Larisa Ivascu

Business Model for the University-industry Collaboration in Open Innovation☆

Abstract The present paper proposes a preliminary business model for collaboration between universities and industrial partners (through projects). Imperatives and dimensions of this model are the analysis result of data obtained by observation applied to public information and market research. The study was conducted nationwide. This model is the companies’ response to market demand. This model proposes a general framework for the creation of successful collaboration between universities and businesses. The industrial partners do not necessarily have all the competencies to perform each operation in-house for the development of competitive products. Therefore, collaboration with universities helps them in researching the problems that cannot be solved individually. In this sense, universities could be considered as partners for industries. The analysis undertaken shows that how the two entities, the university and industry collaborate, very much fits with the framework for collaboration shown. Although the open innovation model does not apply significantly and primarily in these entities, there is a high potential for its implementation and the creation of added value.

Impact of Corporate Social Responsibility Practices on the Banking Industry in Romania

Abstract The purpose of this paper is to explore how the corporate social responsibility (CSR) contributes to value creation in the banking industry, and during periods of financial instability. Understanding the key elements of CSR contributes to the fulfillment of the principles of this concept and to the increase of market share, profit and advancement in bank rankings. The present research will be based on the current situation in Romania, being developed a model of CSR applied in Romanian banks. Being in a time of economic instability, the banking industry must make efforts to maintain equilibrium in the financial market. This research can help bank managers to understand what activities to do in the benefit of customers and the community, in order to move towards a sustainable directive. At the end of the research, the findings are presented and the imperatives of the topic discussed.

Conceptualization and Examination of Success Factors in the Banking System

Abstract Banking competition has intensified in recent years, largely due to globalization, technological process and economic instability. The banking system in this context is supplied with considerable challenges, with customers’ characteristics, needs and desires consistent with the current environment (globalization, technological change and economic crisis). It is necessary to identify those features that contribute to the development of competitive advantage. In this sense, this paper shows the results of the analysis of success factors in the banking system. To obtain the results the following methods were used: in-depth questionnaire (for experts), questionnaire (for customers), observation of public information and experimentation by numerous visits conducted. These actions are taken in order to discover and define the characteristics of organizational behavior and clients. The results consist of capitalization and conceptualizing a framework for the features that will underpin the development strategies of the banking system in times of economic instability.

Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment of Products in the Context of Competitiveness

Abstract Sustainability is a concept adopted and approached in public and private organizations as a guiding principle that contributes to organizational development. However, the greatest challenge for organizations is its real implementation and the steps to be taken in this respect. At the same time, another challenge is how this sustainable development performance can be measured (for products and processes). These concepts are addressed in a competitive business environment, where differentiation and attraction of customers are among the main directions of action. In this context, the present paper presents Life cycle sustainability assessment of products in the context of competitiveness. At the end of the paper, an approach for the interpretation of the results obtained from the Life cycle sustainability assessment is presented.

A statistical study on consumer’s perception of sustainable products

Sustainability and sustainable concepts are quite often but not always used correctly. The statistical research on consumer’s perception of sustainable products has tried to identify the level of knowledge regarding the concept of sustainability and sustainable products, the selected criteria concerning the buying decision, the intention of purchasing a sustainable product, main sustainable products preferred by consumers.

Waste Management in the Context of Sustainable Development: Case Study in Romania☆

Abstract Sustainable development has become a central element in the work of national and international companies. From this perspective the focus is more and more on protecting the environment and society. So, waste management is a sensitive area for organizations. The present paper presents the situation of municipal solid waste management (MSW) in Romania, relative to EU requirements. Optimization of waste collection through source separation is mandatory, while the management based on waste land filling must be overcome. In this paper, some aspects are analyzed, related to the technologies used and the amounts collected in relation to the EU.

Modeling the Green Supply Chain in the Context of Sustainable Development

Abstract Sustainable development (SD) requires companies to take into account both the social and environmental consequences within their activities. This paper presents research about green supply chain management and highlight the differences between green supply chain and traditional supply chain management. Then, the paper analyses the sources of the risk in green supply chain according to the SD. Sustainable development has gained much attention in recent years as a “challenge” for all businesses. Finally, paper makes a modeling of the green supply chain in the context of SD and presents an interface tool for risk assessment in the green supply chain.

Smart Sustainable Development Approach and its Implementation in Engineering Organizations

This paper explores the concept of sustainability in engineering systems and proposes a smart conceptual framework for engineering organization development. Sustainability is a critically complex goal for enterprise activity and development. Sustainability in the engineering area requires a comprehensive and continue approach because, a) engineering activities are ubiquitous in society, b) of the high importance of engineering applications in the development of the companies and of the world, and c) technological support becomes imminent in a dynamic economic environment and sustained in large part by technological advances. This paper aims to provide to the engineering environment a smart conceptual framework that establishes links between engineering processes and the concept of sustainable development. The smart conceptual framework combines basic principles of sustainability with the requirements of engineering systems.