Katarzyna Bilińska-Reformat

Bio: Katarzyna Bilińska-Reformat is an academic researcher from University of Economics in Katowice. The author has contributed to research in topics: Competitive advantage & Employer branding. The author has an hindex of 7, co-authored 55 publications receiving 160 citations.

Determinants of Decarbonisation in the Transformation of the Energy Sector: The Case of Poland

Abstract: This paper aims to identify the determinants of the decarbonisation processes in Poland within the scope of energy transformation. The purpose of the study is to identify how the public perceives decarbonisation determinants in order to develop a sustainable energy strategy for Poland. The transition of the energy market to low-carbon technology is a policy challenge. Governments must implement policies that are environmentally friendly, cost-effective, but, most of all, socially acceptable. Social acceptance risk plays a significant role in Poland, influencing the decarbonisation process. In Poland’s case, the coal share is decreasing, but it is still the most important fuel for electricity production. This process of decarbonisation is a fundamental influence on the transformation of the energy sector in Poland. The social perception of solutions that can be applied was examined. The Polish natural environment is poisoned. Poles suffer from diseases related to the burning of coal for energy production. Societal awareness, how people perceive the government’s actions, and what they expect in this regard is crucial.

Sustainable development concept and creation of innovative business models by retail chains

Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to recognise the areas of implementation of the principles of sustainable development (SD) in the model of retail chains activity. In the paper, the assumption was made that nowadays it is necessary to adopt the rules following SD while making strategic decisions by retail chains.,The study uses secondary data sources, reports, academic literature and the case study research method. A case study research is a multi-method paradigm based on full range of a scientist’s tool-kit: reviewing literature studies, examining secondary documents and comparing the websites of investigated retail chains.,According to that business model, the authors were recognising selected components of this model, that is to say: recourses and competences of retail chains and value proposition for their customers. The greatest chances of development will be enjoyed by those retail chains that will be able to provide real value to customers. Maintaining a competitive advantage will require constant improvements in the quality of service and innovative business models connected with sustainable elements.,It seems necessary to develop research tools that allow for identification of the level of use of the SD concept in retail chain’s business models in the future.,The paper is of interest to practitioners and students of retail management.,The concept of the SD model included in the retailer business models serves to build value for the customer through the care of his quality of life. The vast majority of retailers believe that it is the responsibility of the business sector to respond to social and environmental challenges.,The paper intends to fill the gap in the literature concerning the influence of SD concept on changes in the business models of retail chains. The SD activities can lead to the development of specific capabilities based on intangible recourses that are sources of competitive advantage (SD). That is the main reason of undertaking this subject.

E-commerce as the predominant business model of fast fashion retailers in the era of global COVID 19 pandemics

Abstract: The current pandemic situation creates several challenges for many entities. One of them is the fact that fast fashion retailers have to change their strategic activities related to the whole business model concept. In the proposed paper it is assumed that business model plays crucial role as the success factor for entities from different industries including fast fashion retailing especially in the era of global pandemics. Therefore, the aforementioned area (business model as the success factor of the company) constitutes the subject of the paper. Purpose. The aim of the paper is to indicate the scope and main character of changes in business models implemented by fast fashion retailers in pandemic times. The following goals of descriptive and cognitive character are assumed in the paper: a) identification of the fast fashion retailers' common activities in changing business models in the era of pandemics, and b) identification of e-commerce solutions applied by fast fashion retail chains which are caused by development of multi-channel and omni-channel solutions based on Inditex example. Methodology. Based on the theoretic deliberation of retail chains business models in the pandemic times, qualitative research was conducted to supplement the theoretical background. The purpose of this study was to identify how fast fashion retailers develop their e-commerce solutions to maintain the sales level. The conducted research enabled finding the answers to the following research questions: What are the good practices of fast fashion retailers in terms of development of e-commerce channels? Can fast fashion retailers relying on e-commerce business models stay profitable in the Covid-19 pandemics? The theoretic deliberation is based on critical literature review. The empirical part of the paper is based on case study research. The conducted research was descriptive in nature, conducted in order to describe a particular phenomenon within its context, and was not intended to provide conclusive evidence, but to have a better understanding of the problem. Descriptive intrinsic case study was the method applied in the research. Results. On the grounds of literature studies, as well as collected information, it can be stated that e-commerce solutions are the predominant business model of fast fashion retailers in the era of global COVID 19 pandemics. The descriptive case study research allowed to observe, analyse, and report good practices of fast fashion retailer Inditex in terms of implementing into their business models more and more e-commerce solutions such as: development of applications, development of multi and omni channels. The theoretical contribution. On the grounds of the case, it can be stated that during pandemics fast fashion retail chains focus on development of innovative business models based on e-commerce solutions. Practical implications (if applicable). The paper provides intellectual input into the managerial problem of how to develop mutual beneficiary business models for fast retail chains as well as for their customers. The study suggests that fast fashion retail chains have to take into consideration growing customers expectation, with regard to e-commerce solutions. © 2021 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0) Peer-review under responsibility of the scientific committee of KES International.

Employer branding : strategic implications for staffrecruitment

Abstract: In many developed economies, changing demographics and economic conditions have given rise to increasingly competitive labour markets, where competition for good employees is strong. Consequently, strategic investments in attracting suitably qualified and skilled employees are recommended. One such strategy is employer branding. Employer branding in the context of recruitment is the package of psychological, economic, and functional benefits that potential employees associate with employment with a particular company. Knowledge of these perceptions can help organisations to create an attractive and competitive employer brand. Utilising information economics and signalling theory, we examine the nature and consequences of employer branding. Depth interviews reveal that job seekers evaluate: the attractiveness of employers based on any previous direct work experiences with the employer or in the sector; the clarity, credibility, and consistency of the potential employers’ brand signals; perceptions of the employers’ brand investments; and perceptions of the employers’ product or service brand portfolio.

Changes in consumers’ food purchase and transport behaviors over a decade (2010 to 2019) following health and convenience food trends

Abstract: Although consumers' food purchase/transport have been reported as causes of food safety risks, there is a lack of empirical data that are feasible to identify persistent and emerging risky behaviors of consumers. This longitudinal trend study consists of individual consumer surveys in 2010 (n = 609) and 2019 (n = 605) to analyze changes in risky behaviors linked to food purchase/transport over a decade. Overall, the results identified purchase/transport time and purchase order as the emerging and unchanged risk factors, respectively. Consumers' preferences into channels for purchase (large discount stores rather than small/traditional markets) and transport (using cars or delivery) implied the convenience as the noticeable trend. Whereas, unexpected increases in purchase/transport time highlighted the underestimated risks in long-term exposure of foods under inadequate temperature. Food should not be exposed to danger zones > 1-2 h, but consumers might be unaware of the risk especially for preferred channels (e.g., 77 and 36 min. are required for purchase and transport from large discount stores, respectively). In the case of unchanged risky behavior, more than half of consumers in both surveys did not follow proper purchasing orders. Our findings highlight the necessity for novel countermeasures and the improvement of current consumer guidelines against emerging and unchanged risky behaviors, respectively.

Determinants of Decarbonization—How to Realize Sustainable and Low Carbon Cities?

Abstract: The objective of this paper is to identify the determinants of decarbonization processes in Poland by urban and rural areas. It also presents directions for knowledge diffusion on decarbonization to develop a sustainable energy strategy for Poland, particularly for local governments and cities. Despite extensive research on the determinants of decarbonization and sustainable energy development, there is a lack of specific solutions in this area. The authors of this paper investigated which determinants, according to the respondents, would lead to better decarbonization solutions in cities and villages in terms of sustainability. The studied sample was purposefully selected and an online questionnaire was used with the use of the “snowball” method. The authors conducted surveys that allowed the concerned parties themselves (respondents) to indicate which factors they believe best influence decarbonization. Such measures are helpful in terms of the understanding public acceptance of decarbonization in terms of the energy transition. This is of particular importance in terms of green governance globally and in Europe. The results of the authors’ research indicate that despite the reduction in the share of coal in residential and domestic heating, coal remains the main source of electricity generation and that the potential for low-carbon policy to have an impact on solving urban challenges is underestimated. From the findings, it can be concluded that more in-depth research is needed on public acceptance of decarbonization in its broadest sense and its implications.