Central European Business Review

14-21

Authors: Jaroslav Halik

This paper discusses the possible applications of PEST analysis with the use of methodology and data from The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, and The International Bank for Reconstruction and Development/World Bank/International Finance Corporation. A practical example shows how to use the models when setting a logistics service company in selected Central/Eastern European markets. The combination of PEST and EBRD/IBRD reports is seen as a viable tool for measuring the market potential, its growth or decline, attractiveness, business opportunity and suitability of access into these countries.

28-36

Authors: Mariola Ciszewska-Mlinarič, Krzysztof Oblój, Franjo Mlinarič

The article sheds light on the organizational context enhancing development of relational capabilities and examines the significance of relational capabilities for SMEs’ financial and non-financial performance. The firm relational capability is measured separately in customers’ and suppliers’ networks. The research results reveal that fostering internal social capital coupled with the usage of economic motivators augment a firm relational capability in a supplier network, which in turn is associated with better performance results, both financial and non-financial. The results on relational capability in a customer network with respect to performance are less conclusive, indicating that vertical ties that internationally oriented SMEs develop (with suppliers and customers) are not of equal importance.

46-50

Authors: Petr Jirsak, Petr Kolar

The objective of the forthcoming research is to analyze the logistics providers (3PLs), global shipping lines´ and multimodal transport operators´ (MTOs) perception of their customers and their customer service policy in the Czech Republic. To evaluate customer orientation in the market of transport and logistics is highly complex task. To obtain the data necessary for an informed analysis, the open interviews will be made and questionnaires will be distributed to the relevant companies´ managers in the Czech Republic. Due to the concentration of container and logistics activity within a relatively small number of important market players active in the country´s market, the approach of market characteristics will be case study based. Moreover, the research will offer an important analysis of the shipping lines´ and logistics providers´ services in terms of customer service policy in the Czech Republic. The conceptual paper focuses on the literature review, methodology and anticipated results only.