Adam Gumiński

THE COAL OUTPUT RESERVE IN A GROUP OF COLLIERIES

In the paper the author discussed issues concerning a coal output reserve in a group of collieries. The maximization of a coal output in a group of collieries determines the highest possible work productivity, which is one of key indicators affecting the economic efficacy in hard coal mining activity. The author focused on factors determining shearer’s productivity and its effective work time in a longwall. Technical and organisational determinants of work performance are taken into consideration to analyse technical and organisational solutions which make technological processes less labour-consuming. Additionally, the algorithm of the determination of potential coal output reserve in a group of longwalls was presented. The research analysis was focused on a selected group of longwalls of two collieries. The necessary input data derive from source materials of collieries and monitoring of longwalls’ work parameters. The undertaken study brought in the estimated changes of work performance in a selected group of collieries.

Early Warning Concept in Identifying Risks in Business Activity

The growing importance of risk management in business activity encourages managers to bring various methods and concepts into the decision-making processes. One of these concepts, introduced as a response to rapid changes in the conditionality of business activity, is a method for early warning (EW). This method can be used to identify risks, thereby having a positive influence on the effectiveness of decision-making processes. The introduction of an EW concept into the analysis of dynamics of changes in undesired events and processes, occurring both outside and inside enterprises, may reduce negative and strengthen positive processes in business activity. The authors present the EW concept, as well as its methods and tools, which may be implemented to support risk management. The identification of existing needs and requirements in this scope resulted from the previous research performed in Polish machine-building enterprises over the period 2010–2013. Outlined proposals may be implemented in enterprises operating in different lines of business. However, the implementation needs to be adapted to specific conditions of business activity.