https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/4761 Tue, 10 Nov 2026 09:23:55 GMT 2026-11-10T09:23:55Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/150845 Title: Transit function disruptions of the Panama and Suez Canals and their impact on global shipping and trade Authors: Grzelakowski, Andrzej S. Abstract: PURPOSE: The main aim of the research is to identify and classify the various types of disruptions in the transit functions of the Suez and Panama Canals in the period 2023- 2025/2026 as well as assessment their economic effects for global trade and shipping. The transport and logistics approach dominates, which the author considered appropriate for the analysis of the functioning of this type of strategic maritime infrastructure facilities of global importance.; DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: To conduct this data-driven research, the following methods were applied: 1. critical literature analysis, 2 Data mining and analysis, 3. market analysis and 4. comparative analysis.; FINDINGS: The research findings indicate that limited or high-risk access to the Suez and Panama Canals during the period under review resulted in increased ship operating costs for maritime carriers due to extended ship routes (rerouting) and a corresponding increase in greenhouse gas emissions. Furthermore, significant supply chain disruptions resulted in increased global logistics costs and a simultaneous decline in the logistical efficiency of handling sea trade volumes. This resulted in significant increases in freight rates and other transport cost components, much of which was passed on to shippers and consumers.; PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: The detailed research has shown: 1/ wide range of negative effects that occurred during the disruptions, and their distribution within the global supply chains, 2/ the effectiveness of shipowners’ strategies and operational management during the crisis.; ORIGINALITY/VALUE: The conducted research clearly indicates that any kind of disruptions in choke points of strategic importance for global shipping and trade such as the Panama and Suez Canals, generating rapid surge in global transport and logistics costs, should to be not only monitored but als smoothly managed by international organizations (WTO, IMO, UNCTAD, EC), while strictly coordinated with relevant representatives of the affected global maritime business sector. Otherwise any efforts can't bring the widely expected results. Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/150845 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/150376 Title: Organisational security management in the TSL sector in the context of contemporary threats Authors: Grudniewski, Tomasz; Ciekanowski, Zbigniew; Wołejszo, Jarosław; Parczewski, Rafał; Chrząszcz, Aneta; Drapikowska, Barbara Abstract: PURPOSE: The aim of this article is to identify and analyse the key determinants of integrated security management in companies operating in the transport, freight forwarding and logistics (TSL) sector, and to develop an original security management model integrating risk management, operational security, information security, cybersecurity, personnel safety and business continuity management, with a view to enhancing organisational resilience and the efficiency of logistics processes.; DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: The article addresses the following research question: How does integrating key areas of safety management increase the organisational resilience of enterprises in the TSL sector? A research hypothesis was formulated, according to which the implementation of an integrated safety management model encompassing risk management, operational safety, information security, cybersecurity, personnel safety and business continuity management contributes to increasing organisational resilience and improving the operational effectiveness of companies in the TSL sector. The research employed a method of critical analysis and synthesis of the relevant literature, an analysis of international management standards (ISO 31000, ISO 28000, ISO 22301 and ISO/IEC 27001), an analysis of selected industry reports, and a method of conceptual modelling.; FINDINGS: The analysis demonstrated that effective security management in TSL sector enterprises requires integrating risk management, operational security, cybersecurity, information security, personnel security, and business continuity management into a single management system. The developed model enables comprehensive threat identification, supports the decision-making process and enhances the organisational resilience of enterprises.; PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: The proposed model can serve as a tool to support management in the TSL sector in designing and improving security management systems. Its application may contribute to improving business continuity, reducing risk levels and increasing the efficiency of logistics and transport processes.; ORIGINALITY/VALUE: The article's originality lies in the development of a proprietary integrated safety management model for companies in the TSL sector, which integrates strategic, operational, and supporting areas of safety into a single management system. The model contributes to the development of research on organisational security and may serve as a basis for further empirical research into the assessment of its effectiveness in business practice. Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/150376 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/150372 Title: Opportunities and threats of using unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) in improving national security culture Authors: Nowacki, Gabriel; Bolz, Katarzyna Abstract: PURPOSE: This article examines the opportunities and threats associated with the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in the context of national security culture. It aims to identify how UAV technology influences the resilience of national security systems and to propose preventive, systemic solutions that strengthen security culture through the integration of legal, organizational, and technological mechanisms.; DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: The study adopts a systems-based analytical framework combining systems analysis, normative and legal analysis, desk research, and a conceptual case study of the proprietary UAVOcheck application. The findings are further supported by a secondary analysis of qualitative data from 15 in-depth expert interviews conducted between 2022 and 2024 with specialists representing the aviation, regulatory, operational, and national security sectors.; FINDINGS: The results demonstrate the dual nature of UAV technology. While drones significantly enhance operational capabilities, situational awareness, crisis response, and critical infrastructure monitoring, they also generate new risks related to airspace violations, asymmetric threats, operator anonymity, and regulatory gaps. The study identifies the technology distribution stage as a critical but underdeveloped element of preventive security policy.; PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: The article proposes integrating preventive verification mechanisms into the UAV sales process through the UAVOcheck application. Such solutions can improve operator accountability, strengthen regulatory compliance, reduce systemic vulnerabilities, and enhance national resilience to emerging security threats.; ORIGINALITY/VALUE: The study introduces a preventive, systems-oriented perspective to national security culture by extending security responsibility beyond public institutions to include commercial stakeholders. It contributes an original conceptual model that incorporates the technology distribution stage into national security infrastructure and presents UAVOcheck as an innovative preventive instrument supporting security by design. Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/150372 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/150370 Title: Renewable energy sources and green transformation : mapping research trends, policies, and financial instruments Authors: Zioło, Magdalena; Bąk, Iwona; Spoz, Anna Abstract: PURPOSE: This study provides a comprehensive overview of research on the role of renewable energy sources (RES) in the green transformation of economies. It identifies major research trends, thematic areas, and the role of financial mechanisms, including subsidies, tax incentives, and investments, in supporting the transition to low-carbon economies.; DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: A systematic literature review based on Snyder's framework was conducted using Web of Science publications (2006-2025). Bibliometric and multivariate methods, including VOSviewer keyword co-occurrence analysis, Multiple Correspondence Analysis (MCA), and Ward's hierarchical clustering, were applied to identify thematic clusters and research patterns.; FINDINGS: Scientific interest in renewable energy has grown significantly, particularly after 2020. Three thematic clusters emerged: renewable energy technologies, EU energy policy and security, and sustainable development with energy transition. Three publication groups focused on financial support mechanisms, green technologies outside Europe, and European transition strategies. Financial instruments increasingly complement technological innovation and policy measures in advancing energy transition.; PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: The findings support policymakers, financial institutions, investors, and researchers by identifying effective financing instruments, research priorities, and policy directions for sustainable energy transition.; ORIGINALITY/VALUE: The study advances literature by integrating the financial dimension into bibliometric research on renewable energy and green transformation, highlighting interactions among innovation, financing mechanisms, and public policy. Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/150370 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z