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This paper develops a two-way research method - both top-down and bottom-up - to define a "standard but tailored" assessment framework for smart cities, based on shared smart city concepts, but designed to respond to different needs of each city. The method aims not to design a measurement standard, but to define a process able to create the best smart city measurement system. It is based on a standard framework but tailored on each city - with its own features, problems, values, and ideas about the quality of life. This method overcomes the limitations of using standard framework, as it links smart city assessment tools to local policies but giving to the tool the authoritativeness deriving from the scientific literature and the robustness acquired from international nest practices. An empirical implementation supports the theoretical background and allows to validate the method, as it has been successfully implemented in Genoa, a medium-sized city in Italy looking for its own performance measurement system that allows comparison with other smart cities at the same time. The bidirectional method is designed by the authors of this paper, and it is a novelty in the international literature about research methodology for business and management studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evaluating organisational performance in relation to the Circular Economy (CE) has become increasingly important, yet the literature highlights certain limitations of micro-level CE indicators, such as the lack of a widely accepted method for measuring CE in both academia and industry. Among various Performance Management Systems (PMSs), the Balanced Scorecard (BSC) stands out as one of the most widely used by organisations, offering a more comprehensive perspective beyond purely financial metrics. Therefore, this paper aims to explore how CE measurement can be combined with organisational strategy assessment using the BSC. To achieve this, a theoretical framework that defines Circular Balanced Scorecard (CBSC) archetypes and integrates them with CE indicators is proposed. This framework serves as a tool for seamlessly integrating CE measurement into the PMS of organisations with different levels of CE maturity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper develops a two-way research method -- both top-down and bottom-up -- to define a "standard but tailored" assessment framework for smart cities, based on shared smart city concepts, but designed to respond to different needs of each city. The method aims not to design a measurement standard, but to define a process able to create the best smart city measurement system. It is based on a standard framework but tailored on each city -- with its own features, problems, values, and ideas about the quality of life. This method overcomes the limitations of using standard framework, as it links smart city assessment tools to local policies but giving to the tool the authoritativeness deriving from the scientific literature and the robustness acquired from international nest practices. An empirical implementation supports the theoretical background and allows to validate the method, as it has been successfully implemented in Genoa, a medium-sized city in Italy looking for its own performance measurement system that allows comparison with other smart cities at the same time. The bidirectional method is designed by the authors of this paper, and it is a novelty in the international literature about research methodology for business and management studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The European Space Agency (ESA) Directorate of Operations (D/OPS) has the need to continuously challenge for improvement the working practices, the deployed resources, the delivered products and services. Since 2007 D/OPS has put in place the process of Lessons Learned to address proposed changes coming from the performed experience. The positive outcome of this process over the years is visible in the implemented organisational improvements and in the general learning-based culture accumulated. As part of EN9100-based QMS, it is essential to have evidence that the process is effective, i.e. whether it is carried out according to expectations of the process owner. The paper will present the introduction of Key Effectiveness Indicators (KEI) on the Lessons Learned process, their measurement and the analysis of the collected data for identification of possible improvement actions. Some pre-conditions for definition and implementation of KEIs (for any process) need to be satisfied. Then it is possible to identify few strategic points in the process where expectation on the discipline of the organisation can be translated in a quantitative target. A typical measurement of effectiveness is the duration in performing a specific step of the Lessons Learned process (i.e. in terms of timeliness). The paper will present: The identified KEIs for the Lessons Learned process The identified homogeneous environments where the instances of the process are running The (current) targets set by the process owner The time scope of effectiveness measurement. The analysis of collected data has demonstrated weaknesses in the process to be corrected but also highlighted the current strengths. This initiative confirmed that the continual improvement of the organisation relies also on the effectiveness of the Lessons Learned process itself, and not only on the contents to be learned (i.e. the performance indicators on the organisation itself). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To analyse the evolution of sustainability indicators, present in the various national tourism plans in Portugal, and, subsequently, to propose the creation of a tourism sustainability index that can provide a perspective on the level of sustainable development. Methodology: Qualitative methodology of document analysis of the main national tourism plans identifying the indicators used to measure sustainability over time and identifying the different possible methodologies for the implementation of a tourism sustainability index. Results: It was determined the methodology that seems more suited to implement a tourism sustainability index for Portugal, taking in consideration the different indicators analysed and made available by the Portuguese Tourism Board. Research limitations: This paper only proposes a methodology for the calculation of the sustainability index but does not calculate the index itself. This is subject of future work, which will also make it possible to verify the quality of the index itself and to adjust the methodology, if needed. Originality: Although there have been authors that have proposed sustainability indices for other areas of activity, there has never been a tourism sustainability index proposal for Portugal. This may be an important contribution to facilitate the analysis and comparison of sustainable development among different cities/regions/countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose -- This paper is prepared in connection with the H2020 IMPACTOUR project on "Improving Sustainable Development Policies and Practices to access, diversify and foster Cultural Tourism (CT) in European regions and areas". It addresses the development of indicators for the management of accessibility in European CT destinations, responding to the growing accessible tourism market as a driver of sustainable tourism strategies. Methodology -- The paper describes the development of tools, indicators and metrics for gathering accessibility information, which DMOs may use as part of the IMPACTOUR CT destination management system. It reports on global and European destination management systems and tools, and describes key requirements for accessibility indicators, namely: 1) Validity, 2) Reliability, 3) Universality, 4) Availability, 5) Scalability and 6) Operability. Findings -- A set of "core indicators" and additional "optional indicators" are selected for initial testing in the IMPACTOUR Destination Pilot Sites in various EU countries. Pilot destinations and representative groups of citizens and visitors will be engaged in testing and validating the accessibility parameters of the tool and demonstrating how tourists with access requirements can be suitably catered for within the overall framework of sustainable destination management. Contribution -- The paper describes the development of information tools supporting CT destinations in managing the demands of the growing accessible tourism market. The use of accessibility indicators in destination management is part of the holistic, data-driven approach promoted by IMPACTOUR, aiming to ensure inclusive cultural tourism for all visitors and citizens in the host communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Incorporating smart tourism into development priorities is the key aspect for tourism destinations and therefore, it should be approached accordingly. In theory, smart tourism development is considered as a factor in achieving sustainable competitiveness of tourism destinations. The application of smart destination shifts the destination development; however, the progress is under-researched so far. The efficient destination management requires tools for measuring smart tourism development. For that reason, the aim of this paper is to apply the methodological framework for measuring smart tourism development in a selected Slovak destination (the Banská Bystrica region). We have applied the methodology based on the Valencian Network of Smart Destination Indicators. The methodology was adapted to the availability of the input data at a regional level in Slovakia and tested in the Banská Bystrica region (NUTS 3). The obtained findings reveal that the Banská Bystrica region is aware of the need to implement smart solutions to improve the quality of life in the region for its residents, as well as visitors. The paper provides recommendation on what data needs to be collected and how these data can be obtained at a regional level in order to assess smart tourism development. The research conducted has further applicability in different destinations and on different levels. However, it is limited by the availability of the input data, which can determine the applicability of the indicators in Slovakia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) has been high on the agenda of funders such as the European Commission (EC). Encouraging the use of indicators to further implementation of RRI has been a prominent feature in EC RRI funding calls. However, we provide evidence that using indicators for institutional RRI work is far from unproblematic. Indicator use vary considerably along national norms and organizational cultures. Whereas RRI indicators may have advantages in institutions generally governed by indicators, we show that in other settings, indicators may cause outright resistance to RRI and may be seen as curbing learning. If used, indicators should facilitate learning and take up as few resources as possible with respect to reporting. We further show that evaluations that include users, are a viable alternative to indicators with respect to implementation of responsible research and innovation. We finish the paper with practical advice on working with RRI indicators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The literature recognizes that the gradual countries' involvement in the economic globalization has generated competitive environments that stimulate innovation and economic growth. Yet, globalization has also apparently led to the increase of inequality, contributing for waves of populism and discontent, claiming for justice in sharing these benefits. Thus, it is not surprising that the interaction globalization/social justice is paying attention to politicians and academics, seeking to identify if there is reason to fear that the globalization leads to increase inequality. The paper deals with the link between globalization and social justice, measured by updated indicators that improved the data quality and broadened their baseline. In what globalization concerns are applied the renewed KOF index, including de facto and de jure perspectives. Concerning social justice, are used the latest "EU Social Justice Index". Structural unemployment trends, such as the long duration distressing people's skills and motivation, as well as youth unemployment, which has stimulated immigration and led to the departure of skilled young people, have greatly reduced their potential for growth. GDP declined, corporate failures increased, as did unemployment and poverty. Governments have greatly limited their spending, particularly at the social level, in order to meet the targets, set in the adjustment programs. In addition, countries no longer have financial conditions to implement measures to stimulate the economy, in order to promote a faster recovery. It has recently been surprising that the escalation of globalization has put people in a precarious employment position, who felt they were protected from the competition of low wages. This paper, also, reflects on the effects of the recent global financial crises in the EU members, which especially hit the Euro zone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Innovation is becoming more important in boosting competitiveness of enterprises. It will not be possible to ensure rapid economic growth of Latvia without competitive innovations and without their introduction into business practice. The object of the present research paper is innovations. The subject of the research paper is analysis of the technological business environment and innovations in Latvia. The objective of the research paper is to study the integration process of micro and macro business environment and innovations problems, to elucidate the technological business environment factors influencing innovations, to develop proposals for solving problems and for innovation management mechanism by making use of relationship between these factors in investigation of innovations in Latvia. The tasks advanced in order to reach the objective: to identify the concept of business micro and macro environment and their main economic indicators; to carry out analysis of the factors influencing innovations in the process of micro and macro environment integration; to carry out analysis of indicators characterising innovations. Theoretical study methods are reported analysis of business micro and macro environment, innovations, management, marketing; study of correlation between technological business environment factors and innovations. Empirical pilot methods are observation for the purpose of studying mutual influence between technological business environment factors and innovations; study of documents regulating innovations in Latvia; economic and statistical analysis of the innovations indicators; economic and statistical analysis of business environment indicators; study of public and non-government institutions data in Latvia. Research basis are innovations, business and its environment in Latvia. The research period is from the year 2008 till the year 2018, separate themes have been studied for a shorter period of time or by way of comparison. This is the first research on the analysis of factors influencing innovations in the macro and micro business environment integration process by making use of innovations factors, regularities of business environment and innovations development have been revealed, legal and economic aspects of innovations of Latvia have been evaluated, economic indicators of business environment, innovations and the mechanism for management of innovations of the Republic of Latvia have been developed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In This Paper, we will present the analysis of the main indicators of financial development and economic growth in the Comoros, Morocco, Tunisia, Rwanda, Mauritius and Senegal for the period 1980-2016. The descriptive analysis of the statistical data shows an evolution in terms of financial aspect and economic growth, but relatively, economic growth depends not only on these indicators but on other factors too. These relationships have already been tested in other developed countries, but we are in African countries where their financial systems are organized in a capitalist way. The endogenous variable of our study is the rate of economic growth and financial development is measured through five indicators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The essence of the «bioeconomy» concept as one of the modern vectors of economic and social systems has been examined in this paper. This concept is characterized by orientation to sustainable development, reducing the negative impact of economic activity on the environment by decreasing dependence on fossil fuels, as well as gradual «biologization» of economic processes. The development of this concept in EU countries has been analyzed. The selection of indicators for assessing the national bio-economies of EU countries has been carried out and followed by division of these indicators into five groups. For the first time, the importance of each indicator in the group has been examined and its weight coefficients have been calculated with the help of expert analysis. Further promising areas in the field of national bio-economies assessment have been highlighted, in particular, the methodology of an integral index of bio-economy, the importance of its calculation for European countries which can be the basis for the assessment of bio-economies development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sustainable competitiveness as a concept is introduced in the scientific debate in the last two decades. It is addressed on considering economic, social and environmental factors that determine competitiveness in the long run. The paper is focused on measuring sustainable competitiveness at the national level. Two indexes are considered: the Sustainability Adjusted Global Competitiveness Index (World Economic Forum) and the Global Sustainable Competitiveness Index (SolAbility). The paper compares sustainable competitiveness of EU28 countries, EU13 and selected South-East Europe. The author conclude that almost all observed EU28 and EU13 countries have better scores in sustainable competitiveness compared to the economic pillar. The data confirm social sustainability dimension as being interrelated with the higher level of economic development while the environmental dimension is still a challenge for many observed countries. Sustainable competitiveness is a conditio sine qua non for sustaining or increasing current and future welfare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In connection with elaboration of scientific project 'Statistical study of forestry companies competitiveness' and on the basis of the accumulated national and foreign experience a system of indicators and sub-indicators for complex quantitative assessment of forestry companies competitiveness has been offered. The proposed indicators are: competitiveness of product being offered; labor productivity; financial results; enterprise growth; market adaptability; economic realization of property of forest resources; silvicultural activities. In current paper are presented the scientific results from the verification of the offered indicators and sub-indicators reliability.1. The verification is carried out on the basis of questionnaire survey among specialists connected with forestry. The questionnaire includes two parts. Through the first one is checked the reliability of the system of indicators related with competitiveness of economic subjects that manage Bulgarian forest territories. By means of the second part is checked the reliability of the system of indicators connected with competitiveness of economic subjects engaged with timber harvesting and silvicultural activities in Bulgarian forest territories. On the grounds of the collected and processed data the initial system of indicators and sub-indicators is supplemented and improved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To understand observed trends in energy performance of economy or specific sector, it is necessary to evaluate the driving forces underlying these changes. Index decomposition analysis measures the impact of energy efficiency gains on the level of energy consumption, at the most detailed sector disaggregation level allowed by the available data. The ODEX energy efficiency index was developed under the EU ODYSSEE-MURE program and is published annually for the 28 EU countries and Norway. Index is used in monitoring process of energy efficiency trends and measures in Europe in relation to the achievement of the EU energy policy objectives. In this paper, the index decomposition analysis of the ODEX indicator is carried out for Polish economy and its main sectors between 2000-2016. The aim of the study is to identify factors determining changes in energy consumption at the level of each end-use or subsector in Poland, and to recognize areas where there is still potential for further reduction of energy consumption. The analysis is extended into comparison to European statistics in the context of implementation and monitoring of the UE indicative energy targets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this research is to: 1) discuss and analyze the adaptation of the innovation program in the United States (US) and United Kingdom (UK) through an examination of 8 successful case studies; 2) to identify the innovation indicators in four categories, (i) culture, (ii) policy, (iii) industry, and (iv) economy; and 3) to identify the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of innovation (a SWOT analysis) and their potential use worldwide. Prior Work:The Entrepreneurship and Innovation Program (EIP) is a powerful engine for expansion and for addressing societal and global challenges. The innovation drives economic growth and job creation and is of significance not only within high-tech sectors but in all economic sectors. While economists and policymakers worldwide have recognized the importance of technological innovation for growth, the relationship between innovation and entrepreneurship has been especially appreciated recently because entrepreneurs play an important role in fomenting innovation. The results are part of the ongoing research project funded by a grant by Kuwait Foundation for Advancement of Sciences (KFAS-2012-1103-01). Methodology /Approach: The methodology is based on uses a qualitative approach consisting of literature review and eight international interviews in the United States (US) and the United Kingdom (UK). Results:This paper provides ranking of innovation programs and a set of guidelines and recommendations for future adaptation. Implications: This paper provides value-added knowledge for both academics and practitioners who are interested insuccessful adaptation ofEIP. Value: The authors believe that this paper demonstrates an added value to the current literature on EIP and fill the gap in the case studies of developed and developing countries literature. Also, presents more comprehensive analysis of progress and challenges for practitioners including policy makers, governments, and funded organizations through the successful implementation of EIP best practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper offers the findings of a review regarding the term empathy and its two dimensions - measurement and education. The main question that is discussed through the paper is the definition of the term, as well as its measurability and possibility of being taught. Empathy is a critical interpersonal and societal role, which enables cognitive and emotional understanding of others' feelings and experiences. In business processes, empathy is the key indicator for improving customer satisfaction and revenue growth and as such was analyzed in 2014 by the Harvard Business Review. The Global Empathy Index was established and analysis on a sample of companies with major financial indexes was conducted. Over the years, the criteria were adjusted and the data sources were expended. Even though the conducted research revealed that top 10 companies in the 2015 Global Empathy Index increased in value more than twice, in comparison to the bottom ten and generated 50% more earnings, the problem that still persist is empathy implementation as well as the negative connotations and its quantify issue. The purpose of this article is to provide a review of larger scale empathy indicators and to define empathy as a discipline that can be learned with the proper education and promotion among the leaders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is composed to specify the indicators identified by scholars used for cluster performance, efficiency or competitiveness assessment. Traditional bibliometric technique was chosen to identify the trends in cluster literature. Articles from the Web of Science database were selected according to the times they were cited which allowed systemizing the aspects of the research and making valuable observations. A system of indicators which should get the most attention in cluster research was composed identifying exceptionally important points to discuss and include in the following studies. In the national level clusters usually are not able to compare their performance for there is no system created to serve this purpose. The close analysis of the indicators of cluster performance would enable cluster evaluation tool formation for cluster performance evaluation in national level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intangible assets are considered to have a high strategic value and have become very relevant factors in the creation of value for a firm. Together with intangibles, family firms are the most important wealth-creation agents. Their resources and capabilities can make a considerable difference between family and non-family organisations. These firms possess idiosyncratic resources of an intangible and tacit nature that are inherent to them because they have been generated throughout the firms' history. Precisely for their condition as 'family' firms, these firms are a source of intangible assets which can provide the basis for their later achievement of competitive advantages. Based on the literature devoted to family firms, the human capital theory and the intellectual capital-based view of the firm, the present paper has as its aim not only to identify the most important human capital intangibles owned by family firms but also to show a series of indicators that can help measure them. For this purpose, the paper firstly refers to the most important human resources practices that permit the maximum capitalisation of human resources available to the firm; it secondly identifies 12 intangibles which characterise the human capital of family firms; and finally, 32 indicators have been created to measure all human capital intangibles identified in family firms. Our main motivation stems from the fact that individuals represent the most important input for knowledge work, which is structured around people's skills and competences rather than around the execution of programmed tasks and work routines. The human capital theory states that individuals own skills, experience and knowledge which provide economic value to firms. Therefore, knowing the human capital intangibles of family firms -as well as the indicators which can be used to measure them- will surely help improve the management of those intangibles, thus making the most of intellectual capital. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

European universities have been immersed during the last decades in important transformation processes aiming to make them more autonomous, economically efficient and competitive. They have to demonstrate fine resource management and accountability in support of clearly defined and feasible goals, even more important during periods of financial crisis and budget cuts. From a managerial perspective, Intellectual Capital (IC) management and reporting can contribute to making the best use of available resources (Elena et al., 2011). In the realm of practice, an increasing number of universities and research centres in Europe have developed IC management and reporting models. However, their application has been, so far, based on voluntary basis. An important effort to provide a homogenous and comprehensive framework for managing and reporting IC in universities was developed by the Observatory of European Universities (Sánchez et al., 2009 and OEU, 2006). The Austrian case is a remarkable example since it has established a law that includes the compulsory delivery of an Intellectual Capital Report ("Wissensbilanz") (Altenburger and Schaffhauser-Linzatti 2006) by its publically funded universities since 2006. Currently, a project is being carried out in Romania, with the ultimate goal of preparing a guideline for applying IC reporting in Higher Education institutions. A series of Mutual Learning Workshops (MLW) are being organised (started in October 2012) by the Rumanian Agency for Education, Research and Innovation together with international experts. Learning from the Austrian case and from other initiatives, the MLWs are meant to discuss between researchers, practitioners, managers and policy-makers, how to design a guideline for IC reporting for Romanian Universities considering the national context and current reforms of the university system. The guideline should be also applicable for universities in other countries undergoing a reformation process of the university system. The paper will give an overview of international experiences with IC reporting of universities. As a practical case, the paper will present the first results of this on-going project and reflect on which methods are appropriate to report on IC in different types of European universities and to what extent is it possible and advisable to standardise IC models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since Latvia joined the European Union (hereinafter the EU) in 2004, socio-economic territorial development in the regions of the country has been unbalanced, increasing regional disparities. At NUTS3 level, there are six statistical regions in Latvia. Zemgale is one of the regions of Latvia. Since 1992, two administrative and territorial reforms (hereinafter ATR) have been implemented in Latvia, and in 2021 it is planned to carry out the third administrative and territorial reform. In June 2020, the new ATR was approved by the government. Before the ATR, Zemgale region consisted of 22 territorial units: two cities under state jurisdiction and 20 municipalities. After the ATR, Zemgale region will consist of five municipalities and two cities under state jurisdiction. The territorial border of Zemgale region will not be changed. The socio-economic comparison led to a conclusion that the administrative territories created as a result of the ATR could not become more prosperous in the future under the current conditions and with their current potential in order to eliminate the territorial disparities. Research methods. The research employed general research methods, statistical analysis, logical construction as well as analysis and synthesis. The research period: indicators for Zemgale region in the period 2010-2019. The sources of information used: specialised economic literature, research documents and scientific conference papers, EU regulatory documents, laws of the Republic of Latvia, the National Regional Development Agency’s RDIM database and Central Statistical Bureau data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zero emission mobility such as electromobility is a key to reduce the CO2 emissions of the transport sector. In order to increase the acceptance and demand of electromobility a reliable, publicly accessible charging infrastructure is needed. For planning issues as well as for investors the degree of utilization of charging points is important. Yet there is no consistent definition for the degree of utilization of a charging point in literature. This paper presents a set of indicators to measure the utilization of a charging point. Furthermore, these indicators are calculated with data from charging points that are funded by the Federal Program Charging Infrastructure. The analysis compares the indicators and discusses the significance and usability of these indicators. In conclusion, it is important to take several indicators into account as there is no single indicator that provides an overall impression of the utilization of a charging point. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper the author proposed some indicators for performance evaluation in dynamic steady of working time in the case of heavy machines. Thus, it was monitored the hydraulic parameters of a wheel loader knowing it’s as a machine with an intense and varied working regime characterized by over-pressurization occurred because of excessive loads that appear when execution different tasks during technological cycle on construction site. Based on hydraulic parameters, it were evaluated engine power required for loading phase and, taking into account by the performance indicators, the supplementary power needed for task execution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the paper with the modern quality management methods using is argued the rationality of rehabilitation equipment production for the patients with the hand and fingers movement disorders basing on the 3D - printing technology. First of all, we start from the descriptions of special needs in rehabilitation for some distributed diseases and shortly characterize the proposed case study (assistive device). Next, we choose the best 3D - printing method for our case study compared with the others, and after that we make the same procedure for the possible material. Then we made estimation with the chosen methods based on the comparative analysis of the branch simulators produced with the 3D-printing technology in the Russian Federation and by the foreign companies. After the analyzing the unique features of the case study simulator, we focused specifically on the prospects for the rehabilitation devices (assistive devices) production development on the national level. We conclude with the offering the few suggestions for such products standardization in the national practice for the quality assurance and efficiency purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leadership has become a vital research field in management science. Research shows that leadership is a complex phenomenon which has led to a substantial amount of studies in the past to improve the understanding of this research field. Literature and empirical studies addressing leadership reveal that research is still fragmented and studies are not conducted in a uniform framework. This leads to the fact that research results are partly comparable due to different definitions and interpretations. In recent years, transformational and transactional leadership gained attention by several scholars. In brief, transformational leadership stimulates and enhances the performance of the followers. In this respect, the leader transforms and motives the subordinates to achieve higher organizational goals by embodying a role model. In addition, the leader becomes a mentor by considering the individual needs and wants. Consequently, this fosters creativity and individuals consider their work as essential. In contrast, transactional leadership conveys clear goals and structures which are based on an exchange model. Therefore, the employees are obliged to follow the instructions to achieve the company goals. Moreover, the subordinates do not have the allowance to make own decisions. In case of deviations, the superior takes corrective measures. The aim of this paper is to identify indicators for measuring transformational and transactional leadership in order to offer a uniform research framework. The author performs content analyses to evaluate the current state of science to identify indicators for measuring transformational and transactional leadership. To gain a holistic view, the author uses scientific books and databases such as Emerald, Springer Link, EBSCO, ScienceDirect, Sage Journals, JSTOR and Taylor and Francis. The preliminary research results show that numerous indicators describe transformational and transactional leadership which contribute to the theoretical and practical implications in leadership research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Green economy, green growth and sustainable development are currently very often used terms. There are many international organizations intensively involved in the field of green growth and sustainable development. Green growth, according to the OECD, is a way how to support economic growth and development, while protecting natural resources, so that we could continue to use the natural resources and environmental services, on which our prosperity depends. One of its aims, especially in developed countries, is green economy building and ensuring social and economic sustainable development. However, it is not always clear how to build a green economy or achieve social and economic activities in the sense of sustainable development. The European Union is a cluster of relatively homogeneous countries, based on similar social and economic development. Ensuring green growth and sustainable development should be a common, coordinated and targeted activity of all European Union countries. The main aim of the paper is to evaluate green growth and sustainable development in the European Union countries using the selected indicators of green growth and selected indicators of sustainable development, including assessment of interregional disparities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper focuses on the current topic of measuring sustainability in companies. First, several different definitions of sustainability and possible indicators how to measure it are discussed. Moreover, it uses a case study of measuring indicators and introduces a sustainable policy of a small company in the Czech Republic. A separate chapter focuses on the code of sustainability, which is also known as a tool for claiming sustainable behavior. The paper may be used as a guide for companies to follow in introducing and implementing sustainability measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper addresses the main strategic benchmarks of the urban water supply and sanitation systems. The authors have studied the results of the biggest Russian urban water supply companies operation for the last three year period. The indicators that were considered: financial profits, investments, losses of water, the structure of costs etcetera. The results were compared with world level parameters. Many companies have really effective investment programs. This activity is related with, on one hand, the forthcoming strengthening of environmental legislation starting in 2020 and, on the other hand, financial support instruments of government. In addition, key directions of development of water economy were analyzed. The socioeconomic development strategy of Russian Federation identifies the need to strengthen the role of private companies. That is why difficulties and pressures of some enterprises were revealed. Furthermore, the water supply industry in Russia is characterized by the modification of institutional administration system. In conclusion, the prospects of the water supply companies according to the improving legislation and state and regional policy in this field are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents a study on water quality, which can be influenced by biological, physical and chemical parameters of water. Water quality has the purpose of identifying the direction of water use for both domestic and industrial purposes and is of particular importance to humans and living organisms. In addition to the human factors that have a major impact on water quality (both for surface and for groundwater), there are also natural factors and anthropogenic activities. The purpose of the study is to analyze the indicators determined in surface water in the salt mine area in Targu Ocna, Romania and to identify potential pollution factors. The samples were collected from two points in the Slănic River and two points from the Trotuş River. They were analyzed 7 indicators such as pH, chloride, sulphate, calcium, sodium, filtrate residue, extractable substances. These values of this parameter were compared to the permissible limits according to the water quality standards. Following the water quality analyzes conducted on the Slănic River and the TrotuşRiver, the quality indicators tracked show that their value falls largely within the limits imposed by the legislation. Following the analysis of the water quality of the Slănic River and the Trotuş River, the quality indicators pursued highlight that the values of the indicator concentrations are higher downstream and lower upstream with the Salt Solution Section for the Slanic River and for the Trotuş River the concentrations of the indicators are higher upstream and lower downstream of the salt mine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Current development in the European Union countries may be considered heterogeneous, even though their economic and social similarities. Each country achieves its economic and social goals with different success rate. It is similarly in relation to the complex value such as sustainable development. Evaluation of sustainability and sustainable development is problematic, because of sustainable development (resp. part of it) can be evaluated using the various indicators. It is, for example, the evaluation of sustainable development through its different areas (pillars) using indicators belonging to these areas, or using the set of indicators (eg. Indicators Rio+20, Green growth indicators etc.). Another possibility is sustainable development evaluation by aggregate indicators. The problem is that none of the indicators of sustainable development does not evaluate the sustainable development comprehensively. The aim of this paper is to evaluate sustainable development and in european countries using selected indicators and regression analysis. Realized evaluation and its results could be helpful for countries of the European Union, but also for the EU, and could be useful the process of managing their economic, social and environmental development towards sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Corporate sustainability can be defined as a business approach that creates and sustains the long-term value of a company by embracing opportunities and managing risks from three dimensions: the economic, environmental, and social perspective (Lo and Sheu 2007). In this context the development and use of intellectual capital (IC) provides an important lever for the implementation of sustainability management due to the fact that the IC of an organisation affects the performance of the three sustainability dimensions equally. A variety of sustainability management concepts point out the relevance of intangible resources whereas appropriate assessment and management approaches which reveal the contribution of IC are not or only very limited provided. Study results prove that the number of enterprises which are oriented towards sustainability has increased in recent years, but the implementation still encounters a variety of limits. This especially applies to small and medium sized enterprises (SME). Due to time and financial restrictions, many SMEs do not see themselves in a position to implement sustainable development as a part of the corporate strategy (Drenk 2009). Therefore concepts and methods have to be found in order to provide new and promising instruments in particular for SMEs which constitute the majority of Europe's economic strength. Within this research paper different aspects regarding the integration of Intellectual Capital and Sustainability Management in a SME context should be examined in detail. Against the background of the "Fraunhofer Integrated Model" the relevance of indicators for an integrated management approach will be highlighted. In the past, in particular quantitative indicators represented the largest share of measured variables. However, more and more non-monetary, qualitative indicators are increasingly included in the catalogues (Hirsch et al. 2004). Based on a systematic review of existing indicator catalogues, requirements and initial content for an integrated indicator format will be formulated. Against this background the aspect of benchmarking will be taken into account. The developed methodology is currently tested in a SME from the manufacturing sector. The last chapter of this paper will outline the preliminary results of this practical implementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

European universities have been immersed during the last decades in crucial structural changes throughout the so-called "Bologna process" to ensure comparability in the standards and quality of higher education qualifications. The main objectives of the process were to: develop a system of easily readable and comparable degrees, adopt a system with two main cycles (undergraduate/graduate), establish a system of credits, promote mobility by overcoming legal recognition and administrative obstacles, promote European co-operation in quality assurance, and promote a European dimension in higher education. Our universities are still undergoing a major change process including several measures and initiatives partly started even before the Bologna agreement (Nickel 2011). The fact that a change process turns out to be more complex than envisaged before is a common phenomenon. Thus, despite the efforts, there is a danger that the changes proposed might only be "cosmetic". The effects of the Bologna process in the real organisation of European universities should be studied more carefully. To avoid a "cosmetic" reform, it is important to understand that the Bologna Process will only be a reality with the joint commitment of national and European level institutions (Berlin Conference 2003), and with the involvement of the whole university community. In this context, the paper takes a look at the current state of Intellectual Capital (IC) reporting and managing at universities, with special attention on the role of teaching while considering the three pillars of IC: human, structural and relational capital. Most of IC indicators used by universities focus on research and third mission while less on teaching. This contradicts the fact that Bologna shall strengthen the role of education and teaching in universities and improve organisation and management. How can this gap of objectives and practical implementation be overcome? The analysis of a case study of a German faculty where teaching and learning play a major strategic role serve us to illustrate how far evaluation and quality management in teaching indirectly lead to practical IC management, although not wearing this name. Finally we suggest a set of indicators for IC management, and eventually reporting, in teaching, that can practically be introduced to universities' monitoring and evaluation systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents the concept of the sustainable development under the picture of the Bruntland report and the new policy of the main actors in the plan of the economic environmental in the view of the RIO+20. It exist a link between the concept of the sustainable development and the Economic management, a fundamental of the new strategies over the protection of the natural resources and the new regenerable energy resources. The European Union must resolve the general and the details objectives of the Strategy for Sustainable Development. We analysed the most important indicators of risk management involved in the Sustainable Development and the risk management policy. The concepts are theoretical models from the probability of risk management with application in the environmental. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The performance modeling of regulations is a relatively recent innovation. However, as regulators in many domains increasingly look to move from prescriptive regulations towards more outcome-based regulations, the use of performance modeling will become more common place. The major difference of outcome-based regulations over prescriptive regulations is that the main interest lies in specifying clear objectives of the regulations and measuring whether regulated parties achieve these objectives, while leaving much freedom to the regulated party on how to meet these objectives. Recently, we have found that the use of performance modeling provides benefits such as revealing inconsistencies and lack of clarity in existing regulatory language. In this paper, we report on these experiences, summarize guidelines for the modeling of regulations, and examine whether the current drafting processes for regulations are optimized to take advantage of these additional benefits. We explore the advantages and disadvantages of various ways of augmenting the current approach with goal-oriented modeling of regulations. Based on our experience with Aviation Security regulations, we believe it is time for modeling to play a new role in helping to guide the drafting of regulations. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

New Management Information Systems (MIS) are necessary at local level. MIS have to be able to estimate and control intangible capitals as the main source of wealth creation. Traditional analysis of internal accounting based on economic and financial models for companies, or supported by the economic analysis of income and employment, provides a short-term picture. In other words, the long term is not at the forefront and the value of the entity being studied is not conveniently quantified. Therefore, tools and approaches that provide a full future vision of any organization or institution should be a strategic priority for economic development. In this line, both the Lisbon Strategy and Leipzig Charter (2007) on Sustainable European Cities recognize that cities are "centers of knowledge and sources of growth and innovation". The exploitation of this knowledge depends on factors such as: training, existence of social and cultural networks, cultural excellence in research centers and the networks of exchange between science and industry. For this reason, integrated urban development policies are necessary. These policies support communication networks and optimize location structures as strategies that provide opportunities for social and democratic participation for the citizens. In order to achieve the above objectives, it is necessary to have tools to measure a territory's knowledge, that is, to design models to identify measure and monitor the different elements of this knowledge. This paper proposes a theoretical model to measure and evaluate this knowledge using the concept of national intellectual capital. National intellectual capital is based on the intangible assets used in the business approach. The measure of the intellectual capital of cities enables us to determine what we must take into account to make cities a source of wealth, prosperity, welfare and future growth. Furthermore, local intellectual capital provides a measure of hidden wealth of the city and a new indicator with a long run vision to compare to. This capital is essential for the economic growth of cities, but estimation in cities depends on the level of information available. Thus, in this paper we develop and explain how to implement a model to estimate intellectual capital in cities. In this sense, our proposal is to provide a model for measuring and managing intellectual capital using socio-economic indicators for cities. These indicators offer a long term picture supported by a comprehensive strategy for those who occupy the local space, infrastructure for implementation and management of the environment for its development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents a method for calculating the amount of thermal energy which is required for heating buildings, by enlarged indicators: area, storeys, material of walls, the number of people in the building and the specifics of its operation. On the basis of analysis of results of energy audit conducted in 2012-2016 for municipal institutions in the Belgorod region, a statistical analysis was carried out and dependencies were obtained to determine the geometric characteristics of buildings needed for thermal engineering calculations from aggregated indicators. Simplified methods for calculating energy input with solar radiation, heat losses with ventilation air are proposed. As a result, a technique has been obtained that allows estimating energy costs for heating and energy efficiency of buildings without conducting a detailed instrumental energy survey, using only reporting and statistical information on its functioning. Based on the methodology, it is possible to calculate the effects of energy-saving measures and evaluate their effectiveness. The results of the research are intended for the planning and energy management in large distributed systems of institutions, with the view of minimizing the cost of implementation and maximum effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The air is a mixture of different gases and particular matter, which make up for the earth's atmosphere. They allow for the existence of all life on the earth. With the increase in population and the progress of development, more and more substance of natural origin and on general not occurring in the nature, which may affect harmfully on the environment, gets into the air. Dusts and gases, flowing in excess into the atmosphere, cause local and even global pollution. Since the beginning of 2017 all the time in Poland, people speak about the increase of smog. Poland has become one of the countries with biggest air pollution in Europe. The analysis of air pollutions in an industrial city, Zabrze, in Poland in the period of four years and their evaluation in terms of the requirements contained in the relevant legislations was presented in this paper. This analysis includes the following air pollutions: nitrogen oxides - nitric oxide and nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide. Measurements come from urban monitoring point, which is situated in Zabrze, not in the centre of the city, but in the neighbourhood of Metallurgical Park. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We examined the role of Open Innovation (OI) events in the proper functioning of an innovation ecosystem. To that end, we categorised the different types of OI events, identified the best practices for each group participating in such events and provided indicators of event success for each type of group. By categorising the indicators by type of group, our approach ensures that all perceptions will be considered when one is measuring the impact of an OI event on its entire ecosystem. We suggest ways to measure that impact. The framework we present, together with supplementary metrics that build on existing knowledge, will help each participating group contribute to OI events and, consequently, to innovation ecosystems. With better data, funding for OI events will become more accessible, and the events themselves will be improved and thus have a more positive impact on their ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Information and Communications Technology (ICT) has a great importance in all aspects of life, including education as well. With the fast technology progress, implementation of ICT in education is inevitable. There is an old stereotype for mathematics as the most problematic course. Students often tend to use technology in order to find solutions for different mathematical problems without tending to understand them in the reasonable way. This paper investigates the implementation of ICT in education, especially the importance of the use of the ICT in the subject of mathematics. We give its definition, indicators, techniques and methods of implementation, the obstacles that the implementation faces, and some good implementation practices performed in Mathematics. This research covers the teachers from the R. of Macedonia of different ages which come both from elementary and high schools. We analyze the level of ICT usage in mathematics; the different barriers for not using it by the teachers; the ways of communication between the teachers; student arrangement and grouping while using ICT; the importance of using ICT on problem solving, the impact of the ICT in improving the results on the subject of mathematics and comparing it with other subjects. Some of the results found by this research are compared by the results found by the research done by the Institute for Applied Social Science (ITS) with teachers from Germany, Ireland, Spain, Netherlands and Belgium. In order to get a clear illustration concerning the interpretation of the gathered data, making conclusions and decisions, we have used the Statistical Analysis Software SPSS. We have analyzed some elements from the descriptive statistics. For analyzing the obtained data in this research we have used Cross Tabulations. For analyzing the dependencies between variables the chi-square test and the so called t-testing is used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The emergence of distance learning and other alternative forms of education was a natural response of educational demands, their growth being supported by the ICT development. In the same way, the massive open online courses had even a greater rate of development and currently enjoys a great popularity (universities joined the concept declared million students enrolled). The term of lifelong learning is now, in 2015 more topical, perhaps more than it was in 1972, remaining an act of assumed individual responsibility. The success of an educational programme carried through distance learning does depend by its characteristics, mainly by overcoming physical barriers, and all derived effects. The use of virtual environments for learning is no longer a novelty, being used for a long time, with different results. The offer for online learning environments is generous and wide. This comes with some difficulties: the selection and implementation processes become challenging and the results are not always satisfactory. The same platform can have different results in terms of use and efficiency in different institutions, depending on a series of external factors which have to be taken into account when a platform will be implemented. When it comes to the main indicators which make a platform to be a successful experience this are various and must cover all the facets of an educational experience, covering all the user possible demands. We started from the assumption that, the platform's characteristics, although similar, have a different impact on users (impact measured by the frequency of accessing the platform in general and of certain services in particular). Thus, some services are more widely used than others and more than that, some facilities offered by the platform, there are almost never accessed by users, their existence and integration platform being decided by default and developers. The aim of this paper is to present the result of a study conducted in order to identify possible indicators which makes the selection of platform easier and adapted to user (students, didactical staff, administrative staff) needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the new economy, economic system of production and value creation has focused increasingly toward the use of information and mind. The economic value is generated by knowledge and the ability to manipulate information. Therefore, future professions involve a high level of competence focusing on initiative, creativity and problem-solving, important role returning to the ability to apply knowledge and develop new ideas. In the knowledge economy, the workplace is featured by an increasing number of knowledge workers. Knowledge workers are actually those workers in an organization who are sensitive to change. They constantly respond to the changes in the environment by gathering information and then arranging their work accordingly. Knowledge workers use their creativity and inquiry driven learning in the work. With the accelerated pace of change, we should not hesitate in accepting the reality that all knowledge workers have significant place in the organization. The importance of their role to any organization that wants to survive in this dynamic era cannot be underestimated. Knowledge workers are indispensable for the organizations. Therefore it is a challenge for the manager to evaluate knowledge workers in the absence of a general model accepted by organizations. To solve this problem we have developed a model for evaluating knowledge workers. This paper aims to evaluate knowledge workers, they being the most important workers in organizations today. The solution proposed for the evaluation of knowledge workers in this research is an innovative model for evaluating knowledge workers. The model for the evaluation of knowledge workers is based on qualitative and quantitative index system, with the purpose of providing a good tool for organizations to manage their knowledge workers. The tool developed has the principal role the identification of knowledge workers that exist within the organization. Based on identified knowledge workers, the tool will provide to the stakeholders report on knowledge workers and plus the value it bring to the organization. The proposed model is applied in university environment. The paper simply throws some light on how to evaluate knowledge workers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In modern economy, competitive advantage has moved from tangible and financial assets to intangible and nonfinancial assets named intellectual capital (IC). In this era, the society is base on knowledge resources as information, intellectual property, and experience. Intellectual Capital on national level is a rather recent line of research that has attracted interest of the academia and business environment with the purpose that country wins more and more strategic importance. However, there is a relatively common understanding the role of intellectual capital as the economic driver for creating national wealth and economic competitiveness. But how to evaluate the intellectual capital of the nation? The evaluation of the national intelectual capital is indeed a challenge and demand a strongly system of metrics to help find and manage that nations intangible assets, providing an overview of the wealth of the nation. In striving to gain ever more reliable knowledge on the effects of IC, however, we need the established measurement practices of the next generation. The models and approaches used until now for measuring national-level IC and its economic effects form a good basis for further development.The purpose of this paper is to develop an innovative model for evaluating nation intellectual capital, mainly in the context of creating competitive advantage of the nation. This paper is organized in five sections. Section 1 introduces the concept and of national intellectual capital from the perspective of various specialists. Section 2 shows the most important models for evaluating intellectual capital developed at national level. The Section 3 is devoted to the description of the proposed methodology and includes defining the components and metrics that has been developed to perform the evaluation of national intellectual capital model. Section 4 presents the testing and validation of the model for evaluating national intellectual capital in East Europe. Finally, Section 5 presents the preliminary conclusions. This development model helps nations to identify and evaluate the intellectual capital in terms of coping in the knowledge economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maize, original from America, ranks third in the top of cereal crops as importance and ranks second in the international top, after wheat cultivation, these positions being acquired due to a series of particularities I presume: high production capacity, wide area spreading, ecological elasticity and the fact that it is a good precursor for most crops. The present study analyzes, at national level, both the technical indicators (cultivated area, average production) and economic indicators (prices, subsidies granted per hectare, economic balance) for maize crop in the period 2007-2017. By using the methods of statistical analysis, we will follow the evolution of the statistical data series studied, the purpose of the paper being to highlight both the technical and economic aspects of the studied culture, the dynamics and the importance of the maize culture referring to the demand of the internal market. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmental, economic and social indicators are used world-wide to report on the condition of human, natural and combined human-natural systems. A wide variety of environmental indicators is presently in use. Indicators provide practical and economical way to track the state of the environment. An environmental indicator is a numerical value that helps provide insight into the state of the environment or human health. These indicators reflect trends in the environment and monitor the progress made in realising environmental policy targets. As such, environmental indicators have become indispensable to policy-makers. However, it is becoming more and more difficult for policy-makers to grasp the relevance and meaning of the existing environmental indicators, given the number and diversity of indicators presently in use. The OECD, with the support of its Member countries, has long been a pioneer in the field of environmental indicators. It has developed and published the first international sets of environmental indicators and uses them regularly in its country environmental performance reviews and other policy analysis work. This paper focuses mainly on environmental indicators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to assess their market position companies always have a need to compare with other companies. One of the contemporary methods of comparing with the companies is benchmarking. During the 2012 the Pilot project - Benchmarking of 15 water and sewerage utility companies in Serbia was implemented. The project was financed by the World Bank and implemented through non-governmental sector (IPM) and participating utilities, according to the methodology of International Benchmarking Network for Water and Sanitation Utilities (IBNET). The focus of the work was data reliability, following the principle of self-evaluation - external control. The project goal emphasize was put on company data reliability, while the comparison of indicators was put in the background. This paper presents the results, experience in 'knowledge sharing' and highlights the importance of benchmarking in the management and decision-making in municipal water and sewerage companies in Serbia. Benchmarking project of waterworks and sewerage companies in Serbia showed that through mutual cooperation these companies, in cooperation with nongovernmental organizations (NGO), may self-organize and realize projects related to collection, analyzes and evaluation of data.The success of the Pilot project has enabled the expansion of activities in 2013, with more interested utilities and the inclusion of the government sector and additional work on accreditation principle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The complexity and the multicomponent model of the contents which determine national security in the modern way, as well as promotion and redefining of the interest and the goals of security from the state as the institution which is the closest to the individual as the referent object of safety, question the consistency in the labels and indicators for assessing the various and individual - personal states. Conceptualised by the UNDP's model of human safety and highlighting the three key freedoms of a man: a freedom from fear, a freedom from want and freedom to live with dignity, the individual safety also means the multi-sector understanding of the lack of safety, i.e. a threat directed towards seven areas, the economic area, health area and the safety of food and environment, through personal and communal safety, to political safety. Measurement, clarity and standardization of security features and states allows for the assessment and evaluation of safety conditions and also sets frameworks for evaluation of success of the inner safety functions and dedicated safety structures at the national and integrational (e.g. EU), i.e. regional and international levels. In that sense, the researches, methodological frameworks and the measurements of the Geneva Centre for the Democratic Control of Armed Forces are valuable and useful, with the ambition of evaluation and comparison of safety sectors and the analysis of their management. Their overview and systematization of numerous security indexes, designed by various international organisations, enabled comparison and combining of safety indicators with certain standardization and common denominators. With the indicators of international peace and safety, and in the context of state-centred security of the safety approach, which are significant and applicable in the context of people-centred security, the measures for internal safety also seem applicable at the individual level. Analyzing the indicators of the crime levels, victimization, perception of safety, civil freedoms and political rights, this paper aims toward clarification and better understanding of the individual and national safety, i.e. the consequences and impact to the other safety levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasingly competitive pressure on companies forces them to constantly improve their processes and products offered to the market. Therefore, innovation becomes a requirement for survival and business growth. The ability of firms to innovate depends not only on their exploitation of internal resources but it is also increasingly influenced by their ability to use knowledge from other organisations in their environment. For the latter, almost 100 Technology and Research Institutes (TRIs) are considered specific players in the science, technology and social system and have been selected as a case study. These Institutes contribute to the overall social benefit and to improving business competitiveness by providing research and development (R&D) and innovation. For this reason their human resources are considered a strategic resource for the promotion and implementation of R&D and innovation, with SMEs as their principal clients of innovation related services. A specific applied method for measuring their intellectual capital has been developed, which is illustrated in a case study. The methodological measurement approach and the different key actions are described in this paper in order to foment the exploitation of intellectual capital of TRIs in the management of product innovation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transport Canada is reviewing its Aviation Security regulations in a multi-year modernization process. As part of this review, consideration is given to transitioning regulations where appropriate from a prescriptive style to an outcome-based style. This raises new technical and cultural challenges related to how to measure compliance. This paper reports on a novel approach used to model regulations with the Goal-oriented Requirement Language, augmented with qualitative indicators. These models are used to guide the generation of questions for inspection activities, enable a flexible conversion of real-world data into goal satisfaction levels, and facilitate compliance analysis. A new propagation mechanism enables the evaluation of the compliance level of an organization. This outcome-based approach is expected to help get a more precise understanding of who complies with what, while highlighting opportunities for improving existing regulatory elements. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Ensuring SOA developed applications security has become crucial to protect against potential damage and is a sign of confidence for companies that would like to start collaboration based on SOA services. The aim of the present paper is to present the principles of a novel tool that supports the assessment of SOA security maturity of organizations: the SOASMM (SOA Security Maturity Model). This model was defined by incorporating information security best practice approaches in the paradigm of service-oriented architecture using an argued approach and mapping models. Security Indicators deduced in our study denote the complexity of security controls as SOA maturity levels get higher. Besides, as the model that we proposed is based on security standards and best practices, it can be further developed to support organizations to evaluate and adjust their security practices according to their SOA migration plan. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Agile methods provide an organization or a team with the flexibility to adopt a selected subset of principles and practices based on their culture, their values, and the types of systems that they develop. More specifically, every organization or team implements a customized agile method, tailored to better accommodate its needs. However, the extent to which a customized method supports the organizational objectives, i.e. the 'goodness' of that method, is questionable. Existing agile assessment approaches focus on comparative analyses, or are limited in scope and application. In this research, we propose a structured, systematic, and comprehensive approach to assessing the 'goodness' of agile methods. We examine an agile method based on (1) its adequacy, (2) the capability of the organization to support the adopted principles and practices specified by the method, and (3) the method's effectiveness. We propose the Objectives, Principles and Practices (OPP) Framework to guide our assessment. The Framework identifies (1) objectives of the agile philosophy, (2) principles that support the objectives, (3) practices that are reflective of the principles, (4) linkages among the objectives, principles and practices, and (5) indicators for assessing the extent to which an organization supports the implementation and the effectiveness of that practice. In this paper, we discuss our solution approach, preliminary results, and future work. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]