ENGR8901 Innovation and Industry 4.0 GE

Innovation is needed to successfully introduce Industry 4.0 in the workplace.

This topic introduces students to innovative thinking, the process of innovation and the interplay with industry 4.0. Digital transformation has radically impacted on the way organisations innovate, the processes to manage such innovation, the changing capabilities, skills and structures needed to capitalize on opportunities, the partnerships needed, technologies to support the process, and policies to accelerate the diffusion of industry 4.0 in the transition to advanced manufacturing.

Industry 4.0 is not just about technology. People are key. The successful application of industry 4.0 approaches in organisations is only possible if people use the technology and can innovate.

The topic focuses on analysing human and institutional factors in the introduction of new technologies such as industry 4.0, innovation, change management, trust in technology, industry 4.0 for supply chain competitiveness and the process of innovation in an organisation.

This topic aims to enable participants to develop and manage innovation and industry 4.0 transformation in the workplace. Students will create strategies for cultural change for digital transformation. By critically evaluating international and national approaches, human factors and barriers and enablers to industry 4.0 uptake, students will design solutions for increasing workforce readiness, improving industry 4.0 maturity and maximising supply chain capabilities. Students will also consider the future and assess what further changes may be coming.

1. Construct an innovation approach and develop innovative thinking
2. Critically analyse key factors in innovation management including culture, leadership, partnerships, workplace structures, rewards and systems
3. Evaluate how Industry 4.0 is being implemented from both an international and national perspective
4. Determine the organisation problem to be solved and undertake a benefits analysis
5. Create change management recommendations by evaluating the level of Industry 4.0 readiness in an organisation, including the human factors influencing trust and the adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies
6. Assess the applicability of Industry 4.0 in the supply chain
7. Develop professional skills including communication, teamwork, innovation, self-management, self-awareness, critical thinking and problem solving
8. Critique the research and industry directions for Industry 4.0