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CREATIVE APPROACHES TO TEACHING SUSTAINABLE DESIGN
Get PDFSustainable design has become a crucial standard of modern design, with its teaching requiring the integration of theory, practice, and innovative pedagogical approaches. This article presents creative teaching methodologies at the Department of Design, Faculty of Textile Engineering, Technical University of Liberec, focusing on Design Thinking combined with Zero-Waste Fashion methods and the integration of artificial intelligence. The instruction blends traditional principles inspired by Bauhaus pedagogy with modern technologies and interdisciplinary projects, thus preparing students for the challenges associated with environmental responsibility. Through specific student projects, the article demonstrates how these innovative approaches can be applied in practice and how they foster the development of empathy, creativity, and critical thinking. Research findings confirm that integrating sustainable methods into education enables students to create aesthetically appealing and functional designs with minimal environmental impact. This approach proves to be pivotal in shaping a new generation of responsible designers
Do inconsistent online reviews reduce sales for merchants on the platform? Evidence from China
Get PDFInconsistent online reviews are the norm in online shopping. However, platform merchants often believe that inconsistent online reviews have a negative impact on sales. They delete or hide negative reviews in pursuit of consistent praise. So, do inconsistent online reviews really reduce sales? In view of this, this study explores the impact of inconsistent online reviews on the sales of platform merchants based on the stimuli-organism-response (S-O-R) theory and service remediation theory, as well as its mechanism and boundary conditions. And using 5,487 crawler data and 447 questionnaire data, employing both ordinary least squares (OLS) model for empirical analysis. Moreover, in order to verify the robustness of the empirical results comprehensively and rigorously, four methods of changing the measurement model, adjusting the sample size, changing the data source and transforming the assignment were used to carry out the robustness test. The results show that the inconsistent online reviews have a significant inverted U-shaped effect on the sales of platform merchants. Brand image plays a significant mediating role in the influence of inconsistent online reviews on consumers’ purchase intention. And peer response conflict has a significant moderating effect on the impact of online review inconsistency on consumers’ purchase intention. Therefore, platform merchants should take a rational and open attitude towards inconsistent online reviews. In addition, platform merchants can adopt intelligent management methods for online reviews, pay attention to the shaping and strengthening of brand image, and pay attention to peer effect through social marketing, so as to maximize the benefits brought by the inconsistency of online reviews and minimize the potential negative impact of the inconsistency
EMERGING TRENDS IN THE USE OF IMMERSIVE TECHNOLOGIES FOR GARMENT DESIGN
Get PDFThis study examines the applications of immersive technologies, such as virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR), in apparel design. The aim is to identify current trends, advancements, gaps and opportunities for future research. A review of the literature has identified that these technologies enable designers to create digital prototypes, optimise creative processes and reduce material waste, thereby contributing to greater sustainability and efficiency in the fashion industry. However, research in this field demonstrates considerable fragmentation, which presents a challenge in integrating these advances into a coherent conceptual framework. While the adoption of AR and VR has grown, the implementation of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and machine learning remains limited. Furthermore, although sustainability is a relevant topic, it has not been sufficiently analysed in terms of its social and environmental impact. This study highlights the need for a more integrated approach and government support to encourage the ethical and responsible adoption of these technologies
The effect of corporate tax rates on foreign direct investment in the context of tax competition
No full textIn today’s globalized world, tax systems play a crucial role in influencing where investors allocate capital. Some countries recognize the importance of tax policies for national competitiveness, while others lag behind. This study examines the effect of tax competition and selected macroeconomic indicators on foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows in the European Union (EU). Using the generalized method of moments (GMM), the analysis includes data from 24 EU member states between 2002 and 2022. The primary aim is to verify the relationship between corporate tax rates and FDI in the context of tax competition. First, an analysis was performed for all countries, followed by a regional analysis dividing them into Eastern and Western European blocs. The results suggest that the statutory corporate income tax rate (CIT) does not have an immediate effect on foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows; however, a negative effect emerges with a longer time lag in the overall sample. Eastern Europe shows sensitivity of FDI to higher CIT rates with a delay, while in the more developed Western European countries, such a relationship was not confirmed. These findings highlight the importance of considering regional specificities when designing tax policies aimed at attracting foreign investment
Similarity of EU countries in macroeconomic, innovation, and institutional performance – The case of FDI determinants
No full textMost countries nowadays are linked closely by trade flows, financial transactions, or mutual migration flows. As a result, their overall performances tend to converge. This paper compares 27 European countries with the aim of finding their similarities or differences based on their performance over the last decade. For consistency reasons, we included the United Kingdom and Croatia in the sample, despite not being EU members for the entire period, while Luxembourg was excluded due to data irregularities. The variables used in the analysis were chosen based on the previous literature research as well as their links to foreign direct investment (FDI) flows. The observed period of 2010–2021 was determined according to the data availability. The applied method of cluster analysis is a standard procedure when comparing countries and looking for their mutual similarities in various areas. Our three-part cluster analysis confirmed that in macroeconomic performance, the EU countries tend to follow the same trajectory, and their evolution still follows the same patterns that are closely linked to their EU entry and initial starting position. The overall results confirm that in most cases, the innovation/institutional performance reflects that of the economy’s health. Countries with weaker macroeconomic performance or those still undergoing some forms of catching-up process are also characterised by significantly lower levels of R&D expenditure or weaker institutional performance, resulting in the underperformance of this sector. This creates certain innovation and institutional gaps between “older” and “newer” members of the EU. The comparison by FDI inflows indicates the existence of the linkages not only between FDI inflows and a country’s macroeconomic performance but also between FDI and countries’ institutional and innovation characteristics
Consumer perception of private labels: A case study of the Czech Republic
No full textPrivate brands are currently relatively well accepted by consumers and are generally considered to be of high quality, yet they face various challenges that can threaten their sustainability. This has been confirmed by several authors looking at consumer perceptions of private labels across different countries. The aim of the study was to assess consumers’ attitudes and relationships towards private brands and to identify factors that may influence their purchasing decisions. To achieve the objectives, a questionnaire survey was used, where the research sample consisted of 239 people shopping in retail food stores in the Czech Republic, of different gender, age, level of education, and monthly income. It was found that consumers perceive private brands positively in most cases. Using the Friedman test, it was found that consumers care most about low price and quality when buying private brands, while they attach the least importance to the appearance of the packaging. Based on the decision tree, it was revealed that private brands are mostly purchased by women who are employed, students or those on maternity leave, those who have lower incomes and who are under 25 years of age. The results of the logistic regression confirmed that lower price and reasonable quality increase the chance of buying private labels. These findings, such as consumer perception of private brands, and frequency of purchase, are very important to determine appropriate marketing strategy. Based on an effective strategy, retailers can then aim to increase the number of products sold and customer loyalty
Sustainability in the digital era: Exploring the role of public websites
No full textIn the digital era, public sector websites serve as critical platforms for delivering services, engaging citizens, and promoting sustainability. This study investigates the relationship between consumer sustainability expectations and the perceived quality of public sector websites, focusing on how these digital platforms influence trust and user satisfaction. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the research integrates an extensive literature review with a quantitative survey based on the SERVQUAL model. Data were collected from 381 respondents through an online questionnaire measuring five key dimensions: reliability, responsiveness, tangibility, assurance, and empathy. The statistical analysis revealed significant disparities between user expectations and actual experiences. Public websites exceeded expectations in reliability, competence, and empathy, particularly in accessibility, inclusivity, and the provision of sustainability-related training. However, responsiveness and transparency in institutional sustainability metrics were identified as areas requiring improvement. Despite growing demands for environmentally conscious digital services, many government websites lack sufficient mechanisms to communicate sustainability efforts effectively. These findings highlight the necessity for public institutions to integrate sustainable design principles, improve digital responsiveness, and enhance transparency to foster greater public trust and engagement. By addressing these gaps, policymakers and digital strategists can create more effective and inclusive e-government services that align with global sustainability objectives. This study aligns with the journal’s focus on sustainability by examining how digital governance can contribute to environmental, social, and economic well-being. The research underscores the importance of user-centered design and sustainable digital strategies in enhancing the perceived quality of public services, ultimately supporting long-term sustainability goals and citizen engagement in digital governance
Positive impacts of climate change on the example of Northern Europe
No full textTato bakalářská práce se zaměřuje na problematiku klimatické změny a její možné pozitivní dopady, zejména na člověka na území severní a střední Evropy. Autor klade důraz na vysvětlení klimatu jako takového, včetně jeho vývoje v historii planety. Výrazně se zaměřuje na přírodní faktory, které často bývají ve veřejném a mediálním prostoru opomíjeny. Práce ale také pojednává o aktuálních, negativních, dopadech změny klimatu. Je zde také věnován nemalý prostor energetice, konkrétně obnovitelným zdrojům, které by mohly z klimatické změny dokonce těžit.
Autor se v práci bude snažit potvrdit či vyvrátit hlavní hypotézu, že změna klimatu může mít pozitivní dopady na severní, potažmo i střední Evropu.This bachelor's thesis focuses on the issue of climate change and its potential positive impacts, particularly on humans in the regions of Northern and Central Europe. The author places emphasis on explaining the concept of climate itself, including its development throughout the history of the planet. Significant attention is given to natural factors, which are often overlooked
in public and media discourse. However, the thesis also addresses the current negative impacts of climate change. A substantial part is also devoted to energy, specifically renewable sources, which could potentially benefit from climate change.
In this thesis, the author seeks to evaluate the main hypothesis that climate change may have beneficial effects on Northern and, to some extent, also Central Europ
Premature stalling of the catching-up process in CEECs: The case of Slovakia
No full textThe slowdown in the catching-up process has attracted considerable attention, as it is a phenomenon observed in a real context. It has affected almost all CEE countries after the global financial crisis, but to an unequal extent. The article deals with the problem of stalling catching up with advanced economies from the Slovak perspective. It is a problem with broad links to all sectors of the economy as it affects business activity, public administration and households. The analysis is constructed as an explanatory case study (trying to present and explain the different trajectory of one economy compared to a set of similar ones), which relies on the insights of growth accounting. Its aim is to prove that (i) Slovakia experienced a more pronounced break in the convergence trend than the other CEE5 countries; and that (ii) the slowing factors were spread across all growth drivers used in growth accounting (capital, labor, total factor productivity). In the case of capital, there was a fall in the investment rate and a halt in the overcoming of the gap in capital deepening. In the case of labor inputs, there has been a shift from a labor force excess to a shortage. There has been a significant backwardness in the forces supporting total factor productivity (R&D, accumulation of intellectual property products, quality of regulation). The decline in the total factor productivity (TFP) dynamics has been identified in several studies as a causal factor in the convergence slowdown. And it is precisely in the forces supporting TFP that the most significant weaknesses are identified in the case of Slovakia