Ivan Todorović

CALKAS: a computer architecture learning and knowledge assessment system

The paper presents a Computer Architecture Learning and Knowledge Assessment System named the CALKAS. It is a software tool aimed to be used for teaching Computer architecture and organization. It offers the knowledge assessment and self-learning facilities. The knowledge assessment facilities are meant to be used in laboratory for the lab test and at home for the self-test. The self-learning facilities are meant to be used at home in the process of preparation for the work in the laboratory and for the exam. The CALKAS is developed as a WWW application.

Different Successful Patterns for Implementing Holding Model in Public Sector

Abstract Background: Transitions in the modern business environment cause significant organizational changes not only in private companies, but also in the public sector. Introduction of an adequate organizational model for the public sector could improve the quality level of public services. Objectives: This article aims to present general benefits of the application of the holding organizational paradigm in the public sector through a parallel analysis of several cases that were observed individually in our previous research. The goal is to suggest possible restructuring directions to policy makers in cities where the public sector has not been adjusted to the changes in the modern business environment. Methods: The case study research based on the documentation analysis, interviews and direct observation using the standard management consulting practice provided an additional and deeper insight into the functioning of public enterprises in one European capital and one small municipality. Results: The examples presented in this paper showed that the application of the holding institutional solution in the public sector leads to an improved command, an increased level of control, reduced management costs, better allocation of city resources and decreased overheads in the public sector. Conclusions: Switching from a functional towards a network model of the organizational structure improved the performance of public enterprises and increased the quality of public services

Psychological Empowerment, Job Satisfaction and Organizational Commitment Among Lecturers in Higher Education: Comparison of Six CEE Countries

Abstract Background and Purpose: Organizations should implement new findings from the field of human resource management. If an organization wants to have successful and effective employees, they should be satisfied with all aspects of work and at the same time they should be feel commitment towards an organization. To have a full insight in employees, organizations have to take care of psychological side of employees, which manifests in psychological empowerment. Design/Methodology/Approach: The survey was conducted among 409 university lecturers in Austria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Germany, Serbia, and Slovenia. The investigated constructs of psychological empowerment, job satisfaction and organisational commitment were compared. Spreitzer’s PEQ was used for the assessment of the psychological empowerment, Spector’s JSS for job satisfaction, and Allen’s and Meyer’s OCQ for the assessment of organisational commitment. Results: The research showed that the highest level of psychological empowerment can be found among university lecturers from Serbia and the lowest from Germany. Job satisfaction level is the highest in Austria and the lowest in Slovenia. Affective organisational commitment is the highest in Slovenia and the lowest in Germany. Continuance organisational commitment scored the highest in Croatia and the lowest in Czech Republic. Additionally, the outcomes show the highest level of normative organisational commitment in Czech Republic and the lowest in Austria. Only affective organisational commitment was not found as statistically significant. Conclusion: Knowledge of psychological empowerment, job satisfaction and organizational commitment can be helpful for leaders, because with this knowledge they can manage, develop and motivate employees properly.

Strategic Management in Development of Youth and Women Entrepreneurship - Case of Serbia

Abstract Background and Purpose: Volume and sophistication of scientific research related to different aspects of entrepreneurship have significantly increased in recent years. Many authors point out the positive influence that development of micro, small and medium enterprises and entrepreneurship has on economic growth and job creation. According to various researchers, youth entrepreneurship and women entrepreneurship are two very important elements of this global phenomenon. The purpose of this paper is to provide the analysis of strategic framework for the support to the development of youth and women entrepreneurship in Serbia. Design/Methodology/Approach: Situational analysis of youth and women employment and examination of official Government strategic documents related to strategic framework for the support to the development of youth and women entrepreneurship in Serbia will be conducted. Results: Concrete activities have to be performed by different stakeholders, mostly non-government organizations. The activity stakeholders are on the bottom of the institutional framework, which provides the support to MSME (Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises) sector that will execute the operations in accordance with the defined strategic framework. Conclusion: Youth-run enterprises provide numerous benefits for society; they reduce youth unemployment and help young people prepare for their future. Female entrepreneurs also have strong economic and social impact.

Correlation between soft organizational features and development of ICT infrastructure

This paper aims to research interrelationships between management style as soft organizational trait and development of ICT infrastructure in company as a prerequisite for corporate ICT adoption. Among large set of factors influencing rate of corporate ICT infrastructure development and adoption, factors of organizational nature are neglected in literature and from practical focus. In particular, soft organizational factors like managerial styles, skills, shared values or staff traits gain less attention than hard factors like organizational structure, processes or strategy, though existing research shows positive correlation between ICT adoption and soft organizational factors. Empirical background for our research is coming from case analysis of 78 enterprises in the Balkan countries. Theoretical background in gained from previous research of connections between managerial styles, dominant management orientation and other organizational traits and adoption of ICT. Quantitative data extracted from that analysis is calculated through Composite indicator of ICT infrastructure, advanced version of Composite Index of ICT Adoption.

The Holding Company as a Possible Institutional Solution for the Public Sector Organization

The main characteristics of modern business, such as rapid changes, new business models, development of ICT, and many others, generate the demand for the usage of advanced organizational models. Since the public sector is very important for local communities, many authors discuss which organizational form of public companies is the most suitable, not only to provide the most efficient services to the residents, but also to reduce expenses and to use the city budget efficiently. Many of these authors mention different network organizational models in this context. The advantages of network models are significant in both public and private companies. They include improvements in learning systems, better allocation of resources, more efficient planning, easier dealing with complex problems, identifying the key values, easier technological improvements, and, in the very end, increased quality of products and services (Jasko et al., 2010). These models are all based on specialization. It means that every organization should identify its primary activity (or primary activities), which is the main cause of their existence, and then focus on it. This basic activity is called a core business. An organizational concept like this one is necessarily followed by cooperation with other organizations in order to complete the value chain, so the customers can receive full service. There are many ways for every organization to eliminate all the activities that are not part of its core business.

Cost-Effective Restructuring Based on Process Approach

Different authors agree that designing the organizational structure in accordance with the business processes can bring numerous advantages, which improve business performance of the organizational system. This article aims to show how cost-effective restructuring, through modification of organizational structure according to business processes that exist in the organization, can bring numerous benefits. Successful implementation of process organizational model does not necessarily demand large investments, but only adequate structural changes and internal reorganization. The data used in this paper were gathered during the project of restructuring one transportation company from Belgrade, which consulting team from Faculty of Organizational Sciences, University of Belgrade, performed in year 2012.