THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN FORMS OF BULLYING AND ACADEMIC SUCCESS OF HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS IN THE REGION OF PRISHTINA, KOSOVO

This study investigates the relationship between various forms of bullying and school success among high school students in the Municipality of Prishtina, Kosovo. A total of 204 respondents from six different high schools participated in this research. The study focused on four primary forms of bullying: physical, verbal, social (emotional), racist, sexual, and cyberbullying, and how these experiences influence students’ academic performance, including grade point average (GPA), and attendance. Using a quantitative, cross-sectional research design, data were collected through a structured, selfadministered questionnaire. The results revealed that verbal and social bullying were the most commonly reported forms, and these were significantly associated with lower academic achievement and reduced school engagement. Students exposed to frequent bullying, particularly social and cyber forms, showed a notable decline in motivation, classroom participation, and attendance. The findings emphasize the negative impact of bullying on academic outcomes and highlight the urgent need for targeted interventions in schools. The study concludes that addressing bullying in all its forms is essential for improving students' academic success and creating a safer, more supportive school environment in Prishtina.

Alberina HAMITI - MsC., Faculty of Philosophy University of Tetovo, Northern Macedonia alberina.hamiti@gmail.com

I21, I28, I31, Z18

ELECTRONIC BANKING RISKS: CHALLENGES, SECURITY CONCERNS, AND MITIGATION STRATEGIES

Electronic banking has transformed the financial industry by offering convenient, fast, and cost-effective services to consumers and businesses. However, the digitalization of financial transactions also introduces a range of risks and security concerns. Key challenges include phishing attacks, identity theft, malware, and system vulnerabilities, which can lead to financial loss and erosion of customer trust. Additionally, the rapid evolution of technology and increasing regulatory demands pose significant operational hurdles for banks. This paper explores the major risks associated with electronic banking, highlights the most pressing cybersecurity threats, and examines both technical and administrative strategies to mitigate them. Rapid technological development makes the Internet the best way to provide customers with banking services regardless of time and geographic boundaries. Compared to traditional banking, electronic banking provides ease, convenience and access to their customers so that they can use the banking site for all types of transactions in a secure environment. Customers can interact with the banking site 24 hours a day and seven days a week. Despite the many benefits offered by this service, it remains a double-edged sword and is not used by every customer, because the growing distance between the bank and customers can lead to a lack of trust and increased concerns for safety. A particular risk comes with trying to integrate new channels with existing channels. An important step that banks must take before undertaking any kind of transformation is to ensure that online banking risk is properly addressed. Addressing e-banking risk includes a number of measures that banks and users can take to minimize and manage these risks. The purpose of this chapter is to identify the types of risks associated with electronic banking and to propose some of the main methods for dealing with these risks. These include multi-factor authentication, data encryption, customer awareness programs, and robust regulatory compliance. Addressing these challenges requires a holistic approach that combines technology, policy, and stakeholder collaboration. By strengthening digital security infrastructures and fostering a culture of cyber awareness, financial institutions can better protect their systems and customers in an increasingly digital financial ecosystem.

Sara BIXHAKU - M.sC. ,"Eqrem Çabej" University, Gjirokastra, Albania sarabixhaku@gmail.com, ORCID: 0009-0005-6084-2175

Antoneta POLO - Assoc.Prof.,"Eqrem Çabej" University, Gjirokastra, Albania neta_polo@yahoo.com, ORCID: 0000-0003-2126-5019

Ilirjana ZYBERI - Assoc. Prof.,"Eqrem Çabej" University, Gjirokastra, Albania izyberi@yahoo.com, ORCID 0000-0003-0591-1738

Enkela CACA - Assoc. Prof.,"Eqrem Çabej" University, Gjirokastra, Albania ebabaramo@yahoo.com, ORCID: 0009-0003-8363-9191

G21, D14

THE VIABLE BUSINESS PRACTICE OF OPTIMIZING THE OCCUPATIONAL ACCIDENTS COST: A MICROECONOMIC APPROACH

Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) is a social requirement but enterprises often see it merely as a legal obligation. Occupational accidents impose a significant economic burden on societies, extending beyond medical and compensation costs, as they result in losses due to reduced productivity, social consequences, and a burden on the health and welfare systems of regions. Through a microeconomic analysis, this paper evaluates the cost of occupational accidents and examines the tradeoff between their prevention and recovery components to determine the optimal security level that minimizes the total accident cost. The analysis emphasizes the need for firms to incorporate the costs of occupational accidents into their strategic planning and operations, demonstrating the effectiveness of optimizing these costs as a business practice. The ultimate purpose of this paper is to contribute to the culture that OSH should not be seen as an obligation but as a strategic asset for companies seeking sustainability, as, in the long run, it reduces risks, enhances business profitability, promotes anthropocentric development and life quality, and demonstrates corporate social responsibility. Overall, calculating the total occupational accident cost and choosing the appropriate prevention strategy are elements contributing to a safer, more efficient, and viable working environment.

Serafeim POLYZOS - Professor Emeritus, Department of Regional Development and Planning, University of Thessaly, Volos, Greece spolyzos@uth.gr

Dimitrios TSIOTAS - Assistant Professor, Department of Regional and Economic Development, School of Applied Economics and Social Sciences, Agricultural University of Athens, Amfissa, Greece tsiotas@aua.gr (Corresponding Author)

D50, R00, R13

STAKEHOLDERS` PERCEPTIONS ON CORPORATE ENGAGEMENT IN SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT: INSIGHTS FROM DOMESTIC AND FOREIGN-OWNED CORPORATIONS IN ALBANIA

This research investigates how corporations operating in Albania—both domestic and foreign are engaged in the alignment of their practices with social responsibility and sustainable development goals, viewed through the lens of stakeholders. A quantitative survey was conducted, distributing an online questionnaire to corporate employees and directors, resulting in 42 responses. The sample represents a diverse array of companies across multiple sectors, including production, services, trade, and construction, based in various cities throughout Albania. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the study investigates the influence of four key pillars on corporate alignment with Sustainable Economic Development Goals and Practices: Reduction of Carbon Emissions and Supply Chain Management, Inclusion and Community Engagement, Social Investments and Stakeholder Relations, and Transparency, Reporting, and Compliance with Human Rights. The analysis indicates that, based on the perception of employees and directors, transparency, reporting, and compliance with human rights have a positive impact on corporate commitment to social responsibility and sustainable development. These findings are supported by both ordinal regression and ordinal logistic regression models. This study offers valuable insights that can guide future corporate strategies while addressing existing research gaps, ultimately contributing to the advancement of sustainable development in Albania.

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

Ina SEJDINI - Lecturer, Economics Department, University of Elbasan "Aleksandër Xhuvani", Albania, ina_sejdini@live.com, ORCID:0000-0002-5381-2112

Imelda SEJDINI - Associate Professor, Business Management Department, University of Elbasan "Aleksandër Xhuvani", Albania, imelda.sejdini@yahoo.com, ORCID: 0000-0002-9067-1259

Ina BALUKJA - Assistant Professor, Law Department, University of Elbasan "Aleksandër Xhuvani", Albania, inalvbalukja@gmail.com, ORCID: 0009-0006-1358-297X

D2, G39, Y8