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Purpose: The aim of the article was to analyse the qualitative approach to product improvement by Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) from the Visegrad Group (V4) countries (Poland, Slovakia, Czech Republic, and Hungary). Design/methodology/approach: The analysed results included a research sample of 379 companies in the electromechanical industry (machinery processing industry). The sample was obtained between March and September 2023 by means of a guided survey. Analyses of the results of quantitative research were carried out to verify the approaches of SMEs from V4 countries to pro-quality product, including comparative analyzes of the results obtained. Analyses were performed using the ANOVA test (repeated measure designs). The Mann Whitney U test was used to identify statistically significant differences in entrepreneurs' responses. The significance level adopted was α = 0.05. Findings: It has been shown that SMEs from V4 countries have different approaches to improving product quality. Additionally, it was shown that both in the case of pro-quality activities of SMEs from the V4 countries, the lowest consistency of assessments occurs in the following countries: Poland and Slovakia, Poland and Hungary, Slovakia and Hungary. Practical implications: Research results may contribute to more effective and coherent development activities of SMEs in the V4 countries as part of their sustainable development. Social implications: Based on the research conducted, it is possible to provide SMEs in V4 countries with a more adequate approach to undertake consistent and effective quality activities as part of the improvement of the product. Originality/value: Determining the current pro-quality approach to product improvement in SMEs in the V4 countries. The novelty is also the identification of the importance (level of importance) of these approaches in each V4 country, as well as the determination of the similarities and differences between these approaches in SMEs from countries in the Visegrad Group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Benchmarking is a process of improving organizational performance by recognizing, comprehending, adjusting, and incorporating the most effective practices and procedures observed either within or outside an organization. Benchmarking creates, primarily in industrial sectors, clearly identified opportunities for the use of processes and resources, and detecting the continuous improvement of their performance. From the point of view of a systemic approach to the management of the efficiency of the performance of industrial organizations based on benchmarking, it is possible to increase competitiveness in interaction with economic improvements. The objective of this study is to assess the potential of benchmarking in a business, with a particular focus on the economic aspect, by a systematic approach, and to propose a model for selecting the research segment, based on an international company operating across multiple countries worldwide. The study concentrates on the technical equipment of quarries in EU countries, where the company operates, employing benchmarking, a benchmark index, and statistical methods. The proposed model was designed in an open way that can be expanded and generalized for other manufacturing and non-manufacturing enterprises. The model is flexible and adaptable to the specifics of other sectors as regards the need to improve management with an emphasis on making management more efficient, and thereby supporting sustainable development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to propose a combination of methods as part of the analysis of progress in the context of the achievement of one of the Sustainable Development Goals (Goal 12: responsible consumption and production) by Poland and Slovakia using sustainable development indicators. The method used was diagnostic survey, comparative analysis, and within the framework of data collection, the techniques of content analysis and desk research, which were integrally combined in the research procedure. The implementation of the analysis indicated that surveillance using sustainable development indicators is associated with difficulties (for example, gaps in the availability of standardized data and difficult access to adequate data) and generalizations and subjectivity. This analysis showed that the countries are successively striving to meet the provisions that are related to Goal 12. Estimates of the degree of achievement of the goal are adequate for the duration of the goal. Priority activities of the countries should focus on increasing the level of development of ecological agriculture, striving to increase the efficiency of use of available resources, changing the approach to available resources (moving away from linear development), and changing consumption patterns (increased development of a closed-loop economy). Future research areas will focus on analyzing the level of implications of the goals of Agenda 2030 in Poland and Slovakia and developing developmental forecasts for both countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Management & Quality / Zarządzanie i Jakość is the property of Scientific Society of Organization & Management / Towarzystwo Naukowe Organizacji i Kierownictwa 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.)

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to analyze the essence of the concept of sustainable development and the level of fulfillment of one of the sustainable development goals of selected countries in comparison with the European Union based on a system of indicators. The level of fulfillment of Sustainable Development Goal 8 - decent work and economic growth in Poland and Slovakia was studied. Design/methodology/approach: The research methodology used a diagnostic survey method comparative analysis and, to gather data, content analysis and desk research techniques. Findings: As a result of the analysis carried out, it was found that surveillance using sustainable development indicators is fraught with various difficulties. An example of an inconvenience is: the need to standardize data for European Union countries and the lack of access or difficult access to adequate data in individual countries. In addition, the indicator method is characterized by certain generalizations and is fraught with subjectivity. However, the need for control and implementation of cyclical data analysis and information on the progress of implementation of the provisions of sustainable development in the member countries of the European Union is undeniable. Research limitations/implications: An identified limitation in the implementation of the presented research methodology is the potential shortcomings in the availability of data necessary to calculate indicators monitoring the degree of achievement of sustainable development goals and the different level of detail available within the countries of the European Union community. Practical implications: The results of the conducted research procedure provide factual knowledge that can support the process of creating future strategic plans to further the goals of sustainable development. Originality/value: The study completes the research gap concerning comparative analyses of the level of fulfillment of selected sustainable development goals by Poland and Slovakia in relation to the level that has been registered for the European Union. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the importance of benchmarking in maintenance processes. Maintenance benchmarking is a process used by organizations to evaluate and improve their maintenance practices and performance by comparing them to industry standards or best practices. The goal of maintenance benchmarking is to identify areas for improvement, optimize resource allocation, and enhance overall operational efficiency. The changing environment of small and medium-sized enterprises in recent years has produced new pressures and concerns. In this present environment and in the future, successful companies will be those that can continually improve and adapt their services to meet and exceed the demands of stakeholders. The goal of the improvement might concern the actual quality of the state of the environment in one case, whereas in another case, the focus could be on environmental costs or the satisfaction of the citizens with environmental services. The benchmarking type used and the benchmarking objectives will influence the criteria for choosing benchmarking partners. Benchmarking is currently one of the most effective industrial performance improvement processes. In this regard, benchmarking, formal and structured observation, and exchanging ideas between organizations may prove to be valuable tools. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the concept of the circular economy as a term was first mentioned in 2015, when the "Action Plan for the circular economy" was adopted at the European level, it is still not possible to speak of a sufficient knowledge base in this area. The Action Plan (COM (2015) 614) can be seen as an initial strategic document that sets out a concrete and ambitious roadmap for implementing the Sustainable Development Agenda 2030. However, the European Green Agreement cannot be left out in this context either (COM(2019) 640). It is seen as a new growth strategy to transform the EU into a fair and prosperous society with a modern, competitive, resource-efficient economy, with net greenhouse gas emissions expected to be zero by 2050 and economic growth independent of resource use. A new EU circular economy action plan - Towards a cleaner and more competitive Europe was also adopted in 2020 (COM(2020) 98). The main priority areas are measures focusing on the value chains of key products electronics and ICT (information and communication technologies), batteries and vehicles, plastics, textiles, packaging, construction and buildings, food, water and nutrients measures covering all links in the value chain from production to consumption, repair and refurbishment, waste management up to the return of raw materials back to the economy and their use in the production cycle in the form of secondary raw materials. The transition to a circular economy also includes a revision of the European waste directives: on waste, on packaging and packaging waste, on landfills, on batteries and accumulators and used batteries and accumulators, and on waste electrical and electronic equipment. In order for all of this to be possible, it is necessary to know the amount of waste produced by individual sectors, which is also dealt with in our article. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The aim of the article was to propose the possibility of implementing a work standardisation card for a company in the passenger land transport industry – a ski lift. Design/methodology/approach: The analysed ski lift, located in Southern Poland, should undergo daily checks on the condition of its equipment to ensure trouble-free operation. Current non-standardised operations may increase the risk of error. The proposed document, the work standardisation card, makes it possible to supervise the control and minimise the possibility of failure. Findings: The introduction of the work standardisation card allows to increase the efficiency of the work and the analysis of the results obtained allowed to classify the most time-consuming activities. Research limitations/implications: In order to reduce costs, as a result of failures, and to increase quality and customer satisfaction, it is proposed to introduce documents as part of the working standard. Practical implications: Future research should focus on opportunities to further improve machine condition monitoring. The presented methodology can be applied to other activities that occur during ski lift operation, such as breakdowns. Originality/value: The work is a useful resource for companies in the tourism and transport industry and the transport sector, due to the universality of the standards used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The basic purpose of research was to determine the causes of making the decision that manufacturers on their way to improve the quality of their products. Design/methodology/approach: The research method applied in article is mainly standardized survey research making based on survey conducted in contact and remote way conducted in 78 enterprises in south-eastern Poland. The research process also accompanied analysis of the source documentation. Findings: It was concluded that decision during improving quality of the product were making mainly in simultaneously with considering customers' requirements of the customers about the quality of the products and the impact of products on the natural environment. Research limitations/implications: Most of the verified enterprises from SMEs are tried integrating qualitative-environmental actions as part of improving the quality of products. This is a favorable condition for further research, so that it is possible to adjust the quality and environmental approach when improving the quality of products in SMEs. Practical implications: Discussion of the results of research have a series of practical implications mainly for product management staff. Especially in organizations that designed new products or also in significant modification of these products. Social implications: Building awareness improves not only quality of products, but also simultaneously in line with sustainable development, including in improving environmental aspects. Originality/value: The article has cognitive value for development of knowledge, science, quality, and environmental in the area of management of products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The aim of this paper is to determine the level of development in the EU-10 countries in view of social phenomena. Design/methodology/approach: the TOPSIS method was applied to rank countries in terms of social phenomena – the list comprised countries, which in 2004 accessed the EU. The paper focused on social phenomena, i.e. health, the labour market, housing, demography and education. Findings: It refers to the basic assumptions and the importance of integration in the international context as well as the related theories. Moreover, it presents the relationship between integration and the level of development in countries in terms of the social aspects. At the same time it discusses the process of social changes which have taken place in the Central and Eastern European countries (CEESs) since their accession to the European Union. Research limitations/implications: The text discusses problems related to the European integration and social development in the EU countries. Practical implications: The manuscript concerns social development in the EU-10 countries and European integration. It may be of interest for the broadly understood governmental sector. Social consequences: Conducted studies will constitute the basis for the development of European and national development strategies in terms of improvement of welfare for the populations, while also indicating the direction of changes and ensuring comparability of the results concerning transformations in the countries, which accessed the EU in 2004. Originality/value: The originality of the study will stem from the application of the TOPSIS method, required to classify the countries and to determine the standard of their development in terms of social phenomena. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The main goal of the research was to determine the spectrum of instruments supporting management processes that are used to improve the quality of products in terms of sustainable development. We analyzed the degree of their use in the practical functioning of the surveyed enterprises. In addition, the aim of the research was to determine the scope of application of the indicated instruments or the possibility of their use in the decision-making process relating to the improvement of the broadly understood quality of products. Design/methodology/approach: The research method applied are: 1) standardized survey research making based on a survey conducted in contact and remote way conducted in 78 enterprises in south-eastern Poland; 2) analysis of the source documentation and in-depth interviews. It is a component of broader research. Findings: The following methods were used in decision-making processes with varying frequency: the Delphi method by 58% of respondents, Tree of Failure Analysis (by 52%), Event Tree Analysis (by 44%), and the QFD method (by 41% respondents). The surveyed companies that have implemented a vapour management system based on ISO standards tend to use 5 methods out of 25 cited in this study (these are a survey, brainstorming, 5Why and/or 5W2H, benchmarking, and the Delphi method). As a result of using mainly the abovementioned methods in decision-making processes, 74% (out of all) of the respondents indicated an increase in the quality level of products, and 39% of respondents indicated the enhancement of the pro-ecological impact of products on the natural environment. Research limitations/implications: Most of the analysed enterprises from SMEs are tried integrating qualitative-environmental actions as part of improving the quality of products. This approach is crucial when improving the quality of products in SMEs. Practical implications: It is necessary to develop a multidimensional modl enabling the optimization of decision-making processes with the possibility of making full use of the available instruments for improving the quality of the product in such a way as to meet the rapidly changing requirements of stakeholders. Originality/value: The article has cognitive value for development of knowledge, science, quality, and environmental in the area of management of products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose was to develop an approach to predict product quality considering current customers' expectations. Design/methodology/approach: The approach includes integrated techniques, i.e.: SMART(-ER) method, a questionnaire with the Likert scale, brainstorming (B&M), WSM method, and Naïve Bayes Classifier. This approach refers to obtaining customers' expectations for satisfaction from the current quality of products and the importance of these criteria. Based on the satisfaction of customers, the quality of the product was estimated and classified. Then, the quality of the product was predicted for current customers. Findings: It was shown that it is possible to predict product quality based on current customer expectations, and so based on the current existing product. Research limitations/implications: The proposed approach does not include the possibilities of determining the expected quality of the product. The approach focuses on predicting customers' satisfaction with the current quality of the product. Therefore, if there is a need for improvement actions, further analyzes should be carried out to determine which criteria should be modified and how. Practical implications: The presented approach can be used for any product. Therefore, it is a useful tool for any kind of organization, which strives to meet customer satisfaction. Despite the possibility to predict the quality of the product, the proposed approach can indicate at an early stage to the organization that it is necessary to make improvement actions. Social implications: It is possible to reduce the waste of resources by predicting that improvement actions are necessary. Moreover, the approach supports an entity (e.g., expert, enterprise, interested parties) in predicting current customers' satisfaction. Originality/value: Originality is predicting product quality based on current customers' expectations. A new combination of quality management techniques, decision support, and machine learning was implemented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The importance of foreign direct investment in the mining industry can be illustrated in the case of countries whose economy relies heavily on the mining sector as this attracts major foreign investment to them. The aim of the study is to determine whether there is a link between the inflow of foreign direct investment and the selected macroeconomic indicators in OECD countries and to identify groups of countries showing similar characteristics in this context. The evaluation of the interconnection of selected indicators in this study was made firstly by examining if there is a link between the examined macroeconomic indicators (independent variables) and the FDI inflow (dependent variable). The results showed that an increase in labour productivity could be reflected in an increase in FDI inflows. Based on the results obtained, the backward link in relation to labour productivity was also examined, whether there is a link between the macroeconomic indicators (independent variables) and the labour productivity (dependent variable), resulting in that an increase in FDI inflows could translate into an increase in labour productivity. The paper also included cluster analysis, the main goal of which was to determine countries based on the evaluation of labour productivity and the inflow of foreign direct investment. Four clusters have been identified, two large ones and two clusters containing individual countries (Ireland and Luxembourg). All of the V4 countries are included in one of the large clusters, including the countries which are characterised by low variability in average labour productivity and high variability in the average inflow of foreign investment. The mining industry's recommendations, conclusions, and implications are focused mainly on this cluster of countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article deals with innovation management in the conditions of a manufacturing company whose aim is to reduce the working time fund that directly determines productivity or efficiency of the company in competitive market conditions. Based on explicit quantification of time frames based on an analytical - chronometric method applicable to production operations in the process. The results of observation, time measurement, research and evaluation of time consumption during the implementation of a repeated production operation, or its complex part within defined production site are presented. Based on explicitly performed quantitative analysis, introducing of innovative technology, innovative solutions in the field of production technology management that support sustainable development with an emphasis on the development of environmental quality are presented including an explicit quantification of working time fund savings through the implementation of innovative machinery and equipment in critical production operations of the analysed production process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The aim was to analyze inconsistencies in the production process of rebated internal frame and panel doors using KPIs and to identify causes of deviations from the quality plan using selected quality management tools. Design/methodology/approach: KPIs and instruments of quality management (Pareto-Lorenz diagram, Ishikawa diagram and 5 Why?) were used. The survey covered products manufactured in the third and fourth quarters of 2019. Findings: It was found that the most serious non-compliance was the presence of an uneven rim surface (Pareto-Lorenz diagram). Potential causes were inadequate gluing of the door leaf layers and the use of worn flange processing equipment (Ishikawa diagram). On the other hand, the root cause of the quality problem turned out to be the lack of supervision and proper training of employees (5Why method). Research limitations/implications: The presented research process has no limitations – it can be used in manufacturing companies. Further research will concern the application of the methodology to the analysis of other products offered by the company. Practical implications: the research contributed to the identification of the causes of the lowered quality level, which will allow to implement appropriate remedial measures. As part of the improvement measures, training must be carried out at the workplace and the availability of work instructions must be ensured. Originality/value: so far no extended quality analyses have been conducted in the company – no KPIs have been used in combination with extended analyses carried out with the use of quality management tools. The presented methodology is useful for the company where the analysis was made and for the manufacturing companies that want to effectively improve their production processes [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Waste Forum is the property of Czech Environment Management Center (CEMC) 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.)

Mineral resources are an integral part of society's life and affect many sectors of society's economy. None of the production sectors of the economy and social life can exist without securing a sufficient amount of minerals. In this article, we deal with the analysis of the raw materials policy of the Slovak Republic. A necessary condition for the creation of the raw material policy of the territory is the knowledge of the raw material base and the raw material needs of the given territory. Without this knowledge, raw materials policy-making is impossible. We made an analysis of the legal environment on the basis of which we created a set of critical areas of the Slovak Republic raw materials policy. We have drafted a recommendation to be incorporated into the legislative proposals with regard to raw materials policy. The proposed recommendation could ensure the sustainability of the country's mining industry as well as streamlining mining fees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the article is to analyze the production process of cups, which are prizes for outstanding athletes, eliminate the causes of incompatibility of the product contributing to financial losses and generation of production waste and use of natural resources, and propose preventive actions. The methodology of solving a problem of the inappropriate amount of glue in the top of products consisted in the ultimate data connection coming from the Pareto graph - of Lorenzo, the session of the brainstorming, the diagram of resemblance and analysis 5 x Why? The analysis shows that the reason for the inadequate amount of glue at the top cover is the poor technical condition of the machinery park in the company and the lack of proper maintenance procedures for machinery and equipment. The presented methodology of solving the problem of non-compliance in the product is universal. There is a possibility of implications of the presented method of reduction or elimination of product non-compliance in manufacturing companies. The originality of the study was expressed in the methodology of solving the research problem. The use of a single quality management tool or method does not provide assurance that the problem will be solved and that the non-conformity of the product will be significantly reduced and eliminated. The original character of the study also manifests itself in the author's approach to the issue of product quality assurance in the context, not only financial or image, but also in the concept of sustainable development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article is dealing with the issue of limestone in V4 countries, in the countries, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Poland and Hungary. The limestone is intensely mined because it has a multilateral use: it serves as gravel, building stone, peculiarly coloured varieties are used as a decorative stone; the largest quantity is consumed in the production of cement and lime. In the metallurgy, limestone (high percentile) is an important slag-forming additive; in confectionery is the source of necessary CO2. At the beginning of the article, are analysed the general properties, formation and composition of limestone. It is followed by mining and preparation and processing of limestone. In the part of the article dealing with production, are parts focused on the production of V4 countries, but also part dealing with the production of concrete products and their use in the industrial sectors. Data collected about export and import of the limestone led to the acquisition of business analyses and the creation of maps for better visualisation of acquired knowledge. In the article are processed data of limestone, its production in V4 countries and export and import, which were statistically processed and evaluated by the test Wilcoxon /Kruskal-Walis. As can be seen from the collected data and its processing, the business has a local character. The biggest producer is Poland, followed by the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary. Biggest exporter of the limestone is Poland; the biggest importer is the Czech Republic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The logistics as one of the levels of company management deals with managing and securing flows in chains and networks. Typical chain in production enterprises of extracting and processing raw materials are production processes, the chain of production operations. Production processes in the industry that belong to the class are homogeneous production processes. This article discusses the methodology of creating management systems in terms of their specifics. The basic characteristic of homogeneous production processes (HPP) is manufacturing one product, respectively narrow assortment of products. HPP has specific characteristics and features, such as continuous material flow, discrete and continuity operations and facilities, notably in terms of heating equipment, long life and high investment costs for the construction, big inertia in terms of management, etc. This group also includes the processes and procedures of raw materials extraction processes, processing of raw materials, metallurgical processes, petrochemical manufacturing, building materials processes, etc. Continuously discrete processes, before modelling, are necessary to be transformed into discrete form, because there is a lot of tools for their modelling in the area of discrete processes. This requires specific approaches for their modelling, management and logistics. The basic management principle applied to such processes is a Feed forward, which can provide theoretical invariance of the controlled process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]