Matej Bel University

About: Matej Bel University is a education organization based out in Banská Bystrica, Slovakia. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Tourism & Fuzzy set. The organization has 721 authors who have published 1497 publications receiving 11573 citations. The organization is also known as: Matej Bel & Univerzita Mateja Bela.

University Characteristics as Factor Affecting the Creation of University Spin-Offs

Abstract: The university-spin off company is a specific but rather effective tool for the direct transfer of knowledge and new technology from academia into business. However, this seems to be still a not very common phenomenon in many European countries. The paper aims to compare the characteristics of universities in European countries based on empirical data for 2465 higher education institutions in Europe retrieved from European Tertiary Education Register database. We examined factors that could have a potential effect on the creation of university spin-off companies in Europe. In order to find these factors we applied logit and probit regression analysis. Our results strongly suggest that those universities which are neither strongly focused on a few fields of research, nor very broad in their focus are mostly less active in creating the university spin-off companies. The intensity of PhD study, the share of tuition fees as well as a number of foreign students seem to be factors affecting university spin-off activities.

Bounded Rationality of Individual Action in the Consumption of Public Goods

Abstract: In order to gain a better understanding of human behaviour, Economics seeks to work with other disciplines such as Psychology, Sociology, or Anthropology (Behavioural Economics). Unlike neoclassical economic theory, behavioural economics does not assume a rational individual. On the contrary, it focuses on an irrational (bounded rational) individual while revealing what really influences his decision and his actions in order to respond more adequately to public needs, increasing the efficiency of public-service provision. The aim of the paper is to investigate the factors of willingness to pay for public services. The willingness of individuals to pay depends on factors such as affection and sympathy, conviction, compassion, regret, respect, warm glow, commitment to society, appreciation, invitation to participation, fundraising method and tax policy. The significance of the research conclusions lies in initiating a new perspective on the possibilities of securing public services.

On the bifurcation of limit cycles in a dynamic model of a small open economy

Abstract: In this paper a four-dimensional macroeconomic model of a small open economy, describing the development of income, capital stock, interest rate and money stock, which was constructed in [5] (Makovínyiová, K. & Zimka, R. (2009) On stability in generalized Schinasi's macroeconomic model under fixed exchange rates. Tatra Mt. Math. Publ. 43, 115–122), is analysed. Sufficient conditions for the existence of one pair of purely imaginary eigenvalues and two eigenvalues with negative real parts in the linear approximation matrix of the model are found. Formulae for the calculation of the bifurcation coefficients of the model are derived. A statement about the existence of limit cycles is made. A numerical example is given illustrating the results.

Physical activity and health

Abstract: Health is a condition of complete physical, mental and social wellbeing and not merely the absence of illness or disability. Health is not something one receives but something one has to work and strive towards. This presupposes active efforts from the individual, the family, and the community. In the chain of causative factors and pathological processes which can lead to illness, disability, and death, there are many links, some known and some unknown. Our resources and means must be applied at that point in the causative chain where the best prospects lie for reducing the incidence of illness, disability, and death. Diseases due lifestyle and environmental factors now dominate our health statistics. Material standards of living and personal philosophy of life bear a close relationship to the origin and development of these diseases. In that respect, regular physical activity is seen as an essential component in a lifestyle which itself is the basis for the health promoting idea. In our review we look into physical activity and its influence on health.

Factors determining the liquidity of companies in the mechanical engineering industry in Slovakia – an empirical study

Abstract: Liquidity is one of the main characteristics of the financial situation of a company. A lack of liquidity may seriously affect the continuity of a firm’s activities. A thorough analysis and knowledge of the factors affecting the liquidity of a company are an essential requirement of the informed adoption of measures aimed at ensuring company liquidity. This issue is the subject of the presented paper. The main purpose of the article is to analyse the development of liquidity in the mechanical engineering industry in the Slovak Republic (SK NACA rev. 2 28xx – Manufacture of machinery and equipment not elsewhere classified) during the period of 2015-2018, and to identify the key internal and external factors determining liquidity in the industry. The survey was carried out in 2019 on a sample of 398 companies in the specified industry. Sample representativeness was tested on the basis of the non-parametric chi-square goodness of fit test (χ² distribution test). The obtained data were processed by means of statistical methods. To perform the statistical analysis, we applied the methods of descriptive statistics, frequency tables and non-parametric tests (the Friedman and Wilcoxon tests). To verify the validity of the formulated hypotheses, we used the right-tailed test of the hypothesis on the relative frequency. The main finding of the research is the identification of the key internal and external factors determining the liquidity of engineering companies in Slovakia. The results of the research allow companies to take effective measures in managing liquidity and supporting their favourable development.