ASPECTS OF SERVICE QUALITY AND ECOLABELLING OF ROMANIAN LODGING SERVICES

Tourism has a significant environmental, economic and socio-cultural impact, which makes it important for environmental initiatives.The Rio Earth Summit (1992) was a milestone for these initiatives, having introduced the concept of sustainable development, its major principles and recommendations of implementation. So, the ecological movement grew globally more and more by widely disseminated actions among various bodies as the governments, associations, businesses, academics, NGOs and communities.\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\r\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\nIn European Union eco-labelling scheme, is "a voluntary initiative to promote products and services which have the potential to reduce negative environmental impacts, as compared to the other products and services in the same product or service group, thus contributing to the efficient use of resources and a high level of environmental protection. This shall be pursued through the provision of guidance and accurate, non-deceptive and scientifically based information to consumers on such products and services". In fact this is official approach known as EU-Ecolabel Scheme, launched in 2005.\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\r\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\nIn general, the idea of sustainable development, and eco-attitude of many of the activities carried out in different economic sectors have been encouraged to be certified, and to adopt sustainable practices to improve their environmental practices, and to inform and educate their clients regarding their friendly-environmental policies. The tourism sector adopted all of these.\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\r\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\nOne by one in hospitality industry have emerged new trends, new destinations. Some of these trends are as well connected to environmental policy, eco-initiatives that certify EMS (Environmental Management System) and to use of eco-label in hospitality industry.\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\r\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\nFor years, the tourism sector in Romania was declared a strategic sector. Within this framework, we decided to examine this area, the specific topic of eco-labelling and quality of lodging services in Romania. \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\r\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\nThis paper proposes a short examination by observation of studies dedicated to lodging eco-label services and their quality based on a comparative analysis between Romanian supply of tourism \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\"green services\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\" and international one.\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\r\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\nThis study has as a result a synthetic perspective on eco-label services and some aspects on the state of art of this topic in Romanian and international context of lodging services.\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\r\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\nenvironmental policy, environmental management system, tourism, lodging services, quality of services, eco-labelling, Romania

TEN KEY CONCEPTS AND THE SUCCESS OF ROMANIAN ORGANIZATIONS

This paper is focused on ten key concepts which influence the success of the organizations at the beginning of XXI century. The great changes generated by globalization determine firms to be more competitive. This means that we have to focus on: mission, leadership, emotional intelligence, innovation, organizational culture, human resources, total quality management, ethics, conflict management, brand, and the value offered to the clients.leadership, organizational culture, human resources management

Empirical analysis of the correlation between fiscality rate-GDP-tax incomes. Romania's case

In the specialized literature it is reviewed the taxation from all points of view and the question raised by the last decade analysts is: what is the optimum level of taxation? The difficulty in answering to this question stands in the opposite interests : state wants a high level of taxation due to the increasing trend of public expenses while the tax payers wants a low level in order to benefit of greater financial funds. Starting from Laffer theory, the objective of this paper is the empirical analyze of the correlation between fiscality rate, GDP and the fiscal incomes in Romania, using Matlab program and SPSS software. The paper is structured in 3 parts: first part it is review the specialized literature, in the second part is described the research methodology while the third part compound results and discussions. The paper is finished by conclusions.empirical analysis, fiscality rate, GDP, tax incomes

The Otherness in the Mentalities of the Romanian People

The hypothesis from which we start our approach is the distinction between us(Romanians) and the other which is strongly felt, for better or for worse. What we propose in thispaper is to perform an analysis of the different values identifiable in the national mythology, such ashospitality, tolerance, and also an analysis of the rejection behavior of the foreigner, either in thecontext of traditional societies and isolated by the historical conditions or in a community open to theworld, motivated by the desire to integrate. We also intend to study some of the other hypostasesoutside and inside the “fortress”, as friend, as enemy, under an obsession of foreignness and acompetition of rights. Throughout the paper we argue about the significant role of misinformation andmanipulation in building the mythology of the other in the social and historical imaginary of theRomanian people. The bottom line is that it is necessary to achieve a balance and a nuance in theevaluation of the Romanians in relation to others, and also a permanent opening towards a permanentreconfiguration of the relationships between us and the others

INNOVATIVE PRACTICES IN TOURISM. APOSSIBLE MODEL BY FOSTERING SHADOW FACTORS

The paper is the result of an empirical research, a study that includes a theoretical framework. The data used to test our hypotheses come from 60 small tourism firms from Bihor County, Romania. The research conducted has revealed that actions focusing on innovation must be based on a solid analysis, supported by the knowledge and the understanding of the contextual factors (environment, culture as a mental programming, values) also based on the organizational factors (the management commitment, systemic perspective, learning and practice of experimentation, rapid transfer of knowledge within the organization). For the purpose of this work, the contextual factors that are exogenous represent the shadow factors. The studies performed in three European projects implemented in tourism SMEs of Bihor County have allowed us to advance the idea that contextual and organizational factors, that are identified as the source of innovation are based on rationality, which is enlarged by affectivity and imagination. The identified correlations may be considered, in our opinion an element of novelty and originality. Finally, the purpose of this paper is to provide a possible model, based on the idea of building an innovative firm, the one that has learned how to determine their own employees to be innovative. O03, L2, L2

NIVELUL DE SERVIRE A CLIENTILOR DIN PERSPECTICA LOGISTICII

Although most senior manager agree that customer service is important, they find it difficult to explain exactly what it is and does. However we have identified three facets of customer service: customer service as (1) an activity, (2) performance level and (3) management philosophy. Corroborating these dimensions, this paper argues that excellent customer service is to add value for all members of the supply chain. The need for viewing logistical requirements across time can be illustrated using the product life-cycle framework The paper identifies the three facets of customer service: availability of goods, operational performance and service quality. The paper concludes that in order to implement a basic service platform, it is necessary to specify the level of basic service commitment to customers and performance at a level above basic service represent extra commitment justified by the unique business situation.life-cycle of products, logistics, client service

TOURISTISCHE DIENSTLEISTUNGEN IN RUMENIEN UND EINIGE ETHISCHE ASPEKTE DES KONSUMENTENSCHUTZES

The paper deals with the protection of consumers of touristic services as well as some of its ethical aspects, it is a part of a more ample study. The assurance of the protection of consumer begin since information phase, it continues with his transport and with the situations that can appears once he arrived at destination. Ethical issues that are likely to come up in the area of tourist services are multiple. The main domains that can generate ethical problems are going to be presented are: problems regarding the product, publicity, actual performing, the price, and distribution.Rad govori o zaštiti potrošača turističkih usluga i o nekim njihovim etičkim aspektima, a dio je opsežnije studije. Osiguravanje zaštite potrošača počinje s fazom informiranja, nastavlja se transportom potrošača i situacijom koju on po svom dolasku nalazi na mjestu destinacije. Mnogobrojni su etički problemi, koji se mogu pojaviti na području turističkih usluga. Glavna područja, koja mogu stvarati etičke probleme su: problemi u svezi proizvoda, reklama, nova izvedba, cijena i distribucija.In dieser Arbeit, welche zugleich Teil einer umfangreicheren Studie ist, wird der Konsumentenschutz der touristischen Dienstleistungen und einige ethische Aspekte dargestellt. Der Konsumentenschutz beginnt mit der Informierungsphase, setzt sich fort mit dem Transport der Konsumenten und mit der Situation, welche der Kunde nach seiner Ankunft in der Destination vorfindet. Die ethischen Probleme, welche im Bereich der touristischen Dienstleistungen erscheinen können sind zahlreich. Die Hauptbereiche, welche die ethischen Probleme hervorrufen können werden hier vorgestellt: Probleme bezüglich des Produktes, die Werbung, neue Ausarbeitung, der Preis und der Warenvertrieb

Challenging Issues in Hepatic Adenoma

Hepatic adenoma is known as a benign lesion encountered mainly in female patients and classically linked to the administration of oral contraceptives. In the last decade, the risk factors for its occurrence have changed and so did the sex ratio. The histopathological classification of hepatic adenomas was found to be related with certain genetic mutations that determine the risk for malignancy. The diagnosis of hepatic tumor is correlated with clinical and imaging data in an effort not only to rule out other tumors but also to distinguish the subtype of adenoma, which is very important for the management of the patient. The ultimate diagnosis is established by pathologists by routine histopathological and specific immunohistochemical staining. There are two major issues that pathologists need to recognize: the presence of β-catenin gene mutation and/or malignant degeneration. The best imaging examination is considered to be MRI. However, along with MRI, ultrasound and computer tomography have proved themselves to be effective not only in evaluating the number, size, localization, and complications of hepatic adenomas, but also in identifying their subtype. A detailed presentation of characteristics of all groups of hepatic adenoma is provided. The means of management of hepatic adenomas are documented and decisional algorithm is explained, based on certain criteria

LONG-TERM PROGNOSIS AND MODES OF DEATH IN HEART FAILURE PATIENTS WITH REDUCED VERSUS PRESERVED LEFT VENTRICULAR SYSTOLIC FUNCTION

Background: There are conflicting reports regarding the prognosis of heart failure patients with preserved (HFPSF) comparative to reduced systolic left ventricular function (HFRSF). We evaluated the clinical characteristics, mortality rates and modes of death in 309 consecutive symptomatic heart failure patients. In 133(56%) patients LVEF was <50% (HFRSF), and in 133 (44%), LVEF was ≥50% (HFPSF). Methods: Three hundred nine consecutive patients hospitalized between January 1, 2009 and January 1, 2010 (176 men and 133 women, mean age 64.3 years) were followed up for a mean period of 23±14 months. The severity of symptoms at admission was assessed by NYHA classification. 196 patients were in NYHA class I-II, and 113 in III–IV. All patients underwent chest X-ray, echocardiogram, and a 6-minute walking test. We compared the clinical profiles, mortality rates and modes of death. Results: More than a third (44%) of the patients had preserved systolic LVEF based on echocardiography. Compared to the HFPSF group, HFRSF patients were predominantly younger males with ischemic aetiology and less cardiovascular comorbidities such as obesity, hypertension, diabetes mellitus and atrial fibrillation. During a mean follow-up period of 1.9 years, 22 (7.1%) patients died: 14 of cardiac causes and 8 of non-cardiac causes (4 of respiratory causes, 2 of stroke, 1 of major bleeding and 1 of cancer). Overall mortality was similar between the two groups: 8 (6%) in HFPSF patients and 14 (7.9%) in HFRSF patients (p=0.67). HFRSF patients had higher death rates due to pump failure compared to the HFPSF group [ 5/14(36%) vs. 1/8(12%) patients, p=0.5]. Non-cardiac deaths were more frequent in HFPSF group [4/8 (50%) patients vs. 4/14(28%) patients, respectively, p=0.5]. The prevalence of arrhythmic death was similar in the two groups [5/14(36%) vs.3/8(37%) patients, p=0.6]. With Cox stepwise regression analysis for survival, the independent predictors for mortality were age, gender, ischemic etiology of heart failure and renal impairment. Conclusions: Although the characteristics of HFPSF and SHF patients are different, the mortality rates were similar in our study. The mode of death was different among the two groups of patients, as pump failure death rate was higher in patients with LVEF <50%, while non-cardiac death was higher in heart failure patients with preserved systolic function. The differences were not statistically significant. A high NYHA class at admission, age over 65, male gender and renal impairment were related to a worse prognosis

THE IMPACT OF HYPERTENSION AND ASSOCIATED COMORBIDITIES ON QUALITY OF LIFE ASSESSMENT QUESTIONNAIRE SF-36 V2

Abstract Hypertension is a common cardiovascular disease insufficiently treated and monitored due to nonspecific symptomatology. Untreated hypertension causes cardiovascular complications: coronary artery disease, heart failure or stroke which, alongside other comorbidities affect the patients' family, social and professional life Using SF-36 v2 quality of life assessment questionnaire, the present study aimed to analyze the influence the pathologies associated with hypertensive disease have on areas that make up its physical and psychosocial functions and its impact on patients' daily activities. This could help to improve the quality of health services in optimizing the adherence of the patients to the treatment. The study compared the quality of life indicators between the group of patients and a control group comprising healthy individuals. Comparing the scores obtained by the two groups, lower values in all subdomains were found for the study group compared with control group. The regression analysis showed that strong negative impact pathologies in all areas were heart failure, coronary heart disease, diabetes and anemia. The other pathologies differently influenced the physical and psychosocial functions. Rezumat Hipertensiunea arterială reprezintă patologia cardiovasculară cu incidenţa cea mai mare în populaţie datorită faptului că este insuficient tratată şi monitorizată. Netratată FARMACIA, 2013, Vol. 61, 3 504 cauzează complicaţii cardio-vasculare: boala coronariană, insuficienţă cardiacă, accidente vasculare ischemice care afectează pacientul din punct de vedere familial, social şi professional. Studiul de faţă a avut ca scop compararea şi interpretarea indicilor de calitate a vieţii între lotul de pacienţi şi un lot martor care cuprinde indivizi sănătoşi. S-a observat că, la lotul de pacienţi valorile tuturor scorurilor sunt inferioare celor de la lotul martor, iar analiza de regresie a demonstrat impactul negativ puternic pe care îl prezintă insuficienţa cardiacă, boala coronariană, diabetul şi anemia asupra indicilor de evaluare a calităţii vieţii. Scopul unei astfel de analize este acela de a ameliora calitatea vieţii pacienţilor prin optimizarea schemelor terapeutice şi îmbunătăţirea complianţei