Month: December 2023

INVESTIGATING THE INTERACTION BETWEEN THE TOPOLOGY OF BUS TRANSPORT NETWORKS AND REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT IN GREECE

Thomai TASOPOULOU

Researcher, Department of Regional Development and Planning,

University of Thessaly, Volos, Greece

thtassopoulou@gmail.com

Dimitrios TSIOTAS

Assistant Professor, Department of Regional and Economic Development,

School of Applied Economics and Social Sciences, Agricultural University of Athens, Amfissa, Greece

tsiotas@aua.gr (Corresponding Author)

Serafeim POLYZOS

Professor, Department of Regional Development and Planning,

University of Thessaly, Volos, Greece

spolyzos@uth.gr

Abstract

Bus companies are transport operators that support the demand in local markets for transport and at the same time promote regional development. This paper studies the topological and geographical characteristics of the Greek Bus Transport Network (GBTN) of the Joint Reciepts Fund of Buses (KTELs) of five regions of Greece in relation to their socio-economic environment, aiming at studying the effectiveness of the GBTN in comparison to the inter-regional road transport network in Greece. For this purpose, we apply complex network and econometric analysis to delve into the interaction between the topology of bus transport networks and regional development, focusing on the case of Greece. The methodological approach promotes the analysis of complex spatial networks, as a modeling tool in spatial planning. Overall, this paper highlights and evaluates the contribution of the interurban network to the overall road network of the country and the support and promotion of the economic profile of local markets.

Keywords: public transport, regional and local economy, network science, spatial networks, network analysis,

JEL classification: R41, R42, R1

 pp. 25-46

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REGIONAL EMPLOYEES PERCEPTIONS ON DECENT WORK AND ECONOMIC GROWTH: LABOUR MARKET OF ALBANIA AND KOSOVO

Filipos RUXHO

Professor Ass. Dr., Department of Business and Management, Universum College, Kosovo.

filip.ruxho@universum-ks.org

Christos Ap. LADIAS

Professor, Regional Science Inquiry Journal

ladias@rsijournal.eu

Ali TAFARSHIKU

Deputy Minister, Ministry of Regional Development of Kosovo.

ali.tafarshiku@rks-gov.net

Edib ABAZI

Professor Ass. Dr., Department of Law, Social and Political Studies, Universum College, Kosovo.

edib.abazi@universum-ks.org

Corresponding Author

Abstract

This research paper is a continuum of our previous research that aimed to identify key perceptions of targeted employees towards decent work and economic growth in labour market of Albania and Kosovo. The key components of SDG 8 – economic growth, basic living costs, equal treatment, safety and security at workplace, and integrity and wellbeing are measured. The questionnaire is used for the study purposes of the research.  The sample consists of 350 respondents. Findings reveal that there are alarming differences on perceptions of respondents in terms of decent work between two regional labour markets. The labour market in Albania suffers from weak treatment of employees at workplace; ensuring safe and secured working environment and low promotion of wellbeing and integrity of employees in workplace. The dimension of economic growth and basic living cost is of concern for both labour markets. Consequently, it is strongly recommended that both states address decent work in labour markets of Albania and Kosovo with priority. State instruments shall be enforced to closely cooperate with employee’s organizations and syndicates and work on elimination of core barriers that disable employees to feel equally treated at workplace, or safe and secured at workplace or having their integrity and wellbeing protected so that quality of working environment improves and involvement and productivity of employees grows.

Keywords: abour market, economic growth, decent work

JEL classification: J30, J40, R10, R11, R23, O10

 pp. 13-23

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