Maciej Rys’s research while affiliated with University of Information Technology and Management in Rzeszow and other places

This study explores the relationship between income growth and housing prices in Poland’s seven largest cities from 2013 to 2024. Through statistical analysis, the research reveals a strong correlation between average gross wages, and both offer and transaction prices in the real estate market, confirming the hypothesis of a relationship between income growth and housing price increases. Despite economic fluctuations, the purchasing power of the average salary in real estate has remained remarkably stable. Moreover, the study introduces Premium and Buying Signal indicators, which can help identify market opportunities for buyers and investors by highlighting periods of undervaluation. These findings underscore and demonstrate the challenges of housing affordability in urban Poland and raise potential questions about the effectiveness of various social policies. The research offers interesting practical insights for policymakers and investors, emphasizing the need for continued monitoring and targeted interventions to ensure sustainable housing affordability.

This study explores the unique role of hackathons in bridging the gap between academia and industry, through ethnographic study approach methods, in-depth analysis of 12 hackathons and over 50 interviews. Findings suggest 15 key features that create a favorable environment for such collaboration. The environment, shaped by a mix of these features, enables participants from diverse backgrounds to work together on specific challenges, fostering interdisciplinary cooperation that might not be possible in traditional settings. Moreover, while hackathons may present formidable challenges, particularly in aligning the differing objectives of academia and industry, they also offer unique benefits and opportunities for establishing long-term, productive collaborations. The insights gained from this study provide a foundation for implementing similar collaborative mechanisms and methods in other contexts, enhancing the effectiveness of industry-academia partnerships and contributing to the advancement of both academic and business-oriented goals.

Purpose This study explores women’s experiences and perceptions of gender inclusivity in hackathons, aiming to understand how tailored equality initiatives can evolve into gender-neutral, merit-based environments. Design/methodology/approach Drawing on 43 semi-structured interviews with women participants, organizers and mentors at multiple hackathons, the research employs thematic analysis to identify key barriers, strategies and long-term opportunities for advancing inclusivity. Findings The study reveals that initially focused gender equality measures help restore balance and mitigate entrenched stereotypes. Over time, transitioning to gender-neutral policies sustains hackathons as dynamic innovation platforms. Continuous feedback mechanisms, targeted interventions and robust data analytics ensure that these policies evolve, thus enhancing both the diversity of participants and the quality of their solutions. Practical implications The findings guide hackathon organizers and stakeholders in implementing adaptable measures – such as short-term mentorship programs, regular feedback loops and bias-awareness training – that respond directly to participants’ experiences. These interventions not only address current disparities but also pave the way for long-term, skill-driven meritocracies in innovation ecosystems. Social implications By informing more equitable innovation ecosystems, this research supports broader efforts to diversify STEM participation and improve gender equity. Originality/value Where previous research often treats inclusivity as an isolated concern, this study outlines a strategic, iterative pathway: from direct equality-focused actions to a genuinely merit-based context. By incorporating firsthand perspectives, it provides a nuanced, evidence-based framework that extends beyond broad recommendations.

Our study investigated the factors that influence female participation in hackathons, which allowed us to propose strategies to enhance and boost their engagement. Using a mixed-methods approach, including surveys and ethnographic studies, we studied experiences of female participants and identified successful initiatives from various hackathons.

Purpose The COVID-19 pandemic significantly reshaped the healthcare landscape, revealing both systemic strengths and weaknesses. This article examines a long-term study of the pandemic’s impacts on healthcare systems and integrated care processes, highlighting both negative results – such as increased burnout and persistent systemic flaws – and positive outcomes, such as improved patient care models, enhanced collaboration and increased technological integration. Design/methodology/approach The study employed elements of the ethnographic approach, combining various qualitative methods with a literature review and data analysis. Findings The findings reveal a mixed legacy: while the pandemic accelerated innovation and exposed systemic flaws, it also exacerbated mental health issues among healthcare workers. Research limitations/implications The main limitation is study’s focus on the Polish healthcare system, which may introduce biases and limit the generalizability of findings to other regions with different backgrounds, infrastructures and pandemic responses. Practical implications Addressing these issues will be crucial for developing robust healthcare policies and improving overall healthcare delivery and integrated care processes. Social implications The study provides practical implications for policymakers, healthcare providers and the workforce, emphasizing the need for structural resilience, effective resource management and ongoing professional development to sustain and enhance healthcare systems globally. Originality/value The study’s originality arises from its methodological approach, combining interviews with healthcare professionals and a narrative review to provide a long-term analysis of both positive and negative outcomes from the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly focusing on the Polish healthcare system while also generalizing insights that could be relevant globally.

This study explores the diverse sources and approaches to financing hackathons, aiming to compare financing models for hackathons, emphasizing the influence of event type on various strategies. Employing an ethnographic approach, the research identifies three primary financing strategies-challenge-oriented, community-oriented, and profit-oriented and six key sources, including sponsorships, community contributions, self-funding, grants, investments, and registration fees. The findings reveal that aligning financing with hackathon objectives is essential for the overall performance of the event. Challenge-oriented hackathons require dedicated budgets, community-oriented ones rely on local support, and profit-oriented events must balance financial goals with inclusivity. Sponsorships and partnerships emerge as the most versatile funding method. The study underscores the importance of combining multiple financing sources to ensure resilience and stability. It contributes to the academic understanding of hackathon financing and offers practical insights for organizers, sponsors, participants, and policymakers, aiming to enhance the effectiveness and impact of hackathons in fostering innovation and collaboration.

Purpose This study explores the dynamics of patient transfers within the Polish healthcare system during the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on the roles of negotiation, boundary work and systemic flexibility. Despite extensive literature on patient transfers, gaps remain in understanding the general mechanisms that complicate these processes, especially under crisis conditions. Design/methodology/approach By interviewing 18 specialists across various medical fields, our research provides empirical evidence from Poland, highlighting the experiences of medical practitioners who navigated the complex landscape of patient transfers during the pandemic. Findings By integrating negotiation and boundary work theories, we reveal how healthcare professionals manage patient flows and the challenges they face. Our findings show that during the unique situation caused by the uncertainties and lack of preparedness for the pandemic, while standardization and rationalization tools have limited effectiveness, proactive involvement and strategic negotiation are crucial for successful patient management. Research limitations/implications The study's primary limitation is its focus solely on the Polish healthcare system during the COVID-19 pandemic, which may not fully represent other contexts or healthcare systems. Originality/value The study underscores the importance of communication and interpersonal skills in facilitating patient transfers. We also argue that the previous experiences with negotiating orders, dealing with limited resources and making constant compromises had, in a way, built resilience in Polish medical experts and prepared them for the uncertainties encountered while treating COVID-19 patients. These insights contribute to academic theories and offer practical recommendations for enhancing healthcare system resilience and adaptability in future crises. Ultimately, the study emphasizes that flexibility and strategic negotiation are key to managing patient transfers in a fragmented and complex healthcare environment.

Within the chaotic vortex stirred by the COVID-19 pandemic, a beacon of innovation has shone brightly: hackathons. These collaborative, high-energy events have transformed into dynamic hotbeds of creativity, attracting thousands and rapidly fostering innovative projects.