Tomas Bata University in Zlín
Institutional repository of Tomas Bata University LibraryNot a member yet
10673 research outputs found
Sort by
Bridging the gap in skills, competencies, and knowledge: Identifying businesses' perception of Slovak and Czech tourism graduates
Get PDFRecognising the needs of the tourism business in terms of graduate students' skills, competencies, and knowledge is a prerequisite for high employability. This study examines these needs and identifies the gap in soft, hard, and sustainability skills of tourism graduates. This empirical research addresses the following research question: What skills, knowledge, and competencies should be considered essential by higher education institutions? This subject is yet to be thoroughly explored in the Central European context. This study delves into the business perspective and analyses their expectations of tourism graduates. To offer meaningful insights, this study employs an innovative methodology, namely an importance-performance analysis, to gain insights into these skills gaps and businesses’ expected hard and soft competencies. The implications of these results extend beyond the immediate region as they may apply to the broader European Union by equipping graduates with the skills to thrive in its open market.The research was supported by the project Smart Business Skills of Tourism University Students Applicable on International Labour Market (SMARTBUS), Number 2021-1-SK01-KA220-HED-000023160 of the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union and Scientific Grant Agency of the Ministry of Education, Science, Research and Sport of Slovak Republic VEGA, grant number 1/0360/23 \u201CTourism of the New generation \u2013 responsible and competitive development of tourism destinations in Slovakia in the post-COVID era\u201D.Project Smart Business Skills of Tourism University Students Applicable on International Labour Market (SMARTBUS) of the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union [2021-1-SK01-KA220-HED-000023160]; Scientific Grant Agency of the Ministry of Education, Science, Research and Sport of Slovak Republic VEGA [1/0360/23
From screen to cart: Unpacking the moderating role of sale proneness in product placement-driven impulse buying
Get PDFThis study examines how product placement in short-form videos influences impulsive buying by integrating the Stimulus-Organism-Response (SOR) model with Trait Activation Theory (TAT). It investigates how product relevance, emotional appeal, and product-influencer fit enhance perceived enjoyment, which drives impulsive purchases. Sale proneness is introduced as a moderating trait that strengthens this relationship. Using survey data from 458 social media users and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), the findings highlight the interaction between situational cues and individual traits. This research provides strategic insights for marketers on leveraging emotional content, influencer alignment, and trait-based targeting to drive engagement and impulsive buying behavior.Tomas Bata University in Zlin [IGA-008
Enhancing work–life balance in coworking environments: perspectives from professionals
No full textPurpose: This study aims to examine the influence of coworking spaces (CSs) on work–life balance (WLB). Furthermore, it investigates the impact of demographic and professional attributes of CS users.
Design/methodology/approach: The data for this exploratory study was obtained from a survey distributed to professionals working in CSs, primarily from Czechia, Portugal, Slovakia and Vietnam. The data was processed using descriptive and inferential statistics.
Findings: Age and caregiving responsibilities emerged as influential factors in the perception of CSs as a conduit for achieving WLB. Strategic location, flexible business hours and a vibrant community are crucial elements contributing to an enriched WLB across demographics and professional groups. Professional development was also highlighted as highly beneficial.
Originality/value: This study highlights that the design of CSs must evolve to match modern workforce needs. By targeting the preferences of specific demographic groups, CSs can gain advantages by promoting themselves as places conducive to resource gain and accumulation, as well as to WLB.This research was funded by the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports, Czech Republic, programme INTER-EXCELLENCE, subprogramme INTER-COST, under Grant No. LTC20047 \u201CRegional development and public policy under creative economy: Mapping, knowledge sharing and management of New Working Spaces in the Czech Republic\u201D; COST Action under the Grant No. CA18214 \u201CThe Geography of New Working Spaces and the Impact on the Periphery\u201D, which is funded by the Horizon 2020 Framework Programme of the European Union; and Ministry of Education, Science, Research and Sport of the Slovak Republic, Scientific Grant Agency VEGA, under Grant No. 1/0249/22 \u201CCoworkings and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic\u2013opportunities for urban economic development\u201D.Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports, Czech Republic [LTC20047]; Regional development and public policy under creative economy: Mapping, knowledge sharing and management of New Working Spaces in the Czech Republic; COST Action [CA18214]; Horizon 2020 Framework Programme of the European Union; Ministry of Education, Science, Research and Sport of the Slovak Republic, Scientific Grant Agency VEGA [1/0249/22
Examining the relationship between IELTS preparation and English language proficiency skills of international students
Get PDFIELTS is a widely accepted English language proficiency test, required for academic and professional purposes. In this study, we examined the relationship between IELTS and the English proficiency skills of international students. We developed a proximal mediation model based on Bandura's triadic reciprocal determinism theory and tested it using covariance-based structural equation modeling. Data were collected through a survey of 275 international students preparing for IELTS to meet their academic requirements. The students reported that IELTS assessments significantly improved their English skills. They reported positive views of IELTS as an exam to enhance their language proficiency. Learning motivation for self-regulated learning and perceived self-efficacy for academic achievement served as two mediating factors that positively influenced the relationship between students' perceptions of IELTS and their English skills. Finally, the study analyzed the moderating effects of students' time management skills and found significant positive moderating effects
Bridging innovation gaps: A case study on inter-organisational knowledge sharing facilitated by a university research team
No full textTo foster innovation, organisations frequently encourage the exchange of knowledge as a strategy to nurture inventive solutions and gain insights from the experiences of others. This paper explores the concept of inter-organisational knowledge sharing. Drawing upon a case study centred on the PeopleFirst research team at Tomas Bata University in Zlin, Czech Republic, this paper illuminates innovative methodologies employed to infuse knowledge sharing within their activities. The team seamlessly integrates sharing workshops and sharing excursions, providing conducive platforms for collaborative discourse and idea exchange amongst diverse stakeholders. Sharing workshops serve as interactive forums where representatives from various sectors engage with the research team and each other to discuss ongoing research topics. These workshops are conducted physically, but the team has also gained positive experience with their online format during the COVID-19 pandemic. Feedback from participants underscores the perceived advantages of these workshops, including diverse perspectives and a stimulating atmosphere conducive to creativity. Complementing sharing workshops, sharing excursions entail immersive field visits to organisations, allowing participants to glean first-hand insights into internal knowledge-sharing mechanisms and engage in discussions facilitated by the research team. The Balint Group discussion format is used to promote the exchange of experiences and insights. Feedback from participants highlights the value of these excursions in terms of inspiration for their own work. On the other hand, team members have the opportunity to gain insights into topics of interest for practice. Overall, the paper highlights the importance of collaborative initiatives in fostering a culture of innovation and emphasises the symbiotic relationship between university research teams and organisations. The case study emphasises the benefits of these innovative practices for both academia and industry. For research teams, they provide access to new data and valuable feedback, enhancing their motivation and demonstrating the practical impact of their work. Participating organisations, on the other hand, gain fresh insights and recognise the value of collaborating with universities. The reciprocal nature of the relationship ensures a continuous flow of knowledge and shared learning experiences
Enhanced mechanical properties of irradiated ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer
Get PDFThis study investigated the effects of electron beam radiation on the room-temperature and high-temperature mechanical properties of two ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymers, designated EVA 206 and EVA 212. These copolymers had varying vinyl acetate (VA) contents (6 wt.% and 12 wt.%), with the same melt flow index of 2.0 g/10 min. Samples were irradiated at doses ranging from 60 to 180 kGy. The impact of electron beam irradiation on the creep, frequency sweep, and stress–strain behaviors of the ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers was evaluated using a dynamical mechanical analyzer (DMA). Crystallinity was measured using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and wide-angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD). Creep compliance was quantitatively analyzed using four-parameter and six-parameter models. While crosslinking had minimal influence on the room-temperature properties, it significantly affected the behavior at 150 °C. With increasing irradiation dose, creep compliance decreased, while the shear modulus, viscosity, and shear stress at a strain of 0.03 increased, indicating enhanced resistance to deformation. Crosslink density also increased with irradiation dose. EVA 212 with a higher vinyl acetate content exhibited a higher resistance to creep and better high-temperature mechanical properties across all measurements.Department of Polymer Engineering, Faculty of Technology; Univerzita Tomáše Bati ve Zlíně, UTB, (IGA/FT/2024/008); Univerzita Tomáše Bati ve Zlíně, UTBDepartment of Polymer Engineering, Faculty of Technology, Tomas Bata University, Zlin; [IGA/FT/2024/008
Activation of NdFeB magnetic material upon exposure to oxygen plasma
Get PDFIn bonded NdFeB magnets, the fillers’ adhesion in the polymer matrix of composites is often insufficient, necessitating filler wettability modification before mixing with liquid polymers. Inductively coupled radiofrequency oxygen plasma was used to modify the surface wettability of commercial NdFeB flakes. A pronounced minimum in water contact angle (WCA) was observed after approximately 100 ms of treatment in plasma (50 Pa, 500 W). A deeper minimum was observed upon treatment in the flowing afterglow. The flux of oxygen atoms on the NdFeB flakes’ surface was ∼3 × 1023 m−2 s−1, and the WCA below 20° was observed after treating the samples in the afterglow for 0.05–0.5 s; corresponding O-atom doses 1022–1023 m−2. Larger doses caused a gradual loss of hydrophilicity, and an initial WCA of ∼75° was established after treating the samples in the afterglow for ∼40 s. This was attributed to the segregation and oxidation of iron on the NdFeB surface. Thorough XPS depth profiling revealed oxidation kinetics. The treatment in the glowing plasma caused a similar evolution, except that hydrophobicity was re-established after 1-s plasma treatment. The segregation of iron on the surface caused the formation of Fe2O3, and the intermediate layer toward the bulk consisted of Nd2O3 dispersed in the Fe matrix.This research was funded by the Slovenian Research Agency, Core Funding No. P2-0082 (Thin Film Structures and Plasma Surface Engineering) and Project No. L1-50007 (Non-equilibrium Plasma Processing for Superior Composite Magnets). The authors gratefully acknowledge Dr. D. Lojen and J. Trtnik for technical assistance and AFM measurements
Fuzzy masks for correlation matrix pruning
No full textAmong statistical methods used in data analysis processes, correlation analysis holds one of the most significant places. Using correlation, analysts measure prediction potential between values of a pair of attributes of a dataset which can be summarized into a correlation matrix for any multidimensional dataset. Such matrices are usually sizable, and hard to read. Pruning of the correlation matrix for the precise selection of attribute pairs of a considered dataset which bear strong prediction potential is conventionally conducted via correlation matrix masks. Since these masks are commonly designed as crisp borders for the acceptability of values in the matrix, there is a strong lack of nuance in this approach. The work presented in the scope of this study focuses on the design and implementation of fuzzy masks for correlation matrices. This objective is divided into three main tasks - firstly, the visualization of correlation coefficient value frequency and its relationship to fuzzy membership function is designed and implemented, then visualisation of basic regression analysis and correlation context of attribute pairs in the fuzzy area of a studied dataset is designed and implemented, and lastly, the proposed approach is evaluated via case studies on three benchmarking datasets. The results obtained with the fuzzy approach to correlation matrix masks show a qualitative improvement in the matrix pruning task and a more appropriate identification of the relevant parts of the dataset compared to the conventional, crips approach.OZ Príroda of Faculty of Natural Sciences; Matej Bel UniversityOZ Priroda of Faculty of Natural Sciences, Matej Bel University, Banska Bystrica, Slovaki
Electric and dielectric properties of composites of polyaniline coated short carbon fibers in epoxy resin
No full textConductivity and dielectric properties of composites of short carbon fibers coated with a layer of nonconducting form of polyaniline, polyaniline base, in epoxy matrix in the range of 100 Hz to 1300 MHz has been investigated. Unlike the composites with uncoated filler, the properties of the coated material were quite different and significantly depending on the filler content. The measurement of direct current (DC) conductivity revealed that while the percolation threshold of the uncoated fibers lays between 1-2 wt. % of the filler, for coated particles their nonconducting layer increased this value to ca 16-20 vol. %. Consequently, the conductivity of the composite with 7 vol.% of uncoated particles, i.e. far above the percolation threshold, reached a high value of 2x10-3 S m-1, while at the same filler concentration conductivity of the composite material with coated fibers still occurs in the range below percolation limit with a low conductivity similar to matrix value(≈ 10-11 S m-1). The frequency spectra of complex permittivity indicated that, in spite of different fiber character, the difference in polarization of induced dipoles of coated and uncoated fibers or their clusters is not large. The comparison of composites with coated and uncoated fibers below the percolation limit (7 vol. % for the former and 1 vol. % for the latter), both with high DC resistivity, showed that the AC conductivity of the sample filled with coated fibers rose with frequency more quickly than that containing uncoated fibers. This suggests the composite with coated fibers could be a suitable isolating material in low-frequency range and conducting for high-frequency signals. © 2002 Wroclaw Symposium on EMC
Roma community-based empowerment does matter! A qualitative study of social workers' experiences with the empowerment process of social workers in central Slovakia
Get PDFThis qualitative study examines the implementation of an empowerment approach in marginalised Roma communities from the perspective of social workers. Data from 11 semi-structured interviews were analyzed using selected analytical procedures of grounded theory, identifying the main categories: the socioeconomic background of clients (context), community needs and long-term goals (causal conditions), social support and external influences (intervening conditions), and educational projects and participation (strategic actions). The empowerment process leads to independence, sustainability, and improvement of the community environment (consequences). While social work at the micro and meso levels is crucial for the inclusion of the poorest residents of segregated Roma enclaves, significant achievements have not been made at the macro level, particularly in terms of political involvement and the fight against anti-Roma racism. The study also highlights systemic reliance on European structural funds and the lack of state support. Future research could map the perspectives and empowerment of emerging helping professionals.Ministry of Education, Research, Development and Youth of the Slovak Republic; Slovenská Akadémia Vied, SAV; Vedecká Grantová Agentúra MŠVVaŠ SR a SAV, VEGA, (1/0777/22); Vedecká Grantová Agentúra MŠVVaŠ SR a SAV, VEGAScientific Grant Agency of the Ministry of Education, Research, Development and Youth of the Slovak Republic; Slovak Academy of Science (VEGA) [1/0777/22