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Gender and Divergent Thinking - Implications for Management Executives

Author(s): Karolina Dyrla-Mularczyk,Arkadiusz Borowiec / Language(s): English Publication Year: 0

Purpose:The purpose of this paper is to analyze the reports from research on the relationship between divergent thinking and gender, as well as to present the results of own studies verifying the correlation between creativity and gender. Creativity is a highly desired personal competence on the modern labor market, especially due to its key role in the processes of creating innovative solutions. Simultaneously, it is believed that creativity as a trait constitutes basic economic capital. Methodology: The analysis of current reports from scientific research has been conducted on the basis of articles available in Ebsco and Google Scholar databases. The study has been based on the Test for Creative Thinking –Drawing Production -TCT-DP. 80 trainers of soft training participated in the study. The research was guided by the theory of creativity and divergent thinking. Findings:The own research has demonstrated that gender does not determine the level of creativity. However, reports from studies using neuroimaging techniques point to visible differences between levels of creativity in women and men. Practical implications: This article demonstrates that the issue of the relationship between divergent thinking and gender is a complex phenomenon and sensitive to many co-occurring variables. Depending on the research methods used, the results of exploration differ from each other. The results of the survey show that the management should carefully approach gender differences in level of creativity. Gender should not be an argument for the employment of a person for a creative role. Value:The article suggests that the problem of gender differences in terms of creativity is a multi-faceted problem. Gender should not, therefore, determine the scope or nature of tasks entrusted to employees by their supervisors or team leaders.

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Change Management Towards Digitalization and Innovation

Author(s): Patricia Girrbach / Language(s): English Publication Year: 0

Purpose:The issue of this paper is the conceptualization of a digital transformation concept which supports both, digitalization and innovation. This is caused in the reason that organizations need appropriate circumstances in order to cope with challenges concerning digital transformation. Thus,this paper provides practical starting points in order to support firms in terms of their change towards digitalization. Design/methodology/approach: The paper is based on practical experiences, literature research and expert interviews concerning digitalization in companies. First of all benefits as well as resulting challenges arising out of digitalization will be presented in order to show the importance of digital issues for companies. Grounded on these insights a transformation model for the digital turnaround will be created based on theoretical issues such as change management or sensemaking. Findings:The concept provides practical implication and measurements for a structured change. Hereby companies should first of all focus on the corporate culture due to the fact that culture is the most important enabler or hinderer for any kind of change. This includes the modification of the corporate ́s vision, values as well as the behaviour of executives and proper working condition as well. Moreover,digitalization will be linked to information management in order to underline the importance of the so called horizontal integration due to the fact that networking is the basis for cooperative change processes (Spath, 2013). Research/practical implications: The paper includes implications for the change management towards digitalization and innovation. The provided digital transformation concept serves as a guideline for managing the challenges in terms of digitalization and innovation processes. Originality/value:This paper fulfils an identified need in order to cope with the current issue digitalization that will change our whole life rapidly and extremely. In order to be prepared organizations,need to know how to deal with the challenges concerning digitalization. Only if they are prepared, e.g. by using a digital transformation concept companies are able to see not only the challenges but also the chances evolve out of digital issues.

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Digitalization and its Contribution to Sustainability in Terms of the Social Dimension

Author(s): Patricia Girrbach / Language(s): English Publication Year: 0

Purpose:Sustainability and digitalization will determine economy in the future. But the crucialquestion is to what extent are both concepts related, are the CEOs of companies aware of this and where are obstacles concerning reaching sustainable social objectives by digitalization? In contrast to most approaches, digitalization will be rather understood as a social phenomenon than a technological issue in the first line. Thus,the study will investigate the social aspect of both topics. Design/methodology/approach:The paper is based on own qualitative depth interviews with managers of companies just as e.g. Lufthansa, Deloitte and Bosch. The empirical study deals with the specific question if top managers see digitalization as chance for sustainable aims and if so where they see problems for transformation on the operative level. Findings:This paper connects digitalization and sustainability on the social level. Interesting findings are that top managers are aware of the social dimension of digitalization. Moreover,they recognise the benefits arising out of digitalization especially for their employees and social objectives of sustainability. But they also mention that there is a gap between what they want and what stuff is willing to contribute due to several reasons. They assess that as the real big challenge concerning the digital organisational turn. Research/practical implications:By connecting sustainability and digitalization this paper provides important implications in order to understand digitalization as a social phenomenon as well as a chance for reaching social aims. Moreover,it decovers obstacles occurring in practice what is important for top managers. Only if they are aware of this they can implement measurements in order to minimize or to prevent those obstacles in their own company. Originality/value: The added value of this work is that in contrast to previous work, digitalization and sustainability are linked at the social level. Moreover obstacles concerning the digitalorganizational turn are approached

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Endogenous Determinants of the Absorption of Process Innovations in Financial Services Companies

Author(s): Waldemar Glabiszewski,Dorota Grego-Planer,Katarzyna Liczmańska-Kopcewicz,Maciej Zastempowski / Language(s): English Publication Year: 0

Purpose:The need for raising the level of innovativeness and competitiveness caused by the increasingly stronger competition forces companies to seek new sources of getting and new ways of introducing and exploiting innovations. In the case of services providing companies, due to the domain of their activity, process innovations are of particular importance. Their transfer from the environment is a complex and difficult undertaking, and its success is conditioned by the absorptive capacities possessed by the company. Therefore, the main research objective of this article was to identifykey absorptive capacities that are endogenousdeterminants of the effectiveness of the process of the absorption of process innovations in the activityof Poland’s financial companies. Design/methodology/approach: The empirical part of the article was written on the basis of research findings obtained in 2015-2016 by means of an online survey using a CSAQ-a. It was sent to the heads of 155 commercial financial sector companies registered in Poland, namely all banks, property and life insurance companies, investment funds and universal fund management companies. In total, 111 entities filled in the online survey questionnaire. In the conducted study an attempt was made to assess the direction and strength of dependence between the level of development of specific absorptive capacities of financial companies and the scale of the effects achieved as a result of the absorption of process innovations. Findings: Personal and organizational absorptive capacities of financial companies in Poland analysed using Pearson's correlation coefficient, remain in a positive and strong linear relationship with their effectiveness achieved in the scope of the absorption of process innovations. Research/practical implications:The endogenousdeterminants of the effectiveness of financial companies in the field of the absorption of process innovations diagnosed in the course of ongoing research and analysis should constitute for them the basis for determining the priority directions of investments undertaken to supplement and improve their absorptive capacities. They can also become a starting point for undertaking an empirical search for further determinants of effective absorption of process innovations or verification of their impact in other sectors. Originality/value:The presented outcome of the performed research identifies the key absorptive capacities that determine the effects obtained in the process of absorbing technological innovations, taking into account the specific conditions prevailing in the service sector.

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The Influence of the Knowledge Area on the Ranking of Determinants of Academic Entrepreneurship

Author(s): F. J. Miranda González,Francisco Isidoro Vega-Gómez,Antonio Chamorro Mera,Jesús Pérez Mayo / Language(s): English Publication Year: 0

Purpose: The study of academic entrepreneurship has become a prolific area of research in the last 20 years, coinciding with the interest shown by political and universityauthorities. This interest is the result of the contribution made by this entrepreneurship, particularly through spin-off creation, economic development, employment and the image and resources of the university. However, according to the literature, the founding of spin-offs varies with the subject area of the researcher, this being one of the main factors influencing the propensity to create companies. Design/methodology/approach: The main objective of this research is to identify the structure of preferences of academics and their ranking, to understand the influence of the determinant factors of the entrepreneurial intention of academics.To this end, a qualitative study has been carried out involving 42 academics from Spanish universities in order to identify the determinant factors of this segment, along with a quantitative study using the conjoint analysis method and involving 1,726 researchers, whose purpose was to identify the ranking of these determinant elements. Findings:The contributions of this study to the research area are important from both a theoretical and practical point of view. Firstly, the methodology used for the quantitative analysis has not been used before in this scientific field. Secondly, the results of the qualitative analysis show that the determining factors of entrepreneurial intention are the same regardless of the research area of the academic. Finally, this study concludes that these determining factors are valued and ranked very differently depending on the academic area, thus demonstrating the existence of differentiated segments within academic entrepreneurship. Research/practical implications:This study offers a series of important practical implications, particularly in the aspect referring to policies for the promotion of academic entrepreneurship. While the determinant factors of entrepreneurial intention are the same for all academics, a differentiation in valuations and rankings can be observed depending on the area in question. This aspect implies that several segments can be created, so those responsible for public and university policies must take into account these different valuations in order to promote entrepreneurship in those areas that they consider strategic or priority given their line of specialisation. Originality/value:Firstly, the conjoint analysis method, tested and widely used in other areas, has never been used for the study of academic entrepreneurship. This methodology is very useful given its ability to divide the decision into several important attributes and to classify the preferences, thus offering a new perspective for the analysis of the results in this area.Secondly,of all the factors cited by the literature as determinants of academic entrepreneurship, this study manages to identify six, therefore offering an interesting original contribution to the literature.

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The Impact of Entrepreneurial Management on the Participation of Small and Medium Enterprises in the International Market

Author(s): Mehrdad Goudarzvand Chegini / Language(s): English Publication Year: 0

Purpose:The purpose of this research is to investigate the impact of entrepreneurial management ontheculturalaspects of entrepreneurship, growth orientation, and philosophyof reward, management structure, strategic orientation,and the tendency of resources for the participation of small and medium enterprises in the international market. Methodology:The data of the research have beenelicited using a standard questionnaire. The population of the study includes the board of directors and the managers of the small and medium companies in Rasht Industrial Park in Iran.The analysis of the data has beencarried out by software. The hypotheses have been investigated through chi-squaretest. Originality/value:One of the most significant public policiesof many of thecountries in the world is to internationalize small and medium enterprises. A fundamental logic in support of internationalizing small and medium enterprisesis that internationalization is suitable for small companies. Findings:The research findings revealed that amongthe components, entrepreneurshipculture and resource orientationhave the highest rank and importance. It means that senior managers in these companies possess adequate ideas to produce new products and services and have a tendencytoward using external resources. Result:The resultsshowthat entrepreneurial management has a positive significant impact onthe participation of small and medium enterprises in the international market.

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Mining Firms and Sustainability Reporting in Ghana

Author(s): Robert Ebo Hinson,Anne Renner,John Paul Kosiba,Frederick Okyere Asiedu / Language(s): English Publication Year: 0

Purpose:Despite the significant contribution of mining to Ghana’s development, little is known about sustainability-reporting disposition of players in the Ghanaian mining industry. The objective of this study is to assess the sustainability-reporting performance of selected mining firms operating in Ghana. This study therefore offers one of the rare works, from the Ghanaian context that documents how mining firms seek to turn the tides on the negative publicity regarding sustainability issues through disclosures. Design/methodology/approach: We employed a multiple case study approach, where more than one unit of analysis (case) was studied as the research design. The study involved two sets of cases: foreign and local. The foreign case consists of six firms: AngloGold Ashanti, Goldfields, Newmont, Perseus Mining Limited, Azumah Resources and Pelangio Exploration Incorporated. The second case has four local mining companies: Bloomfield Mineral Resources, West Line Mining, Western Precious Metals and Ghana Manganese Company (GMC). Archival data were gathered via the websites of the mining firms studied. We analysed the data using pattern matching. Findings: The findings indicate that in Ghana, foreign-owned mining firms tend to report more on their sustainability initiatives than their local counterparts. Furthermore, we noted that foreign-owned mining firms operating in Ghana disclose more environmental sustainability information irrespective of the size of firm. Research/practical implications:Our findings suggest that sustainability reporting practices among local mining firms are still at the embryonic stage and they need to adopt standardised guidelines for reporting their sustainability initiatives. The study’s major limitation was the emphasis on only the online reports of the firms. Further studies could be conducted where a combination of media reportage such as printed reports, newspaper articles, and magazines are examined in addition to the company websites. Again, for reasons of generalisation, future studies can be conducted on the sustainability reporting idiosyncrasies of all the mining firms operating in Ghana. Originality/value: This study through multiple case research design has documented how well mining firms in Ghana are faring on the sustainability reporting ladder because most studies on sustainability in the Ghanaian literature have focussed on reporting in tertiary institutions (e.g. Hinson et al., 2015) andthe environmental costs of mining activities (Boachie, 2012).

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Non-Financial Indicators in the Valuation Process in Czech Republic

Author(s): Jaroslav Hradílek / Language(s): English Publication Year: 0

Purpose:This paper deals with the increased significance of non-financial indicators in company valuation process. It researched if these indicators or, more generally,non-financial data are used in business praxis in M&A transactions in Czech Republic. Design/methodology/approach:The research was conducted on a sample consisting of three Due Diligence reports used in M&A transactions (two for buyer, one for seller). In addition, one certified expert data set for valuation has been examined. A methodology was created to set the most important areas for non-financial indicators and to evaluate these reports according to these criteria. Findings: None of the researched document dealt with non-financial indicators intensively to improve the accuracy of the company valuation. Some of them dealt with certain non-financial information but none has defined a standardized system to use non-financial indicators to decrease the risk of improper value setting and possible financial losses on either side of anM&A transaction. Research/practical implications: The buyer in M&A transaction focuses primarily on financial analysis. They should take in account also the non-financial indicators, as they have significant predictive power. This can improve the accuracy of M&A transactions and lead to higher success rate of M&A transactions. The increased usage on non-financial indicators by company controlling systems is also highly recommended. The results can reduce sunken costs of M&A transactions and improve performance of small and medium enterprises. As there is a gap in a literature,bettertheoretical background for the praxis shall be provided. Originality/value:Few researches havedealt with the non-financial indicators problematics. No research has been conducted on the real data from business transactions. Further research on larger data sample recommended.

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Corporate Sustainability With Focus on HR, Reporting and Financial Performance

Author(s): Štěpánka Hronová,Jitka Srpová / Language(s): English Publication Year: 0

Purpose:Reason for the paper is to build a theoretical background and to compile literature review on Sustainable Corporate Responsibility (SCR). Design/methodology/approach:The objectives are achieved through thorough exploration of the most current scientific research and academic papers. The literature review was conducted with the use of mixed research techniques where the authors were collecting and analysing both qualitative and quantitative data. The subject scope and the research problem are represented by corporate sustainability (focused on HR) and its nonfinancial disclosure. Firstly, the authors reviewed CSR/ sustainability and reporting research. Secondly, the review sought to find answer to the research question of whether responsible behaviour (towards HR) of reporting organizations is in correlation with their higher financial performance and appreciation. Findings:Positive correlation has been found between corporate (social) sustainability (oriented on HR) and increased financial performance as well as appreciation of shares of the sustainable reporting entities. Research/practical implications:Implications for practitioners and companies: sustainable behaviour, social liability (towards HR) and their reportingare recommended as the discussed studies bring proof of their positive impact on financial performance. For researchers: the evidence brought can inspire further research in order to collect more support for the findings. Originality/value:The original contribution of the paper is its focus on sustainability within human resources (HR) and their management. The main added value is the up-to-date sustainability literature overview.

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Cause Related Marketing from the Slovak Consumers’ Perspective

Author(s): Zuzana Huliaková,Zdenka Musová / Language(s): English Publication Year: 0

Purpose:The success of the cause related marketing is highly depending on the customers and their willingness to participate in the cause related marketing projects. The aim of the paper is to present the results of the analysis the willingness of the Slovak consumers to participate in the cause related marketing projects and also to examine the difference between their approaches based on their gender, age, education and disposable income. Design/methodology/approach:The data were obtained through the questionnaire research which was realized on research sample of 415 respondents from Slovakia. Respondents expressed their approach towards three statements through 7-point Likert scale. The data were processed with Mann Whitney Utest, Anova test and Spearman Correlation Coefficient. Findings:The results of the research indicate that Slovak consumers are willing to participate in the cause related marketing, but their willingness may decrease with the need to change the preferred brand of the product orpay higher price for the product. From the socio-demographic characteristics, only gender of the consumer has influence on cause related marketing perception while the women have more favourable attitude. Research/practical implications: When applying the cause related marketing the companies should take into consideration the sensitivity of the consumers towards price increase of the products related to the good thing. Products which are mostly purchased by women have higher probability to be successfully implemented in cause related marketing projects. Originality/value:The paper develops the current awareness about the perception of cause related marketing by Slovak consumers. The paper presents how socio-demographic characteristics determine the willingness of the Slovak consumers to participate in the cause related marketing.

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Entrepreneurial Thinking: Towards Drivers of Innovation Processes in Public Sector

Author(s): Iuliia Iliashenko,Patrizia Gazzola / Language(s): English Publication Year: 0

Purpose:The paper aims to provide contribution to the literature devoted to the public-sectorinnovations research providing new insights considering approach which discover entrepreneurial thinking as one of the intra-organizational antecedents in the innovations within public organizations. Moreover, the study seeks to provide new theoretical perspective on to the entrepreneurship in public context from the standpoint of the concept of knowledge-based entrepreneurship with regard to the innovation process. Design/methodology/approach:In order to provide systematic approach this study performs literature review via three-stage procedure of paper selection from Google Scholar and One Gale databases for the period of 1985 -2017. Being in consistency with the purpose of the paper, the main criteria of eligibility is consideration of the entrepreneurial orientation and behaviour within public sector from the standpoint of innovation and efficiency. In addition to develop empirically-based conceptual framework of mapping the entrepreneurial thinking withinthe processes of theformation of innovation enabling conditions we select only studies applied empirical methods. Findings:The findings suggest that the entrepreneurial thinking in public context perform function of drivers of the innovation process at both: individual and organisational level. Align with considering potential impact on two levels, it provides theoretical framework of cumulative effect, based on one of the core principals of knowledge–based entrepreneurship -optimal use of knowledge and human capital. Research/practical implications:The paper embraces implications for the innovation strategy development for public sector organisations, concerning how to foster innovation more effectively by supporting the motivation of entrepreneurial thinking among publicemployees. It opens new areas for future empirical research, for instance to identify the determinants of entrepreneurial thinking in public context. Originality/value:This paper fulfils the revealed gap at the conceptualisation of the entrepreneurial thinking and acting within public organisations with respect to the concept of innovations within organizations

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Gaming as an Approach to Convey the Effectuation Message

Author(s): Duygu Keskin / Language(s): English Publication Year: 0

Purpose:Effectuation has been emerging as an alternative perspective to the traditional theories on entrepreneurial decision-making, also referred to as causal reasoning. Building on the dichotomy between causal and effectual reasoning, a simulation game was designed to explore the effectiveness of games in teaching effectuation. Design/methodology/approach:The game was designed to simulate the first year of a business development process based on an opportunity, and a number of causal and effectual actions that can be used to develop a sustainable product/service and accompanying business. The game was tested within the context of an European project, with the representatives of the project partners and students of Lund University. At the end of the game, the participants were asked to fill in an evaluation form to gather insights into the effectiveness of the game in introducing/teaching effectuation. Findings:Our findings suggestthat the game is a successful awareness tool in conveying the effectuation message; the players enjoyed it and found it educational. The game introduced the players in a fast and effective way to the theory of effectuation. Research/practical implications:Besides learning effectuation as an alternative approach, the participants could directly apply it and learned what the implications are in practice. Moreover, the game instantly provides teachers/facilitators insights into the profile of the students or participants and their causal/effectual behavior and consequent learning needs. As a result, it can also be used as an educative planning tool for course development. Originality/value:This study explores gaming as an alternative approach to teaching effectuation, and therefore contributes to the research on entrepreneurship education.

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Influence of Social Capital on Incubated MSMEs’ Access to Non-Formal Finance. A Case of Tanzanian Incubated MSMEs

Author(s): Deogratias Kibona,Utz Dornberger,Noor Un Nabi / Language(s): English Publication Year: 0

Purpose:The purpose of this study was to investigate whether social capital of incubatees and incubator managers contribute to the incubatees’ access to non-formal finance in Tanzania. Also, to understand the types of social networks that have significant influence on incubatees’ access to non-formal finance. Design/methodology/approach:Quantitative research approach was adopted in this study where data collection was conducted through the self-administered questionnaire. A stratified sampling technique was used because of the diversity of the business incubation programs and a sample of 141 incubated MSMEs was selected out of 593 incubated MSMEs in Tanzania. PLS regressions analysis method was employed to test the impact of bonding, bridging and linking social capital of both incubatees and incubator managers on incubatees’ access to non-formal finance. Findings: The results indicate that incubatee’s bonding and bridging social capital and incubator manager’s linkingsocial capital have positive impact on incubatee’s access to non-formal finance. But incubatee’s linking social capital and incubator manager’s bonding and bridging social capital have insignificant impact on incubatee’s access to non-formal finance. These results suggest that incubatees’ family members, neighbours, close and distant friends and secondary groups play a significant role in helping incubatees access finance from non-formal financiers. Similarly, incubator managers’ connections to influential people in private sector, civil society organisations, and governmentand public representatives have significant influence on incubatees’ access to non-formal finance. Research/practical implications: This paper creates awareness to incubatees to utilize their bonding and bridging network links, to increase their non-formal financial accessibility. The incubatees are also motivated to utilize the incubator managers’ connections in the civil society organizations, private sector, government agenciesand public representatives. Based on these results, policy makers should adopt group guarantee strategy which is being applied among secondary groups to facilitate financial accessibility. Also, policy makers can focus on how to maximize utilization of incubator manager’s connections to key people in civil society organizations, private sector, government agencies and public representatives. Originality/value:The paper begins with an overview of previous researches in area of MSMEs’ access to finance and then moves on to show the role of social capital in incubated MSMEs’ access to non-formal finance. The paper then suggests the type of social capital/social networks that have a significant impact on incubated MSMEs’ access to non-formal finance

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Technology Adoption and Management Strategies: An Empirical Analysis of Women Enterprises in Food and Beverage Sector

Author(s): Ravi Kiran / Language(s): English Publication Year: 0

Purpose:The present study has been undertaken to analyse the technology adoption and management strategies of women enterprises in food and beverage sector in India. Although women entrepreneurship has attracted many researchers, yet technology adoption and management strategies aspect has not been given enough attention. As Food and beverage sector is a growing sector of Indian economy, the present study is an effort to identify and analyse the technology adoption and management strategies of women entrepreneurs in this sector. Design/methodology/approach: The studywas conducted in 5 major districts of Punjab. Punjab is a growing economy of India. A sample of 60 women entrepreneurs was taken. The primary information was gathered with the help of a structured questionnaire.Factor analysis was used to identify technology adoption strategies. The study identified the technology management strategies used by women entrepreneurs in Food and Beverage sector. Finally, structural equation modeling has beenused, to identify which Technology adoption and management strategies influence business performance. Findings:The results indicate that there are five major factors that led to technology adoption in food and beverage sector, viz. organizational culture; external environment; policy factors; market competence and customer satisfaction. Further, there are three major technology management strategies that are followed by companies in food and beverage sector. These are: employee involvement; management initiative; and training and development. Resultsof structural equation modellinghighlight that both technology adoption and technology management strategies influence business performance. 76.3 percent variation in business performance is influenced by technology adoption and technology management strategies. However,technology adoption emerges as a better predictor. Research/practical implications:The results technology adoption emerges as a better predictor of business performance. These results indicate that most women entrepreneurs are investing more funds on technology adoption and adoption may increase the output and business performance. However real gains in business can be made through focusing on technology management which will result not only increase in output, butwill result in real productivity gains. This suggests that there is need to focus on technology management strategies in future. Originality/value: Women entrepreneurs are perceived to be slow adopters of technology, but there were not studies trying to empirically examine this. Thus, a research was needed to examine technology adoption of women entrepreneurs in food and beverage sector. This study is one of initial studies that is examining not only technology adoption, but also is analysing how technology adoption and technology management strategies are influencing business Performance.

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An Overview of Business Models in the Czech Chemical Industry

Author(s): Peter Kita,Iveta Šimberová / Language(s): English Publication Year: 0

Purpose:The paper’s objective is to provide an overview of the utilized business models in the Czech chemical industry, more specifically section 20.1 according to CZ NACE. The aims of the underlying research are to provide a methodology to study an industry through the scope of its business models and utilize it on a specific industry to identify novel business models. Specifically, the research was conducted to identify the specific elements (or features) of novel business models based on sustainable multiple customer value creation within the context of the chosen industry. Design/methodology/approach:The methodology is based on the work of different authors. Based on their methodologies and research a questionnaire was developed to fit the specific goal. The questionnaire’s relevance was tested during semi-structured interviews with 2 directors from 2 different companies belonging in the sample. The sample consists of all 38 companies belonging to section 20.1 CZ NACE. The questionnaire was primarily targeted to commercial directors or production directors. It consisted of 32 questions regarding selected elements of their company’s business model. These elements were later used to provide an overview of the business models for the selected industry. Findings:Within such a capital-intensive industry under the spotlight of many external audits and under heavy legislation, following the issued legislation becomes a competitive advantage. The majority and minority business model constructs state the business model elements utilized by most of companies and vice versa. In effect the legislation and constant audits pushes companies towards more industrial safety and meeting environmental customer expectation while social expectations are being met by a smaller number of companies. Research/practical implications: The majority and minority business model constructs provide an overview of the current trends in the selected industry. Due to the narrow orientation of the research the results are very specific for these companies. Future research involves the creation of specific concepts based on individual elements contained in the minority business model. Other efforts will be focused on gaining access to specific performance data to pair it with its specific business model, thus providing evidence on how different configurations of business models affect social, environmental and economic performance. Originality/value:Business model research is often constricted to case studies of one or a fewcompanies. Few works have focused on studying an industry through the lens of its business models. Also, few works have studied the connection of specific business model elements and sustainability multiple value creation.

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The Survey of Entrepreneurs in the Comprehensive Assessment of Competitive Environment

Author(s): Alexandr Yuryevich Kokovikhin,Andrey Yevgenyevich Plakhin,Ekaterina Sergeevna Ogorodnikova / Language(s): English Publication Year: 0

Purpose:This article aims to test the working hypothesis on the greater reliability of an integrated assessment of competitive environment combining statistical and polling methods of obtaining information.The objective was formed during the implementation of the research project introducing the competition development standard in Sverdlovsk region. Design/methodology/approach: The assessment of objective indicators was carried out through thesystem of market analysis and with the assistance of "SPARK-Interfax"companies. The Herfindahl-Hirschman index was used to calculate revenues. The ratio of price growth to cost growth was calculated on the basis of the company’s financial reports.The quantitative studywas based on a broad survey which had beenconducted from December 2015 to February 2017. A total of 1187 questionnaires were sentto respondents, filled out and returned. The obtained results were further analyzed with the Chi-square test. Findings:Throughout the research, rankings werecarried out in conformity withthe level of competition development ofsocially significant markets in Sverdlovsk region.We haverevealedthe ambiguity of the competitive situation assessment with the use of statistical and survey methods of obtaining information. 2015 and 2016 were marked by theconsistency lack of the estimates of statistical and questionnaire methods for the social services market and certain segments of the educational services market. Weexplain this situation by a significant share of the grey sector that is not fullyaccountedin the statistics. Research/practical implications:According to the revealed discrepancies, we recommend the compulsory use of survey methods for competition analysis as they allow taking into account insider information and development tendencies of illegal segments of educational and social services markets. Originality/value:The presented study uses a unique set of regional-level data and facilitates a comprehensive method for assessing the competitive environment of regional markets. The above-mentioned method was tested on the materials obtained for the Ministry of Investments and Development of Sverdlovsk region from 2015 to 2017.

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The Use of Cryptocurrency in Enterprises in Czech Republic

Author(s): Andrea Kolková / Language(s): English Publication Year: 0

Purpose:The aim of this paper is to show the potential useand possibilitiesof cryptocurrenciesfor enterprises.This includes the accounting and legal aspects of this new phenomenon. The application will focus on one of the ways to exploit cryptocurrencies, namely CFD contracts. Design/methodology/approach:The article describes the capabilities and tools for using cryptocurrency for entrepreners. Selected cryptocurrencies are subjected to statistical analyzes, and so analyze the daily values of the exchange rates from the time of the occurrence of the given cryptochange. Based on the data of selected cryptocurrencies, the possibilities of speculation with cryptocurrency for entrepreneurs are subsequently proposed in the article. Findings:Entrepreneurscan also use cryptocurrenciesto pay for ordinary businesses in a number of ways without the use of above-standard computing. At thepresent time, the greater spread of cryptocurrencies payments defends them high volatile and relatively large charges.Thecryptocurrenciescan be use entrepreneurs for trading. Research/practical implications: In the Czech Republic there is a relevant legal regulation that allows transactions to be carried out in cryptocurrenciesin accordance with Czech law, using appropriate electronic sales records. The issue contains many other topics for research. Originality/value:Cryptocurrencies are consideredthe biggest innovation in the financial markets over the last 20 years.The use of these entrepreneur’s tools has been smallfor now;however,they maystill be a tool to develop enreprenurin the financial markets.

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Forms of Employment in SME Sector – Example from Slovakia

Author(s): Enikő Korcsmáros / Language(s): English Publication Year: 0

Purpose: The rapidly changing market conditions of the 21st century caused the introduction of new forms of employment too. These forms of employment can be characterized by a distinct mark in terms of typical 8-hour employment, which is typical of the past. The basic aim of the research is to map the employment forms realized by small and medium-sized enterprises, especially the so-called atypical forms of employment. Design/methodology/approach:To achieve the aim of the research author have collected the data by completed questionnaire on sample of 320 SMEs. The primary data collection was implemented in the first half of 2017. Cross table, Chi-square test, standard deviations were used to verify the hypothesis based on two analysed assumptions. Findings:According of the results of this analysis there were no difference between the variables (the popular of the atypical patterns of the employment and the age of the company). Reflected in the value of standard deviation of the respondents’ opinion the most common reason the respondents mentioned were the administrative border and the management decision to insist on traditional patterns of employment. Research/practical implications:Based on our primary research we defined, that age of the company cannot predict how widespread the atypical employment patterns are within the company. Rejection of our assumption implies a further question regarding the age of the company and the presence of atypical employment patterns in the company. The most common reason why companies do not choose atypical patterns of employment were the administrative burden and the management decision. Originality/value: The original contribution and the main added value of the paper is mapping of the current situation in the SME sector in Slovakia regarding the applied forms of employment policy. Examining forms of employment within the SME sphere abstains in Slovakia. This is a complex problem of exploration,since neither the theoretical background is unclear about atypical forms of employment.

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China’S Policy for Special Economic Zones and its Implications for the Development of Entrepreneurship in the Russian Far East

Author(s): Viktoriia Koretskaia-Garmash / Language(s): English Publication Year: 0

Purpose:This studyis aimed at exploring the experience accumulated by China in creation and operation of special economic zones (SEZs) and the potential application of this experience for the development of entrepreneurship in municipalities of the Russian Far East. One ofthe key goals in this process is to identify the type(s) of economic zones that would be optimal for this region. Design/methodology/approach: In our research, we used the historical method to study Chinese experience of creating different types of economic zones. After analysing a variety of sources, we identified the factors underlying the success of Chinese economic zones and thus selected the optimal SEZ types for the Russian Far East. We also conducted a correlation and regression analysis to determine the interconnection between the socio-economic development of municipalities in the Far East and the economic performance of small businesses in these areas. Findings: The Chinese approach to creating SEZs can be effectively applied to establish a customs cooperation area on the Russian-Chinese border in the Jewish Autonomous Region to stimulate the development of this economically depressed territory through international trade and entrepreneurship; to create jobs and, therefore, increase the income of the local population; and to attract highly qualified specialists to the region. Research/practical implications: The results of this research can be used by municipal governments participating in the SEZ experiment in the Jewish Autonomous Region. Originality/value: The author uses methodology to analyze the indicators that show the efficiency of small businesses and individual entrepreneurs in municipalities of the Russian Far East. The municipalities are assessed depending on their performance on each indicator, which reveals their strengths and weaknesses that should be addressed by the regional and federal authorities. The optimal types of economic zones are determined by analyzing the relevant Chinese experience and the Russian legislation.

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Key Competencies in Sustainability: Assessment of Innovative Factors Influencing the Development of Human Resources in Health Care System

Author(s): Irina Kostadinova,Diana Antonova / Language(s): English Publication Year: 0

Purpose:This study presents the review of the innovative solutions for sustainability in human resource management. It demonstrates a discussion issue -how the development ofemotional and social intelligence (E&SI) as a key competence for sustainability can reveal new opportunities for improving the achievements of human resources in health care. Answers are sought through the creation and implementation of a methodology for studying the impact of E&S intelligence as a factor for enhancing the professional competence of physicians. Design/methodology/approach:The paper research design is qualitative and quantitative analysys and characterization of medical work as well as theinfluence of E&SI on revealing the possibilities for individual and organizational change. The assesment is viewed as part of the sustainable development of human resources. A methodological tool (questionnaire) has been developed to identify and evaluatethe possibilities for enhancing the results of medical work through the development of a key competence -the emotional and social intelligence of the physicians in order to improve their individual economic, medical and social results, and hence the organization, in which they work. Findings: After conducting a social experiment in two treatment clinics in Bulgaria and carrying out 360-degreeinterviews with the managers (100% of the management staff of the two clinics), doctors (80% of doctors in both clinics) and patients (8% of the lying patients) presented evidence of the importance of key competences -E&SI, as an innovative factor for improving the human resources performance in the medical organizations. In order to prove the sustainability of thekey factor, indicators for comparative analysis of the results from applying a methodology assessing the impact of E&SI on improving the medical doctors’ integrated competence have been systematized and classified. Research/practical implications:The applicability of the proposed methodological approach and methodology was confirmed by the interviews with the target groups (in the last trimester of 2016) and the social experiment (October 2016 -September 2017). The place of the research is the Pnevmotipsi Clinic in Ruse and Pleven -Bulgaria. The results are summarized and the possibilities for increasing the individual professional competencies of the medics have been demonstrated by increasing the E&SC as a key factor for the sustainability of the investigated health institutions. The paper provides evidence that the proposed key competences could be used for further research on sustainability issues of the organizations. Originality/value: Firstly, empirical evidence is applied to measure E&SI impact on the integrated competence of doctors by a "360° questionnaire evaluation" through an own questionnaire based on Goleman's competency model in real hospital care organizations. A complex adapted model for E&SI as an innovative factor in the sustainability management has been appraised by comparing the results by elements of the integrated competence model and the indicators of their activity for establishing organizational change in the hospitals observed

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