Andrej Kovačič, Nevenka Podgornik, Zorica Pristov, Andrej Raspor
Markov Analysis of Students’ Performance and Academic Progress in Higher Education
Alenka Brezavšček
University of Maribor, Faculty of Organizational Sciences, Kidričeva cesta 55a, 4000 Kranj, Slovenia
Mirjana Pejić Bach
University of Zagreb, Faculty of Economics and Business, Trg J.F. Kennedyja 6, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
Alenka Baggia
University of Maribor, Faculty of Organizational Sciences, Kidričeva cesta 55a, 4000 Kranj, Slovenia
Abstract
Background/Purpose: The students’ progression towards completing their higher education degrees possesses stochastic characteristics, and can therefore be modelled as an absorbing Markov chain. Such application would have a high practical value and offer great opportunities for implementation in practice. Objectives: The aim of the paper is to develop a stochastic model for estimation and continuous monitoring of various quality and effectiveness indicators of a given higher education study programme. Method: The study programme is modelled by a finite Markov chain with five transient and two absorbing states. The probability transition matrix is constructed. The quantitative characteristics of the absorbing Markov chain, like the expected time until absorption and the probabilities of absorption, are used to determine chosen indicators of the programme. Results: The model is applied to investigate the pattern of students’ enrolment and their academic performance in a Slovenian higher education institution. Based on the students’ intake records, the transition matrix was developed considering eight consecutive academic seasons from 2008/09 until 2016/17. The students’ progression towards the next stage of the study programme was estimated. The expected time that a student spends at a particular stage as well as the expected duration of the study is determined. The graduation and withdrawal probabilities were obtained. Besides, a prediction on the students’ enrolment for the next three academic years was made. The results were interpreted and discussed. Conclusion: The analysis presented is applicable for all higher education stakeholders. It is especially useful for a higher education institution’s managers seeing that it provides useful information to plan improvements regarding the quality and effectiveness of their study programmes to achieve better position in the educational market.
Can Social Media Content Increase Financial Market Returns? Survey Results from Poland
Andrzej Cwynar
University of Economics and Innovation, Projektowa 4, 20-209, Lublin, Poland
Wiktor Cwynar
University of Economics and Innovation, Projektowa 4, 20-209, Lublin, Poland
Robert Pater
University of Information Technology and Management, Rzeszów, Poland
Abstract
Background/Purpose: In recent years classic financial market theory based on decision makers’ rationality has been challenged by repeated anomalies that became a ‘new normal’. As a result, what we witness today is a considerable turn to behavioral concepts that can shed a new light on choices made by market participants. The astonishing development of social media accelerated scientific validation of such concepts, since the media opened new and capacious ‘laboratory space’ for testing behavioral hypotheses. The main purpose of the article is to examine whether financial market professionals believe that social media content can be useful in achieving additional financial market returns and to investigate the factors behind this belief. Design/Methodology/Approach: We surveyed a sample of over 400 financial market professionals at institutions operating in Poland, and analyzed the results using logit regression models. Results: We established that almost 60% of the surveyed finance professionals recognized the potential of social media for achieving additional returns. We also found out that the differences in respondents’ perception of this potential could be explained mainly by heterogeneity of their job experience and, to a lesser degree, by their job position. Interestingly, more experienced individuals were less likely to recognize this potential. Firm-specific factors did not have a significant effect on the dependent variable. Conclusion: The opinions of financial market professionals regarding the link between social media and additional returns are mixed, which is consistent with the current body of evidence brought by sentiment-based research. Our findings confirm the key role of previous experience in explaining attitudes towards novelties and innovations (such as social media), a phenomenon known from other fields and everyday experience.
Model of Knowledge Management Factors and their Impact on the Organizations’ Success
Domen Kozjek
Faculty of Organization Studies Novo mesto, Novi trg 5, 8000 Novo mesto, Slovenia
Marija Ovsenik
Alma Mater Europaea ECM, Slovenska 17, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia
Abstract
Background/Purpose: The purpose of this research is to identify the factors of knowledge which have a significant impact on the outcome (measured as value added per employee) of the company. The existence, long-term survival, profitability, etc. of the company depends on the competitiveness of the products and services (regardless of industry or economic branch). Transformation of “raw materials” into competitive products is possible only with the knowledge of employees. Therefore, it is necessary to identify the factors of knowledge which can influence a positive result of the company. Methodology: We reviewed the relevant literature in the field of knowledge management. On this basis, we summarized the factors of knowledge. We performed a survey among the 69 largest Slovenian commercial companies (public and banking sectors excluded). Based on the research, we developed a regression model of value added per employee in euros. Results: The study showed that, of all factors studied, motivation in the form of assessing employees’ performance has the largest positive correlation with the value added per employee. Furthemore, training for the performance, the use of technological tools and organizational climate can bring significant value added per employee. The most important factor that affects the value added per employee is the industry branch which the company deals with. The factors which follow are the simplicity of using IT tools and the example that the managers give to the employees. Conclusion: A model of knowledge management factors helps to identify which knowledge factors should be given priority to for increasing the company’s performance. The model also considers the industry in which the company operates.
Perceived Gender Equality in Managerial Positions in Organizations
Polona Tominc
University of Maribor, Faculty of Economics and Business, Razlagova 14, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia
Urban Šebjan
University of Maribor, Faculty of Economics and Business, Razlagova 14, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia
Karin Širec
University of Maribor, Faculty of Economics and Business, Razlagova 14, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia
Abstract
Background/Purpose: This research aims to achieve two main objectives: to investigate differences between male and female managers regarding the perceived gender equality in organizations and to analyze the gender differences in relationships among the perceived gender equality, the perceived satisfaction with employment position and career, the perceived satisfaction with work, and the perceived work-family conflict. Design/Methodology/Approach: The sample of research includes 82 managers in Slovenian organizations. In first stage, we analyzed with t-test differences between male and female regarding perceived gender equality in decision-making positions. In the next step we developed the conceptual models and used structural equational modeling (SEM), and analyzed differences between constructs in two conceptual models. Results: The research results show that female managers perceive gender equality in organizations in general to be significantly lower than males; furthermore, perceived gender equality is positively related to the perceived satisfaction with employment position and career as well as to the perceived satisfaction with work, but both relationships are significantly stronger for female managers. On the other hand female managers seems to cope more efficiently with the perceived work-family conflict since it has significantly different impact on female managers’ perceived satisfaction with work, as compared to the male managers. Conclusion: To achieve more gender equality within organizations and a reduction of the gender gap, the legislative initiatives cannot be successful without appropriate corporate strategy sets, which presents the framework for doing business and determines the internal working culture. The findings offer several policy, as well as business practice-oriented implications.
Psychosocial factors in the development of low back pain among professional drivers
Friderika Kresal
Fizioterapevtika, Institution of Higher Education, Bogatajeva ulica 15, Medvode, Slovenia
Tine Bertoncel
MC Erasmus, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Nieuwemarkt 1a 3011, Rotterdam, Netherlands
Maja Meško
Faculty of Management, University of Primorska, Cankarjeva 5, Koper, Slovenia
Abstract
Background/Purpose: Professional drivers as a group are exposed to high risk of developing low back pain due to ergonomic factors and work conditions. The purpose of the study was to examine to what extent the low back pain occurs among Slovene professional drivers as a result of the development of various psychosocial factors. Methodology: The study involved 275 respondents (professional bus drivers, car/van drivers, international truck/lorry drivers, and ambulance car drivers). Hypotheses were tested using multivariate statistical method (regression analysis) and analysis of variance. Data were collected by structured questionnaire comprised of three parts: socio-demographic data, basic psychosocial factors causing low back pain, and incidence, duration and severity of low back pain as a result of psychosocial risk factors, was implemented. Results: The results of quantitative survey suggest that low back pain is mostly caused by lifting and carrying heavy loads, inadequate working conditions, poor physical fitness, regular nights out, shift work, and stress. Only the impact of gender on low back pain distress among professional drivers was confirmed, predominantly among bus drivers and lorry drivers on international routes. Low back pain occurrence was less common, albeit not statistically significant, among professional drivers of vans and passenger cars. Conclusion: Our study suggests that psychosocial factors are also important cause for the development of low back pain among professional drivers and can limit the quality of their social and professional lives.
University “UNION-Nikola Tesla”, Faculty of Business Studies and Law, Staro Sajmiste 29, 11070 Belgrade, Serbia
Dragan Trivan
University “UNION-Nikola Tesla”, Faculty of Business Studies and Law, Staro Sajmiste 29, 11070 Belgrade, Serbia
Iztok Podbregar
University of Maribor, Faculty of Organizational Sciences, Kidriceva cesta 55a, 4000 Kranj, Slovenia
Polona Šprajc
University of Maribor, Faculty of Organizational Sciences, Kidriceva cesta 55a, 4000 Kranj, Slovenia
Abstract
Background/Purpose: This paper analyses the strategic aspects of knowledge management in organizations in Serbia, from the theoretical and empirical point of view. In its theoretical part, the paper analyzes the latest literature in the fields of knowledge management, relations between communications strategyes and knowledge management, generations of knowledge management and organizational culture. Design/Methodology/Approach: In its empirical part, the paper deals with determining the level of knowledge management in Serbian organizations through diffrent generations of knowledge management, as well as the problem with explicit and tacit knowledge management. The hypotheses were tested using data colleted from organizatons in Serbia via questionnaire, which consisted of 50 questions to examine five key factors in knowledge management. Results: The results showed that out of 41 indicators, only eight are rated positively. Results of t-test indicate significant distinctions within factors affecting the quality of knowledge management, as well as differences in quality of explicit and tacit knowledge management, therefore they confirmed both hypotheses. Conclusion: The knowledge management projects in organizations in Serbia are initiated, as well as that belonging to the first generation of knowledge management can be defined.
School of Advanced Social Studies Nova Gorica, Slovenia
Zorica Pristov
Independent researcher, Slovenia
Andrej Raspor
DOBA Faculty of Applied Business and Social Studies, Maribor and School of Advanced Social Studies, Nova Gorica, Slovenia
Abstract
Background/Purpose: The aim of this paper is to analyse mobbing in a large, non-profit, state-owned organization in order to find out to what extent mobbing is present and in what way it takes place. In addition, the purpose of the research is to analyse whether the extent of mobbing is connected to employee’s age, gender and position. Methodology: In this quantitative research, a total of 355 opinions were collected using a random selection procedure within the selected large size, state-owned organization (between 1000 and 2000 employees). The results of the employees’ experiences of mobbing were statistically analysed and tested. Results: Similar to other researches, a third of all respondents stated they have been affected by mobbing in the last three years. Additionally, we found out that younger employees are not affected more than older. Interestingly, there are also no gender differences as both genders seem to be affected similarly. Also, a management position does not mean a person is less exposed to mobbing. Finally, we confirmed that the most frequent type of mobbing is vertical mobbing (carried out by an employer / manager on employees or vice versa). Originality / value: The study fills a current gap in the research and understanding of mobbing in non-profit organizations in Slovenia as it presents the magnitude of mobbing experiences as well as the relations between the attackers and victims. The study also provides a good starting point for further research on this sensitive subject. Research limitations / conclusions: Since the research was limited to one non-profit organization, it makes sense to explore the phenomenon in different individual profit companies as well as non-profit organisations in order to create plans for preventing and limiting mobbing.
