Vol.46, No 4 (2013)

Marko Ferjan

University of Maribor, Faculty of Organizational Sciences

Mitja Mežnar

Ravne 29, 4290 Tržič, Slovenia

Eva Jereb

University of Maribor, Faculty of Organizational Sciences

Abstract

Background/Purpose: The concepts of learning organization and organizational learning have made a significant contribution to the development of some major global companies such as Nokia, Oracle, Microsoft and others. This article explores whether the learning organization concept has proved successful in sports, specifically in ski jumping. The study was conducted among ski jumpers who compete in the World Cup. The questionnaire was distributed to 130 ski jumpers, and 54 correctly completed questionnaires were returned. The study has indicated that ski jumping is a sport of distinct individualists. Individual talent is an extremely important factor for success in this sport. We can say with absolute certainty that all surveyed ski jumpers are able to take 16th to 50th place in a World Cup race. The differences between competitors are very minor, even in the biggest races. Therefore, when it comes to success, every single detail matters. We have identified a weak correlation between the best sporting achievement and collaboration in the testing of new equipment. In the past, some of the best results were achieved on the basis of experimentation, but contemporary coaches do not dare to over-experiment with the technique. Too frequent progress measurements place a burden on competitors. There is a positive correlation between the frequency of individual analysis and the success of a competitor, while the best achievement and variables from “team work” group are negatively correlated. The relationships within a team are obviously very complex.

Mara Ovsenik

Management Institute

Abstract

Background/Purpose: The main aim of the research was to identify the elements and the development of a suitable model for tourism education. Our research was based on the need of inner circular reflexive performance of the individual in the tourism education model, institutionalised concept of education, which is viewed by outer reflexive model of tourism educational institutions performance and functional practical interaction of individuals and tourism institutions at the development of innovative potentials in the field of tourism. Tendencies to develop complex and qualitative services coming from permanent strengthening of innovative potential of tourism services are common in this field. It is necessary to develop a suitable model in the field of tourism education that places an individual in the educational process taking into account his/her conscious reflection, rational reflection and acquired motivation for solving complex projects in various levels of tourism. Suitable tourism education model, which is level-structured, is expanded in two ways. It includes the active role of an individual in rationalising practical knowledge and strengthening the innovative potential in developing his/her competences, and the role of tourism education institutions. The organisational cultural dimension can be observed as dual activity structure distinguishing between conscious reflection of the external environment on the level of educational institution and internal practical consciousness on the level of individual development of competences. Giddens structuration theory is used as a conceptual frame explaining the organisational-cultural dimensions of suitably structured educational model for tourism in Slovenia. The conclusion is based on the fact that an individual does not acknowledge the multilevel structure of study at higher education where there is an absence of conscious, practical and motivational reflection. Organisational cultural environment in the field of tourism education in Slovenia prefers practical and functional ways of acquiring competences on a higher and postgraduate (Master’s) level of study. Due to the structured changes implemented by the Bologna process, competences are not realised on the higher education level but on the postgraduate (Master’s) level, which demands a systematic review and a suitable education model change.

Marek Jemala

University of Nova Gorica, School of Engineering and Management,

Abstract

Background/Purpose: In the last time, new technology generations in many industries are presented every 2-3 years. The next technology revolution is expected to be different from the previous ones because technology is present in every aspect of our society. Technology processes have more and more an interdisciplinary character, therefore must be carried out systematically and if possible in a planned form. From integration of technology processes; to customer insights that drive product and brand extensions; to spotting emerging voids that competitors miss; technology-management trends are of tremendous importance for optimum business growth and profit. The main goal of this paper is to examine particular trends related to technology-management, as well as selected business indicators of the most successful technology/ICT companies in the world. The research methodology was based on the extensive study of innovative activities described in the annual and related reports of the most profitable technology businesses.

Ivan Todorović

University of Belgrade, Faculty of Organizational Sciences, Serbia

Stefan Komazec

University of Belgrade, Faculty of Organizational Sciences, Serbia

Miha Marič

UM FOV

Jovan Krivokapić

University of Belgrade, Faculty of Organizational Sciences, Serbia

Abstract

Background/Purpose: Different authors agree that designing the organizational structure in accordance with the business processes can bring numerous advantages, which improve business performance of the organizational system. This article aims to show how cost-effective restructuring, through modification of organizational structure according to business processes that exist in the organization, can bring numerous benefits. Successful implementation of process organizational model does not necessarily demand large investments, but only adequate structural changes and internal reorganization. The data used in this paper were gathered during the project of restructuring one transportation company from Belgrade, which consulting team from Faculty of Organizational Sciences, University of Belgrade, performed in year 2012.

Mojca Bernik

Univerza v Mariboru, Fakulteta za organizacijske vede

Dušanka Kermc

Zabrdje 40, 8233 Mirna

Abstract

Background/Purpose: The small business sector is often overlooked in human resource development researches, despite representing a large portion of the total economy. Very few studies exist on the subject of human resources development needs analysis in small organisations. Development plans remain mostly unwritten, which can lead to the impression that development is not being implemented or planned and is therefore not valid. This paper presents case study of the existing human resource development system in a small company PAN -JAN d.o.o. The research included 80% of all employees, which is 20 out of 25. The research examined the correlation between the additional education and better business performance, analysis of variance on age and number of courses and discriminant analysis on age, years of service, levels of education and legally required education and training programmes. In discussion are proposed changes or improvements, as well as a human resource development model