Rok 2019 (ročník 22)

Permanent URI for this community

https://dspace.tul.cz/handle/15240/99034

Browse

Now showing 1 - 20 of 55

Alternative measures of macroeconomic imbalances in the EU – design and verification
(Technická Univerzita v Liberci, 2019-03-15) Kološta, Stanislav; Kráľ, Pavol; Flaška, Filip; Ekonomická fakulta
As a consequence of financial and economic crisis in the EU the macroeconomic imbalances (MI) have been monitored since 2012. Annual Alarm Mechanism Report (AMR) focused on assessment of MI contains the interlinkages between the real economy and the financial sector. From AMR data, we can get picture about the evolution of different MI indicators in the EU, but complete picture about the overall situation of individual countries in the field of MI is missing. Therefore, we focused on design and verification of suitable alternative evaluation tool which AMR lacks, and which could be usable for decision making processes within European Commission. The main aim of the article is to propose aggregated and partial indices of MI using constrained PCA which can: i) provide a complex evaluation of each EU country on its global position in headline indicators; ii) make MI indicators more comprehensible for wider use; iii) design simple alternative assessment tool useful for monitoring whether measures taken by the EU and the member states are directed towards improving the macroeconomic balance. The proposed MI indices are verified from a quantitative as well as qualitative point of view. Results of proposed assessment tools showed that: Luxembourg, Germany, Netherland and Sweden can be considered for the most stable EU countries from MI point of view; Post-Communist countries dealt with economic crisis better than some countries from south of the EU; after first crisis years the best improvement in MI index reached Baltic and Visegrad countries together with Luxembourg and Netherland; other EU countries in 2012 did not reach MI index values from pre-crisis period. This study indicates that positive and stable values of current account balance and net international investment position as % of GDP have high weight on macroeconomic stability of EU countries.
Analysis of Factors Affecting the Benefits of Demand Information Sharing
(Technická Univerzita v Liberci, ) Jin, Hyun-Woong; Ekonomická fakulta
Sharing customer demand information across the supply chain is known to be an effective approach to improve the performance of the whole supply chain. However, demand information sharing between companies requires a large amount of budget and leads to a change in the work process within the organization. Therefore, it is necessary to verify whether the sharing of customer demand information is beneficial to the company or not by considering their business environment. This paper aims to analyze the benefits of demand information sharing between companies in various business environments in order to provide managerial implications for the companies considering the adoption of a collaborative inventory management policy with external companies. This research uses a simulation approach based on system dynamics to model the considered supply chain and to explore its performance. For the simulation test, two types of simulation models were developed which represent a supply chain without information sharing and a supply chain with information sharing. Test results were analyzed in terms of the bullwhip effect, the inventory level and the stockout rate of the retailer. The results of this research may help practitioners to understand the dynamics of supply chain when the customer demand is shared. These understandings could help them to make a decision on adopting a collaborative inventory management policy based on the demand information sharing. The originality of this paper is that it deals with various business environments which are rarely considered in the previous researches. These include the length of ordering cycle, the maximum size of ordering quantity, backlog versus lost sales and the type of information shared.
An Analysis of Factors Influencing Employee Job Satisfaction in a Public Sector
(Technická Univerzita v Liberci, ) Lekić, Nemanja; Vapa–Tankosić, Jelena; Rajaković–Mijailović, Jasmina; Lekić, Snežana; Ekonomická fakulta
Public enterprises can only be successful when they base their business strategy and their organizational processes on the satisfaction of their employees. The subject of this research is an analysis of job satisfaction in public sector in Belgrade region in two independent time periods (in 2017 and 2010). The aim of the research was to analyse whether the salary, cooperation with closest associates, and possibility of promotion, remuneration policy, cooperation and good relationships with superiors and nature of the job are directly and positively associated with total job satisfaction. The recent study in 2017 was carried out on 508 public employees on lower positions of leading public sector enterpises. The data was analysed by correlation and regression analysis in the statistical software package SPSS. In the last seven years, the increase in job satisfaction in regard to satisfaction with salaries, the promotion on a hierarchical scale, remuneration policy and the nature of the job, has been observed. On the other hand, the results show that the employees’ satisfaction with cooperation with their closest associates or cooperation and relations with superiors has not been improved. Considering the results of the data, the researchers are able to draw a conclusion which is also consistent with the prevous research, that the analysed factors have a direct and positive influence on the job satisfaction. The conclusions point out that employee job satisfaction analysis can be a powerful tool to enhance organizational performance as well as guidance for the knowledgeable allocation of resources. This study contributes to the analysis of job satisfaction in public sector, which has not been investigated enough, as opposed to job satisfaction in private, for-profit corporations.
Analysis of state investments into human capital in Slovak Republic
(Technická Univerzita v Liberci, ) Palaščáková, Daniela; Koľveková, Gabriela; Melas, Dávid; Ekonomická fakulta
This article is focused on state or government investment into human capital and on investments into universities, which are supposed to lead to an increase in wages of individuals after finishing such education. That part of income of graduates which is exceeding incomes of people with completed high school education, i.e. income bonus is, on one hand, a motivational factor for individual to study at university and on the other hand it is an opportunity for the state to achieve higher tax incomes in absolute terms due to graduates with higher salaries. The main goal of this article is to analyse investments into the human capital from the point of view of the amount of investment and its profitability, as well as from the point of view of the payback period for state investments in education. Quantitative analysis was provided by plugging in data into seven ratios/formulas. The data were from the Ministry of Education of the Slovak Republic. Results are addressing the issue of globalised education, where the fierce competition will lead to changes that will inevitably require a change in investment schemes as well as a change in behaviour and attitude towards education as such. Paper strives for achieving an advantange that is to stimulate debate on human capital in its broad sense as described in the opening of the paper. The context of this humble research is framed by technology changes in global value chains that effect economy in its structure that is turning to be more dynamic then ever.
Analysis of the significance of eWOM on social media for companies[S1]
(Technická Univerzita v Liberci, ) Prantl, David; Mičík, Michal; Ekonomická fakulta
In recent years, social media have changed online communication. People share their views on individual companies as well as reviews of various products, and actively engage in discussions. Communication that spreads in this way is referred to as eWOM. The question is how important eWOM on social media can be for companies and what we can conclude based on eWOM. This research study aims to evaluate the significance of eWOM for companies in terms of the connection between eWOM and stock prices. Further, we explore the impact of eWOM on company website traffic. The research was conducted using a sample of 1,420,000 posts on social media sites mentioning companies that make up the components of the US30 stock market index. The results show that companies in the B2C segment with a higher share of positive posts compared to negative ones have seen a greater increase in stock prices. However, posts on social media mentioning companies in the B2B segment are not connected to the movement of stock prices of these companies. The research also revealed that 3 % of the total traffic on companies’ websites comes from social media sites. Based on the findings of the research, we can consider eWOM to be of major significance for companies in the B2C segment. These conclusions can be useful in predicting stock prices of particular companies on stock markets based on eWOM.
Benefits of KPIs for industry sector evaluation: the case study from the Czech Republic
(Technická Univerzita v Liberci, ) Hedvičáková, Martina; Král, Martin; Ekonomická fakulta
Currently, there is a fourth Industrial Revolution known as Industry 4.0. This industrialization is characterized by structural changes in the substitution of labour by new technologies and capital. The paper focuses on the industrial sector, which is dominant in the Czech Republic and has a significant contribution to GDP and value added. It describes the current economic situation in Czech Republic and in European Union.
Change equation effectiveness: empirical evidence from South-East Europe
(Technická Univerzita v Liberci, 2019-03-15) Čudanov, Mladen; Tornjanski, Vesna; Jaško, Ondrej; Ekonomická fakulta
This study was developed with the aim to propose quantitative decision-making model in organizational change management, which is based on change equation application in real time, as an emerging ecosystem that should be further adopted in change management practice to create value in complex decision making and at the same time to increase change success. The paper opted for an integrated qualitative and quantitative research methods, based on empirical data collection. Sampling frame includes respondents from fourteen different industries in South-East Europe. Data analyses were carried out in three main phases using proven statistical methods. Based on the results, general hypothesis introduced in the study is supported. In other words, successful change occurs when the product of all three variables, i.e. D, V and F is higher than resistance to change, and vice versa. Also, research results show that change equation can successfully predict change outcome and explain a portion of change success variability. Finally, research findings indicate that the model should be revised and further developed. Research limitations are determined by significant variance in the model that may result of situational factors. Also, the research was based on a relatively limited sample and focused only on data collection from South-East Europe. Despite its limitations, this study can contribute both to theorists and practitioners. First, the paper contributes to the change management theory, business decision-making theory, organizational development theory and the behavioral theory. Second, the paper can contribute to strategic managers, change leaders, change agents and consultants who deal with change management by adopting the upgraded change model that can be applied in all phases of change process, including measurement of the change outcome.
City specialisation and diversification in South East Europe (SEE) countries
(Technická Univerzita v Liberci, ) Rašić Bakarić, Ivana; Bačić, Katarina; Slijepčević, Sunčana; Ekonomická fakulta
The main objective of the paper is to study the role of localisation and the urbanisation (or diversification) economies in urban post-transition SEE, by constructing and analysing manufacturing specialisation and diversification measures over the period 2006-2013. The second objective of the paper is to analyse differences within manufacturing industry across cities in terms of their technological complexity. Industries are mapped across cities with over 50,000 populations (98 cities in six SEE, covering 35.3% of the total SEE population), a population threshold that is in line with previous literature. The data were obtained from Bureau Van Dijk’s Amadeus firm-level database containing, most importantly, balance sheet data and profit-and-loss account data for CEE. The analysis of manufacturing industry diversification and specialisation in the cities is based on the relation between agglomeration economies of the Marshall-Arrow-Romer type (economies of location or specialization) and the Jacobs-Porter type (economies of urbanization or diversification). Analysis results revealed that a particular specialisation pattern that would point to a homogenous system of cities throughout the region could not be confirmed. City specialisation in manufacturing was negatively correlated to city size in SEE, but this relation has not shown particularly strong. Similarly to other countries, top-specialised cities are specialised in manufacturing closely related to natural resources such as petroleum products and tobacco, pointing to advantages arising from “first nature” geography. However, diversity and specialisation are not exact opposites, as there are cities which are both diversified and specialised. The results of the second part of the analysis show that medium-low technology and low technology groups of industries in manufacturing prevail in total turnover, with 36.2% and 35.0% share, respectively. City specialization in the prevailing technology group in SEE, in medium-low technology, is highest in Bulgarian, Bosnian and Herzegovinian and in Croatian cities.
Collaboration for innovation in small CEE countries
(Technická Univerzita v Liberci, 2019-03-15) Prokop, Viktor; Stejskal, Jan; Hudec, Oto; Ekonomická fakulta
The innovative environment and its elements are crucial determinants of the innovation activity of enterprises in developed economies. Also public authorities also focus on innovation environment development, which are being implemented with financial support from public budgets. In developed countries, these incentives are geared to promoting cooperation, as it is a key element of any innovative environment. In Western economies, a certain Western innovation model is being implemented. However, its application in the CEE countries is significantly limited due to the specific characteristics of these economies. Therefore, the main focus of the paper is to examine the impact of cooperation with different types of innovation partners on product innovation performance of manufacturing companies in small CEE countries. In the first phase of the research, CIS data (from Eurostat) and its own regression models identify the types of co-operating partners (private and public) that have the most significant impact on product innovation (researched separately in selected CEE countries). In the second part, the model is constructed so as to identify the predictors, the variables having a significant impact on product innovations across countries (using a merged dataset from all analysed CEE countries). To expand knowledge about innovation and business performance, three variables were added to the model as control variables: market orientation, company ownership, and public funding. The combined dataset of the five CEE countries was again used to examine the impact of different types of co-operating partners on product innovation through a binary logistic regression model. Findings of logistic regression are encouraging; pointing out that the transition to a market economy with a delay has also encouraged the establishment of relationships between firms and private institutions in favour of boosting innovation performance. In doing so, CEE countries are gradually approaching the behaviour of firms in Western European countries.
Comparative statistical analysis of selected control charts for highly capable processes
(Technická Univerzita v Liberci, ) Jarošová, Eva; Noskievičová, Darja; Ekonomická fakulta
When a high-quality process is to be controlled by 100% inspection and yes-no decision is employed, several types of charts come into account, e.g. CCC, CCC-r or geometric CUSUM (CCC-CUSUM). The aim of the paper is to examine performance of these charts so that a suitable one can be chosen for a given process. The charts are compared according to the quickness with which the upward shift in the fraction of nonconforming items is detected. The average number of observations to signal (ANOS) instead of the usual average run length (ARL) is determined. While ANOS for CCC or CCC-r charts can be easily calculated based on a geometric or a negative binomial distribution, its computation is quite difficult in the case of CCC-CUSUM chart. The corrected diffusion (CD) approximation was used to determine ANOS and the results were verified by Monte Carlo simulation. Zero-state and steady-state (both fixed-shift and random-shift model) analyses were performed to take different scenarios of the process shift occurrence into account. CCC-3 or CCC-2 and CCC-CUSUM charts were compared. The order r for CCC-r chart was chosen as an optimal value for the given process based on the semi-economic model suggested in Brodecká (2013). Our study revealed that for in-control p0 equal to 0.0002 the CCC-CUSUM chart performs best especially for shifts around the pre-specified out-of-control fraction nonconforming. The CCC-r chart may be comparable or even better in detecting larger shifts. The results of the comparative study were utilized for the choice of the most suitable and best performing control chart to control the high-yield process producing ERG (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) sensors. Comparisons of CCC-r and CCC-CUSUM charts can be found elsewhere in literature, but conclusions seem to be rather inconsistent. To our best knowledge no study dealing with such small in-control fraction nonconforming together with the low risk of false alarm has been published yet. The choice of CUSUM's parameters and consequent values of ANOS can help practitioners who need to control high-quality processes.
Competitiveness of Slovak enterprises in Central and Eastern European region
(Technická Univerzita v Liberci, ) Vetráková, Milota; Smerek, Lukáš; Ekonomická fakulta
The position of Slovakia in the region of Central and Eastern Europe is analysed in this paper. In examining this, we build on the axiom of the dominant position of multinational companies, which are an important part of international business, international economy and trade. They affect global competitiveness on international markets, including the quality of life of people. The paper explains how globalization contributes to increasing Slovakia's competitiveness in CEE, how human resources management practices support successful companies located in the TOP 500 CEE ranking and what the management system prevails. We rely on the theoretical knowledge of well-known experts in human resources management in the international environment, confronting their theoretical knowledge with our own research conducted by structured interviews with human resources managers of selected companies in Slovakia placed in the TOP 500 CEE ranking. The purpose of these efforts is to both theoretically and practically support the importance of human resources management in achieving positive business results on an international scale. By applying mathematical-statistical methods, we have found that there is a statistically significant difference between enterprises in which different approaches are applied in relation to the application of convergence or divergence. We have found strong dependence, confirming the assumption that the convergence or divergence is the result of the company's approach to HRM activities. To verify the assumption of the difference in performance of HRM processes in MNCs and local enterprises, we used additional tests. The results confirmed the presumption that the performance of HRM processes in MNCs and local enterprises is different in more than half of the processes.
The corporate social responsibility in the Romanian banking systém
(Technická Univerzita v Liberci, ) Dinu, Vasile; Bunea, Mariana; Ekonomická fakulta
For the Romanian banking system, the corporate social responsibility (CSR) concept is not a new one, but its importance raises more and more awareness lately, the financial crisis of 2008 significantly bringing to surface the need to integrate the moral principles in the banking activity. The corporate social responsibility (CSR) takes into account the strategies that help companies to run their business in an ethical way, when talking about the relations to the other members of the society. The CSR can include a wide range of partnerships with the local communities, investments with a real social impact of the corporations (education, art, and environmental protection), developing relations between the firms and their clients, employees and their families. On one hand, the research aims at measuring the level of knowledge of the information regarding the corporate social responsibility of the banks in Romania in the timeframe 2015–2017 and on the other hand, to identify the possible relations between the CSR indexes and the financial performance, seen through the return on assets indicators (ROA) and return on equity indicators (ROE). In order to accomplish these objectives, the research methodology was based on the content analysis method, in order to identify the categories of corporate social responsibility that are included in the CSR index, obtained from the annual reports of the sustainability, published by the analyzed banks. To test the correlations of the dependent and independent variables, there were used correlation techniques and regression of the analyzed data, using the SPSS soft. Even with its limitations, this research can be a very strong source of information and reflection for the decision makers in the Romanian banking sector and more than that, can encourage an even bigger transparency of the information regarding the social and environment responsibility, as well as emphasizing of a performing management under all aspects that are related to the corporate social responsibility.
Cost-effectiveness of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in resuscitation of patients with refractory cardiac arrest
(Technická Univerzita v Liberci, ) Burišková, Klára; Rogalewicz, Vladimír; Ošťádal, Petr; Ekonomická fakulta
Extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) has been recently introduced as a therapeutic option for refractory cardiac arrest. Despite growing evidence demonstrating improved survival rate, a number of questions remains unanswered and data on cost-effectiveness are still insufficient. The paper is based on a retrospective observational comparative study of authentic clinical data from patient records. Incremental cost-effectiveness and cost-utility analyses were performed from health care provider's perspective. Sixteen patients undergoing ECPR were included into the analysis and their data were compared with 35 subjects with conventional CPR for refractory cardiac arrest. In the ECPR group eight out of sixteen patients were weaned from ECMO, four of them with good neurological outcomes (CPC 1-2); three patients survived one year with CPC 1-2, one patient survived one year with severe neurological dysfunction (CPC 3), and one patient with persisting coma (CPC 4). In comparison, in the non-ECPR group all patients died within 24 hours. In the ECPR group, the average annual costs per patient reached CZK 885,044 (Levitronix Centrimag), and CZK 788,432 (Cardiohelp) (the 2013 price level). CUA revealed 3,961,970 CZK/QALY with Cardiohelp, and 4,447,457 CZK/QALY with Levitronix. However, if only patients with CPC 1-2 were included into the analysis, the cost-utility ratio decreased below the unofficial Czech cost-effectiveness threshold. Our data indicate that ECPR for refractory cardiac arrest may be cost-effective despite high costs per individual patients, especially if we were able to better select patients for this intervention based on a reliable prediction of the neurological outcome.
Country-specific determinants of intra-industry trade in pharmaceuticals: the case of Poland and its European Union partners
(Technická Univerzita v Liberci, ) Łapińska, Justyna; Meluzínová, Jana; Uhman, Jiří; Ekonomická fakulta
Trade cooperation between European Union countries is based mainly on intra-industry trade, consisting in the simultaneous import and export of similar products belonging to the same industry (commodity group).
Critical success factors in ERP system adoption: comparative analysis of the private and the public sector
(Technická Univerzita v Liberci, ) Seres, Laslo; Tumbas, Pere; Matkovic, Predrag; Sakal, Marton; Ekonomická fakulta
This research provides useful insight into differences in the perception of significance and the degree of fulfillment of Critical Success Factors (CSFs) of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) adoption between private and public sector organizations. The survey was conducted on a sample of 77 Serbian organizations, with approximately equal representation of those from the private and the public sector. A comprehensive list of CSFs, compiled as a result of an extensive literature review, was included in the questionnaire. The collected data and statistical procedures applied revealed the CSFs that differentiate the organizations from the two observed sectors. Involvement of end users in ERP adoption and implementation activities has proven to be the CSF in relation to which the assessments and attitudes of organizations from the two sectors differ the most. Results of this research indicate that differences between private and public sector organizations are more distinct in terms of their level of fulfillment of ERP adoption CSFs than they are in terms of their assessment of CSFs’ significance. This points to a conclusion that differences in the way of functioning and governance of organizations from these two sectors influence their ability to tackle the problems much more than their ability to recognize them. The practical contribution of this research is in providing some useful findings that can greatly assist relevant stakeholders to achieve a higher success rate in an ERP adoption. In addition to responding to the initial research questions, this paper has also revealed new issues, suggesting the need for further research.
The Czech adaptation of Klein et al’s. Unidimensional Target-neutral Scale of Commitment
(Technická Univerzita v Liberci, ) Procházka, Jakub; Židlická, Anna; Cígler, Hynek; Vaculík, Martin; Klein, Howard J.; Ekonomická fakulta
This study describes the process of translating, adapting and validating the Klein et al.’s Unidimensional Target-neutral Scale of Commitment (KUT) into Czech. The KUT scale is a self-report scale that consists of four items. The scale was adapted using three independent translations into Czech, one back-translation into English by a native speaker, assessment by experts, and piloting in cognitive interviews with 13 respondents. The study also provides evidence on the scale’s reliability and validity for measuring organizational commitment defined as a psychological bond with an organization. The analyses were based on data obtained from 811 Czech-speaking adults working for Czech organizations. Using ordinal structural equation models (SEM) estimated on the polychoric correlation matrices with the robust WLSMV estimator, the Czech adaptation of the KUT scale showed similar psychometric characteristics to the original English version. The Czech KUT scale is unidimensional and internally consistent. All items have high factor loadings. The scale is invariant across groups defined by gender, workload and the sector in which the organization operates. The convergent validity is supported by the fact that the organizational commitment measured by the Czech KUT scale relates positively to job satisfaction, self-rating of job performance, extra-role behaviour and negatively to turnover intention. The Czech KUT scale also proved incremental validity to job performance over job satisfaction measured by Job Descriptive Survey. Therefore, the scale is a valid instrument for measuring organizational commitment within the Czech-speaking population. It can be used for organizational surveys as well as for research within the organizations.
Decision tree modelling of e-consumers’ preferences for internet marketing communication tools during browsing
(Technická Univerzita v Liberci, 2019-03-15) Sabaitytė, Jolanta; Davidavičienė, Vida; Straková, Jarmila; Raudeliūnienė, Jurgita; Ekonomická fakulta
The successful development of internet marketing is based on scientifically proven decisions designed for the comprehensive analysis and evaluation of internet marketing communication tool selection. Different layers of internet marketing phenomena, such as communication tool profiles and characteristics of customers and strategies for different stages of purchase models, are widely analysed. However, it has been noted that modern management theories lack scientific research on the comprehensive analysis and evaluation of internet marketing communication tools, including the relevant characteristics of electronic consumers profiles based on their generational aspects and their life cycle stages. It is therefore necessary to analyse the stages of an electronic consumer’s journey and define the most relevant communication tools and application uses during every stage by aiming to improve customer satisfaction and marketing performance. The goal of this research is to determine the most significant internet marketing communication elements in the purchase phase of the electronic consumer journey cycle using the mathematical decision tree approach for different types of customers, using the generation theory as a segmentation tool. The literature analysis on electronic consumer’s behaviour, generation theory application possibilities in marketing and internet marketing communication tools was carried out. The research methodology includes eye-tracking and descriptive and comparative statistical analysis methods (decision tree models), which create the preconditions for the evaluation of electronic consumers’ explicit and tacit reactions to the use of internet marketing communication tools during the purchase phase of an electronic consumer´s journey. It was established that comparable statistically significant different preferences for internet marketing communication tools, at the purchase phase during a browsing task, exist for baby boomers, X, Y and Z generations.
Estimation of international tax planning impact on corporate tax gap in the Czech Republic
(Technická Univerzita v Liberci, 2019-03-15) Moravec, Lukáš; Rohan, Jan; Hinke, Jana; Ekonomická fakulta
There are many studies focusing on VAT (value added tax) tax gap but very few relevant studies that deal with the corporate income tax loss. The studies vary particularly in their methodology, databases and interpretation. In the case of the Czech Republic the studies resulted in a range between CZK 57 billion tax gap and CZK 12.5 billion corporate tax revenue gain caused by the tax planning. The main aim of the paper is to calculate the corporate income tax efficiency rate for the Czech Republic and compare it with other member states. The indicator of corporate income tax efficiencyis important for the calculation of the tax revenue without profit shifting (RWS) indicator and then thesubsequent corporate income tax gap estimation for 2013-2015, which is the second goal of the paper. The RWS indicator gives an overview of the Czech Republic´s amount of loses/gains relating to the corporate tax base erosion and corporate profit shifting. In the case when the actual corporate income tax revenue takes a higher value than the revenue without profit shifting indicator the jurisdiction benefits from the profit shifting operations. The opposite situation results in tax revenue losses caused by profit shifting to other “more attractive” tax jurisdictions. Authors’ study re-estimation results in approximately CZK 9.404 billion tax gap caused by base erosion and profit shifting instead of 12.5 billion CZK that shows EPRS’s study for period 2013. The third aim of the paper is to deal with the difference between input data from Eurostat database and official data from General Financial Directorate.
Ethics in business and communication: common ground or incommensurable?
(Technická Univerzita v Liberci, 2019-03-15) Kačerauskas, Tomas; Ekonomická fakulta
Do business and communication share common ethical ground or are they incommensurable notions? This paper explores the on-going conversation surrounding the role of ethics in business and communication and related practical issues. A critical approach has been applied towards the issues, and a historical approach applied by demonstrating the ethical ideas in the history of philosophy. The regional approach is used which appeals to such ethical regions as professional ethics as well ethics in the cultural rims. Through the analysis of the relationship between global and local ethics in business and communication, the paper examines problems and issues with particular reference to meta-discourse, media, market, and, significantly, propaganda. Part 1 considers the main problems germane to business ethics, which is followed by analysis of the issues pertaining to communication ethics. Part 2 draws a comparison between the two and develops a critical approach. Kantian analysis is applied to the generally accepted maxims of ethics in business and communication. Such maxims include the reminder that: “uniformity in global communication is not possible”; and “avoid conducting business by slavishly copying others”. Furthermore, “never seek either business or communication at any price”. Put simply, the aforementioned imply something that is both simple and direct: “know the limits of your communication” and “know the limits of your business”. The paper adopts a critical approach rather than euphoric discourses concerning business and communication ethics that are typical of much of the current literature. Beside this, the relationship between global (universal) and local (regional) in ethical level is developed.
An expanded conceptualization of “smart” cities: adding value with fuzzy cognitive maps
(Technická Univerzita v Liberci, 2019-03-15) Miguel, Bárbara P.; Ferreira, Fernando A. F.; Banaitis, Audrius; Banaitienė, Nerija; Meidutė-Kavaliauskienė, Ieva; Falcão, Pedro F.; Ekonomická fakulta
The world’s rapidly growing population is an issue to be taken seriously. Its consequences could be dramatic if the required steps are not taken. Concerns about this problem have led to the creation of “smart” cities, which promote improvements in citizens’ quality of life through a combination of new technologies and environmentally sustainable practices. For these cities to be truly “smart”, they need to be evaluated in order to understand the areas in which interventions are necessary to make these cities economically stable and environmentally sustainable. In this regard, various studies have sought to understand which indicators should be considered in assessments of smart cities and how this process should be conducted. Thus far, however, researchers have found that using “loose” indicators, which measure only some areas of these cities, is insufficient. That said, this study proposes the use of fuzzy cognitive maps to analyze the dynamics behind smart cities’ components. Grounded in intensive group meetings with a panel of experts in different dimensions of these cities, the method applied produced a well-informed, process-oriented framework that contains the characteristics and components that should be assessed in this type of city. Specifically, after a fuzzy cognitive map was constructed based on the direct involvement of the expert participants, six main clusters were extracted as key components in the development of smart cities. These clusters were: people; planning and environments; technology; infrastructure and materials; services; and transportation and mobility. The results also facilitate an improved understanding of smart cities’ cause-and-effect relationships and better strategic planning by urban planners and city administrators. The implications, advantages, and limitations of the proposed framework are also presented.

Browse

Browsing Rok 2019 (ročník 22) by Title

Results Per Page

Sort Options