Journal of Management and Business: Research and Practice

PERCEPTION OF E-COMMERCE BY YOUNG ADULTS IN VISEGRAD GROUP COUNTRIES

Mikuláš Kizák, Mária Tomášová, Patrícia Beličková — Sun, 30 Jun 2024 00:00:00 +0200

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.

DEBT TO EQUITY RATIO AND SALES GROWTH OF LISTED OIL AND GAS COMPANIES IN NIGERIA

Lawal, Amiru Balarabe , Sama’ila Iliyasu — Sun, 30 Jun 2024 00:00:00 +0200

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.

Facebook vs. Instagram: Which Social Network Can Help One Become President?

Juraj Kamenský, Lujza Laudárová, Zuzana Mikulášová — Sun, 30 Jun 2024 00:00:00 +0200

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.

CHANGE DRIVERS AS KEY SUCCESS FACTORS IN EUROPEAN RESEARCH AND INNOVATION PROJECTS

Tomas Koren, Matus Kubak — Sun, 30 Jun 2024 00:00:00 +0200

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.

REASONS FOR STUDYING MANAGEMENT: EXPLORING DIFFERENCES BETWEEN GROUPS

Petra Vašaničová, Soňa Kuchárová, Kristína Chomová, Ivan Bukrieiev, René Vagaský — Sun, 30 Jun 2024 00:00:00 +0200

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.

IS LOGISTIC REGRESSION RELIABLE IN BANKRUPTCY PREDICTION?

Sylvia Jenčová, Marta Miškufová, Stanislav Letkovský — Sun, 30 Jun 2024 00:00:00 +0200

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.