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 Development Patterns of Small Knowledge Intensive Enterprises from Czech Republic

Author(s): Veronika Bumberová,František Milichovský / Language(s): English Publication Year: 0

Purpose: Generally, there is agreement about the economic benefits of knowledge-intensivebusiness services (KIBS) in the contemporary empirical literature. Therefore, drawing ona survey-based firm-level dataset, identify whether different service-market scenarios areassociated with different innovation and change activities, evaluating the explanatory power oftraditional classifications of the service sector, as well as the heterogeneity is driven by a firm. Design/methodology/approach: The empirical evidence is based on quantitative data throughan email questionnaire from July to September 2017. The basic population gathered fromuniversity database Amadeus after selected selection criteria included 1214 companies,operating in the knowledge-intensive business service sector. The total return rate from thesurvey was 128 valid answers in completely and correctly filled form (return 10.5%). Theanalysis is based on exploratory factor analyze, hierarchical cluster analysis and validationtechniques such as one-way ANOVA and Duncan multiple range test to the original variablesand testing for homogeneity within and differences between clusters. Findings: The analyses indicate four patterns of business development activities. Besidesa conservative category of KIBS in cluster 1, that do not carry out any relevant developmentactivity, we found cluster 2, characterized by market penetration through service modificationof existing services, cluster 3 is represented by new service development and finally, a cluster4 includes service repositioning strategy to the new markets. Research/practical implications: The research contributions of this study are twofold. First,the results have implications for owners and managers involved in business development in theservices industry and second, results could be useful for government efforts to support thedevelopment activities of KIBS as a heterogeneous category.

More...

Download

Litigate or Not to Litigate? Similarities between Visegrad Countries

Author(s): Csilla Kohlhoffer-Mizser / Language(s): English Publication Year: 0

Purpose: This study is focused on the actual status of the Hungarian society in connection withtrials and conflict management. The paper aims to show the possible directions persons candecide in case of conflict. This article aims to summarize the position of mediation, providedthe question litigate or not to litigate? Design/methodology/approach: The approach to the topic is on the basis of statistical datacollected from national statistical office of Hungary, from Ministry of Justice Hungary aboutdisputes and resolutions, the subject scope of the paper is litigation and mediation. Findings: The increase or stagnation of court cases shows a clear representation of society'sattitude to conflict. Results in different contexts do not represent significant differences in theselection of alternative dispute resolution or litigation as conflict management strategies. Thefindings point to a general increase in alternative dispute resolution, while litigation seems tobe on the rise as well at a slower pace. Research/practical implications: It is implicated to have a progressive thinking about conflictresolution. It can be a change in societies to look at conflicts with another aspect. Persons canpractice the “win-win situation” from the beginning of life, it can be implied in education. Forfuture research there is an aim to show every possible level where alternative dispute resolutionis able to effect, practicing nonviolent communication for the success of conflict management.Scholars and entrepreneurs can make use of this research to apply, use and train mediation toolswhen conflicts arise. Originality/value: It is supported by literature that leadership styles are in relationship withconflict management styles. In trust based relationships liability has a significant role, to beliable for our decisions we may recognized as a profit in society, and look at alternative disputeresolution approach as a progress. Conflict can be found in human interactions as well asbusiness interactions. Companies involved in formal conflict, search for lawyers and leadersthat resolve conflict in an efficient way.

More...

Download

Differences between Companies by Size in Access to Financing

Author(s): Simona Činčalová,Jaroslav Jánský / Language(s): English Publication Year: 0

Purpose: The aim of this paper is to examine whether approaches to financing based on selectedindicators differ from various size entities in the Czech construction industry in the differentphases of the economic cycle (during economic recession and after). Design/methodology/approach: The statistical data were drawn from two random years 2010and crisis 2014 from all construction companies listed in the Albertina database. In 2010, therewere 9583 businesses in the construction industry and 6846 businesses in 2014. From thedatabase, different indicators were used for two years in construction companies. The paperdeals with indicators working capital and total indebtedness. For all enterprises in the field ofConstruction in the two years 2010 and 2014, the basic statistical characteristics wereprocessed, and the results are based methodologically on paired t-test. Findings: Despite the economic recession, there have been no significant changes in thefunding structure of construction companies. The results of the paired t-tests have not foundany statistically significant differences for the variables Working Capital and Indebtednessthrough the different companies and in selected years (differences over time). Based on t-testsit was found that micro, small and medium enterprises have similar approaches to financing,while the large companies differ. Research/practical implications: The paper contributes to the field from the perspective ofthe Czech construction industry and it explores the differences in financing across the size ofthe companies operating in the industry. This topic clearly deserves further attention whenexamining the construction industry and its approaches to financing through other indicators orother statistical testing. Originality/value: The value of this study is to provide a first step in a detection of differentapproaches to financing in various size of Czech construction companies.

More...

Download

Innovation, Competition & Contingent Work

Author(s): Matthijs den Besten,Issam Laguir / Language(s): English Publication Year: 0

Purpose: The benefits of a flexible workforce are widely recognized. Yet, studies of particularworkforce arrangements such as reliance on freelancers show that these arrangements are notadopted in equal measure by all firms. This study looks at the use of non-permanent contractsmore in general. Its aim is to corroborate the supposition that the need for innovativeness andcompetitiveness is what creates a demand for flexibility among firms. Design/methodology/approach: For our analysis, we rely on self-reports with respect toinnovation, competition and the use of alternative labour contracts from a cohort of firms overa period of five years. On the basis of logistic regressions, we assess the impact of a firm’soutlook at the beginning of the period on its propensity to engage flexible labour later on. Oursample comprises some 50,000 small and medium-sized enterprises that were created in Francein 2002. Findings: The results of our analysis confirm the idea that firms facing challengingenvironments are more likely to look for alternative workforce arrangements. In addition to thefirm’s initial assessment of its situation, we found that firms that rely on alternative labourcontracts in the creation phase are more likely to employ such contracts later too. Research/practical implications: Our findings reinforce the association of workforceflexibility with innovation orientation. Considering the impact of early experience andassuming the benefits of flexibility, the findings suggests that instruments should be developedto expose firms in innovative and dynamic environments to alternative work forms right aftercreation. Originality/value: This paper establishes innovation and competition outlook as antecedentsto the employment of contingent work. Thus, it provides a crucial contribution towardsaddressing the wider question how contingent work helps transform initial ambitions into actualoutcomes with respect to innovation and competitiveness.

More...

Download

Gender Pay Gap in the State Administration of the Czech Republic

Author(s): Michael Forman / Language(s): English Publication Year: 0

Purpose: The most common phenomenon in labour market is inequality of remunerationaccording to gender, also called Gender pay gap. This disproportion in pay has varying degreesall around the world, affecting the global labour market. The firmness of the business sphereand the state administration is quite obvious in this issue. Employee remuneration is veryclosely related to the issue of ethical leadership and human resources management for thefuture. Design/methodology/approach: This article focuses on the analysis of unequal remunerationin the specific environment of state administration in the Czech Republic. Author compared thedata obtained from the Czech ministries from the year 2018 in order to find out gender pay gapin the Czech Republic and then carried out regression analysis on these data. Findings: On the basis of the statistical analysis, it was found that even within the stateadministration of the Czech Republic there are unequal rewarded men and women, which is tothe detriment of the female sex. Research/practical implications: These findings should outline the current state ofremuneration within the state administration of the Czech Republic. Based on these findings,the system could be corrected and adjusted. Originality/value: The present study analyzes the differences in male and female reward withinthe state administration of the Czech Republic. Similar comprehensive information in thepresent form is currently not published anywhere else.

More...

Download

Value Creation through Digital Technologies in Product Development on Russian Telecommunications Markets

Author(s): VALENTINA GERASIMENKO / Language(s): English Publication Year: 0

Purpose: The purpose of the study is to analyze new trends in the development oftelecommunication markets and possible improvements in competitiveness as a result of theintroduction of new digital technologies in management using the example of Russiantelecommunications companies. Design/methodology/approach: The objectives are achieved by studying the moderncharacteristics of the development of the telecommunications market. The sample for studyingis one of the leading companies on the Russian telecommunication market. The main researchmethods are statistics analysis and survey to show new trends in the use of digital technologiesin product development. Findings: The analysis undertaken in the course of research has shown that the use of digitaltechnologies in management has good prospects in value creation but there are big problems inthe involvement of company managers in the process of digitalization. Research/practical implications: The research outcomes and their implications can be usedfor objective assessment of staff performance and quality of e-services. The suggestions forfuture research may include the development of a transparent system of remuneration usingdigital technologies in quality management. Originality/value: The value is to evaluate the results of empirical testing of digital methodsthat can increase the lifetime value of the customer on the telecommunication markets and toassess the involvement of managers in the process of digitalization based on the survey.

More...

Download

Transformation of Business Model of Generating Companies in Russian Energy Sector

Author(s): Maria Gorgisheli,Irina Volkova,Anna Yakovleva / Language(s): English Publication Year: 0

Purpose: The paper aims at creation of an effective business model of global generatingcompanies performing on Russian market and to develop a transformation plan of business forone of these companies. Design/methodology/approach: The face-to-face interviews with Russian senior managementof foreign generating companies were conducted to define the strategic development directionsand the key characteristics of target business model. The literature review enables tosystematize knowledge about the challenges of both global and Russian energy market and ofthe energy companies’ strategic initiatives. The analysis assisted to incorporate innovativeelements into new business model of generating companies and to determine the stages of itstransformation, taking one of these companies as an example. Findings: Generating companies’ performance is influenced by Russian energy marketinstitutional features. The key directions for companies’ development are to increase the shareof generating capacity working on RES and to diversify activities. According to these findings,the target business model was created and the scalable plan of refined business model adaptationin a particular generating company was suggested. Research/practical implications: The findings of the paper appear in elaboration of themethodological approach towards the transformation of foreign generating companies’ businessmodels on Russian market. Strategic vision of market evolution and key characteristics ofbusiness acticities will let managers create state-of-the-art business model. Adoption of themodel in diverse foreign generating companies accumulates the data about the challenges ofthis process. This fact might give the ground for future research in this field. Originality/value: Review of the differencies between foreign generating companies’ businessmodel in both global and Russian energy sectors. New business model including renewedelements of Russian generating companies and a plan for business model adaptation.

More...

Download

Nascent Entrepreneurs’ Business Proposals Qualities and Their Relationship to Financial Indicators when Applying for Angel Investment

Author(s): Robert Hanák / Language(s): English Publication Year: 0

Purpose: In our paper we investigate angels investors’ decision outcomes about selectionprocesses when evaluating business proposals. Specifically, we examined the relationshipbetween previous entrepreneurial performance measured by financial indicators and: a) abilityto write sound business proposal, b) acceptance by group of business angels investors. Design/methodology/approach: 322 nascent entrepreneurs asked Slovak Business AngelsNetwork for investment by sending their business proposals, 102 of them already had pastfinancial performance. By correlation design we tested if the quality of the business proposal(measured by Canvas business model and human capital) is in the relationship with specificfinancial indicators (profit, sales, ROA, liabilities to assets, growth indicators) and acceptance. Findings: Entrepreneurial competence and professionalism measured by previous financialperformance such as sales, profit, debt, liabilities of assets were not related with the quality ofthe business model (measured by Canvas total score) described in the business proposal.Gatekeeper’s decision to accept or reject a business proposal in the first round of evaluationwas also not related to financial performance indicators. Research/practical implications: Gatekeeper, his team and investors should change theirdecision process. Entrepreneurial competence in generating positive requested financialindicators is different from competence in writing and describing sound business proposal. Originality/value: Entrepreneurial performance and competence measured by summaryfinancial indicators does not leads to the ability to write a high-quality business proposal withwell-crafted business model. Investors’ decision process is suboptimal in the first round.

More...

Download

Fuzziness Versus Randomness in Managerial Project Evaluation

Author(s): Simona Hašková / Language(s): English Publication Year: 0

Purpose: Identification of analogy and differences between the probability and fuzzy approachis performed in order to determine which procedure is more beneficial for decision-makers inthe field of strategic management and to assess whether the expected present value criterion isa strong guide to the manager's decision. Design/methodology/approach: The methodology provides tools for dealing with uncertaintyin managerial problems in the sense of randomness by means of the probability approach andvagueness through the fuzzy approach. Findings: Information advantages of the fuzzy approach are stated in comparison to theprobabilistic solution. They are exhibited in the application part within the project economicvaluation of the construction and sale of apartment units. The theoretical superstructure rests inthe description of the differences and analogy between the probabilistic and the fuzzy approachto the economic assessment. Research/practical implications: Expected present value is a weighted average whosecalculation deletes the values of the project scenarios; this result carries less information thaninformation from individual scenarios. The fuzzy approach produces limits of possible valueswhose centre value is a subjectively expected value not burdened by managers ́ excessiveoptimism or pessimism in terms of probability occurrence of cash flows in individual scenarios.Knowledge of these limits is useful for investors with different attitudes towards risk and assuch can be beneficial in terms of managerial decision-making. Originality/value: Identification of the interval limits of possible expected value enables toidentify maximum investment expenditure for a lossless project.

More...

Download

Principles of Data Definition for the Use of Measuring Governance

Author(s): Christian Hitz,Milomir Vojvodic,Greyson Wicki / Language(s): English Publication Year: 0

Purpose: This study addresses the principles of data definition for the use of measuringgovernance. The study of data definition principles in the context of the measurement ofgovernance is driven by the exponential growth of data sources accelerated by digitization. Thestudy had two objectives: The identification of the data definition principles (1) and theexamination of indicators of these principles by means of a survey (2). Design/methodology/approach: It was a qualitative research approach for the identification ofthe data definition principles (objective 1). In addition to the scientific findings, interviews werecarried out with Subject Matter Experts (SME). In addition, a quantitative approach was chosento verify the indicators of the principles identified (objective 2). For data collection, >500 endusers of data systems were contacted with a viral invitation. This invitation resulted in 75completed questionnaires, of which a sample size of n=42 could be validated. Findings: The qualitative study identified 17 elementary principles of data definition. TheSME’s ranked these principles. One third of the indicators describes the existence of datagovernance, which is essential for measuring governance. The quantitative study showed thatthe principles for the definition of content play a much greater role than the semantics andsyntax of the Data. The perceived Data Quality is positively correlated with the principles ofdata definition of the Content of Information. Research/practical implications: As data sources continue to grow exponentially, it becomesincreasingly difficult to aggregate them into information and make them comparable. Sincethese sources are not known to each other in advance, the creation of a common denominatorcan only be achieved by establishing principles of data definition. The findings of this studyhelp to define this minimum requirement of information content via principles of datadefinition. Originality/value: This study is based on the research gap of non-uniform data management inthe field of governance risk and compliance literature.

More...

Download

How Enterprising Are Non-Business Students?

Author(s): Marian Holienka,Jana Holienkova,Péter Gál / Language(s): English Publication Year: 0

Purpose: Nowadays, majority of attention in entrepreneurship education is still devoted tobusiness students. However, they are quite far from being the most enterprising, showinggreatest business appetite or having the domain substance to build their businesses upon. Thus,we call for a shift of this paradigm. In this paper, we support this suggestion by analysing howenterprising are students in selected non-business fields and what are the factors behind. Design/methodology/approach: We investigate for differences between students in selectednon-business disciplines in enterprising tendency and entrepreneurial characteristics,entrepreneurial propensity and its potential drivers. Our sample, obtained through own datacollection in years 2017 and 2018, comprises of 288 university students from four disciplines(engineering, sports, arts, and pedagogy) studying at four universities in Slovakia. Findings: Our analysis yielded findings on entrepreneurial propensity, enterprising tendencyand personality and entrepreneurship education background of students of sports, arts,engineering and pedagogy. We constructed the hypothetical profiles of the analysed groups ofstudents with respect to the above-mentioned attributes. We suggest that entrepreneurship is anintegral phenomenon in non-business student populations. Research/practical implications: Entrepreneurship is an integral phenomenon in non-businessstudent populations. We suggest further elaboration building on the presented work, includingmore extensive examination, comparisons with business students, extending the scope ofanalysis to other disciplines, or employing more sophisticated statistical methods. Originality/value: Research on entrepreneurship among non-business students is still ratherscarce, especially in case of Slovakia. More importantly, there is a clear lack of systematicattention to entrepreneurship education, training and support in non-business fields. We call forshifting the cliché that entrepreneurship education and support is meant for business students.

More...

Download

Comparison of Portfolios Using Markowitz and Downside Risk Theories on the Czech Stock Market

Author(s): Zuzana Janková / Language(s): English Publication Year: 0

Purpose: The paper deals with the comparison of Markowitz and downside risk portfoliotheories and the practical application of both approaches on the Czech stock market. Twoinvestment portfolios of stocks of companies included in the PX index of the Prague StockExchange have been constructed and their results are comparison. Design/methodology/approach: For the purposes of this paper, the secondary research methodhas been chosen based on structured data collection in order to clarify the scientific knowledgeof the modern and post-modern portfolio theory issues. The research part of the paper dealswith eight stocks, which were included in the PX index in the period from 1/2013 to 8/2018.Empirical data are obtained from the official website of the Prague Stock Exchange. Findings: The added value of the paper can be seen in the empirical testing and comparison ofmodern and post-modern portfolio theory in a small capital market with low market liquidity,such as the Czech stock market, since not many of them have been performed yet. Research/practical implications: The comparison of both approaches suggests that riskmeasurement using standard deviation is considered inappropriate in modern portfolio theory.Furthermore, it is evident that the more the instrument departs from the normal distribution, thegreater the differences in the risk assessment will be. Shortcomings of the Markowitz approachare remedied by post-modern portfolio theory that measures risk through downside risk, whichadequately responds to the asymmetry in returns. Originality/value: According to research, it is possible to state that modern theory allocatesstocks to the portfolio stocks with a high return-to-risk ratio. Furthermore, lower ability ofmodern theory to diversify the portfolio has been demonstrated. The post-modern portfolioachieves lower risk rate and greater diversification and seems to be more suitable for creatinga portfolio even in a small and less effective market.

More...

Download

7799Innovative Activity of Enterprises in the Health Care Sector in Cooperation with Other Entities Based on the Example of the Lodz Province

Author(s): Jadwiga Kaczmarska-Krawczak / Language(s): English Publication Year: 0

Purpose: Innovative processes of enterprises do not only depend on the innovative potential oforganisations building their potential individually, but on the cooperation of enterprises withother entities which allow the activity economization. It is a result of scale of action and sharingthe costs and risk of undertakings. Cooperation between enterprises contributes to constantsearch, as well as to the use of the R&D results, new projects, concepts and innovations inpractice. Design/methodology/approach: Empirical research was held within the period of June – July2018 using the survey methodology. Surveys covered the cooperation of enterprises from thehealth care sector within the innovative activity with other entities. Findings: Enterprises from the health care sector pay close attention to scientific research andcooperation in creating innovations with universities and scientific research institutes.Cooperation provides them with a broader access to knowledge and other resources. It allowsthe entry on new markets or the increase of market share. What is more, it allows to achievesynergy and other benefits which an enterprise focused only on itself cannot reach. Research/practical implications: Enterprises from the health care sector pay close attentionto cooperation in the creation of innovations with other entities. Those aspects link to activeinvolvement in innovative processes and the undertaking of actions in this regard, but also toan active attitude in acquiring necessary resources. Originality/value: The article presents new results of research concerning the cooperation ofenterprises from the health care sector within the innovative activity with other entities in LodzProvince, Poland. The author’s contribution to scientific achievements in the economics comesdown to designation of specific directions. Those concern the cooperation of enterprises fromthe health care sector, summary of the cooperation areas of enterprises together with theverification of innovations developed in particular areas of cooperation, and recommendationsin the scope of shaping further cooperation for the fields of science and business.

More...

Download

Digital Entrepreneurship: Reskilling and Upskilling with Mobile Massive Open Online Courses

Author(s): Ladislava Knihová,Štěpánka Hronová / Language(s): English Publication Year: 0

Purpose: Sophisticated technological solutions and digital transformation representa challenge not only for entrepreneurs and governments but they have considerable implicationsfor education and learning as well. The objective of the research is to particularise the conceptof digital entrepreneurship within Industry 4.0 with regard to the availability of the relevantmobile massive open online courses focused on topics particularly useful for (digital)entrepreneurs and entrepreneurship per se. Design/methodology/approach: In harmony with the research objectives, sequential mixedmethods research, specifically multi-phase research design, has been applied. The researchdesign included the following research methods: quantitative content analysis, exploratoryanalysis, comparative analysis as well as descripto-explanatory study. The scope has beenlimited to two main platforms (iOS and Android) providing current mobile courses in Englishfor (digital) entrepreneurs. Monetization strategies have not been considered. Findings: The authors obtained comprehensive results and identified 242 multimedia mobileeducational courses on (digital) entrepreneurship evidencing a direct connection between thedigital skills for entrepreneurs and the courses' content. The research indicated importantinterrelations of the identified variables evidencing a trend towards higher rating of courses. Research/practical implications: The most remarkable implications are: (a) update on digitalentrepreneurship and related digital skills, (b) survey of mobile educational courses forentrepreneurs by world's most reputable universities, (c) current trends' observation, and (d)suggestions for specific areas of closer collaboration between universities and entrepreneurs. Originality/value: Out of numerous research projects on massive open online courses, severalanalyse entrepreneurship education; however, the presented study fills a research gap focusingon mobile apps as a new platform within massive open online courses. Thus, the in-depthanalysis of data on the above topics has the potential to contribute to the development of digitalentrepreneurship in the Czech Republic and serve academia as a benchmarking tool.

More...

Download

Entrepreneurship as a Career Path for PhD Holders in Slovakia?

Author(s): Janka Kottulová,Andrea Jaseňová / Language(s): English Publication Year: 0

Purpose: The main goal of this paper is to explore entrepreneurship as one of the possiblecareer choices for doctorate holders in Slovakia. The paper also aims to identify the relevantresearch questions and contribute to the creation of future research agenda in the field of bothacademic entrepreneurship research and research focusing on career development ofresearchers. Design/methodology/approach: The paper uses the exploratory approach. We started with thereview of literature covering two focus areas, entrepreneurship as a career option for researchersand academic entrepreneurship, to identify the main concepts linked to the topic. In the nextstep, we selected set of factors related to various aspects of research environment andresearchers’ labour market in Slovakia and discussed their possible impact on the career andentrepreneurship opportunities of researchers. Finally, we focused on the empirical studiesaddressing entrepreneurship of researchers in the Visegrad region. Based on the all collectedsources we suggested the set of questions to be addressed by further empirical research. Findings: Research on entrepreneurship of researchers in Slovakia and Visegrad region ismostly limited to papers addressing “academic entrepreneurship”. Nevertheless, it offersinteresting insights into the motivation of researchers to become entrepreneurs in theenvironment which is not particularly supportive to research- and innovation-basedentrepreneurial activities. Research/practical implications: The paper provides the basic conceptual framework forfurther research on the topic of entrepreneurship as a possible career path for PhD holders inSlovakia. Originality/value: The paper delivers interesting research findings from the perspective ofpost-communist economy.

More...

Download

The Role of Social Innovation in Managerial Practice

Author(s): Petra Krejčí,Jarmila Šebestová / Language(s): English Publication Year: 0

Purpose: Main goal of the paper is to explain how “business literacy” and activity in area ofinnovations, especially in the social type relates to the length of managers' experience. Is thebusiness experience source of motivation to be innovative? Design/methodology/approach: A primary research was made to get relevant opinion aboutinnovation, innovative activities in several companies in the Czech Republic. A sample of pilot34 interviews was provided with business owners to discuss their “business literacy” in area ofinnovations, especially in social innovations (September - December 2018). Key informationwas evaluated on Likert scale to be able to compare the results. Findings: There were four dependent variables such as age, gender, qualification and length ofbusiness experience. A business experience was chosen in that paper in connection to beingable to describe and realize innovations. It has been found that managers not to have enoughknowledge of innovation and their possible classification. Secondly, their innovative activity isnot based only on business experience, but it is closely connected with managerial education. Research/practical implications: It would be appropriate to explain this issue to managers infirst case, according developed matrix and original classification system based on end-userapproach. Better level of innovation literacy would provide to relevant responses in a futuresurvey. Originality/value: A value could be seen in provided qualitative study, where an innovativeliteracy description and original classification of social innovations was obtained. Thisclassification not have been used before (pure and combined) in any study. Previous studyclassified only types not innovation “impact” presented by pure and combined approach.

More...

Download

Technological and Market Assessment of the Innovative Business Models for Demand Response in the European Buildings

Author(s): Dawid Krysiński,Agnieszka Kowalska,Ricardo Rato / Language(s): English Publication Year: 0

Purpose: This paper presents innovative business model that incorporates the demand response(DR) schemes to the ESCO projects. So far, despite financial barriers, DR aggregators have notcooperated with ESCOs which offer financial support for energy renovations. Thus, the paperdescribes the first joint business model and assesses technological and market opportunities forits practical implementation. Design/methodology/approach: Technological assessment of the business model was basedon CANVAS model and focus group interviews (FGIs) conducted with 31 DR aggregators andESCOs in 2016 in Portugal, Serbia, Spain and UK. Market assessment was conducted basingon quantitative study from 2015 with 112 European Energy Performance Contractors (EPC)who were asked about financial and technological aspects of the renovations. Findings: The optimal peak demand DR scheme minimizing potential peak loads was designed,with close attention to the activities that should be taken by DR aggregators and ESCOs tojointly offer this solution on the market. Moreover, the study identified target markets (mainlySouthern Europe) and found that the motivation of building owners to implement the innovativesolution is influenced by the pressure to reduce energy costs. Research/practical implications: The results show how the DR aggregator and ESCO couldcreate joint market strategy for renovation with the implicit DR scheme. They also suggestwhich markets and drivers should be considered while implementing the business model. Originality/value: This was the original study which evaluated technological and marketopportunities for incorporation of the DR solutions to the ESCOs activities, including strongattention to the communication infrastructure, smart metering devices and users’ behaviours.

More...

Download

Artificial Intelligence in the Context of Managerial Responsibility

Author(s): Dušan Kučera / Language(s): English Publication Year: 0

Purpose: The purpose of the contribution is to identify the sources of the present mostlyuncritical optimism regarding the application of AI, which illuminates the old idea ofrobotisation and the attempt to replace a man with a machine. Design/methodology/approach: The conceptual study aims to identify the philosophical birthof the idea that a person can be understood as a robot or a machine. This idea is subsequentlyanalysed in the light of complex scientific interest with the question, how far the technologicaldevelopment of AI projects represent the separation of scientific approach and its reduction oninformational and mechanical functions revealing the ethical consequences for management. Findings: The study reveals the original philosophical foundations of AI principles and theirpositivist approaches. The application of AI is important for the deeper awareness of managerialresponsibility and new treats for individuals and society in the future. Research/practical implications: The impact of the study rests in the ethical dilemma thatneeds to question the promotion and application of AI. The current treats of possible dual useof robotic technology confirm the need for critical debate among both the academicstechnologists and managers. The challenges for management risks relate to personal autonomy,democratic stability and national sovereignty. Originality/value: Critical analysis about AI in the similar anthropological, managerial, socialand ethical contexts are because of technological positivism and economic expectationssporadic today, especially in the frame of complex management responsibility.

More...

Download

Factors Affecting Entrepreneurial Intent Among Students – Initial Findings from India

Author(s): Shivam Khetan,Arya Kumar / Language(s): English Publication Year: 0

Purpose: Building an eco-system for promoting start-up culture has become one of the keypolicy thrusts of the government to enhance economic growth and create jobs. This study hasattempted to identify the factors that stimulate entrepreneurial intention among students. Design/methodology/approach: The model of this study includes the effect of demographics,contextual factors and the components of Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) on theentrepreneurial intention of the students. A sample of 158 students participated in a survey,consisting of questions measuring attitude towards entrepreneurship, locus of control, need forachievement, willingness to take risks and entrepreneurial intention. The data was collectedduring three weeks in the month of April 2018. Findings: The findings of the study reveal that need for achievement plays the most crucial rolefollowed by entrepreneurial intentions, locus of control, willingness to take risks andentrepreneurial attitude for inculcating entrepreneurial spirit and mind-set amongst students.MBA students were more prone to entrepreneurial intent when compared to Non-MBAstudents. The study reveals that entrepreneurial education significantly influences studentstowards entrepreneurship and motivate them to become an entrepreneur. Research/practical implication: Our initial observation suggests that formal exposure toentrepreneurship courses and informal outside class activities significantly help in creatingentrepreneurial intent among students. Educational institutions need to focus on building aneco-system conducive for entrepreneurship development. Originality/value: The study is original based on data collected from students pursuing theirundergraduate and graduate studies in different years at Birla Institute of Technology & Science(BITS) Pilani. The study has focused on examining entrepreneurial intent amongst students andimplications of curricula offered to promote students' interest in entrepreneurship.

More...

Download

The Social Responsibility of Professional Football Clubs in the Czech Republic

Author(s): Vilém Kunz,Michal Tomčík / Language(s): English Publication Year: 0

Purpose: The purpose of this article is to provide a description of the situation regarding theapplication of CSR principles in professional football, whereby particular attention will be paidto the most significant European league competitions. In addition, the authors have also focusedon ascertaining the current situation in this area with regard to the participants in the Czechpremier football league. Design/methodology/approach: The authors have based this article on the combination of theconclusions of a secondary data analysis, a website content analysis and an empiricalinvestigation based on a series of semi-structured interviews. The main analytical categoriesinvolved the areas of focus for the CSR activities and the methods of CSR communication onthe websites. Findings: It is apparent that significant differences exist between the degree to which theapplication of CSR principles has been included in the management practices of the clubs inthe most significant European league competitions and in the Czech football league. In mostCzech clubs, however, this currently mainly involves the realisation of some partial CSRactivities in the area of charity, but without any links to the clubs’ key management systems. Research/practical implications: The achieved findings may constitute a valuable reflectionon the further targeting of CSR initiatives, not only on the part of the managers of clubs whichare active in the top domestic football league, but also on the part of the representatives of thefootball governing bodies in the Czech Republic. Originality/value: The article’s added value not only lies in the acquisition of the firstcomprehensive overview of the current status of CSR engagement in Czech football, but alsoin the partial comparison with the situation in the Western European football environment.

More...