Lodz Voivodeship Research Articles

A spatial analysis of one of the regional logistics clusters in central Poland using GIS

Abstract Logistics services are a consequence of increasingly rapid economic development and globalisation. More and more facilities with adequate transport accessibility are being created for the storage of goods, which form logistics clusters. They emerged later in Central and Eastern Europe than in the United States and Western Europe. Investment in Poland's first logistics parks can be linked to the political and economic transformation in 1989, Poland's accession to the European Union in 2004, the development of motorways, and Poland's integration into the global economy. In the second decade of the 21st century, there are more than a dozen places in Poland that can be called logistics clusters. The purpose of this research was to geographically analyse a selected regional cluster located in Lodz voivodeship, as well as its links to the transport network of Poland and Europe. Geostatistical and GIS methods were used for spatial analysis. It was shown that its spatial distribution is strongly related to the A1 highway, the intersection of the A1 and A2 highways and the voivodeship city of Lodz. The characteristics of the geographic environment give reason to suggest that it has great development potential and is worthy of further observation and comparative studies.

Financial Situation of Cities in the Lodz Voivodeship in the Era of the COVID-19 Pandemic – Trends of Change and Impact on Indebtedness

Purpose – The aim of this article is to identify and assess the change in the structure and direction of spending of the financial resources of the cities of Lodz Voivodeship in connection with the measures taken during the COVID-19 pandemic and their impact on the level of debt. Research method – The study uses data obtained from two sources: a questionnaire interview conducted in the target group of towns in Lodz voivodeship and the repository of the Local Data Bank CSO. Results – The research shows that the different cities have different profiles of the activities undertaken during the COVID-19 pandemic and how they were financed. The majority of cities financed these activities through targeted grants or from their own budget reserves, which implied no reduction in expenditure. A smaller number of cities financed these activities from other sources, which had the effect of reducing current and investment expenditure. Cities’ debt was increasing, but not as a direct result of the pandemic. Originality / value / implications / recommendations – On the basis of the data obtained, the authors distinguished three different profiles of actions taken to prevent the negative effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and ways of financing the resulting expenditure for cities in the Lodz Voivodeship. The need for further analysis in the context of new challenges: migration crisis, climate crisis, energy crisis was indicated.

Governmental Local Investment Fund as a Financial Instrument to Support Urban Investment by the Example of Cities with District Status in the Lodz Voivodeship

The purpose of the article/hypothesis is to present the Government's Local Investment Fund as a financial tool to support municipalities and districts during the COVID-19 pandemic crisis and to provide an assessment of the support received in the context of investment expenditure incurred by cities with district rights in the Lodz Voivodeship.
 Methodology: On the basis of data from the Chancellery of the Prime Minister and the financial reports of the Cities with a District Status, the amount of funding granted from the Government Local Investment Fund was reviewed. Based on data from the Local Data Bank, the basic financial data for three Cities with a District Status from the Lodz Voivodeship in the years 2019–2021 was analysed, i.e. in the context of the use of funds from the Government Local Investment Fund.
 Results of the research: Local government units during the COVID-19 pandemic had an opportunity to obtain financial support from the state budget for the implementation of investment tasks from the Government Local Investment Fund. A total amount of PLN 13 billion was allocated to local governments. The funds were distributed in three rounds using two different qualification methods: algorithm and competition mode. Cities with a District Status under the competition procedure received less support than other local governments, and there were even situations in which they were deprived of this support. The distribution and the amount of support awarded caused a lot of controversy at the same time highlighting a need for changes in the system of local finances.

Impact of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum Infection on Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) Survival and Phenolics Content-A Case Study in a Horticulture Farm in Poland.

Sclerotinia sclerotiorum is a cause of a prevalent and destructive disease that attacks many horticultural food crops, such as lettuce. This soil-borne necrotrophic fungal pathogen causes significant economic losses in worldwide lettuce production annually. Furthermore, current methods utilized for management and combatting the disease, such as biocontrol, are insufficient. In this study, three cultivars of lettuce (one Crispy and two Leafy cultivars of red and green lettuce) were grown in central Poland (Lodz Voivodeship), a widely known Polish horticultural region. In the summer and early autumn, lettuce cultivars were grown in control and S. sclerotiorum-infected fields. The lettuce cultivars (Templin, Lollo Rossa, and Lollo Bionda) differed phenotypically and in terms of the survival of the fungal infection. The Crispy iceberg Templin was the most susceptible to S. sclerotiorum infection compared to the other cultivars during both vegetation seasons. The total content of phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and anthocyanins varied among cultivars and fluctuated during infection. Moreover, phenolic content was affected by vegetation season with alterable environmental factors such as air temperature, humidity, soil temperature, and pH. The most increased levels of phenolics, both flavonoids and anthocyanins in infected plants, were observed in the Leafy red Lollo Rossa cultivar in both crops. However, the highest survival/resistance to the fungus was noticed for Lollo Rossa in the summer crop and Lollo Bionda in the autumn crop.

Dissemination of Selected Risk Factors for Cardiovascular Diseases Among Patients Using Primary Health Care in the Lodz Voivodeship

Abstract Background Cardiovascular diseases, classified as civilization diseases, constitute the most common cause of death among both women and men. Metabolic syndrome is a set of factors that predispose to the occurrence such diseases. Importantly, can be partly prevented by reducing modifiable risk factors. Objective The aim of the study was to uncover the distribution of selected risk factors for cardiovascular diseases among patients utilising primary health care in the Lodz Voivodeship. Material and methods An original online questionnaire consisting of 32 questions was distributed. The study involved 164 inhabitants of the Lodz Voivode-ship who use primary health care facilities. Inclusion criteria: residents of the Lodz Voivodeship, aged between 30 and 60 years as well as informed consent to participate in the study. Results Hypertension affected 26.2% of participants. In the age range 30–40 years: 4.1% of participants, 41–50 years: 28.3%, and 51–60 years: 61.4% of participants. Diabetes affected 21.3% of participants. 64% of respondents had a BMI above normal. 28.7% of respondents did not engage in physical activity. Among the surveyed, smokers accounted for 37.8%. Among university diploma holders, smokers accounted for 28.2%, and those with non-university education – 54.1%. Conclusions The incidence of hypertension in the population of Lodz increases with age. The prevalence of dyslipidemia was independent of gender but dependent on education – higher among respondents with non-university education. Most of the inhabitants of the Lodz Voivodeship were physically active. Moreover, the most frequently chosen forms of physical activity were walking and Nordic walking, and less frequently – aerobics. The prevalence of smoking was similar among women and men. Smokers were more likely to be people with non-university education. The need of taking measures to raise awareness of cardiovascular risk factors, promote healthy lifestyles, and combat obesity has been identified.

Evolution of the use of social media by the local governments of the Lodzkie voivodship

Purpose: The aim of the article is to present changes in the use and basic advantages of social networks in communication of local government units on the example of cities in the Lodz voivodeship. Design/methodology/approach: The study consisted in analysing the content of the official websites belonging to the local governments of the individual cities of the Łódzkie Voivodeship in order to see how information on the social networks used (location of plug-ins) is made available and a review of active profiles on these sites was carried out in order to diagnose what content is published. The survey was conducted in December 2022. The results were cross referenced with the corresponding survey carried out in 2019 and 2020. Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version). Findings: The study showed that out of the 44 cities analysed in the Łódzkie Voivodship, 42 use at least one social networking site. The most common is Facebook - 42 cities have a profile, followed by YouTube - 25, Instagram - 14 and Twitter 7. 3 cities have profiles on 4 sites at the same time, 11 have 3 official profiles on different social networking sites, while another 15 cities have 2 and 13 have one each. For 2 cities, no profiles were found on social networks. The content and frequency of publication on the profiles varies. Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version). Research limitations/implications: The study did not take into consideration social networks which were less popular at the time of writing (e.g. TikTok - among the cities surveyed, only Łódź has an official profile there). The objectives of the communication activities of individual cities are not known. This may be part of further research through in-depth interviews with those responsible for promoting the cities. It is also possible to extend the research to cities of other voivodships and among the target recipients of communication activities in particular sites. Practical implications: On the basis of the author's audit of the communication activity of cities in the Łódzkie Voivodship on social networking sites, this article suggests that the use of social media is an appropriate tactic in cities' communication, both in the external promotional dimension and in communication with citizens due to the participatory, interactive and open nature of social media. Originality/value: The publication presents the results of research carried out on the basis of the author's audit of the activity of the cities of the Lodz voivodship in the social media. Keywords: social media, city marketing, city promotion, marketing communication. Category of the paper: Research paper.

Assessment of Knowledge about the Human Papillomavirus and Factors Influencing the Attitude Towards Recommended Protective Vaccinations against HPV among the Inhabitants of the Lodz Voivodeship

Abstract Background HPV (human papilloma virus) is one of the most common viral infections and almost every sexually active person will be infected with it during their lifetime. Infection may be asymptomatic or clinically manifest causing multiple disease units. There is primary prevention available in the form of recommended protective vaccinations. Objective To assess knowledge about the human papillomavirus and factors influencing the attitude towards recommended HPV vaccinations among the inhabitants of the Lodz Voivodeship. Material and methods Original online survey questionnaire consisting of 20 questions. The study involved 134 participants. Results 80.6% of the respondents knew what the abbreviation HPV means. 75.0% of them correctly identified the route of sexual contact as the route of the virus transmission. The majority, i.e., 85.1%, of those surveyed indicated cervical cancer as a disease that may be the result of HPV infection. 92.5% of respondents were aware of the existence of the HPV vaccine, while 72.9% of them were aware that it was recommended for both girls and boys. 92.3% of those who had been vaccinated in the past supported the recommended protective vaccinations, as well as 52.4% of those who had not been vaccinated, and 46.2% of those with unknown vaccination history Conclusions Medical workers were more knowledgeable about the human papillomavirus than non-medical workers, so physicians should constantly educate their patients. People who were vaccinated in the past have a more positive attitude towards vaccination than people were not vaccinated. Information campaigns should be organized for the inhabitants of the Lodz Voivodeship to promote knowledge about pathogenicity, risk factors, and HPV prevention and its methods.

Knowledge about Physical Activity and Taking Up Physical Activity by Pregnant Women Covered by Obstetric and Gynecological Care in Selected Facilities in the Lodz Voivodeship

Abstract Introduction Pregnancy is a special time in a woman’s life. Physical activity during pregnancy, after excluding possible contraindications and adjusting the appropriate form of exercise, benefits both the mother and the developing child. It is recommended that pregnant women exercise about 150 minutes per week, especially recommended disciplines are walking, swimming and aerobic exercise. Objective To assess the knowledge of pregnant women from the Lodz Voivodeship about taking up physical activity. Material and methodology Original online survey questionnaire consisting of 33 questions. The study involved 111 pregnant women. Inclusion criteria: pregnant women, aged between 20 and 40 years, residents of the Lodz Voivodeship, informed consent to participate in the study. Results Women taking physical activity before becoming pregnant accounted for 56.73% of subjects, while 63.96% of subjects were physically active during pregnancy. Pregnant women most often chose walking (33.33%), swimming (27.93%) and indoor cycling (18.02%). The most popular sources of knowledge for pregnant women were: medical staff (72.07%), Internet (41.44%) and family (30.36%). Conclusions Women who exercised before pregnancy continued to be active during pregnancy. More than half of the previously non-exercising pregnant women were inactive. Among those who exercise before pregnancy, the most common forms of physical exercise are: fitness, swimming, running and cycling. Among pregnant women walking, swimming and cycling. The most popular sources of knowledge about physical activity among pregnant women were: medical staff and the Internet. Educational activities should be carried out to promote and raise awareness of physical activity.

Spatial Accessibility of Primary Health Care in Rural Areas in Poland.

The aim of the study was to assess the spatial accessibility of basic and universal healthcare (understood as primary healthcare (PHC) facilities) in rural statistical localities in Poland. Data from the National Health Fund, Central Statistical Office, National Register of Geographic Names and OpenStreetMap were used in the research. The research was carried out on the basis of modelled distance from the rural statistical localities to the nearest PHC facility. The methods used included network analysis, characteristics of normal point distribution, Theil index, and spatial autocorrelation. Areas where the greatest shortages of access to PHC facilities occurred were indicated on the basis of the analysis of their clustering density. The average distance from rural statistical localities in Poland to PHC facilities is about 5 km. Slightly more than 70% of the distance values are within one standard deviation of the mean. Better access to the examined healthcare facilities is available in the southern and central parts of Poland, while northern and eastern Poland, as well as the border areas, suffer from lower accessibility. Poor access to PHC occurs first of all at the border of Greater Poland Voivodeship with the Kuyavian–Pomeranian Voivodeship, on the border of the Lodz Voivodeship, in Masovian and Swietokrzyskie Voivodeship, and in the ring surrounding Warsaw, as well as in the Pomeranian Voivodeship. The research findings can be used to develop strategies to improve the accessibility of primary care facilities in rural areas.

The Influence of a Psychosocial Rehabilitation Program in a Community Health Setting for Patients with Chronic Mental Disorders.

Purpose: To examine (a) the amount of health-related behavior, (b) the level of generalized optimism, (c) the belief about patients’ abilities to cope with difficult situations and obstacles and (d) the subjective sense of social exclusion at baseline and at follow-up among patients with chronic mental health issues participating in a psychosocial rehabilitation program in a community mental health setting. Materials and Methods: This prospective study involved 52 participants aged 18–43 years and diagnosed with mental illness who participated in a 6-month psychosocial rehabilitation program, organized within a special community setting. Different questionnaires were used: the Health-Related Behavior Questionnaire, the Revised Life Orientation Test, the General Self-Efficacy Scale, the Personal Competence Scale and a self-made questionnaire concerning social exclusion problems. Results: Statistical analysis of the questionnaire results taken at the beginning and end of the six-month course, running from November 2015 to May 2016, revealed significant increases in health-related behavior (p = 0.006) and general self-efficacy (p = 0.01). Conclusions: Psychosocial rehabilitation programs offered by community mental health settings might serve as an easy, accessible strategy to deal with different interpersonal and intrapersonal problems and as a potential way to improve health behavior. Further research is required to evaluate other psychosocial rehabilitation programs in different community mental health settings in Lodz Voivodeship, Poland.

Selected Aspects of Information Security Management in Entities Performing Medical Activity

The article is devoted to the issues related to an information security management in medical entities. The healthcare entities have been amongst the prime targets for hackers for several years. According to the IBM report “The 2016 X-Force Cyber Security Intelligence Index” in 2015 most of the attacks were carried out against these entities. The years 2016 and 2017 also witnessed spectacular cyberattacks, for example: medical records breach of 3.3 million people because of an unauthorized access to a server in the US, some WannaCry ransomware attacks on the UK hospitals, some MongoDB Database Leaks in the US or NotPetya ransomware attacks in the US hospitals. Entities performing medical activity are processing personal data concerning health that is classified as a “sensitive data” and needs a special protection. The article presents the results of the survey – interviews with IT managers (or designated persons) in entities performing medical activity in Lodz Voivodeship in Poland. The aim of the research was analysis and evaluation of information security management in these entities. The interviews had been performed between December, 2017 and January, 2018. As the results of the research, the ways of information security management were identified (in particular such aspects as: characteristics of the information security teams, information security management system auditing, risk management, information security incidents, budgets for information security, training and the General Data Protection Regulation implementation). The paper also describes the types of information that should be protected in healthcare entities and characteristic of surveyed entities that subordinate to the local government of Lodz Voivodeship in Poland.

Assessment of cardiovascular risk in patients with metabolic syndrome working in the agricultural sector.

Cardiovascular diseases are the main death cause in Poland. Several clinical studies showed association between metabolic syndrome and higher prevalence of diabetes mellitus, cardiac events and mortality. The aim of the study was to estimate cardiovascular complications and death risk in subjects with metabolic syndrome (MS) working in agriculture. The study included 332 people working in agriculture in Lodz voivodeship, 231 with MS and 101 healthy ones. Increased risk of cardiovascular complications was determined for pulse pressure (pp) >63 mmHg. Based on the SCORE index, 10-year death risk due to cardiovascular complications was estimated taking into account sex, age, smoking, systolic blood pressure and total cholesterol concentration. A value ≥5% was accepted as high risk of death within 10 years. Increased risk of cardiovascular complications (pulse pressure >63 mmHg) was found in 31.60% subjects with MS and 6.93% healthy ones. High risk of cardiovascular complications and death occurs statistically more frequently in subjects with MS than in the rest of the population.

Social media used by local governments of the Lodz Voivodeship

Purpose: The purpose of the article is to present the assumptions of social media and their values in the communication of local government units on the example of cities in the Lodz region. Design/methodology/approach: The conducted study consisted in analyzing the content of official websites belonging to local governments of individual cities of the Lodz voivodship to see how information about social networking sites used (plug-in location) and the profiles themselves in these media are communicated in order to check what and how is published. The survey was carried out in October 2019. Findings: The study showed that out of the 44 cities analyzed in the Łódź Voivodeship 37 use at least one of the social networking sites. Most often it is Facebook - 36 cities have their profile, then YouTube – 19, Instagram – 7 and Twitter – 6. 9 cities have 3 official profiles on different websites at the same time, and another 13 cities – 2 each. For 7 cities, no profiles were found on social networking sites. Research limitations/implications: The study did not include less popular social networking sites (e.g. TikTok, GoldenLine, Pinterest). The goals of communication activities by the promotion offices of individual cities are unknown. This can be part of further research through in-depth interviews with people responsible for promoting cities. Possible extension of research to cities of other provinces. Practical implications: Based on the author's audit of the communication activity of the cities of the region on social networking sites, this article suggests that the use of social media is an appropriate tactic in promoting cities due to the participative, interactive, open and transparent nature of social media. Originality/value: The publication presents the results of research carried out on the basis of the author's audit of the activity of the cities of the Lodz voivodship in the social media

Zróżnicowanie przyrynkowej zabudowy i jej funkcji a typy genetyczne rynków w małych miastach województwa łódzkiego

Celem badania jest ocena przestrzeni publicznych rynków w małych miastach województwa łódzkiego pod względem zróżnicowania w zakresie współczesnego zagospodarowania i funkcji zabudowy przyrynkowej. Tak postawiony cel i zakres badania podyktowany jest przede wszystkim niewielką liczbą tego rodzaju opracowań w literaturze przedmiotu. Przywołanie kontekstu genetycznego elementów struktury urbanistycznej stanowić ma w tym wypadku punkt wyjścia dla rozważań nad współczesnymi różnicami w zagospodarowaniu i funkcjach zabudowy przyrynkowej. W pracy posłużono się metodami z zakresu badań krajobrazowych, morfologii miasta oraz funkcjonalizmu (struktury funkcjonalnej). Najważniejszymi źródłami danych były inwentaryzacje urbanistyczne oraz mapy historyczne z XIX wieku i pierwszej połowy XX wieku. Oceniono poziom otwarcia rynków oraz istniejącą strukturę funkcji mieszkaniowej i usługowej według powierzchni całkowitej kondygnacji. Odnotowano w tym zakresie duże zróżnicowania w grupie badanych rynków. W niektórych spośród badanych miast na niski poziom obudowania placu rynkowego wpływ mają wciąż zniszczenia II wojny światowej. W większości badanych miast funkcją dominującą w zabudowie przyrynkowej są usługi. Wyjątek stanowią najsłabsze ekonomicznie Krośniewice, gdzie przy rynku dominuje funkcja mieszkaniowa. Na współczesny stan zabudowy i jej funkcji przyrynkowych zauważalny jest wpływ uwarunkowań historycznych, a także potencjału demograficznego oraz ekonomicznego miast.

Przemiany w zagospodarowaniu terenów popegeerowskich województwa łódzkiego – studium przypadku

Koniec ubiegłego stulecia to dla Polski okres szeroko rozumianych przemian ekonomiczno-społecznych. Wprowadziły one nowe regulacje prawne dotyczące m.in. rolnictwa, które przez niemal 40 lat podzielone było na sferę prywatną i państwową. Państwowe Gospodarstwa Rolne (PGR) były reprezentantem wprowadzonego ustroju socjalistycznego w aspekcie gospodarowania terenami wiejskim. W wyniku zmian dokonanych po 1989 roku a także przyczyn obiektywnych (jak np. złej lokalizacji w stosunku do bazy surowcowej) i subiektywnych (związanych ze złym lub biernym zarządzaniem) uległy one likwidacji. Głównym celem artykułu jest ukazanie przemian w zagospodarowaniu obszarów rolnictwa państwowego w województwie łódzkim opierając się na studium przypadku. Artykuł obrazuje ponadto, rozmieszczenie i specjalizację PGRów, tym samym stanowi pierwszą, całościową identyfikację tych jednostek w badanym województwie. Metody badawcze, które użyto w pracy pozwoliły na dogłębne spojrzenie na poruszany problem. W znaczącej części analiza oparta jest o inwentaryzację terenową oraz wywiady swobodne prowadzone na wybranych obszarach. Niezbędnym materiałem badawczym okazały się dokumenty, które pozyskano z archiwum Krajowego Ośrodka Wsparcia Rolnictwa (KOWR, niegdyś, Agencja Własności Rolnej Skarbu Państwa, AWRSP). W świetle przeprowadzonych badań wykazano iż niemal 50% zasobu przejętego z terenów popegeerowskich z województwa łódzkiego, zostało trwale rozdysponowane (głównie poprzez sprzedaż). Przemiany, które zidentyfikowano mają bardziej charakter odnowy i adaptacji do funkcji wcześniej istniejących na tych obszarach.

Out-of-school assistance in the teaching of visual creative programming in the game-based environment – Case study: Poland

The paper presents effects of out-of-school teaching of computer science in a visual creative programming course (Scratch) for children aged 9–14, held at the Lodz University of Technology. The research was carrying out during 2016–2018 school years. The study sample consists of 265 primary and secondary students from Lodz Voivodeship (province) in central Poland. The results were obtained from anonymous questionnaires completed by 221 course participants and their parents. The answers confirm that this type of course becomes a new fascinating manner of spending spare time by children. Moreover, quantitative analysis of student’s finals projects also has been performed. In the process of creative programming in the game-based environment, children develop the computational thinking skills, problem-solving strategies, and abstract thinking. Moreover, children are supported by their parents, who notice how important these competences are and how great opportunities they will present for children in future. Authors continue to grow Scratch programming course to democratize access to new technologies and education, preparing future generation for a world in which computational and algorithmic thinking is a central part of problem-solving. Perhaps some of the course participants will continue their study of programming and make it a career for their life.

Selected air pollutants in urban and rural areas, under the influence of power plants

The operation of large power plants, including power stations, and combined heat and power stations, causes the emission of significant amounts of gaseous pollutants into the environment. As a result, in the urban and agricultural areas occurs a pollution of undesirable gaseous substances, such as nitrogen and sulfur oxides. This is especially dangerous for living organisms, soil and water, because, in combination with water vapor, these pollutants are the cause of acid rain. In addition, nitrogen oxides participate in the formation of ground-level ozone, which affects both human health and the condition of existing vegetation. Therefore, the distribution of air pollutants (NO2, SO2 and O3) in the selected urban and rural areas, under the influence of power plants, located in the Lodz Voivodeship, in Poland, in Central-Eastern Europe, was analyzed for a 10-year period (2007–2016). As a result, it was possible to evaluate the impact of the entry into force of Directive 2008/50/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 21 May 2008 “on ambient air quality and cleaner air for Europe” on the changes in emissions and concentrations of pollutants in selected locations. As a result of the analysis, a significant decrease in the concentration of SO2 (by 75% in the urban area and by 59% in the rural area), and small changes (from - 8% to + 12%) in NO2 and O3 concentrations in ambient air were found. This indicates the effectiveness of actions aimed at reducing SO2 emissions, however the influence of the power plants on the concentration of air pollutants in these areas is not clear. At the same time, considering the criterion of permissible concentration of ozone and nitrogen dioxide, although the air quality did not improve, the air quality index can be considered as being in the category of "good".

Police human resource policy in the Lodz voivodeship as a determinant of knowledge and organization’s effective operation

Motivation: Human capital is the driving force of an organization that has a significant impact on its development and effective operation. The success of the organization depends to a great extent on its social potential. Successful recruitment ensures that the best employees ensure high quality work, which respectively translates into organizational development and competitiveness (Oleksyn, 2010, pp. 34–36). The development of the organization is based on knowledge acquisition, skills and raising qualifications by its members. Aim: The aim of the paper is to analyze the conditionings related to the management of the Police organizational units, which influence the appropriate recruitment of police officers for particular positions. The publication also attempts to investigate the importance of appropriate recruitment for the effectiveness of actions taken by police officers. The article presents issues exemplifying the analysis of human resource management in the field of human resource policy playing an important role in the Police. The empirical part of the article was based on an analysis of the subject literature and police internal materials, but also on the basis of participant observation and expert interview. The paper presents an analysis of the recruitment process of police officers for vacant posts in the Police units of the Lodz garrison, introduced by the Human Resource Policy Concept. Results: Although the Police was established to protect citizens’ security and public order, its development and effective functioning are needed to further serve society. In order to do this, it is indispensable to recruit and employ proper and competent workers. Therefore, the recruitment and selection process is so significant. Appointing a police officer with the right knowledge, competence and skills to a specific position, has positive implications for the organization. This also improves public perception of the Police force.

The links between firm-level productivity and modes of international expansion of firms from the Lodz Voivodeship

The paper investigates the link between firm-level productivity and internationalisation (through exports, imports and foreign direct investment (F.D.I.)) in the Lodz Voivodeship, Poland. The Olley–Pakes algorithm was used to estimate firm-level productivity. Two hypotheses were then tested – self-selection hypothesis (stating that internationalisation is only possible at sufficiently high productivity levels) and learning hypothesis (claiming that engaging in international activity facilitates productivity growth). It has been found that productivity may affect firms’ decisions about engaging in import and F.D.I., while there is no evidence of such an effect regarding exports. At the same time, there is no proof for learning, suggesting that within the timeframe of the analysis firms from the Lodz Voivodeship did not experience productivity gains due to international trade or investment.

Methodology for Assessing the Size and Liquidation of the Outer Patchwork of Land

A patchwork of land ownership is one of the factors that exert a negative influence on both the organization and the level of agricultural production. Excessive land fragmentation decreases the intensity of agricultural practices and increases production costs, thus leading to a continuous reduction in income. In many areas of Poland, over the years, fields have been divided into smaller and smaller parcels, which, along with the mass migration of people to towns and abroad, resulted in a faulty land ownership structure. Nowadays, it is recommended that measures be taken to eliminate both internal and external patchworks of farmland. Two such agricultural land management measures are land consolidation and land exchange. Rural areas in Poland require profound structural changes related to agricultural production, the size of agricultural holdings, the distribution of farmland in an agricultural holding, as well as demographic, spatial and institutional structure. Land consolidation and land exchange not only result in improved living and working conditions for farmers, but also contribute to enhancing the environmental and cultural assets of a village. The study allowed conducted using checkerboard matrix tables which allow one to determine the share of farmland owned by local and out-of-village non-residents. Research based on data from the estate cadastre. The research used information on the number of land owners, the number of parcels of land, the area of these parcels. The study computed the distance between 34 villages located in Slawno municipality, Opoczno County, Lodz voivodeship. An approach like this allows one to establish a program of exchange of land between these two groups of owners and to eliminate the problematic patchwork of land ownership through land exchange and consolidation.