Radosław Wolniak - Böcker

This book identifies the impact of internal and external stakeholders on the implementation of sustainable development policies in the coal mining sector in Europe and the Commonwealth of Independent States.The book assesses what activities and conditions need to be improved so that sustainable development policies can be more effectively and efficiently implemented. With a specific focus on the hard coal and lignite mining sectors, it examines a broad range of case studies from Eastern European countries and the Commonwealth of Independent States, including Russia, Ukraine, Poland, Kazakhstan, Germany, Spain, France and the United Kingdom, among many more. Beginning with an introduction to sustainable development and stakeholder theory, Part II then examines internal stakeholders, including owners, managers, employees and trade unions. Part III examines external stakeholders, touching upon those directly related to the mining industry, such as customers and mining enterprises, and those not directly associated such as local and regional communities and environmental organisations. The book concludes by proposing a model approach to the management of stakeholders involved in mining enterprises, focusing on improving the process of implementing sustainable development in the mining sector and strengthening the effects of this process. This book will be of great interest to students and scholars of the extractive industries, natural resource management and policy and sustainable development.

This book identifies the impact of internal and external stakeholders on the implementation of sustainable development policies in the coal mining sector in Europe and the Commonwealth of Independent States.The book assesses what activities and conditions need to be improved so that sustainable development policies can be more effectively and efficiently implemented. With a specific focus on the hard coal and lignite mining sectors, it examines a broad range of case studies from Eastern European countries and the Commonwealth of Independent States, including Russia, Ukraine, Poland, Kazakhstan, Germany, Spain, France and the United Kingdom, among many more. Beginning with an introduction to sustainable development and stakeholder theory, Part II then examines internal stakeholders, including owners, managers, employees and trade unions. Part III examines external stakeholders, touching upon those directly related to the mining industry, such as customers and mining enterprises, and those not directly associated such as local and regional communities and environmental organisations. The book concludes by proposing a model approach to the management of stakeholders involved in mining enterprises, focusing on improving the process of implementing sustainable development in the mining sector and strengthening the effects of this process. This book will be of great interest to students and scholars of the extractive industries, natural resource management and policy and sustainable development.

This book considers and examines the concept of a Smart City in the context of improving the quality of life and sustainable development in Central and Eastern European cities.The Smart City concept has been gaining popularity in recent years, with supporters considering it to be an effective tool to improve the quality of life of the city’s residents. In turn, opponents argue that it is a source of imbalance and claim that it escalates the problems of social and economic exclusion. This book, therefore, assesses the quality of life and its unsustainability in Central and Eastern European cities within the context of the Smart City concept and from the perspective of key areas of sustainable development. Using case studies of selected cities in Central and Eastern Europe and representative surveysof Polish cities, this book illustrates the process of creating smart cities and their impact on improving the quality of life of citizens. Specifically, this book investigates the conditions that a Smart City has to meet to become sustainable, how the Smart City concept can support the improvement of the residents’ quality of life and how Central and Eastern European countries create smartcity solutions.Containing both theoretical and practical content, this book will be of relevance to researchers and students interested in smart cities and urban planning, as well as city authorities and city stakeholders who are planning to implement the Smart City concept.This book is freely available as a downloadable Open Access PDF at http://www.taylorfrancis.com under a Creative Commons Attribution-Non Commercial-No Derivatives (CC-BY-NC-ND) 4.0 license.

This book considers and examines the concept of a Smart City in the context of improving the quality of life and sustainable development in Central and Eastern European cities.The Smart City concept has been gaining popularity in recent years, with supporters considering it to be an effective tool to improve the quality of life of the city’s residents. In turn, opponents argue that it is a source of imbalance and claim that it escalates the problems of social and economic exclusion. This book, therefore, assesses the quality of life and its unsustainability in Central and Eastern European cities within the context of the Smart City concept and from the perspective of key areas of sustainable development. Using case studies of selected cities in Central and Eastern Europe and representative surveysof Polish cities, this book illustrates the process of creating smart cities and their impact on improving the quality of life of citizens. Specifically, this book investigates the conditions that a Smart City has to meet to become sustainable, how the Smart City concept can support the improvement of the residents’ quality of life and how Central and Eastern European countries create smartcity solutions.Containing both theoretical and practical content, this book will be of relevance to researchers and students interested in smart cities and urban planning, as well as city authorities and city stakeholders who are planning to implement the Smart City concept.This book is freely available as a downloadable Open Access PDF at http://www.taylorfrancis.com under a Creative Commons Attribution-Non Commercial-No Derivatives (CC-BY-NC-ND) 4.0 license.

This book discusses three key aspects of business operations: sustainability, human factors, and smart manufacturing, which make up modern business. The authors share their experiences in the transformation of enterprises to Industry 4.0/5.0 and the sustainability of steel production, as well as the reorganization of human factors using the example of the steel sector. The steel industry is covered both from a global perspective (key producers in the global steel market), as well as from a local and sectoral perspective (the companies that make up the sector of metal and metal product producers, using Poland as an example).This insightful book discusses how the steel industry can develop intelligent solutions to enhance sustainable performance and the challenges they must overcome, including policy and regulation. Case studies evaluate how steel companies are investing in new technologies that meet environmental requirements but also human resource development to enhance digital skills and competencies of the workforce.The book will find an audience across disciplines but be of particular value to scholars of industrial, operations, and technology management.

This book discusses three key aspects of business operations: sustainability, human factors, and smart manufacturing, which make up modern business. The authors share their experiences in the transformation of enterprises to Industry 4.0/5.0 and the sustainability of steel production, as well as the reorganization of human factors using the example of the steel sector. The steel industry is covered both from a global perspective (key producers in the global steel market), as well as from a local and sectoral perspective (the companies that make up the sector of metal and metal product producers, using Poland as an example).This insightful book discusses how the steel industry can develop intelligent solutions to enhance sustainable performance and the challenges they must overcome, including policy and regulation. Case studies evaluate how steel companies are investing in new technologies that meet environmental requirements but also human resource development to enhance digital skills and competencies of the workforce.The book will find an audience across disciplines but be of particular value to scholars of industrial, operations, and technology management.

The book primarily focuses on the process of industrial transformation in the era of digitalization. It meticulously discusses the processes, technologies, and business models that delineate modern industrial landscapes. A business maturity model is a tool used in organizations to assess how advanced their processes, systems, and procedures are. This model is utilized to identify areas that might require improvements, and then to measure progress in these improvements. The goal is to achieve "maturity", meaning the organization has well-defined, measurable, and repeatable processes. The first chapter traces the evolution of the manufacturing sector, emphasizing the shift toward digitalization and automation, while considering historical context and future trends. The second chapter examines business maturity models, reviewing current approaches and arguing for a broader perspective that includes environmental and social considerations. Chapter three introduces a research model for assessing the maturity of Polish manufacturing companies, detailing the methodology and research instruments used. The fourth chapter presents case studies from Polish industries (automotive, steel, and food), providing practical insights into the application of maturity models in real-world scenarios.

Smart Cities are fascinating, but they also have a dark side that little is said or written about. One issue is the possibility of generating various types of exclusion. For this reason, this book will develop principles for assessing the inclusiveness of Smart Cities and outline strategies for strengthening urban resistance to exclusion.The book will consider the essence, scale and types of exclusion and include analysis of inclusiveness in practice in the assessment and activities of Smart Cities. The research assesses Smart City literature, with particular emphasis on criticism of the Smart City concept and exclusion generated in smart urban structures, critically analyses the principles and indicators used in international inclusive Smart City rankings, highlights case studies on best practices for preventing exclusions in Smart Cities, and uses trend analysis to assess the scale and intensity of exclusion threats.This book can be used as a compendium of knowledge about exclusions in Smart Cities by both researchers and students, as well as all urban stakeholders, in particular city decision-makers.

In today’s unpredictable market environment, companies struggle to maintain long-term competitiveness, leading them to prioritize innovation as a key success factor. Innovation has become essential for organizational strategy and culture. Increasingly, innovation connects with corporate social responsibility, addressing social and environmental challenges alongside efficiency improvements. The Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sector, characterized by frequently purchased, low-priced products, presents unique innovation challenges.An Integrated Approach to Innovation Management: A Corporate Social Responsibility Perspective focuses on product innovation management in the FMCG sector, particularly disruptive innovation – one of today’s most significant management concepts valued for its practical business relevance. It examines the relationship between customer purchasing behaviour and product innovation management, analysing consumer attitudes toward food product innovations and identifying factors that influence acceptance or resistance to breakthrough innovations.Despite being traditionally viewed as habit-driven and resistant to innovation, FMCG companies must continuously adapt their product catalogs to meet evolving consumer preferences. Price sensitivity and competitive pressure drive primarily incremental development in this sector, though innovation remains fundamental to long-term economic success. Innovative offerings provide consumers with alternative benefit packages while challenging established market players. These innovations can transform from niche solutions to mass-market alternatives through new value configurations.Systematizing knowledge about the growing role of trade in economic development, the book provides practical insights about making development decisions. It offers an innovative perspective by examining product innovation management, shopping behaviour, and current retail market trends in the FMCG industry.

This book presents a conceptualization of the process of using artificial intelligence (AI) in public administration, along with its operationalization in terms of technology, competence, and the use of AI by employees of municipal offices. The authors offer a holistic examination, drawing on a multidisciplinary approach that combines theoretical insights with empirical analyses, to develop a theoretical model for improving the use of AI in public administration.The book provides a nuanced understanding of the complex interactions between AI technologies, governance structures, and public service delivery models, as well as diverse case studies across administrative domains to offer cross-national insights and shedding light on the contextual factors shaping AI adoption and implementation strategies. Through dedicated chapters on ethics and safety, the book also critically examines the challenges and opportunities policymakers must navigate when implementing AI.Combining theory with practice, this book will be of interest to scholars and post-graduate students in the fields of public administration, policy studies, governance as well as artificial intelligence and technology management.

Artificial Intelligence in Smart Cities presents an interdisciplinary and comprehensive analysis of how AI reengineers urban life, governance, and infrastructure. The book explores key thematic areas, including smart government, economy, environment, living, people, cybersecurity, and innovation, complemented by Central European empirical case studies. Each chapter examines the impact of AI technologies—machine learning, natural language processing, and IoT integration—on augmented decision-making, sustainability, health, education, urban resilience, and social inclusiveness.The book integrates empirical evidence, conceptual reflection, and practical deployment to illuminate how AI can be harnessed for inclusive urban growth. It guides readers through the complex landscape of ethics, economics, and privacy concerns while offering insights on algorithmic fairness, data protection, public trust, and AI innovation. This thoughtful examination advocates for a human-centered and ethical approach to Smart City development, balancing technological advancement with societal needs.Addressed at researchers, urban planners, policymakers, technologists, and graduate students, this resource provides both policy-driven expertise and analytical capability. Readers will gain valuable perspectives on the convergence of urban futures and Artificial Intelligence, equipping them with the knowledge to navigate the challenges and opportunities of AI-enhanced urban environments while ensuring technology serves the public good.The book provides a thorough and systematic examination of the role of AI in Smart Cities, covering its applications, benefits, and challenges in various aspects of urban development, including governance, economy, environment, mobility, living, and people.Offers an in-depth analysis of the key principles and technologies of AI, as well as its applications in Smart Cities, providing readers with a detailed understanding of the potential of AI to transform urban environmentsPresents case studies of successful AI implementations in Central European cities, providing practical insights and lessons learned for policymakers, urban planners, and business leaders seeking to harness the power of AI to create more liveable, sustainable, and resilient citiesAdopts an interdisciplinary approach, drawing on insights from urban planning, computer science, engineering, economics, and social sciences to provide a comprehensive understanding of the role of AI in Smart CitiesProvides a vision for a future where AI is used to create a better life for all citizens and inspires a new wave of innovation and collaboration in the development of Smart Cities

Artificial Intelligence in Smart Cities presents an interdisciplinary and comprehensive analysis of how AI reengineers urban life, governance, and infrastructure. The book explores key thematic areas, including smart government, economy, environment, living, people, cybersecurity, and innovation, complemented by Central European empirical case studies. Each chapter examines the impact of AI technologies—machine learning, natural language processing, and IoT integration—on augmented decision-making, sustainability, health, education, urban resilience, and social inclusiveness.The book integrates empirical evidence, conceptual reflection, and practical deployment to illuminate how AI can be harnessed for inclusive urban growth. It guides readers through the complex landscape of ethics, economics, and privacy concerns while offering insights on algorithmic fairness, data protection, public trust, and AI innovation. This thoughtful examination advocates for a human-centered and ethical approach to Smart City development, balancing technological advancement with societal needs.Addressed at researchers, urban planners, policymakers, technologists, and graduate students, this resource provides both policy-driven expertise and analytical capability. Readers will gain valuable perspectives on the convergence of urban futures and Artificial Intelligence, equipping them with the knowledge to navigate the challenges and opportunities of AI-enhanced urban environments while ensuring technology serves the public good.The book provides a thorough and systematic examination of the role of AI in Smart Cities, covering its applications, benefits, and challenges in various aspects of urban development, including governance, economy, environment, mobility, living, and people.Offers an in-depth analysis of the key principles and technologies of AI, as well as its applications in Smart Cities, providing readers with a detailed understanding of the potential of AI to transform urban environmentsPresents case studies of successful AI implementations in Central European cities, providing practical insights and lessons learned for policymakers, urban planners, and business leaders seeking to harness the power of AI to create more liveable, sustainable, and resilient citiesAdopts an interdisciplinary approach, drawing on insights from urban planning, computer science, engineering, economics, and social sciences to provide a comprehensive understanding of the role of AI in Smart CitiesProvides a vision for a future where AI is used to create a better life for all citizens and inspires a new wave of innovation and collaboration in the development of Smart Cities

This groundbreaking book introduces the Quality Life Cycle Assessment (QLCA) model – a novel approach that integrates product quality assessment and life cycle assessment (LCA) in sustainable manufacturing.By incorporating environmental criteria alongside quality considerations during the virtual prototyping phase, the QLCA model revolutionizes decision-making for sustainable product development. This book bridges the gap between product improvement and LCA application, addressing the critical need for sustainability in modern manufacturing. Leveraging digital technologies such as Big Data, Data Analytics, and Digital Twin, this book demonstrates how to construct virtual product models with comprehensive LCA integration. The QLCA model, particularly suited for smart factories, supports innovation and informed decision-making in sustainable product development.Aimed at students, research and development managers, and engineers, this volume offers practical guidance on balancing customer satisfaction with environmental impact throughout a product's life cycle. By elucidating the application of LCA in product life cycle assessment and its combination with quality considerations during prototyping, this book provides invaluable insights for practitioners navigating the complexities of sustainable manufacturing in the digital age.

This engaging book examines the European Union’s transition to renewable energy, covering its historical development along with the implications for climate policy, industry and society. The authors outline the ways in which the EU plans to achieve climate neutrality by 2050, with a specific focus on the European Green Deal and the Renewable Energy Directive.Bożena Gajdzik, Radosław Wolniak and Rafał Nagaj explore various climate policies, renewable energy technologies and decarbonization pathways, highlighting their associated economic and social benefits. They also address key clean energy barriers including insufficient public support, the risk of green inflation, technological delays and administrative challenges such as protracted regulatory approvals and permitting processes. Through data-driven analysis and scenario modeling, they demonstrate the cost-competitiveness of renewable energy. This book highlights how Europe’s shift to clean energy is both essential and achievable, positioning the EU as a front-running organization in sustainable industrial development and environmental governance worldwide.Decarbonizing European Industries is a necessary read for scholars and students of environmental science, energy policy and sustainability studies. Its insights on industrial change, decarbonization pathways and EU legislation will also appeal to economists, policy analysts, decision-makers and government officials.

Smart Universities in Smart Cities: Shaping the Future of Education and Urban Innovation focuses on how higher education institutions are adapting to the challenges of the digital age in a world increasingly influenced by technology and sustainability. Universities are becoming an indispensable element of smart cities, driving forward innovation, sustainability, and urban living.The book explores how emerging technologies such as AI, IoT, and blockchain are transforming campuses into dynamic, data-driven ecosystems. Both of these dimensions are studied through data analytics, case studies, and futuristic thinking perspectives to identify opportunities and challenges of the establishment of smart universities within the broader ecosystem of smarter cities. The book offers a holistic approach to planning educational institutions, covering issues such as sustainable campus development, digital learning environments, and smart mobility solutions.As universities undergo digital transformation, they advance not only learning but also the larger role of academia in society. The book envisions the future, where intelligent campuses act as centres of knowledge, collaboration, and sustainable development, propelling the world into a smarter and more inclusive reality for future generations. It will be of interest to researchers and students of urban planning and sustainability studies, as well as to urban planners and policymakers.

This book explores the role of virtual and augmented reality (VR and AR) in today’s evolving digital landscape, examining how these technologies are shaping society and how they might evolve in the future.It surveys the wide-ranging applications of VR and AR across industries, showcasing their functionality in areas such as entertainment, culture, retail, sports, tourism, and well-being. Through practical examples, the book highlights the benefits of these technologies while also addressing their limitations, challenges, and risks. Critical discussions include the technical, ethical, and societal implications of AR and VR, with a focus on pressing issues such as data privacy, cybersecurity, accessibility, the digital divide, and the psychological effects of immersive experiences. This balanced approach provides a comprehensive understanding of both the opportunities and pitfalls of these technologies.This volume is an invaluable resource for students, researchers, and professionals interested in the interdisciplinary nature of VR and AR. It bridges fields such as computer science, psychology, media studies, tourism, and urban studies, offering insights into how these technologies are reshaping industries and everyday life.

This book offers an in-depth examination of the ways in which artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping urban landscapes to address the demands of sustainable development. It positions AI as an essential instrument for creating more intelligent, resilient cities that meet the requirements of contemporary urban living and environmental sustainability.It emphasizes AI-driven advancements in urban management, including the optimization of transportation, the administration of energy-efficient infrastructure, and the enhancement of public safety using predictive analytics. The examination of AI's role in critical services such as water and waste management, along with personalized public services, illustrates how data-driven insights improve citizens' quality of life. This book also examines AI applications in urban planning, modifying cities in response to climate and population changes. The authors present case studies of successful smart cities globally, providing practical insights and addressing legislative hurdles, privacy issues, and future trends influencing urban AI integration.This book is a valuable resource for academics across the fields of urban studies, technology and innovation management, transport studies, and public policy.

AI-Driven Sustainability: The Future of Human Resources Management is an interdisciplinary publication that demonstrates the artificial intelligence phenomenon or AI in the sustainable shaping of human resources management.The role of AI as a support to the existing HR processes and a comprehensive changer of organizational, ethical, social, and environmental values is reviewed by authors. By providing readers with the wide scale of explanatory case studies among global business corporations and with a thorough review of law-ethical and technological issues in 10 chapters, the book suggests a “green model” of AI implementation in HR dimensions.A must-read publication for researchers, practitioners, and leaders who want to make their business part of the conscious future in labor in the environment of digitalization.

AI-Driven Sustainability: The Future of Human Resources Management is an interdisciplinary publication that demonstrates the artificial intelligence phenomenon or AI in the sustainable shaping of human resources management.The role of AI as a support to the existing HR processes and a comprehensive changer of organizational, ethical, social, and environmental values is reviewed by authors. By providing readers with the wide scale of explanatory case studies among global business corporations and with a thorough review of law-ethical and technological issues in 10 chapters, the book suggests a “green model” of AI implementation in HR dimensions.A must-read publication for researchers, practitioners, and leaders who want to make their business part of the conscious future in labor in the environment of digitalization.

Strategic and Ethical Integration of AI in Hospitals explores the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in modern healthcare. It examines the adoption, implementation, and regulation of AI in hospital settings, balancing technological innovation with clinical practice, operational management, and ethical governance. Through systematic literature reviews, conceptual modeling, and case studies from hospitals worldwide, the book provides actionable insights into how AI can enhance patient care, optimize workflows, and drive strategic decision-making. Key features include a multi-perspective approach integrating clinical, organizational, ethical, and regulatory dimensions of AI adoption. The book combines theoretical frameworks with real-world examples, offering practical strategies for navigating the complexities of AI implementation. It addresses critical issues such as data privacy, patient trust, algorithmic bias, and regional disparities, ensuring relevance across diverse healthcare contexts.This book is ideal for academics, postgraduate students, researchers, healthcare managers, and policymakers seeking rigorous analysis and practical guidance on AI in hospitals. It is particularly relevant for institutions and regions embarking on AI adoption, offering a roadmap for responsible integration that prioritizes human capability and ethical governance.