Businesses In Poland Research Articles

Parental attitudes and entrepreneurial success

For many years, researchers have been interested in learning about factors that influence the accomplishment of entrepreneurial success. Thus far, their attention has been directed towards organizational and psychological factors, whereas family factors have been given little consideration. The objective of this study is to verify the influence of family factors, understood as parental attitudes and the structure of one’s family of origin, on the achievement of entrepreneurial success. Research has been conducted on a group of 64 entrepreneurs who have run successful businesses in Poland. The following tools were used: the Questionnaire of Entrepreneurial Success, the Questionnaire of the Retrospective Assessment of Parental Attitudes, the Flexibility and Cohesion Evaluation Scales, and a personal details datasheet. Negative correlations have been identified among various parental attitudes, such as excessive demands and inconsistency and entrepreneurial success. Furthermore, the manner of communication among the members of the family of origin and the degree of satisfaction with family life have emerged as important factors in entrepreneurial success. However, no significant correlations have been found between entrepreneurial success and parental attitudes (i.e., acceptance, autonomy) or dimensions of family structure (cohesion and flexibility).

Green Logistics: The Way to Environmental Sustainability of Logistics. Empirical Evidence from Polish SMEs

The needs related to natural environment protection, which are accentuated both in world literature and practice, became the main prerequisite to find new management concepts enabling the development of solutions which are environmentally responsible and economically effective at the same time. One of the concepts which can be an answer for the requirements related to environment protection is the ‘green logistics’ concept. The literature review shows that publications referring to the development of ‘green logistics’ have so far focused primarily on the processes of implementation and development of ‘green logistics’ in large enterprises. In other words, the reviewed research studies didn’t take into account the specific nature of the SME sector, which is a very important factor considering its diversity and, most of all, its high significance and size in the economy. As a consequence, a research gap related to the development of ‘green logistics’ among small and medium-sized enterprises was identified. To explore the identified research gap, a survey among 200 SMEs running their businesses in Poland was conducted. On the basis of the conducted research, it was revealed that SMEs’ activities related to environment protection when running logistics processes are mostly determined by actual legal provisions. However, this amounts to enterprises reaching a certain minimum related to the state's environmental policy. On the other hand, it’s worth emphasising the role of the supply chain leader, which becomes a strong driving force for implementing ‘green’ solutions in the area of logistics for enterprises with higher levels of ‘green logistics’ development. The research results can be a starting point for creating a model illustrating the development of ‘green logistics’ in the SME sector.
 Keywords: green logistics, environmental sustainability, SME

Impact of working capital management on business profitability: Evidence from the Polish dairy industry

The main purpose of this paper was to examine the causative link between Working Capital Management (WCM) and Return On Assets (ROA) in milk processing companies. Days Sales of Inventory (DSI), Days Sales Outstanding (DSO), Days Payable Outstanding (DPO) and the Cash Conversion Cycle (CCC) were used as WCM metrics. The study was based on micro-data for Polish dairy companies from 2008–2017, retrieved from the Emerging Markets Information Service (EMIS) database. Based on panel regression models, it was demonstrated that extending the DSI and CCC had an adverse effect on ROA, whereas extending the DSO and DPO had a beneficial impact on ROA in dairy companies. Such relationships were mostly characteristic of SMEs which form the largest group of businesses in Poland.

Application of grey clusters in the development of a Synthetic Model of the goals of Polish family enterprises' successors

PurposeThe knowledge of goals of the successor, who is preparing to take over the business, is extremely important for the succession process and further operation of a family enterprise. The aim of this study is to structure the goals of Polish family enterprises’ successors and to develop a Synthetic Model of the goals of Polish family enterprises' successors with the application of grey clustering evaluation models.Design/methodology/approachResearch into the specifics of the diagnosis and assessment of the goals set for the successors of the first succession in family businesses in Poland was carried out in the third quarter of 2016 at two stages using two research methods: in-depth group interview and individual interview. The main aim of the first stage was the extraction of subjectively identified goals by family enterprises' successors (based on their succession experience). The statements were open and obtained during two in-depth group interviews (2 FGI) with successors being in the process of succession at its various stages (total, n = 14). The respondents presented their experiences connected with the succession process along with emotions that are associated with it. In one of the interview stages, the respondents were asked to enumerate their individual goals they set for themselves in the context of upcoming changes. Next, the group agreed on the most frequently mentioned goals by creating their verbal interpretation. The obtained list of 20 goals was recorded and discussed, and thanks to the application of the elimination rule in the collective decision-making process, that list was reduced to 10 goals, which was approved by all participating successors.FindingsThe results show the developed Synthetic Model of the goals of family enterprises’ successors. The study singled out four groups of successors: (1) successors who do not work in the family enterprise yet, (2) successors holding lower-level positions, (3) successors holding managerial positions, (4) successors who manage the entire company. As a result of the calculations, the developed Synthetic Model of the goals of family enterprises' successors was positively verified for successors working in higher-level positions and successors managing the entire family enterprise.Research limitations/implicationsIn order to use the results of clustering, e.g. for conducting studies on large samples with the use of statistical tools, a reduced number of goals should be taken into account. A thorough study of three goals may bring results similar to the study of the original ten successors of Polish family enterprises in the process of succession. The aim of future research is to develop a mathematical model using optimization functions that enable selection of elements representing individual clusters in such a way that it leads to the extraction of the elements with the highest value in relation to the accepted criterion for assessing their value.Originality/valueIn the future, conducting family business research in accordance with the developed methodology requires a look at the proposed list of successor goals obtained during the Focus Group Interview (FGI) as it could be shortened using the Cluster of Grey Incidence method. Shortening the list of goals has its analytic and practical justifications. The study of the full list of goals in subsequent (and numerous further studies) could lead to errors related to, for example, different interpretation of goals among the investigated successors. Furthermore, the full list of goals would increase costs and extend research time.

Preventive Measures Reducing the Risk of Occurrence of Competence Gaps in Terms Of Emotional Intelligence of Successors in Family Businesses in Poland

The main aim of the research was to identify preventive measures that would minimise the risk of occurrence of competence gaps in terms of emotional intelligence of successors in family businesses. The article contains issues related to emotional intelligence of successors in contemporary family businesses. The author underlined complexity and ambiguity of a process aimed at elaborating a set of successors’ competencies necessary to run family businesses, which has been a subject of research of many representatives of the academic community (in the field of psychology and management). The main aim of the article was to emphasize the importance of competencies of successors in contemporary family businesses, with particular emphasis on competences related to emotional intelligence, which constitute an important part of their competences.It was proved by results achieved by other researchers, as mentioned herein, combined with the author’s own research.The article described a notion of successors’ emotional education, with particular importance of the role of parents in the early years of their children, when the children are learning how to manage their emotions and relationships. The author also indicated sample actions and methods destined to enhance competencies within the scope of emotional intelligence, along with benefits derived from their application. The role of the self-development method was emphasized, which is based on systematic work on the development of personal competences and is a method that supports the strategy of family businesses because it leads to a change in attitudes in terms of quality.

BARRIERS TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF FAMILY BUSINESS IN POLAND

The purpose of this article was to present the barriers that hinder the development of family businesses in Poland. The authors presented the concept of family business, identified barriers to their development and characterized them. The topic of succession and its impact on the company’s development was also discussed.

Stratification of Domains Using Composite Estimation to Measure the Revenue Level of Small Businesses in Poland

To meet the growing demand for detailed, precise, accurate and timely estimation of entrepreneurship and economic conditions, it is necessary to systematically extend the scope of information provided by business statistics. In view of the policy aimed at reducing survey costs and burdens for business units, the only way in which this objective can be achieved is by modernizing survey methodology. One area where this kind research is being conducted are applications of indirect estimation based on auxiliary sources of information from administrative sources. Hence, the purpose of the study described in this article is to evaluate the precision of estimates of revenues of small businesses for domains defined by spatial aggregation and business classification by applying stratification in composite estimators based on information collected from administrative registers.

Działania izb przemysłowo-handlowych na rzecz rozwoju innowacyjności polskich przedsiębiorstw

In a knowledge-based economy innovativeness is among the most significant factors that are decisive for the competitiveness of modern businesses. EU member states undertake numerous activities to support the innovativeness of their businesses and to reduce the distance between them and the global leaders of innovativeness. In Poland only a small proportion of businesses run innovative activities and the level of innovativeness of the economy significantly differs from that of the majority of EU states. Stimulating an enterprise’s innovative potential is significantly influenced by cooperation and connections with the institutions of the business environment. The institutions supporting the innovative activity of businesses in Poland are not fit to meet their needs. At the same time the civil factor, namely the entrepreneurs, is not taken advantage of. Their role in business life can be strengthened by the chambers of commerce and industry – the institutions of public law that represent all entrepreneurs and which are competent to participate in the shaping and implementation of policies to promote the innovativeness of the state and its regions.

Medical Family Businesses in Poland – Model and Managerial Challenges

Medical Family Businesses in Poland - Model and Managerial Challenges There is a deficit of data in Poland about characteristics of family enterprises providing medical services. The medical sector in Poland faces a rapid development of family businesses and is diverse because it encompasses various size business entities that specialize in many possible aspects of the medical business. The article is about the characteristics of family enterprises providing medical services and extent to which they resemble family businesses, and to which they are derived from medical service activities. The article is of theoretical nature and its aim is to propose the model for the functioning of family-owned medical businesses, taking into account the impact of the type of activity and the family organization. The first part of the article is focuses on characteristics of family businesses, there is relatively little representative research analyzing the share of family enterprises in the Polish economy and describing their character. The second part of the article is the problem of ethos of medical professions in relation to business and economic logics of an organization. In the third of the article part there is a proposal for a model combining both aspects of the functioning of this type of economic entities.

The Issues of Social Responsibility in Collaborative Economy Business Models

Purpose: The main aim of the paper is to analyse common aspects of the concepts of corporate social responsibility and collaborative economy through identifying the issues of social responsibility included in the collaborative economy business models. Design/methodology/approach: Firstly, the questionnaire survey was used to gather the opinions of the participants of the confer-ence assembling the representatives of sharing and collaborative businesses in Poland. Secondly, there were conducted two individ-ual in-depth interviews with CEOs of businesses active in the col-laborative economy sector. The aim of this phase was to illustrate the theoretical framework with practical business experiences. Findings: There are strong relations among collaborative econ-omy and corporate social responsibility. The research results suggest that business models in collaborative economy approach are designed to multiple value creation for a broader group of stakeholders rather than only for clients and an organisation. Con-ducted research revealed that the issue of responsibility even if not clearly communicated is a very important element of business models’ DNA especially in its social dimension. Research and practical limitations/implications: The research results can be useful for practitioners establishing new ventures and seeking for business models including collaborative and responsible business principles. Due to the limited number of com-panies it is not possible to extend the findings and conclusions to the whole population. Originality/value: The paper presents the business point of view on the issue of collaborative business models and their relations with social responsibility. The issue of responsibility was presented as a key element of multiple value creation. The chosen research method allowed to present the voice of business representatives. It can be treated as an initial step of further research. Paper type: research paper.

Zróżnicowanie tożsamości pierwotnej i wtórnej pracowników małych przedsiębiorstw w Polsce

Celem artykułu jest analiza zróżnicowania zatrudnienia ze względu na wybrane elementy tożsamości pierwotnej i wtórnej w organizacjach w Polsce zatrudniających od 10 do 40 pracowników. Dane o ponad 146 tys. zatrudnionych w 7,2 tys. małych zakładów pracy zostały pozyskane ze sprawozdania o strukturze wynagrodzeń według zawodów Z–12. Przeprowadzone badania pozwoliły wskazać, że wśród objętych badaniem pracowników małych przedsiębiorstw w Polsce występuje znaczne zróżnicowanie tożsamości, szczególnie w jej wtórnym wymiarze. Zidentyfikowano także istotną dywersyfikację tego zróżnicowania w odniesieniu do firm o różnej wielkości i działających w różnych branżach. Wykazano również, że instrumenty zarządzania różnorodnością mogą poprawić funkcjonowanie małych przedsiębiorstw w Polsce.

The significance of trade credit for micro and small enterprises

Purpose – This paper aims to assess the significance of trade credit – as a source of finance – for micro and small enterprises in Poland. Design/methodology/approach – This article reviews literature related to trade credit use by enterprises, with particular attention paid to its significance for micro and small businesses. The paper employs data from the Central Statistical Office of Poland (CSO) to assess the scale of trade credit use by small businesses in Poland. In this paper, the author also presents the results of her own research conducted on a sample of micro-enterprises from Lubelskie Province. Findings – Analysis of CSO data confirms the significant position of liabilities from deliveries and services in the short-term liabilities of small enterprises in Poland. The results of the author’s own research provide evidence that trade credit is of significant importance to its users. Analysis of reasons for not using trade credit by micro-enterprises suggests their mainly demand-side nature. Originality/value – Although the use of trade credit is widespread and it has been the subject of comprehensive research, there is a shortage of studies investigating trade credit use by micro and small enterprises in Poland. By empirically examining this issue, this article makes a contribution to the literature on trade credit.

Koszty agencji a działalność eksportowa firm rodzinnych

The purpose of this publication is to investigate the relationship between concerns about external and internal agency conflicts in family businesses and family control over the company and forms of international cooperation. The study is based on surveys conducted among 101 family businesses in Poland. The author examines the following theses in particular: ‒ the high level of concern about internal agency conflicts (within the company) implies that there will be more family control over the business; ‒ some forms of international cooperation are rarely used by family businesses due to concerns about international (external) agency conflicts that may arise between a family business and its foreign partners;‒ the main reason for undertaking international cooperation is to increase sales and reduce operating costs.

Corporate Social Responsibility in Poland: Businesses’ Self-Presentations

Purpose.The main purpose of the paper is to present the extent and content of businesses’ communication about Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in Poland. In particular, the study investigates the CSR actions and issues displayed on 24 companieś official websites. Methodology.A procedure to seek information about CSR on the web pages was defined. 24 companies (from the Energy and ICT sectors) from The Fortune 100 2014 ranking of businesses in Poland were used as a sample frame. The search was limited to those website areas which referred directly to the responsibilities and commitment of the company either to the society, the environment or the economy. Links to the relevant areas were searched for either on the home page of the company or in a section providing general company information. Results.The results show that the biggest businesses in Poland (Energy and ICT sectors) do not display the same eagerness to appear as socially responsible and employ diverse means to convey social responsibility images. The theoretical contribution.Over the past few years, businesses and academic researchers alike have displayed increased interest for Corporate Social Responsibility. In particular, the recent research suggests that CSR may be an excellent instrument to enhance the legitimacy of the firm among its stakeholders and to develop positive social responsibility images. The value of the paper is in the coding scheme which was developed based on an analysis of 100 companieś web pages. The coding scheme employed was based on the conceptualization of CSR as three logics – social, economical and environmental. Practical implications.Some studies have started to investigate how businesses use communications to highlight their commitment to CSR (e.g., Esrock & Leichty, 1998; Hooghiemstra, 2000). Against this backdrop, the present study examines how businesses in Poland communicate about CSR on their official web pages. The research findings can be used to show the best practices regarding CSR communication.Paper type: Research paper.

Effects of IT use in Improving Customer Service Logistic Processes

Abstract Customer service is one of the basic categories in logistics. Businesses aim at providing the best customer service at the lowest cost. Maintaining high quality of customer service is possible thanks to dedicated information technology systems such as ERP and CRM which help guide logistic processes in a business. The systems work hand in hand and their application should likely improve the results of a business. The article strives for demonstrating the influence of IT systems for improving the logistics of customer service (ERP and CRM systems) on the results of businesses in Poland, especially in terms of innovation and revenue in individual voivodships. To this end the analysis uses methods for correlation testing and elements of mathematical statistics. The data come from the years 2010, 2012, 2013 and 2014.

Directions of Changes in Organizational Structures of SME - Results of Empirical Research

Abstract The article presents results of empirical research concerning the directions of changes in organizational structures of SME which have occurred during the last few years. The research was carried out in a group of 380 enterprises running their businesses in Poland. The organizational structure generally described in respect of parameters such as centralization, formalization, standardization and configuration. The main part of this article is dedicated to changes that have occurred in organizational structures of SME.

Building Customer Loyalty on the Polish Market

ABSTRACT. Report presents the state and efficiency of communicating selected values in Poland. Author presents economic mechanisms of effectively communicating customer value. Instruments of consumer and business promotion are examined in the context of their effectiveness. Attention is paid to issues related to customer loyalty. Various loyalty programs based on benefits and emotions are presented. This paper also contains the results own of research done on the effectiveness of measures promoting sales, which was conducted among businesses in Poland in 2011 and among consumers in Poland in 2012. The process of communicating values (benefits) not only provides buyers with awareness of what products and services they can buy, but also of the benefits of the purchase for them. The communication process aims to create and strengthen attitudes among buyers, leading to a favorable reception of products (services) as well as a change of attitude from neutral to positive - creative. Reflections contained in the paper do not have definite characteristics and should be treated as an opinion in the discussion.JEL Classification M31Keywords: customer loyalty, communicating values, benefits, effectiveness.IntroductionThe communication process brings tangible value and benefits to consumers. There is a decrease in the distance between the seller and the buyer. In addition, it shortens the decision-making process for the purchase of a specific product, as the consumer knows what he needs. The level of education in society about changes in the products on offer, prices, new trends, etc. also improves.In the current economic reality, the survival and development of enterprises depends on respecting performance categories in various areas of the organization. Analysis and evaluation of the performance criterion is also important when taking into account the company's communication system with the market. A problem always arises when the application of the communication process has to answer to market and effectiveness criteria.In Poland market has become more competitive, consumer expectations have changed, and new technologies have entered the field of communication. There has been a natural tendency for society to divide into increasingly diverse consumer groups with well-specified preferences and expectations, and there is a greater demand for offers tailored specifically to their needs. In this situation, techniques and tools used in direct communication have become much more effective.1. Research MethodologyThe basis for the preparation of the paper was the conduction of an in-depth and comprehensive study on the effectiveness and efficiency of communicating customer value. This included the analysis of available secondary data from various institutions involved in marketing communications, both in scientific and commercial applications, as well as the analysis of primary research conducted on a regional basis on enterprises operating on the Polish market, and among the recipients of marketing communications.The aim of the study was to identify consumers' attitudes to selected forms of communication and to assess its impact on the decision-making process of buyers. Moreover, the aim of this study was to answer the question of whether, in the opinion of consumers, the system of communicating values is effective.The study used a typical case of non-random sampling of the population of Podlasie and Warmia-Mazury provinces, relying on a subjective and comfortable choice of individuals to be a part of the study group in hopes of getting the broadest and fullest set of information.The research tool used in the study was a questionnaire consisting of 20 questions about the process of communicating customer value, most of them closed questions. It was also the main research method in the project. Methods of data analysis were based on the creation of tables, which served as a way to compare various features of interest and were used to present the data. …

Liberalization and Deregulation of Taxi Market in Warsaw, Poland

Warsaw, the capital city of Poland with over 1.7 million of officially registered inhabitants and up to further 8 hundred thousand unregistered inhabitants (registered elsewhere in Poland) is the largest taxi cab market in the country with about 9 thousand officially registered cabs in 2013 gathered in almost 40 taxi corporations, and with unknown number of unregistered vehicles owned by person making attempts to circumvent regulation imposed on taxi businesses. Warsaw taxi market plays absolutely predominant role in any discussion on the regulation or liberalization of operation of taxi cab businesses at the level of central government. The regulation of operation of taxi cab businesses in Poland has traditionally been very centralized and decided at the country level by the national legislator (statutes of parliament and secondary legislation of the competent ministries) leaving not much discretion for local laws adopted by local councils of the municipalities. On the other hand, Warsaw’s cab drivers’ organizations and Warsaw’s magistrate are the most prominent lobbies at the central level compared with other country’s cities. For this reason the regulation of and the policy on the taxi market in Warsaw needs to be analysed along with country-wide laws and country-wide discussion on liberalization of this market. A complex country-wide system of cabs’ licensing, licenses quotas, drivers’ examination focused on topography of the city (in which taxi cabs operate) and the preclusion of with criminal record from the taxi business was mandatory for all municipalities in Poland. Local councils were only free to regulate maximum prices for taxi services. Municipalities have never had a right to interfere with things like choice of vehicles’ models or brands, their environmental performance, even their body colour etc. which can often be found elsewhere in largest cities all over the world. The country-wide system has been gradually liberalized since April 2011 when the licence quotas were eliminated. Meanwhile, however, the national legislator put a lot of effort to effectively curb the phenomenon of unlicensed entrepreneurs offering carriage of persons (imitating licensed taxis -- especially popular thing in Warsaw) following the logics that if a number of licenses is not further limited, no circumvention of laws is to be further tolerated. A new wave of general liberalization of dozens of profession Poland initiated in 2012 was about to further liberalise the taxi market in Poland. Exams for prospective cab drivers covering topography of the cities were about to be eliminated all over the country which made perfect sense in the era of GPS and of technological achievements of the present. This would leave cab licensing system all over Poland as a pure formality confined to checking criminal record of entrepreneurs and the drivers and to entry medical examination of the drivers as well as entry technical inspection of vehicles. Nevertheless, the strong resistance by the President of Warsaw left 39 largest in Poland with a right to decide whether to still examine prospective cab drivers or not. As for mid 2013 this was regarded as the greatest defeat of the reform on the deregulation of profession in Poland and the evidence of Warsaw’s cab drivers’ lobby strength. Nevertheless the overall image of reforms made between 2010 and 2013 is very positive. The deregulation with regard to taxi business enters into force on 1st January 2014 and it is unpredictable whether the Warsaw’s local council within its new power to conduct or not cab driver’s examination will elect not to have cab drivers’ examination and therefore make the last step in full liberalization of taxi market in Warsaw.

Research on family businesses in Poland

Abstract The purpose of this article is to present the research on family businesses in Poland commissioned by the Polish Agency for Enterprise Development. The study allowed for estimating the share of family businesses in the MSME sector and for identifying the differences in the functioning of family and non-family businesses in the Polish economy. Training and advisory services designed for family businesses thanks to the study resulted in development of tools specifically adjusted to the features of this group of enterprises, supporting their organizational, financial and legal aspects. The article also discusses two innovative tools developed as part of the Przewodnik po sukcesji [A Guide on Succession] and Kody wartości [Codes of Values] projects, allowing for independent completion of a succession process.

Life cycle thinking in small and medium enterprises: the results of research on the implementation of life cycle tools in Polish SMEs—part 1: background and framework

This article is the first of a series of articles presenting the results of research on the implementation of life cycle management tools in small- and medium-sized companies in Poland. This work is part of a project financed by the Polish Agency for Enterprise Development (PAED) which began in February 2011. It was carried out by the Wielkopolska Quality Institute—a business environment institution associated with the Polish Centre for Life Cycle Assessment (PCLCA). The main practical objective of the project was to support small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in their business development, e.g. by expanding their horizons beyond the sphere of their operation and identifying new areas for improvement and promotion of the products and services on offer. These publications are a voice in the discussion on the opportunities and pertinence of implementing life cycle thinking (LCT) in small- and medium-sized enterprises and an attempt to identify potential barriers arising from specific characteristics of SMEs which could hinder or even prevent the effective implementation of life cycle techniques. Part 1 presents the situation of SMEs in Poland, general objectives of the project and organisation of the survey process. It was decided to carry out research on the effectiveness of the implementation of LCA and life cycle costing (LCC) in organisations that had received financial support for the implementation of life cycle techniques. Financial constraints, which might potentially be a reason for limited interest in LC techniques among SMEs in Poland, were taken into account. Thus, financial support provided an opportunity for the project to obtain information from a wide range of companies, not only from those companies that were particularly aware of the benefits of LC techniques or had a very good financial situation. Research based on the method of individual in-depth interviews was preceded by an analysis of literature showing the status of SMEs in Poland. Given the results, the project objectives were formulated and the ways of conducting the research were defined. The comparison of Polish SMEs with the same category of companies in the EU shows some similarities, such as the percentage of companies engaged in various businesses. The differences are expressed primarily in the financial potential, which in the case of Polish SMEs, is significantly smaller than the average in the EU. In the SME sector, there are less than half as many small businesses in Poland than in the EU. There are, however, many more microbusinesses in Poland. An evaluation of the prevalence of LCA and LCC techniques indicates that they are used by just 3 % of Polish SMEs, which is a very small proportion compared to the more than 50 % of SMEs taking any environmental measures. Information collected on specific details of Polish SMEs was used to identify the target group and develop a survey questionnaire which aimed to audit, among other things, the approach to environmental and economic analyses in the past and the approach to the LCA and/or LCC analyses that were implemented from the point of view of difficulties in their implementation and potential use of the results. Part 1 of the series of articles demonstrates a marginal-scale dissemination of life cycle management techniques among Polish SMEs. Companies definitely prefer to introduce relatively simple solutions that do not require specialised knowledge or unnecessary costs, e.g. they introduce energy-saving bulbs and waste segregation. Only a small percentage of companies implement more complex activities, and most commonly, these are medium-sized companies with greater financial and human capital. So what should be done to make SMEs use life cycle techniques more frequently? Is it appropriate to make changes in the methodology and life cycle techniques as such, or should, rather, the incentive for SMEs to use LCT come from outside as a requirement of public institutions or suppliers in a supply chain? Answers to these questions are provided in the research conclusions presented in parts 2 and 3 of the series of articles.