important for the company. Staffing costs account for over half of a call center?s total operations costs. Every call center has its own performance measurements that help internal managers to determine the level of success or failure of various agent activities. In this study, it is considered the criteria that the call centers consider in performance appraising of the customer representatives. The Cluster Analysis and Multidimensional Scaling techniques are used to classify the performance criteria. Clustering is the grouping of similar objects using data from the objects (Seber, G.A.F., 1984). This study is aimed to classify the customer representatives according to their similar performance characteristics using Cluster Analysis. The data used in analysis is taken from a inbound call center in Istanbul which belongs to 190 employees. This data contains number of calls, sales and churn rates. Firstly hierarchical clustering methods were used to decide the number of clusters. Five different performance levels (groups) were created and then were used Multidimensional Scaling. The basic result of multidimensional scaling is a spatial map. Similar results were obtained when two analysis results were compared. It is seen the best variables for evaluating the performance of employees are the number of calls and sales values. In the clustering analysis a clear clustering was occurred especially according to the number of calls. In multidimensional scaling outcomes, it is easier to observe customer representatives that differ from other performance criteria, such as sales, sales proposal and cancellation. The evaluation of employee performance is of great importance for both managers and employee motivation. A fair assessment can be made using Cluster Analysis for employee performance evaluation. Length: 1 page Creation-Date: 2017-10 Publication-Status: Published in Proceedings of the Proceedings of the 34th International Academic Conference, Florence, Oct 2017, pages 36-36 File-URL: https://iises.net/proceedings/34th-international-academic-conference-florence/table-of-content/detail?cid=59&iid=012&rid=8119 File-Function: First version, 2017 Number: 5908119 Classification-JEL: C38, M50 Keywords: Performance Evaluation, CRM, Cluster Analysis, Multidimensional Scaling, Call Center Handle: RePEc:sek:iacpro:5908119 Template-Type: ReDIF-Paper 1.0 Author-Name: Annah Chiloane Author-Name-First: Annah Author-Name-Last: Chiloane Author-Email: nbarkhuizen@gmail.com Author-Workplace-Name: Southern Business School Author-Name: Nicolene Barkhuizen Author-Name-First: Nicolene Author-Name-Last: Barkhuizen Author-Email: nicolene.barkhuizen@nwu.ac.za Author-Workplace-Name: GIFT Research Niche Area North-West University Title: Exploring the relationship between talent management and service delivery in a selected government institution Abstract: The main objective of this research was to determine the relationship between talent management and service quality of police officials. A Talent Management Measure and adapted version of the SERVQUAL were administered among police officials (N=140). The results showed that more than half of the respondents were in agreement that talent retention practices need substantial improvement. The results further showed inadequate compensation, a lack of strategic talent management policies and talent development practices. About two-thirds of the participants were in agreement that performance management systems and talent attraction practices are somewhat adequate. The results showed a significant relationship between strategic talent management, performance management, talent retention, talent attraction, compensation and rewards, talent development and the assurance and reliability dimensions of service quality. Recommendations are made. Length: 19 pages Creation-Date: 2017-10 Publication-Status: Published in Proceedings of the Proceedings of the 34th International Academic Conference, Florence, Oct 2017, pages 37-55 File-URL: https://iises.net/proceedings/34th-international-academic-conference-florence/table-of-content/detail?cid=59&iid=013&rid=8284 File-Function: First version, 2017 Number: 5908284 Classification-JEL: J24 Keywords: Police Officials, Talent Attraction, Talent Management, Talent Retention, Service Delivery Handle: RePEc:sek:iacpro:5908284 Template-Type: ReDIF-Paper 1.0 Author-Name: Irena Chiru Author-Name-First: Irena Author-Name-Last: Chiru Author-Email: iyrenachiru@gmail.com Author-Workplace-Name: National Intelligence Academy Author-Name: Cristina Ivan Author-Name-First: Cristina Author-Name-Last: Ivan Author-Email: cristina.ivan@animv.ro Author-Workplace-Name: National Intelligence Academy Title: Innovating trainign practices in risk society. Assessing hybrid threats with multicultural (con)texts Abstract: Today?s risk society renders an acute sense that there exists a whole new range of tools of power advanced in the online environment that hybridize both understanding and behavior of the political actors. Therefore, one feels the need to develop an understanding of how such instruments operate, generate threats and destabilize the social fabric of democratic societies. The current paper advances in this context an experimental methodology for training aimed at facilitating the acquisition of skills required in the assessment of hybrid threats. Starting from the premise that (inter)active and experimental learning need to be regarded as fundamentals of successful training, the paper presents the philosophy and the practice of the exercise designed to serve as an interactive training tool for the participants in the Security in the Black Sea Region. Shared Challenges, Sustainable Future? Program. Entitled The new power kit. Policies of attraction, subversion and projection in the Black Sea Region, the exercise embraces the need to bring together practitioners, policymakers and stakeholders from a large variety of national backgrounds being therefore designed for multicultural formats and multi-purpose teams. Its potential for replication has been tested with great success in different formats and professional backgrounds, therefore we assess that with the current methodology it can be tailored and applied not only in the Black Sea context but regardless of the region/country of interest and socio-economic conditions that the trainer might like to apply. Length: 1 page Creation-Date: 2017-10 Publication-Status: Published in Proceedings of the Proceedings of the 34th International Academic Conference, Florence, Oct 2017, pages 56-56 File-URL: https://iises.net/proceedings/34th-international-academic-conference-florence/table-of-content/detail?cid=59&iid=014&rid=8243 File-Function: First version, 2017 Number: 5908243 Classification-JEL: I23, H70 Keywords: innovative training for risk assessment, gaming in education, fusing context-driven knowledge acquisition Handle: RePEc:sek:iacpro:5908243 Template-Type: ReDIF-Paper 1.0 Author-Name: Rodolfo Delgado Author-Name-First: Rodolfo Author-Name-Last: Delgado Author-Email: rodolfodelgador@gmail.com Author-Workplace-Name: Tokai University Title: Teaching Intercultural Communication Competence to Arabian Students Abstract: This paper aims to provide task-based activities for teaching intercultural communication to students of the Arabic world. Students from Saudi Arabia, United Emigrates Arabs, and Qatar were among the students that participated in the business writing, and discussions on intercultural communication courses. Based on Islamic religious believes, people think of religion before doing businesses nationally and internationally.?Islam is often perceived to be an impediment to business, with the economies of most Muslim states underdeveloped and only five out of the FT Global 500 leading companies by market capitalization based in the Islamic world. Legal uncertainties arising at the interface of traditional Islamic shariah jurisprudence and Western contract law deter foreign direct investment in predominately Muslim states (Ballantyne, 1997). Islamist political movements are usually viewed negatively by business, as they are perceived to be a threat to security and stability, and add to country risk? (Wilson, 2006). Task-based activities for intercultural communication will be discusses to improve their competence doing business nationally and internationally. Problem solving, critical thinking, role playing, group discussion, and debate are some of the learning strategies that will be discussed to examine the effectiveness in improving Arabian university students? language proficiency and the effectiveness of class management in a Japanese private university. Teachers and professors are constantly looking for strategies, techniques, and practices to better the learning environment. Providing the right balance of theory and practice can fully engage students to improve their performance in classroom. Examples of the learning skills shared with students will be discussed. Task-based activities represent important keys for developing intercultural communication competence and improving second language acquisition for courses like business writing, interactive English, and discussions on intercultural communication. Students had access to professionals? analytical skills to understand the behavior, attitudes, body language, and know-how of western cultures compared to Arabian cultures. Length: 1 page Creation-Date: 2017-10 Publication-Status: Published in Proceedings of the Proceedings of the 34th International Academic Conference, Florence, Oct 2017, pages 57-57 File-URL: https://iises.net/proceedings/34th-international-academic-conference-florence/table-of-content/detail?cid=59&iid=015&rid=8308 File-Function: First version, 2017 Number: 5908308 Classification-JEL: A00 Keywords: Teaching, learning, strategies, techniques, tasks, business, English, Intercultural, Communication Handle: RePEc:sek:iacpro:5908308 Template-Type: ReDIF-Paper 1.0 Author-Name: Innocents EDOUN Author-Name-First: Innocents Author-Name-Last: EDOUN Author-Email: edounei@tut.ac.za Author-Workplace-Name: Tshwane University of Technology Author-Name: Hews KGaphola Author-Name-First: Hews Author-Name-Last: KGaphola Author-Email: edounsen@hotmail.com Author-Workplace-Name: TUT Business School Title: The Effect of International Trade on emerging economies: The case of India Abstract: Past and current studies indicate that, India is one of the fastest growing and most attractive economies in the world and has emerged as a desirable destination for Foreign Investment. Since 1991 India has been operating under strict policies which restricted the economy from an International trade, this drove more protectionism than open market trade. Indian government since 1991 introduced economic reform measures, to stimulate the economy. These reform measures in fiscal, reduction on the level of tariffs based on a large number of imports, exchange rate, the use of the exchange rate as the instrument for export promotion and trade policies. However, the reforms that were implemented in the Indian were not very different from the reforms undertaken by developing countries, the only alteration would be the swiftness with which they are implemented. India has one of the advantages which is the stability of its political climate. The current government and party that is in power have held the political landscape in place under control and this is providing the investor-friendly environment. India has gained influence within the global economy, this is demonstrated by India position in the international institutions like (G-8, G-20) and the free trade arrears with ASEAN, EU. This is also reflected by the by India's willingness to adopt international best practices in the production of the range of goods and services. India has attracted U$195bn in FDI over the past 5 years. ?India?s GDP for 2013, valued at US$ 1.9 trillion at current prices is the 10th largest in the world". The Indian government has a target of 8 per cent during the current Five Year Plan (2012-2017), for their economic growth, this is based on the demonstrated ability to sustain national economic growth.?This paper will elaborate more on the rationale to explore trade in India. Economic theory and empirical evidence have clearly established the links between Trade, Productivity, and Economic growth. Countries that have large internal markets have also benefited by integrating themselves into the world economy, and thus opening up their economies like South Africa and India as one of the BRICS countries. India is projected to be the fastest-growing economy in the world over the next several decades. Trading with different countries respectively has made India what it is regarded as trading hub of today after China in the BRICS Countries. Length: 7 pages Creation-Date: 2017-10 Publication-Status: Published in Proceedings of the Proceedings of the 34th International Academic Conference, Florence, Oct 2017, pages 58-64 File-URL: https://iises.net/proceedings/34th-international-academic-conference-florence/table-of-content/detail?cid=59&iid=016&rid=7962 File-Function: First version, 2017 Number: 5907962 Classification-JEL: F30, A10, F10 Keywords: India, foreign Investment, economic growth, economic theory, trade Handle: RePEc:sek:iacpro:5907962 Template-Type: ReDIF-Paper 1.0 Author-Name: Zvi M. Ganor Author-Name-First: Zvi M. Author-Name-Last: Ganor Author-Email: zviganor@bezeqint.net Author-Workplace-Name: West Galilee Academic College School of Management Title: THE EXPERIENCE?PROFIT CHAIN Customer Experience Role in Marketing Strategy Abstract: In the last 15 years 'customer experience' has raised the attention of researchers in the fields of 'marketing strategy', 'consumer behavior' and 'retail management'. The issues of 'experience', the 'game' and the 'search for pleasure and excitement' are not new . Theoretical Framework - "the experience- profit chain"The cause-to-effect link: Customer evaluation of lived experience ),hedonistic and utilitarian) , creates a highest 'customer value judgement' that breeds a remarquable 'Customer Loyalty' , and 'customer life-time value' & equity that breeds profit. This model was widely discussed by Pine & Gilmore- (The Experience Economy 1999). Pine & Gillmore argue about improving Customer Value to raise loyalty, competitiveness & profitability , businesses must orchestrate memorable events for their customers. In order to contributes to a competitive added-value edge.This value chain was previously introduced by the pioneering study of Heskett, Sasser & Schlesinger (1997) and later approved by James L. Heskett, Earl Sasser? Joe Wheeler research (The Service Profit Chain 2008) We also referred to the Holbrook M. model of customer experience framework :"Hedonistic & Utilitarian values mix (Customer Value,Framework for Analysis & Research).Previous researches like Reichheld, (The Loyalty Effect 2001), provide us with an excellent study guidance to link loyalty and profit. Research objectivesOur research was conducted on a sampling of 1650 young users aged 18 to 24 years in Israel during 2014-16.Our study was performed on three levels of field research:Level A ( quantitative )Examined the relationship between the shopping experience mix which is critical to create the highest satisfaction level among young customers , and their future purchase intention & habits.Level B (quantitative)Examines the relationship between customers satisfaction level , their Brand loyalty intentions , and 'Customer life time value' .Level C ( qualitative )Was conducted on 35 stores located in 4 malls where the quantitative research was performed.Outcome & RecommendationsCombining the five factors of customer experience in the marketing strategy (security, enjoyment, value, convenience, and evaluation)of the business can significantly improve:- The attractiveness of the purchase store.- The extension of customers' in store time spending The customer loyalty & 'life-time-value' breed the increase of income and profit phase, This 1 year, Level C' research is conducted on 35 stores. It started in January 2015. Our primary exploratory qualitative research confirm our assumptions of clear experience profit linkage. Length: 2 pages Creation-Date: 2017-10 Publication-Status: Published in Proceedings of the Proceedings of the 34th International Academic Conference, Florence, Oct 2017, pages 65-66 File-URL: https://iises.net/proceedings/34th-international-academic-conference-florence/table-of-content/detail?cid=59&iid=017&rid=7970 File-Function: First version, 2017 Number: 5907970 Classification-JEL: Keywords: CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE; CUSTOMER SATISFACTION; CUSTOMER LOYALTY; CORPORATE PROFIT; EXPERIENCE-PROFIT CHAIN Handle: RePEc:sek:iacpro:5907970 Template-Type: ReDIF-Paper 1.0 Author-Name: Maureen Gibney Author-Name-First: Maureen Author-Name-Last: Gibney Author-Email: DrMaureenGibney@aol.com Author-Workplace-Name: Drexel University Title: A Brief History of the Care of Those with Mental Disorders and Developmental Disabilities in the United States Abstract: Over the course of more than 250 years in the United States, approaches to the treatment of those with severe mental disorders and developmental disabilities have undergone significant changes. These shifts have sometimes been driven by public will, sometimes by financial constraints, and sometimes by legal interventions; occasionally the changes have reflected clinically sound considerations. In brief overview this paper will examine the evolution of the role of asylums, the reliance on and eventual turning away from long-stay institutions as key custodial and treatment facilities, and the benefits and failures of deinstitutionalization. The documentation of abuses in many institutions, the reallocation of resources through cost shifting, and the transfer of sometimes vulnerable persons to community settings will be discussed. The impact of legislation and judicial rulings, scientific advances in the understanding of mental and developmental disorders, and the current funding uncertainties facing those with chronic conditions will be explored. Finally, examining the development of the patients? rights and recovery movements, the strategic focus on advocacy and anti-stigma campaigns, and the building of alliances in the context of inclusion will highlight the centrality of the persons affected by the many legal, economic, medical, educational, and quality of life concerns to be discussed. Length: 1 page Creation-Date: 2017-10 Publication-Status: Published in Proceedings of the Proceedings of the 34th International Academic Conference, Florence, Oct 2017, pages 67-67 File-URL: https://iises.net/proceedings/34th-international-academic-conference-florence/table-of-content/detail?cid=59&iid=018&rid=7650 File-Function: First version, 2017 Number: 5907650 Classification-JEL: I19 Keywords: Mental health, mental disorders, developmental disabilities, asylums, deinstitutionalization, community care Handle: RePEc:sek:iacpro:5907650 Template-Type: ReDIF-Paper 1.0 Author-Name: Velinka Grozdani? Author-Name-First: Velinka Author-Name-Last: Grozdani? Author-Email: velinka@pravri.hr Author-Workplace-Name: Faculty of Law University of Rijeka Author-Name: Marissabell ?kori? Author-Name-First: Marissabell Author-Name-Last: ?kori? Author-Email: skoric@pravri.hr Author-Workplace-Name: Faculty of Law University of Rijeka Author-Name: Dalida Rittossa Author-Name-First: Dalida Author-Name-Last: Rittossa Author-Email: dalida@pravri.hr Author-Workplace-Name: Faculty of Law University of Rijeka Title: Mental health legislation in Croatia: past, current state and future challenges Abstract: For the first time in Croatia the mental health legislation was enacted in 1997. Before the enactment of the Law/97 legal regulations concerning the legal status and compulsory detention of persons with mental difficulties were partial, inadequate, outdated and in most cases not applied in practice. Unfortunately, the first Croatian stand-alone law for mental health didn?t resolve all the problems. Experience with the Law/97 shows that the mere existence of mental health legislation does not necessarily guarantee the protection of the human rights of people with mental disorders. In the meantime high standards for protection of people with mental disabilities have already been accepted in numerous European and international documents. The 2006 UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities has played a leading role in setting the new standards. Developments in the area of protection of people with mental health problems and specially the entry into force of the Convention in May 2008 triggered legislative reforms in many states including Croatia. The new Law on Protection of Persons with Mental Difficulties was enacted in June 2014 and entered into force in January 2015. The main aim of the legislator has been to put forward legal solutions to improve a current legal position of persons suffering from mental disorders. One of the most important amendments is related to models of placement into psychiatric institution. An agent for healthcare decisions is a new institute introduced into Croatian legal system to directly and substantially enhance protection of persons with mental health problems. Another important improvement introduced in the Law concerns outpatient treatment of mentally incompetent persons who committed an unlawful act. Making laws is the first step in protecting the rights of people with mental disorders, but after that it is necessary to organize educational lectures and workshops to prepare mental health professionals, lawyers as well as psychiatrists for implementation of the new Law. The NGO activists were included in educational programs and organisation of a campaign to promote the new human rights package of standards for people with mental disorders. A development of international standards and application of the Law/14 have been closely monitored and evaluated under the research activities within the Croatian Science Foundation project. Education, close cooperation of practitioners from different fields and opened discussions have been recognised as an important tool for promotion the rights of people with mental health problems increasing their empowerment in society. Length: 1 page Creation-Date: 2017-10 Publication-Status: Published in Proceedings of the Proceedings of the 34th International Academic Conference, Florence, Oct 2017, pages 68-68 File-URL: https://iises.net/proceedings/34th-international-academic-conference-florence/table-of-content/detail?cid=59&iid=019&rid=8169 File-Function: First version, 2017 Number: 5908169 Classification-JEL: Keywords: mental health legislation, persons with mental difficulties, international standards, Croatia Handle: RePEc:sek:iacpro:5908169 Template-Type: ReDIF-Paper 1.0 Author-Name: Atulan Guha Author-Name-First: Atulan Author-Name-Last: Guha Author-Email: atulanguha@yahoo.com Author-Workplace-Name: Indian Institute of Management Kashipur Title: Role of Foreign Exchange Reserve in Exchange Rate Behaviour The Persisting Asymmetry: A Historical Account Abstract: Foreign exchange and monetary gold reserve is a very important factor to determine nominal exchange rate for the countries whose currency has very little use as reserve currency. Whereas, for the reserve currency countries it is not so important ?it is primarily because of their greater money pulling power internationally through rate of interest change. They have this power because their currencies are having greater use as international money. Though the international monetary systems have changed from fixed exchange rate of Gold Standard period to independent float or managed float exchange rate systems of today?s world, this asymmetry between the reserve currency countries and the other countries has not change. Though, ideally under flexible exchange rate system, the importance of foreign exchange reserve in determining nominal exchange rate should be very little. This paper takes an historical review of all the International Monetary System to establish the importance of foreign exchange reserve in determining exchange rate for developing countries; but it is not be the case with the reserve currency countries. Length: 15 pages Creation-Date: 2017-10 Publication-Status: Published in Proceedings of the Proceedings of the 34th International Academic Conference, Florence, Oct 2017, pages 69-83 File-URL: https://iises.net/proceedings/34th-international-academic-conference-florence/table-of-content/detail?cid=59&iid=020&rid=8272 File-Function: First version, 2017 Number: 5908272 Classification-JEL: F31, F33, F41 Keywords: Exchange Rate, Foreign Exchange Reserve, fixed exchange rate, flexible exchange rate Handle: RePEc:sek:iacpro:5908272 Template-Type: ReDIF-Paper 1.0 Author-Name: Krzysztof Hryszko Author-Name-First: Krzysztof Author-Name-Last: Hryszko Author-Email: hryszko@ierigz.waw.pl Author-Workplace-Name: The Institute of Agricultural and Food Economics ? National Research Institute Author-Name: Piotr Szajner Author-Name-First: Piotr Author-Name-Last: Szajner Author-Email: szajner@ierigz.waw.pl Author-Workplace-Name: The Institute of Agricultural and Food Economics ? National Research Institute Title: Polish Sugar Sector After Abolishing Sugar Production Quotas Abstract: The sugar market was one of the most regulated markets in the agri-food sector in the EU, The basis of said regulation was an administrative restriction of supply (production quotas), protectionist foreign trade policies, a minimum procurement price for sugar beet and the reference price of sugar. The sugar sector in Poland has a long tradition and is of great economic social and environmental significance, as well as an important element of the food security policy. Sugar beets are characterized by the greatest productivity per area unit, and by-products are used as fodder or for energy production purposes. The sugar industry is a strategic part of the food economy. Sugar remains the main sweetener, despite the development of the starch syrup and low-calorific sweetener markets. The social importance of the sector results from the fact that sugar beet production remains the source of income for planters, and the sugar industry and numerous service providers create both national income and jobs. Sugar beet cultivations are a crucial element of the sustainable development of agriculture as they increase biodiversity and maintain agricultural land in good condition.Abolishing production quotas will result in big changes in the sugar sector, which in turn will have multiple economic, social and environmental effects. Accounting for international conditions, including competition from cane sugar and obligations resulting from trade contracts, it is assessed that the sugar balance may undergo significant changes. Under the changing external conditions, the foreign trade policies and international economic relations will have a very significant impact on the situation of the domestic sugar sector. Situational development in the sugar sector should include two basic elements: changes in the EU market after the market regulations reform and changes in the economic situation on the international market, and foreign trade conditions. The significant economic social and environmental importance indicates that future policy with regards to the sector should include solutions which will allow to maintain sugar beet cultivation and sugar production at least in the most effective and competitive regions of the country. Length: 23 pages Creation-Date: 2017-10 Publication-Status: Published in Proceedings of the Proceedings of the 34th International Academic Conference, Florence, Oct 2017, pages 84-106 File-URL: https://iises.net/proceedings/34th-international-academic-conference-florence/table-of-content/detail?cid=59&iid=021&rid=8180 File-Function: First version, 2017 Number: 5908180 Classification-JEL: D20, D40, C10 Keywords: sugar beets, sugar, sugar sector, market, market regulations, competition Handle: RePEc:sek:iacpro:5908180 Template-Type: ReDIF-Paper 1.0 Author-Name: Ansuk Jeong Author-Name-First: Ansuk Author-Name-Last: Jeong Author-Email: granble@gmail.com Author-Workplace-Name: University of Utah Asia Campus Title: Teaching Behavioral Economics in Psychology Abstract: Our contemporary local and global communities face various forms of social issues. As a community psychologist, the author teaches college students in South Korea about the importance of context that shapes people's behaviors, under the title of Behavioral Economics in Our Community. In this presentation, the author wants to share what she learned from the students when they tried to apply the Behavioral Economics principles in the real communities. Students were required to identify one social issue per each to challenge in their communities and to propose an intervention program that nudges people to the desired direction. By paying attention to the social issues that need to be tackled to improve the individual and community well-being, students reflected on the Community Psychology principles. At the same time, by developing a feasible intervention program that borrows the Behavioral Economics principles, students learned how to make real changes in people?s behaviors. Specific examples of the students? successful projects will be shared in the presentation, including holding door for others, Korean spelling-check application for smartphones, and clean dumping of toilette paper. More importantly, the focus will be made on the process of each project as the students were also required to make a real contact with the person in charge, the person who can make decisions, the person who can influence the implementation of the project. In the presentation, therefore, the audience will learn about the contemporary South Korean socio-cultural environment as the context of Behavioral Economics application. Length: 1 page Creation-Date: 2017-10 Publication-Status: Published in Proceedings of the Proceedings of the 34th International Academic Conference, Florence, Oct 2017, pages 107-107 File-URL: https://iises.net/proceedings/34th-international-academic-conference-florence/table-of-content/detail?cid=59&iid=022&rid=8099 File-Function: First version, 2017 Number: 5908099 Classification-JEL: Keywords: Behavioral Economics, Community Psychology, Community Project, Social Issues. Handle: RePEc:sek:iacpro:5908099 Template-Type: ReDIF-Paper 1.0 Author-Name: Darunee Jumpatong Author-Name-First: Darunee Author-Name-Last: Jumpatong Author-Email: djumpatong@hotmail.com Author-Workplace-Name: Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University Title: The State of Instructional Management of Teachers in the Social Studies Based on the National Standard-based Curriculum, Thailand Abstract: This study aimed to investigate the current state of social studies instructional management of teachers based on the current standard-based National Basic Education Curriculum B.E. 2551 of Thailand, including its obstacles and limitations, and the proposal for further development. It was a mixed-method research: quantitative method consisted of 150 participants obtained by systematic random sampling. They were educational supervisors and teachers teaching in the Social Studies, Religion and Culture Learning Area in public schools. Statistics for data analysis were the percentage, mean, and standard deviation. In the qualitative part, the key informants were 18 social studies teachers and educational supervisors purposively selected for in-depth interviews. The research findings were as follows: (1) the current practice of teachers regarding social studies instructional management was not in accordance with the underlying concepts and expectation as prescribed in the national core curriculum, even though social studies teachers and educational supervisors had high level of comprehension in it. The teachers tended to organize their social studies lesson plans based on guidelines in textbooks published by private publishers rather than compile them based on the curriculum itself; the prevalent method of instruction was the lecturing method while integrated teaching was rarely practiced; also, evaluation of learning outcomes tended to focus on knowledge rather than on thinking skills and performance; (2) the teachers and educational supervisors agreed at the high level with the principles of standard-based curriculum which had been responsive to the present information-based society rather than the former content-based curriculum prescribed by the Ministry of Education as in the past; thus, they were highly satisfied with the national core curriculum in the Social Studies, Religion and Culture Learning Area; (3) the main obstacles and limitations in social studies instructional management were those concerning the curriculum itself, curriculum implementation, roles of educational supervisors and school principals, all of which contributed to the weakening of the school academic system and the relatively poor student achievements; and (4) regarding the guidelines for further development of social studies instruction management, the following points were addressed: (4.1) the schools should seriously and continuously develop the teachers and support them on their teaching performance; and (4.2) the curriculum itself should be reviewed for further development including the continued emphasis on the enhancement of standard-based curriculum, and the reduction of some overlapping contents within and among the learning areas. Length: 1 page Creation-Date: 2017-10 Publication-Status: Published in Proceedings of the Proceedings of the 34th International Academic Conference, Florence, Oct 2017, pages 108-108 File-URL: https://iises.net/proceedings/34th-international-academic-conference-florence/table-of-content/detail?cid=59&iid=023&rid=7767 File-Function: First version, 2017 Number: 5907767 Classification-JEL: I29 Keywords: Instructional management / Social studies, Religion and Culture / National Basic Basic Education Curriculum, B.E. 2551 Handle: RePEc:sek:iacpro:5907767 Template-Type: ReDIF-Paper 1.0 Author-Name: Louise Kaktins Author-Name-First: Louise Author-Name-Last: Kaktins Author-Email: luize@bigpond.com Author-Workplace-Name: Macquarie University Title: International students? transition from pathway program to mainstream university: Insights and challenges Abstract: This paper is one facet of a larger research project focusing on a case study of an Australian pathway program and involving both student and teacher respondents. The first exposure to higher education (HE) is a particularly vulnerable time for many international students as they cope with challenges on multiple fronts, including their acculturation into a new academic environment. Despite prolific literature on international postgraduate students, it is this formative undergraduate stage of their academic development that has been least studied, especially within the context of a pathway program. Based on focus groups of international students who have successfully completed such a program and are now undertaking a mainstream university degree program, some comparisons are between these two educational frameworks, especially in relation to how successfully this transition is made. Key concerns raised by the students include the mismatch between the pedagogical approach operating within the pathway program and that at mainstream university, the latter proving much more challenging and demanding, and the perennial difficulties with English language proficiency at an academic level, especially the impact on students? assignments. Implications and recommendations are discussed. Length: 11 pages Creation-Date: 2017-10 Publication-Status: Published in Proceedings of the Proceedings of the 34th International Academic Conference, Florence, Oct 2017, pages 109-119 File-URL: https://iises.net/proceedings/34th-international-academic-conference-florence/table-of-content/detail?cid=59&iid=024&rid=8271 File-Function: First version, 2017 Number: 5908271 Classification-JEL: I29 Keywords: international students, pathway programs, higher education, international education, group work, transition to university, Australia Handle: RePEc:sek:iacpro:5908271 Template-Type: ReDIF-Paper 1.0 Author-Name: Tipaporn Kanjanarach Author-Name-First: Tipaporn Author-Name-Last: Kanjanarach Author-Email: otipkan@kku.ac.th Author-Workplace-Name: Khon Kaen University Author-Name: Nantawan Panpech Author-Name-First: Nantawan Author-Name-Last: Panpech Author-Email: nantawan4097788@gmail.com Author-Workplace-Name: Khon Kaen University Author-Name: Panaya Chouwajareon Author-Name-First: Panaya Author-Name-Last: Chouwajareon Author-Email: runpitz85@gmail.com Author-Workplace-Name: Khon Kaen University Author-Name: Thanaporn Wisetgeaw Author-Name-First: Thanaporn Author-Name-Last: Wisetgeaw Author-Email: Thanapornwsg@gmail.com Author-Workplace-Name: Khon Kaen University Title: A SCOPING STUDY OF RESEARCH INTO THAI MEDICINAL PLANTS AND THAI TRADITIONAL DRUGS Abstract: Introduction: Thailand established a policy to promote the use of traditional medical knowledge in the country?s health care system in1977. Research into the safety and efficacy of Thai medicinal plants and Thai traditional drugs was a key strategy. Objective: This scoping review aimed to analyze the types of research articles specific to Thai medicinal plants and Thai traditional drugs. Methods: Research articles were extracted from three data bases: PubMed, Thai-journal citation index centre (TCI) and Thai Thesis Database. The keyword ?Thai traditional*? was used to capture all possible articles. Three reviewers independently screened the search results to exclude the articles published in languages other than Thai or English, or references to other Thai traditional medical practice. Results: Of 1830 articles possibly related to Thai traditional drugs, 408 were finally included for the review. A majority of the articles were about individual Thai herbs. Only 46 (11.3%) were about Thai traditional formulations. Seventy seven articles (18.9%) were on herbs or Thai traditional formulations listed in the national essential drug list. Most of the research reports were in vitro phase (324 articles, 79.4 %) followed by in vivo phase (61 articles, 15.0%), clinical phase I to phase III (10 articles, 2.45%), biological activity (10 articles, 2.45%) and post-marketing studies (3 articles, 0.7%). An increasing trend of the number of publications started to be noticed after 2003. During 2012-2016, the average number of publications per year was 35. Conclusion: The findings suggested that evidence to support the use of Thai medicinal plants and Thai traditional drugs is still lacking. Thailand should review the country?s strategies to support research into Thai medicinal plants and Thai traditional drugs. Length: 1 page Creation-Date: 2017-10 Publication-Status: Published in Proceedings of the Proceedings of the 34th International Academic Conference, Florence, Oct 2017, pages 120-120 File-URL: https://iises.net/proceedings/34th-international-academic-conference-florence/table-of-content/detail?cid=59&iid=025&rid=8256 File-Function: First version, 2017 Number: 5908256 Classification-JEL: I18 Keywords: natural product; herb; traditional medicine; health care policy; Thai Handle: RePEc:sek:iacpro:5908256 Template-Type: ReDIF-Paper 1.0 Author-Name: Kara Kavanagh Author-Name-First: Kara Author-Name-Last: Kavanagh Author-Email: kavanakm@jmu.edu Author-Workplace-Name: James Madison University Author-Name: Holly McCartney Author-Name-First: Holly Author-Name-Last: McCartney Author-Email: mccarthb@jmu.edu Author-Workplace-Name: James Madison University Title: Integrating Community, Creativity, and Literacy to Support Refugees Transitioning to Our Schools and Community Abstract: In summer of 2016, members of the Harrisonburg,VA (USA) refugee community, Harrisonburg City Schools, James Madison University?s Department of Early, Elementary, and Reading Education, and Church World Service Refugee Resettlement Agency, implemented a three week summer program for refugee children and parents that integrated literacy, creativity, and community-based field trips. College pre-service teachers earned 6 graduate credits for organizing, implementing, and facilitating integrated lessons, morning meetings, rituals, and routines to help ease the transition of newly arrived children ages 4-9 into our community and schools. This presentation will provide an overview of how this program started and illuminate the challenges and opportunities of sustaining a partnership between universities, local schools, community agencies, and leaders in the refugee community who wish to support and advocate for refugees in their community. Findings from our empirical investigation into the pilot CARE (Creativity and Reading Education) program will be discussed. Initial findings from the second implementation of this program (Summer 2017) will also be shared. Length: 1 page Creation-Date: 2017-10 Publication-Status: Published in Proceedings of the Proceedings of the 34th International Academic Conference, Florence, Oct 2017, pages 121-121 File-URL: https://iises.net/proceedings/34th-international-academic-conference-florence/table-of-content/detail?cid=59&iid=026&rid=7878 File-Function: First version, 2017 Number: 5907878 Classification-JEL: Keywords: refugee education, integrated teaching, parental engagement, community-based teaching, literacy, creativity Handle: RePEc:sek:iacpro:5907878 Template-Type: ReDIF-Paper 1.0 Author-Name: MARLIN KILLEN Author-Name-First: MARLIN Author-Name-Last: KILLEN Author-Email: mk75@drexel.edu Author-Workplace-Name: DREXEL UNIVERSITY Title: THE IMPACT OF AUTHENTIC ASSESSMENT ON ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE, HIGHER ORDER THINKING, AND PERCEPTIONS OF AUTHENTICITY IN ONLINE UNDERGRADUATE PSYCHOLOGY COURSES Abstract: Authentic pedagogy is a broad term that describes an active learning perspective with a focus on the construction of meaning and intellectual quality in the learning process. Although most of the work associated with authentic pedagogical approaches have been done in conjunction with elementary and secondary school reform, there is little research on the use of authentic pedagogical models of instruction in higher education, and even less research on models of authentic assessment. This presentation will report on a study which examined the effect of authentic assessment on measures of academic performance, higher order thinking, and perceptions of authenticity in online undergraduate psychology courses. The presentation will discuss issues related to implementation of authentic assessment approaches in online course delivery and impact of this pedagogical model on learning outcomes in higher education. Length: 1 page Creation-Date: 2017-10 Publication-Status: Published in Proceedings of the Proceedings of the 34th International Academic Conference, Florence, Oct 2017, pages 122-122 File-URL: https://iises.net/proceedings/34th-international-academic-conference-florence/table-of-content/detail?cid=59&iid=027&rid=8016 File-Function: First version, 2017 Number: 5908016 Classification-JEL: I20, I29 Keywords: Authentic Assessment, Higher Education, Online Handle: RePEc:sek:iacpro:5908016 Template-Type: ReDIF-Paper 1.0 Author-Name: MARLIN KILLEN Author-Name-First: MARLIN Author-Name-Last: KILLEN Author-Email: mk75@drexel.edu Author-Workplace-Name: DREXEL UNIVERSITY Title: IMPACT OF AN INNOVATIVE MODEL FOR DEVELOPING STANDARDS FOR ONLINE COURSES IN HIGHER EDUCATION Abstract: Online education has become an important part of the landscape of higher education. Indeed, approximately 80% of colleges and universities offer online courses as part of their standard schedule of courses. As online course offerings have become commonplace, accrediting agencies have come to include examination of institutional criteria for setting standards and measuring the quality of those offerings as part of routine site evaluations. Concerns about which standards should be used and how to meet the scrutiny of accreditation agencies have prompted institutions to explore options for pre-formatted checklists of online course quality.Despite a broad range of possible products and services, many institutions are challenged to find instruments that both meet the critical need of establishing guidelines for online course design, and allow sufficient adaptability to meet unique institutional and programmatic needs and characteristics. In addition, rigid, standardized instruments have prompted faculty to question whether the instruments exert too much influence, restrain their academic freedom, and restrict their choices for methods of instruction. This presentation will report on an innovative model utilized at one institution to address the challenges of creating its own standards for online course design quality and the outcomes of that effort. Length: 1 page Creation-Date: 2017-10 Publication-Status: Published in Proceedings of the Proceedings of the 34th International Academic Conference, Florence, Oct 2017, pages 123-123 File-URL: https://iises.net/proceedings/34th-international-academic-conference-florence/table-of-content/detail?cid=59&iid=028&rid=8017 File-Function: First version, 2017 Number: 5908017 Classification-JEL: I23, I29 Keywords: Innovation, Online, Education Handle: RePEc:sek:iacpro:5908017 Template-Type: ReDIF-Paper 1.0 Author-Name: Alireza Koohkan Author-Name-First: Alireza Author-Name-Last: Koohkan Author-Email: koohkan2001@gmail.com Author-Workplace-Name: Allameh Tabataba?I University Title: Immigration: a multi-disciplinary problem in Europe Abstract: It's a long time for Europe to treat immigration. In recent years, especially after the Libyan and Syrian crisis, the rate of legal and illegal immigrants to Europe has increased dramatically. Since then, the issue of immigration has become one of interest of public opinion. At the outset, the economic aspect, and then the security aspect of immigration had discussed and challenged many European governments that even showed up in national elections. The human rights and cultural challenges also make the crisis more complicated.The main question of this article is what aspects have the issue of immigration in Europe? The main hypothesis is that migration is an interdisciplinary phenomenon that should be considered in terms of economic, security, cultural, political and social aspects. In order to examine this hypothesis, following the study of phenomenon of immigration, different dimensions of immigration to Europe between 2013 and 2017, Contains: economic, security, cultural, political and social aspects are studied. And then the result of the discussion is written. The research method was descriptive-analytic. Length: 10 pages Creation-Date: 2017-10 Publication-Status: Published in Proceedings of the Proceedings of the 34th International Academic Conference, Florence, Oct 2017, pages 124-133 File-URL: https://iises.net/proceedings/34th-international-academic-conference-florence/table-of-content/detail?cid=59&iid=029&rid=8177 File-Function: First version, 2017 Number: 5908177 Classification-JEL: Keywords: Immigration, Europe, Security, Economics, Multi-Disciplinary Handle: RePEc:sek:iacpro:5908177 Template-Type: ReDIF-Paper 1.0 Author-Name: Jaeho Lee Author-Name-First: Jaeho Author-Name-Last: Lee Author-Email: jhlee1281@naver.com Author-Workplace-Name: Gyeoing National University of Education Author-Name: Jaekwoun Shim Author-Name-First: Jaekwoun Author-Name-Last: Shim Author-Email: jaekwon@korea.kr Author-Workplace-Name: Korea University Author-Name: Hyunkyung Shin Author-Name-First: Hyunkyung Author-Name-Last: Shin Author-Email: hyunkyung@gachon.ac.kr Author-Workplace-Name: Gachon University Author-Name: Gayoung Lee Author-Name-First: Gayoung Author-Name-Last: Lee Author-Email: gayoung@kofac.com Author-Workplace-Name: Korea Foundation for the Advanced of Science & Creativity Author-Name: Junggyu Lee Author-Name-First: Junggyu Author-Name-Last: Lee Author-Email: junggu@kofac.com Author-Workplace-Name: Korea Foundation for the Advanced of Science & Creativity Title: Strategy for Excavating Best Practice of Scientific and Cultural Contents Abstract: Since the 1960s, the Korean Government has been carrying out various projects aiming at the popularization of science. The science popularization projects conducted by the Korean Government could be classified by the ages as follows. 1960s was the beginning stage, 1970s and 1980s was the formation stage, and from 1990s can be regarded as the extension stage of scientific and cultural activities. The Korean government's science popularization project has encountered a great turning point in 2016. The most important reason for this turning point is the beginning of a new paradigm by the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Under such circumstances, the Korean government is in the process of establishing a strategy for developing, disseminating, and managing scientific and cultural contents suitable for the Fourth Industrial Revolution era. In order to achieve such the project?s goal successfully, we have benchmarked the best practices of scientific and cultural contents. Benchmarking strategy for excavating the best practice of scientific and cultural contents proceeded step by step as follows. First, benchmarking countries were selected. To this end, the R&D investment cost ratios in terms of GDP, national science and technology innovation competency rankings, and national brand ranks have been considered in total. Five benchmarking countries were selected based on these evaluation criteria, and the results were the United States, Japan, Germany, the United Kingdom, and China. Second, we proposed an analytical framework for excavating best practices in scientific and cultural contents. The proposed analytical framework for analyzing scientific and cultural contents was designed to analyze the service types of contents, the country of production, the field of study, the user types of contents service, technological areas related to the Fourth Industrial Revolution, and learning value. In this paper the technical fields related to the Fourth Industrial Revolution were classified as follows. AR(Argumented Reality)/VR(Virtual Reality)/MR(Mixed Reality), Artificial Intelligence(AI), ICBM(Internet of Things, Cloud, Big Data, Mobile), Robot and so on.?This research was supported by Korea Foundation for the Advancement Science & Creativity(KOFAC)? Length: 2 pages Creation-Date: 2017-10 Publication-Status: Published in Proceedings of the Proceedings of the 34th International Academic Conference, Florence, Oct 2017, pages 134-135 File-URL: https://iises.net/proceedings/34th-international-academic-conference-florence/table-of-content/detail?cid=59&iid=030&rid=8316 File-Function: First version, 2017 Number: 5908316 Classification-JEL: I29 Keywords: science popularization, scientific and cultural contents, the Fourth Industrial Revolution Handle: RePEc:sek:iacpro:5908316 Template-Type: ReDIF-Paper 1.0 Author-Name: Sharon Mashau Author-Name-First: Sharon Author-Name-Last: Mashau Author-Email: neschutte@nwu.ac.za Author-Workplace-Name: Southern Business School Author-Name: Nico Schutte Author-Name-First: Nico Author-Name-Last: Schutte Author-Email: nico.schutte@nwu.ac.za Author-Workplace-Name: GIFT Talent Research Niche Area North-West University Title: Exploring the Role of Customer Relations Management in enhancing service delivery between Support Staff and Students in a selected Higher Education Institution Abstract: The main objective of this research was to determine the role of customer relationship management in enhancing the service delivery between support staff and students in a selected higher education institution. A qualitative research approach was followed with semi-structured interviews done with students and support staff from a selected South African higher education institution (N=8). The participants in the study felt that the current level of service delivery by the institution does not necessarily exceed their expectations. The findings further showed that higher education institutions should determine the needs of students and provide the best service possible to keep them satisfied. Recommendations are made. Length: 20 pages Creation-Date: 2017-10 Publication-Status: Published in Proceedings of the Proceedings of the 34th International Academic Conference, Florence, Oct 2017, pages 136-155 File-URL: https://iises.net/proceedings/34th-international-academic-conference-florence/table-of-content/detail?cid=59&iid=031&rid=8282 File-Function: First version, 2017 Number: 5908282 Classification-JEL: J24 Keywords: Academics, Customer Relationship Management, Higher Education, Service Delivery, Students Handle: RePEc:sek:iacpro:5908282 Template-Type: ReDIF-Paper 1.0 Author-Name: Jaroslav Me?kovski Author-Name-First: Jaroslav Author-Name-Last: Me?kovski Author-Email: jaroslav.meckovski@gmail.com Author-Workplace-Name: Vilnius University Author-Name: Teodoras Medaiskis Author-Name-First: Teodoras Author-Name-Last: Medaiskis Author-Email: teodoras.medaiskis@ef.vu.lt Author-Workplace-Name: Vilnius University Author-Name: Tadas Gudaitis Author-Name-First: Tadas Author-Name-Last: Gudaitis Author-Email: tadas.gudaitis@ef.vu.lt Author-Workplace-Name: Vilnius University Title: Second Pension Pillar Participants? Behavior Over Life Cycle: Lithuanian Case Abstract: Defined contribution pension pillars often requires participants to take an active role in selecting pension fund during the whole accumulation period. It is expected that pension fund participant will select appropriate investment strategy and investment risk during different stages of the accumulation phase and years left till the retirement. In this paper, we have analyzed the behavior of second pillar pension funds? participants in Lithuania from the beginning of second pension pillar establishment (2004) till the 2016 Q3. The aim of the study is to evaluate how rational second pension pillar participants in decisions on selecting accumulation rate, appropriate pension fund (investment strategy and investment risk) and changing the pension fund over accumulation period and during different stages of development (peaks and bottoms) in the financial markets. The results show, that second pension pillar participants are rational on selecting participation rates. However, it also highlighted problems in second pension pillar. Majority of pension funds participants have selected inappropriate pension fund (investment strategy and investment risk) evaluating the accumulation period, which have left till the retirement. Participants are passive and tend not to change pension fund during accumulation period. Pension fund participants, which have changed pension fund, made irrational decisions and have chosen inappropriate pension fund (investment strategy and investment risk): in case of peak period in stock markets, majority of second pension pillar participant have changed pension funds, by switching from the fund which have lower proportion of equities to the fund which has higher proportion of equities or have change pension fund to the fund in the same investment risk category. Moreover, in case of bottom period in stock markets the majority of participants did vice versus ? switched from funds with higher proportion of equities to pension fund with lower proportion of equities. Length: 1 page Creation-Date: 2017-10 Publication-Status: Published in Proceedings of the Proceedings of the 34th International Academic Conference, Florence, Oct 2017, pages 156-156 File-URL: https://iises.net/proceedings/34th-international-academic-conference-florence/table-of-content/detail?cid=59&iid=032&rid=8206 File-Function: First version, 2017 Number: 5908206 Classification-JEL: J32, D14, D91 Keywords: Pension funds, Behavior finance, Life cycle investments. Handle: RePEc:sek:iacpro:5908206 Template-Type: ReDIF-Paper 1.0 Author-Name: Radostina Mihaleva Author-Name-First: Radostina Author-Name-Last: Mihaleva Author-Email: radostinam2000@yahoo.com Author-Workplace-Name: Sofia University Kliment Ohridski Title: New Humanistic Methods in For?ign Language Teaching ? Suggestopedia - Desugestopedia Abstract: This article provides a brief review of the basics and the advantages of Suggestopedia-Desuggestopedia (Reservopedia), the Bulgarian contribution to the world's educational methodology, one of the most humane and the most effective of all.Suggestopedia-Desugestopedia is a non-manipulative method of learning both in foreign languages and in any other subjects for all ages at the level of reserves - potential, unused brain / mind capacities. This means at least three to five times faster, easier and deeper training, internal freedom, increased motivation to learn, joyful training and healing or prophylactic effects.Suggestopedia-Desuggestopedia aims to tap the hidden potential of human abilities, especially memory and intellect, and in a pleasant and beneficial way to facilitate the learning process. To do so, it is necessary to apply the seven laws of Suggestopedia simultaneously, namely love, freedom, the teacher's conviction that something extraordinary is happening, the increased teaching material, partial-global proportion, the golden proportion and the application of classical art and aesthetics. Length: 6 pages Creation-Date: 2017-10 Publication-Status: Published in Proceedings of the Proceedings of the 34th International Academic Conference, Florence, Oct 2017, pages 157-162 File-URL: https://iises.net/proceedings/34th-international-academic-conference-florence/table-of-content/detail?cid=59&iid=033&rid=7936 File-Function: First version, 2017 Number: 5907936 Classification-JEL: I29 Keywords: Suggestopedia-Desuggestopedia; Dr. Georgi Lozanov; Bulgaria; seven laws; reserves; reservodpedia Handle: RePEc:sek:iacpro:5907936 Template-Type: ReDIF-Paper 1.0 Author-Name: Michal Mirvald Author-Name-First: Michal Author-Name-Last: Mirvald Author-Email: michal.mirvald@vse.cz Author-Workplace-Name: University of Economics Author-Name: Martina Tománková Author-Name-First: Martina Author-Name-Last: Tománková Author-Email: xtomm50@vse.cz Author-Workplace-Name: University of Economics Title: THE DETERMINANT OF SUCCESS IN BASIC ECONOMICS COURSES TAUGHT BY DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMICS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF ECONOMICS IN PRAGUE Abstract: In comparison with other basic courses at the University of Economics in Prague there are basic economics courses taught by the Department of Economics that regularly show higher fail rates, specifically more than 35 %. A standard evaluation should be done in time and shall use different methods. Using quantitative methods, our analysis tries to identify key determinants of students? success. The data were obtained via a questionnaire during the last lecture in WS 2016/17. As opposed to existing studies, we also consider variables that weren?t previously possible to observe, such as the use of IT technologies during lectures and studying from materials in electronic form. Length: 1 page Creation-Date: 2017-10 Publication-Status: Published in Proceedings of the Proceedings of the 34th International Academic Conference, Florence, Oct 2017, pages 163-163 File-URL: https://iises.net/proceedings/34th-international-academic-conference-florence/table-of-content/detail?cid=59&iid=034&rid=8318 File-Function: First version, 2017 Number: 5908318 Classification-JEL: A10, A20, C10 Keywords: Economics, economics courses, determinant, fail rate, midterm points, test score Handle: RePEc:sek:iacpro:5908318 Template-Type: ReDIF-Paper 1.0 Author-Name: Simin Mozayeni Author-Name-First: Simin Author-Name-Last: Mozayeni Author-Email: mozayens@newpaltz.edu Author-Workplace-Name: State University of New York at New Paltz Author-Name: Ferah Kayim Author-Name-First: Ferah Author-Name-Last: Kayim Author-Email: kayimf1@hawkmail.newpaltz.edu Author-Workplace-Name: State University of New York at New Paltz Title: Determinants of Net Entry and Exit in Agriculture Sector: A Case Study of US for 1990-2002 Abstract: This empirical investigate focuses on determinants of Net Entry and Exit in US agriculture sector for 1990-2002. We find that net entry is positively related to Labor Factor Productivity in agriculture (LFP) and Aggregate Agricultural Output (AAO), and negatively related to GDP Per Capita (GDP). The latter supports the assertion that net entry is inversely related to GDP--a counter-cyclical activity. Variables? coefficients are: +3.24 (LFP), +4.48 (AAO) and -0.60 (GDP). Whereas, P value for LFP approximates ?highly significant? level (0.0019), AAO?s is less significant (0.0814) and GDP?s is insignificant (0.0264). We also considered the effects of the cost of capital and cost of borrowing in the Net Entry model. We omitted them as they showed negligible and insignificant effects. Since determinants of net entry depend on combined factors that influence both entry and exit, it is plausible that they differ for exit. Thereby, we consider a separate model for Exit. The independent variables for this model encompass: Farm Household Income (FHY), number of large establishments with 1,000 or more employees (LARGE) and GDP per capita. We show that Exit rates in our data are negatively related to both Farm Household Income and GDP, with respective coefficient of - 0.07 and -1.12. Whereas LARGE has a coefficient of + 0.46; hence accounts for 46% of establishments? exits in our sample, with high statistical significance (P= 0.0019). The P value for FHY (0.266) shows statistical weakness. For GDP per capita, P=0.006, approximates the ?significant? level. Accordingly, the establishment size is the most influential variable in the model. Overall our regressions capture most variations in their Dependent Variables. R2 for Net Entry estimation is 0.87 (F=16.03) and 0.78 (F=10.71) for the Exit Model. The residual values are quite low in both estimations. This research shows that presence of large firms within the agriculture sector in US leads to higher establishments? exit rates?an endogenous hinder to competition, ceteris paribus. As in any empirical exercise, our results could be affected by omitted variables and data aggregation biases. Repeated validation of this empirical exercise that would stand to alternative specifications would affirm the endogeneity of potential threat to competition in a sector that supports the model of Perfect Competition. CR4s for six major US agriculture sectors range 55%-93%, all above 45%, necessary for a competitive structure. With our investigative modeling and regression results, we question the stylized facts of the theory of Perfect Competition. Length: 1 page Creation-Date: 2017-10 Publication-Status: Published in Proceedings of the Proceedings of the 34th International Academic Conference, Florence, Oct 2017, pages 164-164 File-URL: https://iises.net/proceedings/34th-international-academic-conference-florence/table-of-content/detail?cid=59&iid=035&rid=8311 File-Function: First version, 2017 Number: 5908311 Classification-JEL: D41, L00 Keywords: Market Structure, Entry and Exit, Perfect Competition, US Agriculture Sector, Endogenous Competition Handle: RePEc:sek:iacpro:5908311 Template-Type: ReDIF-Paper 1.0 Author-Name: Wuttigrai Ngamsirijit Author-Name-First: Wuttigrai Author-Name-Last: Ngamsirijit Author-Email: wuttigrai.n@nida.ac.th Author-Workplace-Name: National Institute of Development Administration Title: An analytics framework for improving public service operations and processes towards transparency issues Abstract: It is critical for a public sector to raise awareness and fight against the corruption. Among many government projects, enhancing transparency through improving public service operations and processes can be seen as one of the solutions. This study presents the lesson learnt from the transparency project performed by government agencies including selection process and criteria, selected processes, attitudes towards the project, and various obstacles and limitations in deriving the right process. These findings are synthesized and an analytics framework of public service process selection for transparency is then proposed. Such framework incorporates data analytics methodologies and techniques so that it can be further developed to build transparency in today?s digital age. Length: 7 pages Creation-Date: 2017-10 Publication-Status: Published in Proceedings of the Proceedings of the 34th International Academic Conference, Florence, Oct 2017, pages 165-171 File-URL: https://iises.net/proceedings/34th-international-academic-conference-florence/table-of-content/detail?cid=59&iid=036&rid=7847 File-Function: First version, 2017 Number: 5907847 Classification-JEL: L32, O21, M29 Keywords: Service operations, Analytics, Transparency, Anti-corruption Handle: RePEc:sek:iacpro:5907847 Template-Type: ReDIF-Paper 1.0 Author-Name: Lungile Ntombela Author-Name-First: Lungile Author-Name-Last: Ntombela Author-Email: ntombelal@ukzn.ac.za Author-Workplace-Name: University of KwaZulu-Natal Title: The experiences and identity constructions of sexual and gender ?non-normative? employees in KwaZulu-Natal , South Africa Abstract: This paper makes an exploration into the workplace experiences of sexual and gender ?non-normative? employees in post-apartheid South Africa. Whilst there has been increasing focus on diversity in corporate workplaces in the fields of Human Resource Management and Industrial Relations, there has been silences around issues of sexuality. Although South Africa has one of the world?s most progressive anti-discriminatory legislative framework, this paper also explores how sexual and gender ?non-normative? employees challenge, negotiate and manage their personal and professional sexual identities amidst these recent socio-legal changes. Orientated within the interpretivist theoretical paradigm, this paper aims to understand the multiple realities described by individuals based on their lived experiences. The theoretical contributions of Judith Butler, Eve Sedgwick and David Halperin suggest that sexuality is something fluid and that ?self? is unstable, thereby questioning the legitimacy of identity categories. Therefore, sexuality is seen through the lens of a growing, yet contested, body of knowledge known as Queer theory. Length: 1 page Creation-Date: 2017-10 Publication-Status: Published in Proceedings of the Proceedings of the 34th International Academic Conference, Florence, Oct 2017, pages 172-172 File-URL: https://iises.net/proceedings/34th-international-academic-conference-florence/table-of-content/detail?cid=59&iid=037&rid=7850 File-Function: First version, 2017 Number: 5907850 Classification-JEL: Keywords: sexuality, sexual and gender ?non-normative?, corporate workplace, identity construction, Queer theory Handle: RePEc:sek:iacpro:5907850 Template-Type: ReDIF-Paper 1.0 Author-Name: Jesse Payne Author-Name-First: Jesse Author-Name-Last: Payne Author-Email: jwpayne@vcu.edu Author-Workplace-Name: VCUArts Title: Teaching Through Culture Abstract: Teaching in a multidisciplinary program, students are exposed to a wide variety of methods and tools, research strategies and ways of thinking. We often seek to develop self-driven, active learners who are positioned as primary researchers, makers and thinkers.In-class dialogues, systems of references, and project critiques generate and build on observations of local culture, environment, and behaviors. As faculty, we serve as art and design experts, while the students are the conveyors of local culture. Our program has created a dynamic and intellectually challenging environment for dialog about culture and values. Our curriculum is delivered through projects and activities that are grounded in historical and contemporary research, documentation and experimentation within a framework of a diverse, global and multicultural environment.All these activities foster a sense of responsibility for, and an understanding of, a professional approach to the learning process.  I will present the following projects as prime examples of this unique approach. Length: 1 page Creation-Date: 2017-10 Publication-Status: Published in Proceedings of the Proceedings of the 34th International Academic Conference, Florence, Oct 2017, pages 173-173 File-URL: https://iises.net/proceedings/34th-international-academic-conference-florence/table-of-content/detail?cid=59&iid=038&rid=8287 File-Function: First version, 2017 Number: 5908287 Classification-JEL: Keywords: Art, Design, Education, Curriculum Development, Innovation in Teaching, Drawing, 2D Design, 3D Design, Time, 4D Design Handle: RePEc:sek:iacpro:5908287 Template-Type: ReDIF-Paper 1.0 Author-Name: Komm Pechinthorn Author-Name-First: Komm Author-Name-Last: Pechinthorn Author-Email: komm.p@mail.rmutk.ac.th Author-Workplace-Name: Rajamangala University of Technology Krungthep Title: Increasing Student Improvement: Giving autonomy to students of International College at Rajamangala University of Technology Krungthep in Thailand the complete Peer Teaching Method to their peers in c Abstract: This research assessed the students? improvement of their learning outcomes toward business subjects, specifically in the class of Production & Operation Management, after having peer teaching method by group with complete autonomy. The before and After period of study was implemented in order to compare the expected improvement between the selected groups of students who are assigned to participate in complete peer teaching activity as a group in front of class. To challenge all levels of students in this project, six to seven students are randomly selected into groups in their 3rd year with different rank of GPAs from highest to lowest at International College of Rajamangala University of Technology Krungthep (ICUTK) in Thailand. They are assigned to read the chapter and prepared the presentation to educate their classes in each chapters by using the peer teaching method. Questionnaires were given to 46 students in order to collect useful data. The results indicated the positiveness toward the introduction and implementation of the peer teaching method and showed many improvements in different areas within the semester. Length: 14 pages Creation-Date: 2017-10 Publication-Status: Published in Proceedings of the Proceedings of the 34th International Academic Conference, Florence, Oct 2017, pages 174-187 File-URL: https://iises.net/proceedings/34th-international-academic-conference-florence/table-of-content/detail?cid=59&iid=039&rid=8118 File-Function: First version, 2017 Number: 5908118 Classification-JEL: A22 Keywords: Peer teaching; Students' improvement; Thailand Handle: RePEc:sek:iacpro:5908118 Template-Type: ReDIF-Paper 1.0 Author-Name: Daniel Pelletier Author-Name-First: Daniel Author-Name-Last: Pelletier Author-Email: daniel.pelletier@uqo.ca Author-Workplace-Name: Université du Québec en Outaouais Title: A cross-generational perspective of workers? expectations in the canadian public service sector Abstract: The public service sector is faced with sharp demographic shifts which have an effect on employees? perspectives on job satisfaction. Relationships between workers belonging to different age groups are perceived as uneasy, especially since the ?mentoring? approach, aimed at bridging the gap between younger and older staff, yielded mixed results. This problem is compounded by gender related differential expectations regarding work. The aim of this research was to study the individual and combined effects of gender and age on work-related expectations and overall job satisfaction. The sample included 182 165 public service employees from various government agencies representing approximately 70% of the entire canadian federal work force. Data was collected using the PSES (Public Service Employee Survey), a questionnaire measuring a variety of constructs such as job satisfaction, social support, stress, harassment, fairness, social climate, demands, control and so forth. The sample took part in the study in 2009 and 2014. Participants were included in a 3 X 2 factorial design (age groups X gender) with various indicators of work perception used as dependent variables. MANOVAs and ANOVAs were computed and significant effects were decomposed using Scheffé post hoc tests. A significant multivariate effect of the factors was found [F(multi) = 16.56 ; p. <.0001]. Subsequent univariate and post hoc tests indicated that expectancies gradually shift from being centered on task related variables to more social and interactive variables from the younger age group to the older. No significant interaction effects with gender were observed. Implications of these results on the career outlook of public service employees are discussed. Length: 14 pages Creation-Date: 2017-10 Publication-Status: Published in Proceedings of the Proceedings of the 34th International Academic Conference, Florence, Oct 2017, pages 188-201 File-URL: https://iises.net/proceedings/34th-international-academic-conference-florence/table-of-content/detail?cid=59&iid=040&rid=8185 File-Function: First version, 2017 Number: 5908185 Classification-JEL: J00, L29 Keywords: generations ? work ? expectations ? satisfaction - public sector - gender Handle: RePEc:sek:iacpro:5908185 Template-Type: ReDIF-Paper 1.0 Author-Name: Brigette Piazza Author-Name-First: Brigette Author-Name-Last: Piazza Author-Email: brigettepiazza@gmail.com Author-Workplace-Name: Ryerson University Title: Systems of Oppression and the Filtration of Media Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to identify common, daily occurrences of the filtration of media (i.e: news media, entertainment media), and how the practices of these filtrations influence society and our ideologies towards others. The research presented will demonstrate how by accepting these ideologies, we as a society are allowing victimized voices to go unheard and ultimately contributing to systems of oppression. This paper will analyze multiple media cases such as violence and racism, rape, mental illness, etc. and will contribute to the understanding of how oppression does not have to necessarily be considered physical and/or verbal acts, but also can be as simple as accepting the historical and evolutionary biases, representations and/or ideologies to be true. Length: 7 pages Creation-Date: 2017-10 Publication-Status: Published in Proceedings of the Proceedings of the 34th International Academic Conference, Florence, Oct 2017, pages 202-208 File-URL: https://iises.net/proceedings/34th-international-academic-conference-florence/table-of-content/detail?cid=59&iid=041&rid=8008 File-Function: First version, 2017 Number: 5908008 Classification-JEL: Keywords: Media, Filtration, Racism, Violence, Mental Illness, Rape, Oppression, Biases, Ideologies Handle: RePEc:sek:iacpro:5908008 Template-Type: ReDIF-Paper 1.0 Author-Name: Hana Polá?ková Author-Name-First: Hana Author-Name-Last: Polá?ková Author-Email: hana.polackova@euba.sk Author-Workplace-Name: University of Economics in Bratislava Title: The Impact of Globalization on the Agricultural Sector and Food Security Abstract: We can look at the impacts of globalization on agriculture and food security from different angles. However, not all findings can be positive. Looking at the growth of international trade and the amount of pollutants released into the air when transporting goods or protecting crops against pests, globalization contributes to disruption of global ecosystem and climate change. As a result, climatic fluctuations and extreme weather events - droughts, floods or torrential rainfalls that cause arable soil leakage - are becoming more and more frequent. Subsequent non-crops can negatively affect GDP (especially in the case of agricultural economies) and endanger the food security of the country. Secondly the changes in structure of economies in favor of production with higher labor productivity and smaller proportion of agriculture can force some countries to import even basic food. These facts are also indirectly reflected in the social environment. The paper draws attention to the fact that such structure of economy is cyclically very sensitive and may adversely affect the development of the underlying macroeconomic indicators. It focuses on certain weaknesses in this trend. The sources come from databases of statistical offices and a genetic-historical analysis was used in the paper. Length: 1 page Creation-Date: 2017-10 Publication-Status: Published in Proceedings of the Proceedings of the 34th International Academic Conference, Florence, Oct 2017, pages 209-209 File-URL: https://iises.net/proceedings/34th-international-academic-conference-florence/table-of-content/detail?cid=59&iid=042&rid=8324 File-Function: First version, 2017 Number: 5908324 Classification-JEL: Q18, E24, F18 Keywords: Food security, gross domestic product, structure of the economy, food imports Handle: RePEc:sek:iacpro:5908324 Template-Type: ReDIF-Paper 1.0 Author-Name: Eva Pongrácz Author-Name-First: Eva Author-Name-Last: Pongrácz Author-Email: eva.pongracz@euba.sk Author-Workplace-Name: University of Economics in Bratislava, Faculty of National Economy, Department of Social Development and Labor Title: Establishment and development of social economy concept in Slovakia - current situation and perspectives Abstract: Development of social enterprises in Slovakia is less supported. Legislation is adopted only as a social enterprise work integration (temporary employment), and it is an instrument of active labour market policies. The social economy is determined also by the new organizations or by the successfully operating entities of the third sector that are followed by a new business approach. The biggest problem is that there is no comprehensive legislation and a system of financial support for social economy entities. We focus on the identification of barriers of social economy development and on the definition of criteria of social entrepreneurship as a new area of business activities with an emphasis on social enterprise, which has different forms of organization. Length: 1 page Creation-Date: 2017-10 Publication-Status: Published in Proceedings of the Proceedings of the 34th International Academic Conference, Florence, Oct 2017, pages 210-210 File-URL: https://iises.net/proceedings/34th-international-academic-conference-florence/table-of-content/detail?cid=59&iid=043&rid=8321 File-Function: First version, 2017 Number: 5908321 Classification-JEL: L31, E24, A13 Keywords: social economy, work integration social enterprises (WISE), social capital, unemployment, social inclusion Handle: RePEc:sek:iacpro:5908321 Template-Type: ReDIF-Paper 1.0 Author-Name: Reny Radkova Author-Name-First: Reny Author-Name-Last: Radkova Author-Email: renird@uni-sofia.bg Author-Workplace-Name: St. Kliment Ohridski University of Sofia Title: Foreign Language Teaching as an Intercultural Coaching: a Self-developmental Tool for High Level Intercultural Intelligence Abstract: The goal of this paper is to bring some insights and practical information to the intercultural and foreign teaching community on how coaching foreign language is a perfect combination of intercultural and linguistics training. The purpose of the scientific study is to examine this process in detail and to form a cultural understanding with mutual tolerance towards otherness, as well as to present a comparative study of both cultures in a specific cultural context. The progress of scientific research on the topic that helps analyze intercultural communicative competence and applied linguistics training is vital to understanding and developing an intercultural approach. It should accompany not only contemporary foreign language training, but also comprehensive training due to migration, emigration, and globalization processes. Teaching and obtaining cross-cultural awareness provides a journey of increasing self-knowledge as the first step to being open to further knowledge and understanding of others. Both intercultural trainers and foreign language teachers should have to be multilingual and very well prepared linguists. They should have been working or studied both in the field of Psychology and Intercultural Communication. The study focuses on the problems and opportunities for training in intercultural communication. The study was conducted among Bulgarian and American Fulbright community, part of it investigating multicultural classrooms and university auditoriums and extracurricular activities. The intercultural context in which foreign language learning takes place is an aspect through which both children, students and adults find themselves able to acquire a sense of their own and of different cultures, to communicate in the new situation, and to create a suitable "new" cultural environment by coming in contact with another culture. The presented survey related to Fulbright students and teachers aims to help with English language teaching by analyzing the process itself. The future belongs to multicultural organizations and societies. The way traditional organizations are structured hierarchically is no longer adequate for the challenges that the globalised economical society with its increasing pace places. Multicultural leaderships and teams, situational and contextual decision making by them as members of the multicultural community and consistent innovation developing through qualified peer-feedback are going to be key to a successful world economy in the upcoming decades. Length: 1 page Creation-Date: 2017-10 Publication-Status: Published in Proceedings of the Proceedings of the 34th International Academic Conference, Florence, Oct 2017, pages 211-211 File-URL: https://iises.net/proceedings/34th-international-academic-conference-florence/table-of-content/detail?cid=59&iid=044&rid=8328 File-Function: First version, 2017 Number: 5908328 Classification-JEL: Y40 Keywords: cross-cultural awareness, intercultural trainers, foreign language teachers Handle: RePEc:sek:iacpro:5908328 Template-Type: ReDIF-Paper 1.0 Author-Name: Karunanidhi Reddy Author-Name-First: Karunanidhi Author-Name-Last: Reddy Author-Email: reddyk@dut.ac.za Author-Workplace-Name: Durban University of Technology, South Africa Title: Social justice, the food product consumer and non-communicable diseases: Implications of consumer protection legislation for the food industry in South Africa Abstract: Many health problems are related to food and diet patterns. Socio-economic development in South Africa has meant a change in diet patterns, with poorer communities moving away from traditional foods to convenience and processed foods. These foods have been associated with obesity and could greatly increase the risk of developing food-related non-communicable diseases, including diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease. In addition, apartheid resulted in inequality among consumers in terms of education levels, literacy and understanding of the language used in labelling and product information, as well as in terms of access to good quality commodities that are arguably healthier. It also resulted in inequality in terms of knowledge of consumer rights and the ability to enforce them, and a lack of information and knowledge as to food related health challenges. Particular sectors in the food industry have been less concerned about the consumer health risks associated with their products or communicating such information to their consumers. Hence, recently there have been initiatives by government to protect consumers against food related non communicable diseases by proposing legislation to curb consumption of specific food products. The proposed ?sugar tax? on sugar sweetened beverages is one example. The Consumer Protection Act (CPA), passed in 2008, aims at protection of consumers by prohibiting or regulating a range of marketing and business practices and affording the consumer a range of legal rights and remedies. This paper investigates the implications of the CPA and related legislation, for the food industry and consumers of food products. The approach adopted for this paper is a descriptive critique engaging in a review of related literature, and pertinent legislation, particularly the CPA. It is envisaged that this paper will highlight the implications of the CPA in terms of the rights of consumers and the concomitant obligations of suppliers of food products, to re-examine the health risks related to their products, food labelling, disclosure of information particularly about associated health risks, and consumer education about products, in plain and understandable language. It will also identify possible gaps in the law requiring specific regulation. Length: 1 page Creation-Date: 2017-10 Publication-Status: Published in Proceedings of the Proceedings of the 34th International Academic Conference, Florence, Oct 2017, pages 212-212 File-URL: https://iises.net/proceedings/34th-international-academic-conference-florence/table-of-content/detail?cid=59&iid=045&rid=8142 File-Function: First version, 2017 Number: 5908142 Classification-JEL: K29, L66 Keywords: Consumer; consumer protection; non-communicable diseases; food products; food industry ; social justice; South Africa Handle: RePEc:sek:iacpro:5908142 Template-Type: ReDIF-Paper 1.0 Author-Name: Federico Reggio Author-Name-First: Federico Author-Name-Last: Reggio Author-Email: federico.reggio@univr.it Author-Workplace-Name: University of Verona dpt. of Legal Sciences Author-Name: Marina Sartor Hoffer Author-Name-First: Marina Author-Name-Last: Sartor Hoffer Author-Email: Marina.Sartor@education.unibz.it Author-Workplace-Name: Free University of Bozen dpt. Education Title: Educating to Dialogue: connecting an argumentative approach to Mediation and Educational Transactional Analysis. Some tranSkills signposts for promoting inclusive and participative societies. Abstract: The acquisition of relational skills is one of the main goals of an educational system that aims at promoting non-violent, inclusive and participative societies. Dialogue is the key factor for such purpose, acting both as a means and as a goal that education ought to achieve. According to this perspective, education to dialogue matches ethical-behavioural aspects (dialogue as expression of interconnectedness) and logical-argumentative competences (dialogue as instrument of communication). Such elements trace connected dimensions: (1) the ability of managing a healthy communication, which implies both correct reasoning and effective expression; (2) the ability of creating and managing a situation of communicative reciprocity, which is an instrument for preventing and transforming conflict. The goal of this paper is to outline some conceptual and methodological signposts for the education to dialogue in light of the classical notion of ?maieutic?, by drawing perspectives, concepts and methodologies from both Conflict Mediation and Educational Transactional Analysis. This transkills outline is directed to those who are professionally involved at all levels of education, with the purpose of offering a first conceptual framework for developing programmes and proposals aimed at introducing and empowering communicative attitudes and skills. Length: 18 pages Creation-Date: 2017-10 Publication-Status: Published in Proceedings of the Proceedings of the 34th International Academic Conference, Florence, Oct 2017, pages 213-230 File-URL: https://iises.net/proceedings/34th-international-academic-conference-florence/table-of-content/detail?cid=59&iid=046&rid=8323 File-Function: First version, 2017 Number: 5908323 Classification-JEL: I29, K39, K40 Keywords: Mediation Methodologies; Educational Transactional Analysis Methodologies; Conflict prevention & transformation; Education to Dialogue; Argumentation; Life Planning; Existential Positions. Handle: RePEc:sek:iacpro:5908323 Template-Type: ReDIF-Paper 1.0 Author-Name: Eva Rievajová Author-Name-First: Eva Author-Name-Last: Rievajová Author-Email: eva.rievajova@euba.sk Author-Workplace-Name: University of Economics in Bratislava, Faculty of National Economy, Department of Social Development and Labour Author-Name: Roman Klimko Author-Name-First: Roman Author-Name-Last: Klimko Author-Email: roman.klimko@euba.sk Author-Workplace-Name: University of Economics in Bratislava, Faculty of National Economy, Department of Social Development and Labour Title: Differences by Gender on the Slovak Labour Market Abstract: Gender differences between men and women may manifest in any area, such as the gender inequality of men and women, as well as rights and inequalities in the labour market. In recent years, one of the issues discussed in economically advanced countries is the issue of equal opportunities for men and women in the labour market. These differences may be due to different nationality, gender, age, religion or sexual orientation. With respect to the labour market, we focused on gender discrimination, i.e. the different positions of men and women in individual labour market areas on the basis of their gender. The aim of this paper is to identify and evaluate the development of gender differences in the Slovak labour market in the context of global understanding of this issue and to determine whether these differences have a growing trend or are on the decline. Additionally, the paper set out to find in which job positions these differences are the most pronounced. The theoretical approaches and legislative norms governing the equal status of men and women are the basis for this paper. This is followed by an analysis of the development and the current status of women in the Slovak labour market. Length: 10 pages Creation-Date: 2017-10 Publication-Status: Published in Proceedings of the Proceedings of the 34th International Academic Conference, Florence, Oct 2017, pages 231-240 File-URL: https://iises.net/proceedings/34th-international-academic-conference-florence/table-of-content/detail?cid=59&iid=047&rid=8200 File-Function: First version, 2017 Number: 5908200 Classification-JEL: J08, J21, J64 Keywords: labour market, gender discrimination, wage differences, educational attainment, Slovakia Handle: RePEc:sek:iacpro:5908200 Template-Type: ReDIF-Paper 1.0 Author-Name: MARLON ROJAS Author-Name-First: MARLON Author-Name-Last: ROJAS Author-Email: marlonrl@yahoo.com.mx Author-Workplace-Name: INSTITUTO POLITECNICO NACIONAL Author-Name: LESLIE ARCILA Author-Name-First: LESLIE Author-Name-Last: ARCILA Author-Email: lesusita@hotmail.com Author-Workplace-Name: INSTITUTO POLITECNICO NACIONAL Author-Name: ANTONIETA RIOS Author-Name-First: ANTONIETA Author-Name-Last: RIOS Author-Email: anto200784@yahoo.com.mx Author-Workplace-Name: INSTITUTO POLITECNICO NACIONAL Author-Name: ABDU ORDUÑA Author-Name-First: ABDU Author-Name-Last: ORDUÑA Author-Email: abdueve@hotmail.com Author-Workplace-Name: INSTITUTO POLITECNICO NACIONAL Author-Name: VALENTIN LOPEZ Author-Name-First: VALENTIN Author-Name-Last: LOPEZ Author-Email: valgayou@hotmail.com Author-Workplace-Name: INSTITUTO POLITECNICO NACIONAL Author-Name: ORLANDO ZACA Author-Name-First: ORLANDO Author-Name-Last: ZACA Author-Email: orlandozaca@hotmail.com Author-Workplace-Name: INSTITUTO POLITECNICO NACIONAL Author-Name: GERARDO MUÑOZ Author-Name-First: GERARDO Author-Name-Last: MUÑOZ Author-Email: geramuhdz@hotmail.com Author-Workplace-Name: INSTITUTO POLITECNICO NACIONAL Title: Gold nanoparticles on the development of fluorescent biosensors for the detection of pathogenic bacteria in water and foods Abstract: Actually the use of biosensors for the diagnostic of infectious diseases has attracted considerably the attention due to the feasibility that offer by their qualities such as the time of response, specificity and sensitivity, as well as low cost. In particular the biosensors made from gold nanoparticles could offer these advantages, for the detection of a large number of analytes. This research show a simple methodology to prepare fluorescent biosensors for the rapid detection of pathogens in foods and water using a bioconjugate based on gold nanoparticles. The efficiency on the detection of the bacteria Salmonella sp. and Staphylococcus aureus in samples of water and contaminated milk was proved. The proposed methodology could represent a viable alternative for applications in the field of rapid diagnosis of infectious diseases. Length: 1 page Creation-Date: 2017-10 Publication-Status: Published in Proceedings of the Proceedings of the 34th International Academic Conference, Florence, Oct 2017, pages 241-241 File-URL: https://iises.net/proceedings/34th-international-academic-conference-florence/table-of-content/detail?cid=59&iid=048&rid=7865 File-Function: First version, 2017 Number: 5907865 Classification-JEL: L65, I11, I13 Keywords: Biosensors, nanoparticles, pathogens, Salmonella sp., Staphylococcus aureus. Handle: RePEc:sek:iacpro:5907865 Template-Type: ReDIF-Paper 1.0 Author-Name: JOYDEB SASMAL Author-Name-First: JOYDEB Author-Name-Last: SASMAL Author-Email: joydebsasmal@yahoo.co.in Author-Workplace-Name: DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMICS, VIDYASAGAR UNIVERSITY Author-Name: RITWIK SASMAL Author-Name-First: RITWIK Author-Name-Last: SASMAL Author-Email: ritwikster@gmail.com Author-Workplace-Name: DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMICS, UNIVERSITY OF CONSTANZ Title: GOVERNMENT SPENDING WITH PUBLIC DEBT, ECONOMIC GROWTH AND FISCAL BALANCE: EVIDENCES FROM INDIA Abstract: This paper has examined the impact of public expenditure on economic growth and viability of fiscal policy when the public expenditure is financed by public borrowing. The ratio of gross fiscal deficit to net national product and the ratio of gross fiscal deficit to total expenditure have been considered as indicators of solvency in fiscal balance. The study is based on theoretical framework and results of econometric analyses. The basic argument of this paper is that if public expenditure is financed by government borrowing, but expenditure fails to generate sufficient growth in income, it will be difficult to repay the loan and fiscal balance will deteriorate. As a result, the viability of the fiscal policy will be under question. The data in the Indian context show that revenue expenditure has increased significantly over time. Since revenue expenditure includes many non-developmental and less productive components, it may not be helpful for economic growth. The results of time series analysis show that the ratio of gross fiscal deficit to net national product (NNP) has increased with increase in total expenditure of the government indicating non-sustainability of fiscal balance. The study also shows that private capital has significant positive impact on NNP but the effect of fiscal deficit on economic growth is not clear. Length: 16 pages Creation-Date: 2017-10 Publication-Status: Published in Proceedings of the Proceedings of the 34th International Academic Conference, Florence, Oct 2017, pages 242-257 File-URL: https://iises.net/proceedings/34th-international-academic-conference-florence/table-of-content/detail?cid=59&iid=049&rid=8111 File-Function: First version, 2017 Number: 5908111 Classification-JEL: H11, H50, H54 Keywords: government, budget, revenue expenditure, public debt, economic growth,fiscal deficit, interest payment, fiscal balance, sustainability Handle: RePEc:sek:iacpro:5908111 Template-Type: ReDIF-Paper 1.0 Author-Name: Christopher Simasiku Author-Name-First: Christopher Author-Name-Last: Simasiku Author-Email: neschutte@gmail.com Author-Workplace-Name: Southern Business School Author-Name: Nico Schutte Author-Name-First: Nico Author-Name-Last: Schutte Author-Email: nico.schutte@nwu.ac.za Author-Workplace-Name: GIFT Research Niche Area North-West University Title: An Analysis of the Facilitating and Constraining Factors Affecting Quality Service Delivery in a Selected Namibian Parastatal Abstract: The main objective of this research was to explore the facilitating and constraining factors affecting the quality service delivery of a selected Namibian parastatal. A Job characteristics inventory and SERVQUAL was administered among employees and customers of the selected parastatal (N=128). The results show that on average the constraining factors in this study include high workloads, emotional demands relating to the work environment, job insecurity and poor compensation. Enabling factors included a high level of colleague support, followed by supervisor support, access to information and performance management. The customers were less satisfied with the responsiveness and reliability of the service. High workload significantly reduced the reliability and responsiveness relating to service quality. Colleague support enhanced the responsiveness of service quality. Recommendations are made. Length: 14 pages Creation-Date: 2017-10 Publication-Status: Published in Proceedings of the Proceedings of the 34th International Academic Conference, Florence, Oct 2017, pages 258-271 File-URL: https://iises.net/proceedings/34th-international-academic-conference-florence/table-of-content/detail?cid=59&iid=050&rid=8283 File-Function: First version, 2017 Number: 5908283 Classification-JEL: J24 Keywords: Government, Job Demands, Job Resources, Performance, Service Quality Handle: RePEc:sek:iacpro:5908283 Template-Type: ReDIF-Paper 1.0 Author-Name: Irena Slavova-Georgieva Author-Name-First: Irena Author-Name-Last: Slavova-Georgieva Author-Email: irena_slavova@yahoo.com Author-Workplace-Name: University of National and World Economy, department: Marketing and Strategic Planning Author-Name: Yovka Bankova Author-Name-First: Yovka Author-Name-Last: Bankova Author-Email: yovka.b@gmail.com Author-Workplace-Name: University of National and World Economy, department: Marketing and Strategic Planning Title: The Role of Clusters for Sustainable Development: Socially Responsible Practices, Limitations and Challenges. Case study of a Bulgarian Industrial Cluster Abstract: The concept of sustainable development as a global and long-term philosophy of development is directed towards achieving a balance and interconnectedness between economic activities, social aspects and the environment and offers an overall approach to solving the growing and complex global problems.This paper examines the possibilities that clusters? main characteristics ? spatial proximity, strategic collaboration and competition; interaction between stakeholders (businesses, educational institutions, non-governmental organizations) - can provide for the implementation of responsible business practices and joint corporate socially responsible activities which contribute to sustainable development.Based on publications in academic literature regarding the relationship between clusters and corporate social responsibility (CSR), known as the ?cluster? approach to CSR, as well as the results from a practical study of an industrial cluster in Bulgaria, we outline the potential of clusters to bring about not only economic benefits but also social and environmental improvements. The conditions for successful implementation of CSR actions in the cluster are studied, which for some industrial clusters can be prerequisites for improvement of their actual capacity for contribution to sustainable development and for others, they can turn into significant limitations. The results of the practical study show that in order for industrial clusters to use their potential for contribution to sustainable development, based on the main cluster characteristics (according to cluster theory), in addition to cluster activity, the social-economic and environmental context and the state of development of CSR and clusters in the respective country are also of defining importance. Length: 27 pages Creation-Date: 2017-10 Publication-Status: Published in Proceedings of the Proceedings of the 34th International Academic Conference, Florence, Oct 2017, pages 272-298 File-URL: https://iises.net/proceedings/34th-international-academic-conference-florence/table-of-content/detail?cid=59&iid=051&rid=8307 File-Function: First version, 2017 Number: 5908307 Classification-JEL: M14, Q01, L72 Keywords: sustainable development, cluster, corporate social responsibility, mining industry, industrial cluster Srednogorie (Bulgaria) Handle: RePEc:sek:iacpro:5908307 Template-Type: ReDIF-Paper 1.0 Author-Name: Perry Spann Author-Name-First: Perry Author-Name-Last: Spann Author-Email: perryphd@hotmail.com Author-Workplace-Name: The American Literary Society for Higher Education Title: A Legal Lethal Education Abstract: In the 1930s, the United States was a global leader in public education by having the largest student populations in the world attend high schools. In the 1980s, school shootings started escalating in the United States, as did profitable investing in the privatization of American prisons, which currently contain half of the world?s total prison population of 233 countries. In the 2000s, adversarial laws related constitutionality and impartiality but not resolve for why the United States is where the majority of the world?s prison population resides and massive school shootings. There has been debate of whether a correlation authentically or paradoxically exists. There has been debate of why random school shootings cannot be predetermined by traditional means of profiling or quasi-experimental research, which are two rudiments viably debated as predispositions contributing to high imprisonment in America. There has been debate that penal populations and school massacres may decrease if judicial practices are less politicized, popularized, and localized. While well intended, the decades of debates distract from definite resolve. The American dream of equal access to education in the pursuit of liberty and happiness is a civil right in a nation of exceptionally high imprisonment and indiscriminate school massacres. Resident and nonresident aliens in the United States are not the primary populations of prisoners because native-born citizens conduct the majority of crimes and school massacres in America. Disadvantaged individuals who are young, poor, minorities, and uneducated immensely compile prison populations in the United States. However, in American school massacres, disadvantaged or advantaged individuals can equally and effortlessly become defenseless instructors or deceased students. The contrast is alarming and a foundation to propose the United States Department of Education, which administrates legal regulations and policies for American schools, permit defensive mandatory practices to help foster educational excellence through safety in schools. The proposal merits substantial review due to administrative laws as a necessity in the governance of society, or due to the likely fact that from the time this content is written to the time this content is published and read, another deadly school shooting will occur in the United States. Length: 1 page Creation-Date: 2017-10 Publication-Status: Published in Proceedings of the Proceedings of the 34th International Academic Conference, Florence, Oct 2017, pages 299-299 File-URL: https://iises.net/proceedings/34th-international-academic-conference-florence/table-of-content/detail?cid=59&iid=052&rid=8204 File-Function: First version, 2017 Number: 5908204 Classification-JEL: K39, I28, K23 Keywords: Law; Education Handle: RePEc:sek:iacpro:5908204 Template-Type: ReDIF-Paper 1.0 Author-Name: Agnieszka Szpak Author-Name-First: Agnieszka Author-Name-Last: Szpak Author-Email: aszpak@umk.pl Author-Workplace-Name: Nicolaus Copernicus University, Faculty of Political Science and International Studies Title: The Growing Role of Cities and Their Networks in the International Relations Abstract: The author analyses the manifestations of cities? growing role for ensuring the national/international as well as environmental and human security. Cities of today increasingly participate in international relations ? they internalize, implement and enforce international law, sometimes independently of their States? international legal obligations, for example when they pledge to implement human rights conventions or environmental law obligations that their own States did not pledge to fulfill. In this way they contribute to international peace and security. On the basis of those manifestations, the author attempts to explain the possible position of cities on the international plane and according to international law ? whether they should be accorded greater autonomy or international legal personality. The author also indicates that the role of cities in the area of different aspects of security is growing. Length: 1 page Creation-Date: 2017-10 Publication-Status: Published in Proceedings of the Proceedings of the 34th International Academic Conference, Florence, Oct 2017, pages 300-300 File-URL: https://iises.net/proceedings/34th-international-academic-conference-florence/table-of-content/detail?cid=59&iid=053&rid=8173 File-Function: First version, 2017 Number: 5908173 Classification-JEL: Keywords: cities, cities? networks, security, human security, environmental security Handle: RePEc:sek:iacpro:5908173 Template-Type: ReDIF-Paper 1.0 Author-Name: Agata Szyma?ska Author-Name-First: Agata Author-Name-Last: Szyma?ska Author-Email: agata.szymanska@uni.lodz.pl Author-Workplace-Name: Institute of Economics, University of Lodz Title: Effects of Fiscal Policy Shocks on the Economy: Evidence from Selected CEE Countries Abstract: The impact of fiscal policy on the economy is a subject of special interest to the EU countries outside the Eurozone, mainly due to their position of ?countries with a derogation? and their future access to the Euro Area. In this context it seems appropriate to investigate the impact of fiscal policy shocks on the economy in the short-run in these countries.The aim of this study is to analyze the effectiveness of fiscal policy shocks in selected CEE countries. In accordance with the goal, the empirical fiscal SVAR models have been prepared. The study is based on a quarterly data for six CEE countries: Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Romania. The empirical model for each country includes three variables: GDP, government spending and net taxes. The identification scheme is based on the Blanchard and Perotti (2002) approach. According to the estimated results the impact response of GDP to government spending shock is positive (and statistically significant in most analyzed countries), whereas the response of GDP to the net tax shock is negative or positive (positive in the case of two countries: Croatia and Poland) however statistically insignificant in analyzed countries.The dynamic responses are presented by impulse response functions investigated for each country. The analysis of these functions demonstrates the effects of structural shocks on the economy over horizon considered for the fiscal IRF. The results show differences in GDP responses on structural shocks in analyzed CEE countries. Length: 1 page Creation-Date: 2017-10 Publication-Status: Published in Proceedings of the Proceedings of the 34th International Academic Conference, Florence, Oct 2017, pages 301-301 File-URL: https://iises.net/proceedings/34th-international-academic-conference-florence/table-of-content/detail?cid=59&iid=054&rid=8263 File-Function: First version, 2017 Number: 5908263 Classification-JEL: E62, E60, C01 Keywords: fiscal policy, fiscal SVAR, European Union, CEE countries, structural shocks Handle: RePEc:sek:iacpro:5908263 Template-Type: ReDIF-Paper 1.0 Author-Name: Anca Tamas Author-Name-First: Anca Author-Name-Last: Tamas Author-Email: anca.tamas@rei.ase.ro Author-Workplace-Name: Bucharest University of Economic Studies Title: The design of the Romanian wine imports and exports using the gravity model approach Abstract: Purpose-the aim of this paper is to assess the design of the Romanian wines imports and exports using the gravity model.Design/Methodology/Approach-the regression was used, namely Panel EGLS (Estimated Generalized Least Squares), with cross-section weights option, which allows the control of heteroscedasticity and of the auto-correlation as well. The independent variables used in the gravity model are GDP per capita, distance, Unit price, exchange rates, wine production.Findings-the GDP per capita and the common membership of two countries influence positively the wine trade flows. The Unit price, the distance, the isolation and the dominant religion influence negatively the wine trade flows. The wine production and the exchange rates have low influence and they are not statistically significant.Practical implications-the article is useful for importers and exporters because it highlights which variables of a country could influence the wine trade flows.Originality/Value-the application of the gravity model on Romanian wine trade flows. Length: 1 page Creation-Date: 2017-10 Publication-Status: Published in Proceedings of the Proceedings of the 34th International Academic Conference, Florence, Oct 2017, pages 302-302 File-URL: https://iises.net/proceedings/34th-international-academic-conference-florence/table-of-content/detail?cid=59&iid=055&rid=8152 File-Function: First version, 2017 Number: 5908152 Classification-JEL: F14 Keywords: gravity model, wine trade flows Handle: RePEc:sek:iacpro:5908152 Template-Type: ReDIF-Paper 1.0 Author-Name: Seda Tolun Author-Name-First: Seda Author-Name-Last: Tolun Author-Email: stolun@istanbul.edu.tr Author-Workplace-Name: Istanbul University School of Business, Quantitative Methods Department Author-Name: Cem Gürler Author-Name-First: Cem Author-Name-Last: Gürler Author-Email: cemgurler07@gmail.com Author-Workplace-Name: Istanbul University School of Business, Quantitative Methods Department Author-Name: Mehmet Ça?lar Author-Name-First: Mehmet Author-Name-Last: Ça?lar Author-Email: mcaglar123@gmail.com Author-Workplace-Name: Y?ld?z Technical University Faculty of Economic and Administrative Sciences Department of Business Administration Numerical Methods Title: Crowdfunding success prediction: An emprical study on Indiegogo platform Abstract: Crowdfunding is an appealing financing method to enterpreneurs with financial difficulties in realizing their project ideas. This practice is an endeavour to raise funds for a project or a business venture from a large population where the enterpreneurs make an open call through the internet and try to persuade individuals to support their innovative ideas. Within four different types of crowdfunding and hundreds of websites emerged, this study focuses on reward and donation based crowdfunding in one of the most prominent platforms, Indiegogo. The study introduces a decision tree model that classifies the submitted projects at Indiegogo as successful or not and underlines the key success features for entrepreneurs who are to make an online call for fundraising. Length: 1 page Creation-Date: 2017-10 Publication-Status: Published in Proceedings of the Proceedings of the 34th International Academic Conference, Florence, Oct 2017, pages 303-303 File-URL: https://iises.net/proceedings/34th-international-academic-conference-florence/table-of-content/detail?cid=59&iid=056&rid=8122 File-Function: First version, 2017 Number: 5908122 Classification-JEL: C38, C80 Keywords: classification, data mining, crowdfunding, binary model, knowledge discovery Handle: RePEc:sek:iacpro:5908122 Template-Type: ReDIF-Paper 1.0 Author-Name: Enrique Vasquez Author-Name-First: Enrique Author-Name-Last: Vasquez Author-Email: vasquez_ee@up.edu.pe Author-Workplace-Name: Universidad de Pacifico, Centro de Investigación Title: The paradox between good economic performance and social unrest in Perú: 2,000-2015 Abstract: During 2000-2015, Peru achieved an average annual growth rate of GDP - higher than the average of Latin America (2.85%) - of 5.3% (World Bank, 2017). This generated an increase in the average monthly salary of US$ 505.6 PPP in 2004 to US$ 851.4 PPP in 2015 (INEI, 2016).This improvement of growth and real income resulted in a reduction of both the monetary poverty (42.4% in 2007 to 27.8% in 2011), (INEI, 2012, p. 26), as well as the multidimensional poverty index (55.47% in 2007 to 37% in 2011), (Vásquez, 2012). Moreover, the Gini index changed from 0.525 in 2001 to 0.439 in 2014 (ECLAC, 2017). However, some labour indicators showed that in 2015, only 50.8% of the Occupied EAP had an adequate employment and 45.7% was underemployed (INEI, 2016). In turn, the number of conflicts increased from 47 in 2004 to 211 in 2015, according to the Peru Ombudsman Office (Defensoría del Pueblo, 2015).The aim of this paper is to identify the determinants of the paradox of a country that grows in macroeconomic terms under social unrest. The Peruvian economy generated positive conditions for growth from 2000 through 2015. However, there was not a fair distribution of economic outcomes across the 25 regions within Peru (CIES & BID, 2012). By the year 2015, the poorest regions showed rates of monetary poverty incidence between 44.7% to 51.7%. On the contrary, one single region had the lowest rate of poverty (3.22%) (INEI, 2016, p. 62). On the other hand, the relative position of the HDI country was one of the lowest among the rest of Latin America and Caribbean. Regarding social unrest, around the 2000s the country experienced several conflicts and the population did not trust the government. Since 2008, the number of social conflicts increased considerably and originated violent demonstrations. These conflicts, the origins of which were mainly socio-environmental, were the channel through which the population showed social discontent and also made an impact on governance indicators. This level of conflict emerged from the existing inequalities in the country. The conflicts emerged in local places where the population was poor, disorganized and inadequately represented, but with an unexpected high capacity of protest (López Lancho, 2015, pp. 6-7). To conclude, it can be showed the existence of a paradox that relates high economic growth with a high level of social conflicts developed in the country. Length: 1 page Creation-Date: 2017-10 Publication-Status: Published in Proceedings of the Proceedings of the 34th International Academic Conference, Florence, Oct 2017, pages 304-304 File-URL: https://iises.net/proceedings/34th-international-academic-conference-florence/table-of-content/detail?cid=59&iid=057&rid=8087 File-Function: First version, 2017 Number: 5908087 Classification-JEL: N16, N36, O17 Keywords: Peru, economic growth, economic performance, social unrest, poverty, inequality Handle: RePEc:sek:iacpro:5908087 Template-Type: ReDIF-Paper 1.0 Author-Name: Charles Wild Author-Name-First: Charles Author-Name-Last: Wild Author-Email: charles_wild@btinternet.com Author-Workplace-Name: University of Hertfordshire Title: The Flip Side: A case study examining how the refined flipped classroom enhances BAME student performance Abstract: Student cohorts within UK Higher Education (HE) institutions have becomes increasingly diverse over the past decade. This has presented the HE sector with a number of challenges, including the need to evaluate whether the delivery of degree programmes, traditionally targeted at a predominantly white student cohort, are fit-for-purpose when programme cohorts are becoming increasingly culturally diverse and white students account for only the second or third largest ethnic group. For example, in this case study, 75.7% of the student cohort is classed as Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic (BAME), with the largest ethnic group being Asian at 32.4%. The National Union of Students (NUS, 2009) observed that ?Black students are less likely to be satisfied with their educational experience and to attain first-class degrees in comparison to their White peers?, going on to note that ?a simple explanation for the attainment and satisfaction gap of Black students does not exist?. Furthermore, Berry & Loke (2011) note that differences between Black and White students centre on the ?rate of retention / withdrawal and achievement?. In addition, the National Union of Students (2009) reported that a significant minority of BME students viewed their teaching and learning environment negatively, often speaking of alienation, exclusion and feeling invisible to lecturers. Whilst Pewewardy (2008) highlights the fact that BAME students differ in the ways they learn and communicate, Morgan (2010) suggests that such students only differ "from what a given culture considers appropriate or normal." Consequently, the author asserts it is time for HE institutions to re-evaluate the concept of ?appropriate or normal? to one based on BAME students rather than that of a predominantly white one. This case study examines the use of a refined flipped-classroom model across an entire undergraduate programme may prove the key to an increase in the rates of retention and progression of BAME students on undergraduate programmes. This paper examines the use of a refined flipped-classroom model across an entire undergraduate programme which has resulted in a significant increase in the retention of BAME students. Pioneered by Bergmann and Sams, the traditional flipped-classroom allows students to review lectures at times and in locations that suit them. It also provides students with a library of information to refer back to, proving invaluable in the lead-up to assessments. In this regard, a significant improvement in the progression of Home/EU BAME students may be noted during the period 2013/14 to 2014/15. Length: 11 pages Creation-Date: 2017-10 Publication-Status: Published in Proceedings of the Proceedings of the 34th International Academic Conference, Florence, Oct 2017, pages 305-315 File-URL: https://iises.net/proceedings/34th-international-academic-conference-florence/table-of-content/detail?cid=59&iid=058&rid=7143 File-Function: First version, 2017 Number: 5907143 Classification-JEL: I23, I24 Keywords: Refined flipped classroom; BAME students; Student retention; Student progression Handle: RePEc:sek:iacpro:5907143 Template-Type: ReDIF-Paper 1.0 Author-Name: F. Gerhard Wolmarans Author-Name-First: F. Gerhard Author-Name-Last: Wolmarans Author-Email: gerhard.wolmarans@up.ac.za Author-Workplace-Name: University of Pretoria Title: A Pluralist state? The quest for cohering norms. Abstract: The reality confronting the world of states today is that almost all societies can increasingly be characterised as fragmented societies. Living with this increased level of fragmentation will be one of the main challenges all states will have to confront, in an intentional manner, for it is not something that can be simply ignored or long resisted. The challenge of enabling people to live together in large-scale associations is not new and has always been part of the political problem faced by societies. However, it appears as though the range and scope of difference that needs to be accommodated in the state is ever increasing to the point where it even challenges some of the liberal democratic tenets that have long served as the default setting for accommodating such societal difference.This ubiquitous diversity, therefore, raises questions about the character of a truly pluralist state. What would a stable and viable pluralist state look like? What norms would successfully undergird a public culture that would be capable of generating sufficient harmony, freedom, prosperity and order within such a heterogeneous state? This paper is but a prolegomenon to this question and will aim to search out some of the norms societies should aim at as they confront this challenge. It will consider the suggestions of a number of theorist and scholars who have thought deeply about living together well with difference. The focus will be on the norms they suggest that should or would pervade the public culture of such a pluralist state? Particular insights will also be drawn from the South African experience. The paper intends to set out a broad framework of transcultural societal norms that would serve the aspiration for a pluralist state well while doing justice to the unique history and context of place and time in which each state finds itself. Length: 1 page Creation-Date: 2017-10 Publication-Status: Published in Proceedings of the Proceedings of the 34th International Academic Conference, Florence, Oct 2017, pages 316-316 File-URL: https://iises.net/proceedings/34th-international-academic-conference-florence/table-of-content/detail?cid=59&iid=059&rid=8290 File-Function: First version, 2017 Number: 5908290 Classification-JEL: Keywords: Pluralism, societal fragmentation, cohering norms, politics of difference. Handle: RePEc:sek:iacpro:5908290 Template-Type: ReDIF-Paper 1.0 Author-Name: U?ur Burç Y?ld?z Author-Name-First: U?ur Burç Author-Name-Last: Y?ld?z Author-Email: ugurburc.yildiz@ikc.edu.tr Author-Workplace-Name: ?zmir Katip Çelebi University Title: THE CONTINENTAL PARTNERSHIP: A FEASIBLE OPTION FOR TURKEY INSTEAD OF FULL MEMBERSHIP TO THE EUROPEAN UNION? Abstract: Turkey?s accession to European Union membership appears to be impossible for several important reasons. Thus, instead of full membership, Turkey may look for alternative options to benefit from the European Union integration project. One option could be the Continental Partnership, proposed by the Brussels-based Bruegel think tank. This article investigates the feasibility of this offer for Turkey. It is argued that this new method of cooperation provides significant economic benefits since the European Union would grant free movement of basic agricultural products and free movement of services and capital, abolish Schengen visas for Turkish businessmen and company managers for three months and include Turkey in the Common Commercial Policy, which is closely related to the Single Market project. Participating in the intergovernmental Continental Partnership Council would also bring Turkey significant political benefits by protecting its commercial, security and defense policy interests before new European Union legislations are adopted. Length: 15 pages Creation-Date: 2017-10 Publication-Status: Published in Proceedings of the Proceedings of the 34th International Academic Conference, Florence, Oct 2017, pages 317-331 File-URL: https://iises.net/proceedings/34th-international-academic-conference-florence/table-of-content/detail?cid=59&iid=060&rid=8276 File-Function: First version, 2017 Number: 5908276 Classification-JEL: F50 Keywords: Continental Partnership, Turkey, European Union, United Kingdom, Brexit. Handle: RePEc:sek:iacpro:5908276 Template-Type: ReDIF-Paper 1.0 Author-Name: Fayyaz Zahed Author-Name-First: Fayyaz Author-Name-Last: Zahed Author-Email: fayyaz.zaahed@gmail.com Author-Workplace-Name: Central Tehran Branch.Islamic Azad University Author-Name: Neda Moradi Author-Name-First: Neda Author-Name-Last: Moradi Author-Email: moradi.nd@gmail.com Author-Workplace-Name: islamic azad university.science and research branch tehran Title: The effect of World War I on Iran situation Abstract: AbstractThe World War I had a considerable influence on the history of many non-European countries specially Iran. Iran hoping that not to involve in this world war, neutralized in the war at the behest of November 1st in, but abjuring it by hostile countries, Iran was changed into an extended from for imperialist powers. Consequently was invaded by Britain, Russia, Ottoman and Germany from the south, north, and west. The World War I caused numerous problems for Iran. Increasing external pressures, the weekness of central government and subsequently, cabinets instability and economic crises added to the complexity of the situation. Despite Iran's efforts to keep himself from the battle of which had no proportion and no effect on it, the juggernaut strikes inflicted on political stability and consistency of the government and incurred formidable losses on the economy of this country. October revolution which at first seemed to improve the situation of Iran, caused Britain totalitarianism and changing negative balance. This created a long- term gap in Iran political arena and finally lead to 22th feb coup, and also overthrowing Qajar regime and replacing it with Reza Pahlavi. The event that changed the procedure of constitutional revolution and Iran Policies landscape. Length: 14 pages Creation-Date: 2017-10 Publication-Status: Published in Proceedings of the Proceedings of the 34th International Academic Conference, Florence, Oct 2017, pages 332-345 File-URL: https://iises.net/proceedings/34th-international-academic-conference-florence/table-of-content/detail?cid=59&iid=061&rid=7614 File-Function: First version, 2017 Number: 5907614 Classification-JEL: Keywords: Keywords: World War I, Iran, Qajar, violations of neutrality, political and economic crises. Handle: RePEc:sek:iacpro:5907614 Template-Type: ReDIF-Paper 1.0 Author-Name: Miroslava Zavadska Author-Name-First: Miroslava Author-Name-Last: Zavadska Author-Email: miroslava.zavadska@student.dit.ie Author-Workplace-Name: Dublin Institute of Technology Author-Name: Lucía Morales Author-Name-First: Lucía Author-Name-Last: Morales Author-Email: lucia.morales@dit.ie Author-Workplace-Name: Dublin Institute of Technology Author-Name: Joseph Coughlan Author-Name-First: Joseph Author-Name-Last: Coughlan Author-Email: joseph.coughlan@nuim.ie Author-Workplace-Name: Maynooth University Title: The Importance of Integrating Quantitative Research Methods to Understand Commodity Business Finance Abstract: There is significant variety in the range of quantitative methods used to analyse problems in commodity business finance. This study focuses on how these methods can be to aid the understanding of how crude oil spot and futures markets behave during major shock events that are characterised by high levels of uncertainty and risk to businesses that rely on commodities to function. This paper uses the context of the relationships and behaviour of spot and futures prices of major oil benchmarks such as Brent crude oil (the European crude oil benchmark), the West Texas Intermediate (the US benchmark) and the Dubai crude oil (the Middle East benchmark). The research methodologies under consideration are of a great value for businesses, and in particular to practitioners, as they help them by offering in depth analysis of oil price behaviour. This aids decision making for example on topics such as strategic investment and sourcing of raw materials. Through integrating different methodologies, this paper also contributes towards the operationalisation of behavioural finance theory. This relatively new theory considers that the markets are not as predictable as once thought and decisions are really made based on how we, as humans, make decisions. The use of multiple methodologies contributes to capture the variance that occurs across the market under behavioural finance theory. Length: 1 page Creation-Date: 2017-10 Publication-Status: Published in Proceedings of the Proceedings of the 34th International Academic Conference, Florence, Oct 2017, pages 346-346 File-URL: https://iises.net/proceedings/34th-international-academic-conference-florence/table-of-content/detail?cid=59&iid=062&rid=8090 File-Function: First version, 2017 Number: 5908090 Classification-JEL: E37, G01, Q47 Keywords: Business finance, Mixed method research, Commodity, Energy, Shock periods, Cointegration, Causality, Volatility, Efficiency, Decision making. Handle: RePEc:sek:iacpro:5908090 Template-Type: ReDIF-Paper 1.0 Author-Name: Miroslava Zavadska Author-Name-First: Miroslava Author-Name-Last: Zavadska Author-Email: miroslava.zavadska@student.dit.ie Author-Workplace-Name: Dublin Institute of Technology Author-Name: Lucía Morales Author-Name-First: Lucía Author-Name-Last: Morales Author-Email: lucia.morales@dit.ie Author-Workplace-Name: Dublin Institute of Technology Author-Name: Joseph Coughlan Author-Name-First: Joseph Author-Name-Last: Coughlan Author-Email: joseph.coughlan@nuim.ie Author-Workplace-Name: Maynooth University Title: The Efficiency Analysis of Crude Oil Spot and Futures Prices: A Moving Window Approach Abstract: This paper explores the efficiency of oil price behaviour during times of crisis using traditional variance-ratio tests in combination with more recent innovations such as wild bootstrapping and simulation methods. Three main oil indices were chosen: Brent, WTI and Dubai crude, in order to consider efficiency across the different oil price regimes during times of crisis. Daily data from January 1986 to September 2016 was used, and moving windows of 2, 5 and 10 years were integrated into the methodologies applied. The results were mixed across the data series and the windows showing that the different prices were not efficient over the same periods. This has implications for how we view price efficiency in oil markets and consequent implications for market regulations and investor decision making during times of crisis. Length: 1 page Creation-Date: 2017-10 Publication-Status: Published in Proceedings of the Proceedings of the 34th International Academic Conference, Florence, Oct 2017, pages 347-347 File-URL: https://iises.net/proceedings/34th-international-academic-conference-florence/table-of-content/detail?cid=59&iid=063&rid=8091 File-Function: First version, 2017 Number: 5908091 Classification-JEL: E37, G01, Q47 Keywords: Energy, Crude Oil Markets, Spot and Futures Prices, Shock periods, Variance Ratio Tests, Efficiency, Decision making. Handle: RePEc:sek:iacpro:5908091