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This article concerns the management of the Polish mining company Lubelski Węgiel (LW) Bogdanka S.A. The main aim of this paper was to describe the whole process of implementing a process approach to management in one of the most important mining companies in Poland. The objective of the research presented was the incorporation of the process approach in LW Bogdanka S.A. to enhance its management and to improve the effectiveness of its mining process. This paper uses a case study method and presents a practical incorporation of the process approach and its results. The first phase of the proposed solution included building a map of business processes. Then, the research consisted of an analysis of existing processes; the introduction of new solutions, mainly in the field of infrastructure and IT systems; and changing the awareness of key process owners. The motivation for applying this approach was to achieve greater efficiency and continuous improvement in LW Bogdanka S.A. The main results and achievements were not merely limited to the development of a map of processes and subprocesses, but also led to an improvement in organizational structure, changes in approach to company management, a diagnosis of problems in the most important company departments, and the proposal of solutions to them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The need to undertake research work on the commercialization of results from scientific research and development projects emerged from the Author’s professional experience as well as the incomprehensive literature on the role of Polish research institutes in the process of technology transfer and commercialization of innovative solutions, in particular in the case of mining machinery and equipment. From the available literature, the commercialization of research results and technology transfer are analyzed from the perspectives of academia and entrepreneurs, but there is no analysis of this challenge from the perspective of the research institutes which create the majority of innovative solutions implemented in Poland. The research results presented in this article identify and highlight not only the main factors which facilitate knowledge transfer in the widest sense, but also the barriers which should be overcome. An integrated commercialization model of research results, developed by the Author, is described in the article. Some examples of other models, used to assess innovative technology transfer processes, i.e. Transfer model of the Cracow University of Technology, Jolly’s model, United model (science + market), Trzmielak’s linear – subsequent model, Network – interactive model and IpOp model, are also presented. Special attention is paid to the process of generating innovative ideas and to the area of efficient project management. Based on the integrated model, practical management recommendations for the successful commercialization of innovative solutions are given. It is highlighted that the integrated model can be treated as a diagnostic tool, enabling an efficient assessment of the transfer of research results and commercialization of innovative solutions.

Purpose: The article presents the survey results, concerning commercialization processes conducted in scientific and research organizations in the scope of research and development projects’ results of innovative character, with the use of Internet and social media as marketing tools. Design/methodology/approach: The questionnaires were distributed among universities, research institutes and institutes of the Polish Academy of Sciences. Special attention was paid to the most commonly used commercialization methods such as sales of the R&D results, granting a license for R&D results and making a contribution in a form of R&D results. The Authors were particularly interested in the type of collaboration oriented onto a commercialization of research results such as a development of a new product, a modification of an existing product, an elaboration of a new process, a modification of an existing process, entering a new market, a participation in a creation of economic programmes as well as opinions, expert opinions and reports. Findings: The research results, presented in the article, also reflect different forms of disseminating the R&D offer with use of the Internet and the social media such as the website of the institute, branch website portals, social media e.g. Facebook, X portal (former Twitter), multi-media website pages e.g. YouTube, Flicker, Picasa, SlideShare. Originality/value: The article assesses the factors that play a decisive role in the processes of successful commercialization of R&D research results in a research institute. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The article contains an analysis of inquiry results concerning the KOMAG employees’ job satisfaction and its impact on management processes. As in recent years a management style and paradigm were mainly oriented onto improving the employees’ motivation and commitment, it is important to highlight the significance of job satisfaction. Satisfied employees go beyond their formal duties, required by job description, and they are ready to put in an extra effort to achieve organizational goals. Based on available literature and on the results of conducted inquiry, the Authors concentrated their research work on human resources management in the aspect of motivation, leadership and organizational culture as well as their impact on job satisfaction and employees performance. The paper is ended with conclusions which can be treated as a form of guidelines for managers responsible for investments in building values and a maintenance of all the efficient activities oriented onto management processes of human resources. Design/methodology/approach: The main objective of the undertaken research work includes a presentation of the KOMAG employees’ job satisfaction survey, enabling to improve human resources management processes. A realization of research-and-cognitive objectives enabled to obtain knowledge concerning an important aspect of management activities. The main methods used for the research are as follows: - an analysis of publications, - a case-study method, - a heuristic method, - a method of diagnostic investigation (questionnaires). The subject scope of the paper embraces human resources management, in particular in the aspect of employees’ job satisfaction. Findings: The findings show an urgent need of introducing management measures oriented onto an improvement of the KOMAG employees’ level of job satisfaction, in particular in the area of appreciation needs. An introduction of the holocration system should be taken into consideration as it rejects a traditional model of a company and makes self-organizing collective bodies active and creative. It is worth highlighting that an encouragement of employees to undertake activities of innovative character and an appreciation of their achievements are equally important as risk assessment and budget management in projects. Originality/value: An approach to the management process of human resources seems to be new due to highlighting the job satisfaction aspect. Some recommendation and guidelines, based on survey results, are also a sort of novelty as they emphasize the aspect of appreciation needs. A suggestion of implementing holocration processes at the KOMAG Institute of Mining Technology confirms this new approach to managing human resources in an efficient manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: As negotiations play an important role in commercialization processes of research projects’ results, the Authors of the paper decided to share their knowledge and scientific experience with present and future negotiators. In the case of six research projects the multiple dimensions of negotiation processes such as the substantial, communication and emotional aspects are presented. The paper is ended with some guidelines which can facilitate negotiation processes, enabling to avoid mistakes, often made even by experienced negotiators. Design/methodology/approach: The objectives were achieved in the result of an in-depth analysis of six innovative projects, realized at the KOMAG Institute. Based on these casestudies it was possible to formulate general character, taking into consideration holistic aspects of negotiation processes. Findings: In the result of the research work the following findings and conclusions were formulated: the preparatory phase of negotiations should include a development of strategy and tactics, risk assessment and contingency planning; a significance of active questioning, testing, persuading, monitoring and documenting processes can be seen clearly in the result of conducted analyses; a correct negotiation process requires an ability of coordinating activities, a good communication and a flow of information; based on in-depth analysis of the six casestudies, it can be conducted that the “win-win” process of negotiations seems to be most successful. Research limitations/implications: The Authors intend to continue their research work in future, taking into consideration the philosophy and psychology of the art of negotiating. Practical implications: The research results, described in the paper, have pragmatic outcomes and applications for business. Originality/value: The paper is addressed to all the present and future negotiators. Its special value results from a pragmatic approach of the Authors to negotiating processes. The findings are based on multi-year scientific experience of the Authors in a commercialization of innovation research projects’ results. Negotiations seem to be relatively easy theoretically, however in practical everyday business life they are difficult, complicated and risky. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article is a review of papers, presentations, expert opinions concerning a just transition of post-mining areas in the light of technical, economic, ecological and social aspects, which were the subject-matter of the International Scientific-and-Technical Conference, organized by the KOMAG Institute of Mining Technology in Gliwice, Poland and the IHP Hydraulics and Pneumatics Research Institute in Bucarest, Romania. The Conference participants concentrated their discussions both on the social effects of transition, on the economic aspects of activities concerning a collaboration of circummining companies as well as on technical and technological challenges in the mines already closed down or in those which are currently subject to the closing-down processes. Some possibilities of a reorientation of the mining plants towards generating and storage of green energy were presented. It should be borne in mind that a transition of the European Economy in the direction of more green and climate friendly is one of the most important objectives determined by the European Union. In particular, it is a big challenge for mining regions such as Silesia in Poland. The transition process includes a liquidation of underground workings and of the surface infrastructure and a series of indispensable activities oriented onto a restoration of the natural environment and a protection of mining plants areas against hazards which may occur after a termination of their operation. The article is ended with some information concerning a role research institutes in the just transition of post-mining areas and a new strategy of KOMAG as GREEN INSTITUTE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the role and significance of managerial skills in the management of innovative projects oriented toward mining machines and equipment for the underground exploitation of minerals. Based on the Authors' multi-year experience gained at the KOMAG Institute of Mining Technology, the shaping of managerial skills and impact techniques are described. Different aspects of impact techniques such as an auto presentation, a presentation, arts of negotiations and business etiquette are highlighted. Group dynamics, a process of team creation, sources of leader's knowledge, settlements of conflicts, "brain-storming", as well as methods of taking decisions are analysed from the perspective of successful management of innovative projects. The article ends with some guidelines to avoid errors in project management processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Regulations related to the activities of research institutes, the regulations specifying the criteria and procedure for awarding a scientific category to research institutes and the principles of financing science, as well as the economic policy of the European Union in terms of increasing innovation and reforming the R&D sphere force the need to restructure marketing in the research sector. The aim of this article is to present solutions used by research institutes in marketing communication, leading to the development of cooperation with various market participants. Design/methodology/approach: This is a review article. For this purpose, a review of Polish and foreign literature was carried out to synthetically show the solutions currently used by research institutes. Additionally, to show the challenges facing the institutes, a few words were devoted to new technologies. Findings: Offers of research institutes are specific and require the use of special solutions in marketing, and the new economic conditions, in which the research institutes currently operate, force them to introduce innovative solutions and implement new directions in the field of marketing activities. Research institutes should react and intensify marketing activities to strengthen their image and maintain the current one, as well as to acquire new markets for the offered products, including R&D projects results. Originality/value: The review of available literature enables to draw conclusions of a general character which can be a sort of guidelines for the management of the research institutes. The efficiency state-of-the-art marketing tools differs as regards innovative solutions, so it seems to be useful to analyze different possibilities in this scope. As the Author of this article has been involved in marketing activities of the KOMAG Institute for several years, it is interesting to be acquainted with her first hand professional experience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents interdisciplinary knowledge on the management of occupational health and safety in hard coal mines with special attention paid to a control of the dust hazard. Shaping the safety culture is analyzed in the social, organizational and technical aspects. It should be borne in mind that accidents at work-places result not only from dangerous conditions but also from dangerous behaviours of workers. Shaping of safe work conditions in the mining industry is essential due to a high degree of complexity of technological processes and also due to natural hazards. In the article some information is given on the reasons of accidents in the coal mining industry. A model of the safety culture impact on a frequency of accidents and occupational diseases as well as the conditions for undertaking safe behaviours are discussed. It is highlighted that safety culture requires a complex approach oriented onto an investigation of relationships among: man-labour-environment. The article is ended with a description of the conception of occupational health and safety management in the aspect of dust hazards. It sorts out the knowledge and gives pragmatic guidelines, concerning the safety issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]