Search

The practice of using environmental management systems (EMS) ISO 14001 at the organisational level indicates that the efficacy of such solutions depends on many factors, both endogenous and exogenous in nature. This article aims to identify the fac- tors that determine the opportunities for the improvement of EMS in organisations, the analysis of the relationship between the factors and the classification of the factors due to their role in the system improvement. The structural analysis was used to classify and identify the key factors and then to categorize these factors into five groups. Finally, the role of these key factors in improving environmental management systems was exam- ined. Based on the findings, guidelines can be offered to both scholars and practitioners regarding the factors crucial for the improvement of the EMS. Aiming to add value to the existing literature, the structural analysis was adapted to classification and identification of the key factors. From the point of view of practitioners, it seems to be very profitable to concentrate on the crucial factors during the process of EMS improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Research Papers of the Wroclaw University of Economics / Prace Naukowe Uniwersytetu Ekonomicznego we Wroclawiu is the property of Uniwersytet Ekonomiczny we Wroclawiu and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

After Poland's entry to the European Union, Polish dairy companies were forced to change the way they functioned as far as ecologization was concerned. Efficient functioning of these organizations was possible only when environmental management had been properly implemented. This paper presents the results of research on environmental management of 32 companies conducting business activity in Poland. It was proven that in comparison to 2003, processes aimed at improving the environmental parameters of these companies were considerably intensified after Poland's accession to the EU. This resulted to a large extent from the need to adjust the organizations to EU regulations. In this case, small enterprises were in the most difficult situation for a number of reasons. First of all, due to financial reasons, such enterprises did not try to implement any, of a number of activities, that could improve their functioning. Secondly, the surveyed units took actions aimed at economizing on water supplies, minimizing waste, and changing the heating system to gas heating in order to reduce the emissions of carbon dioxide. On the other hand, environmental management systems were implemented in large companies. However, such companies did not always notice the necessity of certification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Continual improvement is a key component of environmental management systems (EMS) according to ISO 14001 standard. But in contrast to most other specifications in the standard, it is difficult to assess. The following article discusses factors influencing the EMS improvement in Polish companies according to ISO 14001 standard. Research of the factors influencing the EMS improvement was conducted in Polish companies from July 2007 to April 2009 by the Department of Standardized Management Systems at the Poznań University of Economics. The research was carried out at 1,360 companies that have certified their Environmental Management System against ISO 14001 requirements. There is a significant number of factors that can influence improvement of the EMS and there are many elements that can be improved in it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]