Current Organizations / Institutes

The organizations/institutes from the scholar's latest article


Mila Kavalić has a total of 70 co-authors. Here are the top co-authors by number of shared publications:


Latest Publications

  • Open Access

    Modeling the Structure and Dynamics of Regional Entrepreneurial Ecosystems: Evidence from Serbia

    by Vladimir Milošev, Dragan Ćoćkalo, Mihalj Bakator, Edit Terek Stojanović, Mila Kavalić, Dubravko Marić

    Although the literature on entrepreneurial ecosystems recognizes institutional, economic, technological, and social factors, integrated empirical tests of their interrelationships at the regional level remain limited, particularly in transition economies. This paper analyzes a structural-mechanism model of regional entrepreneurial ecosystems in Serbia using survey data from 401 enterprises in four regions. The study applies partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) to assess the measurement model, structural pathways, indirect effects, and predictive relevance of the proposed model. Additional regional comparisons and official regional GDP indicators are used to contextualize the survey-based findings. The results support the reliability and convergent validity of the reflective constructs. The structural model indicates that economic and social factors are associated with institutional and technological conditions, while institutional, technological, and social factors are associated with innovation development, new product and service development, innovation capacity, entrepreneurial activity, and entrepreneurial motivation. The indirect effects further support the proposed mechanism logic, especially through institutional and technological pathways. Regional comparisons show significant differences across the observed regions, with Southern Serbia recording less favorable perceived ecosystem conditions. The findings suggest that regional entrepreneurial ecosystems should be analyzed as context-dependent systems in which structural conditions and operating mechanisms are connected, but the cross-sectional and perception-based design does not allow definitive causal conclusions.

  • Open Access

    Beyond Proactivity: How LMX, Leadership and Organizational Culture Shape the Link Between Intrapreneurship and Burnout

    by Verica Gluvakov, Mila Kavalić, Milan Nikolić, Dragan Ćoćkalo, Mihalj Bakator, Sanja Stanisavljev, Snežana Mirković

    This research examines the relationship between intrapreneurship and job burnout, with a focus on the moderating role of leadership, leader-member relationship quality (LMX), and organizational culture. Validated scales were applied to a sample of 406 employees from different sectors, and the analysis was conducted using hierarchical multiple regression. Findings indicate a significant negative correlation between intrapreneurship and job burnout, with the protective effect of intrapreneurial behavior intensifying in contexts characterized by high power distance, transformational and ethical leadership, and high-quality LMX relationships. In particular, it was observed that ethically oriented leadership, leadership loyalty and focus on people further mitigate burnout in proactive employees. In contrast, the punitive behavior of leaders, an emphasis on performance orientation, and a hierarchical culture reduce the protective effect of intrapreneurship, increasing the risk of burnout. The control variable in the form of the organization’s activities also proved to be a significant predictor of the level of employee burnout. The obtained results highlight the importance of the organizational context in shaping the influence of intrapreneurial behavior on the well-being of employees. The findings offer practical implications for developing leadership styles and organizational norms that simultaneously encourage innovation and reduce psychological stress, thereby contributing to a sustainable work environment.

  • Open Access

    Human resources as a determinant of the successful integration of CBAM requirements into the product carbon footprint management system

    by Ljubiša Malešev, Jasmina Pekez, Mila Kavalić, Nikola Jerković, Nadežda Ljubojev

    The subject of this paper is the consideration of HRM determinants in relation to the quality of Product Carbon Footprint (PCF) data and the success of the integration of CBAM requirements. The framework is based on the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), which is implemented as an instrument of the European Union (EU) for equalizing the carbon price in imported products. Calculations, change significantly depending on methodological choices. The transparency of the calculation is often limited, making it difficult to use data in regulatory compliance confirmation processes. Green HRM points out that training, organizational culture and systemic HRM practices contribute to sustainability and performance, emphasizing the role of employee training and intermediary mechanisms through supply chains. The empirical part of the paper is designed as a quantitative-qualitative analysis of the data collected through the survey. The results indicate that organizational readiness and support from top management are key predictors of successful integration of CBAM requirements, while PCF data quality is a critical operational factor, and the impact of HRM practices is significant, but indirect. In conclusion, the integration of CBAM requires a multidimensional approach that goes beyond individual functions and requires the coordinated action of organizational, technological and management capacities.

  • Open Access

    Managing the strategic logistics position of the Republic of Serbia in regional and European supply chains

    by Stefan Ugrinov, Edit Terek-Stojanović, Sanja Stanisavljev, Mila Kavalić, Verica Gluvakov, Mića Đurđev

    The paper examines the strategic logistics position of the Republic of Serbia in regional and European supply chains. Serbia's geographic location, transport corridors, access to the Danube, and links with neighbouring markets create a basis for stronger logistics development and supply chain integration. However, these advantages require adequate management, since logistics potential depends on strategic planning, investment decisions, institutional coordination, digital support, and cooperation between public and private actors. The paper analyses Serbia's logistics position through road, rail, river, port, and intermodal connections, with attention to the importance of the Rhine-Danube transport area and regional freight flows. It also discusses management factors that influence the use of logistics resources and the development of logistics centres, digital systems, and coordinated transport operations. Special attention is given to challenges such as uneven infrastructure development, border procedures, limited intermodal capacity, and the need for stronger digital coordination. The paper points to strategic directions that can support Serbia's integration into regional and European supply chains and strengthen its position as a logistics hub in Southeast Europe.

  • Open Access

    Entrepreneurship 5.0 oriented strategies for sustainable competitive advantage

    by Dragan Ćoćkalo, Mihalj Bakator, Sanja Stanisavljev, Milan Nikolić, Edit Terek-Stojanović, Mila Kavalić, Stefan Ugrinov, Verica Gluvakov

    This study examines the influence of Entrepreneurship 5.0 oriented strategies on sustainable competitive advantage. The research focuses on digital technology integration, collaborative innovation and ecosystem engagement, and human-centric entrepreneurial orientation. Data were collected from 64 enterprise managers using a structured survey with a seven-point Likert scale. The analysis includes descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and linear regression. The results show positive and statistically significant relationships between all independent variables and sustainable competitive advantage. Human-centric entrepreneurial orientation shows the strongest effect, followed by digital technology integration and collaborative innovation. The model explains a substantial portion of variance in the dependent variable, which confirms its explanatory strength. The findings indicate that enterprises that combine technological adoption, external collaboration, and internal orientation toward employees achieve more stable competitive outcomes. The study contributes to the understanding of Entrepreneurship 5.0 and offers a basis for further research and practical application in modern business environments.

  • Open Access

    Strategic role of logistics and supply chain management concepts in improving business and market performance

    by Stefan Ugrinov, Mihalj Bakator, Sanja Stanisavljev, Dragan Ćoćkalo, Mila Kavalić, Verica Gluvakov

    The purpose of this paper is to propose a conceptual framework which integrates logistics and supply chain management terms and concepts and study their relationship with organizational performance. In the suggested framework, logistics related concepts are clustered in two complementary categories: capability and process based logistics concepts and technology and sustainability based logistics concepts which are proposed to affect business and market performance through logistics and supply chain management as a strategic organizational function. Methodologically, the research is based on quantitative surveys empirically grounded study. The data collection will be performed by using questionnaire administered to managers and professionals that are engaged in logistics and supply chain management activities in organizations in Republic of Serbia. Although empirical results are not presented in this paper, the research-methodology paper provides precise outline for further empirical analysis. Theoretical contribution of this study is that it provides integrated and systematic literature review and a framework of logistics and supply chain management dimensions that should be further tested empirically. Once empirically examined, the relationships between dimensions from the proposed framework can be further analyzed on different performance dimensions and in different research settings.

  • Open Access

    Organizational Innovation and Managerial Burnout: Implications for Well-Being and Social Sustainability in a Transition Economy

    by Verica Gluvakov, Mila Kavalić, Milan Nikolić, Dragan Ćoćkalo, Sanja Stanisavljev, Snežana Mirković

    This study explores the relationship between organizational innovation and managerial burnout among middle managers in Serbia, a country undergoing socioeconomic transition. Data were collected from 406 managers using a standardized questionnaire and analyzed through multiple and hierarchical regression analyses. The results show that administrative innovations significantly reduce burnout, whereas product and process innovations do not exhibit a statistically significant effect. However, the impact of innovation is shaped by the organizational context, particularly by leadership style, organizational culture, and the quality of the leader–member (LMX) relationship. Transformational leadership, intellectual stimulation, and high-quality LMX reduce the psychological strain associated with innovation, while punitive management practices and high power distance increase burnout risk. Gender and sectoral differences were also identified, indicating that women respond more positively to innovations, especially in public and production organizations. The study highlights that the relationship between innovation, leadership, and psychological well-being demonstrates how innovation can function as an organizational and social resource rather than a stressor when it is implemented in a culture of dialogue, trust, and psychological safety. The findings contribute to understanding how the dynamics of innovation affect not only individual well-being, but also the broader social sustainability of organizations operating in transition economies.


  • Open Access

    Validation and Refinement of an Experience-Based Onboarding Model for the IT Industry Through Multivocal Literature Review

    by Igor Vecstejn, Zeljko Stojanov, Mila Kavalic, Verica Gluvakov, Vuk Amizic

    Aim: This review aims to validate the Experience-Based Onboarding Model (EBOM) and refine it into an improved adaptive onboarding model, OnMod. Methods: In this review, autoethnography is combined with a Multivocal Literature Review (MLR) that combines white and gray literature sources. Evidence is mapped to entities and semantic relations and assessed using predefined decision rules. Main findings: The validation of the model confirms the core EBOM entities and semantic relations. It also introduces several new or renamed entities or semantic relations that close the feedback loop and yield the refined OnMod model. Implications: The theoretical contribution is reflected in the application of autoethnography in combination with the MLR, where it represents a good basis for the development of an onboarding model. In industrial practice, the presented OnMod model can be used by mentors and managers as a guide for improving operational and daily activities, as well as for the development of onboarding strategies in IT and software companies.


  • Open Access

    Development and Application of a Stochastic Model for Optimizing Production Cycles Aimed at Sustainable Production

    by Sanja Stanisavljev, Dragan Ćoćkalo, Mila Kavalić, Verica Gluvakov, Mihalj Bakator, Luka Djordjević, Stefan Ugrinov

    This paper analyzed the importance of applying modern concepts and tools for monitoring production processes in order to improve effectiveness, efficiency, and sustainable manufacturing. The aim of the study was to develop and apply a stochastic model based on a modified real-time observation method to optimize production cycles in the metalworking industry. The research was conducted over several years in real industrial conditions using instantaneous observations, and the collected data were statistically analyzed using control charts and flow coefficient functions. The results showed a significant reduction in production cycle times and improved efficiency, particularly when the batch size was optimized to 10 units. The analyzed working time elements and flow coefficients enabled a comprehensive analysis and influenced trends in subsequent years, thereby improving production management. A comparative analysis of the results reveals a downward trend in average PC time per unit over the years—56.2, 37.7, 31.5, and 44.8 min from phases I to IV—until the introduction of a new operation. The corresponding flow coefficient functions are y1 = 297.54/x + 2; y2 = 239/x − 7.36; y3 = 192/x + 0.65; and y4 = 438.2/x − 11.3. These findings suggest that the optimal batch size for the enterprise under consideration is 10 units. The findings confirmed that the integration of Lean principles and Industry 4.0 methods contributes to the reduction of non-productive time and better process control. The study provided a simple and effective model for cycle time optimization that can be implemented even in small and medium-sized enterprises.


  • Open Access

    A green model for business improvement

    by Verica Gluvakov, Mila Kavalić, Sanja Stanisavljev, Stefan Ugrinov, Snežana Mirković

    The paper investigates the possibilities of improving the competitiveness of domestic companies through the integration of the concepts of sustainable development, knowledge and innovation. Starting from a theoretical literature review, a green model of business improvement was developed that connects the ecological, social and economic dimensions of sustainable development. The model shows how the rational use of resources, the implementation of clean technologies and the raising of environmental awareness can become a source of innovation and stable market positions, while continuous learning and development of employees strengthen the productivity and competitive position of the company. The paper provides guidelines for the introduction of socially responsible and long-term sustainable business, highlighting the importance of education, innovation and strategic management of resources. Although the model is based on theoretical insights, its practical application opens up space for empirical verification and adaptation to the specifics of the domestic economy.