Research Groups at the Faculty of Business and Economics Research Center

Inequality, Risk, Crisis – Multi-Structural Analyses in Complex Social and Economic Networks

Lead Researcher: Dr. Zsolt Tibor Kosztyán, Associate Professor
Project Period: April 1, 2019 – March 31, 2022

The aim of the research is not merely to apply the latest findings of network theory in the fields of economics and organizational sciences, but also to explain the formation of connections between various actors (countries, institutions, individuals). The research group undertakes no less than to move beyond the traditionally descriptive models and, by combining network theory with economic models, to develop explanatory models.

Experimental Gamification Studies into Decision Making in Buyer–Supplier Relations

Lead Researcher: Dr. Dirk-Jan Kamann, Visiting Professor
Project Period: May 1, 2019 – December 31, 2023

The aim of the research is to gain a better understanding of individual decision-making behavior in buyer–supplier relationships. The project is part of a larger international research initiative involving Radboud University of Nijmegen and the Free University of Amsterdam (Netherlands), as well as the University of Birmingham and Edge Hill University (United Kingdom). The Dutch company Play To Work has also joined the project.

The Veszprém module of the program is based on a gamification experiment designed to measure differences in attitudes and decisions under various feedback conditions. The experiments are conducted within three distinct situational frameworks:

  1. Forecasting, supply, and demand uncertainty
  2. Sustainability arguments versus awareness of the effects of climate change
  3. Trust and cultural differences

Both university students and corporate professionals participate in the experiments.

Cultural Attitudes and Local Attachment of University Communities in the Light of the European Capital of Culture Project – Veszprém 2023

Lead Researcher: Dr. Mihály Görög, Professor
Project Period: September 1, 2019 – August 31, 2022

In the Veszprém and Balaton Uplands region, the knowledge produced by the University of Pannonia plays a key role through its five faculties and two campuses. It is important to explore how, over the next five years, the attitudes and local identity of the university community are connected to the events and commitments of the European Capital of Culture (ECoC) project.

The main objective of the research is to assess the role of the university community, with a particular focus on its cultural attitudes and local identity. The university community in this study includes students, academic staff, and non-teaching employees.

Measuring the Financial Awareness of Young People in the Catchment Area of the University of Pannonia

Lead Researcher: Dr. Éva Sztankó, Associate Professor
Project Period: July 1, 2020 – December 31, 2022

The research involves a bibliometric analysis of both international and Hungarian literature on financial literacy. A customized questionnaire is developed based on the OECD guidelines and subsequently tested. The study measures financial knowledge and, through that, financial awareness among secondary school students and first-year students of the Faculty of Business and Economics (GTK) at the University of Pannonia.

The aim is to assess and analyze the level of financial knowledge young people possess and how consciously they choose their banks. Based on the collected data, the research examines whether there is a statistically significant difference in financial knowledge between secondary school students (second-year) and first-year university students studying economics. In-depth interviews are used to outline possible solution alternatives that could help improve the financial culture of young people.

GNH, Trust, and Artificial Intelligence for Sustainable Knowledge

Lead Researcher: Dr. Andrea Bencsik, Professor
Project Period: July 1, 2020 – April 30, 2024

Building on the principles of Buddhist economics based on trust, and using the logic and measurable parameters of Gross National Happiness (GNH), the project aims to develop a model that can be applied under Hungarian conditions as well. Widely used statistical methods will be complemented by the development and testing of a more complex approach that better captures interrelations and interactions—such as bi-clustering and latent class analysis. These methods have not previously been applied in questionnaire-based surveys.

In the next phase of the research, the focus shifts to examining the impact of rapidly advancing artificial intelligence—both in organizational operations and everyday life—on trust, linking these findings to the results of the first phase.

The objective is to determine to what extent AI influences or alters human well-being and trust. Where is the boundary between tolerable technological advancement and human capacity to adapt? Finally, the research seeks to explore how the relationship between these factors affects knowledge preservation.

Examining Territorial Competitiveness at Regional and Municipal Levels from an Entrepreneurial and Taxation Perspective

Lead Researcher: Dr. Tamás Molnár, Professor
Project Period: September 1, 2020 – August 31, 2023

The planned research aims to enhance the professional and publication activities, as well as the international relations, of the participating researchers during the project period. To achieve this, territorial competitiveness analyses are conducted at regional and municipal levels, focusing on entrepreneurship and taxation aspects.

The main objectives of the research are:

  1. To examine territorial, regional, and municipal competitiveness and analyze differences in local economic development.
  2. To conduct research related to the operation of enterprises.
  3. To investigate taxation-related issues.

The primary goal of the research group is to produce high-quality publications based on the analyses. Additionally, the project aims to present the results of data analyses at both national and international conferences. A secondary objective is to incorporate the research findings, or parts of them, into educational activities.

Post-Normal Syntheses in Management and Organizational Sciences

Lead Researcher: Dr. Tibor Csizmadia, Associate Professor
Project Period: June 1, 2021 – May 31, 2024

The foundation of the research group’s work is to integrate knowledge and capabilities gained from different scientific disciplines in order to address and respond to topics and questions that are of significant interest and relevance to the scientific and professional community.

The professional significance of the research lies in its multidisciplinary approach and the application of cutting-edge methods to examine the topics presented in the research plan. The research themes are connected through an iterative and integrative methodology that combines data-driven and model-based approaches.

From the perspective of organizational learning, the research group aims to set an example by exploiting the synergies that arise from collaboration between different disciplines and institutes.

The Role of Culture in Changing Consumer Preferences and Business Communication

Lead Researcher: Dr. László Józsa, Professor
Project Period: August 1, 2021 – July 31, 2024

The aim of the research is to explore culture-dependent differences in preferences related to international travel. Within this framework, the study examines variations in the steps of the decision-making process, as well as differences in travel organization methods and their relationship to culture.

A key focus of the research is to analyze the cultural aspects of local product purchasing preferences in tourism consumption and the factors influencing these preferences.

The main research questions include:

  • Which cultural characteristics, when recognized, understood, and mutually accepted, support the successful establishment and operation of business relationships between Hungarian and Southeast Asian companies?
  • Which cultural elements can contribute to the application of more effective marketing solutions?
  • Are there identifiable differences in consumer preferences regarding the consumption of similar products or services, and if so, what types of differences are these?
  • What factors influence the development of these differences in preferences?

Career Change and Industry Exit in Tourism in the Shadow of Covid-19 – Examining the Career Paths of Graduating and Former Students

Lead Researcher: Dr. Zoltán Kovács, Professor
Project Period: June 1, 2021 – May 31, 2024

The aim of the research is to conduct an in-depth analysis of the reasons behind career exits in the tourism industry, as well as to examine in detail the career decisions and career paths of students graduating from tourism programs, including tracking their professional trajectories. A particularly important objective is to analyze one of the most significant consequences of the global pandemic’s impact on the tourism sector: the outflow of labor from the industry.

Labor is a critical factor in tourism, both for ensuring service quality and for maintaining basic operations. Therefore, employers implement various measures to retain their workforce, which in turn influence the dynamics of employee retention and attrition.

The research incorporates key elements such as individuals’ work orientations, expectations and attitudes toward the sector, as well as actual working conditions and job requirements. It investigates the role these factors play in career exits—or, conversely, how they may enhance the attractiveness of tourism, potentially contributing to workforce return to the sector.

Another important goal is to examine various career paths, including both linear and non-linear trajectories. Ultimately, the research aims to formulate recommendations for stakeholders to help reduce career exits from the tourism sector.

Leadership Styles and Competencies of Project Managers in Relation to Project Success

Principal Investigator: Prof. Dr. Mihály Görög
Project period: 1 October 2024 – 30 September 2027

The primary objective of this research is to explore the leadership styles and competencies of project managers in relation to project success.
Firstly, the study examines how the internal characteristics of projects and the specific features of the project owner organizations determine which leadership style proves most effective in a given context, and how contextually appropriate leadership contributes to success.
Secondly, it focuses on identifying the competencies required for project managers to select the most suitable project management approach (project tailoring) in line with project characteristics, and analyzes which organizational factors foster the application of specific project management competencies.

The research employs a qualitative methodology, including semi-structured interviews with project managers, project team members, and PMO leaders. Findings will be validated through a series of workshops.

The outcomes of this study will contribute to refining project manager selection and training processes, and to a deeper understanding of the determinants of project success, thereby supporting improved project performance overall.

Developing an Individual Sustainability Awareness Index Using a Holistic Approach

Principal Investigator: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ágnes Raffay-Danyi
Project period: 1 July 2025 – 30 June 2028

Sustainability plays a crucial role in preserving natural and cultural resources for future generations, while sustainability awareness encourages individuals to integrate environmentally friendly solutions into their daily lives. Although several measurement tools and indices have been developed—such as ecological footprint calculators or financial awareness indicators—these typically capture only one aspect of sustainability.

This research aims to develop a comprehensive index capable of reflecting the complexity of sustainability awareness and assessing individual awareness levels. This represents a novel approach, as most sustainability indicators focus on organizational rather than individual contexts.

The study focuses on exploring the synergies among financial, social, and ecological sustainability awareness, as well as conscious consumption, and examines how and to what extent these areas reinforce each other.

Shades of Green: Greening Higher Education – Institutional Practices, Community Attitudes, and Public Perceptions

Principal Investigator: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Edit Kővári
Project period: 1 October 2024 – 30 September 2027

This multidisciplinary research group was established to examine the roles and attitudes of communities at GreenMetrics and non-GreenMetrics universities regarding green and sustainability-related issues. The research also seeks to define what the “green label” and associated attitudes truly mean for universities.

The project focuses on three interrelated domains:

  1. Examining how universities listed in the GreenMetrics ranking are clustered and what this implies on an operational level.

  2. Assessing whether there are measurable differences in sustainability attitudes between the communities of ranked (“green”) and non-ranked universities.

  3. Exploring whether leveraging sustainability in higher education offers a competitive advantage in institutional branding.

Research Questions:

  • RQ1: What methods and criteria can be applied for classifying and grouping green universities?

  • RQ2: Are there differences in sustainability attitudes between communities of green and non-green universities?

  • RQ3: How are sustainability principles integrated into the branding strategies of green and non-green universities?

  • RQ4: Do these differences in sustainability attitudes significantly influence higher education branding?

Project managers’ leadership style and competences in the light of project success

Interval: 2024. 10.01-2027. 09.30
Research group leader: Dr. Mihály Görög professor

The aim of this research is to study project managers’ leadership style and competences in the light of project success. On the one hand, we examine how the inherent project characteristics and the primary organisational factors of the project owner organisation shape which leadership style is most effective in a given environment, and how the appropriate project managers’ leadership style contributes to the achievement of project success. On the other hand, we focus on the competences required for project managers for project tailoring, and analyse which organisational factors influence the manifestation of these project management competences. The research applies a qualitative methodology: semi-structured interviews are be conducted with project managers, project team members, and PMO leaders, and the findings are validated through workshops. The study contributes to refining the selection and training of project managers, and to a more precise understanding of the factors that drive project success, thereby supporting the achievement of successful projects.

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