Processes In Poland Research Articles

Ewolucja społecznej odpowiedzialności biznesu w Polsce

The purpose of this article is to show the evolution of the idea of corporate social responsibility in Poland. It is based on a critical analysis of literature, web research and participatory observation. Both birth of the idea of corporate social responsibility and stages of evolution of the way it is understood were similar in Poland and in Western Europe. However, those processes in Poland were delayed and their scale was smaller. The importance of the concept of CSR is also not as rigid and tends to change. This is due to the fact that the concept itself is derived from practice, evolving in response to the needs of society and business. However, the essence of responsibility remains constant and up-to-date.

PHP57 - Real World Evidence In Decision-Making Processes On Public Funding Of Drugs In Poland

Real World Evidence (RWE) is data from actual medical practice related to efficacy, safety and costs in opposition to experimental settings. The aim of this study was to assess the use and impact of RWE in decision-making processes in Poland. The analysis was based on data from the Agency for Health Technology Assessment and Tariff System (AOTMiT) published between 01.2012-09.2015 in Verification Analyses (VA), Statements of the Transparency Council (STC) and Recommendations of the President of AOTMiT (RPA). RWE was identified in 53% of VAs, 21% of STCs and 35% of RPAs. Predominantly, RWE was included in reimbursement applications by MAH, however in 4% of VAs AOTMiT analysts found RWE themselves. Most of RWE related to safety (89%) and less to effectiveness (55%). In up to ¾ of RWE including processes, RWE was not evaluated. When RWE was assessed, AOTMiT analysts and the President slightly more often judged that it was insufficient than sufficient (10% vs 9% and 14% vs 12%, respectively), while the TC was nearly twice more restrictive (19% vs 10%). The longitudinal analysis of RWE in AOTMiT evaluations shows steady increase in the number of processes with RWE in 2012-2014 (31, 40, 64 processes) with apparent decline in 2015 to estimated 36 processes p.a. The share of processes with RWE had a peak in 2014 (59% vs 48% in both 2012 and 2013). The share for 2015 including September data is 36%, which is the lowest in the analysed period. Applications with RWE more often had a positive Statement/Recommendation/Decision compared to those without RWE. There is a considerable lack of consistency in identification of RWE on the three distinct levels of assessment and appraisal within the AOTMiT. A growing importance of RWE can be observed, however, the sustainability of this growth remains uncertain.

PHP56 - Does Real World Evidence Support Conclusions From Experimental Evidence In Decision-Making Processes In Poland?

The aim of the study was to identify and quantify the relation between Real World Evidence (RWE) and experimental evidence (EE) in decision-making processes on public funding of drugs in Poland. The analysis included data published by the Agency for Health Technology Assessment and Tariff System between 01.2012-09.2015. Both for RWE and EE the study type, number of participants and reliability score were analysed. Of the 58 decision-making processes RWE confirmed results of EE in 61% of cases. In 23% there was no data available for assessment of relationship between RWE and EE. The remaining 16% related to RWE negating EE both in favour or disfavour of a drug (7% and 9%, respectively). RWE accounts for less than half of the evidence considered in the processes (45%) weighted by number of patients. The patients weighted share of RWE in a single process ranges from 2% up to 100%. Studies with a control group represent 99% of EE and 90% of RWE, all weighted by number of patients. RWE was twice less frequently assessed for reliability compared to EE (48% vs. 93%). High quality evidence was more often found in EE (66%) compared to RWE (50%). In a small fraction of processes the best available evidence were low quality EE and RWE (4% vs. 6%). RWE is playing important role as it stands for nearly half of all the evidence considered in decision-making processes on public funding of drugs in Poland. In the majority of processes RWE confirms conclusions based on EE. RWE is of high quality slightly less often than EE, however it is twice less frequently assessed for reliability. As pharma companies strive to develop high quality RWE it still does not receive the attention it deserves from public funding decision makers.

Польша 2015-2016 гг. Хроника неоавторитарного реванша

The author studies one of the key milestones in the history of European Union, which took place during its transformation as a continental structure amidst a crisis, on the example of the complex, retrograde processes in Poland – the leading country of Central and Eastern Europe. It was in Poland where the 4th global democratization wave of 1989-1994 emerged, setting 34 countries on the path of democracy. In 2004, Poland, as a constitutional democracy with a multiparty political system and established civil society, with a new quality of self-organization of society, which experienced the most radical and profound transformation of its political system, joined the EU. It is shown how – as the political process was characterized by alternating from waves of democratization to its counter waves (due to world crises) – the process of European integration changed accordingly. Not only was the contractual framework of the economic and trade bloc deepening, but also the political networking in Europe was becoming more complex and multifaceted. The modern stage is characterized by another rollback in social and political development after the right-wing radicals came to power, widely exploiting populist political tactics. The article elaborates these tactics, as well as the strategy of the new right-wing leaders that seek to establish themselves in power by all means. They also seek to reduce the country’s political regime dependence on the EU law, to review the current state of affairs when most of the country’s sovereignty lies within the EU, along with the control over its legal system, social and political processes. These initiatives of the Polish authorities are aimed at review of the EU principles, as well as development of a new Constitutional Treaty that would legitimize the political principles promoted by the new Polish authorities and strengthen the authoritarian and autocratic trend in Polish politics.

Selected issues on the role of electric lighting in the regeneration programs of urban spaces in Poland

This paper reflects on the basic research done in the area of outdoor public lighting in regard to regeneration processes. The general purpose of this scientific paper is to investigate the role that lighting design plays within regeneration frameworks. Referring to a wide spectrum of academic publications, the paper provides an overview of regeneration and outdoor public lighting objectives. Emphasize is put on the obstacles for lighting design implementations in the regeneration processes in Poland.

IT outsourcing management in Poland – trends and performance

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to find how mature the Polish commercial production companies are in their information technology (IT) sourcing practices, what they do, the practices that are successful, the challenges experienced and the outcomes.The paper presents and critically evaluates the results of a study of IT outsourcing management processes in selected industrial enterprises operating in Poland. Dynamic business contexts, globalisation and advances in IT make the development of IT sourcing models challenging in both theory and practice. This paper examines the principles and practice of sourcing IT and business processes in Poland, a country much under-represented in the literature. Little research has been conducted on the strategic rationale behind IT sourcing decisions, the resulting challenges and the potential or actual consequences of such decisions. This paper addresses these gaps in the understanding of IT sourcing processes by way of examining the types of sourcing models and solutions among manufacturing companies operating in Poland, and by identifying the most problematic and critical factors in effective IT sourcing collaborations. The outcomes are assessed against findings from the broader empirical outsourcing literature, and lessons are drawn for Polish client firms and those in similar economies. Design/methodology/approach – A survey methodology of a limited number of organisations in Poland was used. The study was designed to address the process of managing IT sourcing relations in production companies operating in Poland. The main objective of the study was to formulate working hypotheses to be used in further research on the sourcing models used in the IT sphere. Additionally, the study was designed to provide information on: the potential respondent reactions to the research problem, the understanding of the notions and terms used in the survey questionnaire and the evaluation of the research instrument itself. Findings – Organisations (and their employees) are generally well aware of their IT needs, and that they select quite well providers that suit their particular requirements. In their selection processes, organisations carefully consider not only the providers’ experience and the range of services on offer but also their flexibility in response to the client’s demands, the location and the trust formed in the course of previous cooperation. Communication between the parties typically takes the form of telephone conversations and e-mails. The majority of respondents reported more than one type of problems faced in the course of outsourcing. Problems concentrated in the areas of communication (52 per cent) and organisation (48 per cent), followed by difficulties in enforcing the terms of the contract. Research limitations/implications – It is a selective sample, focuses only on production companies and does not look at the offshore outsourcing market that has grown up in Poland, but rather what domestic polish organisations do in their sourcing practices. Practical implications – The organisations still struggle with the organisation and management of relations with their external service providers while getting reasonable results. They have much to learn from the published literature on managing the outsourcing life cycle. Social implications – There is a need for better inter-organisational cooperation. Originality/value – Poland is very underrepresented in the outsourcing literature – there are no examples of surveys like this in the English literature.

The economic cycle and the innovation activity of the Polish industry system

Industrial structures in the “catching up” type of countries usually are not too competitive in nature, and mainly they differ in the low share of high-technology products in the international trade. The aim of the conducted studies was an attempt to search for directions, as well as the power of impact of different phases of the business cycle on the innovation activity of the Polish industrial system. Consequently, this was to allow to determine the boundary conditions for the national network of innovations and its model structure, which would take into account the specificity of Poland. The methodical part of the paper was based on the theory of probability (probit modelling). Based on the analysis performed based on 5209 industrial companies (questionnaire survey) it was stated that in the prosperity phase the implementation of the innovation activity is significantly higher than in other phases of the business cycle. On the other hand, during recession and stagnation, the innovation activity is a less common phenomenon, but is not completely abandoned. Research results did not confirm the occurrence of the counter-cyclical approach to the conducted innovation activity in the national industrial system. The economic situation is thus an important factor, which influences the decision whether to undertake, activate or, in some cases, limit the innovation activity in companies. Therefore, there is a need to take into account the existing market conditions in the programming of the innovation policy within the impact on the phenomenon of the innovation processes in Poland.

Spatial Analysis of Adults Involvement in Education in Poland

Knowledge and competences play an important role in the development of the knowledge-based economy. Therefore, the idea of lifelong learning is a crucial element of development strategies. Various forms of learning may be distinguished, e. g. according to ISCED methodology formal, non-formal, informal and random ones. The participation rates in educational activities differ from country to country. Comparative analyses show that an unfavorable situation in this field can be observed in Poland. Despite many incentives and opportunities for continuous education, the percentage of people participating in trainings is one of the lowest in Europe. A vital question arises whether this issue shows spatial relationships when lower-level (regional) data are taken into consideration. The purpose of this paper is to determine if the educational processes in Poland show regional similarities or dissimilarities. The analysis is performed on the basis of variables characterizing lifelong learning activities at the regional level. Statistical methods taking into account the spatial position of the units are used in order to evaluate spatial relations.

Przestrzenne zróżnicowanie przemian demograficznych w Polsce w latach 2002‒2011

Współczesne procesy demograficzne w Polsce można rozpatrywać w kontekście procesów suburbanizacji zmierzających do koncentracji ludności w zewnętrznej części obszarów metropolitalnych oraz w aspekcie teorii drugiego przejścia demograficznego, prowadzących do spadku poziomu dzietności poniżej granicy zastępowalności pokoleń. Celem niniejszego opracowania jest ukazanie współczesnych przemian demograficznych w Polsce w ujęciu przestrzennym na początku XXI wieku, w szczególności w świetle zmian pomiędzy dwoma narodowymi spisami powszechnymi w Polsce (w 2002 i 2011 roku), uzupełnione statystyką bieżącą z Banku Danych Lokalnych GUS. Przeanalizowano takie zagadnienia jak: dynamika zaludnienia, przyrost naturalny, saldo migracji oraz zmiany w strukturze wieku ludności. Przeprowadzono typologię Webba dla powiatów oraz typologię struktury wieku ludności metodą typografów. Analiza wykazała dużą polaryzację przestrzenną przebiegających procesów demograficznych pomiędzy obszarami metropolitalnymi a peryferyjnymi.

The Role of Spatial Planning in the Investment Process in Poland and Slovenia

Abstract This paper is based on the hypothesis that: “Spatial planning should regulate spatial development, taking into account the public and private interests, and enabling the development of public and private investments in construction projects. Investors may be discouraged from construction on account of too small or too excessive a number of spatial implementation conditions (land use guidelines) in particular, where an adequate professional basis has not been provided” This hypothesis has been verified by analyzing spatial planning processes in Poland and Slovenia, two countries whose centrally-planned economies (in Slovenia, this was called the socialist market economy) have been transformed into functioning market economies. The main aim of this study was to discuss the significance of spatial planning documents in the investment process and their contribution to the preservation of spatial order. Special emphasis was placed on planning documents that allow construction in areas not covered by a local zoning plan. In Poland, the relevant document is the outline planning permission for development of land or property. Investors are required to prepare extensive source documents that are used by the (local) authorities for issuing outline permissions for the development of land and of property. Due to a lengthy procedure for obtaining outline planning permission, development is delayed and, as a consequence, investors are discouraged from building. In Slovenia, the relevant spatial plans at the local level include the municipal spatial plan, which set out the spatial implementation conditions and the detailed spatial plan. The spatial implementation conditions are the criteria and conditions for intervention as determined by the spatial planning document, in accordance with which the acquisition of building permits under regulations on construction is prepared. These can have a significant impact on the performance of the investment project. In some cases, such conditions even discourage investors from building, because they are not on an adequate professional basis. The three examples discussed in this paper show that both too general and too precise spatial implementation conditions (land use guidelines) are unfavorable for investors and validate the hypothesis.

Restitution in the context of institutional lock-in

Abstract This article presents the problem of lack of restitution in Poland in the political, social and economic context. The author presents the theory of institutional lock-in, referring to the hitherto course of the political, social and economic transformation processes in Poland. She is focusing on the research problem in form of an institutional lock-in on the route to general restitution process. The author examines the path shaping and path dependence to understand the current negative attitude toward restitution presented by the government and society. The author also indicates the costs caused by lack of restitution. Through analysis of past attempts of restitution regulations the author indicates the most important flashpoints. A hypothesis constructed by the author focuses on the negative effects of institutional lock-in, lack of restitution increases transaction costs influencing the Polish economy. The study is based on the legal documents and the results of public opinion polls.

Gentrification on the Example of Suburban Parts of the Szczecin Urban Agglomeration

Abstract Gentrification is a term first used by Ruth Glass in 1964 in reference to the process of taking over and revitalizing the degraded housing resources in the London Borough of Islington by their middle class owners. Ruth Glass discerned the impact of the improved living conditions in the gentrified area on ownership conditions, the appreciation of prices of land and houses, and changes in the social class structure. Nowadays, we can observe three types of changes taking place in gentrified parts of cities: economic, social and cultural ones. The author of this article presents the evolution of gentrification and points out the advantages and threats brought about by this process, including its effect on urban space and real property prices. She identifies the gentrification processes in Poland and their social impact, and verifies the hypothesis that contemporary gentrification, apart from being a physical process, is above all, a social and cultural one. On the example of some parts of the Szczecin urban agglomeration, she shows that gentrification, extending into the suburbs and rural areas, results in irreversible changes in land use and social structure.

A comparative study of local railway networks in Poland and the Czech Republic

AbstractDespite similar economic and legal conditions in Poland and the Czech Republic, the situation of local railway lines in each of these neighbouring countries is completely different. In Poland more than 90% of third-category and over 44% of second-category lines were closed down between 1989 and 2011, whereas the Czech Republic did away with only 14% of its regional lines during the same period. This means that two decades of transformation processes in Poland have resulted in a massive decline in the importance of the regional railway network, which is one of the most important symptoms of a rapid decline in the role of the railway transport system as a whole. By contrast, the Czech Republic still has one of the densest railway networks in Europe, thanks to the vital role of its local lines. The main reasons for this big difference between the two countries - and for the very minor importance of the regional railway service in Poland - are the lack of a realistic transport policy at the state level and the badly conducted restructuring of the national PKP railway company (PKP - Polskie Koleje Państwowe, Polish State Railways). Other reasons are the poor state of the railway infrastructure and also factors connected with the structure of settlement, as well as the historical development of the railways in certain parts of the country. These factors have merely reinforced an already vast bureaucracy and aggravated the wastage for which the PKP was known during the communist period. The main question that arises concerning the future is whether decision-makers in Poland at both national and regional levels - as well as those in the railway companies themselves - will be able to follow the Czech example, as this would appear to be the best solution for the greatest crisis the Polish railway system has seen in decades.

Wpływ kryzysów na zachowania demograficzne

Population processes are subject to significant changes under the influence of extraordinary circumstances. This must be remembered during an analysis. The article presents the impact of extraordinary mass disorders on demographic behavior change, frequency of demographic incidences, and to modify the demographic structure of the population. In addition, an attempt to assess the impact of recent economic crisis (in years 2008–2011) on population processes in Poland was presented too.

The connection of income situation of farms and the reproduction processes in Poland in the view of the EU integration

The aim of the paper is to show the influence of the improving farms' income situation in Poland after the UE accession with their reproductive possibilities. To achieve this target it was defined whether the increasing agricultural income parity was a result of a changing market situation ("price scissors"), CAP subsidies or investment-accumulative processes. Also the connection of the EU financial means with the balance of agri-food international trade was analysed.

Bioremediation of soil polluted with fuels by sequential multiple injection of native microorganisms: Field-scale processes in Poland

Research was conducted to estimate impact of the multiple bioaugmentation on the treatment of soil contaminated by fuels – diesel oil and aircraft fuel. The bacteria used to inoculate the remediation plots were isolated from the polluted soil and proliferated in field conditions. The amount of biomass applied to the polluted soil was set to ensure the total number of bacteria in soil 10 7–10 8 cfu/g d.w. The multiple inoculation of soil with indigenous bacteria active in diesel oil and engine oil (plot A) degradation increased bioremediation effectiveness by 50% in comparison to the non-inoculated control soil and by 30% in comparison to the soil that was inoculated only once. The multiple inoculation of soil with indigenous microorganisms was then applied in bioremediation of the soil polluted with double high concentration of diesel oil (soil B) and in bioremediation of the soil polluted with aircraft fuel (soil C). The process efficiency was 80% and 98% removal of TPH for soil B and C, respectively.

A review of Health Technology Assessment (HTA) recommendations for drug therapies issued between 2007 and 2009 and their impact on policymaking processes in Poland

Objective The primary objective of this study was to critically review and analyze the Polish Health Technology Assessment (AHTAPol) agency's health technology drug recommendations (HTA activity), in order to ascertain to what extent HTA findings have been incorporated into national drug reimbursement decisions (HTA impact). Methodology HTA recommendations issued between 2007 and 2009 were studied. Positive recommendations were classified into three categories: recommendations with major restrictions; minor restrictions; and without restrictions. Definitions of clinical and non-clinical reasons were drawn ups for negative recommendations. The study examined how many different drug technologies assessed by AHTAPol were included in reimbursement lists. Results In terms of HTA activity, 63 negative and 83 positive HTA recommendations were issued. While clinical arguments were the most prevalent reason for negative HTA recommendations, major restrictions were most common in the positive guidance group. In terms of HTA impact, the results revealed 30 drugs with positive HTA recommendations and four with negative HTA recommendations were included on the reimbursement lists. Conclusions Most of AHTAPol's recommendations have a positive outcome for the drug being appraised. The study revealed room for further enhancement of HTA impact. Three key areas that need future attention were identified: consistency, credibility; and pragmatism.

Innovation policy of a country as a determinant of the development of innovation processes in Poland

The experience of the developed countries shows that the innovations are motive force of every economy and they are influencing a long-term growth potential. Innovation policy of a country shall play an extremely important role in the development of innovation processes. Innovation policy should be a well-balanced combination of generating the knowledge by means of choosing a sector strategic for a particular economy and eliminating obstacles to a capital access. The aim of this article is to present innovation policy and its role in the constantly changing economy.

Barriers for technology transfer: the case of a country in transition

PurposeThe main purpose of his paper is to identify key barriers for technology transfer (TT) in a transitional economy. Poland is presented as a case study, with an emphasis on domestic TT.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is based on the author's empirical studies, using a few research methods, like: a postal questionnaire, the Delphi method, online questionnaire and a statistical data analysis.FindingsIn the period under analysis, no significant improvement occurred in the field of TT processes in Poland. The poor state of TT is due to the presence of numerous obstacles/barriers. According to empirical research, the most disturbing barriers facing the enterprise sector are: R&D institutions not fully open or prepared to cooperate with firms; inefficient systems supporting corporate innovation and R&D activities; obstacles hindering firms in acquiring outside financial resources; a lack of own financial resources; and a lack of innovative culture and mentality among employees. The lack of relevant communication between the science sector and industry is at the core of all difficulties in TT processes. On the basis of this, recommendations are formulated for all main actors on the innovation scene. At least some of the recommendations can be relevant for other countries in transition like, e.g. China.Originality/valueThis study is a comprehensive examination and analysis of TT processes in the country, with main stress put on existing barriers for the transfer of technologies and recommendations on how to remove the barriers.

Problematyka badawcza funkcjonowania przedsiębiorstw przemysłowych

Economic transformation processes in Poland, taking effect under the influence of advancing globalization, trigger extensive changes in the functioning of particular sectors of the national economy, industrial and service enterprises, and institutions. As a result, industrial structures are rebuilt, which is due to changes in functioning of industrial enterprises regarded as the basic elements of the spatial forms of industry concentration. These changes condition the participation of the national industrial enterprises in the global economic processes, and the integration of the Polish industry with the global industry, especially through forming organizational, financial, and technological bonds, and through entering the already-formed market networks of international corporations. Therefore, from the point of view of the analysis of the economic transformation process in Poland, and especially transformation of industrial structures, the research area of functioning of enterprises, which is the focus of this paper, seems an important issue.In the first part, the author makes an attempt at showing differences between approaches to research problems concerning functioning of enterprises in geographical and economic sciences, and points to the necessity that researchers pay special attention to the conditioning of changes in functioning of enterprises and the sources of financial means for the restructuring. Further, the author presents a modernized questionnaire investigating functioning of an industrial enterprise, outlines the criteria of selection of enterprises for the research, and discusses the range of analysis of changes in enterprises functioning basing on results achieved from empirical studies conducted in south-east Poland. The paper is concluded with a discussion of access to data, and data quality evaluation.These considerations appear to prove the validity and significance of the undertaken research problems concerning changes in enterprise functioning, to show advantages of a comprehensive approach to this problem area, which includes all important aspects of enterprise functioning, and to point out to the necessity of more extensive inclusion of economic issues in research work conducted in the field of industrial geography, as processes of change are not a goal, but a means that should lead to an increase in efficiency and competitiveness of an enterprise, expressed by economic indexes.