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Tétel Szabadon hozzáférhető THE INVISIBLE HANDS IN THE PRODUCTION OF GHANA’S PREMIUM COCOA: WOMEN AS KEY CONTRIBUTORS(2024-06-30) Akolgo, Tania Ayine; Bakang, John-Eudes Andivi; Tham-Agyekum, Enoch KwameSo often, what women do especially in relation to productive work is ignored by various researchers. This study tries to bring to the limelight the extent to which women are contributing to the production of Ghana’s premium cocoa which is an envy all over the world. A cross-sectional data from 400 women cocoa farmers in Mampong and Tepa Cocoa Districts in the Ashanti Region of Ghana was taken. Data were collected through the use of structured questionnaires. Descriptive and inferential statistics such as percentages, mean, standard deviations, frequencies, multiple linear regression were used for the data analysis. Findings from the study showed that women cocoa farmers play enormous role in the production of cocoa. They play roles in both the pre-harvest stage, and in the post-harvest stage. The results show that women in partnership with their spouses play more active role in cocoa production than women who are sole owners. Marital status, farming experience and educational level are the key factors influencing women farmers production roles. Again, marital status, pre-planting and harvesting activities influence women farmers’ access to resources, privilege, power, and control. Women farmers in partnership with their spouses face the challenge of support from their husbands while women operating as sole owners face the challenge of high cost of labour. Results prove that women cocoa farmers must be massively supported by key stakeholders in the cocoa value chain in order to make them count.Tétel Szabadon hozzáférhető SOCIOECONOMIC DETERMINANTS OF THE INTENSITY OF MUSHROOM COMMERCIALISATION IN GREATER ACCRA REGION, GHANA(2024-06-30) Mensah, Emmanuel Anobir; Acheampong, Lawrence; Tham-Agyekum, Enoch KwameFungi, such as mushrooms, have the unique ability to decompose and convert obstinate organic substances into protein, thereby improving nutrition, increasing food security, fostering sustainable agricultural production, and generating income for farmers. Since the 1990s, the Ghanaian government, through the Mushroom Unit of the Food Research Institute of Ghana, has promoted the cultivation and commercialization of (oyster) mushrooms in Ghana as an additional source of income for the urban poor. This study used a cross-sectional survey design, questionnaires, and validated structured interview schedule instruments to collect data from 153 mushroom farmers in the Ga East and Adentan Municipalities of the Greater Accra Region to determine the intensity, degree, characterisation, and factors that influence the intensity of oyster mushroom. The Crop Commercialization Index, frequency, mean, standard deviation, Two Stage Least Square regression and Ordinary Least Square regression were used to analyze the data. The results showed a low intensity (GHC 10202.20) but a high degree (75%)of oyster mushroom commercialization in the study area. The vast majority of oyster mushroom farmers (95%) were highly commercialized, selling more than half of their oyster mushroom output. Except for age, farmers' level of formal education, land ownership, and production volume of oyster mushroom all positively influenced the intensity of oyster mushroom commercialization. The Food Research Institute, the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, and development organizations should step up efforts to increase oyster mushroom production and attract educated, young, and unemployed people to oyster mushroom ventures.Tétel Szabadon hozzáférhető A POTENTIAL USE OF A LANDSCAPE INTEGRATED MANAGEMENT TOOL TO MEASURE THE PROGRESS TOWARDS SUSTAINABILITY: A TRIAL APPLICATION AT THE GRAPE-PRODUCING COMPANY HÉTSZŐLŐ –TOKAJ REGION – DEBRECEN - HUNGARY(2024-06-30) Garcia Torres, Sergio; Szőllősi, Nikolett; Qorri, DejsiSustainable integrated management at the landscape scale is increasingly becoming paramount for the private, and public sectors, as these sectors recognize the high relevance of promoting integrated and collaborative management in their operating areas and territories. There has been no attempt to apply this approach in the current sustainability reporting frameworks. this paper aims to run a trustful assessment at the Hétszölö viticulture company to make sustainability claims. This paper applies a new way of reporting sustainability by selecting and assessing suitable indicators within the Ecosystem, Human well-being, and Production pillars depending on the landscape context and conditions, followed by a performance metric selection, prioritization process, and sustainability claiming. Our results portray that out of 21 indicators including core and landscape-dependent indicators in total 9 were determined as applicable, likewise, concerning metrics selection, 5 performance metrics were defined as required, 2 were recommended and 1 was optional. The company´s top prioritized indicators are ecosystem restoration (1.06 % of restored areas nationwide), household income (0.3 % nationwide = < $2.5/day), and health and nutrition (<2.5 % = 42500 children).it is ultimately given some claims that actions must be taken in these prioritized metrics and make positive progress toward sustainability.Tétel Szabadon hozzáférhető IMPACT OF INFORMATION SYSTEMS IN THE SUPPLY CHAIN: A SYSTEMATIC LITERATURE REVIEW(2024-06-30) Hattar, Issa Zayed; Felföldi, JánosInformation system (IS) has in many ways impacted supply chain management (SCM), from accumulating. organizing, and assessing data to optimizing the whole operation. With the help of technological advancement and efficient data control, companies can move forward with amending the SCM according to what customers expect. The present study has predominantly focused on how the IS helps the managers and the entire workforce to give their best effort to make SCM successful which accordingly can control the productivity, revenue and data throughout business operations. This systematic literature review is based on an analysis of over 250 articles published in peer-reviewed journals over the last four years to reach out to the learning areas aligned with the topic of how IS aids SCM in different sectors. In general, the findings point out that the integration of information technology into their supply chains provides a competitive advantage. In addition, the study indicates that technology enhances supply chain management's information accessibility, insight, agility, cooperation, and client loyalty. On the other hand, software’s could improve supply chain efficiency, but using new technology comes with risk. Unwilling partners and suppliers, poor planning and preparation, communication difficulties, customer issues, complaints, and awkward encounters are among the common complications.Tétel Szabadon hozzáférhető INTEGRATING SERVICE VALUE CHAIN GOVERNANCE ON SMALL SUNFLOWER PROCESSING INDUSTRIES IN DODOMA, TANZANIA(2025-12-28) Sama, Hamisi; Mashenene, Andrew J.Small-scale sunflower oil processors dominate Tanzania’s sunflower value chain but face persistent performance challenges. This study examines how service value chain governance – defined by factors such as transaction complexity, service characteristics, technological capabilities, market transparency, market structure, and institutional frameworks – influences the capabilities and performance of small sunflower processing industries in Dodoma. Drawing on global value chain and transaction cost economics theories, we hypothesize that high transaction complexity and service intangibility negatively impact processors’ technological and human resource capabilities, while robust technological capacity and market transparency improve logistics and marketing performance. A cross-sectional survey of 275 sunflower oil processors in Dodoma was conducted, and six multiple regression models were used to test each specific hypothesis. Results show that all six governance factors significantly affect the processors’ operational capabilities in the expected directions. High transaction complexity and service heterogeneity are associated with lower technological competency and workforce efficiency, whereas greater technological capability and market transparency yield improved logistical coordination and market access. Fragmented market structures (many small suppliers) correlate with weaker financial performance, and a strong institutional framework is linked to better regulatory compliance. These findings highlight critical governance-related barriers and enablers for small agro-processors. We discuss practical and managerial implications for improving value chain integration – including investing in technology, training, and policy support – and outline theoretical contributions.Tétel Szabadon hozzáférhető THE CHANGES IN THE HUNGARIAN HIGHER EDUCATION SYSTEM DURING THE CHANGE OF REGIME – THE SPREAD OF CHURCH AND FOUNDATION RUN INSTITUTIONS(2025-12-28) Csontné Vezendi, Leila; Szűcs, Edit GizellaThis study examines the transformation of the Hungarian higher education system during the change of regime (1989-1990), with particular emphasis on the spread of church- and foundation-run institutions. It presents the legal framework that enabled the establishment of non-state institutions, highlighting Act XXIII of 1990 and subsequent legislation. It uses statistical data to support the significant increase in the number of institutions and students in the non-state sector. It illustrates the different development paths of these institutions through case studies of Károli Gáspár Reformed University and Kodolányi János University. The article analyzes the socio-economic impacts of the changes, including social mobility, economic development, and educational equality. Finally, it reflects on the current challenges and future prospects of Hungarian higher education.Tétel Szabadon hozzáférhető ECONOMIC ANALYSIS OF A COMPLEX PIG FARM(2025-12-28) Tóth, Sándor; Nábrádi, AndrásThe objective of this study is, beyond presenting the production and economic indicators of a complex pig farm established as a brownfield investment, to analyze its cost-income and profitability relations. The Authors conducted their calculations based on primary data collection and a preliminary calculation model. The technological equipment of the presented pig farm is competitive at the European level, and its production indicators also show favorable results. The capital investment demonstrates adequate profitability, as the internal rate of return (IRR) is 12.35%, while the net present value (NPV) of the investment at the end of the 15th year is HUF 1.36 billion. According to the model, the results indicate that, on the one hand, the investment is capital-intensive, but at the same time, large-scale livestock farms equipped with similarly advanced technology are definitely necessary, as they greatly contribute to improving the sector’s efficiency. There is further potential for achieving competitive advantages through increasing economies of scale. Appropriate human resources with the necessary expertise, genetics, and feeding must accompany the technological advancement.Tétel Szabadon hozzáférhető DECENT WORK AND COFFEE SECTOR: ARE THE COFFEE ESTATES IN KENYA COMPLYING WITH DECENT WORK IN PRODUCTION AND PRIMARY PROCESSING?(2024-06-30) Munyentwari Mbuta, Joseph; K Hillary, Bett; Jerop, RebeccaCoffee plays a big role in Kenya, it contributes to 30 percent of agricultural jobs and country’s exports. However, casual workers within coffee estates still get challenging employment conditions including long working hours, unfair wages, limited social capacity, and lack of collective bargaining that results in poor living standards and job insecurity. And also, no research shows compliance with decent work in the Kenyan coffee sector. This study sought to provide new literature about decent work compliance in production and primary processing within Coffee estates in Kiambu county. Snowballing sampling method was used to collect data among 385 casual workers from EAAGADS, Fairview, Maakiou, and Magumu coffee estates. Descriptive statistics and inductive logic were used to generate decent work indices from statistical indicators explaining each decent work pillar. Decent work indices 0.41 and 0.44 show the low compliance of social dialogue and safety at workplace dimensions respectively. Results, also show that effort has been done under productive employment and social protection dimension as shown by indices of 0.65 and 0.51 respectively. Moreover, there is a need for ILO inspection to ensure whether there is a promotion of decent work practices within coffee production to promote the living standards of coffee casual workers and also the stimulation of sustainable development of the County as well as the Country.Tétel Szabadon hozzáférhető LAND CONTROL AND POVERTY STATUS OF FARMING HOUSEHOLDS IN NIGERIA(2024-12-30) Alawode, Olubunmi O.Poverty is pervasive among the majority of farming households in Nigeria, particularly affecting small-scale farmers. Having gained access to land, control over the land held is very important in improving the quality of life as it plays a vital role in poverty reduction among small scale farmers. This study examined the relationship between land control and poverty status of farming households in Nigeria. The Nigeria General Household Survey (GHS) 2018 was used. Analytical tools used include descriptive statistics, Land Control Index (LCI), Ordered probit regression and Logit regression models. From the results, majority of the Nigerian farmers were male (84.6%) with a mean age of 50±15years, and 81.1% were married, having a mean household size of 7±4 persons. The mean farm size held by the households was 4.42±14.9ha. Farming households had access to the highest proportion (62.79%) of their plots by inheritance, still showing the dominance of inheritance as a means of land access in Nigeria. Also, households had access to 11.80% of the plots by outright purchase, 11.20% by rent in cash or kind (farm produce), and 0.64% by sharecropping; these underscore the growing rural land market in Nigeria. Majority (88.8%) of the households had no control over all the plots of farmlands held (LCI=0) while 6.03% had total control of the plots of farmlands held (LCI=1). This implies that majority can only carry out farming activities (having use right) on the farmland and did not possess legal documents for the land (not able to dispose of the land). The mean household expenditure on food and non-food were ₦8,609.37 and ₦12,587.08, respectively. The mean total expenditure was ₦18,809.20(±10444.45) and the poverty line was ₦8,433.34. The poverty incidence was 41.03%; 41.03% were poor while 58.97% were non-poor. Location of household in the rural sector, especially in the North East, South West, and South East, was significantly positive in determining the level of land control by farming households at 1%. At 10% level of significance, low land control (HCI≤0.25) and medium land control (HCI=0.51-0.75) would significantly increase the likelihood of the household being non-poor by 27.4% and 33.6%, respectively. Land control positively influences the poverty status of the farming households in Nigeria; farming households with low land control can increase their chances of being non-poor. Rural farmers should be encouraged to obtain legal documents on their land to facilitate higher level of control.Tétel Szabadon hozzáférhető DO MULTIPURPOSE COOPERATIVES HAVE ADDRESSED THEIR MEMBER’S AGRICULTURAL OUTPUT MARKETING CHALLENGES OF SMALL HOLDER FARMERS IN ETHIOPIA?(2024-06-30) Wakweya, Rusha BegnaMultipurpose cooperatives offer a powerful tool for enhancing the livelihoods of small-scale farmers, particularly in developing economies. By joining forces, these farmers gain greater collective bargaining power, allowing them to negotiate better prices for their crops and increase their incomes. In developed countries as well, farmer cooperatives play a central role in streamlining production and marketing activities for family farms. They act as a crucial bridge between farmers and markets, ensuring smoother exchange and coordination within the agricultural sector. However, despite their significant contributions, multipurpose cooperatives also face challenges that influence them to play a significant role of agricultural product marketing. The aim of this study was to examine the benefits and difficulties associated with members of a multipurpose cooperative participating in the sale of agricultural products in the Kersa district of Jimma Zone, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia. For this study, four multipurpose cooperatives were chosen using a two-stage sampling technique, resulting in a sample size of 196 cooperative members. Quantitative data was collected through a structured questionnaire from primary sources, while qualitative data was collected through focus groups and key informant interviews. Descriptive statistics such as mean, chi-square, standard deviation, frequency, and percentage were used to analyze the data. The result showed that 66.36% of cooperative members were participants, whereas 33.64% were non-participants. Multipurpose cooperatives are serving as the primary source of agricultural inputs. However, the output marketing activity of the sampled multipurpose co-operatives in the district is not as remarkable. The study suggests that local cooperative agencies should encourage more members to participate in selling their crops through the cooperativesTétel Szabadon hozzáférhető EXPLORING CONSUMER INTENTION FOR FUNCTIONAL FOOD PRODUCTS IN HUNGARY: THE ROLE OF HEALTH CONSCIOUSNESS, NUTRITIONAL KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDES(2024-12-30) Ghaith, AbrarBackground: The potential health advantages of functional food products have increased their appeal. Their reception and implementation are greatly influenced by consumer attitudes and purchasing intentions. The Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) is used in this study to examine how attitudes toward and intentions to buy functional food products in Hungary are influenced by health consciousness (HC) and nutritional knowledge (KN). Methods: From March to May 2023, 396 adult Hungarian volunteers took part in an online survey. The poll measured respondents' intentions to buy functional food products as well as their health consciousness, nutritional knowledge, attitudes, and subjective norms (SN). Through pilot research, the questionnaire's reliability and validity were determined. Multiple regression analyses, one-sample t-tests, and Cronbach's alpha were all included in the statistical analysis. Results: The majority of participants were female, working students. In support of hypotheses H1 and H2, health consciousness significantly influenced attitudes and purchase intentions. H3 and H4 are supported by the findings that nutritional knowledge strongly influenced attitudes and purchase intentions. Both perceived behavioral control and subjective standards had a beneficial impact on purchase intentions supporting H5 and H6. Conclusion: This study provides important insights into Hungarian consumers' preferences for functional food items. It highlights the beneficial effects of health awareness, information, attitudes, arbitrary standards, and perceived behavioral control on buying intentions. It was discovered that attitudes play an important role in mediating the link between nutritional knowledge, health consciousness, and purchase intentions. It was discovered that attitudes play an important role in mediating the link between nutritional knowledge, health consciousness, and purchasing intentions. The dynamic functional food market's marketers and legislators should take these findings seriously. The subtleties of these attitudes and their implications for promotional tactics can be explored in greater detail in future research. Promoting healthier food options and informing policy and marketing decisions require an understanding of consumer perceptions and behaviors.Tétel Szabadon hozzáférhető TODAY'S CONSUMERS ON THE MARKET IN CSÍKSZEREDA (MIERCUREA CIUC)(2024-12-30) Péter, Emőke Katalin; Illyés, LászlóDue to the geographical situation of Harghita County, farming mostly in small agricultural areas encourages farmers to engage in more integrated agricultural activities. As a result, more and more farmers who are open to development are starting to appear on local markets with processed products. The traditional knowledge passed down from generation to generation on small local farms is similar in families living in each area and therefore socially reinforcing. Older farmers in our countryside have mostly shied away from the new knowledge of the mega-manager, but their younger, more highly skilled counterparts are more willing to open up to new knowledge. The demand for local products with a historical basis has been gradually increasing in recent years. To save costs, they also sell their products at the market themselves. In order to meet today's consumer needs, in addition to the production, processing and packaging of raw materials, producers must also think about branding, logistics and design. Customer relations and quality communication are essential for a well-functioning business (PG Balogh et.al, 2021) In Harghita County, farmers running a traditional small-scale farm mostly face marketing problems. At the same time, the demand for high quality products produced in a sustainable way is increasing. The aim of our empirical study is to investigate the expectations of consumers visiting the Traditional Products Fair in Csíkszereda (Miercurea -Ciuc) using artificial intelligence methods. These habits have their origins in the market habits of the past centuries, therefore, our research tries to reveal the atmosphere of the markets of the past.Tétel Szabadon hozzáférhető HOW TO INCREASE WORKFLOW EFFICIENCY FOR MICRO AND SMALL BUSINESSES WITH A CUSTOM-BUILT MOBILE APP IN HUNGARY - A CASE STUDY FOR A LANGUAGE LEARNING SCHOOL(2024-12-30) Péntek, Ádám; Pierog, Anita; Kovács, TamásThe increasing availability of information and communication technology (ICT) has boosted interest in ICT-based microservices. Limited research examines the efficacy of ICT-based microservices and administrative burden-alleviating solutions for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) within a domestic context. This study investigated the potential of such solutions through a case study on a custom language training SME. Key workflows with administrative burdens were identified using an expert interview, leading to the design and development of a custom mobile application. The researchers developed an easily adaptable, general-purpose layer structure during the development process. Results suggest automating essential, low-cost elements of SMEs' internal and external processes through digitalisation and on-demand support can increase competitiveness and employee satisfaction. Further research with a larger sample size could solidify these initial findings and inform broader SME development strategies. Additionally, investigating the long-term impact on factors like employee skill development and customer satisfaction would provide valuable insights for SMEs considering such solutions.Tétel Szabadon hozzáférhető THE ROLE OF INNOVATION IN THE SUCCESSION OF FAMILY BUSINESSES(2024-12-30) Tóth, BoglárkaGenerational change and innovation are at the heart of the future success of a family business. Therefore, it is clear that the generational change of family firms should be considered from an innovation perspective. Despite this, there is no research in the literature that examines the importance of innovation in succession. In this article, the role of innovation in the succession process is examined by surveying 76 Hungarian family business owners and their potential successors. The aim of the article is to explore whether innovation plays a role in the life of the business and, if so, whether it can make succession more successful. In addition, whether the willingness of the successor to innovate is more important than the choice of successor within the family, and whether potential successors have innovative ambitions. Results include that family business owners who consider innovation important can be considered as partially conscious generational succession planners, as they are more likely to already have a potential successor than owners who do not consider innovation important. Overall, the family business owners surveyed do not consider it more important that the successor be a family member or that the successor have an innovative approach, but first and second generation owners have different views. Second-generation family business owners now place much less importance on having a successor from the family than founders, and all second-generation completers placed the highest value on the successor's willingness to innovate, while founders placed significantly lower value on this. Nevertheless, none of the owners surveyed had a potential successor outside the family. Finally, innovation plays an important role in the future goals of successors. They consider continuous improvement and innovation to be the most important goal after stable and profitable operation of the company and the realisation of their own career, and prefer to implement business process innovations rather than product innovations.Tétel Szabadon hozzáférhető KNOWLEDGE AND PERCEPTION OF LIBERIAN AGRIBUSINESSES IN THE AFRICAN CONTINENTAL FREE TRADE AREA (AfCFTA)(2024-12-30) Ninson, Jacqueline; Aidoo, Andrews; Brobbey, Maame KyerewaaLiberia has signed and ratified AfCFTA and is pending deposit with the African Union Commission. The objective of the paper thus is to examine the knowledge, and perception of Liberian agribusinesses on AfCFTA. The primary data were obtained from four (4) main categories of stakeholders in Liberia’s economic growth and development. They included (i) agribusiness enterprises/agricultural micro-small- and medium-sized enterprises operating in Monrovia; (ii) apex business entities/associations; (iii) government actors and (iv) partnerships in trade and development in Liberia. Findings from engagements with agribusinesses revealed that even though few respondents had a fair understanding of the Rules of Origin protocol, central to trading under AfCFTA, most of the respondents knew or had heard about the AfCFTA and mostly associated AfCFTA with creating one African market. Concentration on AfCFTA in Liberia should not only be on the removal of tariffs as the removal of tariffs is perceived by agribusiness as bad.Tétel Szabadon hozzáférhető PHARMA SUPPLY CHAIN RESILIENCE. A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW(2024-06-30) Dienes, Balázs Bence; Qorri, Dejsi; Felföldi, JánosThis study offers a thorough exploration of critical consideration of resilience in pharmaceutical supply chains, aiming to provide a comprehensive overview of the existing literature on this subject. Given the increasing globalization, regulatory complexities, and disruptions, the pharmaceutical industry encounters unique challenges in maintaining the business continuity of supply chains. Design/Methodology/Approach: We conducted a systematic analysis of 41 documents, including articles, reviews, and conference papers, employing bibliometric methods to visualize the dataset. Findings: Our findings indicate a notable increase in literature in recent years, particularly concerning risk mitigation strategies, collaboration among supply chain stakeholders, and investments in technology-driven solutions for resilience in pharmaceutical supply chains. Furthermore, we have identified several research directions. This review emphasizes the necessity for ongoing scholarly efforts aimed at fostering pharmaceutical supply chains resilience given the post-COVID-19 situation with goal of ensuring the uninterrupted availability of essential medications to patients worldwide.Tétel Szabadon hozzáférhető QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH OF FACTORS (CONVENIENCE OF ACCESS AND GENDER) INFLUENCING THE FOOD STORE CHOICE IN NAGYKŐRÖS(2024-06-30) Földi, Kata; Szakály, Zoltán; László, BeátaThe objective of the research is to analyze the food purchasing decisions of Hungarian customers depending on priority factors (convenience of access and gender) that impact the food store choice. To identify the characteristics of food shopping behaviour, we conducted a customer survey of 220 individuals in the city of Nagykőrös. The data collection was carried out using a standard questionnaire and an online survey on the Nagykőrös public life community social media portal, and by informing shoppers about the possibility to fill in the questionnaire in the Municipality’s posts. The sample can be considered representative based on the gender distribution of the primary food purchaser. During the analysis of the data, in addition to descriptive statistics, we utilized factor analysis to describe the mindset of the customers, and created segments based on the factors influencing the choice of store using cluster analysis. For the vast majority of consumers, the primary determinant in selecting a store is the affordable price level, regardless of how often they make purchases. When shopping on a daily basis, customers prioritize the store’s proximity to their residence, promotional discounts, and variety of products available. Men tend to value a relaxed ambiance and convenient parking, while women prioritize special deals and competitive prices when choosing their regular shopping location We have identified price sensitivity, accessibility, location, and atmosphere as key factors. Throughout our research, we have categorized customers into four distinct clusters: Action-oriented family members (36.1%), Conscious shopping family members (29.9%), Price-conscious seniors (20.6%), and Curious beginners (13.4%). A significant hurdle for Hungarian retail companies is to enhance the quantity of their loyal customers, which they can solely achieve by taking market share from their rivals (primarily other retail companies). Initially, they must determine whether their customer base favours their kind of store for everyday or bulk shopping. They must cater to the demands of their target customer base (potentially the clusters established by our research) in relation to the key factors influencing store selection and purchase frequency, in order to attain success in their business. We suggest utilizing the factors that influence store selection as segmentation criteria.Tétel Szabadon hozzáférhető CONSUMERS’ PERCEPTION AND WILLINGNESS TO PAY FOR ORGANIC TOMATOES IN OFORIKROM MUNICIPAL, ASHANTI, GHANA(2024-06-30) Nimoh, Fred; Frimpong, Alexander Annor; Adama, Ambrose Azenyinkajigi; Tham-Agyekum, Enock KwameAlthough conventional tomatoes are often preferred by consumers, organic tomatoes are thought to be safer and healthier. This is because some customers do not fully comprehend the advantages of organic tomatoes. The purpose of this study was to investigate how customers perceive and are willing to pay for organic tomatoes. 399 systematically chosen respondents provided the data, which was collected. The data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics such the Perception Index, Contingent Valuation Method, and Tobit Regression Model. The findings indicated that the majority of respondents were familiar with organic tomatoes. A perception rating of 1.24 indicates that respondents had a favorable opinion of organic tomatoes. Organic tomato buyers were willing to spend at least GHC 9.63 per kilo. Consumers' willingness to pay for organic tomatoes was influenced by their view of the health benefits, their level of education, their income, and their knowledge of and familiarity with organic tomatoes. As a result, the study advises producers or farmers to inform their customers about the health advantages of organic tomatoes and to focus on consumers with high incomes and educational levels since these factors greatly influenced their willingness to pay.Tétel Szabadon hozzáférhető THE CLUSTERS OF TELEMEDICINE (THE SCOPE AND MAIN ECONOMIC ISSUES OF TELEMEDICINE)(2025-06-30) Erdélyi-Madai, RékaThe introduction of telemedicine tools was motivated by the need to reduce the risk of infection. This paper deals with the main areas of telemedicine. It presents a definition of telemedicine and its most typical manifestations. It discusses the role of health in economic growth. It also discusses the legislative background to telemedicine. It analyses the two major clusters of telemedicine, primary health care and VR-based care. Primary care includes online rounds, remote examinations, remote diagnostics, remote intervention, remote monitoring and surveillance. The second cluster, based on virtual reality, already includes elements such as surgical interventions, pain relief, attitude modelling, rehabilitation, anxiety and phobia management, eating disorders management, relaxation, medical care in disaster situations. A separate chapter of the study deals with the economic indicators and revenues of telemedicine. Finally, the author identifies possible areas for further research (Craig J. – Patterson V., 2005).Tétel Szabadon hozzáférhető THE DECLINE OF TRADITIONAL LIVESTOCK FARMING IN SPAIN AND ITS IMPACT ON ECOSYSTEM SERVICES: UNDERSTANDING THE DYNAMICS THROUGH FOCUS GROUPS WITH SHEPHERDS(2025-06-30) Menor de Gaspar López, Rodrigo; Carrasco Monteagudo, Inmaculada; Gómez Borja, Miguel ÁngelTraditional extensive livestock farming has emerged as a potential sustainable development strategy in Europe, particularly to address rural depopulation and provide multiple positive externalities. Despite new European policies emphasizing its importance, the sector continues to decline. This study employs focus group methodology to examine the underlying causes of this decline from the perspective of shepherds. Two discussion groups were held with farmers from the regions of Castilla y León and Castilla-La Mancha in Spain, allowing us to contrast the testimonies of the practitioners with the existing literature. Our methodological approach emphasizes the value of focus groups in capturing complex socioeconomic dynamics within traditional livestock communities. The findings reveal multiple interconnected challenges: low profitability derived from legal requirements and concentration of demand; increasingly complex access to pastures due to local and state regulations; significant barriers to entry, including economic requirements and bureaucracy; difficulties in work-life balance; bureaucratic obstacles to positive externalities; conflictive relations with the tourism sector; weak associationism; and limited technology adoption. This study contributes to the methodological literature by demonstrating how focus groups can effectively reveal hidden dynamics in declining traditional sectors.