Abstract Circular economy (CE) is an interesting approach by many countries to address global environmental problems while gaining economic benefits. The implementation of CE is expected to minimize the use of resources and materials, thus contributing to sustainable development. Much literature has discussed CE assessment indicators and their evaluation, however to date, no single indicator has been proposed that can comprehensively measure the macro level of CE implementation. This study aims to develop a CE index to measure CE implementation at macro levels. In addition, it provides an overview of the impact of CE implementation on the financial, social, and environmental aspects of the economy. To this end, first, an in-depth literature review and descriptive analysis is conducted to identify existing global CE indicators and classify them into financial, social, and environmental categories based on available primary and secondary data. Then, the CE index is constructed using a mathematical equation by considering the CE framework, a single indicator of each aspect as a variable, and the variable’s weighting. Finally, the CE index is applied to evaluate the level of CE implementation of CE in Indonesia at macro level. This index is expected to be a valuable tool for measuring CE implementation and therefore improving CE performance.

Abstract E-commerce is becoming more and more popular. The COVID-19 pandemic made its development even faster. Currently, an enterprise that does not provide its services via the Internet is suffering heavy losses. Online shopping is largely different from traditional purchases, so their assessment should be made on the basis of different criteria. The aim of the paper was to assess the quality of services provided by the selected e-shop, in terms of its commercial services. The first stage of the research was the analysis of the literature in terms of hierarchical models of e-service quality, which in their structure indicate the areas of assessment. This allowed for the construction of the author’s hierarchical model of e-services and for making a list of attributes that were used in further research. On the example of the clothing e-shop, an analysis of the provided services was made, taking into account the opinions of its customers. The Importance Performance Analysis (IPA) was selected as the basis for conducting the survey research and analyzing its results, which facilitates the commenting of the obtained results. The research allowed to indicate the strengths and weaknesses of the examined e-shop, but also to identify areas requiring improvement in order to increase the quality of the offered services, as well as the customers satisfaction.

Abstract The article concerns the computational model for analysing the stability of the BEV LHD loader. Works were carried out to develop an innovative, light battery-powered loader, which was the subject of an R&D project implemented in cooperation with Bumech S. A. Compared to the existing solutions of loaders with similar load capacity, this one is distinguished by the use of an individual electric drive in each wheel and a replaceable battery. A physical and mathematical model was developed taking into account the specificity of the BEV LHD loader. In the model, the masses of the battery, individual drives, the platform and excavated material are taken into account separately. The developed model allows determining the loader wheel pressure on the floor, depending on the location of its components’ centres of gravity, the turning angle of the machine, the amount of excavated material in the bucket and the position of the bucket. The input parameters also include the longitudinal and transverse excavation slope angles. In addition, the model enables determining the inner and outer turning radius of the loader. To verify the theoretical model, dynamic simulation tests were carried out. The results of simulation analyses confirmed the correctness of the developed theoretical model. The model was used to prepare a calculation sheet for analysing the stability on the basis of the adopted parameters. In the article, selected results of the conducted stability analyses have been presented, along with the proposed parameters ensuring the loader’s stability. The developed theoretical model enables a quick assessment of the loader’s stability, which, due to a number of innovative solutions, differs from existing designs. The structure of the loader at the design stage is subject to numerous modifications, which affect the distribution of the centres of gravity of individual components. The developed model of the loader is a useful, parameterized tool that allows assessing the stability and the values of the turning radii of the machine.

Abstract The sustainability of engineering education depends on a strategic vision in university education. The strategic vision of education at technical universities is orientated to knowledge, digitization, online education, innovative methods in education, all forms of Management and business education platform. The main goal of this article is the creation of the model of engineering education at the technical university based on synergy effect of the economic subjects of study, digitalization, all forms of management, and innovative didactic methods with direction to future education. In this research we realized project “Student firms” by using digitalization, e-learning approach in education and connecting all form of management as in business environment. Results of the implemented “Student Firms” project at the university recorded benefits in improving students’ key competencies, soft skills, social competencies, financial, economic competencies, and their impact on the level of evaluation of subjects of study. The output of the research was the design of a model of engineering education at the university. This model can be a tool for making changes in education at university for his sustainability in the future.

Abstract The current increasing topic around empirical study is environmental issues. Several previous studies examined how open innovation strategies could affect eco-innovation amid research debates about environmental conservation in corporate innovation. This study aims to prove the effect of open innovation strategies on creating eco-innovation to affect SMEs’ sustainable competitive advantage and performance empirically. This study developed and empirically tested the mediating role of eco-innovation on sustainable competitive advantage and performance. A quantitative approach in testing the empirical research model was implemented. A total of 223 SMEs in the batik sector in Yogyakarta were examined. We used purposive sampling approach to select the research sample. The criteria used in the sampling is SMEs batik which has been operating for three years or more. The results revealed that open innovation strategies significantly positively affected eco-innovation while eco-innovation significantly positively affected competitive advantage and SMEs performance. Environmental uncertainty strengthened the eco-innovation relationship on competitive advantage, but not on the SMEs’ performance.

Abstract The purpose of this paper is to indicate the possibility of applying cognitive technologies in smart city services and analyze their impact on strategic management in the city. The subject of this study is the use of cognitive technologies in big data as one of the tools of smart city. The study also identifies the risks that may occur when using modern technologies at the local level. At the same time, it refers to features that can provide a form of safeguards for an individual’s rights and freedoms. This article also covers legal issues that affect the use of cognitive technologies in local government units. This paper indicates that the challenge that local governments should now meet is to build a Smart Sustainable City. Implementation of modern solutions should strive to improve the lives of all residents and thus prevent the exclusion of social groups or individuals.

Abstract Spiroid gear is one of the progressive varieties of intersecting axis gears. It has a number of advantages: increased overlap coefficient, favourable contact conditions. Spiroid gears are notable for high loading and overloading ability, increased smooth running and less sensitivity to manufacturing and assembly errors, high reliability and durability. The analysis of the results of experiment on research of vibration of the spiroid gear PS-124 has shown, that the vibration level at frequency 200-300 Hz is reduced on 5 dB at increase of the resistance moment up to 1000 Nm at clockwise rotation of the reducer and at increase of the resistance moment up to 800 Nm at counterclockwise rotation of the reducer. The vibration level at frequency 700-800 Hz is also increased on 5 dB at increase of the resistance moment up to 1000 Nm at clockwise rotation of the reducer and at increase of the resistance moment up to 800 Nm. If these vibration levels are exceeded, a defect is likely to occur. Economic efficiency of application of diagnostics systems is caused by increase of reliability and quality, reduction of accidents, decrease in defects, reduction of idle time of expensive equipment, reduction of expenses for maintenance and repair.

Abstract This paper aims to investigate the effect of generic strategy on R&D spending and the impact of R&D spending on firms’ performance conditional on their strategic position. This empirical study uses accounting data of 597 listed Taiwanese firms in the manufacturing industry from 2013 to 2017. The data was obtained from Taiwan Economic Journal (TEJ) database. The results indicate that firms that adopt a differentiation strategy have more R&D spending than companies with a cost leadership strategy. Furthermore, the authors find that R&D spending positively affects firms’ performance if they pursue a differentiation strategy. Meanwhile, the relationship between R&D spending and firm performance forms an inverted U-shape for those who adopt a cost leadership strategy. First, for firms adopting the differentiation strategy, the investment in R&D is critical because the more investment on R&D these firms spend, the better performance they will gain. Second, for firms with a cost-leadership strategy, R&D spending is also essential to improve efficiency. However, they should allocate the budgets wisely and reasonably, as controlling cost is the main focus of this strategy to keep their competitive advantages. This study examines the relationship between R&D spending, business strategy, and firm performance in Taiwan. Further, the study suggests that manufacturing firms in Taiwan allocate their resources wisely and efficiently according to their system.

Abstract This article provides a cluster analysis of existing technoparks, the sample of which was built according to the completeness of the data presented on the official websites of the Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation and the terms of operation. The analysis is carried out in order to determine the best components of the effectiveness of the development of the technopark movement in Russia. According to the analysis of this article, we can talk about a weak relationship between the three sub-indices: the activities of the management company, the activities of residents, the activities of regional authorities. The obtained data can serve as a starting base for further construction of an econometric model of the efficiency factors of technoparks.

Abstract This work, developed as a case study, propose, describe, and evaluates an implementation of a pull system in a SME company producing polymeric components for the automotive industry. The production system of the company was based on the push paradigm, which creates high stock levels and high lead times. The main purpose was to develop a pull production system controlled by Kanbans in the painting line. To achieve this goal, this case study demonstrates the application of relevant lean tools, such as, VSM, SMED, Kanban System, Supermarkets and Leveling. Through the SMED’s application, it was possible to reduce the setup times in 38% and make annual earnings of approximately 83000€. The application of a Kanban System, Leveling and Supermarket enabled the WIP’s reduction between injection and painting in 56% and, also, between painting and expedition in 45%. Also, the lead time decreased and the value-added time increased. Thus, this is an exemplary case study for the implementation of a pull system and can be used both by practitioners and researchers interested in this theme.