Microbreweries have increasingly emerged as important actors at the intersection of gastronomy, cul-ture, entrepreneurship, and tourism. While their role in beer tourism has been explored in selected na-tional contexts, comparative analyses remain limited, particularly in Central and Eastern Europe. This article examines how microbreweries stimulate the development of tourism offers in the Visegrad Group countries (the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland, and Hungary). The study is based on an online survey conducted among beer consumers from the four Visegrad Group countries (N = 796). Using descriptive and comparative analysis, the research explores tourist motiva-tions, participation in beer-related activities, and consumption patterns associated with microbreweries. The findings demonstrate that microbreweries contribute to tourism development through multiple mechanisms, including the enrichment of experiential and gastronomic tourism, the reinforcement of local identity and authenticity, and the diversification of destination offers. While the Czech Republic represents a mature beer tourism market rooted in brewing heritage, Poland and Hungary exhibit more experience- and lifestyle-oriented patterns, with microbreweries functioning primarily as complementa-ry attractions. Slovakia occupies an intermediate position, emphasizing regional authenticity and expe-riential learning. The study contributes to the emerging literature on beer tourism by providing a comparative perspec-tive on microbreweries as tourism development entities. The results highlight the context-dependent nature of microbreweries’ tourism functions and underline their potential role in strengthening destina-tion competitiveness and diversification within the Visegrad Group countries.

Aim: The aim of the research is to identify a typology of beer consumers in Slovakia based on their attitudes and preferences for industrial and craft beer. Material and Methods: The study is based on primary data (n = 904 beer drinkers) obtained by conducting an online questionnaire survey between September 2022 and July 2023. Principal components analysis was applied to eight statements towards the consumption of industrial and craft beer. Afterwards, segmentation was performed using the k-means clustering method. Results: The results made it possible to identify three different segments of beer consumers, which were as follows: craft beer enthusiasts, conservative drinkers, and indifferent consumers. Clusters were characterized based on socio-demographic variables, beer preferences, consumption patterns, and purchasing behavior. Conclusions: The identified segments of beer consumers support the development of consumer-oriented strategies aligned with current market trends. The research findings offer practical value for managerial decision-making in brewing companies. They provide a deeper understanding of customer needs and preferences, which can then be effectively incorporated into strategic planning.

Codes of ethics are crucial in communicating and building the values of organisations and their employees. This research study focuses on exploring various aspects of ethical behaviour and the impact of ethical constraints on employee performance in organisations. In the context of the growing importance of business ethics and human resource management, this study statistically identifies differences between organisations based on their ethical characteristics and strategies. The integration of ethics into corporate strategy is found to have an impact on the permissible behaviour and appearance of employees, with past ethical scandals leading to more stringent measures. In addition, the length and updating of the code of ethics affect the control over certain aspects of employee behaviour. These results underscore the importance of codes of ethics as tools for communication as well as for managing employee ethics and behaviour. They also highlight the role of multinational corporations in the diffusion of these practices and their impact on smaller market players, as well as the importance of managing workplace constraints. In conclusion, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of ethical practices and their importance within organisations.

The growing purchasing power and unique purchase behaviours of Generation Z have captivated the attention of academics, marketers, and researchers, who are keen to understand the nuances of this cohort's consumption patterns. While current studies focus on factors influencing consumer choices, we can hardly find studies focusing on understanding the dynamic interplay between intrinsic and extrinsic cues in influencing consumer behaviour, specifically in the context of alcoholic beverages like wine. The importance of this study lies in a deeper investigation into how these factors collectively impact consumer perceptions and decisions. This study specifically delves into the intriguing domain of their beverage consumption preferences, offering insightful revelations into their distinct buying habits and brand inclinations. The main objective of this research is to identify the influence of label characteristics on the changing buying patterns of Generation Z. Using factor analysis, multiple correspondence analysis (MCA), and Friedman's test, we have analysed the behaviour of 431 consumers from 2 EU countries. The results revealed "product identity" and "sensory appeal" as two hidden factors with a significant impact on consumer choice. In particular, sensory profiles that showcase a reputable brand and highlight distinctive grape varieties, countries of origin, and wine regions are likely to resonate with young people. Conversely, companies may be able to de-emphasise information about quality designations and awards to develop a more youth-focused strategy. Additionally, the MCA results reveal differences in the frequency and occasions of drinking across gender and place of residence groups. The further research could focus on a broader spectrum of beverage cross-generational and intercultural preferences considering psychological and social factors that influence purchasing decisions, such as peer influence, marketing campaigns, or environmental consciousness.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming education by offering personalized learning experiences, breaking traditional barriers, and preparing students for the future workforce. It enhances adaptability to modern educational demands and business trends while empowering both students and educators through innovative tools and methods. Our paper examines students' perceptions of AI and maps how they utilize AI tools, highlighting their role in meeting the challenges of today's educational and professional life. By analysing data collected through a structured questionnaire, we identified key themes, including the usefulness, ease of use, attitudes, and concerns surrounding AI. These findings serve as a foundation for understanding the role of AI in education and its potential to enhance learning experiences and adaptability to future challenges. The Kruskal-Wallis tests revealed significant differences in students' perceptions and use of AI based on demographic factors such as gender, study level, socioeconomic status, and place of residence. Female students reported greater difficulty using AI, highlighting the influence of historical gender stereotypes surrounding technology. Master’s students, likely due to their advanced academic exposure, demonstrated higher confidence and a stronger inclination to use AI for learning. Socioeconomic background and urban residency were linked to more supportive attitudes toward AI integration in education and privacy concerns. Additionally, students further along in their academic journey reported more frequent use of AI tools for language learning.

Purpose This paper studies the impact of certain characteristics of companies to training programs in the Industry 4.0 (I4.0) context. Partial objective is to rank the main human barriers companies have to overcome so that they can digitalize.Design/methodology/approach To accomplish the objectives, a closed-ended questionnaire was sent to Slovak and Italian companies and analyzed using statistical nonparametric tests. The partial objective was achieved using the so-called Henry-Garrett's ranking method.Findings Results show the significance impact of companies' characteristics such as foreign participation and company dimension on training practices whereas economic situation (financial health) seems not to influence it.Research limitations/implications The study may lack generalizability as only 102 answers were collected. Perhaps, the outcome would be different with another sample from other countries. Moreover, using closed-ended questions, certain features may not have been covered.Practical implications Companies should always guarantee training for the resulted benefits. It is fundamental for organizations to find a time gap, resources and professionals who can teach these programs. Even when companies are incurring financial problems they should do so since human capital development can increase their competitiveness. The most critical barriers should be carefully addressed by companies. Training can help to overcome I4.0 barriers related to Human Resources (HR) and contribute to its growth.Originality/value This paper gives insights of the impact of certain characteristics of companies to the training programs. Because past research has limited their analysis on the identification of barrier, its novelty lies in the attempt to rank the most significant barriers among those detected by other authors in previous research.

The effects of climate change will have a significant economic impact on the global economy in the future. In some cases, these will be gradual changes, while others will be more dramatic. These occur at a higher frequency of extreme weather events. The impacts caused by the effects of climate change, which are already taking place on a large scale and are visible, are costing billions of dollars. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted at the 2015 New York Summit, includes 17 global sustainable development goals (SDGs). The aim is to universally manage the development of contemporary society on a global and local level. The European Green Deal is the European Commission's plan for the ecological and societal transformation of the European Union's economy for a sustainable future. The main objective of the European Green Deal is to make Europe a climate-neutral continent by 2050. An ecological transformation of companies' business models in the EU will be inevitable and a prerequisite for the path towards a sustainability model. In order to meet the above objectives, the European Commission has developed an evaluation base (EU taxonomy) that will allow transparent decision-making towards sustainability. Companies will have to disclose their economic activities in a transparent and comparable way, which will contribute to a rapid and green transformation of the economy.

The success of talent management is based on keeping talented individuals in a company. Attractive work, suitable working environment, strong organizational culture, work flexibility, effective leadership, as well as financial or non-financial benefits are factors that a company can significantly influence in order to retain talent for future tasks. On the other hand, companies should avoid mistakes that complicate retention of talent, for example, extreme workload, conflicts with executives, lack of opportunities for self-development, as well as inadequate financial remuneration. The goal of presented study is to explore differences in talent retention in various types of companies according to several factors. Realized questionnaire study obtained data from 381 companies represented by managers. Data were analyzed quantitatively by ANOVA and results were completed and described by Focus groups qualitative research. The research model was set according to outcomes of previous researches with following most important factors: financial requirements, motivation system, communication and self-development. Also, the challenges from outside and specific procedures provided inside the company to retain talents were added. Obtained outcomes shows interesting differences between companies in successful retention of talents which can be found: in private companies, in companies with foreign capital, in companies with a HR unit, and companies with a better financial situation. Surprising findings were seen in the comparison of companies by size. Despite the better chances of retaining talents in larger companies, the talent retention process is more successful in small ones. Our study helps to understand the current situation in talent retention in different types of Slovak companies and find ways to improvement. Outcomes are significant for managers, researchers and education of future entrepreneurs. However, despite good knowledge of practical implementation of talent retention in Slovak companies there are still limited financial resources and regulations which impede the application of the results obtained.

Research background: Globalization has significantly affected the brewing sector worldwide during the last three decades. The industry consolidation and many acquisitions led to a reduced number of breweries and consequently to the homogenization of beer. It was an important factor affecting the significant decline in beer consumption in the world. However, over the years, this negative phenomenon also brought a new wave ? the development of craft breweries, and resulted in the formation of a new segment with specific preferences in the market. Purpose of the article: As a result of the craft beer revolution in the world and the wider offer on the beer market, customer preferences changed, and a new segment was subsequently formatted. In the past, lagers were the preferred choice, but due to the new wider range of beers offered in the market, they are about to lean towards other types of beer. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to identify a new segment of craft beer consumers based on characteristics such as age, gender, education, income, residence, marital status, work, and leisure activities. Methods: For data collection, a questionnaire was used as a tool and, therefore, we analyzed the answers of 685 respondents from Slovakia. The questionnaire is evaluated through dependency analysis using nonparametric methods (Kruskal-Wallis Test, Mann-Whitney Test) to identify the differences between groups of customers and to describe the characteristics of a typical consumer of craft beer. Findings & value added: The craft beer revolution in the world brought a formation of a new segment, which considers the taste and quality more compared to price. Our research has confirmed that this segment consists of highly educated men (26?40 years old), with above average income. However, it is important for beer producers to know this segment more to meet its requirements. Nevertheless, deeper studies of this segment were missing. Therefore, our research was focused on other parameters of the segment and according to our findings, these consumers are from bigger cities, working more mentally, and doing sports in leisure time.

Undoubtedly, the proportion of the obese population has increased significantly in recent decades. Using FOPL (front-of-pack labelling) with clear nutritional information could also be helpful in eliminating this problem. The main aim of this contribution is to analyse the effects of using nutritional FOPL on consumers choices. The analysis was based on the research, while 1000 respondents were asked to choose the desired product variant in three categories - cereals, yoghurts and protein bars without FOPL and with FOPL on their package. Two of the most discussed FOPL systems in the EU (Nutri-Score and Nutrinform) were analysed. Changes in consumer choice were analysed using non-parametric statistics, multiple correspondences, and correlation analysis. The results showed that both FOPLs affect the consumer in all products. The effects of FOPL resulted in choosing the best product (for cereals from 47% to 49%;for yoghurts from 28% to 31%;for bars from 28% to 42%) and improved consumers' choice. There are differences in effects between Nutri-Score (NS) and Nutrinform (NI). NS seems to be a more effective system because it has a stronger positive impact on consumers' choices. For cereals, the selection improved by 18% (NS) vs. 15% (NI), for yoghurts by 17% (NS) vs. 13% (NI), and for bars 28% (NS) vs. 20% (Nl). The results among different product categories were not consistent. Consumers' attitudes toward a healthier diet can be improved using nutritional FOPL.

The paper evaluates the consumer attitude of millennials as beer consumers through social responsibility. Various CSR activities are applied by beer producer companies that target different age groups, gender, etc., through different communication channels. The main subject of the paper is the beer producer company, Plzenský Prazdroj (PP), which has an ambitious strategy related to the environment, waste management, underage alcohol drinking, and other aspects. Even though the company has a promising vision relating to CSR, the effect on consumer awareness can be different than expected. Therefore, a general hypothesis was set on whether there is or is not a difference between millennials in their attitudes towards CSR activities of PP. The characteristics of the research sample are displayed on the set of general factors, such as gender, age, monthly income, and more; beer factors like beer preferences, place of drinking, disposal of plastics, etc.; and attitudes of the monitored millennials towards the selected CSR activities of PP, such as recyclable packaging, Promile app, support of communities and more. The results of the paper assist in understanding the consumer attitude of this age group, and their perception of the CSR activities of PP, and can contribute to a successful marketing strategy creation of Plzenský Prazdroj oriented toward targeted cohort. Concerning the results, we created suggestions and recommendations for PP such as diversification of product portfolio and/or even business activities, diversification of non-alcoholic beer products, strengthening the CSR activities relating to the environment and waste management, and creating CSR activities that enable the engagement of millennials via their smartphones. The outcomes can also benefit other brewing companies in terms of CSR activities and marketing strategy creation.

Research background: The presented paper deals with the support of innovative activities of small and medium enterprises in the Slovak Republic. The topicality of the issue is based on the knowledge that small and medium-sized enterprises can respond quickly and effectively to customer requirements and thus to changes resulting from changes in the market. In the era of globalization, the knowledge economy based on three key factors prevails in developed countries - science and research, the quality of human capital and innovative entrepreneurship, which focuses on creating the conditions for the practical use of knowledge, for projecting it into innovation. The aim of the paper is based on theoretical knowledge, analysis of support for innovative activities of small and medium enterprises by the state in the conditions of the Slovak Republic, their readiness to invest in research and development to propose a streamlining support scheme for small and medium enterprises. Purpose of the article: The determinant of the future sustainable prosperity of the Slovak Republic, as a small open economy, must be the ability of the economy to respond flexibly to global changes and demand. Methods: The article we used the method of synthesis, the method of abstraction, the method of generalization, the method of description, explanation. Findings & Value added: The output of the dissertation is an evaluation of the overall state of current support for innovative activities in small and medium-sized enterprises and a proposal for a possible streamlining of this support from the aspect of entrepreneurs themselves.

Even though formalization of ethical principles is a must in today’s business, research and evidence in the Slovak conditions remain scarce. Yet, creating an ethical business climate and especially the formalization of ethics through codes of ethics incorporated in corporate standards is a particularly interesting phenomenon in the conditions of transit economies due to the significant role of multinationals in this process. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine main factors influencing the extent of ethical codes in 225 subsidiaries of multinational companies operating in Slovakia. The conducted questionnaire study containing items focused on area and extent of ethical code, number of employees, economic performance, regional and industrial scope, ownership structure, and nationality of executive director was used as a tool for data collection. Factor analysis was processed to identify the interdependencies between observed variables and to find the latent variables. Further, the Kruskal–Wallis test was applied to identify the differences among the variables along with the Bonferroni correction test, which specified the items between which the significant difference occurred. The following findings emerged. First, companies with lower extent of ethical code use general phrases. When they want to specialize on any ethics problems, extent must be wider. Second, companies with a lower number of employees do not need extensive ethical code due to clear rules with which they are familiar in a direct way by owners. In multinational companies, the communication of ethical rules is realized via ethical codes with specific purposes because the direct way is impossible. Third, companies with foreign ownership used different managerial approaches, and therefore ethical codes differ in extent and content.

Research background: Craft beer is becoming one of the most popular alcoholic beverages globally, during the last decade. Additionally, industrial beer producers started to offer some special craft beer types that prove the rising demand for differentiated beer products. Purpose of the article: Since one of our common fields of interest is the development of the brewing industry, we intended to provide an overview of a recent trend in this sector, which is the expansion of craft breweries. As the data reveals, this trend has been present in various European countries, as well. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to show that the trend of craft brewing is present in countries with strong brewing history such as Belgium, the Czech Republic, or Germany, and in those countries which are not considered as typical beer producers because of their location and culture. Methods: The information provided in this paper was retrieved mainly from scientific papers that focus on the brewing industry and the craft beer revolution. To be able to offer transparent and understandable results, we retrieved data from the reports of Brewers of Europe, which is a European non-profit association. Therefore, the research methods used are the comparison of quantitative data and correlation. Findings & Value added: The paper provides an overview of the expanding craft beer industry in the selected European countries and how strong the relation between beer consumption per capita (l) and number of active breweries is.

This study aims to assess whether the individual phases of the talent management process are equally important with respect to overall organizational performance.We analyse 381 business organizations in Slovakia.Authors use a linear regression model and ANOVA to evaluate the impact of the phases of the talent management process on the development of organizational performance of an organization and focus group approach to explain the differences in the individual phases of a talent management process.The results revealed that not all talent management phases equally influence the economic situation of the organization.The final two phases (development and retention) significantly influence the progress of the organizational performance while the initial phases (strategy, identification, and assessment) seem to have no impact on organizational performance.Financial efficiency should prioritize Retention, and only after focus on Development of talents.Remaining resources should be invested into Strategy, Assessment, and Identification of talented people.

Nowadays, all sources in the reproduction process are easily substituted, thus the most important factors in reaching a competitive advantage are human resources. Talent management is the process oriented to enrich higher the ability of employers to increase their quality and productivity. Globalization has changed the structure of the companies in Slovakia, depending on the size of the company. This paper compares how the size of the company influences the main phases of the talent management process (strategy, identification, assessment, development, retaining). A scaled questionnaire was applied as a tool for data collection in 381 companies operating business in Slovakia. Questionnaire reliability was verified by Cronbach’s alpha. To verify the existence of statistically significant differences between individual groups of respondents, ANOVA was used. We found that the main differences between small and large companies were identified in the phases of talent identification and talent development. In bigger companies, management is more focused on HR plans that include talent identification and acquisition and have more possibilities to develop talented individuals. On the other side we could see that small companies were more successful in the process of retaining the talents. Talented people in small companies are more loyal to the employers and stay in the company for longer periods than talented individuals in large companies.