https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/110406 Mon, 13 Apr 2026 11:58:00 GMT 2026-04-13T11:58:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/113889 Title: The importance of developing soft skills in project management : students' perspective, based on the example of IPMA-student certification Authors: Rzempała, Joanna; Janecka, Kinga; Juźwik, Mateusz Abstract: PURPOSE: The authors of the article have attempted to analyze which group of students are more willing to develop their management competences by getting external certification of specialized organizations.; DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: The team conducted research on a group of the most active students who obtain project management certificates during their studies. The aim of the study was to answer the question of whether students who have improved their competences in the field of management see the benefit, and what those benefits are. The study was conducted in year 2022, on a target sample of students who approached the IPMA - Student certification at several Polish universities.; FINDINGS: The research was conducted using the CAWI method and the results were statistically analyzed and then consulted during the PM Education Seminar.; PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: The problem of the competency gap in the labor market is a permanent issue and it seems that it will be increasing due to the environmental changes, the needs of clients, which causes an increasing challenge for entrepreneurs, whereas those entrepreneurs are seeking more and more specially educated employees.; ORIGINALITY/VALUE: This article presents original research into the perception of the usefulness of certification and cooperation with professional organisations in project management by young generations leaving academic education and entering the labour market. It illustrates students' interest in developing competencies and how the labour market values this during recruitment and selection. Sun, 01 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/113889 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/113888 Title: Differentiation of leisure time budget of residents of border municipalities in Poland Authors: Sawińska, Agnieszka Abstract: PURPOSE: This article presents selected factors differentiating the possession of leisure time among residents of Polish municipalities bordering Germany. Particular attention was paid to the impact of the Covid pandemic on changes in the perception of the amount of leisure time and the barriers determining the limitation of leisure time among the residents of border municipalities in three Polish voivodeships: West Pomieranian, Lubusz and Lower Silesian. A complementary goal was to analyze the literature on the category of leisure time.; DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: The empirical part was based on a survey conducted using the CATI method on a group of 1,068 residents of border municipalities in Poland. The survey was conducted on a representative group of people while maintaining a purposive-quota selection of respondents taking into account characteristics such as age, gender and place of residence. The theoretical part of the article is based on a review of the literature on defining leisure time.; FINDINGS: The analysis of the study showed that the increase in leisure time during the Covid pandemic was felt more often by women than men, and those over 60 years of age were most likely to notice no difference (40.8%). Respondents who were at the beginning of their careers (those aged 18-29) were the most burdened by work responsibilities, of whom almost half reported no increase in leisure time. The main barriers to leisure time in the municipalities of the Lower Silesian and Lubusz Voivodeships were care for children and other family members, and in the West Pomeranian Voivodeship, professional work. Activities defined as active reaction did not change significantly compared to the period before the Covid pandemic. Passive recreation activities have increased.; PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: Knowledge of the factors differentiating the possession of leisure time by residents of border municipalities in Poland may contribute to local policy actors taking measures aimed at the proper use of leisure time by residents. These activities may improve the quality of life of residents, increase recreational activities of selected groups, which may indirectly contribute to socio-economic development.; ORIGINALITY/VALUE: Previous studies related to leisure time are mostly of a very general nature and mainly concern its gender differentiation. Considering the leisure time budget in the context of an individual's perception of it and the impact of emergencies (Covid-19 pandemic) on its quantity and quality, along with an analysis in spatial terms (place of residence), provides a new perspective on the problem. Sun, 01 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/113888 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/113887 Title: The functioning of the Polish health care system during the first wave of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in the opinion of primary health care patients Authors: Płonka-Syroka, Bożena; Stych, Marek; Pawlica, Beata; Kmak, Małgorzata; Migała, Mariusz Abstract: PURPOSE: The aim of this scientific study is to analyze selected issues related to the functioning of Polish Primary Health Care units in the initial period of the SARS-CoV-2 virus pandemic.; DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: The analysis focused on the access to health services provided by Primary Health Care doctors and quality of those services, as well as issues related to the so-called tele-advice. Changes introduced in this respect directly affected the provision of health services to patients in their place of residence. The surveys we conducted were aimed at identifying the problems encountered by patients of these health care units. The following research methods were used in the study: the historical-legal method – selected legal acts and communiques issued by public administration bodies during the initial period of the pandemic were analyzed; the dogmatic-legal method – a systematic and linguistic interpretation of legal acts, reports, and information on websites was carried out; the survey method – surveys conducted among patients of Primary Health Care.; FINDINGS: The research results allow to draw de lege ferenda conclusions regarding the improvement of organizational functioning of Primary Health Care units. These conclusions will be helpful if new infectious diseases appear in the future. Making the rules for accessing Primary Health Care units more stable will enable public authorities to better prepare for potential crisis situations.; PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: The conducted empirical research can be utilized by decisionmakers, individuals managing the Polish health care system, and those managing/running Primary Health Care facilities. The responses obtained from the respondents indicate the strengths and weaknesses in organizing the health care process in a non-standard situation, such as during a pandemic. With their help, it is possible to better organize the process of patient contact and treatment in a crisis situation, during so-called extraordinary states.; ORIGINALITY/VALUE: The article is an original analysis of patients' opinions on the access to health care services provided by Primary Health Care facilities. The results of empirical research conducted among representatives of Polish society may serve as a basis for making comparisons in this area with other countries. The article may provide an impetus for an international discussion on the scope and quality of services provided by such health care entities. Sun, 01 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/113887 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/113886 Title: The effect of ambidextrous strategic leadership and digital technology adoption on creating shared value Authors: Schlosser, Kristian Pultz; Spilbergs, Aivars; Volkova, Tatjana Abstract: PURPOSE: The aim of this article is to provide an overview of how the strategic leadership ambidexterity, impacts the creation of shared value and how this impact is moderated by digital technology adoption.; DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: The methodology builds upon on primary data collection with comprehensive analysis of the collected data. The structural equation modelling technique was applied to examine the constructs.; FINDINGS: The findings suggest a positive relationship between ambidexterity and creating shared value. Furthermore, the study shows that leaders tend to be more optimistic about future opportunities and trends, which indicates that they focus more on exploring new opportunities rather than exploiting existing resources. While digital technology adoption has a positive impact, this is not significant. The moderating impact is more positive at lower levels and has a greater impact on creating social results versus business results.; PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: With the increasing importance of addressing societal challenges, including creating social results, it is crucial to identify which strategic leadership characteristics impact both social and business results. Ambidexterity refers to a leader's ability to exploit current resources while exploring future opportunities and trends. While digital technology acts as a moderator for strategic leaders when creating shared value.; ORIGINALITY/VALUE: The research results provides two key contributions, strategic leadership and digital technology. That is, an understanding of the impact of ambidextrous strategic leadership on on the creation of social and business results by measuring each ambidextrous strategic leadership constructs including exploitation and exploration impact on social and business results separately. And how this is moderated by different levels of digital technology adoption. Sun, 01 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/113886 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z