nach oben

Open Access 2023 | Open Access | Buch

New Digital Work

Digital Sovereignty at the Workplace

herausgegeben von: Alexandra Shajek, Ernst Andreas Hartmann

Verlag: Springer International Publishing

Enthalten in: Springer Professional "Wirtschaft+Technik" , Springer Professional "Technik" , Springer Professional "Wirtschaft"

Inhaltsverzeichnis

Über dieses Buch

This open access book will give insights into global issues of work and work systems design from a wide range of perspectives. Topics like the impact of AI in the workplace as well as design for digital sovereignty at the workplace or foresight processes for digital work are covered. Practical cases, empirical results and theoretical considerations are not only taken from Germany and Europe, but also from Southeast Asia, South Africa, Middle America, and Australia. The book intends to expand the so far national view on the aspects of digital work (e.g. like in Ernst Hartmann’s immensely successful work “Zukunft der Arbeit in Industrie 4.0”) into an international context – thus showing not only common challenges, but also offering suggestions, best practice examples or thoughts from different global regions.

Inhaltsverzeichnis

Frontmatter

PDF

Open Access

New Digital Work and Digital Sovereignty at the Workplace – An Introduction

Abstract

In this chapter, a framework will be presented for analyzing and designing work systems for digital sovereignty, based on sources from action regulation, control (in the psychological sense), and sociotechnical systems theories. The individual contributions of this edited volume are then classified on the basis of this framework. After discussing specific effects regarding the technology, people, and organization dimensions of digital sovereignty, some more overarching or cross-cutting aspects shall be presented. The chapter concludes with some background information on the history of this publication, which is part of a tradition of contributions on the future of (digital) work.

Ernst Andreas Hartmann, Alexandra Shajek

PDF Zum Volltext

Open Access

Measuring the Impact of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics on the Workplace

Abstract

Understanding how AI and robotics impact the workplace is fundamental for understanding the broader impact of these technologies on the economy and society. It can also help in developing realistic scenarios about how jobs and skill demand will be redefined in the next decades and how education systems should evolve in response. This chapter provides a literature review of studies that aim at measuring the extent to which AI and robotics can automate work. The chapter presents five assessment approaches: 1) an approach that focuses on occupational tasks and analyzes whether these tasks can be automated; 2) an approach that draws on information from patents to assess computer capabilities; 3) indicators that use AI-related job postings as a proxy for AI deployment in firms; 4) measures relying on benchmarks from computer science; 5) and an approach that compares computer capabilities to human skills using standardized tests developed for humans. The chapter discusses the differences between these measurement approaches and assesses their strengths and weaknesses. It concludes by formulating recommendations for future work.

Mila Staneva, Stuart Elliott

PDF Zum Volltext

Open Access

Digital Work in Smart Production Systems

Changes and Challenges in Manufacturing Planning and Operations

Abstract

On the one hand, Industry 4.0 provides possibilities to address arising challenges such as globalisation, individualisation and shortening product lifecycles. On the other hand, it also increases changes and challenges in planning and operation processes of production systems.

The paper discusses the changes in digital work in the areas of planning, operating and improving smart production systems. Current research approaches show that especially in planning processes and supportive tasks a high dynamic is evident, but also the work on the shop floor is changing. Automation technology and intelligent algorithms as a base for production planning and control up to factory-as-a-service concepts reduce operational room for manual actions, but require new digital planning, implementation and maintenance tasks. Furthermore, technologies like cobots enable new forms of flexible coexistence between human and machine in production systems. Due to the increasing complexity of products and production systems, conventional improvement approaches from the fields of Lean Management and Six Sigma are reaching their limits, as the analyses are often limited to simple relationships and correlations. Data science in the industrial environment enables new opportunities to analyse large volumes of data to identify multivariate patterns and correlations. All of this leads to new requirements for competences, roles and work organisation.

Jochen Deuse, René Wöstmann, Vanessa Weßkamp, David Wagstyl, Christoph Rieger

PDF Zum Volltext

Open Access

Scenario-Based Foresight in the Age of Digital Technologies and AI

Abstract

Scenario-based foresight is used less and less in the corporate world despite continued high satisfaction with the obtained results. In the age of digitalization, many companies feel increasingly forced to short-termism instead of strategic planning. However, emerging digital technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI), represent a promising approach to cope with the traditional challenges of scenario-based foresight as well as new challenges added by digitalization. Therefore, this work-in-progress paper identifies and analyzes use cases for scenario-based foresight with digital technologies employing a systematic analysis of the relevant literature.

In the paper at hand, we show that the use of digital technologies for improving the performance of scenario-based foresight is an emerging field. We identify 14 so-called use cases, i.e., unique goal-oriented applications of digital technologies for scenario-based foresight. In general, the use cases show that currently digital technologies can enhance, not substitute the capabilities of scenario-based foresight practitioners. Digital technologies primarily support the analysis of large amounts of data, e.g., for collecting futuristic data and identifying key influence factors. However, activities that require implicit knowledge and creativity, like the interpretation of scenarios, are currently still left to humans.

Patrick Ködding, Christian Koldewey, Roman Dumitrescu

PDF Zum Volltext

Open Access

Human-Machine-Interaction in Innovative Work Environment 4.0 – A Human-Centered Approach

Abstract

The working environment is constantly changing and companies face the challenge of adapting to new and constantly changing customer requirements. Employees are faced with the challenge of identifying and learning new, helpful technologies and using them in order to achieve efficiency gains and increase productivity. This article addresses the three technologies Artificial Intelligence, Robotic Process Automation and Virtual Reality, which will play an important role in the future of work and will influence the Work Environment 4.0. Artificial Intelligence and Robotic Process Automation relieve employees of repetitive and manual tasks which thus accelerate and simplify business processes. Virtual Reality offers employees new opportunities to collaborate in virtual environments. Instead of performing routine tasks, employees will increasingly promote the use of such technologies in future and orchestrate their application. In addition, it is important for employees to continuously look for new use cases within their own organization and to collaborate with external partners. The article aims to describe the opportunities that arise from the application of the technologies and to explain their effects on the Work Environment 4.0 and the employee.

Simon Kreuzwieser, Andreas Kimmig, Felix Michels, Rebecca Bulander, Victor Häfner, Jakob Bönsch, Jivka Ovtcharova

PDF Zum Volltext

Open Access

Collaborative Work Enabled by Immersive Environments

Abstract

Digital transformation facilitates new methods for remote collaboration while shaping a new understanding of working together. In this chapter, we consider global collaboration in the context of digital transformation, discuss the role of Collaborative Virtual Environments (CVEs) within the transformation process, present an overview of the state of CVEs and go into more detail on significant challenges in CVEs by providing recent approaches from research.

Anjela Mayer, Jean-Rémy Chardonnet, Polina Häfner, Jivka Ovtcharova

PDF Zum Volltext

Open Access

Participation in Work of People with Disabilities by Means of Technical Assistance

Abstract

The comprehensive realization of social participation for all individuals is a particular challenge in which the working world proves to be an important sphere. Despite normative reference points through socio-political innovations, people with intellectual disabilities and a high need for support are particularly excluded. Even in sheltered workshops, this group of people is excluded from participating in work as the challenges of life and labor in the 21^st century are becoming ever more complex and the demands of production and business stricter. As a result, people with intellectual disabilities and a high need for support often fall off the radar in current inclusion efforts and – despite legal obligations – do not receive adequate support to participate in work. To counteract the negligence and tacit acceptance of the deprivation of a large part of the sheltered workshop employees – in the sense of social affiliation by work participation – design options for promoting work participation require careful consideration. This paper analyses the use and impact of technical assistance to promote work participation for people with intellectual disabilities and high support needs and reports the results of a field study on the use of technical assistance in a sheltered workshop.

Liane Bächler, Hauke Behrendt

PDF Zum Volltext

Open Access

Designing Explainable and Controllable Artificial Intelligence Systems Together: Inclusive Participation Formats for Software-Based Working Routines in Industry

Abstract

“This is what it would look like if your AI (Artificial Intelligence) system was explainable to and controllable by you.” With this title, a co-creation workshop was hosted by the Berlin-based Institute for Innovation and Technology (iit) on December 1, 2021. The workshop addressed the question of how artificially intelligent systems can be designed to be explainable and controllable in collaboration with different user groups. The workshop tested sociotechnical design methods for the participatory inclusion of potential users in the development process. An interactive matrix helped to collect ideas from participants and differentiated sociotechnical aspects on a technical, organizational, and human level.

As a second method, drafters (a.k.a. graphic recorders) accompanied the workshop and visualized the computer system´s interface according to the discussion. The following article introduces these two workshop methods, presents the results and gives recommendations based on the experiences for future workshops. The workshop format also addresses the challenge of operationalizing ethical principles in the design of AI.

Annelie Pentenrieder, Peter Hahn, Scarlet Schaffrath, Benedikt Krieger, Stefanie Brzoska, Robert Peters, Matthias Künzel, Ernst Andreas Hartmann

PDF Zum Volltext

Open Access

Digital Work – Transforming the Higher Education Landscape in South Africa

Abstract

There are twenty-six public universities in South Africa. Yet, there is no digital transformation in most higher education workplaces. In some universities, digital technologies are advanced, and in others, they are not. The education landscape is partially transformed, and in others, it is a work in progress. Therefore, the study explored the digital environment in the twenty-six public universities in South Africa by using qualitative methods and found that the digital environment in higher education poses digital inequalities that make it difficult for academic staff to work smarter across the board. The playfield is not seamless and given the digital society of a new normal, digital work deserves close attention. The study concludes that digital work in South African higher education requires digital transformation to enable the academic staff to optimally work from everywhere in any educational environment to maximize productivity in the advancement of the academic project and to produce globally competitive and locally relevant graduates.

Modimowabarwa Kanyane

PDF Zum Volltext

Open Access

It’s Coming Home Down Under – The Potential of Digital Work to Overcome Australia’s Challenges in Reshoring Manufacturing

Abstract

Over the past decades, the world has seen a continuous increase of globalisation and interconnectedness – in part supported by advances in digital communication and production technologies. In the case of industrial production, this trend has led to global, integrated supply chains in order to provide the most competitive and innovative products utilising the most competitive market conditions. In Australia, due to its remote geographic location and socioeconomic conditions, such as high labour costs and negative economics of scale, this has resulted in a loss of domestic manufacturing capabilities. With recent changes in the geopolitical environment (trade wars, actual wars, Covid-19, climate crisis etc.) calls to produce local are becoming louder again. In this article, we therefore explore the potential of digital technologies to overcome Australia’s challenges in reshoring its manufacturing capabilities. Findings indicate that a highly skilled digital workforce is needed to leverage the country’s potential in world-leading niche manufacturing. The Associate Degree of Advanced Manufacturing, developed and delivered by the Centre for Advanced Manufacturing at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), is presented as an example of how to upskill the manufacturing workforce.

Thorsten Lammers, Matthias Guertler, Nathalie Sick, Jochen Deuse

PDF Zum Volltext

Open Access

Digital Work in East Asia

Abstract

Recent developments and the actual status regarding Digital Work are described for the East Asia/Pacific region, based on data and analyses available for the region. This includes aspects like decent work, the effects of digital technologies on tasks, competences, labor market opportunities, the effects of digital work and labor platforms, and issues of gender (in)equality. Challenges and political actions taken by national governments are described by looking at the example of Taiwan, one of the most advanced economies in East Asia and worldwide.

Min-Ren Yan, Alexandra Shajek, Ernst Andreas Hartmann

PDF Zum Volltext

Open Access

Artificial Intelligence and Assistance Systems for Technical Vocational Education and Training – Opportunities and Risks

Abstract

Artificial intelligence and Assistance Systems are having an impact on the economy, society, skilled work and work environment. However, there are often very different assessments of the effects: On the one hand the loss of jobs and even professions have been predicted, on the other hand new support and options for work are emerging.

The actual promotion of these systems will depend on the opportunities of intervention and control by skilled workers. How can problem situations and imponderabilities in virtual environments be handled and solved? Both the opportunities and the risks of Artificial Intelligence and assistance systems for vocational education and training are reflected in this article.

Lars Windelband

PDF Zum Volltext

Open Access

Designing Digital Work – A Tale of Two Complexities

Abstract

Digital work is becoming ubiquitous across a range of fields, ranging from production to services. Besides the effects of automation on the job market, it changes job contents and job demands for those holding jobs. Such jobs are characterized by high information load, higher levels of autonomy, performance diversity and growth potential. Respective jobs, tasks and work environments are often characterized with the term complexity. Paradigms, strategies, tools, and practices of work design must keep up with the affordances of so-called complex sociotechnical systems. However, understanding and conceptualization of complexity in work design are still rather superficial. In healthcare, sometimes labeled as a paradigm for complexity, a rising dissatisfaction with this state can be noticed and a lack of progress in patient safety is lamented. Drawing upon systems theory and its variant systems thinking, an integrated approach to work design is sketched out with reference to healthcare. This approach allows for a more systematic treatment of complexity with its two main strategies of complexity reduction and complexity management. Finally, the transfer of this approach into teaching is discussed within the field of work & organizational psychology at a university of applied science.

Thomas Mühlbradt

PDF Zum Volltext

Open Access

Work-Based Learning in the Mexican Automotive Sector

Abstract

A stronger work orientation or even the integration of learning into activities will be one of the central basic requirements for the success of Industry 4.0. Using the example of the project E-Mas (Exporting blended vocational education and training for industrial process design and optimization into the Mexican automotive sector), the paper discusses the development and implementation of a highly work oriented further education program. Together the partners Research Institute for Industrial Management at RWTH Aachen University e.V. [FIR], MTM ASSOCIATION e.V. [MTMA], WBA Aachener Werkzeugbau Akademie GmbH [WBA] in cooperation with the Mexican Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey [ITESM] pursue the goal of designing and exporting innovative further education programs for skilled workers, developers, and operative management personnel of the Mexican automotive sector and especially German companies operating in Mexico.

Roman Senderek

PDF Zum Volltext

Open Access

Capacity Building for Digital Work – A Case from Sino-German Cooperation

Abstract

The way humans work is constantly changing. This has always been the case, especially in dynamic environments. In the context of Industry 4.0 and the Internet of Things (IoT), collaborative platforms, accelerated by Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies, give rise to new automation opportunities of complex and previously labor-intensive tasks, while also creating new business models for multiple stakeholders.

Due to accelerated product innovation, the manufacturing industry needs to be able to generate solutions in a timely manner and quickly move them into production according to customer expectations. Today, machines in an Industry 4.0 factory are collaboratively connected. Such a development requires the application of advanced predictive tools that can systematically transform requirements and data into information and ultimately knowledge to manage uncertainties and make informed ad hoc decisions. In this context, a production system needs to perform rapid self-reconfiguration in response to different product characteristics to achieve an agile transition to the new manufacturing processes. However, a large number of non-standardized device interfaces and communication protocols are currently existing on the shop floor, which leads to high time and capital costs. Furthermore, this leads to insufficient reliability in the configuration of the production system, so that the requirements for customization and rapid adaptation cannot be met. In addition, there is also a large knowledge gap in the academic field of self-configurable intelligent production systems using collaborative engineering and IoT platforms.

Therefore, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT, Germany) and Tongji University (Shanghai, People´s Republic of China) have proposed the collaborative “Construction, Reference Implementation and Verification Platform of Reconfigurable Intelligent Production Systems” and the “Factory Automation Platform”, which meets the challenges of self-configuration, agile response, accumulation of domain knowledge and services, intelligent operation and maintenance of production systems.

Andreas Kimmig, Jieyang Peng, Jivka Ovtcharova

PDF Zum Volltext

Open Access

Quantification of Uncertainties in Neural Networks

Abstract

Artificial neural networks only compute point estimates and thus, do not provide the user with a proper decision space. In high-risk use cases, the confidence of the neural network is an important support for decision-making. Bayesian neural networks extend classical deep neural networks with a probability component and allow the user to assess the probability distribution over the prediction. Due to the large number of parameters to be learned, the calculation of the predictive probability can only be performed approximately in practice. In recent years, many methods have been developed to efficiently learn the parameter distributions for Bayesian neural networks. Each of these has different advantages and disadvantages, and thus can be used for different applications. Quantifying uncertainty in the context of neural networks allows the user to interpret the results more comprehensively as well as to assess the risk and therefore makes an important contribution to the user’s digital sovereignty.

Xinyang Wu, Philipp Wagner, Marco F. Huber

PDF Zum Volltext

Open Access

A Final Word

Alexandra Shajek, Ernst Andreas Hartmann

PDF Zum Volltext

Backmatter

PDF

Titel: New Digital Work
herausgegeben von: Alexandra Shajek
Ernst Andreas Hartmann
Verlag: Springer International Publishing
Electronic ISBN: 978-3-031-26490-0
Print ISBN: 978-3-031-26489-4
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-26490-0

Premium Partner

Marktübersichten

Die im Laufe eines Jahres in der „adhäsion“ veröffentlichten Marktübersichten helfen Anwendern verschiedenster Branchen, sich einen gezielten Überblick über Lieferantenangebote zu verschaffen.

Zur Marktübersicht