Digital Project Practice for New Work and Industry 4.0

New Work and Industry 4.0 have matured and this book takes a practical, experience-based approach to project management in these areas. It introduces methods and covers the practical aspects. It critically examines existing approaches and practices and shows their limitations. The book covers appropriate methods as well as human and social aspects. It contributes to the ongoing discussion of business practices and methods. It also aims to stimulate dialogue in the professional community.

Digital Project Practice for New Work and Industry 4.0 begins by introducing basic concepts in the context of Industry 4.0 and discussing how they might influence organizational communication and impact the work environment. After examining the possibilities and challenges of remote work and collaboration in distributed teams all over the world, the book looks at a company’s fundamental changes related to New Work from a practical business perspective as well as legal and ethical perspectives. It reviews the case of the VW emission scandal and recommends ways to improve corporate culture. Legal issues include New Work and hybrid forms of collaboration as well as liability for automated decisions (i.e., the potential need for an ’electronic person’). Other implications for the workplace include how:

• Industry 4.0 might influence the potential demand for ＂Digital Unions＂
• Industry 4.0, and lean production, and their applications can change industrial practices
• Open Banking presents new approaches and new business models
• Work structures and systems can empower employees’ work self-management

This book also looks at how New Work effects individual workers. It addresses digital stress, introduces strategies for coping with it, and discusses related topics. It also explores the benefits of meditation and the economics of mind, body, and spirit.

In essence, this book covers appropriate methods along with human and social factors. It also covers practice, different perspectives, and various experiences from all around the globe. Contributing to the ongoing discussion on business practices and methods, this book will nourish and stimulate dialogue in the professional community.

Dr. Tobis Endress is a full-time assistant professor at the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) - School of Management. He has more than 20 years of professional experience in digital project business and innovation management. His former roles include program and project manager, product owner and business analyst. He was in charge of several change initiatives in multi-national environments with teams distributed throughout the globe. Dr. Endress has completed professional training for banking, graduated in Computer Science and Business Administration at VWA Frankfurt/Main, in Business Economics at Avans+ in Breda (NL). He obtained a Master’s Degree in Leadership in Digital Communication at Berlin University of the Arts (UdK Berlin) and University of St. Gallen (Switzerland), as well as a Doctorate in Business Administration at the University of Gloucestershire (UK). I’m a fellow of the EuroMed Academy of Business.