Volume 9, Number 1

Impresum

IMPACT OF HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT ON BUSINESS PERFORMANCE: A REVIEW OF LITERATURE
Mihalj BAKATOR, Nikola PETROVIĆ, Slađana BORIĆ, Nataša ĐALIĆ

Abstract: In this paper the influence of human resource management (HRM) on business performance is analyzed. The main goal was to thoroughly and systematically examine literature in the domain of HRM, and business performance that resulted in a concise review paper. A large body of literature addresses the HRM-business performance link, thus there was plenty of room for an extensive analysis of various articles. To be more precise, two hundred and twelve (212) articles were analyzed from which 187 were removed through several steps in the review process. The findings indicate that there is a positive relationship between HRM practices and overall business performance. In addition, HRM has a positive influence on employee wellbeing, productivity, and organizational climate. However, there is a possibility that good HRM practices are not the cause of good business performance, but vice-versa. This issue is addressed, and discussed further in this present article. Based on the gathered information, and obtained results, it is safe to suggest that this systematic review paper has a significant contribution to the existing body of literature. In addition, the paper can be used as a starting point for future research in the domain of HRM practices and their impact on business performance.
Keywords: Human resource management, Business performance, Employee productivity, Business strategy.

RAISING AWARENESS ON ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AND IMPROVEMENT THROUGH STUDENT PROJECTS: A CASE STUDY
Anja BUBIK, Lucija KOLAR

Abstract:Raising awareness on a certain topic or issue is vastly alleviated with a proliferation of the electronic media and consequently, fast information delivery. The experience shows, that this is the best and most compelling way to educate the general public. Within this paper we show how two student projects, employing various activities to raise awareness, influenced general public. We also present the benefits and negative effects of the campaigns and how they can be linked together to an interesting and educational real case scenario. Public knowledge on greening and its benefits, related to the climate changes were studied in Slovenia, with the emphasis on Savinja statistical region. We used surveys, pilot cases, organized public events and remote collaboration tools within this study. We observed lack of knowledge and experience with greening principles among general public. However, good communication skills, networking and attractive sustainable solutions have led to an increase of greening awareness. Our case study gives examples on possible approaches in the frame of climate changes prevention and is encouraging future student projects. We summarized solutions and developed appropriate tools to implement them in order to effectively and efficiently raise public awareness on sustainable integration development and greening.
Keywords: Student projects, Awareness, Greening, Survey, E-tools, Sustainable development.

THE OPTIMAL SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEMS BY REGRESSION ANALYSIS
Branko POPOVIĆ

Abstract:Problems are various possible and impossible questions, tasks and riddles that are being set up and attempt to solve in different ways. However, assuming that half of all problems are not solvable and that the remaining one-fourth cannot be defined, there are good chances for a successful mathematical solution to the second quarter of the problem. Problem-solving using regression analyses allows determining the relationship between the dependent response and the independent factors through defined regression functions, relationship estimates, predicting results, simulating data, optimizing the sizes, and improving the resolution process. Although there are many regression analyses, linear regression analyses are usually used. The author proposes the application of Procedure for selecting a significant regression analysis between 16 different regression analyses and Procedures for solving regression analyses. Using this approach in this release, an optimal solution of the problem of finding the optimal best sun exposure position for the solar collector is shown.
Keywords: Regression analyses. Optimal solution for problems.

AN MCDM APPROACH TO ASSESSING NPD PROBLEMS
Sanja PUZOVIĆ, Jasmina VESIĆ VASOVIĆ, Vladan PAUNOVIĆ, Zoran NEŠIĆ

Abstract:Developing new products is an essential strategy tool in achieving a company’s comparative advantages and its sustainable development. The problems that may occur during this process may lead to inefficiency and failure in the market, and thus also to poorer organizational performance. Accordingly, recognizing and analyzing NPD problems in a proper way is of exceptional importance for sustaining a company’s growth and increasing its profitability. The paper proposes a Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) methodology for recognizing and prioritizing the problems that may occur during the process of a New Product Development (NPD). The proposed approach is based on the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) methodology, which enables the assessment of an impact of these problems on the success of the NPD; the AHP method is also integrated with the fuzzy set theory, which is aimed at avoiding the problem of uncertainties and ambiguities. The possibilities of the application of proposed methodology are illustrated in the case of a company manufacturing corrugated paper and special cardboard packaging.
Keywords: NPD problems, MCDM, fuzzy AHP.

IMPACT OF LEADERSHIP ON INTERPERSONAL TRUST AT WORK IN ENTERPRISES IN BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA
Edin STRUKAN, Edit TEREK, Milan NIKOLIĆ

Abstract:The paper presents theoretical basics and results of concrete research of the influence of leadership dimensions on dimensions of interpersonal trust at work in enterprises in Bosnia and Herzegovina. In addition, the moderating effects of the ownership structure and the national origin of enterprises on the observed relationships were examined. The data were obtained by surveying 334 medium level managers from 103 enterprises in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The aim of this research was to determine the extent to which leadership influences interpersonal trust at work as one of the indicators of the overall effectiveness of business process management, which directly influences the scope and intensity of organizational and business performance of the enterprise. Also, the task of this research was to provide certain recommendations and guidelines for leaders and managers in order to plot future plans according to these data. The basic conclusions of this research are that leaders need to lower their performance expectations, reduce punishment, improve their relationship with employees, increase rewards in line with opportunities, and refine their strategic knowledge, thinking, and action.
Keywords: Leadership, LMX, Interpersonal trust at work, Performance, Bosnia and Herzegovina.

MAKING ENGINEERING DEPARTMENTS ENTREPRENEURIAL: A DISCUSSION!
Zelimir William TODOROVIC, Jun Ma TODOROVIC

Abstract: The concept of an “entrepreneurial orientation” is well established in the literature on the strategic posture of firms. Increasingly, large organizations are also turning to entrepreneurship in their efforts to become flexible and respond to pressures to “do more with less”. To understand what it means for engineering departments to be “entrepreneurial”, interviews with forty faculty members explored this issue. Transcripts of the interviews were analysed using content analysis software. Next, focus groups were employed to identify and establish face validity for the items developed. The results suggest risk-taking is the most important dimension in developing an entrepreneurial engineering department, and a strong requirement for its continued competitiveness. Further, study also supports the notion that entrepreneurial engineering faculty will develop higher levels of Industry collaboration, funding and reputation – leading to higher success for internal university stakeholders.
Keywords: University entrepreneurship, Entrepreneurial orientation, University department.

INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS – AN IMPORTANT COMPONENT OF A SUCCESSFUL DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION OF THE NATIONAL ECONOMY
Marijana VIDAS-BUBANJA, Srđan BOGETIĆ, Iva BUBANJA

Abstract:Digital transformation is a term that is, as of late, becoming an increasingly important topic of discussion, among both government authorities (in developed and developing countries) and entrepreneurs as well. Through the process of digital transformation, enterprises acquire the power to create new values for end-users, employees and the enterprises themselves more efficiently, and thus become more competitive and better positioned on the global market. In the overall process of digital transformation, an important role is played by the government, which needs to create an environment marked by the presence of supply (provided by enterprises) and demand from the end-users. The education of the companies’ employees, as well as the users, is a decisive element that will decide whether digital transformation will work out in a particular market. The important role of the government is also shown in the adoption and implementation of international standards that provide businesses with a certain level of certainty when it comes to data protection and security in the digital sphere. The Republic of Serbia has asserted its determination to be more actively involved in the process of the digital transformation of the national economy, but unfortunately, the efforts aimed at this endeavour still fall short in comparison to the countries in the South East Europe region.
Keywords: Digital Transformation, Education, Standards, Security, Development.

Appendix:

List of Reviewers

JEMC Template