https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/147891 Fri, 17 Jul 2026 03:20:09 GMT 2026-07-17T03:20:09Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/148098 Title: New vision for energy consumption : a change in Polish chemical industry Authors: Frankowicz, Marek; Gajda, Jakub; Kornas, Rafał; Kwaśniewski, Dariusz; Lis, Aleksandra Abstract: PURPOSE: The study examines the change in energy consumption in Polish chemical industry.; DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: The research underlines the necessity for decentralized energy systems that integrate diverse technologies, including wind, solar, and biomass, to enhance energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions in chemical industry.; FINDINGS: The findings reveal that many companies are motivated by regulatory pressures and competitive necessities to embrace sustainable practices, despite facing organizational and financial constraints. The study concludes that the implementation of a circular economy and improved resource management, including pollution control and lifecycle assessments, is essential for achieving sustainability goals in the sector, as these measures can effectively mitigate environmental impacts and foster innovation within the industry.; PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: It links the energy consumption and industry efforts to implement sustainable development policies in Poland, highlighting the perspectives of entrepreneurs on operational changes.; ORIGINALITY/VALUE: It emphasizes the transition towards renewable energy and the adoption of practices such as electrosynthesis to minimize waste generation by utilizing electrons instead of stoichiometric reagents, thereby significantly reducing waste streams. Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/148098 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/148088 Title: Financial, legal and organisational security of compensatory exchange systems using the example of local currencies Authors: Stępnicka, Nina Abstract: PURPOSE: The purpose of this article is to identify the factors shaping the perception and evaluation of local currency systems and to analyse the financial and economic as well as legal and institutional determinants of financial compensatory exchange systems.; DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: The methods used in the article include a critical analysis of the literature, a comparative method and structural equation modelling (SEM).; FINDINGS: The study showed that legal and institutional determinants proved to be a predictor of economic and social determinants, as well as for the overall assessment of the local currency system, while financial and economic determinants, although important, appear to play a secondary role.; PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: The local compensatory exchange systems operating in Poland, which use local currencies as one of their tools, require a financial commitment not only on the part of entities that create such ventures, but also on the part of the state, which could secure them in legal and institutional terms. These two main determinants could influence the success of such systems in the local economy and ensure a higher level of confidence and economic security for specific regions and entities operating therein.; ORIGINALITY/VALUE: In addition, local compensatory exchange systems could strengthen local entrepreneurship, the economic security of entities and the local community. Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/148088 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/148087 Title: The impact of oil and natural gas price volatility on the transport sector : economic implications and policy perspectives Authors: Różyński, Filip; Spyra, Marta; Balina, Rafał Abstract: PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to examine the impact of oil and natural gas price volatility on the transport sector, with particular emphasis on operational costs, competitiveness, and strategic decision-making across key transport modes, including road, rail, maritime, and aviation.; DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: The study employs a sectoral and comparative analysis based on secondary data sources, including reports from international institutions and existing academic literature. The research integrates statistical insights and literature review to assess the sensitivity of transport systems to fluctuations in energy prices and to identify adaptation mechanisms used by transport operators.; FINDINGS: The results indicate that volatility in oil and natural gas prices significantly affects transport operating costs, pricing strategies, and market dynamics. High fuel price instability increases financial risk, disrupts logistics planning, and influences modal competitiveness. At the same time, it accelerates the adoption of fuel-efficient technologies, alternative energy sources, and operational optimization strategies. The effects vary across transport modes depending on their energy intensity and level of dependence on fossil fuels.; PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: The findings highlight the importance of price stability for effective financial and operational planning in the transport sector. The study provides insights for policymakers and industry stakeholders on the need to support energy diversification, improve resilience of transport systems, and promote sustainable infrastructure investments in the context of energy transition and environmental regulations.; ORIGINALITY/VALUE: This paper contributes to the literature by providing a comprehensive and sector-specific overview of the economic and strategic implications of energy price volatility in transport. It integrates perspectives across multiple transport modes and links market dynamics with policy and sustainability considerations. Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/148087 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/148080 Title: The role of artificial intelligence in cybersecurity management in the public sector Authors: Grudniewski, Tomasz; Chodyka, Marta; Ostrowska, Monika; Ciekanowski, Zbigniew; Elak, Leszek; Kuznetsov, Valeriy; Zamiar, Zenon Abstract: PURPOSE: The aim of this article is to analyse the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in information security management in the public sector, with particular emphasis on the scope of its implementation, the identification of key risks, and the assessment of its impact on the operational efficiency of public organisations.; DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: The study utilised an analysis of academic literature and European Union strategic and regulatory documents, including the Artificial Intelligence Act and the NIS2 Directive. Secondary data from reports by cybersecurity institutions, such as ENISA and CERT- -Polska, were also used. The research problem was formulated as follows: how does the implementation of artificial intelligence affect the effectiveness of information security management in the public sector, and what risks accompany this process? The research hypothesis adopted was that the use of artificial intelligence significantly increases the effectiveness of information security management in public organisations, but requires the simultaneous implementation of advanced risk management mechanisms and regulatory oversight.; FINDINGS: The results of the analysis indicate that artificial intelligence significantly increases the effectiveness of information security management by improving threat detection capabilities, reducing incident response times and supporting decision-making processes. At the same time, significant risks associated with its use have been identified, including a lack of algorithm transparency, the risk of decision-making errors, vulnerability to attacks, and threats to data privacy.; PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: This article contributes to the development of research on information security management by proposing an integrated security management model utilising AI that covers the strategic, tactical, and operational levels.; ORIGINALITY/VALUE: The results may serve as a basis for further research and support for management practice in public administration. Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/148080 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z