International Conference at Brno University of Technology, Faculty of Business and Management

Innovation in Education during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Jana Kajanova — Thu, 21 Apr 2022 00:00:00 +0000

Purpose of the article The university education system has changed as a result of the abolition of classical full-time teaching. Students and teachers moved to online space and classical methods were not suitable for online education. This created a space for innovation, where it was necessary to ensure adequate, high-quality, and equivalent teaching in comparison with full-time teaching. New platforms, tools used in education, teaching and testing systems were applied to teaching relatively quickly to ensure education in such a form as before the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methodology/methods The basic scientific methods of analysis, synthesis, comparison, deduction, mathematical-statistical methods were used in the processing of the paper. Based on the acquired knowledge, we generalize information and provide conclusions usable for education at universities with an orientation to business and management.

Scientific aim The aim of this paper is to present innovation in education that were applied at the Faculty of Management, analyze their introduction into teaching, identify their positives and negatives and create recommendations for education at universities.

Findings The use of new platforms, the offer of recorded lectures and extended materials for individual education and the subsequent possibility of online consultations proved to be the best solution for ensuring the quality of education. However, we still identified insufficient contact “student vs. teacher ”, which cannot be eliminated by a larger number of students in online groups.

Conclusions The success of the transition from full-time to online education is a key topic in scientific research, as the COVID-19 pandemic period continues. Uncertainty about what form of education teachers will continue in the coming period is one of the factors influencing the development of modern approaches used in university education, preparing teachers for teaching processes and creating materials that will enable students to acquire the necessary knowledge, skills and knowledge, and experience.

Methods and resources for increasing the efficiency of distance learning in a university environment

Galin Milchev — Thu, 21 Apr 2022 00:00:00 +0000

Abstract

Purpose of the article Alongside the traditions that universities had in the field of e-learning, the global situation caused by the pandemic necessitated the transition to a mixed, or at certain stages, complete distance learning. This identified both a need for a review of existing resources used so far as a side tool in this process, and the introduction and use of entirely new directions and environments to compensate for the lack of direct contact, which is of utmost importance for achieving the set objectives. The article examines the possibilities provided by different types of Learning management systems (LMS) – paid for and open source, their advantages and disadvantages, in the context of their combined use with synchronous communication applications. In addition, the consumer attitudes, expectations and satisfaction with the software tools for e-learning used during distance learning in combination with the respective LMS are considered and analyzed.

Methodology/methods Based on a preliminary study, a target group was determined, to constitute a representative sample including the main participants in the educational process of higher education - teachers and students. Through the use of quantitative methods, the results of the conducted research are analyzed, synthesized and summarized, on the basis of which the optimal possibilities for the combined use of LMS and synchronous applications for online communication are determined.

Scientific aim To create a framework to assist universities and higher education institutions in the processes of identifying opportunities and ways in which, through the use of the additional benefits provided by the various online tools and channels for online communication and sharing, alone or as ancillary tools along with the introduced Learning management systems, to further develop their concepts related to alternative forms of traditional in-person learning.

Findings Based on a literature review relating to the possibilities and directions of application of LMS in higher education, as well as the degree of use of their specialized tools, the main functions that are widely used in the educational process are identified. On this basis, the directions, in which their use, in combination with the tools of synchronous applications for real-time online communication, will bring maximum benefits in conducting a distance form of traditional activities and processes in a university environment, are identified.

Conclusions LMS with their development and improvement in recent years are increasingly used in academic fields. Their easy integration with the other systems at the institutions, the maintained information system for participants in the educational processes and rich instrumental make them a preferred tool used in the processes of blended, online or full distance learning. In order to reap the benefits of these new ways of conducting traditional activities, higher education institutions need to combine their use with the innovative solutions provided by e-learning software applications. This requires changes in the technological infrastructure needed to ensure the proper functioning of processes in order to maintain positive attitudes on the part of consumers. The integrated approach in the use of synchronous applications for online communication will provide improved resource allocation, personalized online learning, as well as the opportunity to introduce social learning into the overall strategy of the educational process.

Keywords: digitalization, LMS, e-learning, cloud services, innovation, globalization, distance education

JEL Classification: I21, I23

Digital Transformation of Health Services Provided by Medical Centers in Bulgaria

Lyudmila Mihaylova, Emil Papazov, Lyudmil Andreev — Thu, 21 Apr 2022 00:00:00 +0000

Purpose of the article. The purpose of this paper is to shed light on some digitized health services offered to the clients by and excerpt of medical centers in Bulgaria, to determine the stage of digitalization of these services, and to consider potential challenges medical centers face while managing their activity in a dynamic business environment.

Methodology/methods. The research is based on the analysis of scholarly literature, comparison of medical centers’ data and the information included in the official websites of those organizations. Quantitative analysis based on structured interviews has been made to obtain empirical data. In total, 10 completed interviews and 20 expert assessments has been compiled. The empirical data was processed and analyzed using the Microsoft Office Excel software.

Scientific aim. The scientific aim of the paper is to determine significant aspects connected with the digitization and development of small enterprises like medical centers in Bulgaria. The current study analyzes briefly the necessity of a strategic adaptation to the digital transformation of a business.

Findings. Based on this research, challenges and important issues that medical centers may face planning and realizing digital solutions have been outlined. The impact of the digital transformation on business is concerned with reducing costs and time to complete management tasks. In addition, supporting informed management decision making in medical centers is reported to be very important. Other essential aspects connected with digitization are creating a favorable team environment in the organization, as well as assuring accuracy and prevention of errors while performing basic activities.

Conclusions. The presented results are related to the two research questions: the need for strategic adaptation to the digital transformation of business and outlining aspects of the digital transformation on the development of small and medium-sized organizations like medical centers. Medical centers have realized the need of digitization, but this requires strategic concern because the time horizon for revision of the managerial vision for strategic development and digitalization shrinks down to about five years. Based on the investigation, it can be concluded that the digital strategy of the organization is associated with the choice of digital technologies in which to invest effectively, considering the so-called “digital maturity” and the size of the organization.

Keywords: business development, health services, digitization & strategy

JEL Classification: M15, M21

Design-based Thinking Method in Business Management

Daiva Zostautiene — Thu, 21 Apr 2022 00:00:00 +0000

Purpose of the article Rapid technological development, geographically unrestricted markets, offer customers great opportunities to meet their needs when choosing and purchasing products or services, and companies need to use new and creative methods such as design-based thinking to identify consumer expectations and create a product or service that meets consumer needs. meeting the needs and expectations of stakeholders.

Methodology/methods The methods of analysis and summarization of the scientific literature used in the preparation of the article revealed that design-based thinking can help to create added value by using the company's available resources and improving existing processes at all levels of the company.

Scientific aim The aim of the article is to reveal the concept of design-based thinking and its application in business management.

Findings The main findings are related with a new idea how to create a competitive advantage and help solve business model challenges using non-traditional solutions.

Conclusions (limits, implications etc) The application of design-based thinking is not limited only in the business environment as it can be used for improving the educational process which can benefit from integrating new and inclusive didactic methods and develop learners' critical thinking, creativity, cooperation, decision-making, etc.

Keywords: (5-10 words) design-based thinking, business management, competitive advantage.

JEL Classification: M30, M31

The The Impact of Digital Technologies on the Development of Wine Tourism in Georgia

Nino Abesadze — Thu, 21 Apr 2022 00:00:00 +0000

Purpose of the article. The aim of the research was to determine the current situation of wine tourism in Kakheti, to identify the problems identified during the pandemic and to find ways to solve them for the post-pandemic period.

Wine tourism is quite popular in Georgia, but according to certain regions the picture is differentiated, traditionally Kakheti region is the unconditional leader, but in other regions as well, for example, Adjara, Imereti, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti, Racha-Lichkhumi and Guria, etc. Sh. There are a variety of wine tours.

However, Kakheti region has the greatest potential for the development of wine tourism.

Methodology/methods Statistical observation, grouping and analysis methods were used in the research process.Domestic tourism can save wine tourism in the era of digital transformations. To determine these expectations, we conducted a survey of wine tour consumers and wine companies and family wineries involved in tourism. To do this, we used the platform Google Drive and, in the format available there, use a pre-compiled questionnaire to assess the impact of the pandemic on the winemaking business.

Scientific aim. Identify the factors hindering the development of the wine tourism business and look for ways to overcome the existing problems.

Findings

The way to survive wine tourism is in the development of domestic tourism. It is necessary to support it from the state and increase the awareness of the population.

Conclusions The results of the research show that the pandemic has had a huge negative impact on wine tourism, the near future is impossible to reach the level of 2020, respondents believe it is necessary to intensify domestic tourism, strengthen state support, promote wine and tourism, Introduction of digital technology innovations, etc.

Keywords: tourism, research, business, methods, popularization.

JEL Classification C1

Legal Aspects of Digital Marketing Communication in the Scope of International Business – Unsolicited Advertising Case Comparison

Vít Chlebovský — Thu, 21 Apr 2022 00:00:00 +0000

Purpose of the article: Intensive use of Internet technologies influences many aspects of the business behavior of companies globally. There are many unclear and unanswered questions related to the fact that regulations and laws are valid based on geographical borders but, at the same time, the Internet is fully global and independent of geographical borders. This article is focused on a comparison of the legal rules related to unsolicited advertising used within Internet technologies (so-called SPAM) in the Czech Republic, EU as a general, and the United States.

Methodology/methods: Critical review of the scientific publications and respective laws and regulations was used as a primary method within this paper. Based on those critical reviews the structured comparison of the rules valid in the Czech Republic, EU and USA was performed. Finally, the business practice implications were formulated and particular recommendations to companies were prepared.

Scientific aim: Scientific aim of the article is in observing and describing the actual situation and trends in the international business environment within the use of Internet-based technologies in companies’ marketing communication with the respective legal rules. Important is also the multidisciplinarity of the article covering both marketing and legal business issues.

Findings: The article shows a comparison of all the important parameters of the legal regulations of electronic business communication using Internet technologies in between the Czech Republic, EU, and the USA. The primary focus is on the Opt-In and Opt-out rules related and their implications to the day-to-day business. Major advantages and disadvantages are then formulated for each observed region.

Conclusions: Based on critical literature and legal document review and in-depth comparison of the situation in the Czech Republic, EU, and the USA important recommendations were formulated for the companies for their day-to-day business activities and related communication using Internet technologies. Those recommendations also fully reflect actual best practices within an international business environment.

Keywords: marketing communication, customer, relationship marketing, legal liability, international business, market orientation, Internet technology-based communication, unsolicited advertising

JEL Classification: K12, L10, M10, M31

Advantages and Disadvantages of Distance Working

Oksana Lentjushenkova, Olga Simenenko — Thu, 21 Apr 2022 00:00:00 +0000

Purpose of the article Before the COVID-19, approximately 95% of employed persons in Latvia never worked at home, however, in 2020, number of remote workers increased until 18% roughly. Even after a year from the beginning of the pandemic, working from home is still a challenge for many employees, and actions are required from both workers and management. This, in turn, points the necessity to research the actual problems of Latvian teleworkers and provide solutions for them.

Methodology/methods To develop the background of the study existing literature in the fields of remote working and staff adaptation is explored. For processing results of the survey, frequency analysis, independent variables analysis, factor analysis and graphic analysis of identified benefits and problems of remote working are used.

Scientific aim The aim of study is to identify advantages and disadvantages of distance working and to find out main factors influencing distance working in Latvia.

Findings Analysis showed that Latvian distance employees face with organizational, communicational and motivational problems during working remotely. Based on the results of statistical analyses made by the authors, the recommendation for remote workers in Latvia in general and for remote workers of different groups (gender, age, having children, position, having previous experience of working from home) separately are provided.

Conclusions (limits, implications etc) Remote employees highly appreciate economy of travel time and expenses and opportunity to organize working process independently. Childless persons more that those whose children are at home or out of home during working time appreciate a chance to organize their work independently including choice of working time and limitation of distractions by other employees. Latvian remote employees evaluated the following problems as the most negative: lack of environment change, lack of balance between work and personal life, lack of face-to-face communication with other employees, lack of inspiring working atmosphere and difficulty to stop working in the evening. The survey results could be used for the organization of distance working at companies in effective way.

Keywords: remote work, telecommuting, distance working, COVID-19

JEL Classification: M12, M54, J81

Lifecycle of technology start-ups and characteristics of individual stages: New Theoretical Framework

Jakub Ulč — Thu, 21 Apr 2022 00:00:00 +0000

Purpose of the article To develop a marketing strategy research on technology start-ups depending on their lifecycle, it is necessary to create a theoretical framework for the division of stages of the technology start-up lifecycle. In the professional environment, it is impossible to find a unified idea of the technology start-up lifecycle and therefore it is impossible to observe the differences in the individual stages of the technology start-up lifecycle with respect to other scientific disciplines. The start-up environment is a global phenomenon, yet there is a lack of relevant resources related to lifecycle issues in this research area.

Methodology/methods Based on the research of secondary sources, a theoretical framework of the stages of the technology start-up lifecycle will be developed by evaluating, comparing, and critically assessing different sources and theories. Particular emphasis is placed on tracking the correlated information provided by each source and its application to the newly proposed theoretical framework of the technology start-up lifecycle.

Scientific aim The aim of the article is to propose a theoretical framework of the technology start-up lifecycle as a basis for further research. The individual stages will be divided according to financing sources, risk level, type of customers, product advanceness, output size and others. The output is represented by a graphical representation of a possible approach to the division of stages of the technology start-up lifecycle and their more detailed characteristics.

Findings Based on the analysis of secondary sources, we have defined a possible comprehensive approach to the division of the technology start-up lifecycle. There are five stages divided into the pre-seed / idea stage, seed / launch stage, growing / scaling stage, maturity stage, exit / IPO / acquisition stage. Each stage is defined in more detail and a theoretical framework for a comprehensive conception of the technology start-up lifecycle is developed.

Conclusions The topic of technology start-ups and the lifecycle is underresearched. A large part of the publications consists of business literature and online resources. Establishing a comprehensive theoretical framework will help to qualify the individual stages from multiple perspectives and their application in the future. Defining lifecycle stages and creating a new theoretical framework are beneficial for further research, where differences can be observed and possible approaches can be suggested in areas such as marketing or sales depending on the stage in the technology start-up lifecycle.

Keywords: technology start-up, software start-up, start-up lifecycle, start-up funding, start-up stages, start-up development

JEL Classification: M13, O32

A Model for the Conceptual Framework of Resilient Organisations

Ilona Bartuseviciene, Ona Grazina Rakauskiene — Thu, 21 Apr 2022 00:00:00 +0000

Purpose of the article. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has forced organisations to change their routines in an incredibly short period of time and to acquire new skills to enable them to act beyond their pre-crisis norms. As the economy slowed, most organisations suffered (and continue to suffer) huge losses, and are now attempting to return to pre-pandemic levels. In this paper, the authors argue that it is not enough to simply return to pre-pandemic levels. The resilience of an organisation is key, which is based on the fundamental premise that crises are natural in the evolution of any organisation. As such, it is important that organisations focus not on how to protect themselves from difficult situations, but on learning how to live with them and how to use the acquired experience as a driving force to bounce-forward. The purpose of this article is to explore theoretical approaches and utilise methodological tools to reveal the key characteristics of resilient organisations.

Methodology/methods. The systematic literature review (SLR) method was applied to collect and synthesise relevant scientific literature. SLR was performed under PSALSAR framework

Scientific aim. The scientific aim of the study was to perform a SLR of resilient organisations for the period of 2001–2021. The authors sought to identify theoretical evidence that answers the following research questions:

How has the phenomenon of resilient organisations been identified and defined?
Which theories and concepts have been used to explain the phenomenon of resilient organisations?

Findings. The concept of resilience has outgrown its original interpretation, which focused on organisational ability to withstand crises and return activities to pre-crisis levels. Today’s resilience represents not only the ability to return to the routine and to adapt to the changed environment by overcoming dynamic events, but also to enhance learning capacity, which allows for growth by constantly learning from oneself and gaining unique experiences.

Conclusions. The SLR revealed that the concept of resilience is transforming into a structure based on the basic provision that a resilient organisation is not only able to withstand difficult situations and return to pre-crisis levels, but also to use the experience of crises as a driving force to bounce-forward. In this context, the authors propose a new concept of resilience – the resilient organisation bounce-forward framework – in which three stages perform interconnectedly: robustness – static stability; resilience – dynamic stability and adaptation; and antifragility – unique transformation.

Keywords: Resilient organisations, antifragility, bounce-forward, systematic literature review, PSALSAR framework.

JEL Classification: D81, D23, Q56

This research project received funding from European Social Fund No 09.3.3-LMT-K-712-19-0218 under grant agreement with the Research Council of Lithuania (LMTLT)

SERA: A Digital Risk Management Tool as the Basic of OSHM

Thu, 21 Apr 2022 00:00:00 +0000

Purpose of the article is to present “Safety and Ergonomic Risk Assessment”, SERA as a new digital overall risk assessment tool in the field of occupational safety and health management. This method will be used for the first time in the automotive industry and will close the existing gap in the overall risk and stress assessment.

Methodology/methods In order to clarify the research questions, a qualitative research based on a comprehensive literature review of the legal and normative requirements for OSH risk management tools was conducted, with a complementary requirements mapping in the context of expert discussions and a benchmarking of existing digital solutions, the framework for the development of a digital solution was created.

Scientific aim of the research was proposed to find the best possible method for the overall risk management of hazards and stresses in production workplaces or to close the existing gap in this respect.

Findings Due to existing research and market gap, a self-development was indispensable. Therefore, in the context of the expert discussions with 15 participants, a requirements concept was developed within 10 workshops, based on this concept an Excel-based demonstrator version was developed, tested, and optimized with more than 120 users. Finally, a web-based software was developed on this basis within an agile approach.

Conclusions SERA, like every other digital solution, should be enhanced to better serve users. The capacity of observers to identify stresses due to repeated assembly activities is limited. Use of sensor technology might considerably increase the system’s efficacy and objectivity. Connectivity to mobile devices might be explored since the application is Windows-based. SERA can be applied in all industries in production, especially when the repetitive activities play a major role, but for the sectors in which the hazards’ short-term impacts are more significant, system adaptability should be explored.

Digital Transformation of Transport: A Systematic Review of New Trends, Challenges and Key Strategies for Application

Angelina Ampadu, Dr. Akvile Cibinskiene — Thu, 21 Apr 2022 00:00:00 +0000

Purpose of the article. The purpose of this article is to systematically review the digital transformation of the transport industry. The digital transformation review entails reviewing the new trends used in the digital transformation of transportation and logistics, challenges encountered in the digital transformation of transport, and critical strategies applied to ensure that the digital transformation of transport is a success.

Methodology/methods A systematic review method is used in the analysis and review of literature. Data is collected from five databases (Google Scholar, academia.edu, IEEE, Science Direct and Springer). The PRISMA framework was used to select eligible articles in five stages: defining eligibility criteria; identifying academic journals and databases; creating a query of keywords; collecting, storing, and filtering relevant articles; and performaning data analysis or review

Scientific aim. This paper aims to conduct a systematic review of the literature and critical analysis regarding the digital transformation of transportation, trends, challenges, and essential strategies for application.

Findings. The review of articles shows that the transport industry has adopted new trends of digital transformation, forming a significant supply chain. Also, strategies have been discussed to curb the transport industry's challenges amid the digital transformation. The findings contribute to filling research gaps and helping the transport sector.

Conclusions. The results revealed that new trends such as Artificial Intelligence, the Internet of things, cognitive computing, robotic process automation, and big data analytics are valuable components of the digital transformation of transport. The challenges are inadequacy of dedicated and skilled IT personnel in the industry, budget constraints, lack of organizational change management, evolving customer needs, lack of defined strategy, inefficient business processes and ineffective data management. Some strategies for application include hiring external experts and software consultants to bring new ideas to the already existing team, building a proper management structure for data collection and storage, and aligning digital transformation with company objectives.

Keywords: Digital Transformation, Transport sector, New trends, Challenges, Strategies, Supply Chain, Logistics.

The influence of non-price factors on the market with new building - Case study for Warsaw and Prague

Jiri Lunacek, Jiří Oulehla — Thu, 21 Apr 2022 00:00:00 +0000

Purpose of the article The purpose of this article is to identify the factors influencing the number of building permits in the capital city of Warsaw and the capital city of Prague. The influence of macroeconomic, microeconomic, and demographic factors is examined.

Methodology/methods This study uses secondary data from the Polish Statistical Office and the Polish National Bank. Other data is taken from Czech Statistical Office and EUROSTAT. General scientific methods are Granger causality and multifactor regression.

Scientific aim The global focus of the article is econometric modeling. A particular center uses these models to evaluate the impact of factors for which enough data samples are not established. The evaluation of two distinct regions will estimate the significance of unique factors, their agreement, and possible variations.

Findings A key indicator of market development is the number of building permits. This variable represents the novelty of the approach. Previous approaches have defined this change as marginal; the approach presented here shows the number of building permits concerning other real estate market parameters. This article's findings are primarily relevant for the supply and demand side, i.e., for citizens and building companies. Furthermore, the results show a clear link between the number of building permits and economic growth.

Conclusions GDP growth is a statistically significant factor in the growth in the number of building permits for the capital city of Warsaw and the capital city of Prag. GDP is a common factor for both selected cases. A statistically significant factor for the case of Warsaw is the Average Wage Index. These factors are significant at all levels. At lower levels of significance, the Housing Price Index and Number of Inhabitants are significant for Warsaw. In the case of Prague, it is only the Consumer price index. Granger's causality showed that the GDP variable is statistically significant for both the case of Warsaw and the case of Prague. In the case of Prague, this is a dual causality, which has not been confirmed in the case of Warsaw

Keywords: New residence building; Granger causality; Determinants; Multiple regression; GDP.

JEL Classification: R21, R31, C23

Family Firms Specifics: Business Impact on Family Climate

Pavla Srbova, Jan Pěta, Mária Režňáková — Thu, 21 Apr 2022 00:00:00 +0000

Purpose of the article: Family business research aims to achieve better understanding of not only the differences between family and non-family firms, but also the interconnectedness of various characteristics of family firms. The main distinguishing feature of a family firm is the family firm's influence on family relationships (family climate). A healthy family climate is the key to a well performing family business. Assuming good family relationships, international research has indicated that family business leads to family cohesion and growth, as well as to better cohesion in the community and better work and family satisfaction. This paper presents partial results of research on the impact of entrepreneurship on family relationships in Czech family firms.

Methodology/methods: The data for the research was collected by means of a questionnaire survey. Survey respondents were family business owners. Analysis of contingency tables was used to evaluate the data on family relationships. The qualitative methods used for data analysis were chi-square test, Phi coefficient and Cramer's V, Person's adjusted residuals (or sign scheme). Fisher's exact test was used in case of low frequencies.

Scientific aim: The aim of the paper was to find out how family business affects relationships in families (family climate).

Findings: The results provide a new insight into the current situation of family entrepreneurship in Czechia. From the respondents' answers it follows that stated positive influence of family business on family cohesion leads to a multitude of important positive consequences. It seems to be associated with higher social reputation, as well as a higher reputation in the business community and leads to a greater unity in the family business neighbourhood. In addition, in this case, family business also provides a better work-family balance and leads to an upskilling of family members.

Conclusions: These findings help to understand family businesses better and the conclusions will be used in further research aimed at determining the value of family businesses.

Keywords: family business, family climate, frequency analysis, chi-square test, Czech Republic

JEL Classification: L26, M14, M21

A systematic literature review of cyber security insurance

Nikola Šuňavcová — Thu, 21 Apr 2022 00:00:00 +0000

Purpose of the article This paper is a systematic review of the literature. It describes and compares insurance options in the field of cyber security, especially from the perspective of small and medium-sized businesses. It also points to possible shortcomings and weaknesses in this area.

Methodology/methods To fulfill the main goal of this article, I used the method of secondary research. I used a system approach, which was based on the structured collection of the necessary data, in order to obtain as much relevant information in the field in order to achieve an overview of the state of scientific knowledge of insurance issues in the field of cyber security.

Scientific aim The main goal of my article is to identify insurance options (in the field of cyber security) for small and medium-sized companies based on a search of scientific literature. Compare possible types of insurance and reveal trends in this area. A partial goal of my contribution is to identify the shortcomings and threats that cyber security insurance brings.

Findings In the article, I analyzed the insurance options. I also looked at the shortcomings in this area. From the information obtained, I concluded that insurance in the field of cyber security is still quite high, on the other hand, it is becoming more and more popular with companies. This finding is mainly based on the fact that the business environment has recently undergone changes, which include, in particular, digitization, work with large amounts of data and the constant development of efficiency and speed.

Conclusions The whole article is a systematic review of the literature, which provides the reader with an overview of cyber risk insurance. The article contains a more comprehensive view of the solution to cyber security through insurance. This article also points out the shortcomings of cyber insurance and contains current trends in this area.

Smart Manufacturing Execution Systems: An approach for SMEs to conquer industry 4.0

Marcel Pfeifer — Thu, 21 Apr 2022 00:00:00 +0000

Purpose of the article The transition towards a new production paradigm, industry 4.0, is assumed to have already started. Smart devices provide companies with the potential to use their data in almost real time. Doubts are raised that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are not able to take this challenge in the same way that large enterprises (LEs) do as they are lacking financial and technical resources.

Methodology/methods The manuscript employs a case study in a Slovakian machining SME. The case study makes use of a smart manufacturing execution system (SMES) architecture developed based on the current system architecture in the company. During the case study, company-chosen indicators are observed and ex-post expert interviews lead to an amended proposal of a SMES architecture.

Scientific aim Studies in the recent years focused mainly on introducing industry 4.0 and describing approaches of LEs and laboratory production facilities to conquer the arising challenges. SMEs however have been found to have a fundamentally different way of working and decision-making with a focus on short-term improvements. Thus, this case study contributes to providing viable insight on the working and obstacles of SMEs in transition towards industry 4.0.

Findings For a simple production with one product and only two further components the low complexity of the system allows for a fast adaption of internet of things (IoT) devices. For a fully free data flow a standardisation module and advanced planning module to substitute hand-made excel sheets are required. As real-time data is needed on all management levels, the amendment of interfaces and the integration of different information systems has to be ensured to support SMES.

Conclusions This paper describes the situation in one machining company in Slovakia. It shows the application of an SMES architecture and the required amendments. As SMEs are differing widely also in their transition activities and targets, research will need to focus on finding patterns on SMEs, industries and the different ways of working in the future.

Who Patents in Czech Republic?

Stanislava Štefánková — Thu, 21 Apr 2022 00:00:00 +0000

Purpose of the article is to analyse trends in patenting activities and reveal the strength of patenting companies in the market.

Methodology/methods of the research is based on dataset collected from PATSTAT database, supplemented from UPV database, matched with owner’s ID numbers using AMADEUS database and extended from financial and legal data retrieved from ORBIS Academic database. The analysed sample consists of 914 companies and their 2925 patents. Aggregated patent data retrieved from Czech Statistical Office were subjected to a graphical trend analysis. The size of a population was derived from the aggregated data as a prerequisite for sampling fraction estimation. The market share was estimated by proportioning sales of the firms in the sample to the sales in a whole respective industry.

Scientific aim is to validate the extensive dataset that covers data since the nineties. Additional aim is to explore the patenting activities of Czech enterprises from novel perspective, namely through estimating the market shares on which these firms operate, considering their size.

Findings show that two thirds of patent owners are SMEs, though they own only one third of patents. Large companies are more likely to build a big patent portfolio. The size of the portfolio for most companies (95 %) does not exceed nine patents. Large firms are gaining higher market shares in industries where they lead in patenting, but also where SMEs predominate in patenting. The market share analysis revealed that patenting firms are leaders in industries, where patenting is rare.

Conclusions The presented findings indicate that large companies are better at benefiting from patent system, however SMEs are more active. The analysis considered only the patent grant and not the patent life. It gives an opportunity for further research based on in depth analysis of patents and determinants of their value.