The first item on the programme was a visit to the Toyota Motor Manufacturing Poland plant in Wałbrzych, where participants had the opportunity to learn about the production process of engines and gearboxes. The chance to observe the operation of the Toyota Production System (TPS) – one of the most widely recognised production management systems in the world – was a particularly valuable aspect of the visit. Direct exposure to the principles of lean management, workplace organisation, quality assurance and continuous improvement made it possible to view concepts known from academic literature through the lens of their practical application.
On the second day, the UniLodz employees visited the Mondelez facility in Wrocław, where they were able to see how the production of confectionery products takes place in practice. The visit included presentations on the organisation of manufacturing processes, quality management, production planning and logistics solutions supporting the efficient operation of one of the largest companies in the food industry.
Study visits constitute an important element in the professional development of academic staff. Not only do they enable academics to keep track of current trends and solutions used in businesses, but also help build lasting relationships between academia and industry. The exchange of experience with business practitioners makes it possible to enrich study curricula with real-life examples, case studies, and the latest methods of organising logistics and production processes.
Thanks to initiatives such as these, students of the Department of Logistics gain access to knowledge rooted in current business practice and become familiar with solutions they are likely to encounter in their future professional careers. Combining theory with practice remains one of the key elements of modern logistics education.
We would like to extend our sincere thanks to Toyota Motor Manufacturing Poland and Mondelez for their hospitality, openness and the opportunity to learn about the solutions implemented in modern manufacturing facilities. We believe that the gained experience will provide valuable inspiration both for our teaching activities and for further cooperation with the business sector.
