MEST Journal online            . . . DOI 10.12709/issn.2334-7058 . . .            ISSN 2334-7058 (Online)
Editor-in-chief
Dr. Zoran Čekerevac



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Instruction for authors
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Reviewer's report
Back cover




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Research papers
#1 Mario Bogdanović, Ivan Filipović
EFFICACY VERIFICATION OF SOME MOTIVATION STRATEGIES ON CLOTHING COMPANY EXAMPLE

#2 Zoran Čekerevac, Svetlana Andjelić, Petar Čekerevac
KNOWLEDGE ASSESSMENT AND APPLICATION OF COMPUTER ADAPTIVE TESTING

#3 Nikolay Tontchev, Yordan Kalev
DETERMINING INFLUENCE OF ALLOYING ELEMENTS ON PROPERTIES OF ALLOYS BY ROBUST EXPERIMENT

#4 Katarína Stachová
JOB ANALYSIS AS A CROSS-SECTION FUNCTION OF HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

Book review
#5 Walter E. Block
BOOK REVIEW OF STEVEN PINKER’S: “THE BETTER ANGELS OF OUR NATURE: WHY VIOLENCE HAS DECLINED” - Part I

Review papers
#6 Anatoli Molokovitch
THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE LOGISTICS SYSTEM OF THE REPUBLIC OF BELARUS

#7 Maria Luskova
THE CONTEMPORARY TRENDS IN INTEGRATION OF MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS

#8 Oleksandr Nakai
DEVELOPMENT OF BEEF RAISING PRODUCT MANUFACTURING ON THE INNOVATIVE BASIS

#9 Galina Levkiv Yaroslavivna
MANAGING AGRICULTURAL ENTERPRISES WITH REGARD TO STRUCTURING THE MARKETING PROCESS

#10 Zinaida Zhyvko
ECONOMIC SECURITY MANAGEMENT OF ENTERPRISES IN THE SPHERE OF CRIMINAL CHALLENGES

#11 Oksana Abreu Bastos, Vladyslav Koshulko
THE DECLINE OF HUMAN CAPITAL IN UKRAINIAN EDUCATION AND SCIENCE: EXPERIENCE OF REVERSAL

#12 Ana Gavrilović, Snežana Trmčić
HEALTH INSURANCE SYSTEM IN SERBIA – QUALITY, REFORM, FINANCIAL SUSTAINABILITY

#13 Kamil Boc, Dagmar Vidrikova, Lucia Figuli
SECURITY PLAN AS A PART OF CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE PROTECTION

#14 Sanja Čukić
MULTIPLE INTELLIGENCE THEORY AND ITS APPLICATION IN THE FOREIGN LANGUAGE CLASSROOM



EFFICACY VERIFICATION OF SOME MOTIVATION STRATEGIES ON CLOTHING COMPANY EXAMPLE

Mario Bogdanović, Ivan Filipović

Abstract
The goal of this study was to research the effects of different motivation strategies on the productivity of workers in a clothing industry. For this purpose an experimental research was conducted, which included 138 workers in clothing company, divided into three experimental groups. Standard productivity before research was used as a control group. The efficacy of motivation strategies was checked with regard to two basic questions: 1) differences in productivity of workers measured in natural form in regard to three different motivation strategies; 2) differences in profitability of researched motivation strategies calculated in money (currency EUR). As a matter of fact, it is stated that the best productivity results are obtained by means of material motivation strategy with stimulating pay (411.24 jackets produced per day), followed by motivation strategy of new job contracts and new job challenges (training and control of new workers') (407.10 jackets produced per day), and motivation strategy of new machines with job rotation (405.78 jackets produced per day), while the worst results were found in the control group used as standard comparison measure (without special motivation strategy, which means strategy of motivation according to the Labour Law), where the productivity was 400.20 jackets produced per day. The most profitable motivation strategy for the researched company were new job contracts and new job challenges, followed by the motivation strategy of new machines with job rotation, and economically the worst (in terms of profit) was the motivation strategy of stimulating pay.

Keywords:
efficacy, motivation, motivation strategy, productivity, profitability, textile (clothing) industry

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KNOWLEDGE ASSESSMENT AND APPLICATION OF COMPUTER ADAPTIVE TESTING

Zoran Čekerevac, Svetlana Andjelić, Petar Čekerevac

Abstract
Assessment of knowledge and skills of students, and people at all, are everyday practice in today's world. It is implemented in different ways and for that purpose many methods are used. It is impossible to find one general method, the best in all circumstances. The first part of this paper deals with the problems that arise in the evaluation, and the second part analyzes the possibility of using of computer adaptive testing to determine the grades of students’ knowledge. Special attention is paid to the objectivity of evaluation and to the impact of assessors on the final mark. Here are reconsidered examples of grading of the students’ papers presented and defended in an international student’s competition, as well as defending of several students' term papers in the frame of regular university classes. The results were compared, and it was pointed to many of aspects of establishing the objectivity of the obtained scores. In the section dealing with the presentation of the application of computer adaptive testing in the evaluation, there are presented algorithm of testing, research methods and results of the research on concrete examples from practice. Here is, also, made the comparison of the scores that the same students had achieved in two testing modes: classical testing and computerized adaptive testing. In addition to this comparison, this paper presents the results of a survey of the impressions of tested students. In doing so, the questions were focused on the appropriateness of computer adaptive testing and the other impressions that students had gained during testing, satisfaction with the earned mark and so on. The results achieved by applying computer adaptive testing are summarized in the conclusions, and also some advantages and disadvantages of such testing are discussed. At the end, the paper answers the question about the usefulness of evaluations and, also, some questions about the objectivity of the assessment.

Keywords:
Knowledge assessment, CAT, computer adaptive testing, estimation of knowledge, Bayes' theorem, MAP approach, spearman rank-order correlation coefficient, grading system

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DETERMINING INFLUENCE OF ALLOYING ELEMENTS ON PROPERTIES OF ALLOYS BY ROBUST EXPERIMENT

Nikolay Tontchev, Yordan Kalev

Abstract
The paper presents an approach to determine the influence of alloying elements on the properties of iron-based alloys by a robust numerical experiment. The study is based on a database of 90 alloys with relationship between the chemical composition and mechanical and plastic properties. The limit of yield strength (Re) and elongation (A) are assumed as optimizing parameters. The properties of the alloys used in the database are under heat-treated condition after low temperature hardening and tempering applied. In terms of the mission of any performance steels were identified nonlinear regression relationships. As a result, the proposed procedure shows how to specify the amount of alloying elements on iron alloys based on the Taguchi method. The originality of the solution lies in application of the Taguchi method for simultaneous multiple criteria within a task.

Keywords:
ferrous alloys, robust numerical experiment, Taguchi method, modelling and optimization properties

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JOB ANALYSIS AS A CROSS-SECTION FUNCTION OF HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

Katarína Stachová

Abstract
Job analysis is the key function of human resource management, which results from the cross-sectional character of this function, i.e. it has a direct impact on organisational structure formation and subsequent human resources planning in organisations. The essential fact related to job analysis is its need to carry it out before any activity from the sphere of human resource management functions, since its result has a significant impact on all these functions. It is therefore necessary to summarize the information collected from job analysis in the form of job description and job requirements specification, and ensure their practical implementation in the organisation. Questionnaire research we conducted at School of Economics and Management in Public Administration in Bratislava over the last two years was focused on finding out whether and in what extent organizations operating in Slovakia focus on job analysis, as comprehensive focus of organisations on job analysis is substantial. The research implied that approximately 40 % of the interviewed organisations do not carry out job analyses at all, while relation comparison implies a significant influence between the size of organisation and job analysis execution.

Keywords:
job analysis, cross-section function, organisations operating in the Slovak Republic, human resource management

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BOOK REVIEW OF STEVEN PINKER’S: “THE BETTER ANGELS OF OUR NATURE: WHY VIOLENCE HAS DECLINED” - Part I

Walter E. Block

Editor’s note:
This article is too large to fit into any one of our issues. But, due to its importance, we have decided to run it as a three part series. The first of these, below, features the introduction, the beginnings of Block’s critique of Pinker (2011) and the appendix. Part II, to appear in our third issue, contains most of the main body of this work. And the last appearance of this essay in three parts, in our fourth issue, will contain the author’s conclusion and his voluminous bibliography.

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THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE LOGISTICS SYSTEM OF THE REPUBLIC OF BELARUS

Anatoli Molokovitch

Abstract
In the article some questions of the development of logistics sector in the Republic of Belarus are considered. The favorable geographical position of Belarus determined a rapid development of logistics services in the country. Belarus is interested in growth of transit potential, the increase of accessibility of the remote areas, as well as the major European exporters. The most relevant evidence of this interest is an international project “Amber Coast Logistics“, which is implemented in the framework of “Baltic Sea Region program“ (funded by EU) and aims at increasing the volume of foreign trade in the region. Since the Index of Transit has been developed, the growth of cargo flows was forecasted as a result of the elimination of barriers for development of foreign economic activities in Belarus. The new transport corridors, linking the southern Baltic Sea region with the countries of the Customs Union and Ukraine have been proposed, as well as the new multi-modal transport chains through these corridors, oriented, first of all, to Belarus.

Keywords:
logistics, traffic flows, index of transit, foreign trade, transport accessibility

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FOCUS ON INNOVATION AND EDUCATION AS A PREREQUISITE FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

Maria Luskova

Abstract
In terms of agricultural sector, reformation of beef production is necessary, in order to reduce livestock output and the concentration of production. In accordance with this, in the period between 1990 and 2010, cattle production in all parts of the Chernivtsi region decreased by 331.7 thousand units, or 74.0%. The main reason for this negative trend is the unprofitable beef production, which is primarily due to the low animals' productiveness, net realizable value of live weight and its high cost. In order to solve the strategic tasks of beef breeding it is necessary to support the innovative activities of scientific and technological progress and innovative organizational economic reforms in agriculture. The priorities concerning innovative processes in this field are connected with the improvement of cattle’s quality and species composition, production of food and feeding systems for the cattle, the usage of power-saving technologies that take into account beef raising reproduction peculiarities and make it possible to improve efficiency and competitiveness of agricultural field.

Keywords:
management, management systems, integration, quality, environment, health, safety

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DEVELOPMENT OF BEEF RAISING PRODUCT MANUFACTURING ON THE INNOVATIVE BASIS

Oleksandr Nakai

Abstract
Globalization, increasing independence and complexity, new technologies and climate change create approach to security based on the concept of critical infrastructure. Concept of critical infrastructure is based on the basic precondition – the State should (is obliged) to fulfill vital State functions (political, economic and social) for its inhabitants. The paper deals with the role and objectives of critical infrastructure, the consequences of disasters and the possibility of their quantification. Definitions of critical infrastructure are provided (different approaches – USA, EU, Slovak republic - Act Nr. 45/2011) and expressed types of failure significant for any critical infrastructure. There are classified key drivers relevant for critical infrastructure in the Slovak republic. Within the paper is described the example explaining the concept quantification of losses. The terms like average annual loss and exceedance probability are explained. At the end of the paper the forthcoming financial mechanism is mentioned. This mechanism is also connected to financing of the critical infrastructure of European Union (EU) member states. In the paper are expressed objectives concerning EU Internal Security Strategy. Under consideration is the Fund for interior security in EU for years 2014-2020 to support the Strategy. The financial conditions of the Fund are briefly described in the paper.

Keywords:
innovation processes, efficiency in production, beef raising products, animals productiveness, manufacturing costs, realizable value.

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MANAGING AGRICULTURAL ENTERPRISES WITH REGARD TO STRUCTURING THE MARKETING PROCESS

Levkiv Galina Yaroslavivna

Abstract
The article analyzes the process of structuring the marketing of agricultural enterprises in market conditions and its impact on the safety of the agricultural sector. After a brief analysis of recent researches, author considers some general concepts of marketing management. Detailed attention is paid to the stages of the process of marketing management and eight stages of the process of marketing management of agricultural enterprises. In the stage 1 a comparison of different types of market analysis is given. In the following stages are analyzed: selecting the market segments, choosing the concept of the agricultural enterprise, formation of marketing strategies, singling out the marketing mix, planning and development of marketing programs, the organization of marketing activities, coordination and monitoring and analysis of marketing of the enterprise. At the end of the article four key rules of marketing management for proper marketing management in advanced enterprise are specified. For proper organization of the marketing management in the developed enterprise, author suggests that four basic rules of marketing management should be used: "primary communicator", "establishing of interconnected system between market players", "integration of PR and advertising", and "marketing control and audit".

Keywords:
agricultural enterprises, market analysis, market economy, marketing management, marketing structuring, stakeholders

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ECONOMIC SECURITY MANAGEMENT OF ENTERPRISES IN THE SPHERE OF CRIMINAL CHALLENGES

Zinaida Zhyvko

Abstract
The article analyzes and studies the basic aspects of economic security management of the enterprise, the place of information in the security of business activity of enterprises and investigates the possibility of criminal attacks on the country's economy through loss of information resources. After an analysis of some recent researches, and some aspects of economic security management, and enterprises as objects that provide strategic position to strengthen the economic security, author analyses information as the security object. At the end of the paper author concluded that the information management process of the enterprise includes: all the information necessary to manage all types of enterprise resources maintained in informational databases, development of informational environment for enhancing positive organizational activities of employees, providing them with the necessary information, and joining national or industrial search systems, receiving, storage, transmission and processing of information, i.e. the organization of appropriate databases.

Keywords:
economic security, management, criminal challenges, European cohesion policy, presupposition, restrictions, information, management process

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THE DECLINE OF HUMAN CAPITAL IN UKRAINIAN EDUCATION AND SCIENCE: EXPERIENCE OF REVERSAL

Oksana Abreu Bastos, Vladyslav Koshulko

Abstract
Preservation and enhancement of the quality of education should be a priority in the development of any society. But, the Ukrainian higher education system has ceased to be competitive, and to date has continued to reduce in prestige. Ukrainian higher education diplomas are not recognized worldwide, in contrast to European and American diplomas. The vast majority of graduates are not competitive in the European labor market. 84% of Ukrainian students do not associate their professional future with Ukraine. Wages in the Ukrainian education system over the years are unprecedentedly low compared with other countries. Corruption and bribery have penetrated into all areas of higher education of the country. Today, the Ukrainian sciences are three times behind Germany, twice from Slovakia, Hungary, Estonia, Spain, and the Czech Republic, and are on level with Romania and Bulgaria. So, these are the reasons why Ukraine continues losing their young people, "the golden gene pool" of the nation, and faces a “Brain Drain” of the country. What are the steps that must be taken in the Ukrainian system of education, to regain prestige and respect? Completely and permanently eradicate corruption and bribery from the higher educational institutions of Ukraine raise the wages of the teaching staff of the Ukrainian universities to the international level, etc.

Keywords:
human capital, higher education institutions, scientists, teachers, academics, development, wages, science and education, international scientific journals, universities

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HEALTH INSURANCE SYSTEM IN SERBIA – QUALITY, REFORM, FINANCIAL SUSTAINABILITY

Ana Gavrilović, Snežana Trmčić

Abstract
Constrained by difficult economic situation, the health system in Serbia is facing a great challenge, and in order to overcome it and handle the gap between possibilities and expectations, it is necessary to implement economic reform of health care sector in Serbia, i.e. its decentralization, which implies improvements in providing health services while trying to find a model of financial sustainability of health care system in Serbia. One of the most essential impulses of society to its economic and general social development is the health of its population. In fact, in addition to being a social potential, health is to be considered as an economic potential of a country as well. The need to examine health from economic point of view, as well as in the sense of sustainable economic development, is gaining in presence in the newly made circumstances of an advancing economic crisis. There is an evident gap in the social community between the expectations of health care beneficiaries who are used to high-quality services with considerably subsidized health care and the new situation where health care institutions dispose of no funds to ensure the necessary prerequisites for providing health care, with an obvious weakening of social interlinkage and a fading trust in health care institutions. Any change in terms of scope, quality and prices of health care may and does runs into the wall of disapproval, even judgment; therefore, it is necessary to regulate and legally define health care quality standards in the health system of Serbia and thus precisely determine the quality of service provided and, at the same time, manner of payment, i.e. responsibility for the costs incurred. In order to reach a financially sustainable health care system in Serbia, it is necessary to analyze different models of funding, implement rationalization and reorganization of methods of funding and reexamine the health insurance models in Serbia. The priority concerning the health system financing is the selection of the most adequate method of raising sufficient funds. There are numerous factors which will determine our choice of a particular model of health care system funding in Serbia, among which the following are most important: degree of socio-economic development of the country, fiscal capacity of the country, methods and efficiency of fund raising, support from the political system in its feasibility.

Keywords:
health insurance, quality system in health care system, health insurance in the world, models of funding, financially sustainable system

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SECURITY PLAN AS A PART OF CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE PROTECTION

Kamil Boc, Dagmar Vidrikova, Lucia Figuli

Abstract
Critical infrastructure protection and its elements is a strategic task not only of the European Union, but also of the Slovak Republic. For this reasons the Slovak government has adopted the Act No. 45/2011 on Critical Infrastructure in 2011. This legislation implemented Council Directive 2008/114/EC on the identification and designation of European critical infrastructures and the assessment of the need to improve their protection. The Act regulates the subject matter of the Act, definitions, organizations and competence of state administration in the area of critical infrastructure, sectorial and cross-cutting criteria, procedure for determining of the critical infrastructure elements, the obligations of the owner/operator, security plan, contact point between the owner/operator of the critical infrastructure element and the relevant Member State authority, the contain of the sensitive critical infrastructure protection related information, removal the element from the sector, administrative offence. The Act provides a stage of the process determining of European critical infrastructure elements and development of a security plan, sectors and sub-sectors of critical infrastructure and the List of transposed legally binding acts of the European Union in four annexes. The Act enacts to owner/operator of critical infrastructure elements the obligation to process security plan and to proceed according to the security plan in case of disruption or destruction of the element. According to the Act on critical infrastructure the content of security plan especially contains description of the possible ways of element threat, disruption or destruction. It describes vulnerability of element and security measures for its security. The methodology of processing of the security plan is the aim of this article.

Keywords:
critical infrastructure, protection, elements, security plan, integrated security system, burglar resitance

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MULTIPLE INTELLIGENCE THEORY AND ITS APPLICATION IN THE FOREIGN LANGUAGE CLASSROOM

Sanja Čukić

Abstract
Howard Gardner's theory of multiple intelligence which appeared in the 1980’s, was a revolutionary work that changed traditional perspective on human mind and learning. In the beginning, the theory was approached with doubt, since it opposed the belief that intelligence was an inherited, single entity, measured by IQ tests. According to this theory, there are eight types of intelligence which are to a certain extent present in each individual, and can be developed with practice. This means that there are different types of learners who are, depending on their type of intelligence, able to adopt certain materials more efficiently than others. The imperative of the theory was the change of curriculum and its adjustment to all eight types of learners. In accordance with this fact, many educators, who recognized the differences in learning among their students, applied this theory in order to enhance the quality of teaching. The purpose of this paper is to show the importance of this theory in ESL, as well as many different possibilities of applying it in a classroom. The attention will also be paid to some activities suitable for eight types of intelligence which can be used in the FL classroom. The topics that this paper is exploring could be interesting not only to English teachers, but to all educators.

Keywords:
Howard Gardner, Multiple intelligence theory, education, FL classroom

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