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Strategic planning and selection of players and coaching staff : a case study of a basketball organization
Get PDFPURPOSE: The study aims to identify the activities of a professional basketball organization in
the area of planning and selection of players and coaching staff. It focuses on understanding
how strategic personnel decisions support the club's goals and overall performance.METHODOLOGY: The case study method was used, supplemented with a structured interview
and direct, time-limited observation. The research was conducted over several months in
2024 within a top-tier Polish basketball club, using an interview questionnaire as the main
research tool.FINDINGS: The research highlights that effective team planning in the organization is a
continuous, strategically integrated process aligned with the club’s financial and competitive
goals. Selection of players and coaches is based on both performance data and
psychological traits like team fit and mental resilience. Recruitment relies on internal
development, scouting, and networks rather than open calls. The organization emphasizes
the importance of aligning coaching staff with the club's philosophy and allowing head
coaches autonomy in building their teams.PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: The study shows that structured, ongoing planning and wellinformed recruitment processes are key to building competitive sports teams. Developing
internal databases, fostering scouting networks, and giving coaching staff decision-making
power enhance organizational effectiveness in sports clubs.ORIGINALITY/VALUE: This paper provides a unique contribution by exploring planning and
recruitment processes in a professional basketball context—an area underrepresented in
HRM literature. It offers practical insights into the operational and strategic logic behind
team-building in elite sports organizations, bridging management theory and sports practice.Co-financed by the Ministry of Science under the “Regional Excellence
Initiative” Program.peer-reviewe
Measuring soft structures : their metric and topological dimensions
Get PDFPURPOSE: Measurability and metrics are the domain of mathematics. And it is this
mathematics that created the branch (discipline) called Measure Theory. Mathematics also
created more general fields than the measurable one (linear Euclidean space). These are
topology, algebraic topology and category theory, which science tries to apply even to the
description, to the grasp of the structures of the humanities. And this is the main dimension
of the content of the article.DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: Praxeology is an extremely important field of knowledge,
because it is somehow connected with both theory and practice. On the one hand, it examines
the invariants (patterns, structures) of all human actions, and on the other hand, it has a
utilitarian goal, the goal of using the invariants learned in practice, and perhaps even
primarily in the humanities (because mathematics has its own research tools related to it.
These are measurable, topological and from the area of category theory, transformation
theory). All of them together constitute the methodological dimension of the content of the
article.PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: Generally speaking, in practice we deal with three categories of
processes. These are physical, biological, social and mental processes of a human being. The
latter are difficult to formalize, i.e. to express their structures in metric terms, and especially
mental processes of a human being. And in the text we show what methods of mathematics
can be used to capture the processes of the human locus. The praxeological dimension of
science combines precision (patterns) with soft structures, because these are also human
actions, these everyday ones (you also have to be able to express them scientifically). In
addition, there is also a created dimension of science called Pragmatics. All actions are
expressed in processes, or rather through them, through their categories. And this dimension
of methodology is reflected in the article in the practical dimension indicating the
application of the methods presented there.ORIGINALITY/VALUE: The originality of the text content is the combination into a whole of the
diversity of methods, measures and formal spaces and humanistic content by placing them in
the dimension of the contemporary conceptual category called coherence. And it is this (this
combination of concepts) that somehow determines the scientific value of the article. Because
speech through its language is a coherence (orchestra) of all types of signs (concepts,
methods, theories). You just have to be able to show it. And such an attempt is included in the
text content.peer-reviewe
Perceptions on planning for deployment of floating energy islands
Get PDFOffshore modular energy island infrastructure presents an opportunity for the decarbonization of power systems, ensuring the provision of clean energy, and accelerating the energy transition. Modular Energy Islands (MEIs) are considered an important enabler of the energy transition. This can be achieved through rapid development and deployment of innovative technological solutions, which, however, require the appropriate supporting Regulatory Frameworks and Marine Spatial Plans. This paper reviews International and EU legislation and the assessment of Marine Spatial Planning, along with the more detailed analysis of MSPs for countries addressing artificial energy islands. This set the scene for analysing planning for deployment, as well as barriers and challenges, opportunities, and risks, through the use of structured questionnaires for primary data collection. The questionnaires present the perception of the practitioners in this field, regarding the deployment of offshore energy, including the barriers, challenges, and opportunities perceived. This sets the scene to address barriers in planning for deployment, in resolving challenges, and in exploiting opportunities. The outcome of the questionnaire and its analysis support action towards Planning, which adequately addresses and allows for the deployment of offshore renewable energy installation and floating islands.peer-reviewe
Through the eyes of the child : children's experiences of family therapy in Malta
Get PDFThis study explored children's experiences of family therapy. A mosaic approach with reflexive thematic analysis was used as the guiding methodology. The participants comprised seven children between the ages of six and 11 years. Rich data was gathered through child-led tours, photographs of the therapy space, interviews and creative sessions with children plus interviews with five parents and four therapists. The findings indicate that the children considered family therapy to be an overall positive experience, thanks to the therapists, creative play-based approaches and a therapy space that catered for them. Prior to starting therapy, children require more information about therapy to feel at ease. Creative approaches, together with caregivers' involvement, were identified as essential therapeutic tools with which to engage children in talk and play. Children's increased agency throughout the termination process is also essential. Suggestions for practice include a pre-therapy booklet, using creative techniques as a primary tool when working with children, and ensuring an adequate therapy space. Suggestions for training include therapeutic skill development relating to working with children. Suggestions for future research are also made. This study's strength is that it highlights and spotlights children's perspectives.peer-reviewe
The development of a new modern tool to assess nursing competency in Malta
Get PDFThis presentation will outline the journey that Mr Axiak has undertaken up to now as part of
his Ph.D. study, whereby he is now aiming to develop a new, modern tool to assess nursing
competency in Malta (and also in Europe). The journey started 4 years ago and he has gone
through various stages, challenges and changes until he arrived where he is today.peer-reviewe
Economic and energy profitability of using geothermal resources on the example of a geothermal heating plant
Get PDFPURPOSE: Presentation of the economic and energy benefits of using geothermal water to
heat water in a municipal heating plant.DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: Registration of geothermal water parameters used in the
urban network. Estimation of the resulting energy and economic benefits of using geothermal
water. A comparison of the geothermal energy obtained with the total energy produced by
the heating plant. The studies were presented for a 12-month follow-up.FINDINGS: An analysis of the geothermal heating plant's operation revealed that the thermal
power obtained from the geothermal source fully met the energy demand only in June, July,
and August. During these three months, the amount of geothermal energy exceeded 100 per
cent of the total demand, resulting in surplus energy production. Water heating was required
in the remaining months.PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: The presented results can be used to design or prepare the use of
geothermal waters in other geothermal heating plants that are under construction or
undergoing modernisation.ORIGINALITY/VALUE: The advantages and disadvantages of using geothermal water in a
geothermal heating plant are presented. The challenges associated with using geothermal
waters, particularly saline ones, are emphasised. This research was conducted at an
operational technical facility in a small town in the West Pomeranian Voivodeship.peer-reviewe
The population characteristics and prevalence of visual impairment in a Southern European population
No full textPurpose: To describe the population characteristics, prevalence, and causes of visual impairment in Maltese adults aged
50–80 years.
Methods: The Malta Eye Study invited 4,006 random adults aged 50–80 for eye exams and interviews at the Malta and
Gozo state hospitals (September 2021–July 2024). Tests included visual acuity, refraction, anthropometry, clinical measurements, tonometry, slit-lamp and dilated fundus exams, retinal imaging, and cognitive screening. Interviews covered
sociodemographic, medical, ocular, and medication histories.
Results: A representative sample of 1,794 individuals (44.8% turnout) were assessed. Visual impairment in either eye
was found in 23.9% (95%CI 21.9%–25.9%), and bilateral impairment in 6.0% (95%CI 4.9%–7.2%). The most common
causes in either eye were uncorrected/undercorrected refractive error (12.3%), amblyopia (5.0%), cataract (3.8%), pathological myopia (1.3%), diabetic retinopathy (0.8%), age-related macular degeneration (0.6%), and glaucoma (0.4%).
Predictors of visual impairment included older age, lower education, diabetes requiring insulin and tablets, and dementia.
Protective factors were sunglasses use and angiotensin receptor blocker therapy.
Conclusions: Although overall visual impairment rates are favourable, this study highlights the need to strengthen
screening and treatment services for avoidable causes, particularly by improving public optometry access, among older
adults, socioeconomically vulnerable groups, and those with poorly controlled diabetes.peer-reviewe
Large questions faced by education at the sharp end in SIDS
No full textThe paper reflects upon thirty years of collective experience relating to educational
and environmental development in small states worldwide. Particular attention is given to what
the international community can learn from the distinctive experience of small island
developing states (SIDS), and how this relates to the big questions and contemporary global
challenges faced worldwide. In doing so, insights from local experience, decolonial
perspectives, and indigenous knowledges are highlighted for a multidisciplinary and
international readership.peer-reviewe
Understanding the lived experiences of infertility amongst men
No full textInfertility has been described as one of the most distressing
experiences in a person’s life. While one may assume that
infertility is primarily a concern for women, this assumption
is gender stereotypical and untrue. Previous studies support
the idea that women experiencing more pronounced distress
in the face of infertility may be influenced by societal norms
dictating how men and women are conditioned to manage
their emotions. The scientific understanding of the emotional
consequences of male infertility is currently limited. Recent
studies suggest that infertility affects men and women
emotionally in nearly equal measure. Male-factor infertility
appears to carry a greater societal stigma compared to
other infertility diagnoses. Investigating the experience of male infertility will help identify men’s needs and this in turn
will help professionals and society offer better support and
relevant services to the male partner too. [excerpt]peer-reviewe
Social marketing and its tools in the process of creating consumer purchasing decisions
No full textPURPOSE: With the rise of digital technologies and the increasing access to the Internet,
social media platforms have become an integral part of the daily lives of millions of people
around the world. Social media marketing is all about building engagement and interaction
with potential customers by creating engaging and creative content. The ability to reach a
wide audience and integrate with them and their shopping preferences plays a key role here.
The aim of the article is to determine the impact of social marketing, including influencer
marketing activities, on the process of supporting and making purchasing decisions by
consumers. The study focuses, incl. on identifying the key aspects determining the role of
social media in shaping the shopping preferences of their users. The analysis covers both
theoretical and practical issues, enabling understanding of the phenomena that may affect
the success of marketing campaigns of enterprises conducted via social media.DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: The study is based on both a review of the literature on the
concept, meaning, and contemporary scope and practical ways of using social media in
Poland against the background of the global market, as well as on the results of primary
research on the issue raised. The study was carried out using the method of a diagnostic
survey. Thanks to the use of this method, descriptions of both mass phenomena and processes
taking place in communities were obtained, which makes it possible to explain them. The link
to the survey was shared via social media platforms, highlighting Facebook, Instagram and
Facebook Massenger among the users of the application. The research was carried out in the
period from 25.11.2024. to 31.12.2024. The form was filled in by 745 willing people. The
sample for the study was selected in a deliberate manner, because its addressees were people
who actively use various forms of Internet communication using social media on a daily
basis.FINDINGS: Due to generational differences and continuous development in the IT areas,
companies have to constantly adapt to the changing environment. Despite the constant need
to use traditional forms of marketing, the world is developing extremely quickly and an
increasing part of everyday life is moving to the virtual sphere, where promotional activities
differ significantly from the classic forms used in the real world. Internet marketing includes
many different forms of marketing communication, using it you can use solutions such as:
social media marketing, influencer marketing, e-mail marketing, video marketing, viral
marketing, content marketing and graphic ads – display, etc. Thanks to the use of various
types of online marketing instruments, companies combine traditional ways of
communication with modern technological solutions. This combination ensures that customer contact activities are optimized and that customer preferences are better
understood.PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: The article contains a lot of valuable information on the
contemporary ways of using social media and their instruments both in the everyday life of
buyers and in the contemporary shape of the market functioning of enterprises. The analysis
of the results of research on the role of social media in the process of purchasing decisions
by consumers may be helpful in understanding the process of consumer behavior, and thus in
the market functioning of enterprises and expanding the spectrum of methods of product
promotion to include social media.ORIGINALITY/VALUE: The study contains important information on the impact of marketing
policy and the social media and instruments used by companies on the purchasing decision
process of consumers.peer-reviewe