<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">

As the competition became intense and markets get globalized after 1990s, difficulties also increased created by delivering a product and a service to the correct place at the right time with the lowest cost. Enterprises understood that increasing the efficiency within an organization is not sufficient on its own against these increasing difficulties, instead, all supply chains should be competitive. Today, the supply chain became a preliminary condition for enterprises to remain competitive in the global race. Upon examining research performed regarding the supply chain, it is seen that a major part of the related literature focuses on generally the service industry and especially the manufacturing industry by making few references to the tourism industry. In this study which is based on the literature screening, the concept of the supply chain, its structures, and the benefits of creating supply chains moreover the concept of supply chains in the tourism industry, its structure and cooperation have been covered and the importance of supply chain in the tourism industry has been tried to be emphasized.
</abstract>

Department of Tourism Guidance, Faculty of Tourism

An Evaluation on Supply Chain Structure in the Tourism Industry

<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">

The aim of the article is to present the idea of Gig Economy as a flexible form of employment, which may serve as an opportunity to break the cycle of professional passivity among women in a macroeconomic scale. The author presents data on unemployment and access to employees on the labor market, and compares them with a relatively low level of professional activity among women. The article explores the issue of motivation to undertake professional activity, discusses the barriers to building a professional path by women, and indicates the potential influence of flexible forms of employment, based on the example of gig economy, on the improvement of the professional situation of women. Based on the available reports, secondary data and source literature the author identifies the basic social factors which impact the growth of professional activity among women, indicating the relationship between flexible forms of employment and the state of the labor market, expressed through the activeness of women.
</abstract>

Professional Activation of Women and Flexible Forms of Employment, as Exemplified by Gig Economy

<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">

The importance of data security in the supply chain has increased in the last few years. The study identifies recent trends and shortcomings in data security, assessing enterprises operating in Latvia’s transport and storage industry. The research aims to study and identify the current trends in data security in the Transport and Storage industry to develop recommendations for improving data security in the supply chain. The research focuses on studying data security in the supply chain in Latvia. The theoretical literature review was used to learn the main aspects of the supply chain concept and the data security measures applied. Statistical and content analysis shows the industry’s primary data security trends and issues. The results of the research concluded that in Latvia, enterprises providing supply chain operations are focusing on something other than mandatory education about the data security of their employees; thus, they need to apply sophisticated measures to protect data through all supply chain processes.
</abstract>

Assessment of Data Security Implementation in the Supply Chain Enterprises in Latvia

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The paper presents an applied research and development project, Monitoring and tracing the movement and contacts of persons in medical facilities, financed by the Research and Development Support Agency of the Slovak Republic and currently carried out at the Faculty of Security Engineering of the University of Zilina in cooperation with companies from practice. The main contribution of the mentioned project lies in the development and design of a system for the identification and search of contacts of persons based on the monitoring of their movement in the object of the medical facility through the selected information technology. The system can also be implemented in other premises with a large number of people. The paper also deals with the issue of the resilience of medical facilities from the point of view of their inclusion among critical entities providing basic services that play an irreplaceable role in maintaining vital societal functions. It points to the necessity of using information and communication technology in the health sector.
</abstract>

Use of Information and Communication Technologies for Increasing Resilience of Medical Facilities

<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">

Business continuity management is a tool that provides a structured framework for building business sustainability with the ability to respond effectively, protecting the interests of key stakeholders as well as other key activities that create value for the business. It is the disruption of the enterprise’s key activities that can cause problems that enterprises may not be able to handle without proper help and can lead to bankruptcy. The action of various factors from the external as well as the internal environment can change the overall development of the enterprise depending on its reaction to the given change, at the same time, in connection with its initial readiness, ensured prevention of the enterprise. Maintaining business continuity is closely related to ensuring the smoothness of business processes. Business continuity management is a management process that identifies potential threats and their impact on the enterprise’s business operations. Therefore, the article aims to highlight the benefits of the implementation of business continuity management in enterprises, which would ensure the course and smoothness of business operations. At the same time, in combination with risk management, it is possible to reach a better understanding of the enterprise and its activities that ensure the running of the enterprise. The importance of business continuity management and risk management lies primarily in the enterprise’s readiness to face unexpected situations, while the appropriate selection of methods, techniques, and procedures can help to activate and create a sustainable enterprise system. By implementing business continuity management and risk management, it would be possible to achieve an improvement in the enterprise’s response to adverse situations but also in the overall course of the executed processes concerning the operation of the enterprise. Interruption of business operations can be caused by various factors, which have an impact mainly on the ability of the business to function even in difficult, unpredictable situations. Therefore, in this context, the main emphasis is placed on prevention, preparedness, and the ability of the enterprise to respond promptly to changes in the environment and the ability to transform its activities in its entire structure.
</abstract>

Department of Crisis Management, Faculty of Security Engineering

Improving Business Sustainability by Connecting Business Continuity Management and Risk Management

<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">

The essence of the article is to present the results of research on the importance and benefits of risk assessment in the quality and occupational health and safety management systems of enterprises in Slovakia. Part of the goal is the evaluation of the most important risks in the quality and occupational health and safety management systems of enterprises in Slovakia. Basic scientific methods, as well as mathematical-statistical methods, were used to evaluate the data obtained from the survey to fulfill the set goal. The results show that enterprises are currently more concerned about the risks arising from the OSH management system than from the risks of the quality management system. The most serious risks considered by enterprises in the occupational health and safety management system are an increased number of accidents and in the quality management system customer dissatisfaction.
</abstract>

Risk assessment in the enterprise management system

<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">

Purpose – This study aims to examine the current state-of-the-art foundation, organization, role, processes, and functioning of internal audit (IA) within Croatian hotel companies in order to suggest improvements.
Design/Methodology –qualitative research was conducted using a questionnaire distributed to Croatian hotel companies that quote their stocks on the capital markets, noted destinations, and internationally renowned hotel companies that operate in Croatia from March to May 2023. Based on the responses received, semi-structured interviews were conducted with internal auditors who are or have been employed by hotel companies in order to obtain more detailed information about the organization and performance of the internal audit function (IAF).
Findings – The results showed that not many hotel companies in Croatia have organized IAF because it is not a legal obligation for the hospitality industry. The current stage of IAF in these companies is infrastructural or integrated, which shows possibilities for its improvement. The role of internal audit is not recognized because it is seen as a time-consuming activity and an additional expense for the hotel company, without awareness of its real purpose, opportunities to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of hotel operations, and other benefits of this function.
Research limitations – the small sample of hotel companies that have IAF organized within and also a limited number of internal auditors that have experience, knowledge, and qualifications to work in the hospitality industry.
The originality of the research – the first study regarding the organization of IAF in the hospitality industry.
</abstract>

Internal audit function in the Croatian hospitality industry

<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">

This article deals with the phenomenon of Robo-advisory used in the provision of investment services. It is appropriate to consider the use of this tool from a regulatory perspective, particularly given the widespread use of digital tools in financial markets and the growing interest of users in the digitization of services. Given the rapid development of digitalization, legislation may not always take into account the use of digital tools. Legislative changes may be delayed. The main objective of this article is to analyze Robo-advisory specifically from the perspective of EU regulation. The aim is to confirm or disprove the hypothesis. Based on the analysis, we are then able to look at using Robo-advisory from different perspectives, both practical and regulatory. The analysis also highlights the similarities and differences between traditional and alternative investment service provision.
</abstract>

Robo-advisory as a driving force of the financial market in the light of digitalization?

<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">

Today, almost one third of the world population are digital buyers. The hypothesis that more life moves online, the less damage to our environment is still unclear. E-commerce sites and the underlying supply chain can have both positive and negative impacts on the environment. Sustainable web design is an approach to designing websites that puts people and the planet first. It is a growing movement as organizations look for opportunities to reduce their influence on the environment. This research elaborates on determinants of consumer behavior that shape online purchase processes and affect the final consumer decision to buy. It discusses the importance of website design on consumer decision-making in e-commerce. Consumer decision-making and behavior during online shopping in the literature are measured by numerous models. One of the primary motivators for any online store to attract customers is the quality of website design. Website quality refers to the overall excellence, effectiveness, and usability of a website. It influences consumers’ perceptions of product quality and affects online purchase intentions (Sun, Chen, and Huang, 2014) and even continuation intentions (Chawla et al., 2015). Website quality as well positively affects online impulse buying behaviour (Akram et.al. 2018). The design of a website interface plays an important role in online purchasing, and customers are more likely to visit and buy from better-designed websites (Chiu and Yang, 2016). This paper proposes that website design quality is a multi-dimensional construct. To support the importance of the construct, a review of different studies is conducted elaborating on the impact of website design on consumer attitude and behavioral intention in North Macedonia. This study has theoretical and practical implications on the existing knowledge and provides managerial insights for e-vendors implying that to promote online shopping, they need to improve the quality features of the website and enhance users’ trust.
</abstract>

The impact of website design on consumer decision making – evidence from North Macedonia

<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">

Purpose - This study aims to investigate the empirical relationship between foreign direct investment, carbon emissions, and economic growth. Our study attempts to contribute to the existing literature on sustainable economic development.
Methodology -The analysis was carried out using panel data analysis, covering Turkey and the 27 countries of the European Union from 2010 to 2020. Statistical data were obtained from the World Data Bank and the OECD Data Bank.
Results - Hausman test analysis indicated that a fixed effects model should be selected. The model results show that foreign direct investment significantly affects economic growth, but carbon (CO2) emissions are also in a positive relationship. Foreign investment should be developed due to its impact on economic growth. However, the effects of CO2 emissions should be limited, as it causes negative social and environmental externalities.
Practical implications - with the development of foreign investment, appropriate environmental policies should be implemented by all countries in global cooperation. The article proposes some development policy solutions. These include, among others, promoting foreign direct investments that lead to more effective implementation of sustainable development goals and introducing market-based financial instruments to support such investments.
Originality and value - the study covers not only EU countries but also Turkey; It uses statistical modeling based on ten years of data for 28 countries. Results can be used in sustainable development policies.
</abstract>

The foreign direct investments, carbon (CO2) emissions, and economic growth nexus: an empirical analysis for Turkey and European Union countries

<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">

Economic activity based on producing goods and services is essential for the development of any society. Individuals can carry out this economic activity in dependent activities (employment) or entrepreneurship (self-employment). A third way is the so-called „Švarc-system,” which is not legal in the Czech Republic. It is a situation where persons performing normal activities for the entrepreneur in a dependent relationship are not his employees but formally act as self-employment. There are currently discussions about the legalization of the system among politicians and experts. This article introduces how labor and tax law regulations influence attitudes toward economic activity and development. The research methods to achieve this aim include description, critical analysis, and synthesis. The findings described in this article are that the Švarc-system based on self-employment allows greater freedom for employers and employees and smaller payments to public budgets than forms of dependent activities. A high level of autonomy increases development in various areas and helps social development. The implication falls into practical rather than theoretical fields. Therefore, regulation in this area should be lowered to support further development. This article’s originality is that it reflects on the academic impacts of the legalization of the system from legal and economic points of view. These conclusions should help reflect on the regulation of legislation in this field.
</abstract>

Employment, Entrepreneurship, and the “Švarc-system” from the Social Development Point of View

Volume 58 (2024): Issue 1 (January 2024)

Volume 57 (2023): Issue 1 (January 2023)

Volume 56 (2022): Issue 1 (January 2022)

Volume 55 (2021): Issue 1 (January 2021)

Volume 54 (2020): Issue 1 (January 2020)

Volume 53 (2019): Issue 2 (January 2019)

Volume 53 (2019): Issue 1 (February 2019)

WSB Journal of Business and Finance

WSB Journal of Business and Finance is an international, scientific journal published by WSB Merito University Gdansk that has been conducted since 2008. The Journal promotes theoretical and applied research in the area of business, finance and management.  The journal is published in English and its primary version is online one. Papers are double-blind peer-reviewed by scientists from foreign and Polish academic institutions.  WSB JBF is published once a year in an Open Volume system.  WSB JBF is an Open Access Journal, and does not charge readers or their institutions for access. The open access supports the rights of users to read, download, copy, distribute, print, search, or link to the full texts of these articles.  REJECTION RATE   About 20%   WSB JBF considers three types of papers:   Research – that presents author’s output within primary research;  Case studies – that present the experience from the application of existing method or procedure and brings relevant findings which could be valuable for research area;  Review articles - that presents the systematic review or comparative study of already known knowledge.   Thematic scopes of WSB Journal of Business and Finance focus on the following areas: Management, Entrepreneurship, Enterprise Economics, Macroeconomics, Strategic Foresight, Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Transportation, Accounting and Finance, International Trade and Finance, Marketing, Quantitative Methods.  Fees and Sources of Financing The editorial board does not impose any publication fees on authors for their contributions to the WSBJBF. As an open-access journal, we ensure that all articles are freely accessible, allowing users and institutions to read, download, and share the content without a subscription or purchase. The journal does not publish any advertisement. The WSBJBF had the privilege of receiving funding from the Polish Ministry of Science and Higher Education, per agreement number 741/P-DUN/2018. This grant, designated for the years 2018-2019, was aimed at supporting dissemination activities that contribute to the advancement of scientific knowledge and elevate the journal's scholarly and international stature. At present, the journal's operations are financially supported solely by subsidies from the University WSB Merito in Gdańsk. These funds are instrumental in maintaining the journal's commitment to fostering open scientific communication and excellence in publication.  Archiving  Sciendo archives the contents of this journal in Portico - digital long-term preservation service of scholarly books, journals and collections.  Plagiarism Policy  The editorial board is participating in a growing community of Similarity Check System's users in order to ensure that the content published is original and trustworthy. Similarity Check is a medium that allows for comprehensive manuscripts screening, aimed to eliminate plagiarism and provide a high standard and quality peer-review process.  Previous issues  WSB Journal of Business and Finance is a a successor od Prace Naukowe Wyższej Szkoly Bankowej w Gdańsku. The description of content back volumes of the journal under the former title can be found here: www.wsb.pl/gdansk/srodowisko-akademickie/dzialalnosc-naukowo-badawcza/prace-naukowe 