Vol.40, No 1 (2007)

Mitja Ruzzier

UP FM

Maja Konečnik

UL EF

Abstract

Background/Purpose: Internationalization of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) is becoming a very important research area, because of their crucial role in developing economic growth. Globalization of the economic environment is challenging the current economic theories underpinning the SMEs research. The study seeks to integrate new phenomenon of international new venture with widely accepted theories of SMEs internationalization into a new redefined integrative conceptual model of SMEs internationalization. The new model is built around key internationalization dimensions, internationalization antecedents and consequences. A set of propositions about relationships in the conceptual model is developed and implications are proposed.

Borut Rusjan

UL EF

Abstract

Background/Purpose: The purpose of the paper is to show major problems and defficiencies in the research of the content of the manufacturing strategic planning. Research of the content of the manufacturing strategic planning studies manufacturing strategic goals, strategic decisions inside manufacturing, relationship among strategic decisions and the impact of manufacturing strategic decisions on manufacturing strategic goals. Related to the research of manufacturing strategic goals we emphasise the question of appropriate determination of goals and the problem related to this question. The problem is that researchers often do not appropriately distinguish between the manufacturing strategic goals and the means to achieve them. In order to achieve appropriate distinction of goals and means at the manufacturing business function level we emphasise the distinction of the purpose of the manufacturing strategic goals and of the purpose of manufacturing strategic decisions. The purpose of manufacturing strategic goals is to guarantee the achievement of companyžs competitive advantage, and the purpose of manufacturing strategic decisions is to guarantee the achievement of appropriate results related to manufacturing strategic goals. We also emphasise that there is a lack of systematic research of relationship among the manufacturing strategic decisions and of the relationship between the manufacturing strategic decisions and manufacturing competitive priorities. The consequence of this is the neglect of possible trade-offs among the manufacturing competitive priorities and the neglect of the analysis phase in the process of planning. The neglect of the analysis leads to implementation of improvements on the basis of benchmarking best practices of other companies and to conclusions about universal approaches for improvement of manufacturing competitive priorities results, which is in confrontation with the approach of choosing improvement activities on the basis of identified problems

Marko Jakšič

UL EF

Borut Rusjan

UL EF

Abstract

Background/Purpose: An important phenomenon in supplychain management, known as the bullwhip effect, suggests that demand variabilityincreases as one moves up a supply chain. This paper gives a review of bullwhip effect, from its causes to its consequences and finally cures, which can dampen its negative effects. Part of its causes can be attributed to demand variability and the lack of communicating the actual demand between a supply chain partners. The other part is linked with obstacles to coordination in a supply chain.We suggest that orientation towards common management of information and application of managerial levers to achieve coordination, can limit the bullwhip effect and make asupply chain more profitable

Siniša Drobnjak

UM FOV

Eva Jereb

UM FOV

Abstract

Background/Purpose: Using the information communication technology, introducing distance education, employing workers to work at distance, using services at distance, accepting the informational society, and building a virtual environment all enhance tomorrow’s changes of man’s habits. In the paper the effect of stated elements to the new way of life – life at distance is described.

Ljubica Kneževič Cvelbar

UL EF

Abstract

Background/Purpose: The goal of the article is to research relation between CEO turnover, company performance ownership structure concentration and change. The empirical evidence presented in the article is based on the sample of 211 Slovenian companies in period 1998-2002. As expected the relation between CEO turnover and company performance is inverse. Ownership concentration is not an efficient corporate governance mechanism. Opposite change in the ownership structure influence on the management turnover in the poorly performing companies.

Matjaž Mulej

UM EPF

Nastja Mulej

UM EPF

Abstract

Background/Purpose: In his search for ways to support the real transition and thus to realize the institutional one, the first author came across the methodology called »Six thinking hats«. This contribution briefs how coauthors have linked it with the first author’s own methodology that is called USOMID, which is at least equally old, and supports creative thinking, too. Synergy of both methodologies is feasible. The first trials demonstrated that it can be very useful. USOMID supports well the blue and white heads, first of all, while receiving support from the red, black, green, and yellow hats in the phases of creative work and preparation of decisions; in the phase of implementing them USOMID seems to complete up the t6 thinking hats method

Marko Ferjan

Tatjana Kozjek

Univerza v Ljubljani, Fakulteta za upravo

Vladislav Rajkovič

UM FOV

Marko Ferjan

UM FOV

Abstract

Background/Purpose: The central part of the article comprises a media choice decision-making model to be used in public relations. The model’s essence is the use of modern information methods with the emphasis on artificial intelligence methods in decision-making processes which enable transparency and interpretation of knowledge used in decision-making and of the decision itself. Within the solution, a realization of the model base is described by means of the DEXi program system. The model takes into account quantity as well as quality choice criteria. In this way, a more holistic idea of the media and the goals pursued by the decisionmaking is formed. Basic elements of the model are defined, such as the target public, goals the organisation wishes to achieve in public relations, resources earmarked for public relations, messages to be communicated to the public, etc. The criteria that are part of the decision-making model were gained by studying bibliography in the field of public relations and concrete experiences at the Faculty of Administration of the University of Ljubljana. The criteria that were formed by studying practical experiences at the Faculty refer to the attainability of the target public. Since every organization has its own target public, the model would have to be adjusted to the concrete organization. When developing the model, this fact was considered, therefore, the authors of the article believe that the findings obtained can be generalized