Vol.44, No 4 (2011)

Danijel Pučko

University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Economics, Kardeljeva ploščad 17, 1000 Ljubljana

Tomaž Čater

University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Economics, Kardeljeva ploščad 17, 1000 Ljubljana

Abstract

Background/Purpose: The article contributes to the body of knowledge about the perceptions of future managers (i.e. business and engineering students) in both Slovenia and a cluster of Central European (CE) countries regarding actual cultural practices in their social environments, the value systems they possess and their attitudes to leadership styles. The main question addressed is whether future Slovenian managers are good representatives of the average future manager from CE (transitional) countries as far as their value system and attitudes to individual leadership styles are concerned. The research results confirm that the Slovenian (potential) future managers perceive actual cultural practices in their environment rather differently from their counterparts from the cluster of CE countries. Two decades of transition from socialist/communist socio-economic systems were apparently not long enough periods to achieve a higher level of harmonisation of existing cultures. The relevant value systems held by the Slovenian (potential) future managers and the CE cluster’s future managers still differ significantly. The Slovenian future managers have (statistically) significantly different attitudes to individual leadership styles than their counterparts in the CE countries’ cluster. The smallest differences in perceptions between the two stated groups of (potential) future managers exist regarding their views on what are the most important traits and skills of managers.

Włodzimierz Sroka

Academy of Business in Dąbrowa Górnicza, Department of Management, ul. Cieplaka 1c, 41-300 Dąbrowa Górnicza

Abstract

Background/Purpose: At a time of growing globalization, we can observe the increasing role of cooperative strategies among companies, including alliances, joint ventures, and networks. Trust is one of the most important factors of success for any business activity. It relates especially to alliance networks because it can lower transaction costs, increase productivity and innovativeness, facilitate inter-organizational relationships and resolve conflicts. Therefore the article comprehensively discusses the problems of trust in alliance networks. The conclusion of the text is that trust building in alliance networks has an influence on the effectiveness of the whole network. The text is based on the latest world literature as well as the personal experience of the author in creating effective cooperative network agreements.

Anton Petrič

TPV d.d., Kandijska cesta 60, Novo mesto, Slovenija

Boštjan Gomišček

University of Maribor, Faculty of Organizational Science, Kidričeva 55a, Kranj, Slovenija

Abstract

Background/Purpose: Suppliers in the automotive industry can use for strategical planning a number of different approaches and tools, which can upgrade the quality management systems (ISO 9001, ISO/TS 14696) to achieve the breakthrough power to meet needs in order to achieve a significant role in the automotive supplying chain. One of the very popular and positively accepted tools to achieve continually improving is implementing of the principles of excellence, according to the EFQM model. On the basis of case studies is in the article analysed and represented a useful value of the implementation of the quality management system audits and management review according to ISO/TS and their positive impact on the development of key indicators of the company TPV d.d. from Novo mesto, which is mounted as a development supplier in the automotive industry. With the implementation of self assessment according to the model of excellence EFQM we demonstrate the added value of the take up of the principles of excellence, according to the present system auditing according to ISO standards and the implementation of management review according to ISO/TS requirements. We upgraded in the existing management system performing of management review as manager’s tool, which came directly from the requirements of standard ISO/TS, on to the level of the fundamental principles of excellence by EFQM model and mark it as one of the more effective managers tools with which you can still effectively introduces the leadership of the continuous improvements and strategically manages the company.

Alenka Brezavšček

University of Maribor, Faculty of Organizational Sciences, Kidričeva cesta 55a, 4000 Kranj, Slovenia

Abstract

Background/Purpose: We treat an industrial system which comprises of a number of identical components subject to wear-out. To support the system maintenance an appropriate inventory of spare components is needed. In order to plan the sufficient inventory of spare components, two variants of a simple stochastic model are developed. In both variants, the aim is to determine how many spare components are needed at the beginning of a planning interval to meet demand for corrective replacements during this interval. Under the first variant the acceptable probability of spare shortage during the planning interval is chosen as a decision variable. While in the second variant the adequate spare inventory level is assessed by taking into account the expected number of component failures within the planning interval. A comparison of both variants of the model shows that calculations involved in the second variant are simpler. However, it can only be used when the inventory of spare components can be planned for a relatively long period of time. The determination of an adequate number of spare components according to both variants of our model depends on the form of the probability density function of component failure times. Since the components are subject to wear-out, this function exhibits a peak-shaped form that can be described by different statistical density functions. Advantages and disadvantages of using the normal, lognormal, Weibull, and Gamma density function in our model are discussed. Among the probability density functions studied, the normal density function is found to be the most appropriate for calculations in our model. The applicability of both variants of the model is given through numerical examples using field data on electric locomotives of Slovenian Railways

Andrej Mihevc

Savska c. 12a Ljubljana, Slovenija

Abstract

Background/Purpose: The aim of the article is to answer the question if the level of intensity of “ex ante” regulation (also “regulation”) imposed by NRA (national regulatory Authority or regulators) influence on the development of incumbent DSL technology against other Access technologies. There are several approaches which support the basic idea of regulation, that “ex ante” regulation promotes the competition. The approaches must be also based on the size of the market. In the internet world there are different access technologies. Open Access is crucial for the development of competition. Regulators have to ensure, that also new entrants can reach end users through the facilities of the incumbent operator. Based on the approach of three criteria, European Commission defines two wholesale relevant access markets both based on DSL technology (“bitstream” access and unbundled local loop) susceptible to sector specific “ex ante” regulation. In the last stage also optical access is included on the relevant markets. Other technologies are still not equivalent to incumbent DSL technology according to the opinion of the commission. The intensity of regulation influences on the competition conditions. It influences on the level where and at which point of the investment ladder entrants will enter the market through wholesale inputs or through building its own infrastructure.

Ana Arzenšek

Faculty of Management, University of Primorska, Cankarjeva 5, 6000 Koper, Slovenia

Abstract

Background/Purpose: The main objective is to present the perceived factors in cognitive schema change as experienced by participants from two Slovenian sectors and to compare them with factors from schema change theory in order to evaluate specific circumstances and obstacles to effective cognitive schema change. 31 interviews with participants from six companies were conducted twice during the 2008 economic crisis. The prevalent perceived antecedents of schema change lie within an organisation and in the business environment. Stimulating factors are also economic and financial crises and personal characteristics. The prevalent obstacles to schema change, as perceived by participants, are stability of current cognitive schemas, personal characteristics of management, and rigidity.

Franc Brcar

REVOZ d.d., Belokranjska cesta 4, 8000 Novo mesto, Slovenia

Abstract

Background/Purpose: Business process management (BPM) and business process outsourcing (BPO) play an important role in organizations helping them ensure competitiveness and competitive advantages and increase efficiency and effectiveness. Our study analyzes the role of outsourcing in Slovenian organizations. Data was obtained through a survey and interpreted with descriptive statistics, frequency statistics and Wilcoxon’s signed ranks test. According to the results of statistical analysis there is 95% reliability that the degree of outsourcing of business processes in Slovenian organizations will increase and this applies to most business processes. Thus we can conclude that Slovenian organizations are following the trends in global markets and are adjusting to them as well.

Dana Mesner Andolšek

Univerza v Ljubljani, Fakulteta za družbene vede, Kardeljeva ploščad 5, 1000 Ljubljana

Stanislav Andolšek

Gimnazija Poljane, Strossmayerjeva ulica 1, 1000 Ljubljana

Abstract

Background/Purpose: In the article authors research a process of knowledge sharing in organizations. Organizations pay a lot of attention to the processes of knowledge management although not every single aspect of it runs smoothly. Literature reveals many impediments in the process of knowledge sharing. The present article focused on individual unwillingness to share knowledge. The process of knowledge sharing is analysed as social exchange proces. They distinguish between social and economic exchange.Social exchange could be subinstitutionalised where exchange processes emerge spontaneously among individuals without any rules governing their behavior. Or social exchange could be institutionalized and encouraged by organizations through rules, norms and values. The fundamental goal of the authors was to provide a conceptual framework for coherent relations between micro and macro levels of explanation of the process of knowledge sharing. The theory of social exchange offers a clarification of fundamental assumptions regarding individual action. These assumptions have not been researched in the literature of knowledge management up until now.

Darko Drev

IzVRS Inštitut za vode Republike Slovenije, Hajdrihova 28 c, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenija

Duška Drev

Duška Drev, Psihiatrična bolnišnica Vojnik, Celjska cesta 37, 3212 Vojnik, Slovenija

Boris Kompare

Univerza v Ljubljani, Fakulteta za gradbeništvo in geodezijo, Jamova c. 2, SI-1001 Ljubljana, Slovenija

Abstract

Background/Purpose: Excessive atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations currently represent an insolvable problem, as their quantities being emitted into the atmosphere far exceed the planet’s ability to extract them. In the realm of politics and the industry, management of this issue (eco-management) is being handled in what is a completely one-sided manner. The emphasis is almost entirely placed on ways to lower greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere, while the possibilities of extracting excess greenhouse gases from the atmosphere are being overlooked. As a consequence, resources are being predominantly devoted to the development of new technologies that generate lower greenhouse gas emissions. While these technologies can provide immediate relief, there is no reason to believe they are the most economically efficient options available. There are myriad new technologies in various stages of development that will be capable of extracting excess greenhouse gas emissions from the atmosphere, much like water treatment plants extract excess pollutants from water.