Vol.44, No 5 (2011)

Boštjan Gomišček

University of Maribor, Faculty of Organisational Sciences, Kidričeva 55a, Kranj, Slovenia

Anja Pibernik

Obnova trgovina d.o.o., Tržaška cesta 409, Ljubljana, Slovenia

Abstract

Background/Purpose: This research was carried out among the winners of the Slovenian business excellence prize (PRSPO), finalists and those who received special diplomas as a recognition level reached by applicants in implementing the business excellence model. Based on the findings of the research, we defined eight steps that organizations can consider as a guide on the path towards excellence. The purpose of the study was to examine how the previous winners of the PRSPO began their journey towards excellence, which were the key factors, what problems they encountered and how they managed to win the diploma or award. The analysis of the survey showed that the ISO 9001 standard is considered a first step towards the Slovenian business excellence award – in fact, it is a prerequisite for further improvements in the organization. The second step involves top management commitment and support for the introduction of excellence into business processes. The top management, in cooperation with all the employees, defines the areas for improvement and also confirms the method of implementation, both conceptually and financially. It is also necessary to take environmental aspects into consideration, which is provided by a third step along with the introduction of the ISO 14001. Once an organization defines the processes, it begins to introduce the business excellence model in the fourth step and carries out the self-assessment process. The key opportunities for improvement identified by the self-assessment process are further introduced in the business. In doing so, the organization can use various quality management approaches (the fifth step) and the first application for the PRSPO. In the sixth step, the organization encourages its employees to follow continuous education and innovation and, in the seventh step, participates again in the competition for the Slovenian business excellence award. As the required business excellence level is achieved, the organization receives the award for business excellence (PRSPO).

Matjaž Knez

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

Peter Bajor

Széchenyi István University, Faculty of Engineering Sciences, Department of Logistics and Forwarding, A-511Egyetem tér 1, 9026 Győr, Hungary,

Abstract

Background/Purpose: Wide-scale application photovoltaic energy sources for electricity production purposes is quite a challenge in Slovenia. The nature of sun is unpredictable, and the Slovenian National Grid has no significant storage opportunities today – if the V2G (vehicle-to-grid) solutions could be competitive in the near future we could prepare for the special circumstances: the batteries of electrically driven forklifts could provide attractive storage functions for renewable electricity storage. The following paper presents an overview of some “environmental background approaches” to show the complexity of this innovative system and to show the value of V2G technology and its application in warehouse logistics.

Melita Moretti

Trebinjska ulica 2, 1000 Ljubljana

Roberto Biloslavo

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

Abstract

Background/Purpose: In the following article, we define the concept of marketing culture and the reputation of a company, which have a significant impact on the quality of planning and on the implementation of business strategy. On the basis of theoretical knowledge, a survey was done in medium size and large size insurance companies in the Republic of Slovenia on the importance and role of companies’ marketing cultures and reputations in relation to their financial successfulness. The study based on this survey made it feasible to shape up recommendations for future practice and further research.

Dejan Žohar

Splošna bolnišnica Celje, Oblakova ulica 5, 3000 Celje, Slovenija

Mirko Markič

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

Abstract

Background/Purpose: The purpose of our work is to study and analyse the influence of project staff development on the time of equipment delivery and installation in Slovene healthcare and to establish some propositions on the project staff development. A quantitative research has been performed with a questionnaire which contains statements on the actual realization time of individual phases in investment projects, knowledge, performance and on skills in interpersonal relationships of the project staff. The questionnaire has been sent to 227 co-workers in Slovene hospitals who participated in at least one investment project in the last year. We have done a descriptive, factor and regression statistical analysis of the obtained data and information. The factor analysis has confirmed a smaller number of immeasurable common factors, explaining the majority of variance of a higher number of the reduced measurable items – statement in the questionnaire. The factors have been used as independent variables in regression analysis, where it has been analysed how they affect the dependant variable – the time of equipment delivery and installation. The results of the research have indicated that on average the actual time of equipment delivery and installation is significantly shortened in view of the estimated time if the level of skills in interpersonal relationship of the project staff is higher. On the basis of analysis results we have established some propositions for project staff development for a more effective time management in equipment delivery and installation in Slovene healthcare. With project staff development the performance time of investment projects can be shortened thus increasing the investment capacity in Slovene healthcare. The results of the research have influenced the efficiency of financial resources management intended for projects in healthcare services.

Branko Tantegel

Tantegel d.o.o.

Davorin Kralj

FOŠ, Fakulteta za organizacijske študije

Abstract

Background/Purpose: In May 2001 European Commision adopted sustainable development strategy focused on long-term politics and actions on various fields including economic, social and ecological; previously mentioned adopted new concepts linked with sustainable development present new challenges for Slovenian companies. Managers are key factor which can have impact on sustainable development, because they are familiar with the natural state of affairs in bussiness due to possesing right informations and secondly they are fully responsible for the leadership. Greatest power in companies is possed by its leading managers, who choose what and how to work. Consequently managers are with their leadership and behavior fundamental point of sustainable development. The purpose of this research is to establish the actual role and performance of managers in planning sustainable development and environmental management policy, strategy and organizational culture in Slovenian companies. Survey was conducted in 120 Slovenian enterprises. The results of this research provide the guidelines and platform or principles for further discussion and research in the field of sustainable development and environmental management policy, strategy and organizational culture. We developed a proposal for improvements to the management to assist in improving environmental management and quality management in Slovenian companies.

Uroš Klanšek

Univerza v Mariboru, Fakulteta za gradbeništvo, Smetanova 17, 2000 Maribor

Abstract

Background/Purpose: The cost effective project realization represents one of the fundamental goals of the time scheduling in construction. The cost effective time schedule for the construction project is commonly achieved after performed analysis of the network diagram structure, activity durations, project costs, required resources and with trial-and-error testing of different alternative solutions. The minimum total cost time schedule of the construction project is usually selected from the obtained alternative solutions. The analytical approach to the time scheduling is widely used in construction on account of its simple execution and acceptable results. On the other hand, a significantly better results can be obtained by the mathematical programming-based cost optimization of time schedules. In this way, the aim of this paper is to bring forward the basic principles of the cost optimization of time schedules to the wider expert community. The paper presents the two basic methods for the model formulation of the project time scheduling optimization problems, i.e. the arrow diagramming method and the precedence diagramming method. Both methods were used for basic cost optimization model formulations of the project time scheduling optimization problem. An example from the literature was presented at the of the paper to demonstrate the applicability of optimization models for the cost optimization of construction project time schedules.