- Vol. 10, Issue 1, 2025

Vol. 10, Issue 1, 2025

From Perception to Practice: Drone Technology in Romanian Agriculture

Page: 5
Authors: Magor Örs KÖLLŐ, Vincențiu-Andrei VEREȘ, Maria MORTAN
Abstract: The paper focuses on the adoption of drone technology in Romanian agriculture, examining the perceptions and challenges faced by local farmers. A survey was conducted to gather data from Romanian farmers, highlighting their awareness, attitudes, and usage of drones. Five key hypotheses were proposed: age, education, land size, legislative concerns, and challenges in drone adoption. Findings suggest that legislative barriers are the most significant issue, while other challenges include high costs and limited technical support. The study reveals that younger and more educated farmers are more likely to adopt drones, with larger farms showing a higher adoption rate. Despite these challenges, many farmers report satisfaction with drone technology, using it primarily for tasks such as precision spraying and mapping. The study concludes that drones hold significant potential for improving efficiency and sustainability in Romanian agriculture, but legislative reforms are essential for broader adoption. The paper offers a foundational perspective for further research on drone usage in this sector.
JEL Classification: Q10, Q16, Q12
Keywords: drone technology, legislative barriers, precision agriculture, Romanian agriculture.
DOI: 10.24818/mer/2025.01-01

The Determinants of Foreign Direct Investment Inflows in Romania

Page: 22
Authors: Eugen-Mihai DRAGOMIR, Răzvan Cătălin DOBREA
Abstract: FDI is a key element of a country’s economy, a high level of FDI (foreign direct investment) being seen both as an extremely important determinant of economic growth and as a sign of successfully implemented economic policies. Therefore, the determinants of foreign direct investment itself are of great importance to any country that wishes to attract investors and boost its economy. The aim of this paper is to research and analyse many different determinants of foreign direct investment and then compare the findings to the determinants that currently influence the investors’ decisions in Romania. The different determinants were used in order to create an overall picture of the global situation regarding investors’ expectations. We then further analysed the current situation in Romania and checked for differences in the context of the world’s rising geopolitical tensions, fast pace of the technological transformation, and the movement towards sustainability.
JEL Classification: F21, F23, P45
Keywords: category, factor, FDI, influence, OECD.
DOI: 10.24818/mer/2025.01-02

Parking Management in Bucharest – Resident Satisfaction and Local Governance Outcomes

Page: 41
Authors: Cristina STATE, Dan POPESCU, Leonard-Alin RIZOIU, Iolanda-Petronela GROSU
Abstract: This study explores citizen’s satisfaction with the current state of parking management in the Romanian capital. The analysis highlights the financial implications of local government efforts to ensure compliance with the relevant legislation. By examining irregularities or issues observed on the streets and in public parking areas, the study provides an empirical assessment of how parking facilities are managed within the urban domain. A quantitative approach was employed, utilising a questionnaire completed by 1,073 residents of Bucharest. The findings reveal a significant dissatisfaction among citizens with the management of parking issues. Authorities’ tolerance of parking law breaches compromises public safety and reduces the overall quality of life. Moreover, the daily presence of over 500,000 illegally parked vehicles highlights the inaction of local authorities in addressing taxpayer concerns. Two key solutions are proposed to address these challenges: (a) the strategic planning and management of modern parking facilities, and (b) a shared commitment from public authorities and citizens to fulfil their responsibilities. Furthermore, enforcing parking laws for illegal parking could potentially contribute 247.5 million RON (approximately 49.5 million EUR) to local government budgets on a daily basis. A noted limitation of this research is the relatively small sample size of the respondents. Future studies aim to expand the scope by incorporating other dimensions of parking management and adopting a comparative framework at the European level.
JEL Classification: C11; D72; E26; G30; H20; R50
Keywords: illegal parking, parking management, parking taxation, sustainable development.
DOI: 10.24818/mer/2025.01-03

Food Prices and Food Production in Selected West African Countries: The Moderating Effect of Fragility

Page: 60
Authors: Naomi O. DOKI, Bridget Ngodoo MILE, Victor Ushahemba IJIRSHAR, Ashifa TERSUGH
Abstract: The relationship between food prices and production significantly shapes consumer affordability and producer income in low-to-middle-income nations. While increased prices can stimulate production, excessive fluctuations pose threats to financial stability and food security, especially in regions like West Africa prone to conflicts and disruptions. This study investigated the impact of food prices on food production in selected West African countries, exploring the moderating effect of fragility on this connection. Employing non-stationary heterogeneous panel models, including Pooled Mean Group (PMG), Mean Group (MG), and Dynamic Fixed Effect (DFE) estimators based on Hausman test results, the study revealed that agricultural lands and fertiliser application drive food production in the long run. Positive links are found between food prices, agricultural employment, and food production, with fragility moderating these relationships in some instances. The study also found that fragility negatively affects food production, showing its adverse influence in several West African nations. The study recommends that governments address fragility by focusing on conflict resolution, institution strengthening, and political stability. Additionally, it suggests promoting land management policies facilitating farmer access, encouraging fertiliser use, and implementing market-driven incentives to enhance price stability and market access for fair farmer compensation.
JEL Classification: E31, L66, P22, P42, Q11
Keywords: fragility, food prices, food production, West Africa.
DOI: 10.24818/mer/2025.01-04

The Impact of Proximity on Trust Restoration from an Organisational Apology

Page: 80
Authors: Eric RHODES, Samuel CLARKE, Masahisa Kurt YAMAGUCHI
Abstract: Modern organisations frequently issue public apologies in the aftermath of a perceived transgression as a strategy to restore lost trust. Our paper examines the impact of social proximity on the efficacy of organisational apologies issued to consumers based on questionnaire data from two studies of 193 and 342 participants. It was discovered that the inclusion of language indicating geographic and leadership proximity in an apology led to the restoration of significantly more trust compared to apologies that did not include any references to proximity. By contrast, apologies that included references to relationship and network proximity were significantly less restorative of trust compared to apologies that did not include any proximity references. Our research is the first study to examine the intersection of social proximity and organisational apologies. Based on our findings, we contend that organisations should include references to geographic and leadership proximity in their apologies and exclude references to relationship and network proximity.
JEL Classification: M14
Keywords: apology, communication, leadership, proximity, trust.
DOI: 10.24818/mer/2025.01-05

The Economic Profitability of Photovoltaic Installations in Blida 2 University in Algeria

Page: 89
Authors: Cherif AMROUCHE, Merouane MEHDI, Samia NEZALI
Abstract: Our society is increasingly faced with the problem of global warming. considering the sustainable development is the only possible alternative for tackling this problem, renewable energies are essential to initiate the energy transition. In this process, the university has a major role to play and has a duty to set an example. This article sets out the adoption of solar panels at Blida 2 University and its benefits economic, where we analyse the possibility of a photovoltaic project for BLIDA 2 university. We will start by conducting a review of the existing literature to pinpoint the factors that impact the acceptance of technologies, such as panels. Afterward, we will delve into the underpinnings of this technology. Next, we will conduct a study to determine if investing in panels is a choice, by examining the electricity usage a t the university. Finally, we will calculate the profitability of this solution, as well as the reduction in the carbon footprint on campus using the Retscreen simulation program, the results of the study concluded that adopting photovoltaic panels as an energy alternative at the University of Blida 2 will have a positive economic return in the long term.
JEL Classification: Q42, D61
Keywords: carbon reduction, economic viability, energy policy, photovoltaic installation, renewable energy.
DOI: 10.24818/mer/2025.01-06

Asymmetry in the Purchasing Power Parity in the Context of South Africa

Page: 103
Authors: Reuben Jerome KISTEN, Simiso MSOMI, Paul-Francois MUZINDUTSI, Ntokozo NZIMANDE, Malibongwe Cyprian NYATI
Abstract: This paper investigated whether the purchasing power parity (PPP) hypothesis holds between South Africa and the United States of America and to determine if there is an asymmetry in the PPP from 1980 to 2020. A decomposition technique was applied to create key variables in which unit root tests such as ADF, PP, and the KPSS were employed. The results of all three tests found that the macro variables exhibited stationary behaviour, thus validating the PPP. Furthermore, by decomposing the variable into positive and negative components, the study reveals that the convergence to equilibrium is asymmetric. By showing this, we also confirmed the existence of asymmetry within the macro variables, which provides important implications for policymakers.
JEL Classification: E52
Keywords: asymmetry, exchange rate, purchasing power parity.
DOI: 10.24818/mer/2025.01-07

Bridging the Gap Between Digital Maturity and Competitive Advantage: Are Digital Maturity Models Enough?

Page: 119
Authors: Manal LAOUAR, Yahia BOUKERCH
Abstract: Amidst nowadays digital-driven environment, achieving digital maturity has become the focal point of contemporary organisations more than ever before. Therefore, Digital Maturity Models (DMMs) have been subject to various studies. These instruments are means meant to assess the state of an organisation’s Digital Transformation (DT). Although (1) higher digital maturity is frequently related to significant competitive advantage and (2) despite the fact that DMMs being the main instrument used to describe it, the role of DMMs in putting across the complex interplay between (1) and (2) seems to be underexplored. Thus, this study aims to shed light on this gap via the examination of the structure and efficacy of DMMs with a special emphasis on how these models help in gaining knowledge and insights pertaining to competitive advantage. Findings suggest that DMMs do constitute an invaluable basis for digital transformation and progression towards digital maturity; nevertheless, they fall short in providing organisations with actionable plans to better leverage their capabilities so as to gain a market edge. To bridge this gap, the authors offer an initial practice-oriented framework that stresses the role of digital maturity practices in converting digital capabilities into competitive differentiators.
JEL Classification: O32, M21, L15
Keywords: competitive advantage, digital maturity, digital maturity models, practice-oriented.
DOI: 10.24818/mer/2025.01-08

Work-Life Balance, Organisational Commitment, and Healthcare Worker Productivity

Page: 133
Authors: Emmanuel Erastus YAMOAH
Abstract: This study investigates the relationships between work-life balance, employee productivity, and organisational commitment among healthcare workers at a leading healthcare facility in the La Nkwantanang Madina Municipality, Ghana. The study adopted a cross-sectional survey design, and the participants comprised 137 employees. Multiple regression approaches, mediation, and moderation analyses were employed to analyse the data. The result so agrees with the hypotheses predicting a positive correlation between work-life balance and productivity (r = 0.48, F <0.001) and organisational commitment (r = 0.55, F <0.001). The mediation analysis results indicated that organisational commitment fully mediates the relationship between work-life balance and productivity (indirect effect β = 0.22, p < 0.001), more specifically, employees with higher levels of organisational commitment amplify the positive effects of work-life balance on productivity. In addition, the main analysis indicated that work-life balance significantly and positively predicted productivity; however, this relationship was moderated by gender, with female workers being more affected by work-life balance than their male counterparts (β = 0.30, p < 0.001). Through the understanding of the results of the study, gender-sensitive work-life balance policies and organisational commitment to increase efficiency are highlighted. As such, future research should further investigate the subsequent changes in work-life balance interventions and other mediators regarding their relations, including job satisfaction and work stress. Limitations include the cross-sectional design, single-site focus, and reliance on self-reported data.
JEL Classification: J24, J81, M12, M54
Keywords: work-life balance, employee productivity, organisational commitment, gender, healthcare workers, Ghana.
DOI: 10.24818/mer/2025.01-09

Igba-boi Entrepreneurial Philosophy: An Afrocentric Place-Building Model

Page: 147
Authors: Ishmael IWARA, Victor OJAKOROTU
Abstract: Through the lens of a place-building model, this theoretical analysis of existing discourse explains the Igba-boi entrepreneurial philosophy and its transformative role in the post-Nigerian Civil War (1967-1970) socioeconomic recovery of the Igbo ethnic group. It positions the entrepreneurship model as a strategic resource for capacity development within marginalised communities, ultimately advancing sustainable local economies. Using a qualitative research methodology rooted in a desktop-based literature review, this study draws attention to the core principles of the model’s philosophical foundations, emphasising its profound potential as a blueprint for similarly marginalised Indigenous communities. The model’s implementation hinges on the community’s unified acknowledgement of the importance of development, and the dedication of successful entrepreneurs in identifying, mentoring, and establishing emerging talent. Implementing this entrepreneurial philosophy offers marginalised groups a viable pathway toward economic empowerment, self-sufficiency, and the conservation of cultural heritage. Actors and policymakers can effectively fuse the model’s foundations into development frameworks for marginalised communities.
JEL Classification: D4, M21
Keywords: Afrocentric model, Igba-boi entrepreneurship, indigenous people, marginalised communities, sustainable economy.
DOI: 10.24818/mer/2025.01-10

Unravelling Consumer Choices: A Comparative Analysis of Decision-Making Models

Page: 158
Authors: Yong B. SHIN, Siddharth BASWANI
Abstract: This case provides an illustration of the application of various consumer decision-making models to select from a number of alternatives, represented here by physics-related smartphone apps. It covers the weighted additive difference, conjunctive, disjunctive, lexicographical, and elimination by aspects methodologies, representing popular consumer decision-making models in managerial area. It also covers the simple additive weighting (SAW) approach from multi-attribute decision-making area. In addition, it highlights the rank inconsistency phenomenon, which is often considered unavoidable with most decision-making models. Here, this paper applies the unified commensurate multiple (UCM) approach, which successfully addresses this problem of rank inconsistency and leads to more consistent rankings, whereby removal of the lowest-ranked alternative does not affect the overall rankings of the abovementioned smartphone apps.
JEL Classification: C02, C63
Keywords: multiple criteria decision-making, rank inconsistency, unified commensurate multiple (UCM) model.
DOI: 10.24818/mer/2025.01-11

The Impact of Digital Marketing Tools on the E-Reputation of Startups in Algeria

Page: 165
Authors: Ghozlan TELILANI, Djamel BOUTELDJA
Abstract: With the rapid digital transformation worldwide, it has become imperative for countries to adjust their economic strategies accordingly. In response, Algeria has incorporated startups into its future economic vision. This study utilises Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) through Smart PLS 4 software to measure the impact of digital marketing tools on the e-reputation of startups in Algeria. Four key tools were analysed: websites, social media platforms, mobile applications, and email. The impact of each tool was assessed individually and compared. The findings indicate that digital marketing tools have a positive effect on the e-reputation of Algerian startups, facilitating their expansion and contributing to the country’s economic development and prosperity.
JEL Classification: M31, M39, M13, O55
Keywords: Digital Marketing; E-reputation; Startups; Algeria.
DOI: 10.24818/mer/2025.01-12

Transformation and Competition in Romanian Television: Market Dynamics and Regulatory Influence

Page: 180
Authors: Cristian BRANCU, Oana TURCU, Cristian BUSU
Abstract: This paper analyses the competition in Romania’s television media industry. With the rise of digitalisation and new technology, the media world has changed a lot, increasing competition among TV broadcasters. The study focuses on the main players, how the market works, the rules that guide it, and the challenges faced by the Romanian TV industry. By reviewing past studies and using real-world data, the research offers insights into the competitive environment of Romanian TV and its future growth. It uses interviews with industry experts and analysis of existing data to show how different TV networks are fighting for both audience share and advertising revenue. Key local channels like Pro TV, Antena 1, and TVR are in a race for market leadership, while international channels add another layer of competition. The National Audiovisual Council (CNA) plays a big role in shaping how the market operates through regulations. The paper looks at how licensing, content rules, and new digital standards influence the competition. It also explores how TV networks are changing their content strategies, looking for exclusive shows and adjusting to what viewers want, especially with the rise of streaming services. As technology changes the way people watch and interact with content, Romania’s TV industry faces both challenges and new opportunities.
JEL Classification: L82, L40, D43
Keywords: audience fragmentation, competition, digitalisation, market concentration, market dynamics, regulatory framework, television media industry.
DOI: 10.24818/mer/2025.01-13

The Impact of Electronic Advertising on Consumer Purchasing Behaviour in Algeria

Page: 189
Authors: Assia BRAHIMI, Djamila KADRI
Abstract: Through this study, we seek to identify the impact of electronic advertising on the purchasing behaviour of the Algerian consumer, and to reach the goal of the study, we designed a questionnaire and distributed it to a sample of 128 people via the Internet, and to process and analyse the data, we used the statistical processing programme SPSS v22. The results of the study confirmed the existence of a positive relationship between electronic advertising in its four dimensions (characteristics of electronic advertising, credibility of electronic advertising, incentives for electronic advertising, content of the advertising message) and the purchasing behaviour of the Algerian consumer.
JEL Classification: M37, M31
Keywords: Internet, advertising, electronic advertising, purchasing behaviour, Algerian consumer.
DOI: 10.24818/mer/2025.01-14

Financing of Businesses and Households in Algeria: The Management of Institution-Customer Relationship

Page: 205
Authors: Souhil GUEMMAZ
Abstract: This paper aims to highlight the interactions between the different financing methods existing in Algeria, namely: bank credit, leasing, and equity investments, as well as credit guarantee funds. In addition, it examines the use of these financing methods with the businesses and households’ segments. An interaction to be verified on this paper to have a whole idea of the relationship between the financing methods and the customer segments existing in the market. The approach used consists of creating and examining sharing maps related to these activities. The construction of these maps is based on the participation of a financing institution in Algeria in another institution whose nature of activity is similar. which can be competitive, with potential conflicts of interest between the parties involved. According to this study, financial institutions in Algeria collaborate with two categories of clients, namely businesses and households. The collaboration between these entities explains both the substitution and complementarity between the different forms of financing studied in this paper. In an equation comprising four variables: banks and the other financing institutions studied, businesses, and households. A significant weight of the financing methods currently existing in Algeria is reserved for businesses. Whose financing needs are varied and complex, and the choice of the financing method depends essentially on the requirement of the company. Unlike households, whose credits are simple.
JEL Classification: G21, G23, G24, M31
Keywords: Algeria, financing, market segmentation
DOI: 10.24818/mer/2025.01-15

The Impact of Digitalisation on Energy Efficiency in European SMEs: A Comparative Analysis Using DESI and Sustainability Measures

Page: 221
Authors: Cătălin-Alexandru VERDEȘ, Alexandra-Andreea MIRONESCU, Mădălina MAZĂRE
Abstract: This research examines the relationship between the level of digitalisation of SMEs and the uptake of energy-saving measures in various European countries. Using data from the Digital Economy and Society Index (DESI) 2023 and a 2024 survey conducted by the European Commission, the study examines the percentage of SMEs with a basic level of digitalisation and the percentage of those implementing energy efficiency measures. Pearson correlation analysis was applied to assess whether digitalisation influences energy savings in SMEs.
JEL Classification: O30
Keywords: Digitalisation, SMEs, energy efficiency, sustainability, Europe.
DOI: 10.24818/mer/2025.01-16

Factors Affecting Customers’ Repurchase Intention in Online Shopping Case Study: Jumia Algeria

Page: 233
Authors: Sabrina BERGOUG, Hachemi MAHMOUDI
Abstract: The emergence of e-commerce has profoundly changed consumer behaviour, making online shopping a major force due to its convenience and accessibility. It is important for online retailers to understand repurchase intentions in order to sustain and grow their customer base. This research, which was carried out in Jumia Algeria, explores the factors driving customers to repurchase from online retailers in Algeria. We adopted a blended approach, combining both qualitative and quantitative methods, conducting interviews with six individuals, and administering an online survey to a final sample of 91 users aged between 18 and 64, located in 13 districts, who met the criteria of having made at least one prior and recent purchase using specifically the Jumia mobile application. The data were processed using Nvivo and SPSS software. Furthermore, a multiple regression technique was used to assess the possible connection between the variables. The results indicated that perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, service quality, customer experience, and satisfaction positively affect repurchase intention. Although these findings provide practical insights for improving customer retention in the Algerian online shopping market, certain limitations should be acknowledged. The survey target was restricted to specific criteria, which may affect the broader applicability of the findings. Additionally, the study’s focus on the Algerian market, with over 60% of respondents being from the capital, limits the relevance to the other regions. Finally, the qualitative phase is carried out in order to obtain the consumers’ perception and derive the most important factors; based on six individual interviews, it provides depth but does not fully capture the diversity of consumers’ experiences.
JEL Classification: L8, L81
Keywords: perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, perceived price, service quality, experience, trust, satisfaction, repurchase intention, technology acceptance model
DOI: 10.24818/mer/2025.01-17

A Bibliometric Exploration on Employees’ Perception of Organisational Ethics

Page: 254
Authors: Erika-Ligia HELER
Abstract: This study explores employees’ perception of organisational ethics through quantitative bibliometric analysis of 1,088 scientific records from the Web of Science repository, covering research from 1990 to 2024. The analysis employs the scientific network tool VOSviewer 1.6.20 to visualise the research landscape, including author keyword co-occurrences, reference co-citations, and patterns of collective authorship, highlighting prominent research directions. Findings indicate frequent associations among keywords such as „Organisational Ethics”, „Ethical Climate”, and „Ethical Perceptions” among others. Assessment of cited references and co-authorship mapping reveals significant growth in research evolution and interdisciplinary collaboration, notably involving authors from the USA, China, and England. This approach deepens understanding of employees’ perception of organisational ethics by providing a quantitative perspective on research patterns, themes, and discourse advancement over time, benefiting academics and professionals studying ethical dimensions of organisational behaviour and management.
JEL Classification: O1, O15
Keywords: bibliometric analysis, employees’ perception, organisational ethics.
DOI: 10.24818/mer/2025.01-18

The Determinants of Organisations’ Performance in the Algerian Mobile Telecommunications Market

Page: 272
Authors: Ines BENATIA, Nabila ABID
Abstract: Assessing and improving organisations’ performance is a perpetual concern for managers and a core research topic for management researchers. As a complex and multidimensional construct, performance is evaluated through a various set of indicators, including customer satisfaction and loyalty. In this article, we intend to analyse the determinants of customer satisfaction and loyalty as key metrics of the performance of mobile telecommunications operators in Algeria. Our conceptual model included service quality, competitive service pricing, service innovation, and customer experience as the main explanatory variables of customer satisfaction and loyalty, and was tested on a sample of 420 mobile operators’ customers in Algeria. Following a quantitative approach, we relied on structural equation modelling to analyse the empirical data collected. The results of our analysis show that in the Algerian mobile telecommunications market, customer satisfaction is affected by customer experience, service quality and price, while customer loyalty is only determined by service quality and customer experience. The influential effect of service innovation on both customer satisfaction and customer loyalty has not been supported in this study. By underlying the specificities of the national context, the insights from this study can orient the Algerian mobile operators while shaping their customer relationship management strategies. These insights indicate the critical service aspects that customers are most sensitive to, notably network coverage and responsive support, which are determinant in optimising the overall customer experience.
JEL Classification: O30
Keywords: customer loyalty, customer satisfaction, mobile telecommunications, performance.
DOI: 10.24818/mer/2025.01-19