VGTU Journals (Vilnius Gediminas Technical University - Vilnius Tech)
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Multi-criteria hybrid model of region assessment in the context of sustainable tourism
No full textThe main goal of the research was to develop a multi-criteria hybrid model for evaluating the region in the context of sustainable tourism, based on the example of the countries of the Visegrad Group. The research uses the mathematical apparatus of expert evaluation, theory of fuzzy sets, fuzzy logic, and multi-criteria evaluation of alternatives. For the first time, an expert method for assessing the level of sustainability of tourism in the region was developed, which was tested on the data of four groups of environmental criteria and sociocultural aspects. For the first time, a multi-criteria model for evaluating the region in the context of sustainable tourism was developed, based on the matrix multiplication method, which derives normalised estimates of regions by groups of sustainable tourism criteria. For the first time, a hybrid model of regional assessment in the context of sustainable tourism has been developed, aggregating the expert level of sustainable tourism development and the normalised estimates of regions by groups of sustainable tourism criteria. As a result, a ranking of regions in the context of sustainable tourism is being built for further decision-making by stakeholders of the new data-driven era. The multi-criteria hybrid model was verified and tested on real data from 2343 respondents of participants of the tourist movement in the V4 countries. The study outcomes will be very useful for policymakers, strategies and action plans, for agencies, national and international organisations, and other entities in the tourism system. They will support the development of a national and international comparative platform and strategic planning processes in the tourism sector aimed at the sector sustainability and the country’s economy
Modelling progressive failure of segmental linings in shield tunnels
No full textMany engineering accidents in shield tunnels occur because localized failure induces the progressive damage or failure of segmental linings. At present, knowledge of the trigger mechanism for this catastrophe is still very limited. While it is difficult to conduct full-scale tunnel failure tests in actual strata, it is feasible to perform numerical simulations of tunnel failure. However, before simulating tunnel failure, it is important to establish a sophisticated model that considers the damage behaviour of segmental linings. In this paper, based on the concrete damage plasticity model and element deletion technology, a sophisticated model of segmental linings was established. The model was verified by data from current structural loading tests. To improve the calculation efficiency, the model was properly simplified. Then, it was applied to simulate the progressive failure of segmental linings due to localized failure in a shield tunnel considering complex soiltunnel interactions. The numerical analysis showed that concrete was damaged in the segments adjacent to the localized failure zone. Some of the stirrups and erection bars in these segments yielded, while the upper and lower rows of steel bars as well as the bolts connecting the segments had sufficient safety redundancy
Perspectives concerning leadership research in the framework of corporate sustainability
No full textThe main purpose of this paper is to explore current perspectives on the approach to the concept of leadership in relation to sustainability. The research question is focused on the importance of leadership and its contribution as a driver of change, in the organizational sustainability context. The methodology of research has as main framework the bibliometric analysis approach. This quantitative research method allowed achieving some specific objectives, such as: determining the scientific interest in the studied topic and the main authors in the field, identifying the key concepts that interfered with leadership and sustainability and highlighting the main leadership style that facilitates the transition to sustainability. It is thus intended to make a valuable and up-to-date contribution to 2024 on the main trends manifested in leadership research as theory and practice. Among the main findings obtained, it is highlighted that, after 2020, the top three leadership styles that have created links in correlation with other concepts, thus generating organizational change, are: transformational leadership, ethical leadership and authentic leadership. Of these, transformational leadership stands out as a key factor in driving innovation and sustainable performance, this fact being valuable to managers and researchers
Motivation to pangolin conservation among Gen Z: applying the extended Theory of Planned Behavior
No full textThe study explores the factors influencing pangolin conservation intentions among Gen Z using the extended Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB). Despite ongoing conservation efforts, pangolins remain one of the most trafficked animals globally, facing severe threats from illegal wildlife trade. To address this, the research investigates the roles of attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control, along with knowledge and experience, in shaping conservation behaviors. A quantitative approach was employed, utilizing a structured questionnaire to gather data from 377 respondents. Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) was applied for data analysis.
The results show that subjective norms and perceived behavioral control are the most significant predictors of behavioral intentions, whereas attitudes, knowledge, and past experiences related to wildlife conservation or pangolins have a relatively weak influence. While they still have a positive effect, these factors do not influence the intention to engage in pangolin conservation behavior as strongly. These findings suggest that conservation campaigns should focus on leveraging social influences and enhancing individuals’ perceived control over their actions rather than solely increasing factual knowledge
Fuzzy multicriteria decision-making for assessing multinational enterprises’ outbound investment destinations on the basis of tax factors
No full textTaxes are a crucial consideration in a multinational enterprise’s (MNE)’s choice of overseas market to invest in. Taxes are affected by a variety of factors, and these factors are prioritized vis-à-vis each other in such investment decision-making. The present study thus developed a framework for evaluating the relative importance of tax factors affecting the outbound investment decisions of MNEs, using insights from the literature and expert interviews to establish evaluation criteria. To address the complexities of multicriteria decision-making, this study employed fuzzy linguistic preference relations. The study subsequently applied the fuzzy Vlse Kriterijumska Optimizacija I Kompromisno Resenje (VIKOR) approach to rank the alternatives proposed by the expert decision-making group. Finally, this study applied this methodology to a case study of candidate overseas markets (Vietnam, Malaysia, and Indonesia) for Taiwanese firms to invest in, providing a practical demonstration of the model. In conclusion, the present study’s comparative analysis of the application of fuzzy VIKOR to foreign direct investment by Taiwanese MNEs offers a systematic approach for both academic and industry practitioners involved in strategic host country selection for multinational investments.
First published online 14 July 202
Utilizing flexible working arrangement into organizational citizenship behavior: a double mediation model
No full textPurpose – The current study aimed to investigate the role of career cushioning and work-life balance (WLB) as mediators in the effect of flexible work arrangements (FWA) on organizational citizenship behavior (OCB).
Research methodology – Data were collected from 270 employees working in different multi-financial companies. To test the hypotheses, this study employed SEM-PLS.
Findings – The results indicate that flexible working arrangement is a key factor to foster organizational citizenship behavior. Subsequently, the study highlights the importance role of career cushioning and work life balance as the mediator.
Research limitations – This research was carried out on the multi-financial sector in one country and specific generation, thus, the findings’ generalization is lacking.
Practical implications – This study suggested that companies or human resource teams pay attention to career cushioning and work-life balance to encourage OCB through FWA policy for millennial and Generation Z employees.
Originality/Value – The uniqueness of the Millennials and Generation Z presents a complex challenge, particularly for multi-financial companies. Therefore, it is essential to establish clear career levels and ensure a balance between personal and work life. Empirical research that explores the implication of flexible working arrangement in fostering organizational citizenship in specific generation is lacking, reported solely on manufacturing companies and across generations. Meanwhile, the multi-financial sector, especially in developing countries, is understudied. Consequently, the initial study leads the examination of flexible working arrangements’ role in fostering organizational citizenship behavior in millenial and Z Generation
Creative writing on gender and caste in Dalit autobiographies and biographies: a view from within
No full textThis paper critically examines the oeuvre of Kaushalya Baisantry and Sharmila Rege, focusing on their creative writing, Twice Cursed (orig. Dohra Abhishaap, originally published in 1999) and Writing Caste/Writing Gender: Narrating Dalit Women’s Testimonios (originally published in 2006), respectively. The writings discuss the empirical reality of caste and gender-divided society. The difficulties and problems that come with being a member of a lower caste in society and being a woman primarily concentrate on gender and caste, which become subjects for investigation and analysis in everyday life. This contrasts standard academic debates regarding gender, which display an anxious curiosity about their own experiences. Critical content analysis is utilized to analyze the data. In order to analyze the intersectionality of gender and caste, several works have been combined. It examines the idea that being a woman and belonging to a lower caste is akin to having “twice cursed” on one’s life. However, autobiographies, biographies, and life narratives have attempted to challenge the hegemony of patriarchy and shed light on the oppression experienced in everyday life on the basis of gender and caste
Creative process and creative environment: impact on experience quality and behavioural intentions in creative tourism services
No full textThis research investigates the intricate relationships between creativity process and environment, experience quality, and behavioural intentions within the unique context of creative tourism service providers. Sustainable issues related to cultural tourism especially in relation to the preservation and conservation of national heritage has fuelled the need to rebrand some tourists’ hotspots in Malaysia as a creative destination. However, service providers in this domain struggles to retain their customers, necessitating the exploration of effective marketing strategies based on their creative resources. Drawing from a comprehensive dataset of 500 respondents, obtained through purposive sampling, this study investigates the interplay among these factors and their ultimate impact on tourist’s intentions in the creative tourism industry. Employing partial least squares structural equation modelling, the study reveals that creativity, manifested through creative behaviour and innovative ideas, significantly influences the experience quality offered to tourists. Furthermore, this study underscores the essential role of physical and social environments in nurturing creativity and shaping experience quality. Experience quality emerges as a critical mediator in this intricate web of relationships, bridging the gap between creativity and behavioural intentions. The findings offer guidance to creative tourism service providers in enhancing their offerings, optimising physical and social environments, and elevating the experience quality they deliver. These insights are expected to not only benefit the industry but also contribute to a broader understanding of the intricate interplay between creativity, experience quality, and behavioural intentions in the realm of creative tourism
The impact of social capital on innovative behaviour as a reflection of creativity: the case of education sector
No full textSocial capital enables sharing, trust, solidarity, proper norms and respectful behaviours, and organisational participative management. Employee innovative behaviour is vital for organisations as it provides a competitive advantage. This study aims to determine the impact of social capital and its sub-dimensions, friendly acceptance, norms of behaviour, trusting/reciprocity, and governance on innovative behaviour and its sub-dimensions, participative leadership, external work contacts, and innovative output on innovative behaviour. The data were gathered from 264 school administrators and teachers through a questionnaire. The SPSS Statistics 25.0 program was used to test the research hypotheses. Reliability and validity analysis results are sufficient. The results showed that social capital (overall) and its all-sub-dimensions, except trusting/reciprocity, significantly and positively impact innovative behaviour. However, most of the sub-dimensions of social capital have no significant impact on the sub-dimensions of innovative behaviour
Cluster analysis of factors influencing the valuation of real estate objects
No full textThe current real estate market analysis reveals challenges in valuation methods, procedure adequacy, and evolving technological approaches. Uncertainty arises from using localised methods for valuing individual real estate objects. A significant concern is the reliability and completeness of valuation data. Researchers emphasise market-driven aspects as trends in real estate valuation. Features for valuation are identified through quantitative characteristics, uncovering components and their nature. The research analyses foreign and domestic practices for real estate object valuation. Challenges include understanding methodological and informational support through mathematical methods and addressing factors affecting real estate object valuation. The need for cluster analysis to identify factors affecting real estate object valuation is recognised. To implement cluster analysis of factors affecting real estate valuation, a method is proposed involving the development of classification features, optimal typological grouping, and clustering implementation technology. Six groups of factors were chosen: spatial formation, urban planning provision, environmental impact, investment indicators, infrastructure provision, and limiting characteristics. An agglomerative process calculated the distance matrix between clusters of factors. The MacQueen k-means clustering method determined final clusters, confirming the validity of the proposed factor groups. The clustering of factors affecting real estate valuation was based on obtained distance data. The result identifies a high level of factors influencing real estate object valuation. Nine coincidences justify this in their clustering with four units of factors influencing real estate object valuation