Industry In Poland Research Articles

Production of Biogas from Distillation Residue as a Waste Material from the Distillery Industry in Poland

In this paper, the possibility to obtain an alternative source of energy from methane fermentation, catalysed by biomass, has been discussed in detail. As a main substrate, the distillation residue from the distillery industry was taken in the case of mono-fermentation and its co-fermentation with sewage sludge. The results showed that higher biogas and methane production can be obtained in a mono-fermentation process. Fermentation lasted for 23 days, and during this time, 333.14 and 249.64 L/kg VS of the total biogas for mono- and co-fermentation was subsequently obtained, which gives around 63% and 50% of methane in both types of the process, respectively. Additionally, to interpret the experimental data obtained and to predict the trend of the accumulation curves, a simple Gompertz model has been applied. The application of the Gompertz model has enabled us to estimate some important parameters with a strict physical meaning, namely, the maximum production value of the biogas and its components, the production rate of a given gas, as well as the incubation phase time. Finally, an approximate analysis of the potential volume of biogas production was also carried out, based on the mass of distillation residue produced annually in Poland.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the financial results of selected companies in the development and automotive industries

Purpose: The article aims to assess whether the COVID-19 pandemic has affected the financial results of selected companies in the development and automotive industries in Poland. Methodology/research approach: The research looked at individual and consolidated annual reports of companies listed on the Warsaw Stock Exchange, covering the real estate and automotive sectors. All (seven in total) annual stock exchange reports of companies listed on the stock exchange from the automotive sector were examined. Furthermore, in the real estate sector (29 out of 29), annual reports of companies listed on the stock exchange were examined. The method used was to analyze the full versions of the narrative sections of the annual separate and consolidated financial statements. The auditors reports and the entitys management reports were also analyzed.Findings: Two of the seven examined automotive companies recorded a loss and described in their additional explanatory notes the uncertainty regarding the going concern. The audited real estate companies showed no losses and did not present any threats to going concern.Research limitations/implications: The study was limited to two industries representing durable goods. It would also be worth verifying the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the financial reporting of companies representing other sectors. Due to the successive waves of the COVID-19 pandemic, it would be interesting to analyze financial statements over three reporting periods.Originality/value: The article verifies the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the financial reporting and the financial results of companies in the durable goods sector: real estate and automotive.

Praca zdalna a dobrostan pracowników – perspektywa branży IT w Polsce

Głównym celem artykułu jest zidentyfikowanie i zaprezentowanie, jak kształtował się poziom dobrostanu pracowników polskiej branży IT pracujących zdalnie. Opracowanie dostarcza praktycznych implikacji do budowania marki pracodawcy i zarządzania zespołami zdalnymi w postcovidowej rzeczywistości. Przeprowadzone badania skupiają się na branży IT jako niezwykle konkurencyjnej pod względem utrzymania zaangażowania i motywacji pracowników. Badanie ilościowe zostało przeprowadzone we wrześniu 2021 r. na grupie 1889 respondentów – pracowników pracujących zdalnie w siedmiu polskich oddziałach międzynarodowej korporacji, która jest jednym z największych pracodawców w branży IT w Polsce. Chociaż większość przedsiębiorstw z branży IT w Polsce nie wdraża strategii zarządzania dobrostanem pracowników, przeprowadzone badania wskazują, że ogólny poziom dobrostanu pracowników jest wysoki.

Energy Intensity of Food Industry Production in Poland in the Process of Energy Transformation

The aim of this study was to assess the energy consumption of production in selected branches of the food industry in Poland and to identify its changes after Poland’s accession to the EU. This issue is particularly important in the period of energy transformation and soaring energy prices. The novelty of this article is the determination of changes in the energy efficiency of various branches of the food industry. The main source of data was mass statistics data and unpublished data from the Central Statistical Office for 2004–2020. Descriptive statistics, comparative analysis, and strategic group mapping were used in the data analysis. The research shows that the production of foodstuffs is one of the most energy-intensive processing sectors. This results, among others, from many active enterprises in this sector and a large variety of industries. Individual food-processing industries are characterized by large differences in the energy consumption of production, which determines the different levels of electricity costs and affects the competitiveness of enterprises. In 2004–2019, the average electricity consumption in the food industry in Poland decreased by 31.5%. A greater increase in the value of sold production compensated for the higher energy consumption. This indicates an improvement in production efficiency and contributes to greater environmental protection. In the food sector, simple comparative advantages disappear in the form of lower production costs. This situation encourages processing companies to look for energy savings. The research results can be useful not only in Poland but also in other countries in shaping economic policy. The energy crisis caused by the war in Ukraine may require different actions to be taken against various sectors of the food industry.

Energy Security in the Context of Global Energy Crisis: Economic and Financial Conditions

We have been observing large fluctuations and price increases in electricity markets in recent years. The COVID-19 pandemic, rising energy costs, political instability and increasing demand for electricity have been the factors intensifying the problems. This causes uncertainty related to maintaining energy security. Energy security is an element of the national security system. In this context, the question arises whether Polish energy companies are able to adapt to the growing demand for electricity while meeting the growing environmental requirements. Moreover, it remains to be seen how the current energy crisis will affect the financial condition of energy companies in Poland and whether companies from the energy sector will benefit from this crisis. Another issue is the impact of the current crisis on the sense of energy security of consumers. There are many factors affecting energy security. This study focuses on economic and financial factors. The article aims to assess the energy security of consumers from the perspective of the stability of energy prices and the financial condition of companies from the energy industry in Poland in the context of the global energy crisis.

Green human resource management

Green human resource management means taking action and shaping and promoting pro-ecological attitudes in the working environment. The purpose of this study is to investigate the role of green Human Resource Management (HRM) and green corporate policies in environmental sustainability. Research in this area was carried out among 346 employees employed in enterprises from various industries in Poland in 2021. An online questionnaire was used in the study. The obtained results were subjected to statistical analysis; a logistic regression model was applied using the Statistica computer package. The conducted research showed that the employees' awareness of green competencies and the employer's activities in environmental training and education are statistically significant. Still, employers should emphasise the environmental education of employed staff in conjunction with their job position.

Electricity and Heat Demand in Steel Industry Technological Processes in Industry 4.0 Conditions

The publication presents heat and electricity management in the Polish steel industry. The paper is based on actual data on heat and electricity consumption and intensity by processes in the steel industry in Poland in Industry 4.0 conditions. Two steel production processes are used in Poland: EAF Electric Arc Furnace and BOF Basic Oxygen Furnace. The analysis is an analysis of actual data is used to characterise the electricity and heat consumption by processes in the Polish steel industry. The analysis shows that the EAF technology is always more electricity intensive and the BOF technology more heat intensive. On the basis of conducted analysis, it can be concluded that pro-environmental innovations in the steel industry should first aim to reduce the electricity consumption of EAF technology and the heat consumption of BOF. An analysis of data for Poland for the period 2004–2020 shows that both cases occurred. The study shows that the heat consumption of BOF technologies has been steadily decreasing since 2010, and the electricity consumption of EAF technologies has been decreasing throughout the period under review. It can be concluded from this that the Polish steel industry is adapting to pro-environmental requirements and, through the introduction of technological innovations, is moving towards the concept of sustainable steel production according to green steel principles. The decrease in energy intensity (means electricity) of steel produced according to EAF technology is an important issue, as the high energy intensity of EAF processes affects the overall energy intensity of the steel production in Poland. In the future, the use of new innovative technological solutions, including solutions based on Industry 4.0 principles, should help the Polish steel industry to further reduce the level of electricity and heat consumption. The driving force behind the investment is the boom in the steel market. The authors made a short-term forecasts of steel production (2022–2025). The annual forecasts determined and analyses made were used to determine the heat and energy consumption of the Polish steel industry up to 2025.

In Search of Innovation Barriers to Tourist Destinations—Indications for Organizations Managing Destinations

The objective of this work was to evaluate the innovation processes in tourist destinations using the Quadruple Helix model and to develop guidelines for building innovation management strategies in the tourism sector for destination management organizations (DMO). The article identifies the drivers and barriers to innovation processes reported by entrepreneurs in the tourism industry in Poland. The analysis was carried out in relation to 218 enterprises of the tourism industry operating in destinations in large cities as well as in destinations in small towns and rural areas. The research was carried out using a diagnostic survey with elements of a telephone interview. The research confirmed the usefulness of the Quadruple Helix model for the assessment of innovation processes in tourist destinations. A relationship was observed between the level of development of innovation processes, the size of the tourist destination and the level of competitiveness of the tourist market in the destination. The study showed a significant variation in the spatial and geographical system, as well as between individual factors responsible for the innovation processes in a tourist destination. The influence of the market, including consumers, is a strong point of these processes. The barriers include poorly developed structures of cooperation between enterprises, DMO, scientific and research institutions, and civil society, as well as their participation in the innovation processes of tourist destinations. Final conclusions: it should be stated that the innovative processes in Polish tourist destinations are underdeveloped. They do not affect the development of tourism markets and the competitiveness of destinations.

Determinants of restructuring process in deep decarbonization of steel industry in Poland

Determinants of restructuring process in deep decarbonization of steel industry in Poland

Preface

The 5th Polish Mining Congress was successfully held between 6th and 7th September 2022 at the International Fair EXPO Katowice (Poland). This event is one of the largest mining conferences organized every two-three years to gather industry, academia and policy-makers together. This year’s congress was held under the slogan:Mining industry of the 21st century—how to extract and process mineral and energy resources while protecting the climate and the environment?For the first time, the congress was accompanying International Fair EXPO KATOWICE The Mining, Energy and Metallurgy Industry Fair. The meeting was a place of exchange of ideas and views on the future of coal industry in Poland. Over 200 delegates were present at 8 scientific sessions with the total number of 49 presentations. Thematic sessions were focused on the future development of the mining industry, electrification and automation in mining industry, new trends in underground construction, transport and mechanization, Coalbed Methane as a resource and threat, mine ventilation and safety in mining, environmental protection and rehabilitation of mining areas as well as circular economy in mining.The main partner of the conference was KGHM Polska Miedź SA – leader in copper and silver production. Other important industrial partners were: CARBOSPEC, FAMUR SA. FASING SA, Research and Supervisory Centre of Underground Mining, CEZ Group, DAMEL, Central Mine Rescue Station in Bytom and CTL Maczki-Bór S.A.The conference series is a result of selection of the most important articles. All articles were peer reviewed through process administrated by the Editors.List of Organizing committee, Scientific Committee are available in this Pdf.

Application of the creeping trend model for forecasting of accident events in the steel industry in Poland

Purpose: The aim of the study to assess the possibility of using the creeping trend model in the forecasting of accidents at work in the steel sector in Poland, was presented. Design/methodology/approach: A four-stage research methodology was used to analyze the accident rate trend in the steel sector, based on: collecting empirical data, forecasting (creeping trend model), qualitative assessment of forecasts and determining the direction of activities in the field of health and safety. Findings: Based on the conducted research, it was found that it is possible to use the creeping trend model in forecasting the number of persons injured in accidents at work. The forecasts and their acceptance based on the criteria adopted in the methodology of own work made it possible to determine the directions of activities in the field of occupational health and safety in the steel sector in Poland. Research limitation/implications: The conducted analyses were limited to statistical data published by Statistic Poland. Forecasts of the number of persons injured in accidents in the steel sector were possible to determine thanks to the forecasting process using the creeping trend model. The forecasts are subject to errors, which is why it is important to interpret them more broadly, taking into account the specificity of the industry being the subject of the analyses. Practical implications: The forecasts can be important information on health and safety issues for the steel sector in Poland. The use of the creeping trend model, with the fulfillment of methodological assumptions (qualitative ocean of forecasts), can be useful in determining the direction of OSH activities in enterprises. Social implications: The article addresses the issue of the occurrence of accidents at work, the implementation of effective preventive measures in order to reduce them. Originality/value: The article presents the possibility of using the creeping trend model in the forecasting of the total number of persons injured in accidents in the steel sector in Poland. The forecasts and trend analysis can provide information for employers and employees of health and safety services regarding the effectiveness of the implemented preventive measures. Keywords: Creeping trend model, forecasting, accidents at work, steel industry. Category of the paper: Research paper.

From networks to action nets: knowledge management in networks and clusters in creative industries in Poland

From networks to action nets: knowledge management in networks and clusters in creative industries in Poland

Structure of technical efficiency of insurers in the life insurance industry in Poland

The primary objective of the article was to examine the level and efficiency structure of insurance companies on life insurance market in Poland. The study presents critical analysis of the insurance literature relating to technical efficiency of insurers, i.e. methods of estimating efficiency, the form of the efficiency frontier model, the choice of production factors and insurance production. The study used the methods of mathematical and econometric modelling in SFA method. The results the technical efficiency study for 22 life insurance companies for a period between 2011-2020 using the SFA method, showed high average cost efficiency of insurers (0.9140) and lower profit efficiency (0. 8565). It was confirmed that a group of large companies achieved higher cost efficiency than the remaining companies, suggesting that large companies benefited from the scale of production. In contrast, higher average profit efficiency was recorded for the remaining companies.

The share of FDI in the value added of innovative and other industries in Poland

PurposeThis study aims to examine the share of foreign direct investment (FDI) in creating the value added (VA) of innovative and other industries in Poland in 2004–2020.Design/methodology/approachIn terms of the empirical analysis of FDI stocks, their locations were divided into innovative and other industries. The differences in the creation of VA are presented by domestic and foreign enterprises. The impact of FDI stocks in individual industries on gross domestic product (GDP) changes was assessed using the vector error correction model (VECM).FindingsFDI from innovative industries generated approx. 7% VA of the Polish economy in the years 2004–2020. In 2009–2018, the share of VA of foreign enterprises in innovative industries in Poland showed a faster growth (by 5 pp) than in other industries. The results of decomposition confirm that the level of explanation of GDP by FDI in innovative industries is higher than in other industries.Research limitations/implicationsChanges in the classification of activities reduce the time series period available.Practical implicationsThis study explains the participation of foreign and domestic enterprises in creating VA. The results are useful to pursuing the national investment policy.Social implicationsThe economic results of domestic and foreign enterprises in the host country affect the economic growth and development and ultimately the socio-economic conditions of life.Originality/valueThis work provides some additional explanations for the inconclusive results of international research into the impact of FDI on GDP or the spillovers effects. Its usefulness concerns the detailed impact of FDI by industrial structures on GDP.

The risk identification and assesment on the example of companies from the automotive industry in Poland

Abstract The issues related to the identification and assessment of risk in the automotive industry are particularly important from the point of view of functioning in a changing environment. The main purpose of the article is to present the basic definitions of risk and its types, as well as to identify the most important sources of industry risk for companies operating in the automotive industry in Poland. In addition, it is also crucial to assess the impact of identified risks on the activities of these enterprises. Two methods were used in the empirical part: a survey questionnaire (research conducted with the management staff) and an in-depth interview, which was conducted with an auditor in the automotive industry. The research results show that in companies from the automotive industry, the main risks are identified in individual areas: operational, legal and IT. One of the main challenges is the ability to adapt to changing conditions, but also the diversification of suppliers so that a key supplier does not shut down the entire production line.

Challenges of Energy Management in the Food Industry in Poland in the Context of the Objectives of the European Green Deal and the “Farm to Fork” Strategy

The Common Agricultural Policy defines the framework directions for the structural changes of the agri-food sector until 2030. The main reason for the actions is a fundamental change in the European Union’s approach to environmental protection issues and the dynamically changing conditions on the market for energy and agricultural raw materials. The European Green Deal, the key element of which is the “Farm to Fork” strategy, is the expression of the announced changes. The assumption of the documents is the long-term restructuring and modernization of the EU economy, which will be characterized, among others, by a closed cycle, low greenhouse gas emissions, and food and energy security. The challenges and the current situation in the markets of energy carriers are of significance in the activities of the food industry, which shows a high demand for energy. The aim of the article is to assess the level of consumption and energy efficiency of food industry enterprises in Poland, to identify challenges related to energy management and to formulate conclusions and recommendations in the field of changes adapting to the new conditions. The research results indicate that many positive changes took place in the energy economy of Polish food industry enterprises, among others, as a result of the implemented investments, the energy consumption of production, CO2 emissions and the amount of generated waste decreased. Due to unfavorable external conditions, it is necessary, however, to further improve the energy efficiency of enterprises, so that they can maintain cost competitiveness and meet the growing requirements in the field of environmental protection.

The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic and Energy Crisis on CSR Policy in Transport Industry in Poland

The main objective of this research, directly related to the introduction of the COVID-19 pandemic, is to answer the question: has the epidemiological situation and energy crisis affected the CSR policy of transport industry companies and the forms of its implementation? This research aims to answer whether the social objective set out in the CRS policy, implemented by the studied entities, conflicts with commercial purposes, whether the implementation of CRS is profitable for these entities, and in which areas of activity it manifests itself. The aim is to investigate why the studied entities engage in CSR? The following research methods were applied: an economic and legal analysis of CRS principles and activity reports. The study focused on the activities of enterprises pursuing their business objectives and, at the same time, their socio-cultural mission. The CSR policies for 2019–2021, which surveyed transport industry companies operating in Poland, are analyzed. Empirical findings show that companies are responsive to the CSR concept and those considering international standards.

How transport shapes the landscape of large-format food retail trade? Retail geography in Poland – An interactive measure

What does the landscape of the large-format food retail industry look like? Is there a uniform pattern in the distribution of large-format food retail facilities? What is the role of the road transport system in shaping the food retail landscape in Poland? The authors provide answers to these questions by analysing large-format food retail facilities using the location of their catchment areas rather than their physical location. When studying the spatial differentiation of large-format food retailers, the authors assess the factors for the transport component not only in terms of infrastructure, but also regarding its efficiency. The analyses demonstrated the differences between the distribution of large-format food retail facilities (over 200 sq. m., classified as ‘food stores’), presented in two ranges – static and interactional. It employed, inter alia, the authors' own model of private car speeds and an interactional measure of density based on a regression model and a model of potential accessibility. A distinctive aspect of the study is that it assessed the impact of the transport system on the development of the food retail industry. The methodology to address the research questions was implemented to achieve the following major objectives: to describe the spatial structure of the food retail industry and to show the role of transport accessibility in its development. It can be concluded from the analyses that the food retail industry in Poland is diverse, with differences observed at both the national and intraregional scale. The study revealed that the rise in the level of territorial accessibility translates into an increase in the differentiation of the analysed market, thereby proving that a higher efficiency of the road transport system promotes spatial differentiation for the structuring of the grocery market by large players.

Trust and Commitment in the Inter-Organizational Relationship Life Cycle

Purpose: The complex nature of inter-organizational relationships can be reflected in the number, level, and changes of their features. Focusing on two essential features of relationships – trust and commitment – we explore how they change in the particular phase of the relationship life cycle. Design/methodology/approach: Using the existing findings from a systematic literature review on IOR features, we aimed to qualitatively verify the changes over the time of two crucial relational characteristics – trust and commitment. Next, using a quantitative surveying, we tested the changeability of these two on a large-scale sample (786) from the software industry in Poland. Findings: With strong empirical support, we found the level of trust and commitment intensity as changing in a non-linear manner through the relationship life cycle. Logically, they both increase across the initial, development, and maintenance phases, while in the termination phase they decline. However, the results show that they can rise when the relationship is reactivated. Research limitations/implications: Due to the industry and cultural-specific limitations, comparative studies on several industries in cross-cultural conditions are recommended. We need further research on a holistic view of relationship characteristics and their changeability through the relationship life cycle. Furthermore, the validity of the cyclical treatment of relationship dynamics is worth reviewing. Originality/value: We investigate the significance of trust and commitment in inter-organizational relationship development using a mixed research approach. Additionally, as a methodological contribution, this article offers the operationalization and measurement of the above-mentioned features.

The Impact of Instability in the Business Environment on the Competitiveness of Enterprises Using the Example of the Apparel Industry

Recently, many disruptions have occurred in the environment of companies, mainly caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, but also, for example, by the war in Ukraine and by the sharp increase in fuel prices. The aim of the article was to present the competitive strategies of chosen companies from the garment industry and the impact of environmental instability on the competitiveness of enterprises using the example of the clothing industry in Poland. The author has been conducting comprehensive research in Polish clothing companies since mid-2017, using, first of all, the method of interviews with company management. This article presents partial results of these studies concerning the competitiveness of companies, especially in terms of the instability of the environment. On the basis of the conducted research, it can be concluded that the instability in the environment has a significant impact on the competitiveness of clothing enterprises. In the initial period, the COVID-19 pandemic had a negative impact on the level of logistic customer service. Because of this, availability of clothing in some stores and quality of deliveries to online customers deteriorated. The war in Ukraine also caused a temporary deterioration of the availability of clothing in the case of companies that outsourced production to Ukraine. Instability in the environment resulted in an increase in logistics and production costs, which in many cases resulted in an increase in the price of clothing for the end customer. The COVID-19 pandemic and the increase in fuel prices have reduced the efficiency of outsourcing clothing production in low-cost countries, but in the surveyed companies, this had not caused a shift of production from global to local. The problems resulting from the instability of the environment were more quickly overcome by those companies that were more flexible and that earlier on had diversified their sales channels (i.e., sold both in the stores and via e-commerce customers) and the sources of supply (production not only in low-cost countries but also in the local sewing factories). The research confirmed the significant impact of instability in the environment on the ability to compete with the level of logistic customer service and price. The instability in the environment did not affect the ability to compete with the quality of clothing in the surveyed companies.