Vol.51, No 1 (2018)

Jarmila Zimmermannova

Moravian University College Olomouc, tr. Kosmonautu 1288/1, 77900 Olomouc, Czech Republic

Adam Pawliczek

Moravian University College Olomouc, tr. Kosmonautu 1288/1, 77900 Olomouc, Czech Republic

Petr ČERMÁK

Moravian University College Olomouc, tr. Kosmonautu 1288/1, 77900 Olomouc, Czech Republic

Abstract

Background/Purpose: Currently, the idea of households – prosumers is broadly discussed in public govern­ments, mainly in connection with both the energy security issues and the environmental issues. Therefore, the main goal of this paper is to present new agent model of household – prosumer and to compare two scenarios – “off grid household” and “on grid household”. The additional goal is to evaluate the impact of public support of solar electricity on the economic efficiency of household – prosumer projects (systems). Design/Methodology/Approach: The model is structured as a micro-level agent model, representing one house­hold – prosumer. The model has the following general characteristics: one household with own electricity generation (photovoltaic panels), battery and in case of “on grid household” also connection to the grid. The main goal of the agent is to cover electricity consumption in household with minimal costs. The agent model of prosumer is tested and validated, using the empirical data. Results: The highest level of subsidy has significant impact on the economic indicators of selected scenarios. It causes lower investment costs at the beginning of the project and consequently shorter payback period (3-4 years earlier), positive cumulative cash flow, net present value and IRR in earlier period (approximately 5-10 years earlier, depending on the scenario). Conclusion: We can recommend to the government to continue with current system of subsidies, since it contributes to better economic indicators of particular solar electricity projects. On the other hand, the level of subsidy should be at least the same as in current year 2017, for the purposes of representing the significant part of the investment costs. Low level of subsidy has negligible impact on the economic indicators of households – prosumers projects. The de­veloped agent model is suitable for the evaluation of economic impact of public support on households – prosumers.

Brigita Gajšek

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

Jure Kovač

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

Benjamin T. Hazen

Department of Operational Sciences, Air Force Institute of Technology, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, OH, USA

Abstract

Background/Purpose: Regional sustainable economic growth on logistics bases requires the coordinated development of infrastructure, information and communications technology, and proactive education of logistics spe­cialists. The goal is reachable with regional logistics platforms (RLPs). This current research develops a theoretical model for RLPs, consisting of (1) basic constituents, (2) an implementation area, and (3) stakeholders’ and opera­tional benefits. Design/Methodology/Approach: We employed a balanced qualitative and quantitative approach using multiple case study and survey methods. Results: Systematic case study research has identified 12 “most frequently” highlighted RLP constituents and 3 ar­eas of implementation, which were further proven by a survey. RLP’s beginnings may be spontaneous until a critical mass of interested stakeholders emerges with a clear vision and start-up energy for a breakthrough. A theoretical model for RLPs is proposed. Conclusion: The secret of a successfully developing a logistics region lies in its ability to develop a mechanism for the managing and coordinating a particular logistics system’s development and operation, an area that should be fur­ther researched. This study’s findings provide valuable insights into the many aspects of RLPs, which can be useful for regional authorities and business owners who are eager to stimulate regional economic growth.

Liliya SATALKINA

Lviv Polytechnic National University, Lviv, Ukraine

Nestor SHPAK

Lviv Polytechnic National University, Lviv, Ukraine

Abstract

Background/Purpose: Nowadays the emphasis on social components in the general mainstream of innovation activity is one of the strongest grounds for the successful functioning and development of enterprises. In several countries, social innovation activity is becoming a product of business in general, with associated expectations regarding profit. Objectives: The goal of the article is to develop a toolkit for the evaluation of the influence of the macro-environment on the social innovation activity (SIA) of enterprises. Method: The methodology includes elements of theoretical and empirical research with the implementation of meth­ods such as a literature review, all types of analysis, and methods of aggregation and integration. Questionnaires were used as a means of data collection. Results: The general methodological framework of diagnostics of the SIA macro-environment is distinguished. Based on a theoretical analysis of the SIA ecosystem and the experience of operating enterprises, the main factors of SIA macro-environment are determined. The general integrated index and its five-level interpretational model are proposed as a measure for the evaluation of the SIA macro-environment. Conclusion: The results presented provide data necessary for the argumentation of SIA strategy and tactics, as well as investment policy in this sphere.

Maja DIMIĆ

University Union Nikola Tesla, Faculty of Business Studies and Law, Staro sajmište 29, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia

Lidija BARJAKTAROVIĆ

University Singidunum, Faculty of Business Belgrade, 32 Danijelova St., Belgrade, Serbia

Olja ARSENIJEVIĆ

University Union Nikola Tesla, Faculty of Business Studies and Law, Staro sajmište 29, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia

Polona Šprajc

University of Maribor, Faculty of Organizational Science, Kidriceva cesta 55a, 4000 Kranj, Slovenia

Abstract

Background/Purpose: The goal of the paper is to determine the level of concentration in the insurance sector in the following eight countries of South and Eastern Europe: Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Romania, Bulgaria and Albania in the period from 2007 to 2012. Design/Methodology/Approach: In this context, the analysed indicators of concentration were the market share of the four leading financial institutions (CR4), the Herfindahl-Hirschman Index (HHI), the coefficient of entropy (E), the coefficient of relative entropy (RE) and Gini coefficient (G). Results: The study showed that the insurance sectors in the analysed countries are highly concentrated on average (according to CR4 indicator), medium concentrated (according to HHI) with high levels of inequality of distribution of market shares between individual participants (in terms of G coefficient), and in the zone of relative uniformity and equality of business entities (according to RE coefficient). The research results point out that the existence of different levels of correlation between the analysed indicators of concentration in the insurance sector, which confirms the conclusion that, in order to obtain relevant and quality conclusions about the level of concentration, it is necessary to review and analyse several indicators of concentration integrally. Conclusion: In all observed indicators of concentration in relation with the density level GDP pc move in the zone of very low value, which on the one hand points to the fact that the analysed countries at a relatively similar level of development have significantly different levels of concentration, but also on the fact that some countries although at different levels of development, have similar levels of concentration.

Valentina BURKSIENE

Klaipeda University, Department of Public Administration and Social Geography, Klaipėda, Lithuania

Jaroslav DVORAK

Klaipeda University, Department of Public Administration and Social Geography, Klaipėda, Lithuania

Gabriele BURBULYTE-TSISKARISHVILI

Klaipeda University, Department of Public Administration and Social Geography, Klaipėda, Lithuania

Abstract

Background/Purpose:  An analysis of the dimension of sustainability in the context of competing for the title of the European Capital of Culture (ECoC) is included in the article. The authors of the research agree that the proper integration of cultural policy into the social system impacts and changes cultural values and beliefs, shifting them to­wards sustainable behaviour and sustainability. Many authors analyse the interrelation between culture and sustain­ability, thus defining the role of culture for sustainability. However, few discuss possible approaches or tools, which may offer assistance in the matter of how to reach sustainability in the context of culture. Design/ Methodology/ Approach: Research is based on the comparative analysis of the applications of the respec­tive cities. The TBL methodology is implemented using the content analysis method as a tool. The outcomes of the content analysis are then used for the elaboration of the qualitative multi-attribute model using the DEX methodology. Results: While analysing bidding documents for the ECoC we: a) define the importance of the marketing plan (de­scribed as a comprehensive action) and b) argue that ECoC marketing needs to be turned to “sustainability market­ing” as it is described and defined by many authors. Conclusions: The ECoC Commission should consider the importance of culture for sustainable development and, respectively, should evaluate the marketing plan of applicants under the sustainability framework.

Włodzimierz SROKA

University of Dąbrowa Górnicza, Poland

Joanna KUROWSKA-PYSZ

University of Dąbrowa Górnicza, Poland

Štefan HITTMÁR

University of Žilina, Slovakia