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The Impact Of China’s Outward Foreign Direct Investment On The Bilateral Trade With Belt And Road Countries – The Case Of Central And Eastern European Countries (2005-2023) [védés előtt]
Full text linkWith the deepening of economic globalization, multinational companies have gradually become the main protagonists of economic activities globally. The literature of international trade classifies the FDI behaviors of MNCs into three categories: Horizontal FDI (HFDI), Vertical FDI (VFDI), and the Knowledge-Capital (KC) model that combines HFDI and VFDI. The first literature on HFDI began with Markusen (1984), which indicates that firms conducting HFDI typically set up production in countries close to consumers to avoid high trade costs (Markusen, 1984). These MNCs must trade-off between achieving economies of scale and avoiding tariffs. If they locate the headquarters and all productions in the home country, the firms will gain economies of scale but face high marginal costs from exporting; Conversely, if they locate production in the host country, they will save on trade costs but pay high fixed costs (Markusen, 1984).
Therefore, HFDI is also known as the “Proximity-Concentration Hypothesis”. This hypothesis was first empirically tested and supported by Brainard (1997) using data on U.S. multinationals and developed by Helpman, Melitz & Yeaple (2004) within the framework of heterogeneous firm trade theory (Brainard, 1997) (Helpman, Melitz & Yeaple, 2004). The main factors affecting HFDI are the host country’s market size and trade costs. When HFDI occurs, substitution between FDI and exports occurs.
Helpman (1984) pioneered the study of VFDI. Differences in comparative advantages between countries induce some firms to split production into different stages and allocate production to firms in different countries (Helpman, 1984). For example, allocating labor-intensive and technology-intensive production activities to labor-rich and capital-rich countries, respectively, takes advantage of local comparative advantages and effectively reduces production costs. Yeaple (2003) examines the determinants of OFDI in the United States and confirms the role of comparative advantage, supporting the prediction of VFDI (Yeaple, 2003). The main factors affecting VFDI are the cost of trade and the difference in factor endowments between home and host countries. In addition, Keller & Yeaple (2013) include the cost of knowledge transfer in the analysis of vertical specialization of MNCs and argue that this cost is also one of the determinants of VFDI by MNCs (Keller & Yeaple, 2013). The emergence of VFDI will induce MNCs to engage in intra-firm trade and intermediate product trade, thus triggering the complementarity of FDI and trade
Analysis of poverty dynamics and poverty reduction in Tajikistan: A Multidimensional Perspective
No full textThe doctoral thesis is only available within the university network.
The thesis employs a mixed-method research design - historical and institutional analysis (incl. archival research), policy document analysis combined with qualitative interviews, as well as quantitative statistical descriptive methods to explore multidimensional poverty and poverty reduction initiatives aimed at its reduction. Qualitative methods are well-suited to understand social dynamics and contextual factors that impact poverty.
The thesis concentrates on Tajikistan as a single-case study to address an empirical gap in the existing literature, as has been mentioned in the previous sections. Although poverty reduction is the prioritized goal in the economic agenda of Tajikistan, there is a noticeable lack of academic research on institutional, political, and economic factors related to poverty in Tajikistan. So far, no studies have posed even the basic questions, such as how effective poverty reduction policies are in Tajikistan and whether they address multidimensional poverty at all.
The theoretical framework draws on Amartya Sen´s capability approach and the Alkire-Foster methodology, which underscores not only income but also dimensions such as education, health, and living standards in understanding poverty. Using a multidimensional poverty lens, the author aims to identify the specific dimension - education, health, or standard of living - where targeted interventions can achieve the greatest impact.
Considering the lack of multidimensional poverty data and the challenges of accessing recent statistics, the research adopted a triangulation approach to strengthen the validity of findings. Triangulation was applied by cross-checking official datasets with secondary sources, which helped to mitigate data gaps and ensure a more robust analysis of poverty dynamics in Tajikistan.
As additional information sources to complement the lack of data or test existing ones, as well as to test assumptions and results of the analysis, semi-structured interviews were conducted with country and regional experts. The interview method, as part of a mixed-method research design, is a common type of qualitative research method used to have access to information on how decisions are taken by the political and economic elites, which is otherwise unavailable.
The interviews have helped to reveal and identify challenges and factors that may be case-specific (local, insider knowledge) and may not be visible or obvious to external observers. Primary data has been collected through semi-structured interviews with 14 experts who are involved in development policies and designing and implementing poverty reduction policies in Tajikistan and/or Central Asia.
Purposive and snowball sampling methods have been used to identify participants with relevant knowledge and experience concerning poverty dynamics in Tajikistan. The sample included 14 participants, with 7 national experts and 7 international experts. The experts were policymakers, NGO representatives, and scholars with in-depth knowledge of Tajikistan´s poverty dynamics. Although the initial sampling included 30 experts, and all of them were contacted, only 14 participants agreed to take part in the interview.
An interview guide in Tajik, Russian, and English was developed based on the study´s research questions and literature review, containing open-ended questions to encourage detailed responses.
Data were collected through fieldwork in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, for 2 weeks in November, including 7 face-to-face interviews in Tajik (1), Russian (5), and English (1). The rest of the data were collected through online interviews in English (7) from November 2024 to January 2025. For data analysis, the author used a note-taking approach during the interviews. This method facilitated a faster and more efficient editing process, saving time compared to transcribing notes from recorded sessions.
Thematic analysis has been employed to analyse the interview data. Inductive and deductive methods have been employed to capture both emerging themes and those related to the research questions.
The aim of the research is to give an analysis of poverty discourse in Tajikistan during the period of post-systematic change from 1991 to 2023. Due to the availability of data, especially the Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) for Tajikistan for 2005, 2012, and 2017, the research will focus on these years as longitudinal
Good representation What are the determinants of a good representative?
Full text linkThis doctoral dissertation aims to deepen and refine our understanding of political representation – which refers to the institutionalized relationship between electorates and their representatives – by highlighting the effects of candidate characteristics, representatives’ actions, and personality traits. The theoretical framework incorporates not only the classic theories of representation, such as the work of Pitkin and Mansbridge, but also introduces newer approaches, such as the theories of Celis, Childs, and Saward. The dissertation also builds on the literature of political psychology, voter behavior, and political leadership, aiming to connect these disciplines and thus gain a more comprehensive picture of political representation and voters’ expectations.
To answer the research questions, I used a mixed-method approach, including both quantitative and qualitative research tools: a vignette-looking conjoint survey experiment conducted on a representative sample of Hungarian voters, and two focus group discussions. The research questions focus on the desired characteristics, actions, and personality traits of theoretical candidates and representatives. The first group of hypotheses focuses on theoretical candidates’ characteristics and their effects on voter choices. The second group of hypotheses focuses on the actions of theoretical candidates and how voters evaluate them depending on the context.
The results of the dissertation confirm that voters strongly prefer local candidates over their non-local counterparts. Voters’ preferences for younger and female candidates are also indicated, which seems to be a change, compared to the contemporary Hungarian political landscape. Regarding the actions of theoretical representatives, the results reveal that Hungarian voters do not prefer experts in the representational process during times of crisis. Instead, they prefer representatives who follow voters’ interests during the decision-making process.
The dissertation highlights that political representation is indeed a dynamic process. Furthermore, I found evidence that political representation can be characterized by context-responsive demand, which indicates that voters’ expectations and evaluations of representatives change dynamically according to the situational context. This work contributes to our understanding of political representation models and theories and emphasizes the importance of personal characteristics, actions, personality traits, and contextual factors in voters’ evaluation
Essays on Waste Generation
Full text linkThis dissertation addresses key gaps in the literature on sustainability and waste management by investigating the complex interrelationships between waste generation, selective collection systems, and environmental behavior. Although the individual chapters focus on different aspects of the topic, together they form a coherent framework to better understand the mechanisms shaping sustainability processes.
The first study examines the impact of the introduction of selective waste collection systems on total waste generation. Using a quasi-experimental difference-in-differences (DiD) approach, complemented by two-way fixed effects models and household survey data, it provides empirical evidence for the existence of the circular economy rebound effect. The analysis reveals that the bag-based curbside system had no significant effect on total or mixed waste, and although source-separated waste increased by nearly 60% following the implementation of the double-bin system, mixed waste did not decline. This suggests that improved infrastructure may increase recycling but not reduce overall waste. Furthermore, 59% of respondents agreed they would produce less waste if selective collection were unavailable, indicating that convenience can reinforce unsustainable consumption.
The second study explores the broader effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on municipal waste generation using high-dimensional fixed effects panel regressions. Results show that stricter pandemic restrictions were associated with increases in both selective and non-selective waste. A one-point rise in the Stringency Index corresponds to a 0.098–0.106 kg annual per capita increase in mixed waste and a 0.016–0.017 kg increase in selective waste. Altogether, the 2020 average stringency level in Hungary is linked to approximately 6.4–6.89 kg of additional municipal waste per capita. These findings are supported by an excess-over-expected framework and placebo tests.
The third study introduces a novel empirical design to investigate the behavioral effects of selective waste collection infrastructure under exogenous pressure. It applies a natural experimental framework that uses the COVID-19 pandemic as an external shock, allowing for causal inference regarding the performance of curbside double-bin systems. The analysis introduces and tests a new theoretical concept, the Perceived Disposal Ease Bias, which posits that the convenience of disposal infrastructure can unintentionally lead to increased total waste generation. Using a difference-in-differences framework within a two-way fixed effects regression model, the study isolates the effect of selective infrastructure by interacting its presence with the COVID-19 period. Empirical findings indicate that municipalities equipped with curbside bins generated on average 11.76 kg more selectively collected waste per capita annually during the pandemic than those without such infrastructure, while no statistically significant reduction was observed in mixed waste volumes. The results demonstrate that infrastructure alone may unintentionally reinforce unsustainable behavioral responses unless complemented by awareness campaigns or regulatory interventions.
Finally, the fourth study analyzes the relationship between political orientation and environmental behavior in Budapest. Using administrative data and district-level panel models, the study finds a negative and statistically significant relationship between selective waste collection and left-wing vote share, indicating stronger pro-environmental behavior in right-leaning districts. This effect is more pronounced in municipal than European Parliament elections, and is moderated by social monitoring factors. The results challenge the assumption that left-wing ideology is inherently more environmentally conscious, and suggest that in post-communist contexts, social norms and historical legacies may better explain patterns of environmental engagement.
The dissertation offers new insights into how infrastructure, external shocks, and political attitudes influence sustainability, emphasizing that waste management is not merely a technical issue, but a socially and behaviorally embedded phenomenon
Machine Learning in Security Vulnerability Research
Full text linkThis dissertation explores the application of ML in cybersecurity, with a specific focus on offensive security. To examine existing work on the roles of AI and ML in vulnerability discovery, I conducted a targeted review of the literature, which indicated that fuzz testing, a method in which an automated tool evaluates software for security flaws using random input data, is a promising area for further exploration.
To improve the effectiveness of fuzzers, I propose an ML-based seed selection method built on the concept that known bugs provide valuable insights to guide fuzzers toward the security-sensitive parts of the target program. For a thorough examination of this issue, I constructed a neural network for binary classification that uses knowledge derived from past fuzzing results to improve seed selection for subsequent test campaigns.
I conducted a case study to investigate the practical application of this approach in real-world scenarios. The Windows graphics component represents a valuable attack surface due to its core functionality being deeply integrated into the operating system, as any flaws in this component could have significant security implications. Metafiles serve as an ideal input format for fuzz testing due to their compact size, which enables efficient mutation and rapid execution of testcases. I evaluated the proposed approach by running experiments on a legacy version of the Windows operating system using various seed selection strategies. Comparative analysis indicated that seeds selected according to the model's predictions effectively directed the fuzzer toward code paths associated with known security issues.
The main logical units of the dissertation are organized into six chapters that collectively establish and validate a comprehensive research framework. Chapter 1 establishes the context by introducing key research questions and describing the methodology to conduct the literature review and develop multiple software artifacts to provide practical solutions to real-world problems. Chapter 2 presents an overview of the various applications of AI in cybersecurity, traditional fuzz testing methods, and relevant ML concepts. Chapters 3 and Chapter 4 transition from theory to practice by exploring related work, followed by proposing a conceptual framework for an alternative seed selection method and detailing the implementation of an experimental prototype. Finally, Chapters 5 and Chapter 6 provide an empirical assessment of the experiments and conclude by summarizing the research findings, discussing the vulnerabilities discovered and offering a brief outlook on future research opportunities, while reflecting on the limitations and implications of the study
A döntéshozatali folyamat alakulása a jelenléti tudományos konferenciák résztvevőinek körében: A turisztikai desztináció szerepe a tudományos szövetségi konferenciák fogyasztói választásában
Full text linkA doktori disszertáció fókuszát a jelenléti tudományos szövetségi konferenciák résztvevői szempontú vizsgálata jelentette, különös tekintettel a turisztikai desztináció szerepére a konferenciaválasztási döntésben. A kutatás aktualitását a Covid-19-pandémia utáni megváltozott piaci környezet biztosította, amely hatással volt a konferenciaiparra és a résztvevők döntéshozatali preferenciáira. A disszertációban kevert módszertant alkalmaztam, amely során a kvalitatív és a kvantitatív módszerek szekvenciálisan követték egymást, annak érdekében, hogy átfogó képet kapjak a konferenciaipar keresleti oldalának dinamikájáról és a résztvevői döntéshozatalról. A doktori értekezés új tudományos eredményeit a következőkben ismertetem.
A kvalitatív kutatás eredményeként megállapítottam, hogy a résztvevők motivációit a szakmai és a szabadidős tényezők egyaránt meghatározták, amely alátámasztotta López-Bonilla és szerzőtársainak (2023) kutatását. A szakmai motivációk között kiemelten fontos volt a kapcsolatépítés, a szakmai fejlődés lehetősége és a tudományos teljesítmény elismerése.
Új eredményként azonosítottam a minta alapján, hogy a desztináció vonzereje kulcsszerepet játszott a konferenciaválasztásban. A fogadóterület elérhetősége, infra- és szuprastruktúrája szintén megjelent a résztvevők döntéshozatali folyamatában.
Az interjúk alapján kijelenthető, hogy a résztvevői elégedettségben a szakmai tényezők mellett a szabadidős tényezők is tükröződtek, úgymint a helyszín és a szolgáltatások színvonala, valamint a desztináció által nyújtott élmények egyedisége és komplexitása.
A kvantitatív kutatás keretében kérdőíves megkérdezést végeztem és SEM-modellezést (Structural Equation Modeling) alkalmaztam. A kutatás újdonsága, hogy a modellben a résztvevői motiváció vizsgálatához kapcsoltam a többdimenziós érték különböző dimenzióinak elemzését és azok hatásvizsgálatát a résztvevők elégedettségére és viselkedési szándékára vonatkozóan.
A kvantitatív kutatás eredményei összecsengtek a kvalitatív kutatás eredményeivel, mivel a résztvevői motivációra mind a szakmai, mind a szabadidős szempontok szignifikánsan pozitív hatással voltak. A kutatás rávilágított a desztináció kiemelkedő szerepére, mivel a desztinációimázs a résztvevői motivációt szignifikánsan pozitívan befolyásolta.
Rasoolimanesh és szerzőtársainak (2023) megállapításaira reflektálva a modell igazolta, hogy a többdimenziós érték – amely magában foglalja a funkcionális minőségi, funkcionális gazdasági, társadalmi és emocionális értéket – szignifikánsan pozitív hatással volt a résztvevők konferenciával kapcsolatos elégedettségére.
Az elégedettség továbbá szignifikánsan pozitív hatást gyakorolt a viselkedési szándékra, vagyis arra, hogy a résztvevők a jövőben is részt kívánnak-e venni hasonló eseményeken.
Kutatásom új elméleti összefüggéseket tárt fel, különös tekintettel a desztináció meghatározó szerepére a konferencia-résztvevők döntéshozatali folyamatában. Ez az eredmény hozzájárul a meglévő turizmuskutatások elméleti gazdagításához, mivel korábban a kutatók (Mair – Frew, 2016; Lee – Yoon, 2022) kevés figyelmet fordítottak a desztináció szerepének részletes vizsgálatára a konferenciaválasztás során.
Módszertani szempontból a kutatás újdonsága a PLS-SEM módszer alkalmazása volt a tudományos szövetségi konferenciák piacán, amely lehetővé tette a résztvevői motivációnak, a többdimenziós értéknek, az elégedettségnek és a viselkedési szándéknak az összekapcsolt elemzését. Ez a módszertani megközelítés árnyaltabb képet nyújtott a konferenciaipar működéséről, valamint arról, hogy a különböző tényezők hogyan befolyásolták a résztvevői döntéshozatalt.
Gyakorlati szempontból az eredmények fontos útmutatással szolgálnak a konferenciaszervezők és a turisztikai desztinációk vezető szakemberei számára. A kutatás rámutatott arra, hogy a jelenléti tudományos konferenciák sikerességének növelése érdekében a megrendelőknek, tehát a szövetségeknek és a megbízott szervezőknek javasolt kiemelt figyelmet fordítaniuk a konferenciák szakmai tartalmára, szervezésének minőségére, valamint az attraktív fogadóterület kiválasztására
The Effect of China’s Outward Foreign Direct Investment on the Economic Growth of the Visegrád Group
Full text linkThe relationship between foreign direct investment and economic growth has been widely debated in the economic literature, but the results have been inconsistent and vary between the short and long run. As such, this study examines and provides additional quantitative evidence on the effect of China’s outward foreign direct investment (OFDI) on the economic growth of the Visegrád Group (V4), namely, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, and Slovakia, both in short and long run, using annual data from 2004 to 2020. Various econometric models are employed to ensure the robustness of the findings, including panel-based Feasible Generalized Least Squares (FGLS), Pooled Ordinary Least Squares (POLS), Fixed Effects (FE), and Random Effects (RE); Markov-Switching Dynamic Regression (MSDR); Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Cross-Sectional Autoregressive Distributed Lag model (CS ARDL). The novelty of this research is the acknowledgement of productive capacities as a moderating factor between China’s OFDI and economic growth of the V4 countries. The results show that FDI stimulates economic growth in both short and long run. Productive capacities index, as a moderating factor, is significant in explaining the relationship between China’s foreign direct investment and economic growth of the V4. Other macroeconomic factors also play an important role in explaining economic growth in V4. Long-run economic growth is driven by total factor productivity and trade openness, although trade openness is not significant in the short-run. MSDR model divides the V4’s economic growth into high growth state (state 1) and low growth state (state 2). This study has found that FDI can enhance economic growth of each V4 country in both state 1 and state 2, except in Czech Republic FDI is insignificant in state 1. MSDR model also estimates the transition probability of each country from one state to another and provides the expected duration of remaining in each state. The results reveal that the transition probability of remaining in state 2 is high and persistent in Czech Republic, Poland, and Slovakia, while it’s low in Hungary. In line with the transition probability, the expected duration of remaining in state 2 is longer than in state 1 in Czech Republic, Poland, and Slovakia, while it’s the other way around for Hungary. PCA model groups three components and the “the dimension of China’s OFDI” [pc1] is the main variable of interest and it consists of China’s OFDI, total factor productivity, fixed capital formation, trade openness, population growth, and producer price inflation. Quantile regression shows that pc1 has a positive and highly significant effect when real GDP growth is at its .50 and .75 percentile, and moderately significant at its .25 percentile. The findings of this study have significant implications for policymakers, investors and academic researchers. The results emphasise the importance of decision-making for government, investors, and investees to understand relationship between foreign direct investment and economic growth thoroughly. Therefore, policy recommendations are developed for V4 countries
From Youth Perspectives to Leadership Influence – Does the act of shaping the leadership context of digital transformation lead to superior operational performance?
Full text linkThe principal objective of the research is to contribute to the corpus of knowledge on the role of digital transformation in organisations of SMEs, with a particular focus on the manner in which it interacts with leadership styles and affects operational performance. The research aims to provide practical guidance for organisations striving to exploit the benefits of digital transformation while effectively managing human resources and leadership skills. The dissertation is comprised of three research papers; consequently, the body of the summary is structured around the same theme. The research papers can be found in Chapter 5.
Organisations can tailor their talent acquisition and recruitment campaigns by understanding the confidence, motivation, and interest of Generation Y and Z economists in connection to AI with the expectations and aspirations of younger professionals, ensuring a more engaged and motivated workforce by prioritising the integration of AI in those areas. The multidisciplinary perspective of these professionals can provide a comprehensive range of perspectives on the ideal approach to digital transportation.
Companies can also use the findings to design management development programs that emphasise the leadership styles most conducive to successful digital transformation. This could include management training that proves more effective in driving digital initiatives. Understanding how different leadership styles affect digital transformation can also help companies refine their digital strategies, ensuring that management teams are equipped to lead successful digital transformations. This could lead to more efficient production processes, reduced downtime, and improved productivity. Consulting firms can use the research to advise clients on best practices for digital transformation tailored to their management styles and organisational culture. By understanding how digital transformation mediates the relationship between leadership and operational performance, companies can optimise their leadership practices and digital strategies to achieve better operational outcomes.
Leaders can use the results to shape their company’s digital strategy, ensuring that it aligns with the workforce’s expectations and the prospective domains where AI can benefit most. They can then adapt or modify their management approaches to endorse digitalisation efforts, leading to smoother transitions and more effective implementation of new technologies. Leaders can be trained to recognise the critical role that digital transformation plays in operational success, adjusting their leadership styles to support digital initiatives that lead to measurable performance improvements. It is incumbent upon leaders to develop a more profound comprehension of their employees' attitudes towards digitalisation
Forging a Fire-Free Future: Examining Collaborative Governance Approaches to Tackle Forest and Land Fires in Indonesia
Full text linkAddressing the environmental crisis, one of the most pressing global issues is undoubtedly global warming, which poses a significant threat to human well-being (Othman et al., 2009). As countries increasingly recognize the urgency of the situation, they are actively seeking ways to mitigate the escalation of global warming. Among the prominent strategies for curbing its impact is the strategic utilization of tropical rainforests, often called the "lungs of the world." Tropical rainforests hold immense potential in their capacity to absorb carbon emissions stemming from human-driven industrial activities (Alviya et al., 2018; Hepburn, 2007; Jaenicke et al., 2010; Kiely et al., 2019; Liu et al., 2015; Muttaqin et al., 2019). By acting as carbon sinks, these ecosystems play a critical role in sequestering atmospheric carbon dioxide and thus mitigating the greenhouse gas effect that drives global warming.
Indonesian rainforests are vital for the world in preventing climate change. Indonesia is a country that has a large forest area. Therefore, Indonesia can be crucial in saving the climate from global warming. However, what happened was that Indonesia became one of the countries experiencing deforestation the fastest (Carmenta et al., 2017; Dohong et al., 2018; Muttaqin et al., 2019; Ruysschaert & Hufty, 2020; Saputra, 2019). Most deforestation occurs due to illegal logging and the large-scale opening of oil palm plantations (Amacher et al., 2012; Damayatanti, 2013; Hasyim et al., 2020; Jaenicke et al., 2010; Masria et al., 2015). Indonesia is the largest producer of palm oil in the world, whose derivative products are used by many countries around the world (Budiman et al., 2020; Cooper et al., 2019; Gunawan, 2018; Jaenicke et al., 2010; Purnomo et al., 2017a, 2017b, 2019; Runkle & Kutzbach, 2014; Ruysschaert & Hufty, 2020)
Examining the characteristics associated with the career paths of professional women's handball players
Full text linkCareer research and its specificity to athletes present a number of challenges in different topics and scientific fields (such as career development, career transitions, career decisions; (sport) psychology, sociology, anthropology, behavioural sciences). I have identified the following research problems: On the one hand, the athlete's career is finite (short); the difficulties of transition can be facilitated by a supportive environment, which is often lacking (when the bubble bursts, loss of value). On the other hand, active athletes are not sufficiently aware of the management and planning of sport careers and post-sport careers. Thirdly, athletes encounter different life decisions and decision-makers during different career transitions, which can affect career development. Fourthly, the development of sport has led to an intensification of economic processes in the sport industry. The impact of this can also be felt in the players market. Sports organisations may make decisions on many occasions, which may be justified from a management point of view, but which lead to the materialisation of human values (tangible values). Thus, players can be negative actors in the life of a club, which can have an impact on the development of their sporting careers. Finally, there is little literature on handball-related career research. Furthermore, the 2021 sport strategy (2022-2028) of the Hungarian Handball Federation (MKSZ) defines targets that justify the need for studies related to key stakeholders, handball players.
My article-based dissertation, consisting of three studies, is an exploratory research with a broad research question: What factors within the culture of the sport of handball can be identified in terms of career management that determine players' career paths and what traits characterise their career paths and key decisions at the end of a successful career?
I use the summaries of the articles to present the units of my dissertation:
The first study utilises autoethnographic research methodology for introducing, from a handball player’s point of view, the culture in which her career unfolded (from the beginnings to the first few years after her retirement), and the most important characteristics that shaped her professional years in the Hungarian first league. This topic was chosen not only as sports economics considerations are important with regard to the career of a handballer, but also to highlight how an individual athlete experiences the processes occurring in such sports culture. Moreover, this study addresses the gap in scientific literature on career management in handball. Utilising autoethnography in the field of sports is somewhat unique, therefore this study can also pave the way for future research work in this domain. The following five pillars in career management were identified as a result of the research: Significant Others, Local Grassroots, Star Position, Roller Coaster and Rebirth. This study can be valuable for future researchers in the area of career management, and it can also provide practical information for athletes, sports federations and sports businesses.
The second paper investigates what variables may influence long-term performance in the transitory phases of a team athlete's career according to the perceptions of the athletes themselves. Narrative research was conducted with sixteen world-class, retired women handball players and the qualitative analysis reveals those factors that influenced their performance in the transitory phases "from development to mastery" and "from mastery to discontinuation" on the individual, interpersonal, organisational, and sociocultural levels. The variables are organised into a systems map to provide a full overview as well as the perceived relationships between them. The practical implication of the paper is to draw the attention of those organisations that aim to improve long-term performance to the leverage points that athletes themselves find important.
The main objective of the third study is to identify the "key issues" in the employment of athletes in the sport of handball. The methodological framework of the research is based on primary source and a qualitative approach, including thematic analysis. The findings from the five expert interviews allow us to get a comprehensive, realistic picture of the career - related processes in professional women's handball (i.e. selection) from the athlete's and from the sports company's side. Otherwise, they highlight why professional women's handball players can be considered as a special workforce. Among the results are grouped around four main themes: peculiarities of managing players; handball players; sports professional aspects; other influencing factors. In addition, the research defines the local milieu and the value typification model of the athlete types associated with each theme, which are compared with the roles that can be identified along the behavioural dimensions