Companies In Slovakia Research Articles

Trends and Perspectives in Enhancing the Competitiveness of Slovak Businesses Through Predictive HR Analytics

Abstract The use of HR analytics has been on the rise in recent years, with organizations increasingly recognizing its potential to improve HR processes, increase employee productivity and engagement, and reduce costs. The research presented in this paper extends the knowledge base, especially the characteristics of the degree of implementation of HR analysis into working systems of human resources management utilized within businesses operating within the Slovakian context, emphasizing their role in bolstering and enhancing competitiveness within the European economic arena. Although there was a clear interest in the use of predictive analytics in Slovak companies, there was still a lot of room for improvement and adoption of this approach in HR practice. The authors' findings also suggest that companies in Slovakia are increasingly aware of the value of data-driven decision-making in HR and are willing to invest in these technologies to gain a competitive advantage. The objective of this study is to ascertain contemporary human resource management instruments utilized within businesses operating within the Slovakian context. The authors assumed that the perceived importance of the data approach in HR among Slovak companies is strong, and companies are open to learning more about this approach. A sample of 841 respondents was collected throughout 2020, sample included enterprises from the Slovak Republic. The interviews were conducted via phone in November 2022. The interview respondents are 7 HR representatives. The authors' findings suggest that companies in Slovakia are increasingly aware of the value of data-driven decision-making in HR and are willing to invest in these technologies to gain a competitive advantage.

Implementing Lean Manufacturing Method to Achieve an Effective Maintenance System in the Mining Company

This article deals with the maintenance process in the selected mining company. It investigates the maintenance process over digitalization and optimization as a pillar of Industry 4.0. The main goal of the research in this article was to design an effective maintenance system for the material and spare parts. The object of the research was the mining company in Slovakia that focuses on the maintenance process of mining machines in the frame of a wide spectrum of mining activities. Economic quantitative methods were used in solving the research, observation for spare parts, a graphical method for spare parts layout, and software application. The relevance of this scientific research was related to the innovation of the maintenance process with large barriers. We suggested a document, a record of spare parts, a flow chart for supply, a model of a maintenance system, and a model of controlling. The conclusions of this mining company can be recommendations for other mining companies around the world.

Would it have been cheaper to let them become unemployed? Costs and benefits of First Aid intervention for companies in Slovakia during the COVID-19 pandemic

Research background: The global COVID-19 pandemic, which started in the first quarter of 2020, triggered unprecedented economic challenges, prompting governments worldwide to implement intervention measures to mitigate its impacts on business and employment. Without the state’s financial help, many companies were forced to lay off their employees. Among these measures was the First Aid intervention program introduced in Slovakia in April 2020, aimed at providing financial support to companies facing operational disruptions and potential layoffs of their employees. Purpose of the article: This study assesses the impact of the First Aid intervention program during the COVID-19 pandemic on unemployment in selected sectors, with an emphasis on the financial aspect, emphasising the international relevance and long-term implications of the state intervention in the crisis period. By analysing its effectiveness in preserving jobs and mitigating unemployment in selected sectors, the research seeks to offer valuable insights that can inform crisis response strategies and labour market policies in the country and beyond national borders. Methods: Employing a counterfactual approach, we quantify the financial consequence of the First Aid+ intervention program on the state budget, comparing unemployment costs against the benefits of maintaining employment in targeted sectors. Through this methodological framework, we aim to provide a replicable model for evaluating the efficacy of intervention programs in different socio-economic contexts. Findings & value added: Our analysis reveals not only the immediate impacts of the First Aid+ program on mitigating unemployment during the pandemic, but also its broader implications for policy and crisis management strategies. By elucidating the cost-benefit analysis of intervention measures, the research contributes to the effective labour market policies in times of crisis.

Occupational accidents in Slovak Military Forests and Estates: incidence, timing, and trends over 10 years.

Forestry provides a wide range of employment opportunities worldwide and is seen as one of the high-risk industries in terms of occupational accidents. The submitted study analyzed the injury rate in the Military Forests and Estates of the Slovak Republic (62.6 thousand ha) between 2013 and 2022. The data analyses included regression and correlation analyses, χ2 tests to analyze the relationships between studied variables, and incidence rates. During the observed period, employees suffered 26 occupational accidents, of which 19.2% were light, 57.7% were registered, 23.1% were severe, and 0% were fatal. For every 1 million m3 of harvested timber, 7.7 accidents occurred. The incidence rate during the observed period was 672.1/100,000 employees. The highest proportion of accidents was in the age group 51-60 years and in employees with the lowest length of work experience <5 years. Regarding time, the highest proportion of occupational accidents occurred between 8:01 and 10:00 AM (53.8%) and day-wise on Thursdays (46.2%). The highest proportion of accidents occurred among forest workers (65.3%) during pruning and silviculture activities (42.3%). The most common injury site was forest stands (65.3%). Superficial injuries (34.6%) were the most common, mainly affecting the lower limbs (50%). The most frequent material agents causing the accidents were work and transport areas as sources of worker fall (38.5%), and the most frequent reason for an accident to occur was the lack of personal requirements for proper work performance (92.4%), whereas only (3.8%) of accidents occurred due to the use of forbidden or hazardous working procedures. The presented study identified the most vulnerable worker groups and provided an overview of the overall injury rate at the state forest company in Slovakia. The documentation can be incorporated into the safety strategies of forest enterprises.

Innovative Activity of Spa Companies in the Slovak and Czech Republic in the Context of the COVID-19 Pandemic

In many health systems in European countries, SPA services are currently part of or a supplement to health care. Owingto their natural healing resources and long-standing traditions, the Czech Republic and Slovak Republic are important European SPA countries. In both countries, SPA tourism is also one of the most important types of tourism, and with regard to its evaluation according to the number of overnight stays and income, it constitutes a significant share of the structure of the tourism industry. One of the greatest challenges for SPA businesses was the COVID-19 pandemic, which caused travel restrictions, business closures, and a decrease in demand and revenue. The impact of the pandemic on SPA businesses in the studied countries has not yet been examined in detail. Accordingly, the aim of the present study is to evaluate the innovative activities of SPA companies in Slovakia and the Czech Republic in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. The research sample consists of 122 SPA enterprises from both republics. Based on the results of previous research, innovation is generally perceived as an important element in the development of society, crisis management, increasing competitiveness and commercial success. The main research method for identifying and classifying the types of innovations and innovation capabilities implemented in SPA enterprises was a questionnaire survey. The results of the conducted research revealed that the origin of SPA businesses does not affect the country or how people perceive trends. The connections between the types of introduced innovations and some benefits from the introduction of innovations as well as the barriers affecting the introduction of innovations were confirmed. It follows, for example, that companies that invest in innovation processes can improve their performance and the competitiveness of their team and reduce their costs for production or service provision. From the analysis of factors related to the introduction of innovations, it emerged that the most important factors are those that have a direct impact on economic results and the competitive advantage of businesses. On the other hand, those factors related to cultural, environmental or technical aspects of innovation are less important. Despite repeated calls, not all SPA companies operating in the SPA industry in the Czech Republic and Slovak Republic participated.

Analysis of the coefficient of unpredictable costs in the construction industry in Slovakia

The main vision of the article is how the current situation in the construction industry affects the cost of construction equipment in Slovakia, because during the implementation, unforeseen costs enter the costs, which are not foreseen in the planning. Current inflation in Slovakia is one of the highest in Europe. The methods used during the research were initial quantitative questionnaires. The output of these was processed using statistical methods and subsequently evaluated. The current situation requires considerable attention in the calculation of individual construction costs. As it is a very challenging process due to the unpredictable market situation in terms of inflation, the price of energy increases, which also causes the rise in the prices of materials and wages. The data obtained can be used by construction companies to calculate the construction equipment. Construction companies in Slovakia can apply the information obtained in the preparation of a quote for construction work that includes construction equipment.

Evaluating the Organizational Effectiveness of Industrial Enterprises Using Game Theory

Assessment of organizational effectiveness is critical to any organization. The purpose of this paper is to present a mixed approach using game theory analysis to assess the performance of organizational effectiveness within organizations. To assess the competence of each unit in assessing organizational effectiveness, the relationship between different departments within an organization is modeled based on effectiveness indicators. Furthermore, indicators related to each aspect of organizational effectiveness are expressed as inputs and outputs for determining effectiveness. The proposed model has been implemented in 20 different industrial enterprises within Slovakia, based on the information obtained in 2022. This paper is based solely on the financial and economic data of various manufacturing companies in Slovakia. With approximately 500 statements, over a period of 6 years, this paper is expected to be able to describe organizational effectiveness, which may provide a potential indication of the company's level of viability in the coming years. Statistical analyses are also performed to monitor the general practicality of the data.

The Impact of the Covid-19 Pandemic on Human Resource Management Priorities

Abstract The pandemic situation associated with the Covid-19 disease has changed people's lives and significantly affected the functioning of companies and organizations. Managers of industrial companies faced a new situation and had to look for new solutions to the problems that arose. Employees were forced to get used to new conditions and adapt not only to new private along with new work situations caused by the pandemic. The success of any organization depends on its employees, which is why a high-quality human resource management was important also in the pandemic situation. The aim of the article is to interpret the results of research aimed at identifying priorities in the field of human resource management in terms of the situation before and during the pandemic as well as the priorities that will dominate after the return to the standard work regime. The collection tool was a questionnaire distributed online. As many as 70 managers and specialists from industrial companies in Slovakia took part in the questionnaire survey. The obtained data were evaluated through descriptive statistics, in the form of graphs and tables. The results can be useful for practice of industrial companies in the field of setting priorities, or evaluating and comparing the situation in the field of human resource management before and during the pandemic as well as after the return to the standard work regime.

Optimizing internal transport in terms of technical parameters in a mining company

The research scientific article summarizes the arguments within the scientific discussion on the issue of internal transport and machine park in mining companies. The machine park in mining companies is base of efective mining processes and optimal results of mining. The machine park in the mining company introduces a combination of stagnant and active equipment in the process of mining. The goal of this article is to reflect the innovative approach in the creation of internal transport by machine park in the mining company with the aim of increasing the reliability, safety, failures, and efficiency of mining equipment. The entity of the investigation was the selected mining company in Slovakia focused on limestone mining. Approach of research were focused on using comparative analysis of the technical parameters of mining machines and their technical performance. The relevance of the decision of this scientific research was connected with the innovation of a mining machine park focused on mobile machines with a combination of stationary machines. The article presents the results pointing to significant improvements in the machine park of the mining company. In this paper we suggest two alternatives (two models that monitor the factors as quality, costs, safety, reliability, and optimization of company resources, which are important for the optimal arrangement of equipments) of the composition of the machine park for a selected mining company with Mobil crusher Sandvik QJ341+, Mobile sorter McCloskey S130, Wheel loader CAT 972 M, and tracked excavator CAT 336F and second alternative Mobil crusher Hartl 12/65J, Mobile sorter Anaconda SR514, Wheel loader CAT 966 M and tracked excavator CAT 329E. The results of two alternatives of the machine park in a mining company can be recommendations for other mining companies in the area of building the machine park for mining processes and its optimization.

Building Competence of Managers for Companies in Digital Transformation

Trends in business management caused by Industry 4.0 implementation and related to COVID-19 restrictions brought up new challenges. Consequently, increasing digitalization triggered a modern concept of people management accelerating new managerial skills. Digital transformation requires new strategies in training, reskilling, and upskilling. The aim of this paper is to review managerial skills in companies in digital transformation, to identify the gap between current and future competence recognized by HR leaders. By analysis of the gap, we aim to be able to recognize the need for upskilling or reskilling of managers in companies in Slovakia. The study indicates that when companies innovate to move forward in their digital transformation process, it is data protection, networking and data processing that they focus on. Within the study HR leaders have identified it is both, way of thinking as well as attitude that needs to be shaped for building future managerial competence. The study also implies that future upskilling needs to focus on competence to interact and future reskilling on competence to data processing, as these competencies are contextual to digitalization.

Evaluation of the Quality of the Cement Production Process in Terms of Increasing the Company’s Performance

This article summarizes the arguments surrounding the scientific discussion of the cement production process at a selected company in Slovakia. (1) The main goal of this article is to evaluate the quality of the cement production process with the intention of increasing the performance and quality of the process and the quality of the cement in various assortments. The object of this research was a selected company in Slovakia which focuses on cement production. (2) The methods of research were focused on using statistical, economic, and financial analyses and instruments of quality management, such as the Ishikawa diagram, regression diagram, correlation, and box plot diagram. The relevance of the decision of this scientific research relating to the innovation of the cement production process focused on Industry 4.0 requirements. (3) This paper presents the results of the clinker CaOF content and LS and their quality. These components are used for cement products and are responsible for the quality of cement. This paper obtained a view of barriers in the cement production process, the most important of which are the people involved and their qualifications. (4) These barriers were minimalized and indicated significant improvements in the quality of entry components in the clinker. We suggest reducing CEM III and replacing CEM I-R, which brings higher profit to the company. These results can be instruments or recommendations for other companies utilizing the cement production process.

The Approaches to Information Security in Small and Medium-sized Companies in Slovakia: An Empirical Study

Securing information security is in the interest of all users of information and communication technologies, namely individuals, businesses and organizations, national authorities and institutions, multinational groups, and IT consulting companies. In this paper, we evaluate the results of our surveys in the field of information security in the sector of small and medium-sized enterprises, which were carried out in the years 2008 - 2020.

Does CSR influence consumer behaviour as a marketing tool? Case study from the Slovak food market

The submitted paper aims at CSR activities and marketing communication of food companies in Slovakia and its influence on consumer behaviour and their decision-making. On the threshold of the 3rd millennium, the CSR of food companies is also connected with rationality and irrationality in creating preferences in consumer shopping behaviour. Corporate social responsibility (CSR) has received much attention in recent years. Food companies are currently using CSR to gain a competitive advantage, and these activities have also penetrated the marketing field. In the field of CSR and the food market in the Slovak Republic, we conducted a survey based on a questionnaire focused on CSR activities as a marketing tool in the food market from the customers’ perspective. In the questionnaire, the most important problems and aspects related to the CSR issue were examined and transferred to the questionnaire offered to online respondents. We ensured the representativeness of the research sample by addressing the questionnaire to target interest groups and respondents of all age categories focused on the food market. Three research questions were set for analysing corporate social responsibility as a marketing tool of food companies in Slovakia from the consumer’s point of view. The questionnaire survey results with 1,254 participating respondents showed that although they are familiar with the concept of CSR, a large percentage of respondents need to learn about these activities or pay more attention to them. Based on our conducted research, customers perceive the CSR activities of food companies in most cases as a marketing communication tool that builds the company’s good name and image. We can also observe a huge impact in the area of rationality and irrationality when creating preferences in the purchasing behaviour of consumers based on CSR activities and their implications and communications with customers. We used the Chi-square test, proportional Z test, two-sample and frequency and contingency tables to evaluate the data statistically. Communication of CSR activities is a difficult task for food companies, which currently brings many threats and opportunities. For this reason, businesses need the right CSR communication strategy to influence consumer attitudes and behaviour effectively. CSR in the food industry is particularly important because of the wide range of potential benefits.

Business process automation: New challenges to increasing the efficiency and competitiveness of companies

Background: Scientific and technical progress are unstoppable. Nowadays, information technology affects every sphere of social and economic life. The automation of business processes is a common part of business and accounting practice. Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the automation in companies. Regularly occurring transactions, which were performed manually before, are gradually being replaced by information technology and automatic robotic systems. The companies fully use cloud storages, artificial intelligence, or blockchain technologies. Purpose: The purpose of the paper is to identify areas and possibilities for improvement of business and accounting processes with use of information technologies, digitalization, and automation. Methodology: For the purpose of the paper, a standard methodology review of literature sources was performed. Then we conducted a brief questionnaire survey in order to find out the level of automation and digitization of business processes in companies in the Slovak Republic. Findings and conclusions: It is expected that, as a result of robotization and automation of business processes, some professions will gradually disappear within a few decades. Even the crisis related to COVID19 pandemic had an impact on the acceleration of using information technologies in business processes related to their digitalization and automation. The paper describes possibilities of automation with focus on e-shop, which make the processes safer, faster, more effective, eco-friendly, with fewer errors. On the other hand, there are some challenges and threats the accounting entities have to consider when implementing artificial intelligence, information technology in their business processes, such as cyber security, the Internet and electricity outages. We have observed that companies in Slovakia have their business processes more or less automated. However, the automation is the domain of bigger and multinational companies. The higher initial costs related to automation are limitation for smaller companies that need to consider benefits and costs the automation requires. Limitations and future research: Our paper is based on the theoretical background with a brief research in the area of implementing information technologies in companies in the Slovak Republic. The number of returned questionnaire surveys that were the base for our brief and initial research was very low. More detailed analysis of level of automation in the Slovak companies in comparison with companies abroad, their readiness for changes related to automation, as well as threats, challenges, pros and cons of automation may be the topic for the future research.

Strategic Management: Factors Influencing (De) Centralization in Multinational Corporations Operating in Slovakia

In the field of (de)centralization of companies, there is a need to explore the factors that influence decision-making processes and organizational structures. However, limited research has focused specifically on the Slovakian business environment, warranting further investigation. This article aims to examine the relationships between ownership structure, the establishment of direct foreign equity participation (DFEP) and company size in relation to aspects of (de)centralization in a select group of companies in Slovakia. The aim is to highlight the importance of the (de)centralization problem. The researchers employed statistical methods to analyse the data, including the nonparametric Kruskal‒Wallis test and post hoc analysis using the pairwise comparison post hoc test. These tests were applied to identify statistically significant differences between the chosen factors and individual variables relating to (de)centralization. The findings indicate that the establishment of DFEP significantly influences (de)centralization in areas such as the purchase of materials/goods, production/planning/provision, marketing planning, sales to the end customer and the filling of managerial positions. Ownership structure was also found to significantly influence (de)centralization with regard to the purchase of materials/goods, production/planning/provision and marketing planning. Similarly, company size seems to play a role in strategic management and production/planning/provision decisions. This study contributes to the existing body of knowledge by offering insights into the specific context of (de)centralization in the Slovakian business environment. The use of statistical analysis methods enhances the rigor of the findings. The findings provide practical implications for decision-making processes, resource allocation strategies and organizational design. This research fills a gap in the literature by focusing on the relationships between ownership structure, the establishment of DFEP and company size within the context of (de)centralization. This study serves as a foundation for future research in this field, guiding further exploration and understanding of the factors affecting (de)centralization in Slovakia.

Comparison of courier companies in Slovakia in the context of sustainable development

The sustainable development of the company can be explained as the process of managing the organization about concerning various aspects - economic, social, and environmental. Although the original idea was used almost exclusively in connection with the environment and natural resources, today the word sustainability is used in a wide range of fields and activities. Businesses should not focus only on profit, but on all pillars of sustainable development to ensure the ethical, rational, and efficient execution of all business processes and activities. The paper aims to point out the integration of the concept of sustainable development into the strategy of courier companies. Increasing rates of urbanization and the continuous development of e-commerce are increasing the pressure on last-mile delivery in urban areas. With the increase in demand for home delivery, to parcel lockers or delivery points, the question arises of how to implement these processes efficiently and more sustainably. The paper focuses at comparing selected courier companies - Packeta, DPD, SPS, DHL and Slovenská pošta, operating in the Slovak Republic and identifying the elements and activities they implement in connection with the integration of sustainable development.

SELECTED INNOVATIVE APPROACHES IN THE WASTE TYRES MANAGEMENT

Nowadays, waste is something that every country can handle in terms of disposing of it, storing it, or reusing it. However, waste is not only municipal waste but also other raw materials that wear out over time, and their primary purpose in life is over. The ideal case for such waste is its recycling and reuse in other forms. Preventing waste is the best way to recycle, but its life cycle needs to be addressed if waste is produced. The economic model of the current society is primarily linear so far. We extract natural resources and take them to the other side of the world, where products are made from them. These are distributed to other corners of the world, where consumers buy, use and throw them away. This is how waste is created and raw materials in the form of products end up in landfills, incinerators, or thrown in the wild. However, according to the institute, the circular model should, in addition to a stable economy, also ensure a healthy environment. This specific area of waste is under-discussed across society compared to plastics, where more emphasis is placed on recycling and reuse. The presented manuscript concerns the worst kind of waste, namely end-of-life tyres. Despite this, there are companies in Slovakia that are looking for innovative ways to evaluate this type of waste and are dedicated to traditional recycling methods. The number of fast-paced used tyres is increasing nowadays, which also adapts to the lifestyle of everyday life.

Do Firm in the Tourism Sector Manage Earnings? The Case of the V4 Countries

We study whether the presence of earnings management in the period of 2016-2019 occurs in companies operating in the tourism sector in the V4 countries, as the issue of earnings management in the tourism sector is not developed in these countries. To identify the presence of earnings management, we apply the Jones model in each V4 country to assess the occurrence of earnings management and its direction, degree, and extent. We use regression analysis in our paper. The existence of earnings management is verified using a non-parametric Mann-Whitney test. The direction, degree, and extent are verified through discretionary accrual percentages and average discretionary accruals. The data are drawn from the Amadeus financial database. The selection of companies is based on a set criterion, where the value of total assets in the period 2016-2019 will reach at least one million euros. Our analysis shows that companies in the tourism sector in the V4 countries manipulate profits. Discretionary accrual analysis reveals different positive and negative discretionary accrual values ​​in the V4 countries. Enterprises in Slovakia achieve lower values ​​of positive discretionary accrual compared to negative discretionary accrual. On the contrary, in the Czech Republic, Poland, and Hungary, companies achieve higher values ​​of positive discretionary accrual. We also found that companies in Slovakia manage their profits by decreasing compared to those in the Czech Republic, Poland, and Hungary, which in turn manage their profits by increasing.

Human Resource Management in Sustainable Development

The article deals with human resource management and selected personnel indicators in sustainable development. The main goal of this paper is to analyse and describe human resource management, focused on the audit of workload, the motivation of employees, the competence of staff, their knowledge and experience. The article shows how the selected personnel variables are investigated in selected establishments of a multinational company in Slovakia, as an attractive employer interested in the growth of its employees, thus employer branding. For the research methods, a case study methodology is used. Data collection was carried out through a study of the employees’ performance and through a survey with employees in the company, as well as an interview with the sale advisors and managers. The research aimed to point out a case study of the investigation of the selected personnel indicators in human resources management in a selected company and to examine the perception of the performance of the employees in connection with their financial evaluation and their satisfaction within the selected company and the impact on the employees’ performance. Furthermore, the research aimed to determine whether there was a dependence between the subjectively perceived performance of the employees and the selected aspects using the statistical SPSS program. Further indicators were calculated, such as workload, proportion of wasted time and labour productivity.

Disruptions of cytological screening procedures due to the COVID-19 pandemic in Slovakia

Abstract Background During the COVID-19 pandemic, most settings experienced healthcare service disruptions. The majority of cytological screening procedures were postponed to focus on assisting patients infected with COVID-19. In this study, we aimed to analyse the impact of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the uptake of cervical cancer screening in Slovakia. Methods Data on cytological screening procedures were obtained from two of the three health insurance companies in Slovakia for the years 2019 and 2020, covering the population of women aged 15 and older. All data were calculated stratified for age groups. Rates of cytological screenings were calculated as the number of procedures per women registered in the insurance company in the same age group and rate ratios were calculated as ratios of the rates for the years 2020 and 2019 for the same age group. Incidence rates were calculated as the number of newly diagnosed cervical cancer cases per women registered in the insurance company in the respective year. Results Rate ratios of cytological screening procedures revealed that in both examined health insurance companies, the rate of cytological exams was lower in 2020 compared to 2019 (0.95 and 0.89). This was observed across all age groups. The results showed a clear and statistically significant age gradient, indicating that the level of disruption increased with age. The age group 60-69 years had the highest incidence rate of cervical cancer in 2019, at 54.3 per 100 000. In 2020, the highest rate was 48.3 in the age group 50-59 years. The lowest rates were in children and young adults (&amp;lt;20 years). Conclusions This study confirms the significant impact of the pandemic on cervical cancer screening uptake in Slovakia, which may have delayed the diagnosis of cervical cancer into later stages of the disease with a worse prognosis. This may lead to increased mortality and years lived with disability due to this disease in Slovakia. Key messages • Disruptions in cervical cancer screenings were observed in Slovakia during the COVID-19 pandemic which may result in an increase in cervical cancer incidence and mortality. • Strategies should be implemented to maintain cancer screening programs during health emergencies to avoid excessive mortality and morbidity.