https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/146507 2026-09-24T17:09:42Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/149290 Title: Determinants of soil liming in Poland : economic, social and behavioral drivers Authors: Barczyk-Ciuła, Justyna; Kozielec, Anna; Dacko, Mariusz; Nicia, Paweł; Paluch, Łukasz; Płonka, Aleksandra; Wojewodzic, Tomasz; Zadrożny, Paweł; Janus, Jarosław; Kowalik, Tomasz; Oleksy, Andrzej Abstract: PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to identify the economic, social, and behavioral determinants of soil liming practices among Polish farmers.; DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: The analysis is based on a survey conducted in 2022 among 443 farmers from four regions of Poland. A CHAID classification tree model was used as an exploratory analytical tool to identify factors differentiating three main liming strategies: systematic liming, sporadic liming, and the abandonment of liming practices.; FINDINGS: The results indicate that the primary determinant of liming strategies is the share of farm income in total household income. Technological orientation of farms, farmers’ knowledge of soil pH, and the influence of the local farming environment also play important moderating roles.; PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: In Poland, soils classified as acidic or very acidic account for more than 40% of agricultural land. Despite this, the level of lime application remains far below recommended levels, with some regions reporting annual application rates of only several tens of kilograms per hectare.; ORIGINALITY/VALUE: The findings highlight the importance of economic incentives, advisory services, and knowledge transfer mechanisms in promoting sustainable soil management practices. 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/149287 Title: Cyber threats to public administration as a challenge to the security of EU countries Authors: Grudniewski, Tomasz; Ciekanowski, Zbigniew; Wołejszo, Jarosław; Mazur, Sławomir; Soboń, Andrzej; Kuznetsov, Valeriy Abstract: PURPOSE: The aim of this article is to identify the scale, structure and significance of cyber threats targeting the public administration of European Union member states in the context of national security and institutional resilience.; DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: A qualitative approach was adopted in this study, comprising a review of the relevant literature, an analysis of European Union legal acts and strategic documents (in particular the NIS2 Directive), and a secondary analysis of statistical data from reports by the European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA). The research question was formulated as follows: how do cyber threats directed against public administration affect the security and stability of the functioning of European Union member states? The research hypothesis posits that cyber threats to public administration – due to their scale, nature and link to hybrid threats – constitute a significant destabilising factor for the security of EU Member States, making the public administration sector a critical element of the national security system.; FINDINGS: The research findings indicate that public administration is among the most frequently targeted sectors in EU Member States. Cyber threats, such as DDoS attacks, data breaches and ransomware, lead to disruptions to the continuity of operations of public institutions, data loss and a decline in public trust. At the same time, these incidents are increasingly part of the logic of hybrid threats, also affecting the political and social dimensions of state functioning.; PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: The findings point to the need to strengthen cybersecurity management systems in public administration, including the implementation of a risk-based approach, the development of incident response capabilities and the improvement of information security management systems (ISMS). The effective implementation of EU regulations and increased investment in organisational, technological and skills-based resources are also of key importance.; ORIGINALITY/VALUE: The article contributes to the academic discourse by providing a comprehensive, systemic approach to the issue of cyber threats in public administration, highlighting their significance not only from a technical perspective but also as a key element of national security and systemic resilience within the European Union. 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/149285 Title: The impact of artificial intelligence on organisational security management Authors: Chodyka, Marta; Ciekanowski, Zbigniew; Kręcikij, Janusz; Wronka, Sławomir; Żurawski, Sławomir; Drapikowska, Barbara Abstract: PURPOSE: The aim of this article is to analyse the impact of artificial intelligence on organisational security management and to identify the opportunities and threats arising from the implementation of AI-based solutions in modern organisations.; DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: The study employed a critical literature review, a comparative analysis, and an analysis of current reports on cybersecurity and artificial intelligence. The research process involved analysing academic publications, industry reports, and international regulations on AI governance and organisational security management. The research question was formulated as follows: how does artificial intelligence influence the effectiveness of organisational security management? The research hypothesis posited that the use of artificial intelligence enhances the effectiveness of organisational security management by improving threat identification, data analysis and the automation of incident response processes, whilst simultaneously generating new challenges related to information and organisational security.; FINDINGS: The analysis indicates that artificial intelligence significantly increases an organisation’s security management effectiveness by supporting threat identification, data analysis, risk management, and the automation of security incident response. At the same time, the development of AI generates new challenges related to cyber threats, limited algorithm transparency, the phenomenon of shadow AI, data protection and the need to build effective AI governance systems.; PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: The research findings can support organisations in building effective AI oversight systems, improving cybersecurity systems and increasing organisational resilience. The article also highlights the need to implement security policies, develop staff competencies and ensure compliance with AI regulations.; ORIGINALITY/VALUE: The article presents a comprehensive approach to the issues linking artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and organisational management. The value of the study lies in identifying the benefits and risks associated with the use of AI in organisational security systems, drawing on current international reports, academic literature, and contemporary management challenges. 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/149274 Title: Reskilling and upskilling in business practice : an analysis of needs, barriers, and directions for competency development from the perspective of employers Authors: Zatwarnicka-Madura, Beata; Stecko, Justyna; Nycz, Ewelina Abstract: PURPOSE: To identify reskilling and upskilling practices in enterprises, diagnose current competency needs, identify barriers to development programs, and determine the directions of future competency development from the employers' perspective.; DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: A mixed-methods research design was used, combining a quantitative survey among 383 employers from the Podkarpackie Voivodeship (using CATI/CAWI techniques and non-parametric statistical tests) with qualitative individual indepth interviews (IDI) subjected to thematic analysis.; FINDINGS: Significant competency gaps were identified across all analyzed skill groups, with the largest deficiencies found in digital, analytical, and green competencies. The dominant workforce development model remains reactive, heavily relying on traditional internal training. Furthermore, four key directions for competency development were identified: technological-adaptive, specialist, pro-environmental, and hybrid.; PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: The results demonstrate a critical need for a strategic shift from reactive training to long-term competency development. Organizations should place greater emphasis on practical methods such as mentoring and learning-by-doing, while regional stakeholders need to improve the availability of specialized training programs within the region.; ORIGINALITY/VALUE: The study offers an empirical, multi-dimensional analysis of reskilling and upskilling within a regional ecosystem characterized by smart specializations (aviation, automotive, and IT). It uniquely reveals a structural tension between employers' high awareness of competency needs and their limited organizational capacity to implement systemic, forward-looking development strategies. 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z