1. |
2. Psychosocial factors in the development of low back pain among professional driversFriderika Kresal, Tine Bertoncel, Maja Meško, 2017, original scientific article Abstract: Background and purpose: Professional drivers as a group are exposed to high risk of developing low back pain due to ergonomic factors and work conditions. The purpose of the study was to examine to what extent the low back pain occurs among Slovene professional drivers as a result of the development of various psychosocial factors. Methodology: The study involved 275 respondents (professional bus drivers, car/van drivers, international truck/ lorry drivers, and ambulance car drivers). Hypotheses were tested using multivariate statistical method (regression analysis) and analysis of variance. Data were collected by structured questionnaire comprised of three parts: socio-demographic data, basic psychosocial factors causing low back pain, and incidence, duration and severity of low back pain as a result of psychosocial risk factors, was implemented. Results: The results of quantitative survey suggest that low back pain is mostly caused by lifting and carrying heavy loads, inadequate working conditions, poor physical fitness, regular nights out, shift work, and stress. Only the impact of gender on low back pain distress among professional drivers was confirmed, predominantly among bus drivers and lorry drivers on international routes. Low back pain occurrence was less common, albeit not statistically significant, among professional drivers of vans and passenger cars. Conclusion: Our study suggests that psychosocial factors are also important cause for the development of low back pain among professional drivers and can limit the quality of their social and professional lives.
Keywords: low back pain, psychosocial factors, professional drivers, prevention, Slovenia
Published in RUP: 24.01.2018; Views: 2963; Downloads: 151
 Link to full text |
3. The driving forces of process eco-innovation and its impact on performance : insights from SloveniaJana Hojnik, Mitja Ruzzier, 2016, original scientific article Abstract: This study endeavors to explore the driving forces of process eco-innovation and its effect on company performance by adopting an integrative appr oach. We focus on process eco-innovation, which per tains to technological and non-technological solutions th at result in a reduction of material and energy cos ts for companies. In this regard, the study sheds light on the drivers and outcomes of process eco-innovation adoption, using data collected from 223 Slovenian companies. The results reveal that certain determinants (i.e., competitive pressure, customer demand, managerial e nvironmental concern, command-and-control instrumen t, and economic incentive instrument) are conducive to the deployment of process eco-innovation. Empirica l evidence reveals competitive pressure as the most i nfluential driving force of process eco-innovation, followed by managerial environmental concern and customer de mand. Effectiveness in spurring process eco-innovat ion is also found to be a command-and-control instrument a nd an economic incentive instrument, while expected benefits do not spur process eco-innovation. Pertai ning to the outcomes of process eco-innovation adop tion, we can conclude that it pays to be eco; process eco-in novation is worthwhile in terms of company profitab ility, growth, and competitive benefits. These findings su ggest several courses of action for both policy mak ers and companies. Hence, we conclude by providing implicat ions for both.
Keywords: process eco-innovation, drivers, company performance, profitability, growth, competitive benefits
Published in RUP: 08.08.2016; Views: 3728; Downloads: 165
Link to full text |
4. What drives eco-innovation? : A review of an emerging literatureJana Hojnik, Mitja Ruzzier, 2016, original scientific article Abstract: tThis paper provides an overview of the emerging literature on the drivers of eco-innovation.Its main contribution lies in separating the drivers associated with the phases of develop-ment and diffusion and in identifying particular drivers based on different eco-innovationtypes. We find that research in this area primarily adopts the resource-based and institu-tional theories as its theoretical foundations and that the prevailing effects identified arethose of regulations and market pull factors. Moreover, product eco-innovation, processeco-innovation, organizational eco-innovation, and environmental R&D investments seemto be driven by common drivers, such as regulations, market pull factors, EMS, and cost sav-ings, as well as to be positively associated with company size. The majority of the studiesin our literature review employ a quantitative research methodology and focus on the dif-fusion stage of eco-innovation. We end with providing a synthesis of drivers of companies%eco-innovation and directions for future research.
Keywords: eco-innovation, environmental innovation, innovation drivers, R&D, adoption, diffusion
Published in RUP: 08.08.2016; Views: 5230; Downloads: 163
Link to full text |
