Objective: This article examines several critical factors influencing the progression of a nation’s investment development path (IDP), using Poland’s post-transition economy as a case study. Research Design & Methods: Alongside the conventional analysis of foreign direct investment (FDI) as a correlation between economic development, indicated by GDP/GNP growth, and the net outward investment position (NOIP), we examined the influence of institutional factors, particularly government policies, the significance of the domestic and foreign markets, as well as the effects of recent external factors: the COVID-19 pandemic and the conflict in Ukraine. Consequently, we incorporated diverse viewpoints, including those of international business, economic policy, institutional theory, and political economy. Findings: The primary conclusion of this study is that Poland remains firmly embedded at the end of Stage 2 of its IDP, with no tangible indication of progressing, as per the theoretical model, to the more advanced and recommended Stage 3. Implications & Recommendations: One explanation for this seemingly paradoxical scenario of remaining in Stage 2 may reside in the country’s peculiarities, partly due to foreign investors’ persistent perception of Poland as a moderately developed economy, characterised by a substantial internal market and promising GDP growth potential. Contribution & Value Added: In the analysis of Poland’s IDP, we go beyond the variables of the original IDP model. Thus, we significantly contribute to its theoretical development and practical applications.
Objective: The article aims to determine whether banks promptly react to risk-related regulatory changes or if there is a delayed response. Considering the complexities of the financial system, our study underscores the need to examine the time-sensitive impact of banking regulations on credit risk. Separating intricate dynamics, measuring responsiveness, and assessing compliance, we probe this research to find the assumptions for strengthening financial resilience in a dynamic landscape. Research Design & Methods: The research design in this study is quantitative. We collected the initial data through desk research, sourcing information from regulatory documents, financial reports, and other relevant documents related to banking supervision rules. We used a dynamic panel data model to analyse the collected data, specifically examining the relationship between regulatory changes and banks’ responses to these changes. The study’s sample size involves quantitative data from multiple banks over time, allowing for an assessment of regulatory pressure’s effects on credit risk and the tPime required for banks to achieve compliance. Findings: The article sheds light on how alterations in regulatory policies for risk influence the responsiveness of systemically important banks (SIBs). We explored how long it takes for banks to comply fully with regulatory changes regarding risk. The results show that the effects of regulatory pressure may be delayed more than conventional models suggest, even as much as two years, with potential consequences for the efficacy of regulatory interventions. Implications & Recommendations: The study results contribute to understanding the time dynamics of regulatory impacts on the banking sector, particularly concerning credit risk, and bring valuable insights into sustainable finance. It aids in identifying opportunities to align regulatory frameworks with sustainability objectives, and greater financial resilience. Policymakers and banks should invest in enhanced monitoring systems to track the time-sensitive responses of banks, primarily SIBs, to ensure regulatory interventions achieve their intended outcomes. Contribution & Value Added: This research revealed the timing and progression of banks’ responses to risk-related regulatory changes over time, offering valuable insights for policymakers and financial institutions. This alignment offers insights for fostering long-term financial stability and resilience.
Objective: The article aims to determine the importance of the market offer on the international competitiveness of food industry enterprises. Research Design & Methods: The study consisted of several stages. The first one involved a systematic review of the literature on competitiveness, competitive factors, market offerings, and new food trends. In the empirical part, I conducted CATI interviews with representatives of a representative sample of food industry enterprises. At the inference stage, I used descriptive statistics, the Kruskal-Wallis test, the Mann-Whitney test, the multiple comparison test, and box-plot plots. Findings: The original empirical study shows that implementing certain market offer solutions can enhance the international competitiveness of food industry enterprises. Quickly responding to customer signals plays a crucial role in building competitiveness. Solutions such as the development of traditional food, introduction of diversity of the commercial offer, development and popularisation of own brands, creation of a product brand with unique values for the consumer, promotion of local products, and development of functional food will have a high impact. Implications & Recommendations: Identifying factors that contribute to enhancing the competitiveness of food industry enterprises on the market should be useful for managers involved in formulating strategies, including competitive strategies. Implementing appropriate solutions related to shaping the market offer will enable obtaining many benefits (e.g., standing out on the market, increasing the value of the offer, building customer loyalty and satisfaction, increasing demand) and improving competitiveness. Contribution & Value Added: The rapid changes in the environment create undiscovered potential for new opportunities to compete and create a competitive advantage for food entities. From a cognitive and application perspective, an important and insufficiently researched issue is to determine the factors of international competitiveness of these entities. The study fills a research gap in the scope of the importance of an appropriate market offer (especially in the context of new food trends) from the perspective of the competitiveness of food businesses. In the literature, the offer analysis is mainly from the consumer’s perspective. The added value of this study lies in the gradation of selected solutions and the assessment of their significance for competitiveness, ranging from very high to very low.
Objective: The article aims to identify patterns of world intra-industry trade (IIT) during the turbulent period 2000-2022. This period includes global slowdown after attack on World Trade Centre (2001-2002), global prosperity and intensive internationalisation known as ‘hyper-globalisation’ (2002-2008), global financial (2008) and economic (2009) crisis, post-crisis economic rebound (2010), stagnation or moderate growth period (2010-2019), pandemic (2020-2021), and escalation of war in Ukraine (2022). The article includes studies on intra-industry trade of selected countries and groups of countries, as well as an analysis of the world and the European Union average of two-way trade. Research Design & Methods: We analysed IIT disaggregated into six-digit Harmonized System codes using the United Nations Comtrade database. We employed Grubel-Lloyd indices. Findings: Our results confirmed that world trade is still mainly inter-industry and that the developed countries conduct much more intensive IIT than the rest of the world. The slight decline between years 2000 and 2022 in global intra-industry’s share has been accompanied by the increasing role of developing countries in international trade flows. We proved that some developing countries are, with time, more intensive IIT participants. It holds especially for members of RTAs with developed countries and participants in international production. Implications & Recommendations: We examined IIT of about 150 countries over more than the last two decades and found that, as expected, in many developing countries the share of IIT was still low. Despite the much bigger engagement of developing countries in global value chains and global production networks, their trade remains mainly inter-industry. Thus, there is a space for industrial policies in developing countries. We recommend more intensive capital inflows into these countries and intensification of their manufacturing production, e.g., in the framework of global value chains. Moreover, to address low levels of IIT in some developing countries, international policy should focus on reducing trade barriers, promoting product differentiation, and encouraging economies of scale. Specifically, trade liberalisation, investments in research and development, and policies that foster competition can help boost IIT. Contribution & Value Added: IIT is still a hotly debated issue. We calculated Grubel-Lloyd indices for country-pairs from the whole world (bilateral trade), for selected countries with all partners and also the world average for more than twenty years. To our best knowledge, there has been no such analysis of world IIT during the period 2000-2022 thus far. Moreover, our study brings valuable conclusions, recommendations and research future directions which are crucial for the growing role of International Economics (and International Business) in social sciences.
Objective: This study aims to evaluate the performance of Vietnam’s digital entrepreneurship ecosystem and provide policy recommendations to improve its performance. Research Design & Methods: The study used the digital entrepreneurship ecosystem (DEE) index to evaluate the ecosystem performance and the penalty for the bottleneck method to provide policy suggestions. The study used data collected by a project of the University of Pécs including 115 countries for the period from 2019 to 2021. Findings: The results show that although Vietnam’s digital entrepreneurship ecosystem performance is better than its economic development level and has improved over time, its ecosystem is considerably unbalanced. The country has relatively strong and comprehensive legal frameworks to support access and usage of digital infrastructures and to ensure cybersecurity in the digital space. However, it has the biggest problem in granting sufficient freedom to develop digital infrastructures and advancing financial services to facilitate and accommodate digital transactions and activities. Implications & Recommendations: The study suggests that strengthening the digital freedom and financial facilitation pillar would lead to the greatest improvement in Vietnam’s ecosystem performance. Contribution & Value Added: The study provides additional evidence for the entrepreneurship paradox and data-driven policy recommendations for policymakers to facilitate productive entrepreneurship in Vietnam.
Objective: The study explores the problem of the readability of accounting narratives and aims to test the obfuscation hypothesis (OH) in a non-English context and a non-English language. We explored the link between the tendency of managers to obscure accounting narratives to make unfavourable news more difficult for stakeholders to read and process, and the financial health of firms. Research Design & Methods: We applied descriptive statistics, correlation and regression analysis. Our sample consisted of 2 228 firm-year observations of non-financial companies headquartered in Poland, listed on the Warsaw Stock Exchange (WSE), from 2015 to 2024. We proxied the readability of accounting narratives using the FOG index applied to letters to shareholders. Findings: We provide empirical evidence indicating that the OH was valid for companies listed on the Warsaw Stock Exchange. Using the return on assets (ROA), we demonstrate that managers of less profitable firms tend to obfuscate letters to shareholders. We corroborated our findings using the Altman-alike score. The COVID-19 pandemic moderated the impact of financial health on the readability of accounting narratives. Implications & Recommendations: Our research calls for further research on the readability of accounting narratives in non-English settings and non-English languages. It shows other applications of the bankruptcy prediction models, and it demonstrates how to adopt the FOG index to a non-English language context. Contribution & Value Added: The study contributes to the literature on the readability of accounting narratives by offering a proxy for bad news in the context of the obfuscation hypothesis: the Z-score of bankruptcy prediction models, which one may also interpret as a sign of financial health. It also demonstrates how to adopt the FOG index in a non-English setting and in a non-English language.
Objective: The study aims to examine whether, and to what extent, consumer behaviours identified by them as responsible are determined by the needs-driven motivations (NDM) that emerge during their purchasing decisions. Concerning NDM, we made an analogy to Maslow’s theory. We categorised the motivations into three hierarchical levels (basic and safety needs, belonging and esteem needs, and self-actualisation). Research Design & Methods: We presented the responsible consumption in three aspects: ecological, economic (mindful spending behaviours), and social. We conducted econometric analyses (logistic regression) using data from a survey (n=1510), based on which we developed a concept of the Hierarchy of Responsible Consumption. We can consider this Hierarchy as an extension of previous studies. The foundation of the Hierarchy consists of motives driven by basic and safety needs, which include concern for one’s health as well as financial and climate security. Findings: A key predictor of responsible consumption turned out to be the fear of the consequences of climate change, which is consistent with other authors’ findings. The low awareness of prosocial behaviours is concerning. Implications & Recommendations: Therefore, it seems that efforts to promote pro-ecological behaviours should be accompanied by actions promoting behaviours aimed at supporting local communities. Contribution & Value Added: The research results also confirm the globally observed coexistence of attitudes that fit within the trends of rationalisation and environmentalism.
Objective: The article aims to study the selected approach used to manage the counterparty credit risk, namely the application of the pre-settlement risk limits in the Polish over-the-counter derivatives market between financial institutions and non-financial counterparties. Since market practice differs in terms of hedging the same risk exposures of non-financial counterparties, the main goal is to identify and analyse key factors determining the risk appetite of financial institutions reflected in the pre-settlement limit amount. Research Design & Methods: I based the theoretical considerations on the literature analysis. I utilized secondary data analysis and desk research, in particular concerning legal regulations both on the European and Polish levels. It considers credit policies and the counterparty credit risk rules of selected banks listed on the Warsaw Stock Exchange that offer derivative instruments for non-financial counterparties in order to hedge against specific market risks. I investigated all required information and data obtained and proceeded by banks for treasury limits. For this purpose, I analysed credit application forms and treasury limit applications. Next, I investigated the principles for managing counterparty credit risk as well as appropriate credit policy. A case study presents key differences in banking services provided for a non-financial counterparty willing to hedge market risks. Findings: I applied a holistic approach to the counterparty credit risk policy and identified key factors affecting the counterparty credit risk appetite within financial institutions, reflected in the pre-settlement limit granted to non-financial counterparties in the Polish over-the-counter derivatives market. These determinants concern areas such as specific hedging instruments, given counterparty and financial institutions, as well as the regulatory environment. Implications & Recommendations: The pre-settlement risk limits serve not only to cover credit exposure but also to support and enhance the entire market risk management process and day-to-day operations in financial institutions. One may also regard the implemented treasury limit setup, risk factors, margining policy, etc., in the context of competitive advantage that financial institutions may gain and thus attract more derivative business. Hence, it is crucial to recognize determinants influencing the treasury limit amount. Contribution & Value Added: Although the main analysis of counterparty credit risk concentrates on interbank operations, mainly due to their high systemic importance, the management of the pre-settlement risk in the over-the-counter derivatives market between the financial institution and non-financial counterparty should be considered in more detail due to its growing importance. This article intends to systematize knowledge on this topic. The case study utilising international and domestic experiences shows different approaches to mitigate financial risks. The question of which approach to risk management is more effective remains open.
Objective: The article aims to present determinants of the activity of the small and medium enterprises (SME) sector. Moreover, we attempted to identify barriers to the internationalisation process and the degree of perceived difficulties in Subcarpathian SMEs. Economic literature devotes a lot of space to enterprises' internationalisation processes. Numerous theories and their empirical verifications explain this process by analysing the activities of large transnational corporations. The emergence of a global competitive environment has resulted in micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) being involved in the internationalisation process. Research Design & Methods: In addition to the classic literature analysis, we utilized a survey of internationalized enterprises operating in the Subcarpathian region. We attempted to identify external and internal barriers to internationalisation in SME enterprises. We evaluated differences in the perception of difficulties associated with the existence of individual obstacles in groups of enterprises separated by their size using the non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis test. Findings: The article presents the determinants of the activity of the SME sector in the economic process or their export activity. Research confirms that SME enterprises in Poland, as a rule, are characterized by low resource potential, which causes them to conduct foreign expansion in less advanced forms, mainly in the form of internationalisation of the sphere of exchange. Implications & Recommendations: The research indicates the main internal and external barriers perceived by Subcarpathian exporters. At the same time, they confirm the thesis that SME foreign expansion is mainly conducted in the form of exports. SME companies, often having limited resources while being creative and innovative, choose this very form, which gives them opportunities not only to enter a foreign market and gain experience but also to gain new contacts, learn about the requirements of the target market's customers or become familiar with international business. Contribution & Value Added: It is essential to indicate whether they conduct the internationalisation process similarly or perceive the same barriers to entry into the foreign market. The variety of forms of the internationalisation process and the many factors determining it, create great research opportunities. Still, they are associated with difficulties in inference and give rise to the danger of using simplifications or generalisations.
Objective: The article aims to examine the relationship between innovation and export performance among Slovak firms. In particular, we investigated whether innovative activities, including process and product/service innovations, significantly enhance export intensity, and how firm size moderates this relationship. Research Design & Methods: This study adopted a quantitative research design to examine the relationship between innovation and export performance among Slovak firms. We based the empirical analysis on a sample of 292 firms, whose secondary data included measures of export performance and innovation indicators. The analysis employed both descriptive statistics and the Mann-Whitney U test. We performed data analyses using Excel and Statistica. Findings: The empirical results revealed that innovative firms, regardless of their size, exhibited substantially higher export intensity compared to non-innovative counterparts. Specifically, small innovative companies exported an average of 19.34% of their total sales versus 8.33% for non-innovative ones; the difference increases for medium-sized firms (44% vs. 17.96%) and large companies (57.26% vs. 40.85%). Moreover, further analysis highlighted that firms implementing process innovations achieved markedly higher export sales, while those combining both process and product/service innovations experienced a synergistic boost in export performance. The Mann-Whitney U test confirmed that these differences are statistically significant, reinforcing the notion that innovation is a pivotal driver of international market success. Implications & Recommendations: The findings suggest that policymakers and business leaders should prioritize fostering innovative practices to enhance export performance, especially among medium and large enterprises. To capitalize on innovation as a growth engine, recommendations include increased support for R&D, streamlined access to funding for innovative projects, and the development of strategic programs aimed at integrating process and product innovations simultaneously. Such measures are expected to contribute to improved competitiveness and greater international market expansion for Slovak firms. Contribution & Value Added: The novelty of this article lies in its targeted focus on Slovak enterprises-a mid-sized economy-using a robust quantitative approach that integrates World Bank Enterprise Surveys data with the application of the Mann-Whitney U test. Unlike prior studies that primarily focus on larger economies, this research provides context-specific insights into the interplay between innovation and export performance in Slovakia, offering nuanced evidence on how different innovation types and firm sizes interact to international
Objective: The article aims to determine the psychological gender of leaders of the fastest-growing enterprises and its impact on corporate entrepreneurial behaviour and social responsibility. Research Design & Methods: We conducted empirical, quantitative research on the leaders of companies from the top of the Forbes Diamonds List to obtain knowledge about their personality traits and behaviours that contribute to business success. Methods: survey research (n=150) applying Bem's BSRI gender role questionnaire, the concept of entrepreneurship orientation and the basic forms of corporate social responsibility (CSR). We also applied tests measuring the statistical significance of relationships between variables (Shapiro-Wilk, Ch2, V Kramer). Findings: We identified three types of psychological gender culture among the leaders of the surveyed enterprises, the most numerous of which was mixed psychological culture. Androgynes (50 leaders) and unspecified cultures (46 leaders) constituted a total of 64% of the sample. With a few exceptions, there were no statistically significant differences in the entrepreneurial orientation, selected entrepreneurial behaviours, or involvement in responsible social activities of the identified gender cultures. Implications & Recommendations: Women can and should perform managerial functions in business and achieve success, provided they acquire instrumental traits in the socialization process. The combination of instrumental and expressive traits in a person, especially in a manager, increases their adaptive intelligence and the probability of success regardless of biological sex. The postulate of gender diversity in top management is justified but in terms of psychological gender, not biological sex. Contribution & Value Added: The research results show that the leaders of the fastest-growing companies have developed both instrumental and expressive features, which may indicate their high adaptive intelligence. Masculine culture differs from the others in a greater, statistically significant, feature: readiness for fierce competition and a lower declarative orientation towards climate protection, safe products, and concern for the local community in terms of social activity. The leaders' cultural, entrepreneurial, and social profiles have additional cognitive value. The results contribute to the development of the following areas: managerial competences, role congruity theory, the theory of higher echelons, and social/psychological gender in business.
Objective: The aim of this article is to determine the level of differentiation of large enterprises operating in the European Union in terms of the sustainable use of information and communications technology tools and to reduce the dimension of variables describing the circular model of managing information and communications technology solutions. Research Design & Methods: We used quantitative analysis, considering secondary data from the Eurostat database for 2022 from the information and communications technology (ICT) and the environment by the size class of the enterprise section. We conducted a pilot study using data from large enterprises from 27 European Union countries. We analysed data using the diagnostic-descriptive method, principal component analysis, MOORA method, and linearly ordered object grouping. Findings: The research results indicate that large enterprises represent different levels of circularity in the use of green IT/ICT related to the selection, use, and disposal of devices. Most entities operating in 18 European Union countries achieve an average level of circularity of ICT devices. Thus far, they have not included the reuse of ICT devices in the procedure consistent with the 3R circularity principle. The process of selecting, recovering, and recycling ICT equipment is carried out unevenly and in stages. On the other hand, the indicator of pro-environmental involvement displays low intensity, and in such a situation, the surveyed entities did not achieve the strategic goals assumed by the European Union in the field of circular economy regarding the selection and use of ICT equipment. Implications & Recommendations:The research results enable managers to develop circular business models by reducing the consumption of raw materials, waste, greenhouse gas emissions, and energy. They support strategic decisions on the transition from a linear model of ICT equipment management to a circular model. They also support European Union policymakers in developing legal regulations aimed at closing material and energy loops. Moreover, they provide guidance on the allocation of financial support to improve the level of circularity of large enterprises. Contribution & Value Added: The article makes a significant contribution to the development of the circular economy theory by developing an original indicator of pro-environmental involvement in the process of selecting ICT equipment and conducting a comprehensive analysis of circularity in the management of ICT devices in large enterprises of the European Union. The conducted research reveals significant differences in the implementation of the principles of the circular economy in the countries studied, constituting a starting point for further actions to improve efficiency and transfer best practices in this area.
Objective: The article aims to show the development process of smart villages from 1.0 to 4.0, analogous to the smart cities development, along with indicating the conditions of this process. Moreover, the goal was to examine how ICT enterprises influence the development of smart villages at the 1.0 level in rural areas and what their connections are with other sections of economic activity (based on the example of Poland). Research Design & Methods: The study used statistical data from Statistics Poland (GUS). We used methods of cartographic presentation of data on the share of technology enterprises (Section J 62) and support enterprises (Section J63) in the total number of enterprises in rural areas in Poland, as well as changes in the share of these companies in Poland in 2012-2023. We analysed the enterprise structure in municipalities characterised by a high share of ICT enterprises according to the type of municipality (functional urban, border, and other). We used the network analysis method to identify ICT enterprises' links with other economy sectors. Findings: The ICT enterprises have numerous linkages with other sections, indicating their key role in providing the ICT technologies necessary for the smart villages development. We also found that rural municipalities with the highest share of ICT firms located in close proximity to cities have a high concentration of firms providing business-related services and services to residents. In the border municipalities with the highest share of ICT companies, we identified a high share of the sections responsible for administration and defence, tourism, and agriculture, while a distinctive feature of the other municipalities is the high share of companies involved in transport and storage management. Implications & Recommendations: Among the actions to support the further development of smart villages, we identified the following: strengthening the links between ICT entrepreneurship and other key economic activities for smartification processes, expanding ICT infrastructure, supporting local initiatives through funding and advice, promoting education and training in new technologies for villagers, and encouraging crosssectoral cooperation through the creation of platforms for the exchange of knowledge and experience. Contribution & Value Added: We may consider the smart villages concept in analogy to the smart city concept as an innovation organising spatial structures according to a new pattern. We present the development of smart villages from 1.0 to 4.0 in analogy to the development of the smart city, together with a presentation of the conditions of this process related to the specificity of rural areas.
Objective: This article aims to examine how various dimensions of family social capital (FSC) impact the economic performance of small and medium-sized family firms in Poland. Research Design & Methods: This study employs a quantitative research design. I collected data from a sample of 196 family businesses. Structural modelling methods served to analyse the relationships between structural, cognitive, and relational dimensions of FSC and economic performance. Findings: The main empirical results indicate that cognitive dimension of FSC which includes shared identity, shared vision, and shared goals have a significant positive impact on the economic performance of family firms. Implications & Recommendations: It is crucial for family business managers to actively create opportunities for shared experiences among family business members and build a common cognitive foundation. It is also recommended to establish effective communication channels to ensure the development and maintenance of shared meanings and interpretations and development and acceptance of common goals. Advisory services and policymakers should highlight the benefits derived from strong social capital and recommend strategies to strengthen the cognitive dimension of FSC. Contribution & Value Added: The novelty of this article lies in the applying multidimensional FSC framework in the context of Polish family businesses. Since the research about family business social capital is treated as one of its unique resources, there is a scarce of studies how this resource works in the context of transitional economies such as Poland, and they are mainly theoretical (Popczyk, 2017) or qualitative (i.e. Marja & nacute;ski et al., 2019). This context is especially significant as many of these businesses are undergoing generational transfers for the first time now, leading to distinctive internal dynamics. Adopting the analytical method outlined by Carr (2011), this research implements a quantitative framework to analyse the FSC effects on the performance of family firm.
Objective: The article aims to examine the relationship between bankruptcy risk and earnings quality in designing accounting-based bankruptcy prediction models. The models classify companies (firm-year observations) into two groups with high or low (no) bankruptcy risk. We investigated the difference in earnings quality between those two groups. Research Design & Methods: We used quantitative research methods, such as descriptive statistics, correlation analysis (Pearson's and Spearman's rank correlation), and Welch ANOVA. The study sample consisted of firm-year observations of companies listed in the Warsaw Stock Exchange for 17 years (2007-2023) ranging from 5 004 up to 5 688 firm-year observations. We employed five accounting-based bankruptcy prediction models specific to the Polish context and two metrics of earnings quality: accrual and real earnings management. We estimated the proxy of accrual earnings management using the modified Jones model and real earnings management with the Roychowdhury model. We estimated the bankruptcy risk using five prediction models and then analyzed as a continuous (in correlation analysis) and dichotomous variable (Welch ANOVA). Findings: The research results demonstrate that companies classified by company failure models as high bankruptcy risk are associated with lower earnings quality. The results of the Welch ANOVA analysis are consistent across all combinations of accounting-based prediction models and earnings quality proxies used in the study research. The findings imply that a high bankruptcy risk is associated with managers engaging in more intensive accrual and real earnings management. The results suggest managers are more inclined to influence reporting numbers and operational activities to achieve desired goals. Implications & Recommendations: Scholars should consider diminishing the quality of earnings associated with higher bankruptcy risk in designing and developing future accounting-based bankruptcy prediction models. Financial statement users like investors, financial analysts, financial auditors, and other stakeholders should also consider earnings quality. The study provides an avenue for future research by calling for research across earnings quality and bankruptcy prediction models. Contribution & Value Added: The study contributes to a better understanding of the relationship between accounting-based bankruptcy prediction models and how they estimate bankruptcy risk and earnings quality. As far as we know, earnings quality has not been considered a factor in the design of models for bankruptcy prediction.
Objective: The article aims to assess the scale and direction of the relocation of Ukrainian high-tech companies following the Russian invasion in February 2022, with a particular emphasis on comparing the relocation processes within Ukraine and those from Ukraine to Poland. The article seeks to identify the strategies, challenges, and outcomes associated with these relocations, offering insights into the broader implications of such movements for both the Ukrainian and Polish economies. Research Design & Methods: This study employs a mixed-methods design, incorporating both quantitative and qualitative approaches. It analyses available data from official Ukrainian and Polish statistics and includes interviews with representatives from regional military administration offices in Ukraine, municipal offices in Poland, support institutions, and relocated IT companies. Descriptive statistics and thematic analysis are used to assess the relocation processes, challenges, and outcomes. Findings: The study shows that the Russian invasion of Ukraine led to significant relocation of high-tech companies, representing IT sector. Western Ukrainian regions like Lviv and Zakarpattia became key hubs with 78% of relocated companies resuming operations. In Poland, Ukrainian high-tech firms constitute 7.1% of all hightech companies, with Warsaw, Krakow, and Wroclaw as top destinations, however the concentration measures are the highest in regions neighbouring Ukraine. The relocation faced distinct challenges in both countries, including infrastructure in Ukraine and legal issues in Poland, underscoring the adaptability of Ukrainian businesses and various relocation strategies. Implications & Recommendations: The study highlights the resilience of high-tech companies relocating within Ukraine and to Poland. The presence of Ukrainian firms in Poland suggests opportunities for deeper economic integration, encouraging targeted policies to support innovation and collaboration. Contribution & Value Added: This article offers a novel analysis of the relocation of high-tech companies from Ukraine during the war, focusing on comparative experiences in Ukraine and Poland. It fills a gap in the literature by providing insights into the strategies and challenges faced by these companies in wartime and the support of state and regional institutions and administration.
Objective: I investigated how artificial intelligence (AI) tools can help reduce operational costs in businesses across Jordan. I examined the specific ways AI enhances efficiency and optimises resource utilisation, ultimately impacting financial outcomes. Research Design & Methods: I utilised a qualitative research approach, employing a systematic literature review and thematic analysis to examine how AI contributes to reducing operational costs. The review consolidates findings from academic and industry sources to identify key trends. I performed thematic analysis to extract insights on AI-driven automation, cost efficiency strategies, and the challenges associated with implementation. The study does not involve primary data collection or empirical case studies. The study offers recommendations to assist businesses in optimising AI adoption. Findings: Study identified key themes on how AI reduces operational costs, Key cost-saving mechanisms include automation, predictive analytics, and resource optimisation. Sectors like manufacturing, finance, and telecommunications reduce operational costs by cutting labour costs, improving decisions, and increasing efficiency. Challenges include high costs, training gaps, and implementation risks. One must address them to ensure successful AI adoption. Findings are based on literature analysis, and not on primary data. Implications & Recommendations: The research emphasised the need for Jordanian companies to adopt AI to remain competitive and boost profitability. Businesses should invest in AI training to upskill their workforce. AI requires integrating in areas with clear, measurable benefits. Partnering with AI firms can help streamline adoption and integration. Contribution & Value Added:This study presents a structured analysis ofAI-driven cost reduction, highlighting how automation, predictive analytics, and supply chain optimisation enhance operational efficiency. Unlike broader studies on AI adoption, I specifically examined cost-saving mechanisms within Jordanian businesses, tackling challenges such as high initial investment costs and workforce skill gaps. The study offers practical recommendations for businesses and policymakers, contributing to the wider discussion on AI's role in digital transformation and financial sustainability.
Objective: The article aims to demonstrate AI’s role in supporting negotiation preparations, especially in defending the starting position. Research Design & Methods: In the article, we applied a descriptive analysis, with a prior review of literature sources, comparison, and deduction. We based the development of the artificial intelligence negotiation algorithms (AINA) on a heuristic-synthetic method. Findings: We propose an algorithm for defending the starting position that not only structures the negotiation process but also provides practical semantic tools to effectively defend the offer and build long-term relationships with customers. Implications & Recommendations: The AINA algorithm not only offers an effective tool for present negotiators but also provides the foundation for further identification and development of advanced negotiation algorithms. The considerations presented aimed at providing business practitioners with insights into the integration of AI into negotiation strategies and starting a dialogue on the unification of such algorithms in future AI models that will be capable of conducting complex negotiations. Contribution & Value Added: The presented algorithm for defending the starting negotiation position, which combines the F-A-B technique (Feature-Advantage-Benefit) with the straight line persuasion (SLP) model, represents a novel conceptualisation of defensive logic in negotiations. It focuses on resisting premature concessions while maintaining constructive dialogue. This synthesis constitutes a significant added value and an attempt to address an existing research gap.
Objective: This research aims to reveal a conceptual structure of current literature related to sustainable business models (SBMs) with reference to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Research Design & Methods: We applied methods of bibliometric literature review to identify the most important topics and trends on sustainable business model (SBM) related to SMEs and discuss potential future research directions. Our dataset is built on bibliographic records from two important academic databases: Scopus and the Web of Science. We applied methods of social network analysis using the ‘biblioshiny’ package in the R environment. Findings: Our review shows that the recent literature on SMEs has a more direct linkage with the circular economy and its related constructs such as circular business model and innovation. The thematic evolution of business models in an entrepreneurial context shows an increasing interest in researchers of sustainable business models and circular economy. Implications & Recommendations: The findings of this research provide valuable guidance and a way forward for future researchers to pursue research on topics related to SBM for SMEs. An extensive literature review conducted using scientific bibliometric methods can serve as a reference to developing a better understanding of how the field of SBM and SME literature has evolved in recent times. Contribution & Value Added: This article is the first of its kind to use bibliometric data analysis tools and techniques to generate pictorial output that highlights the current situation in SBM and SME literature. The study revealed that most of the literature on the given topic is grounded in the European context, with a relatively small body of research conducted thus far in South-East Asian, African, Chinese, and American contexts.
Objective: The article aims to demonstrate the potential for reducing the carbon footprint of products through the use of guarantees of origin (GOs) for electricity from renewable energy sources, based on a case study of an energy-intensive company. Research Design & Methods: We employed regulatory source analysis and a case study methodology to evaluate the use of GOs within a company. Findings: The research results demonstrate that GOs can serve to reduce a product’s carbon footprint only for purchased electricity. The study also indicates that we cannot recognise such instruments in the cost of generating electricity produced using conventional fuels. Implications & Recommendations: The study highlights the regulatory and accounting consequences of the use of GOs. Our findings imply the use of a separate allocation method to ensure compliance with ISO 14067 and European Union sustainability reporting standards. Contribution & Value Added: The study contributes to the literature on carbon footprint reduction by combining aspects of renewable energy certification, legal compliance, and corporate sustainability strategy in the Polish context.
