This study compares the digitalization of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Poland and Latvia, two Central and Eastern European countries facing similar challenges in meeting the European Union’s Digital Decade 2030 targets. This study uses a comparative descriptive research design that integrates data from Eurostat, national statistics, the Digital Economy and Society Index (DESI), the IMD World Digital Competitiveness Ranking, and the Network Readiness Index. The findings show that while SMEs in both countries face financial, human resource, and organizational barriers to digitalization, Latvia engages more actively with European Union (EU) digitalization projects proportionally, despite Poland’s SMEs reporting slightly higher basic digital intensity in some years. Key challenges include high technology costs, a shortage of skilled IT staff, and slower technological adoption in smaller firms. Both countries have implemented national strategies and support programs to increase SME digitalization, using the EU and national funds. However, they are still behind the EU average for most DESI indicators related to SME digital intensity. This study highlights the need for continued policy efforts and cross-national knowledge sharing to bridge the SME digitalization gap and increase competitiveness in the digital economy.
PL
Niniejszy artykuł porównuje cyfryzację małych i średnich przedsiębiorstw (MŚP) w Polsce i na Łotwie, dwóch krajach Europy Środkowo-Wschodniej, które stoją przed podobnymi wyzwaniami w osiąganiu celów Cyfrowej Dekady 2030 Unii Europejskiej. Badanie wykorzystuje porównawczy opisowy model badawczy, a analiza integruje dane z Eurostatu, statystyk krajowych, Indeksu Gospodarki Cyfrowej i Społeczeństwa (DESI), Rankingu Konkurencyjności Cyfrowej IMD World oraz Indeksu Gotowości Sieciowej. Wyniki pokazują, że chociaż MŚP w obu krajach napotykają na bariery finansowe, kadrowe i organizacyjne w zakresie cyfryzacji, Łotwa proporcjonalnie bardziej aktywnie angażuje się w projekty cyfryzacyjne UE, mimo że polskie MŚP raportują nieco wyższą podstawową intensywność cyfrową w niektórych latach. Główne wyzwania obejmują wysokie koszty technologii, niedobór wykwalifikowanych pracowników IT oraz wolniejsze wdrażanie technologii w mniejszych firmach. Oba kraje wdrożyły krajowe strategie i programy wsparcia, aby zwiększyć cyfryzację MŚP, wykorzystując fundusze unijne i krajowe. Jednak wciąż pozostają w tyle za średnią UE w większości wskaźników DESI związanych z intensywnością cyfrową MŚP. Badanie podkreśla potrzebę kontynuowania wysiłków politycznych i międzynarodowej wymiany wiedzy, aby zniwelować lukę w cyfryzacji MŚP i zwiększyć konkurencyjność w gospodarce cyfrowej.
This study aims to validate the structural relationships between Strategic Management (SM), Organisational Culture (OC), and Organisational Performance (OP) in Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), with a focus on OC’s mediating role. Using a quantitative approach, data from 622 SME managers in Algeria were analyzed through Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) with SmartPLS 4, SPSS 29, and JASP. Exploratory and Confirmatory Factor Analyses (EFA/CFA) assessed the measurement model by applying maximum likelihood extraction with varimax rotation. EFA confirmed a robust three-factor structure (loadings > 0.40), while CFA initially showed suboptimal fit (CFI = 0.79, TLI = 0.779). Post-modification, fit indices improved, validating OC’s mediation between SM and OP. Results highlight OC’s critical role in enhancing SME performance through SM practices, emphasizing cultural alignment and strategic clarity. The study has limitations, which include cross-sectional design and regional focus; this suggests the need for future longitudinal studies and broader geographic validation. The study contributes by empirically testing these constructs in SMEs by offering practical insights for managers to leverage culture-driven strategies in resource-constrained contexts.
PL
Niniejsze badanie ma na celu potwierdzenie strukturalnych powiązań między zarządzaniem strategicznym (SM), kulturą organizacyjną (OC) i wydajnością organizacyjną (OP) w małych i średnich przedsiębiorstwach (MŚP), ze szczególnym uwzględnieniem pośredniczącej roli OC. Stosując podejście ilościowe, przeanalizowano dane pochodzące od 622 menedżerów MŚP w Algierii za pomocą modelowania równań strukturalnych (SEM) z wykorzystaniem programów SmartPLS 4, SPSS 29 i JASP. Analizy eksploracyjne i potwierdzające czynniki (EFA/CFA) oceniły model pomiarowy poprzez zastosowanie ekstrakcji maksymalnego prawdopodobieństwa z rotacją varimax. EFA potwierdziła solidną strukturę trójczynnikową (obciążenia > 0,40), podczas gdy CFA początkowo wykazała nieoptymalne dopasowanie (CFI = 0,79, TLI = 0,779). Po modyfikacji wskaźniki dopasowania uległy poprawie, potwierdzając mediację OC między SM a OP. Wyniki podkreślają kluczową rolę OC w poprawie wyników MŚP poprzez praktyki SM, kładąc nacisk na dostosowanie kulturowe i jasność strategiczną. Badanie ma pewne ograniczenia, które obejmują przekrojowy charakter i regionalny zakres; sugeruje to potrzebę przeprowadzenia w przyszłości badań longitudinalnych i szerszej walidacji geograficznej. Badanie wnosi wkład poprzez empiryczne przetestowanie tych konstruktów w MŚP, oferując praktyczne wskazówki dla menedżerów dotyczące wykorzystania strategii opartych na kulturze w warunkach ograniczonych zasobów.
This paper proposes a tool that simplifies the methodology for supply chain analysis in small and medium-sized enterprises. This approach is based on a compilation of methodologies and performance indicators obtained through an empirical literature review and is followed by the development of the proposed tool. The evaluation instrument was validated through an expert judgment process and quantified by Aiken’s V coefficient, with favorable results. A survey was conducted with a sample of twenty local companies in Cuenca, Ecuador, to assess the tool’s performance across different productive sectors. The results indicate that the majority of the businesses studied manage functional products and possess routinized supply chains with a low degree of focal firm influence. Additionally, opportunities for improvement in their management are identified, with the least-controlled components being production and procurement.
The aim of this paper is to present an approach that integrates most of the IT support needs of warehousing in a small business into a single solution and to provide a dynamic API (Application Programming Interface) that enables real-time database replication in both browser and desktop versions. The programme, which enables key tasks in warehouse operations has been designed using established technology and works without errors or problems. It has robust security features and a proprietary back-end and front-end, and is compatible with browsers and mobile systems, which was the main goal of the project. Considering the cost of creating a full version of the system based on the current prototype, it can be concluded that the programme is scalable and written in an intuitive way, reducing the need for a large number of developers, making it competitive in terms of maintenance costs.
The main aim of this study is to examine the interconnections among performance indicators in Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) within the mining industries in Kerala, India. A hierarchical model for performance metrics is introduced, starting with the identification of performance indicators through a systematic process. Following this, a comprehensive questionnaire-based survey is conducted within the mining and mineral industries in Kerala to identify the significant indicators specific to the sector. In this context, the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) serves as a valuable multi-criteria decision-making approach for the evaluation of performance indicators. The primary objective of this article is to scrutinize performance indicators that assess the performance of SMEs and provide a comparative rating against their peers. Distinguishing itself from conventional approaches, this study directly engages manufacturers to gauge the relevance of four main factors and twelve sub-factors (performance indicators) through the application of the Analytic Hierarchy Process.
Purpose: The paper aims to present the methodology of rapid prototyping of small and medium-sized enterprises' networks operating in the Industry 4.0 environment. Design/methodology/approach: In the conducted research, the method of literature analysis and mathematical analysis, set algebra, and mathematical logic was used to design algorithms using proposed sufficient conditions, which fulfilment allows for the prototyping of a cyber-physical production network of small and medium-sized enterprises. Findings: Based on the obtained research results, a general methodology for planning cyber-physical production networks was proposed based on algorithms using a set of sufficient conditions. Research limitations/implications: The proposed methodology presents only a part of the general model of functioning of the cyber-physical network of enterprises and allows for prototyping of variants of admissible networks. This means the need to integrate the proposed methodology with the planned prototype of e-business platforms, which will be an environment for integrating production companies and potential customers ordering production tasks. Originality/value: Original achievements obtained during the research include algorithms that allow rapid prototyping of network variants based on available production resources, the cost of their use and transport constraints between companies. Noteworthy is the possibility of obtaining a set of acceptable solutions and choosing the best one due to the cost criterion or the deadline for completing the production order. The proposed approach allows for planning a detailed schedule of production flow, taking into account the load on resources and transport between companies.
Purpose: The aim of the article is to presents rules, requirements, and norms for quality management and health safety assurance systems among small and medium bakeries. Design/methodology/approach: The literature research and the critical analysis of both, the national and foreign subject literature have been used as the research methodology. Findings: The article presents rules, requirements, and norms for quality management and health safety assurance systems among small and medium bakeries. This group of businesses does not have the obligation of implementing or certifying specific systems. They are, however, implemented in order to increase the quality of the bread or reach a better market position. Also, the results of a 2022 study of 53 bakeries’ implementation of individual quality management systems are presented in the paper. The study shows an important role of the implementation of coordinated systems in the increase of quality of bread. Theoretical considerations and the results of a questionnaire study allowed the author to discuss and explain why neither the TQM system nor the BRC standards were implemented in small- and mediumsized bakeries. Practical implications: Practical implications include taking into account the indicated determinants that implementing the quality assurance system and assuring health safety in the light of increasing bread quality will be an important solution in making a number of decisions by managers and bakery owners in terms of strategic use of them. Originality/value: Proper implementation of the rules for implementing the requirements and regulations regarding quality management systems and ensuring health safety on the example of small and medium-sized enterprises in the baking industry - allows you to build and maintain a long-term competitive advantage in small and medium-sized bakeries in the baking industry. The results of research on the implementation of quality management systems and ensuring the health safety of bread confirm the legitimacy of using integrated quality systems. They will have a fundamental impact in the long-term perspective of innovative management of bakery managers and owners.
Purpose: The aim of the article was to present the status of implementation of the CSR concept in small and medium-sized enterprises in the Małopolska province. Methodology: The questionnaire contained closed and open questions, which enabled obtaining more precise answers. The first stage - the selection of enterprises - was carried out in a purposeful manner, based on their belonging to a determined sector. Then, on a random basis, 250 companies were selected in systematic selection from a base constituting the survey frame. The survey frame was the list of SME in Małopolska province. In total, 386 small and medium enterprises were randomly selected, from which a lower number of entities proceeded to participate in the survey. The remaining entrepreneurs refused to participate in the survey for unknown reasons. The compared partial and synthetic results present primarily assessments with regard to the level of acceptance of entrepreneurs participating in the survey in relation to the issues of the survey. As a rule, positive replies usually have the character of quality features. The x2 (chi-squared) test was used as a verification tool to evaluate the results obtained in this manner. Irrespective of this, the interview questionnaire prepared for this survey enabled giving the character of quality features to its results. Findings: 55% of respondents, admit that the very concept of corporate social responsibility is familiar to them, but they are not familiar with the details of the idea. Thirty per cent of respondents had never encountered the concept of CSR before, and 15% of respondents stated that it was well or even perfectly familiar to them. Most respondents indicated concern for the environment (68%) or support for the local community (57%). Good contact with customers and concern for their satisfaction was indicated by only 48% of respondents. The responses received show that the vast majority of respondents carry out their CSR activity in connection with increasing competitiveness (44%) or improving the company's image (48%). Among the respondents, about 13% indicated that the lack of appropriate tools used to promote the companies makes them undertake such activities. Only 11% of respondents stated that the reason for implementing CSR was socially motivated
The paper deals with the assessment of the current state of financial management of small and medium-sized enterprises in the conditions of the market economy in Slovakia and points out that during the transformation for the sake of sustainability, financial managers must find answers to many and com-plex questions related to sustainability and financial performance of the enterprise. It is therefore neces-sary to develop the content of financial management tasks from a sustainability perspective.
The article presents a business model based on an industrial network of companies capable of producing personalized products in an Industry 4.0 environment. Based on research conducted in Poland, in manufacturing companies, the critical problems associated with the implementation of Industry 4.0 technologies and the expected benefits associated with their implementation are addressed. The model’s task is to integrate a customer expecting personalized production with a network of companies with the appropriate production resources. The original achievement is the integration of the customer and the manufacturer around an e-business platform, which allows the rapid prototyping of a network of SME companies capable of realizing personalized production. The proposed model describes the architecture of enterprise cooperation under the conditions of implementing the Industry 4.0 concept and is dedicated to the SME sector. The model provides a basis for building prototypes of e-business platforms of small and medium-sized enterprises.
Maintenance involves a large amount of data management. Although many tools, strategies, and systems, have been developed to organize the maintenance information resources, SMEs have not found the same benefits as large companies due to their inherent characteristics and, above all, the maturity level of the maintenance department. Maturity models are useful tools for assessing the maturity of maintenance information practices; however, existing models are not suitable for any type of business context, as they required companies to have a clear organizational structure and definite informative infrastructure. Moreover, they do not assist in identifying and defining actions to reach the highest level. This paper proposes a model for assessing and improving maintenance management information practices. It allows a clear measure of the maturity of the maintenance information management practices in industrial contexts and provides improvement actions identifying the information and data needed to enhance maintenance management information practices.
Purpose: The study explores how the disruption caused by Covid-19 has influenced the innovativeness of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Poland. It aims to show the examples of innovative ideas introduced by SMEs in times of pandemic to overcome the obstacles that appeared due to fluctuations in the demand and supply because of Covid-19. Design/methodology/approach: The study draws on a qualitative research design and uses case studies. We chose three small and two medium-sized Polish firms specializing in different business areas for analysis. Findings: The analysed organizations due to Covid-19 introduced innovations mainly focused on IT solutions. All of the firms have begun to offer remote work. Moreover, they implemented a new work organization system and a new customer service system. In all cases, the new solutions will be maintained and developed after the end of the pandemic. Research limitations/implications: The study uses five case studies. Practical implications: The outcomes of the study can motivate entrepreneurs to implement innovations as the case studies may inspire them. Moreover, the successes of presented SMEs may convince entrepreneurs that introducing innovations is not difficult and that the effects of innovative changes are measurable and visible in a short time. Thus, they may be encouraged to take action to overcome obstacles in their surroundings. Originality/value: The study develops the knowledge concerning the innovation process in companies in an uncertain, unstable and unpredictable environment.
Purpose: This study evaluates the acceptance of GPS/GPRS-based telematics technology in freight road transport companies registered in Poland. Design/methodology/approach: The evaluation is based on a survey of 500 representative road transport companies carried out in 2020. The Technology Acceptance Model was estimated, and its results were checked for robustness. The scope of the information collected in telematics systems is defined in terms of its perceived utility and perceived ease of use at the operational management level. The latent factors affecting technology use are defined and implemented. Findings: Most respondents (80%) claimed that telematics systems had a considerable influence on the effectiveness and efficiency of the whole company's operation. It contributed to a higher number of orders executed per time unit, more effective use of the driver's working time, and increased the entrepreneurs' trust in the company. The companies employing more workers recognize the higher usefulness of telematics systems and are motivated to use the technology more widely than smaller enterprises. TAMs estimated separately for small and medium-sized enterprises did not significantly differ among the parameter estimates. Research limitations/implications: The Technology Acceptance Model is a useful analytical tool for evaluating telematics technology acceptance by the road transport sector. The study is based on a random sample of enterprises observed once in 2020. It is recommended to monitor them in two or three waves to compare the dynamics of the telematics usage process. It is planned to continue the study in that direction. Practical implications: The outcomes are valuable in practice twofold. Firstly, the extension of telematics systems use is interesting for final users, i.e., road transport companies that will find scope for their application. Secondly, the results are helpful for system providers who get knowledge on telematics perception from enterprise management. Originality/value: Although widely applied to other IT systems, the TAM model has not been used to evaluate the use of telematics in road transport companies. The paper justifies TAM's categories at the operational management level in road transport enterprises, contributing to understanding managers' behavioral aspects of decision-making.
This study focused on how the ISO 9001:2008 standard has influenced organisational Lean Six Sigma (LSS) implementation success. Data were collected through a survey, followed by interviews with the quality managers/representatives of 85 small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the textile industry. Additionally, case studies on four of the textile SMEs were carried out to validate the results. Our analysis revealed that the main benefits of LSS, among others, are problem solving improvement, reduction of the quality problem, waste reduction, and increase of productivity. However, certified companies are aware of continuous improvements to tools, which ensures the continuity of improvements made by the LSS project and facilitates the integration of Lean Six Sigma tools, which can help to make better use of the Lean Six Sigma project. The type of article produced was also found to have a considerable effect on the success of the Lean Six Sigma project.
Purpose: The aim of this article is an attempt to prove the hypothesis, that one of the key obstacles for growth of Polish SMEs is a lack of management succession, understood as the employment of a professional management team and/or allowing for an external investor. Design/methodology/approach: In this article the authors used external studies, industry reports and data published by domestic and international statistical offices and financial institutions. In order to draw conclusions, the authors used the comparative analysis of available statistical data and case studies of five Polish companies listed on the Warsaw Stock Exchange. Findings: Findings include: 1. characteristics of the SME sector and its importance for the Polish economy, 2. explaining the role of management succession in the growth of the company and identifying barriers to this process, 3. indicating relationship between size/success of the company and presence of professional management and corporate governance, 4. presenting the impact of institutional environment on management succession, 5. showing the relationship between success of selected Polish companies and their management succession model. Research limitations/implications: The space of management succession in Polish companies has never been a subject to any comprehensive research neither in the theoretical, nor in statistical dimension. To better understand the actual scope, forms, limitations and effects of the succession, the authors made an empirical research based on a representative sample of 200 Polish SMEs. Findings from this research will be published in a separate paper. Practical implications: The authors see the practical effects of sharing the results of this research mainly in the possibility of changing the skeptical behavior of Polish entrepreneurs towards management succession. Originality/value: The originality of the article results from the multifaceted approach to the research problem, which has no equivalent in the domestic literature. It is important for management practitioners and for setting directions for further research.
ITB jest członkiem konsorcjum prezentowanego w artykule projektu badawczego pt. Europejskie stanowiska badawcze umożliwiające małym i średnim przedsiębiorstwom sektora budownictwa opracowanie innowacyjnych wyrobów do budowy fasad budynków z wykorzystaniem zharmonizowanych i zmodernizowanych ram technicznych oraz żywych laboratoriów (2021-2026) finansowanego przez Komisję Europejską w programie badawczym Horizon 2020. Projekt ma zapewnić w przyszłości małym i średnim przedsiębiorstwom (MŚP) system wsparcia oraz dostęp do ekosystemu innowacji, w tym technicznych platform badawczych, działając jako akcelerator innowacji, który pozwoli MŚP konkurować z dużymi przedsiębiorstwami. Artykuł opisuje uwarunkowania brzegowe realizacji projektu ze szczególnym uwzględnieniem szans i barier rozwoju innowacji w Polsce.
EN
ITB is a member of the consortium presented in the article of the research project entitled European test stands enabling small and medium-sized enterprises in the construction sector to develop innovative products for the construction of building facades using harmonized and modernized technical frameworks and living laboratories (2021-2026) financed by the European Commission in the Horizon 2020 research program. Enterprises (SMEs) a support system and access to the innovation ecosystem, including technical research platforms, acting as an innovation accelerator that will allow SMEs to compete with large enterprises. The article describes the boundary conditions of the project implementation with particular emphasis on the opportunities and barriers to the development of innovation in Poland.
Na Wydziale Inżynierii Lądowej Politechniki Warszawskiej jest prowadzonych wiele projektów dydaktycznych, współfinansowanych z programów Unii Europejskiej, które poszerzają ofertę dydaktyczną Wydziału, dostosowują ofertę nauczania do wymagań przemysłu oraz czynią dydaktykę bardziej przyjazną i interesującą dla studentów oraz pracowników uczelni. Zaprezentowane projekty dotyczą: opracowania piątej części Biblioteki Menedżera Budowlanego, udoskonalenia kwalifikacji zawodowych w dziedzinie robót wykończeniowych w budownictwie oraz promocji zawodu technika budowlanego, a także podnoszenia umiejętności przestrzennych z wykorzystaniem technologii rzeczywistości rozszerzonej.
EN
The Faculty of Civil Engineering at the Warsaw University of Technology runs many didactic projects, co-financed by EU programmes, which broaden the didactic offer of the Faculty, adjust the teaching offer to the requirements of industry and make teaching more friendly and interesting for students and university staff. The presented projects concern: development of the fifth part of Construction Manager’s Library, improvement of professional qualifications in the field of finishing works in construction and promotion of the profession of construction technician, as well as improvement of spatial skills with the use of augmented reality technology.
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Recently, corporate social responsibility (CSR) is one of the most important issues that have received the attention of our whole society in all sectors. The current research attempts to examine the influence mechanism of corporate social responsibility on the loyalty of employees who work in the firms. This research also clarifies the mediating effects of employees' pride perception and commitment in the relationship between CSR performance of the firms and employees' loyalty intention. This research collected data through questionnaire survey using a convenient sampling method with the respondents who are employees in small and medium firms in Hanoi city, capital of Vietnam. Finally, 210 valid questionnaires collected that were utilized to test the hypothesis applying PLS-SEM approach with SmartPLS software. The results showed that CSR does not directly affect employees loyalty behavior, but via the mediating effects of employees' pride perception and commitment with the firms. Moreover, perceived pride of employees has no direct effect on employees' loyalty behaviors with the firms.
Purpose: The aim of the research was to determine the cultural attitudes conducive to CSR implementation in an enterprise, and then to verify their occurrence in enterprises implementing CSR. Methodology: The research used the diagnostic survey method. The research tool used by the Authors of the article was a questionnaire allowing the verification of the occurrence of 12 cultural attitudes conducive to CSR in the surveyed enterprises. The research covered 234 enterprises on the territory of Poland, which declared CSR activities. Findings: As a result of the research, all the cultural attitudes were verified and their occurrence was assessed with a medium and low intensity, most often these are attitudes describing managers than employees. Cultural attitudes conducive to the implementation of CSR, although they are noticeable in the researched enterprises, to a small extent, support the implementation of CSR activities. Research limitations: Conducting research in enterprises outside the territory of Poland and comparing it with national ones could significantly increase the scientific value of the article. Practical implications: Research brings new knowledge and can be used by management in their practical activities. Social implications: The results of the research increase the level of knowledge on the issue of cultural attitudes conducive to CSR implementation in enterprises. Originality: The authors identified cultural attitudes conducive to the implementation of CSR in the enterprise, verified their occurrence in the surveyed enterprises and assessed whether the cultural attitudes verified by them are conducive to the implementation of CSR activities in the enterprise.
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Na podstawie wybranych wskaźników, takich jak nakłady na B+R, realizacja projektów innowacyjnych, wsparcie z funduszy publicznych, patenty i rozwiązania Przemysłu 4.0 oceniono działalność innowacyjną MŚP Klastra Chemicznego „Zielona Chemia” w latach 2016-2018. Stwierdzono, że w badanym okresie małe i średnie przedsiębiorstwa z Klastra były silnie zaangażowane w działalność innowacyjną.
EN
Eighty-three cluster members were assessed by a poll for their activity in 2018-2019 in expenditure on R&D, implementation of innovative projects, support from public funds, patents, solns. of Industry 4.0. intensive innovative activity during the period was obsd.
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