1. Green sourcing: effects on supplier performance metrics in fast food restaurants in frontier marketsPaul Mukucha, Bongani E. Mushanyuri, Divaries Cosmas Jaravaza, 2021, original scientific article Abstract: Following the banning of expanded polystyrene packaging material, the fast food restaurant industry was serendipitously plunged into green sourcing initiatives for its packaging materials leading to heightened efforts on evaluating the suitability of various suppliers of green packaging material. This study therefore sought to assess the performance of selected suppliers on supplier performance metrics of total cost of ownership, quality of sourced material and delivery performance, in Zimbabwe’s restaurant industry. Methodology: Data was collected from senior procurement officers of 30 officially registered fast food restaurants in Zimbabwe. Each restaurant randomly selected 5 suppliers from their supplier lists. Each unit was asked to rate their 5 major suppliers of packaging material leading to an effective sample size of 150 suppliers. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was used to analyse data in AMOS. The five steps in SEM, that is: model specification, model identification, parameter estimation, model evaluation and modification were done. Findings: The findings in this study revealed that green sourcing leads to improved procurement performance in terms of total cost of ownership, quality of the materials sourced, and delivery performance. Implications for theory and practice: It was therefore recommended that practically the restaurant industry should explore various options of green packaging material ranging from recyclable and reusable plastic, paper, aluminium and steel material. Originality and value: Although the study was done in a single market, there is dearth in literature on green sourcing in frontier markets, of which the study provides empirical evidence from the restaurant industry in SubSaharan Africa. Keywords: green sourcing, supplier evaluation, fast food restaurant, frontier markets, supplier performance metrics, green packaging material, total cost of ownership, quality of sourced material, delivery performance Published in DKUM: 23.08.2024; Views: 61; Downloads: 2 Full text (1,33 MB) This document has many files! More... |
2. Developing an integrated framework for supplier evaluation based on relevant attributes and performance measuresMohsen Cheshmberah, 2020, original scientific article Abstract: Supplier evaluation and selection is essential to any organization, and planning an effective and comprehensive approach to that end seems inevitable. Meanwhile, determining the requisite criteria for evaluating and selecting suppliers is probably one of the most important steps to be taken towards developing an evaluation and selection model in the organization. In this article, first a review of the literature on the criteria and the field of supplier evaluation and selection are provided. These criteria are then placed into proper categories. In order to formulate a supplier evaluation and selection framework for the manufacturing organization under study, the implemented categorization is applied where a list of fifteen attributes and performance criteria is created; where upon it is secured with the help of a designated panel (project team). These features are then screened using Lawshe's method the "social attribute" is removed from the list of fifteen. The remaining 14 other criteria are configured within the SEAP (Suppliers Evaluation based on Attributes and Performances) framework. The framework follows the objective of continually evaluating suppliers, both potential and actual ones through incorporating their performances into their qualification ratings. Based on the proposed framework, suppliers are evaluated on the basis of two types of criteria, - feature (attribute) and performance. Keywords: framework, supplier evaluation, supplier selection, criteria, performance measurement, attributes, Lawshe's method Published in DKUM: 22.08.2024; Views: 65; Downloads: 2 Full text (617,06 KB) This document has many files! More... |
3. Evaluation of key performance indicators of logistics firmsNazlıcan Gözaçan, Çisem Lafci, 2020, original scientific article Abstract: Key Performance Indicators (KPI) has been outlined for implementing total quality management (TQM) across logistics sector. This study constituted on the quality values of logistics firms in the logistics sector, which is examined with key performance indicators through the integrated method of Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and SMART Goal Setting. The calculations were performed for logistics firms. The method used in this study is the integrated method of the AHP Method and SMART Goal Setting. The results highlight the most mentioned key performance indicators in the literature in a prioritized version also during the prioritizing process via AHP Method, the SMART Goal Setting approach also is applied. Keywords: analytic hierarchy process (AHP), key performance indicators (KPI), SMART goal setting, total quality management Published in DKUM: 22.08.2024; Views: 63; Downloads: 2 Full text (575,21 KB) This document has many files! More... |
4. Multicriteria evaluation of intermodal (rail/road) freight transport corridorsMilan Janić, 2020, original scientific article Abstract: This paper deals with the multi-criteria evaluation of the intermodal (rail/road) freight corridors as competing transport alternatives. For such a purpose, the methodology has been developed consisting of two main components; i) the analytical models for estimating the indicators and measures of the corridors’ physical/spatial or infrastructural, technical/technological, operational, economic, social, and environmental performance; and ii) the MCDM (Multi-Criteria Decision Making) method using the above-mentioned indicators and measures of performance as the evaluation attributes/criteria in ranking and identifying the preferred among the several mutually competing freight transport alternative corridors. The proposed methodology has been applied to two Trans-European intermodal rail/road freight transport corridors. As such, it has shown to be of use, in addition to the researchers, also to the other potential DMs (Decision Maker(s)). These could be, for example, the freight shippers/receivers as the users of the already existing intermodal (rail/road) transport services, the transport and intermodal terminal operators and infrastructure providers, and the business and policy makers facing with the problems of allocating the usually limited investments in the social-economic feasible way to the corresponding infrastructure at the local, regional, national, and international scale. Keywords: intermodal (rail/road) freight transport corridors, indicators and measures of performance, multicriteria evaluation Published in DKUM: 22.08.2024; Views: 57; Downloads: 2 Full text (999,74 KB) This document has many files! More... |
5. Parallel self-avoiding walks for a low-autocorrelation binary sequences problemBorko Bošković, Jana Herzog, Janez Brest, 2024, original scientific article Abstract: A low-autocorrelation binary sequences problem with a high figure of merit factor represents a formidable computational challenge. An efficient parallel computing algorithm is required to reach the new best-known solutions for this problem. Therefore, we developed the sokol solver for the skew-symmetric search space. The developed solver takes the advantage of parallel computing on graphics processing units. The solver organized the search process as a sequence of parallel and contiguous self-avoiding walks and achieved a speedup factor of 387 compared with lssOrel, its predecessor. The sokol solver belongs to stochastic solvers and cannot guarantee the optimality of solutions. To mitigate this problem, we established the predictive model of stopping conditions according to the small instances for which the optimal skew-symmetric solutions are known. With its help and 99% probability, the sokol solver found all the known and seven new best-known skew-symmetric sequences for odd instances from to . For larger instances, the solver cannot reach 99% probability within our limitations, but it still found several new best-known binary sequences. We also analyzed the trend of the best merit factor values, and it shows that as sequence size increases, the value of the merit factor also increases, and this trend is flatter for larger instances. Keywords: low-autocorrelation binary sequences, self-avoiding walk, graphic processor units, high performance computing Published in DKUM: 22.08.2024; Views: 38; Downloads: 1 Full text (1,82 MB) |
6. Perceptions of didactic strategies among pupils and teachers in primary schoolMonika Mithans, Joca Zurc, Milena Ivanuš-Grmek, 2024, original scientific article Abstract: The quality of educational work is inextricably linked to many factors at the system, school, teacher, and student levels. This research was carried out within the project ‘Education of Teachers as a Factor of Providing High-quality Life-long Learning in the Learning Society/The Society of Fast Socio-economic Changes and Unsure Future’, funded by the Slove-nian Research Agency. This paper provides a basic overview of the char-acteristics of open instruction, an umbrella term that combines active and learner-centred didactic strategies. The empirical section focuses on the use of didactic strategies. The survey was carried out with 1,536 primary school4 pupils in Grades 7 and 9 and 263 of their teachers. Both pupils and teachers cited problem-based learning and research-based learning as the most commonly used didactic strategies, while project-based learning was the least frequently used. Despite the agreement on the most and least frequently used didactic strategies, there are statisti-cally significant differences between pupils’ and teachers’ perceptions of all selected didactic strategies. Teachers reported that they used these strategies more often than was perceived by their pupils. We also found a statistically significant impact of better learning performance on the perception of certain didactic strategies. The results of the study raise new research questions, especially in the design of more detailed analy-ses of the use of didactic strategies in pedagogical practice. Keywords: academic performance, didactic strategies, primary school, pupil activity Published in DKUM: 14.08.2024; Views: 57; Downloads: 3 Full text (1,76 MB) This document has many files! More... |
7. The mediating role of logistics 4.0 capability on therelationship between e-commerce marketing andfirm performanceGözde Yanginlar, Mustafa Emre Civelek, Ihsan Bahçeci, Matevž Obrecht, 2024, original scientific article Abstract: This study aims to determine whether e-commerce marketing capability impacts
firm performance and what role logistics 4.0 plays in this relationship. Based on the literature
and grounded on dynamic capability theory we develop a theoretical framework in which
logistics 4.0 capability plays a mediating role in the relationship between e-commerce
marketing and firm performance. Our hypotheses are tested using survey data from 553
respondents working in the logistics, textiles, white goods, and electronics sectors. The data
is analyzed using structural equation modeling. Empirical results show that e-commerce
marketing positively impacts firm performance and logistics 4.0 capability is mediating in
this relationship. Logistics 4.0 capability enhances firm performance by improving on-time
deliveries and increasing the efficiency of supply chain processes. Our results highlight the
importance of investing in Logistics 4.0 capability including talent, managerial, and technical
resources to improve the benefits the firm is getting from e-commerce marketing. Logistics
4.0's capability enhances e-commerce marketing's impact on firm performance by increasing
on-time deliveries, efficiency, flexibility, quality, and responsiveness to customers, and
improving the ability to build enterprise agility. This study contributes to firm performance
literature by identifying the mediating role Logistics 4.0 plays in the relationship between ecommerce marketing and performance Keywords: logistics 4.0 capability, e-commerce marketing capability, firm performance, dynamic capability Published in DKUM: 09.08.2024; Views: 79; Downloads: 7 Full text (609,96 KB) |
8. Enhancing PLS-SEM-Enabled research with ANN and IPMA : research study of enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems’ acceptance based on the technology acceptance model (TAM)Simona Sternad Zabukovšek, Samo Bobek, Uroš Zabukovšek, Zoran Kalinić, Polona Tominc, 2022, original scientific article Abstract: PLS-SEM has been used recently more and more often in studies researching critical factors influencing the acceptance and use of information systems, especially when the technology acceptance model (TAM) is implemented. TAM has proved to be the most promising model for researching different viewpoints regarding information technologies, tools/applications, and the acceptance and use of information systems by the employees who act as the end-users in companies. However, the use of advanced PLS-SEM techniques for testing the extended TAM research models for the acceptance of enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems is scarce. The present research aims to fill this gap and aims to show how PLS-SEM results can be enhanced by advanced techniques: artificial neural network analysis (ANN) and Importance–Performance Matrix Analysis (IPMA). ANN was used in this research study to overcome the limitations of PLS-SEM regarding the linear relationships in the model. IPMA was used in evaluating the importance and performance of factors/drivers in the SEM. From the methodological point of view, results show that the research approach with ANN artificial intelligence complements the results of PLS-SEM while allowing the capture of nonlinear relationships between the variables of the model and the determination of the relative importance of each factor studied. On other hand, IPMA enables the identification of factors with relatively low performance but relatively high importance in shaping dependent variables. Keywords: traditional PLS-SEM, artificial neural network (ANN) analysis, Importance–Performance Matrix Analysis (IPMA), ERP system acceptance, TAM model Published in DKUM: 09.07.2024; Views: 90; Downloads: 3 Full text (2,52 MB) This document has many files! More... |
9. Integrating artificial intelligence into a talent management model to increase the work engagement and performance of enterprisesMaja Rožman, Dijana Oreški, Polona Tominc, 2022, original scientific article Abstract: The purpose of the paper is to create a multidimensional talent management model with embedded aspects of artificial intelligence in the human resource processes to increase employees' engagement and performance of the enterprise. The research was implemented on a sample of 317 managers/owners in Slovenian enterprises. Multidimensional constructs of the model include several aspects of artificial intelligence implementation in the organization's activities related to human resource management in the field of talent management, especially in the process of acquiring and retaining talented employees, appropriate training and development of employees, organizational culture, leadership, and reducing the workload of employees, employee engagement and performance of the enterprise. The results show that AI supported acquiring and retaining a talented employees, AI supported appropriate training and development of employees, appropriate teams, AI supported organizational culture, AI supported leadership, reducing the workload of employees with AI have a positive effect on performance of the enterprise and employee engagement. The results will help managers or owners create a successful work environment by implementing artificial intelligence in the enterprise, leading to increased employee engagement and performance of the enterprise. Namely, our results contribute to the efficient implementation of artificial intelligence into an enterprise and give owners or top managers a broad insight into the various aspects that must be taken into account in business management in order to increase employee engagement and enterprise’s competitive advantage. Keywords: artificial intelligence, talent management, employees, employee engagement, performance of the company Published in DKUM: 03.07.2024; Views: 113; Downloads: 8 Full text (1,63 MB) This document has many files! More... |
10. The Impact of Cardiorespiratory and Metabolic Parameters on Match Running Performance (MRP) in National-Level Football Players : a multiple regression analysisRadivoje Radaković, Borko Katanić, Mima Stanković, Bojan Mašanović, Suzana Žilič Fišer, 2024, original scientific article Abstract: The aim of the study was to examine the association between cardiorespiratory and
metabolic parameters and match running performance (MRP) in highly trained football players. The
sample of participants consisted of 41 national-level football players (aged 23.20 ± 3.40 years, body
height 182.00 ± 5.15 cm, and body mass 76.86 ± 6.06 kg) from the Serbian Super league. For the
purposes of this research, the following measurements were applied. A maximal multistage progressive treadmill test, with a direct measurement of maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) (using
Fitmate MED, Cosmed, Rome, Italy) was conducted, alongside continuous heart rate monitoring.
Capillary blood samples were taken from the hyperemic area using specific test strips, and, after
sample collection, lactate concentration was immediately determined using a lactate analyzer. MRP
variables were analyzed according to the BioIRC model of motion structure analysis, based on existing
standards for profiling movement intensity. The results of multiple regression analysis indicated
an association between cardiac parameters and total distance (R2 = 54.3%, p = 0.000), high-speed
running (R2 = 46.4%, p = 0.000), and jogging (R2 = 33.6%, p = 0.004). Regression analysis revealed
an association between cardiorespiratory parameters and total distance (R2 = 24.8%, p = 0.014), and
high-speed running (R2 = 20%, p = 0.039). Meanwhile, no association was found between lactate
concentration and running performance. The explanation for these regression analysis results is based
on the observation that functional abilities represent significant potential for expressing movement
performance, a crucial condition for success in football.
Keywords: football players, physical performance, cardiovascular endurance, lactate concentration, maximal heart rate, professional soccer players, running performance analysis, VO2max Published in DKUM: 01.07.2024; Views: 84; Downloads: 3 Full text (1,74 MB) This document has many files! More... |