<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>The following paper concentrates on some problems resulting from the use of Quality Function Deployment method in industrial enterprises. It is not an easy task although the method itself has many advantages. The aim of the paper is to analyse basic international literature as well as the main advantages and limitations of the Quality Function Deployment</abstract>

The use of QFD method advantages and limitation

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>Presented paper concentrate on problems connected with the function of operation management within the company. Operation function is responsible for producing products and delivering services. But it needs support and input from others areas of the organization. The aim of the paper it to analyze on the basis on inter-national the main functions of operation management. We can distinguish seven main functions of operation management in the industrial enterprise: planning, scheduling, purchasing, controlling, quality control and inventory control. In each of those fields operations managers should conduct many decision affecting of-organization effectiveness.</abstract>

Main functions of operation management

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>The main aim of this article is to demonstrate that in a dynamically changing business environment, an organization should focus on embracing imitation strategies such as a safer form of building up its market position. The author addresses issues of innovation and imitation, provides definitions and defines realistic conditions and advantages of imitation strategies. Innovation does not guarantee a company's market success. The research conducted has shown that imitation is not only a commonly used strategy of creating competitiveness, but it is also the foundation of many firms’ success stories. Innovative imitation, technological diffusion, creative imitation should be treated equally as innovation – as a another development strategy, different form of strategy implementation, assuming less risk and wider market access with less risk and cost.</abstract>

Imitation and innovation in business environment

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> Behaviour-Based Safety (BBS) is a popular approach to enhancing occupational safety, with many researchers reporting successes of implementing BBS programs. There are, however, studies that see this approach as illusory, bringing more harm than good. The first goal of this article is to present an overview of literature providing both evidence and elaboration of implementing BBS programs, highlighting both positive and negative views of the approach. The second goal is to discuss the perception of the method, based on a literature review and authors’ own research.</abstract>

Behaviour Based Safety (BBS) - Advantages and Criticism

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>High quality is organizations’ competitive advantage. It is beneficial to base this on professional approach, and basic concepts and definitions with scientific foundation. The necessary main concepts consist of quality, quality management, quality improvement and quality assurance. Organizations’ top management is responsible of the quality management decisions and implementations. The present practical situation is fragmented and the implementations are most often based on the instrumental means of the different methodological schools, which is confusing and detrimental to the understanding and usefulness of the concept of quality management. It is not beneficial to build a special system for quality management by only following the requirements of the general standard. This cannot ensure competitive business advantage. In this article, we present an alternative approach that is a natural practical way to realize quality management as the teleological solution, Quality Integration, in which the general and specific quality concepts, principles and methodology are embedded within the normal business management activities. Our Quality Integration is based on the thinking of organizational learning. Its framework covers both running the current business and improving the overall business performance. This model has been used as the thinking framework in practical organizational cases since 1990’s. As the business circumstances change constantly, the organization must be constantly ready to renew through both small and radical changes. This change also receives resistance, and the development takes place according to a multi-phase process towards the new integration and requires a proper recognition and decisions. Principles of the organizational learning can help organizations in a consistent way. Evaluation of the overall organizational performance is an important quality management practice and should take into account performance enablers (processes) and also the results obtained thereof. In our approach, the evaluation criteria emphasize organizational learning and integration. The external context of the organization has a crucial role in achieving and developing the business objectives. The organization’s strategy can no longer be based on the value chains but on finding ways to alter them radically through value networking. The organization is influenced by the true and all-inclusive reality, which differs from the apparent reality perceived by the senses, and which is only revealed through consciousness. Understanding this reinforces awareness and trust that are important factors also in quality management and quality assurance.</abstract>

Organizational learning in developing the integrated quality management

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>The provision of quality transport services is a prerequisite for the creation of an efficient organization that can meet the expectations and requirements of both the enterprise itself and its customers. From the railway enterprise's point of view, it is necessary to pay attention to the increasingly demanding requirements of its customers in railway passenger transport. This article focuses on identifying defects in rail transport processes that negatively affect ordinary operations. One of the most serious bottlenecks affecting railway transport reliability is the train delay, which fundamentally affects the perception of railway transport. At the same time, it emphasizes the need to apply individual tools according to the DMAIC cycle in order to achieve continuous improvement. The aim of the implemented Six Sigma methodology in railway enterprise is disciplined application of statistical problem-solving tools to recognize the gaps in the transport process and set out individual steps for their gradual removal.</abstract>

Implementation of Six Sigma methodology using DMAIC to achieve processes improvement in railway transport

<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
Sustainable development has caused companies to try to adapt their activities to changing customer expectations, but also to climate change. This poses a particular challenge for SMEs from developing countries. Therefore, the objective of the investigation was to analyse the qualitative-environmental aspects of the improvement of the products in SMEs from the countries of the Visegrad Group (V4). The results analysed constituted a research sample of 379 companies in the electrical machinery industry (machine processing industry), which were obtained in the period from March to September 2023 through a targeted survey. The area of analysis included, e.g.: (i) environmental issues of selected areas of activity, (ii) measures of environmental activity, and (iii) selected qualitative-environmental aspects. Analyses of the research results were carried out using quantitative and qualitative analyses, including comparative analyses, e.g. regarding the implementation status of ISO 14001, EMAS, and ISO 9001. These techniques were used: word cloud, ANOVA test and Mann Whitney U test at the significance level of α=0.05. It has been shown that SMEs in V4 countries focus their activities on improving products to improve their quality rather than limiting their negative environmental impact. Originality of the research is the identification of significant differences in the qualitative-environmental aspects undertaken when SMEs from V4 countries. Research results may contribute to the development activities more effective and coherent in the V4 countries, to achieve a stable and competitive advantage on the market as part of the qualitative and environmental improvement of the products. The research results and the conclusions drawn from them can be used by scientists and practitioners to shape the target states of enterprises in the period of increasing involvement in proecological ideas.
</abstract>

Qualitative-environmental aspects of products improvement in SMEs from V4 countries

<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
This scientific article delves into the intricacies of wind flow's impact on multi-storey buildings, presenting results from a series of experimental investigations. The research encompasses an examination of wind interactions with buildings of varying heights and geometric profiles. Furthermore, it unveils the effects of tall structures on the natural ventilation and smoke evacuation systems of shorter edifices, considering different wind flow directions. The study leverages specialized wind tunnel and measurement techniques for a comprehensive analysis of wind-induced loads on buildings. The acquired insights furnish crucial input for the design of single-story temporary modular constructions within densely populated urban areas, subject to wind-induced stresses. Additionally, they hold potential applicability in the advancement of energy-efficient technologies and strategies within the realm of construction. The acquired dataset underscores the criticality of scrutinizing wind flow's impact on structures of varied typologies and dimensions and will allow to significantly improve the quality and efficiency of modern buildings in the future.
</abstract>

Examining Wind Flow's Impact on Multi-Storey Buildings: A Quest for Quality Improvement

<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
The research problem revolves around an attempt to answer the questions: “<italic>Are enterprises from the SME sector</italic> interested in implementing strategic management accounting instruments, including <italic>Kaizen Costing</italic>? <italic>Is Kaizen Costing more widely used in SMEs operating in Poland?</italic>" The aim of the article is therefore to highlight the importance of Kaizen and Kaizen Costing and to draw attention to how much support these solutions can be for SMEs in the current social, economic, and environmental conditions. The article presents the results of surveys conducted in this regard.
The accomplishment of the established objective of the work required conducting a review of the literature on the subject and presenting conclusions from previous own research in the above respect. The method of participant observation, critical analysis and synthesis was used in the study.
According to the research results, there is little interest in these instruments in large enterprises, however, in medium-sized enterprises, the interest and degree of application of Kaizen and Kaizen Costing is negligible. The research results indicate the need for further development and broadening the dialogue on the usability and benefits which enterprises, in particular SMEs, may derive from the introduction of such innovative solutions.
</abstract>

Application of Kaizen and Kaizen Costing in SMEs

<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
The 1.4306 austenite stainless steel has been prominently utilized as a material in the automotive and aerospace industry. Considerable interest has been garnered in the machinability of stainless steel owing to its high strength and poor thermal conductivity. The aim of this study is to ascertain the influential cutting parameters, specifically the cutting speed and feed rate, on cut-ting forces, cutting temperature, and chip evaluation. Thus, austenite stainless steel was subjected to free-cutting using a carbide recessing tool under dry conditions. The principle of measuring cutting temperature, a complex procedure due to varying thermal homogeneity, was elucidated. For the turning experiments in question, the standard Taguchi orthogonal array L9 (32), featuring two factors and three levels, was employed. The experimental results were analyzed using MiniTab 17 software. The findings reveal a substantial effect of feed rate on cutting force, cutting temperature, and chip evaluation. The highest cutting force and cutting temperature were observed at a feed rate of 0.15 mm/rev. Conversely, the cutting force was minimized at a cutting speed of 100 m/min, indicating potential for increasing the cutting speed. The augmentation of feed rate led to chip compression and discoloration, attributed to elevated cutting force and a larger chip cross-section that efficiently dissipates heat from the cutting zone.
</abstract>

Investigation of the effects of machining parameters on cutting conditions during orthogonal turning of austenite stainless steel

<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
Energy efficiency and behavioural changes are among the key pillars of decarbonization of the global energy system. Residential sector is responsible for a large share of fossil fuels final consumption, therefore the growth of its energy efficiency can bring a valuable impact on decarbonization speed and scale. In countries with growing economies residential energy consumption can increase dramatically due to the desire of the population to improve their standard of living, therefore striking a balance between economic growth and energy efficiency improvement is a complex policy challenge. The purpose of this study is to analyze attitudes and assess barriers of energy efficient behavior in Republic of Armenia as a country with growing economy and standards of living. The paper contributes to the literature by providing new empirical evidence of consumers’ attitude toward different forms of energy efficient behavior in Armenia and reveals how general pro-environmental consciousness and social conditions influence on it. The results of the study prove that the level of general environmental consciousness of the population has a direct impact on the frequency of practical application of various patterns of energy-efficient behavior. As a policy application for emerging economies, our study proposes that the main direction of energy efficiency policy can be education of the population and raising its level of environmental self-awareness.
</abstract>

Energy efficiency in household sector

<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
The paper discusses the changes occurring in the steel industry and related markets as they move towards Industry 4.0. With significant investments in new technologies, steel mills are creating a smart environment for cooperation between producers, distributors, and consumers of steel products. The influence of Industry 4.0 within mills is being transferred to other participants in the steel product chains, and vice versa. The research aimed to determine the impact of Industry 4.0 technologies on the steel product chains in the Polish steel market. The research was conducted in Poland. The obtained database comprised 208 respondents (company executives), including steel mills and steel product manufacturers. Technologies (the pillars of Industry 4.0) are grouped into five technological fields: automation and robotics; warehouse automation; Computer systems, systems integration, mobile technologies, Big Data and IIoT, Blockchain and cybersecurity. Analysis was realized in the three respondent segments representing the steel chain in Poland [RSs]: Producer [P], Distributor [D], and Consumer [C]. The results of the research can help companies improve their steel product chains. The study takes a value chain approach, considering steel production, distribution of steel products, and services for orders and consumers of steel and steel products.
</abstract>

Changes in the steel chain in Industry 4.0. Some results of survey on the Polish steel market

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>The introduction of solutions conventionally called Industry 4.0 to the industry resulted in the need to make many changes in the traditional procedures of industrial data analysis based on the DOE (Design of Experiments) methodology. The increase in the number of controlled and observed factors considered, the intensity of the data stream and the size of the analyzed datasets revealed the shortcomings of the existing procedures. Modifying procedures by adapting Big Data solutions and data-driven methods is becoming an increasingly pressing need. The article presents the current methods of DOE, considers the existing problems caused by the introduction of mass automation and data integration under Industry 4.0, and indicates the most promising areas in which to look for possible problem solutions.</abstract>

Challenges for the DOE methodology related to the introduction of Industry 4.0

<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
The agri-food sector contributes significantly to economic and social advancements globally despite numerous challenges such as food safety and security, demand and supply gaps, product quality, traceability, etc. Digital technologies offer effective and sustainable ways to these challenges through reduced human interference and improved data-accuracy. Innovations led by digital transformations in the agri-food supply chains (AFSCs) are the main aim of ‘Agri-Food 4.0’. This brings significant transformations in the agri-food sector by reducing food wastage, real-time product monitoring, reducing scalability issues, etc. This paper presents a systematic review of the innovations in the agri-food for digital technologies such as internet-of-things, artificial intelligence, big data, RFID, robotics, block-chain technology, etc. The employment of these technologies from the ‘farm to fork’ along AFSC emphasizes a review of 159 articles solicited from different sources. This paper also highlights digitization in developing smart, sensible, and sustainable agri-food supply chain systems.
</abstract>

Agri-Food 4.0 and Innovations: Revamping the Supply Chain Operations

<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
The rapid development of the manufacturing sector has been causing industrial effluents pollution. The practice of environmental regulation in the emerging economy focused on the externalities impact of industrialization. In conjunction with the issue, this study examines the effect of formal and informal regulation on the industrial effluent act and the firm compliance behavior in Malaysia. This quantitative study uses a survey questionnaire (structured) and involved 42 factories of three industries, namely food and beverages, textiles, and paper in Penang, Kedah, and Perlis. The data were analyzed using non-parametric tests: The Chi-Square, Mann-Whitney, and Spearman’s Rho. This study uses the firm behavior theory as the framework, and our non-parametric analyses showed that the traditional enforcement and fined probability could significantly affect compliance levels. We also find the market, consumer, competitor, and investor pressure positively influence firm compliance. The empirical results suggest effective enforcement of environmental regulation and the role of non-regulation must be empowered as a support mechanism for pollution control.
</abstract>

The Effect of Formal and Informal Regulations on Industrial Effluents and Firm Compliance Behavior in Malaysia

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>In recent decades, decision support system has been constantly growing in the field of transportation planning. PROMETHEE (Preference Ranking Organization METHod for Enrichment Evaluation) method is an efficient decision-making support deployed in case of a finite number of criteria. It provides a partial ranking through PROMETHEE I and a complete ranking with PROMETHEE II. This outranking methodology is characterized by the elimination of scale effects between criteria and managing incomparability with the comprehensive ranking. However, PROMETHEE does not provide guidance to assign weights to criteria and assumes that decision makers are able to allocate weights. This review presents an overview of PROMETHEE models applied in transportation and points out the found gaps in literature.</abstract>

Review of PROMETHEE method in transportation

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>The paper presents a case study of the practical use of Deming cycle in a manufacturing company, from the plastics processing industry, from the sector of small and medium-sized enterprises. The paper is a study of literature in the field of continuous improvement and characterized by a cycle of continuous improvement, called the Deming cycle, or PDCA cycle. This cycle was used as a solution to quality problems which occurred during production of photo frames: discolorations and scorches on the surface of the frame. When measures were introduced to reduce the number of nonconformities, a decrease by more than 60% was observed.</abstract>

PDCA cycle as a part of continuous improvement in the production company - a case study

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 The Journal of "Production Engineering Archives" has been published by the Publishing Office of Quality and Production Managers Association...