Journal of Economics - Obsahy ročníkov

This paper analyses spatial patterns in intra-European migration flows in the periods 1997 – 2004 and 2005 – 2013. The paper uses network analysis, and regression and factor analysis in order to establish the major determinants of the spatial patterns exhibited by intra-European migrant stocks. The EU’s Eastern enlargement generated vast East-West migrant flows and prompted a particular reconfiguration of the migration network. The basic topology of the network, however, did not change across the two observed periods: The whole network remains dominated by a ‘rich club’ structure. The topology of the network was seen to rely on a complex and stable set of long-term institutions, such as culture and language structures, and/or established pathways of trade in goods and knowledge. Keywords: intra-European migration, network analysis, connectivity models, push-pull models, the EU Eastern enlargement JEL Classification: F22, F55, D85

In the era of knowledge economy, innovations are gaining increasing importance and becoming crucial for firms (countries) to gain their competitive advantage. However, most of countries are not able to exploit the innovation potential and failing during innovation and supporting processes. In this study, we use own multiple linear regression models and data from Community Innovation Survey to compare three European countries – Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary, which declined in the international rankings of competitiveness and innovative activities in recent years. Results confirm our claim that there is a need to find proper drivers´ that will allow creation of synergies and spillover effects. We empirically prove, that proper target¬ing of innovation drivers significantly influences the growth of firms´ turnover from innovated products that may lead to increasing of firms´ (national) competitiveness. Keywords: innovations, cooperation, public funding, manufacturing industry, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary JEL Classification: O11, O19, O32

The study is focused on relationship between firm size and firm growth in the context of gender composition of top management of the firms. In accordance with Gibrat´s law, firm growth is the stochastic process that does not depend on firm size. The aim of this study is to find out if the confirmation or rejection of Gibrat´s law validity might be related to the gender composition of management. The data for 20,073 Czech firms in the period 2008 – 2013 is used. To examine the relationship between firm size and firm growth, the linear auto-regression model is applied. The study concludes that the gender composition of top management is not the key factor affecting the validity of Gibrat´s law. The validity of Gibrat´s law is rejected at the aggregate level and also for both men-led and women-led firms. Smaller firms tend to growth faster than their bigger counterparts. Keywords: Gibrat´s law, firm size, firm growth, gender, management JEL Classification: D22, J16, L11, L21, L25

The routing problems are one of the most important problems in the field of logistic with great practical applicability. This article deals with synchronized distribution during time periods. It is based on optimization using classical capacitated vehicle routing problem while providing different customers’ demands among time periods. The goal is, except the minimization of the total distance, to achieve the stability of solution among the time periods, which contributes to simplification of transportation planning. Although using of the presented model can lead to a partial increase of distribution cost, on the other hand it ensures more transparent routes and eliminates the need for daily optimization. Therefore it brings a positive effect for distributors, drivers and customers that may result in greater economic benefits than the benefit from the optimization on a daily basis. Keywords: capacitated vehicle routing problem, multi-periods vehicle routing problem, synchronization of distribution JEL Classification: C61, C90, L91

The objective of this paper is to estimate the efficiency change in the banking sectors of the group of Visegrad countries during the 2009 – 2013 period and to determine whether banks that belong to a financial conglomerate are more or less efficient than other banks in the sector. We used Data Envelopment Analysis and the Malmquist index to analyse the banking efficiency. The positive efficiency change during the 2009 – 2013 period was primarily due to innovation, superior management and technological growth. There were differences in banks in the financial conglomerates across Visegrad group countries. Several banks from the financial conglomerate were less efficient than other banks in the banking industry. Keywords: banking sector, Data Envelopment Analysis, Malmquist index, financial conglomerate, Visegrad group countries JEL Classification: G21, C51