Showing papers in "Perspectives of Innovation in Economics and Business in 2010"

Antecedents of job satisfaction: A study of telecom sector

Abstract: This study is based on the assumption that “a happy worker is a productive worker”. The research was conducted to identify the significance of those factors that lead towards job satisfaction and commitment of employees working in the telecom sector of Pakistan. The associations among pay and benefits, performance appraisal system, career development and management, supervision and collegiality and open communication (independent variables) were investigated with job satisfaction (dependent variable). The relationship between job satisfaction (dependent variable) and job commitment (outcome) was also hypothesized. Through questionnaire survey responses from 221 employees working at managerial and non-managerial positions were collected, which showed the significant association of supervision and collegiality and open communication on job satisfaction. Furthermore, job satisfaction was also found highly correlated and dependent upon job commitment. Managerial implications and conclusions are presented based upon these results.

Some development perspectives for industrial sector in Uzbekistan

Abstract: This paper discusses theoretical aspects of development strategies for industrial companies of Uzbekistan. The author concludes that support of the applied scientific researches and innovations by the government is the key factor in moving the industrial production of Uzbekistan on higher technological level.

Peculiarities of project planning in tourism

Abstract: The dynamic changes in the environment, in which the tourism companies work, make it necessary to search for a situational solution of a series of innovation tasks and for an introduction of new projects not described in details in the strategic or operative plan of the tourism company. Along with the periodic planning project teams are established with competences covering (and limited to) the solution of individual, we would rather say, many times unique problems.

Performance management and key performance indicators for higher education institutions in Serbia

Abstract: Higher education is enduring fundamental changes - universities are experimenting with new ways of funding and forging partnerships with private companies, competition is fiercer than ever before. All these changes indicate that higher education is becoming an industry. Thus, in order to succeed, institutions of higher education, just like profit oriented organizations, have to know how to enhance an manage their performance. The paper depicts the process of defining key performance indicators for higher education institutions in Serbia. Once determined, key performance indicators become a basis for improving control of use of organizational resources, quality of business results and for aligning business strategy with business technology.

Application of solid-state fermentation for cellulase enzyme production using trichoderma viride

Abstract: The Solid-state fermentation (SSF) is alternative to submerged fermentation for production antibiotics, single cell protein, enzymes, organic acids, biofuel, etc. However, the advantages of SSF in various processes are found to be greater than in submerged fermentation. This technique not only decreases the cost of the process but also makes product cheaper for consumers. The paper describes experimental applicati;on of SSF on wheat straw for production of mycelia protein and cellulase enzymes by Trichoderma viride. This actual waste from agriculture industry was used as a nourishing base by Trichoderma viride in SSF for cellulase enzyme production. Growth and enzymes production by Trichoderma viride were evaluated on wheat straw and alkali treatment wheat straw (wet processing). The growth of the microorganism (biomass content) shows maximum (123.44 mg/petri dish) on alkali treatment wheat straw compared (96.36 mg/petri dish)on wheat straw during of 240 hours. The results obtained demonstrate that the wheat straw waste from agriculture industry can be used as inexpensive base (carbon source) for industrial production on cellulase enzymes by Trichoderma viride.

Role of innovation in growth of countries

Abstract: The paper discusses the role of innovative capability in growth of a country by arguing that in the long run, a nation’s higher order competitive advantage can be built only with innovation. The paper also identifies eight determinants of innovation capability of a country. The discussion of these eight determinants should be useful for policy makers in countries attempting to promote economic growth by improving the productivity of the firms in their countries.

Feeling the heat: Financial crises and their impact on global climate change

Abstract: This interdisciplinary paper uses world-systems analysis as a theoretical framework to argue that both the 1870s, 1930’s economic depressions reduced mean global temperatures. As global consumer demand fell, factories worldwide began producing less commodities and, as a result, emitted less greenhouse gasses. We find that in both instances there is evidence to support the hypothesis that financial crises lead to cooler temperatures.

Linkage between online banking service quality and customers

Abstract: Banks have expanded the scope of competition to an e-environment with online banking. The commercial banks in India are introducing online banking to their customers in order to retain their customers from the competition given by foreign banks. Even though, these are so many empirical studies related online banking service quality and customers satisfaction. Hence, the present study has an attempt to fill up the research gap. The findings of the study reveals that the online customers service quality, online information system quality and banking service product quality are significantly and positively influencing thecustomer satisfaction.

The models of prognosis of regional tourism’s development

Abstract: The touristic activity is a profitable branch of the economy of Uzbekistan, in particular, of the Samarkand region. Therefore, many economists study future activity of this branch. The article observes types and methods of such prognosis. The most significant of them are the regressive equations and methods of Holt and Brown

Strategies of value proposition on the Internet

Abstract: The paper presents strategies of value proposition on the Internet. Author has distinguished and described strategies of efficiency, free values, complete customer solutions, unique values and value co-creation. These strategies are different from traditional strategies of value proposition, which refer values for customers to the level of price.

Economic value added as a modern performance indicator

Abstract: The qualitative information support presents a step further in the business process. Many traditional indicators of performance that have been used by the companies could not provide such support. Economic value added as an innovative approach to the measurement of business performance gives us a more realistic overview about the current state of the company. Taking into account the cost of equity and the possibility of execution of numerous accounting modifications represent significant innovations regarding to other concepts. The aim of this paper is to show practical examples of the extent to which traditional assessment of the company success may differ from the business overviewed from the perspective of economic value added.

Tertiary education in Latvia today and tomorrow

Abstract: The market economy principles are deeply implemented in the system of tertiary education in Latvia The share of private sector and private funding is significantly big, as well as the variety of study programs Nevertheless it is only one side of supply-demand dimension that might be seriously changed by economic crisis The author draws tertiary sector development scenarios considering probable demographic, economical and political trends The more efficient and effective interaction of tertiary and business sectors, the development oriented decentralisation of state macro economical and regional policy are the decisive success factors for sustainability both of the state and tertiary sector

The dynamics of link formation in patent innovator networks

Abstract: The paper presents a simple extension of the Barabasi-Albert model of network evolution. This model is based upon the assumption that new links are formed not only according to the centrality of other nodes in a network but geodetic distance is also important in link formation. Simulation results show that if link formation is based on distance then the resulting network is more clustered than in the case of centrality being the dominant factor in link formation. Our empirical results show that in European regional patent inventor networks distance is a considerably more important factor in link formation than network centrality.

Withdrawal strategy for guaranteed lifelong withdrawal benefit option

Abstract: In this paper we present a price model for the Guaranteed Lifelong Withdrawal Benefit, an option embedded in Variable Annuity policies, which gives the insured the possibility to withdraw from a fund a guaranteed amount annually, even if the account value has fallen below this amount. We calculate the No-arbitrage price of the contract if policyholders withdraw always the guaranteed amount or they surrender the product when the surrender value exceeds the value of future benefits

Telework organization model as method of development of disabled persons’ employment quality

Abstract: Problem of employment for disabled persons is partly connected with permanent changes and technical achievements in labour market. Telework in particular circumstances creates for disabled persons positive opportunity of choice. Accomplished research of authors analyzes the employment quality factors and proves that implementation of telework model for disabled persons could improve quality of employment of such persons in comparison with recent system of profession rehabilitation and disabled persons employment.

Enhancement of human performance with developing ergonomic workplace environment and providing work-life balance

Abstract: Ergonomy aims at creating a work place that suits the employee’s needs. A well-developed office does not only increase work efficiency but it can also significantly reduce costs. This study researches and reveals the specific personal attributes and the factors of workplace environment, which have an effect on the efficiency of the workforce. We were searching for studies, where the core work wasn’t changed -the increase in work efficiency was reached only by changing the work environment

Capital and financing innovation processes in enterprises in Poland: selected aspects

Abstract: Every economic entity undertakes various complex activities that aim at achieving strategic goals. This complex plane of strategic activities certainly includes pro-innovative activity consisting in creating and implementing innovations that help to gain competitive advantage. Undoubtedly, enterprises need capital. Without capital they are not able to positively influence the economic growth of any country. The aim of this article is to present the relationship between capital and financing innovation projects in Poland.

Job satisfaction and demographic variables - is there any link?

Abstract: This article focuses on the analysis of job satisfaction perceived by the Indian overseas bank employees in Chidambaram and Cuddalore, Tamil Nadu. The employees working in Indian overseas bank were selected for the study. The study indicates that the job satisfaction perceived by the bank employees is medium and the demographic variables such as gender, age, educational qualification, experience, marital status, and income significantly influence the job satisfaction perception of employees.

Barriers and future policy directions to knowledge demand and absorption in South and East Bulgaria

Abstract: The paper analyses SMEs competitiveness, innovation and knowledge networks using data gathered through a range of interactions with innovative SMEs including interviews and consultations with 50 innovative SMEs from a range of sectors in the region and a focus group with 8 managers of non-innovative SMEs. Survey results show that the region of South and East Bulgaria rely more on the tacit knowledge of their human resources rather than on their formal qualifications (codified knowledge). Bulgarian SMEs are facing mainly with problems of survival and business extension an still do put not enough emphasis on the role of knowledge to the firms’ competitiveness. Finding the appropriate policy initiatives to encourage firms to incorporate innovation strategy into the overall business development strategy is becoming a serious challenge for the government. A major factor hampering SMEs in carrying out R&D and innovation is the lack of financial resources. And there is still a large room for improvement and finding the appropriate mechanisms to support SMEs innovation and R&D invetsment. The uncertain demand for innovation product and services also appears to be a substantial factor hampering innovative activities in SMEs. This finding suggests that the general economic environment in the country does not stimulate the production of innovative products and services. Hence one of the avenues of promoting innovation is to convince SMEs that they will benefit from the results of their research efforts. The interviewed firms consider further elaboration of the system for business support and advice, improving physical infrastructure and allowing companies to locate in better equipped premises as the next step to form the core national regional innovation policy in the country.

The importance of TQM concept as a factor of competitive advantage of companies

Abstract: In the modern business conditions companies are facing with very serious competition, so they are forced to invest great efforts to ensure high satisfaction of their customers and thus ensure their loyalty. In the described circumstances, the concept of TQM became a survival factor of companies in the market. Basis gaining competitive advantage in global markets is reflected in the adoption and development of the concept of TQM as a management philosophy that includes a set of tools and processes, which outputs bring consumer satisfaction and continuous improvement

Reliability assessment and measures for resource-saving in water lifting engine systems in Uzbekistan

Abstract: The paper observes the current state of water pumping stations in Uzbekistan. More than 50% of irrigated land is provided with machine water lifting systems in the country. However, more than 50% of pumping aggregates and constructions have used up their capacities that leads to high operational expenses of energy. The authors suggest develop energy- and resource saving technologies. As they suggest the resource saving model assumes first and foremost the increase in stability and efficiency of operation of all elements of hydraulic engineering

The minimis aid, a possible alternative for supplementing the budgets of SMEes for enhancing competitiveness through the capacity of innovation - the Romanian case

Abstract: The latest Scoreboard of the European Commission regarding the state aid shows that the Member States are using increasingly more opportunities offered by EU rules on state aid. This paper comes to clarify the benefits of accessing the minimis aid by traders, as capital contributions, guarantees, risk capital measures in the innovation process, to create a new product, introducing a new method of manufacturing, entering in a new market or creating a new market, calling for a new raw material.

A study on impact of rural college students in E-Learning (Nagapattinam District,Tamilnadu - India)

Abstract: Learning should be fast, relevant and integrated into day-to-day work patterns. One way of doing this is through elearning. E-learning has created favorable conditions for rural college students to compete with the urban ones. The article examines whether the rural students of Nagapattinam district (Tamilnadu) are having the impact of e-learning. The research is based on sample survey of rural students from the Engineering College and Arts and Science College.

Comparative analysis of the acquired clinical skills assessment of undergraduate medical students in a problem-based learning and traditional curricula

Abstract: The article describes the results from the comparative analysis of the acquired clinical skills’ assessment of undergraduate medical students in an innovative problem-based learning (PBL) and traditional curriculum. Attention is paid on the fact that even partially introduced in part of the early phases of the curriculum the PBL format of education has its impact on the future clinical functioning of the medical students. The PBL students performed better in comparison with their peers from the traditional track in regard to: the complete history taking as gathering data for the family history, available contacts with acute infectious diseases and known allergies to foods, drugs and other substances; and the use of more laboratory and other tests for building a diagnostic plan. ISSN: 1804-0527 (online) 1804-0519 (print) PP. 120-122

Modern trends on development of cotton production and processing chain Uzbekistan.

Abstract: The cotton production complex of Uzbekistan has high rating comparing other export oriented branches. Cotton fiber value in 2008 share made 12% from total export of the country. The paper observes some trends and policy priorities in cotton industry development.

The influence of human resource management on improvement of business ethics

Abstract: In this paper the importance of practice of human resource management as of a significant driver of business ethics in companies has been considered. The basic premise of the paper is the fact that the company’s main source of unethical behaviour is situated in its people’s activities which further implies that many measures aimed to apply and improve business ethics belong to the domain of human resource management. Based on research results on a sample of 36 enterprises, the paper attempts to answer important questions as: what are the problems regarding business ethics facing human resource experts and to what extent the existing human resource management practices influence the application and improvement of business ethics in Serbian enterprises

Business functions approach to innovative and non-innovative business comparison in Latvia

Abstract: State system of innovative business support was created in Latvia during last years and the first conclusions about the efficiency of this system can be made at present time. To evaluate the efficiency of innovative business support system it is necessary to compare in some way innovative and non-innovative companies. The main task of this article is to provide the frame for innovative and non-innovative business comparison and describe on the base of this frame the main differences between innovative and non-innovative companies in Latvia at present time. The main result of investigation is the conclusion that at present time innovative business has certain advantages for development in Latvia, especially in regions, because the main weak point of innovative business - high risk - is oppressed by general business risk growing due to economic crisis.

Selected features of New Economy and its impact on business management

Abstract: Article focuses on selected features of the new economy, especially globalization, changes brought about as a consequence, new skills required for management, including a shift in the indicators for assessing business performance

Uzbek travel services industry and international comparison

Abstract: The aim of this article is to present results of Uzbek travel companies survey focusing primarily on market research and strategy-setting while putting this in contrast to international experience in this sector. We present that many Uzbek travel companies are not used to do proper marketing research, only the biggest are. There are not rare cases of situations when management does not know how to define strategic behavior and strategy itself (as majority of companies lack long-term vision and orient themselves primarily on short run profits).