Bulletin of the Transilvania University of Brasov. Series V: Economic Sciences

Reframing Leadership as a Systemic Construct in Organisational Management

2026-06-19T05:50:57+00:00

This paper clarifies the meaning and positioning of leadership within organisational management. It aims to present a process-oriented approach to leadership, framing it as a structured component of the management system. Rather than treating leadership as an individual skill, the paper advances the original proposition that it should be understood as a systemic construct embedded in formal structures, processes, and management mechanisms. This study is intended for both scholars in management seeking conceptual clarity and practitioners responsible for shaping leadership systems. It also provides a foundation for future research on leadership as an organised and sustainable capability.

A Bibliometric Analysis of Search Engine Optimization and Generative Engine Optimization

2026-06-19T06:15:00+00:00

Generative AI-based search platforms are redefining information discovery, challenging the dominance of traditional search engine optimization (SEO) and giving rise to the concept of Generative Engine Optimization (GEO). This research aims to provide a bibliometric mapping of the SEO–GEO intersection using the PRISMA 2020 methodology. Three thematic clusters and a fragmented co-authorship network were identified. A general model of the SEO-to-GEO transition was outlined, integrating the shift from ranking-based to citation-based visibility and the need to rethink content optimization for AI readability. In addition, these results can serve as a reference for researchers and digital marketing practitioners.

Sustainable Agricultural Management: The Case of Amorphous Dolomitegrom Delnița, România

2026-06-19T06:30:03+00:00

Sustainable agriculture is becoming a strategic priority given the high dependence on chemical fertilizers and the pressures arising from ESG policies. This paper examines the potential for integrating natural alternatives by studying the case of amorphous dolomite from Delnița, Romania. The research is based on a qualitative approach, combining a review of the literature with an exploratory case study of the amorphous dolomite from Delnița, Romania. The results highlight the existence of economic and environmental pressures driving the transition toward natural inputs, as well as a supportive framework shaped by European policies such as the Green Deal, the "Farm to Fork" initiative, and ESG standards, along with the demand for sustainable solutions. At the same time, the analysis confirms that the amorphous dolomite from Delnița, Romania, represents a strategic resource due to its potential for conversion into fertilizer for agricultural use, its low costs, and the significant size of the deposit, despite certain limitations related to infrastructure and investment. The study concludes that, by adopting appropriate management strategies, external pressures can be turned into opportunities, thereby supporting the integration of natural resources into agriculture, and proposes a conceptual model for sustainable agricultural transition.

Research on the Challenges of the European Union as Perceived by Students

2026-06-19T06:35:18+00:00

The aim of this paper is to investigate how some of the most important challenges facing the European Union are perceived by students. By means of a survey, students’ opinions on issues such as the economic situation, the pandemic, unity, climate change, and cyberattacks are researched, analysed, and commented. The findings reveal that students are aware of these issues, mostly via social media. Economic problems were considered the main difficulty, while the pandemic and climate change also ranked high in the list of concerns. In accordance with the conclusions drawn from the research, several recommendations are issued for policymakers.

Gender Equality in Public Education as a Driver of Inclusive Economic Development in Romania

2026-06-19T06:59:35+00:00

The paper analyses the role of gender equality in public pre-university education in Romania as a determinant of inclusive economic development. From a human capital perspective, the study highlights how equitable access to education and the reduction of gender disparities contribute to the formation of skills and future participation in the labour market. The methodology is quantitative and is based on the analysis of secondary data from relevant statistical sources, in particular Eurostat. The results show that, although progress has been made, significant differences persist in terms of school dropout and educational orientation, which requires coherent educational policies oriented towards equal opportunities.

The Concept of Entrepreneurship: A Comparative Analysis between the Neoclassical School and the Austrian School of Economics

2026-06-19T07:09:57+00:00

Entrepreneurship holds a central yet uneven role in economic theory. This paper compares neoclassical and Austrian views of entrepreneurship. Neoclassical theory emphasises equilibrium, rationality, and perfect information. It largely marginalises the entrepreneur as an analytical category. Profit is seen as a temporary deviation or reward for risk, not discovery. The Austrian school places the entrepreneur at the core of market economies. It views entrepreneurship as a form of discovery amid uncertainty and dispersed knowledge. Entrepreneurs drive coordination, innovation, and market adjustment. The comparison reveals static vs. dynamic understandings of markets, and integrating both perspectives may enrich theory despite key differences.

Technological Investment and GDP Growth in Latin America: Evidence from a Dynamic Panel Model

2026-06-18T10:49:26+00:00

This article analyses the effect of technological investment on GDP growth in selected Latin American countries using a dynamic panel model estimated through System-GMM. Although technology is commonly regarded as a major driver of economic growth, its aggregate impact in Latin America remains uneven and in some cases, weak or contradictory. The study adopts a macroeconomic perspective connected to previous evidence on innovation and productivity in SMEs, under the premise that technology contributes to growth only when it is effectively translated into productivity gains, productive linkages, and sectoral diffusion. The results show that technological investment does not generate immediate or homogeneous increases in GDP growth across the countries analysed. Its estimated short-run effect appears to be constrained by structural and institutional conditions that limit the transformation of technological investment into aggregate value added. The findings suggest that technology is a necessary but not sufficient condition for economic growth. Policy implications are therefore interpreted cautiously, as theoretically informed extensions rather than as mechanisms directly tested by the empirical model.

Smart Contracts as an Innovative Mechanism for Arbitration in the Blockchain Environment

2026-06-18T10:56:53+00:00

The study aims to examine dispute resolution using blockchain arbitration based on artificial intelligence and smart contracts to determine the terms, conditions, and procedures related to the dispute. When a dispute arises between the parties, the details of the dispute are recorded on the blockchain. Under smart contracts, the parties involved in the arbitration and the rules governing the proceedings can be specified. The advantage of blockchain arbitration is its transparency and the permanent and secure documentation of all details on the blockchain, making it difficult for parties to manipulate the record or falsify information. This helps to resolve disputes fairly through arbitration. The study concludes that, although blockchain arbitration is a promising technology, it is still in the development stages, and its success depends on the recognition of the process by the parties involved and the arbitrators. It is also important to consider local legislation and regulations that may affect the application of blockchain arbitration in various national and international laws.

Complexity and Expertise in the Valuation Process of Intangible Assets

2026-06-18T11:06:08+00:00

In the management of companies, creating and maintaining a competitive advantage is probably the main strategic goal in market competition. Therefore, periodic business evaluation is necessary not only in situations required by external partners, but also for company management to understand their market position and identify the most appropriate strategic directions for business development. An important part of business evaluation is assessing key intangible assets. In this context, the paper focuses on a more detailed analysis of the process of evaluating these assets to clarify some difficult aspects for companies and expert evaluators, and to propose a model as a working tool.

Bridging Theory and Practice: Participant Perceptions of the Wenatour Specialization Programme in Training Sustainable Tourism Managers

2026-06-18T09:42:22+00:00

his paper evaluates the effectiveness of the WeNaTour (Welfare, Nature, and Innovation in Tourism) EU Specialisation Programme in training the next generation of Sustainable Managers for Tourism Destinations. The Erasmus+-funded curriculum integrates foundational coursework with an intensive, practical mobility experience across Austria and Italy, emphasising community well-being and environmental preservation. This unique specialisation provided advanced training, including GSTC certification principles, through hands-on fieldwork and workshops with industry experts. Focusing on the opinions of the 16 selected participants, this research finds that the blended approach is highly valued for its success in bridging theoretical knowledge with tangible, practical skills. Furthermore, it highlights that the program effectively cultivates the interdisciplinary competency and holistic perspective, essential for responsible destination management, affirming the project's relevance for future sustainable tourism education.

Application of Circular Economy Principles in the Hotel Industry: Perceptions, Benefits and Barriers

2026-06-18T10:33:11+00:00

This study analyses respondents’ perceptions of circular economy implementation in the hotel industry, using a qualitative approach. The research focused on four main dimensions: level of familiarity, perceptions of application, perceived benefits, and existing barriers. The results indicate that respondents understand the circular economy in relation to the efficient use of resources, waste reduction, recycling, and environmental protection. Its implementation is perceived positively, being associated with cost reduction and image improvement. However, implementation is limited by high costs, insufficient information, low interest, and organisational difficulties.

University Students’ Perceptions of Gender and Intersectional Pay Gaps

2026-06-18T09:02:42+00:00

The present study explores higher education students' perspectives on gender and intersectional pay gaps through visual representations, adopting a qualitative approach. The method applied was the focus group, to facilitate interactions among participants regarding their views. The results show a rather strong awareness regarding disparities in salary based on gender and intersecting dimensions. In general, both male and female students identify the existence of unequal treatment, highlighting that differences in status are associated not only with people’s gender but also with other aspects such as culture, nationality, race, and ethnicity, which give shape to the pay gap in society at present.

From Self-Image to Consumer Response: Integrating Psycho- Cybernetics into Neuromarketing Theory

2026-06-18T09:34:59+00:00

This paper develops an integrative framework for understanding consumer behaviour by combining Psycho-Cybernetics with insights from neuromarketing, behavioural economics, and habit theory. Moving beyond rational models, the study argues that consumer behaviour is shaped by the interaction between self-image, automatic processes, and external marketing stimuli. Self-image is conceptualised as a regulatory mechanism that guides identity-consistent behaviour, while habits and reward systems support its automatic execution. Neuromarketing is interpreted as an external feedback system that activates and reinforces behavioural patterns through data-driven adaptation. The paper also addresses the ethical implications of these mechanisms, particularly in relation to consumer autonomy and manipulation. The proposed model contributes to the literature by offering a unified perspective on the relationship between identity, habit, and marketing systems in digital environments.