We kindly inform you that, as long as the subject affiliation of our 300.000+ articles is in progress, you might get unsufficient or no results on your third level or second level search. In this case, please broaden your search criteria.

Download

Business Ethics in CEE: Analysis of Research Results

Author(s): Włodzimierz Sroka,Richárd Szántó / Language(s): English Publication Year: 0

Purpose: It is widely acknowledged that if a company wants to be perceived as a reliable business partner and a respected member of the business sector, it should demonstrate a high level of institutionalisation of business ethics principles and practices, and it must practice outstanding ethical behaviour. This is exceptionally true in some controversial industries. The purpose of our study is to identify the scale and scope of the use of these principles and practices in two Central European countries, i.e. Poland and Hungary.Design/methodology/approach: In this study survey methodology was applied. The sample included a group of 48 companies operating in the pharmaceutical, tobacco and alcohol industries (25 Hungarian and 23 Polish ones). Our survey mainly focused on the degree of institutionalisation of business ethics (such as the presence of a code of conduct, an employee appointed to deal with ethical issues, ethical training, and so on), the perceived ethical behaviour of the firms, and their relationship with their key stakeholders.Findings: Our study confirmed that business ethics is regarded as a significant factor, however the scale of this phenomenon varies, across both sectors and countries. The level of institutionalisation is somewhat higher at Hungarian firms, while preventing and handling corruption cases are more at the forefront of Polish companies. Yet, although it seems that stakeholders from Polish firms have greater ethical expectations, we did not observe significant differences between perceived ethical behaviour in the two countries.Research/practical implications: Though the vast majority of the companies observed understand the need for ethical behaviour in business, the apparent unwillingness of respondents to participate in the study was observed. The results achieved may therefore be distorted to some extent. Regular studies, organised e.g. every 5-10 years in the sectors surveyed, would obtain stimulating data showing in which direction the companies from these sectors evolve. Additionally, further studies should be carried out with the participation of representatives of the enterprises surveyed (personal interviews).Originality/value: The originality of the paper is the result of the presentation of unique quantitative research related to business ethics in sensitive sectors of the economy in two Central European countries. Sectors such as pharma, tobacco and alcohol are often accused of manufacturing questionable products or applying industrywide malpractices; therefore, observing their ethical principles and practices certainly provides significant fresh insights in this field.

More...

Download

Nepotism and Favoritism in the Steel Sector: Are These Phenomena Prevalent?

Author(s): Włodzimierz Sroka,Jolita Vveinhardt / Language(s): English Publication Year: 0

Purpose: The term ‘nepotism’, i.e. favouritism granted to relatives, is usually associated with corruption in the public sector and the abuse of public resources. Moreover, it is commonly accompanied by the public image of post-Soviet and/or developing countries. One may, however, observe the manifestations of nepotism in different sectors of the economy. Therefore, the aim of the paper is to analyse the main principles of transparent management of companies operating in the steel sector and deconstruct the myths of nepotism and favouritism. Design/methodology/approach: Two research methods were used to analyse these phenomena: an analysis of widely accessible information devoted to anti-nepotism practices (the first stage), and interviews with the managers of steel companies operating in Poland (the second stage). The data collected during the first stage allowed us to analyse the problems associated with nepotism. Interviews (totally 18) with the managers allowed us to find out the real perception of this phenomenon and thus to determine the prevalence of these pathologies in the sector. Our research was done in Q4 of 2016 and included all steel companies (totally 9) operating in Poland.Findings: Our research has confirmed that nepotism and favouritism are observed in the sector analysed. However, it is necessary to emphasise that the scale and range of this phenomenon vary, depending on the membership of three groups, i.e. global corporations, companies listed on Warsaw Stock Exchange, and small companies. Research/practical implications: Our research has several implications. Firstly, it confirmed that the steel sector - like other industries - is not free of these pathologies. Knowledge of this fact may be useful for managers, and above all the owners of steel companies, allowing them to take the necessary preventive actions. Secondly, regular surveys organised in this sector (e.g. every five years) would facilitate the obtainment of interesting data showing how the situation has changed over time. And thirdly, the results of our research may be a good starting point for the formulation of the research hypotheses in further surveys.Originality/value: The originality of the paper is the result of the presentation of unique qualitative research related to nepotism and favouritism phenomena in the steel sector. Another advantage is the fact that, to the best of our knowledge, such research is relatively rare (due to the sensitive nature of the topic) not only in Poland, but also on an international scale. It constitutes a significant addition to the value of this paper.

More...

Download

The Role of Sensory Marketing in Product Innovation

Author(s): Adriana Starostová / Language(s): English Publication Year: 0

Purpose: The recently established field of sensory marketing attributes its existence to customer demand for sensational experiences, among other things. Consequently, scent is acknowledged as an effective form of communication of the brand. This study focuses on olfaction, comparing consumer behaviour between scented and odourless products, aiming to address the question of how scent impacts the consumers’ experience, offering recommendations to companies with regards to scented products. The study is relevant to all the enterprises that manufacture or develop their own product. The SME´s can benefit through understanding the importance of scent and empirical insights about how scent impacts consumer´s experience.Design/methodology/approach: A Qualitative study has been conducted through the collection of primary data using two types of questionnaires, a-priori and posteriori of a tested product distributed to 100 participants with 89 % response rate which provides a sufficient basis for a good overview of many possible effects of scent. A subsequent stage of the investigation involved ten in-depth interviews which expanded on the subject. The study has been conducted over two months (March to May) at the University of South Wales in 2015. The participants were randomly selected students and staff of the university. All age categories and ethnicities were represented.Findings: The results indicate enhanced (a) quality perception when the product is scented, (b) semantic associations with the scented product, (c) multi-modality of senses e.g. scent increases the desire to touch, (d) impact of scent on preference where the decision is not impaired by other factors such as availability or price and e) perceived favourability towards a hypothetical brand behind the scented product in some cases. However, where price was a parameter, the scent did not have an effect; presumably as aspects such as price and brand loyalty overshadow sensory aspects.Research/practical implications: It is preferable to increase the range of products that stimulate consumers’ senses. On the contrary, the cost is a determinant factor to consider before launching the product on the market as the price sensitivity can be quite high. The recommendation for companies is to diversify the portfolio and position scented products as more luxurious. Moreover, other sensory characteristics such as colour could be used in order to differentiate the purpose of the same product and facilitate multiple purchases. Other themes emerged such as the role of environmental aspects might be in some cases more important than the functional aspects.Originality/value: This paper offers comprehensive overview of possible effects of scent on consumer experience. The study further indicates how scented products should be positioned and incorporated in brand portfolio.

More...

Download

Job Satisfaction in the Czech Republic

Author(s): Marek Stříteský,Václav Stříteský / Language(s): English Publication Year: 0

Purpose: The paper aims to identify overall job satisfaction in the Czech Republic and explore its differences between the various economic sectors. It also provides a comprehensive view of potential influence factors on job satisfaction with the emphasis on sociodemographic variables and job characteristics. This study aims to offer a different perspective on the issue of job satisfaction, which is often analysed in conditions of one specific organization. In the Czech Republic, a study analysing the global situation of job satisfaction in terms of sociodemographic variables have not been published yet.Design/methodology/approach: The study is based on the quantitative research using personal interviews. Data was collected in cooperation with the research agency Median, s.r.o. within its research project Market & Media & Lifestyle. The size of the sample is over 15,000 respondents. Tests for the homogeneity of binomial proportions and logistic regression are used. Findings: The paper provides a comprehensive view of job satisfaction on the Czech market. The influencing factors of job satisfaction are discussed. These results can be used when assessing the level of job satisfaction of various groups of Czech employees in terms of specific companies. Research/practical implications: The paper includes implications for assessing the effectiveness of various HR policies on job satisfaction of various groups of employees in the Czech Republic. This comprehensive macro perspective on the issue of job satisfaction may lead to the conclusion that some socio-demographic groups of employees may generally exhibit lower level of job satisfaction regardless of the specific conditions of the company. Originality/value: This paper provides a different perspective on the issue often examined in the conditions of Czech Republic, which is still missing and is frequently published in other countries.

More...

Download

Using Kohonen`s Neural Networks to Identify the Bankruptcy of Enterprises: Case Study Based on Construction Companies in South Bohemian Region

Author(s): Petr Šuleř / Language(s): English Publication Year: 0

Purpose: Kohenen's neural networks are used for the creation of cluster analyses. Through these networks, we search for common features within a data set and then we interpret these, ideally with validity for the entire data set. The aim of the article is to conduct a cluster analysis on a data set concerning construction enterprises in the Southern Bohemian region. Accordingly, we will identify the basic variables common to companies that enter liquidation.Design/methodology/approach: The data set includes financial statements and non-financial information (e.g. number of employees, business location) of the construction companies, all of which had been in operation from 2006 to 2015 in the Southern Bohemian Region. The data was organized into a table where one row contained information about one company in a particular year. Subsequently, Kohonen's neural networks were generated and company clusters identified. We then focused attention on the clusters of companies that were in a state of liquidation and results of comparison then showed which sorting characteristics appeared repeatedly in the clusters of the companies.Findings: The Kohonen neural network was determined. After its application, we receive Kohenen's map. As a result, we have clusters of enterprises with the same characteristics. Subsequently, comparing the clusters in which there are companies in liquidation, we obtain the characteristics typical for companies experiencing difficulties.Research/practical implications: The practical outcome are the identified variables crucial for the survival of construction companies in the Southern Bohemian Region. The companies will thus be able to focus on the key factors of their success, or the indicators of their eventual failure. Their management will therefore be more efficient and accurate.Originality/value: The additional value is the use of neural networks and cluster analysis tools for predicting the possible bankruptcy of companies. The results in the form of identified key factors leading to the failure of construction companies in the Southern Bohemian Region also have their value.

More...

Download

Exploring the Impact of Knowledge Management Process On Innovation By Means of Structural Equation Modeling: A Research in Automotive Industry

Author(s): Çağatan Taşkın,Dilek Taşkın / Language(s): English Publication Year: 0

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to explore the impact of knowledge management process on innovation by means of structural equation modelling and propose strategies for automotive companies. The research is conducted in the fourth biggest city of Bursa which is a leading automotive industry area.Design/methodology/approach: The main population of this research consists of 252 automotive sub-industry companies that are registered to organized industry regions in Bursa city centre. A structured questionnaire was prepared based on the literature (Gold et al. (2001), Darroch (2003), Darroch (2005), OECD Oslo Manuel (2005), Du Plessis (2007), Carney ve Ryan (2010), Oeij et al. (2012)) and managers of the companies are asked to fill the questionnaire. 107 questionnaires were collected. Structural equation modelling is used to explore the impact of knowledge management process on innovation. Findings: According to the research findings; knowledge acquisition, knowledge transformation and knowledge application were found to have positive impacts on knowledge protection and knowledge protection was found to have a strong impact on innovation. Finally, in the light of these modelling results, strategies are proposed for the companies of automotive sub-industry. Research/practical implications: In today’s consumer-oriented markets, innovation has become the most important factor of sustainable competitiveness for companies. Companies must focus on knowledge and knowledge management process in order to be innovative in today’s economic environment that is rapidly changing because of the technological developments. According to Gold et al. (2001), knowledge management process consists of knowledge acquisition, knowledge transformation, knowledge application and knowledge protection steps. Company managers should know the relationships among these steps and the impact of these steps on innovation. This will lead to efficient knowledge management process, better innovation and competitive power for automotive companies.Originality/value: Knowledge management and innovation are two crucial and related concepts. Because, knowledge serves as an important role in the innovation process. It is very important to have the information about the impact of knowledge management process on innovation because this information can lead companies’ strategies and make companies more competitive. This study fills an important gap in the related literature by examining the influence of knowledge management process on innovation in Turkish automotive industry, Bursa region.

More...

Download

Exploring the Influence of Entrepreneurship Personality On Entrepreneurial Intention: A Research in Turkey

Author(s): Çağatan Taşkın,Onur Öztürk,Ahmet Akif Karadamar / Language(s): English Publication Year: 0

Purpose: It is well known that entrepreneurship is a crucial factor in global economy. It is regarded as a significant phenomenon for many researches. Considering the economic problems that countries face in today’s world, understanding entrepreneurship and the personality traits of entrepreneurs became very important. As it is well known in the related literature, personality traits play a great role in entrepreneurial intentions. As attitudes toward entrepreneurship can be discussed through personality traits, this paper aims to clarify which personality traits have effects on entrepreneurial intentions. Personality traits can be described as the constructs describing behavioural patterns in people’s lives. By shedding light on those traits which drives people’s entrepreneurship motives, this paper will help us understand what makes people successful entrepreneurs. Design/methodology/approach: The research was conducted on university students studying at Business Administration Department (Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences), Uludağ University, in Turkey. A convenience sampling method was used in the research. A structured questionnaire was prepared based on the literature (Owoseni, 2014; Çolakoğlu and Gözükara, 2016; Ozaralli and Rivenburgh, 2016). Structural equation modelling is used to test the influence of entrepreneurship personality that consists of innovativeness, need for achievement, alertness and locus of control, on entrepreneurial intention of university students. Findings: This paper provides empirical insights about which personality traits have effects on entrepreneurial intentions. According to the modelling results, it is found that entrepreneurship personality has an influence on the entrepreneurial intention of university students. Research/practical implications: Entrepreneurial intention is considered to be the most influential factors on the economic development of countries. The findings of the research suggest that entrepreneurial intention is significantly related with certain personality traits. This may contribute to the entrepreneurship literature. Furthermore, higher education institutions may benefit from these results to improve their content of entrepreneurial education considering the significance of personality traits for creating an economically strong country.Originality/value: This study is one of the few researches that have examined the influence of entrepreneurship personality on entrepreneurial intention in Bursa which is a highly industrialized province. The results have implications for decision-makers in higher education institutions both at micro- and macro-levels, in terms of effective decision-making and resource allocation.

More...

Download

Necessity Driven Entrepreneurs. Does Unemployment and Precarious Employment Lead to Increasing Entrepreneurial Intentions Among Young People in Spain?

Author(s): Mihaela Vancea,Mireia Utzet / Language(s): English Publication Year: 0

Purpose: The article explores the relationship between unemployment and precarious employment, and young people’s entrepreneurship in Spain. We focus on the effects of employment conditions (employed with permanent contract; employed with precarious contract; unemployed; and inactive) and employment experience (had ever been unemployed for more than six months; and has had a paid job for more than one year) on young people’s intentions to start their own business or become self-employed. The role of socio-demographic factors, perceived self-efficacy, perceived desirability and risk taking are also analysed. Methodology: The analyses are based on a cross-sectional representative sample, corresponding to the year 2016, of Spanish working young individuals aged 18 to 35 years (n=1678). Differences between individuals having or not entrepreneurial intentions were calculated for the overall sample and according to employment situation and employment experience variables. We used multivariate logistic regression models to assess the variables that predicted the entrepreneurial intentions and to test whether precarious working conditions are pushing factors towards increasing entrepreneurship. All analyses were stratified by gender.Findings: The results show that besides behavioural attitudinal factors that seem to particularly influence the entrepreneurial intentions of Spanish young people, having a precarious contract or being unemployed for more than six months cannot be regarded as necessity-driven factors for increasing intentions toward entrepreneurship. Research/practical implications: Spain is one of the European countries with more self-employment in young people, especially since the onset of the economic crisis. The high unemployment rates and the increasing exposure of young people to precarious working conditions and temporary jobs may explain this increase in self-employment. Future research should explore what policy measures motivate young people’s entrepreneurship in Spain and under what conditions this becomes an effective alternative to unemployment and precarious employment. Originality: Entrepreneurship and entrepreneurial intentions have received a great attention from both policy actors and scholars during the last decades, mainly due to increasing unemployment among young people in most European countries. Positive perceptions of entrepreneurship and opportunity-driven factors have been particularly explored to account for higher entrepreneurship rates. Nevertheless, little is known about the necessity-driven entrepreneurs, meaning those individuals willing to become self-employed under unfavourable employment or economic circumstances.

More...

Download

New Business Model Innovations and Collaborations to Support the Circular Economy

Author(s): Vesela Veleva,Gavin Bodkin / Language(s): English Publication Year: 0

Purpose: This paper will discuss the role of small entrepreneurial companies and business to business (B2B) collaborations to advance the circular economy (CE). The authors will share insights from a U.S.-based research project that examined the drivers, barriers and opportunities for advancing waste repurposing and product reuse/remanufacturing. Many large companies fail to incorporate CE principles into their business strategy due to costs, logistical hurdles and lack of mandates. This presents an opportunity for entrepreneurial companies with innovative business models to fill the gap and provide critical links for corporations in reverse supply chains while creating new business opportunities with social benefits. Design/methodology/approach: The research is based on empirical study of six large corporations with zero waste goals and six entrepreneurs focused on product reuse/remanufacturing or waste repurposing. Some of the participating companies include Dell Technologies, Raytheon, Waste Management, First Solar, Circular Blu, and Seeding Labs. Data was collected through in-depth, semi-structured interviews with senior managers or founders. The study employs a theoretical model for developing a life cycle management strategy proposed by Sanchez et. al. (2004) and the circular business canvas model (Levandowski, 2016), wherein the authors analyze the emerging drivers, current barriers and future opportunities for business to advance the CE.Findings: The study found that despite the lack of federal regulations in the U.S. a growing number of companies are forming partnerships to reduce waste and advance product reuse or remanufacturing. Key drivers for such trends include customer demands, corporate sustainability commitments and state-level mandates. Technology also plays a critical role in reducing transaction costs and supporting social-marketing strategies and partnerships. Research/practical implications: The study contributes to the research on the relationship between entrepreneurial innovation and the development of CE principles within corporate supply chains, a field that is still in its infant stage (Heshmati, 2015). The study offers valuable lessons for entrepreneurs interested in developing viable business models around product reuse, remanufacturing or waste repurposing. Future research should consider comparing B2B collaborations in the U.S. and Europe to analyze the similarities and differences in business strategies for advancing the CE. Originality/value: This paper provides insights into a field that is still greatly underdeveloped – the role of environmental entrepreneurs entering a new market space based on collaborations with large corporations to advance product reuse/remanufacturing or waste repurposing that promote the circular economy.

More...

Download

Knowledge-generation Strategies in the Real Sector of the Economy: Russian Case

Author(s): Maxim Vlasov,Svetlana Panikarova / Language(s): English Publication Year: 0

Purpose: The main purpose of the study is to identify and to characterize the strategies of knowledge generation in the real sector of the Russian economy. Within the framework of the research, authors answered the following questions: 1) Which factors define the choice of knowledge increase strategy? 2) Which types of knowledge increase strategies are mainly used by Russian manufacturing companies? 3) How does the knowledge increase strategy influence company performance? Design/methodology/approach: The methodology of a research included several stages. At the first stage the 120 enterprises has been conducted by means of the database of the Russian enterprises «Fira Pro». At the second stage, the 7 focus group interviews (in which about 4 experts participated) have been hold with heads of the enterprises, which are selected for a research. The third stage has included a 17 series of the structured interviews with R&D directors of the innovative enterprises.Findings: Firstly, authors offered the company knowledge strategic management model for activating of knowledge generation in the economy. Secondly, authors offered the typologies of increase knowledge strategies included four types of strategies: borrowed knowledge strategy; copied knowledge strategy; knowledge imitation strategy; knowledge generation strategy.Research/practical implications: In article authors proved that the optimum structure of costs of different types of knowledge has prime value for the effective innovative development of the enterprises, especially in difficult economic conditions. Strategic management of knowledge gives the greatest effect in the achievement of competitiveness if this management relies on the basic strategy of the enterprise, and considers its purposes and the directions of growth. Originality/value: The research expanded methodological tools of the knowledge economics theory. Authors offered the knowledge increase strategies and their main characteristics, which will be useful for companies planning the innovative development.

More...

Download

Inventory Management Using Artificial Neural Networks in a Concrete Case

Author(s): Marek Vochozka / Language(s): English Publication Year: 0

Purpose: A company creates an inventory in order to be able to continuously produce and fully meet the demand for its products. It thus covers the time and quantity discrepancy between articles of the supplier-buyer chain, and if applicable, between the different phases of production. But the very existence of inventories equals financial costs for their acquisition and maintenance, as well as economic costs stemming from the fact that the funds bound to inventories cannot be used more effectively by the company. Therefore, inventory management searches for the best volume of reserves that generates the lowest possible cost while being able to satisfy customer demand. There are currently a number of methods of inventory management (e.g. ABC), which are more or less effective. Neural networks also appear to be one of the methods of optimizing company inventory. They are useful for the prediction of time series. The aim of this article is to verify the possibility of using neural networks for inventory management using an example of a particular company.Design/methodology/approach: The data file contains the time series of a particular company's inventory covering the period of the last two years. Data are fitted to a curve that deviates the least from the actual data and that can also predict the future development of the state of inventories. The differences between reality and the obtained regression curve are measured by the method of least squares. To obtain the regression curve, neural networks were used, specifically, 10000 multilayer perceptron networks were generated. The best five were selected using the least squares method. These subsequently underwent a factual test of reliability and the most appropriate curve for the given company was determined.Findings: A neural structure that describes the development of company inventory very accurately was obtained, and it is therefore apparent that it also has the ability to predict the development of company inventory in the future. The acquired perceptron network was subjected to factual analysis and arguments for and against its use in practice were given.Research/practical implications: On the basis of the neural structure, the business can predict not only the future state of inventory, but also its movement in time. By doing so it will be able to reflect not only the needs of production and producer demand, but also fluctuations in the supply of inventories. It will be able to determine the optimal safety inventory, and if applicable, the optimal technological inventory, and obviously also the appropriate delivery cycles of inventories. The procedure for obtaining the neural structure is also applicable to other businesses.Originality/value: The additional value of the article can be seen in the use of neural structures in inventory management, and therefore in achieving a higher degree of accuracy of the obtained results.

More...

Download

Modeling the Future Development of Top Company Indicator EVA Equity Using Indicator Breakdown and Sensitivity Analysis on an Example of a Specific Company

Author(s): Jaromír Vrbka / Language(s): English Publication Year: 0

Purpose: Economic value added focused on equity (i.e. EVA Equity) measures the rate of the evaluation of equity while respecting risk. EVA Equity also reflects the degree of value creation for shareholders. EVA can be used to calculate the value of a company. The indicator is thus designed to have its specific planned value became the main target of the company. This paper aims to break down EVA Equity and to subsequently determine the way individual variables making up the indicator are managed.Design/methodology/approach: The data set contains the financial statements of Budvar, n. p. company. It is an enterprise, which deals with beer production. The analyzed period is from year 2011 to 2015. Further on, external data of the Czech National Bank are used. The set of variables influencing the creation of EVA Equity is determined by the breakdown of EVA Equity. Using sensitivity analysis, the significance of individual variables is defined and the range of significance of individual variables for the company and its management is determined accordingly.Findings: The breakdown of a top indicator -EVA Equity- was conducted. Next, the individual variables involved in the calculation of EVA Equity were identified, which can immediately affect the company and its management. According to methodology and based on the obtained results, a sensitivity analysis was performed and it was determined which variables are more valuable for the company and which have less importance.Research/practical implications: The practical outcome are quantities that the company, in order to be successful, needs to monitor, plan, manage and control the execution of. These variables are reflected in the tactical and operational plans of the company and every manager knows which way to influence them and, conversely, which ways they influence the success or failure of a business.Originality/value: The value of the paper can be seen in the application of EVA into everyday plans of the company through variables that shape the EVA Equity indicator.

More...

Download

„The Key Is We“ – Refining Co-creation Indicators to Assess Innovation Processes

Author(s): Christina Weber,Klaus Sailer / Language(s): English Publication Year: 0

Purpose: Our research purpose is to test and improve an indicator instrument for real-time assessment of collaborative and dynamic innovation processes. The paper presents an indicator tool derived from successful long-term collaborative innovation across organisational and international borders, and reports initial tests to validate five performance indicators for flexible innovation teams in short term collaboration. The aim is to test and develop a tool of five indicators as dynamic network patterns that enables to discern successful from underperforming co-creation processes, at early stages.Design/methodology/approach: Detection and description of the patterns indicators in various data on innovation processes - from expert interviews to focus groups, and from print media, videos and online communication by startups - need further specification. In a small focus group exercise with 20 different experts collaborating in temporary, flexible innovation teams, the five dynamic network patterns were (a) tested for the short term collaboration context, and (b) related to new attributes and statements. Findings: The focus group exercise helped to validate and refine the specification of the five dynamic network patterns as indicators of successful co-creation processes. The findings (a) confirm the validity of the indicators for agile innovation teams, (b) increase evidence of some of the indicators especially for short term collaboration, (c) serve as pre-test for wide-ranging studies that improve the indicators further for start-ups, at incubators and accelerators. Research/practical implications: The refined indicator instrument aims at real-time assessment of start-ups in incubators, and co-creation in any settings, based on the indication of emerging DINs in successful collaborative innovation processes. The method has a high relevance for further evaluation research on dynamic innovation processes and collaborative entrepreneurship. Its practical implication is an assessment blueprint (and training instrument) for innovation teams in co-creation processes.Originality/value: This paper refines a new research instrument of high relevance and value for collaborative innovation processes in and across societal sectors.

More...

Download

Barriers to Green Products Purchase – from Polish Consumer Perspective

Author(s): Lucyna Witek / Language(s): English Publication Year: 0

Purpose: The green market is growing rapidly, especially in developed countries. While in Poland the consumption of green products is not growing as fast as experts of this market predict. In this context, in the paper the results of studies that examine the attitudes of consumers towards green products and identify barriers to their purchase are analyzed. This research examines the propensity of consumers to buy environmentally friendly products by means of socio-demographic indices.Design/methodology/approach: For the purpose, the direct survey method and Focus Group Interview (FGI) have been applied. The survey was conducted between 1 December 2015 to 31 January 2016 using the direct survey method. The sample covered 390 adult consumers living in south - eastern and southern Poland. Four sessions of 1,5 hours each were conducted between May and June 2015. Each group consisted of 6 people.Findings: These studies lead to the conclusion that Polish connote positively the care about environment and ecological products. The primary motivation for green consumption is health. Environmental protection plays a supporting role. The barrier to the development of green consumption is the general and fragmented consumer knowledge of green products, their labeling, certification and control. This affects distrust and their skepticism to green claims. Under these conditions consumers do not want to accept higher product prices. In addition, weaknesses in the marketing chain make green products invisible to consumers. In the Polish market products prosumption and purchases of non-certified goods from the trusted source are gaining importance.Research/practical implications: This study provides a valuable contribution to addressing the needs of producers and sellers in the market for green products. The results of the research can help managers identify important information about the process of making purchase decisions by consumers towards environmentally-friendly products. An aid in the development of marketing communication strategy and the improvement of existing marketing strategies.Originality/value: A theoretical contribution of this study is to enrich the analysis of consumer behavior in the market for green products in the context of a developing country by identifying barriers to their purchase and a better understanding of the predictors of consumer behavior on the market for green products.

More...

Download

Open Innovation Intermediaries – Current Roles and Benefits

Author(s): Marián Zajko / Language(s): English Publication Year: 0

Purpose: The paper aims at clarifying the changes in the role and benefits of selected prominent US. and European open innovation intermediaries in technology market in the period 2010-2016.Design/methodology/ approach: The changes in the role and benefits of selected open innovation intermediaries in time are analysed by their key characteristics using the case study design and the secondary data from websites and related publications on twenty intermediaries out of several hundred in the market. Findings: The total number of open innovation intermediaries has grown during the past decade to several hundreds. The analysis of selected prominent US. and European intermediaries confirms strenthening European competition, global focus, continuing business growth with broadening of portfolio of services, and building strategic partnerships and communities around online platforms.Research/practical implications: The primary aim is to fill up the gap in the research and publications on open innovation practices, especially on open innovation intermediaries and their benefits for companies. The secondary aim is to increase the interest in benefits of open innovation practices and related innovation intermediary services among the Slovak companies and give incentives to the Slovak government bodies to integrate measures on open innovation support in the national innovation policies.Originality/value: The findings and conclusions in the paper may be used as an impulse for government bodies and innovation agencies in Slovakia to expand the current innovation policies for promotion of open innovation methods and models. This can foster innovations in SMEs with insufficient R&D capacities mitigating their innovation risk at the same time.

More...

Download

Long Tail Theory Validity On Secondary Cultural Goods Market

Author(s): Martin Zelený,Jan Hanzlík / Language(s): English Publication Year: 0

Purpose: The following study is focused on the application of the long tail theory by Chris Anderson on the secondary market of cultural goods. The aim of the research was to investigate whether the original theory is completely valid on secondary cultural goods market or whether there are differences between Anderson’s results, which were based on literature and music sales data collected from primary market online retailers like Amazon, iTunes, etc., and analogous research based on data from secondary market.Design/methodology/approach: Our data set consists of past auctions data collected from the online marketplace eBay, specifically from British eBay UK and German eBay DE. We followed the original methodology to find out the differences. The research was complemented by the correlation analysis of prices, sales and overall popularity as well as by examination of the historical prices progress.Findings: The application of the original methodology on the data from the secondary market resulted in similar tail shape, which basically confirmed the validity of the theory, however with significantly larger head part and other differences. Further examination revealed the fact that it is not the niche products, but rather the “mainstream” products that dominate the final sales. The correlation analysis of sales and prices also revealed strong non-linear dependence between price and quantity of sold items. Examination of the past price progress of selected group of items confirmed that slowly rising, but still limited supply creates a concretely defined market part that provides both investment and entrepreneurship opportunities.Research/practical implications: The paper provides implications for further research of the secondary cultural goods market. As for practical implications, the paper defines a concrete part of the secondary market that provides both investment and entrepreneurship opportunities. Originality/value: This paper fulfils the need to study how the differences between primary and secondary market affects demand, consumer behaviour and subsequently final sales structure.

More...

Download

Trends in the Area of Responsibility and Justice in the Activities of Enterprises: Implications for The V4 Countries

Author(s): Wojciech Zysk / Language(s): English Publication Year: 0

In the era of globalization, internationalization of enterprises, liberalization of international trade and the increasing division of the world into countries of the rich North and the poor South, the ideas of responsibility and justice in business operations are permanently present. The objectives of this study are as follows: the characteristics of the role of transnational corporations in raising the level of the stratification of society in the rich North and the poor South and an attempt to develop recommendations for the V4 countries as for the development of corporate social responsibility, responsible investment and fair trade.Design/methodology/approach: Empirical analysis was conducted on the data collected from The Fortune Global 500 List 2016, Report on US Sustainable, Responsible and Impact Investing Trends, Fairtrade International Annual Reports, EUROSIF and other sources. Time series analyzes were made to fulfil research aim. The descriptive method was used to develop recommendations for the V4 countries.Findings: This paper presents global and European trends and developments in described area, and lessons learned for the V4 countries. The study covers the period 2004 - 2015, which will allow to analyze the phenomena, both before and during the economic crisis. Research/practical implications: Developing social responsibility, responsible investment and promoting the fair-trade movement in Poland, the Czech Republic, Hungary and Slovakia can contribute to the initiation of changes to the rules governing the world today and starting a new era in fairer trade on the international level. Originality/value: The proposal to increase cooperation of the V4 countries in the area of the three described processes in order to fight against illegal labor migration which is increasingly taking place in the European Union.

More...

Download

Behavior Dimensions: An Organizational Study

Author(s): Zafar Ansari Yalman / Language(s): English Publication Year: 0

Purpose: As the IT sector is flourishing in Pakistan with new entrants entering the market, the study focuses onthe impact of personal selling, customer relationship management and product quality on consumer behavior inthis sector. The results from the current study will provide a guideline for IT firms to get better growth, have anadvantage through better customer relationship and have value in their product, so that they can retain and increasecustomer loyalty. It identifies and argues that if certain behavioural tendencies are organizationally encouraged,they can play a significant role in bringing creative transformation to an organization.Design/methodology/approach: The present study has attempted to produce results and findings that will in turnanswer questions regarding the effectiveness of variables known as personal selling, product quality and customerrelationship management in the context of online shoping experience in Pakistan. The statistical part of analysisis based on descriptive statistic, correlation and regression analysis of the online shoppers including universitystudents in Rawalpindi and Islamabad. The data was collected from a sample size of 250 respondents out of 270in January 2017. Convenience sampling technique was used for data collection.Findings: Results indicate that customer perceived value, customer satisfaction and switching cost are majorfactors which can highly affect the customer loyalty in the nascent online Pakistani market.Research/practical implications: The present study offers a reality check to local IT companies of sophisticatedcustomer base despite the online business being in its very early stage. It gives them a framework of how toeffectuate their organizational effectiveness.Originality/value: This paper makes an attempt to reason why technology matters for linking behaviour andcreativity together to create new ways of doing business.

More...

Download

Научените уроци и ползите от първото българско председателство на Съвета на Европейския съюз

Author(s): Lilyana Pavlova / Language(s): Bulgarian Publication Year: 0

The rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union is a practice, though being limited in the short-term period of six months, that requires visionary approach in setting the agenda for one of the two legislative institutions in the EU. The situation in a global and European perspective, during which Bulgaria took the presidency of the Council of the EU for the very first time, could be described as a dynamic, volatile, dominated by changes resulting from Industry 4.0 revolution as well as the issues emanating from the unprecedented case one of the member states to leave the EU, growing protectionism and measures being taken by some of the largest trade partners of the EU, climate change, urgent solutions required to respond to the migratory pressure but most of all – an answer to the question ‘What kind of Europe do we want?’.

More...

Download

Ротационното председателство на Съвета на Европейския съюз и важната роля на отношенията с Европейския парламент

Author(s): Monika Panayotova / Language(s): Bulgarian Publication Year: 0

The rotating presidency of the Council of the European union is a multi-aspect process. It is often described by EU integration researchers as a marathon of negotiations comprised by a combination of high complexity from institutional interests, government preferences, leadership strategies and regulatory procedures to achieve agreements and policy making. Herewith I would like to focus the attention to an important dimension in this complex process – the collaboration between the Rotating presidency with the European Parliament. This is emphasized in three directions: i) the important role of the European Parliament post adoption of the Treaty of Lisbon; ii) main aspects of collaboration between the Rotating Presidency and the European Parliament; iii) collaboration between the Rotating Presidency with the Constitutional Affairs Committee of the European Parliament that is responsible for the institutional questions.

More...