In the case of the energy sector (including mining companies) and the implementation of their development projects, it is necessary to obtain a social license to operate for a given project, which is associated with the involvement of various groups of stakeholders in the project and should be consistent with the company’s strategy. The basis for obtaining permission to operate is to conduct a stakeholder mapping process. Such an analysis will aid effective dialogue with all stakeholders and guide appropriate relationship building. The aim of this paper is to present the authors’ method of stakeholder mapping, which is an independent methodical idea that can be implemented in any enterprise. This paper comprehensively presents this algorithm, starting with the identification of stakeholder groups, through the determination of their level of interest and influence, ending with the construction of a matrix indicating the necessity of undertaking specific communication activities. Finally, the implementation of the created method in the form of a real business project is presented, the advantages are pointed out, and the possibilities and determinants of further development of this algorithm are presented. This method is proposed to companies from the energy sector, including those mining energy resources, as companies that have a significant impact on their social and environmental environment.

One of the main elements that shape the production process in an underground mining plant is, in the broadest sense of the word, transport. Currently, a large amount of rolling stock from cable cars or suspended railways is maintained in mining plants, along with extensive infrastructure used for transporting crew and materials. The development of conveyor belt transport systems, as well as system process management, is increasing efficiency levels. Mining transport is a complex process, requiring large amounts of energy, which incurs significant production costs. We conduct a comparative analysis of the human transport system using a suspended railway with belt transport at Lubelski Węgiel “Bogdanka” Spółka Akcyjna (the largest hard coal mine in Poland), in terms of energy efficiency levels. We found that the process of transporting the crew in an underground mining plant to the production site using a conveyor belt system was less energy-intensive, and therefore created less emissions than the currently used model based on suspended queues. The analyses for the above project were conducted according to a model that was based on the study and analysis phase of the project through to its implementation and transfer to operational activities. The analysis was carried out based on the created simulation model, taking into account all elements of the crew transport process to and from the mining area. The implementation of the technical solution allowed for nearly a threefold reduction in the level of energy consumption and emissivity. In the analyzed model, the energy consumption in the first phase of production was 3.04 kWh per employee using the diesel rails system and 1.13 per employee using the belt conveyor system.

The article presents research on the possibilities of utilising the Lean Management method to increase the profitability of coal mining operations through cost rationalisation and production optimisation. The Lean Management method has its roots in the automotive industry, but its significant benefits can allow it to be transferred to other industries. Based on the analysis of global literature describing examples of its application in general mining, as well as the authors’ own observations related to Polish hard coal mining, it was determined that the Lean Management method is not being utilised in this field. This article outlines the course and results of an original expert-mathematical study to assess the usefulness of specific Lean Management tools and techniques in hard coal mining. The study drew on knowledge obtained from selected, competent experts who demonstrated high levels of agreement in their assessments. Five core production areas were identified, and twelve widely used Lean Management tools and techniques were selected. The obtained assessments of the usefulness of Lean tools could serve as valuable guidance for mining management in the selection of methods for improving mining production in coal mines.

The concept of Lean Manufacturing is a set of techniques, methods and tools, whose application in manufacturing processes is expected to eliminate wastes and improve their economic efficiency. The challenges of Sustainable Development determine a new approach to conducting manufacturing activities. Issues related to caring for the environment and the social aspects of the business are becoming crucial from the point of view of business stakeholders. The article attempts to juxtapose the classical approach to Lean Manufacturing, presenting its main principles. The authors also highlighted the key legal and formal requirements that determine a different approach to Lean Manufacturing. The main sources of green wastage were then presented and possible ways of correlating the Lean Manufacturing (classical) concept with Lean Manufacturing seen in the light of Sustainability challenges were analysed. This combination was presented as Lean Green, thus indicating the possible relationship between Lean Manufacturing and Sustainability, in its environmental part. Using examples of specific companies, the potential benefits of implementing a Lean Manufacturing concept oriented not only on economic aspects, but above all on environmental benefits, are summarised. A review of the Polish and world literature, an analysis of available sources and the authors' own experience were used.

Objective. The objective of this study was to develop an indicator-based measurement framework for assessing research governance and quality assurance in Kazakhstan’s higher education institutions (HEIs). This framework was aligned with ISO 21001:2025 and the Standards and Guidelines for Quality Assurance in the EHEA (ESG 2015). Design/Methodology/Approach. This study employed a methodological approach to examine the development of instruments. A meticulous examination of the available documentation was undertaken to derive a set of dimensions and indicators, with the objective of ascertaining their verifiability through institutional evidence. The institutional evidence in question encompassed policies, procedures, minutes, reports, and records. The design incorporated the following elements: (i) the context of university governance reform in Kazakhstan, (ii) the operational distinction between integrity, ethics, and research governance, and (iii) regulatory alignment with management systems logic (ISO 21001:2025) and internal quality assurance standards (ESG 2015). An ordinal maturity rubric (0–3) was defined. Results/Discussion. The instrument under consideration comprised 7 dimensions and 28 indicators. These dimensions encompass governance and accountability; leadership and planning; processes, support, and traceability; integrity, ethics, and compliance; evaluation and continuous improvement; stakeholders, transparency, and reporting; and alignment with ESG 2015 (quality policy, information management, public information, and improvement). The 0–3 rubric facilitated the description of levels ranging from nonexistent to managed and improved, thereby supporting both comparative and improvement-focused assessments. Conclusions. The proposed framework provided a verifiable tool tailored to the Kazakh context for evaluating the maturity of the institutional system that supported research, supplementing output-focused assessments. To evaluate the feasibility and inter-rater consistency of the content, it was recommended that it be validated by experts and piloted in Kazakh HEIs. Originality/Value. This study offered a comprehensive instrument that translated regulatory frameworks (ISO 21001:2025 and ESG 2015) into applicable indicators, with a focus on institutional capacities and evidence, and with the potential for adaptation to other university systems.

The rapid expansion of artificial intelligence (AI) tools in higher education has reopened fundamental questions about the trajectory of students' critical thinking (CT) development. This article reports the results of a longitudinal cohort diagnostic study conducted at three higher education institutions in Astana, Republic of Kazakhstan L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University, Kazakh National University of Sports, and Saken Seifullin Kazakh Agro Technical Research University across four measurement points: 2020, 2022, 2024, and 2026, with a total sample of 334 students. CT was assessed using the Starkey Critical Thinking Test, adapted for Russian-language audiences, which measures analytical reasoning, argument evaluation, fallacy identification, evidence assessment, and problem-solving capacity. Inferential analyses employed the Mann–Whitney U test, Cohen's d effect sizes, and the Kruskal–Wallis omnibus test. Three research hypotheses were formulated and tested: that CT levels would demonstrate a statistically significant positive trajectory over the study period; that the period of active AI adoption (2023–2024) would coincide with a peak in CT performance; and that subsequent normalisation of AI use would be associated with a partial decline. The results confirm statistically significant improvement from 2020 (M = 14.07, SD = 3.71) to 2024 (M = 18.58, SD = 4.44), with a large effect size (d = 1.10, p < 0.001), and a statistically non-significant partial decline in 2026 (M = 17.03, p = 0.059). The overall Kruskal–Wallis test confirms significant between-cohort differences (H = 43.13, p < 0.001). The findings are discussed in relation to active pedagogical strategies, media literacy, and the dual role of AI as both a stimulus and a potential inhibitor of critical reasoning. Implications for competency-based curriculum reform within the Bologna Process framework are considered.