This study investigates the impact of Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs) on wage dynamics in Slovakia and Slovenia, with a particular emphasis on gender-specific effects in post-Communist emerging markets. By analyzing wage outcomes for male and female workers separately, the research reveals potential disparities in FDIs-driven wage growth. Employing econometric techniques and longitudinal data, the study explores the nuanced relationship between FDIs, wage policies, and economic development over time. A temporal lag in FDIs analysis suggests that Slovakia and Slovenia have experienced differing impacts from past foreign capital flows. In Slovakia, significant correlations indicate persistent FDIs influence and a pronounced effect on gender wage disparities. In Slovenia, more moderate correlations and FDIs volatility suggest a less stable relationship between external investment and wage dynamics. The originality of this research lies in its comparative approach, examining two distinct post-Communist nations and identifying unique country-specific patterns and trends. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of FDI’s role in labor market management and its implications for gender equality in two European emerging economies.

In the perspective of this article, the intercultural influences are viewed through the lens of educational benefits likely to be acquired by students following international socio-educational exchange programs. A model analysis is proposed based on these benefits on students majoring in economic areas, and it has been based on the perspective of influences through education and interaction with different cultures as compared to those of which the individual belongs to, respectively social influence. The research carried out was based on the observations made throughout a five-year period, between 2013 and 2018, regarding the evolution of students participating in the Erasmus programs. The analysis of the international socio-educational experience of people who studied abroad at a foreign university for a certain period of time was the starting point to design a research methodology so that the proposed topic could be investigated by collecting, structuring and analysing qualitative data, considering the fact that qualitative data will allow the discovery of associations of features, respectively of the benefits of personal experiences, which can only be analysed and perceived through the lens of points of view of those who experienced them. The qualitative research included the analysis of students in economics majors participating in the Erasmus program during the academic year 2018–2019 at a small university. The interview technique was used and the processing and interpretation of the data was carried out using software specific to qualitative research. The analysis carried out focused on the identification of complex connections underlying in the answers received from the respondents, answers that allowed the outlining of conceptual maps related to the research objectives. The purpose of the analysis was to underline the intercultural influences as perceived throughout four processes: individual internalization, socialization, individualization and humanization. These influences are revealed by the outcome of the research, that is the five conceptual maps that have resulted. These conceptual maps represent a starting point for future similar researches.

The research explores academia and industry experts’ viewpoints regarding the innovative progression of Virtual Reality (VR)-based safety tools customized for technical and vocational education training (TVET) within commercial kitchen contexts. Developing a VR-based safety tools holistic framework is crucial in identifying constructs to mitigate the risks prevalent in commercial kitchens, encompassing physical, chemical, biological, ergonomic, and psychosocial hazards workers encounter. Introducing VR-based safety training represents a proactive strategy to bolster education and training standards, especially given the historically limited attention directed toward workers’ physical and mental well-being in this sector. This study pursues a primary objective: validating a framework for VR-based kitchen safety within TVET’s hospitality programs. In addition to on-site observations, the research conducted semi-structured interviews with 16 participants, including safety training coordinators, food service coordinators, and IT experts. Participants supplemented qualitative insights by completing a 7-Likert scale survey. Utilizing the Fuzzy Delphi technique, seven constructs were delineated. The validation process underscored three pivotal constructs essential for the VR safety framework’s development: VR kitchen design, interactive applications, and hazard identification. These findings significantly affect the hospitality industry’s safety standards and training methodologies within commercial kitchen environments.

Quality human resources will be formed if education focuses on improving students’ skills. Of course, the foundation of education must be quality. Qualified human resources will later be responsible for making Indonesia a good country in all fields. This study aims to examine the effect of applying the REACT learning model (Relating, Experiencing, Applying, Cooperating, Transferring) on learning outcomes and critical thinking skills of students of SMAN 9 KENDARI. Quantitative research method with experimental research type. The research design used was post experimental control design. The research location was at SMAN 9 KENDARI. The instruments used include learning outcomes test and critical thinking skills test. The data obtained were explained using statistical tests to see the differences between the experimental group and the control group in chemistry subjects. The results showed that the application of REACT model significantly improved students’ learning outcomes and critical thinking skills compared to conventional learning methods in chemistry subjects. The findings indicated that the REACT model was effective in improving the quality of learning and developing critical thinking skills of students of SMAN 9 KENDARI, especially in chemistry learning.

The research is focused on the evolution of the enterprises, in the field of specialized professional services, medium-period, enterprises that implemented projects financed within Regional Operational Program (ROP) during the 2007–2013 financial programming period. The analysis of the economic performance of the micro-enterprises corresponds to general objectives, but there can be outlined connections between these performances and other economic indicators that were not considered or followed through the financing program. The study case is focused on the development of micro-enterprises in the services area, in the Central Region, Romania (one of the eight development regions in Romania). The scientific approach for this article was based on a regressive statistical analysis. The analysis included the economic parameters for the enterprises selected, comparing the economic efficiency of these enterprises, during implementation with the economic efficiency after the implementation of the projects, during medium periods, including the sustainability period. The purpose of the research was to analyse the economic efficiency of the selected micro-enterprises, after finalizing the projects’ implementation. The authors intend to point out the need for a managerial instrument based on the economic efficiency of companies that are benefiting from non-reimbursable funds. This instrument should be taken into consideration in planning regional development at the national level, regarding the conditions and results expected. Although the authors used regressive statistical analysis the purpose was to prove that there is a need for additional managerial instruments when the financial allocations are being designed at the regional level. This study follows the interest of the authors in proving that the efficiency of non-reimbursable funds should be analysed distinctively on the activity sectors.