Abstract:

Managers can change their attitude to risks and the overall readiness of the enterprises for negative changes in the environment by educating themselves on various methods of risk management. The authors of the paper carried out empirical research focused on the issue of enterprise risk management in Slovakia during the years of 2018-2020. The results of the research reveal that managers do not apply methods and techniques of risk management to a sufficient extent, but they are very interested in education, especially in the field of assessment of production, technological, and safety risks. One of the most common methods for this area is the FMEA method (Failure Mode and Effects Analysis), which can be used in almost the entire process of risk management. It helps companies anticipate and prevent risks in product development as well as in the preparation of production processes. Due to the dynamics of the development of customer-supplier relationships and the need for continuous process improvement, a harmonized FMEA manual was created in 2019 as the first joint manual of the two automotive companies AIAG (The Automotive Industry Action Group) and VDA (Verband der Automobilindustrie) (FMEA AIAG & VDA FMEA Handbook). Consequently, there is a need to train managers in practice to increase the prevention and preparedness of companies for adverse situations in the business sector, especially in the current situation affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The aim of the paper is to present a proposal for training between the university and industry in the form of an online workshop focused on the application of the modified FMEA method. The starting point of the modified FMEA method is the updated harmonized FMEA manual according to AIAG and VDA, which is supplemented by the authors with steps for a more effective evaluation of the proposed measures. The purpose of the workshop is to provide training for managers by the Faculty of Security Engineering of the University of Žilina in order for them to be able to apply the FMEA method more effectively, by that they can reduce losses associated with failure of either the products or processes. By acquiring sufficient skills in the application of the FMEA method managers can work systematically and get to know the analyzed product or process in-depth, which can minimize the risk of incorrect risk assessment and implementation of ineffective corrective measures. The proposed solutions are beneficial for business managers who are interested in risk management training but also for universities that are, more connected to industry and at the same time increase the quality of education by respecting current requirements of practice.

Keywords:

Risk, FMEA method, training, university, industry.