A Comparative Study of Colour Effects on Cognitive Performance in Real-World and VR Environments

This research explores the influence of colour on cognitive performance and intellectual abilities (i.e., logical and lateral thinking abilities and people’s attention to detail) in a conventional laboratory setting and an approximately identical virtual reality (VR) environment. Comparative experiments using psychological methods were carried out in both settings to explore the impact of immersive colour experience. This work builds on earlier studies that suggest that the VR environment enhances user experiences, with results evidencing that a considered approach to colour design can trigger a positive impact on user engagement. The experiments further evaluated the positive effects of immersive colour stimuli in VR by evaluating participants’ logical and lateral thinking abilities, as well as their attention to detail. Their response time and error rate when completing each psychometric test were recorded with different hue backgrounds in both environments. The data collected from participants reveal the differential impacts of colour between the reality setting using standard colour imaging displays and in an approximately identical VR environment. Analysis of the psychometric tests shows the differential influence of colours on logical and lateral thinking abilities and people’s attention to detail between the physical environment and the VR environment. Our findings add to the data demonstrating that a well-designed immersive colour experience in VR can trigger positive user engagement and, as explored in this study, improve cognitive performance. This again positions immersive colour experience as an important design tool to be fully considered in the creation of effective VR research and applications.

Does Deterioration of Aerodromes’ Economic Situation Influence the Level of Safety in Civil Aviation? What Can Be Done to Prevent It in Line with a Sustainable Transport Systems Approach?

Aviation has been one of the key engines of the globalization process and, at the same, time one of the industries most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and the parallel economic crisis. As safety seems to be the key issue at aerodromes, the aim of this article is to analyze what kind of safety hazards have the coronavirus slowdown created and which of them pose the greatest risk for aerodrome safety in the long run. What is more, the goal of the paper is to direct managers’ attention to proper crisis management in line with sustainability. The main findings are that all classified hazards cause, according to an expert’s assessment, similar safety risk at aerodromes, though limited workforce training and development are perceived as posing the greatest risk. The recommended solution to minimize the occurrence of the hazard is proactive risk management, which means that managers try to anticipate possible hazards in advance and act accordingly, which requires continual controlling combined with internal and external environment analysis and a consistent learning process. That should be accompanied by constant staff development. All these seem to effectively minimize most risks and make ground for a sustainable and safe transport system.

Mega-Environment Analysis To Assess Adaptability, Stability, And Genomic Predictions In Grain Sorghum Hybrids

Multi-environment trials (MET) are fundamental for assessing genotype-by-environment interaction (GxE) effects, adaptability and stability of genotypes and provide valuable information about target regions. As such, a MET involving grain sorghum hybrid combinations derived from elite inbred lines adapted to diverse sorghum production regions was developed to assess agronomic performance, stability, and genomic-enabled prediction accuracies within mega-environments (ME). Ten females and ten males from the Texas A&M and Kansas State sorghum breeding programs were crossed following a factorial mating scheme to generate 100 hybrids. Grain yield, plant height, and days to anthesis were assessed in a MET consisting of ten environments across Texas and Kansas over two years. Genotype plus Genotype-by-block-of-environment biplot (GGB) assessed ME, while the "mean-vs-stability" view of the biplot and the Bayesian Finlay-Wilkinson regression evaluated hybrid adaptability and stability. A genomic prediction model including the GxE effect was applied within ME to assess prediction accuracy. Results suggest that grain sorghum hybrid combinations involving lines adapted to different target regions can produce superior hybrids. GGB confirmed distinct regions of sorghum adaption in the U.S. Further, genomic predictions within ME reported inconsistent results, suggesting that additional effects rather than the correlations between environments are influencing genomic prediction of grain sorghum hybrids.

Problems and Prospects of Economic Integration of Russia and South Korea in the ASEZs

This article analyzes the Advanced Special Economic Zones (ASEZ) initiative in the context of economic integration of the Russian Federation and South Korea. The author of the article, relying on an extensive source base, for the first time attempts to answer the question of what factors impede the successful implementation of projects by the two countries within the framework of this initiative. The purpose of the study is to identify and characterize the main problems and prospects of cooperation between the Republic of Korea and the Russian Federation within the ASEZ. The study was carried out within the framework of an integrated approach using the SCAN Interfax media environment analysis system as one of the main forecasting tools. At the same time, the author draws on statistical data reflecting the state of export-import and trade turnover between the two countries over the past five years. The analysis of the source made it possible to determine that despite the huge interest of South Korean business in the emerging markets of the Russian Federation, the project could not be implemented as planned due to the complicated administrative procedures, the fundamental difference in the procedure for investing in high-tech and commercial production, lack of trust in the Russian system of economic planning as well as insufficient experience in ways of doing business with South Korean companies by Russian Far Eastern specialists.

Artificial Intelligence potential within airlines: a review on how AI can enhance strategic decision-making in times of COVID-19

Purpose: Airline strategy relies on the competitive environment analysis and the management of resources. Artificial Intelligence (AI) algorithms are being increasingly deployed throughout several industries. COVID-19 has further stressed a sector where firms have historically struggled to sustain profitability.The purpose is to explore the potential of AI applications regarding strategic decision-making in airlines in times of crisis and to depict a roadmap to encourage scholars and practitioners to jointly implement these tools within corporations.Design/methodology/approach: This study firstly reviews the state-of-the-art regarding transport organization trends with focus on airline strategy and finance as well as AI tools, supported by the collaboration of a former airline digitalization strategist. Secondly, the potential of the latter to be applied in those functions is analyzed, considering different Machine Learning (ML) methods and algorithms.Findings: Some applications or pathways are identified as of particular interest for the airlines’ strategic decision-making process. Most of them are based on ML algorithms and training methods that are currently underused or disregarded in certain business areas, such as Neural Network models for unsupervised market analysis or supervised cost estimation.Research limitations/implications: Focus is on airline strategy and finance, keeping engineering or operational applications out of the scope.Practical implications: Proposed guidance may promote the deployment of AI tools which currently lack practical implementation in certain business areas.Social implications: Showcased guidance may revert into a closer collaboration between business and academia.Originality/value: Comprehensive review of current airlines’ strategic levers and identification of promising AI pathways to be further explored.

Sustainability and Conflict Management in the University Environment. Analysis of Students of the Degrees in Labour Relations and Human Resources, and Social Work at the University of Granada (Spain)

In 2015 the United Nations approved the 2030 Agenda which established 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The importance of these SGDs to universities, and universities’ commitment to them, requires not only involvement but also the development of research projects, instruments and practices that enable the SDGs to be carried out. Conflict is inherent within any social group and the need to perceive, analyse and manage it is crucial in order to move towards sustainable social development. This research paper analyses conflict existing within the university environment. It specifically relates to students studying for two degrees at the University of Granada (Spain): a degree in Social Work and a degree in Labour Relations and Human Resources. The main instrument used to gather information was a survey addressed to students of both degrees. As a quantitative research technique, it has allowed us to gather evidence about and analyse students’ perceptions of conflict. The main results reveal the existence of conflict resulting from interactions between the students themselves, interactions between the students and teaching staff and interactions between the students and service and administrative staff (SAS). Central to perceptions of conflict existing within the university environment are the professional and educational interests of students, as well as issues relating to academic assessment and excessive bureaucracy.

Improving a company’s commercial operations (on the example of the Logfort transport company)

The commercial activities of the Logfort transport company have been analysed through a functional-environment analysis. Commercial weaknesses of the Logfort transport company have been identified and measures for its improvement have been proposed. The topic of the paper is relevant because the current crisis and the increasing competition almost every year make it necessary to improve various aspects of the company every year. The theoretical aspects of functional-environmental analysis have been presented in order to apply them to the object of study. The theory regarding both company’s the external and internal environment has been studied. An analysis of the object of study for each item of the functional-environmental analysis has been presented. As a result of the work, the problems of the Logfort company, which are typical for many small firms, have been generalised. The proposed recommendations will be suitable for the majority of small companies to address the problems identified. The paper uses the method of generalisation, synthesis and description.

Analysing the Role of Macro Environment Analysis in Business Success of Ford

Managers frequently use strategic analysis to help them make decisions. It's necessary for developing strategic plans because it considers both the company's internal and external settings. The company's situation is examined in light of a variety of market conditions as well as potential dangers. Additionally, the business's strong and weak points are evaluated and either improved or eliminated. Today's market-leading businesses are founded on a sound strategic analytic foundation. Depending on the organization's focus on the external environment, industry, or internal environment, a variety of methodologies can be employed for strategic analysis. Strategic planning Ford's purpose with this initiative is to create the theoretical foundation for strategic analysis by emphasising the importance, meaning, and technique of marketing environment research.

Strategi Pemasaran dalam Upaya Meningkatkan Penjualan (Studi Kasus: PT XYZ)

The purpose of this study is to determine the marketing strategy of PT XYZ to increase sales. The method used in this research is descriptive using primary and secondary data which are processed based on the results of interviews with the management of PT XYZ. This research uses internal environmental analysis including Segmentation, Target and Position (STP), Marketing Function, Financial Function, Human Resource Function, Operational Function and Marketing Mix (7P), industrial environment analysis (Porter's 5 Strengths), and external environment (PESTEL). From the analysis of the company environment, it is clarified using the IE Matrix and the SWOT analysis resulting in 4 sets of alternative strategies in the SWOT Matrix. Based on data from the company's internal and external environmental factors, the IFE Matrix is 2.96 and the EFE Matrix is 3.06, then the IE Matrix is in quadrant II, where the strategic position of PT XYZ is in a position of growth and development which describes the condition of the company is growing and developing. The result of PT XYZ's SWOT quadrant is in quadrant I, where the strategy commonly used is to support aggressive growth policies. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk menentukan strategi pemasaran perusahaan PT XYZ dalam upaya meningkatkan penjualan. Metode yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah deskriptif menggunakan data primer dan sekunder yang diolah berdasarkan hasil dari wawancara dengan manajemen PT XYZ. Penelitian ini menggunakan analisis lingkungan internal meliputi Segmentasi, Target dan Posisi (STP), Fungsi Pemasaran, Fungsi Keuangan, Fungsi Sumber Daya Manusia, Fungsi Operasional, dan Bauran Pemasaran (7P), analisis lingkungan industri (5 Kekuatan Porter’s) dan lingkungan eksternal (PESTEL). Dari analisis lingkungan perusahaan, diperjelas dengan menggunakan Matriks IE dan analisis SWOT menghasilkan 4 set strategi alternatif pada Matriks SWOT. Berdasarkan data dari faktor lingkungan internal dan eksternal perusahaan, didapatkan Matriks IFE adalah 2.96 dan Matriks EFE adalah 3.06, maka Matriks IE berada di kuadran II, dimana posisi strategis PT XYZ berada pada posisi pertumbuhan dan pembangunan yang menggambarkan kondisi perusahaan sedang bertumbuh dan berkembang. Hasil kuadran SWOT PT XYZ berada di kuadran I, dimana strategi yang biasa digunakan adalah mendukung kebijakan pertumbuhan yang agresif.