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.
In the first chapter, the evolutionary trajectory of the manufacturing sector will be traced from the advent of industrialization to the present day, with particular emphasis placed on the shift towards digitalization and automated systems. The historical context will be considered, and future trends extrapolated, providing a comprehensive understanding of the transformation of the manufacturing industry.
The second chapter will present a detailed analysis of business maturity models. Their conceptual underpinnings and practical implications will be discussed. Various business models employed in the current phase of industrial transformation will be critically reviewed, and an argument for a more holistic approach will be made that considers not just technical and economic factors, but also environmental and social impacts.
In the third chapter, a custom-designed research model tailored for assessing the business maturity of manufacturing companies in Poland will be delineated. The methodology will be thoroughly elucidated, encompassing the full spectrum from the conceptualization and operationalization of variables, through to the identification and implementation of suitable research instruments. The progression of the empirical research will be detailed as well.
In the fourth chapter, empirical findings on the maturity models of manufacturing companies in selected Polish industries will be presented. These case studies will not only provide practical illustrations of the theoretical concepts discussed earlier but will also offer industry-specific insights into the automotive, steel, and food industries.
