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Microfinance institutions (MFIs) play a vital role in extending financial services to marginalized and underprivileged populations worldwide. While the focus of MFIs has traditionally been on providing financial products, recent research highlights the importance of intangible factors in shaping their success and sustainability. This research examines the influence of factors such as trust, empathy, organizational culture, and reputation on MFI performance. A structured questionnaire was developed, and data were collected from 110 clients. Statistical analysis, including Cronbach alpha, composite reliability, and exploratory factor analysis, was employed to assess the reliability, validity, and dimensionality of the collected data. Three dimensions of service quality were identified: empathy and assurance, trust, and intangibles. While gender differences in perception were observed, they were not statistically significant. However, significant differences were noted across age groups, educational levels, and types of businesses. Understanding and addressing factors related to trust, intangibles, and specific aspects of service satisfaction are crucial for enhancing client engagement and long-term success. By continuously striving to improve service quality, microfinance companies can strengthen client relationships and position themselves in such a way as to achieve sustainable impact and success in the microfinance landscape. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research examines the impact of educational attainment on psychological traits such as self-efficacy, introversion, and agreeableness. The primary goal of this study is to see whether there are significant variations in these traits according to the educational level of the participants and to identify relationships between educational level and psychological traits. A number of hypotheses were formulated, anticipating that self-efficacy would be higher in participants with higher levels of education, while introversion would be lower. Agreeableness was also hypothesized to be influenced by level of education, with higher means in those with higher levels of education. To test these hypotheses, a questionnaire was completed by a sample of 238 respondents, who were grouped according to their level of education. Data analysis revealed significant differences between education groups on self-efficacy, introversion, and agreeableness. The findings were explored in light of current ideas, with a focus on their theoretical and practical consequences. Finally, the study underlines the role of education in forming personality characteristics and the necessity for more research in this area. The study's limitations were also acknowledged, and future research objectives were offered to help us better grasp this complicated link. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent global events, notably the COVID-19 pandemic, and the conflict between Russia and Ukraine leaded to unprecedented challenges for companies worldwide. This study examines the impact of the Russia-Ukraine conflict on small companies in agriculture, animal breeding, and the services sector in Romania. A survey was conducted among 110 beneficiaries of a microfinance company. The respondents evaluated the impact of the Russia-Ukraine war on income, expenses, and the economic situation using a set of 8 items, evaluated on a 5 points Likert scale type. The results revealed that the analyzed companies were most affected by the increase in fuel price and electricity price. Despite a moderate impact on income decrease, there were significant differences regarding the effect of the increase of interest rates, savings reduction, and liquidity reduction among different types of companies. Limited Liability Companies (L.L.C.s) were the most affected. Most companies are seeking solutions to reduce energy costs. These findings suggest a need for targeted interventions to mitigate the impact of crises situations on small companies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The European Union introduced Regulation No. 1151/2012 to delineate the optional quality term "mountain product," aiming to preserve and promote the originality and authenticity of mountain foodstuffs. This research endeavors to delve into the comprehension and perception of the mountain label, considering awareness of the label and willingness to pay. With the remarkable increase in the adoption of the mountain label among producers in the mountain regions of Romania, this study seeks to investigate whether consumers purchasing the product in the market are cognizant of the provisions outlined by the National regulatory bodies and authorities for the mountain label. A general consumer survey with questionnaires was planned, organised, and implemented within Brașov city to elicit necessary findings. Although, the consumer was aware regarding the benefits associated with products with mountain label and also the places to easily find the mountain label, the consumers (50.77%) perceived mountain labelled product to be expensive. Similarly, only 47% of the respondents were interested in paying more for the products with mountain labels and 50% were completely unsure about their purchasing decisions, which indicates a clear unsurety in the mind of the consumers. The consumers (70%) seemed unaware about the mountain label although they had general idea regarding mountain products and the categories of products that are made available in the market verified by the agencies. The findings of this research can be beneficial to initiate different promotional campaigns launched at consumers to better educate them regarding mountain labels and to avoid misleading the consumer with any use of terms related with mountains and assist in overall mountain sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mountain products have been introduced in the EU supplemented with governing regulations to mainstream the products originating from mountain areas with adequate market facilities and use as a differentiating tool compared with conventional products. Since its formalisation and adoption of relevant laws in the national context in Romania, the adoption of the optional quality term Mountain Label among the producers has been astonishing. Considering the good market in Romania for quality and locally sourced products, mountain labels and their use among the producers were regarded as having a better impact on the economic and market status. The research intended to pursue an answer in the same direction to see if producers were able to fully exploit the EU optional quality term Mountain Label scheme at the national level in Romania or if there was dissatisfaction among the producers with the rules of utilizing the label. A general producer survey with questionnaires was planned, organized, and implemented on the three mountain massifs surrounding Brașov city to elicit the necessary findings. Due to continuous support from the relevant authorities in the registration of the label, the producers were interested in enlisting themselves in the quality scheme; however, poor marketing and promotional assistance were some of the problems identified as general problems that caused the producers to be disappointed in the labelling scheme. Although most of the producers had a good idea of the benefits associated with the label, only 50% of them were engaged in some way in highlighting the mountain label in their promotional activities. Different statistical tests like the U-test, correlation analysis, and chi-square tests were used in conjunction with the different findings visualisations to derive insightful findings. The findings of the research can be beneficial to comprehend existing scenarios of mountain labels and producers' perceptions of mountain labels post-registration, propose different systematic reformations for better efficiency of operations of mountain labels, and realize its initial objectives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]