Vol.45, No 1 (2012)

Darja Topolšek

University of Maribor, Faculty of Logistics, Mariborska 7; 3000 Celje, Slovenia

Andreja Čurin

University of Maribor; Slomškov trg 15; 2000 Maribor; Slovenia

Abstract

Background/Purpose: Negative employee relations in companies are a ubiquitous phenomenon which, on one hand, may result in dissatisfaction and inefficiency of employees and, on the other hand, disappointing work results. The basis of research work for the following paper forms a definition of internal integration and its level as well as connection with the level of efficiency of inter-functional relations. The empirical part of the research paper examines the influence positive relations between functions may have on the level of internal integration. More specifically, the analysis focuses on employee relations from logistics and marketing functions. The research is based on the quantitative analysis of data acquired from a survey carried out at Slovenian retail companies.

Beno Klemenčič

Business School Murska Sobota, Noršinska ulica 13, 9000 Murska Sobota, Slovenia

Gabrijel Devetak

Faculty of Commercial and Business Sciences, Lava 7, 3000 Celje, Slovenia

Darko Števančec

Business School Murska Sobota, Noršinska ulica 13, 9000 Murska Sobota, Slovenia

Abstract

Background/Purpose: Pressures in the contemporary marketing environment are getting bigger and companies and marketers are required to know consumers and their purchase and information behaviour. In this article we studied the behaviour of consumers and the fac­tors of purchase and information behaviour of young consumers when choosing clothes. We found out about the meaning of individual clothing characteristics having impact on the purchase decision making (price, trademark, fitting of clothing, design, quality, etc.). Consumers receive and look for information at different sources (radio commercials, TV commercials and shows, fashion magazines, catalogue sales, social networks, friends and acquaintances, etc.). With the empiric research we wanted to find out to what measure individual sources influence the purchase decision of an individual. We studied young people aged from 15 to 24 in the countries of the EU (Slovenia, Austria and Germany) and the United States of America. We especially focused on characteristic differences. Knowing intercultural differences is important for global companies of the clothing industry for forming their marketing strategies. On the sample of 440 young people who took part in the survey we found out that intercultural differences exist regarding the influence of individual information sources and regarding the factors of purchase decision making. Considering the stated we propose companies operating in global markets on both continents to prepare differentiated marketing strategies.

Petr Doucek

University of Economics, Prague, nam. W. Churchilla 4, 130 67 Praha 3, Czech Republic

Ota Novotný

University of Economics, Prague, nam. W. Churchilla 4, 130 67 Praha 3, Czech Republic

Abstract

Background/Purpose: The paper describes clustered approach to ICT services utilization analysis based on the WSA method. It allows extracting coherent groups of countries with nearly the same level of ICT services utilization based on the number of indicators analyzed. Approach is explained on case of the Czech Republic and its position in the European peloton with using available Eurostat data.

Miha Kastelic

IBM Global Services, Delivery Center, s.r.o Brno, Technical 2995/21, 61600, Czech Republic

Peter Peer

University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Computer and Information Science, Tržaška 25, 1000 Ljubljana

Abstract

Background/Purpose: Managing information technology services is becoming an increasingly difficult task. To support the management of IT ser­vices, different standards and methodologies have been developed. ITIL (short for IT Infrastructure Library) is the most com­monly used best practice approach to effective IT Service Management to date. ITIL focuses primarily on what to do in order to ensure value of IT services, but it does not explain how to achieve this effectively. This shortcoming can be overcome by complementing the framework with other quality approaches to service management. In this context several methodologies are mentioned including the use of Six Sigma (6s) methodology. The statistical nature of the Six Sigma methodology enables us to analyze the vast amount of data gathered from the field of IT. Only after these value-based metrics are obtained can the overall health of the IT service be determined and the necessary improvement measures made. The aim of this paper is to analyze in detail the two approaches. We will establish a common link between them, with it the opportunity to complement ITIL with the Six Sigma methodology, and consequently set foundations for introduction of necessary measurable changes.

Karmen Verle

Veres d.o.o., Laporska c. 26, 2319 Poljčane, Slovenija

Mirko Markič

Univerza na Primorskem, Fakulteta za management Koper, Cankarjeva 5, 6000 Koper, Slovenija

Borut Kodrič

Univerza na Primorskem, Fakulteta za management Koper, Cankarjeva 5, 6000 Koper, Slovenija

Abstract

Background/Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to present the significance and the role of competences of the leading Slovenian managers and their connection to modern forms of organization. In the paper we present the results of the research that has been carried out on the sample of leading managers of Slovenian middle and big companies with which we have tried to establish statistical connection and influence of managerial competences on the choice of organizational structure. We have focused on the sig­nificance and the role of managerial skills (soft skills). Based on the results of the questionnaire, answered by 102 Slovenian leading managers, we establish that managerial competences are statistically characteristically less developed in managers leading their companies with traditional functional organizational structures. Findings of the research are of importance for all dealing with planning, organization, management and control of organizations.

Sonja Fink Babič

Lampret consulting, Višja strokovna šola, Ul. Tolminskih puntarjev 4, 5000 Nova Gorica

Roberto Biloslavo

Univerza na Primorskem, Fakulteta za management Koper, Cankarjeva 5, 6000 Koper

Abstract

Background/Purpose: The aim of our study was to research corporate sustainability reporting in Slovenia, namely, the volume and type of informa­tion on sustainable development published on corporate websites and in corporate reports available online. In our study, we discuss the content of corporate sustainability reports by considering a series of indicators covering both environmental and social issues. To this end, we designed a model consisting of 85 indicators which were adapted to the content and charac­teristics of Slovenian corporate sustainability reporting. Also, we aimed to identify the eventual relationship between the ISO 14001 (environmental standard) or the obligation to report under the IPPC Directive and sustainability reporting. The final sample consisted of 71 major Slovenian companies from 14 industries, all members of the Slovenian Chamber of Commerce and Industry. We have examined their websites and annual or sustainability reports (if published online). We processed the data in the period from June to October 2009. Our study found that Slovenian corporate sustainability reporting is still in an initial stage. Similarly as indicated by the international study of corporate social responsibility reporting (KPMG, 2008), the majority of Slovenian corporate business reports fail to provide any environmental and social information; only 25% in our study. According to our research, specific environmental reports are being published by as little as 16% of the companies. A comparison of environmental and social reporting shows that in all industries companies tend to report social information more extensively, considering that their number is several times the number of environmental information. Companies give the impression that they fail to recognize environmental issues, in contrast to sports, culture, humanitarian activities, and educa­tion (areas where corporate reporting is most extensive and detailed), as an opportunity to improve their public reputation. Furthermore, our study results show that the awarded ISO 14001 environmental standard encourages a more extensive cor­porate sustainability reporting. Also, companies that are major polluters (operators obliged to report under the IPPC Directive) provide more extensive sustainability information which they publish on the web or in their annual reports. With such poor reporting by companies on their environmental protection activities, doubts arise as to the sufficiency of their environmental efforts in practice.

Mitja Cerovšek

TPV trženje in proizvodnja opreme vozil d.d., Kandijska cesta 60, 8000 Novo mesto

Abstract

Background/Purpose: At the time and under the conditions of uncertain business future, reflections on the quality of control of our actions have been reconsolidating which can be widely illustrated by the quality of business process management. The key questions the persons responsible for information system have to answer properly are the following: what should the information system do and how should the wider information environment function to maximize their impact on the achievement of agreed goals? Search for proper levers which would help us push the wheels of the business environment for a better and more efficient functioning lies hidden first of all in the principles of use of information and communication technology and in the understand­ing of integration of information system goals and company’s goals. The second part of the answer needs to be looked for in a wide view of the process of business reengineering, called business process management. The third pillar of levers the information system can erect and highlight as its contribution to the growth and development of organisation is based on inte­gration and development of employees who (awareness, empowered and motivated) represent an essential force for growth and development of organisation.

Gabrijel Devetak

Vipavska 29, 5000 Nova Gorica, Slovenia

Riko Novak

Teplyjevo naselje 8, 2000 Maribor

Abstract

Background/Purpose: This article deals with organizational and business global marketing activities of Slovenian small and medium-sized fast growing companies. The purpose of this article is to show whether the studied companies are focused on international global markets, the ways of tackling it, in what extent, under what conditions, etc. The aim is to highlight the key steps of in the construction of their global image. The key findings of the research, conducted by online survey questionnaire on a random selected sample of 230 small and medium-sized Slovenian enterprises, can serve domestic (mostly small) companies by choosing their business model to expand in selected foreign markets. With the established guidelines, companies can ensure greater transparency and professionalism of the steps in the process of international business – from first steps to the final transfer of their business to foreign target market.

Milena Bevc

Inštitut za ekonomska raziskovanja, Kardeljeva ploščad 17, Ljubljana, Slovenija

Marko Ogorevc

Inštitut za ekonomska raziskovanja, Kardeljeva ploščad 17, Ljubljana, Slovenija

Abstract

Background/Purpose: The paper presents the analysis of the size of emigration and profile of emigrants among Slovenian scientists in the period 1995–2009, by the type of research organisation. The analysis is based on a survey of all research organisations, conducted in 2004 and 2009. The use of the same methodology and questionnaires together with a high response rate enables us to analyse trends: a comparison of the 5-year period following Slovenia’s accession to the EU in May 2004 with the 10-year period prior to this event. The size of emigration expressed in relative terms – as a percentage of all researchers employed in organisations-respondents at the time of surveying – does not differ significantly among different types of research organisa­tions; in period 2004-2009 it amounted to some 1% in all cases. On the other hand the profile of emigrants differs in many aspects; however, the common characteristic of emigrants, regardless of the type of research organisation is the decreasing age of emigrants and increasing percentage of those with a Ph.D.

Aleksander Aristovnik

Univerza v Ljubljani, Fakulteta za upravo, Gosarjeva ulica 5, 1000 Ljubljana

Rija Srkoč

Zavod RS za zaposlovanje, OS Murska Sobota, Staneta Rozmana 11 a, 9000 Murska Sobota

Abstract

Background/Purpose: The aim of the paper is to show the basic platform of the European Social Fund (ESF) at the EU level and at the level of Slovenia, with special focus on Pomurje, and to show the flow of the funds from the ESF to the final beneficiary and final recipi­ent involved On-The-Tob Training (OJT) Program. The empirical part of the paper encompasses a survey study which includes the final recipients of the ESF, i.e. the unemployed persons and the employers in Pomurje. The purpose of the empirical study is to identify the facts and the existing problems within the process of implementing the program in order to eliminate them or to enhance the quality of its implementation. The results of the empirical survey show that the successful implementation of a training program depends on all three actors involved, i.e. Employment Service of Slovenia (the final beneficiary of the ESF) and unemployed persons and employers as final recipients of the ESF.