bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Competitiveness of Regional Health Systems and Specific Medical Organizations in the Context of the Coronovirus Pandemic
Authors: Asadulaev Asadula , Starobinskaya Nadegzda , Shvetc Petr
Published: January 2021

Research background: As the experience of a number of countries whose health systems were considered effective has shown, the pandemic has caused multiple disruptions, system overloads, and in some cases complete collapse. The negative experience made us think about what characteristics of the system and each specific medical organization are determining, and which parameters contributed to the increase of problems in the system, and which ones ensured the ability of the medical cluster or organizations to successfully function in the complex conditions of the pandemic. Consequently, mechanisms for evaluating medical institutions and clusters that would be able to monitor the health system in a normal situation and monitor its readiness for peak loads are coming to the fore.

Purpose of the article: This article is intended to identify the key factors for ensuring the competitiveness of regional medical clusters and develop a methodology for assessing the level of competitiveness of institutions in the context of a pandemic.

Methods: The methodology of evaluation is built based on modified matrices of competitiveness based on the matrix of strategic mechanisms. Findings & Value added: The article analyses the successful strategic practices of medical market leaders for other players and maintaining the effectiveness of the healthcare system even during global pandemics. As the scientific increment can be considered the results of analysis of mechanisms for evaluating medical institutions and clusters that could monitor the health care system in a normal situation and monitor its readiness for peak loads.
Distance Education During the 2020 Global Crisis Lockdown
Authors: Kicheva Maria , Dimitrova Boryana
Published: January 2021

Research background:Distance education in Bulgarian universities is a relatively new form of human capital training, applied until recently on a limited scale. The global 2020 health and economic crisis, related to the mass lockdown of the in-person educational process throughout the world, has imposed a new challenge to the anti-crisis management of the universities, schools and other educational institutions in Bulgaria: the obligatory application of the distance learning process. For the optimal development of the educational systems in the conditions of similar future crises, it is necessary to have various information about the impact of the crisis on the different groups of educational institutions and especially about the response of the students.

Purpose of the article:This article aims to highlight the identified problems and challenges that distance education is facing and to provide recommendations for its future optimization to individual learners and educators, as well as to the educational institutions themselves and third stakeholders.

Methods:The method of self-administered survey, conducted through Google Forms and the descriptive method, through which the authors of the article share their observations of the educational process, conducted during the lockdown, were used.

Findings & Value added:Main findings include the pre- and after- lockdown levels of technical armament of the respondents, specifics of the loans taken for its provision, the forms of online training used and the personal assessment of the respondents for their effectiveness, the difficulties encountered during the educational process.
Design of a Supply Chain Performance Monitoring System for a Company in the Context of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Majercak Peter
Published: January 2021

Research background: Design of a methodology for the measurement of logistics processes in production plants to plan, control and manage logistic chain links. The article develops theoretical knowledge in the field of logistics chain management and methods of monitoring them.

Purpose of the article: Material flow and logistics performance management is one of the most important areas for a manufacturing company, which significantly contributes to the overall results of the company’s management and its competitiveness. In order for the company to have its resources to use effectively, it needs to have information on its performance and weaknesses in the chain. The condition for obtaining this data is a system for measuring performance in accordance with the company’s goals.

Methods: For the analysis of the current state and the identification of weak points in the measurement process, the root cause analysis will also be used, which aims to identify weak points in the process.

Findings & Value added: The aim of the paper will be to create a brief theoretical a basis that will enable the analysis of the current system of evaluation of logistics performance and supply chain in the selected company and the identification of weaknesses with regard to the strategy and philosophy of the company and a proposal for changes that would increase the efficiency and effectiveness of the Supply chain. The most significant contribution can be attributed to the proposal for implementation systematic evaluation of suppliers using a scoring model designed specifically for company.
Customer Behaviour and Sentiment Due to The COVID-19 Global Pandemic
Authors: Majercakova Margita , Rostasova Maria
Published: January 2021

Research background: Identifying customer behaviour is one of the most critical activities in the implementation and evaluation of the analytical phase of the company’s algorithm for marketing activities. Analyses are performed based on of research activities aimed at identifying the psychological processes of an individual, related to the selection of goods and services to meet his needs and desires, the distribution of his available resources (money, time, effort) into items related to consumption and overall perception and thinking of the customer in a specific time period. The emergence of a global crisis, Covid-19, has significantly changed consumer behaviour in the market, shopping motives and consumer sentiment. This aspect has prompted several studies that have placed great emphasis on identifying factors influencing customer behaviour during this specific period.

Purpose of the article: The article presents the results of these analyses, which were carried out during the initial stages of the emergence and spread of the pandemic.

Methods: The methods used to address this issue were based on the analysis, synthesis and comparison of data obtained by primary and secondary research, as well as the use of methods of deduction and induction, to draw general and specific conclusions related to the topic.

Findings & Value added: he results of the findings not only confirm the expected change in customer behaviour in times of crisis, but the added value of solving this problem is to obtain important evidence for immediate decision-making and management of companies in times of crisis caused by “force majeure”.
Global Economic Impacts of COVID 19 to Increase the Protection of Society By Using Thermal Imaging Cameras to Measure the Temperature of Human Body
Authors: Mariš Ladislav , Adamová Veronika
Published: January 2021

Research background:In 2020, a pandemic of COVID-19 has started. One of the symptoms is that a person has an elevated body temperature. One of the preventive measures against the spread of COVID-19 is the body temperature measuring. But this does not immediately mean, that person´s elevated body temperature indicates the presence of COVID-19. It also does not mean, that a person with COVID-19 must have fever. In generally, there is accepted a preventive measure to measure a body temperature, that can help to detect an infected person. The demands for body temperature measuring devices has increased. One of these devices is the thermal security cameras (TSC).

Purpose of the article:The aim of this paper is to point out the increased use of the TSC during the global pandemic of COVID-19. At the same time, it is necessary to point out the real benefits of using these devices in relation to global trend and significant economic impacts on society.

Methods:The analysis of available materials and data of the implementation of the TCS in relation to COVID-19 crisis. There are case studies elaborated on two manufacturing companies with different approaches to the implementation of preventive measures.

Findings & Value added:Firstly, the increased demand for protecting and preventive measures have an impact on the extreme increase in prices for these technologies compared to the pre-pandemic period. Secondly, accepted protecting and safety measures, such as TSC, do not have the expected benefits in relation to COVID-19.
Remote certification processes during global pandemic times
Authors: Nowicki Paweł , Kafel Piotr
Published: January 2021

Research background:Conformity assessment as defined in the ISO/IEC 17000 standard shows that the specified requirements for the product, process, system, person or entity have been met. A special type of conformity assessment is certification, in which the assessment is carried out by independent organizations, which has been confirmed by an accreditation body. The current crisis related to the development of the COVID-19 global pandemic has forced many organizations to change traditional forms of operation and, where it was possible, switch to a remote mode of work.

Purpose of the article:The need to adapt to new realities did not bypass the certification bodies that adapted to the emergency situation, using the possibilities of remote work, including as part of certification processes. The purpose of this publication is to indicate the context of the certification bodies’ operation and the impact of such proceedings on trust in the results of their work as well as to show the changes of the way of conducting certification audits by the certification bodies.

Methods:For above mentioned matter, four certification bodies were analysed in the area of remote certification processes. The used methodology was a case studies including a direct interviews with certification bodies representatives.

Findings and Value Added:The main findings are related to the following issues concerning that remote auditing processes ensure business continuity; there is an increased confidence in results among customers of certification bodies; changes in process costs.
Sustainable Urban Development in the Context of Globalization and the Health Crisis Caused by the Covid-19 Pandemic
Authors: Sarbu Roxana , Alpopi Cristina , Burlacu Sorin , Diaconu Silviu
Published: January 2021

Research background: The concept of sustainable development had as its starting point the global ecological crisis 1929-1933 and was later developed by encompassing all economic and social and human spheres, reaching that today, sustainable development is the new path of humanity. Sustainable development has been conceived as a solution to the ecological crisis determined by the intense industrial exploitation of resources and the continuous degradation of the environment and seeks first of all to preserve the quality of the environment. Sustainable development promotes the concept of reconciling economic and social progress without endangering the natural balance of the planet.

Purpose of the article: The objective of this paper is to highlight the trends determined by the current health crisis.

Methods: The main research method is the bibliographic study doubled by a secondary documentary analysis that allowed us to identify both the historical evolution of the concept and the detachment of current trends.

Findings & Value added: All these concepts take on a new meaning in the current pandemic context and the trend seems to be man’s return to nature and villages, perhaps determined by home isolation as the central method imposed by most countries in the fight against Coronavirus.
Globalization and COVID-19: The Role of Local and Regional Authorities In Context Of International Relations
Authors: Wurst Hašová Blanka , Varvažovská Pavla
Published: January 2021

Research background: International Municipal Cooperation in context of globalization and decentralization can be considered as a widely researched phenomenon. Still, the recent COVID-19 Pandemic prepared unexpected developments at all levels of the society.

Purpose of the article is to examine the impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on models/forms of cooperation between crucial players in the international relations arena, with a special focus on the international-regional/local cooperation axis.

Methods of content and comparative analysis based on primary sources and scientific literature review are used. In the methodological framework of the Multi-level Governance Concept (Marks, G., 1993), reactions of relevant International Organizations on COVID-19 with regard to local and/or regional Self-Government Authorities are analysed.

Findings and value added: The crisis deepened the importance of local and regional Self-Government Authorities in the recovery process and urged international players to pay an increased attention to mutual cooperation and subsequent implementation of measures needed. Especially the Multi-stakeholder Partnership has been strengthened. This paper intended to contribute to current academic and public policy debate.
The impact of taxes and administrative activities of SMEs on their performance
Authors: Bilek Stanislav , Kmecova Iveta , Tlusty Michal
Published: January 2021

Research background: The paper outlines selected problem areas of the legislative - legal environment and administrative burdens for SMEs. Data for this paper were obtained within the scientific activities at the University of Technology and Business in Ceske Budejovice Project TL01000349 Stabilization and development of SMEs in rural areas. The primary objective of the paper is to demonstrate that small and medium-sized enterprises are overburdened both from an administrative point of view. The theoretical part of the paper is devoted to the presentation of experts on a given topic and from these views the logical conclusion and recommendations for the methodological part of the paper are based. The following, practical part, explains each hypothesis and outlines the whole course of calculation. Each hypothesis is then rejected or confirmed. All findings are verbally analysed in the discussion of the results.

Purpose of the article: The main purpose of the research is to prove that small and medium-sized enterprises are overburdened with administrative burdens and taxes.

Methods: Primary data for the area of legislative-legal and administrative burden were obtained through a questionnaire survey in SMEs. The data will be evaluated using a statistical method comparing the mean value, specifically using a one-sample t-test.

Findings & Value added: The results of the paper will confirm or reject the predetermined hypotheses that apply to small and medium-sized enterprises. This knowledge will be important for further analysis and will outline the administrative complexity of the business of these companies.
Challenges of external personnel marketing
Authors: Gajanova Lubica
Published: January 2021

Research background:In the long term, employees are without a doubt the most important success factor for any company. Due to the demographic change, numerous companies are increasingly confronted with a shortage of skilled workers and are therefore facing the increased competition in gaining of the qualified employees. This challenge is exacerbated by a globalization, digitization and the change from an industrial society to a service one as well. In addition, the Slovak and worldwide labor market in the coming years will be characterized by a change of generation, which will form the majority of the available potential of the workforce. Against this background, aspects such as employer attractiveness and employer branding are becoming increasingly important and influential in the field of personnel management.

Purpose of the article:Due to demographic developments and the upcoming change of generation, companies will face the difficulty of inspiring qualified employees in the future. This creates numerous challenges for external personnel marketing. The overall goal of this paper is to contribute to the current state of research on the challenges of personnel marketing in the future.

Methods:The method of collecting data through a questionnaire and the contingency analysis to process the data were chosen for this research.

Findings & Value added:The objective of the paper is to setting up specific recommendations for the use of external personnel marketing, against the background of changing requirements and attitudes of generation Z.
Earnings management under a global magnifier
Authors: Krastev Vladislav , Durana Pavol , Valaskova Katarina
Published: January 2021

Research background:Legal earnings manipulation is current hot topic, which is evidenced by a significant number of academic articles from the countries of developed markets. But this issue has been still the research gap for the emerging countries. Slovakia and Bulgaria are emerging counties with the similar economic and political history. The existence of the purposeful earnings management is confirmed in both countries. Therefore, the enterprises from these countries are selected to the common comparison.

Purpose of the article:The main purpose and the set target of delivered examination is to disclose significant conformity or discrepancy in the dimension of the legal managers’ earnings modification in the Slovakian and Bulgarian enterprises.

Methods:The provided financial modelling used 1,089 Slovak enterprises and 1,421 Bulgarian enterprises. Two parametric tests were computed for this study. Fisher’s F-test to detect the ratio between the variances of the populations, and t-test for two independent samples to test provided hypothesis of the article.

Findings & Value added:The paper aimed at the earnings before interest, taxes (EBIT) in two emerging countries under a global magnifier. It was detected that the dimension of financial managers’ earnings manipulations in the Slovakian and Bulgarian enterprises is not significantly different. The similar nature of the approach of the management to the earnings manipulation was identified.
Geolocation Services and Marketing Communication from a Global Point of View
Authors: Madleňák Adam
Published: January 2021

Research background:Electronic communication fundamentally influences social behavior of the society. An unlimited virtual connection to the outside world and the minimal costs needed to reach out to a particular subject cause personal contact to become of marginal importance. The starting point may be, in certain cases, the ability of a mobile device to provide interested parties with relatively accurate geographical data mapping the distribution of objects in space. Therefore, localization of individual participants in the communication process becomes a prerequisite for establishing a contact in the real world. Moreover, localization also serves as a tool for creating highly personalized messages based on a combination of geographical, demographic, psychographic and behavioral characteristics.

Purpose of the article:The aim of the paper is to research the peculiarities associated with the localization of portable electronic devices in the space and the associated efforts to improve the level of personalized communication in line with the right timing of wireless distribution of advertising content to the recipient.

Methods:In order to achieve the stated goal, the author made use of several research methods to research the use of localization technologies in software products supporting social interaction between users of portable electronic devices. In particular, the author used analytical, inductive, deductive and comparative research methods. The paper also contains the results of several scientific studies presenting the latest market trends reflecting on research from abroad.

Findings & Value added:The paper contributes to the definition of the specifics that characterize the various types of localization technologies which convey information to the target audience within SoLoMo marketing.
Earnings Quality and Accruals over Company´S Life Cycle
Authors: Michalkova Lucia
Published: January 2021

Research background: The increasing number of bankruptcies and the growing risk of financial distress highlight the need for quality financial statements, conservative accounting or increase the need for quality tools to detect the occurrence of earnings management. However, the life cycle of a company affects financial performance and key aspects of earnings management, which examined in the international context only to a small extent.

Purpose of the article: The paper examines the impact of the life cycle and country-specific factor on the value of discretionary accruals in the tourism sector in the Visegrad countries, which are among the most vulnerable sectors in the coming economic crisis.

Methods: This study uses the method of two-way analysis of variance with interaction, while also testing the assumptions of the model by normality tests, homogeneity test and post hoc tests (Scheffé and Tukey methods).

Findings & Value added: Earnings quality changes during the life cycle of a business; whereas in the first stages (introduction, growth) and in decline they use downward earnings management. On the contrary, mature and shake-out companies have enough positive earnings before taxes, which is a prerequisite for tax profit optimization. The level of earnings management in tourism varies significantly at different stages of the life cycle, but also in different countries. The results imply that the qualitative variable corporate life cycle in interaction with the country is an important explanatory variable, the implementation of which can improve the explanatory power of earnings management models in Central European developing countries.
Determinants of Accounting and Market-based Performance Measures – Case of Croatian Non-financial Listed Companies
Authors: Pavic Kramaric Tomislava , Miletic Marko , Piplica Damir
Published: January 2021

Research background: Profitability and the factors that determine it have always intrigued the scholars. Despite the large number of studies dealing with this topic at the international level, this paper sheds a new light on the issue since it deals with the listed companies in an emerging economy confronting two performance measures.

Purpose of the article: The aim of this paper is to provide evidence on the performance of Croatian non-financial firms listed on the Zagreb Stock Exchange (ZSE).

Methods: The analysis encompassed firms that operated in the 2015 – 2019 period. For this purpose, the authors confronted two performance measures, i.e. accounting-based performance measure represented with return on assets (ROA) whereas Tobin’s Q stands for the market-based measure of performance or firm value. Independent variables that served as potential determinants of listed companies’ performance include inventories management, productivity, liquidity measured with both current and quick ratio, and size calculated on the basis of total assets, and sales.

Findings & Value added: After employing static panel analysis, the results reveal statistically significant influence of size variable based on assets in both models though it takes negative sign in the model where performance is measured with Tobin’s Q, whereas its positive impact on performance is recorded in ROA model. Furthermore, size based on total sales also positively affects performance when measured with ROA.
State Policy Financial Support of Development of Agricultural Sector
Authors: Ponedilchuk Tatiana , Paska Igor , Novikova Victoria , Satyr Larisa , Zadorozhna Ruslana
Published: January 2021

Research background: The current state and main directions of state policy of financial security of agriculture production based on the evaluation of financial results of entities that are defined by a set of financial and economic indicators. The problems and prospects of the state policy on directions and volumes of budget support to the agricultural sector by analyzing the content and scope of government support. Despite some positive trends in the development of agriculture of Ukraine, one of its main problems is the lack of funding from the state.

Purpose of the article: The purpose of the study is to identify the according financial policy action for financial providing agricultural production for basic analysis of indicators of its financial and economic development, and identifying key targets for economic growth of the industry.

Methods: The methods of monitoring stаtе rеgulаtion of finаnciаl support for thе dеvеlopmеnt of аgriculturаl sеctor are: information-analytical, information-statistical, sociological, geo-information.

Findings & Value added: State financial policy should direct participants in financial relations to implement political, social and economic targets, defining goals and ways to achieve it. The state should play a key role in the innovation process and address its effects on the financial support of research and development and act big, and sometimes the main investor in the new knowledge and technology.
Detecting the manipulation of earnings in the company: triangulation of methods
Authors: Svabova Lucia
Published: January 2021

Research background: Earnings management is a current topic in the world of financial management. It can be considered as a global phenomenon of today’s modern approach to the reporting of accounting information and related accounting decisions of managers, which may affect the overall results of financial statements. Many companies use earnings management as a tool to maintain stable profit growth or prevent “red numbers” from appearing in financial statements that are not beneficial to the company.

Purpose of the article: Understanding what earnings management represents and why it is performed is essential for users of a company’s financial statements. However, detecting manipulation in companies is not easy, because Earnings management is successful if it is invisible. Therefore, statistical models are usually used to detect these practices. The aim of this paper is to show that the use of several methods strengthens the results obtained and is more probably to reveal possible manipulation of earnings in companies.

Methods: In this study, we used triangulation of methods to detect Earnings management in companies: one of the most frequently used model in this area, Beneish model, but also the model for Slovak companies M-score SVK, which was created under the inspiration of the Beneish model and finally, the model of the company’s propensity score of manipulation.

Findings & Value added: The study provides a global view of the possibilities of applying these three models to detect manipulation in the company. The idea of triangulation of methods is based on the consideration that if all the methods detect possible manipulation, it is very likely that it actually happens in the company.
How to deal with global concept of Risk in Agriculture? Comparative overview of the literature
Authors: Bencová Tatiana , Boháčiková Andrea
Published: January 2021

Research background: Risk is an important aspect of the agriculture business. The uncertainties inherent in the changes in input and output prices, climate and biological variables, agricultural policies and government decisions, global markets and the volatility, sales, world trends in the consumption, environmental legislation and other factors that impact agriculture can cause big differences in farm production and in general in farm income.

Purpose of the article: The aim of the paper is twofold. The first task is to survey and classify the main types of risks in agriculture, risk evaluation methods, approaches for estimation and to present the applications of these methods across the literature. The second aim is to point out how to measure the risk in agriculture enterprises.

Methods: In the recent years, there was an increase in the number of risk studies with potential to further deepen and develop the previous studies. This study provides a literature overview of risk studies in agriculture. More specifically, this paper discusses the sources of risk in agriculture, summarizes the literature and methods of measuring the risk and comments the problems with risk evaluation in agriculture.

Findings & Value added: The objective of this paper is to provide the methodological conclusions for further research about risks in agriculture and opportunities of risk evaluation. This review is expected to prompt researchers to perform new theoretical studies and stimulate to analyse and measure risks in agriculture.
Specifics of Cryptocurrencies from an Accounting, Tax and Financial View in a Globalized Environment
Authors: Kucharova Ivana , Pfeiferova Daniela , Lőrinczova Enikő
Published: January 2021

Research background: With the advancing entrance of digital technologies into all areas of private and business life in the past 10 years a new digital asset referred to as virtual currency or cryptocurrency had been invented. This virtual currency is not yet regulated in most countries and there is a need to establish a legal framework for accounting, taxation and recording of financial transactions so the treatment of transactions with these digital assets is the same across the globalized environment, as different approaches may affect the decision-making of the management and investors or can alter the tax base for income tax purposes.

Purpose of the article: The aim of this paper is to compare and discuss the different possible approaches of recording and reporting of the virtual currencies for accounting and tax purposes and to compare the approaches among the Czech Republic, the Slovak Republic and Germany to point out the need for a harmonized solution in a global environment, as dealing with cryptocurrencies is not included in the accounting and tax legal framework in many other countries.

Methods: Methods of description, analysis, comparison and synthesis are used to achieve the set aim of the paper. Different approaches to the topic are demonstrated and compared in illustrative Tables.

Findings & Value added: The paper highlights the need for a uniform approach for the accounting and tax treatment of virtual currency by comparing the level of legal definitions and different approaches. The most elaborate legal implementation of this topic is in the Slovak Republic where the treatment of virtual currencies is included in the Accounting Act and the Income Tax Act. The Czech Republic approaches cryptocurrencies only on the basis of recommendations from the Ministry of Finance, which is not legally binding to obey. Germany has included cryptocurrencies in the Banking Act, the accounting definition is missing and the tax solution is in the Income Tax Act.
Risk Management of Tourism Demand in South-Western Bulgaria through Correlation Analysis
Authors: Mirchova Sophia , Durova Kalina
Published: January 2021

Research background: The geographical location and the favorable natural features in Bulgaria are a solid precondition for the country to establish itself as a traditional tourist destination.

Purpose of the article: This research attempts to find out which parameters affect the processes of tourist demand and supply, thus creating the conditions for optimization of the tourist enterprise as an economic indicator.

Methods: The aim of the study is to make a quantitative assessment of the strength of the dependence between the factors that influence the tourism demand and receiving economic results via correlation and regression analysis. On the basis of this quantitative assessment, the risk can be managed and valuable conclusions can be drawn to improve the use and management of resources.

Findings and Value added: The empirically investigated relationships show whether the level of labor productivity of the analyzed tourist enterprises is affected by the level of employment on the tourist site. It is necessary to intensify the activities for attracting new customers such as advertising, PR., improving the image of the tourist site. All this will have a positive impact on the development of the various forms of tourism and the social situation of the population in the study region. The strong influence of the size of the current expenditures on the economic results, found in all the studied tourist sites, necessitates the improvement of the tourist demand. Managers can apply flexible approaches to managing risk related to expenditures and revenue at the tourist enterprises.
Measuring of Goodwill in Non-profit Organizations under the conditions of Globalization: The Case of Slovak Republic
Authors: Podhorska Ivana
Published: January 2021

Research background: Both the creation and quantification of goodwill are interdisciplinary issues affecting accounting, economics, law, marketing, sociology and human resources. In both economic theory and practice, goodwill is the difference between the market and the book value of an enterprise.

Purpose of the article: With the acceleration of globalization, the economic aspects of which are the logical consequence of the increasing interdependence of individual economies towards the end of the second half of the 20th century, the importance of building and managing goodwill as a competitive advantage through business activities and internationally is increasing. These facts should be more highlighted and stronger in the sector of non-profit organizations. Because of their mission, vision and character of their business. The main aim of the paper is to capture the value of goodwill in the sector of non-profit organizations in the Slovak Republic.

Methods: As a testing data will be used 72 non-profit organizations from Slovak Republic. In this sample will be quantified the value of their goodwill by residual income methods. Residual income assumes the value of goodwill as a difference between net income and the product of the cost of equity and the book value of equity.

Findings & Value added: Paper findings will bring the view on the possibility of measuring goodwill in the sector of non-profit organizations under the conditions of globalizations with the emphasis on the application of residual income method in the case of Slovak Republic.
Analysis of enterprises with innovation activity with emphasis on enterprise size
Authors: Janoskova Katarina , Kral Pavol
Published: January 2021

Research background: Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) play a crucial role in European economic. They are very important for the stability of national economy and for development of innovation. SMEs significantly contribute to innovation because they are under permanent pressure of competitors at the market. On the other hand, innovation in SMEs is hampered by many factors, such as lack of finance, lack of personnel, no experiences, insufficient public policy, etc.

Purpose of the article: The main goal of the article is examining the impact of business size on innovation activity and thus confirm the irreplaceable importance of SMEs in the innovation ecosystem, compare innovation activity of Slovak SMEs with EU average.

Methods: Several methods were used to achieve the goals. Demonstrating the close relationship between innovation and SMEs is realized through VOSviewer software. Comparison of innovation activity of Slovak SMEs with European Union average is realized through an in-depth analysis of selected indicators of Summary Innovation Index.

Findings & Value added: SMEs are indeed the creator of innovation. Based on the results of bibliometric analysis, this fact can be confirmed. The innovation activity of SMEs in the Slovak Republic is below the EU average. This fact is caused by several limitation and problems that SMEs in the Slovakia have to face.
The Perception of Teleworking by University Students Before and During the COVID-19 Crisis
Authors: Sigmund Tomas , Sladek Pavel
Published: January 2021

Research background: Teleworking is becoming more current and more used. It is an instrument that allows and supports globalization. The corona crisis increased its use even more. Teleworking has advantages, but also disadvantages which are perceived and evaluated by its users. With its more intense penetration, the users’ perception will become an important factor in the implementation. Teleworking has effects both on the whole economy and on the employees - it affects their social life, their working relations, and their flexibility.

Purpose of the article: The purpose of the article is to identify the students’ perception of advantages and disadvantages of teleworking and the development of this perception from the year 2018 to the year 2020. In 2020, the data were collected during and after the corona crisis, and so we can observe its effects.

Methods: We used an electronic survey to monitor students’ opinion on teleworking and processed the data by methods of descriptive statistics and more advanced statistical methods to obtain their characteristics.

Findings & Value added: We found out that the perception of teleworking’s advantages and disadvantages didn’t change much from the year 2018 and stayed relatively stable in spite of the crisis. Only some effects of teleworking were considered by our respondents a little differently, e.g., the social aspects. Our findings may be used in addressing the perceived disadvantages of teleworking and supporting its advantages.
Smartphones as consumption tools: The adoption of Internet-enabled devices for shopping purposes
Authors: Ciurlău Cristian Florin , Popescu Cătălin Kanty , Petris Geambazi
Published: January 2021

Research background: We develop a conceptual framework based on a systematic and comprehensive literature review on smartphones as consumption tools globally.

Purpose of the article: Building our argument by drawing on data collected from Comscore, Econsultancy, and Statista, we performed analyses and made estimates regarding the adoption of Internet-enabled devices for shopping purposes: selected retail and shopping activities of EU smartphone users, most popular mobile shopping apps in the U.S. (by reach), adults in the EU who never make purchases on mobile devices (by gender), and consumers who use a mobile device for product research while shopping in-store worldwide (by country).

Methods: The data for this research were gathered via an online survey questionnaire and were analyzed through structural equation modeling on a sample of 4,200 respondents.

Findings & Value added: Smartphones have permeated the online community swiftly. The difficult task retailers confront is in obtaining consumers’ mutual support in supplying the information required to provide a customized shopping experience. Mobile payment privacy is associated with apprehensions that users may have concerning what will become of the data supplied when they adopt mobile payment. A satisfactory array of facilitating circumstances brings about greater purpose to adopt mobile shopping applications, especially when diverse viable functions such as convenience and swift purchase are provided. Intention to raise subsequent benefits from mobile buying should harmonize the lasting value predisposition of the mobile purchasers. The essential issue encountered by the service suppliers is how to turn the developing mobile payment operation into financial earnings.
Sustainable Development of Corporate Reputation – Reputation analysis of the selected brands owned by the family businesses
Authors: Pollak Frantisek , Markovic Peter , Strakova Jarmila , Partlova Petra
Published: January 2021

Research background: The paper discusses the issue of sustainable development of corporate reputation, more specifically discusses the issue of traditional and innovative approaches to reputation management of selected global brands owned by the family businesses.

Purpose of the article: The main aim of the paper itself is to present the available ways and methods of measuring the phenomenon of reputation, especially online reputation, as the modern challenge for responsible and sustainable development of the perceived image of subjects, as their very fragile intangible assets.

Methods: Selected European and US brands owned by the family businesses were analyzed by the standardized multifactor reputation analysis TOR in the virtual environment of the Internet. Taking into account all relevant factors, the online ratings were normalized and then compared against the offline ratings. Relationships between factors were examined to identify and describe basic facts affecting the online reputation of subjects in the hyper-competitive market environment, especially for the European and for the US market.

Findings & Value added: The results of analysis providing a comprehensive view on the issue of the selected approached to the sustainable development of corporate reputation. Although literature offers a wide range of approaches to measure reputation, the presented methodology offers a relatively simple and fairly accurate form for active reputation management, thus providing an effective tool for increasing the competitiveness for subjects trying to maximize their market advantages against their competitors.
The Impact of the Global Crisis on External Communication in the Circular Economy
Authors: Šalgovičová Jarmila , Ušák Peter
Published: January 2021

Research background: We are in a period when the society got into a global crisis. The main trigger was the arrival of a worldwide coronavirus pandemic. The European Union is responding and sending an unprecedented rescue package to help the economies of the individual Member States. In a short time, entrepreneurs are forced to drastically change their strategies to ensure a basic survival in the market. Under the influence of globalization in connection with the crisis, companies are under increasing pressure to base their business activities on the principles of the circular economy.

Purpose of the article: The aim of the paper is to analyze the external communication in a particular multinational company and to point out the advantages of applying the principles of the circular economy, used in the conditions of the global economic crisis.

Methods: We will analyze theoretical knowledge from domestic and foreign authors. We will analyze external data that will provide us with information about the tools of external communication that are used in the standard period and we will compare them with the external communication used in the current crisis period.

Findings & Value added: The contribution of the paper is in pointing to the fact that external communication and communication tools tend to change depending on the specific situation in which the company finds itself, how companies had to adjust their external communication depending on the pandemic in which the whole society found itself.
Implementation of security management principles in transport
Authors: Kampova Katarina , Makka Katarina , Zvarikova Katarina
Published: January 2021

Research background: Transport is one of the key factors in the development of any modern society, and it is not only a goal but also a means of economic development on a global scale. Within the article, we focus on road freight transport, which has the largest market share in the transport sector on the quantity of transported goods. Fuel consumption has risen rapidly in recent times, except for a global drop in demand caused by global constraints in connection with the fight against COVID -19. Increasing the density of transport, increasing requirements for the speed and quality of transport or economic issues significantly affect the decision-making of entities involved in the process of fuel transport and they can have a significant impact on the level of risk in the transport itself. The occurrence of an emergency during the transport of fuels can have negative to tragic effects on life, health, property and the environment. These impacts are in many cases associated with high costs of eliminating these consequences or restoring them to their original state.

Purpose of the article: Companies, to succeed in a globally competitive environment must adopt various preventive strategies to minimize the risks and costs associated with a negative event. Choosing the optimal strategy is a challenging step in the decision-making process, so it is important to choose the right mechanism to support this decision.

Methods: The article will present a mechanism for selecting appropriate prevention strategies based on the CBA method in a case study.

Findings & Value added: Using the CBA method, it refers to the economic benefits associated with the implementation of preventive measures based on conducting a voluntary risk assessment of transport companies.
Corporate responsibility aspects of food banks network in the Czech Republic regarding the need of their economic sustainability
Authors: Polacek Lukas , Vavrina Jan
Published: January 2021

Research background: Food banks, in their current form, provide services free of charge, but their activities cannot be conducted without public subsidies. Specifically, these are operational and investment subsidies mainly from the resources of the Ministry of Agriculture of the Czech Republic. Thus, the tendency to change the current servicing scheme, mainly from the economic point of view, becomes a growing interest area for food banks and respective stakeholders.

Purpose of the article: Purpose of the article is to identify current best practice of food banks sector and to find common aspects of the financial position of food banks in the Czech Republic, using their financial statements and approaches of technical financial analysis in application on the sample of entities.

Methods: Authors use general methods of analysis and synthesis of relevant scientific articles and studies with respect to the fact that the problem area of effective and efficient activities in the CEE countries or even Europe is quite rare. There are employed data from accessible financial statements of currently existing 15 food banks in the Czech Republic.

Findings & Value added: This article provides an initial outcome of an ongoing specific research project on sustainable service of food banks in the frame of corporate responsible activities within a globalized food manufacturing and food supply chain industry. Authors fill with partial results of this article a gap in the research of the sustainable food bank activities in the CEE countries.