Wiesław Urban

The aim of this study is to examine the collaboration among members of a business cluster in the field of technology management, specifically focusing on the Metal Processing Cluster operating in Poland. Utilizing survey data, a structural model is developed through the Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling technique. The resulting statistically valid model elucidates several significant relationships that are crucial for fostering collaboration within a business cluster, while simultaneously affirming the advantages associated with membership in such an organizational structure. Participation in a cluster has the potential to expedite information acquisition, cultivate valuable new knowledge within firms, and yield both operational and strategic benefits. Although knowledge that facilitates and supports innovation is deemed essential for maximizing the advantages of cluster participation, a significant number of surveyed cluster companies have yet to implement such knowledge, suggesting the existence of untapped opportunities for further benefits among members.

Improvement methodologies (IMs) consist of many components; however, employee engagement (EE) is particularly important in bottom-up initiated process improvement. This study aims to investigate EE with reference to IMs used by companies. EE measurement constructs focused on process improvement has been developed and verified as reliable. This study examines a sample of 380 medium- and large-sized companies. The ANOVA procedure proves that: (1) IMs support EE in companies, and (2) the absence of IMs leads to lower EE. However, support for EE is specific and does not primarily concern issues directly related to process improvement. This study also discovers the multi-use of IMs by companies. IMs such as Lean, strongly focused on EE by their assumptions, only moderately support EE in companies. The study found no exceptionally effective IM which allows for the easy gain of EE in the investigated companies’ current state of implementation. The results imply that companies are approximately halfway towards the effective use of IMs. They should rethink the use of IMs, transform their leadership style, and better motivate employees to engage in bottom-up process improvement, which is indispensable. First published online 18 November 2024

Research background: The study responses to the internationalisation issue, one of the essential factors of SMEs growth. Particularly to companies' efforts towards setting international cooperation and circumstances obstructing these struggles. The study takes into consideration that internationalisation in specific areas of company's operations differs noticeably. Similarly, different barriers may arise depending on the areas of the company's value chain that are the focus of the enterprises' internationalisation strategies. Purpose of the article: This study aims to identify barriers to internationalisation regarding various areas of a company's value chain. The study employs the Value Chain Model by Porter. Methods: The field data was collected using a questionnaire survey on a sample of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) located in countries in the Baltic Sea region (Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland). A multiple regression analysis was performed to determine the impact of barriers on internationalisation. Finding & value added: The study indicates three areas that are most often the subject of internationalisation in SMEs: operations, outbound logistics and marketing and sales. Barriers differ between value chain areas; however, cultural differences and competition are perceived as the most important hindering factors by companies experienced in internationalisation. At the same time, barriers regarding knowledge and finance diminish when companies becoming more experienced in internationalisation in particular value chain areas. This study is one of few employing the value chain framework to examine internationalisation.

Production is becoming more customer-focused as it departs from delivering standardized mass products to market segments, and the emerging Industry 4.0 technologies render this much easier than before. These technologies enable two-way information exchange with customers throughout all the steps of product development, particularly in terms of tailor-made products. This study aims at presenting proposals of implementing Industry 4.0 technologies into the process of tailored products, where the product is customized for the customer from the start and where adjustments are also made at the manufacturing stage. The study also aims to build a concept of intensification of customer contact and to improve the process flow by applying Industry 4.0 technologies. The study’s subject is tailor-made furniture production, with individually designed products that are manufactured and installed at a customer’s facilities. The company in the study operates on a small scale. The study employs a case study methodology that shows how the process can be improved in terms of real-time effective customer contact and process flow. The huge potential of 3D visualization as well as augmented and virtual reality technologies are also demonstrated. The study concludes with several directions for further development of existing technology solutions.