The literature regarding the Reverse Indentation Size Effect (RISE) is scarce, the occurrence of which is assumed for plastic materials, including metals. The content of this article is to study the relationship between applied load and measured values of the Vickers micro-hardness of 19 metals with different types of lattices, measured with a Hanemann tester. The values of the load ranged between 0.09807 N (10 g) and 0.9807 N (100 g). The size and character of the Indentation Size Effect (ISE) were evaluated by Meyer’s power law (index n), Proportional Specimen Resistance (PSR), and Hays—Kendall methods. Meyer’s index n ranged between 1.65 for Mo and 2.44 for Ni. A correlation was found between the micro-hardness and Meyer’s index for metals with FCC and HCP lattices. The measured value of Vickers micro-hardness is influenced by the size and nature of the ISE. If this is not taken into account, it may be misleading. For this reason, we recommend using the “true hardness”, determined by the presented method.

The hot rolling of steel sheets is a highly energy-intensive process. There are technical and operational issues associated with this process, and the causes of these issues can be various. This study involved analysis of one issue that has a great influence on the resulting surface quality of rolled sheet metal: rolled foreign material. After the sheet cools, rolled foreign material tends to fall off and a hole then remain on the surface of the sheet. This paper focuses on the search for the root causes of the occurrence of foreign material rolling. The basic categorization of the causes of this issue was performed by experienced long-term operators. The 4M method (man, machine, method, and material) was used to categorize the causes. Pairwise comparison was used to verify the result. Using energy dispersive spectroscopy analysis, the origin of the foreign material was identified. The analysis confirmed that the foreign material was not derived from the primary material. Further research showed that the cause of the issue was the guide rulers, which are a structural part of the rolling mill. Measures were taken to significantly reduce the incidence of the problem, which also had the effect of reducing financial losses, which fell by a third in 18 weeks. In the future, it will be necessary to make design changes (modernization of the rolling mill), which will, however, require more financial investment.

In general, it can be said that a project is a means of change so that the organization or individual obtain something they do not currently have, and which, in some respects, can ensure its functioning within the system in society, in the market, etc. Organizations often use different tools and techniques in project implementation to help manage projects. The selection of the optimal method requires a thorough systematic analysis. The chosen method must cover the requirements of project management with regard to its size and nature. One such tool is the ISO 21500 Guidance on project management standard, which defines the basic processes and documents needed for project management. The aim of this article is to propose a model through which it would be possible to effectively manage projects in small and medium enterprises (SMEs), i.e., where generally available international methodologies for project management are not introduced. The proposed model (referred to as Model B) was verified on projects in different SMEs in Slovakia. Mathematical evaluation presented in the paper as well as the knowledge and experience from this verification were summarized and the proposed Model B was modified (referred to as SMEPM: small and medium enterprises project management) so that it can be used in the implementation of other projects in the conditions of SMEs.

European Union legislation requires organizations to assess their processes in the context of risk management. The main task of risk management is to manage all risks that can significantly affect the outcome of processes. The article is focused on risk evaluation in pressure leaching at elevated temperature using the method Fault Tree Analysis (FTA). The effectivity of pyrite and arsenic pyrite decomposition by oxidative pressure leaching is influenced by the duration of the process, by the temperature, concentration of the leaching solution and by a density of the slurry. It was found that, under equitable conditions, the arsenic pyrite decomposes more intensely than pyrite. Under laboratory conditions, leaching is performed in an autoclave. Due to the aggressive environment, increased pressure and temperature, process failure is possible. Its probability was calculated by FTA. It has been found that the probability of the top event in the examined process was disproportionately high (0.057) and represents an invitation to take corrective actions. The Monte Carlo method was used for the simulation of the effect the probability of basic events on the probability of the top event—the failure of the leaching process.

Today’s companies operate in a dynamic, constantly evolving, and highly competitive environment. The globalization of markets has significantly changed the economy, where companies operate within increasingly complex supply chains. The ever-increasing expectations of customers and company stakeholders, as well as the need to incorporate a comprehensive approach to the life cycle of manufactured products in corporate strategies, expose companies to a whole range of risks. The research was based on the need of organizations operating in the (automotive) industry to manage the dynamics of the business environment. This was accomplished using an appropriate model that, through its universality, would help to ensure the effective risk management in a holistic approach, protecting their performance and meeting the needs of the relevant stakeholders. The main idea of the research was to create and implement a dynamic model of risk management in the environment of a production organization based on the use of available methods such as SWOT, PESTLE, brainstorming, affinity diagrams, risk matrix, SIPOC diagram, risk, and the results of questionnaire surveys. The research was conducted in two directions: (1) designing the structure of the dynamic risk management model for the strategic management process; and (2) verifying the effectiveness of the proposed model in specific cases and evaluating the technical and economic benefits. To support the dynamics of the model, three basic management tools have been proposed: process review, internal audit, and management review, enriched with features that support the concept of risk-based thinking.

Industries demand that their products are high quality with the least number of defects due to the rapid improvement in manufacturing technology. Quality is a critical criterion for evaluation in manufacturing firms. The production of a final product that can meet customer requirements is essential in a sustainable supply chain system to reduce costs, increase productivity and provide high-quality products. The aim of the study is to identify the root cause of defects emerging in the production process of prestressed railway concrete sleepers. Ishikawa diagram and Pareto analysis were used to identify the root cause. The results showed that the cause of the faulty concrete sleeper is the breaking of the bolts, which are supplied by the external provider. Since the supplier refused to accept the complaint, chemical analysis and measuring of hardness and microhardness of bolts were realized. It showed that the hardness of the bolts does not achieve the values, which should be achieved after the declared heat-treatment. As a corrective action, the input control of bolts hardness was proposed as well as establishing the team cooperating with the supplier to improve the heat treatment process, which will be the objective of further study.