https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/4610 Sat, 13 Jun 2026 03:32:29 GMT 2026-06-13T03:32:29Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/147374 Title: The impact of relational capital on functioning of training companies located in West Pomeranian voivodeship Authors: Smolska, Małgorzata Abstract: PURPOSE: The main purpose of this article is to assess the impact of relational capital on the functioning of enterprises providing training services in the West Pomeranian Voivodeship, and then to develop a concept aimed at improving the relationships of the surveyed enterprises.; DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: The article is based on a review of literature and multistage research. The conducted research assumed that the functioning of a training company is conditioned by relational capital. The research problem was formulated as follows: How does relational capital affect the functioning of these companies? The main research problem was developed by asking additional research questions: How to quantify relational capital and the functioning of the surveyed companies? How do the individual components of relational capital (relational capital with employees, customer relationship capital, capital with suppliers, capital with competitors, capital with the local community) affect the functioning of the surveyed companies? How to improve the relations of the surveyed companies? The research hypothesis (H1-H5) assumes that relational capital, customer relationship capital, relational capital with suppliers, relational capital with competitors and relational capital with the local community are positively related to the functioning of training companies.; FINDINGS: The results showed a strong positive correlation between relational capital and the multidimensional variable of enterprise functioning, which confirms that the potential of effective relationships generates several tangible benefits for training companies. The qualitative study provided inspiration for analyzing and identifying the actions necessary to strengthen relational capital by improving relationships with key stakeholders.; PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: Modern managers should focus on building valuable relationships with their key stakeholders. The qualitative research enabled the author to develop a model concept for improving relationships among companies providing training services, which can be an inspiration for managers interested in improving relationships. Furthermore, the article includes practical implementations in this area.; ORIGINALITY/VALUE: Undertaking research on the impact of relational capital on the functioning of training companies in the West Pomeranian Voivodeship is a new research endeavour. The research model and quantitative research questionnaire, after appropriate modification, can also be used in future studies of the relational capital of enterprises in other sectors. Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/147374 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/147369 Title: Citizens in dialogue with local government : communication channels preferences, bots readiness and barriers of acceptance Authors: Smalec, Agnieszka Abstract: PURPOSE: This article aims to identify residents' preferences regarding communication channels with local governments, assess their willingness to use chatbots and voicebots in interactions with local governments, and identify the main barriers to accepting these tools. The analysis aims to identify areas in which new communication technologies can support the implementation of local government tasks. The study also allows us to determine citizens' expectations and concerns regarding automated forms of contact with local government.; DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: The article is theoretical and empirical in nature. The theoretical section reviews the literature primarily concerning local government communication and the use of bots in the public sector. The empirical section is based primarily on the results of a survey conducted among residents of Polish municipalities. The survey was conducted between June and September 2025 on a sample of 854 Poles aged 18 and over. The sample was randomly selected. The analysis primarily utilised descriptive statistics and correlation analyses.; FINDINGS: The results of the study indicate that residents' communication with local government remains strongly rooted in traditional channels; The most frequently chosen and most convenient forms of communication are in-person at the office and by phone, with digital channels serving a complementary role. Residents expect full online service, especially for repetitive and well-structured matters (e.g., submitting applications, checking status, local payments), while for more complex tasks, they prefer face-to-face contact. The office's chatbot is perceived primarily as a tool for providing simple information and sharing the status of a case, while a significant group of people declares a lack of interest in using it; the voicebot is met with even greater reservations. Reported barriers to the acceptance of new communication technologies primarily concern the quality and accuracy of responses, personal data security, and fear of losing contact with an office employee.; PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: The results suggest that local governments should plan the development of digital tools within a multi-channel strategy, combining rather than replacing traditional channels with electronic ones, especially for matters requiring complex handling. Implementing chatbots and voicebots should primarily focus on simple information tasks and monitoring the status of issues, while ensuring an easily accessible path to contacting a staff member. Activities that build trust in new solutions and systematically evaluate the quality of responses and user experience are crucial.; ORIGINALITY/VALUE: The originality/value of this article lies in its empirical analysis of residents' preferences for communicating with local government, while also considering traditional communication channels and modern AI-based tools such as chatbots and voicebots. It also highlights perceived barriers to the acceptance of these tools in the context of local government. An additional value is the contextualization of the analyses in the context of local government in Central and Eastern Europe, which is relatively less represented in the literature. The obtained results can serve as a reference point for further research. Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/147369 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/147366 Title: Managing regulatory risk in the planning phase of renewable energy investment projects utilizing corporate power purchase agreements in Polish law Authors: Rzempała, Joanna; Rzempała, Artur; Borkowski, Daniel; Borkowski, Karol; Duda, Jarosław Abstract: PURPOSE: This article investigates the key regulatory risks affecting Corporate Power Purchase Agreements (cPPAs) in Poland. It aims to define the primary risk factors, assess their implications, and propose legal and contractual solutions to mitigate them.; DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: A qualitative, theoretical analysis is employed, based on a critical review of Poland’s legal and economic framework relevant to the implementation of cPPA projects. The research applies document analysis and legal interpretation methodologies to assess the regulatory landscape.; FINDINGS: The study identifies that cPPAs are exposed to multifaceted legal risks due to their embeddedness in dynamically evolving national and EU-level energy policies. These include risks related to grid access and infrastructure use, regulatory compliance, licensing, public fees, and legal unpredictability. The absence of a dedicated legal framework for cPPAs exacerbates uncertainty, compelling market actors to rely on private law instruments.; PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: The findings suggest that the optimal response to these regulatory challenges lies in the precise contractual structuring of cPPAs. Tailored legal provisions and risk allocation clauses can effectively address uncertainties and protect stakeholders.; ORIGINALITY/VALUE: This paper offers a novel perspective on cPPAs in the Polish context, where legislative support remains limited. By foregrounding contract law as a strategic tool for risk mitigation, the study contributes to the broader discourse on private sector participation in the energy transition. Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/147366 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/147365 Title: The impact of life quality on expectations of medical services' patients Authors: Mostowski, Mateusz; Komorowski, Tomasz Abstract: PURPOSE: To investigate whether a relationship exists between quality of life and expectations regarding healthcare service quality across OECD member states.; DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: Data on over 36 000 healthcare-related facilities were collected via Google Places API. Ratings were aggregated and compared with Better Life Index measures using Spearman rank correlation coefficients to test the hypothesis of a negative relationship between well-being and perceived service quality.; FINDINGS: Significant negative correlations were observed between facility ratings and dimensions such as Community, Education, Jobs and Life Satisfaction. Individual medical practices showed particularly strong negative associations. Aspects of well-being such as Income, Housing, Safety, Health, Work-Life Balance showed no significant correlation. Findings indicate that higher well-being is associated with elevated customer expectations.; PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: Healthcare providers should recognize that higher patient expectations may negatively influence perceived quality of their services. Policymakers and business owners should contextualize online ratings alongside objective indicators.; ORIGINALITY/VALUE: The study uniquely combines large-scale crowdsourced ratings from Google Maps with internationally recognized well-being measures to highlight the relationship between subjective service perception and countries’ level of development. Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/147365 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z