<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">

Several studies on economic transition propose that structural change in developing countries, that involves reallocating from less productive to more productive sectors, might enhance participation in global value chains (GVCs). However, there is a lack of empirical work on this claim. This study explores the factors affecting global value chain (GVC) participation in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region while considering structural transformation from 2000 to 2018. By applying the system GMM empirical research method, we found that structural change significantly contributes to facilitating the position of MENA economies under consideration. Specifically, the service and industry sectors play pivotal roles in these countries. This study also postulates that if we want to strengthen the participation of companies in GVCs, access to the internet, and a high level of education tertiary are necessary Also, environment and policies conducive to investment and direct investment abroad are important. The study posits positive commercial and financial links, and population size as important factors in promoting this position.
</abstract>

The Impact of Structural Transformation on Global Value Chains in the MENA Countries

<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">

This study investigates emigration patterns among healthcare professionals in Bosnia and Herzegovina, examining the underlying reasons for emigration and proposing actionable solutions to curb this trend. A mixed-methods approach is employed, combining quantitative data from surveys administered to medical and health studies students with qualitative insights from interviews with governmental officials, language educators, and statistical agencies. The findings reveal significant dissatisfaction with socio-economic and political conditions, prompting healthcare professionals to seek opportunities abroad. Major reasons for going abroad include political instability, low wages, and poor working conditions, while better pay and career opportunities are attracting factors. While the study is limited by the lack of comprehensive official statistics on emigration, the implications of this research emphasize the need for policy interventions aiming to improve local working conditions and reform educational systems. The study provides valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders to effectively address the issue of brain drain.
</abstract>

Diagnosing the Issue: Understanding and Combating Medical Brain Drain in Bosnia and Herzegovina

<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">

The paper discusses digitising the leading information flows in control activities. The focus is on applying technology and its integration in implementing forms of control. The aim is to argue for practical approaches to minimise information risk in pre-ongoing and post-control to ensure the accuracy and veracity of financial and non-financial information. Evaluating the effectiveness of data ensures integrity, consistency, validity, completeness and timeliness - applying digital risk assessment tools to control activities. To prove the hypotheses, the cross-tabulation method is applied, focusing on the relationship between the use of verification, inspection, audit, revision and supervision, and the digital tools applied in the control institutions implementing financial control in the public sector of the Republic of Bulgaria. The study evaluates the effectiveness of data management practices, emphasizing the importance of maintaining integrity, consistency, validity, completeness, and timeliness. The study acknowledges that the use of advanced digital risk assessment tools could improve the effectiveness of control activities in various areas. The approach supports the sustainability of financial control and is in line with modern management standards, promoting a culture of accountability and precision in the management of public finances.
</abstract>

Application of Digital Tools Assessing Information Risk in the Control Activity

<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">

This study examines the gig economy in Slovenia, with a particular emphasis on the perceived benefits and challenges for gig workers within this emerging labour model. The research aims to capture the implications of flexible, project-based employment in a smaller European context, as this trend becomes increasingly prevalent globally. A quantitative approach was employed to survey 34 gig workers in Slovenia. The survey analysed their demographic characteristics, reasons for engaging in gig work, and the benefits and challenges they experience. In the findings, 64% of respondents specifically identified schedule flexibility as a predominant benefit of gig work. However, it also uncovers substantial challenges, including increased market competition and a lack of social benefits. Moreover, the research suggests that perceptions of the gig work benefits are widely acknowledged across various age groups and educational levels, with no significant variation. Nevertheless, the findings indicate a gender disparity in gig work perceptions, with males perceiving higher levels of financial freedom and professional development than women. This research suggests the need for policies aimed at ensuring equity and further research into harmonizing gig work with supportive labour market policies.
</abstract>

Analysis of Workers’ Perception and Demographic Factors - An Insight Into the Slovenian Gig Economy

<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">

Consumer purchasing power is one of the key determinants of consumer behavior, among other factors. Acceptance of new brands or product line extensions of existing brands is influenced by perceived value. New products can be added to existing product lines by introducing new products within them, or brands can expand horizontally by entering entirely new categories or product lines. Any vertical expansion, whether to a higher or lower level, comes after a price shift and a product quality achievement relative to its base product. While survey-based research provides valuable insights that support the growth of the Premium brand, building a strong relationship with customers, quickly identifying preferences, personalizing the offer and fostering a climate of trust remain its main sources of value. The purpose of the paper is to show the positive relationship that exists between the vertical growth of the brand and the increase in customer loyalty, as shown by the research conducted on a deliberate sample.
</abstract>

Consumer Preferences and Reactions to Brand Expansion

<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">

This article aims to uncover the dimensions or characteristics of corporate governance in the literature of public relations that are also related to communication. We employed a methodological approach based on a systematic review of scientific articles in the field of public relations using the PRISMA method, along with content analysis through axial coding, the use of the Atlas.ti tool, and meta-analysis. After reviewing two major online research databases, Science Direct and Emerald, we narrowed our search to Public Relations Review as the fundamental scientific journal in the field of public relations. We identified 19 communication dimensions of corporate governance, consolidating related concepts into ten. The originality of this research lies in identifying key communication dimensions of corporate governance as an institutional framework for public relations. The research results reinforce the significant role of communication even in the processes of institutionalizing corporate governance.
</abstract>

Dimensions of Corporate Governance in Public Relations Literature: A Systematic Review

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Naše gospodarstvo/Our economy

 Naše gospodarstvo/Our economy – Journal of Contemporary Issues in Economics and Business (NGOE) is a quarterly, double-blind peer reviewed international scientific journal, focusing on economics and business sciences. Scientific articles and review papers provide new insights into the research topics of both disciplines. The journal aims to provide a venue for high quality theoretical and empirical articles that significantly contribute to the disciplines of economic and business sciences.   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Initial paper evaluation   All papers submitted for publication consideration in NGOE are first evaluated by the Editor-in-Chief. Papers which fall outside the aims and scope of the journal or fail to meet the requirements of a scientific research will either be rejected at this initial point or returned to the author for revision. Papers are never accepted by the Editor-in-Chief without the reports of two reviewers, at least.   Plagiarism checking   Papers that pass the initial evaluation stage are subject to a similarity/plagiarism scanning by using a plagiarism screening program. Any paper with a similarity percentage (excluding references) greater than 25 % will be rejected. Manuscripts that pass the initial evaluation stage and have a similarity rate below 25 % proceed to the referee process. All submitted papers are subject to anti-plagiarism control in the iThenticate system.   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Instructions for reviewers   The primary objective of the reviewer's evaluation is to provide sufficient and unambiguous answers to the following questions and also recommendations for possible changes and improvements to the paper:    does the title match the subject of the paper and does the subject of the paper correspond with the area of interest of the journal (according to "Aims and Scope"),   is the Abstract correct, i.e. short but presenting the main results of the researches and conclusions based on these results,   does the Introduction present the subject and the objective of the researches correctly,   are the implemented methods used properly and is the research material sufficient,   are the results described, analyzed, commented on and presented correctly, without repetitions of data in tables and diagrams,   is the discussion presented correctly, based on actual knowledge and with the use of properly chosen scientific literature (as recent as possible),   do the conclusions generalize the obtained results and provide recommendations, which are appropriately prepared on the basis of results and are not merely the repetition of those results,   does the paper introduce new and interesting information and does it have sufficient impact and add to the knowledge base.    The formal evaluation of the paper should include answers to the following questions:    whether the layout and contents of tables and graphs is readable and convenient for recipients   is the information in tables not repeated in graphs and vice versa,   are there no reservations about the length of the paper, its linguistic correctness, the method of citation of the literature and usage of units, etc.?    Reviewers' evaluation   Papers are sent to at least two reviewers assigned by the Editor-in-Chief or Co-editor. The reviewers are chosen according to their expertise. Reviewers are asked to evaluate the manuscript’s originality, methodology, contribution to the literature, presentation of results and support for the conclusions, and appropriate referencing of previous relevant studies. Reviewers may either recommend accepting the manuscript, rejecting the manuscript or may require a revision for content and/or technical issues. When making a final recommendation, the reviewers should clearly state whether the paper is suitable for publication in journal. In the case of a positive answer, the reviewers indicate whether:    it might be accepted without changes,   it might be accepted after minor changes, suggested by the reviewer in the manuscript or in his/her opinion,   it might be accepted after major changes (please indicate them).    The detailed evaluation criteria are outlined in the Paper Review Form.If the reviews are positive they are sent for the reviews to the corresponding author. For a paper to be accepted for publication, two positive reviews are required. In case one reviewer's report is negative while the other is positive, the paper is forwarded to a third reviewer for additional evaluation. When a revision is required by the reviewer, the author(s) are to consider the critical observations and suggestions offered by the referees, and a revised paper should be submitted within a set deadline, otherwise it will be assumed to have been withdrawn. Reviewers may request more than one revision of a paper.   Final evaluation   Based on the corrected versions of the paper and the answers to the reviews the Editors take the final decision as to whether to publish the paper or not.Proofs are sent to the corresponding author and should be returned within the set deadline.Every year a list of Reviewers collaborating with the Editors of the NGOE is shown on the Journal's website when all four issues of the journal have been sent to print.   The data on society or institution responsible for the journal and the country where it is based:   University of Maribor, Faculty of Economics and Business, Slovenia     Publication Frequency   NGOE is published quarterly.   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