Tag: O10

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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THE REGIONAL ECONOMIC INDICATORS AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF KOSOVO

Christos Ap. LADIAS

Professor, Regional Science Inquiry Journal, Greece

Ladias@rsijournal.eu

Filipos RUXHO

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

filip.ruxho@universum-ks.org

Corresponding Author

Fernando José Calado e Silva Nunes TEIXEIRA

Professor Ass. Dr., Faculty of Economy, Institute Polytechnic de Beja, Portugal

fernando.teixeira@ipbeja.pt

Susana Soares Pinheiro Vieira PESCADA

Professor Ass. Dr., Faculty of Economy, University of Algarve, Portugal

spescada@ualg.pt

Abstract

This paper examines the importance of regional economic indicators in the economic development of Kosovo. Regional economic indicators provide valuable insights into the economic performance and potential of different regions within a country. By analyzing these indicators, policymakers can design targeted strategies that promote economic growth and reduce regional disparities. In Kosovo, regional economic disparities have been a persistent challenge, with some regions experiencing significantly higher levels of poverty and unemployment. The paper argues that the adoption of regional economic indicators can help identify and address these disparities. Several indicators are examined, including income per capita, unemployment indicators, and the poverty rate to provide a comprehensive overview of regional economic development in Kosovo. Analysis of secondary data through the method of descriptive statistics reveals significant disparities in different regions and underlines the need for targeted policies and interventions. In conclusion, it underlined the importance of developing a strong and reliable system for the collection and reporting of regional economic indicators, which can inform evidence-based policy-making and support a more equitable and sustainable regional economic development in Kosovo.

Keywords: dicator, regional development, income per capita, decent work

JEL classification: J30, J80, O10, M10, R10, R58

pp. 73-83

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DOES EUROPEAN UNION MEMBERSHIP RESULT IN QUALITY-OF-LIFE CONVERGENCE?

Joel I. DEICHMANN*¹

Professor of Global Studies

jdeichmann@bentley.edu

Dominique HAUGHTON¹

Professor of Mathematical Sciences

dhaughton@bentley.edu

Mingfei LI¹

Professor of Mathematical Sciences

mli@bentley.edu

Heyao WANG¹

Graduate Research Assistant

wang_heya@bentley.edu

*Corresponding Author

¹Members of the Data Analytic Research Team (DART)

Bentley University Waltham, MA 02452 USA

Abstract

This paper employs European Quality-of-life Survey (EQLS) responses from 2003, 2008, 2012, and 2016 to examine whether European Union (EU) enlargement helps meet the objectives of improved living standards and overall quality-of-life across the continent. The data set includes responses to forty questions across nine dimensions for all twenty-eight pre-Brexit EU member states, along with eight non-member states. Insights are captured through the systematic comparison of self-reported perceptions pooled at the country level before and after accession, as well as between member states and non-member states. Special attention is paid to the eleven post-communist countries that joined the EU in 2004, 2007, and 2013, which together represent the addition of one hundred million EU citizens. These include Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, Bulgaria, Romania, and Croatia. Based upon these findings, the paper concludes with speculation upon popular support for further enlargement in the wake of the 2007-08 Global Financial Crisis, the 2016-2020 Brexit process, and ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Keywords: European Union, Central and Eastern Europe, economic integration, European convergence

JEL classification: O10, O47, P20, P48, R11

 pp. 31-46

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