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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.

Purpose: The aim was to develop a framework for selecting quality and environmental aspects when improving products towards their sustainable development. Design/methodology/approach: The framework was developed based on the results of previous studies, within which the Quality Life Cycle Assessment (QLCA) method was developed, dedicated to the sustainable development of products, taking into account the aspects of quality (customer satisfaction) and the environment (the impact of the product on the environment in the life cycle). During the development of the framework, a five-step methodology was used, i.e.: i) collecting data from previous studies, ii) computational simulation including verification of the proportions of the participation of aspects, iii) analysis and interpretation of results, and iv) development of a framework for the selection of aspects. The simulation was supported by the analysis of statistically significant differences in the Statistica 13.3 program with the ANOVA test. Findings: If the quality indicator has a weight in the range of 0.70 to 0.35 and the environmental indicator of 0.30 to 0.65, then the quality and environmental aspects have a similar impact on the ranking. Then, it is possible to direct improvement activities to meet customer expectations regarding the quality of the product while limiting the negative impact on the environment of the product. Research limitations/implications: The framework is primarily designed for use within the QLCA method. Additionally, it does not consider the proportion of other sustainability aspects, such as costs, which may affect product development decisions at later stages. Practical implications: The framework is tailored to support designers' decisions in the early stages of product design and development. It can be used by manufacturing companies for sustainable product development as a tool to help predict product rankings depending on the adopted share of quality and environmental aspects. Originality/value: To define new assumptions and concepts for product development in the form of a research framework that will support decision-making in guiding sustainable product development while taking into account quality (customer satisfaction) and environmental impact (LCA). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The aim of the article was to develop a QLCA framework model dedicated to the design and improvement of products, taking into account their quality (Q) and environmental impact in the life cycle (LCA). Design/methodology/approach: A review of the literature on the subject was conducted on studies from the Web of Science database. The thematic scope included the design and improvement of products, taking into account quality and environmental impact during the life cycle (LCA). Bibliometric and frequency techniques were used, including keyword analysis and citation of studies. Based on conclusions from the literature, approaches and methods for quality improvement, as well as the LCA methodology presented in the ISO 14040 standard, a QLCA framework model was developed. The model supports the prospective assessment of the quality and life cycle of the product and its prototypes in terms of sustainable development. Findings: It has been shown that there are no solutions that present the links between product life cycle assessment and product quality assessment, including preparing these assessments for product prototypes at the design and prototyping stage. Research limitations/implications: A QLCA framework model is presented, the proper form of which will be provided by future research. The framework conditions of the QLCA model were improved and expanded in order to find the most advantageous approach to achieving the highest quality product quality with the lowest possible negative environmental impact of this product in LCA in terms of its sustainable development. Practical implications: The QLCA framework model is the result of conceptual generalisation, and its assumptions were prepared for designers and R&D departments. The assumptions of the QLCA methodology can be used by management staff to make decisions about product improvement at the prototyping stage. Originality/value: A novelty is the QLCA framework model, which presents an original approach to product improvement at the prototyping stage, taking into account customer expectations regarding their quality and at the same time assessing the life cycle of these prototypes [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently, the development of renewable energy products (RES) encourages the search for innovative solutions that take into account key criteria from the point of view of their sustainable development. Despite efforts in this area, there is a lack of approaches and tools to support this process. Therefore, the aim of the research was to develop a decision-making model supporting eco-innovation in products based on the key criteria of sustainable development: quality (customer satisfaction with use), environmental impact in the life cycle (LCA), and the cost of investment incurred in the product development. The functioning of the model was based on the following factors: (i) obtaining the voice of customers (VoC) and processing it into product criteria as part of the development of alternative production solutions (prototypes), (ii) prospective quality assessment and subsequent life cycle assessment of prototypes, (iii) cost analysis taking into account both quality and environmental criteria, (iv) interpretation of results and search for eco-innovative product solutions. Development decision-making is additionally supported by techniques implemented in the model, e.g., the CRITIC method, the LCA method with Ecoinvent database in OpenLCA, the CEA method, and the morphology method. The model was illustrated and tested for photovoltaic (PV) panels, after which a global sensitivity analysis was performed in Statistica. The test results showed that the main factor that influenced the PV development decisions was the investment cost, followed by quality (customer satisfaction) and then environmental impact in LCA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this investigation was: (i) to develop a model that supports sustainable product development, considering the quality aspect and the environmental impact in the product life cycle, and (ii) to establish a framework to select the proportion of the share of these aspects during product development decisions. This research concentrates on achieving products that meet customer demand and have environmentally friendly life cycles. It also supports the implementation of design activities at an early stage of product development, positioning the share of quality in relation to environmental impact. The model is based on creating hypothetical prototypes of current products, and this approach concentrated on aggregating the quality (customer satisfaction) with life cycle environmental impacts (as in ISO 14040). The model was developed in five main stages, including: (i) defining product prototypes according to the modifications of quality criteria most desired by customers, (ii) assessing the quality of prototypes according to the Q quality index, (iii) prospective assessment of the environmental impacts of the life cycles of prototypes according to the LCA environmental index, (iv) methodical integration of the above-mentioned indicators into one quality and environmental indicator QLCA, and (v) analysis of possible production solutions and setting the direction of product development, taking into account both quality and environmental aspects. This research was extended with a sensitivity analysis of the QLCA indicator, after which a framework for selecting the proportion of the Q and LCA indicator's share in product development decisions was established. The originality of this research is the ability of the developed model to facilitate eco-innovative product design and improvements while also selecting the share of qualitative and environmental aspects needed to develop sustainable products. The results provide a dynamic and effective tool for manufacturing companies; mainly designers and managers during qualitative and environmental prototyping of products commonly used by customers. The model will provide support in predicting a product that will be manufactured that will be satisfactory for customers and environmentally friendly based on LCA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sustainability of products remains a challenge, mainly due to the lack of consistent approaches for simultaneously taking into account the key criteria of the concept in the process. This research aims to develop an eco-innovative QLCA method to create new product solutions that integrate quality (customer satisfaction) and environmental impact assessment throughout the product life cycle. The QLCA method includes: (i) product prototyping according to quality and environmental criteria; (ii) prospective assessment of the quality of prototypes, taking into account customer requirements; (iii) prospective life cycle assessment of product prototypes using a cradle-to-grave approach in accordance with ISO 14040; and (iv) setting the direction of product development while taking into account the fulfilment of customer expectations and the need to care for the environment throughout the product life cycle. Owing to the lack of previous research in this area, as well as the popularity of photovoltaic (PV) panels in reducing greenhouse gases, an illustration was obtained and test of the method was carried out on the example of silicon photovoltaic panel modules (Crystalline Si PV Module). In accordance with the adopted assumptions, the results of the QLCA method test showed that the modelled PV prototypes will, in most cases, be satisfactory for customers, but they still require improvement actions to reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions throughout their life cycle. These activities should be consistent so as to achieve quality that satisfies customers. The QLCA method can be used by designers, managers, and decision-makers at the early stages of design, but also during the product maturity phase for its sustainable development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of materials and the products made from them should respond to new challenges posed by market changes and also by climate change. Therefore, the objective of this investigation was to develop a method that supports the sustainable development of materials and the products made from them based on an aggregated indicator of quality and environmental load in the life cycle (QLCA). The testing and illustration of the QLCA method included a passenger car tyre and nine prototypes. These prototypes were described using eight quality criteria: season, class, size of the load index, speed index, rolling, adhesion, and external noise. Then, customer expectations regarding the importance of the criteria and satisfaction with the indicators in the current and modified states were obtained. Based on the customer assessment, the quality indicators of the prototypes were assessed. This assessment was supported by the weighted sum model (WSM) and the entropy method. Then, life cycle assessment for the reference tyre was performed using the Ecoinvent database in the OpenLCA program. LCA indicators were modelled for other prototypes, taking into account quality changes. As a result of the verification of the method, an aggregated QLCA indicator was estimated, based on which it was possible to select the most favourable (qualitatively and environmentally) prototype out of nine. This was the P4 prototype (QLCA = 0.57). The next position in the ranking was taken by P7 (QLCA = 0.43). The QLCA method can be used to determine the direction of development of materials and products in terms of their sustainable development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Meeting customers’ requirements and achieved the right level of product quality is key action of enterprises. It is being done by controlling the product, using for example non-destructive testing (NDT). But the NDT not indicating what is the root of incompatibility. Additionally, previous research does not include the decision methods, which would be related the identify the causes of the problem as part of improving the product quality. Therefore, the aim is supporting the process of improving the product quality level in the context of precisely identify the incompatibility and the root of their occurrence with including the solve decision problem. In this aim, it was assumed that using after the NDT research in connection way: brainstorming, cause and effect diagram, AHP method (Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process) and the 5Why method, will be allowed on effective identify the root of the problem. The method test was carried out for the porosity on a welded mechanical seal made of steel 410, which was identified by the fluorescence method (FPI) in Podkarpacie enterprise. The analysis has shown the effectiveness of using after NDT the combined methods as part of identifying the incompatibility and precisely identifying the root of its occurrence in context of solving the decision problem. The proposed method can be used to improving the quality of other products, for example from the aviation and automotive industry, as part of meeting customer requirements. Originality is the combined NDT research with quality management techniques and supported the process of improving the quality level of the product by implementing in this sequence the fuzzy multicriteria decision method.

Making a complex analysis of the problem in order to identify the root of its occurrence, is the process burdened with the risk of uncertainty. This risk is in case of the quality analysis, in which the choice and making a decision is not confirmed by reliable information (number). This risk is in case of the quality analysis, in which the choice and making a decision is not confirmed by reliable information (number). But these techniques do not include the risk of uncertainty, so their sequence should be expanded about the appropriate method, to take this into account. It was considered beneficial to demonstrate that this method is the Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process method (FAHP). The aim of the study to implement the FAHP method in the sequence of traditional quality management techniques (Ishikawa diagram and 5Why method) and proposition new, not practiced yet the method to complex analysis of the problem and identify the root of its root cause. The subject of the study was the furniture front, on which the incompatibility was identified (shortened foil). From the categories to which the potential causes of the inadequate foil were assigned, by using the Ishikawa diagram and the FAHP method in an integrated manner, were defined the most important categories (method and machine) in a precise (numerical) way. Next, using the same tools, the relationship between the potential causes was analysed and selected the main causes of the problem. Then, by using the 5Why method the root of the problem was defined (lack of the new machine and failure to comply with labor standards). The obtained results could differ depending on the subjectivity, however, the method itself proved to be effective and can be used to solve other types of the problem.

This study involved the optimization of the molded pieces manufacturing process from a poly-3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate biocomposite containing 30% wood flour by mass. The amount of wood flour and preliminary processing parameters were determined on the basis of preliminary tests. The aim of the optimization was to find the configuration of important parameters of the injection process to obtain molded pieces of good quality, in terms of aesthetics, dimensions, and mechanical properties. The products tested for quality were dog bone specimens. The biocomposite was produced using a single-screw extruder, whereas molded pieces were made using an injection molding process. The Taguchi method was applied to optimize the injection molding parameters, which determine the products quality. Control factors were selected at three levels. The L27 orthogonal plan was used. For each set of input parameters from this plan, four processing tests were performed. The sample weight, shrinkage, elongation at break, tensile strength, and Young's modulus were selected to assess the quality of the molded parts. As a result of the research, the processing parameters of the tested biocomposite were determined, enabling the production of good-quality molded pieces. No common parameter configuration was found for different optimization criteria. Further research should focus on finding a different range of technological parameters. At the same time, it was found that the range of processing parameters of the produced biocomposite, especially processing temperature, made it possible to use it in the Wood Polymer Composites segment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of batteries used in electric vehicles towards sustainable development poses challenges to designers and manufacturers. Although there has been research on the analysis of the environmental impact of batteries during their life cycle (LCA), there is still a lack of comparative analyses focusing on the first phase, i.e., the extraction and processing of materials. Therefore, the purpose of this research was to perform a detailed comparative analysis of popular electric vehicle batteries. The research method was based on the analysis of environmental burdens regarding the ecological footprint of the extraction and processing of materials in the life cycle of batteries for electric vehicles. Popular batteries were analyzed: lithium-ion (Li-Ion), lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4), and three-component lithium nickel cobalt manganese (NCM). The ecological footprint criteria were carbon dioxide emissions, land use (including modernization and land development) and nuclear energy emissions. This research was based on data from the GREET model and data from the Ecoinvent database in the OpenLCA programme. The results of the analysis showed that considering the environmental loads for the ecological footprint, the most advantageous from the environmental point of view in the extraction and processing of materials turned out to be a lithium iron phosphate battery. At the same time, key environmental loads occurring in the first phase of the LCA of these batteries were identified, e.g., the production of electricity using hard coal, the production of quicklime, the enrichment of phosphate rocks (wet), the production of phosphoric acid, and the uranium mine operation process. To reduce these environmental burdens, improvement actions are proposed, resulting from a synthesized review of the literature. The results of the analysis may be useful in the design stages of new batteries for electric vehicles and may constitute the basis for undertaking pro-environmental improvement actions toward the sustainable development of batteries already present on the market. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As part of continuous quality improvement in well-managed enterprises, identifying unconformity should initiate actions to find their causes. Therefore, it was proposed to the enterprise located in Podkarpacie to use in the sequential way the Ishikawa diagram and 5Why method. The aim was to analyse of unconformity (porosity cluster) on the turbine outlet nozzle and identify the root of its creation. In the enterprise, the quality analysis of the products with a fluorescent method was carried out, but after identifying the unconformity, non-analysis of their reason for their occurrence was not practiced. Therefore, it was intentional to propose the use of sequence i.e. Ishikawa diagram and 5Why method to identify the root of unconformity. The subject of study was the turbine outlet nozzle, on which the fluorescent method the porosity cluster was identified. With the use of the Ishikawa diagram, the main cause of the problem was pointed (unconformity during production), and by the 5Why method the root cause of the problem, i.e. unconformity material from the supplier, was identified. The proposed method sequence is a simple and effective way to make analyses of unconformities and it can be used in different products and service enterprises.

The research of railway track surfaces is aimed at improving the quality of railway infrastructure and providing the chance of improving the safety of driving. Therefore, it is advisable to constantly monitor track surface, but the research itself is not innovative because it is based on a known procedure. The crucial element are the techniques that allow to delve into the sources of problems. The aim of the article is to use the selected instruments of quality management to analyze the causes of track twist at high (180 km/h) speed of driving. The analysis of the causes of track twist was done on the basis of results from the measurement of one kilometer track section of the Krakow Glowny - Medyka route, which was made by using the TEC measuring device in April 2018. It was inferred that it is impossible to reach 180 km/h without track twist. In order to identify the causes of track twist it was proposed to use the selected sequence of quality management instruments, i.e.: brainstorming, Ishikawa diagram and the 5Why method. The identified causes of track twist include the abrasion of rail, scratches and exploitation point. The analysis and conclusions drawn from it may be useful in the analysis of other problems in railway transport as well as production and service industries.

This paper aims to develop an integrated Quality–Cost–Environmental (QCE) indicator for the selection of photovoltaic panels (PVps) offered to customers, considering the following criteria: (i) quality satisfaction; (ii) cost-effectiveness; and (iii) environmental impact throughout the life cycle. The proposed QCE indicator was developed within a framework that incorporated an FAHP (Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process), cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA), and life cycle assessment (LCA). The model test confirmed its effectiveness in choosing a PVp which combines environmental friendliness throughout its entire life cycle with satisfactory quality and a reasonable purchase price for customers. The proposed model can be utilized by individuals, businesses, and public entities for the selection of high-quality, cost-efficient, and environmentally friendly PVps—thereby promoting sustainable development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the era of the competitive environment, the improvement in current products is ensured through activities aimed at increasing a product's quality level and, consequently, reducing the amount of waste. The dynamically changing production environment and sudden changes in customer expectations force us to take precise and well-thought-out development steps. Furthermore, it is important to anticipate favourable product changes to prepare for market changes over time. This is still an open problem. The aim of this study was to develop a method to predict the quality of potential product prototypes resulting from the proposed modifications of the product features. This methodology takes into account current customer expectations. The method was created based on the principles of creating Quality Function Deployment (QFD) in the context of taking into account current and future customer expectations regarding product features. This is a new approach to analysing product quality within the principles of the traditional QFD method. The originality of the study is the technique used in the method to estimate the expected values of product features and their importance (weights), taking into account current customer expectations. Its originality is also manifested in drawing conclusions supporting the decision-making process of product improvement, because it involves ensuring the pro-quality modification of selected features of current products in the order that is most advantageous from the customer's point of view. The use of the proposed method allows for the analysis of the impact of modifying the current value of a product feature. The method is illustrated with an example of a vacuum cleaner for home use. However, the proposed method can be applied to the design of any product to predict products that will meet customer expectations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of the research was to perform an in-depth comparative analysis of pro12 quality and pro-environmental approaches to the products improvement in SMEs (belonging to the electrical machinery industry industry) from V4 countries. Design/methodology/approach: An in-depth comparative analysis of pro-quality and pro15 environmental approaches to product improvement was carried out in SMEs from V4 countries. Based on previous research (survey research conducted from March to September 2023 including 379 SMEs from V4 countries), two benchmarks for these approaches were developed and further analysed. Statistical analyses were used, i.e. Box-and-whisker chart and Wilcoxon paired test in STATISTICA 13.3. on the level of significance p<0.05. Findings: It was shown that SME entrepreneurs from V4 countries have a relatively similar approach to the improvement of pro-quality and pro-environmental products. The pro-quality approach is more important than pro-environmental in case of product improvement. Practical implications: Research results can be the basis for defining more precise directions for the development of SMEs in V4 countries and increasing cooperation between consortium regions in the development of product production in line with the idea of sustainable development and current customer expectations. Social implications: The results can have a positive impact on public attitudes, mainly entrepreneurs from SMEs, but not only in making further efforts to improve the quality of products while reducing the negative impact on the environment. This behavior may contribute to increased customer satisfaction with purchased products, but also to the development of the economies of the V4 countries and to meeting the requirements of sustainable development. Originality/value: Originality of the research includes determining the current approach of SMEs in the electrical machinery industry in V4 countries to meeting customer expectations regarding product quality, while striving to achieve environmentally friendly products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The aim of the article was to analyse the pro-environmental approach to products improvement by SMEs from the Visegrad Group (V4) countries. Design/methodology/approach: The research was survey. The survey research was carried out in traditional (paper) and electronic form (MS FORMS). The survey was directed at electronic industries (machinery processing) belonging to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) from V4 countries. The results presented in the article refer to sample size of 379 SMEs, obtained between March and September 2023. Results were analysed in statistical way, i.e.: ANOVA test and Mann Whitney U test by significance level equal to α = 0.05. Findings: SMEs in V4 countries have a similar approach to pro-environmental improving of products. It was shown that pro-environmental activities of SMEs from the V4 countries, the lowest consistency of assessments occurs in the following countries: Poland and Slovakia, Poland and Hungary, Slovakia and Hungary. Practical implications: The research results may contribute to more effective and coherent development activities of SMEs in the V4 countries as part of their sustainable development, and also to take appropriate actions that will be supporting qualitative and environmental products. Social implications: The results can help SME entrepreneurs improve their products to protect the natural environment. In addition, they can be the basis for the development of SMEs from the V4 countries and their unidirectional development, which includes not only improving the quality of products, but also caring for the environment. Originality/value: The originality of the research is the determination of the current pro-environmental approach to product improvement in SMEs in the V4 countries. The novelty is the provision of current data on the importance of improving pro-environmental products in SMEs from the V4 countries and their comparison between companies in the electrical machinery industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The aim of the article was to analyse the qualitative approach to product improvement by Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) from the Visegrad Group (V4) countries (Poland, Slovakia, Czech Republic, and Hungary). Design/methodology/approach: The analysed results included a research sample of 379 companies in the electromechanical industry (machinery processing industry). The sample was obtained between March and September 2023 by means of a guided survey. Analyses of the results of quantitative research were carried out to verify the approaches of SMEs from V4 countries to pro-quality product, including comparative analyzes of the results obtained. Analyses were performed using the ANOVA test (repeated measure designs). The Mann Whitney U test was used to identify statistically significant differences in entrepreneurs' responses. The significance level adopted was α = 0.05. Findings: It has been shown that SMEs from V4 countries have different approaches to improving product quality. Additionally, it was shown that both in the case of pro-quality activities of SMEs from the V4 countries, the lowest consistency of assessments occurs in the following countries: Poland and Slovakia, Poland and Hungary, Slovakia and Hungary. Practical implications: Research results may contribute to more effective and coherent development activities of SMEs in the V4 countries as part of their sustainable development. Social implications: Based on the research conducted, it is possible to provide SMEs in V4 countries with a more adequate approach to undertake consistent and effective quality activities as part of the improvement of the product. Originality/value: Determining the current pro-quality approach to product improvement in SMEs in the V4 countries. The novelty is also the identification of the importance (level of importance) of these approaches in each V4 country, as well as the determination of the similarities and differences between these approaches in SMEs from countries in the Visegrad Group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The advancement of quality and environmentally sustainable materials and products made from them has improved significantly over the last few years. However, a research gap is the lack of a developed model that allows for the simultaneous analysis of quality and environmental criteria in the life-cycle assessment (LCA) for the selection of materials in newly designed products. Therefore, the objective of the research was to develop a model that supports the prediction of the environmental impact and expected quality of materials and products made from them according to the design solution scenarios considering their LCA. The model implements the GRA method and environmental impact analysis according to the LCA based on ISO 14040. The model test was carried out for light passenger vehicles of BEV with a lithium-ion battery (LiFePO4) and for ICEV. The results indicated a relatively comparable level of quality, but in the case of the environmental impact throughout the life-cycle, the predominant amount of CO2 emissions in the use phase for combustion vehicles. The originality of the developed model to create scenarios of design solutions is created according to which the optimal direction of their development in terms of quality and environment throughout LCA can be predicted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The heavy machinery used in mining and mineral processing generates significant environmental burdens that cause global warming and also negatively affect human health. This is caused by the use of large amounts of energy by these machines, including the amount of process heat, which generates negative environmental changes. As part of sustainable development, it is necessary to look for more friendly solutions, e.g., life cycle assessment (LCA). Therefore, the objective was to analyse the main environmental loads that arise during the extraction and processing of the component materials used in mining machines. In this case, the subject of the research was a reduction gear with a high utilisation rate in excavators and forklifts used in mining. The environmental impact criteria taken into account in the analysis were ozone depletion, human toxicity, and eutrophication. The analysis was carried out using the OpenLCA programme with the ecoinvent database. The results of the analysis showed that in the extraction and processing phase of the reduction gear materials, the main environmental loads arise for selected criteria arise, among others: during coke production, oil and gas extraction, natural gas transport, and hard coal exploitation. The results of the analysis may contribute to the sustainable development of machines in the mining industry and may be useful in the production of new mining machines in order to eliminate their negative impact throughout their life cycle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An important issue addressed in research on the assessment of the quality of polymer products is the quality of the polymer material itself and, in accordance with the idea of waste-free management, the impact of its repeated processing on its properties and the quality of the products. In this work, a biocomposite, based on poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) with short hemp fibers, was obtained and repeatedly processed, which is a continuation of the research undertaken by the team in the field of this type of biocomposites. After subsequent stages of processing, the selected mechanical, processing and functional properties of the products were assessed. For this purpose, microscopic tests were carried out, mechanical properties were tested in static tensile and impact tests, viscosity curves were determined after subsequent processing cycles and changes in plastic pressure in the mold cavity were determined directly during processing. The results of the presented research confirm only a slight decrease in the mechanical properties of the produced type of biocomposite, even after it has been reprocessed five times, which gives extra weight to arguments for its commercialization as a substitute for petrochemical-based plastics. No significant changes were found in the used parameters and processing properties with the stages of processing, which allows for a predictable and stable manufacturing process using, for example, the injection molding process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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One of the global ecological problems is the excessive carbon dioxide emissions generated by vehicles in the transport sector, including passenger transport. Therefore, the objective of this investigation was to develop a model that supports the prediction of vehicle variants that will be satisfactory to the customer in terms of: (i) quality level and (ii) environmental impact throughout the life cycle. This model was developed with the following techniques: TOPSIS (Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution), LCA (Life Cycle Assessment), SMARTER (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound), Pareto–Lorenz, and the Multi-Criteria Decision Method rule (7 ± 2). A model test was carried out for production variants of the electric vehicle BEV (battery electric vehicle) for which the quality level and life cycle assessment were estimated. Vehicle quality levels ranged from 0.15 to 0.69, with a weight of 0.75. However, vehicle life cycle scores were estimated in the range of 0.25 to 0.57, with a weight of 0.25. Ultimately, the level of the vehicles' LCA ranged from 0.18 to 0.62. As a result, it was shown that on the basis of various modifications of the quality level of vehicle variants and the corresponding environmental impacts throughout their life cycle, it is possible to predict the vehicle variant that is most satisfactory for the customer and, at the same time, environmentally friendly. The originality of the model relies on supporting the making of sustainable design decisions and the planning of vehicle improvement actions according to customer expectations. Therefore, the model can be used to analyse different types of vehicles by producers and dealers of these products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Modernizing the management of organisations and promoting the principles of sustainable development are increasingly desirable in the countries of the Visegrad Group. However, the challenge lies in determining a single, coherent direction for the organization's development to ensure it meets market requirements while simultaneously being environmentally friendly. Therefore, the purpose was to analyse current activities for quality and natural environment making by SMEs from the electromechanical industry from V4 countries (Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary) and current customers' satisfaction with the quality of environmentally friendly products. The method of research included survey research among SMEs in the electromechanical industry of V4 countries and their customers or potential customers. In the period from March to July 2023, a research sample of 1,078 respondents was obtained. The U-Mann-Whitney test was used to test the relationship, where the analyses were performed at the significance level of a=0,05. Based on the analysis, it was concluded that the current actions in the area of qualitative-environmental aspects of product improvement by mentioned enterprises are only slightly consistent with current customers' expectations. The originality of the research is that it determines the current direction of development of SMEs from the electromechanical industry from V4 countries with proecological management of product quality, which will be in line with customers' requirements. The results from research can be useful for SMEs from V4 countries, which strive to continuously improve product quality according to the principles of sustainable development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The environmental problems are constantly worsening. This is visible as a result of increased production and use of means of transport. Although environmental impact assessment is practised in this sector, there is a lack of research dedicated to heavy vehicles. Therefore, the objective was to perform a life cycle assessment (LCA) of heavy vehicles used in mining (extractive industry) to determine which vehicles have the lowest environmental impact. A life cycle assessment of battery and diesel trucks used in mining was performed. The results of the analysis indicated that electric trucks have a lower environmental impact. However, the method is applicable to the analysis of any vehicle. It can be used by an entity (expert) to select vehicles with the lowest environmental impact in LCA. At the same time, it will be useful in assessing the environmental impact of heavy vehicles, including mining vehicles used in mining. The originality of the article is the method presented, which improves the calculation process as part of the vehicle life cycle assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Assumptions of the concept of sustainable development should include actions towards the development of modern, well-managed enterprises. However, making decisions in this area is difficult as it often results from subjective assessments of environmental problems. Hence, there is a motivation to develop a method of analysing the search for solutions to environmental problems that supports decisions in the area of improving the quality of products or processes while considering their impacts on the natural environment. In view of the specification of this problem, it was considered that this method should be conducted in a fuzzy decision environment. This method is called FQE-SD (fuzzy qualitatively environmentally sustainable development). This method integrated, in a hybrid way, the selected tools or elements of qualitative and multi-criteria decision methods, i.e., using the SMARTER method, brainstorming (BM), a method to select the team of experts, the Pareto-Lorenz analysis, the fuzzy QE-FMEA method, and the fuzzy AHP method. The main contribution of the FQE-SD method is its hybrid methodology, which supports: (i) a coherent and objective approach during the identification, analyses, and ranking of the causes of incompatibility of products or processes and (ii) the realization of the sustainable development of products or processes. The method was tested using the magnetic-powder test (MT). This control was carried out for producers of an outer bearing made fromAMS6470 steel. The results of this work confirmed the practical possibilities of applying the FQE-SD method. This method can also be applied to other production situations, if appropriate assumptions are made. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Improving product quality while making decisions remains a challenge. The objective of this research was to develop a model that supports the precise enhancement of product quality through comprehensive analysis of possibilities, product incompatibilities, root causes, and recommended improvement actions. The model incorporated various tools and methods such as the SMARTER method, expert team selection, brainstorming, Ishikawa diagram, 5M+E rule, FAHP, and FTOPSIS methods. The study demonstrated that integrating quality management tools and decision-making methods into a unified model enables the accurate prioritization of activities for product quality management. This integrated approach represents the novelty of this research. The model was evaluated using a mechanical seal made of 410 alloy. The research findings can be valuable to enterprises seeking to enhance product quality at any stage of production, particularly for modified or new products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]