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Open Access
Article
Publication date: 11 August 2021

Valérie Rocchi and Daniel Brissaud

Industry 4.0 is a promising concept that allows industries to meet customers’ demands with flexible and resilient processes, and highly personalised products. This concept is made…

Abstract

Industry 4.0 is a promising concept that allows industries to meet customers’ demands with flexible and resilient processes, and highly personalised products. This concept is made up of different dimensions. For a long time, innovative digital technology has been thought of as the only dimension to succeed in digital transformation projects. Other dimensions have been identified such as organisation, strategy, and human resources as key while rolling out digital technology in factories. From these findings, researchers have designed industry 4.0 theoretical models and then built readiness models that allow for analysing the gap between the company initial situation and the theoretical model. Nevertheless, this purely deductive approach does not take into consideration a company’s background and context, and eventually favours one single digital transformation model. This article aims at analysing four actual digital transformation projects and demonstrating that the digital transformation’s success or failure depends on the combination of two variables related to a company’s background and context. This research is based on a double approach: deductive and inductive. First, a literature review has been carried out to define industry 4.0 concept and its main dimensions and digital transformation success factors, as well as barriers, have been investigated. Second, a qualitative survey has been designed to study in-depth four actual industry digital transformation projects, their genesis as well as their execution, to analyse the key variables in succeeding or failing. 46 semi-structured interviews were carried out with projects’ members; interviews have been analysed with thematic content analysis. Then, each digital transformation project has been modelled regarding the key variables and analysed with regards to succeeding or failing. Investigated projects have consolidated the models of digital transformation. Finally, nine digital transformation types have been identified.

Details

Emerald Open Research, vol. 1 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2631-3952

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 29 September 2023

Shang Gao, Toong-Khuan Chan and Phil Hendy

Infrastructure projects are complex, task-based endeavours; the reliability of project schedules is often low, as delays occur. As a result, the infrastructure sector is…

Abstract

Purpose

Infrastructure projects are complex, task-based endeavours; the reliability of project schedules is often low, as delays occur. As a result, the infrastructure sector is constantly searching for innovative practices that might improve project performance. This study aims to pursue one research question: what are the benefits and challenges to last planner system (LPS) implementation in Australia’s infrastructure industry? It addresses this question through an examination of two rail infrastructure projects in Victoria, Australia.

Design/methodology/approach

The state of Victoria in Australia provides an excellent context for this study. The study was set in one of the programme alliances which was contracted to carry out five level-crossing removal projects. This study uses a combination of qualitative and quantitative research techniques, including surveys, interviews and site visits. The authors collected 43 valid survey responses. Additionally, 19 participants from the alliance programme’s two projects (Projects A and B) took part in the interviews. Extensive empirical evidence has been triangulated to achieve the research goals.

Findings

The findings show through the questionnaire survey that the greatest benefits that digital LPS brings are primarily associated with process improvement and social benefits. The interview results acknowledged that the roll-out of digital LPS had a positive impact on schedules, cost, occupational health and safety (OHS) and quality performance. The research also noted a few challenges in the introduction of digital LPS. Overall, the finding presents strong evidence that the introduction of digital LPS has been a clear success in the case company.

Originality/value

This is the first piece of research to fill this major gap in the LPS literature by exploring the issue of digital LPS adoption in Australia’s infrastructure sector. This study has thus laid the foundation for future work on LPS research in the Australian context. The authors are optimistic that this exploratory work will generate interest across other alliances, and perhaps extend into Australia’s construction sector.

Details

Construction Innovation , vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1471-4175

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 15 January 2024

Kristina Areskoug Josefsson and Gerd Hilde Lunde

Sexual health is insufficiently addressed in health care and higher education, which can lead to lower quality of life and negative health outcomes. To improve the situation, it…

Abstract

Purpose

Sexual health is insufficiently addressed in health care and higher education, which can lead to lower quality of life and negative health outcomes. To improve the situation, it is necessary to address both the needs of patients and professionals and collaboratively engage in finding sustainable solutions. The purpose of this paper is to explore the feasibility and value of large-scale digital coproduction in higher education.

Design/methodology/approach

A study of a project that developed seven interprofessional, digital master-level courses covering different topics related to sexual health. The project was performed through digital coproduction in higher education, with over 100 persons with various backgrounds working together online in designing content and novel digital learning activities.

Findings

Large-scale digital coproduction in higher education is feasible and valuable, but the process demands sensitive leadership, understanding of coproduction processes and willingness to learn from each other. To meet the demands from practice it is important to understand the complexity, ever-changing and unpredictable working life changes which, in turn, demands engagement in continuous learning, training activities and the need for formal education.

Originality/value

The study provides learning of the feasibility of the value of large-scale digital coproduction in higher education, which is a novel way of working in higher education.

Details

The Learning Organization, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-6474

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 16 June 2023

Jonathan Brodeur, Isabelle Deschamps and Robert Pellerin

This paper aims to investigate the characteristics and dynamics of the organizational changes needed to facilitate the management of an Industry 4.0 transformation in…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the characteristics and dynamics of the organizational changes needed to facilitate the management of an Industry 4.0 transformation in manufacturing SMEs and propose an approach to manage them.

Design/methodology/approach

This research focuses on a single manufacturing SME in North America, and data were collected using a research intervention method. Data were collected through observation and intervention within the SME over 27 months.

Findings

The research has shown that organizational changes are required in manufacturing SMEs to better manage their Industry 4.0 transformation projects.

Research limitations/implications

Using the case study method limits the generalization of the results. The organizational changes observed, and their characteristics might be specific to the studied manufacturing. Although results could vary in different contexts, many manufacturing SMEs have similar characteristics to those observed in this study.

Practical implications

This research provides preliminary evidence of an iterative organizational change management approach that manufacturing SMEs must adopt to facilitate the management of their digital transformation.

Originality/value

This research provides a better understanding of how a manufacturing SME can improve its capabilities to manage its digital transformation by introducing iterative organizational changes. From these results, a link to the organizational learning literature can be drawn and developed upon.

Details

Journal of Manufacturing Technology Management, vol. 34 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1741-038X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 27 September 2022

Isabelle Lacombe and Anis Jarboui

This paper aims to study the impact of the digital transformation on the role and governance of Information Technology departements. The study focuses on banks and insurance…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to study the impact of the digital transformation on the role and governance of Information Technology departements. The study focuses on banks and insurance companies because they have been allocating significant resources to managing their digital transformation.

Design/methodology/approach

Inductive qualitative research of an exploratory type based on the Gioia method involved face-to-face interviews at the IT departments of seven financial sector companies in France. Axial encoding of the answers, recommended by Gioia, was used to classify the raw data and structure the analysis using a graphical presentation.

Findings

Four IT governance maturity situations were determined within the financial steering and performance analysis modes of digital transformation projects. This research aimed to enable companies to position their practices within the analysis framework defined through modelled maturity situations and to help them steer their digital transformation.

Originality/value

A panel was composed with most of the banks in France and some insurance companies. The link was done between Digital Maturity, and Digital and IT Governance, and with the use of the graphical qualitative research using the Gioia method.

Details

International Journal of Innovation Science, vol. 15 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1757-2223

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 26 March 2024

Xichen Chen, Alice Yan Chang-Richards, Florence Yean Yng Ling, Tak Wing Yiu, Antony Pelosi and Nan Yang

Despite extensive academic research related to digital technologies (DT), their integration into architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) projects lags in practice. This…

Abstract

Purpose

Despite extensive academic research related to digital technologies (DT), their integration into architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) projects lags in practice. This paper aims to discover DT deployment patterns and emerging trends in real-life AEC projects.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study methodology was adopted, including individual case analyses and comparative multiple-case analyses.

Findings

The results revealed the temporal distribution of DT in practical AEC projects, specific DT products/software, major project types integrated with digital solutions, DT application areas and project stages and associated project performance. Three distinct patterns in DT adoption have been observed, reflecting the evolution of DT applications, the progression from single to multiple DT integration and alignment with emerging industry requirements. The DT adoption behavior in the studied cases has been examined using the technology-organization-environment-human (TOE + H) framework. Further, eight emerging trend streams for future DT adoption were identified, with “leveraging the diverse features of certain mature DT” being a shared recognition of all studied companies.

Practical implications

This research offers actionable insights for AEC companies, facilitating the development of customized DT implementation roadmaps aligned with organizational needs. Policymakers, industry associations and DT suppliers may leverage these findings for informed decision-making, collaborative educational initiatives and product/service customization.

Originality/value

This research provides empirical evidence of applicable products/software, application areas and project performance. The examination of the TOE + H framework offers a holistic understanding of the collective influences on DT adoption. The identification of emerging trends addresses the evolving demands of the AEC industry in the digital era.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 31 March 2022

Haitang Wu and Hua Tu

The purpose of this paper is to develop the teaching strategies of alternating peer teaching and progressive project-oriented learning, and apply them to the curriculum design of…

232

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop the teaching strategies of alternating peer teaching and progressive project-oriented learning, and apply them to the curriculum design of digital animation game production, and conduct teaching experimental research.

Design/methodology/approach

This research method under the teaching strategies of alternating peer teaching and progressive project-oriented learning, to the design of digital animation game and use teaching experiment animation game production tool was Game Maker animation game production software to develop the study. The production of learning history data was used in-game projects, to verify the digital animation game design effectiveness was used SPSS statistics method, and was to compare the learning effectiveness of the different teaching modes.

Findings

Through experimental design, learners can acquire the knowledge and skills of digital animation game production under the guidance of progressive project-oriented teaching strategies. In terms of the cognition and skills of animation game production, learners have acquired the skills of taking them in animation game design to be able to independently produce and design digital animation games. The research results can be used as a reference for future research on digital animation game teaching and curriculum development.

Originality/value

This study proposed a new approach to develop the teaching strategies of alternating peer teaching and progressive project-oriented learning, to design digital animation games. The research results show that effective teaching strategies guide successful learning, it can be used as a reference for future research on digital animation game teaching and curriculum development.

Details

Library Hi Tech, vol. 41 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0737-8831

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 4 February 2022

Reyhaneh S. Shojaei, Kwadwo Oti-Sarpong and Gemma Burgess

Widespread efforts to promote the use of building information modelling (BIM) as part of the construction industry transformation agenda in many advanced countries are yet to…

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Abstract

Purpose

Widespread efforts to promote the use of building information modelling (BIM) as part of the construction industry transformation agenda in many advanced countries are yet to reach the wished-for effects. While there are various studies on the factors influencing BIM adoption, empirical evidence detailing how construction companies can successfully adopt BIM in their organisations remains scarce. This paper identifies and describes how enabling factors are implemented by large UK contractor firms to transform their organisations using BIM for projects.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative exploratory approach is employed in this paper. Data are gathered through 42 semi-structured interviews with professionals in strategic and management roles in construction companies in the UK, followed by case studies of five leading main contractor companies selected to provide examples of how they implemented the identified enablers.

Findings

This research identifies and describes six key enabling factors that influence successful BIM adoption and implementation, namely, committed leadership and management; a digital transformation strategy with realistic objectives; building a capable supplier network; building trust-based relationships with clients; upskilling employees; and establishing a robust structure for effective collaboration and communication.

Practical implications

Nine practical recommendations are provided to guide construction firms in taking steps to adopt and use BIM in their organisations and for their projects.

Originality/value

This study provides empirical evidence detailing how key enablers are implemented towards successful BIM adoption and use by large UK contractors.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. 30 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 24 July 2023

Stephan Kudyba and Agnel D Cruz

Digital transformations of business processes are on the rise and the result is a need for a better understanding of how the elements of intellectual capital (IC) play a role in…

Abstract

Purpose

Digital transformations of business processes are on the rise and the result is a need for a better understanding of how the elements of intellectual capital (IC) play a role in achieving successful digital project outcomes. New structural capital in the form of digital technologies must be identified and understood. Evolving skills of human capital in assimilating digital elements must also be considered, while collaboration within the development process involving relational capital provides a critical integration among these IC elements. This study illustrates the importance of identifying and managing the integration of IC components within an agile project management framework that are essential to achieving success for a digital initiative. More specifically, this study describes the process by which a multinational technology-based products company successfully developed a dynamic decision support platform utilizing an agile approach to guide a project management team to better manage the company's operations.

Design/methodology/approach

This study focuses on a case analysis approach of a multinational commercial and consumer products company. The paper presents existing research on the evolving state of project management for digital initiatives and focuses on agile methods. This study then delves into the case analysis that illustrates how IC played an integral role in the company successfully developing effective decision support involving an interactive dashboard using agile Project Management (PM), which enabled the project management team to better manage resources.

Findings

An examination at the case level illustrates that effective management and integration of IC has positive effects on project outcomes. While a balanced approach is evident as a requirement, the unique characteristics of the agile project management approach entails greater emphasis on select elements to adapt to a more dynamic development process.

Originality/value

This work depicts the complexities in providing analytic-based decision support in an agile/flexible project management scenario. This work adds to existing research by illustrating elements within IC categories and the elements' interdependencies that play an essential role in achieving success in this more flexible project environment.

Details

Journal of Intellectual Capital, vol. 24 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1469-1930

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 18 March 2024

Shiv Shakti Ghosh and Sunil Kumar Chatterjee

This study presents a review based research framework that aims to influence memory institutions in their projects on digital storytelling from digitized ancient travel records…

Abstract

Purpose

This study presents a review based research framework that aims to influence memory institutions in their projects on digital storytelling from digitized ancient travel records. This study aims to influence research and policymaking related to design and delivery of services based on memory institutions’ collections of historical records.

Design/methodology/approach

The demonstrated research framework has been synthesized using inputs from a review of existing studies on the domain accompanied by a short survey created for collecting the opinion of selected experts. Studies demonstrating utilization of semantic web technologies and those that can influence policymaking related to digital storytelling were primarily reviewed.

Findings

The core tasks behind digital storytelling vary depending on the project goals. So, a two-part framework had to be proposed that covers the generic fundamental tasks with diverse applicability and digital storytelling related specific tasks separately. Also during the review, it was found that studies demonstrating the use of travel records for digital storytelling were less in number compared to studies using digital storytelling for tourism in general.

Originality/value

The demonstrated research framework can guide memory institutions in exposing their travel-related holdings to a wider audience using innovative semantic web technologies and open up avenues for future empirical research thereby adding to the novelty of the presented research. Also, reviews of articles on digital storytelling or digital humanities in general exist, but, review of digital storytelling initiatives focusing specifically on tourism and travel literature is scarce.

Details

Global Knowledge, Memory and Communication, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2514-9342

Keywords

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