Blaženka Divjak

Special curves on ruled surfaces in Galilean and pseudo-Galilean spaces

We develop the theory of ruled surfaces in the pseudo-Galilean space G31. Furthermore, we prove the Bonnet theorem and investigate the osculating quadrics for ruled surfaces in G31as well as in the Galilean space G3.

Decision-making on prioritization of projects in higher education institutions using the analytic network process approach

The prioritization of projects in higher education institutions is a complex decision-making problem. In this paper we deal with two scenarios within Higher Education Institutions. The first scenario is a need to prepare an action plan for activities that will result in the implementation of a portfolio of projects at the institutional level. The second scenario is making a decision on whether to start a new project application, and if so, which project to choose in a situation where project teams have several project ideas and limited resources. The purpose of the paper is to show how to include corporate strategy in the decision-making process and use the Analytic Network Process as a multiple criteria decision-making methodology which can be used in solving project selection problems.

Prioritization of e-learning forms: a multicriteria methodology

Strategic planning of e-learning implementation includes decision making about the most suitable form of implementing e-learning on different levels in an institution. Decision making about e-learning implementation has been covered as consisting of four phases: (1) intelligence, (2) design, (3) choice and (4) implementation. During the Intelligence phase we have precisely identified our central decision problem and have conducted situation analysis. In the Design phase we have developed alternatives and established criteria and subcriteria. The questionnaire about the importance of the advantages and goals of e-learning implementation and about criteria and subcriteria significant for decision making was created. Essential for the survey was use of Croatian e-learning experts that are familiar with higher education (HE) environment. Further, we connected these findings with the results of the factor analysis which was performed on the survey. The results of the factor analysis have served as input in the multicriteria decision model (AHP) that we have developed in the Choice phase. In the implementation phase we have solved the problem of prioritisation of e-learning options with the help of multi-criteria modelling in the process of group decision making. In this article, firstly we will present and analyze the results of the survey. Secondly, the outputs of factor analysis will be stated and compared with the model used in the questionnaire. Finally, the structure of AHP model will be given and the results of the quantitative evaluation of the model will be presented.

Imaginative acquisition of knowledge - strategic planning of E-learning

The universities/faculties in Croatia should strategically implement e-learning in the existing academic activities because of the many functional benefits that e-learning brings. In our paper we present major challenges about e-learning in Croatia on different levels: state, university, faculty and personal level. We also present results of the questionnaire about advantages and goals of e-learning implementation and about criteria that are essential for decision making about the most suitable form of implementing e-learning. These results are the most important parts of the e-learning strategy documents according to the examples of e-learning strategies of EU universities

Surfaces of Constant Curvature in the Pseudo-Galilean Space

We develop the local theory of surfaces immersed in the pseudo-Galilean space, a special type of Cayley-Klein spaces. We define principal, Gaussian, and mean curvatures. By this, the general setting for study of surfaces of constant curvature in the pseudo-Galilean space is provided. We describe surfaces of revolution of constant curvature. We introduce special local coordinates for surfaces of constant curvature, so-called the Tchebyshev coordinates, and show that the angle between parametric curves satisfies the Klein-Gordon partial differential equation. We determine the Tchebyshev coordinates for surfaces of revolution and construct a surface with constant curvature from a particular solution of the Klein-Gordon equation.

Enhancing Mathematics for Informatics and its correlation with student pass rates

In this article, changes in Mathematics for Informatics at the Faculty of Organisation and Informatics in the University of Zagreb are described, and correlated with students pass rates. Students at the Faculty work in an interdisciplinary field, studying Informatics within a business context. The main reason for introducing the changes in the curriculum and its delivery, reflecting internal pressures, was the very low student pass rate in Mathematics. The second reason, reflecting external pressure, was to address the requirements of the Bologna declaration in higher education in Croatia. The innovations were introduced in the following areas: content, methodology of teaching and learning, examination methods and support for students. The changes resulted in a significant increase in student pass rates and levels of student satisfaction.

Integrating MOOCs in traditionally taught courses: achieving learning outcomes with blended learning

It has been several years since Massive Open Online Courses (MOOC) have entered the higher education environment and many forms have emerged from this new way of acquiring knowledge. Teachers have been incorporating MOOCs with more or less success in a traditional classroom setting to support various learning preferences, introduce this new way of learning to students, and to make learning available to those who might not be able to follow traditional instructions. This paper researches a blended learning model where a MOOC has been integrated in a traditional classroom. A learning outcomes based approach was implemented, that supported a balanced student workload. Qualitative approach was used to analyse students’ learning diaries. Based on this research, benefits of integrating a MOOC with classroom based teaching were identified, as well as barriers that can hinder the successful implementation. Recommendations for teachers are provided.

A new method for strategic decision-making in higher education

Using the appropriate methodology for strategic decision-making in higher education is crucial to make effective decisions. In this paper, the analytic network process (ANP), one of the most suitable decision-making methods in terms of higher education issues, is presented and evaluated from the position of the user. After recognising some characteristics of the ANP that can be improved, the main objective of this research was to develop a new method based on the characteristics of the ANP and social network analysis (SNA). The research methodology used in this paper is the design science research process (DSRP), which is often used to design new artefacts, such as models, methods and methodologies. The main phases of this approach include problem identification, objectives of a solution, design and development, demonstration of the artefact, evaluation and dissemination. By using the DSRP, a new decision-making method is designed and proposed. The new method has two components that are based on the ANP and SNA. The first component is related to determining the importance of criteria with respect to the goal of decision-making. The second component is related to modelling influences/dependencies between criteria, and identifying criteria that strongly influence others, as well as criteria that others depend on. A measure that describes how strong a particular criterion is in terms of influences/dependencies is based on the centrality degree, one of the most fundamental centrality measures. In this paper, the new method, which was evaluated on several cases, is demonstrated with example of evaluating scientists, and a comparison of the new method’s results and the ANP method’s results is presented.

Differences among Social Network Structures in the Private Sector, Politics and NGOs in Croatia

The paper describes and interprets differences among social network structures in the private sector, politics (local administration) and non-governme