Vol.51, No 4 (2018)

Goran ČELESNIK

Domino, d.o.o., Titova 7, 4270 Jesenice, Slovenia

Mladen RADUJKOVIĆ

International Project Management Assosiation, Central Secretariat P.O. Box 7905, 1008 AC Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Igor VREČKO

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

Abstract

Background/Purpose: In practice, the existing models of tackling companies’ crises are still lacking effective­ness and efficiency. The agile crisis project management model (ACPM) is based on the crisis project management doctrines, which we upgraded with the principles and methodologies of agile project management. It was developed for the resolution of such crises. Methods: Relying on scientific knowledge and in accordance with the defined research problem, we decided to use the qualitative research methods while using a method of highly structured interviews for data collection. A com­parative case studies method was used for the comparative comparison of effectiveness and efficiency among the sample companies, which were divided into groups A and B. Companies in group A used the non-project approach, the traditional project, and/or the hybrid non-project–traditional project approach (CM approach) in implementing the planned measures and activities in the restructuring process and/or renovation; companies in group B used the agile project and/or the hybrid agile project–traditional project approach (ACPM approach). Results: The studied companies facing crises used various implementation approaches for the planned measures and activities within the framework of the crisis solution. The companies using the ACPM approach (group B) com­pleted their restructuring and/or renewal process more quickly and were more effective and efficient after the crisis than during the pre-crisis period. At the same time, their net sales growth was also higher than the growth of com­panies using the CM approach (group A). Conclusion: The article demonstrates the results of the research, which studied the effectiveness and efficiency of resolving the sample companies’ crises. In accordance with the research results, we conclude that supplementing the crisis project management with an agile project approach when resolving company crises positively affects the efficiency and effectiveness of companies after the crisis. Keywords: company crisis; crisis management; project management; agile project management

Marko KUKANJA

University of Primorska, Faculty of Tourism Studies – Turistica, Obala 11a, 6320 Portorož, Slovenia

Tanja PLANINC

University of Primorska, Faculty of Tourism Studies – Turistica, Obala 11a, 6320 Portorož, Slovenia

Abstract

Background/Purpose: The aim is to analyse the efficiency of small and medium-sized (SMEs) restaurant en­terprises in Slovenia after the government’s implementation of fiscal cash registers in January 2016. Strict financial supervision and the introduction of fiscal cash registers resulted in increased officially registered sales revenues, higher taxes, and more available and reliable financial data. No previous study has analysed restaurants’ efficiency in the country, as, due to fiscal malpractice, accounting data have not provided a reliable source for accurate effi­ciency evaluation. Design/Methodology/Approach: Efficiency was assessed using Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA), based on secondary-financial data provided by the national tax authorities. Data were gathered from 142 independently run restaurant SMEs in 2017. Results: The average efficiency score of Slovene restaurant SMEs is 85%, which indicates that, on average, restau­rants have to increase their efficiency level by 15% in order to improve their efficiency according to the most efficient (best-performing) units under comparison. Our research results indicate a relatively successful and comparable level of efficiency performance in comparison to those found in previous international studies. The results also reveal that the patterns of conducting business operations in terms of efficient management are relatively similar across the restaurant sector. Surprisingly, in terms of determining the influence of different groups of operational variables on restaurants’ efficiency performance, the research results indicate that only operational financial variables (costs of goods sold, labour costs, and depreciation) influence efficiency performance, while managers’ demographic char­acteristics (gender, age, education, years of experience) and restaurants’ physical characteristics (size, number of competitors, location) have no statistically significant influence on restaurants’ efficiency in achieving net sales revenues. Conclusion: Secondary-financial data represent a valuable source of information for restaurant companies’ effi­ciency analysis. The use of selected variables enables an internationally comparable benchmarking process and facilitates the improvement of restaurants’ efficiency performance. It is suggested that future research include longi­tudinal data and focus on the systematic analysis of other variables (e.g., managers’ psychographic characteristics) that might influence restaurants’ efficiency performance. Keywords: DEA; efficiency measurement; restaurant industry; Slovenia 

Michal HALAŠKA

Silesian University in Opava, School of Business Administration in Karvina, Univerzitní nám. 1934/3, 733 40, Karviná, Czech Republic

Roman ŠPERKA

Silesian University in Opava, School of Business Administration in Karvina, Univerzitní nám. 1934/3, 733 40, Karviná, Czech Republic

Abstract

Background/Purpose: Agent-based modelling and simulation (ABS) is growing in many areas like, e.g., man­agement, social and computer sciences. However, the similar trend does not seem to occur within the field of busi­ness process management (BPM), even though simulation approaches like discrete event simulation or system dy­namics are well established and widely used. Thus, in our paper we investigate the advantages and disadvantages of agent-based modelling and simulation in the field of BPM in simulation experiments. Design/Methodology/Approach: In our research, we investigate if there is a necessity for ABS in the field of BPM with our own simulation experiments to compare traditional and ABS models. For this purpose, we use simulation framework MAREA, which is a simulation environment with integrated ERP system. Our model is a complex system of a trading company selling computer cables. For the verification of our model, we use automated process discovery techniques. Results: In our simulations, we investigated the impact of changes in resources’ behavior on the outcome of com­pany’s order to cash process (O2C). Simulations experiments demonstrated that even small changes might have statistically significant effect on outcomes of the processes and decisions based on such outcomes. Simulation experiments also demonstrated that the impact of randomly distributed fluctuations of well-being have a diminishing tendency with the increasing number of sales representatives involved in the process. Conclusions: Our research revealed several advantages and disadvantages of using ABS in business process modelling. However, as we show, many of them were at least partially addressed in the recent years. Thus, we believe that ABS will get more attention in the field of BPM similarly to other fields like, e.g., social sciences. We suggested areas in BPM simulations, e.g., modelling of resources, be it human or technological resources, where there is a need for ABS. Keywords: Agent-based modelling and simulation; business processes; business process management; process mining 

Eva JEREB

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

Janja JEREBIC

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

Marko URH

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

Abstract

Background/Purpose: Competition among higher education institutions is intensifying and such institutions are increasingly directing efforts towards improving their ranking. In this context, both high-quality programmes and student satisfaction have become major goals of universities. In our study, we tried to identify the importance of various factors influencing student satisfaction in higher education institutions. Design/Methodology/Approach: A paper-and-pencil survey was carried out in the 2017/18 academic year at the University of Maribor in Slovenia. Students were verbally informed of the nature of the research and invited to freely participate. They were assured of anonymity. Mean values and standard deviations of the responses were calculated. Friedman test was conducted to assess which satisfaction factors were a priority for the students. Inde­pendent samples t-test was used to examine whether a significant difference exists between specific groups. The correlations between satisfaction factors and selected study variables (age, average grade and readiness to spread information) were tested using Pearson correlation coefficients. Results: The study results revealed that the most important factors influencing student satisfaction were teaching staff, followed by administrative support, programme issues, physical environment, location of the institution, social life and support facilities. Significant differences between the genders were found for two satisfaction criteria, i.e. programme issues and administrative support, both being more important to women than men. We also found that the higher the level of the class, the lower was the importance of the satisfaction factors. Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that higher education institutions need to focus efforts on improving the quality of teaching aspects so as to respond to the needs of their students, but also that they should not neglect non-teaching factors, especially regarding the physical environment. With improving these factors institutions can raise students’ satisfaction, gain on the reputation and impact future enrolment. Keywords: student satisfaction; higher education; teaching staff; support facilities; programme issues

Aleš LEVSTEK

Independent researcher, Radomlje, Slovenia

Tomaž HOVELJA

University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Computer and Information Science, Večna pot 113, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia

Andreja PUCIHAR

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

Abstract

Background/Purpose: In this paper, we aim to propose a guideline for further research towards development of an adaptive strategic IT governance (ITG) model for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The use of IT has the potential to be the major driver for success, as well it provides an opportunity to achieve competitive advantage and support digital transformation. In order to achieve IT benefits, enterprises need an effective and successful ITG model, which follows and adapts to business needs. Available ITG models are too generic and do not differentiate for enterprises of different industry, size, maturity etc. Methodology: In order to review existing ITG mechanisms, their definitions and identify contingency factors, we performed an extensive literature review (LR). For the initial set of databases, we used the list of journals, which are indexed in the Journal Citation Reports. We also used Web of Science to identify articles with the highest number of citations. Results: This paper provides the most important definitions of ITG and proposes its comprehensive definition. Next to this, we introduce ITG mechanisms, which are crucial for the effective implementation and use of ITG. Lastly, we identify contingency factors that influence ITG implementation and its use. Conclusion: Despite extensive research in ITG area, considerable work is still needed to improve understanding of ITG, its definition and mechanisms. Multiple efforts to develop methods for governing IT failed to achieve any signif­icant adoption rate of ITG mechanisms. To enable ITG to become an integral part of Corporate Governance, further research needs to focus on the development of an adaptive strategic ITG model. In this paper, we propose a next step for more practical method for ITG implementation and its use. Keywords: IT Governance; ITG mechanisms; ITG contingency factors; ITG framework

Iztok KOLAR

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

Nina FALEŽ

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

Abstract

Background/Purpose: Many studies have explored the disclosures in annual reports of companies. Annual reports of banks differ significantly from annual reports of other business entities, particularly in terms of disclosed items. The aim of this article is to investigate the level of disclosures and which factors influence the level of disclo­sure in the annual reports of banks in Slovenia. Design/Methodology/Approach: We have observed disclosures of all banks in Slovenia for year 2012 and 2015. The factors as used in the study are age, size, the government share, profitability and complexity of a bank. Our disclosure checklist consists of 144 voluntary and mandatory items. Statistical analysis is performed using linear regression analysis. Results: The average score for banks in Slovenia is near 94 points or 63% of all possible disclosures. The results of analyses indicated positive associations and statistical correlations between the level of disclosure in annual reports and the size of a bank, the share of government ownership and negative statistical influence of the age of bank on the level of disclosure. Our results do not show statistically significant correlation between the level of disclosure and a bank’s profitability and complexity, which is against theory and findings from other similar research. Conclusion: In our opinion, results well reflect the Slovenian banking system and how banks reveal their informa­tion. Our finding is that banks in Slovenia provide less information to the public compared to the average companies in other branches or banks in similarly developed countries. The paper’s main contribution is to deepen our knowl­edge about disclosures in the bank’s annual reports and the answers what are the influential factors of disclosures for banks. Keywords: government ownership; information disclosures; ages; Slovenia