Search

This paper presents the results of research conducted with the aim of exploring corporate social responsibility (CSR) and its influence on consumer’s behavior in Serbia. An extensive literature review was conducted based on which the questionnaire was developed. The data was gathered by interviewing consumers in Serbia and analysis was conducted with the aim to confirm the reliability and multidimensionality of the proposed scale. The starting point was 4 dimensional model of corporate social responsibility with the measured influence of Economic aspect, Environmental aspect, Care of employees and Voluntariness on Consumers behavior. After the exploratory analysis was perfotmed, the model of CSR influence was proposed and tested. The results reflect the consumers’ perspective and potential implication on companies’ strategies and practices.

Cilj ovog istraživanja je da predloži i empirijski ispita integrisani model razvoja saradnje u odnosima između kompanija i njihovih isporučilaca. Na osnovu prethodnih istraživanja predložen je konceptualni model kojim su obuhvaćeni odnosi između koncepata komunikacija, poverenje, satisfakcija odnosom i posvećenost razvoju odnosa i njihov uticaj na razvoj saradnje u odnosima kupac-isporučilac. Model je empirijski ispitan iz perspektive sertifikovanih kompanija u ulozi kupaca. Primenom modelovanja pomoću strukturnih jednačina na uzorku od 186 sertifikovanih kompanija koje posluju na tržištu Srbije utvrđeno je da komunikacija predstavlja direktnu determinantu poverenja i da poverenje i posvećenost odnosu utiču na unapređenje saradnje u odnosima kupac-isporučilac. U radu su razmotrene implikacije koje proizilaze iz ovog istraživanja i istaknuta su ograničenja i smernice za buduća istraživanja., The aim of this study is to propose and empirically examine an integrated model of the development of cooperation in buyer-seller relationships. Building upon previous research a conceptual framework of the relationships between communication, trust, satisfaction with the relationship and relationship commitment and their impact on cooperation has been proposed and empirically examined from the perspective of certified buyers. The application of structural equation modelling on a sample of 186 certified companies operating on Serbian market indicated the antecedent role of communication to trust and the direct influence of trust and commitment on the development of cooperation. Implications of this research are discussed and limitations and directions for future research are highlighted.

In this paper, a model for the development of relationships with suppliers in order to create long-term partnerships, while following the requirements of ISO 9001 standard, was defined. Research has shown that the same relations with suppliers that exist between standardised companies (SC) and non-standardised companies (NSC) within the set of suppliers, also exist between NSC and NSC within the set of companies. Creating partnerships between SC and NSC suppliers is not possible, while obtained results show the opposite, which clearly indicates that the certification in the studied economy is being performed pro forma.

In this paper a hybrid model of SWOT–PROMETHEE/GAIA–GDSS is defined for the purpose of prioritizing strategic goals of the university and developed for the case of the Technical Faculty in Bor that belongs to the group of the Technology and Engineering Sciences faculties at the University of Belgrade, Serbia. Defined model is suitable for universities or autonomous faculties with diversified organizational structure, in which interests of individual departments are opposed, therefore there is a need for compromise in decision-making process while defining priorities of the strategic goals (SGs). SWOT factors, arising as a result of a survey based Brainstorming, are good foundation for further development of the model by assessing the opinions of the decision makers (DMs) through Group Decision Support System (GDSS), as a preparation for the PROMETHEE methodology which is used for prioritizing of the SGs. The Geometrical Analysis for Interactive Assistance (GAIA) plane is used to further analyze the alternative routes and to reach the group solution, which is consistent with managerial goals and objectives. The model is useful because it allows DMs a better understanding when defining a compromise in order to optimize the SGs, in the interest of growth and development of the University.

Циљ ове докторске дисертације јесте да, помоћу математичких модела креираних на основу утврђених просторних и временских образаца промена квалитета површинских вода, допринесе успостављању ефикасног и ефективног система мониторинга. Речни систем Морава представља област истраживања. После утврђивања стања квалитета воде и степена утицаја антропогеног фактора, обиман скуп података обрађен је применом различитих метода. Интегрисање Serbian Water Quality Index-a (SWQI) и методе контролних карата омогућило је визуелно приказивање промена степена квалитета воде на току Мораве. Кластер и дискриминационом анализом извршена је значајна редукција скупа података, заснована на просторним и временским обрасцима. У просторном погледу је, на основу заједничких физичко-хемијских карактеристика воде, 14 мерних локација подељено у три кластера различитог степена загађености. Примена дискриминационе технике је допринела редуковању скупа података са 12 на 4 параметра. Могућност предикције кретања дискриминишућих параметара је доказана применом методе вештачких неуронских мрежа. Временским груписањем је период годишњег мониторинга подељен у три кластера. У овом случају је дискриминациона анализа свела полазни скуп на два дискриминишућа параметра. Резултати предочени у овој дисертацији пружају могућност идентификације и предикције критичних тачака и периода мониторинга, као и редукцију полазног сета података. Анализе су показале да се применом комбинације мултиваријационих техника, на примеру речног система Мораве, може креирати модел којим би се оптимизовао и рационализовао процес мониторинга квалитета воде., The aim of this doctoral thesis is to create the mathematical model which, based on the recognized patterns of spatial and temporal surface water quality changes, enables the establishment of the efficient and effective monitoring system. The monitoring area is Morava River system. After the evaluation of the water quality and the influence of anthropogenic factor, an extensive dataset was processed using various techniques. The integration of Serbian Water Quality Index (SWQI) and control charts enabled simpler visualization of the Morava surface water quality changes. Spatial and temporal patterns, defined by the cluster and discrimination analysis, provided the significant data reduction. Based on the common physical and chemical characteristics of water, 14 measuring sites were divided into three clusters with different pollution levels. The application of discriminant analysis reduced the data set from 12 to 4 parameters. The ability to predict the changes of discriminatory parameters was demonstrated using the artificial neural networks (ANN) method. Temporal cluster analyses divided the period of the annual monitoring into the three groups. In this case, the discriminant analysis yielded two discriminatory parameters from the initial set. The analyses proved that the integration of different multivariate techniques could help in creating the model for the optimization and rationalization the surface water quality monitoring.

Starting from the evidence-based health benefits that resistant starch (RS) shows when added to the diet, our aim in this study was to evaluate the effects of increased fibre intake with two different levels of RS coming from regular daily consumed foods on normalization of glycaemia within lifestyle intervention in the population with risk factors for developing diabetes. Study included 47 overweight and obese men and women with disordered glucoregulation and dyslipidaemia, aged between 45-74, divided into RS and Fibre group. Participants were subjected to the lifestyle and dietary intervention with low-fat and high-fibre (> 25 g/day) diet for 12 months and were offered two different dietary advices aimed at increasing total fibre intake in Fibre group and at increasing RS intake in RS group. The intake of macronutrients and total fibre was similar between groups at the end of the study, but achieved RS intake was two times higher in the RS group. Decrease in total cholesterol and non-HDL-cholesterol was more pronounced in RS group in comparison with Fibre group (p = 0.010, p = 0.031, respectively), whereas in Fibre group, a more pronounced effect on glucoregulation was observed: significant fall in glycaemia after 2-h oral glucose tolerance test (7.93 vs 6.96 mmol/L, p = 0.034). At the end of the study, RS-rich diet failed to affect glycaemic control in prediabetic obese individuals in contrast to the regular fibre-rich diet, which indicated that fibre profile could be an important determinant of the effect of dietary intervention.

This article presents the results of nonlinear statistical modeling of the decomposition process of sodium aluminate solution, as part of the Bayer technology for the production of alumina. Based on the data collected in 2011 and 2012 from industrial production in the Biracˇ Alumina Factory, Zvornik (Bosnia and Herzegovina), nonlinear statistical modeling of the industrial processes was derived. The model was developed as an attempt to define the dependence of the degree of decomposition of sodium aluminate solution as a function of the input parameters of the leaching process: caustic ratio (ak) of the solution; ratio of the crystallization; content of Na2O(caustic) in the solution; the initial temperature of the solution; the final temperature of the solution; average diameter of the crystallized seeds; and duration of the crystallization process. As a tool for statistical modeling, Adaptive Network Based Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS) was applied. The defined model using ANFIS methodology expressed a high level of fitting, and could be used to effectively predict the degree of decomposition of the sodium aluminate solution as a function of the input process under industrial conditions.

In the literature, considerable attention has been given to the role of suppliers, thus companies have been increasingly considering better supplier selection approaches in order to attain the competitive advantage in the demanding markets. The aim of this study is to provide an effective tool for decision makers (DMs) to help them with evaluation and prioritization of current suppliers. Moreover, the supplier prioritization is inherently multicriteria decision-making problem (MCDM), with involved high degree of fuzziness. Hence, this paper introduces fuzzy decision-making model where dependability assessment of the suppliers could be done based on the fuzzy set theory and max-min composition. Furthermore, in order to determine supplier dependability, the typical influence indicators: Production facilities and capacities (PFC), Delivery (D) and Service (S), were analysed in an illustrative example, where proposed model used triangular fuzzy numbers (TFN) to establish linguistic description of these three indicators. At the practical level, the results and findings of this paper provide decision makers with a complete picture of those suppliers that have the highest dependability performance in their supplier network.

This article presents the results of the statistical modeling of copper losses in the silicate slag of the sulfi de concentrates smelting process. The aim of this study was to defi ne the correlation dependence of the degree of copper losses in the silicate slag on the following parameters of technological processes: SiO2, FeO, Fe3O4, CaO and Al2O3 content in the slag and copper content in the matte. Multiple linear regression analysis (MLRA), artifi cial neural networks (ANNs) and adaptive network based fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) were used as tools for mathematical analysis of the indicated problem. The best correlation coeffi cient (R2 = 0.719) of the fi nal model was obtained using the ANFIS modeling approach.

This paper presents the results of integrated SWOT analysis and Multi-criteria Decision Analysis(MCDA) model, employed for defining the development of resort Stara Planina in Eastern Serbia andwhich was based on final report of previous expert study for this touristic destination. In accordanceto defined SWOT factors and sub-factors six resulting strategies were generated as: SO strategies(based on the sub-factors of strengths and opportunities), WO strategy (based on the sub-factors ofweaknesses and opportunities), ST strategies (based on the sub-factors of strengths and threats) andWT strategy (based on the sub-factors of weaknesses and threats). Relative importance weights ofthe SWOT factors and sub-factors were obtained by Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) model, aswell as the ranking of identified strategies was performed by several experts. The results indicate thatfollowing sequence of strategies: SO1→ SO2→ ST1→ ST2→ WO1→ WT1, should be realizedto complete the main goals for strategic development of the touristic destination Stara Planina.

In this study Analytical Network Process (ANP) was applied as a model for prioritizing generated strategies based on the factors and sub-factors within the SWOT analysis, in the case of the Technical Faculty in Bor (TFB), University of Belgrade (UB), Serbia. ANP methodology approach implies the establishment of a hierarchical model on four levels: Goal (selection of the best strategy) SWOT factors SWOT sub-factors alternative strategies, which establishes the interaction between clusters at different hierarchical levels of the model as well as the interactions between the elements within each cluster. This paper demonstrates a process for quantitative SWOT analysis that can be performed even when there is dependence among strategic factors. The proposed algorithm uses the ANP, which allows measurement of the dependencies among the strategic factors, as well as AHP, which is based on the independences between the factors. Dependencies among the SWOT factors and sub-factors are observed and their relative importance weights are determined, as well as their impact on the prioritization of the development strategy. The resulting benchmarking and prioritization of the alternative strategies in a series WO1 SO1 ST1 WT1 for the development period of the TFB until 2025, indicates the sequence of application of certain strategies. This sequence implies that after reaching the limits in the application of the first strategy the next strategy in the defined sequence is implemented, in accordance with the mission of the TFB, the adopted strategic goals (SC) and adopted vision for the next ten-year period.

The formation of input batch zinc concentrates is one of the key processes on which the quality and efficiency of all subsequent operations during the production of zinc cathodes directly depends. The optimization of the formation of a mixed batch aims at making a selection between the zinc concentrates that have different contents of useful and harmful components and to determine their share in the optimal mix. A multi criteria optimization model, which can be a good support for the defined problem of determining the optimal mixture of zinc concentrates, was developed in this study. For an evaluation of this model, according to four different research scenarios, the PROMETHEE=GAIA methodology was used to rank the considered zinc concentrates and determine their optimal share in the mix batch. In addition, the determination of the significance of the criteria in the optimization model was performed by application of the subjective AHP approach and the objective entropic approach. The results of this study, which were obtained during an analysis of a real case from the practice of a zinc production facility, indicate that the choice and formation of the optimal mixture of concentrates directly depends on the subjective or objective type of assessment of the significance of several chemical components in the zinc concentrates, and on the market price of the considered concentrates.

This paper defines issues involved with the Integrated University (IU) from the aspect of thepositioning of study program (SP) as the basic component of modern IU. Model for the riskassesment of the SP position in IU is developed on the principles of Bayes' theorem of conditionalprobability. In the proposed model, a priori probability is updated with previous events (evidencenodes) ei, whose occurrence caused a final posterior probability of the position of SP in IU. Definedmodel was developed based on the example of SP - Engineering management (EM) within theTechnical Faculty in Bor, in order to assess the probability of its position in the future IU in Belgrade.The results show that SP-EM has a probability above 99% with its current structure and newactivities, to be a part of the IUB. Defined model has a universal character and can be applied toanalyze the posterior probability of any SP's position and risk assesment with the variation of thenumber and content of the evidence nodes ei.

The paper presents the results of empirical research on the effects of some criteria of the EFQM excellence model on satisfaction and loyalty of the employees in the banking sector in Serbia. All but one of the hypotheses in the defined model were proven by statistical evaluation of empirical results. The one which could not be proven is the hypothesis of a positive impact of the organization's relationship toward security and society on the business result, which makes specificity of transitional economic conditions in which the studied banking sector operates. Statistical analysis was performed using V.16 LISREL software package where statistical significances of the studied set were defined together with b and t values of the defined paths in the defined model. Researches have shown that criteria of EFQM excellence model can be used to develop and improve the functioning of the banking system in Serbia and develop the TQM practice.

This paper presents the results of investigation of the effect of slag composition and the slag basicity, in the process of smelting of sulfide copper concentrate, on the distribution coefficient (LS=M Me ) for the following elements: Cu, Bi, Co, Au, Ag, Zn, Pb, Ni, As, Sb, Se, and Te. The research was conducted under the industrial operating conditions of the copper smelter in Bor, Serbia. High values for the coefficient of determination (R2> 0.6) for the LS=M Me dependence on the slag composition were obtained, which presents a high degree of fitting. In the case of the dependence of LS=M Me on the slag basicity, obtained R2 values were much lower, due to the much smaller statistical sample.

Predmet istraživanja ove doktorske disertacije predstavlja analizu uticaja veoma bitnih parametara procesa topljenja sulfidnih koncentrata bakra: sadržaja bakra u bakrencu, sastava šljake i baziciteta šljake, na distribuciju bakra i pratećih elemenata između šljake i bakrenca. Objašnjen je mehanizam gubitka bakra u šljaci, zajedno sa drugim obojenim, retkim i plemenitim metalima i izvršena je statistička analiza uticaja sastava šljake i sadržaja bakra u bakrencu na ukupne gubitke bakra u šljaci, na osnovu čega su razvijeni matematički modeli koji opisuju ove uticaje. U narednim poglavljima je na osnovu ekstremno visokih koncentracija SO2 i PM polutanata, izmerenih u urbanom delu grada Bora, kao posledice emisija topioničkih dimnjaka, izvršeno rangiranje lokacija na osnovu njihove zagađenosti i utvrđeno je da se najkritičnija zona nalazi u samom centru grada. Statistička obrada podataka je vršena primenom multivarijantnih i nelinearnih metoda u svrhu modelovanja procesa, dok je metoda višekriterijumskog odlučivanja primenjena u svrhu rangiranja lokacija po njihovoj zagađenosti. Za potrebe istraživanja korišćeni su podaci prikupljeni nakon opsežnog uzorkovanja kao i na osnovu posebno organizovanog eksperimenta, pri stabilnim industrijskim uslovima topljenja koncentrata bakra u plamenoj peći topionice RTB – Bor. Rezultati, predočeni u ovom radu, mogu biti od pomoći prilikom upravljanja ekonomskim i ekološkim aspektom proizvodnje bakra, omogućavajući bolje razumevanje faktora koji utiču na distribuciju metala odnosno gubitke bakra i ostalih korisnih elemenata u toku procesa topljenja bakarnih koncentrata, The subject of this dissertation is the analysis of the influence of very important parameters of the melting process of copper sulphide concentrates: copper content in matte, the composition of slag and slag basicity, on the distribution of copper and accessory elements between the slag and the matte. Mechanism of copper loss in the slag, together with other non-ferrous, rare and precious metals is explained and statistical analysis of the influence of the slag and the copper content in the matte on the total losses of the copper in the slag was performed, based on which mathematical models were developed which describe these effects. In the following chapters, based on the extremely high concentration of SO2 and PM pollutants measured in the urban part of the city of Bor, as a result of emissions of smelter stacks, ranking of locations was performed based on their contamination and the most critical zone was found to be located in the town center. Statistical analysis was performed using multivariate and nonlinear methods for processes modeling, while the method of multicriteria decision making was utilized for ranking locations according to their contamination. The data used in the research was collected after extensive sampling and from specially organized experiment, under the stable industrial conditions of smelting of copper concentrates in the reverberatory furnace of the RTB - Bor smelter. The results presented in this paper, can be helpful in managing the economic and environmental aspects of production of copper, allowing a better understanding of the factors that influence the distribution of metals or losses of the copper and other useful elements in the process of smelting of copper concentrates.

The typical Serbian diet is characterised by high intake of cereal products and also legumes are often used. The content of total fibre as well as certain fibre fractions was determined in cereals, cereal products, and cooked legumes. The content of total fibre in cooked cereals and cereal products ranged from 2.5 to 20.8 g/100 g, and in cooked legumes from 14.0 to 24.5 g/100 g (on dry matter basis). Distribution of analysed fibre fractions and their quantities differed significantly depending on food groups. Fructans and arabinoxylans were the most significant fibre fractions in rye flakes, and beta-glucan in oat flakes, cellulose and resistant starch were present in significant amounts in peas and kidney beans. When the size of regular food portions was taken into consideration, the best sources of total dietary fibre were peas and kidney beans (more than 11 g/serving). The same foods were the best sources of cellulose (4.98 and 3.56 g/serving) and resistant starch (3.90 and 2.83 g/serving). High intake of arabinoxylans and fructans could be accomplished with cooked wheat (3.20 g and 1.60 g/serving, respectively). Oat (1.39 g/serving) and barley flakes (1.30 g/serving) can be recommended as the best sources of beta-glucan.

The paper presents the results of research of the combination of knowledge in the system: suppliers - SMEs - consumers in case of SMEs in Eastern Serbia. A theoretical model of a combination of knowledge was established in the investigated system. By using the statistical analysis of the results a satisfactory statistical signifi cance of acquired results was determined, which allowed the testing of the defi ned model using LISREL software package. The results show the importance of the established hypotheses for the impact of the cooperation with suppliers on a combination of knowledge, as well as the combination of knowledge of customers and suppliers on the creation of the new knowledge in SMEs. The hypothesis about the positive infl uence of the sharing of knowledge with customers on the combination of the knowledge in SMEs has not been proven. These facts suggest that SMEs in Serbia do not collaborate with their customers. The cause of such a situation is the lack of system quality (SQ) in the SME sector in Serbia, as well as not applying the principles of TQM practices, which provides the best explanation of the short life cycle of SMEs in Serbia and the inability of their internationalization.

This paper presents the results of investigating the dependence of distribution coefficient LS/MMe for: Cu, Zn, Pb, Sb, As, Ni, Ag, Au and Bi, between the slag and the matte, on the copper content in matte. The research was conducted under industrial conditions of copper concentrate smelting, in the reverberatory furnace in the copper smelter in Bor, Serbia. It was found that with the increase of the copper content in the matte, distribution coefficient between slag and matte for Cu, Zn and Pb increases, for Ag and Se decreases, while for Ni, As and Sb has an insignificant change. Au and Bi are almost entirely concentrated in the matte.

Prikazana je analiza rizika kao nov pristup rešavanju problema procene integriteta konstrukcija. Opisani su koncepti kontrole zasnovane na rizicima (RBI) i održavanja zasnovanog na pouzdanosti (RCM) sa posebnim osvrtom na kompanije gde su procesi i oprema od suštinskog značaja za proizvodnju i gde je rizik integriteta u centru upravljanja rizikom, kao savremenog načina poslovanja., Risk analysis has been presented, as the new approach for solving problems in structural integrity assessment. The inspection concepts have been described, based on risk (RBI) and reliability (RCM), focused on companies with processes and equipment being its production essence, where integrity risk is the core of risk management, as the crucial part of modern business performance.