Differences between franchise and professional service businesses

Franczyza w perspektywie usług profesjonalnych

Author(s): Marek Gnusowski / Language(s): Polish / Issue: 354/2014

Keywords: franchising; professional services; relationship marketing

Polish franchise market grows dynamically and it is mainly visible in services sector. However, franchising is not a popular business concept among professional services firms. Therefore, basic differences between franchise and professional service businesses will be highlighted in the paper. These differences are due to marketing orientation, knowledge management, forms of promotion and quality management implications.

Services of general economic interest in the light of the European Union competition policy in the years 2009-2011

Usługi świadczone w ogólnym interesie gospodarczym w świetle polityki konkurencji Unii Europejskiej w latach 2009-2011

Author(s): Krzysztof Rutkiewicz / Language(s): Persian / Issue: 354/2014

Keywords: Services of General Economic Interest; state aid; competition policy; European Union

Legal and economic aspects of Services of General Economic Interest in EU were discussed. Theoretical and empirical information came from European Commission and Office of Competition and Consumer Protection. Main beneficiaries of state aid in 2009-2011 were: United Kingdom (tenement housing sector, air transport), Latvia (waste and water services), Czech Republic (hospitals), Slovenia (long-term care), Slovakia (health centers, public broadcasting), Spain (hospitals, maritime transport). Poland supported sectors of transport (47%), energy (27%), waste and water management (10%), natural gas (8%). Clash between competition policy principles and priorities of EU entails the process of sectors’ liberalization determined by socio-economic and political factors, such as technological progress and a level of Member States’ economic development.

The customer perception of their participation in the process of creation of the quality of services

Postrzeganie przez klienta jego udziału w procesie kształtowania jakości usług

Author(s): Agata Jonas / Language(s): Polish / Issue: 354/2014

Keywords: value co-creation; service dominance logic; service quality; customer participa¬tion

In accordance with the concept of service dominance logic, a client is the co-creator of value of acquired tangible asset . One of the basic characteristics of resources affecting the value of a product or service is their quality. In the context of value co-creation the quality of the resources provided by the customer is just as important as the quality of products and services (resources) provided by the manufacturer (supplier). Therefore the final quality of service does not only depend upon the service provider. Quality of services shall be assessed by the technical quality (result) and functional quality (rating of service process). The following article contains a presentation of the results of research on the customer opinions about their participation in the process of service sectors and the impact on the shape and course of the service.

Perception of certificates of competence in the field of management systems by the students of Gdynia Maritime University

Postrzeganie przez studentów Akademii Morskiej w Gdyni certyfikatów kompetencji z zakresu systemów zarządzania

Author(s): Joanna Wierzowiecka / Language(s): Polish / Issue: 354/2014

Keywords: education; management systems; educational services; certificates of competence

The aim of this article is to identify the factors influencing the Gdynia Maritime University students to take voluntary exams in the field of standardized management systems. The students receive certificates issued by the Polish Center for Testing and Certification after passing these exams. The article presents the types of certificates obtainable at the university, organization of education, as well as the Polish Center for Testing and Certification requirements for the university as an organizer of education in this field. In addition, there has been presented the analysis of data from the survey conducted among the students of Commodity Science and Quality Management speciality who have already received or will soon accede to obtain the PCBC S.A. certificates.

Implementation of CSR strategy in a small company − challenges and good practices

Wdrożenie strategii CSR w małej firmie – wyzwania i dobre praktyki

Author(s): Rafał Szymański / Language(s): Polish / Issue: 354/2014

Keywords: CSR; SME; innovation; efficiency

The article describes a case study of the strategy of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) implementation in small business services. It presents the theory of CSR in the context of the company’s efforts to implement this strategy. It also describes pre-implementation work, then the implementation and challenges (difficulties) that are encountered in these processes. Finally, the paper provides the examples of good practices observed during the implementation, which can be an inspiration to other organizations on the threshold of the work of implementing CSR strategies.

Services promotion on group buying portals – case study

Promocja usług na portalach zakupów grupowych – studium przypadku

Author(s): Andrzej Szymkowiak / Language(s): Polish / Issue: 354/2014

Keywords: Internet marketing; sales promotion; online promotion; group buying portals

This article is about the advisability of services for different purposes using group buying portals by service providers. Group buying portals as a tool of Internet marketing are used in a heterogeneous manner. In this text, based on in-depth interviews as well as primary and secondary data, the author characterizes three main groups of causes which determine the willingness to use group buying portals by service providers. In the first part the author identifies the business model of group buying sites, then points to the potential benefits for recipients of using this type of Internet marketing tools on the example of various services providers. The case studies relate in many respects to exceptional offers and different service providers.

Open online educational services – an opportunity or a threat to the modern education?

Elektroniczne otwarte usługi edukacyjne – szansa czy zagrożenie dla współczesnej edukacji

Author(s): Anita Proszowska / Language(s): Polish / Issue: 354/2014

Keywords: e-learning; MOOC; m-learning; online education services

The aim of this article is to present current trends in online education and to show the opportunities and risks resulting from this kind of education. The starting point is the characteristics of e-learning, massive open online courses and m-learning. In the next part the Brainly.com portal is described as an example of a global provider of open online education services using the latest technologies to meet the educational needs of its clients. A summary of the article is to evaluate the opportunities and risks for the educational system resulting from the fact of existence of described trends and changes in this sector.

Development of universities resulting from the engagement in lifelong learning

Rozwój uczelni poprzez wzrost aktywności w obszarze kształcenia ustawicznego

Author(s): Urszula Załuska,Dorota Kwiatkowska-Ciotucha / Language(s): Polish / Issue: 354/2014

Keywords: lifelong learning; the European Social Fund; the Human Capital Operational Pro¬gramme; university ranking

This paper deals with activities in the area of lifelong learning undertaken by Polish universities and the related issues. On the basis of practices of the Wrocław University of Economics, factors vital to the success of a university, as far the area of LLL is concerned, are presented. The ideas demonstrated in this paper are illustrated with the results of primary research (quantitative and qualitative) led in 2013 by the Department of Development Projects, a unit of the Wrocław University of Economics. The university ranking in the area of LLL is an original concept of the authors of this paper.

Perceived teaching effects at the university and their causes. Quality exploration research

Postrzegane efekty kształcenia na uniwersytecie i ich przyczyny: jakościowe badanie eksploracyjne

Author(s): Aleksandra Całka,Ryszard Kłeczek / Language(s): Polish / Issue: 354/2014

Keywords: teaching effects; university; qualitative research

The goal of the article is to contribute to the answer to a question: how students of university perceive teaching effects and features of didactic activities that lead to their creation. The authors performed qualitative research in which, based on the statement of the students of the last but one semester of management tried to find repeated patterns of the relationship between teaching effects and their causes. Four replicable patterns were found. The authors presented their own interpretation of the research results, managerial implications and hints for future research of the problem.

Importance of product innovation in services

Znaczenie innowacji produktowych w usługach

Author(s): Elżbieta Skąpska / Language(s): Polish / Issue: 354/2014

Keywords: product innovations; services; services

Technological “dynamic changes”, which include product innovations, the deepest penetrate services that belong to a technical infrastructure subsystem. However, they do not represent the whole field of services. The major part of the market belongs to services that do not require advanced technology and specialized knowledge and skills. Intense changes and modifications of products affect, among others, the time of awaiting for service, the number of clients being attended to and the costs of maintaining the business establishment. The goal of the article is to define the importance of Polish enterprises introducing product innovations in service business through the means of analysis and synthesis. While synthesizing the analyzed data, one easily notices that the Polish service enterprises are, most of the time, willing to base their innovation activity on changes of organizational nature thus underestimating the introduction of the product innovations.

The measurement of quality of educational services with the use of Kano method

Pomiar jakości usług edukacyjnych z wykorzystaniem metody Kano

Author(s): Piotr Grudowski,Małgorzata Z. Wiśniewska,Ewa Malinowska / Language(s): Polish / Issue: 354/2014

Keywords: quality; educational services; Kano method

Quality is an important factor in organizational performance, including educational institutions. It should be a subject of systematic measurement, aimed at determining the degree of satisfaction from products. There are many methods for measuring the quality of services. This article presents an attempt to identify the characteristics of the quality of educational services provided at the Faculty of Management at the University of Gdansk, with the use of one of such methods, so-called the Kano method. The survey was conducted in November 2013. The results also included the impact of individual characteristics on the level of the total satisfaction and dissatisfaction from the offered service.

European funds as a determinant of development of tourist enterprises

Fundusze europejskie jako determinanta rozwoju przedsiębiorstw turystycznych

Author(s): Aleksander Panasiuk / Language(s): Polish / Issue: 354/2014

Keywords: European funds; tourism economy; tourist company

Cooperation between public administration and tourism enterprises constitutes a very core of tourism economy. One of the tools used by public administration in expanding tourism destinations is the usage of EU-funds. The papers deals with the place of tourism enterprises in the structure of tourism economy and identifies EU tourism-related funds. The results of research conducted in two Polish provinces covering the usage of EU tourism- -related funds are subsequently presented. The financial perspective 2007-2013 has been adopted. The research covers projects undertook by the activities of both tourism enterprises and public administration. On the one hand the possibility of obtaining EU funds determines the development of tourism enterprises and on the other enriches a total tourism product of a destination.

Services sector in the contemporary economyin Poland and in the world

Sektor usług we współczesnej gospodarce w Polsce i na świecie

Author(s): Anna Drapińska / Language(s): Polish / Issue: 354/2014

Keywords: services sector; development; economy

The services sector plays an increasingly important role in the global economy and in the economies of individual countries. Polish economy is undergoing transformation as well. The purpose of this paper is to present the state and development of the services sector in recent years in Poland against other selected countries in the world. The most important indicators of Polish services sector (such as the number of employees, or the participation in gross value added) were characterized. The structure of the Polish services sector was also shown. The situation was compared to selected countries.

Training services offered by universities of economics – opportunities and market challenges

Usługi szkoleniowe uczelni ekonomicznych – możliwości i wyzwania rynkowe

Author(s): Magdalena Daszkiewicz,Sylwia Wrona / Language(s): Polish / Issue: 354/2014

Keywords: lifelong learning; training services; competence development; college educatio¬nal offer

In most countries of the European Union continuous education is synonymous with the concept of learning throughout life (lifelong learning). Its essence expresses the notion that it covers the whole human life and serves its development. Lifelong learning covers complex educational processes which enable continuous replenishment of knowledge and skills and adapting to changing circumstances. This learning is focused both on the individual development (including professional), as well as social development of all forms and in all contexts – including using educational offer of colleges and universities. The purpose of this article is to identify opportunities and challenges associated with the area of lifelong learning at universities of economics, in particular those which relate to training services. Reflections on raising the competence of adults have been supported by results of the survey concerning preferences of training recipients, including perceived benefits and their views on the trainings offered by universities against the background of competing bids. Based on the results of the studies the authors formulate preliminary conclusions regarding possible sources of competitive advantage and the development of university training offer.

SUMAR – CONTENTS – SOMMAIRE – INHALT

SUMAR – CONTENTS – SOMMAIRE – INHALT

Author(s): Sergiu Mișcoiu,Ladislau Gyémánt / Language(s): French / Issue: 2/2008

contents of studia 2/2008

RETURN Of AN EXPERIMENT EXCEPT STANDARD: THE JURE/SOCIOLOGUE IN COURT OF ASSIZES

RETOUR D’UNE EXPERIENCE HORS NORME: LE JURE/SOCIOLOGUE EN COUR D’ASSISES 

Author(s): Sébastien Jakubowski / Language(s): French / Issue: 2/2008

Keywords: experience; courts; law; sociology; jury

The object of this paper is to give an account in a descriptive and analytical manner the legal experience as selected members n a jury of assizes of two sociologists. Delivered testimony shows the epistemological difficulties for juror to become again sociologist at the time of the lawsuits. Anyhow the authors decipher the selection process of the jury, question the status of the proof and the credibility of the experts and point the influence exerted on the jury at the time ofdeliberation. This article is a contribution to the debate but does not claim to draw general laws from these singular experiences.

NEW FEATURES OF THE PROBLEM OF SOVEREIGNTY AFTER THE CHANGE RECENT IN THE INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION FOR THE DEVELOPMENT

NOUVEAUX TRAITS DU PROBLEME DE LA SOUVERAINETE APRES LES CHANGEMENT RECENTS DANS LA COOPERATION INTERNATIONALE POUR LE DEVELOPEMENT  

Author(s): Alexander González  Chevarria / Language(s): French / Issue: 2/2008

Keywords: sovereignty; Latin America; cooperation; development; international relations

Building upon the concepts of sovereignty, interdependence, risk and governance, I propose in this article a mechanism to formalize the effect of the recent changes in the system of international cooperationfor development upon the function of government in the aid recipient countries, which raises new dimensions in the debates around the problem of sovereignty.  

PROTECTION AND MANAGEMENT OF ARCHITECTURAL AND CULTURAL HERITAGE IN F.Y.R.O.M. TODAY: AN ATTEMPT AT PROMOTINGTHE EUROPEAN PERSPECTIVE 

PROTECTION AND MANAGEMENT OF ARCHITECTURAL AND CULTURAL HERITAGE IN F.Y.R.O.M. TODAY: AN ATTEMPT AT PROMOTINGTHE EUROPEAN PERSPECTIVE 

Author(s): Eleni  Gavra,Georgia  Gemenetzi / Language(s): English / Issue: 2/2008

Keywords: architecture; heritage; management; Europe; Macedonia

F.Y.R.O.M. is an independent country since 1991, after the collapse of Yugoslav Federation and today attempts to forward its integration to the European Community. In the context of its reconstruction as a state with European perspective, ventures the reorganization of cultural sector, the re-expression and harmonization of the principles of protection and management of cultural heritage and, also, of the cultural legislation, with the directions and the institutional framework of European Union.

PERSPECTIVE NEW FOR THE HISTORIOGRAPHY ON THE EBRAISMO IN MODERN AGE

NUOVE PROSPETTIVE PER LA STORIOGRAFIA SULL’EBRAISMO IN ETÀ MODERNA 

Author(s): Alberto  Castaldini / Language(s): Italian / Issue: 2/2008

Keywords: historiography; Jews; ideology; modernity; research 

Cultural and ideological factors influence the historiographical research on the Jewish presence in Italy and Europe. The dramatic experiences in the recent Jewish history make up a further filter for reconstructing and reading the past. But in this way the aims of historiography, whose ideal should be a perfect synthesis of historical research and story, are not always observed. The historian of the Hebraism has therefore a very important role in defining correct interpretative categories in this domainof research 

BOOK REVIEW

BOOK REVIEW

Author(s): Raphaëlle  Chargois / Language(s): French / Issue: 2/2008

Né en 1874, d'origine polonaise, Ernst Cassirer fut l'un des penseurs emblématiques du courant que l'on baptisa "néo-kantien". Très tôt venu étudier la philosophie, l'histoire de l'art et la littérature allemande dans le pays de Schiller et Goethe à Berlin, Leipzig et Heidelberg, il suit en 1896 les cours d'Hermann Cohen à l'université de Marburg. Celui-ci exercera une grande influence sur la philosophie de Cassirer, également marquée par l'oeuvre de Kant, dont il fut un grand lecteur, et par la période historico-intellectuelle des Lumières, qui le fascina. Nommé en 1919 professeur titulaire d'une chaire de philosophie à l'université de Hambourg, Cassirer y enseigne durant quatorze ans. Cependant, l'avènement du national-socialisme et les menaces qui pèsent sur lui de par ses origines juives l'obligent en 1933 à quitter ce poste pour enseigner en Angleterre, à Oxford ; puis à Göteborg en Suède ; avant de s'installer aux États-Unis en 1941, dispensant alors ses cours dans les prestigieuses universités de Yale, puis de Columbia jusqu'à son décès en 1945.