International Journal of Euro-Mediterranean Studies

Innovative Marketing Approaches and Transformation of Slovenian Consumer Behavior During the COVID-19 Pandemic

2024-08-28T19:42:50+02:00

The COVID-19 pandemic has presented unparalleled difficulties, requiring flexible and adaptive responses from both societies and enterprises. This study aims to analyze new marketing techniques and operational adjustments that have emerged in response to the global crisis, focusing on their impact on customer behavior and purchase choices. Utilizing an abductive paradigm with a sequential exploratory design, we combined qualitative and quantitative research approaches. We gathered data from a sample of 204 Slovenian respondents through an online survey, which underwent rigorous examination using structural equation modeling (SEM). Our findings reveal significant shifts in customer behavior, notably a transition towards online retail platforms. Education also appears to play a crucial role in influencing consumer behavior changes, especially within the pandemic's complex context. Additionally, changes in income distribution directly affect product demand dynamics in the market. The practical significance of this study is emphasized by the actionable suggestions it provides to policymakers and organizations. These recommendations equip them with the necessary understanding to effectively adjust their strategies to meet the changing demands and preferences of customers to prepare for future possible crises.

Integrating Spirituality and Politics: Insights from Islam and Christianity on Religiosity and Governance in Contemporary Society

2024-07-03T12:58:10+02:00

The purpose of this paper is to explore the relationship between the spiritual and the political in contemporary times through an analysis of two contrasting approaches linking the spiritual and political spheres. This is achieved through an examination of religious values, spiritual beliefs, political objectives, and an exploration of Sufism’s interconnectedness between the spiritual and political realms. The study also examines the religious foundations of the Moroccan model of religiosity characterized by the institution of the Commandery of the Faithful and its principles in modern governance, with a focus on integrating spiritual values into leadership for societal harmony. The findings of this research, based on an analytical study of literary theories and a comparative study of governance and spirituality in Islam and Christianity, underscore the crucial importance of balancing spirituality and politics to address modern socio-economic and environmental challenges. The study also emphasizes the significance of balanced governance that respects religious diversity spiritual insights, and value-driven leadership for societal well-being.

Democratization in Tunisia: Negotiating the Interplay of Policy and Economic Development

2024-07-29T11:43:14+02:00

This study examines the implications of the Tunisian revolution in 2011 and its subsequent democratic evolution within the context of
prerequisites for democratic transition during the Arab Spring. The inquiry delves into two primary dimensions: firstly, an exploration of the objective rationales and contributing factors leading to the impediments in Tunisia’s democratic metamorphosis. This involves identifying the elements of foreign intervention and the political and social forces that have played a role in the setback, with specific emphasis on entities such as the Tunisian General Labor Union (UGTT), media outlets, civil society organizations, and influential entities within the bureaucratic administration. Secondly, the study seeks to assess the economic advancements that have fallen short of anticipated outcomes, evident in the decline across various economic indicators and the deteriorating socioeconomic landscape, foreshadowing an imminent economic crisis with profound social and security implications. The research contends that attributing the developmental setbacks, economic downturn, and insufficient economic progress alone cannot be solely accountable for impeding the trajectory of democratic transformation in Tunisia. It is imperative to also comprehend the pivotal role played by ideological conflicts and the inadequate consolidation of democratic culture.

The Impact of the Audit Committee on Financial Performance in Moroccan SMEs: An Empirical Examination

2024-09-23T09:56:50+02:00

This study investigates the impact of audit committees on the financial performance of Moroccan SMEs, emphasizing the significance
of context and its added value. Additionally, it examines the governance system’s influence on audit committee independence and explores variables related to audit committee characteristics. Drawing from a sample of 58 Moroccan SMEs, the study spans a 4-year period from 2018 to 2022. Through the utilization of regression analysis, findings reveal challenges to the audit committee’s total independence, attributed to a dual system and limited committee size. Consequently, Moroccan SMEs audit committees face constraints in fulfilling their responsibilities, particularly in financial statement review, potentially impeding SMEs financial performance and growth. This research contributes to the understanding of governance dynamics within Moroccan
SMEs, highlighting the importance of context and offering insights into the complexities of audit committees.

The Impact of Tourism, Foreign Direct Investment, Trade, Economic Growth, and Renewable Energy on Carbon Emissions: The Case of Mediterranean Countries

2024-07-29T11:32:43+02:00

In this study, we examine the influence of international tourism, trade, foreign direct investment, economic growth and renewable energy consumption on CO2 emissions in 17 Mediterranean countries, spanning the period 1995–2018, by using heterogeneous panel estimation techniques. The findings show that economic growth has a strong impact on carbon dioxide emissions. Our results are in favor of the existence of an inverted U-shaped Environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) in Mediterranean countries. In addition, the econometric results indicate that international tourism, trade openness, FDI, and renewable energy consumption have a negative impact on carbon dioxide emissions. Moreover, the Dumitrescu and Hurlin panel Granger causality test suggests that there is a two-way causality between CO2 emissions and the other variables explored (international tourism, openness, FDI, renewable energy consumption and real income) and a oneway causality running from renewable energy consumption and trade openness to real income. Therefore, the development of international trade in the field of renewable energies and the exploitation of these
energies in the field of tourism and FDI can be favorable to economic growth and the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions.

Emotional and Social Intelligence and its Impact on the Business Success of Bulgarian Digital Entrepreneurs

2024-10-15T22:04:30+02:00

The rapid development of digital technologies over the past two decades has created a new economic environment that requires continuous adaptation. However, paradoxically, increasing digitisation emphasises the importance of soft skills such as emotional and social intelligence. The present study aims to empirically analyse the relationship between these skills and the success of Bulgarian digital entrepreneurs. The results show that successful entrepreneurs demonstrate higher levels of emotional and social intelligence, with all its components – self-awareness, self-control, motivation, empathy and social skills – contributing significantly to entrepreneurial success. The importance of optimism for overcoming challenges in a dynamic digital environment is particularly emphasised. The conclusion is that, despite the specific requirements of digital business, the basic profile of a successful entrepreneur remains universal and is characterised by high emotional and social intelligence. Therefore, this study adds value to the literature on entrepreneurship, management, organisational behaviour, and human resource management, while it can contribute to the development of assessment tools, as well as training and development programs for emotional and social intelligence.

Insights into Socioeconomic and Political Transformations in the Euro-Mediterranean Region

2025-01-17T14:14:25+01:00