Purpose: The article presents the issues of metallurgist skills in the conditions of implementing the key technologies of Industry 4.0. The purpose of the paper was to propose a skills framework for a metallurgist in the context of Industry 4.0. Design/methodology/approach: The paper consists of an introduction and two substantive parts. The first part deals with the role of the human factor in Industry 4.0. The second part is about the skills of a metallurgist (the general framework of skills 4.0) in the transformation of metallurgical enterprises to Industry 4.0. The paper is part of the current research on skills of operators in Industry 4.0. The study uses a qualitative descriptive method referring to a critical analysis of literature about skills of the future. The article briefly reviews selected theoretical approaches to the operator-technology skills in the reality of Industry 4.0. Findings: The main result of the analysis was to bring closer the current, yet poorly scientifically recognised research about the place of human factor in the Industry 4.0 together with the structure of skills for the restructured employment in the steel industry. Research limitations/implications: In the conditions of the fourth industrial revolution and strong popularisation of the concept of Industry 4.0, enterprises must be able to reorganize human resources (HR). A new package of knowledge, new skills of employees are needed to perform tasks efficiently and to cooperate with new technological solutions of production and control and monitoring systems of manufacturing and service processes. The topic about human factor (HF) in Industry 4.0 is very actual and it will be developed according to wider and wider implementation of new (smarter) technologies in enterprises. Practical implications: Presented framework of human skills can be used to improve the skills profile of a metallurgist 4.0 (a worker in smarter steel mill). Social implications: In developing of new skills of employees in smart steelworks, besides steel mills, is needed an educational ecosystem, that joins different educational and science organizations. Originality/value: Reorganization of employment in Industry 4.0 is a new research field but very actual in the realized transformation process of enterprises. The paper is a form of introduction to discussion about new skills of operators in smart production.
During the current war in Europe and the restriction of hydrocarbon imports to the EU, there was a need to temporarily increase the production capacity of hard coal mining plants in order to ensure continuity of supply. This requires an increase in the number of longwall excavations (which is time-consuming and requires additional financial resources) or an increase in the efficiency of already operated longwall excavations. The article presents how the organization of the longwall ancestor's work would be shaped with ad hoc production work 24 hours a day, assuming a five-day working week, i.e. from Monday to Friday.
Purpose: The aim of this paper is to investigate the possibility of using the concept of "Partners in Education" as a solution for preparing the students to successfully enter the workforce. Design/methodology/approach: Desk Research Method and survey are used. Paper is based on Partners in Education’s documents (local non-profit organization) and results of empirical research. Findings: The study includes the review of the results of empirical research carried out in Poland, which indicated the existence of competence gaps of graduates from technical universities. The study also indicated the need to constantly monitor the competence gaps and correct the education programs on this basis. One of the tools to improve the process of updating curricula may be the practice used in the USA. Originality/value: The main goal of any system of education in any region is to prepare students to successfully enter the workforce. At the present time, the economy is changing rapidly. The educational and training needs are constantly changing. The authors pointed to a good practice used in the USA, as an example of a solution for preparing the students to successfully enter the workforce.
Purpose: The aim of this paper is comparison of the Curriculum of Mechanical Engineering Program in Poland and the United States. One of the institutions is The Pennsylvania State University (PSU), in the United States (USA). The other institution is Politechnika Opolska (PO), in Poland. Design/methodology/approach: Desk Research Method is used. Paper is based on Politechnika Opolska’ documents and The Pennsylvania State University’ documents. Findings: The paper addresses the similarities and differences in both curricula. It also addresses the positive and negative aspects of both curricula. The strengths and weaknesses from the perspective of the future career development of graduates is also being addressed. Both Mechanical Engineering programs are striving for excellence in preparing students for engineering jobs in industry, but the philosophy of those programs is very different. The Mechanical Engineering program at PSU is providing the student with a stronger theoretical background. Graduates from the PO program are well-trained in application-focus current industry practices. They are not going to require on-the-job training after entering industry. There are also suggestions and recommendations for both programs from the perspective of identifying the best practices. Originality/value: The article contains a comparative analysis of the curricula of the Mechanical Engineering program at The Pennsylvania State University USA and Politechnika Opolska, Poland. The comparison of the curricula was done using the most recent catalogs of both programs. The authors of the article have had experience as faculty at their respective programs. The comparative analysis was done for the purpose of identifying the best practices and subsequent follow-up. The article addresses the similarities and differences as well as the strengths and weaknesses of both programs. The article also contains suggestions and recommendations for both programs.
Introduction/Background: The knowledge-based economy in Poland and the United States (USA) requires highly trained engineering professionals to stay competitive and to secure economic development. In recent years, some initiatives have been undertaken to better prepare high school graduates for engineering and technology-related programs. One of these initiatives has been the creation of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) high schools in Rybnik, Poland, and Hazleton, Pennsylvania (PA), USA. Aim of the Paper: The comparative analysis of the curriculum was conducted by selecting two similar high schools, one in Hazleton, PA, USA, and one in Rybnik, Poland. The purpose of this research project was to identify the similarities and differences in the curricula at both high schools. Materials and Methods: The authors of this article have firsthand experience with the curricula at both high schools. Both curricula are available in their respective catalogs. A comparative analysis of the curricula was done by identifying the best practices in both countries. Dual enrollment opportunities available to high school students in PA, is also discussed. Results and Conclusions: This paper describes the different methods used for promoting interest in engineering and technology among high school students. These initiatives are necessary to provide a highly qualified workforce to meet the demands of the knowledge-based economy. This paper includes a comparative analysis of the STEM-oriented high school curricula in Poland and the USA.
The chapter describes the concept of sustainable development to minimize the environmental footprint and introduces the concept of the zero-utility solar passive house. The purpouse of the chapter is presentation of sollution for small zero-utility passive houses as a method of lowering smog and protecting the environment. The different concepts of the solar passive residential dwellings are being discussed and evaluated from the perspective of lowering carbon emissions. Energy savings as a result of increasing energy efficiency are also being calculated. The chapter analyzes the procedure for selecting the photovoltaic (PV) system to power the passive house and charge an electric car. Authors calculate the environmental benefits. There were some suggestions and recommendations for industry.
The chapter describes the process for developing a new engineering program specializing in sustainable energy and power generation: Alternative Energy and Power Generation Engineering Track. The graduates of described program will have the critical knowledge and skills needed to begin their careers in nowadays industry shaped by the global sustainability Agenda 2030. Engineers should focus on economic, social and environmental aspects of their work. Desk research method is used. Chapter is based ABET requirement (USA). Program educational objectives were developed based on the needs on industry and in close cooperation with industry. Chapter is also focusing on the development of the program outcomes as well as the curricular content. Program requirements, specific track courses and recommended course planner are provided. Some suggestions and recommendation are also included.
Sustainability and eco-friendliness of the chain of supply is a subject of interest among many researchers. New eco-friendly solutions are being implemented in production, storage, and transportation of the entire chain of supply. This study focuses on pro-environmental solutions related to warehouse management. The publication describes a project of installing a solar photovoltaic (PV) system to generate electric power at the H&W Warehouse in New Brunswick, New Jersey. The purpose of this publication is to demonstrate the financial and environmental benefits of using sustainable forms of energy. The environmental benefits were calculated from the perspective of lowering the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) released into the atmosphere. The financial benefits were determined by calculating the net present value (NPV), internal rate of return (IRR) and profitability index (PI) as well as regular and discounted payback. A computer simulation was being used as the research method. Calculations included in the publication have proven that the project being considered is beneficial from the financial and environmental perspectives.
The publication focuses on assessing the energy efficiency in residential and to some extent commercial applications. An energy audit is always the first step in addressing energy efficiency. The purpose of the publication is to present the benefits of using an energy audit. It explains a “do-it-yourself” procedure for an energy audit. The publication also focuses on calculating the potential energy saving by updating low-efficiency electric appliances with high-efficient alternatives. The environmental benefits of addressing the energy efficiency of households is also being discussed. An energy audit using a “do-it-yourself” procedure focuses on the economic, ecological and social impact to environment. The energy audit contributes to the implementation of the concept of sustainable development in our day by day life.
The aim of the paper is an analysis of cooperation between enterprises and universities from a business perspective in Poland and the United States (USA). The article focuses on selected determinants from a business perspective. The determinants of the enterprises and university cooperation included areas of cooperation as well as the motivations and barriers for cooperation. Extended interviews were conducted in Poland and the USA using a questionnaire as the research tool. The results of the research showed differences between the enterprises and universities cooperation in Poland and the USA.
The paper contains a comparative analysis of the competences needed to practice engineering in Poland and the United States (USA). Surveys of industries were conducted in Poland and the USA. Legal background of curricula was discussed. The surveys were done for the purpose of assessing the importance of competences as well as level of mastery those skills and attributes by engineering graduates. The results confirm differences in approach of entrepreneurs to graduates of engineering studies in Poland and the USA. In the USA entrepreneurs have higher expectations and the importance of individual competences is also different. The comparative analysis was done to identify the weaknesses in the engineering curricula and identifying the best practices.
University and business cooperation offers many benefits not only for the parties involved. It translates into innovation and competitiveness of the economy. The relationship encounters many barriers that are related to the environment (both internal and external) in which it is implemented. The aim of the article is to identify the determinants of university-business cooperation (areas of cooperation, barriers, motivations) and to point out recommendations from the perspective of scientists in Poland and the United States (USA). The experience of USA researchers can be used as a background for considerations about cooperation between universities and business in Poland, and as an example of good practices for the purpose of supporting and improving the analyzed relationships. The article focuses on selected determinants of university and business cooperation: areas of cooperation, barriers limiting it, motivations for cooperation and the possible options for its improvement (recommendations of researchers). In order to achieve the assumed goals, an individual, in-depth interview was conducted with the use of a questionnaire as the research tool. The presented results of the research showed significant differences between the models of university and business cooperation in Poland and the USA.
The article focuses on the requirements and procedures for obtaining a professional engineering license in the United States (USA) and in Canada. The rights, privileges and responsibilities from being registered as a professional engineer are also discussed. The paper also provides information on engineering ethics and the liabilities that are associated with engineering projects. The occasional need to be registered simultaneously in more than one state or province are also discussed.
Celem artykułu jest przedstawienie finansowania oraz realizacji prac naukowo-badawczych w Polsce oraz USA, determinujących współpracę uczelni z przemysłem, w kontekście budowy innowacyjnej gospodarki. Zaprezentowano model finansowania oraz realizacji prac naukowo-badawczych w Polsce oraz USA, jako kraju, który przoduje w zakresie współpracy uczelni z przemysłem. Omówiono podmioty zaangażowane w proces innowacyjny w Polsce oraz USA. Wskazano źródła finansowania prac naukowo-badawczych w obu krajach. Badania przeprowadzono z wykorzystaniem metody desk research. W oparciu o przeprowadzoną analizę zaproponowano działania mające na celu zwiększenie zaangażowania uczelni w proces tworzenia innowacji w Polsce.
EN
The goal of the article was to describe the methods of financing research and development activities in Poland and United States. The funding of cooperation between academia and industry is needed for continuing development of the knowledge-based economy. The USA is one of the world leaders in the cooperation between a university and industry. The article also describes the involvement and role of all cooperating partners in creating an effective innovativeness network in the Poland and USA. The paper also includes an analysis of the financial resources available for research and development project in the USA and Poland. The article described is library research. Based on an analysis of research and development projects in both countries, the article offers some ideas for improvement in the better utilization of the potential of academic institutions to meet the research and development goals of the knowledge-based economy.
Celem artykułu jest analiza metod stosowanych w zakresie przekwalifikowania bezrobotnych pracowników w USA w celu przywrócenia ich na rynek pracy. Jest to niezbędne aby zapewnić prawidłowe funkcjonowanie gospodarki. Artykuł również analizuje metody przewidywania zatrudnienia w poszczególnych zawodach przez okres następnych 10 lat, oraz metody szkolenia pracowników do przyszłych zawodów. W artykule również przeanalizowano program przekwalifikowywania weteranów w celu znalezienia dla nich odpowiedniego miejsca w gospodarce i życiu cywilnym.
EN
The aim of the paper is to analyze the methods used to retrain unemployed workers in the US in order to make possible their return to the labor market. It is necessary to ensure the proper functioning of the economy of the country. The article also analyzes methods of predicting employment in individual occupations over the next 10 years, and methods of training employees for future professions. The article also examines the retraining program for veterans in order to find a suitable place for them in the economy and civil life.
W artykule przeanalizowano szanse i zagrożenia wynikające z imigracji w oparciu o doświadczenia z północno-wschodniej części Pensylwanii. Dokonano w nim również analizy potrzeb imigrantów oraz metod ich integracji z lokalnym społeczeństwem. Z przedstawionych w publikacji analiz wynika, że imigracja jest naturalnym zjawiskiem sprzyjającym dalszemu wzrostowi gospodarki w danym kraju. Problemy w wielu przypadkach wynikają z braku zrozumienia jego znaczenia, co prowadzi do niechęci i obawy przed nieznanym.
EN
The article analyzes the opportunities and threats resulting from immigration based on experience from the north-eastern part of Pennsylvania. It also analyzes the needs of immigrants and methods of their integration with the local society. Analyzes presented in the publication show that immigration is a natural phenomenon important for the further growth of the economy in a given country. Problems in many cases result from a lack of understanding of its meaning, which leads to aversion and fear of the unknown.
The paper contains an overview of the history of engineering education in the United States. It also explains the differences between engineering and engineering technology from an historical perspective. The similarities and differences between those two programs are also being addressed. The article also explains the concept of the project-driven approach in teaching engineering technology courses. The procedure to secure and administer funding for the projects is also addressed. The paper also includes some practical guidelines for implementing a project-based approach.
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