Paper Title, Authors, Abstract (Issue 1, Volume 5, 2011)

Pages

Implementation and Testing of the Requirements for the Bandwidth of the eLearning System
Krzysztof Tokarz, Christian Manger

Abstract: In this paper elements of eLearning system developed at the Silesian University of Technology have been presented. The main idea of the system is to provide distance lectures for students including persons with different disabilities. The system uses audio, video and text messages transmission and in this part it is similar to videoconference. Additionally system is prepared to handle special channels with data for handicapped persons. The teacher can present the lecture in traditional way and transmit the presentation to remote students using the Internet. The system consists of three parts: streaming server, control application and presentation application. In this paper the short description of the system has been presented with description of testing of requirements for the bandwidth.
 

Dashboards for University Decision Makers
Mihaela Muntean, Gheorghe Sabau, Ana-Ramona Bologa, Traian Surcel, Alexandra Florea

Abstract: A University performance management system enables executives to measure, monitor and manage university performance more effectively. Development and Deployment of a performance management system is a challenge for Romanian universities. The paper presents an architectural framework for a performance management system for universities. The paper also presents an example of performance dashboard for research using a multidimensional model.
 

Generic HCI and Group Awareness Collaboration for Remote Laboratory in Virtual World
J. Fayolle, C. Gravier, B. Jailly

Abstract: We present in this paper a remote lab that is generic, i.e independent to the controlled device thanks to a semantic web approach. This kind of approach is very interesting since it allows us to build a remote lab framework whi takes into account a semantic file as input and can deal with any kind of remote device. The graphical user interface and functionalities are described thanks to ontology. The proposed remote lab is also collaborative since it is prove that the collaboration takes an important place in the learning process. The collaboration is made in a virtual world called wonderland allowing sharing of information and audio channels between users’ avatars.
 

Management Practices from Small and Medium Enterprises within the Knowledge-Based Economy
Dan Popescu, Iulia Chivu, Alina Ciocarlan-Chitucea, Catalin-Valeriu Curmei, Daniela-Oana Popescu

Abstract: The European Union is part of the group of countries with the most intense concerns and performance in supporting and encouraging small and medium enterprises. The importance attached to this type of organization is supported by the existence of strategic documents such as White Charter, adopted in 1985, and by organizing conferences entirely devoted to European SMEs. The aim of these international events is to create and promote an enabling environment to support small and medium sized companies. The group of most developed countries of the world that form the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development has established the following main objectives in policies to support SMEs: increasing the living standards of people and ensuring financial stability as a catalyst for national economic growth, economic growth in EU countries but also in other countries in developing countries (Kelly, 2001). Economic activity is increased in sectors that intensively use knowledge and technology and increase production and employment in high-tech sectors. Success in the knowledge based economy depends on the ability to innovate. Researchers (Prusak, Matson, 2006) have identified the following characteristic of the knowledge based economy: physical distances represent no longer an obstacle to economic development, communication, education, successful implementation of projects and integration into society, economic system is open the world. Key change involving the transition to a new kind of economy is not only the concern of the scientific world. Leaders of developed countries in European Union policy areas identified transition options to the new type of economy, the knowledge based economy: building an information society to citizens, by extending the Internet, electronic commerce, telecommunications, building a dynamic business environment, stimulating, developing small and medium enterprises, supporting scientific research as a vector of competitiveness and the enhancement of human resources, investing in education and training, promoting social protection systems and incentives to work.
 

Advanced Features of Digital library of University of Maribor
Janez Brezovnik, Milan Ojstersek

Abstract: Advanced features of digital library of University of Maribor are described in this paper. A short introduction describes some basic facts about the digital library and mentions its main purpose, but the main part of this paper is about features, that are mostly not found in other digital libraries. These features include integration with other information systems, plagiarism detection, informative and useful statistics about mentors and specific content extraction from documents, served by the digital library. We present existing functionality and describe some ideas for future development. A natural language processing framework, called TextProc, is also briefly mentioned, since it is used to perform plagiarism detection.
 

Authentic Learning Environments for Teaching and Learning Sustainable Development in the Built Environment
Maruska Subic Kovac, Mateja Kovac

Abstract: The balancing of man’s needs for conservation of the natural and built environments in the present and future is understood in conjunction with the concept of sustainable equilibrium, or the development as such, with the concept of sustainable development. This study focuses on built environment, and in particular, on the quality of existence and on providing the quality of existence in conjunction with sustainable development. The study analyses in detail the positions of the Vic – Ljubljana Secondary School students in relation to sustainable development in the built environment. Results of analysis of their positions may constitute a framework for curriculum renewal at secondary- and high-school levels in the Republic of Slovenia. Based on analysis of data gathered within a survey, we arrived to a conclusion that most students included in the survey had been familiarised with sustainable development in the built environment, however, on the average, their responses deviated by 23 % from an ideal solution. As every intervention which is not compatible with sustainable development in built environment, may have permanent, or even irreparable consequences for the development of the existing and future generations, such a result is not assessed as favourable. They lacked, however, the requisite knowledge concerning the placing of different buildings into space and conservation of cultural heritage. Differences in positions between the sexes, by the place of residence, type of building they reside in, and by their respective predispositions, were not observed within the research study. However, differences in students’ positions exist between the particular study-years. Secondary school students of higher study-years tend to support more the decisions, which are in compliance with sustainable development in the built environment, as compared to the students of lower study-years. Renewed curricula in the Republic of Slovenia should, from the point of view of substance, include the issues of sustainable development in built environment in an integral, terminologically standardised and appropriately educational level. Active involvement of teachers and students in formal and informal space regulation procedures at different levels should be envisaged. In addition, education should be focused on authentic learning environments assisted by information communication technologies. Information communication technology increases the efficiency and flexibility of the learning and training systems, which can be implemented in employment environments, connecting formal learning with non-formal. At national level, an agency for the formation and monitoring of coherent education system in the field of sustainable development, and a school of architecture and spatial planning as non-profit organisations intended for education of the general public should be set up.
 

A Study on CSL Proficiency Evaluation-Reading and Listening Subject
Rih-Chang Chao, Bor-Chen Kuo, Hsuan-Po Wang, Ya-Hsun Tsai

Abstract: Presently there are many Chinese proficiency tests (CPTs) available today measuring participants’ proficiency in CSL. Most of them, the AP Chinese language and Cultural examination (AP), Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi (HSK) and Test of Proficiency-Huayu (TOP), had classified their test results in proficiency levels which corresponded to the levels of CEFR (The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Learning, Teaching, and Assessment). However, some of Reading and Listening subjects in Top had not completely conducted their proficiency level in corresponding to CEFR. Therefore, the items implemented in this study were on the basis of CEFR for CSL CPT reading and listening subject construction. This study applied IRT 3PL model to analyze and interpret 751 reading and 762 listening subjects empirical data collected from Grace Christian Collage in Philippine on September 2009 via the computerized based test (CBT). The contribution of this study was not only on the construction of a CSL Proficiency Test on a basis of CEFR but also in comparison with examinees’ proficiency scales in referring to their background and explored factors that might affected CSL learning effectiveness.
 

Managing Online Learning Resources Using Web 2.0 Tools – a Croatian Experience
Nikola Vlahovic, Zeljka Pozgaj, Vesna Bosilj Vuksic

Abstract: The way people learn has evolved from a mostly passive to a more active process since the introduction of Web 2.0 paradigm. From the point of the learning processes new tools empowered students and teachers with new capabilities enhancing their learning methods but also introducing new responsibilities for the learning outcomes. These changes have initiated the transition from e-learning to e-learning 2.0. The new paradigm changes roles of participants in the learning process but also it changes the quantity and quality of the learning resources. As Internet users engage in creation and publication of new information, the quantity of available information becomes unmanageable. The need to verify and summarize information as learning resource becomes eminent. Possible solutions to these challenges are offered in form of information retrieval and information extraction methods that are made available to end users. Goal of this paper is to present some of these tools and their application in the course design. RSS feeds and mashups can be used to extract information and rearrange them in more convenient and useful resources for learning. Wiki pages can be used as an additional platform for exchange of ideas and interconnection of all the participants of the learning process. In this paper we will present some of the Web 2.0 tools and solutions that are used as additional learning resources for students in courses at the Faculty of Economics and Business University of Zagreb.
 

The Perception and Method in Teaching and Learning Islamic Education
Maimun Aqsha Lubis, Melor Md Yunus, Mohammed Diao, Tajul Arifin Muhamad, Ramlee Mustapha, Noriah Mohd Ishak

Abstract: The influence of Islam in West African education systems was significant. The transformation from traditional Qur’anic schools to more modern Islamic education was slow but evident. The objective of this paper is to determine the perception and the method in teaching Islamic education from the African teachers’ opinion. The data was collected from a questionnaire survey that was distributed to African teachers from West Africa. The data were analyzed by using the descriptive statistics such as percentages and mean scores. The study revealed that the respondent agreed the Implementation of Teaching the Islamic education had subsequently improved. However, it need to be updated. This study found out that in term of teachers’ opinion and perception the items resulted positively (65% and mean=3.751). Beside that, 7 methods of teaching (76.2%, mean=3.8847) showed that individual accountability did exist in many cooperative learning activities carried out by the teachers in the classroom. This study has several implications with regards to pedagogical modification of teaching methods of Islamic religious teachers in West Africa.
 

The Use of ICT in Teaching Islamic Subjects in Brunei Darussalam
Maimun Aqsha Lubis, Abdullah Awang Lampoh, Melor Md.Yunus, Shah Nazim Shahar, Noriah Mohd Ishak, Tajul Arifin Muhamad

Abstract: This paper examined the use of ICT (Information and Communication Technology) in teaching Islamic subjects in religious schools. Besides that, this paper also studies the IT usage in teaching Islamic Religious Knowledge (IRK) subjects in secular schools (non-religious or normal schools). Religious schools also known as Islamic School are managed by the Ministry of Religious Affairs while secular schools are managed by the Ministry of Education and other private organizations. However, the curriculum of Islamic and IRK subjects are controlled by the Ministry of Religious Affairs. In 2008, the Ministry of Education introduced a new education system known as SPN21 or Sistem Pendidikan Negara Abad 21 (21st Century Brunei Education System). In the system, IRK become one of the „core? subjects, means that every student must take IRK at all level. The primary objective of adopting SPN21 is to form the balanced individuals; the Muslims become better Muslims and non-Muslims become better citizens, so that they can live harmoniously towards developing the countries. SPN21 also emphasized the importance of making schools conducive for learning and one factor that contributes in learning process is the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT). ICT is used as a teaching aid possibly in the demonstration aids and discussion. More prevalent use of ICT by Religious Education teachers may be achieved by educating the work force (mostly Islamic teachers) who incidentally did not have prior knowledge of ICT. In Islam, the use of modern technology is encouraged as it helps towards the development of positive thinking, the ability to innovate and to trigger the drive for self-improvement.
 

Improving Didactics in Computer Science – The Example of the GEMIS and the QUADRO Projects
R. Pucher, M. Tesar, T. Mandl, G. Holweg, F. Schmollebeck

Abstract: Computer Science tends to be one of the studies with relatively high rates of early drop outs. This is also a problem at the University of Applied Sciences Technikum Wien. GEMIS (GEnder Mainstreaming in Informatics related Studies) and QUADRO (Methods to improve the QUAlity of teaching and lower DROpout rates of students) are two projects to improve didactics in Computer Science and consecutively to lower this high rate. Four courses, two of them on the bachelor level, two on the master level participate in the projects. The main goals of the projects are 1) to identify the difficulties for students. 2) To introduce new methods of teaching to address different learning types. 3) To enhance the usability of the offered e- and m-learning tools. The GEMIS project was initiated to investigate the reasons for the higher drop-out rate of female students in informatics related study programs and to develop and implement measures to counteract. QUADRO helps to resolve that issue by providing much additional organizational information (e.g. term agenda, deadlines for tasks in different courses) in Web 2.0 environments, like Google Calendar or Facebook, thus moving beyond integrated learning management systems (LMS) and engaging students in an active use of the web as a resource for their self-governed and collaborative learning activities.
 

Communication as a Cognitive Tool in Visual Learning
Siu-Kay Pun

Abstract: Increasing globalization and the move towards more knowledge-based economies in the new millennium brings new challenges to the traditional approach in the education of engineers. Equipping engineering graduates with multidisciplinary knowledge and visual language skills will give them that additional competitive advantage, developing the other half of their brains and allowing them to be more innovative and creative. This paper explores the effectiveness of an approach in developing visual language skills in engineering students who have little or no background in the visual arts. Their performance in their group projects are discussed together with the effect of group dynamics in their learning process.
 

Industry-Orientation Training Course by Line Following Maze Robot
Hsin-Hsiung Huang, Chyi-Shyong Lee, Juing-Huei Su, Chia-Lung Yang, Tsai-Ming Hsieh

Abstract: This study provides a robot industry-orientation training course which integrates the hardware circuits, firmware programming and shortest path algorithms into the implementation the line following maze robot. The objective of this work is to attract students’ interest in industry skills such as design of hardware circuits, firmware programming and path-finding algorithms. The robot training course has several key components, including 1) the five sensors to detect the routing path (line position), 2)UART transmission and the corresponding firmware codes between two micro-controllers, 3) the robot motions with the corresponding firmware programming and 4) a shortest path algorithm for the tree-based routing map and path-merging algorithm for the cyclic-based routing map. After finishing this course, students learn many practical skills, including designing the sensors to guide the robot, developing a UART-based protocol and its corresponding firmware code for two micro-controllers, and implementing a shortest path algorithm for a tree-based map. Moreover, we also provide the programming exercise for the cyclic-based routing map. We merge the same paths after we analyze two different routing paths which are obtained through separate algorithms. Hence, total routing path could be further reduced. The price of this line-following maze robot is cheap (~USD$150) and the course materials, including the necessary theories for embedded systems, firmware for motion control, and the shortest path algorithms, are interesting to draw students’ attentions. Finally, we design some questionnaire to measure the performance of students and modify the materials according the feedback from students.
 

A Study on Proposal and Analysis of Models Measuring Educational Effects for Assurance of Education Quality and Improvement of Student Satisfaction
Michiko Tsubaki, Masaki Kudo

Abstract: A turning point has been reached in the evaluation of educational quality; universities have also entered the age of “fourth-generation evaluation” in which students and teachers enhance their joint interpretations through lectures and enable more refined lectures. Given this background, many studies have been performed on the enhancement of student satisfaction with educational quality. On the other hand, quality assurance in university education has been researched as an important topic. Therefore, the Central Education Council, an advisory body of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) has begun to consider the introduction of the concept of “graduate attributes,” which refers to the “minimum ability that students should acquire upon graduation.” As a result, great importance has been placed on the achievement of a balance between the “student satisfaction” and “education quality” in order to improve the quality of universities in a comprehensive manner. This study proposes a model measuring educational effects for assurance of education quality and improvement of student satisfaction, focusing on the concepts of both “graduate attributes” and “fourth-generation evaluation.” This paper proposes the concept for the construction of the model, designs the method for data acquisition, and shows the results of actual analysis by structural equation modeling. Further, with regard to quality assurance for graduate attributes, this paper classifies students on the basis of their reasons for taking the course and the learning outcomes, then proposes a model for improving students’ learning styles and analyzes their ability using the model. Furthermore, in this paper, it is verified that the proposed models meet the authenticity criteria of fourth-generation evaluation.
 

Automatically Detecting Detects on Class Implementation in Object Oriented Program on the Basis of the Law of Demeter: Focusing on the Dependency between Packages
Ryota Chiba, Hiroaki Hashiura, Seiichi Komiya

Abstract: In an object-oriented software development project, one of the design methods such as OOSE and OMT is typically employed. However, a common weak point is recognized for these design methods, that is, they do not provide an easy approach for designing a class. In this study, we propose a method to support designing a class by focusing on modularization to reduce the degree of coupling. We extended the Law of Demeter, which is one of the laws to reduce the degree of coupling, so that it may be applied to Java. In addition, in Java, since modules developed by somebody are usually reused as packages rather than as classes, we decided to apply the Law to a set of packages. We developed a tool that can automatically detect a violation of the Law as a plug-in of Eclipse. We have conducted an experiment to prove that the tool can automatically detect a violation of the Law of Demeter and point out the location of violation Then, we enter the violated portion of source code to our tool to prove that the problem can be corrected.
 

The Entrepreneurial Behavior of Orang Asli Youths in South Peninsular Malaysia
Norasmah Othman, Mohd Hasril Amiruddin, Mazura Mansor

Abstract: As Malaysia enters the twenty first century, interests and concerns about the subject of entrepreneurship have been highlighted among others. Entrepreneurship is seen as a solution to the ever-growing problem of unemployment and low economic standard among the Orang Asli. The Orang Asli are the indigenous minority people of Peninsular Malaysia. The name is a Malay term which transliterate as ‘original people’ or ‘first people’. It is a collective term introduced by anthropologists and administrators for the 18 sub-ethnic groups. This study investigates the entrepreneurial behavior of the Orang Asli youths in the southern part of Peninsular Malaysia. The entrepreneurial behavior is divided into cognitive and non-cognitive aspects. The data of this survey was collected from 203 Orang Asli youths from nine different sub-ethnic; Kintak (n=1), Bateq (n=18), Orang Kuala (n=39), Orang Seletar (n=8), Jakun (n=21), Semelai (n=2), Temuan (n=110), Temiar (n=1), and Jah Hut (n=2). The respondents make up of 3.3 percent of the Orang Asli youths who are living in south of Peninsular Malaysia (N=6092), from three different states Melaka (n=32), Negeri Sembilan (n=89), and Johor (n=83). The findings of this study showed that Orang Asli youths in the south Peninsular Malaysia possess high level of cognitive and non-cognitive entrepreneurial behavior. Despite, they should be given more information and knowledge regarding the function of entrepreneurship career.
 

    Paper Title, Authors, Abstract (Issue 2, Volume 5, 2011)

Pages

Web-Based Application for Self Testing and Assessment in the Field of Microbiology
Mihaela Elena Idomir, Valentin Idomir, Angela Repanovici

Abstract: Several studies conducted in the domain of Web-based education tools have showed students and teachers interest in using Web applications and their added benefits to the professional knowledge development of the students. Our Web-based application was developed as an educational tool for the purpose of self testing and assessment, allowing an easy evaluation of knowledge and determining the needed improvement areas. It is addressed not only to students and residents in medicine but also to any other category of students, offering the possibility of understanding and refining the theoretical and practical knowledge. The described methodology was experimentally tested in the domains of bacteriology, virusology and parasitology. The aim of our study was to implement, with low cost, a modern Web-based solution for knowledge assessment and in the same time to make it available and easy accessible to teachers, students and medical residents. The implementation of this web-based application offers all the advantages provided by the Web technology (interoperability, multiple users, reusability and extendibility) and will also support these categories in evaluating and extending their knowledge in the field of Medical Microbiology. The design and concept of the application allows its extension in any educational field with minimum effort needed. The innovative aspect of our application consists in a module that will maintain the objectivity of the assessment process by preserving the same set of questions in the examination form for all the tested students. This feature is provided by creating an examination template, responsible for arranging the questions in a randomized manner and in the same time for switching the order of the response options being presented to the user. Our application offers great potential for improving the assessment and self-testing of students and residents in medicine and many advantages over traditional assessment methods like: objectivity of the assessment process, larger diversity of tests and of their content, significant decrease of the time spent for the examination, better results in the process of evaluation and scoring.
 

Development of a File-Sharing System for Educational Collaboration among Higher-Education Institutions
Takuya Matsuhira, Yoshiya Kasahara, Yoshihiro Takata

Abstract: Opportunities for educational, research-oriented, and business-related collaborations among universities are increasing. A file-sharing system that handles reports, documents, and research papers is required to facilitate collaboration. However, file sharing across different universities under a distributed environment is not easy because of the difficulty of authentication and authorization. In this context, we have developed the ARchive system for cross-referencing across a distributed environment (ARCADE), using which users can share files securely with other users across organizational boundaries. Note that even those who lack skills in ICT can use the system, as ARCADE is implemented as a Java GUI application. In this paper, we introduce the configuration of our system and discuss its adaptation to an educational setting.
 

Language-in-Education Policy: A Study of Policy Adjustment Strategy in Malaysia
Zuraidah Zaaba, Farida Ibrahim Ramadan, Ibianaflorinciliana Niane Anthony Anning, Haijon Gunggut, Katsuhiro Umemoto

Abstract: In the first 10 years after Malaysia's independence from Britain, English and Malay language were the media of instruction particularly in the education sector. However, from 1970s onwards, English language was gradually phased out in the education sector, but not in other sectors, especially the economic sector. Ironically in 1993, the Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad (term of office 1980-2003) announced the reimplementation of English as a medium of instruction for science and technology courses in public higher education institutions (PHEIs). This study focuses on the knowledge shared, utilized and created by Malaysian policy makers for developing an adjustment strategy, particularly at the agenda-setting and formulation stages of English language for science and technology courses in PHEIs. Our review of the relevant literature suggest that knowledge shared, utilized and created by policy makers in Malaysia is not just influenced by bureaucratic top–down system, globalization and colonialism; but also is strongly influenced by the Federal government, the highest of the three levels of the government system. Malay language is the national language for all sectors, whereas in reality, English language still continues to be a medium of instruction, particularly in higher education institutions.
 

A Structural Model of Student Satisfaction in Web-based ERP-Simulated Learning Environments
Penjira Kanthawongs

Abstract: Student satisfaction in Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) course offerings is a crucial part of the attempt to successfully promote higher education. This paper extends previous researches of the author using a structural model to investigate the relationships among attitudinal variables impacting to student satisfaction in Web-based ERP-simulated courses. This study guides university administrators, educators, practitioners, or software vendors of how to create satisfied learning and training environment for ERP in education. It also indicates that learners’ satisfaction with the instructor, perceived ease of use, commitment, and perceived flexibility are respectively related to learners’ satisfaction with the course. The satisfaction with the instructor is the primary correlation of commitment. Interestingly, ease of use is positively related to satisfaction with the instructor. The study confirms that these relationships represent the most important considerations for students and instructors in ERP-simulated enhanced courses.
 

Dynamic Competitive Positioning: the Reactions of Romanian Firms to Value Added Tax Hike
R. C. Musetescu, A. Musetescu

Abstract: Taxation has rarely been an issue in the marketing and strategic literature. However, we argue that tax modifications can have a significant impact on the competitive positioning of firms. These firms should have in consequence a strategic approach to their reactions to such external events. From a theoretical perspective, the most significant reaction to an increase in an indirect tax calculated as a percentage of the final price should come from the competitors positioned both at the lowest and at the highest price-to-quality segments of the market. Taking into consideration the pricing reaction of Romanian firms to the 1st of July 2010 increase in Value Added Tax (the biggest V.A.T. hike in Europe), we qualify their reaction as weak. It was not strategic and it was most probably based on the comfort that such an event would not change their competitive positioning. The most affected market segment by such a tax hike, the luxury segment, seems to purely and simply ignore the potential consequences. Price-sensitive distributors who did react have however used “tax deductions” techniques as a seasonal adjustment to demand.
 

Becoming a Digital Citizen in an Aging World
M. Ianculescu, M. Parvan

Abstract: A digital citizen commonly refers to a person that participates in society using a certain amount of information technology. Global aging has numerous complex effects on society, an important one being the concern about the impact on healthcare demand. A successful aging consists of three components: low probability of disease or disability, cognitive and physical function capacity, active engagement with life. Sustainable Health Information Tools are needed to provide the evidence required for better planning, for informed decision making at different levels as health promotion through primary prevention, prevent readmissions through improved self-care, improved self-management of chronic conditions. They can have the potential to play an important role in achieving well-being, independent living and delaying of the aging process. “Multidisciplinary Complex System for the Efficient Management of the Anti-Aging Information – AgingNice” is a health education information system that enables an environment for developing an efficient age management, aiming to provide reliable, relevant, and understandable online health information for different type of users, for promoting the results of the specific scientific research, for strengthening the link between the medical staff and the patient by increasing the citizen’s informing degree.
 

Business and Labour Dynamics in Selected EU Member States and the United States: Patterns and Specific Policies
Liana Son, Alexandru Jivan, Gratiela Georgiana Carica, Vasilica Ciuca, Daniela Pasnicu

Abstract: The paper discusses and tests the link between business and labour dynamics, through a set of specific indicators for the business environment and employment and by analysing various types of policies that influence the fundamental factors generating economic growth and employment. We designed a model for the analysis of data from five countries, focusing on Romania and we identified a framework of analysis for the underlying factors of business and labour dynamics and a set of specific policies adopted and implemented during the analysed period, focusing on the education system, labour market policies and social protection measures implemented to reduce the impact of the financial crisis. Our main findings point that there is a significant correlation between the analysed variables, underlying a strong link between business and labour dynamics in some of the countries considered and that the anticrisis adopted measures have had a positive impact, revealed by the slight increase of employment, especially for women, within the European Union in 2010. The degree of influence and strong dependence between the business environment and employment are illustrated in various ways and discussed within the paper.
 

Supporting the Creation of Sequence of Events in Nursing Education
Norio Ishii, Saori Sakuma

Abstract: The goal of this research was to develop a Sequence of Events Creation Support System for nursing students. We first conducted a student attitude survey on Sequence of Events to identify points that the students felt were difficult. The three main problem areas were 1) thinking about correlations, 2) drawing diagrams, and 3) collecting references. We therefore designed the system that would help students overcome these difficulties. The system, which makes use of Microsoft Excel VBA, enables students to easily draw, review, and revise Sequence of Events. We examined Sequence of Events created using the Sequence of Events Creation Support System and created by hand to determine the differences in the content of the Sequence of Events created and in the creation process. Experimental results demonstrated the effectiveness of the system. Next, we conducted lectures and exercises using the system in two 1st year courses at a nursing college and we conducted a questionnaire survey to evaluate the effectiveness of the system. Based on the results of this evaluation, we confirmed that the opinions obtained were for the most part positive.
 

The Impact and Learning Opportunities of a Tourism Community of Practice on the Development of Urban Tourism in the City of Timisoara
Cipriana Sava, Laura Coroama

Abstract: The aim of this paper is to assess the impact of a community of practice, created within a tourism academic environment, on the development of urban tourism in the city of Timisoara. Our main hypothesis consists in the advantages of students’ implication and participation in the conception and application of feasible projects meant to increase the visibility of urban tourism. Both students and the local community would benefit from a successful colaboration between the academic environment and the local population.
 

Reporting on Intellectual Capital: Value Driver in the Romanian Knowledge based Society
Marta - Christina Suciu, Alexandru Ghitiu-Bratescu, Luciana Piciorus, Cosmin Imbrisca

Abstract: In the context of the knowledge-based society and creative economy, intellectual capital, creativity and innovation are key engines for development both at the macro and micro level for individuals, organizations, regions, communities of good practices. We increasingly live in an emergent knowledge & innovative-based economy, where changes are quickly and consistently challenging us. Intangible assets and mostly intellectual capital and knowledge produce the greatest value added. In addition in the context of the creative economy innovation are key drivers of long run sustainable competitive advantage. The paper debates two main problems. First of all, it analyses the value of human capital, approached under three dimensions- quantitative, qualitative and structural, and investment in lifelong learning, as measured by the European Lifelong Learning Index (ELLI). Secondly, it debates the case of human capital investments in the Romanian society, evaluated through their impact, and correlated with the present educational policies. Also, the paper focuses on the European dimension, the impact of the Bologna Process and Lisbon Strategy on the Romanian education system, in the context of education capitalization process. The essential point here is that investing in people regards not only the investment in knowledge & skills but also the support for stimulating creativity and innovation. This holistic vision that supports also the idea of lifelong learning generates consistent value added and prosperity not from one day to the next but mostly on the long term. The performances regarding this special kind of investment is one of the best ways to increase labor productivity. Our analysis shows that in Romanian, despite the efforts made up to now, lifelong investments in education are still reduced from a quantitative point of view and not yet effective from a qualitative point of view. This paper seeks to develop in Romania a framework of understanding the value of intellectual capital and the importance of the promotion of creativity and innovation for lifelong investing in education. We appreciate that in our country intellectual capital, intangible assets, creativity, innovation and lifelong investment in education are very important for both the academic and business communities.
 

The Conciliation between the Results of Managerial Accounting and the Results of Financial Accounting
A. Grosanu, P. R. Rachisan, S. R. Berinde, C. G. Bonaci

Abstract: There are certain differences between the revenues and expenses/costs registered within managerial accounting and those registered within financial accounting, mainly referring to the fact (linked to) that within managerial accounting the result is formed exclusively on the market, therefore the revenues and expenses are being acknowledged at the moment of the sale, whereas within financial accounting there are certain resource consumptions which are being acknowledged as expenses sooner than the moment of sale of the products they refer to. Therefore, it will certainly be necessary the implementation of some accounts within the financial accounting due to collect the resource consumptions before their acknowledgement as expenses if they occur before the moment of sale. The managerial accounting system, as we have approached it within the present paper, allows acquiring information regarding the production cost of obtained products, and implicitly, of the sold products, hence within financial accounting one can dimension and register the value of acknowledged expenses along with the production achieved at the moment of sale. Nevertheless, even in terms of the existence of modern methods of expense acknowledgement, the value of the actual production cost of obtained products registered within financial accounting, is also being achieved within managerial accounting, but through postponing the acknowledgement of certain expenses one can achieve a result that is more near to the faithful image of the economic reality. Until the Romanian regulating authority in accounting field changes the moment of expense acknowledgement, managerial accounting responds to all informational necessities regarding products’ costs and their profitability, but the differences between managerial accounting and financial accounting are rather significant. By organizing the economic entities into responsibility centers one offers a background for a more efficient usage of the economic results and also for performance stimulation.
 

Hierarchized Multi Criteria Evaluation - a Useful Information Source in the Improvement of Training Programs
Maria-Madela Abrudan, Alecsandrina Deaconu, Tomina Sãveanu, Edit Lukacs, Mirabela Matei

Abstract: The current paper is the result of the author’s interests and involvement within the professional training domain which encouraged us to go deeper into the specific elements of the programs intended for experts in the human resources field, to promote the trainees’ feedback and integrate it within the improvement process of the tender quality of the Training and Excellence Center in Human Resources Management (CFP-MRU), implemented in the University of Oradea. The hereby paper highlights the useful contribution of trainees’ feed-back to the evaluation activity of the professional training programs, using a hierarchized multi criteria evaluation instrument and identifies the necessary improvements to the first training cycle attended during 2009-2010. Through our analysis we have developed a hierarchical evaluation model suited for most training courses which provides a more adequate frame for the interpretation of the feedback given by the trainees. We consider that this type of evaluation provides a better ground for improvement of each training course as well as it refines the answers and allows the contextualization of each evaluation process within the specific training course setting.
 

ERP Software – The Opportunity to Bypass the Time of Crisis
Ilinca Hotaran, Maria-Gabriela Horga

Abstract: Integrated supply chain management is a business philosophy that focuses on improving and coordinating business processes, on the integration of these elements at the organizational and inter-organizational systems level. The market is becoming harder to forecast and the profit is increasingly difficult to achieve. We have to respond faster to the opportunities which the market sales us. In the context of a global economic crisis in full swing, all areas try to resolve existing problems. How do we know when we need to change and how do we do in order to not have the need to change?
 

Assessing the Propensity for Interdisciplinary Development of the Doctoral Scientific Fields in the Academic Research Case Study: The Bucharest Academy of Economic Studies
C. Lincaru, V. Ciuca, L. Mladen, D. Atanasiu

Abstract: In this paper we intend to evaluate the probability of development of interdisciplinary field of science as a result of finalized doctoral thesis. We assume that every finalized doctorate thesis can be described by a vector with three dimensions. First dimension is given by the position in the doctoral scientific field taxonomy (at national level), the second is set by the position in the advanced high education program taxonomy (ISCED 6-7) and the third dimension reflects the place occupied in an international scientific taxonomy. The relative positioning to the frontier of the new in the taxonomy’s coordinates offer the opportunity to evaluate the distributions of the probability density for chosen dimensions by application of the Generalized EM and k-Means Cluster Analysis.
 

Learning Women from Western Romania Business: An Empirical Aproach
Elena Botezat

Abstract: The article analyse how entrepreneurial training releaved in the process of doing a business plan contribute to an entrepreneurial education in order to develop business among women from the West part of Romania. The business plans elaborated by the 576 graduates of the Entrepreneurial Business School at a Local Level organized under the project AntrES and the data collected through questionnaires administered at the start and end of the courses are the key-elements standing at the base of the research. In our view, developing a business plan is a first step towards success in business because in its development, the entrepreneur will have to find answers to many different questions that will allow better understanding of the business. The two target-groups of women in the Western part of Romania show a relative constancy of options concerning their chances to start a business, as arised: the self-confidance of women compose in their chances to open a business; the reasons for women to begin a business; the opinions related to the main abilities necessary for a business women. The study regards a limited area determined by the 6 counties from the West part of Romania: Bihor, Timis, Arad, Maramures, Caras-Severin, Satu-Mare
 

Profiling the Performance of Electrical Engineering Bachelor Degree Students Based on Different Entry Levels
Pauziah Mohd Arsad, Norlida Buniyamin, Jamalul-Lail Ab Manan

Abstract: In Malaysia, students will qualify to enroll into a Malaysian public university via three ways, that is, through three different entry requirement levels. The objective of this study is to investigate the performance of students of Universiti Teknologi MARA’s (UiTM) Bachelor of Electrical Engineering Degree program based on the student’s entry levels. We initiated a study of the longitudinal progress based on two consecutive intakes of matriculation students in July 2005 and July 2006. We applied the same methodology to two other consecutive intakes of Diploma July 2006 and July 2007 students’ intakes. As a measure of the students’ performance, we used the Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) as the key performance index. In addition, this paper includes an overview of the Malaysian educational system. The outcomes of the research indicate that there is a relationship between the entry level and the final academic performance. Thus it can be concluded that the entry level requirement is an important factor in influencing the student’s academic performance.
 

    Paper Title, Authors, Abstract (Issue 3, Volume 5, 2011)

Pages

Technological Strategies to Deal with Counterfeit Medicines: The European and North-American Perspectives
Elisabeth Lefebvre, Alejandro Romero, Louis-A. Lefebvre, Caroline Krissi

Abstract: The magnitude of counterfeit medicines represents a serious and increasingly rising international concern. In fact, it is estimated that 10% of the pharmaceutical products sold worldwide are counterfeited. The scope of counterfeited medicines is equally worrisome since counterfeiting activities target both branded and generic products as well as non-prescription medicines to life-saving drugs. It is therefore critical for the stakeholders of different pharmaceutical supply chains to elaborate and develop effective technological strategies to combat the phenomenon of counterfeit medicines. This paper examines the effectiveness of such strategies from both the European and North American perspectives.
 

Photovoltaic Model in the LABI System
F. Hruska

Abstract: New model is prepared to extend the system LABI. It is marked as DE10, a photovoltaic system. Utilizing of model is into the field of university studying and as a pilot test system for all extern experts. A special parts of model are measurement and control system. Mechanical configuration can use a track system to control of position according to run of sun during a day and a month. In the future period new photovoltaic panels can be added into model and to extend the model. The user can study power of sun energy, efficiency of photovoltaic principles, dependence of position on power during day. The photovoltaic model is useable in remote access via the Internet.
 

TextProc – A Natural Language Processing Framework and its Use as Plagiarism Detection System
Janez Brezovnik, Milan Ojstersek

Abstract: A natural language processing framework called TextProc is described in this paper. First the frameworks software architecture is described. The architecture is made of several parts and all of them are described in detail. Natural language processing capabilities are implemented as software plug-ins. Plug-ins can be put together into processes that perform a practical natural processing function. Several practical TextProc processes are briefly described, like part-of-speech tagging, named entity tagging and others. One of those is capable to perform plagiarism detection on texts in Slovenian language, which is explained in detail. This process is actually used in digital library of University of Maribor. The integration of digital library with TextProc is also briefly described. At the end of this paper some ideas for future development are given.
 

Clusters Phenomenon from Polish Perspective
M. Bialic-Davendra, D. Pavelkova

Abstract: Rapid development of a global economy underlines an increasing importance of competitiveness. The phenomenon of competition is involved in all spheres of our life. It appears between the countries or economies in a global context, companies contesting markets, and between people competing with one another. It is characterized by many layers. Competitiveness constitutes an indispensible element of the very complex and multi-dimensional phenomenon of clusters. This paper presents the phenomenon of clusters from the Polish perspective. It characterizes the background for clusters growth in Poland, their current stage of development and the existing cluster-based policy. Based on the examined group of Polish clusters, vital characteristics regarding clusters’ structure, activities, management and financing are being distinguished and depicted. In addition to that, pinpointing the best practices implemented and at the same time, confronting the problems which came across, allows determining the existing conditions in Poland and putting more attention to the features which have to be improved in order to enable successful cluster development in the future.
 

Innovation, Learning and Regional Development
Romeo Victor Ionescu, Liliana Mihaela Moga

Abstract: The subject of this paper is new,”unconventional” and with major implications on the socio-economic evolution. The paper tries to find answers and solutions to the present and forecasted problems and challenges, coming out from the classical approach, which is strictly economic. It offers a different outlook and approach and a different understanding of the socio-economic phenomena. On the other hand, these phenomena began to do not “respect” almost any economic theory and law. The greatest challenges for the society ask for uncommon solutions. This research analyses and systematises the main research idea and argues, in order to create a base of analysis for the systems’ parameters’ evaluation, the territorial dimension of these systems and the role of the institutions inside the regional innovation, learning and development partnership. The concept of regional partnership for innovation, learning and development evaluated to a large analytic approach which is able to generate the empirical base of the regional innovation, learning and development policies. The actual researches didn’t succeed to define the territorial dimension of innovation, learning and development, the role of the institutions and institutional context, in order to implement these specific regional systems. The main objective of this research is to define a new regional model of learning, creative industries and development. The paper tries to find a part of the asked answers. It proposes the creative industries as a new solution which is able to ensure the local and regional economic growth. The authors of this paper consider that the creative industries will have the same impact on the society as the internet had. As a result, this solution has not to be neglected, because the most difficult problems have frequently less sophisticated solutions.
 

Ability Training through Partnered Education
C. Cook, F. DeCaro, N. DeCaro

Abstract: An ability training partnership model was designed for high school graduates with disabilities to execute results that were incorporated into a descriptive study. There are limited resources and employment for high school graduates with disabilities. The objective of the study was to develop a descriptive analysis of an ability training model as partnered efforts between colleges, universities and organizations seeking to provide resources to high school graduates with disabilities. One of the purposes of the research was to establish a proactive position for colleges, universities, and organizations against barriers that address disabilities stereotypes and practices in employment. The nature of disabilities has been study for the many years. However, few studies have been directed towards collaboration between colleges, universities, and organizations to develop programs for ability training or on-the-job training to high school graduates with disabilities. Hiring individuals with disabilities makes good business sense. These individuals can be qualified, productive, and dependable in the workplace. This explanatory study was designed to take information from learning theories and on-the-job training programs for high school graduates with disabilities and build a picture of current and future trends involving employment training for these individuals.
 

Real-Time Sonography Simulation for Medical Training
Bo Sun, Frederic D. McKenzie

Abstract: With the increasing role played by ultrasound in clinical diagnostics, ultrasound training in medical education has been becoming very important. The clinical routine is for ultrasound to be trained on real patients; therefore, monitored and guided examinations involving medical students are quite time constrained. To be realistically effective, a computerized ultrasound simulation would provide ample time and opportunity for sonograph training. We have investigated a real time ultrasound simulation methodology based on 3-dimentional (3-D) mesh model of the organ. A virtual echocardiogram displays various sonograph orientation in real time according to the placement of a virtual transducer without the need of an actual patient.
 

The Content and Format of a Professional Development Program and Its Attitudinal Effect on Teachers of Mathematics
Gail M. Gallitano, Kathleen Jackson

Abstract: The West Chester University Teachers Teaching with Technology Pre-Service/In-Service Professional Development Program housed at West Chester University located in Pennsylvania, USA, has provided professional development in the area of technology for thousands of high school and middle school mathematics teachers around the world. Each summer the program offers several graphing handheld institutes for teachers of mathematics/science. These workshops provide a breeding ground for a new and improved teacher of mathematics. Improved methods of teaching undoubtedly lead to more advanced students. In this study eight different workshops were studied. Two of these workshops were 3 consecutive full days long and the rest were 5 consecutive full days long. The same attitudinal survey was administered both before each workshop and again at the conclusion of each workshop. The study included 63 educators, mostly mathematics teachers. This study showed that a five day institute is more effective than a three day institute and that graphing calculator institutes have a positive attitudinal affect on teachers of mathematics.
 

An Integrative Innovative Curricular Model for Teaching Languages
Andreia Irina Suciu, Liliana Mata

Abstract: A research of the various curricular models in Romania based on the principle of innovation has revealed inexplicable deficiencies at a national level from the perspective of planning these models on the basis of two basic principles: the learners’ needs and the adaptation to the specificity of each discipline. Our paper briefly presents a series of curricular models for teaching languages that have been successfully implemented in various countries with efficient results and which we propose as a solution for the Romanian impasse. The common denominator of the selected models that seems to have ensured their success is the concentration on developing competences and implementing the “new” after a thorough analysis of the needs of both agents of innovation (teachers) and subjects of education (students). After the presentation of these models we also propose a readjusting of priorities that have to place the learners’ and teachers’ needs at the peak of the pyramid and that have to start from the practitioners (teachers) towards the institutional policy makers. We also attempt offering our own model of an integrative innovative curricular model that wishes to offer solutions to the problems arising in implementing an innovative model of teaching languages taking into consideration the participants (the individual – the students, the teachers –, the work group, the organization), the hindering factors that their attitudes, behaviours, goals, etc. might trigger and the solution to such problems.
 

Generation of Educational Content for Open Digital TV and IPTV to Assist the Learning of Brazilian Sign Language (LIBRAS)
Hilda Carvalho de Oliveira, Celso Socorro Oliveira, Edson Benedito dos Santos Jr.

Abstract: Today there are 24.6 million of the people with special needs in Brazil, with 23% having some type of hearing loss and 2.9% of these deaf. The Accessibility Brazilian Law establishes that the accessibility of services for the deaf shall be provided by interpreters or people trained in Brazilian Sign Language (LIBRAS). Brazilian Laws provides that the teaching of LIBRAS must be part of the curriculum of all courses in Special Education, Speech Therapy and Magisterium at high school and college courses. urthermore, all school systems in Brazil must provide a bilingual education (LIBRAS and Portuguese) as a right to deaf students. According to the National Federation on Education and Integration of the Deaf there is great need for qualified educators, geographically available in appropriate ocations. The TV is an important means of distributing educational content since the 1950s and it is available in 98% of Brazilian homes. By 2016 the Open Digital TV (ODTV) in Brazil must cover the entire national territory. In this context, this paper presents the system SynchrLIBRAS, which facilitates the generation of educational content to assist the learning of LIBRAS. This system takes as input a video with audio and allows inserting subtitles and a LIBRAS window in a synchronized way. The window LIBRA is recorded by an LIBRAS interpreter in front of a webcam, with automatic synchronization among caption, audio and image. The resulting content is processed by a system called HiddenLIBRAS that uses the middleware Ginga-NCL – standard for Brazilian ODTV and IPTV. It allows the caption and the LIBRAS window are optional for viewing in both environments. The focus of this paper is to present the architecture and implementation of the SynchrLIBRAS, with emphasis on the synchronization process and the practical way of generating content with LIBRAS windows.
 

    Paper Title, Authors, Abstract (Issue 4, Volume 5, 2011)

Pages

Investigation Correspondence between CMMI-DEV and ISO/IEC 15504
Stasys Peldzius, Saulius Ragaisis

Abstract: CMMI and ISO/IEC 15504 are two main models for software process assessment and improvement. Both models have staged and continuous representations but these are different. Continuous representations of the models propose the different sets of processes (process areas). The differences of staged representations are even more essential. CMMI staged representation is based on the ideas of a classic staged maturity framework with 5 levels introduced by W. S. Humphrey back in 1988. ISO/IEC 15504, formerly known as SPICE, has promoted a continuous model for process capability assessment. However, not long ago SPICE community recognized the benefits of a staged representation. As a result, the organizational maturity framework with 6 maturity levels has been introduced in ISO/IEC 15504-7:2008. This paper investigates relationship between CMMI-DEV and ISO/IEC 15504 maturity levels and processes capability profiles. It presents the mapping approach and ISO/IEC 15504 processes capability profiles as well as maturity levels ensured by all CMMI maturity levels. Also reverse mapping is performed and CMMI processes capability profiles and maturity levels ensured by all ISO/IEC 15504 maturity levels are presented.
 

Innovation Economy and the Importance of Human Capital in the Developed Countries
Mirela Stoican, Adina Liana Camarda

Abstract: The new worldwide sustainable development tendencies have made us believe that innovation plays a primary role, being capable of ensuring the renewal of the technical and technological production basis, achieving competitive production, developing the service industry, and leading to the shaping of the innovation economy. Based on this scientific approach, an analysis of the innovation phenomenon and infrastructure has been carried out for the purpose of achieving a relationship between sustainable economic development and innovation. The link between these two concepts is human capital, through its innovation component.
 

Apply Simulation E-learning in an Electronic Communication Course
Jui-Chen Yu, Hsueh-Chih Lin, Lung- Hsing Kuo, Hung-Jen Yang

Abstract: In this study, an e-learning platform and circuit simulation approach would be applied to an electronic communication course aimed at sophomore students in department of technology education. The goals are to enrich the students’ understanding on basic topics such as electronic components, filter circuit concepts, circuit theory, and measuring the signals, as well as to provide remote support, course materials and simulation tools. In the course, students can study electronic communication circuit concepts through e-learning platform, circuit simulation tool and practice activities. By using e-learning platform, students can download materials, experimental manual, submit experiment report and online discussion without time and environment limit, the circuit simulation tools will help students to pre-experimental, learning characteristics of electronic components and verification of electronic circuit theory. Finally, students use hard-wired circuits and electronic components to implement experiment activities. The purpose of this study is tries to adopt of new technologies to enrich the students’ understanding in filter circle theory of electronic communication and hope students can to assimilate the new technologies as a part of their learning experience.
 

A Learning System of Problem Solving for Creative Products Designing and Manufacturing
Wei-Yuan Dzan, Hsueh-Chih Lin

Abstract: With the approach of 21st century, the world current tends to become informationalized and globalized, and we are facing a significant change in our way of life. Education is closely related to the broadcasting of modern science and production skills. Similarly, the relating instruction and training of vocational education also plays a crucial role in the policy on our national competitiveness. For a designer in the modern market, where PLM is growing fast, it is important to make creative designing efficient and coherent from initial inspiration to final manufacturing, considering product life circle, quality, and value at the same time. 3D designing and manufacturing is one of the best tools to enable creative ideas to come out quickly and effectively
 

Academic Accreditation and Assessment Processes in Higher Education
Aboubekeur Hamdi-Cherif

Abstract: As a lead member in the implementation of a program accreditation and assessment, we report the experience of a three-year long set of processes as implemented in a Computer Science Program in a large public University. In order to get recognition and trustworthiness from the community, Higher Education Institutions and programs of study undergo academic accreditation and assessment processes. These latter, while providing a social status, are meant to acknowledge that accredited institutions or programs are implementing, monitoring and closely following recognized and requested quality criteria issued from common good practice duly certified by accrediting bodies. The paper addresses some issues in academic accreditation and assessment in Higher Education (A3-HE) with special emphasis on computer science / engineering and closelyrelated areas.
 

How to Create a Safe School Environment that Provides a Platform for Excellent School Results and International Business Opportunities? Case Study: Opinmaki
Ilkka Tikanmaki, Tuomo Tuohimaa, Jyri Rajamaki

Abstract: The main aim of this qualitative case study is to provide an improved understanding of the structural characteristics and the dynamic evolution of a safe school environment that provides a platform for excellent school results. Another aim is to analyze how a safe school concept could be seen as an international business opportunity for Finnish companies. The study is based on the results and lessons learned from the ‘Security and Safety in Universities’ project executed 2009-2010, special attention taken how to utilize that knowledge within a new construction production. The evidences of this case study consist of participatory observation, in-depth interviews with different stakeholders and multitude documents. The study shows that a safe school environment concept could be seen as a new service innovation with a huge new global business potential. The results of the study suggest a four years research road map that trails the path of service innovation development supported by new technology solutions.
 

Innovative Multimedia Resources Used in the Music Educational System: D.I.M.A. Experiment
Nelida Nedelcut, Ciprian Gabriel Pop

Abstract: The multimedia application called D.I.M.A. is a multiform medium containing media combinations of video and photo images with texts that can be interactively accessed. Created by an interdisciplinary team within the Gh. Dima Academy of Music in Cluj-Napoca, Romania, the product will provide a pertinent theoretical frame concerning the methodology of registering data which will guide the development of this interdisciplinary domain. The original elements of this research are referring to the intensified technological approach of the national cultural heritage: performance, theoretical concepts and Romanian creations, building an interactive instrument that will facilitate digital access to the use of scientific and cultural resources.
 

Constitutional Principles of the European Legislation and Regulations Regarding Human Rights Ignored in Order to Justify a Questionable Reform
Ioan Ciochina-Barbu, Marius Ciprian Bogea

Abstract: The sustainability of the public pension system can only be achieved by increasing the number of taxpayers, but not by the forced leveling of the old systems of special pensions, but by creating a massive number of new jobs by investing heavily in areas such as agriculture (whose potential is not fully exploited) tourism, road and rail infrastructure, attracting foreign investors, attracting massive funds provided by the European Union, the return to the country of more than 2 millions Romanian who, because of the discouraging policies regarding labor management, were forced to seek employment in other countries etc. Also, to ensure the total independence and impartiality of the judges of the Constitutional Court, we propose lex ferenda that they should no longer be appointed on political criteria, as now, but to be elected by the High Court of Cassation and Justice from among the judges of this court.
 

Reality and Prospects in the Prison Education of Romania
Adrian Lupascu, Nelu Nita

Abstract: As in the European prison systems, the Romanian penitentiary system aims to improve prisoners’ human condition by providing knowledge, by treating various mental disorders and physical development of useful skills necessary for an honest life after release. Re-socialization of prisoners is not achieved by simply applying a prison sentence, but through targeted activities and programs, multidisciplinary, individualized, depending on the needs of people in a state of deprivation of liberty.
 

Theoretical Aspects Regarding Prior Criminal Acts
Marius Ciprian Bogea, Ioan Ciochina-Barbu

Abstract: The preparatory acts are prior criminal activities (they exceed the trial) and not by accident the legislature has placed them chronologically by the general patterns of referral. If the prosecution learns about a complaint or accusation of an offense there isn’t always sufficient data to begin criminal pursuit. For this reason, given the situation quite often encountered in legal practice, in which the data, information, knowledge of the prosecution is incomplete, uncertain or unverified, practical necessity and the need to strengthen the legality of investigative activities required the inclusion in the law of regulations regarding prior acts as the referral can not operate in a vacuum.
 

A Study Programme Model based on the Blended Learning Approach in the Context of the Romanian Academic Environment
Corina Musuroi, Ioana Iacob, Alexandra Spataru

Abstract: This paper aims to describe a modern instructional design in which the instruction is provided by a transnational network of contributors including higher education institutions, as well as institutions from the socio-economic environment of applied, practical, experiential learning. We observed the transformations of the Romanian academic environment, the modifications of the student’s profile and expectations, as a result of the tendency of harmonization with the European educational policies. We propose a model of a study programme based on a partnership agreement between academic institutions and non profit organization in the field of education. This model is a blended learning approach presented with its specificity.
 

Smart Educational Systems and Education Clusters
Lorena Batagan, Catalin Boja

Abstract: Investment and development are the keys of our society. The continuous improvement of the quality and performance of higher education is essential and it requires an effective correlation between all parties involved in the educational system. This can be done by aggregating all involved parties, both public and private, that provide educational services in an education cluster. The paper describes the characteristics of an education cluster and emphasizes the strong relation that must exist between the cluster and the business environment around it. This paper stresses the need to implement a smart system for higher education. Smart educational systems will be a real support for an education cluster, and this will help the development of partnerships between universities and businesses that activate in different industries, constructions, transports, communications, and information technologies.