https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/113263 Sun, 12 Apr 2026 07:48:49 GMT 2026-04-12T07:48:49Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/116166 Title: How to present a marginal destination? Comparative studies on tour-guiding methodology in under-tourism areas Authors: Duda, Tomasz Abstract: PURPOSE: The purpose of the article is to show the role of the guide (interpreter) in the new tourism reality. Particularly important seem to be the challenges that await the tourist guide in marginal regions.; DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: The paper uses social research methods based on expert interviews and surveys among users of the narrative process in the Western Baltic Sea Region. Thanks to this combination of methods, a complete picture of the challenges faced by contemporary tourism and the interpretation of tourist destinations was obtained.; FINDINGS: The research showed relationships between the interpretation tools used and the level of understanding of the destination by its users. Particularly valuable are the results of studies indicating such relationships.; PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: Research has a very strong translation into practical application. With such indications, further interpretive activities can be planned, especially in places that need additional attention, are less well known and face the problem of undertourism.; ORIGINALITY/VALUE: The article presents the results of own desk research. The issue presented has not previously been addressed in discussions published internationally. Sun, 01 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/116166 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/116165 Title: Comparative analysis of the development of electromobility strategies in selected cities in Poland Authors: Pokorska, Agnieszka Abstract: PURPOSE: The aim of the article is to assess the level of development of electromobility strategies in selected cities in Poland based on the results obtained from the expert method.; DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: The article uses the method of multidimensional comparative analysis, which, based on the results of expert method research, allowed for the assessment of cities in Poland in terms of the development of electromobility strategies, understood in the work as the number of low-emission cars, i.e. electric and hybrid.; FINDINGS: Despite the turbulence in the international environment, the electric car market is constantly developing. The article contains ranking information regarding the predispositions of cities to achieve sustainable mobility in terms of implementing electromobility strategies, along with descriptions indicating the determinants of a given position.; PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: The analysis carried out can provide cities and their local authorities with a ready-made solution supporting the development of electromobility strategies in the form of a key set of indicators for sustainable urban mobility along with the desired direction of their development. In addition, the article contains ranking information on the management of sustainable urban mobility in the aspect of implementing electromobility strategies in the largest Polish cities, along with an analysis of the reasons for taking a specific place in the ranking, which may influence the change of electromobility strategies in these cities.; ORIGINALITY/VALUE: Taking into account the current stage of development of electromobility in Poland, attention should be paid to the lack of comprehensive analyzes of the impact of the phenomenon in question on this area. Sun, 01 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/116165 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/116164 Title: Study on the level of social potential of rural areas on the example of selected villages in Poland Authors: Janowski, Marcin; Słupińska, Kamila Abstract: PURPOSE: The aim of the article is an attempt to examine the scale of social potential in rural areas on the example of selected villages in Poland. This potential is to build strong social capital, which is the basis for the development of local rural communities in Poland. Local communities, particularly those living in rural areas and bringing together small communities, face social problems. These include: declining social ties, ageing population, depopulation, lack of perspectives for the development of small towns - villages in particular.; DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: The primary tool used during the research was a quantitative survey in the form of a multi-item questionnaire, also known as an omnibus. Due to the specific nature of the research subject, data was collected in the form of PAPI (Paper and Pencil Interview) with elements of face-to-face and in-depth interviews. The research covered three selected villages in the West Pomeranian Voivodeship in Poland, namely Różańsko, Barlinek and Chłopowo. A representative sample of 20% of the population was taken, and a total of 220 correctly and completely completed questionnaires were collected.; FINDINGS: Rural local communities form a fairly large group in terms of Poland's area. This is due to the agricultural character of many areas of Poland. The observed problems in the form of increasing migration of young people to towns and cities, and at the same time an ageing population in rural areas, cause that rural areas, in particular villages, are affected by the problems of stagnation of development of such areas, lack of opportunities to take advantage of goods which can be regarded as basic, such as: modern road infrastructure, access to educational and cultural facilities. This brings with it a deepening problem of declining social ties, social exclusion and digital exclusion. Meanwhile, rural settlements harbour untapped social potential, which can contribute to changing and mitigating these social and economic phenomena.; PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: Appropriately collected data and its accurate analysis can contribute to the creation of effective strategies for the development of such settlements, the stimulation of social initiatives, the restoration of regional traditions and the creation of a strong local brand for the locality, its surroundings or the region.; ORIGINALITY/VALUE: Based on the results of the research presented, a local development and action strategy is created for the villages involved in the research. The community and local authorities take part in this work by outlining future directions for changes in their villages and rural areas. In the opinion of the authors, the results of the research will become a contribution to building strong, enterprising rural communities that will be able to mitigate the socio-economic problems affecting the region in which they live. It is worth noting that this is the first study of this kind, which addresses the topic of the potential and social capital of Poland's rural areas in such a comprehensive manner in a regional aspect. Sun, 01 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/116164 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/116163 Title: Social participation in the information society : Poland compared to the European Union countries Authors: Maziarz, Wiesław M. Abstract: PURPOSE: The purpose of the considerations undertaken in the article is to analyze the level of citizen participation in the information society in Poland in the context of the formation of this phenomenon in EU countries, and to identify areas requiring intervention by state or local government bodies.; DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: The following research methods were used in the article to achieve the stated purpose of the work: critical analysis of the literature on the subject, the method of cause-effect analysis, the method of comparative analysis and the method of case analysis.; FINDINGS: The analysis carried out indicates that the basic indicators characterizing the participation of citizens in the information society in Poland significantly deviate from the level presented by EU member states. This dissonance is particularly evident in the case of people who do not use the Internet and do not have basic digital skills. This state of affairs makes these people unable to actively participate in the information society. This problem may be a significant barrier to the further development of the information society in Poland and requires the intervention of government and local administration.; PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: The results of the research can provide important information for state and local government bodies and educational institutions in the development of the information society.; ORIGINALITY/VALUE: The research conducted in the article points to an important issue in the formation of widespread participation of citizens in the information society in Poland and contributes to the solution of this problem. Sun, 01 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/116163 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z