THE IMPACT OF MIDDLE MANAGERS IN CHANGE MANAGEMENT IN THE SERBIAN METAL PROCESSING INDUSTRY

The research was conducted in the metal processing industry of the Republic of Serbia in the period between June 2011 and December 2014. In particular, the study involves the examination of the impact of middle managers in managing design changes in the metal industry in Serbia. The data was obtained by interviewing 103 middle level managers from 10 companies of metal industry from Zrenjanin, Belgrade, Valjevo and Čačak. The method of statistical data processing was performed using factor analysis. The answers to the questions were given by middle managers who deal with industrial design. The main conclusions of the study are: variables serial production, product design, modern production methods, product assembly make factor 1. Variables environmental impact, energy use, recycling and transmission of noise make the factor 2. Variables the life of the structure, tolerance of elements, and comfort of the product make the factor 3. Variable capacity and rigidity of the construction make factor 4. Variables exploitation of products and maintenance make the factor 5. Variables functionality of the product and assembly of the product make the factor 6. Variables technique of network planning and linear programming make factor 7. Variable capacity of the machine and capacity of the factory make the factor 8. These factors will have an impact on design management in the near future, and make the key to survival in the global market for all companies in the field of mechanical engineering and material handling.