Journal of Management and Business: Research and Practice
Journal of Management and Business: Research and Practice (JMB) ISSN: 1339-9381 Registration number: EV 175/23/EPP Periodicity: twice a year The scientific journal - Journal of Management and Business: Research and Practice (JMB) - is issued by Faculty of Management and Business - University of Prešov in Prešov since 2009. The aim of this scientific journal is to provide a platform for the discussion of current topics of strategic importance primarily in the fields of management, marketing and economics. Publications in all areas related to economics and business are welcome, such as sectoral economics, sustainable economics, finance, management and marketing at corporate as well as national and international level, business psychology, health economics and tourism. JMB prefers publications focused on basic research written in English. The journal does not accept articles which have already been published somewhere else. All accepted articles are peer-reviewed, might be accepted or refused by the editorial board taking into consideration results of the peer review process, and are available Open Access upon publication. The Journal of Management and Business: Research and Practice is a open-access journal. There are no charges for publication or submission. The editorial team welcomes your submissions to the Journal of Management and Business: Research and Practice. Older issues of the Journal of Management and Business: Research and Practice can be found at this link.
Faculty of Management, University of Prešov in Prešov
Evolution of the european aviation r&i landscape: a data-driven analysis across three framework programmes
Background: European aviation research and innovation (R&I) plays a central role in achieving the Flightpath 2050 vision and the European Green Deal objectives for climate-neutral transport. Aims: This paper analyses the evolution, concentration, and collaboration dynamics of aviation-related R&I under FP7 (2007-2013), Horizon 2020 (2014-2020), and Horizon Europe (2021-2027). Methods: Using harmonized datasets of nearly 80 thousand EU-funded projects derived from the European Commission’s CORDIS databases, the study applies descriptive statistics and network analysis to examine funding patterns and organizational participation. Sample: The aviation subset comprises approximately 1,500 projects and more than 4,000 organisations across 30 European and associated countries. Results: The findings reveal persistent cumulative-advantage effects, with major industrial actors such as Airbus, Safran, and Rolls-Royce dominating coordination roles and EC contributions, while Horizon Europe increasingly emphasizes sustainability and digitalization through the Clean Aviation Joint Undertaking. Conclusions: European aviation R&I exhibits a polycentric governance structure balancing EU-level coordination with national and industrial co-funding. Implications: The results inform future mission-oriented policy design by highlighting the need to balance excellence with inclusiveness, ensuring equitable participation while advancing Europe’s transition toward climate-neutral aviation.
Copyright (c) 2025 Journal of Management and Business: Research and Practice
Perception of sustainable consumption among Generation Z in Slovakia
Background: Considering the current state of the environment and alarming information about global warming, sustainable development is a pressing issue. Sustainable consumption and production are the primary ways to achieve sustainable development globally as well as locally. Aims: The aim of the paper was to examine the extent to which Generation Z consumers are interested in environmental issues and their willingness to adjust their consumption in favour of sustainability. Methods: To achieve the goal, a questionnaire survey was implemented. Sample: Primary research was conducted on a sample of 357 respondents. The sample was stratified to ensure gender representativeness. Results: The primary research revealed that less than half of young consumers are interested in environmental issues. Approximately half of the respondents perceive the consequences of climate change and express concerns about the future in this regard. Only 57% of consumers are willing to adapt their own behaviour in favour of environmental protection and sustainable development. Based on the examination of secondary data, it was found that there is no communication and information campaign focused on sustainable development in the Slovak Republic. Conclusions: Although Generation Z is considered the most environmentally conscious, only half of young consumers in Slovakia show interest in sustainable development issues. The reason may be the lack of a communication and information campaign in Slovakia. Implications: The results highlight the necessity of well-designed communication strategies to strengthen consumer environmental awareness. In this context, social media campaigns and narrative approaches could be essential tools.
Audit Quality and Performance of Listed Consumer Goods Firms in Nigeria
Background: In recent years, cryptocurrencies have emerged as alternative financial assets, gaining increasing attention in Nigeria due to rising inflation, currency depreciation, and restrictions on foreign exchange (FX) access. Aims: The study examined the effect of foreign exchange policies' spillover on the volatility of cryptocurrency returns in Nigeria. Methods: The study utilised time series data, which consisted of United States dollars and Nigerian Naira, while the cryptocurrencies were extracted from the Nigerian foreign exchange market over a two-year period. Vector Autoregressive (VAR) was employed as a method of data analysis. Results: The findings revealed that there is a statistically significant long-run relationship between FX rates and cryptocurrency returns. The exchange rate fluctuations, reflective of FX policy shifts, generate asymmetric and persistent volatility in major cryptocurrencies, and the impact of FX policies on crypto returns varies across assets, with BTC and ETH being more responsive than USDT and SOL. Conclusions: Cryptocurrencies can no longer be viewed in isolation, as they are increasingly influenced by global and national economic decisions. Implications: There is a need to incorporate macroeconomic indicators, particularly exchange rate trends, into trading strategies to anticipate market movements and reduce risk exposure.
The Spillover of Foreign Exchange Policies on the Volatility of Cryptocurrency Return
A review of music stimuli and genre preferences in consumer contexts
Background: Music stimuli are widely used in retail, hospitality and service industries to shape customer experience. They create atmosphere, evoke emotions and support loyalty. Variations in genre, tempo, volume and tone influence movement patterns, time perception, comfort and willingness to stay, while also guiding product choices and encouraging unplanned purchases. Aims: This paper synthesises theoretical and empirical studies on the role of music stimuli in economic environments, with a specific focus on conscious consumer genre preferences. Methods: A structured literature review was conducted, drawing on research from marketing, psychology, and sensory science to identify and compare key concepts, frameworks, and findings. In addition, a bibliometric analysis of international publications was performed using Web of Science data, with keyword co-occurrence visualised through VOSviewer. Results: Genre choice interacts with demographic characteristics, cultural context, and service type. Conscious preferences can mediate the impact of music, influencing both satisfaction and purchasing outcomes. Conclusions: Music stimuli function as strategic tools in consumer contexts, with genre alignment crucial for perceived congruence and engagement. Implications: Effective practice should address not only the presence of background music but also the alignment between genre and audience preferences to maximize economic impact.
Earnings management, corporate governance and the financial performance of listed Multinational Companies in Nigeria
Background: Earnings management and effective corporate governance are some of the ways corporate executives respond to fierce global competition to achieved improved financial performance. Aims: The study examined the moderating effect of board structure on the interaction between earnings management and the financial performance of listed multinational entities (MNEs) in Nigeria. Board structure was classified into board size and board independence. Earnings management included accrual earning management (AEM) and real earnings management (REM), and financial performance was measured by ROA and Tobin’s Q. Methods: The study employed the ex post facto research design and panel regression estimates was utilized to test the empirical models. Sample: Data were acquired between 2014 and 2023 from the annual reports of 32 listed MNEs in Nigeria. Results: Board structure had positive moderating influence on AEM and ROA, but negative moderating influence on AEM and Tobin‘s Q. In addition, board structure showed positive moderating influence on REM, ROA and Tobin‘s Q. Conclusions: The findings showed that board structure significantly moderates the association of earnings management and financial performance in listed multinational companies in Nigeria. Implications: The study implies that earnings management can enhance the efficiency and value of Nigerian multinational firms when used as an informational and performance-stabilizing strategy. However, its effectiveness depends on strong corporate governance, particularly optimal board size and greater board independence, to ensure prudent oversight, protect shareholder interests, and sustain long-term financial performance.
The Influence of Country Branding on Student’s mobility: An Academic Perspective
Background: Country branding has emerged as a crucial factor in shaping a nation's reputation, cultural appeal, and competitive positioning in the global academic landscape. Aims: This paper explores the relationship between country branding and student mobility, investigating how the branding of a country impacts international student enrollment and higher education attractiveness. Methods: This study employs a qualitative multiple case study design to explore how country branding influences international student mobility in four selected national contexts of Finland, China, the United Kingdom, and Germany. Results. This study points out in the “Cross-Case Comparison” based on published studies, the approach of four selected countries in terms of using their own brand, campaigns, strategies and policies in relation to attracting students' interest in higher education. Conclusions: The findings highlight the need for strategic alignment between national branding efforts and higher education policies, recommending future research into the interplay between both. Implications: The study examines key factors such as the reputation of academic institutions, visa policies, economic conditions, and cultural perception, arguing that effective country branding enhances a nation's ability to attract and retain global talent.
UNDERSTANDING MOTORIST PREFERENCES FOR FUEL STATIONS IN ADO EKITI METROPOLIS
Background: The increasing competitive markets for petrol station services has made customers more selective on the quality of services they expect, thereby making the service providers more committed to service offerings. Aims: This study examined the determinants of patronage in filling stations in Ado Ekiti Metropolis. Methods: The study uses a sample size of 316 from the 1500 population of motorist chosen through a convenience sampling. The method of data analysis used was simple regression. Results: The study found out that there is a significant and positive relationship between service quality and motorists’ patronage of petrol station in Ado-Ekiti metropolis, there is a significant relationship between price and motorists’ patronage of petrol station in Ado-Ekiti metropolis, there is a significant relationship between location and motorists’ patronage of petrol station in Ado-Ekiti metropolis and there is a significant relationship between trust and motorists’ patronage of petrol station in Ado-Ekiti metropolis. Conclusion: The study concluded and implies that location, trust, service quality and price contributes to patronage in the highest ranking respectively.
ASSET-LIABILITY MANAGEMENT AND PERFORMANCE OF LISTED DEPOSIT MONEY BANKS IN NIGERIA
Background: The development of asset-liability management was a response to the challenge of financial intermediation risks. Aim: This research looked into how asset-liability management impacted the economic success of DMBs, as quoted on the NGX, over a decade. Information was gathered from these banks' financial statements from 2013 to 2022. Methods: Analysis used descriptive, correlation, panel, and generalized least square techniques. The study categorized asset-liability management into asset management and liability management, each with its own performance indicators. Asset management's indicators included Asset Coverage Ratio (ACR), Total Asset Turnover (TAT), and Working Capital Turnover (WCT); liability management's indicators were Cash Flow Ratio (CFR), Capitalization Ratio (CAPR), Current Ratio (CR), and Return on Asset (ROA). Results: The study found that measures like ACR and TAT, under asset management, positively and significantly affect ROA, whereas WCT, a measure of asset management, negatively and insignificantly affects ROA. Conclusions: Conversely, measures under liability management, such as CFR and CR, positively influence ROA, whereas CAPR negatively impacts it.
INSTAGRAM AS AN INFLUENCER MARKETING TOOL IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC
Background: Social media has created a new paradigm of how people share and consume in the market. This facilitated the flow of information via media such as Instagram and provided a new area for the development of marketing strategies and trends. Aims: The aim of this paper is to find out how influencers on Instagram reach their audience and to identify which of the communication channels available on Instagram is the most effective to use. The geographical area of this study is narrowed to the Czech Republic market. Methods: To achieve the objective of this paper, a wide range of methods are applied, including observation and benchmarking. Results: The results show that there are numerous ways of communicating with followers on Instagram. Among these, the most effective is sharing the content via posts. Conclusion: As posts last longer at the influencer profile, the marketing effect can be more significant. Implications: Due to that, companies should encourage influencer marketing mainly by sharing the posts on influencers' accounts.
MICROFINANCE BANKS AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA
Background: Microfinance banks play a crucial role in promoting economic growth and financial inclusion by offering credit and financial services to underserved populations. Aims: This study examines the relationships between Per Capita Income (PCI) and selected financial indicators, including Loans and Advances (LA), Deposit Liabilities (DL), Total Assets (TA), and Total Earnings (TE), to assess the contribution of microfinance banks to economic growth. Methods: Econometric techniques, including descriptive statistics, unit root tests, Johansen cointegration analysis, and the Fully Modified Ordinary Least Squares (FMOLS) model, are employed to examine both short- and long-term relationships among the variables. Sample: The dataset comprises quarterly financial records from microfinance banks, providing insights into the interaction between financial performance indicators and per capita income. Results: The cointegration analysis reveals no long-term equilibrium relationships. However, FMOLS results indicate that Loans and Advances and Total Assets have significant positive effects on Per Capita Income, while Deposit Liabilities and Total Earnings do not. Conclusions: Loans and Advances, along with Total Assets, are key drivers of per capita income growth in the microfinance sector. Implications: Policymakers should prioritise reforms to improve credit accessibility and asset management, fostering sustainable economic growth through microfinance institutions.
INFLUENCES OF PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS ON TRAVEL MOTIVES OF SLOVAK WOMEN ABROAD
Background: The sustainability of tourist destinations and tourism businesses relies on identifying markets supporting long-term growth. Success depends on understanding the needs of potential consumers and adapting to trends and shifts in source market conditions. This adaptability is key to ensuring continued development and competitiveness. Aims: This paper aims to find which motives are important to Slovak women when traveling abroad and which characteristics of women cause differences in the perceived importance of motives when traveling abroad. Methods: We use the Mann-Whitney U test and the Kruskal-Wallis test to verify three hypotheses. We consider generation, parental status, and marital status as group characteristics. Sample: The research sample consists of 232 Slovak women. Results: The results showed differences between groups for some motives. Conclusions: The study reveals that age, parental status, and marital status significantly influence women's travel motivations, offering valuable insights for the travel industry to develop tailored, generation-specific, and life-stage-sensitive marketing strategies to enhance the travel experience. Implications: Understanding these differences can help cater to diverse needs, ensuring more personalized and satisfying travel experiences.
Copyright (c) 2024 Journal of Management and Business: Research and Practice
EVALUATION OF SALES BEHAVIOR BY CUSTOMERS IN THE CONTEXT OF SELECTED CHARACTERISTICS OF SALESPEOPLE
Background: The research focuses on the psychological approach to the evaluation of sales behavior from the customers' perspective. In the context of sales behavior, it is essential to consider the approach of the seller, which is successful when sales are effective. Aims: The aim of the contribution was to evaluate selected types of sales behavior from the perspective of customers in the context of interpersonal relationships. Methods: The research evaluated sales behavior from the customers' perspective, focusing on four distinct types of sales behavior: manipulative, involved, stressed, and assertive. The study utilized the DOS-Z methodology and the Interpersonal Adjective Scales (IAS). Sample: The research sample consisted of 203 respondents, employees from the public and private spheres. Results: The study found no significant differences in sales behavior perceptions between urban and rural customers, but women rated salespeople as more stressed. Manipulative, assertive, stressed, and engaged behaviors correlated with traits like dominance, warmth, extraversion, and with some negative associations such as assertiveness with arrogance and introversion with engagement. Conclusions: The study concludes that place of residence minimally impacts perceptions of sales behavior, while gender influences stressed behavior. Interpersonal traits significantly shape customer perceptions, emphasizing their role in positive experiences.
TAX REVENUE AND ECONOMIC GROWTH IN NIGERIA 1970- 2022: VECTOR ERROR CORRECTION MODEL
Background: Tax revenue is a major source of funding for governments globally. The impact of tax revenue on economic growth has been a subject of debate amongst scholars largely because of a lack of consensus on findings from prior studies and effects on the lives of citizens. Aim: The aim of the study was to determine the effect of direct taxes on the long-run economic growth of Nigeria for the period 1970 to 2022 using CBN and World Bank data publications for Nigeria. Methods: Direct taxes were proxied as company tax, petroleum profit tax, education tax, and personal income tax while economic growth variables considered were real GDP, unemployment, and the VAR method of vector error correction model was used. Sample: The population of the study covered tax and economic data for the period of Nigeria's independence 1960-2022 and in all sixty-three years. However using a purposive sampling technique to determine sample size, the researcher focused on data for the post-war period which covered 1970-2022, and eliminated the period of war. Results: Company income tax and education tax have significant positive impacts on real GDP growth in Nigeria, while the effects of personal income and petroleum profit taxes are insignificant. The effects of taxes on economic growth are more long-term rather than short-term. Conclusions: The author concludes that company and education taxes improve economic growth in Nigeria with these impacts more glaring in the long run rather than in the short run while petroleum and personal taxes play minor roles. Implications: The tax system for companies should be designed and implemented in a way to minimize distortions and inefficiencies taking into account any constraints that may arise, thus enhancing revenue collections. Also, policymakers should re-appraise current tax policies and formulate new policies on petroleum and personal income taxes that will improve GDP growth.
ROLE OF INTERNAL COMMUNICATION STRATEGIES ON EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT: A CASE STUDY OF AL-QALAM UNIVERSITY KATSINA
Background: Managerial communication significantly influences employee participation by enhancing organizational identification, job satisfaction, motivation, commitment, and performance, even in Al-Qalam University Katsina’s multicultural and developing context. Aims: This study examines the impact of communication strategies on employee engagement, employing Self-Determination Theory, Job Demands-Resources Theory, Social Exchange Theory, and Communication Satisfaction Theory. Methods: A qualitative design was used, focusing on a pluriphonic analysis of existing literature. The study utilized Al-Qalam University as a case to analyze feedback systems, cultural intensity, and openness, without direct data collection. Sample: A comprehensive literature review was conducted to gather academic insights into communication issues and solutions in organization-focused communication within multicultural settings. Results: Key barriers identified include organizational culture, political barriers, and cultural differences. Effective communication strategies, such as decentralized communication, culturally appropriate training, and robust feedback mechanisms, enhance motivation by fulfilling the psychological needs of autonomy, mastery, and relatedness under the Self-Determination Theory. Conclusion: Employee engagement emerges as a product of managerial communication, particularly where decentralized communication, culturally tailored training, and optimal feedback systems are implemented. Implications: The findings underscore the importance of internal communication as an engagement strategy, with implications for multinational organizations and providing a theoretical basis for future empirical research.
EFFECT OF FUEL SUBSIDY REMOVAL ON EMPLOYEES' PERFORMANCE IN FEDERAL UNIVERSITY, GUSAU
Background: Fuel subsidy removal has been a subject of considerable debate and analysis, with far-reaching implications for various sectors of the economy. Aims: This study investigates the effect of fuel subsidy removal on employees' performance at the Federal University, Gusau. Methods: Using primary data sources, the study had a sample of 264 participants from a population of 950. Fuel subsidy removal was measured by changes in fuel prices, adjustments in transportation costs, and fluctuations in inflation rates, while employees' performance was assessed based on attendance and punctuality. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) was used for the data analysis. Conclusions: The findings indicate that both changes in fuel prices and adjustments in transportation costs exert a positive and significant influence on employees' levels of attendance and punctuality. However, fluctuations in inflation rates were found to have an insignificant effect on employees' performance. Recommendations: It is recommended that the management of FUGUS should design a strategy for supportive measures to alleviate the adverse effects of fuel subsidy removal on employees' performance.
IS LOGISTIC REGRESSION RELIABLE IN BANKRUPTCY PREDICTION?
Background: The fundamental foundation of financial and economic analysis is the implementation of financial and statistical models in business entities. Financial indicators help assess the company's financial situation and, at the same time, represent the most used tool in the detection of bankruptcy. A still significant method is the logistic regression, which ranks among classic statistical methods. Aims: The aim of the paper is to propose a scoring model for non-financial corporations in the electrotechnical industry and to estimate the probability of bankruptcy of enterprises in the electrotechnical industry of the Slovak Republic. Sample: The research sample consists of 1,241 companies operating in the electrotechnical industry of the Slovak Republic, according to SK NACE 26, 27 in the year 2020. Methods: We used logistic regression and designed a logistic model. Financial data were sourced from The Register of Financial Statements of the Slovak Republic. Results: In the bankruptcy model for the electrotechnical industry, the estimated odds ratios showed that the chances of bankruptcy significantly reduce the financial indicators EBITDA/T, ROA, L2, and NWC/A. When these indicators increase, the company's probability (or chance) of bankruptcy decreases. Conclusions: The estimate of a risky company or the probability of its bankruptcy is always very important. Therefore, it seems appropriate to look for applicable models. Assessing the financial health of business entities using various models is an important area not only in scientific research but also in the practice of business entities. Implications: The benefit of the paper is the construction of an early warning model for the Slovak electrotechnical industry. We constructed an appropriate model and evaluated the financial situation in the selected branch of industry.
REASONS FOR STUDYING MANAGEMENT: EXPLORING DIFFERENCES BETWEEN GROUPS
Background: Comprehending the reasons driving students' choices of study programs is crucial for academic institutions in customizing their offerings and for the broader education sector to synchronize with industry needs and student ambitions. The pursuit of management studies enjoys global popularity and is recognized for its ability to confer a competitive edge across diverse professional domains. Aims: This paper aims to identify differences in the reasons to study the study program Management at the Faculty of Management and Business (FMB) at the University of Presov (UP) considering the different characteristics of the students. Methods: We use the Mann-Whitney U test to test four hypotheses. We consider gender, nationality, form of the study, and level of the study as group characteristics. Sample: The research sample consists of 416 students of the study program Management at the FMB at the UP. Results: Results showed the most differences considering the form of study and nationality. Conclusions: The differences between the analyzed groups were predominantly confirmed through the rationale considering low travel expenses, the recommendation from family, the recommendation from teachers (counselors) from high school, and the modern teaching methods. Implications: Understanding these differences can also help educational institutions in designing targeted recruitment strategies and support services for students.
CHANGE DRIVERS AS KEY SUCCESS FACTORS IN EUROPEAN RESEARCH AND INNOVATION PROJECTS
Background: Change management involves the communication and implementation of organizational changes, focusing on managing both people and processes to ensure smooth transitions. Aims: This study aims to identify key change drivers within European research and innovation projects under Horizon Europe and to evaluate the level of project commitment to change and transformation. Methodology: We analysed project data from the Community Research and Development Information Service (CORDIS), covering projects from 2021 to 2024. Our analysis included keyword density calculations for terms such as "change" and "transformation" in project objectives. Results: Our findings indicate that the European Research Council; Digital, Industry and Space; and Health sectors are the top recipients of funding, highlighting research as a significant change motivator. Notably, European Research Council projects have yielded substantial intellectual property, start-ups, and publications. The Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, with the highest number of projects and partners, accentuates its role in enhancing the European Research Area's visibility. Approximately 23.4% of the 8,800 analysed projects explicitly mention "change" or "transformation" in their objectives. The highest commitment ratios were found in "Careers and universities" and "Promote and co-fund innovation programmes," while some priorities, like "Promoting Public Outreach," showed no such commitment. This variation suggests differing focal points across thematic priorities, warranting further investigation into the factors influencing these disparities.
Facebook vs. Instagram: Which Social Network Can Help One Become President?
Background: The influence of social media on the effectiveness of political campaigns has grown substantially over the past few years. The candidates exhibit differences in performance, a factor that has a direct impact on their ultimate outcome. Aims: The purpose of this research is to provide a comparative analysis of the social media campaigns carried out by Ivan Korčok and Peter Pellegrini, both of whom were candidates for the president of Slovakia. Methods: Primarily employing quantitative approaches, the study assesses advertising expenditure, follower growth, post frequency, and interaction rates. The study examines the official Facebook and Instagram accounts of both candidates, along with data extracted from the Meta Ads Library. Results: The outcomes demonstrate differences in the effectiveness of social media strategies, in which Ivan Korčok showed notable growth in both follower count and engagement rates. Conclusions: As a result of the importance of consistent publishing and advertising in contemporary political campaigns, the need for an efficient social media strategy is emphasized in the conclusion. Implications: Additional research could be conducted to determine the optimal publishing frequency and content strategies for increasing campaign effectiveness and voter engagement.
DEBT TO EQUITY RATIO AND SALES GROWTH OF LISTED OIL AND GAS COMPANIES IN NIGERIA
Background: The relationship between a company's financial structure is an area of extensive research in corporate finance. Aims: The general objective of this study is to investigate the effect of debt to equity ratio on the sales growth of listed oil and gas companies in Nigeria. Methods: The study covers a period of ten years from 2013 to 2022 using a population of twelve (12) oil and gas companies and a sample of eight (8) companies. Data for the study were obtained through secondary sources using annual financial reports of the listed companies on the Nigerian stock exchange for the period. Debt to equity ratio was the independent variable while sales growth served as the dependent variable. They were measured using Ordinary Least Squares Regression. Conclusions: Findings revealed that debt to equity ratio has a positive and significant effect on sales growth. It was concluded and recommended that companies in the Nigerian oil and gas sector strategically manage their Debt to Equity Ratio (DTER). Implications: This involves carefully balancing the benefits of leveraging through debt, such as interest tax shields, against potential financial distress costs.
PERCEPTION OF E-COMMERCE BY YOUNG ADULTS IN VISEGRAD GROUP COUNTRIES
Background: The present young adult generation is one of the current drivers of e-commerce. Understanding where this generation finds out in a chosen country in comparison with most progressive countries in the field of e-commerce is the cornerstone for assessing market possibilities in a particular chosen country. Aims: This article analyses trends in online shopping behaviour among young adults in the Visegrad Group countries from 2012 to 2022. The research focuses on sociodemographic factors and their influence on online shopping. Methods: Primary data collected by Eurostat underwent systematic analysis using general scientific methods of economic analysis, and comparison. Conclusions: The results show a significant increase in online shopping among young adults in these countries, with Slovakia achieving the highest share. They also indicate that the impact of gender, age, education, and income on online shopping varies by country. Implications: These findings have important business implications and contribute to a better understanding of the online shopping behaviour of this target group.
LEVERAGING COMPETITIVE STRATEGIES ON BUSINESS OUTCOMES POST-COVID-19 PANDEMIC: EMPIRICAL INVESTIGATION FROM AFRICA
Background: The novel coronavirus has damaged the global economy, and business outcomes such as low profitability, poor sales, and weak market share, including intense competition, are widespread within the business ecosystem; however, competitive strategies have been some of the business decisions in recent times. Aim: The study, therefore, examined the effects of competitive strategies on business outcomes of selected consumer goods companies listed in Nigeria, the most populous and largest economy in Africa. Methods and Sample: The study adopted a survey research design, with a population of 22,466 staff members, comprising regular employees and top- and middle-level managers of twenty consumer goods companies listed on the Nigeria Exchange Group (NGX). The study used a proportionate stratified sampling technique to draw a convenient sample for the analysis. 491 copies of the questionnaire were administered to the respondents, with a response rate of 97.76%. Results: Findings showed that competitive strategies significantly and positively affected business outcomes (Adj. R2 = 0.563; F5/1306 = 337.061, p<0.05). Conclusion: The study recommended that the consumer goods companies often refer to Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) listed in Nigeria must have a market-development mindset, invest in consumer education, and integrate an efficient supply chain management model.
ANALYTICAL PERSPECTIVE ON THE IMPORTANCE OF ONLINE SHOPPING VIA SMARTPHONE IN E-COMMERCE CONDITIONS
Background: The development of e-commerce in the last twenty years has revolutionized the retail industry. For the first time in history, today consumers have access to a globally connected marketplace where they can offer goods anywhere in the world, at any time of the day. Consumers have access to a lot of information about the offered products from the comfort of their homes. Aims: The objective of this post is to identify the importance of online shopping through smartphone. Methods: The data were evaluated by descriptive statistic. Sample: The survey sample consisted of representatives of generation Y, or millennials. Results: Based on the results, it can be concluded that online shopping via smartphones is important for representatives of the generation in question. Conclusions: The growing potential of mobile marketing represents an enormous customer potential, as well as a great business opportunity for businesses. Implications: The results of the conducted survey can serve as a basis for the preparation of marketing strategies at the level of mobile marketing.
ALIGNED ECONOMIC CYCLE OF GLOBAL ECONOMIES
Background: The alignment of economic cycles is created naturally, by the gradual harmonization of the economic development of economies that are open and cooperating with each other, which gradually over decades has led to their significant economic interconnection, to the creation of the so-called global economy. Aims: The main aim of this paper is to analyze the impact of individual financial crises on economic cycle alignment as well as the naturally increasing correlation between interacting economies themselves. Methods: We have analysed the impact of individual financial crises on economic cycle coherence as well as the naturally increasing correlation between interacting economies. Sample: We examined the historical evolution of the correlation on ten-year periods from 1961 to 2020. Results: The calculated correlations of the percentage GDP growth of the selected 40 countries with the global percentage GDP growth over the last 61 years have shown that the interconnectedness of major economies has reached an advanced level. Conclusions: The higher the correlation of GDP growth of the selected countries with global GDP growth, the higher the effect of economic booms as well as recessions will be multiplied. Implications: This analysis has so far failed to include the impact of the admittedly extremely short but extremely sudden and fully global recession caused by COVID 19.
Copyright (c) 2023 Journal of Management and Business: Research and Practice
FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT IN THE HEALTHCARE INDUSTRY OF THE SLOVAK REPUBLIC
Background: Healthcare is one of the most monitored areas of human activity. The healthcare segment, especially healthcare, drug development and manufacturing are among the defensive sectors that thrive even in times of uncertainty. Aims: The aim of the paper is to apply methods of financial analysis in the financial management of hospitals in NACE 861 – Hospital activities, to assess and increase competitiveness and financial performance. Sample: The research sample consists of medical facilities under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Health of the Slovak Republic transformed into joint-stock companies and hospitals under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Health of the Slovak Republic, the Ministry of Defense of the Slovak Republic, and the Ministry of the Interior of the Slovak Republic according to NACE 861 – Hospital activities. Methods: We use basic thought operations and selected mathematical-statistical methods in the paper. The financial analysis of the hospitals will be carried out based on the data taken from the financial statements available in the Register of Financial Statements of the Slovak Republic for the years 2007 - 2022. Results: The results show that the geometric mean for the period 2008 - 2020 for costs is G = 1.01 and for revenues is G = 1.02. Conclusions: Financial aspects are key factors in the company's development process. Knowledge regarding the financial health of the company can help the company in its competitiveness. In the framework of business management, many decisions are influenced by financial and economic analysis. Every manager should strive to understand financial theory. Implications: The benefit will be an evaluation of the financial situation and insight into the competitiveness of the healthcare industry.
MANAGEMENT CAPABILITIES AND PERSONAL SAFETY OF EMPLOYEES IN FEDERAL ROAD SAFETY CORPS (FRSC), LAGOS STATE
This research investigates management capabilities and the personal safety of employees. This study's objective is to look into the managerial role in employee safety and also explore the influence of employee commitment on personal safety using the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) as a case theatre. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design because it’s suitable for both qualitative and quantitative methods with fewer challenges. The population of this study comprised all staff of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Lagos State with the use of a primary source of data. Results of this study have revealed that in the FRSC, there was an established significant and positive effect of the managerial role on employee safety (β = .314, Sig. = .001, P<0.05). Also, it further revealed that there was a significant positive effect of employee commitment on personal safety (β = .770, Sig. = .003, P<0.05). The study concluded that management capabilities are a fundamental aspect that any organization that seeks to achieve the best from its employees should aim towards. The study therefore recommends that the management should be more inclusive in allowing younger staff members of the Federal Road Safety Corp to contribute their ideas toward employee personal safety
ASSESSMENT OF THE FINANCIAL POSITION OF BUSINESSES OPERATING WITHIN A CERTAIN SECTOR OF THE NATIONAL ECONOMY
Background: The financial status of a company has a considerable influence on its operational activities, revenue, expenses, and, ultimately, its profit and loss at the conclusion of the economic cycle. Aims: The study also highlights the company's financial stability analysis in this industry and verifies its resilience in the Slovak market circumstances. The economic sector NACE H (transport and storage), which ranks as the second most important division in the analysed context, was selected to highlight the significance of forecasting financial well-being. Methodology: The research entails assessing the changes in assets and liabilities throughout the observed time of 2020 to 2022, along with computing key ratio indicators such as liquidity, profitability, indebtedness, and activity. The data used in the given study were sourced from professional literature and firm records supplied. Results: The study conducted revealed the current deficiencies in the company's management. Based on this, the conclusion provided potential recommendations for improvement in many areas. Financial analysis provides valuable insights into a company's historical performance, identifies areas of concern, and offers predictions for future growth. However, it may not provide definitive answers to all inquiries.
PROCESSUAL BENEFITS OF PREDICTIVE MAINTENANCE IN THE MIDMARKET
Background: Industrialization has given rise to numerous new topics for companies. In the age of Industry 4.0, predictive maintenance represents an opportunity to reduce machines' downtime and enable companies to gain competitive advantages. For this purpose, sensors are installed in machines, and the data of individual parts is constantly monitored and evaluated. By detecting possible failure risks of individual parts at an early stage, they can be replaced before the downtime occurs, thus preventing a long downtime. A shorter downtime can bring further positive aspects in multiple terms. A lot is written in the literature about the general advantages of predictive maintenance, but there is no particular focus on the German midmarket sector. Aims: The aim of this paper is to find out how midsize companies perceive the processual benefits of predictive maintenance. Methods: A standardized questionnaire with four questions is developed. Sample: Answers from 104 respondents are evaluated. Results: The results show that a large proportion of the respondents expect added value. Conclusion and Implications: The research in this paper shows that the added value generated by predictive maintenance is not limited to multinational corporations but can also be realized in medium-sized companies.
RISK BASED APPROACH TO DOCUMENTING CONSUMER BEHAVIOR CHANGES DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
Background: People´s consumer behavior was significantly influenced by the Covid-19 pandemic. Nowadays, the impact still persists, and we can say that people changed the way how they think, shop, and what affects them while shopping. Aims: The aim of the article and our research is to identify and analyze the risks related to consumer behavior changes during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: To achieve the goal, survey research was conducted between the years 2021 and 2023 and, in use of SPSS Statistics, analyzed obtained data. To identify the representativeness of the sample file, the Chi-square test was used. Consequently, several contingency tables were created to analyze the set questions. Sample: The sample file consisted of Slovak consumers. Results and Conclusions: According to research findings, it can be concluded that the COVID-19 pandemic changed human thinking about such as common things like ways of shopping, consumption, or savings irretrievably. Implications: Overall, the COVID-19 pandemic created new challenges for both enterprises and consumers, however, many organizations managed to overcome them and adapt to continue to bring value to societies.