The Fourth Industrial Revolution

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 98-103
Author(s):  
Ibrahim Ajagunna ◽  
Fritz Pinnock ◽  
Evette Smith Johnson
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Industrial Revolution ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Fourth Industrial Revolution ◽  
The Face

Purpose This paper aims to re-examine the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) and the realities for maritime and tourism-dependent countries. Design/methodology/approach The authors analyzed all the papers presented in the issue and provided summaries for each to facilitate a general synopsis. Findings In addition to examining the reality of 4IR in the context of the maritime and tourism industries and education, the various papers presented contain inter-linkages of purpose, concept and arising issues that are paramount to the success of any industrial concern in the face of 4IR. Originality/value While the focus of all papers stems from 4IR and the realities for maritime and tourism dependent countries, they also serve to emphasize the implications for these industries, if they fail to attend to the immediate and future applications of 4IR.

Digital content creation: an emerging role for librarians

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Omorodion Okuonghae
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Industrial Revolution ◽  
Information Services ◽  
Digital Content ◽  
User Engagement ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Content Creation ◽  
High User ◽  
Fourth Industrial Revolution ◽  
Content Marketing

Purpose The increasing importance of digital content creation in relation to content marketing and promotion of library and information services in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) has attracted global attention. Thus, the purpose of this study is to theoretically examine librarians’ role in the creation of digital content in the 4IR. Design/methodology/approach This study used the review method to theoretically examine the nexus between digital content creation and librarians’ role in the 4IR. Findings This study showed that librarians are well positioned to become professional digital content creation, as they already possess the basic skills needed to create effective content for high user engagement. Originality/value This study seeks to pioneer a new area of focus by linking librarians’ skills to digital content creation skills and making a case for librarians as the perfect digital content creator.

Digital transformation: “jobocolypse” or empowerment?

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Zeynep Hizir
Keyword(s):  
Human Resources ◽  
Crucial Role ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Industrial Revolution ◽  
Digital Transformation ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Fourth Industrial Revolution ◽  
Industry Research ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to analyse the impact of digital transformation on jobs and to assess whether or not the so-called Fourth Industrial Revolution will lead to mass redundancies. The piece also looks at the role human resources (HR) departments will have to play in the implementation of, and response to, digital transformation within the workplace. Design/methodology/approach This paper combines research based on media articles, a parliamentary report and wider digital transformation industry research. The author looks to explain what digital transformation is, deconstruct misconceptions around digital transformation, assess the true evidence-based impact of digital transformation on jobs and advise HR departments on the impact of digital transformation within the workplace. Findings This piece finds that there remains a considerable degree of misunderstanding and many misconceptions around digital transformation and that while digital transformation will lead to the loss of some jobs, it will also lead to the change of existing ones and creation of new ones. Furthermore, this piece finds that HR departments will play a crucial role in the implementation of digital transformation, but that they too will need to pivot and adjust to new workplace realities as a result. Originality/value Many HR departments face confusion and misconceptions around the impact of digital transformation on the workforce, and there also remains concern among many employers that technology will replace their jobs. This piece seeks to dispel the myths and paint a clearer picture to both HR departments and employees around the impact of digital transformation.

Artificial intelligence: disrupting what we know about services

2020 ◽  
Vol 34 (3) ◽  
pp. 317-334 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dora E. Bock ◽  
Jeremy S. Wolter ◽  
O.C. Ferrell
Keyword(s):  
Artificial Intelligence ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Industrial Revolution ◽  
Service Encounter ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Research Opportunities ◽  
Fourth Industrial Revolution ◽  
Potential Impact ◽  
Definition Of

Purpose Artificial intelligence (AI) is currently having a dramatic impact on marketing. Future manifestations of AI are expected to bring even greater change, possibly ushering in the realization of the fourth industrial revolution. In accord with such expectations, this paper aims to examine AI’s current and potential impact on prominent service theories as related to the service encounter. Design/methodology/approach This paper reviews dominant service theories and their relevance to AI within the service encounter. Findings In doing so, this paper presents an integrated definition of service AI and identifies the theoretical upheaval it creates, triggering a plethora of key research opportunities. Originality/value Although scholars and practitioners are gaining a deeper understanding of AI and its role in services, this paper highlights that much is left to be explored. Therefore, service AI may require substantial modifications to existing theories or entirely new theories.

Towards the proposition of a Lean Automation framework

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Guilherme Tortorella ◽  
Rapinder Sawhney ◽  
Daniel Jurburg ◽  
Istefani Carisio de Paula ◽  
Diego Tlapa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Information And Communication Technologies ◽  
Continuous Improvement ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Industrial Revolution ◽  
Holistic Approach ◽  
Communication Technologies ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Fourth Industrial Revolution ◽  
Information And Communication ◽  
Barriers And Challenges

PurposeThe objective of this research is twofold. First, we aim at identifying the pairwise relationships between Lean Production (LP) practices and Industry 4.0 (I4.0) technologies. Second, based on these results, we propose a framework for Lean Automation (LA) implementation, in which I4.0 technologies are integrated into LP practices.Design/methodology/approachTo achieve that, a cross-sector survey was performed with 147 manufacturers that are undergoing a LP implementation aided by novel information and communication technologies from I4.0. Multivariate data analysis was applied in order to underpin the proposed framework for LA.FindingsFindings indicate that I4.0 technologies are positively correlated with LP practices, providing evidence to bear the proposition of a LA framework that can potentially overcome traditional barriers and challenges of a LP implementation.Originality/valueAs previous studies have approached LA implementation from a narrow perspective or including a limited set of LP practices and I4.0 technologies, the proposition of an integrated framework unfolds a wider range of synergistic implementations that may corroborate to a holistic approach for continuous improvement in the Fourth Industrial Revolution era.

Exploring the future impact of automation in Brazil

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuri Lima ◽  
Julia Celia Mercedes Strauch ◽  
Maria Gilda Pimentel Esteves ◽  
Jano Moreira de Souza ◽  
Miriam Barbuda Chaves ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Industrial Revolution ◽  
Education Level ◽  
Decision Makers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Fourth Industrial Revolution ◽  
Socioeconomic Analysis ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Subject ◽  
The Impact

PurposeBrazil is struggling as the unemployment rate is 12.4% and nearly 13m people are unemployed. The fourth Industrial Revolution is advancing, and the country needs to consider how it will impact the labor market. This work explores the impact of automation on the Brazilian workforce to supply decision-makers with information about the subject.Design/methodology/approachThe authors converted the probability of computerization from the seminal work of Frey and Osborne to each of the more than 2,500 occupations in Brazil. They then crossed the automation probability with socioeconomic information about workers and companies available in the Brazilian Ministry of Labor Database.FindingsIn total, 60% of employment in Brazil is expected to be highly impacted by automation in the coming decades, with eight out of the ten occupations with the biggest workforce being highly automatable. Automation probability decreases as workers' education level increases, with the most significant difference between workers with higher education and those without it. The results show other inequalities in the impact of automation: the higher the wage, the lower the automation probability of occupations; the bigger the company, the lower the automation index; and workers from 16 to 24 years old have considerably higher chances of being automated.Originality/valueThis work is the first to study, in the context of the fourth Industrial Revolution, the impact of automation in Brazil with a socioeconomic analysis.

Unveiling blockchain as a strategic resource

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Reading Time ◽  
Industrial Revolution ◽  
Smart Contracts ◽  
Competitive Advantages ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Fourth Industrial Revolution ◽  
Pertinent Information ◽  
Conceptual Paper ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies. Design/methodology/approach This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context. Findings This conceptual paper concentrates on the strategic use of blockchain as a way of organizations gaining ongoing competitive advantages. Moving deeper into the fourth industrial revolution, the organizational advantages of blockchain implementation are the secure, verifiable, peer-to-peer transparency of agreement or communication mechanisms like smart contracts, since they can enhance organizational efficiency and therefore competitive performance. However, blockchain currently remains in a nascent phase on a practical use level, meaning organizations can now strategically prepare to adopt its capabilities in future. This is done by teams educating themselves about blockchain, and by defining problems that the technology could solve. Originality/value The briefing saves busy executives, strategists and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.

Global studies means forward-looking

2014 ◽  
Vol 31 (2/3) ◽  
pp. 78-81 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gilbert Ahamer
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Information Technologies ◽  
Global Studies ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Global Evolution ◽  
The Face ◽  
Care Information ◽  
Social Entities ◽  
Political Realities ◽  
Forward Looking

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to show, in a practical manner, that discursive procedures (mediated by online platforms or publication systems) enhance cultural understanding of distinct social entities such as Europe and Russia. Design/methodology/approach – Joint special issues convening authors from east and west in an equilibrated manner give an opportunity for in-depth review processes, in the course of which different paradigms of global evolution are perceived and reflected. Findings – If handled with care, information technologies are able to strongly support such stepwise consensus finding. The areas of futurology, forward looking, global megatrends, global evolution, globalistics and global studies are prime cases for the patient alignment of world views and multi-paradigmatic approach towards (ultimately) holistic and second-order science. Originality/value – Even in the face of diverse political realities a series of conferences, lectures and web-supported exercises for the authoring of articles are able to consistently merge actors in academia and policy consulting.

HR’s new role: rethinking and enabling digital engagement

2017 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 60-65 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ravin Jesuthasan
Keyword(s):  
Best Practices ◽  
Digital Technology ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Industrial Revolution ◽  
Digital Technologies ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Future Of Work ◽  
The Future ◽  
Digital Engagement ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper aims to explore how a new industrial revolution with digital technology at its core is disrupting the workplace. It shares how HR has an opportunity to use data and digital technologies to reinvent how organizations engage with their workforce. It answers the question of how HR pivots from its legacy focus on compliance and being a steward of employment to the work and helping the organization strengthen its connection with its workers through improved digital engagement. Design/methodology/approach The paper is based on Willis Towers Watson thought leadership and references recent findings from their research. Findings The paper explores how digital technologies have changed how workers connect with their co-workers and the organization. In addition, it examines how digital technologies are changing how work gets done. Research limitations/implications The paper is not exclusively based on research. Practical implications The paper explores how digital technologies drive engagement, HR’s role as steward of the work and enabler of digital engagement and best practices for enabling digital engagement in the modern workplace. Originality/value This paper fulfills a need to assist HR leaders in thinking through the implications of the future of work and how digital technologies will shape that future.

The new concept of quality in the digital era: a human resource empowerment perspective

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hadi Balouei Jamkhaneh ◽  
Arash Shahin ◽  
Sahar Valipour Parkouhi ◽  
Reza Shahin
Keyword(s):  
Quality Management ◽  
Human Resources ◽  
Human Resource ◽  
Industrial Revolution ◽  
Total Quality ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Cause And Effect ◽  
Fourth Industrial Revolution ◽  
Digital Era ◽  
Human Aspects

PurposeThis study aims to identify the drivers of human resource empowerment in understanding the new concept of Quality 4.0 in the digital era.Design/methodology/approachFirst, the literature of quality management evolution in the fourth industrial revolution (Industry 4.0) and the position of the required workforce in Quality 4.0 were reviewed and then by using the opinions of experts and managers of Knowledge-Intensive Business Services (KIBS) firms, a set of driver effects on the readiness and ability of human resources was identified in the context of Quality 4.0. After identifying the drivers, cause-and-effect relationships among these drivers were investigated using the Grey DEMATEL technique.FindingsA total of 29 Quality 4.0 drivers of readiness and workforce ability were identified, based on multiple interactions of quality management in different stages of the production cycle. They were divided into new valuation approaches, composite dimensions, team creativity and thorough inspection. “Technical abilities and capability to solve problems” was identified as the most significant driver.Practical implicationsFindings help KIBS firms to take necessary measures and plans. Consequently, they can increase the readiness and ability of human resources based on the changes in managing Quality 4.0. Also, considering the importance of each driver, they will be able to take a step towards total quality improvement.Originality/valueDespite extensive research on the subject of the fourth Industrial Revolution, research on the human aspects required for managing Quality 4.0 is limited. This study was performed to examine the cause-and-effect relationships between human resource drivers to adapt to the changes in Quality 4.0.

Readiness of academic libraries in South Africa to research, teaching and learning support in the Fourth Industrial Revolution

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (6/7) ◽  
pp. 355-368 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dennis N. Ocholla ◽  
Lyudmila Ocholla
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Conceptual Framework ◽  
Information Literacy ◽  
Academic Libraries ◽  
Industrial Revolution ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
Theory And Practice ◽  
Library Services ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Fourth Industrial Revolution

PurposeIn this paper, we refer to the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, in 2016, where the concept of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) was coined by Klaus Schwab, with the reference that it would be building on “the Third, the digital revolution” and would be “characterized by a fusion of technologies that is blurring the lines between the physical, digital, and biological spheres”. While acknowledging that the 4IR will impact on everything, everywhere, including research and libraries, we conceptualize 4IR, and we compare current academic library services/trends in South Africa with 4IR requirements, through the analysis of 26 public university library websites.Design/methodology/approachBesides conceptualization of 4IR, a content analysis of websites of 26 public universities’ libraries in South Africa was achieved followed up with verification of the data by respective libraries through a preliminary research report circulated to them by email. 23 areas were identified as the trends in academic libraries, which included free Wi-Fi in the libraries; 24/7 study areas and access to library resources on and off campus; research commons; makerspace; borrowing ICTs (e.g. laptops); e-resources; e-catalogues; research data services (RDS; RDM, IR); open scholarship; information literacy and reference/bibliographic tools, library as a publisher, among others. Data obtained were captured in Excel and analyzed by the research questions.FindingsThe 4IR concept does not occur often in literature, in relation to academic libraries, but it is implied. The findings show that the libraries are responding well to the revolution through their services, with remarkable innovation and creativity on display. There was a 64% presence of the analyzed trends/services in the libraries, with emerging trends/services such as library as a publisher (4%), robotics/AI (4%), makerspace (8%), RDS (27%), borrowing of ICTs/devices (19%) and user experience (19%) scoring low, while information literacy and digital scholarship (e.g. IR) (88%), e-catalogue and e-resources (92%), group study area (85%) and off campus access (77%) scoring above 75%. The scatter of the trends/services among the university libraries is noted for knowledge sharing of best practice.Research limitations/implicationsIn order to improve accordance with trends, academic libraries have to be better resourced, accessed and used, as well as improve web visibility. The study expects library services to be responsive, resourced and accessible anytime and anywhere, and it provides a conceptual framework and a benchmark for further research and exploration in the country, region and perhaps elsewhere.Practical implicationsThe study can be used for benchmarking current and future academic library services in Africa. The conceptual framework provides an agenda for theoretical discussions and deliberations.Social implicationsThe trends, framework and 4IR representations in the study can inform theory and practice in LIS, particularly in Africa.Originality/valueLinking 4IR to current and future library services provides a tool for academic libraries services benchmarking and development and provides a conceptual framework for theoretical and practical debates and implementation. The study is quite current and appropriate for the ongoing discussions of 4IR implications to academic libraries.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document