RESEARCH PROJECTS
1. Development of a Theoretical Conceptual Model of Corporate Security in Health Resorts
This research was conducted using the content analysis method, incorporating elements of grounded theory analysis and document analysis. The empirical part applied a mixed-method approach, utilizing both qualitative and quantitative methods, with a stronger emphasis on qualitative findings due to limitations in quantitative sampling. Through inductive reasoning, a theoretical conceptual model of corporate security in health resorts (SNZ) was developed, marking an original scientific contribution in an area previously lacking conceptual or model-based work.
Published results:
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Mekinc, J., Repnik, S. (2025). Security risks and crisis management in tourism with a special emphasis on health resorts. FKPV.
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Mekinc, J., Repnik, S., Edgar, D. A., Trnavčevič, A., Kodrič, B. (2023). Safety culture as competitive advantage for Slovenian natural health resorts. Human Systems Management.
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Mekinc, J., Prevolšek, B., Repnik, S., Trnavčevič, A., Kurež, B. (2023). Discourse on security in tourism: the world and Slovenia. In: Tourism Destination Organizations.
2. Educational and Training Needs for Future Tourism Competencies: The Case of Slovenia
Conducted within the Targeted Research Project V5-1725, this study analyzed responses from 226 tourism employees on future competency needs. The most valued competencies were hospitality, interpersonal skills, stakeholder collaboration, and emotional intelligence. Digital literacy was rated as less important, suggesting tourism remains a human-centered sector. Statistically significant differences were noted by education, position, age, and work area, but not by gender.
Published results:
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Mekinc, J., Gorenak, M., Ladkin, A., Turnšek, M. (2022). Educational and training imperatives for future tourism competencies: The case of Slovenia. Human Systems Management.
3. Review and Analysis of Project Management Knowledge Areas in Contemporary Literature
Part of a doctoral study at the University of Rijeka, this systematic literature review identified ten key project management knowledge areas across 1,329 articles published between 2007 and 2019 in journals indexed in Web of Science.
Published results:
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Perić, M., Chersulich Tomino, A., Barač-Miftarević, S., Mekinc, J. (2021). Review and analysis of project management knowledge areas in the contemporary literature. Academy of Strategic Management Journal.
4. Comparing Business Models for Event and Sport Tourism: Case Studies in Italy and Slovenia
Using case study methodology, this research analyzed the interaction of key resources and processes in value creation for customers within event sport tourism.
Published results:
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Perić, M., Vitezić, V., Mekinc, J. (2019). Comparing business models for event sport tourism: Case studies in Italy and Slovenia. Event Management.
5. Innovative Forms of Economy and Sustainable Urban Development: Sharing Tourism
Conducted with Transilvania University of Brașov using a quantitative survey of stakeholders in Brașov, this study explored the sharing economy's impact on tourism.
Published results:
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Tescașiu, B., Epuran, G., Tecău, A. S., Chițu, I. B., Mekinc, J. (2018). Innovative forms of economy and sustainable urban development: Sharing tourism. Sustainability.
6. Generic Causes of Crises in the Tourism Industry
This research, in collaboration with the College of Hospitality and Tourism Maribor, used descriptive and causal non-experimental methods to identify generic causes of crises in tourism and analyze security-related travel risks.
Published results:
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Mekinc, J., Cvikl, H. (2014). Systematic approach to analysing the crisis in tourism.
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Mekinc, J., Cvikl, H. (2013). Scope of the generic causes for crises in tourism.
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Mekinc, J., Cvikl, H. (2013). Security crises in tourism – myth or reality?
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Mekinc, J., Cvikl, H. (2013). Structure of security and safety crises in tourism.
7. Criminality in Slovenian Hospitality and Accommodation Establishments
In collaboration with the University of Maribor's Faculty of Criminal Justice and Security, this quantitative study analyzed police data on crimes in hospitality establishments from 2007 to 2013.
Published results:
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Mekinc, J., Cvikl, H., Dobovšek, B. (2010). Criminality in tourism, Slovenian case.
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Mekinc, J., Cvikl, H., Dobovšek, B. (2011). Criminality in Slovenian tourism.
8. Cybersecurity in Slovenian Hotels – Preliminary Study
Part of the INOTTUR UP project, this research interviewed hotel managers and IT security professionals to assess cybersecurity practices and preparedness in Slovenian hotels.
9. Employees as Key Cybersecurity Factor in Hotels – The Case of Croatia
Conducted with the University of Rijeka as part of the ZIP-FMTU-015-11-2022 project, this survey-based study identified key risks in employee behavior affecting cybersecurity in Croatian hotels. Training and strong security culture were identified as crucial factors.
10. Analysis of Study Programs of the Faculty of Tourism Studies – Turistica
Using triangulation among graduates, employers, and educators, this research assessed the study programs' quality and identified key weaknesses, forming the basis for future improvements.
Published results:
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Mekinc, J., Sedmak, G., Mušič, K., Ivankovič, G. (2015). Analysis of study programs at UP FTŠ Turistica.
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Sedmak, G., Mekinc, J., Mušič, K. (2015). Study on study programs at UP FTŠ Turistica.
11. Study on Employment and Employability of Turistica Graduates
This study provided insights into the employment status of Turistica graduates, including time to first job, relevance of acquired knowledge, and needed competencies. It supported curriculum development, accreditation, and quality improvement of existing programs.
Published results:
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Mekinc, J., Mušič, K., Sedmak, G. (2015). Study on employment and employability of Turistica graduates.
