SOCIAL AND TERRITORIAL IMPACTS OF THE INTEGRATED PARTICIPATION PROGRAMME IN BELA VISTA

This study examines the impact and effectiveness of the Integrated Participation and Development Programme “Our Neighbourhood, Our City”, implemented by the Municipality of Setúbal in the city’s public housing neighbourhoods. The research specifically focuses on residents’ perceptions of the programme’s outcomes, emphasising improvements in the neighbourhoods’ public image, quality of life, and social cohesion. A mixed-methods approach was adopted to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the programme’s effects. The methodology combined strategic tools such as SWOT analysis and problem tree construction with empirical instruments, including a questionnaire administered to 129 residents and a focus group involving representatives from the different neighbourhoods. This triangulation allowed both quantitative and qualitative insights into the social, symbolic, and relational transformations generated by the programme. The findings indicate that 93% of respondents recognised the programme’s contribution to enhancing the neighbourhoods’ image, with significant improvements noted in neighbourly relations, communication between residents, perceived safety, and the maintenance of shared spaces. Cultural, educational, and health-related initiatives were also perceived as positively impacting community life. The programme demonstrates a capacity to strengthen social cohesion, foster community engagement, and promote a sense of collective responsibility among residents. Overall, the research concludes that the programme represents a best practice in social intervention, highlighting the decisive role of community participation in transforming territories historically marked by stigmatisation and social exclusion.

Susana PESCADA - Professor Assistant, Universidade do Algarve, CinTurs - Research Center for Tourism Sustainability and Well-being, Portugal, spescada@ualg.pt

Liliana CORREIA - Professor Assistant, Universidade do Algarve, Portugal, lcorrela@ualg.pt

Fernando TEIXEIRA - Professor Assistant, Instituto Politécnico de Beja, Ci2 - Smart Cities Research Center – IPT, Portugal, fernando.teixeira@ipbeja.pt

Filipos RUXHO, - Professor Assistant, Department of Business and Management Universum International College, Kosovo, filip.ruxho@universum-ks.org (Corresponding Author)

R10, R50

BUDGET DEFICIT - ITS IMPACT ON THE ALBANIAN REGIONAL ECONOMY AND SOME FACTORS THAT HAS INFLUENCE

A budget deficit is a financial situation where the government's expenditures exceed its revenues for a specified period, usually a fiscal year. Albania recorded a Government Budget deficit equal to 1.40 percent of the country's Gross Domestic Product in 2023. Government Budget in Albania averaged -5.58 percent of GDP from 1993 until 2023, reaching an all time high of -1.40 percent of GDP in 2023 and a record low of - 12.60 percent of GDP in 1997. This deficit must be financed from other sources, often through borrowing. The budget deficit is a common phenomenon in modern economies, but when it is persistent and high, it can create major challenges for a country 's economy. The study of the budget deficit is essential to understand the fiscal health of an economy and to assess its effects on various macroeconomic variables, such as economic growth, inflation, and unemployment. In particular, persistent deficits can lead to a sustainable public debt that can limit a country's ability to finance public services and invest in long-term development. The purpose of this topic is to analyze in depth the budget deficit, the causes that lead to its creation, and the impact it has on a country's economy. This includes an examination of the factors that influence the budget deficit and the strategies that can be used to manage and reduce it. Through case studies, concrete examples from different countries will be examined to illustrate the impacts and possible solutions. In conclusion, this paper aims to provide practical recommendations for policy makers and researchers to improve fiscal management and reduce the negative impacts of the budget deficit. in economics.

Ismet VOKA - Professor Assistatn, Departament of Economics, University Business College, Tirana, Albania. is-voka@hotmail.com

Rezart DIBRA - Professor Assistant, Departament of Economics, University Business College, Tirana, Albania. rezartdibra@yahoo.com

E60, F10, G10, R10

INTEGRATING FINANCIAL AND ORGANIZATIONAL DRIVERS IN SME DEBT DYNAMICS: INSIGHTS FROM RADIAL BASIS FUNCTION ANALYSIS

This study applies Radial Basis Function (RBF) models to analyze the determinants of SME debt structures among 132 firms, integrating quantitative and qualitative variables. The RBF approach reveals that both financial performance and organizational behavior significantly influence leverage and debt accessibility. Non-performing borrowers exhibit higher leverage and lower operational efficiency, while performing firms demonstrate stronger liquidity and asset utilization. Equity origin and gender-based management differences shape debt behavior, with national firms favoring longterm domestic debt and female or mixed ownership maintaining higher security margins. RBF models identify key predictors of short-term debt—such as ROA, ROE, and asset turnover—and long-term debt, including profitability ratios, tangibility, equity structure, and firm size. Layer-specific correlations highlight the multidimensional interaction between firm characteristics and financing patterns. Overall, RBF analysis enhances understanding of SME debt dynamics, providing actionable insights for financial governance, risk management, and policy formulation.

Ardita TODRI - Associate Professor, Finance and Accounting Department, University of Elbasan "Aleksandër Xhuvani", ardita.todri@gmail.com, ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3825-0780

Petraq PAPAJORGJI - Emeritus Professor, Moore Albania Shpk, petraq@gmail.com, ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3833-5215

M2, M29, M49

SAFETY CULTURE AND CONTINUING CARE

The COVID-19 pandemic, which began in 2020, placed immense pressure on healthcare systems worldwide, including the National Health Service and the National Network for Integrated Continuing Care. In this context, the management of safety culture in healthcare has gained particular relevance, although it remains relatively underexplored in Portugal. This study aimed to analyse the importance of safety culture management within an Integrated Continuing Care Unit, identifying good practices, factors associated with organisational learning, and the occurrence of adverse events. It is a single case study of an exploratory and descriptive nature, based on document analysis of institutional standards and reports, interviews conducted at various management levels, and questionnaires administered to unit professionals. The results revealed consistency between the analysed documentation, the professionals’ perceptions, and the statements of those responsible for management. Overall, the institution demonstrates a proactive/sustainable level of maturity regarding safety culture. However, priority areas for improvement emerged, particularly in communication and training in occupational health and safety areas significantly affected by the pandemic and its impact on organisational structure and institutional priorities.

Susana PESCADA - Professor Assistant, Universidade do Algarve, Portugal, spescada@ualg.pt

Marta SERRARIO - Professor Assistant, Universidade do Algarve, Portugal mserrario@ualg.pt

Bernardete SEQUEIRA - Professor Assistant, Universidade do Algarve, Portugal, bsequeira@ualg.pt

Fernando TEIXEIRA - Professor Assistant, Instituto Politécnico de Beja, Portugal, fernando.teixeira@ipbeja.pt

Christos Ap. LADIAS - Professor, Regional Science Inquiry Journal, Greece ladias@rsijournal.eu

Filipos RUXHO - Professor Assistant, Departament of Business and Management, Universum International College, powered by Arizona State University, Kosovo, filip.ruxho@universum-ks.org (Corresponding Author)

O10, 047, C21, R11