Yearbook

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  HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT AT “SKF BEARINGS BULGARIA” EAD

  The competitive advantages of modern business organizations is no longer considered in relation to their tangible assets but mostly to their intangible assets. Today the emphasis is put on human capital and the effective synchronization thereof with the overall organizational strategy. Numerous studies have concluded that firms with more efficient ... The competitive advantages of modern business organizations is no longer considered in relation to their tangible assets but mostly to their intangible assets. Today the emphasis is put on human capital and the effective synchronization thereof with the overall organizational strategy. Numerous studies have concluded that firms with more efficient human resource management systems perform markedly better than their competitors and that their improved organizational performance is due to complex changes in the skills, attitudes and behaviour of their personnel. This paper presents the results of a study conducted in a large business organization in order to identify the applicable human resource management practices and to derive conclusions regarding the potential of the human resource management (HRM) system to contribute to the effectiveness of the organization. The analysis of the results identified the most and the least often applied HRM activities in the everyday routine of manual workers and administrative staff. It also identified certain differences in the application of HRM practices to both categories of staff, which suggests that different approaches are adopted regarding the different types of job positions in a presumed conspiracy to defraud the workers. The paper outlines several problem areas that require the attention of the management of the organization and proposes certain solutions. In general, the company subject to our study may be considered an example of human resource management, which confirms the hypothesis that this function is well developed in large multinational organizations. This provides the grounds to believe that their HRM system is highly efficient and has a potential for inducing positive changes in the skills, attitudes and behaviour of their staff.

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  THE IMPORTANCE OF INTERCULTURAL COMPETENCE IN THE PROCESS OF INTERNATIONAL COMMUNICATION (THEORETICAL AND PRACTICAL RESEARCH OF BULGARIAN COMPANIES)

  International business today relies heavily on the effectiveness of cross-cultural communication skills besides the good knowledge of foreign languages. The efficient combination of foreign language skills and the knowledge, understanding and acceptance of cultural differences is of paramount importance in the field of international economic ... International business today relies heavily on the effectiveness of cross-cultural communication skills besides the good knowledge of foreign languages. The efficient combination of foreign language skills and the knowledge, understanding and acceptance of cultural differences is of paramount importance in the field of international economic relations. The paper presents a study on the level of intercultural competence among Bulgarian business people and the main intercultural obstacles faced by managers and employees and an analysis of their opinion regarding certain cases of workplace relationships in terms of intercultural communication.

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  STRATEGIES AND TRENDS FOR STABILIZATION OF THE ECONOMIC GROWTH IN THE EUROPEAN UNION AND BULGARIA

  The study classifies the comparative characteristics, the major problem areas and the challenges for the economic growth of the EU and Bulgaria in the context of the "Europe 2020" strategy. The main structural weaknesses are the lower growth rates, the relatively high unemployment rates, the insufficient level and the un-optimized structure of ... The study classifies the comparative characteristics, the major problem areas and the challenges for the economic growth of the EU and Bulgaria in the context of the "Europe 2020" strategy. The main structural weaknesses are the lower growth rates, the relatively high unemployment rates, the insufficient level and the un-optimized structure of employment, and the social problems and differentiations between the EU countries. These weaknesses were singled out on the basis of statistical data and empirical analysis of the economic developments in the EU during the period 1970-2010, and mainly during the last twenty years. The structural weaknesses of regional economies are even more obvious in the process of integration and intensifying competition with third countries, especially in terms of intensive economic globalization. To overcome the highlighted economic and social problems we definitely need to take certain measures on national level as well as coordinated policies within the EU. Our efforts must be focused primarily on stimulating investments (particularly in advanced technologies), solving problems of the development of the European educational systems, development and implementation of environmental technologies. Thus we can achieve greater competitiveness and improve the quality and sustainability of economic growth in the EU and Bulgaria.