ALEKSANDRA STANKOVSKA | European University - Republic of Macedonia (original) (raw)

Papers by ALEKSANDRA STANKOVSKA

The squat is an assessment of lower extremity alignment during movement, however there is little ... more The squat is an assessment of lower extremity alignment during movement, however there is little information regarding altered joint kinetics during poorly performed squats. The purpose of this study was to examine changes in joint kinetics and power from altered knee alignment during a squat. Thirty participants completed squats while displacing the knee medially, anteriorly, and with neutral alignment (control). Sagittal and frontal plane torques at the ankle, knee, and hip were altered in the descending and ascending phase of the squat in both the medial and anterior malaligned squat compared to the control squat. Ankle and trunk power increased and hip power decreased in the medial malaligned squat compared to the control squat. Ankle, knee, and trunk power increased and hip power decreased in the anterior malaligned squat compared to the control squat. Changes in joint torques and power during malaligned squats suggest that altered knee alignment increases ankle and trunk involvement to execute the movement. Increased anterior knee excursion during squatting may also lead to persistent altered loading of the ankle and knee. Sports medicine professionals using the squat for quadriceps strengthening must consider knee alignment to reduce ankle and trunk involvement during the movement.

Economics and Management, 2016

This paper presents an aggregated picture of hedge funds industry activity, illustrating key tren... more This paper presents an aggregated picture of hedge funds industry activity, illustrating key trends and risks. A hedge fund is an alternative investment vehicle available only to sophisticated investors, such as institutions and individuals with significant assets. Alternative investment strategies used to be synonymous with hedge funds and the endowments and wealthy investors that bought into them. Given the unpredictability of today's financial markets, many investors are looking to reduce the impact of market volatility on their portfolios. Hedge fund strategies may help by offering additional diversification, new sources of return and the potential for reduced risk. Hedge funds are structured as limited partnerships, LLCs or offshore investment companies. Hedge funds are not subject to some of the regulations that are designed to protect investors.

A mutual fund is an SEC-registered open-end investment company that pools money from many investo... more A mutual fund is an SEC-registered open-end investment company that pools money from many investors and invests the money in financial portfolio.The central aim of this issue is to give an overview of the growing industry of mutual funds. The growth of the industry is reflected in its assets under management. Mutual funds are perhaps the easiest and least stressful way to invest in the market. In fact, more new money has been introduced into funds during the past few years than at any time in history. While some mutual funds are index funds, which aim to track the performance of a specific market index, most are actively managed, meaning fund managers follow an investment strategy to buy and sell a variety of securities in an attempt to beat the market. There are funds that focus on nearly every part of the market, and buyers can invest in a variety of assets including equities, bonds, real estate and commodities.

The main purpose of this paper is to point out and verify the profitability of children’s market.... more The main purpose of this paper is to point out and verify the profitability of children’s market. 30-40 years ago, children were not considered as an important market and they were treated as savers and future consumers. Today, they are perceived as consumers and spenders and are actively engaged in the marketplace as buyers, users and recipients of consumer goods. Nowadays, children are viewed as a viable market by many manufacturers and retailers. Namely, two recent trends have increased manufacturer and retailer’s interest in child market. First, both the discrecionary income of children and their growing power to influence parents purchases and second growing media space (television, Internet, mobile phones, computers, video games, etc) that through advertisments and promotions attract younger population. In order to understand children as consumers, one has to recognize the impact of the marketplace in children’s everyday lives and to consider the ways in which they experience ...

Economics and Management, 2017

The environmental issues pose one of the biggest threats to humankind. Today, we are all faced wi... more The environmental issues pose one of the biggest threats to humankind. Today, we are all faced with serious environmental problems that cannot further be ignored. The biggest environmental threats that endanger the Planet’s survival are climate change, deforestation, pollution, loss of biodiversity, melting polar ice and rising sea levels, oceanic dead zones, and explosive population growth. They suddenly became an alarm for action for every person in the Earth. In the early 1990s, global concern about environment protection intensified and there was a rapid rise in products with environmental claims. Consumers became more conscious that their consumption impacts the environment. Companies started to promote their products as ”green” to attract a growing environmentally aware segment. Companies have recognized environmental concerns as a source of competitive advantage. However, in attracting a “green” audience, companies often used claims that sound environmental, but were actually...

Economics and Management, 2017

This paper presents an aggregated picture of financial derivatives industry activity, illustratin... more This paper presents an aggregated picture of financial derivatives industry activity, illustrating key trends, speculation, hedging and risk management. Derivatives are financial contracts that are designed to create market price exposure to changes in an underlying commodity, assets or event. The use of derivative instruments in corporate risk management has grown rapidly in recent years, caused partly by financial deregulation and partly by the success of the financial industry in designing a great variety of OTC and exchange-traded contracts. The innovation and growth of derivative instruments was the result of satisfaction of demand of market players for a means to hedge price risk. Derivatives have become an integral part of the financial markets because they can serve several economic functions. Derivatives can serve as investment vehicles and can provide a way to make bets that are highly leveraged and tailored to a specific view.

Economics and Management, 2017

The central theme of this issue is waste management in relation with circular economy. The circul... more The central theme of this issue is waste management in relation with circular economy. The circular economy is geared towards extending the added value of products and even eliminating the production of waste as far as possible. The business concept of a Circular Economy is based on an idea: learn from natural processes and “get back” to a circular use of resources, inspired by the way it was naturally designed. In this regard, waste management plays a striking role, determining whether materials are deprived in definite disposal or recovered and reintegrated into the economic cycle. In a circular economy the value of products and materials is maintained for as long as possible; waste and resource uses are minimized, and resources are kept within the economy when a product has reached the end of its life, to be used again and again to create further value.

Aim of this paper is to present the opportunities arising from the application of guerrilla marke... more Aim of this paper is to present the opportunities arising from the application of guerrilla marketing for managers in the tourism sector. Examples of successful implementation in the hospitality and tourism sector are presented within the paper. Another objective is to present the idea that managers in tours sector, especially the one with limited marketing budget, should implement a creative, easy to implement and low cost strategies that could result in increased profit.

Cyberspace is an exciting, dynamic and ever-evolving arena of challenge and opportunity. This pap... more Cyberspace is an exciting, dynamic and ever-evolving arena of challenge and opportunity. This paper provides an overview of cyber threats actors, cyber threat intelligence and cyber threat management. Cyber threat actors have a global reach and cyber threat mitigation strategies need to be considered through a global lens. Cyber threat intelligence and management, defined as the protection of systems, networks and data in cyberspace, is a critical issue for all businesses.

Consumers like new products. According to Nielsen's report, around the world more than six in... more Consumers like new products. According to Nielsen's report, around the world more than six in ten respondents say they like when manufacturers offer new products or services in the market and more than half (57%) say that they purchased a new product during their last grocery shopping. This confirms that consumers have a strong appetite for innovation. They are increasingly demanding and expect more choice than ever before. However, new products often do not make it on the market. The estimate is that up to 90% of new products fail due to the mistakes of manufacturers. Manufacturers can produce the best product in the world, but if they do not promote it properly and educate consumers adequately then no one will know about the product and the companies will be at a loss. Even though it seems that there are endless options for promoting a product or a service, for companies it is very difficult to decide where and how to get started and which methods of promotion give the best re...

Economics and Management, 2018

The subject of this paper is the current capital market problem from the legislation aspect, espe... more The subject of this paper is the current capital market problem from the legislation aspect, especially the stock exchanges where long-term financial instruments are traded. A review of the capital market legal framework, the capital market function, the key institutions that act on global and national level, the way of their establishment and the processes of their interactions are given. In the paper, a comparative approach has been made regarding the characteristics and legal regulations of the stock exchanges in highly developed economies with regard to the Macedonian Stock Exchange legislation. The paper`s aim is to give a legal regulations overview regarding the capital market function, especially the stock exchanges operation with securities and the trading manner in the securities issue, as an actual long-term financing source.

Project proceedings of research reports and presentations by Macedonian team. The Macedonian defe... more Project proceedings of research reports and presentations by Macedonian team. The Macedonian defense market and transformation. Development of a Macedonian logistics services firm. Dual-use and conversion of military-related R&D in Germany. Security and defense R&D management: policy, concepts and models of republic of Macedonia. Macedonian security and defense R&D management: ICT policy and strategy. Current economic crises and challenges for defense budgets. R&D national policy in the republic of Macedonia according to the security related and generally R&D scene – current status and shortfalls. Part iii: project reports by Macedonian team. Comparative observation of developed countries regulations and practices – Germany. Security and military R&D national policy in republic of Macedonia (proposal). Dual-use and conversion of military-related R&D in Germany.

Strategic Management is a planning process of developing strategy in the direction of achieving s... more Strategic Management is a planning process of developing strategy in the direction of achieving strategic-fit between the organization's competence & resources and the global environment under which it tends to operate. It is an ongoing management planning process, aimed at developing strategies to allow an organization to expand abroad and compete internationally. An organization must be able to determine what products or services, where and how they intend to sell… Concurrent with this assessment, objectives are set. These objectives should be parallel to a time-line; some are in the short-term and others on the long-term. This involves crafting vision statements (long term view of a possible future), mission statements (the role that the organization gives itself in society), overall corporate objectives (both financial and strategic), strategic business unit objectives (both financial and strategic), and tactical objectives.

People have always wanted to improve and ease their lives. They used a variety of means, tools, m... more People have always wanted to improve and ease their lives. They used a variety of means, tools, machines, and other people to achieve that goal. In achieving it, people change the way they live, work and relate to one another. All these rapid and abrupt changes in society that radically changed human life and occurred in a certain period of time are called Revolutions. Human history recognizes about 3 Revolutions so far that have affected all aspects of life. The world is facing the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) which is characterized by a range of new technologies that are fusing physical, digital and biological worlds, impacting all disciplines, economies and industries. The 4IR will fundamentally change people’s lives. It covers wide-ranging fields such as Artificial intelligence, The Internet of Things (IoT), robotics, autonomous vehicles, 3D printing, nanotechnology, biotechnology, materials science, energy savings, computing, etc. This paper aims to explain in detail the ...

People have always wanted to improve and ease their lives. They used a variety of means, tools, m... more People have always wanted to improve and ease their lives. They used a variety of means, tools, machines, and other people to achieve that goal. In achieving it, people change the way they live, work and relate to one another. All these rapid and abrupt changes in society that radically changed human life and occurred in a certain period of time are called Revolutions. Human history recognizes about 3 Revolutions so far that have affected all aspects of life. The world is facing the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) which is characterized by a range of new technologies that are fusing physical, digital and biological worlds, impacting all disciplines, economies and industries. The 4IR will fundamentally change people’s lives. It covers wide-ranging fields such as Artificial intelligence, The Internet of Things (IoT), robotics, autonomous vehicles, 3D printing, nanotechnology, biotechnology, materials science, energy savings, computing, etc. This paper aims to explain in detail th...

Economics and Management, 2017

The purpose of this paper is to explain the consumer decision making process from both, a theoret... more The purpose of this paper is to explain the consumer decision making process from both, a theoretical and practical perspective. Theoretically, the consumer decision process refers to making a choice amongst various alternatives that address a problem, need or opportunity. The consumer decision process consists of several stages, such as: a) need / problem recognition, b) pre-purchase information search, c) evaluation of alternatives, d) purchase decision and e) post-purchase outcome and reactions. For this paper, the stage of evaluation of alternatives is especially important, where buying decision rules are elaborated in detail (compensatory and non-compensatory rules). Buying decision rules are procedures used by consumers to facilitate brand or other choices. Such rules reduce the burden of making complex decisions. From a practical perspective, this paper should help families who want to buy a family car, worth up to a maximum of 15,000 euros. Buying decision rules apply to pro...

Economics and Management, 2018

Brand is defined as an unique design, name, sign, symbol, word or a combination of these, employe... more Brand is defined as an unique design, name, sign, symbol, word or a combination of these, employed in creating an image that identifies a product and differentiates it from its competitors. At the same time it is associated with a quality, credibility and satisfaction in consumer’s mind. Brand is a promise that helps consumers in their buying process. It represents the most valuable intangible asset that company possesses. The legal name of a brand is a trademark. By definition, a trademark is any word, name, symbol (logo), number, colour, slogan, design, sound or smell, or any combination thereof used to identify and distinguish products from those manufactured or sold by others. Trademark is another way of referring to brands. As such, trademarks need careful handling, care, nurturing and protection; otherwise they may lose value, be stolen or simply be destroyed or lost. Choosing and defending a trademark is often a very important part of a company’s marketing strategy. Brands ca...

Economics and Management, 2018

In this research paper we will explore the current wave of Artificial Intelligence and FinTech in... more In this research paper we will explore the current wave of Artificial Intelligence and FinTech in modern banking industry. FinTech is the new gold rush for investors, growing from 10% in 2016, to a staggering $23.2 billion, with China and USA leading the market. This boost is powered by the growing capabilities of machine learning and artificial intelligence. It is an idea whose time has come, as the computational and storing capabilities available today can record and process the impressive quantities of big data necessary to fuel the algorithms. The future of banking industry will be heavily influenced by emerging FinTech companies and artificial intelligence technology applications setting the stage for increasing competitiveness among the industry’s leading giants. In the next decade, artificial intelligence will help financial services companies maximize resources, decrease risk, and generate more revenue, in the trading, investing, banking, lending, and FinTech verticals. In...

SEEU Review

Globalization of financial markets led to the enormous growth of volume and diversification of fi... more Globalization of financial markets led to the enormous growth of volume and diversification of financial transactions. Financial derivatives were the basic elements of this growth. Derivatives play a useful and important role in hedging and risk management, but they also pose several dangers to the stability of financial markets and thereby the overall economy. Derivatives are used to hedge and speculate the risk associated with commerce and finance.When used to hedge risks, derivative instruments transfer the risks from the hedgers, who are unwilling to bear the risks, to parties better able or more willing to bear them. In this regard, derivatives help allocate risks efficiently between different individuals and groups in the economy. Investors can also use derivatives to speculate and to engage in arbitrage activity. Speculators are traders who want to take a position in the market; they are betting that the price of the underlying asset or commodity will move in a particular dir...

The squat is an assessment of lower extremity alignment during movement, however there is little ... more The squat is an assessment of lower extremity alignment during movement, however there is little information regarding altered joint kinetics during poorly performed squats. The purpose of this study was to examine changes in joint kinetics and power from altered knee alignment during a squat. Thirty participants completed squats while displacing the knee medially, anteriorly, and with neutral alignment (control). Sagittal and frontal plane torques at the ankle, knee, and hip were altered in the descending and ascending phase of the squat in both the medial and anterior malaligned squat compared to the control squat. Ankle and trunk power increased and hip power decreased in the medial malaligned squat compared to the control squat. Ankle, knee, and trunk power increased and hip power decreased in the anterior malaligned squat compared to the control squat. Changes in joint torques and power during malaligned squats suggest that altered knee alignment increases ankle and trunk involvement to execute the movement. Increased anterior knee excursion during squatting may also lead to persistent altered loading of the ankle and knee. Sports medicine professionals using the squat for quadriceps strengthening must consider knee alignment to reduce ankle and trunk involvement during the movement.

Economics and Management, 2016

This paper presents an aggregated picture of hedge funds industry activity, illustrating key tren... more This paper presents an aggregated picture of hedge funds industry activity, illustrating key trends and risks. A hedge fund is an alternative investment vehicle available only to sophisticated investors, such as institutions and individuals with significant assets. Alternative investment strategies used to be synonymous with hedge funds and the endowments and wealthy investors that bought into them. Given the unpredictability of today's financial markets, many investors are looking to reduce the impact of market volatility on their portfolios. Hedge fund strategies may help by offering additional diversification, new sources of return and the potential for reduced risk. Hedge funds are structured as limited partnerships, LLCs or offshore investment companies. Hedge funds are not subject to some of the regulations that are designed to protect investors.

A mutual fund is an SEC-registered open-end investment company that pools money from many investo... more A mutual fund is an SEC-registered open-end investment company that pools money from many investors and invests the money in financial portfolio.The central aim of this issue is to give an overview of the growing industry of mutual funds. The growth of the industry is reflected in its assets under management. Mutual funds are perhaps the easiest and least stressful way to invest in the market. In fact, more new money has been introduced into funds during the past few years than at any time in history. While some mutual funds are index funds, which aim to track the performance of a specific market index, most are actively managed, meaning fund managers follow an investment strategy to buy and sell a variety of securities in an attempt to beat the market. There are funds that focus on nearly every part of the market, and buyers can invest in a variety of assets including equities, bonds, real estate and commodities.

The main purpose of this paper is to point out and verify the profitability of children’s market.... more The main purpose of this paper is to point out and verify the profitability of children’s market. 30-40 years ago, children were not considered as an important market and they were treated as savers and future consumers. Today, they are perceived as consumers and spenders and are actively engaged in the marketplace as buyers, users and recipients of consumer goods. Nowadays, children are viewed as a viable market by many manufacturers and retailers. Namely, two recent trends have increased manufacturer and retailer’s interest in child market. First, both the discrecionary income of children and their growing power to influence parents purchases and second growing media space (television, Internet, mobile phones, computers, video games, etc) that through advertisments and promotions attract younger population. In order to understand children as consumers, one has to recognize the impact of the marketplace in children’s everyday lives and to consider the ways in which they experience ...

Economics and Management, 2017

The environmental issues pose one of the biggest threats to humankind. Today, we are all faced wi... more The environmental issues pose one of the biggest threats to humankind. Today, we are all faced with serious environmental problems that cannot further be ignored. The biggest environmental threats that endanger the Planet’s survival are climate change, deforestation, pollution, loss of biodiversity, melting polar ice and rising sea levels, oceanic dead zones, and explosive population growth. They suddenly became an alarm for action for every person in the Earth. In the early 1990s, global concern about environment protection intensified and there was a rapid rise in products with environmental claims. Consumers became more conscious that their consumption impacts the environment. Companies started to promote their products as ”green” to attract a growing environmentally aware segment. Companies have recognized environmental concerns as a source of competitive advantage. However, in attracting a “green” audience, companies often used claims that sound environmental, but were actually...

Economics and Management, 2017

This paper presents an aggregated picture of financial derivatives industry activity, illustratin... more This paper presents an aggregated picture of financial derivatives industry activity, illustrating key trends, speculation, hedging and risk management. Derivatives are financial contracts that are designed to create market price exposure to changes in an underlying commodity, assets or event. The use of derivative instruments in corporate risk management has grown rapidly in recent years, caused partly by financial deregulation and partly by the success of the financial industry in designing a great variety of OTC and exchange-traded contracts. The innovation and growth of derivative instruments was the result of satisfaction of demand of market players for a means to hedge price risk. Derivatives have become an integral part of the financial markets because they can serve several economic functions. Derivatives can serve as investment vehicles and can provide a way to make bets that are highly leveraged and tailored to a specific view.

Economics and Management, 2017

The central theme of this issue is waste management in relation with circular economy. The circul... more The central theme of this issue is waste management in relation with circular economy. The circular economy is geared towards extending the added value of products and even eliminating the production of waste as far as possible. The business concept of a Circular Economy is based on an idea: learn from natural processes and “get back” to a circular use of resources, inspired by the way it was naturally designed. In this regard, waste management plays a striking role, determining whether materials are deprived in definite disposal or recovered and reintegrated into the economic cycle. In a circular economy the value of products and materials is maintained for as long as possible; waste and resource uses are minimized, and resources are kept within the economy when a product has reached the end of its life, to be used again and again to create further value.

Aim of this paper is to present the opportunities arising from the application of guerrilla marke... more Aim of this paper is to present the opportunities arising from the application of guerrilla marketing for managers in the tourism sector. Examples of successful implementation in the hospitality and tourism sector are presented within the paper. Another objective is to present the idea that managers in tours sector, especially the one with limited marketing budget, should implement a creative, easy to implement and low cost strategies that could result in increased profit.

Cyberspace is an exciting, dynamic and ever-evolving arena of challenge and opportunity. This pap... more Cyberspace is an exciting, dynamic and ever-evolving arena of challenge and opportunity. This paper provides an overview of cyber threats actors, cyber threat intelligence and cyber threat management. Cyber threat actors have a global reach and cyber threat mitigation strategies need to be considered through a global lens. Cyber threat intelligence and management, defined as the protection of systems, networks and data in cyberspace, is a critical issue for all businesses.

Consumers like new products. According to Nielsen's report, around the world more than six in... more Consumers like new products. According to Nielsen's report, around the world more than six in ten respondents say they like when manufacturers offer new products or services in the market and more than half (57%) say that they purchased a new product during their last grocery shopping. This confirms that consumers have a strong appetite for innovation. They are increasingly demanding and expect more choice than ever before. However, new products often do not make it on the market. The estimate is that up to 90% of new products fail due to the mistakes of manufacturers. Manufacturers can produce the best product in the world, but if they do not promote it properly and educate consumers adequately then no one will know about the product and the companies will be at a loss. Even though it seems that there are endless options for promoting a product or a service, for companies it is very difficult to decide where and how to get started and which methods of promotion give the best re...

Economics and Management, 2018

The subject of this paper is the current capital market problem from the legislation aspect, espe... more The subject of this paper is the current capital market problem from the legislation aspect, especially the stock exchanges where long-term financial instruments are traded. A review of the capital market legal framework, the capital market function, the key institutions that act on global and national level, the way of their establishment and the processes of their interactions are given. In the paper, a comparative approach has been made regarding the characteristics and legal regulations of the stock exchanges in highly developed economies with regard to the Macedonian Stock Exchange legislation. The paper`s aim is to give a legal regulations overview regarding the capital market function, especially the stock exchanges operation with securities and the trading manner in the securities issue, as an actual long-term financing source.

Project proceedings of research reports and presentations by Macedonian team. The Macedonian defe... more Project proceedings of research reports and presentations by Macedonian team. The Macedonian defense market and transformation. Development of a Macedonian logistics services firm. Dual-use and conversion of military-related R&D in Germany. Security and defense R&D management: policy, concepts and models of republic of Macedonia. Macedonian security and defense R&D management: ICT policy and strategy. Current economic crises and challenges for defense budgets. R&D national policy in the republic of Macedonia according to the security related and generally R&D scene – current status and shortfalls. Part iii: project reports by Macedonian team. Comparative observation of developed countries regulations and practices – Germany. Security and military R&D national policy in republic of Macedonia (proposal). Dual-use and conversion of military-related R&D in Germany.

Strategic Management is a planning process of developing strategy in the direction of achieving s... more Strategic Management is a planning process of developing strategy in the direction of achieving strategic-fit between the organization's competence & resources and the global environment under which it tends to operate. It is an ongoing management planning process, aimed at developing strategies to allow an organization to expand abroad and compete internationally. An organization must be able to determine what products or services, where and how they intend to sell… Concurrent with this assessment, objectives are set. These objectives should be parallel to a time-line; some are in the short-term and others on the long-term. This involves crafting vision statements (long term view of a possible future), mission statements (the role that the organization gives itself in society), overall corporate objectives (both financial and strategic), strategic business unit objectives (both financial and strategic), and tactical objectives.

People have always wanted to improve and ease their lives. They used a variety of means, tools, m... more People have always wanted to improve and ease their lives. They used a variety of means, tools, machines, and other people to achieve that goal. In achieving it, people change the way they live, work and relate to one another. All these rapid and abrupt changes in society that radically changed human life and occurred in a certain period of time are called Revolutions. Human history recognizes about 3 Revolutions so far that have affected all aspects of life. The world is facing the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) which is characterized by a range of new technologies that are fusing physical, digital and biological worlds, impacting all disciplines, economies and industries. The 4IR will fundamentally change people’s lives. It covers wide-ranging fields such as Artificial intelligence, The Internet of Things (IoT), robotics, autonomous vehicles, 3D printing, nanotechnology, biotechnology, materials science, energy savings, computing, etc. This paper aims to explain in detail the ...

People have always wanted to improve and ease their lives. They used a variety of means, tools, m... more People have always wanted to improve and ease their lives. They used a variety of means, tools, machines, and other people to achieve that goal. In achieving it, people change the way they live, work and relate to one another. All these rapid and abrupt changes in society that radically changed human life and occurred in a certain period of time are called Revolutions. Human history recognizes about 3 Revolutions so far that have affected all aspects of life. The world is facing the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) which is characterized by a range of new technologies that are fusing physical, digital and biological worlds, impacting all disciplines, economies and industries. The 4IR will fundamentally change people’s lives. It covers wide-ranging fields such as Artificial intelligence, The Internet of Things (IoT), robotics, autonomous vehicles, 3D printing, nanotechnology, biotechnology, materials science, energy savings, computing, etc. This paper aims to explain in detail th...

Economics and Management, 2017

The purpose of this paper is to explain the consumer decision making process from both, a theoret... more The purpose of this paper is to explain the consumer decision making process from both, a theoretical and practical perspective. Theoretically, the consumer decision process refers to making a choice amongst various alternatives that address a problem, need or opportunity. The consumer decision process consists of several stages, such as: a) need / problem recognition, b) pre-purchase information search, c) evaluation of alternatives, d) purchase decision and e) post-purchase outcome and reactions. For this paper, the stage of evaluation of alternatives is especially important, where buying decision rules are elaborated in detail (compensatory and non-compensatory rules). Buying decision rules are procedures used by consumers to facilitate brand or other choices. Such rules reduce the burden of making complex decisions. From a practical perspective, this paper should help families who want to buy a family car, worth up to a maximum of 15,000 euros. Buying decision rules apply to pro...

Economics and Management, 2018

Brand is defined as an unique design, name, sign, symbol, word or a combination of these, employe... more Brand is defined as an unique design, name, sign, symbol, word or a combination of these, employed in creating an image that identifies a product and differentiates it from its competitors. At the same time it is associated with a quality, credibility and satisfaction in consumer’s mind. Brand is a promise that helps consumers in their buying process. It represents the most valuable intangible asset that company possesses. The legal name of a brand is a trademark. By definition, a trademark is any word, name, symbol (logo), number, colour, slogan, design, sound or smell, or any combination thereof used to identify and distinguish products from those manufactured or sold by others. Trademark is another way of referring to brands. As such, trademarks need careful handling, care, nurturing and protection; otherwise they may lose value, be stolen or simply be destroyed or lost. Choosing and defending a trademark is often a very important part of a company’s marketing strategy. Brands ca...

Economics and Management, 2018

In this research paper we will explore the current wave of Artificial Intelligence and FinTech in... more In this research paper we will explore the current wave of Artificial Intelligence and FinTech in modern banking industry. FinTech is the new gold rush for investors, growing from 10% in 2016, to a staggering $23.2 billion, with China and USA leading the market. This boost is powered by the growing capabilities of machine learning and artificial intelligence. It is an idea whose time has come, as the computational and storing capabilities available today can record and process the impressive quantities of big data necessary to fuel the algorithms. The future of banking industry will be heavily influenced by emerging FinTech companies and artificial intelligence technology applications setting the stage for increasing competitiveness among the industry’s leading giants. In the next decade, artificial intelligence will help financial services companies maximize resources, decrease risk, and generate more revenue, in the trading, investing, banking, lending, and FinTech verticals. In...

SEEU Review

Globalization of financial markets led to the enormous growth of volume and diversification of fi... more Globalization of financial markets led to the enormous growth of volume and diversification of financial transactions. Financial derivatives were the basic elements of this growth. Derivatives play a useful and important role in hedging and risk management, but they also pose several dangers to the stability of financial markets and thereby the overall economy. Derivatives are used to hedge and speculate the risk associated with commerce and finance.When used to hedge risks, derivative instruments transfer the risks from the hedgers, who are unwilling to bear the risks, to parties better able or more willing to bear them. In this regard, derivatives help allocate risks efficiently between different individuals and groups in the economy. Investors can also use derivatives to speculate and to engage in arbitrage activity. Speculators are traders who want to take a position in the market; they are betting that the price of the underlying asset or commodity will move in a particular dir...