https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/79860 Sat, 04 Apr 2026 09:52:09 GMT 2026-04-04T09:52:09Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/81422 Title: Training in the financial industry : an effectiveness study on a small EU island state Authors: Gauci, Yanika; Grima, Simon; Thalassinos, Yannis; Romanova, Inna Abstract: Purpose: This study explores key factors that have a significant impact towards training effectiveness within the Maltese financial industry. Design/Methodology: In order to reach the aim of this study, training institutions and other financial organisations delivering training to employees working within the financial industry were contacted. The authors used a mixture of methods, whereby observations and self-administered questionnaires assisted in the data collection for this study. Findings: Findings show that the Maltese financial industry is providing effective training to its employees and that mature trainees with a higher level of occupation found the training more effective than others. Furthermore, the proposed Training Effectiveness Model (TEM) leads to an improved employee performance, as it positively correlates with the Employee Performance Development Model (EPDM) established in this study. Practical Implications: Research exhibited that training needs analysis, clear training objectives and expected outcomes, trainee characteristics, training design and work environment are the main factors of a strategic and effective employee training. Fri, 01 Jan 2021 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/81422 2021-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/81412 Title: Threats associated with digital technology in the workplace Authors: Kuczabski, Mateusz J. Abstract: Purpose: The study aimed to identify the phenomenon of dependence on technology (Internet and social media) of employees and the impact of dependence on their work. Approach/Methodology/Project: As a research method, an analysis of the literature and own statistical research was used to identify the problem of employee dependence and the impact of this dependence, and the reasons why it happens. Findings: It was found that employees who use the Internet and social media, and games for 3 to 5 hours are aware of addiction and that this has an impact on the quality of work, with as much as 50% claiming that they do not neglect their work duties and blaming the excessive use of media for tedious work, aversion to work, lack of concentration, poor work organization and lack of clearly defined duties. Practical Implications: The research should raise concerns in employers and the need for some organizational changes. The research has shown the need for further exploration to estimate the losses incurred by employers and determine the impact on the economic efficiency and effectiveness of the entity. Originality/Value: The survey is original, has not been conducted in this form so far; it provides essential knowledge on the behavior of employees using electronic media and possible consequences for employers.; Purpose: The study aimed to identify the phenomenon of dependence on technology (Internet and social media) of employees and the impact of dependence on their work. Approach/Methodology/Project: As a research method, an analysis of the literature and own statistical research was used to identify the problem of employee dependence and the impact of this dependence, and the reasons why it happens. Findings: It was found that employees who use the Internet and social media, and games for 3 to 5 hours are aware of addiction and that this has an impact on the quality of work, with as much as 50% claiming that they do not neglect their work duties and blaming the excessive use of media for tedious work, aversion to work, lack of concentration, poor work organization and lack of clearly defined duties. Practical Implications: The research should raise concerns in employers and the need for some organizational changes. The research has shown the need for further exploration to estimate the losses incurred by employers and determine the impact on the economic efficiency and effectiveness of the entity. Originality/Value: The survey is original, has not been conducted in this form so far; it provides essential knowledge on the behavior of employees using electronic media and possible consequences for employers. Fri, 01 Jan 2021 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/81412 2021-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/81411 Title: On write-down/ write-up loss absorbing instruments Authors: Jaworski, Piotr; Liberadzki, Kamil; Liberadzki, Marcin Abstract: Purpose: The article deals with banks' vulnerability to insolvency. We discuss the impact of the CoCo write-down/write-up bonds issuance on the bank solvency. Such instruments absorb losses in two ways: 1) When a bank gets in trouble, the payment of interest is ceased, and 2) If the financial standing of the bank further deteriorates, its CoCo bonds are written down. Reversing it, when the bank solvency improves, the CoCos are gradually written up, and the payment of interest is restored. The investment in the CoCo bonds is risky. That is why they offer a greater interest rate than straight bonds. Hence there is a trade-off: loss absorption versus profitability. Design/Methodology /Approach: As a measure of insolvency, we consider the probability of the implementing resolution process, i.e., as it is called in actuarial sciences, the probability of ruin. Findings: We show that depending on the CoCo bonds' profitability, the additional issuance of the CoCos may reduce the probability of ruin. In this respect, we propose a theoretical explanation for the optimum share of CoCos in an institution's liabilities. Practical implications: Our findings may give the supervisory authorities a useful tool to determine the fair share of Additional Tier One (AT1) CoCos to fill the Pillar 2 bank capital layer. The model proves to be useful for setting the optimum size of Restricted Tier One (RT1) CoCos in the insurer's liabilities as well. Originality/value: The science lacks theoretical background for CoCos' optimal size in issuers' liabilities. Besides, we provide a new measure of bank insolvency. Contrary to the typical approach with a finite time horizon, we choose the default probability at any moment in the future as a measure of insolvency. Fri, 01 Jan 2021 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/81411 2021-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/81402 Title: Determinants of innovation in diary farms in Poland Authors: Babuchowska, Karolina; Marks-Bielska, Renata Abstract: Purpose: The article aimed to present the conditions for introducing innovations in Polish farms. Due to the diversity in agricultural production, this research's focus was narrowed down to the group of farms specializing in milk production. Design/Methodology/Approach: The analysis – alongside the literature review - was conducted using primary data collected through surveys carried out amongst 1047 milk producers operating in Poland. The selection of the sample was planned so that the study's outcomes could be generalized and applied to the entire population of milk producers. Findings: The research results have shown that various factors influence the modernization of farms specializing in milk production. As the most important, respondents indicated streamlining the work (making it more comfortable) on the farm, this was rated at 0.519. The next factor was an improvement in the quality of milk produced (0.499), increase of production efficiency (0.490), and compliance with animal welfare requirements (0,469). Practical Implications: Technological changes related to the introduction of innovations in farms are mainly of an exogenous origin. In principle, it is not observed that farmers carry out their research self-activities; in the vast majority of cases, the innovations are made in a non-agricultural environment. Originality/Value: The effect of innovations, which are introduced on farms, are firstly material effects - boiling down to the modernization of the farmer's work environment, and secondly - changes in the volume and structure of production that can lead to the generation of higher income from agricultural activity. Fri, 01 Jan 2021 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/81402 2021-01-01T00:00:00Z