Smart and Sustainable Operations Management (SSOM)
Recent studies show an enormous demand for qualified engineers for intelligent and sustainable operations management in the mobility value chain. In Austria, for example, 51% of manufacturing companies in the mobility value chain expect a significant increase in the shortage of skilled workers in their sector over the next three years, with 85% of respondents reporting a trend towards a sharp increase in the shortage of skilled workers over the next five years. Furthermore, the implementation of smart and sustainable technologies and concepts in the operational management of manufacturing companies entails both a transformation of production processes and changes in the working and learning processes of employees. It should be noted that the increasing complexity and associated changes in technical work processes require operational learning processes for all employees.
Focus Areas:
- Logistics and Supply Management
- Product Development and Manufacturing
- Entrepreneurship and Industrial Marketing Management
Detailed Focus Areas of SSOM
Logistics and Supply Management
Logistics and supply management are crucial components of an organization’s operations. They involve planning, implementing, and controlling the efficient flow and storage of goods, services, and information from the point of origin to the point of consumption. Work Package 4 includes the sub-task of identifying the necessary skills for success in logistics and supply management. To maintain competitiveness in this constantly evolving industry, it is crucial to stay up-to-date with emerging technologies, such as blockchain, and to utilize automated mobile robots for efficient operations. Additionally, adopting circular economy principles to minimize waste and maximize resource efficiency, conducting life-cycle assessments to ensure sustainability, and exploring other relevant areas are important.
Product Development and Manufacturing
Product Development and Manufacturing are crucial aspects of the innovation process within organizations. They involve creating, designing, and producing new products or improving existing ones. This sub-task falls under Work Package 4 and aims to identify the necessary future competencies in product development, manufacturing technologies, and management. Keeping up with the latest technological developments involves utilizing bioinspired products, bio-intelligent manufacturing processes, energy-efficient machines, Industrial IoT for real-time monitoring and optimization, digital twin technology for virtual product simulations, additive manufacturing techniques for rapid prototyping and customization, and AI-based generative design for innovative product creation.
Entrepreneurship and Industrial Marketing Management
Entrepreneurship and Industrial Marketing Management is a sub-task of Work Package 4. The task aims to identify the necessary future skills in the fields of entrepreneurship and industrial marketing management. The competencies that need to be understood include entrepreneurial ecosystems, servitization, and ethical management. In the field of market research and strategy design for technology-driven industrial markets, expertise is essential, particularly when dealing with integrated bundles of goods and services.
Professionals in this field must also possess skills in assessing and valuing new technology, as well as developing business models and marketing strategies in business-to-business settings. Proficiency in stakeholder and ecosystem analysis, selecting and changing business types, and effectively managing buyer-supplier relationships in complex business networks are essential competencies.
In addition, expertise in multichannel marketing in industrial markets and implementing value-based selling strategies based on strategic industrial marketing decisions is required. Professionals in this field must possess the critical skill of technology management across the entire value chain of highly integrated industrial business solutions to succeed in the dynamic business environment.
References:
- ibw, 2020 : „Unternehmensbefragung zum Fachkräftebedarf/-mangel 2020“
- Statista, 2018 : „Und was schätzen Sie, wie wird sich ein potenzieller Fachkräftemangel in Ihrem Unternehmen in den nächsten 5 Jahren entwickeln?“
- Ullrich et al., 2018 : „Assistenz und Wissensvermittlung am Beispiel von Montage und Instandhaltungstätigkeiten“
