rss_2.0Sciendo RSS Feed for Croatian Regional Development Journalhttps://sciendo.com/journal/CRDJhttps://www.sciendo.comhttps://sciendo-parsed.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/64716bfa2b88470fbea1739f/cover-image.jpghttps://sciendo.com/journal/CRDJ140216https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/crdj-2024-0009<abstract> <title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> <p>This paper aims to examine how the gig economy, as a global trend that is transforming labour markets worldwide, manifests itself in a smaller economy such as Slovenia. Specifically, the paper focuses on how this trend is manifested among Slovenian freelancers, with an emphasis on generational differences. Descriptive statistics, the Mann-Whitney U test and the Chi-square test, were used in the study to explore perceptions and generational differences and to determine whether they are statistically significant. The results show that both younger and older individuals are likely to choose freelance work due to the need for flexibility and independence in project selection, reflecting their desire for greater control over their personal and professional lives. In addition, the research reveals a perception of insufficient support for such new types of careers and a need for educational programmes to improve skills and awareness of the digital labour market. The findings suggest the need for targeted policy measures to support freelancers of different age groups by implementing comprehensive government programs that promote lifelong learning and upskilling, enable the development of local coworking spaces, provide digital market information and include entrepreneurship education and digital literacy in school curricula to strengthen freelance careers, making them sustainable and contributing economically to regional development.</p> </abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/crdj-2024-00092024-11-23T00:00:00.000+00:00https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/crdj-2024-0008<abstract> <title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> <p>This study examines the relationship between labour market changes and artificial intelligence, utilising Romer’s Endogenous growth theory, Schumpeter’s Creative destruction, Solow’s Growth model and Becker’s Human capital theory as theoretical frameworks. The purpose of this research is to clarify the multifaceted impacts of artificial intelligence on economic growth, workforce adjustment and the emergence of novel employment trends, focusing specifically on job losses and gains, wage inequalities, and changing skill requirements. Using a structured literature review methodology, the economic implications of artificial intelligence in the labour market were systematically analysed and synthesised. The results suggest that although artificial intelligence significantly enhances productivity and innovation, it has a complex effect on the labour market, causing employment gains in technologically sophisticated industries and losses in sectors prone to automation. The study emphasises strategic policy interventions and pedagogical reforms that maximise the economic benefits of AI while minimising its disruptive effects on employment. Proponents of such policies argue that by cultivating a workforce that is resilient and capable of adjusting to changes driven by artificial intelligence, they can effectively mitigate inequality and safeguard economic stability.</p> </abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/crdj-2024-00082024-11-23T00:00:00.000+00:00https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/crdj-2024-0012<abstract> <title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> <p>The tourism industry has undergone significant transformation with the rise of digital technologies, particularly online booking systems. E-booking platforms have revolutionised how customers plan and book their travel, offering convenience, cost-efficiency, and the ability to access real-time information through smartphones and other digital devices. These systems not only streamline administrative and operational tasks for businesses but also provide valuable insights by analysing customer data to tailor services and predict trends. This study explores the critical role of e-booking in the digital era of tourism, employing cluster analysis to group countries by their adoption and performance of e-booking services. The findings highlight the growing global reliance on e-booking platforms and their potential to enhance the customer experience and optimise business operations.</p> </abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/crdj-2024-00122024-11-23T00:00:00.000+00:00https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/crdj-2024-0011<abstract> <title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> <p>The study aimed to test the impact of Green Knowledge Management (GKM) on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Green Innovation (GI) in economic firms. The researcher collected data from lower, middle, and upper-level managers of small, medium, and large-sized manufacturing and services firms located in France. The data were analysed using structural equation modelling (SEM) to explore how GKM processes (creation of green knowledge, acquisition, sharing, and application) impact SDGs (environmental, social, and economic sustainability) and GI (green technology, management innovation). According to the results, GKM significantly impacts both SDGs and GI. The dimensional analysis indicated that, except for acquiring green knowledge and its application, it showed an insignificant impact on green innovation. Finally, firm size and industry type were examined in relation to SDGs and GI. Regarding SDGs, firm size presented significant positive results. However, an insignificant result was found for firm size concerning GI. Similarly, the role of industry type was examined in relation to SDGs and GI, revealing significant results for both paths.</p> </abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/crdj-2024-00112024-11-23T00:00:00.000+00:00https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/crdj-2024-0007<abstract> <title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> <p>The field of physics, particularly medical physics, plays a crucial role in physiotherapy and medicine in general. Forces and pressures are crucial factors that physiotherapists and other healthcare professionals consider when treating patients. In physiotherapy, these forces can aid rehabilitation and pose challenges. This paper explains the principles of manual muscle testing (MMT) and its relation to physics, specifically the use of gravitational force to assess the muscle condition of patients. It also explores the effects of physics on the human body, focusing on fluid circulation and the musculoskeletal system. Additionally, the paper discusses how forces and pressures are integrated into therapeutic exercises while comparing concentric and eccentric movements. The role of buoyancy, hydrostatic pressure, and water viscosity in hydrotherapy is also covered, as well as the use of electromagnetism in specific therapies, such as electrotherapy, magnetotherapy, and laser treatments. The paper aims to highlight the significant impact of physics on cardiopulmonary functions and to raise awareness among physiotherapists and healthcare professionals about the importance of understanding the role of physics in medical interventions. Educating patients about the effect of applied forces and pressures on therapy outcomes is also a topic addressed, which can ultimately help them perform movements correctly and maintain proper posture.</p> </abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/crdj-2024-00072024-11-23T00:00:00.000+00:00https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/crdj-2024-0010<abstract> <title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> <p>The explosion of data and its handling has reshaped business priorities and changed conventional decision-making methods. Organisations need to think about how to successfully redesign jobs and ways of working as a fusion, not a compromise, between people and technology to increase the leverage of technology. People and technologies have become intensive collaborators. Analytical thinking is becoming the most sought-after skill, along with creative thinking and other cognitive skills. Openness, flexibility, and agility, along with a high level of motivation and self-awareness, as well as the desire for lifelong learning, are personal characteristics that distinguish a desirable employee. This paper aims to identify the changes that have occurred because of the digitisation of workplaces and the consequent development of skills as the basis of good and quality work. The scientific contribution of this paper is to methodologically explain the changes caused by digitisation and point out the development factors. The methodological paper describes research on the education and investment of human potential skills in a domestic and foreign sample of surveyed Croatian migrants. This research concludes that the respondents believe that everyone individually deserves the most for the development of human potential and that they are not ready to invest in the development of their skills.</p> </abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/crdj-2024-00102024-11-23T00:00:00.000+00:00https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/crdj-2024-0006<abstract> <title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> <p>The paper ‘Međimurje Wine - From Rome to the Decanter’ provides a systematic overview of the exceptional tradition of wine production in Međimurje. As one of the most important economic branches for the people of Međimurje, as well as for numerous lords and rulers of the region between the Mura and Drava rivers, its roots date back to the Roman Empire. In the modern era, in the second half of the 20th and early 21st centuries, it was fully realised and presented to the world. The aim of this work, based on numerous sources, is to show the development and numerous changes in vine cultivation and wine production throughout its long history but also to tell the story of the connection of a large part of the Međimurje population with this economic branch. The fertile soil and climate, combined with new varieties and techniques, as well as the association of winemakers, have certainly contributed to the creation of Međimurje wines. This has resulted in an exceptional leap in quality and promotion, creating a consistency in the wines that has led to outstanding results recognised at both national and global levels.</p> </abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/crdj-2024-00062024-11-23T00:00:00.000+00:00https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/crdj-2024-0005<abstract> <title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> <p>Renewable energy sources are crucial for tackling the challenges of energy security and climate change. The mounting concerns about climate change, fossil fuel depletion, and energy security have heightened the focus on renewable energy. The shift to a global energy system that heavily relies on renewable sources, while promising, faces significant barriers that call for coordinated global efforts and innovative solutions. This article examines the technological advancements in renewable energy, evaluates their economic implications, and explores future trends and policy impacts. The core argument of this work is that, despite notable technological advancements, a significant breakthrough and a conducive investment environment are yet to be realised to enable the complete substitution of fossil fuels with renewable energy. It analyses current capacities, technological challenges, economic considerations, and various policies influencing the implementation of renewable energy projects. By conducting a comprehensive examination of the intermittency of energy production, limitations of energy storage, and the need for infrastructure modernisation, the economic implications of investing in renewable energy are assessed, alongside the potential of existing technologies to provide a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels. The article underscores the crucial role of increased investment, ongoing innovation, and global collaboration in overcoming existing challenges and ensuring a sustainable transition to renewable energy sources.</p> </abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/crdj-2024-00052024-09-19T00:00:00.000+00:00https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/crdj-2024-0001<abstract> <title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> <p>Digital technology has become inseparable from all core and supportive processes because of the intensive use of different digital tools. The paper aimed to determine teachers’ views on the impact of digital technology on business processes in higher education institutions - whether they recognize the impact and how they evaluate it. The survey was conducted among the teachers of the public University in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The results show that digital technology has a positive and mostly strong or medium impact on business processes in higher education institutions. The work on international research and educational projects and the teaching process are the most influenced by digital technology. It has a stronger impact on the core processes than on supportive activities. Teachers recognize the influence of digital transformation on all processes at universities, both core and supporting. The influence is stronger with core processes.</p> </abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/crdj-2024-00012024-09-19T00:00:00.000+00:00https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/crdj-2024-0002<abstract> <title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> <p>Cycle tourism in Croatia is not just a significant economic contributor but also a driver of rural development and job creation in sectors like hospitality, tourism, leisure, and cycle path maintenance. The unique preferences of cycle tourists for authentic experiences and local culture also boost the local economy. This research, with its practical implications, aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the level of awareness of e-innovation tools in Croatia’s cycling tourism sector, identify challenges and potentials in terms of technological change, and highlight infrastructural gaps in Adriatic versus continental Croatia using a SWOT analysis. The insights from this research can be instrumental in fostering sustainable and long-term destination development, making it a valuable resource for all professionals in the field.</p> </abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/crdj-2024-00022024-09-19T00:00:00.000+00:00https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/crdj-2024-0003<abstract> <title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> <p>This paper explores the intersection of game theory and pop culture as a potent strategy for amplifying social media engagement. A methodological analysis demonstrates how game theory principles can be effectively applied to social media campaigns by leveraging the universal appeal of pop culture. The study introduces a simple yet illustrative model that outlines the strategic use of pop culture elements to attract new followers and maximise net profit, considering variables such as potential follower base, cost of pop culture integration, and the preferences of different audience segments towards pop culture-infused products. Findings underscore the untapped potential of conscious game theory application in social media strategy design, offering a fresh perspective on achieving optimal engagement through a balance of appeal to pop culture enthusiasts and those favouring traditional content. This contribution is novel in its approach. It provides a comprehensive review of game theory’s utility in pop culture and presents a detailed framework for its application in social media campaigns. By bridging theoretical concepts with practical application, this research opens new avenues for strategic engagement in the digital age, making a significant addition to both academic research and practical marketing strategies.</p> </abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/crdj-2024-00032024-09-19T00:00:00.000+00:00https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/crdj-2024-0004<abstract> <title style='display:none'>Summary</title> <p>During the 20th century, significant investments were made in the improvement of individuals who would manage change, plan and solve problems well. The development of corporate leaders is becoming one of the priorities, as well as creating individuals who will know how to create and convey the vision and strategy of the company. In this process, it is crucial to select individuals to whom motivational models can be applied and to locate GRIT personality traits. Numerous theorists throughout history have been researching the concept of motivation, defining it and discovering the factors that motivate individuals. The study of motivation encompasses a wide range of assumptions, hypotheses, theories, findings, and areas of application. Understanding them helps the company and managers to understand themselves and others in the workplace better, all with the aim of increasing the chances of success in an individual’s career as well as raising the level of success of the company. Different theories try to explain the overall motivation, theoretical questions or motivational problems, and tendencies that concern a certain group of people. We live in times when organisations are under great pressure to reduce costs, improve the quality of products and services, find new opportunities for growth, and increase work efficiency. In this paper, we will consider cognitive theories of motivation and the factors that could be positive and relevant to the success of companies and managers. At the same time, we discuss theories of motivation, such as Weiner’s Attribution Theory, Locke’s Goal Theory, and Vroom’s VIE Model. Before presenting these theories, the theoretical framework of research on motivational dimensions is considered. We also emphasise the GRIT model of traits that we believe are applicable in the development of an individual’s career and in raising success at the individual and corporate levels.</p> </abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/crdj-2024-00042024-09-19T00:00:00.000+00:00https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/crdj-2023-0008<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> <p>The recession of the 1990s in Europe and the United States of America marked a defining moment for entrepreneurship. Business incubators emerged as a means of redistributing strategic resources and developing new tools for local and regional economies. In Croatia, most incubators are founded by cities and counties, with two private incubators also in operation. The Technological Innovation Center “Međimurje” (TICM) in Čakovec was established by Međimurje County in 2009 to incubate startup entrepreneurs, with the aim of supporting regional development and strengthening the entrepreneurial sector. With recent population emigration, the Međimurje County Development Plan until 2027 underscores the heightened importance of TICM as an entrepreneurial support institution. This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of the challenges, needs, and obstacles faced by beginner entrepreneurs working in the TICM incubator. It critically evaluates the extent to which TICM meets the needs of newly founded companies, identifies the challenges it faces, and proposes solutions. By analysing the survey responses, the research questions were answered, and guidelines for the potential future operation of the incubator were developed. Research shows unequivocally that there are numerous advantages of doing business in an incubator, primarily the possibility of survival in the market. The work determines the needs of beginner entrepreneurs, which can guide the building and redefinition of existing services, and also highlights the need to increase the incubator’s capacity. </p> </abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/crdj-2023-00082024-02-26T00:00:00.000+00:00https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/crdj-2023-0006<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> <p>Tourism represents an important determinant of global recognition and regional growth and development of the Republic of Croatia, especially the coastal part of the country. However, there is no doubt that any tourism activity has strong economic, socio-cultural, social, and environmental effects. Mass tourism brings numerous advantages. However, the growing concentration of tourists also leads to negative effects, of which residents are the most affected. Šibenik is a tourist town whose development is primarily based on tourism, and this destination, due to its centuries-old history and geographic location, is attractive to tourists. This paper aims to investigate the extent to which tourism affects the quality of life of the local population based on a preliminary survey of a sample of residents of the city of Šibenik. This paper aims to investigate in detail the practical aspects of tourism. The respondents’ perceptions and tourism’s real, tangible, and measurable effects will be analyzed to draw valuable conclusions. This approach enables a deeper understanding of the impact of tourism on various aspects of society and the environment. </p> </abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/crdj-2023-00062024-02-26T00:00:00.000+00:00https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/crdj-2023-0007<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> <p>This paper aims to provide results of empirical experiments on the accuracy of different machine learning algorithms for detecting spam messages, using a public dataset of spam messages. The originality of our study lies in the integration of topic modeling, specifically employing Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) alongside machine learning algorithms for spam detection. By extracting hidden topics and uncovering patterns in spam and non-spam messages, we provide unique insights into the distinguishing characteristics of spam messages. Moreover, the integration of machine learning is a powerful tool in bolstering risk control measures ensuring the sustainability of digital platforms and communication channels. The research tests the accuracy of spam detection classifiers on an open-source dataset of spam messages. The key findings of this study reveal that the Logistic Regression classifier achieved the highest F score of 0.986, followed by the Support Vector Machine classifier with a score of 0.98 and the Naive Bayes classifier with a score of 0.955. The study concludes that Logistic Regression outperforms Naive Bayes and Support Vector Machine in text classification, particularly in spam detection, emphasizing the role of machine learning techniques in optimizing risk management strategies for sustained digital ecosystems. This capability stems from Logistic Regression’s adeptness in modeling complex relationships, enabling it to achieve high accuracy on training and test datasets. </p> </abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/crdj-2023-00072024-02-26T00:00:00.000+00:00https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/crdj-2023-0005<abstract> <title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> <p>In today’s business world, there is a growing recognition of the need for companies to be conscious of their social and environmental impact, aligning with the European Union’s goal of becoming a zero-impact continent by 2050. Businesses are now seen as key players in this transformation, moving away from traditional economic models. The contemporary framework underscores ignoring societal and environmental impacts is no longer viable. In this transformative era, a notable paradigm shift is evident as businesses shift from solely maximizing profits to optimizing them, balancing financial success with societal and environmental benefits. This change marks a departure from the traditional focus on just the bottom line, highlighting the dual role of companies as both profit-oriented and key drivers of positive societal change. This paradigm underscores a symbiotic relationship between profitability and positive societal impact, echoing the EU’s sustainable and responsible business paradigm vision. This narrative posits the EU as a trailblazer, spearheading a collective effort to harness the transformative potential of the business sector in realizing a zero-impact future by 2050. The paper aims to expand Elkington’s 3Ps model (People, Planet, Profit) and stakeholder theory by introducing ‘Purpose’ as a crucial fourth dimension, emphasizing the importance of a company’s underlying motives and values in shaping sustainable and responsible business practices. This paper reveals that integrating ‘Puropse’ into business models aligns with contemporary environmental and social governance standards and significantly enhances stakeholder engagement, fostering a more resilient corporate ecosystem. </p> </abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/crdj-2023-00052024-02-26T00:00:00.000+00:00https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/crdj-2023-0003<abstract> <title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> <p>Entrepreneurs often use various sources of financing to finalise an entrepreneurial idea. Crowdfunding on specialised internet platforms is an alternative method for collecting funds from several small sources for business investments and projects. The biggest difference between crowdfunding and other forms of financing is that crowdfunding uses smaller amounts of money from many investors interested in a business idea. Crowdfunding has been globally known for over a decade, and in Croatia, the interest has been growing for several years. The paper aims to demonstrate the importance and potential of crowdfunding, which, as a collective micro-investment of citizens, can serve as an alternative funding source for entrepreneurial ventures. The paper presents the research results conducted in Croatia based on the data collected through survey research. The paper investigates the knowledge and familiarity with the term and motives for investing through crowdfunding platforms.</p> </abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/crdj-2023-00032023-12-19T00:00:00.000+00:00https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/crdj-2023-0001<abstract> <title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> <p>This paper explores the factors affecting the net profit margins of railway companies, a relatively under-researched topic. The analysis focuses on ten railway companies within the European Union from 2010 to 2019. Historically, the railway has played a critical role in economic growth, especially during the first industrial revolution. Despite its influence waning in the latter half of the 20^th century, it remains an integral component of the economy. The current rise of the green economy provides a vital motivation to focus on railways as a research subject. In this study, the authors examine the effect of six factors on the net profit margin of railway companies. The results indicate that the number of passengers, labour productivity, and the number of employees positively influence the net profit margin. Interestingly, the paper finds evidence of economies of scale in passenger transport but not goods transport. Furthermore, the study demonstrates that the number of employees positively affects the net profit margin, contradicting the widely held assumption about the low productivity of workers in the public sector and state-owned companies.</p> </abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/crdj-2023-00012023-12-19T00:00:00.000+00:00https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/crdj-2023-0002<abstract> <title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> <p>This paper examines information technology and information literacy of employees as one of the more essential prerequisites for creating smart hospitals, which are, on the other hand, a prerequisite for sustainable financial operations. Since nursing is the backbone of every hospital, research is focused on the nursing profession. Namely, if medical personnel do not know the basics of information and communication technology (ICT) and are incapable of recognizing, finding and structuring information into new knowledge and exchanging it with colleagues, an intelligent hospital is impossible, and the business is worse. For this reason, research was conducted to determine the state of computer and information literacy in the nursing field in hospitals in north-western Croatia. It was carried out in 2021, which determined the ratio of administrative work and health care and examined the level of ICT knowledge of nurses and technicians. Analysing the secondary, higher and higher medical school curriculum determined the current situation and required improvements. The research results showed that computer and information literate staff spend less time on administration; they estimate that there is not enough content on computer literacy in the existing curricula. The hospital's operations will also be efficient because the competencies of the nurses will enable better implementation of business processes and a better financial result for the hospital.</p> </abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/crdj-2023-00022023-12-19T00:00:00.000+00:00https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/crdj-2023-0004<abstract> <title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> <p>Text-to-image generation is a rapidly growing field that aims to generate images from textual descriptions. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of the latest trends and developments, highlighting their importance and relevance in various domains, such as art, photography, marketing, and learning. The paper describes and compares various text-to-image models and discusses the challenges and limitations of this field. The findings of this paper demonstrate that recent advancements in deep learning and computer vision have led to significant progress in text-to-image models, enabling them to generate high-quality images from textual descriptions. However, challenges such as ensuring the legality and ethical implications of the final products generated by these models need to be addressed. This paper provides insights into these challenges and suggests future directions for this field. In addition, this study emphasises the need for a sustainability-oriented approach in the text-to-image domain. As text-to-image models advance, it is crucial to conscientiously assess their impact on ecological, cultural, and societal dimensions. Prioritising ethical model use while being mindful of their carbon footprint and potential effects on human creativity becomes crucial for sustainable progress.</p> </abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/crdj-2023-00042023-12-19T00:00:00.000+00:00en-us-1