South East European University (SEEU) is an internationally recognized private-public nonprofit higher education institution officially inaugurated in 2001 upon initiative of former top-level Dutch diplomat and OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities HE Max van der Stoel and is located in Tetovo, North Macedonia with a branch campus in Skopje.Since its establishment the university has succeeded in combining the best of European and U.S. experience and has continued to benefit from countless academic collaborations sponsored by the European Commission and USAID, among other donors.During the opening ceremony former Swedish diplomat HE Rolf Ekéus stated: "Today is a good day for Europe. At a time when good news is in short supply, it is heartening to see that progress can be made towards building peace among people. […] In the future, people will think of Tetovo as the site of a [renowned] multi-lingual university".The university is an associate member of the European University Association and the Balkan Universities Network.
This study investigated the mediating role of mathematics interest and the moderating effect of academic buoyancy on the nexus between students' mathematics self-efficacy and their high school mathematics performance. This study adopted a cross-sectional survey design and a quantitative research approach. The population of the study comprised second, third, and fourth-year students from several secondary schools in the Municipality of Tetovo, North Macedonia, in a total of 4600 students, with a sample size of 368 students. A structured questionnaire was administered via Google Form using a convenience sampling technique. The data collected were analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) via Amos (ver. 23) to respond to the hypothesized paths. The results revealed that mathematics self-efficacy had a positive and significant influence on students' mathematics achievement. Similarly, mathematics self-efficacy positively and significantly influenced students' interest in mathematics. In addition, students' interest in mathematics positively and significantly affects their performance in the subject. Moreover, academic buoyancy positively and significantly affects students' performance in mathematics. Furthermore, students' interest in mathematics partially mediates the nexus between self-efficacy and mathematics performance. Finally, academic buoyancy positively moderates the nexus between self-efficacy and mathematics performance. This study contributes novel insights to mathematics education by investigating the mediating role of mathematics interest and the moderating effect of academic buoyancy on the nexus between students' mathematics self-efficacy and their high school mathematics performance.
PurposeThis research aims to evaluate the effects of selected macroeconomic indicators (economic growth, export, import, inflation, unemployment, foreign direct investment and saving) on carbon emissions (CO2) and renewable energy (REN) use in developed and developing countries.Design/methodology/approachThe research used World Bank data for 22 developed and 25 developing countries between 2005 and 2021. First, cross-sectional dependency tests were applied. Then, the Westerlund cointegration test was used to test the cointegration relationship. Last, based on panel data analysis, the data were analyzed using the Driscoll-Kraay estimator, generalized method of moments (GMM) and augmented mean group (AMG).FindingsThe analysis results of the REN model indicate that in developed countries, a one-unit increase in economic growth and foreign direct investment leads to a decrease in REN consumption. In contrast, increases in inflation, savings and unemployment increase REN consumption. In developing countries, a one-unit increase in economic growth and imports increases REN consumption, while increases in exports, inflation, savings and unemployment decrease REN consumption. The analysis results of the CO2 model indicate that in developed countries, a one-unit increase in economic growth and exports results in increased CO2. In contrast, a one-unit increase in inflation, unemployment, savings, foreign direct investment and imports results in a reduction in CO2. In developing countries, a one-unit increase in economic growth, exports and foreign direct investment is associated with a reduction in CO2. In contrast, a one-unit increase in inflation, savings and unemployment is associated with a rise in CO2.Originality/valueThe research is the first to examine the individual effects of macroeconomic factors on REN consumption and CO2 emissions with a holistic approach and make comparisons in developed and developing countries.
PurposeMicro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) are crucial for economic growth in developing countries like Indonesia. However, many MSMEs face difficulties when trying to enter international markets, mainly because of limited resources and strategic capabilities. This study aims to investigate the internal mechanisms that affect the export capabilities of MSMEs, focusing on technological, innovation and entrepreneurial orientation. Using the resource-based view (RBV) as a framework, this study examines how entrepreneurial orientation affects the relationship between technological and innovation capabilities and export readiness. Design/methodology/approachThis study used a quantitative approach, distributing questionnaires to MSMEs in West Java. Data were collected from 400 respondents using purposive sampling technique, exceeding the minimum sample size calculated using G*Power. The data were then analyzed using partial least squares-structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) to examine cause-and-effect relationships among the constructs. FindingsThe results indicate that entrepreneurial orientation has a significant positive effect on export capability. Innovation capability enhances entrepreneurial orientation; however, it does not directly affect export capability. Its influence is entirely mediated by entrepreneurial orientation. Technological capability directly enhances export capability; however, it does not affect entrepreneurial orientation, suggesting its role is primarily operational rather than strategic. The results indicate that entrepreneurial orientation is the primary mechanism for converting innovation into export readiness, whereas technological capability primarily enhances operational efficiency and compliance with export standards. Originality/valueThis research adds to the existing knowledge in international entrepreneurship by examining how internal capabilities affect the export capabilities of MSMEs in developing countries. It highlights the importance of behavioral factors in how a firm’s capabilities translate into international market participation, thus expanding the RBV within the context of SME internationalization. This study distinguishes between the strategic and operational aspects of export readiness. It provides insights into how capabilities develop and informs policies and management strategies that support MSMEs in international markets.
This study investigates the impact of social media presence on consumer behavior in North Macedonia, focusing on brand perception, purchase intention, and customer loyalty. Using data from 155 survey respondents, Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) and bootstrapping techniques were applied to test hypotheses and mediating effects. Results show that social media presence significantly enhances brand perception and customer loyalty but has no direct influence on purchase intention. Brand perception partially mediates the link between social media and purchase intention, while customer loyalty fully mediates it. These findings emphasize the importance of trust-building and authentic engagement. The study offers insights for businesses in emerging markets and recommends strategies tailored to North Macedonia’s context, encouraging future cross-national and longitudinal research.
The relationship between emotional intelligence and financial performance in the context of North Macedonia can be beneficial not only to scholars, but also to business decision makers. Thus, the aim of this paper is to fill that gap through an examination whether there is a statistical correlation between emotional intelligence measured among managers and the profitability of their companies, using data collected in North Macedonia. By understanding this relationship, we hope to put light on whether emotional intelligence is just a personal skill, or a genuine strategic asset that firms should invest in.
