1. Business and technological processes optimization in automotive manufacturing : continuous improvement through process capability, operational effectiveness, and return on investmentRobert Pavlin, Mirko Markič, Franci Pušavec, Aleksander Janeš, 2026, original scientific article Abstract: This study develops and empirically validates an integrated monitoring framework linking technological, operational, and financial performance indicators in automotive manufacturing. While process capability (Cpk), overall equipment effectiveness (OEE), and return on investment (ROI) are widely applied, their interrelationships are rarely examined within a unified empirical framework in real production environments. The proposed model is implemented within a business and technological processes monitoring system for the production of automotive daytime running lights (DRL), combining real-time measurement, automated data acquisition, and structured process optimization. A multi-phase implementation strategy enabled the transition from manual to fully automated monitoring, supported by more than 1,400 measurements collected across key technological operations in accordance with international standards. A longitudinal case study design was applied, and statistical analyses, including correlation and regression methods, were used to examine relationships between process capability, operational performance, and financial outcomes. The results show that systematic optimization increased equipment effectiveness from 78.36 % to 85.41 % and financial return from €2.9 million to €7.98 million, while achieving process capability levels above the required thresholds (Cpk > 2). A strong statistical relationship was identified between OEE and ROI, whereas the relationship between process capability Cpk and OEE was not statistically confirmed as a direct effect. The findings indicate that technological, operational, and financial indicators are interconnected but not strictly linear, highlighting the importance of integrated monitoring for understanding performance dynamics in manufacturing systems. The proposed framework provides an empirically grounded approach for linking process stability, operational efficiency, and financial outcomes, supporting performance evaluation and continuous improvement in automotive manufacturing. Keywords: business and technological process, process capability, overall equipment effectivenes, return on investment, key performance indicators, process optimization, automotive manufacturing Published in RUP: 07.07.2026; Views: 208; Downloads: 8
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3. Enhancing knowledge and technology transfer : determinants and indicators of successful university–industry collaborationJana Hojnik, Štefan Bojnec, Simona Kustec, Vaida Zemlickienė, Zenonas Turskis, 2026, review article Abstract: Both universities and companies create value and innovation to maintain their position and remain competitive. Different, but still similar, with two goals that are shared. With their collaboration, they can enhance their pursuit of sustainability and as well corporate social responsibility by creating and delivering value and thus contributing to the well-being of society. This paper thus examines the determinants and indicators of successful university–industry collaboration (UIC) in the context of knowledge and technology transfer. The purpose of the research is to identify key factors that drive effective UIC and to establish measurable indicators for evaluating the performance of this collaboration. The paper aimed to understand not only what drives UIC but also how to measure its effectiveness. So, an exploratory, theory-building approach, adopting a systematic literature review is applied. By focusing on the determinants and measurable outputs of UIC, the paper provides insights into the strategic importance of measuring knowledge and technology transfer for a wide range of stakeholders involved in it. UIC for universities is a part of their third mission and their CSR, while with respect for companies, UIC is a result of practicing open innovation and pursuing corporate social responsibility. While consolidating these dimensions, the study also develops a holistic input–output indicator framework that not only clarifies how collaboration is initiated and structured but also how it can be evaluated in practice. Keywords: corporate social responsibility, indicators, innovation policy, knowledge and technology transfer, sustainability, technology transfer office (TTO), university–industry collaboration (UIC) Published in RUP: 13.04.2026; Views: 585; Downloads: 12
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4. Integrating Happiness Research into Endpoint Indicators of Social Life Cycle AnalysisStefan Mann, Melf-Hinrich Ehlers, 2025, original scientific article Abstract: Endpoint indicators for social life cycle analysis (S-LCA) are still less consolidated than those for environmental LCA. There is a broad consensus that human well-being should be the overarching goal of social sustainability and therefore also of S-LCA. However, to date the two major databases for S-LCA are restricted to a multiplication of working hours with a quality- or risk-adjusted factor. This paper aims to evaluate the congruence between this technical pragmatism and well-established findings of happiness research. The analysis starts with the argument that evidence and consequentiality are necessary criteria for any variables used. It is then shown that some of the variables such as poverty are not consequential, while the unit of working hours lacks any evidence about a relationship with subjective well-being. The analysis concludes that a simple pointbased endpoint indicator would be more appropriate for S-LCA than the current hour-based indicator.
Keywords: social sustainability, life cycle analysis, indicators, endpoint Published in RUP: 18.12.2025; Views: 589; Downloads: 5
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5. The limited role of socio-ecological indicators in temporary use of space—deficits in revitalization of degraded urban areasMatjaž Uršič, Tina Cotič, 2025, original scientific article Abstract: Temporary use of space in degraded areas is gaining significance in spatial planning due to limitations and conflicts stemming from traditional models that overlook social (soft) environmental components. This article addresses the lack of socio-ecological indicators in contextual analyses that precede planning processes in degraded areas. Using a plural case study approach across sites in Portugal and Slovenia, it combines primary data from semi-structured questionnaires and terrain analysis with secondary sources. The findings reveal that only specific types of temporary uses foster dynamic and adaptive social networks among stakeholders. These networks enhance the social and environmental sustainability of urban areas, particularly when socio-ecological indicators are refined to account for informal practices, community engagement and cultural value. Furthermore, the study highlights how these practices contribute to social sustainability by supporting inclusive governance models and stimulating local economies. A key finding of the study is the identification of a strong link between social networks and environmental sustainability, highlighting the need to incorporate updated socio-ecological indicators into spatial planning for degraded areas. Temporary uses are not merely stop-gap solutions but also strategic tools for cultivating sustainable urban areas. Keywords: temporary spaces, temporary use of space in degrated urban areas, socio-ecological indicators, social sustainability, urban redevelopment Published in RUP: 12.06.2025; Views: 1423; Downloads: 20
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6. Business process management : study materialAleksander Janeš, 2024, other educational material Keywords: efficient, effective, key process indicators, processes, process approach, business model, business process management, process orientation, production, services, strategic map, business perfomance Published in RUP: 24.09.2024; Views: 1954; Downloads: 79
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7. Economic Statistics : Study GuideBorut Kodrič, 2023, other educational material Abstract: The study guide is designed to introduce students to the main concepts used by statisticians and economists to measure economic phenomena, while emphasizing the practical applications of these concepts in real-world scenarios. The study guide describes how the production of economic statistics is organised, who are the main data producers, what are the main databases available over the Internet and how can the quality of statistics be assessed. Thanks to this study guide, students will better understand where to find and how to use statistics on national accounts, government’s public deficit and debt, short-term economic indicators, international trade and globalisation, labour market, prices and inflation, etc. Keywords: economic statistics, index numbers, price statistics, demographic statistics, labour force statistics, labour market statistics, short-term business indicators, national accounts, productivity analysis Published in RUP: 13.04.2023; Views: 5227; Downloads: 147
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