Polish Manufacturing Enterprises Research Articles

An approach to maintenance sustainability level assessment integrated with Industry 4.0 technologies using Fuzzy-TOPSIS: A real case study

Sustainable development (SD) activities within a manufacturing should be integrated with the Industry 4.0 (I4.0) technologies implementation due to ensure the continuous evaluation and even prediction the SD level. Such integration should be provided cross all company areas but must be strictly defined for each core process realised within a company. Therefore, the main purpose of the study is to build the new approach to assess the maintenance sustainability (MS) level in a manufacturing company, as a good example of integrating I4.0 technologies and SD activities within a company, using Fuzzy Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (F-TOPSIS). The major contributions of the work are as follows: 1) to the existing literature by identification the key objectives of MS, in the context of Industry 4.0 2) using the F-TOPSIS method and based on the empirical data received from 125 Polish manufacturing enterprises, 3) the establishment of the integrated approach, which allow continuous monitor the level of the MS within a manufacturing, 4) demonstrating the usefulness of the fresh framework in managerial practice through its verification in the five Polish manufacturing companies. Managers of manufacturing enterprises, thanks to the use of the proposed approach, may assess and constant monitor the MS level, while application of the I4.0 technologies.

A new management approach based on Additive Manufacturing technologies and Industry 4.0 requirements

Nowadays, it is necessary to formulate and implement a development strategy in manufacturing enterprises, in line with the assumptions of the Industry 4.0 concept. In this context, a gap in the research has been observed in effective management methods, in order to gain a competitive advantage through the implementation and use of Additive Manufacturing (AM) technologies. The main purpose of the study is to build a new approach to management, based on the implementation of new AM technologies and good practice. This paper uses the detailed literature studies and results from the empirical research of some 250 Polish manufacturing enterprises; this material contains a sample thereof, processed into a new approach. The major contributions of the work are as follows: (1) identification of current management areas in which manufacturing companies focus their activities, in the context of Industry 4.0, (2) the establishment of the correlation between gaining a competitive advantage and implementing AM technologies in the context of Industry 4.0, (3) Defining the so-called AM4.0CARD as a new management approach, based on AM technologies and the requirements of Industry 4.0. Managers of manufacturing enterprises, thanks to the use of the proposed approach, may take a strategic decision, regarding the implementation of AM technologies, due to the possibility of forecasting the impact of such an investment on the improvement of the company's competitive advantage.

Modelling the Demand for AM Technologies in Polish Manufacturing Enterprises Using Bayesian Networks

Combining the knowledge about additive manufacturing technologies available in the literature with the results of empirical research in Polish manufacturing enterprises, regarding the implementation of AM, using the Bayesian network, will allow the recent demand for AM technologies to be defined in the context of an industry’s needs. The main purpose of the study is to build a new model that integrates: (1) knowledge about the implementation of AM in manufacturing companies, gained from the literature, (2) knowledge about the demands and state of the use of AM from 250 Polish metal and automotive manufacturing enterprises, and (3) Bayesian networks. The results reveal that the model developed is able to accurately detect the key determinants of the implementation process of AM technologies within a manufacturing company and identify the specific requirements for the further implementation of additive technologies. The freshness of our work is defining the demand for AM technology based on the knowledge gained from literature and knowledge received through empirical study. The possibilities of using the results of research in economic practice were demonstrated. This new approach can be treated as a solution, which will both direct and help mangers to take the decision to implement AM technologies.

The use of information systems to support the management of reverse logistics processes

The article, and the research presented, aim to analyze and evaluate the current use of IT systems supporting the management of reverse logistics processes (dealing with flows of returned goods and products) in Polish enterprises. Based on the research results, the paper will include conclusions on (1) identifying the main challenges and developing the use of IT systems in the management of reverse logistics processes in enterprises, (2) the level of use of these systems in the management of reverse logistics processes, and (3) determining the benefits and barriers for the implementation of IT systems for the management of reverse logistics processes. The research used the methodology of literature review and questionnaire research. The data was collected from 327 Polish manufacturing enterprises and analyzed using statistical data analysis software SPSS (IBM Predictive Solutions).Major research achievements of Polish enterprises are (1) the use of reverse logistics processes to enrich the operational performance and increase competitive position, and (2) the successful use of IT solutions to support the management of reverse logistics processes. The information flow should be considered as the most important in supply chain, so without the efficient and effective information exchange any of the logistics activities would perform correctly. Research findings suggest that there are still some improvements needed within the area of information systems support for supply chains, especially for reverse logistics processes management.

Innovativeness of Polish manufacturing enterprises in 2008-2015

Purpose – The aim of the article is an attempt to estimate the level of innovativeness of Polish manufacturing enterprises conducting their activity in the years 2008-2015. Research method – The study was divided into three stages. First stage – estimation of synthetic innovativeness indicators of manufacturing enterprises operating in Poland (2008 – 2015) – general and broken down into individual departments of the manufacturing sector. Second stage – estimation of the main descriptive statistics of the synthetic innovativeness indicator of Polish manufacturing enterprises (2008–2015) – average, standard deviation, coefficient of variation, median, minimum value, maximum value. Third stage – creating a ranking of innovativeness of Polish manufacturing enterprises representing individual departments of sector C and conducting their activity in 2015. The ranking was based on a synthetic innovativeness indicator of Polish manufacturing enterprises for 2015. Results – The study shows that the synthetic index of innovativeness of Polish enterprises in the manufacturing sector in 2009–2015 is characterized by an upward trend. Department C20 came first in the ranking of innovativeness of Polish manufacturing enterprises by individual departments of sector C (manufacturing) operating in 2015, whereas department C13-15 ranked last. Originality – Estimation, statistical evaluation of the synthetic innovativeness indicator of Polish manufacturing enterprises and creating a ranking of innovativeness of Polish manufacturing enterprises by individual departments of sector C conducting their activity in 2015.

Results obtained through the implementation of pro-environmental activities versus the level of supply chain integration

This study focuses on aspects related to green supply chain management, including the level of supply chain integration and the effect of implementation of pro-environmental activities carried out among vertically integrated entities. The subject of the research were Polish manufacturing enterprises. Based on the obtained results, it has been proved that a higher level of integration in the supply chain leads to higher pro-environmental results obtained for the surveyed enterprises, co-operators in the supply chain and the further and closer environment of the enterprise, including the natural environment itself. As part of the conducted research, it was also determined that the main beneficiaries of the benefits resulting from the implementation of pro-environmental activities are internal stakeholders.

Barriers to Technological Innovation and International Market Orientation of Polish Manufacturing Enterprises

The aim of this paper is to assess the influence of innovation barriers for technological innovation on the innovation performance as well as sales market orientation of Polish firms. The analysis is conducted on the sample of 7783 manufacturing enterprises participating in the survey GUS PNT–02/CIS for the years 2008–2010. The results show statistically significant relations between innovation barriers and both innovation performance and international market orientation of surveyed firms. Various advanced statistical methods were used in order to verify research hypotheses. The results of the study reveal complexity of interactions between analysed variables leading to the conclusion that innovation process cannot be reduced to linear relationships only.

The Effect Of The Use Of Mobile Technologies By Management In Polish Manufacturing Enterprises On The Efficiency Of Knowledge Transfer Within A Company

Abstract This article elaborates an existence of a positive effect of the use of mobile technologies by managers, according to their competences, on the efficiency of explicit knowledge transfer in a manufacturing company. It focuses on the set of the competences of managers, who use the mobile technologies in manufacturing companies and is based on a survey and data obtained from 119 Polish manufacturing enterprises. This article develops a framework of how managers can determinate the knowledge transfer in a manufacturing company and further discusses the research results.

Assessing the relationship between business strategy and knowledge acquisition in Polish Manufacturing Enterprises

This study analyzes the interplay between the characteristics of business strategy implementations and their interaction with different types of knowledge in the manufacturing enterprise. It is based on a survey and data obtained from 119 Polish manufacturing enterprises. This study is innovative in applying the Group Method of Data Handling to the business context. This article develops a framework of achieving the strategy’s goals in terms of the types of knowledge acquisition in a manufacturing company, and further discusses the research results.

Exploring Links Between Cooperation, Internationalization and Proftability: A Study of Polish Manufacturing Companies

Abstract The paper is focused on developing a predictive, statistical model depicting the relationships among companies' involvement in internationalization, engagement in cooperation with business partners and their fnancial performance. Data were collected through a CATI survey of managers of medium-sized Polish manufacturing enterprises. The principal statistical technique employed was binary logistic regression. The regression equation model contained four statistically significant dichotomous predictors: (1) sales abroad above 30% of total sales, (2) cooperation with foreign suppliers, (3) cooperation with domestic distributors, and (4) Export-Only Early-Internationalized status of the company. The two former variables were correlated positively with the profit margin, while the two latter shown negative associations. The principal limitation of the study was a relatively small sample size of 110 units that, while enough to detect patterns with strong and medium-strong effect sizes, might not have provided sufficient power to identify weaker associations. Generalizations were also constrained by the selection criteria of the sample to medium-sized Polish enterprises from traditional manufacturing B2B industries. The study yielded a regression model that permitted isolation of the main factors linked to the degree of sales profitability, which could assist managers in their efforts to enhance profit margins and in competitor analysis. The originality of the approach involves using a comprehensive list of 25 potential predictors in analysis that represented salient dimensions of cooperation and internationalization. The predictive capacities of the model were found to be sufficient to make it useful for both scholars and practitioners. The research relied on a sample drawn from the population that has rarely been studied on similar subjects.

A Model of Knowledge Sharing in Polish Manufacturing Enterprises

Abstract This article elaborates on a model of knowledge sharing in Polish manufacturing enterprises. The author aims to analyse the effectiveness of knowledge sharing in Polish manufacturing enterprises based on the research results gained from the study described in this paper. In particular, the likely consequences and results of knowledge sharing by using Web 2.0 technologies are studied. This is followed by a discussion on the results of the literature and empirical studies. The summary indicates potential directions for further work.

Innovation Activity of the Polish Manufacturing Enterprises

This paper presents the results of analysis of innovative activities in the Polish manufacturing enterprises. Using data for the years 2006–2009, the effectiveness of innovative activities is estimated under two groups of models. The results indicate the significantly positively impact of soft expenditures on innovation activity and ineffectiveness of material outlays. Additionally, a significant, positive effect is demonstrated of the support from the European Union upon the efficiency of innovative activities in the Polish companies.

Managing the Global–Local Dimensions of Clusters and the Role of “Lead” Organizations: The Contrasting Cases of the Software and Medical Technology Clusters in the West of Ireland

The purpose of this paper is to investigate “leading” firms in an industrial cluster to understand how the balance between global and local dimensions of the cluster can be managed. Two cases of industry clusters, the software and medical technology clusters in the west of Ireland, are employed to examine how certain organizations can occupy a “lead” position and how—if at all—such organizations generate an agglomerative effect in a cluster. In the case of the medical technology cluster, the study shows that when large firms enact a leading role by influencing the technology trajectory of the region and stimulating the local dynamic, they can generate agglomerative effects, thereby enhancing the relevance and sustainability of clusters. Most significantly, it shows how leading organizations act as an important facilitator in connecting the global and local dimensions of clusters even in the absence of extensive local formal linkages. At the same time, the case of the software cluster reveals that the presence of large organizations alone does not inevitably stimulate such a clustering effect and emphasizes that appropriate characteristics and conditions need to be in place. Overall, while the study substantiates previous research on the significance of temporary and organized forms of proximity, it also shows the value that permanent geographical proximity can have, thereby contesting recent research that downplays the relevance of the clustering institution (e.g. Lorentzen, A. (2007) The geography of knowledge sourcing—A case study of Polish manufacturing enterprises, European Planning Studies, 15, pp. 467–486; Wickham, J. & Vecchi, A. (2008) Local firms and global reach: Business air travel and the Irish software cluster, European Planning Studies, 16, pp. 693–710).

The Geography of Knowledge Sourcing—A Case Study of Polish Manufacturing Enterprises

The assumption that geographic proximity between innovating partners is of great importance is widely unquestioned and it has been documented by studies of high-tech areas in advanced countries. Until now, the pattern of cooperation among firms in low- and medium-tech industry in more peripheral locations has not been a subject of study to the same degree. This article sets out to question the rationales behind the territorial innovation theories, and, in particular, their views on the role of the region in the era of globalization. It is found that the regional focus is less fruitful when it comes to explaining the innovation pattern of individual firms today. Notions of proximity are particularly suited for identifying the spatial variety of inter-firm relations, in combination with notions of firm capabilities. Against this background, the article detects the pattern and role of knowledge sourcing of low- and medium-tech firms in a peripheral context of Poland. It sheds light on the capability of firms to source useful knowledge for innovation, and particularly, on the geography of their knowledge sourcing. The analysis shows that the firms are capable of sourcing knowledge in a flexible and complex way, and that a division of labour exists between regional, global and national knowledge sources. Global sources are seen as the most important sources of innovation, while the regional level basically provides a labour market and entrepreneurship. Thus, the research of this article does not support ideas of clustering or local buzz or of perceiving the region as mediator. On the contrary, the research suggests that knowledge sourcing for innovation is global. The theoretical part of the paper is rooted in a critical assessment of the ongoing debate on “proximity”. (A more detailed assessment can be found in a paper by the author presented at the ESF exploratory workshop on “The governance of networks as a determinant of local economic development”, San Sebastian, 16–18 November 2005, and at the Regional Studies International conference on ‘Regional Growth Agendas’ on 28–31 May 2005 in Aalborg University, Denmark.) The empirical focus of the paper is knowledge sourcing strategies at firm level. The empirical part of the paper is based on the analysis of interviews performed at 23 companies in two Polish cities in 2000, 2001 and 2002 (Lorentzen, 2005).

Industrial restructuring and trade reorientation in Eastern Europe

1. Introduction Michael Landesmann and Istvan Szekely Part I. Industrial Structurla Change and East-West Integration: 2. Industrial structural change in Central and Eastern European economies Michael Landesmann and Istvan Szekely 3. Projecting East-West trade integration Michael Landesmann Part II. Country Studies: 4. Deindustrialisation or reindustrialisation? On the future of the eastern German economy Klaus-Dieter Schmidt and Petra Naujoks 5. Stabilisation, crisis and structured change in Hungary Andras Blaho and Laszlo Halpern 6. Industrial restructuring in Czechoslovakia after 1989 Alena Nesporova 7. Economic transition and industrial restructuring in Bulgaria Rumen Dobrinsky, Nikolay Markov, Boyko Nikolov, and Dimiter Yalnazov 8. Economic reforms and structural change in Poland Lucja Tomaszewicz and Witold Orlowski Part III. Enterprise Analysis and Policy Issues: 9. Micro-economic factors of trade reorientation in Hungary, 1981-90 Laszlo Halpern 10. Hardening of the budget constraint for Polish manufacturing enterprises, 1991-3 Marek Belka and Stefan Krajewski 11. Industrial policy in the transition Michael Landesmann and Istvan Abel 12. Financial intermediation and industrial restructuring in Central and Eastern Europe Istvan Abel and Istvan Szekely.