Vol.49, No 1 (2016)

Rok Pintar

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

Eva Jereb

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

Mladen Čudanov

University of Belgrade, Faculty of Organizational Sciences, Jove Ilića 154, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia

Marko Urh

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

Abstract

Background/Purpose: This paper analyzes the interest of potential users for learning in the field of currency trading or foreign exchange (forex, FX). The purpose of our article is a) to present currency trading, b) to present different options, methods and learning approaches to educating in forex, c) to present the research results discovering the interest of potential users for learning in the field of currency trading. Methodology: For gathering data, an online questionnaire was used. It was distributed so that the survey sample covers socio-demographic variables (gender, age, working status, relationship status, financial status of credit and educational level). Interest in learning in the field of currency trading was assessed. Descriptive statistics, t-test, paired samples test, homogeny test of variances, and ANOVA were used. Results: It was determined that people are interested in learning about currency trading, especially younger ones (< 30 years), who prefer e-learning as their learning approach. Obtaining and possessing the right information is the strongest motivation factor and fearing not having enough necessary prior knowledge is the strongest discouraging factor for learning about currency trading. Conclusion: Education of users in the field of currency trading is becoming increasingly popular with the development of e-learning.

Alenka Baggia

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

Alenka Brezavšček

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

Matjaž Maletič

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

Petra Šparl

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

Hendry Raharjo

Chalmers University of Technology, Department of Technology Management and Economics

Anja Žnidaršič

University of Maribor, Faculty of Organizational Sciences

Abstract

Background/Purpose:  This study draws upon the use of Information Systems in support of achieving sustainability, known as Green IS. Furthermore, this study builds on the premise that Green IS offers the opportunity for organizations to act proactively in terms of environmental preservation as well as to mitigate the effects of global climate change and other environmental problems. Aim: In particular, this study aims to assess the extent of awareness among managers regarding the use and the acceptance of Green IS in Slovenian enterprises. Method: Using empirical data based on a large-scale survey among senior managers within Slovenian enterprises this study utilized several statistical methods (such as t-test, analysis of variance and multiple linear regression) to analyse the research questions. Results: In general, findings seem to suggest that institutional mechanisms might be a plausible explanation for differences regarding the attitude towards Green IS adoption. For instance, enterprises with at least one implemented sustainability related certificate expressed higher levels of willingness to use Green IS in order to facilitate the achievement of sustainable development. Moreover, the results of the regression analysis revealed that both Institutional Mimetic pressure and Internal Environment Impact has positive impact on Green IS adoption. Conclusion: The main conclusion is that the internal environmental impact is considered the most influential factor of the attitude towards Green IS adoption. The culture or individual perception of managers and employees play an important role in the Green IS adoption. Indeed, enterprises that have no intention of improving their environmental performance, but adopt Green IS by the means of seeking legitimacy among external stakeholders, cannot provide a sustainable improvement in environmental management.

Urban Šebjan

Faculty of Economics and Business, University of Maribor, Razlagova 14, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia

Samo Bobek

Faculty of Economics and Business, University of Maribor, Razlagova 14, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia

Polona Tominc

Faculty of Economics and Business, University of Maribor, Razlagova 14, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia

Abstract

Background/Purpose:  Information solutions for analytical customer relationship management CRM (aCRM IS) that include the use of analytical tools are becoming increasingly important, due organizations’ need for knowledge of their customers and the ability to manage big data. The objective of the research is, therefore, to determine how the organizations’ orientations (process, innovation, and technology) as critical organizational factors affect the attitude towards the use of the analytical tools of aCRM IS. Design/Methodology/Approach: To measure the orientation of the organization (process, innovation, and technology), we redesigned the existing scale, which was validated using exploratory factor analysis. In the next phase, we created a model by which we examined the impact of the organization’s stance in relation to the use of the analytical tools of aCRM IS, where we used multiple regression analysis. The model was verified on a sample of Slovenian Organizations (n=105), which use the analytical tools of aCRM IS for analyzing the data they have on their customers and business partners. Results: In the study we found that all critical factors of the organization, specifically process, technology, and innovation orientation, have a positive impact on the attitudes towards using the analytical tools of aCRM IS. Innovation orientation is particularly important and has the strongest influence on the attitude towards using the analytical tools of aCRM IS. We found that innovation orientation on new ideas, methods, and approaches has the strongest effect, followed by the impact of innovation orientation on acceptance of novelty. Conclusion: The more innovation-, technology-, and process-oriented organizations are, the more positive their attitude towards using the analytical tools of aCRM IS. The study is particularly important for organizations that are introducing an aCRM IS into their business system.

Andrej Škraba

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

Vladimir Stanovov

Reshetnev Siberian State Aerospace University, Institute of Computer Science and Telecommunications, 31 »Krasnoyarskiy Rabochiy« ave., Krasnoyarsk, 660037, Russian Federation

Eugene Semenkin

Reshetnev Siberian State Aerospace University, Institute of Computer Science and Telecommunications, 31 »Krasnoyarskiy Rabochiy« ave., Krasnoyarsk, 660037, Russian Federation

Davorin Kofjač

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

Abstract

Background/Purpose: The restructuring of human resources in an organization is addressed in this paper, because human resource planning is a crucial process in every organization. Here, a strict hierarchical structure of the organization is of concern here, for which a change in a particular class of the structure influences classes that follow it. Furthermore, a quick adaptation of the structure to the desired state is required, where oscillations in transitions between classes are not desired, because they slow down the process of adaptation. Therefore, optimization of such a structure is highly complex, and heuristic methods are needed to approach such problems to address them properly. Design/Methodology/Approach: The hierarchical human resources structure is modeled according to the principles of System Dynamics. Optimization of the structure is performed with an algorithm that combines stochastic local search and genetic algorithms. Results: The developed algorithm was tested on three scenarios; each scenario exhibits a different dynamic in achieving the desired state of the human resource structure. The results show that the developed algorithm has successfully optimized the model parameters to achieve the desired structure of human resources quickly. Conclusion: We have presented the mathematical model and optimization algorithm to tackle the restructuring of human resources for strict hierarchical organizations. With the developed algorithm, we have successfully achieved the desired organizational structure in all three cases, without the undesired oscillations in the transitions between classes and in the shortest possible time.

Diana Jeleč Kaker

Alma Mater Europea, ECM Maribor, Slovenia,

Marija Ovsenik

Alma Mater Europea, ECM Maribor, Slovenia,

Jože Zupančič

University of Lodz, School of Economy and Sociology, Poland

Abstract

Background/Purpose: Attitudes towards older persons are particularly important for healthcare students and practitioners. The aim of our work is to analyse the attitudes of social gerontology and physiotherapy students towards elderly persons. Method. A structured questionnaire using the Kogan Attitudes towards Older People scale (KAOP) was used to collect data. Statistical methods were applied to evaluate the data: reliability test, t-test for independent samples and bivariate correlational analysis. Results. Social gerontology and physiotherapy students accept the elderly with awareness and respect. Few age-related prejudices and stereotypes were found among them, and they do not problematise the elderly. Social gerontology students have more positive attitudes towards the elderly than physiotherapy students do. Male students and students who live in the same household with elderly persons are more appreciative towards them, but they have more prejudices; the same applies to a lesser extent to students who do not live in the same household with an elderly person. Conclusion. Although minor deviations from a positive attitude were found, probably resulting from different experiences with elderly people, the results of this study raise hopes that respectful relations and cooperation across age groups will continue.