https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/126991 2026-06-12T02:39:25Z 2026-06-12T02:39:25Z Xanthopoulou, Panagiota Zakopoulos, Vassilis https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/128465 2024-11-06T10:22:26Z 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Developing management skills via e-learning : a pilot study on a cultural foundation Authors: Xanthopoulou, Panagiota; Zakopoulos, Vassilis Abstract: PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to investigate the implementation of e-learning as a foundational tool for the design, execution, and evaluation of a pilot training program aimed at developing managerial competencies in employees of a Greek cultural foundation. This research explores the critical factors of quality in e-learning design, the significance of employee training for management skills development, and the participants' perceptions of the program.; DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: This research employs a qualitative method, focusing on indepth interviews with twelve employees who participated in the pilot e-learning program of corporate training titled "Management of Cultural Organizations." Data were collected through interviews and an analysis of the employees’ evaluations, reflecting on their experiences and knowledge gained from the program.; FINDINGS: The results demonstrate that e-learning, even in its introductory stage within the organization, can effectively enhance both the professional and personal development of employees. The program successfully met the personal learning objectives of participants, particularly in areas of leadership, communication, and emotional intelligence. Employees showed a high level of engagement and indicated a preference for expanding the program to address additional topics such as time management, emotional intelligence, and HR management. The flexible nature of e-learning, combined with structured educational content, was positively received. However, employees expressed a desire for supplementary face-to-face learning methods to further enhance practical skills.; PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: This study suggests that e-learning can serve as a valuable tool for fostering managerial competencies in every organization, providing a cost-effective and flexible training solution for cultural organizations. The findings encourage the expansion of e-learning initiatives across the organization and propose its integration with traditional learning methods to optimize outcomes. The insights can guide cultural organizations in refining their training programs to align with evolving corporate needs and technological advancements.; ORIGINALITY/VALUE: This research provides novel insights into the use of e-learning in organizational learning within the refining sector, a relatively unexplored area. The findings contribute to the broader understanding of how e-learning can be tailored to meet the needs of employees in leadership roles, offering practical recommendations for companies considering the adoption of digital training platforms.

2024-01-01T00:00:00Z Pfejfer-Buczek, Anna Nowicka, Julia Ciekanowski, Zbigniew Król, Agnieszka https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/128464 2024-11-06T10:21:58Z 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Servant leadership in the light of the positive organizational scholarship trend Authors: Pfejfer-Buczek, Anna; Nowicka, Julia; Ciekanowski, Zbigniew; Król, Agnieszka Abstract: PURPOSE: The aim of this article is to analyse servant leadership in the context of the Positive Organizational Scholarship (POS) stream. The article seeks to examine how servant leadership influences the development of the organization and the well-being of its members, as well as how these two elements mutually permeate and support each other. The article highlights the assumptions of the Positive Organizational Theory stream, which offers a focus on the resources inherent in employees' strengths, bringing results for both employees and the organization.; DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: The main research problem is: How can servant leadership, as a management practice, be effectively integrated with the principles of POS to improve organizational performance and employee well-being? It is also important to identify which specific aspects of servant leadership have the greatest impact on positive outcomes within an organization. In line with the stated research problem, a research hypothesis has been formulated, suggesting that organizations that implement servant leadership principles in accordance with Positive Organizational Scholarship achieve higher levels of employee engagement, better organizational results, and greater well-being among team members compared to organizations that do not. For the purposes of the study, research methods such as literature analysis were used, based on which an attempt was made to characterize servant leadership as a management style that supports a positive organization in its holistic approach to human development and its pursuit of balance between the transactional and social dimensions of operation. Additionally, the method of synthesis and deduction was applied, which allowed for a logical construction of conclusions that may serve as a foundation for further empirical or theoretical research.; FINDINGS: Adopting the analysis of organizations through the lens of POS and servant leadership enables an understanding of the benefits of viewing employees and the outcomes of their work through the perspective of positivity. Positivity allows for the appreciation of employees' strengths while simultaneously fostering an organization based on values that build partnerships between the parties in a business relationship.; PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: The conducted study aims not only to confirm the proposed hypothesis but also to provide practical guidelines for organizations that wish to implement servant leadership in accordance with POS principles. The study results may serve as a basis for developing management strategies focused on building a positive organizational culture, where the development of individuals and teams goes hand in hand with achieving exceptional results.; ORIGINALITY/VALUE: The aim of the article is to introduce the topic of servant leadership and its connection to the Positive Organizational Scholarship stream. Presenting these concepts will help to understand how servant leadership can be viewed and analysed within the framework of POS, as well as how it can contribute to creating a work environment that fosters both organizational efficiency and the well-being of its members.

2024-01-01T00:00:00Z Hakim, Amira Thalassinos, Eleftherios https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/128463 2026-01-09T12:05:06Z 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Cryptocurrencies as a safe haven investment during the COVID-19 outbreak : a comprehensive analysis Authors: Hakim, Amira; Thalassinos, Eleftherios Abstract: PURPOSE: Using the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, this paper examines cryptocurrencies as haven investments for stocks, analyzing our time-varying realizations in response to the economic shock caused by the growing pandemic.; DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: Utilizing daily data on COVID-19 measures and daily prices for four cryptocurrencies and four stock assets throughout the year 2020, we apply both the VAR-DCC-GARCH and Wavelet Coherency models.; FINDINGS: Our paper provides new evidence that Bitcoin and Ethereum are highly correlated with the selected stocks over both short and long horizons. However, Litecoin and XRP are negatively correlated with the stocks throughout the entire COVID-19 period. We find that Bitcoin serves as a strong safe haven asset for all the selected stocks during the COVID-19 era, while Litecoin is a weak safe haven investment, and XRP has the lowest potential as a safe haven investment for all the stocks studied.; PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: This study provides diversification and hedging strategies for investors and policymakers, suggesting that cryptocurrencies acted as haven investments, similar to precious metals during historic crises, and functioned like fiat money during any economic shocks that may occur.; ORIGINALITY/VALUE: This article addresses a gap in the literature regarding cryptocurrencies as an alternative investment during economic disturbances, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.

2024-01-01T00:00:00Z Flieger, Marcin https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/128462 2024-11-06T10:20:37Z 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Inter-organizational network collaboration : how organizations modify expected benefits when facing VUCA environment Authors: Flieger, Marcin Abstract: PURPOSE: The main scientific purpose of this article is to identify how organizations exploit inter-organizational network collaboration when they experience VUCA environment. The study focuses on diagnosing how they modify expected benefits (network and relational rent) when unfavourable operating conditions occur.; DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: Conceptual development and positioning of the research aim at providing a generalizable contribution to management science, at the same time being accessible to practitioners. The research was carried out using the interpretative method of a multiple case study, following its methodological rigor. It was divided into two stages: within-case analysis and cross-case analysis. According to the replication logic, case studies constitute series of independent research which provide data corresponding with set research questions.; FINDINGS: The research shows that experiencing VUCA environment leads to re-thinking and reconfiguring expectations concerning network collaboration benefits. Importance of most network benefits (both kinds of rent) increased slightly or considerably. Moreover, it appeared that the change supported mostly an egocentric approach; organizations gave priority to various kinds of network rent, which builds an advantage for an individual participant of network.; PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: The results allow identifying a pattern which shows how organizations exploit network relations in order to adjust to market conditions. The template serves as a practical tool for managers in the process of planning and developing relations with other network participants.; ORIGINALITY/VALUE: The author adopts a new perspective to the problem of operating in VUCA environment, focusing on exploiting inter-organizational network in order to minimize the risk. The study expands our understanding of the nature of networks, how they adjust to changing environment and how network participants exploit collaboration to maximize benefit. It presents a concise theoretical construct which conceptualizes a pattern explaining how organizations react when facing VUCA environment, in terms of modifying priorities concerning expected benefits.

2024-01-01T00:00:00Z