Human Capital Operational Programme Research Articles

An analysis of the absorption rate of EU funded social projects at macro-regional level

The current European context is still characterized by the disparities between the Member States, economic and social cohesion being one of the priorities of the European Union, which is found among the key objectives of European and national policies. The Structural Funds are the most important economic policy measure adopted by the European Commission, and their management, which represents an opportunity for socio-economic development, is the responsibility of all Member States. In the national context, the responsibility for a sustainable local development must be placed on the community, one of the most effective tools for achieving the community’s development being social programs, implemented through social projects. The aim of this paper is to carry out an analysis of the projects contracted under the Human Capital Operational Programme, Priority Axis 4 - Social inclusion and combating poverty, for the 2014-2020 programming period, at the level of Romania's development regions. For our country, the European Structural Funds are the main source of funding of the operational programmes which facilitate the socio-economic development at national, regional and local level, based on the premise that the development of social projects can lead to improved living conditions for the citizens of local communities.

Relationship between 3D and 2D global longitudinal strain in patients with acute myocardial infarction after percutaneous revascularization

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: Other. Main funding source(s): This research was funded by “Iuliu Haţieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Dept. of Cardiology, Cluj-Napoca, Romania. This paper was published under the frame of European Social Found, Human Capital Operational Programme 2014-2020, project no. POCU/380/6/13/125171 Introduction Impaired longitudinal strain (GLS) is associated with increased wall stress following acute myocardial infarction (MI). However, little is known about the relationship between three-dimensional (3D)-GLS and two-dimensional (2D)-GLS. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between 3D-GLS and 2D-GLS and also the association of 3D-GLS with specific biomarkers (NT-proBNP and Troponin) in patients with acute MI following percutaneous revascularization (PCI). Methods We included 100 patients with acute MI after successful PCI with a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) >40%. 2D-GLS and 3D-GLS were assessed using speckle-tracking echocardiography and plasma concentrations of NT-proBNP and high sensitive troponin were analyzed. Results The patients had a mean age of 67.1 ± 13.1 years. 69 patients were diagnosed with ST-elevation MI (STEMI). Mean 3D-GLS was of -9.44 ± 4.35% and mean 2D-GLSwas of -10.1 ± 3.9%. 3D-GLS showed a strong correlation with 2D-GLS (r=-0.57, p < 0.001) and LVEF (r=-0.58,p < 0.001), a moderate correlation with NT-proBNP (r = 0.22), but no correlation with Troponin (r = 0.19). There was no difference (paired t-test) between 3D-GLS and 2D-GLS (p = 0.56, mean of differences of 0.65), but the limits of agreement were wide (-6.8% and 8.11%). Conclusion 3D-GLS showed small bias compared to 2D-GLS, but wide limits of agreement. The correlation between 3D-GLS and NT-proBNP was only moderate in acute MI. 3D-GLS might offer additional advantages in patients with complex geometry after acute MI due to faster data acquisition and lack of geometric assumption,but future studies are needed to confirm its role. Abstract Figure. Relationship between 3D and 2D GLS Abstract Figure. Corresponding Bland-Altman plots

Internationalization as a challenge for geographical education in Poland: experience of a new postgraduate study “cultural industries in the development policies of cities and regions”

For many years internationalization has not been a strong point of geographical education in post-socialist countries, including Poland. Therefore, all attempts at intensifying it are a real challenge and good practices deserve dissemination. This paper seeks to present the organizational and programme assumptions of a new field of postgraduate study called Cultural industries in the development policies of cities and regions, (Project supported by the European Social Fund under the Human Capital Operational Programme in the years 2013–2015 (Priority IV: Tertiary Education and Science, Measure 4.3: Enhancing the didactic potential of universities in areas of key importance for the Europe 2020 Strategy. UDA-POKL.04.03.00–00-152/12–00).) developed by the staff of the Institute of Socio-Economic Geography and Spatial Management of Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań (Poland) as a didactic innovation, based on a modular system of education offering wide internationalization possibilities. The analysis focuses on experiences connected with this process. They include classes prepared in cooperation with visiting professors and practitioners from eight universities and European institutions as well as week-long practical placements in Brussels, arranged thanks to a network of experts and institutions specifically established for this purpose. The results obtained help to formulate conclusions and recommendations for higher schools interested in adopting this kind of good practices connected with the development of geographical education.

Exemption from VAT for Training, Advisory and Related Services Provided by Subcontractors of Beneficiaries Implementing Projects Financed from the European Social Fund

The purpose of the article is to analyze regulations concerning exemption of training, advisory and related services from Value Added Tax to the extent that these services are implemented by subcontractors of beneficiaries of funds from the European Social Fund. The “Rapid Response Instrument” project, financed from the European Social Fund, was implemented in the financial perspective of 2007–2013 under the Human Capital Operational Programme. However, the tax issues related to its implementation remain relevant. Firstly, because the period in which its implementing entities can be covered by tax inspections with regard to compliance of the conducted settlements with the valid regulations has not elapsed yet. Secondly, the mechanism of settlement of similar projects may be used in the new financial perspective for the period of 2014–2020. Therefore, the stance with regard to tax consequences of the settlement mechanism used between entities carrying out trainings funded from the European Social Fund, worked out so far by the tax authorities and administrative court, may apply accordingly also to those projects.

Zarządzanie projektem partnerskim współfinansowanym ze środków funduszy zewnętrznych przy zastosowaniu metody Project Cycle Management

This article presents a proposal for an approach to the management of a partner project co-financed with the EU structural funds in the public sector. The project management constitutes both a multifaceted area of researches and traineeship of the management of contemporary organizations are affecting. You can hardly find any information describing or examining this issue. This article aims to show the specifics of the project management partnership co-financed by European Union within the Human Capital Operational Programme 2007–2013, and to present the benefits offered by the co-operation of local government units and NGOs. The article presents forms and phases of interactions of people and entities in the process of managing a partner project co-financed with the outside funds. It presented the case of the partner project named “The Academy of Non-Governmental Organisations” implemented in the partnership of a local government unit and NGOs.

Mental Health Protection and Health Policy Towards People with Mental Illnesses. the Case of Poland

The aim of the article is to present basic data on the health policy in Poland for the years 2016-2020 in the context of current standards and developmental goals for mental health promotion in the European Union countries. The article is also aimed at adumbrating standards and directions in mental health protection. It also sets out to present guidelines for helping people with mental illnesses that are based on the results of our research. This work presents selected results of a study which was carried out within the "Diagnosing the aid and social support system for people with mental illnesses in the Mazovia Province" research project. The project was co-financed from the resources of the Human Capital Operational Programme (as part of European Union's European Social Fund).

Rozwój innowacji społecznych w Polsce w ramach programu Kapitał Ludzki 2007–2013

On the one hand, human capital is an important factor of building an innovative economy, on the other – innovation affects the process of developing human capital. This is the case of social innovation that could mean a change in behavior by introducing new values, ideas, projects, activities, and these in turn allow solving social problems in a different way and produce positive results in the functioning of individuals and social groups. The policymakers play an important role in the process of creation and development of social innovations. These activities are present in a number of policy initiatives of the European Commission since the early 90s. Innovation was one of the most important aspects of the Lisbon agen-da, and remains a central element of the Europe 2020 strategy, although recognized in another context. The European Union has created a number of financial instruments to support innovative practices in relation to social issues. The most important support for social innovations, however, are the structural funds, especially the European Social Fund. In the framework of each operational programme, particular attention was paid to the promotion and mainstreaming of innovative activi-ties, which was recommended by the European Commission. Human Capital Programme was the only program cofinanced by ESF in Poland in the years 2007–2013. The aim of the article is to analyze innovation projects and implemented social innovations cofinanced by the European Social Fund under the OP Human Capital 2007–2013. For this pur-pose, a study was conducted primarily based on the database of the National Information System SIMIK 07–13 (as of 03/31/2015) and information of the National Supporting Institution for Hu-man Capital Operational Programme.

Cultural Industries In The Development Policies Of Cities And Regions: A New Area Of Educationin Spatial Management

Abstract This paper seeks to present organisational and programme assumptions of a new field of postgraduate studies called Cultural industries in the development policies of cities and regions, prepared by a team of workers of the Institute of Socio-Economic Geography and Spatial Management of Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań as a didactic innovation based on a modular system of education that meets contemporary changes in the labour market. The analysis will also embrace experiences following from the educational process implemented under the Human Capital Operational Programme in the years 2013–2015 (Priority IV: Tertiary Education and Science, Measure 4.3: Enhancing the didactic potential of universities in areas of key importance for the Europe 2020 Strategy). They provide a basis for conclusions and recommendations for higher schools interested in the development of this area of education.

The Project Center for Applications of Mathematics

Abstract. Center of Applied Mathematics is the project co-financed by European Union within the Human Capital Operational Programme. Its main aim is to promote interdisciplinary cooperation between mathematicians and the representatives of other disciplines as well as the development of the mathematical methods which could be useful in the sphere of applications. The project is realized at Faculty of Applied Physics and Mathematics of Gdansk University o Technology. In the article the main tasks realized within the project are described.

In Pursuit of Indicators: Should They be the Only Success Criteria for Projects Financed within the Framework of Human Capital Operational Programme?

Projects dedicated to labour market improvements in Poland that are funded within the framework of the Human Capital Operational Programme (HCOP) are perceived by financing bodies as successes when they are completed on time, within budget, and meet all specifications set in the project plan. Impact, product and result indicators are crucial for EU-funded projects. According to the rules, the national ministries try to achieve the indicators at the national level and divide (disaggregate) the indicators within regions using an algorithm.As research shows, some of the indicators are averaged for an entire region and are not always adequate for the local situation in the district. The investigated local and regional labour market organizations measure projects’ effects by referring to the rates imposed at country level, but research has shown that sometimes these indicators have forced project managers to focus on the artificial rates, not on the quest for value creation for stakeholders through projects.This paper is based on the analysis of evaluation reports on the implementation of the monitoring indicators for the HCOP and a subset of the data obtained from a broader research on project management in the Polish public labour market organizations. The main aim of this paper is to draw attention to the problems with the current method of setting and monitoring indicators for EU-funded projects and programs dedicated to labour market development. The author argues that the current method of determining HCOP indicators causes public organizations to place all their attention and focus on achieving top-down imposed indicators, which are often artificial and incompatible with local realities, rather than focusing on realizing value for stakeholders. This means that the success of HCOP projects is mostly defined by meeting indicators, instead of bringing value to the society.

Quantitative Analysis of the Human Resources Development Operational Programme Supporting Start Up of Business Activity in Poland

Abstract The aim of this article is to describe the rules for the use of the European Social Fund and the assistance provided under the Human Capital Operational Programme, in particular to draw attention to one of his priorities - Market open to everyone. One of the possible actions that the priority is to grant to start a business that contributes to the development of entrepreneurship in Poland. This report presents the results of the use of European funds allocated for this purpose and the number of people who benefited from the assistance offered in the different provinces.

Poprawa jakości kapitału ludzkiego jako element rozwoju gospodarki opartej na wiedzy – wybrane projekty z zakresu ochrony zdrowia realizowane w ramach Programu Operacyjnego Kapitał Ludzki

Improving the quality of human capital as part of the development of the knowledge based economy – selected projects in the field of health care implemented under the Human Capital Operational Program In the economy based on knowledge, the demand for the knowledge and qualified employees is constantly growing and consequently the human capital and all of the processes aiming at raising the level of the human capital are becoming more and more important. It is particularly visible in the area of health care which due to the rapid develop-ment of medical sciences as well as demographic changes in the society requires making thought over investments in human capital. Simultaneously, one should remember that the high quality in health care sector service is one of the basic factors strengthening human capital of the entire society. The aim of the article is to introduce the projects connected with the improvement in the quality of human capital in health care system, which are carried out as part of The Human Capital Operational Programme.

Lokalne instytucje pomocy społecznej w procesie aktywizacji społeczno-zawodowej bezrobotnych kobiet

Contemporary theories of politics, and social assistance – stress that the effectiveness of social programs in the field of community work with groups at risk of marginalization processes is determined by quality of service provided in this area at the level of local institutions. The financial crisis of the welfare state – has highlighted the weakness of the central management of social programs, at the level of individual regions, and thus the need for a new approach to the problems of the excluded. Long-term unemployment, disability, many children and sex are those factors that promote the processes of exclusion – in Poland, a group particularly at risk are women who live outside large cities. The analysis shows that the appropriate support by local aid institutions – raises the prospect of becoming independent women still excluded from the labor market. However, in order to be successful, must be complied with certain conditions into account the local conditions of socio-economic potential. A chance for the preparation of programs targeted to a specific group, including its characteristics and needs – are carried out from 2008 projects under the Human Capital Operational Programme, funded by the European Union. In this elaboration I present the experience of three municipalities voivodeship with the implementation of programs for the group of unemployed women.

Znaczenie postaw przedsiębiorczych przy wyborze kierunku studiów i planowaniu kariery zawodowej studentów ochrony środowiska oraz turystyki i rekreacji Uniwersytetu Pedagogicznego w Krakowie

Social and economic transformations that took place in Poland after 1989 brought, besides the obvious benefits, a number of negative consequences such as the unemployment. In order to increase own competitiveness in the demanding labour market, and referring to the progressive development of civilization associated with building the knowledge-based economy, entrepreneurial attitude of an individual person and his interpersonal skills are of paramount importance. In this approach, entrepreneurial individuals should be inclined to acquire new knowledge and have the ability to observe surroundings and recognize emerging opportunities, which could help to improve their educational and occupational qualifications. Free part-time studies at the Pedagogical University in Cracow undoubtedly offer such an opportunity. The article discusses the problematic aspects of motives for choosing a faculty of studies at the Pedagogical University, which are co-financed by the European Union under the European Social Fund and the Human Capital Operational Programme. The research, based on a questionnaire survey developed by the authors of this article, was conducted in June 2011. The research sample comprised of 33 students of the third year of tourism and recreation, and 50 students of the third year of the environmental protection. On the basis of their response, the hierarchy of motives has been made, as well as the analysis of students’ plans regarding their education and career. This article also presents an assessment of entrepreneurial attitudes of students in planning their own careers.

Rola Europejskiego Funduszu Społecznego w rozwoju zasobów ludzkich

The European Social Fund was created in 1957 on the basis of article 23,Treaty of EEC. It was the first structural fund of the European Commonwealth. The Fund works by creating the mechanisms to support the development of labour markets, which in turn, support the realization of the European Strategy of Employment. The article defines the role of the European Social Fund as the supporting instrument for the development of human capital in Poland. It outlines the major activities of the program and the proper priorities for the fund. It also contains empirical data relating to the allocation of funds used by the Human Capital Operational Programme to various priorities, as well as the funding sources, for the period from 2007 till 2013.

Rola funduszy strukturalnych w latach 2007-–2013 w budowie gospodarki opartej na wiedzy

Joining the structures of European Union, Poland started the implementation the LisbonStrategy that aims to make the economy of European Union the most competitive, dynamic andknowledge-based in the world by the year 2010. Among all the structural funds that Polandreceived for the years 2007-–2013, the biggest money supporting the development of innovative,based on knowledge economy are to be found in the Innovation Economy Operational Programme as well as the Human Capital Operational Programme. The funds will help to make a breakthrough in Polish economy in the areas of innovativeness and competitiveness by means ofknowledge, education and utilitarian scientific researches. Such development will make thenational economy more competitive both in Europe and in the world.