Month: June 2018

EXPLORING DETERMINANTS AND RELATIONS BETWEEN NATURE-BASED (“ECO”-)TOURISM AND AGRO-TOURISM

Nikolaos HASANAGAS

University Forest Administration, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece

n.hasanagas@gmail.com

Maria POUSINI

Union of Rural Associations of Almopia, Greece

mpousini25@yahoo.com

Maria GOULA

Environmental Education Centre of Makrinitsa, Magnisia, Greece

airamgl@yahoo.gr

Abstract

This research analyzes the initial intentions and the final leisure options of visitors travelling to the rural area of Polikarpi, Greece, and the relation between nature-based and agro-tourism. 161 standardized questionnaires and in-depth interviews were used. Important determinants of the intention, final behavior and their relation proved to be the spatial origin and the gender. Non-local and female visitors tend to invest more time enjoying local products while local and male visitors tend to spend more time enjoying nature. Local male visitors seem to combine nature-based with agro-tourism, achieving thereby a multifaceted orientation. Female visitors appear to separate the nature-based from the agro-touristic interests, setting more distinct priorities. The final leisure options of non-local female visitors seem to be driven by their initial intention to enjoy products while the final leisure options of local female visitors seem to be driven by the initial intention to enjoy the nature. Education level, status, income and age proved to be only slightly relevant or irrelevant. Hypotheses that non-local visitors are more stimulated by the “landscape” than the local ones or that the susceptibility to engage with nature- relatede values (“romanticism”) depends on gender proved to be disputable.

Keywords: forest policy, rural development, landscape, local products, gender, spatial origin

JEL classification:
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METHODOLOGICAL AND PRACTICAL ASPECTS OF HUMAN POTENTIAL MANAGEMENT IN THE REGION

Marina Gennadyevna FEDOTOVA

Associate Professor, Plekhanov Russian University of Economics

mgfedotova@yandex.ru

Anastasia Viktоrovna  ZHIGLYAEVA

4th – year student, Plekhanov Russian University of Economics

anastasia.zhiglyaeva@gmail.com

Elena Valentinovna STOLYAROVA

Associate Professor, Plekhanov Russian University of Economics

elena100lyarova@gmail.com

Abstract

Human potential is the main factor, a key aspect of the socio-economic development of the region. The article presents a systematic approach to the management of the human potential of the region, which is distinguished by its novelty and based on modern methods of system analysis, management and regional economy. In the course of the study, a model for managing the human potential of the region is formed, based on a system with a closed loop, consisting of a number of simpler functional subsystems. The structure and the mechanism for managing the human potential of the region based on the proposed conceptual model are substantiated.  The scientifically grounded proposals and recommendations on the formation, use of the system at the regional level are presented. A system of indicators for the integrated assessment of the human potential of the region has been developed in linking them to strategic development guidelines.  In total, eight fundamental quantitative indicators have been identified. Based on these indicators, the integral indicator (the level of the human potential of the region) is calculated. Using the formed system of indicators makes it possible to assess the magnitude of human potential, the effectiveness of the proposed management model.  In addition, it is planned to monitor the dynamics of indicators, conduct interregional comparisons. Approbation of methodological tools was carried out on the example of Oryol region, Russia (2010-2015).  Priority directions of development of human potential in Oryol region are determined and some recommendations for their implementation are given.

Keywords: human potential, structural components, Oryol region, priority directions

JEL classification:
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PORTFOLIO OPTIMIZATION IN SELECTED TEHRAN STOCK EXCHANGE COMPANIES (SYMBIOTIC ORGANISMS SEARCH AND MEMETIC ALGORITHMS)

Majid FESHARI

Assistant Professor of Kharazmi University (Corresponding Author)

majid.feshari@gmail.com

Reza NAZARI

Assistant Professor of Islamic Azad University, Tabriz Branch

rezanazariof@yahoo.com

Abstract

The optimal portfolio selection problem has always been the most important issue in the modern financial literature. So, in this paper, we had shown that how an investment with n risky share can achieve the certain profits with less risk that spread between stocks. Such a portfolio, it is called an optimal portfolio and it is necessary to find solving the optimization problem. Hence, meta-heuristic algorithms such as Symbiotic Organism Search (SOS) and the Memetic Algorithm which is combination of the Genetic and SOS algorithms have been utilized to solve portfolio optimization in 23 selected Tehran stock exchange market during the period of 2009-2017. The results of optimization indicated that at the same precision. Memetic algorithm despite its time consuming has better performance than other algorithms. Moreover, Genetic algorithm despite its performance has the lowest time consuming. Hence, the main policy implication policy of this study is that the investors and financial analyzers should adopt the Memetic method as a proper and optimal meta-heuristic algorithm for minimizing the risk and maximize the return investment in portfolio.

Keywords: Portfolio Optimization Problem, Sharpe ratio, Genetic Algorithm, Symbiotic Organism Search Algorithm, Memetic Algorithm

JEL classification: C22, G35, G43
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