Mednarodno inovativno poslovanje = Journal of Innovative Business and Management
type: channel
description: Mednarodno inovativno poslovanje = Journal of Innovative Business and Management ISSN 1855-6175 was launched in 2009 by DOBA University of Applied Sciences, Maribor. The MIP=JIBM is open-access journal and platform for the exchange of knowledge and ideas of teachers, academics, researchers, students and other professionals who are in one way or another connected with the DOBA University of Applied Sciences. The MIP=JIBM is intended for social scientists, economists, professional public in the field of business and social sciences, researchers, students and academics and teaching staff - in fact all those who need modern information and innovative ideas in the field of international business management, management, organization, marketing, communication and other soft skills and modern forms of business education. All articles are double blind reviewed.
publisher: DOBA Fakulteta za uporabne poslovne in družbene študije Maribor
language: en
publication name: Mednarodno inovativno poslovanje = Journal of Innovative Business and Management
issn: 1855-6175
copyright: The authors retain rights under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International CC BY-SA 4.0. Authors assign copyright or license the publication rights in their articles, including abstracts, to MIP=JIBM. This enables us to ensure full copyright protection and to disseminate the article, and of course MIP=JIBM, to the widest possible readership in electronic format. Authors are themselves responsible for obtaining permission to reproduce copyright material from other sources.
items: Differences in consumer trust toward organic food labels: a comparative study between Slovenia and the United States
items: Labor shortage and job satisfaction – the role of workload
items: Determinants of artificial intelligence adoption in project management: a global analysis of knowledge, drivers and barriers
items: Building and brand recognition of veterinary clinics in Slovenia
items: New approaches to teaching International human resource management
items: How Artificial Intelligence is shaping the future of learning
items: Normative embedding in economic diplomacy: sustainability and human rights in European economic statecraft
items: Beyond individual intelligence: assessing creativity in the Human - AI - World Ecosystem
items: Integration of generative AI into higher education ecosystems
items: AI-based content analysis in marketing: methods, processes, and evidence from an empirical study
items: Influencer marketing as a modern form of advertising
items: Effect of artificial intelligence and automation on the supply chain
items: Analysis of the connection between the reward system and the perception of efficiency in sales management
items: Revitalisation of cultural heritage and historical objects: from fragility to sustainable management in tourism
items: When tourism meets law:governing short-term rentals in Slovenia
items: Responsibility in the post-crisis organizations: strategic shifts in internal communication for sustainable and resilient organizational culture
items: Impact of COVID-19 on foreign direct investment in the European Union
items: The presence and impact of different board characteristics on the performance of the private companies in Kosovo
items: A domain-independent review of explainable AI’s role in facilitating innovation and creativity in organizations
items: Comparative analysis of the impact of marketing strategies on sports documentary series
items: The importance of economic literacy and an analysis of the level of economic knowledge
items: Integrating ESG and AI in higher education: a conceptual framework for curriculum innovation
items: Strategy implementation in private equity funded companies
items: Investment analysis of companies for understanding the competitiveness of a municipality of Ribnica
items: Social networks in non-profit organizations
items: Data Lakehouse: Benefits in small and medium enterprises
items: Evaluation of financial situation of Slovak businesses after 2020
items: Education of women entrepreneurs
items: Comparative analysis of tourism indicators for Croatia and selected competitive countries
items: Performance drivers in the hospitality industry: evidence from Slovenia and Croatia

Differences in consumer trust toward organic food labels: a comparative study between Slovenia and the United States
type: item
description: Consumer trust toward organic food labels has become increasingly important in contemporary sustainable food markets, where consumers are exposed to a growing number of environmental claims, certification systems, and sustainability-related messages. Since consumers are generally unable to directly verify production processes and environmental standards, eco-labels play a crucial role in reducing uncertainty and influencing purchasing decisions. However, consumer trust toward organic labels may vary significantly between different consumer markets and institutional environments. The purpose of this study is to examine differences in consumer trust toward organic food labels through a comparative analysis between Slovenia and the United States of America. The study investigates consumer perceptions of organic food products, trust in certification systems, purchasing behavior, sustainability orientation, and the role of digital information sources in shaping purchasing decisions. The research is based on a quantitative empirical analysis conducted among consumers in both countries. The results indicate that trust, product quality, food safety, certifications, and price represent key factors of purchasing behavior in both markets. Significant differences were identified regarding trust formation mechanisms and information behavior. Slovenian consumers demonstrate stronger orientation toward local production, interpersonal trust, and direct purchasing channels, whereas American consumers place greater emphasis on sustainability values, institutional certifications, and digital communication sources. The findings additionally reveal increasing consumer skepticism toward sustainability claims and the growing importance of transparent and credible green marketing communication. The study contributes to a better understanding of consumer trust toward organic food labels from a comparative perspective and provides important implications for researchers, policymakers, produce…
subject: Original article
  topic: section
subject: consumer trust; organic food labels; eco-labels; sustainable consumption; green marketing; comparative analysis
  topic: keywords
creator: Tina Vukasović
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Tina Vukasović https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
date: 2026-06-29
publication date: 2026-06-29
starting page: 1
ending page: 21
doi: 10.32015/JIBM.2026.18.1.5

Labor shortage and job satisfaction – the role of workload
type: item
description: This study examines the relationship between perceived labour shortage and employees' job satisfaction, with workload considered as a potential mediating mechanism. It is based on the assumption that labour shortages increase job demands and consequently affect employee well-being and satisfaction. A quantitative cross-sectional design was employed, with data collected through an online questionnaire among employees in the Republic of Croatia. The relationships between variables were analysed using regression and mediation analysis, within a theoretical framework integrating the Job Demands-Resources model, Conservation of Resources theory, and Effort-Reward Imbalance theory. The results show that perceived labour shortage is associated with increased workload and higher turnover intention, while workload does not significantly mediate the relationship between labour shortage and job satisfaction. These findings highlight the importance of organizational responses to labour shortages in managing employee workload and retention. The study contributes by treating perceived labour shortage as a distinct organizational stressor linked to employee attitudes and job outcomes.
subject: Review article
  topic: section
subject: labor shortage; perceived labour shortage; workload; job satisfaction; employees
  topic: keywords
creator: Katarina Kulić
creator: Željko Požega
creator: Marko Galić
creator: Mirjana Nedović
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Katarina Kulić, Željko Požega, Marko Galić, Mirjana Nedović https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
date: 2026-06-29
publication date: 2026-06-29
starting page: 1
ending page: 11
doi: 10.32015/JIBM.2026.18.1.7

Determinants of artificial intelligence adoption in project management: a global analysis of knowledge, drivers and barriers
type: item
description: This research investigates the determinants of artificial intelligence (AI) adoption in project management, focusing on knowledge, organizational drivers, and perceived barriers. Drawing on a global survey of 345 project management professionals, the research examines three models: (1) the effect of AI knowledge on adoption likelihood, (2) the influence of organizational drivers such as operational efficiency, leadership vision, and competitive advantage, and (3) the impact of perceived barriers including uncertain ROI, data privacy concerns, high costs, and lack of expertise. Results indicate that higher AI knowledge significantly increases adoption propensity. Organizational drivers, particularly leadership vision and competitive advantage, are strong positive predictors, whereas uncertain ROI acts as a significant barrier. Interestingly, concerns about data privacy and knowledge gaps exhibit a positive association with adoption, suggesting complex interactions between perceived obstacles and adoption behavior. The findings contribute to understanding AI integration in project management and provide actionable insights for organizations aiming to enhance efficiency, decision-making, and strategic AI implementation across projects.
subject: Original article
  topic: section
subject: project management, competitive advantage, adoption drivers, artificial intelligence (AI), digital transformation
  topic: keywords
creator: Aco Momčilović
creator: Martina Vukašina
creator: Zlatko Barilović
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Zlatko Barilović, Aco Momčilović, Martina Vukašina https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
date: 2026-06-24
publication date: 2026-06-24
starting page: 1
ending page: 11
doi: 10.32015/JIBM.2026.18.1.3

Building and brand recognition of veterinary clinics in Slovenia
type: item
description: This article examines the factors that shape brand building and recognition among veterinary clinics in Slovenia. It is grounded in the premise that, within the veterinary sector, a brand cannot be reduced to visual identity or promotional activity alone, but should instead be understood as a multidimensional construct formed through professional quality, trust, communication, user experience, and digital presence. The study aims to explore how owners of veterinary clinics understand the development of a clinic’s brand and recognition, as well as the importance they attribute to trust, communication, user experience, and digital visibility in this process. The research combines a review of relevant literature with a qualitative empirical approach. The empirical part is based on nine semi-structured interviews conducted with owners of private veterinary clinics from different regions of Slovenia, while the data were analysed using reflective thematic analysis. The findings indicate that clinic owners primarily associate brand building with professional expertise, quality of treatment, consistency in service delivery, clear communication, and the overall user experience. Recognition is seen as being shaped mainly by local presence, word-of-mouth recommendations, professional reputation, a clearly defined clinic identity, and digital visibility. Trust emerges as a central linking element between brand and recognition, whereas digital presence functions as an important point of first contact, accessibility, and perceived credibility. The article contributes to the understanding of veterinary clinic branding by integrating insights from service branding, trust, veterinary communication, and digital presence within the Slovenian context.
subject: Original article
  topic: section
subject: veterinary clinics, brand, recognisability, communication, user experience, digital presence
  topic: keywords
creator: Gregor Jagodič
creator: Anja Jagodič
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Gregor Jagodič, Anja Jagodič https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
date: 2026-06-23
publication date: 2026-06-23
starting page: 1
ending page: 22
doi: 10.32015/JIBM.2026.18.1.6

New approaches to teaching International human resource management
type: item
description: This study explores the innovative pedagogical design, implementation, and student outcomes of the International Human Resource Management (IHRM) course, a graduate-level module delivered in a hybrid and bilingual format at a Slovenian university. The course is co-taught by two professors, with lectures in English and seminars in Slovenian, using both languages interchangeably to foster intercultural dialogue. Instruction integrates Zoom sessions, hybrid teaching, recorded lectures, and structured group work, with Moodle serving as the central platform for materials, communication, and assessment. The course emphasizes practice-oriented, digitalized, student-centered learning, incorporating case studies, collaborative projects, and AI-based simulations to develop competencies in HRM within global and intercultural contexts. The model includes AI-based tools, including GPT chatbots, supporting students in preparing training and onboarding materials for international teams. The case study is quantitative. Seventy-four graduate students completed an online survey one week after the course via the university-wide quality management system. The survey, based on a Likert scale, assessed teaching quality, instructor engagement, course organization, learning materials, and learning outcomes. Results indicate consistently high satisfaction, with mean scores ranging from 4.42 to 4.61. Students highlighted the appropriateness of course content, instructor encouragement of participation, and applicability to real-life professional contexts. Instructor performance, clarity of assessment, and course organization were similarly well rated. Findings demonstrate that the course effectively integrates internationalization, digitalization, and flexibilization of curriculum, supporting the development of intercultural competence, practical AI-supported HRM skills, and professional readiness. The case study results confirm the importance of flexible, inclusive, and technologically enhan…
subject: Case study
  topic: section
subject:
  topic: keywords
  value: flexibilization of higher education, human resource management education, practice-oriented learning, artificial intelligence in HRM, hybrid and online teaching, assessment methods in graduate programs
creator: Svitlana Buko
creator: Boštjan Žabar
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Svitlana Buko, Boštjan Žabar https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
date: 2026-06-29
publication date: 2026-06-29
starting page: 1
ending page: 12
doi: 10.32015/JIBM.2026.18.1.8

How Artificial Intelligence is shaping the future of learning
type: item
description: Purpose of the article. This paper explores how artificial intelligence (AI) transforms the philosophical, cultural, and pedagogical foundations of education. It argues that while AI expands cognitive capacity and predictive power, it simultaneously reveals the irreducible qualities of human learning—consciousness, doubt, resistance, meaning, and ethical responsibility. The central purpose is to re-articulate what it means to be educated when intelligence itself becomes machinic. Research methodology. Drawing on conceptual synthesis and transdisciplinary literature from 2018–2025, the article integrates systems theory (Luhmann), media theory (McLuhan), and contemporary educational research on AI literacyand future skills. It analyzes philosophical arguments and policy frameworks (OECD, UNESCO) to derive a normative model for “learning in the age of algorithmic certainty.” Findings. Education’s core value lies not in reproducing information but in cultivating judgment under uncertainty. The paper identifies five dimensions of Future Skills Literacy: epistemic humility, ethical discernment, creative resistance, dialogical imagination, and digital sovereignty. Practical implications. For schools and universities, these insights translate into new designs for curricula, assessment, and institutional culture—emphasizing ambiguity tolerance, ethical reasoning, and human–AI co-agency. Originality/Value. The article moves beyond deterministic narratives to position AI as a mirror that reframes the human condition. It links philosophy, pedagogy, and leadership, contributing a humanistic vision of learning for the twenty-first century.
subject: Professional article
  topic: section
subject: Artificial Intelligence; future skills; human agency; learning culture; ethics of technology
  topic: keywords
creator: Ulf-Daniel Ehlers
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Ulf-Daniel Ehlers https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
date: 2026-06-26
publication date: 2026-06-26
starting page: 1
ending page: 11
doi: 10.32015/JIBM.2026.18.1.10

Normative embedding in economic diplomacy: sustainability and human rights in European economic statecraft
type: item
description: Economic diplomacy has traditionally been associated with trade promotion, investment attraction, and the pursuit of national economic advantage. In recent years, however, sustainability and human rights have become increasingly visible within the strategic language of economic statecraft. This article asks whether these commitments function as concrete criteria shaping contemporary economic diplomacy or whether they remain largely declaratory elements of policy discourse. The study is based on a qualitative comparison of strategic documents adopted by the European Union, Germany, France, the Netherlands, and Slovenia. It introduces a distinction between normative embedding, where sustainability and human rights are linked to specific policy instruments such as trade clauses, due diligence obligations, or investment screening mechanisms, and normative branding, where such commitments operate primarily at the level of narrative. The analysis suggests that sustainability has achieved a relatively high degree of institutionalisation, particularly at the European Union level. Human rights commitments are increasingly present, especially through supply chain due diligence initiatives, although their operational integration remains uneven. Overall, the findings indicate a gradual but meaningful reorientation of European economic diplomacy, in which competitiveness and legitimacy are increasingly articulated through sustainability and accountability considerations.
subject: Review article
  topic: section
subject: economic diplomacy; sustainability; human rights; economic statecraft; regulatory geopolitics; European Union; normative governance; business and human rights; strategic autonomy; ESG
  topic: keywords
creator: Gorazd Justinek
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Gorazd Justinek https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
date: 2026-06-29
publication date: 2026-06-29
starting page: 1
ending page: 15
doi: 10.32015/JIBM.2026.18.1.2

Beyond individual intelligence: assessing creativity in the Human - AI - World Ecosystem
type: item
description: Purpose of the article: The modern educational landscape faces a crisis as traditional assessment, which measures individual achievement in isolation (the "fish in a tank" fallacy), fails to capture the rich creative potential emerging from global Human-AI partnerships. This paper introduces Cosmogogy, a theoretical framework, advocating for a decisive shift from "defense mode" to "design mode" to reimagine knowledge assessment as collaborative ecosystem contribution across cultural and technological boundaries. Research Methodology: Drawing from Cosmogogy’s theoretical foundations, the paper details the Cosmogogy Collaborative Pilot, an 8-week global sustainability project involving diverse higher education institutions across continents. The methodology employed innovative practices, including process-based assessment, Global Peer Evaluation, and ecosystem impact measurement, featuring the explicit integration of the Collaboration Cosmo AI Agent as a peer-level participant. Findings: The pilot demonstrates the practical feasibility of assessing collaborative ecosystem contribution. Key results show the successful cultivation of the Global Collaborator Mindset (GCM) in participants, enhanced AI fluency, and the movement of assessment beyond the "Tools versus Transformation" dichotomy by positioning AI for creative co-creation. The ultimate metric of learning is confirmed as "whether the reef grows," demonstrating the health of the entire learning ecosystem. Practical Implications: The findings compel institutions to fundamentally reconceptualize assessment policies and practice, moving toward thoughtful guidance on ethical AI-assisted work rather than prohibition. Educators are repositioned as facilitators and network navigators to guide students in critical AI literacy. Originality/Value: The originality of this work lies in introducing Cosmogogy, which asserts meaningful learning happens 'with' the world, and fundamentally positioning AI as a genuine learning par…
subject: Professional article
  topic: section
subject: Artificial Intelligence, collaboration, assessment
  topic: keywords
creator: Julie Lindsay
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Julie Lindsay https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
date: 2026-06-29
publication date: 2026-06-29
starting page: 1
ending page: 13
doi: 10.32015/JIBM.2026.18.1.4

Integration of generative AI into higher education ecosystems
type: item
description: In recent years, the integration of GenAI into higher education has rapidly transformed higher education systems from different perspectives. It impacts teaching, learning, assessment, daily business operations, and institutional management. To this matter, this paper explores the integration of Gen AI within higher education, substantiated by the case of selected Slovenian business school. The study addresses how AI should be incorporated into higher education and presents a use case that can help other universities to integrate GenAI tools into their modus operandi in an effective and ethical manner.
subject: Professional article
  topic: section
subject: technology adoption, generative AI, higher education, integration of generative AI into higher education
  topic: keywords
creator: Luka Tomat
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Luka Tomat https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
date: 2026-06-29
publication date: 2026-06-29
starting page: 1
ending page: 10
doi: 10.32015/JIBM.2026.18.1.9

AI-based content analysis in marketing: methods, processes, and evidence from an empirical study
type: item
description: The exponential growth of digital content has fundamentally transformed how organizations can observe, understand, and predict human attitudes and behaviors. In marketing and related domains, artificial intelligence (AI)–based content analysis has emerged as a critical analytical capability for extracting insights from unstructured data such as text, images, audio, and video. While prior research has extensively discussed individual methods, less is known about how organizations actually implement these approaches and integrate them into decision-making processes. Addressing this gap, this study pursues two objectives. First, it provides a structured overview of AI-based content analysis methods and proposes an end-to-end process model that emphasizes organizational integration rather than algorithmic performance alone. Second, it reports findings from an empirical survey of marketing managers and experts that examines the adoption, maturity, objectives, perceived benefits, and barriers associated with AI-based content analysis in practice. The results show that text-based methods are most widely adopted, whereas image, video, and multimodal approaches remain at an early stage of diffusion. Although respondents perceive substantial benefits from AI-based content analysis, process maturity, governance structures, and analytical capabilities are often underdeveloped.
subject: Original article
  topic: section
subject: AI-based Content Analysis; Text Analysis; Image Analysis; Video Analysis; Multimodal Analysis
  topic: keywords
creator: Christopher Zerres
creator: Jürgen Seitz
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Christopher Zerres, Jürgen Seitz https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
date: 2026-06-29
publication date: 2026-06-29
starting page: 1
ending page: 12
doi: 10.32015/JIBM.2026.18.1.1

Influencer marketing as a modern form of advertising
type: item
description: Today we live in a time of rapid change and modern technology. Smartphones, computers, and internet access have become part of our everyday lives, influencing the way companies advertise and sell their products. With the development of the internet and social media, new forms of advertising have emerged. One of them is influencer marketing. This means that companies collaborate with people who have many followers online and present their products or services through them. An influencer shows a product in their own way – based on personal experience – which feels more authentic and convincing, so people tend to trust them more. In recent years, influencer marketing has grown significantly, as it allows companies to connect with their target audience in a modern and more genuine way. This article presents how influencer marketing works, what its advantages and disadvantages are, and why this form of advertising has become so popular in the digital world.
subject: Professional article
  topic: section
subject: influencers, digital advertising, social media, consumers, trust
  topic: keywords
creator: Tara Kreutz
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 Tara Kreutz https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
date: 2025-11-28
publication date: 2025-11-28
doi: 10.32015/JIBM.2025.17.2.10

Effect of artificial intelligence and automation on the supply chain
type: item
description: Artificial Intelligence (AI) and automation have become transformative forces in global supply chain management, fundamentally reshaping how organizations plan, produce, and deliver goods and services. This paper examines how AI driven technologies, machine learning, robotics, predictive analytics, and the Internet of Things (IoT) improve efficiency, resilience, and sustainability across supply networks. The study identifies AI’s critical role in optimizing logistics operations, forecasting demand, and managing risks through data‐driven decision-making. The analysis highlights both the advantages of AI implementation, greater accuracy, cost reduction, and enhanced agility and its challenges, including data integration, ethics, high investment costs, and workforce adaptation. The paper concludes with recommendations for strategic adoption of AI and automation to ensure competitiveness and sustainability in the evolving digital economy.
subject: Professional article
  topic: section
subject: Artificial Intelligence, automation, supply chain management
  topic: keywords
creator: Marko Galić
creator: Tomislav Horvat
creator: Ana Marić
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 Marko Galić, Tomislav Horvat , Ana Marić https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
date: 2025-11-28
publication date: 2025-11-28
doi: 10.32015/JIBM.2025.17.2.4

Analysis of the connection between the reward system and the perception of efficiency in sales management
type: item
description: The aim of this paper is to examine the relationship between satisfaction with the reward system and the perception of salary fairness of food industry sales management employees. The starting point is that employees do not value the reward only through the amount of salary, but through the perception of fairness and transparency. Quantitative research was conducted through a standardized questionnaire on a sample of N = 92 sales management employees in the Croatian food industry. Variables were measured on a Likert scale from 1 to 10, and the data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Spearman correlation and difference testing. An extremely strong positive correlation between reward satisfaction and the perception of remuneration fairness (ρ=0.981; p<0.01) was found, with almost identical mean values, and employees do not perceive these two variances separately. Fairness and transparency of the remuneration system are essential to maintain motivation and retain employees. The paper provides an empirical insight into the sales management of the food industry, a sector that is insufficiently researched.
subject: Original article
  topic: section
subject: compensation systems, wage fairness, employee motivation, performance management, sales management
  topic: keywords
creator: Zvonimir Filipović
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 Zvonimir Filipović https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
date: 2025-11-28
publication date: 2025-11-28
doi: 10.32015/JIBM.2025.17.9

Revitalisation of cultural heritage and historical objects: from fragility to sustainable management in tourism
type: item
description: Purpose of the article – the paper examines the revitalisation of historic buildings, focusing on financial sustainability, community involvement, and regional development beyond mere technical renovation. Research methodology – the study combines a review of domestic and international literature with a qualitative analysis of good practices, focusing on funding models, tourism integration, public-private partnerships, community roles, and digital technologies. Findings – the research shows that project success relies on diversified funding, strategic content planning, and the development of viable business models that combine public and private resources. Active community involvement and the use of digital tools—such as augmented reality—are also crucial in enhancing the appeal and long-term use of revitalised heritage sites. Practical implications – the findings provide recommendations for policymakers, heritage managers, and other stakeholders. Key suggestions include establishing a clear legal framework for public-private partnerships, offering financial incentives, promoting digital tools, and implementing targeted marketing strategies to transform abandoned heritage into vibrant community hubs. Originality/value – the paper combines international best practices with the Slovenian context to propose innovative and sustainable revitalisation approaches. It offers a comprehensive perspective on cultural heritage as a catalyst for local identity, social cohesion, and long-term regional development.
subject: Original article
  topic: section
subject: cultural heritage
  topic: keywords
subject: revitalisation
  topic: keywords
subject: sustainable development
  topic: keywords
subject: tourism
  topic: keywords
subject: digitalisation
  topic: keywords
creator: Gregor Jagodič
creator: Vita Petek
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 Gregor Jagodič, Vita Petek https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
date: 2025-11-28
publication date: 2025-11-28
doi: 10.32015/JIBM.2025.17.2.2

When tourism meets law:governing short-term rentals in Slovenia
type: item
description: Purpose of the article – is to provide insight into regulatory efforts concerning short-term rentals (STRs) of private accommodations for tourists in Slovenia. The study examines the perspectives of public sector representatives engaged in STR regulation and to synthesize the most recent governmental approach to STR regulation in new the Hospitality Act (HA). The article builds upon previous research on STR regulation in Slovenia initiated in 2018. Research methodology – adopts a qualitative research design. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and in relevant secondary sources. The data were processed through content analysis, using coding and matrix techniques. Findings are presented descriptively and illustrated with tables and graphs. Findings – reveal the positions of public actors on the societal and tourism-related impacts of STRs, and their views on the regulatory framework. The synthesis of HA provisions is complemented by legal considerations, suggesting that establishing a definitive STR framework in Slovenia remains ongoing. Practical implications – The topic is relevant for Slovene tourism in light of recent governmental attempts, spanning a decade, to establish a coherent STR framework. Originality/Value – The study emphasizes the role of legal frameworks in sustainable tourism. By bridging tourism and law, it contributes to an underexplored scholarly field
subject: Original article
  topic: section
subject: tourist accommodations, technology-based business models, short-term rentals, Airbnb, regulations, Hospitality act
  topic: keywords
creator: Saša Zupan Korže
creator: Saška Štajnmec
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 Saša Zupan Korže, Saška Štajnmec https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
date: 2025-11-28
publication date: 2025-11-28
doi: 10.32015/JIBM.2025.17.2.6

Responsibility in the post-crisis organizations: strategic shifts in internal communication for sustainable and resilient organizational culture
type: item
description: Purpose of the article: This paper explores the evolving role of coaching as an internal communication tool in advancing responsibility as part of public relations goals, particularly in the post-crisis era. Originality/Value: By revisiting and upgrading a study initially conducted in 2019, the study specifically investigates how coaching is currently integrated into internal communication practices in Slovenian organizations, its influence on enhancing personal and organizational responsibility, its role in alignment with sustainability strategies, and its perceived effectiveness after crises such as COVID-19 and social unrest. Furthermore, it contextualizes these findings within the framework of ESRS, especially the social (S) dimension of the CSRD directive. Research methodology: Using a quantitative and qualitative approach, the study aims to identify shifts in managerial attitudes, communication structures, their responsibility and their contribution to fostering sustainability in times of uncertainty. Findings: The findings emphasize the growing importance of structured internal communication—and coaching as one of its tools—as a means of cultivating personal and organizational responsibility, enhancing employee value, and fostering resilient, sustainable organizational cultures. Practical implications: The study contributes to theoretical understanding and provides practical guidelines for embedding coaching in communication strategies to support long-term organizational resilience.
subject: Review article
  topic: section
subject: internal communication, coaching, sustainability, public relations, organizational resilience
  topic: keywords
creator: Natalie Cvikl Postružnik
creator: Nina Lesar
creator: Tjaša-Ana Buček
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 Natalie Cvikl Postružnik, Nina Lesar, Tjaša-Ana Buček https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
date: 2025-11-28
publication date: 2025-11-28
doi: 10.32015/JIBM.2025.17.2.5

Impact of COVID-19 on foreign direct investment in the European Union
type: item
description: Background: The COVID-19 outbreak affected foreign investment worldwide, and the European Union (EU) suffered a more pronounced drop in foreign direct investment (FDI) compared to other world areas. Objectives: This paper examines the pandemic's impact on FDI in EU Member States, considering the influence of macroeconomic variables and policy responses on FDI behavior. Methods/Approach: Based on quarterly data (2020Q1–2023Q4) retrieved from Eurostat, OECD, and UNCTAD, the research employs descriptive statistics, as well as the panel regressive approach to examine FDI tendencies, the change in the composition of flows, and the role of macroeconomic and institutional factors. Results: The results indicate that the worse the severity of COVID-19 is, the less FDI performance will be, especially in manufacturing and tourism. However, investment in digital and green sectors held up. Recovery mechanisms at the EU level and national screening regimes affected the dynamics of investment, indicating that there will be structural changes in location and internalization advantages in the post-pandemic period.
subject: Original article
  topic: section
subject: foreign direct investment, European Union, COVID-19, macroeconomic factors, policy response, sectoral shifts
  topic: keywords
creator: Vito Bobek
creator: Romana Korenič
creator: Tatjana Horvat
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 Vito Bobek, Romana Korenič, Tatjana Horvat https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
date: 2025-11-28
publication date: 2025-11-28
doi: 10.32015/JIBM.2025.17.2.3

The presence and impact of different board characteristics on the performance of the private companies in Kosovo
type: item
description: In the recent years, corporate governance has garnered significant attention, evolving into a notable topic for discussion. Over the past decade, the behaviour and conduct of boards of directors have taken an extraordinary dimension. Moreover, the unpredicted and unprecedented outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic underscored the significance and the role of the business leaders, especially of the boards of directors. The purpose of this research is to study the presence and influence of various board characteristics on the performance of private companies in Kosovo. The research explores the relationship between board presence, board size, board independence, board composition, gender diversity, and the performance of these private companies in Kosovo. The research uses a quantitative approach, surveying large and medium-sized companies. A sample of 61 companies was selected to examine the correlation between board characteristics and company performance indicators such as Return on Equity (ROE), sales and profit. The findings show that 70% of the companies in the study have a board of directors. The results indicate that the presence of a board, as a proxy for adopting corporate governance practices, has a positive and significant impact on company performance. However, these boards often lack independence, being largely dominated by family members. Furthermore, gender diversity is limited, with women occupying only 17% of the total board seats. This research is expected to serve as a valuable guide and practical reference for policymakers, company owners, boards of directors, and top management teams, to comprehensively assess and facilitate improvement of the understanding of corporate governance in Kosovo.
subject: Review article
  topic: section
subject: corporate governance, board of directors’ presence, board of directors’ characteristics, private companies.
  topic: keywords
creator: Gjyshinca Peja Merita
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 Gjyshinca Peja Merita https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
date: 2025-11-28
publication date: 2025-11-28
doi: 10.32015/JIBM.2025.17.2.11

A domain-independent review of explainable AI’s role in facilitating innovation and creativity in organizations
type: item
description: Explainable Artificial Intelligence (XAI) offers transparency and interpretability in AI systems, addressing the opacity of traditional models. This review examines how XAI fosters innovation and creativity in organizations by enhancing decision-making, trust, and collaboration across diverse domains such as healthcare, manufacturing, and agriculture. Thematic analysis of relevant literature reveals that XAI builds stakeholder confidence, promotes ethical practices, and bridges gaps between technical and non-technical teams, encouraging inclusive problem-solving. While this study highlights significant short-term benefits, future longitudinal research is necessary to explore XAI’s long-term impact. This paper provides insights for academics, practitioners, and policymakers, emphasizing XAI's potential to foster innovation.
subject: Review article
  topic: section
subject: Explainable AI
  topic: keywords
subject: Innovation
  topic: keywords
subject: Creativity
  topic: keywords
subject: Decision-Making
  topic: keywords
subject: Organizational Behavior
  topic: keywords
creator: Miha Lavrič
creator: Aurora Lea Lavrič
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 Miha Lavrič, Aurora Lea Lavrič https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
date: 2025-06-30
publication date: 2025-06-30
doi: 10.32015/JIBM.2025.17.1.8

Comparative analysis of the impact of marketing strategies on sports documentary series
type: item
description: Over time, sport has ceased to be merely entertainment and has become a significant factor influencing the economy. Several important themes related to sports marketing include various tools and strategies, sponsorship and partnerships, and media and digital transformation. Consumer behaviors and the economics of sports and trends also differ. The research area of this paper was to investigate the impact of documentary series about athletes on viewers from a marketing perspective as a new trend in marketing strategies. The study examined how documentary series affect the popularity of athletes and how viewers perceive the emergence of documentary series about athletes as their promotion, whether the audience's perception changes after watching the series, and whether they prefer watching documentary series about individual athletes or sports teams. The effects of different marketing strategies of two documentary series about an individual athlete and a sports team were comparatively analyzed. The research was conducted using a quantitative method, a survey technique with an online questionnaire. The sample was selected by simple random sampling within online sports communities, and the target group consisted of active and former athletes in Croatia. The research covers various aspects of sports marketing and connects the film industry with marketing strategies.
subject: Original article
  topic: section
subject: sports marketing, athlete branding, documentary series
  topic: keywords
creator: Lucija Sekulić-Škopić
creator: Tina Vukasović
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 Lucija Sekulić-Škopić, Tina Vukasović https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
date: 2025-11-28
publication date: 2025-11-28
doi: 10.32015/JIBM.2025.17.2.1

The importance of economic literacy and an analysis of the level of economic knowledge
type: item
description: Purpose — The paper examines the level of economic literacy among students of a Slovenian social sciences faculty and highlights its importance for understanding micro- and macroeconomic concepts, making informed financial decisions, and engaging in active citizenship. Methodology — The research is based on a quantitative methodological approach using a questionnaire that includes demographic data and specific economics-related questions. Three hypotheses were tested: differences based on gender, political orientation, and generational groups. Findings — The results showed a low average level of economic literacy (47% correct answers). No statistically significant differences were found with regard to gender, political orientation, or generational group. Students performed best on questions related to basic financial concepts, while the poorest results were recorded on questions concerning fiscal policy and government measures. Practical implications — Based on the findings, it is recommended that educational programmes include more content related to current economic issues and that curricula be adapted to the needs of the modern economy. Originality/Value — This is the first such study of economic literacy conducted on a sample of Slovenian students. It fills an important research gap and provides empirical evidence that can support educational changes and the development of targeted measures to improve economic literacy among young people.
subject: Original article
  topic: section
subject: economics, literacy, economic knowledge, educational programmes
  topic: keywords
creator: Andraž Konc
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 Andraž Konc https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
date: 2025-11-28
publication date: 2025-11-28
doi: 10.32015/JIBM.17.2025.2.6

Integrating ESG and AI in higher education: a conceptual framework for curriculum innovation
type: item
description: This paper examines the challenges and opportunities of integrating Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles with artificial intelligence (AI) tools in higher education (HE), particularly in finance and business-related study programmes. Drawing on a structured review of recent academic literature and informed by insights from the Erasmus+ GenESG project, it identifies four key systemic gaps that hinder effective implementation: lack of standardised ESG frameworks, weak interdisciplinary integration, ethical uncertainties surrounding AI use, and low student engagement with sustainability topics. The paper argues that addressing these challenges requires a holistic rethinking of curricula, combining ethical, digital, and sustainability literacies. Through an analysis of pedagogical approaches and institutional barriers, it offers recommendations for more coherent and future-oriented ESG teaching in higher education (HE), grounded in interdisciplinary, practice-based, and ethically aware strategies.
subject: Professional article
  topic: section
subject: ESG education, higher education, sustainable finance, artificial intelligence in education, interdisciplinary learning
  topic: keywords
creator: Tina Vukasović
creator: Liliya Terzieva
creator: Elenita Velikova
creator: Justyna Tomala
creator: Michael Murg
creator: Anita Maček
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 Tina Vukasović, Liliya Terzieva, Elenita Velikova , Justyna Tomala, Michael Murg, Anita Maček https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
date: 2025-06-30
publication date: 2025-06-30
doi: 10.32015/JIBM.2025.17.1.3

Strategy implementation in private equity funded companies
type: item
description: Research exploring strategy implementation in the context of private equity funded companies is sparse. Addressing this gap, this study has inquired into the cooperation between the key stakeholders of a recently acquired portfolio company and the acquiring private equity firm during the portfolio company’s four-year holding period. The research is grounded in the Strategy as Practice (SAP) paradigm and utilizes an insider action research method. By using this approach, it was possible to uncover unique insights on micro-level processes and action as well as rich narratives. From this data, an empirically grounded and explanatory strategy implementation framework was developed. This contains three dimensions including a Strategy Process Dimension, a Leadership Dimension, and a Value Creation & Growth Dimension with distinct phases and structural elements. Additionally, 8 novel research propositions could be identified. This study is a rare attempt to immerse into a private equity context. Based on for the context novel participatory approaches, important contributions to strategy implementation research are made (including in terms of approach) and additionally contributions to the SAP and buy-out literatures are made.
subject: Review article
  topic: section
subject: business performance; strategy implementation; private equity; strategy as practice; insider action research
  topic: keywords
creator: Anders Henriksson
rights: Copyright (c) 2023 Anders Henriksson
date: 2023-10-24
publication date: 2023-10-24
starting page: 1
ending page: 40

Investment analysis of companies for understanding the competitiveness of a municipality of Ribnica
type: item
description: The authors explain how policy and development represent a framework for regional development. In the empirical part, the authors analyzed the economic development and competitiveness of the municipality based on an online survey previously distributed to active economic operators in the municipality. The research examined the vitality of companies, their orientation and compliance with new EU guidelines, their investment activities, their sources of funding, their ability to obtain state subsidies, and their cooperation with local and regional authorities. The paper shows that the municipality of Ribnica ranks in the top half of the municipalities based on its development and competitiveness.
subject: Original article
  topic: section
subject: economic development, funding, investment activities, competitiveness, municipality of Ribnica.
  topic: keywords
creator: Vito Bobek
creator: Miha But
creator: Tatjana Horvat
rights: Copyright (c) 2023 Vito Bobek; Miha But; Tatjana Horvat
date: 2023-04-21
publication date: 2023-04-21
starting page: 1
ending page: 16
doi: 10.32015/JIBM.2022.14.2.4

Social networks in non-profit organizations
type: item
description: The purpose of this paper is to define the communication, communication process, the concept of social networks and non-profit organizations, with special emphasis on how non-profit organizations use social networks for their work. Social networks are a form of everyday private or business communication. There are different types of social networks, and some of the most popular are: Facebook, WhatsApp, Messenger, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok. The goal of public relations is to provide the organization with an environment in which it will function best and where it will have the opportunity to build its reputation. In the second part of the paper, research methodology is to give through a comparative analysis of the use of social networks as a communication tool in the interpersonal communication of non-profit organizations with users. A descriptive analysis was conducted between ten non-profit organizations in the Republic of Croatia. Conducted analysis has shown that non-profit organizations use social networks in their daily work, for communication, but also for transparency of their work. In further research it would be advisable to detect who are stakeholders in such communication process and what is their opinion or suggestions for non-profit organization.
subject: Original article
  topic: section
subject: Internet, public relations, non-profit organizations, social networks
  topic: keywords
creator: Ivana Vidak
creator: Dejan Tubić
creator: Martina Kovačević
rights: Copyright (c) 2023 Ivana Vidak, Dejan Tubić, Martina Kovačević
date: 2023-04-11
publication date: 2023-04-11
starting page: 1
ending page: 12
doi: 10.32015/JIBM.2022.14.2.2

Data Lakehouse: Benefits in small and medium enterprises
type: item
description: This article argues that the collection and processing of structured and unstructured data is necessary in small and medium-sized enterprises to advance in the business. The architecture, as it is known today, of a Data Warehouse is superseded by the larger Data Lakehouse. It is based on open data formats with direct access and has excellent support for machine learning and data science. To the enterprises that currently process only structured data, so they are technologically behind the competition, Data Lakehouse can help to solve big challenges based on Data Warehouses and Data Lakes, including data obsolescence, unmanageable data, and misplaced data. In the article it is presented how small and medium-sized enterprises are choosing to make a technological shift in the direction of Data Lakehouse, which helps them with strategic decisions and further steps in the enterprise for faster growth and development.
subject: Professional article
  topic: section
subject: Data Lakehouse, Data Warehouse, Data Lake, Data Analysis, Enterprise
  topic: keywords
creator: Blaž Čuš
creator: Darko Golec
rights: Copyright (c) 2023 Darko Golec
date: 2023-04-11
publication date: 2023-04-11
starting page: 1
ending page: 10
doi: 10.32015/JIBM.2022.14.2.5

Evaluation of financial situation of Slovak businesses after 2020
type: item
description: The aim of the article is to evaluate the financial situation of businesses in the Slovak Republic after 2020 through selected economic indicators. We focus on small and medium – sized enterprises. We used available secondary data to characterize the development of basic economic indicators describing the economic situation of businesses. Moreover, we surveyed whether the businesses managed to cope with the increased inflation. According to our findings, the unfavourable economic situation caused by the pandemic had a negative impact on the creation of added value in the business sector in 2020. In 2021, there was a revival of economic activity, which was reflected in the increased creation of added value, as well as in the positive development of other economic indicators. As for the impact of inflation, businesses were on average able to transfer rising costs into sales.
subject: Review article
  topic: section
subject: inflation, business, financial stability
  topic: keywords
creator: Katarína Belanova
rights: Copyright (c) 2023 Katarína Belanova
date: 2023-04-07
publication date: 2023-04-07
starting page: 1
ending page: 12
doi: 10.32015/JIBM.2022.14.2.7

Education of women entrepreneurs
type: item
description: In this paper, we discuss the education of women entrepreneurs in different life stages. Education is one of the most widely used indicators of human capital. We assume that there are significant differences among women entrepreneurs at different stages of their lives, in the Early Career and Idealistic Achievement phase, Mid-Career or phase of Pragmatic Endurance, and thirdly, Advanced Career or Reinvention and Recontribution phase. Entrepreneurial women are well aware of and value the knowledge of their businesses. A sizable portion of female entrepreneurs is pursuing higher levels of education and training throughout their careers. A rather low index of business training before starting entrepreneurship and also a low index of ongoing training in business areas, especially in the area of ​​business strategies and management, may mean that this is one of the weak points of female entrepreneurship in our country. Based on the findings of this research we also suggest that educating and promoting entrepreneurship among highly educated female professionals is a challenge to policymakers.
subject: Original article
  topic: section
subject: woman entrepreneurs
  topic: keywords
subject: female entrepreneurship
  topic: keywords
subject: life stages
  topic: keywords
subject: human capital
  topic: keywords
subject: woman education
  topic: keywords
creator: Mateja Vadnjal
creator: Jaka Vadnjal
rights: Copyright (c) 2022 Mateja Vadnjal, Jaka Vadnjal
date: 2023-04-03
publication date: 2023-04-03
starting page: 1
ending page: 12
doi: 10.32015/JIBM.2022.14.2.9

Comparative analysis of tourism indicators for Croatia and selected competitive countries
type: item
description: An increasing number of countries are investing in the development of tourism, thus becoming a key driver of socioeconomic development. The effects of tourism are realized through foreign exchange revenues, job creation, and the development of local and national infrastructure. As an international trade service, inbound tourism has become one of the world's major trade categories. Tourism in Croatia is considered an important investment driver and a generator of growth in the national economy. Addressing and development on a competitive basis are determined by the unfavorable macroeconomic environment and business climate in the country. Today's business world is characterized by accelerated development and competitiveness of companies that must stimulate profitable development, measure value creation and continuously learn from success, because only such companies can succeed. The aim of the paper is to show the economic effects of tourism and show the position of Croatian tourism in relation to competitive countries, in order to confirm the hypothesis that Croatia is a strong competitive country.
subject: Review article
  topic: section
subject: tourism, competitiveness, economic effects, economy
  topic: keywords
creator: Maja Buljat
rights: Copyright (c) 2023 Maja Buljat
date: 2023-04-21
publication date: 2023-04-21
starting page: 1
ending page: 8
doi: 10.32015/JIBM.2022.14.2.8

Performance drivers in the hospitality industry: evidence from Slovenia and Croatia
type: item
description: Purpose of the article – The aim of this paper is to identify key elements that drive performance in the field of hospitality and to test their impact on performance on the sample of hospitality companies in Slovenia and Croatia. Research methodology – Extensive literature review and content analysis contributed to the list of 30 drivers of hospitality performance that have been evaluated through Delphi method. In quantitative study, final list of drivers is linked to performance data on the sample of hospitality companies from Slovenia and Croatia. Findings – Hotel managers evaluated service quality, segmentation, and customer satisfaction as the major performance drivers. Further analysis showed that there is no single driver of performance that is relevant for any hospitality company. Cluster analysis offered five groups of companies that focused on their specific mix of performance drivers. Practical implications – The research offers a holistic view on the field of performance drivers while offering guidelines for industry practitioners when deciding where to focus to achieve targeted performance. Originality/Value – Studies so far focused on testing a single or a few drivers on hotel performance. From this point of view, this research is a stepping-stone in the area.
subject: Review article
  topic: section
subject: hotel performance, performance drivers, resource-based theory
  topic: keywords
creator: Valentina Božič
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 Valentina Božič https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
date: 2025-06-30
publication date: 2025-06-30
doi: 10.32015/JIBM.2025.17.1.5