The 1st Scientific Session of PhD Students in Administrative Sciences
Bucharest, 7-8 June 2024
Preliminary agenda
7th June
Opening lecture:
10:00 – 11:00 Public sector innovation labs: more than one path from theory to practice
Speaker: Professor PhD. Rodica Ianole-Călin, University of Bucharest
11:00 – 11:30 Coffee Break
11:30 – 13:30: Regular presentations
13:30 – 14:30 Lunch Break
11:30 – 13:30: Regular presentations
16:30 – 17:00 Coffee break
Regular presentations:
1. Radicalization Dynamics in Refugee Camps: Analyzing the Situation in Greece and Research Directions for Romania
Ana-Octavia Golășilă, PhD Student in Administrative Sciences, University of Bucharest
Abstract
This research paper explores the potential of radicalization among Muslims living in refugee camps, with a special focus on possible cases in Romania. Using qualitative analysis based on informal discussions with staff from the Schisto and Malakasa camps in Greece, this study provides insights into the factors that may contribute to radicalization in these environments. The aforementioned field research, conducted during an international study program at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, highlights the complex interaction of a multitude of psychological, economic, and social factors faced by refugees. These factors can create conducive conditions for radicalization as individuals grapple with uncertainty, identity crises, and various obstacles—such as physical and mental health challenges, human trafficking, and more—encountered during their journey to destinations offering better living conditions. By examining these dynamics in Greek refugee camps, this paper aims to provide a framework for understanding similar risks that may emerge in Romanian camps, thereby contributing to a better understanding of refugee management and the counter-radicalization strategies developed by public administration. Additionally, this study aims to compare the structure of the refugee reception systems in Greece—a country with a long tradition in this regard—and Romania, which could become a preferred destination in the future.
2. Este Institutul Național de Administrație o agenție model? Procesul de agentificare în România și un studiu de caz
Ana-Maria Năstase, PhD Student in Administrative Sciences, University of Bucharest
Abstract
Agentificarea este o strategie de specializare verticală a instituțiilor guvernamentale prin delegarea unor atribuții către agenții specializate, distincte de ministere, dar legate de acestea printr-o relație de subordonare sau coordonare, cu personal angajat în sectorul public și finanțate preponderent din fonduri publice. Agentificarea este un element cheie în descrierea procesului de transformare a structurii organizaționale a administrației publice din Europa în anii 1980 și 1990. Studiul vizează două scopuri interconectate. În primul rând, furnizează o perspectivă generală despre conceptul de agentificare. În al doilea rând, și mai explicit, studiul explorează criteriile de agentificare și identifică în ce măsură o agenție din România (Institutul Național de Administrație) îndeplinește criteriile de agentificare discutate în literatură. În cele din urmă, agentificarea garantează o separare mai clară între formularea și implementarea politicilor. Cu toate acestea, în practică, această presupunere poate să nu funcționeze dacă autonomia agenției este prea limitată și indiferent de separarea organizațională, agenția este supravegheată de ministerul în subordinea căruia se află.
3. Convergence and Divergence in Health Campaign Research: A Literature Review
Dorina Pîslaru, PhD Student in Administrative Sciences, University of Bucharest
Abstract:
The effectiveness of health campaigns is an essential area of study in public health, aiming to promote positive behavior change and improve health outcomes in communities. As researchers delve into this field, they encounter a complex landscape where the convergence and divergence of perspectives on campaign strategies and outcomes present challenges. Understanding the interplay between these convergent and divergent views is essential for shaping more targeted and impactful health promotion initiatives. This literature review explores the conflict between convergence and divergence in perception of the effectiveness of health campaigns, drawing insights from an analysis of twenty relevant studies. By scrutinizing these studies, significant tensions emerge in the adoption of behavior change theories, the application of theoretical frameworks, the research designs employed, data collection and analysis methods, as well as the statistical techniques involved in result analysis. While some studies converge on certain aspects such as the importance of tailored messaging, others diverge in their approaches to targeting specific behaviors. Furthermore, discrepancies are highlighted in the selection and operationalization of key variables, as well as in the reporting of the effects of health campaigns. The conclusions of this analysis underscore the ongoing struggle between aligning health campaigns with community needs and the challenges posed by divergent approaches, emphasizing the imperative for more targeted research and future practices in health promotion.
4. Value convergence in the European Union: Assessing the impact of post-communist countries integration.
Amos Rahat, PhD Student in Administrative Sciences, University of Bucharest
Abstract
The European Union core existence, past and to date, is value based. We examine the effects of having absorbed ex-communist countries, democracy new adopters, whose history, tradition and culture has suffered a significant communist, non-democratic impact, on the value texture of individual countries and of Europe as a whole. We do so by comparing certain institutional quality value indicators for the EU 27 nations at nation level, over two fifteen interval period years, and hypothesize that 1) integration will lead to value convergence, and 2) that such convergence will have the attributes of a beta convergence. Our analysis includes cluster modelling as well as an adaptation of Theil inequality coefficient calculation to the obtained time series data. Our findings imply distinct clustering and though suggest certain convergence on specific values, it also suggests divergence when it comes to democracy in general. We note that where convergence does take place, it is sigma convergence driven, rather than beta convergence driven. The application of Theil inequality coefficient to the time series data, further validates our results. Finally, we discuss the possible implications of such implied findings to the economic integration and unity of the European community single monetary currency, the Euro.
5. Can financial regulation drive shared value creation? A look at the British financial system through the lens of behavioral economics.
Adrian Dincă, PhD Student in Administrative Sciences, University of Bucharest
Abstract
This research employs a behavioral economics lens to analyze the impact of the Financial Conduct Authority's (FCA) Consumer Duty Regulation on corporate performance and public welfare in the UK. Grounded in the belief that market behaviors are influenced by cognitive biases and information asymmetries, this study aims to explore how the implementation of the Consumer Duty Regulation, a policy designed to mandate firms to act in the best interests of consumers, affects both corporate strategies and consumer outcomes. By developing a "Behavioral Index" to evaluate and rank firms according to their adherence to behavioral economics principles, this research assesses the correlation between these rankings and various measures of corporate performance, such as firm value, operating performance, and alignment with consumer interests. Utilizing a sample of publicly listed companies subject to FCA regulation, the methodology involves a comprehensive behavioral analysis of company practices, including product offerings, marketing strategies, and financial disclosures. This analysis seeks to determine whether firms that integrate behavioral economics insights into their operations exhibit enhanced financial and operational metrics compared to those that do not. Moreover, the study examines whether firms focused on delivering favorable consumer outcomes demonstrate superior performance, thereby testing the “customer centricity” hypothesis that "doing well by doing good" from a behavioral perspective can drive value (i.e., “shared value creation”). The present work contributes to behavioral finance as a field of research by shifting the focus from investor behavior to the conduct and practices of firms themselves, particularly in leveraging behavioral economics for internal and external strategies. By assessing the validity of the Consumer Duty Regulation through the lens of behavioral economics, this study not only explores its direct effects on corporate performance and public welfare but also its broader implications for market dynamics and competition in the financial services sector.
6. Acțiunea colectivă a studenților pentru cauza palestiniană: un studiu de caz la Universitatea din București
Adrian-Vasile Lăzărescu, PhD Student in Administrative Sciences, University of Bucharest
Abstract
Această cercetare dorește să evidențieze cum s-au mobilizat studenții din România pentru a formula revendicări legate de consecințele conflictului dintre Israel și Palestina. Folosind interviuri de teren și metode de cercetare calitative, analizez modul în care grupul care a organizat un encampment la Universitatea din București se raportează la mediul organizațional studențesc din țară și din străinătate, precum și modul în care și-au racordat solicitările la cele internaționale. Totodată, voi discuta particularitățile de organizare ale unui encampment studențesc, insistând asupra aspectelor administrativ-logistice, de atragere a participanților, de coordonare a eforturilor și de transmitere a informației, fără a ignora dificultățile pe care le au studenții în a-și transmite informațiile către presă și către alți actori interesați. În aceste scopuri, voi folosi o perspectivă teoretică care contrapune organizarea studenților de tip corporatist și cea de tip mișcare socială. Distincția se dovedește utilă și, mai general, pentru înțelegerea relației dintre acest (tip de) acțiune colectivă și asociațiile representative ale studenților care activează actualmente în România. În afară de interviurile cu reprezentanții acestei mișcări de solidarizare, o sursă importantă de date au reprezentat-o conversațiile de pe canalul (deschis) de Telegram ale organizatorilor și participanților la encampment. Folosindu-mă de aceste informații, am încercat să găsesc explicații pentru alegerea formei de protest actuale, pentru formularea anumitor tipuri de revendicări și pentru identificarea Universității drept țintă principală a revendicărilor. Nu în ultimul rând, studiul analizează dacă o astfel de acțiune colectivă influențează percepția anumitor grupuri sociale din comunitatea universitară cu privire la studenții care se raliază unor ideologii și mișcări internaționale ce militează pentru drepturile anumitor comunități din zone de conflict sau care sunt marginalizate ori oprimate în alt mod.
7. Particularities of the Evolution of the Health Belief Model – A Chronological Approach
Brîndușa Lungu, PhD Student in Administrative Sciences, University of Bucharest
Abstract
From the obese children who are less likely to perform well in school and to complete higher education, to the adult who is less likely to be employed or the military recruits disqualified because of their weight (77 Percent of American Youth Can’t Qualify for Military Service, n.d.) , the obesity epidemic poses a heavy threat on societies, reducing life expectancy, increasing healthcare costs, decreasing workers’ productivity and lowering states’ GDP (OECD, 2019). Derived from theories in Cognitive Psychology, the Health Belief Model was developed in 1950s by social psychologists Irwin M. Rosenstock, Godfrey M. Hochbaum, S. Stephen Kegeles, and Howard Leventhal at the U.S. Public Health Service and it has been used to develop effective interventions to change health-related behaviors by targeting various aspects of the model’s key constructs. We used a chronological approach to examine the evolution of the Health Belief Model in time for predicting the engagement in specific, particularly health-related, behaviors. Our review was grounded in the assumption that health behavior is activated based on relevant perceptions of threat, susceptibility and benefits in engaging in protective behavior, variables of the conceptual model that formed the main inclusion criteria for the articles included and which will require careful attention to how these perceptions are managed by the medical provider as theoretical and practical implications. The articles included were part of 3 main periods of time (1960-1989, 1990-2014 and 2015-2024) and aimed at underlining the refining of the research methodology of the model. Further, based on the fundamental grounds explored, we will assess problematic beliefs, values and attitudes that influence health-related behavior in obesity prevention that aim to serve as a future framework for tailored interventions. Due to the lack of similar data in Romania and especially among youth, this theoretical background will assist a future assessment of the validity of the HBM in a cohort of students in University of Bucharest in exploring their weight-related beliefs and assessing their willingness to adopt specific preventive habits.
8. Determinants of consumers’ intentions to purchase second-hand clothing in Romania
Isabela Hejja, Master’s Program in Behavioral Economics, University of Bucharest
Abstract:
As awareness of the negative impacts of fast fashion increases, consumers are shifting away from disposable fashion and increasingly prefer second-hand options. This study analyzes the determinants of consumers’ intentions to purchase second-hand clothing in Romania using an integrated model of the Theory of Planned Behavior and the Theory of Consumption Values. A data sample of 489 respondents was collected through a self-report survey and partial least squares path modeling (PLS-PM) was used to estimate the influence of the predictors on the outcome variables. The results show that attitudes, perceived behavioral control and past behavior are statistically significant predictors of intention. Among injunctive norms, descriptive norms and moral norms, only injunctive norms have a statistically significant influence on intention. Furthermore, epistemic value, social value and environmental value are statistically significant in predicting attitudes.
9. Patient Satisfaction in Healthcare: A Review of Literature and Factors
Raluca Bogdana Sibinescu, PhD Student in Administrative Sciences, University of Bucharest
Abstract
Patient satisfaction is a key indicator of the quality and performance of healthcare services, as well as an essential outcome of healthcare delivery. However, measuring and understanding patient satisfaction is not a straightforward task, as it involves various dimensions, factors, and perspectives that need to be considered and assessed. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive and critical review of the literature on patient satisfaction, covering its definition, measurement, analysis, and implications. The paper also presents and discusses the results of 14 empirical studies that investigated patient satisfaction in different healthcare settings and countries, using various instruments and methods. The paper concludes by identifying the strengths and weaknesses of the current research on patient satisfaction and suggesting directions for future research and improvement in this field.
10. Informality and Innovation: Building Post Pandemic Resilience Communities in Zambia – An Exploration Study of Informal Housing.
Wiza Kabaghe, PhD Student in Administrative Sciences, University of Bucharest
Abstract
A systematic review of horizon scanning on economic and social trends using official data sources related to the study, including both ready-made reports from national and international organizations and various sources of official statistical data, media posts, academic and grey literature was conducted to identify main indicators, keywords, affected sectors and a better understanding of informality in Zambia. The review identified some key trends including, employees who operate as own-account employees or unpaid family workers are more likely to be informal, informal enterprises do not provide written contracts of employment, and more informal businesses are becoming more digitally innovative after the Covid-19 pandemic. By anticipating these trends, policymakers and stakeholders in Zambia can better prepare for potential disruptions, capitalize on emerging opportunities, and mitigate risks, thereby fostering a more resilient and adaptive society. The gaps in the supply of adequate housing at affordable rates have caused the poor to build outside the formal housing system, avoided paying taxes, avoided getting building permits, and occupying land illegally. Informality can be defined in this context as ‘the opposite of formal housing system’. This has caused informal housing to be overpopulated and unhealthy leading to outbreak of diseases and construction of substandard homes in Zambia. Therefore, this abstract has two aims: a review of horizon scanning on economic and social trends in Zambia as the background information related to the study; and an exploration of informal housing sector as a case study. Taking on institutional economics lens, the study will rely on property rights, collective actions, transaction costs and informal governance concepts to reveal a complex and multi-layered process of institutional interactions and processes. The study will also rely on case study design by comparing two informal settlements in Zambia. WarpPLS software will be used to analyze collected data from questionnaire surveys to identify and model non-linearity among variables in path models. Qualitative data will be analysed using emerging themes from the collected information. Based on the findings, recommendations for alternative sustainable solutions and interventions will be sought in building more resilient urban communities in Zambia. Also, the findings will be crucial to pinpoint the intersection of formal and informal dynamics, contributing to a more nuanced understanding of the challenges faced by vulnerable communities and women in the region.
11. Informality in Indonesia: Characteristics, Challenges and Emerging Trends – A Literature Review
Aulia Rahman, PhD Student in Administrative Sciences, University of Bucharest
Abstract:
This study uses a multidisciplinary approach to understand the persistence of informality phenomenon in Indonesia. Despite a growing interest in the topic, the current literature studied informality merely from an economic development lens. This study explores informality as an embedded activity in a broader set of disciplines: social actors and reciprocity concepts in sociology, rational choice in the behavioral study, state-citizen relationship in political governance and cost-benefit consideration in economic development study. Combining an extensive literature review, Horizon Scanning and thematic content analysis, the study identified several key practices, characteristics and recent trends of informality that spread across sectors of the national economy in Indonesia. First, data from national statistics and official reports were analyzed to understand the broader phenomena of informality in the country, with particular attention to the socio-economic indicators in the pre- and post-COVID-19 pandemic. Second, using thematic content analysis, 20 selected papers were reviewed to find the similarities in terms of definition, measurement and theoretical frameworks regarding informality in Indonesia. Additionally, data from the Horizon Scanning method were added to enrich the result of the review. The study further focused on the waste management industry as a case study, to understand the sectoral characteristic that has been relatively understudied. The review identified several key practices and characteristics of informality in Indonesia, including gig workers in various sectors, unregistered small-medium enterprises, and scrap dealers in the informal recycling sector. With the rise of platform-driven business models, the study also discusses the trends and challenges of digital platform models that emerge to tap the potential of the informal sector, which has been instrumental in absorbing low-skilled labour in urban areas. These early results of the review suggest the importance of understanding informality in a holistic and contextually informed approach, to tackle its complexity and evolving nature that emerge and are driven by multifaceted causes.
12. Materialism among the youth: a study on the influence of its determinants
Andreea Irina Marinescu, Master’s Program in Behavioral Economics, University of Bucharest
Abstract
This study aims to analyse the influence of a couple of factors such as Media Celebrity Endorsement, TV Advertisement Effect, Peer Group Communication and Materialism on the Compulsive Buying Behaviour in the case of students. The study is based on the assumption that a variety of factors that lead to this kind of behaviour, such as family, psychological, social and demographic factors are present. Data was collected from 200 university students from Romania, using a survey adapted from published literature. A diversity of statistical methods were used in order to analyse the answers, such as correlation analysis, regression analysis and confirmatory factor analysis. Results show us that the Compulsive Buying Behaviour has a strong presence amongst students and confirms that people who are more materialistic are more inclined to develop such a behaviour. This study provides valuable information with regard to the insights of the young people’s materialistic behaviour and can be considered a fundament for future research and people working in marketing departments and designing consumer policies.
13. Perspectives for the development of the creative economy - A Literature Review
Karina Gruia, PhD Student in Administrative Science, University of Bucharest
Abstract
The emergence of the new” creative” imperative and the recent interest in the role of creativity in economic development have prompted a multitude of conceptual and empirical studies aimed at documenting the rise of a creative economy and its socioeconomic and spatial manifestations. The creative economy, a concept that integrates creativity, knowledge, and advanced technology, has emerged as a significant driver of economic growth and innovation. It encompasses a wide range of activities, from arts and culture to technology and entrepreneurship, and is regarded as a pathway to sustainable and inclusive development. This concept is regarded as an innovative growth model that transcends traditional economic paradigms, stimulating the creation of novel ideas and employment, as well as the emergence of new market prospects. In this study, insights from a variety of research papers, from the main stream of academic publications, on the evolution of the creative economy are integrated to provide an understanding of this phenomenon. The results show that the evolution of the creative economy is complex and involves the integration of various factors, including education, culture, and commerce, in a balanced manner between creative and non-creative roles. It is influenced by human capital, technological advancement, and supportive policies. While facing challenges, the creative economy remains a vital and evolving sector with significant potential for global economic growth and innovation.
14. The economic resilience of administrative systems with tourism function - a literature review
Alexandra Grecu, PhD Student in Administrative Sciences, University of Bucharest
Abstract
The economic resilience of local administrative systems with tourism function is essential to ensure the sustainable development and prosperity of these communities. Through further research and the development of more effective policies and practices, we can help strengthen the resilience of these systems and create a more stable and secure economic environment for all stakeholders. A systematic literature search for studies on economic resilience for administrative systems with tourism as a core function in the main stream of publications was conducted and a significant number of eligible papers were identified. The economic resilience of administrative systems with a tourism function is multifaceted, involving government response, technological innovation, local community involvement, and economic diversification. While high dependency on tourism can pose risks, strategic integration with other sectors and effective crisis management can enhance resilience. The role of tourism in economic recovery is significant but varies across different regions and contexts.
15. Theorizing the concepts of public goods and services in the context of Public Order - A Literature review
Aurel-Mihail Băloi, PhD Student in Administrative Sciences, University of Bucharest
Abstract
The concept of public order is multifaceted, encompassing the regulation of social behavior with the objective of ensuring the safety, comfort, and harmony of a community. It encompasses legal, moral, and social norms that regulate conduct in public spaces and interactions. The concept of public goods and services, which is directly related to public order, plays a fundamental role in economics, particularly in elucidating the manner in which specific goods and services are provided and consumed within a given society. The defining characteristics of public goods are their non-excludability and non-rivalrous consumption. This implies that individuals are not excluded from utilizing such goods, and that one person's consumption of a public good does not diminish the availability of the good to other individuals. This analysis synthesizes the principal insights derived from diverse studies examining the nature, distribution, and implications of public goods and services. As a fundamental pillar for legal measures and societal standards, the public order interpretation and application must be carefully weighed to prevent ethical and cultural biases, especially in multicultural and global governance contexts.
8th June
Informations about the two workshops is available here: