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13 pages, 810 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Landscape of Scientific Discussions on the Competencies 4.0 Concept in the Context of the 4th Industrial Revolution—A Bibliometric Review

by Paweł Poszytek

Sustainability 2021, 13(12), 6709; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13126709 - 13 Jun 2021

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 2456

Abstract

The concept of Competencies 4.0 stems from a broader term of the 4th Industrial Revolution, also named Industry 4.0, which dates back to 2011, when the German Federal Government announced its high-tech strategy and policy towards increasing the competitiveness of the German economy [...] Read more.

The concept of Competencies 4.0 stems from a broader term of the 4th Industrial Revolution, also named Industry 4.0, which dates back to 2011, when the German Federal Government announced its high-tech strategy and policy towards increasing the competitiveness of the German economy during the Hannover Fair. These terms and concepts have been thoroughly and extensively discussed, analysed, and researched by experts within various scientific disciplines such as management, economy, psychology, education, human resources, informatics and systemics ever since. Due to the relevance of the Industry 4.0 concept in relation to current socio-economic challenges worldwide, the growing interest on the part of researchers and the proliferation of the above-mentioned terms in the literature, a network of patterns and relations has formed constituting a scientific landscape of the whole phenomenon. Accordingly, the aim of the analysis in this article is to map the landscape of scientific discussions on Competencies 4.0 in the context of the 4th Industrial Revolution. So far, some of the aspects of this landscape have been researched with the use of various databases, search engines and software in order to process and visualise retrieved data. All of these tools have their advantages but also their shortcomings. This research uses the Scopus database and the author’s own algorithm to process the data. The results of the analysis provide a point of reference for scholars, practitioners, managers, policy and decision makers from various fields who search for sources which define Competencies corresponding to current and future socio-economic challenges in the context of the 4th Industrial Revolution. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Social and Technological Progress. Industry 4.0)

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22 pages, 643 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Research and Development Efficiency in Public and Private Sectors: An Empirical Analysis of EU Countries by Using DEA Methodology

by Martina Halaskova, Beata Gavurova and Kristina Kocisova

Sustainability 2020, 12(17), 7050; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12177050 - 29 Aug 2020

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 3882

Abstract

Both the fourth industrial revolution (Industry 4.0) and its embedded technology diffusion exponentially progress and grow in terms of technical change and socioeconomic impact. The aim of this study was the evaluation of research and development efficiency in the public and private sectors [...] Read more.

Both the fourth industrial revolution (Industry 4.0) and its embedded technology diffusion exponentially progress and grow in terms of technical change and socioeconomic impact. The aim of this study was the evaluation of research and development efficiency in the public and private sectors in EU countries. The Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) methodology, within which the slack-based model was applied, was used to achieve this aim. The Malmquist index (MI) was used to calculate changes in research and development efficiency during 2010/2013 and 2014/2017. The results present a decrease in total Research and Development (R&D) productivity in public and private sectors for an average of EU countries (28). However, Spain, Slovenia, and Portugal (in the public sector), and Ireland and Romania (in the private sector) revealed an increase of a total R&D productivity during 2010/2013 and 2014/2017 that was primarily influenced by an increase of technical efficiency (catch-up effect). Similarly, the results confirm the differences in R&D efficiency in private and public sectors in the European countries. The study’s results also provide a valuable platform for creators of national strategic and innovative investment and educational plans, and creators of relevant policies and create a platform for national and international benchmarking indicators. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Social and Technological Progress. Industry 4.0)

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15 pages, 293 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Personality Traits and Motivation as Factors Associated with Symptoms of Problematic Binge-Watching

by Jolanta Starosta, Bernadetta Izydorczyk and Małgorzata Dobrowolska

Sustainability 2020, 12(14), 5810; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12145810 - 19 Jul 2020

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 7116

Abstract

Advance in new technologies has created a new form of consuming television. Binge-watching can be highly entertaining behavior, but its excessive forms could lead to development of risk of addiction. The aim of the study was to identify psychological factors associated with symptoms [...] Read more.

Advance in new technologies has created a new form of consuming television. Binge-watching can be highly entertaining behavior, but its excessive forms could lead to development of risk of addiction. The aim of the study was to identify psychological factors associated with symptoms of problematic binge-watching and to establish on what devices and platforms young people tend to binge-watch. The results of the study indicate that Polish university students usually binge-watch on laptops and smartphones by using the Internet—streaming platforms or other websites. Low Conscientiousness was the strongest variable related to symptoms of binge-watching from all the personality traits. Furthermore, results show that there is a significant relationship between low Agreeableness, low Emotional Stability, low Intellect and problematic binge-watching. Moreover, escape motivation was the strongest factor from all motivational variables. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Social and Technological Progress. Industry 4.0)

16 pages, 1754 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Framework of Action for Implementation of Industry 4.0. an Empirically Based Research

by Artur Pollak, Agata Hilarowicz, Maciej Walczak and Damian Gąsiorek

Sustainability 2020, 12(14), 5789; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12145789 - 18 Jul 2020

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 3333

Abstract

Background: In the face of changes taking place as a result of the increasing digitization, automation, and robotization of life and the economy, questions regarding the essence of the functioning of modern enterprises and about the emerging new pattern of operation seem to [...] Read more.

Background: In the face of changes taking place as a result of the increasing digitization, automation, and robotization of life and the economy, questions regarding the essence of the functioning of modern enterprises and about the emerging new pattern of operation seem to be more and more relevant. Aim of the article: The article focuses on the issues connected with implementation of Industry 4.0 in enterprises, the difficulties involved, and the limitations and challenges that management is facing in the process. Materials and Method: The advantage of the study is its empirical nature. The participants were 39 Industry 4.0 experts from various Polish companies that have participated. At the same time, the aim has been to synthesize theory and practice and to draw attention to potential changes in the area of improvement of the economic results of enterprises that may result from Industry 4.0. Results: The research identified limitations and challenges enterprises may face in connection with the implementation and subsequent stages of development of Industry 4.0 from the practical point of view. Conclusions: Industry 4.0 is an innovative approach to generating a new quality of production. It requires, however, careful and thorough observation of the process already at the preparation stage. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Social and Technological Progress. Industry 4.0)

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20 pages, 306 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Education in the Times of Demographic Change and Globalization. Case Study on the Example of the Silesian Voivodeship

by Ryszard Marszowski, Leszek Drobek, Piotr Hetmańczyk and Małgorzata Markowska

Sustainability 2020, 12(14), 5688; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12145688 - 15 Jul 2020

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2684

Abstract

In light of the content contained in this article, in the context of demographic change and globalization, there can be no doubt that education responding to contemporary challenges is a guarantee of promoting knowledge and profiling mobile and adaptive qualified staff characterized by [...] Read more.

In light of the content contained in this article, in the context of demographic change and globalization, there can be no doubt that education responding to contemporary challenges is a guarantee of promoting knowledge and profiling mobile and adaptive qualified staff characterized by having a specific level of knowledge, unique skills and highly developed qualifications. It is widely recognized that knowledge is the decisive factor in competitive advantage. The dynamics of changes taking place are conditioned by the resource and innovation of people’s knowledge, quality of work, education and training, the ability to think quickly and be innovative and implement new solutions in the process of production, distribution and services. The authors of the article justify why education should be seen as a value in all social and individual interactions, especially in a situation of economic change, globalization and demographic transition. It should refer to the inspiration of change, but also to the stabilization of people’s situations. Learning and education is therefore a modern value. Hence, it is important to perceive the strength and value of education in every social situation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Social and Technological Progress. Industry 4.0)

15 pages, 271 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

The Organizational Aspect of Human Resource Management as a Determinant of the Potential of Polish Hospitals to Manage Medical Professionals in Healthcare 4.0

by Beata Buchelt, Aldona Frączkiewicz-Wronka and Małgorzata Dobrowolska

Sustainability 2020, 12(12), 5118; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12125118 - 23 Jun 2020

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 3994

Abstract

Industry 4.0 solutions have penetrated the healthcare sector, thus creating challenges that healthcare entities should meet. For this, a proper relationship between human resource management (HRM) within healthcare entities and Healthcare 4.0 is needed. In addition, organizations mainly focus on HRM practices, yet [...] Read more.

Industry 4.0 solutions have penetrated the healthcare sector, thus creating challenges that healthcare entities should meet. For this, a proper relationship between human resource management (HRM) within healthcare entities and Healthcare 4.0 is needed. In addition, organizations mainly focus on HRM practices, yet organizational issues are overlooked. In this context, the aim of the article was to analyze and evaluate the involvement and roles of key HRM actors, such as line managers and human resource (HR) specialists (HR departments) within strategic healthcare entities, namely hospitals. It was also important to identify the potential of hospitals to meet the requirements of Healthcare 4.0. A study was performed on a group of 285 Polish hospitals. Five respondents were recruited from each hospital. The total population amounted to 1425 interviewees. Due to the complexity of the research, it was outsourced. The results of the analysis identified that hospitals largely engage line managers in medical personnel management. However, a lack of managerial competence may become a major barrier in coping with challenges created by Healthcare 4.0. Organizational solutions do not support the strategic role of HR specialists; their anchoring in the organizational structures limits the possibility to support the changes required for the transformation towards Healthcare 4.0. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Social and Technological Progress. Industry 4.0)

18 pages, 926 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Fit to Work in the Business Models of the Industry 4.0 Age

by Małgorzata Dobrowolska and Lilla Knop

Sustainability 2020, 12(12), 4854; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12124854 - 14 Jun 2020

Cited by 28 | Viewed by 3378

Abstract

Global competition, the requirements of sustainable development, building an innovative economy or Industry 4.0 develop the need for changing or creating new legacy business models. Competencies adequate to new working possibilities play a significant role in these changes. The key role played here [...] Read more.

Global competition, the requirements of sustainable development, building an innovative economy or Industry 4.0 develop the need for changing or creating new legacy business models. Competencies adequate to new working possibilities play a significant role in these changes. The key role played here is the assessment of fit to work in the Industry 4.0. The purpose of the paper is to analyze fit to work in business models using the features and elements of Industry 4.0. There are specific antecedences identified for creating and changing business models in the aspect of implementing Industry 4.0, with particular attention paid to the meaning of competencies and their adaptation for the 4.0 requirements. Quantitative studies have been performed on a sample of 472 employees of Industry 4.0 in three countries: Germany, Poland and Slovakia. Theoretical and empirical considerations use the four-factor model differentiating the supplementary and complementary fit, organizational identification and satisfaction from work. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Social and Technological Progress. Industry 4.0)

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19 pages, 402 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Understanding Future Leaders: How Are Personal Values of Generations Y and Z Tailored to Leadership in Industry 4.0?

by Rok Črešnar and Zlatko Nedelko

Sustainability 2020, 12(11), 4417; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12114417 - 28 May 2020

Cited by 30 | Viewed by 11214

Abstract

This study combines two main challenges for organizations today, as it examines the alignment between personal values of future leaders and the values needed in the Industry 4.0 workplace. Based on the movement of the organizational environment toward a more multidisciplinary, open, collaborative [...] Read more.

This study combines two main challenges for organizations today, as it examines the alignment between personal values of future leaders and the values needed in the Industry 4.0 workplace. Based on the movement of the organizational environment toward a more multidisciplinary, open, collaborative and multicultural environment, we presuppose that the Industry 4.0 workplace requires a more benevolent, universally oriented and generally self-transcended leaders. Drawing upon Schwartz’s value theory, we examine the impact of Generations Y and Z’s personal values on their leadership inclination. The results from the survey of 371 young participants from Generations Y and Z reveal that self-enhancement (i.e., power and achievement), openness to change and conservation values most significantly affect leadership inclination. Meanwhile, benevolence, universalism and general self-transcendence values—cornerstones of the Industry 4.0 workplace—show negative effects on leadership inclination in the frame of the Industry 4.0 workplace. This indicates a poor fit between the values of future leaders and the values of the Industry 4.0 workplace. These findings have significant implications for human resource management in future organizations and contribute to the understanding of future leaders. In addition, the findings can help organizations to manage sustainable workings in an Industry 4.0 environment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Social and Technological Progress. Industry 4.0)

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