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Purpose
Digital transformation of organizations has major implications for required skills and competencies of the workforce, both as a prerequisite for implementation, and, as a consequence of the transformation. The purpose of this study is to analyze required skills and competencies for digital transformation using the context of robotic process automation (RPA) as an example.
Design/methodology/approach
This study is based on an explorative, thematic coding analysis of 119 job advertisements related to RPA. The data was collected from major online job platforms, qualitatively coded and subsequently analyzed quantitatively.
Findings
The research highlights the general importance of specific skills and competencies for digital transformation and shows a gap between available skills and required skills. Moreover, it is concluded that reskilling the existing workforce might be difficult. Many emerging positions can be found in the consulting sector, which raises questions about the permanent vs temporary nature of the requirements, as well as the difficulty of acquiring the required knowledge.
Originality/value
This paper contributes to knowledge by providing new empirical findings and a novel perspective to the ongoing discussion of digital skills, employment effects and reskilling demands of the existing workforce owing to recent technological developments and automation in the overall context of digital transformation.
Mobile apps for sustainability in grocery shopping: increasing acceptance through gameification
(2022)
Sustainability has become an important topic in social sciences research as well as in the societal debate. Research in general indicates a high sensitivity of sustainability issues in broad parts of the society, however a change of consumption habits can hardly be overserved. It can be argued that technology, such as mobile apps, can play an important role to increase more sustainable behaviors and consumption habits, as they facilitate such behaviors, bring transparency to an unclear field and reduce complexity. Our research hence approaches an important research gap, especially as currently existing apps show a lack of functionalities and UX. By using a Design Science Research (DSR) approach applying Chou’s Octalysis framework, we systematically analyzed eight apps in the field of sustainability and two general gamification apps as reference points complementing our findings with issues discussed in literature and could identify a broad range of functionalities. This comprehensive analysis allowed us to develop an initial mockup of a potential app, which then was tested within a user-group of ten users by using a semi structured interview approach. Our findings contribute to knowledge by highlighting the importance of user experience on the acceptance of mobile apps, as well as, by showcasing how gamification can contribute to a sustained use of mobile apps in this specific context.
The disruptive potential of digital transformation (DT) has been widely discussed in scholarly literature and practitioner-oriented discourses. The management control (MC) function is an important corporate function, as it provides transparency on the economic situation of a firm. DT challenges MC in a two-fold and reciprocal nature as it (i) changes the MC function itself as well as (ii) the entire firm and its business models, which needs to be accompanied by the MC function. Given the complexity and variety of phenomena within the developments in the context of DT, a comprehensive management approach is essential. Surprisingly, there exist few convincing approaches, which support a comprehensive management of the DT. The objectives of this paper are therefore to discuss the impact of DT on MC, as well as, to develop a framework to control DT of an organization from a MC perspective. Based on a literature review and conceptual research, our study contributes to knowledge by proposing an initial, preliminary conceptual framework to manage DT, from a MC perspective. The framework highlights important dimensions that should be considered in the management of DT, for example related to processes and MC instruments.
The automation of work by means of disruptive technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Robotic Process Automation (RPA) is currently intensely discussed in business practice and academia. Recent studies indicate that many tasks manually conducted by humans today will not in the future. In a similar vein, it is expected that new roles will emerge. The aim of this study is to analyze prospective employment opportunities in the context of RPA in order to foster our understanding of the pivotal qualifications, expertise and skills necessary to find an occupation in a completely changing world of work. This study is based on an explorative, content analysis of 119 job advertisements related to RPA in Germany. The data was collected from major German online job platforms, qualitatively coded, and subsequently analyzed quantitatively. The research indicates that there indeed are employment opportunities, especially in the consulting sector. The positions require different technological expertise such as specific programming languages and knowledge in statistics. The results of this study provide guidance for organizations and individuals on reskilling requirements for future employment. As many of the positions require profound IT expertise, the generally accepted perspective that existing employees affected by automation can be retrained to work in the emerging positions has to be seen extremely critical. This paper contributes to the body of knowledge by providing a novel perspective on the ongoing discussion of employment opportunities, and reskilling demands of the existing workforce in the context of recent technological developments and automation.
This research paper explores the risks associated with Robotic Process Automation (RPA) projects, with a focus on the impact of disregarding key factors that affect project success. While previous studies have identified challenges and success factors for RPA projects, there is a lack of research that systematically and quantitatively evaluates these factors. To address this gap, the study uses a two-dimensional matrix to rate the impact and controllability of such risks associated with key factors in RPA projects, with data collected from 20 subject matter experts. The findings suggest that project managers should pay close attention to RPA development and process management. The high controllability ratings imply that proper planning and execution can effectively manage the identified risks. The study offers valuable insights into risk assessment for RPA projects and can assist project managers in increasing project success rates.
A typology of challenges in the context of robotic process automation implementation projects
(2024)
Purpose – In recent years, the robotic process automation (RPA) technology has increasingly been used to automate business processes. While a lot of research has been published on the potential and benefits of the technology, only a few studies have conducted research on challenges related to RPA adoption. Hence, this study aims to identify and discuss challenges related to RPA implementation projects.
Design/methodology/approach – Following an inductive methodology, interviews have been conducted with consultants who were involved in multiple RPA implementation projects. Hence, their extensive experience and views contribute to a detailed and in-depth understanding of the phenomena under research.
Findings – The results suggest that there are various process-related, technical, resource-related, psychological and coordinative challenges that must be considered when conducting an RPA implementation project.
Originality/value – This paper contributes to knowledge by presenting a new typology of challenges, as well as providing an in-depth discussion of the individual challenges that organizations face.
In the context of digital transformation, having a data-driven organizational culture has been recognized as an important factor for data analytics capabilities, innovativeness and competitive advantage of firms. However, the current literature on data-driven culture (DDC) is fragmented, lacking both a synthesis of findings and a theoretical foundation. Therefore, the aim of this work has been to develop a comprehensive framework for understanding DDC and the mechanisms that can be used to embed such a culture in organizations as well as structuring prior dispersed findings on the topic. Based on the foundation of organizational culture theory, we employed a Design Science Research (DSR) approach using a systematic literature review and expert interviews to build and evaluate a transformation-oriented framework. This research contributes to knowledge by synthesizing previously dispersed knowledge in a holistic framework, as well as, by providing a conceptual framework to guide the transformation towards a DDC.
Purpose
Due to the disruptive nature of digital transformation, firms can hardly ignore the further digitalisation of processes and business models. Implementing such initiatives triggers enormous investments in infrastructure and software, making the evaluation of digital investments crucial for a firm’s competitive situation.
Design/methodology/approach
Given the dynamics and uncertainties inherent in digital transformation, a qualitative, inductive research approach based on semi-structured interviews with high-level finance executives has been employed.
Findings
Our findings indicate widespread dissatisfaction with traditional investment appraisal methods for evaluating digital investments. Data also suggest that non-financial considerations are frequently taken into account, albeit implicitly, as participants struggled to clearly conceptualize these criteria.
Originality/value
The literature indicates important research gaps regarding the applicability and usage of traditional, predominantly financial, investment appraisal methods in digital contexts. This research enhances our understanding of digital investment evaluation, by (i) developing an exploratory conceptual framework of potential qualitative evaluation criteria and (ii) providing an in-depth and detailed understanding of the barriers to implementing investment appraisal methods.
In recent years, the robotic process automation (RPA) technology, a software-based method to automate routine tasks in business processes, has gained significant interest and adoption. However, many implementation projects fail and current literature lacks a synthesis and comprehensive overview of factors that challenge the implementation of RPA, have an impact on success or failure of projects, or, play an enabling role in an RPA project. Hence, the purpose of this research is to identify key factors that should be considered by organizations when conducting an RPA project.
The paper adopts a qualitative methodology based on data collected in a systematic literature review (SLR) and interviews with 10 RPA experts. Using inductive coding, an integrated framework of key factors is developed.FindingsThe results suggest that the key factors for a successful RPA introduction can be divided into human, organizational and technical factors. Important aspects include for example project management techniques, capabilities and skills of employees, as well as data security considerations.
The paper contributes to knowledge by synthesizing previously dispersed knowledge into an integrated framework, as well as by complementing previous results with new qualitative, empirical data. Additionally, the RPA-specific factors are put into the perspective of persistent problems in information systems development.
Background
Obesity is a major health problem with a significant impact on quality of life and is a major risk factor for other diseases such as diabetes. There is a growing body of evidence that time-restricted eating (TRE) as one form of intermittent fasting (IF) represents a promising weight management strategy. Given the lack of evidence-based weight management strategies in the primary health care setting, the aim of this study is to investigate the effect of TRE in general practice in Germany.
Methods
INDUCT is a type hybrid I, randomized-controlled study conducted in 41 practices within the newly established general practice-based research network (GPBRN) in Baden-Wuerttemberg (FoPraNet-BW). The study population consists of patients with a Body Mass Index between 30–45 kg (kg)/m2. The intervention group receives TRE at the scheme 16:8 (16 h fasting; 8 h energy intake) while the control group receives care as usual. The primary outcome is change in body weight under a 6-month period of TRE. Secondary outcomes are related to the patient (e.g. quality of life) and the practice (e.g. knowledge about research in own practice). As the INDUCT study represents one of the first four use-cases within the Research Network Baden-Wuerttemberg (FoPraNet-BW), feasibility is a further secondary outcome. The target sample size is 208 patients with a 1:1 randomization. An intention-to-treat approach is used for data analysis.
Discussion
INDUCT adds evidence on the effect of TRE as a weight management strategy in general practice. Relevant factors for a sustainable and successful implementation in general practice will be revealed and can be applied for future implementation of TRE interventions in general practice if proven successful. In addition, important lessons learned regarding the conduction of clinical research within FoPraNet-BW will be derived. This fosters a sustainable implementation of a research infrastructure in general practice in Germany.
