Year 2025, Issue 2
Date published24.5.2025
Table of content
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Jingxin Hu
INFRASTRUCTURE AND RESOURCES: THE EVOLVING DYNAMICS OF SINO-CONGOLESE COOPERATION UNDER THE BELT AND ROAD INITIATIVEKeywords: Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), infrastructure-for-resources, Sino-Congolese cooperation, copper mining, economic developmentSummary: The Belt and Road Initiative has become a signature instrument for the Chinese government in promoting global trade and economic integration. A new model of cooperation based on the Belt and Road Initiative, such as... The Belt and Road Initiative has become a signature instrument for the Chinese government in promoting global trade and economic integration. A new model of cooperation based on the Belt and Road Initiative, such as “infrastructure-for-resources” agreements, has been utilized in China’s collaboration with the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The article examines the economic feasibility and repercussions of the model by using the copper mining sector in the DRC. By using the case study of Sino-Congolese cooperation, the study demonstrates how investments in road, railway, and public utility infrastructure have unleashed the potential of mineral resources to the benefit of both parties.DOI: https://doi.org/10.58861/tae.grdier.2025.01 -
Mohammad Omar Araiqat
THE IMPACT OF GEOPOLITICAL RISK AND LIRA DEFLATION ON INVESTMENT DECISIONS IN TURKEYSummary: This study investigates the influence of geopolitical risk and lira deflation on investment decision-making in Turkey, a country characterized by regional tensions and economic volatility. Drawing upon Institutional Theory and using... This study investigates the influence of geopolitical risk and lira deflation on investment decision-making in Turkey, a country characterized by regional tensions and economic volatility. Drawing upon Institutional Theory and using a quantitative approach, the research explores investor preferences across four major asset classes: stocks, deposits, real estate, and gold. A structured questionnaire distributed to 212 respondents provided data analyzed through SPSS, highlighting statistically significant relationships between geopolitical and currency factors and investment behaviors. The findings contribute to understanding investment behavior under macroeconomic uncertainty, offering implications for policymakers and investors.DOI: https://doi.org/10.58861/tae.grdier.2025.02 -
Antoaneta Mitkova Petrova
SOCIO-ECONOMIC FACTORS FOR CROSS-BORDER COOPERATION KARDJALI-DRAMA-RHODOPE IN THE FIELD OF CULTURAL TOURISMSummary: This study analyses the socio-economic factors that influence the development of cross-border cooperation between the Municipality of Kardzhali and the prefectures of Drama and Rhodope in the context of cultural tourism. The study... This study analyses the socio-economic factors that influence the development of cross-border cooperation between the Municipality of Kardzhali and the prefectures of Drama and Rhodope in the context of cultural tourism. The study considers economic incentives, social links, infrastructural prerequisites and cultural heritage as key elements in the cooperation process. Existing initiatives and strategic partnerships that contribute to the sustainable development of the region are analysed. The main focus is on good practices and the challenges that accompany this process, as well as on opportunities for the future development of integrated tourism routes and cultural exchange programmes. The study aims to provide recommendations to improve cross-border cooperation and increase economic and social benefits for both countries.DOI: https://doi.org/10.58861/tae.grdier.2025.03 -
Melisa Byulent Ismail
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT PRACTICES IN COCOA PRODUCING COUNTRIESSummary: Fair trade is a crucial action determined to promote sustainable and ethical trading manners, ensuring that the people engaged in manufacturing, around the globe, receive fair payments and work under safe surroundings. In... Fair trade is a crucial action determined to promote sustainable and ethical trading manners, ensuring that the people engaged in manufacturing, around the globe, receive fair payments and work under safe surroundings. In particular, the chocolate industry has been facing great challenges related to unfair labor conditions, especially illegal child labor, since its existence. The purpose of this paper is to examine the inequitable executions of the cocoa industry in African cocoa-producing countries, while giving examples of each aspect of these applications, followed by their consequences. Special attention has been paid to a leader in this industry’s fair practices, Tony's Chocolonely, with the explanation of their strategies to overcome and remove the injustices whilst working together with other enterprises. The research concentrates on secondary sources of investigation concerning this particular business industry. Agreeing with the already carefully collected and examined information in the specific area, assumptions and key insights are provided. The readings chosen for this paper were sourced from qualitative case studies, company annual Fairtrade reports, UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs, and Fairtrade International: Public Systems Report. Hence, auxiliary data is collected to give a better understanding, to create consumer awareness and trust in fair trade.DOI: https://doi.org/10.58861/tae.grdier.2025.04 -
Kalin Mihaylov Klimentov
SUPPLIER RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT IN GLOBAL SUPPLY CHAINSummary: This article examines the processes involved in procurement and supplier relationship management in global supply chains. It attempts to define the essence of the SRM philosophy, to present the role and objectives, and the possible... This article examines the processes involved in procurement and supplier relationship management in global supply chains. It attempts to define the essence of the SRM philosophy, to present the role and objectives, and the possible strategies that can be undertaken in accordance with the objectives set. It examines the potential benefits of implementing SRM, as well as the reasons why the implementation of the strategy would fail.DOI: https://doi.org/10.58861/tae.grdier.2025.05 -
Petyo Bozhinov Bozhinov
INNOVATION – A FACTOR FOR SUSTAINABILITY OF INTERNATIONAL COMPANIESSummary: In the modern conditions of economic globalization and increased competition, the role of innovation is increasing as a factor in increasing the competitiveness and sustainable development of business organizations. International... In the modern conditions of economic globalization and increased competition, the role of innovation is increasing as a factor in increasing the competitiveness and sustainable development of business organizations. International companies, having the advantage of greater resources – financial, material and human – at their disposal, can implement different types of innovations – technological, product, marketing, organizational and socially responsible, in order to adapt quickly to dynamic changes in the economy and society, and to develop sustainably. The aim of this article is to theoretically and empirically investigate the implementation of innovations in international companies as a factor for their sustainability, based on a specific example of a multinational company. The research methodology includes scientific research approaches and methods, such as: analysis and synthesis, content analysis, historical method, case study method, observation method.DOI: https://doi.org/10.58861/tae.grdier.2025.06 -
Betina Diyanova Minkova
VULNERABILITIES IN THE CYBERSPACE AND THEIR IMPACT ON SMESSummary: This article is intended to provide a brief theoretical overview of the cyber vulnerabilities that affect small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), as well as the subsequent economic impacts. The main objective is to analyze the... This article is intended to provide a brief theoretical overview of the cyber vulnerabilities that affect small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), as well as the subsequent economic impacts. The main objective is to analyze the most common vulnerabilities in cybersecurity systems, and as a result, to formulate recommendations for improving digital protection. The approach includes an analysis of secondary sources, a thematic review of the available literature, and a risk assessment using a simplified economic model. By default, SMEs that do not implement basic cybersecurity measures are vulnerable to all types of emerging threats. Small and medium-sized enterprises often do not treat cybersecurity as a priority, which differentiates them from larger organizations that have substantial budgets and specialized teams.DOI: https://doi.org/10.58861/tae.grdier.2025.07 -
Daniela Tinkova Marinova, Marian Simeonov Velikov
DEVELOPMENT OF THE EUROPEAN UNION AUTOMOTIVE SECTOR IN THE PERIOD 2014-2024JEL: F10Summary: The automotive sector has been one of the fastest growing manufacturing sectors over the past decade. It is a major driver of economic development in the European Union. However, over the past decade, it has been subject to a number... The automotive sector has been one of the fastest growing manufacturing sectors over the past decade. It is a major driver of economic development in the European Union. However, over the past decade, it has been subject to a number of internal and external factors – geopolitical, health and increased competition. The article examines how they have influenced the automotive sector, whether they have led to its transformation, and in particular how all this has affected the production and trade of motor vehicles in the European Union.DOI: https://doi.org/10.58861/tae.grdier.2025.08 -
Emilia Georgieva Ahtapodova Stoyanova
ORGANIZATION CONFLICT MANAGEMENT IN AN INTERNATIONAL FIRMSummary: Conflicts are often viewed as a negative phenomenon, with a negative effect on achieving goals and objectives, which also determines the extreme importance of its rapid resolution and elimination. However, conflicts should also be... Conflicts are often viewed as a negative phenomenon, with a negative effect on achieving goals and objectives, which also determines the extreme importance of its rapid resolution and elimination. However, conflicts should also be considered as an element that has not only destructive consequences, but also a constructive beginning. A conflict in a given company can escalate and lead to unproductive results or be resolved, leading to qualitative consequences. Therefore, the management of organizational conflicts should be a basic process for every international company. Whether the destructive side of the conflict will manifest itself first or its constructive characteristic later, everything depends on how it is managed. If managed effectively, conflict can help to learn new, better ways of solving problems; to build more effective and longer-lasting relationships between the parties, as well as to increase the ability for self-assessment and mutual understanding. The main goal of the paper is to present the management of organizational conflicts in an international company based on an analysis of literary sources, paying particular attention to the stages of organizational conflicts and proving the necessity and effectiveness of their management.DOI: https://doi.org/10.58861/tae.grdier.2025.09 -
Gergana Tsvetanova Tsvetkova, Alexander Georgiev Danailov, Gabriela Rumenova Dimova, Veselina Rumenova Borisova
IMPACT OF SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES ON EMPLOYEE WELL-BEING IN THE INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS ENVIRONMENTSummary: This scientific report examines the relationship between sustainable organizational practices and employee well-being, emphasizing the role of sustainability in fostering a positive work environment. The theoretical section... This scientific report examines the relationship between sustainable organizational practices and employee well-being, emphasizing the role of sustainability in fostering a positive work environment. The theoretical section summarizes contemporary concepts of employee well-being, as well as models of sustainable leadership and corporate social responsibility, highlighting the interconnection between organizational sustainability and internal employee motivation. The importance of sustainability as a strategic tool in human resource management is underlined, particularly in an international context where companies strive to balance business performance with social responsibility. The study was conducted through an online survey and identified key trends in employees' attitudes toward the effects of sustainability on their well-being. The results indicate that sustainable practices are perceived as a factor contributing to a pleasant and morally satisfying work environment, though they do not always lead to increased motivation or engagement. The article offers valuable insights for international companies seeking to improve their internal climate, build a positive corporate identity, and retain employees through authentic sustainability policies.DOI: https://doi.org/10.58861/tae.grdier.2025.10 -
Yanitsa Mariyanova Dimitrova
LIDL'S BUSINESS MODEL FOR SUSTAINABLE INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENTKeywords: sustainable development, international trade, business model, sustainable marketing, green marketingSummary: The sustainable development of international retail chains is of key importance for their effective functioning in different markets. This report examines Lidl as an international chain operating in the field of trade, with a focus... The sustainable development of international retail chains is of key importance for their effective functioning in different markets. This report examines Lidl as an international chain operating in the field of trade, with a focus on its sustainable development. The purpose of the study is to provide recommendations for improving the sustainable development of the chain in Bulgaria.DOI: https://doi.org/10.58861/tae.grdier.2025.11 -
Emilia Veselinova Petrova
APPLICATION OF GESTALT PRINCIPLES IN THE DESIGN OF VISUAL MARKETING CAMPAIGNSSummary: This study investigates the application and effectiveness of gestalt principles (proximity, similarity, closure, continuity, figure-ground) in the design of visual marketing campaigns. The main objective is to determine whether... This study investigates the application and effectiveness of gestalt principles (proximity, similarity, closure, continuity, figure-ground) in the design of visual marketing campaigns. The main objective is to determine whether their application leads to improved visual perception and increased consumer engagement compared to designs that do not follow them. For this purpose, a quantitative study was conducted in which two groups of respondents evaluated two different advertising poster designs – one developed according to gestalt principles and the other not. Five dependent variables were measured: perception of gestalt principles, comparative evaluation against competitors, overall aesthetic appraisal, emotional response, and purchase intention. Results from one-way ANOVA analyses show statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) in favor of the gestalt design across all measured variables. It was rated as more structured, aesthetically pleasing, evoked more positive emotions, and stimulated stronger purchase intention. The study confirms that applying gestalt principles is an effective strategy for enhancing visual impact and consumer engagement in marketing campaigns. The results have practical applications for marketers and designers in creating more effective visual communications.DOI: https://doi.org/10.58861/tae.grdier.2025.12 -
Aneta Ivanova Lazarova
MARKETING STRATEGIES IN THE FASHION INDUSTRY TO ATTRACT AN INTERNATIONAL AUDIENCESummary: In today's dynamic and competitive fashion industry, successful marketing strategies play a key role in positioning and developing a brand. This report focuses on methods for identifying and developing strategies to attract a target... In today's dynamic and competitive fashion industry, successful marketing strategies play a key role in positioning and developing a brand. This report focuses on methods for identifying and developing strategies to attract a target audience, emphasizing the emergence of new agents on the fashion scene who promote the brand.DOI: https://doi.org/10.58861/tae.grdier.2025.13