New Research and Publications from the School of Business

During the Spring and Summer of 2024, faculty from the School of Business have been active, publishing a significant number of academic articles. Collaboration with academics from other institutions have enriched the research experience for faculty, resulting in the publication of valuable and insightful work in a number of business-related fields.

The growing portfolio of publications highlights the research expertise and strands that have been developed and strengthened over the past decade at the School of Business. Areas include banking and financial regulation, SDGs and ESG(E), employability and job-flexibility, strategic management and decision making and are cited in Scopus and Web of Science databases. At the same time, the school’s commitment to supporting academic development has resulted in Dr. Lucie Rivera completing her Doctorate of Business Administration.

The impact of announcements of regulatory and law enforcement penalties on stock market valuation of US banks from 2000 to 2022.

Dr. Vaclav Broz’s published work analysed stock market reactions to announcements of regulatory and law enforcement penalties imposed on banks operating in the USA. The paper found evidence of positive and statistically significant abnormal returns on the day of the penalty announcement. However, the authors also observe negative and statistically significant abnormal returns days later, violating the semi-strong efficient market hypothesis.

The Von Neumann–Morgenstern Curve and Bank Capital Adequacy Penalties—An Empirical Analysis.

Honorary Professor Stefano Cavagnetto and Dr. Thomas Draper from the School of Business conducted joint research examining the risks associated with lending money collected from savers. Their study highlights that such practices expose banks to potential defaults with depositors if unforeseen events occur, leading to 'abnormal' repayment demands.

Even though international and national regulation has been introduced to ensure that a certain level of capital is retained by banks, such regulation can be subverted. Two distinct subject groups (‘bankers’ and ‘non-bankers’) were questioned on different scenarios of hypothetical capital adequacy violation, and the results showed striking similarities from the two groups’ responses, posing important regulatory implications for the industry.

Sustainability transparency in sovereign wealth funds: Benchmark and case study approach. Financial and credit activity: problems of theory and practice.

Professor Dr. Inna Makarenko and Honorary Professor Stefano Cavagnetto investigated how the COVID-19 pandemic, along with the ongoing food, energy, and security crises triggered by the war in Ukraine, have significantly widened the existing funding gap for Sustainable Development Goals. Restoring global sustainability progress and advancing the 2030 Agenda will require a fundamental reshaping of responsible investment frameworks and a reimagining of the role sovereign wealth funds play as key drivers in this process. Their study explored the ways in which the most transparent sovereign wealth funds act towards sustainability values and incorporate environmental, social, governance, and ethical criteria (ESG)(E) into their investment strategy, portfolio, and reporting.

Small and Medium-sized Enterprises’ carbon footprint reduction initiatives as a catalyst for green jobs: A systematic review and comprehensive business strategy agenda: SMEs Carbon Footprint reduction initiatives.

Driven by the increasing focus on climate change, Dr. Bruce Gahir conducted a comprehensive and up-to-date systematic literature review (SLR) on carbon footprint reduction initiatives and green jobs within small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The study examined SMEs that adopt green supply chains, energy-saving strategies, eco-friendly waste reduction and recycling, circular economy principles, and green office practices. It concluded that these carbon footprint initiatives can drive green job creation, as implementing such measures requires specialised green competencies.

Social Sustainability: Employment of former-offenders by Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs) in the Czech Republic.

Dr. Dave Gannon examined the recruitment practice of Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs) in the Czech Republic in order to learn whether it encourages or discourages former offenders from attempting to attain work post-release. The findings highlighted areas of practice which can be amended to better attract former offenders, especially being future focused rather than past focused when considering candidates. Enhancing employment opportunities for former offenders would bring major benefits for their reintegration efforts and lower the associated social costs to society.

Navigating the dual role of smartphones in e-work: enhancing productivity while managing distractions.

Dr. Michal Běno’s research looked into how technological advancements have transformed smartphones into more than just communication devices. Today, they offer various capabilities that enable remote work directly from a smartphone. Digital advancement and COVID-19 became global milestones for digital transformation and led to more flexibility and mobility in the workplace. His research examined data collected in Austria which demonstrated that Smartphone usage can be effective. Smartphones increase mobility and flexibility, as well as the flow of workplace communication, but they can also cause distractions in the workplace.

Lucie Rivera awarded doctorate in Business Administration from Teesside University.

Lucie's doctoral research focused on decision-making in the innovative restoration of archaeological cultural heritage, with a specific emphasis on the cultural economy context. Her research explored the decision-making processes and factors employed during the restoration of the archaeological site of Parco Archeologico di Siponto in Italy. Her study was motivated by the need to understand what led to the success of innovative restoration which falls outside of the mainstream restoration practice. The study was also conducted in order to understand how an archaeological site can keep its momentum and bring consistent cultural and economic value to local and regional communities.

As we celebrate the achievements of the School of Business research unit, we extend our best wishes to all faculty members and researchers for a successful and productive new academic year. May it be marked by continued breakthroughs, publications, and recognition of scholarly contributions as we strive to create a larger, vibrant and inclusive academic community in the Czech Republic and abroad.