• Developing spreadsheet model for organizing replenishment process in small and medium enterprises

    pg(s) 57-59

    Spreadsheet software is commonly used in small and medium enterprises for a wide range of processes including analyzing the collected data, monitoring over the dynamics in data values, grouping and sorting, automating daily tasks, etc. Its automation features allow applying additional processing of the available data to make helpful suggestions for the managers. This paper describes the steps to develop a tool based on a spreadsheet model that could help managers in the procurement process. The main features of the presented model are: calculating safety stock based on a chosen rule; suggesting the reorder point and the latest reorder date for the articles; marking articles in different colors for the purposes of prioritization and grouping in one delivery from the same supplier. The consumption forecast is calculated using extrapolated historical data. The tool could be used by the procurement managers in order to automate their daily tasks on monitoring the stock levels. The model is adjustable and could include additional data sources (i.e. pre ordered quantities, etc.) to increase its the accuracy or exclude some of the data sources (i.e. historical data on the consumption), using only preprocessed indicators (i.e. mean consumption) with tradeoffs on its accuracy.

  • Emissions to air in a seaport caused by cargo dispersion through the handling operations with dry bulks

    pg(s) 234-239

    After general theoretical introduction referred on port related emissions, in this paper, special focus is given to emission to air in a seaport caused by dispersion of cargo through handling operation with dry bulk cargoes (and their storing on open storage area). In that context, on the concrete object of research – handling operations with dry bulk cargoes in the Port of Bar (Montenegro) – are analyzed elements which determine quantities of dispersed cargoes by handling operations types and their phases, considered intensity of emissions to air caused by cargo dispersion and recognized principal direction of action in order to reduce that dispersion (and consequent emissions to air).

  • Forms of eco-innovation transfer in industrial enterprises

    pg(s) 183-186

    After the adoption of the European Green Pact aimed at achieving the sustainability of the Union’s economy, industrial enterprises are faced with the challenge of creating and implementing eco-innovations aimed at achieving the goals set in the Pact. Considering that the innovation activity is a complex, expensive and risky process, for a large part of the enterprises there is the possibility of taking advantage of the possibilities of technological transfer of eco-innovations. The purpose of this report is to present the essence, characteristics and main forms of transfer of eco-innovations.The results show that the development and implementation of eco-innovations can be a complex, expensive and risky process that requires knowledge, effort and many activities that are beyond the power of every enterprise. This necessitates cooperation as a form of reducing costs and achieving a better economic effect

  • Industry 4.0 and the necessity of a new quality human capital

    pg(s) 178-182

    Humanity enters Industry 4.0. It is characterized by the emergence of numerous innovative technologies that should be produced in “smart” factories. However, this presents the entire Western world with a problem. Talking about the industry for machines, we immediately talk about machine engineers who power this industry. However, in the West, the crisis with this type of personnel is severe because of our previous ideology – “Knowledge Economy” which diverted many of the finest young people towards social science specialties and above all, those related to economics and management. Therefore, the West, is tasked with creating a new quality industry for machines without the engineering personnel to secure this process.This report presents a new approach to bring back the previous and well-deserved prestige of the all-important engineering profession through a fourth and final engineering wave in the development of a holistic business model ontology, a wave that will also generate a new quality of systemic economic engineers – the necessary engineering capital for realizing Industry 4.0.

  • Solar Energy an Instrument for Reducing High Electricity Prices in Industry Sector in Albania

    pg(s) 142-146

    The research focus addresses to installation of PV modules in industry sector in Albania. Due to energy crises, the prices are going higher and with the new regulations that are defined by Albanian government, businesses that are connected to 20kV, 10kV, 6kV transmission lines must secure the energy supply by their selves in open market, since a part of price was covered by government, now companies are facing higher prices. The new price is expected to increase more than 70%, up to 0.16 €/kWh from 0.092 €/kWh. Also, companies that will be in the open market will face price volatilities, hence with the installation of PV modules, reduction of electricity price is possible, since the LCOE (levelized cost of electricity) for the PV in Albania, including 20% VAT tax, is calculated around 0.035 €/kWh. To calculate the effect in electricity price a simulation using RETScreen Expert is performed. The simulations are made for a company connected to a 20kV electricity transmission line where an on-grid PV system 217.28 kW power installed is integrated on the roof. The PV modules covers 52.4% of the company electricity demand, by generating 286055 kWh electricity yearly from which 68% of electricity generated from PV is consumed by the company and 32% is exported to grid because company works 8 h/day and there is not an electricity storage system installed. With the price increment from 0.092 €/kWh to 0.16 €/kWh, the total earnings from PV installed system will be increased by an average 65.3% and if the electricity price in the open market is doubled the total earnings will be increased by an average 85.3%.

  • Effect of Using Rock Wool on Mechanical and Physical Properties of Oriented Strandboard (OSB)

    pg(s) 102-104

    In this study, the effect of using different ratios of rock wool on the mechanical and physical properties of OSB (Oriented strandboard) boards, according to the place of use and properties of OSB. For this purpose, 18 mm x1220 mm x2440 mm (control, A1, A2, A3) at a density of 600 kg/m³ using rock wool in three different (10-20-30%) ratios, in proportion to the weight of the middle layer of the chipboard obtained from 100% maritime pine (Pinus maritima) wood. OSB/2 test boards were produced. OSB/2 test boards obtained as a result of using different proportions of rock wool were tested according to the relevant standards. According to the test results, when the mechanical and physical properties (tensile strength in the vertical direction, bending resistance, modulus of elasticity, swelling properties and free formaldehyde values) are compared with the control board, it has been determined that 10-20% rock wool can be used in the production of OSB/2 boards to be used as insulation board. Accordingly, rock wool reinforced composite OSB boards can be preferred as insulation boards in the wood panel industry.

  • The role of accountants for ethical and sustainable artificial intelligence adoption

    pg(s) 98-101

    It is considered that artificial intelligence (AI) adoption will considerably amplify in the next decade and impact our lives in all three dimensions – environmental, social and governance. Therefore, deriving sustainable long-term value from AI mass implementation requires organisations to follow an ethical and responsible path. It is considered that accounting professionals will play a significant role in managing this process due to their commitment to ethics and ethical behaviour when performing the assigned tasks within the accounting and finance function. For instance, they might play an important part in complying with regulation and ethics policies, data management, including its quality and confidentiality, as data feeds AI, building understanding of how AI is used in the industry. Moreover, accountants could actively participate in cross-functional teams and efficiently communicate issues related to AI ethics and sustainability. In the light of the challenges from the mass adoption of AI, this paper aims at outlining the perspectives and opportunities towards the accountancy profession in the ethical and sustainable AI implementation in organisations

  • Managerial decision-making in the era of Industry 4.0

    pg(s) 71-75

    Fourth industrial revolution also known as Industry 4.0, is a concept that significantly influences the entire operation of businesses and management. It necessitates changes in individual managerial functions, not excluding decision-making. In management theory, managerial decision making is defined in terms of content through descriptive and normative theories. The aim of the presented article is to examine the normative and descriptive understanding of decision – making in the context of adaptation of individual approaches to changes in the business environment – especially adaptation to technological progress related to the fourth industrial revolution. An overrated aspect of decision-making in this era is its rational side due to the rapid development of computer technology and the availability of rich software support. On the other hand, there is a tendency to bring to the decision-making process the involvement of all involved, collective judgment, the ability to learn from the development of the situation or openness to feedback. The understanding of the decision-making process thus moves from its traditional concept to a new understanding, which includes the above-mentioned factors. Development leads to their integration in the form of a direction that does not yet have a name but means a synergy of rational decision-making and critical thinking and reasoning in the context of descriptive theories. The overall optimal result of the decision-making process is influenced by objective criteria through a rational-normative model, environmental characteristics and subjective influences, personality, and cognitive complexity of the manager.

  • Fintech in the financial services market – opportunities and threats. Case study of Poland

    pg(s) 66-70

    Fintech is increasingly important and potentially the most rapid change in financial services sector, changing the way financial services firms operate and transforming debt and equity markets, payments, credit assessment, regulatory compliance, personal finance and many other facets of financial services. The aim of the article is to analyze the impact of Fintech on the financial services market in Poland in the 21st century, with particular emphasis on the banking and insurance sector. The author intends to answer the question whether modern solutions proposed by IT companies in the field of payment processing, data collection and processing in Big Data technology and financial consulting constitute competition, or are complementary to financial services offered by banks and insurance companies, and to identify opportunities and threats for the further development of Fintech in Poland.

  • Logistics models – hybrid components

    pg(s) 26-29

    In this report we consider one of the fastest growing aspects of the business namely E-Logistics and its characteristics. The main purpose is to make comparison between E-Logistics and the traditional type of logistics, point out the advantages and the disadvantages, as well as the main principals of integration of the E-Logistics, and the opportunity for choosing hybrids between the different combinations of the principals for both types of logistics.

  • An overview of existing methods for evaluating mobile applications to change user behavior

    pg(s) 21-25

    Advances in behavioral science are growing and technologies and portable devices are evolving. Taking into account the characteristics of human behavior and existing biases and heuristics, better and more effective applications can be designed to influence the acquisition and development of positive habits such as goal setting and achievement. This includes goals such as sports, healthy eating, acquisition of daily routine self-care skills, timely medication and more in order to gain self-confidence, confidence and develop an identity. This article will review existing methods for evaluating and synthesis behavioral interventions. The results of the study will be used to build an application to achieve goals

  • Tax challenges of home office regime following the COVID-19 pandemic

    pg(s) 236-239

    Covid-19 pandemic has made it necessary to move work from employers’ workplaces to home offices. The employee works from home using digital technologies. However, the Home Office scheme is accompanied by significant employee costs, covered by private employees’ funds. Among them for example cost of electricity, water, sewers, the cost of suitable workplace equipment and its amortization, costs of quite free space, cost to cover speedy internet. On the other hand, the employers receive work from the employees, b ut the cost of the working environment and resources they save significantly. The Home Office regime will remain in place after the pandemic, so it is time to consider a financial solution to the cost of home office staff – for example, in the form of tax instruments.