This article deals with the theory of inventory management and sets it in the context of other methods of operational research, and it also emphasizes the importance of this theory for strategic decisions in enterprises and organizations. Next, based on a Master’s Thesis ‘Inventory Optimization of a Chosen Enterprise’ by the author, this article deals with the discount model, which is analysed from the theoretical point of view with an emphasis on the variable part of storage costs. The respective mathematical formulas are also derived to calculate the total costs. Moreover, the mathematical structure of the discount model is compared with that of the EOQ model, which was the first inventory management model proposed as early as 1915. Various examples are given to illustrate the discount model. Finally, the article discusses the advantages and disadvantages of the discount model and formulates recommendations.

The main aim of this article is to present the modern approaches and best practices of transnational (global) companies in the field of open innovation and organizational cultures in their interrelationship and performance. The application of open innovation is not always an easy and immediate process; in fact, it often involves a change in the organizational culture of the company. Therefore, it is interesting to discover to what extent these two concepts of open innovation and organizational culture in their dynamic are correlated. The best-practice analysis of global companies is carried out, where open innovation models correlate with organizational cultures. The authors’ model of open innovation network is presented. The findings confirmed a positive association between innovative culture and the scope of open sources of innovation. The development of organizational culture and open innovation are interrelated in such a direction: both influenced on companies' successful results and increased brand awareness; collaboration and trust between members and partners are, perhaps, the most important features which unit organizational culture and open innovation. The systemic view on open innovation and the findings presented are beneficial not only to educational but business and research practice.

Based on the authors’ scientific cooperation, research results, and teaching experience, the goal of the article is to analyze examples of development and support of higher education in the Pilsen region. The University of West Bohemia in Plzen is the only public higher education institution in the Pilsen Region. In the years 2017 -2022, two ESF projects were realized and one of its activities is focused on "Improving Educational Activities and Modern Educational Trends" and on the subsequent implementation and reflection of student education with new teaching methods. The aim of the project is a comprehensive system of interconnection of the education of academic staff in the area of increasing pedagogical competencies with the introduction of new teaching methods into practice and taking into account the extension of pedagogical competencies within the framework of the career order the evaluation of the quality of teaching in full time and part-time study programs as the part of the key criteria for university evaluation. The results show one example of approaches to survey this problem.

Current "performance-oriented" management practice cannot see day-to-day management issues in a broader context. In many organizations, there can be seen an obvious worry or unwillingness of many managers to apply combinations of different leadership styles to deal with both the unique and routine management challenges of the organization and its people. The article aims to discuss management skills and leadership styles important for the success of managers and to provide an opportunity to better understand the need for systematic learning and development to achieve desired changes in managers’ attitudes and behavior. The article is based on the analysis of scientific texts related to the behaviors and actions of managers and also on personal experience and observation of management practice. The article presents general theoretical and practical management and leadership concepts in both traditional and nontraditional contexts.