https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/76246 2026-04-08T16:40:32Z 2026-04-08T16:40:32Z Matwiejczuk, Rafal Tluczak, Agnieszka Hawrysz, Liliana https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/78087 2021-07-06T11:14:43Z 2020-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Dynamic capabilities revisited : lessons from logistics Authors: Matwiejczuk, Rafal; Tluczak, Agnieszka; Hawrysz, Liliana Abstract: Purpose: The identification of the premises concerning shaping and developing logistics capabilities towards firm dynamic capabilities. Design/Methodology/Approach: The article uses an analytical approach based on the results of previous studies. Findings: Logistics capabilities can be perceived and implemented as the strategic capabilities of a firm. As a result, logistics capabilities may aspire to become the dynamic capabilities of a firm. Practical Implications: Logistics capabilities aspiring to become the dynamic capabilities of a firm play an important role in achieving the firm success as well as the firm competitive advantage. Originality/Value: The article presents the significant importance of logistics capabilities perceived as the firm dynamic capabilities. The value of the article is manifested in the attribution of significant importance to logistics capabilities which play a crucial role in achieving the firm success, as well as in building and sustaining the firm competitive advantage.

2020-01-01T00:00:00Z Doszyn, Mariusz https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/78085 2021-07-06T11:12:50Z 2020-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Biasedness of forecasts errors for intermittent demand data Authors: Doszyn, Mariusz Abstract: Purpose: Intermittent demand is defined as infrequent or sporadic. Many forecasting errors are inappropriate for intermittent data. In some periods, there could be no demand, so division by zero must be avoided. Usually, forecasts are computed for many products; therefore, errors should be scale-independent (or relative). Many ex-post forecast errors, such as MASE (Mean Absolute Scaled Error) or MAE (Mean Absolute Error), indicate as best very low forecasts, sometimes even zero forecasts. Therefore, many researchers think that measures taking into account stock and consumer service levels should be used instead of conventional forecasts. It might suggest that typical forecast errors are useless for intermittent data. In this article, the contradictory hypothesis is verified. It is stated that only unbiased forecast errors should be used if the conclusions are to be correct. Design/Methodology/Approach: Definition of unbiased forecast error is proposed and verified for popular forecast errors, such as ME (Mean Error), MSE (Mean Square Error), MAE, or MASE. The theoretical properties of these errors are considered concerning their biasedness. Forecasts are made based on Croston’s and TSB methods, but also average and median were used as forecasting methods to emphasize conclusions. Findings: In the empirical example, forecast errors are computed for intermittent demand times series to verify theoretical conclusions. The general conclusion is that only unbiased forecast errors provide proper indications according to forecast accuracy. This finding is true in general, not only for intermittent demand. Practical Implications: Presented considerations might be useful for enterprises dealing with intermittent demand forecasting such as distribution centers, warehouse centers, and so on. Originality/value: To the author’s knowledge, forecast error bias was not analyzed before in the literature. A new forecast error is proposed, which was named RMSSE (Root Mean Square Scaled Error).

2020-01-01T00:00:00Z Dacko, Mariusz Paluch, Lukasz Mickiewicz, Bartosz Mickiewicz, Pawel Nowak, Maciej https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/78082 2021-07-06T11:10:28Z 2020-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Energy production and consumption in the European Union - assessment of changes in the aspects of sustainability and the energy self-sufficiency Authors: Dacko, Mariusz; Paluch, Lukasz; Mickiewicz, Bartosz; Mickiewicz, Pawel; Nowak, Maciej Abstract: Purpose: The study discusses the issue of energy sustainability of the EC countries from the point of view of renewable energy sources, energy consumption and energy dependence and general energy demand of the economy. The study aims to identify and evaluate the key characteristics of the energy sector of the European Union countries in 2016. Design/Methodology/Approach: The information used in the comparative analysis includes the data published in EUROSTAT and the BP Statistical Review of World Energy reports. The data applied to the characteristics of global trends in energy production and consumption in regards to self-sufficiency and sustainability of the energy sector im EU. Findings: The analysis shows that despite the common challenges, the membership countries show significantly different levels of completion of climate and energy goals established by the E. The EC countries often represent different approaches to the issues related with the production and consumption of primary energy. The first approach can be observed in most Western European countries in which the energy production is mainly based on renewable sources and meet a minor part of the economy’s energy demand. The second approach is represented by the Central and Eastern European countries and focus on self-sufficiency and security of their own energy systems in which the production of primary energy is better balanced with consumption, however, the contribution of renewable sources is small. Practical Implications: The recommendations resulting from the analyses may be used as a valuable source of information for the entities and institutions responsible for developing the tasks undertaken as part of the environmental policies. Originality/Value: The results supplement previous research on the analysis of sustainability and self-sufficiency of the energy sector of the EU countries.

2020-01-01T00:00:00Z Maliszewska-Nienartowicz, Justyna https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/78081 2021-07-06T11:09:21Z 2020-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Accessibility for persons with disabilities as an important element of economic and social development : the European Union case Authors: Maliszewska-Nienartowicz, Justyna Abstract: Purpose: The purpose of this article is to present the issue of accessibility for persons with disabilities as an important element of sustainable development, taking into account the activities of the European Union (EU) in this area. Design/Methodology/Approach: The article is based on an approach according to which sustainable development focuses on the quality of life of a human being. The question arises how the EU refers to these problems in its internal and external policies. Therefore, after the analysis of the UN general documents on sustainable development and accessibility for persons with disabilities, the EU programmes, acts and concrete actions concerning these issues are presented and commented on. This legal analysis is supported by critical analysis of literature and available statistical data. Findings: Ensuring access to goods and services for persons with disabilities is vital for sustainable development as one of its main objectives is to improve the quality of life of all human beings. This issue is taken into account both in the UN and EU documents and is important for both economic and social sustainability. Practical implications: The results are of major importance to governments formulating their programmes on accessibility. They should consider the important role of accessibility within the scope of actions undertaken for social and economic development. Policy makers should also take into account the main challenges that ensuring access to goods and services for persons with disabilities poses in relation to architecture, transport, education, digitalisation, health, culture etc. Originality/value: The article is based on a critical analysis of documents and literature. As a result, it indicates strong and weak points in the implementation of accessibility goals in the frame of sustainable development policy. Moreover, the last part of the article presents solutions indispensable for ensuring access to goods and services for persons with disabilities, which may contribute to the development of good practices in this area.

2020-01-01T00:00:00Z