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V zaključni nalogi je opravljen pregled indikatorjev notranjega toplotnega okolja. Pregled je opravljen kronološko, indikatorji pa so razdeljeni v dve skupini empirično in analitično. Indikatorji so bili v svojih začetkih enostavni, nato pa so z leti raziskav pridobili na kompleksnosti in natančnosti. In this thesis A review of indoor thermal environment indicators I made a chronological review. Indicators are sorted in two groups empirical and analitical. At the beginning indicators were more simple, but with years of reseaching they became more complex and accurate.

Namen prispevka: Namen prispevka je na podlagi analize preteklih primerov, pregleda literature in na podlagi analize odgovorov fokusnih skupin konceptualno opredeliti indikatorje zgodnjega opozarjanja na radikalizacijo. Metode: Najprej smo opravili temeljit pregled literature, na vzorcu različnih deležnikov smo izvedli fokusne skupine in s pomočjo vsebinske analize identificirali skupne vedenjske indikatorje, ki smo jih uporabili pri oblikovanju modela zgodnjega zaznavanja radikalizacije pri posameznikih v Sloveniji. S pomočjo različnih spletnih orodij Word Cloud smo indikatorje tudi grafično ponazorili glede na njihovo frekvenco pojavljanja znotraj posameznih fokusnih skupin. Ugotovitve: Izdelan je bil indikatorski model RadCePro, v katerega smo vključili naslednje vedenjske indikatorje radikalizacije: verbalno ali fizično nasilno vedenje, grožnje z nasilnim vedenjem opravičevanje nasilnega vedenja absolutno zavračanje drugih (po veri, politični pripadnosti) in drugačnih (rasa, spolna pripadnost) nenadna sprememba v vedenju – odklanjanje hrane, odklanjanje zdravljenja, odklanjanje nečesa, kar je bilo za osebo značilno in običajno v preteklosti prostovoljna ali neprostovoljna socialna marginalizacija občutek osamljenosti, nekoristnosti, nepripadnosti skupini, skupnosti ter prekinitev socialnih stikov z družino in prijatelji nesprejemanje pravil, izvrševanje kaznivih ravnanj izražen narcisizem in dovzetnost za teorije zarot zavračanje avtoritete, pravil, postopkov prekomerna verska vnema, nezadovoljstvo z običajnimi verskimi praksami, zavračanje verskih avtoritet pogosta zloraba alkohola, drog iskanje virov o skrajnih ideologijah in idejah ter tetovaže in nakit z radikalno vsebino in simboli, gestikulacija ekstremističnih znakov, izražanje pripadnosti ekstremistični skupini z oblačili ali na kak drug način (glasba, literatura). Izvirnost/pomembnost prispevka: Rezultat študije je prvi celoviti model indikatorjev radikalizacije v Sloveniji. Purpose: The purpose of the article is to conceptually identify early warning indicators of radicalization and to establish an indicator-based model for identifying and monitoring the process of radicalization. Design/Methods/Approach: We first conducted a thorough review of the literature, then we conducted focus groups on a sample of different stakeholders, and identified, through content analysis, common behavioural indicators that can be used in the model of early detection of radicalization. By using various Word Cloud web tools, we also graphically illustrated the indicators according to their frequency. Findings: A RadCePro indicator-based model incorporates the following behavioural indicators of radicalization: verbal or physical violent behaviour, threats of violent behaviour justification of violent behaviour absolute rejection of others (by religion, political affiliation) and different ones (race, gender) a sudden change in behaviour – the rejection of food, the rejection of healing, the rejection of something that was characteristic of the person and usual in the past voluntary or involuntary social marginalization a sense of loneliness, worthlessness, a lack of belonging to the community, and breaking social contacts with family and friends non-acceptance of rules, committing criminal acts expressed narcissism and susceptibility to conspiracy theories denial of authority, rules, procedures excessive religious zeal, dissatisfaction with ordinary religious practices, rejection of religious authority common alcohol and drug abuse searching for sources of extreme ideologies and ideas, tattoos and jewellery with radical content and symbols, gesturing extremist signs, communicating affiliation with an extremist group through dress or otherwise (music, literature). Originality/Value: The presented model is the first comprehensive model of indicators of radicalization leading to violent behaviour in Slovenia.

Namen prispevka: Islamistična radikalizacija v smeri izvajanja nasilja je postala pereč družbeni problem, ki lahko doseže višek v islamističnem ekstremizmu in terorizmu. Namen prispevka je identificirati ključne indikatorje islamistične radikalizacije. Metode: Po preučitvi literature o ranljivosti verskih skupin sta bili v empiričnem delu uporabljeni metodi študije primerov in intervjujev s predstavniki ključnih verskih skupnosti ter Urada za verske skupnosti v Sloveniji. Ugotovitve: Obstoječi primeri islamistične radikalizacije v Sloveniji kažejo nižjo intenzivnost v primerjavi s tujino, a njihova prisotnost že omogoča opredelitev nabora indikatorjev. Intervjuji s predstavniki verskih skupnosti potrjujejo zavedanje nevarnosti islamistične radikalizacije in s tem povezanih tveganj. V prispevku so opredeljeni različni indikatorji islamističnega radikalnega vedenja in delovanja, še posebej pa so bili opredeljeni indikatorji radikalizacije borcev povratnikov. Omejitve/uporabnost raziskave Tovrstna opredelitev in pojasnitev indikatorjev islamistične radikalizacije sta absolutno relevantni z vidika oblikovanja slovenskega sistema identificiranja in zgodnjega opozarjanja na radikalizacijo pri posameznikih in skupinah. Rezultati so lahko uporabni tudi v drugih državah. Raziskava je omejena zaradi majhnega nabora sogovornikov, na katerem temeljijo indikatorji. To je bilo mogoče v določeni meri preseči z uporabo širše konceptualne literature na to temo. Praktična uporabnost: Nabor indikatorjev bo praktikom z različnih področij omogočal, da svojo pozornost usmerijo na oblike vedenja, ki so tvegane in značilne za islamistično radikalizacijo v smeri nasilja. Izvirnost/pomembnost prispevka: Prispevek na izviren način kombinira teorijo ranljivosti verskih skupin z modeli islamistične radikalizacije in intervjuji v lokalnem okolju. Rezultati pomembno dopolnjujejo obstoječe vedenje o spektru problema radikalizacije na osnovi identificiranih indikatorjev. Purpose: Islamic radicalization has become an increasing social problem, which can culminate under certain circumstances into extremism and terrorism. The purpose of this article is to identify the key indicators of Islamic radicalization. Design/Methods/Approach: In the article, we used the following methods: case studies, interviews with representatives of key religious communities and with the head of the Office for Religious Communities in Slovenia. Findings: Current cases of Islamic radicalization in Slovenia are of lower intensity in comparison to some other countries but their presence is sufficient to allow us to identify a set of indicators. Interviews with the representatives of the religious community pointed out the awareness of the risks of Islamic radicalization and related uncertainties. The article defines various indicators of Islamic radical behaviour and activity, including the indicators of radicalization of the foreign fighter returnees. Research Limitations / Implications: Identification and explanation of indicators of Islamic radicalization are relevant for the formation of Slovenian early detection and warning system. Results can be useful for other countries. The main limit of this research is a small number of interviewees as a base for our set of indicators. This was somewhat surmounted with the use of a broader conceptual literature on this subject. Practical Implications: Overview of indicators will allow various practitioners to focus their efforts on risky behaviour from the perspective of Islamic radicalization toward violence. Originality/Value: The article uniquely combines the theory of vulnerability of religious groups, the models of Islamic radicalization and the interviews from the local community. Results importantly contribute to the current knowledge on indicators of radicalization.

S preprostimi orodji tehnične analize in s preprostimi postopki signaliziranja priložnosti lahko sestavimo uspešno trgovalno strategijo, ki bo zagotavljala dolgoročno pozitivne denarne tokove in s tem preživetje tudi v necvetočih obdobjih ter obdobjih nepričakovanih tržnih šokov. Zaradi heteroskedastičnosti finančnih časovnih vrst moramo upoštevati tržno volatilnost, ki predstavlja velikost cenovnega gibanja in posledično privzeto tveganje. Ampak kako vemo, da bo strategija dosegala dobre donose? Pravzaprav ne moremo, saj ne poznamo prihodnjih cenovnih vrednosti, lahko pa jo testiramo za nazaj in ob tem razvijemo metodologijo za merjenje uspešnosti, ki predstavlja rezultate trgovanja na zgodovinskih podatkih ter z njimi ugotovimo empirično učinkovitost strategije. Pri interpretaciji izidov virtualnega trgovanja moramo biti pozorni na predpostavke. Pomembni sta predvsem poznavanje zgodovine in zanemarjanje operativnih stroškov. Testiramo lahko samo strategije, v katerih so vključeni programsko določljivi vzorci in indikatorji. Na primer, preprosti postopki kot so razdeljevalna metoda razvrščanja s $k$-voditelji in regresija s pomočjo jedra določijo podpore in odpore, drseče sredine, ki so tudi sestavni del mnogih indikatorjev, določijo količino sredstev in vstopne signale. S testiranjem za nazaj izvedemo tudi morebitno optimizacijo, ki je pomemben del razvoja in analize določene strategije. Mnogo parametrov osnovnih pravil se da malenkostno spremeniti in rezultati postanejo veliko boljši. Z ugotovitvami analiz in z vsemi dodatnimi trenutnimi informacijami, dodatnimi orodji ter zdravim razumom si lahko ustvarimo prihodnja pričakovanja uspešnosti ter naložbene priložnosti. With simple technical analysis tools and simple procedures we can build a successful trading strategy that will provide positive long-term cash flows and ensure zero probability of failure in the periods of non-flourishing markets and in the periods of unexpected market shocks as well. In order to consider financial time series heteroscedasticity we must include volatility, which represents the size of the price movements and a capital risk. How do we know that the built strategy will achieve great returns? Actually we do not, because we do not know the future price movement. What we can do is to backtest our rules on the historical data and develop a methodology for measuring performance. The outcomes represent historical trading profits, which serve for empirical efficiency assessment of the built strategy. When we are interpreting the outcomes we must be careful about assumptions. There are two very important assumptions - knowing the history and the assumption of zero operational costs. Only strategies with technical analysis indicators and patterns identifiable by programming code can be backtested. For instance, simple algorithms like $k$-means clustering and kernel regression determine supports and resistances, while moving averages that are also a part of many indicators, define position sizing and entry signals. Backtesting is also used for optimisation. Optimisation is an important process in strategy building and/or strategy analysis. Plenty of original rules' parameters can be slightly modified to provide much better outcomes. In the end, all analysis results, current information, additional tools, common sense etc. are used for future expectation about strategy performance and therefore for trading opportunities.

V magistrski nalogi smo želeli preveriti vrstno pestrost metuljev na izbranih travnikih v občini Domžale. V ta namen smo od konca aprila do konca avgusta izvedli osem terenskih popisov na skupno 14 lokacijah. V tem času smo popisali 49 različnih vrst dnevnih metuljev, od katerih je šest vrst uvrščenih na rdeči seznam ogroženih vrst v Sloveniji. V občini Domžale prevladujejo splošno razširjene vrste, ki so zelo pogoste tako v Sloveniji kot drugod po Evropi. To lahko pripišemo različnim dejavnikom, med katerimi je najpomembnejši intenzifikacija kmetijstva, ki je izrazita predvsem v ravninskem delu občine Domžale. Na intenzivno rabljenih travnikih je poleg manjše vrstne pestrosti ter odsotnosti nekaterih vrst metuljev značilna tudi odsotnost vrst kukavičevk, ki so prav tako pomemben pokazatelj ohranjenosti travnikov. Na območju občine Domžale smo našli osem rastišč kukavičevk. Najpogostejša na obravnavanem območju je navadna kukavica (Anacamptis morio), nekoliko redkejša na območju Domžal pa je trizoba kukavičevka (Neotinea tridentata). Na podlagi vrstne pestrosti metuljev in prisotnosti kukavičevk, s poudarkom na ogroženih in zavarovanih vrstah, smo določili naravovarstveno vrednost lokacij ter preučili vplive biotskih in abiotskih dejavnikov na vrstno pestrost metuljev. Ugotovili smo, da naravovarstveno pomembnejši travniki ležijo na hribovitem delu občine Domžale, tj. v Dobovljah, Vinjah ter v Brdu pri Ihanu. Z izjemo travnika v Vinjah so omenjeni travniki del zavarovanega območja Spominskega parka revolucionarnih tradicij občine Domžale, kjer so posegi v okolje že omejeni. Naravovarstveno najpomembnejši travnik leži na ravninskem delu občine v Zaborštu pri Domžalah in je eden redkih ravninskih mokrotnih travnikov s kukavičevkami. V namen ohranjanja danes redkih in ogroženih ekstenzivnih travnikov v občini Domžale ter njihove biotske pestrosti bi bilo potrebno uvesti spremembe v gospodarjenju s travniki, predvsem omejitve vnosa gnojil in pesticidov ter prilagoditi čas košnje travnikov po koncu cvetne sezone. In our study we surveyed the butterfly diveristy on selected grasslands in the Municipality of Domžale. In order to achieve this, we carried out eight field surveys at each of the 14 locations between the end of April and the end of August. A total of 49 different butterfly species of which six are listed as endangered in Slovenia. Predominantly widespread and common species in Slovenia and Europe were observed in the Municipality of DomžaleWe can atribute that to various factors, among which the most important is the intensification of agriculture, which is particularly pronounced in the flatter parts of the Municipality of Domžale. The intensified grasslands are characterised by lower butterfly diversity, absence of habitat specialists and orchids which are also important indicators of the quality of the grasslands. We found orchids at eight locations in our study. The most frequent was Anacamptis morio, while Neotinea tridentata was much rarer. We calculated nature conservation value of each location based on butterfly and orchid diversity, with added weight for the presence of protected or endangered species. We also studied the effect of different biotic and abiotic factors on the butterfly diversity. We determined that the locations of the highest nature conservation importance congregate in the hillier part of the manucipality ie. in Dobovlje, Vinje, and in Brdo pri Ihanu. With the exception of the grassland in Vinje, the grasslands are part of the protected area of the Revolutionary Tradition Memorial Park of the Domžale municipality, where environmental changes are already limited. However, the most important nature conservation area is in the plain, at Zaboršt near Domžale. This is one of the last remining humid meadows with orchids in the flatter part. In order to conserve the rare and endangered extensive grasslands in the Domžale municipality and their biodiversity, changes in grassland mangment must be applied, especially concerning the limitations regarding fertilization and mowing of the meadows before the end of flowering season.

V nalogi je na podlagi podanih izhodišč in usmeritev podrobno predstavljen razvoj večkriterijske metode (metoda MCA) za analizo in določanje primernosti obravnavanih območij ali porečij za gospodarske rabe vode. Poudarek je na hidroenergetski rabi vode, ki je ena od najbolj aktualnih in tudi navzkrižnih s cilji doseganja dobrega stanja voda. Metoda MCA kot novost na tem področju vključuje postopek umerjanja vrednosti iskanih modelnih parametrov (modelnih spremenljivk) metode MCA. Umerjanje temelji na izboru podatkov za umerjanje, ki predstavljajo odseke ali območja, ki so primerni in neprimerni za analizirano vrsto gospodarske rabe vode, ter na izboru ciljne funkcije, s katero se ocenjuje uspešnost določenega seta izbranih vrednosti za iskane modelne parametre. Ker je lahko prostor rešitev velik, metoda predvideva tudi uporabo orodij za iskanje optimalnih rešitev ali blizu optimalnim rešitvam, kot so na primer genetski algoritmi. Razvita metoda MCA je uporabljena na treh vodotokih, kjer se je izkazalo, da je za učinkovito določitev odsekov vodotokov glede primernosti za hidroenergetsko rabo potrebno manj merodajnih indikatorjev, kot se je na začetku predvidevalo. Za ovrednotenje uspešnosti metode je v nadaljevanju izvedena primerjalna analiza, ki vključuje primere z različnimi izhodišči, kot so drugačen način določitve vrednosti modelnih spremenljivk, drugačna izbira podatkov za umerjanje ter drugačen način vrednotenja in ocenjevanja variant po določenem indikatorju. Dodatno je bila izvedena še primerjalna analiza na drugem vodotoku, na katerem so se primerjali rezultati z upoštevanjem umerjenih vrednosti modelnih spremenljivk z rezultati, ki so bili na tem vodotoku predhodno že pridobljeni in so upoštevali vrednosti modelnih spremenljivk, ki so bile določene na podlagi strokovne presoje s sodelovanjem deležnikov. V zaključku so podane razprava o glavnih ugotovitvah in uspešnosti razvite metode MCA, potrditev delovnih hipotez ter potreba po dodatni potrditvi in nadaljnjem delu. On the basis of the specified starting points and guidelines, the thesis presents in detail a development of a multi-criteria method (the MCA method) for analysing and determining the suitability of the examined areas or catchments for economic use of water. The emphasis is on hydropower use of water, which is one of the most topical uses, but also one which conflicts the most with the objectives of achieving good water status. As a novelty in this field, the MCA method comprises the process of calibrating the values of the searched model parameters (model variables) of the MCA method. The calibration is based on the selection of calibration data representing sections or areas that are suitable and unsuitable for the analysed type of economic water use, as well as on the selection of the objective function which is used to evaluate the performance of a particular set of selected values for the searched model parameters. Due to a large solution space, the method also foresees the use of tools for searching optimal or near-optimal solutions, such as genetic algorithms. The developed MCA method was applied to three watercourses, where it appeared that for efficient determination of watercourse sections regarding their suitability for hydropower use fewer relevant indicators were required than initially assumed. To evaluate the method performance, a comparative analysis is further carried out, which includes examples with different starting points, such as a different method of determining the values of model variables, different selection of calibration data and a different method for evaluating and scoring of variants by a given indicator. In addition a comparative analysis was also performed on other watercourse where results got by application of calibrated values of model variables were compared with results got by application of values of model variables which were previously defined by expert judgement and stakeholders’ involvement. The conclusion comprises a discussion on main findings and performance of developed MCA method, confirmation of working hypotheses and establishes the need for additional confirmation and further work.

Insects in the White StorkCiconia ciconiadiet as indicators of its feeding conditions: the first diet study in SloveniaPrey remains found in the pellets of the White StorkCiconia ciconiaare known not to reveal the actual prey intake by the White Storks. The exceptions are the chitinous remains of insects that are quite well preserved in the pellets, and thus potentially good indicators of the actual intake of White Storks. Since insects are selected by White Storks in proportion to their abundance in the environment, they can be used as indicators of the quality of the bird foraging habitat. A preliminary test of this was carried out at three nests in NE Slovenia differing in their breeding success in 1997. In contrast to habitat analysis around the nest the proportions of Orthoptera and Coleoptera in the pellets corresponded well to the breeding success. Orthoptera species were dominant in high success, and Coleoptera (especially Carrion beetles Silphidae) in low success nests. In this paper the value of insects in White Stork pellets as indicators of the quality of the bird foraging microhabitat patches is set out. However, the indicative power of these insects needs to be tested further.

Acknowledgment List of Case Studies List of Exhibits List of Tables Preface Introduction Part I The "Preanalytic" Vision of Natural Resources: The Standard Economic Perspective Chapter 1 The Concept of Resources and Resource Scarcity: An Economic Perspective: Learning Objectives 1.1 Introduction 1.2 The Concept of Resources 1.3 Scarcity and Its Economic Implications 1.4 A Schematic View of the Economic Process 1.5 Applying the Concepts: Ecotourism, Cattle Ranching and the Economic of Costa Rica 1.6Chapter Summary Review and Discussion Questions Part II Markets, Efficiency, Technology, and Alternative Economic Indicators of Natural Resource Scarcity Chapter 2 Resource Scarcity, Economic Efficiency and Markets: How the Invisible Hand Works Learning Objectives 2.1 Introduction 2.2 Basic Assumptions 2.3 An Interpretative Analysis of Demand, Supply and Market Equilibrium Price 2.4 Evaluating the Performance of a Perfectly Competitive Market Economy 2.4-1 Consumer Surplus 2.4-2 Producer Surplus and Net Social Benefit 2.4-3 Pareto Optimality and the Invisible Hand Theorem 2.5 Product Price as a Measure of Resource Scarcity 2.6 Chapter Summary Review and Discussion Questions Chapter 3 Market Signals of Natural Resource Scarcity: Resource Price, Rent, and Extraction Cost Learning Objectives 3.1 Introduction 3.2 The Demand for a Factor of Production: The Case of Natural Resources 3.3 Key Variables Affecting the Supply of a Factor of Production: The Case of Natural Resources 3.4 Long-run Market Valuation of a Factor of Production 3.5 Rent and Extraction Cost an Alternative Measures of Natural Resource Scarcity 3.5-1 Differential Rent Extraction Cost 3.6 Factor Substitution Possibilities, Technological Changes and Resource Scarcity 3.7 Important Caveats 3.8 Chapter Summary Review and Discussion Questions Part III Ecology: The Economics of Nature Chapter 4 The Concept of Natural Resources: An Ecological Perspective Learning Objectives 4.1 Introduction 4.2 Ecosystems Structure 4.3 Ecosystem Function 4.3-1 Material Recycling 4.3-2 Succession, Equilibrium, Stability, Resilience and Complexity 4.4 The Laws of Matter and Energy 4.5 The Basic Lessons of Ecology 4.6 Humanity as the Breaker of Climaxes 4.7 Chapter Summary Review and Discussion Questions Part IV Fundamentals of the Economics of Environmental ResourcesChapter 5 Markets, Externality, and the Optimal Trade-Offs between Environmental Quality and Environmental Goods Learning Objectives 5.1 Introduction 5.2 The Economic Process and the Assimilative Capacity of the Natural Environment 5.3 Common Property Resources, External Costs and Market Failure 5.3-1 Common Property Resources and the Economic Problem 5.3-2 Environmental Externalities and Their Economic Consequences 5.4 Internalizing Externality Using the Pigouvian Tax Approach 5.5 The Macroeconomic Effects of Environmental Regulations: An overvi

Mesta predstavljajo gonilno silo razvoja v gospodarskem, družbenem in kulturnem življenju in so odraz prostorske organizacije človeške družbe. Današnja globalna mesta imajo pred seboj nove izzive, saj niso več samozadostna, temveč vpeta v širše, globalno dogajanje. Nadalje so mesta oz. strateške mestne regije vse bolj pomemben akter v globalni ekonomiji, pr čemer se vpliv nacionalnih držav manjša, vpliv mest in mestnih regij pa narašča. Proces globalizacije se odraža v vse večji težnji po doseganju konkurenčnosti mest in izkoristkih globalnih trendov. Prostorski in organizacijski učinki globalizacije se na nivoju mest kažejo v koncentraciji finančnih in ostalih specializiranih storitev, deindustrializaciji, spremembi rabe tal ter naraščajočem pomenu informacijsko komunikacijskih tehnologij Zadnjih dvesto let civilizacije obsežno definira raznolikost vizij o mestih. Naše razmerje z mestom sega tako na področje okolja, kakor tudi ekonomije in kakovosti življenja. Tehnologija, globalizacija in naraščajoča kompleksnost življenja postavljajo mesta v središče gospodarske razvitosti in družbenega napredka. Mesta tako postajajo središča inovacij, globalizacije, urbanizacije, znanstvenih odkritij in generacije širjenja informacij, obenem pa po »naravni konstrukciji«, optimalna družbena enota za implementacijo sprememb in izboljšanja življenja ljudi. Sicer majhna, ker razpolagajo z zadostno povezanostjo skupnosti za odobritev in sprejem novih programov, a hkrati zadosti velika za prikaz demonstrativnih učinkov predstavljajo glasnike prihodnosti v smislu: »spremeni mesta, spremeni svet«. Dejavniki uspešnosti posameznih evropskih mest se med seboj razlikujejo, vendar imajo kljub različnosti tudi skupen imenovalec. Vsa mesta so se pri reševanju raznolike problematike v raznovrstnih okoljih opredelila za pet ključnih strateških korakov: oblikovanje vizije in strategije mesta, izgrajevanje zaupanja v mesto, vzpostavljanje partnerstev, pritegnitev specifičnih dejavnikov in izvedbo ključnih projektov. Ob upoštevanju dejstva, da postajajo prav mesta generator gospodarskega napredka in vir rasti nacionalnega gospodarstva, se poraja potreba po prepoznavanju stopnje razvoja in pregledu nad rangiranjem in umeščenostjo razvojne stopnje mesta in regije oz. prepoznavanje stopnje kategorizacije, od katere je odvisna priprava ustreznih strateških in razvojnih smernic mesta in urbane regije. Da bi jih lahko primerjali med seboj po stopnji njihove razvojne uspešnosti, se je izoblikovala potreba po razvoju indikatorjev oz. skupine le-teh, ki merijo uspešnost mest, reprezentativnih in primerljivih med posameznimi državami in njihovo rigoroznostjo, ki omogoča verifikacijo tudi drugim. Upoštevajoč to nujnost, obstaja danes mnogo različnih indikatorjev mest oz. urbanih indikatorjev in veliko institucij, ki si prizadevajo za kompilacijo in analizo tovrstnih podatkov. Tudi sistemi merjenja uspešnosti, razviti za lastne potrebe, v nekaterih mestih že izkazujejo določeno stopnjo izvedljivosti merjenja. Temeljni problem pa predstavljajo njihova nestandardiziranost, nekonsistentnost in neprimerljivost (časovno in med različnimi primerjanimi mesti), odobriti pa jim tudi ne moremo uporabe v širšem okviru (benchmark) primerjalnih situacij. Teoretična izhodišča in nabor indikatorjev mednarodnih institucij kot nosilcev merjenja se največkrat nanašajo na kontekst primerjave globalnih mest, kar je v sklopu držav, ki jih opredeljuje npr. veliko število prebivalcev, razumljivo, pričakovano in smiselno. Posledično se moramo na primeru preučevanja srednje velikih mest vprašati o uporabnosti metodologije in indikatorjev, ki jih največkrat na primerih velikih, globalnih mest uporabljajo mednarodno priznane institucije. Cities represent the driving force of development in economic, social and cultural life and reflect the spatial organization of human society. Today's global cities have new challenges ahead, they are no longer self-sufficient, but embedded in broader, global developments. Furthermore, the city or strategic urban regions are becoming increasingly important players in the global economy, as the impact of national states decreases while the impact of cities and urban regions is increasing. The process of globalization is reflected in the tendency for gaining competitiveness and efficiencies of global trends. Spatial and organizational effects of globalization show the concentration of financial and other specialized services in cities, deindustrialization, land use change and the importance of information and communication technologies. The last two hundred years of civilization defines an extensive variety of city visions. Our relationship with the city extends towards the environment, as well as the economy and quality of life. Technology, globalization and the growing complexity of life set cities in the center of economic development and social progress. Cities are becoming centers of innovation, globalization, urbanization, scientific discoveries and dissemination of information and by the “natural structure” on the other hand also an optimal social unit to implement change and improve people's lives. Although small, because they posses sufficient community cohesion for approval and adoption of new programs, yet large enough to display demonstration effects they represent messengers of the future in terms of »change cities, change the world«. Success factors of individual European cities differ, however, despite differences, they have a common denominator. All cities have to solve a variety of problems in a variety of environments by identification of five key strategic steps: developing a vision and strategy, building confidence in the city, establishing partnerships, attracting specific factors and implementing key projects. Taking into account the fact that cities are becoming the generator of economic development and a source of growth for the national economy, the need to identify the development stage and the oversight of ranking and positioning of cities and regions (the level of categorization), upon which the preparation of appropriate strategic and development guidelines for cities and urban regions can take place, is emerging. In order to be able to compare the level of their development efficiency, the need for setting up adequate indicators, which measure the performance of cities, are representative, comparable between countries and allow verification to others, is arising. Considering this necessity, at the present many different urban indicators and institutions, seeking compilation and analysis of collected data, can be quoted. Performance measurement systems, developed for internal use in some cities already show a degree of measurement feasibility. The fundamental problem represents their inconsistency and incomparability (over time and between cities), their use therefore cannot be approved in a wider context (benchmark) of situations. Theoretical background and set of indicators, composed by international institutions are usually related to the context of the global cities' comparison, in national framework identified by a large number of people understandable, expected and reasonable. Upon the case of medium-sized cities we consequently have to question about the applicability of the methodology and indicators, which are used mostly in cases of large, global cities by internationally recognized institutions.