Maastricht, Netherlands

Introduction to Industry 4.0: implications for the management of organizations

The label ‘Industry 4.0’ applies loosely to a set of emerging digital technologies that influence the way goods and services are produced and consumed in contemporary societies. Even though no one knows what the future will bring, we can now safely say that the digitalization trend is here to stay and that nothing will ever be the same in the world of industry. This course explores the implications of industry 4.0 for the way organizations are managed. On day 1, we will introduce the different technologies labelled under ‘industry 4.0’: internet of things, cyber physical systems, block chain, artificial intelligence, additive manufacturing, and augmented reality. On day 2, we will examine the implications of these different technologies for managing operations in organizations. On day 3, we will study the implications for managing human resources in organizations. On day 4, we will discuss the implications for strategic decision-making. Finally, on day 5, students will present their takeaways from the course to the rest of the class.

Course leader

Diogo Pinto Pereira Rebelo Cotta

Target group

The course is aimed at students with at least an introductory awareness of organization management. This means students should have at least completed a first year’s bachelor degree in business studies, management, economics, sociology or a related field. At the start of the course students are expected to understand the basics of organizational design and of the relationship between organizations and their external environment.

Course aim

• To review all the digital technologies associated with industry 4.0
• To assess the individual and collective impact of digital technologies on organization management and performance
• To discuss what the benefits and challenges are of applying digital technologies to the management of organizations

Fee info

EUR 598: €598 per programme