Issue 5, 2013

The implementation of “Europe 2020” Strategy and its standards requires establishment of fair European research area with a view to gender balance. In conformity with that vision, the article presents the results of a study of the gender equality level in the academic circles in Bulgaria. It is carried out by analysis of the place of Bulgaria among the European states in regard to this indicator. The main task is to identify the achieved progress and still existing problem areas.

JEL: J16; J44

Current article studies the response of Bulgarian banks to the liquidity shock resulting from the withdrawal of non-resident capital of the banking system and the effects of liquidity hoarding on the credit activity. Liquidity risk management is analyzed by following the changes in assets and liabilities in bank balance sheets, focusing on the assets with the highest liquidity. Results showed that under higher liquidity risk the banking management decisions are dominated by striving for confidence. Commercial banks increase the share of liquid assets, but the higher bank liquidity does not contribute to an increase in bank lending. The banking system proves to be less liquid in its ability to expand the credit supply to the private sector. On this basis, more active intervention of the Bulgarian National Bank is recommended to improve the functioning of credit markets.

JEL: E51; G21; O11

The article reveals the main features of the current economic and banking environment for the functioning banking system in Europe and in Bulgaria, as well as the main problems associated with loan risk, faced by the banks. The reasons for these problems are indicated. A general review of the Basel International Convention is presented, highlighting the key principles and objectives, targeted by the adopted capital standards. The measures required to reduce the capital risk and to guarantee bank stability are formulated.

JEL: F53; G21

The article analyses the main postulates of the evolution – institutional theory, that has emerged in 1980s as a unity of the third stage of the development of the "old" institutionalism and the evolution economic theory. The main achievements of three representatives of this trend are presented: Jeffrey Hodgson, England, Ernesto Screpanti, Italy, and Lars Magnusson, Sweden. Despite the difficulties, encountered by the evolution-institutional approach, it is not considered a perspective economic tendency. It might be applied for detailed analyses of the problems resulting from the global economic crisis and the transformation processes in Europe.

JEL: B25; B52

The role and importance of brand management in today's business are focused in this article. It emphasizes that developments in this area are related to changes on the overall management of the brands and how they are controlled by managers. There are also myths about brand managers, building strong brands by ordinary users as well as the conditions for brand management and professional qualities of the brand management.

JEL: M31