scholarly journals Digitalization Business Strategies in Energy Sector: Solving Problems with Uncertainty under Industry 4.0 Conditions

Energies ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (23) ◽  
pp. 7997
Author(s):  
Rafał Trzaska ◽  
Adam Sulich ◽  
Michał Organa ◽  
Jerzy Niemczyk ◽  
Bartosz Jasiński

Digital transformation is a concept based on the use of digitalization and digitization. Digitalization leads to change of business models and provides a competitive advantage also in the energy sector. The process of change towards a digital business requires a specific strategy type, aimed to solve problems with uncertainty caused by Industry 4.0 implementation. This paper aims to propose a theoretical model combining different digitalization strategies and business models. Their theoretical foundations were discussed in the literature review part and related empirical research questions were attempted to be answered by the reference method analysis. The quantitative method of analysis was based on the secondary data from Eurostat for all EU member states and backed the theoretical part in terms of ICT variables. The novelty of this research is based on Hellwig’s reference method used in management sciences and the presented managerial implications. The discussed challenges of the energy sector are related to the digital strategy implementation, relationships between digital transformation and business models, and solutions for such issues as strategy communication and new roles for managers, who should become digital leaders in the energy sector organizations. The main consequence of the proposed model in this study, for the energy sector companies’ managers, is that uncertainty in modern energy sector organizations is more related to employees and their technical skills than implemented ICT itself.

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. 2365
Author(s):  
Sorinel Căpușneanu ◽  
Dorel Mateș ◽  
Mirela Cătălina Tűrkeș ◽  
Cristian-Marian Barbu ◽  
Adela-Ioana Staraș ◽  
...  

The digital transformation has produced changes in all existing areas of activity worldwide. There are many factors that can influence the intention to use Industry 4.0 processes and solutions and change the behavior of organizations and their business models. The aim of this study is to validate the econometric model on assessing the significant impact of distinct factors on the intention to use Industry 4.0 processes and solutions, the benefits of digital transformation perceived by organizational management and the differences between distinct groups analyzed. The research method used within the quantitative study was the sample survey, using the online questionnaire as a data collection tool. Three hundred forty-seven valid questionnaires were collected and the response rate of the respondents was 64.25%. A new structural model was generated based on the elements of the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT). The results of the study indicated that Perceived competitiveness and Perceived risk have a significant impact on Intention to Use Industry 4.0 processes while Perceived vertical networking solutions and Perceived integrated engineering solutions have a significant influence on the Intention to Use Industry 4.0 solutions. In conclusion, there is a positive and significant association between Intention to Use Industry 4.0 solutions and Benefits of Digital Transformation.


2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 33-54
Author(s):  
Anatoliy Kolot ◽  
Oksana Herasymenko

With the development of the Fourth Industrial Revolution and the formation of a new technological basis – “Industry 4.0” - a dynamic multi-vector transformation of the leading institutes of economy and society takes place, social and labor relations in general and employment in particular acquire new format and content. The quintessence of the article is a scientific-applied substantiation of the construct of nontypical employment economy, scientific argumentation and further development of previous researches of authors regarding determinants of gig-economy formation under the influence of economic and social development “digitalization” and emergence of new business models. that radically change all components of the world of work. New facets of the complex world of work and employment have been revealed and the increase of the newest knowledge in this field has been received under systematic research of a chain of changes: introduction of “Industry 4.0” breakthrough technologies → “digitalization” as a dominant vector of technological innovations → formation of new business models → changes in social division of labor and the content of labor processes → the emergence and intensive development of employment forms immanent to the new (digital) economy. It is substantiated that the main root cause, a kind of “trig- ger” for the emergence and reproduction of the chain of researched changes is digital transformation of the economy and society. The essence of today’s phenomena, which determine the development of the “gig economy”, is revealed. The argumentation of the spread of platform business models and their impact on the world of work and employment is given. A new theoretical construction of a chain of changes, the “output” of which is new forms and, a new platform for social and labor developmen t in general, has been suggested. The research focuses on finding answers to a number of questions posed to every conscious person. Among them are the following ones: Why can’t the modern economy “get along” with traditional (standard) forms of employment? Why does atypicality become not the exception but the norm? How do specific mechanisms and tools for transforming standard forms of employment into new ones, which are immanent to modern conditions of economic and social progress, behave in practice?


Sensors ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (19) ◽  
pp. 5499
Author(s):  
Felipe S. Costa ◽  
Silvia M. Nassar ◽  
Sergio Gusmeroli ◽  
Ralph Schultz ◽  
André G. S. Conceição ◽  
...  

The Industry 4.0 paradigm, since its initial conception in Germany in 2011, has extended its scope and adoption to a broader set of technologies. It is being considered as the most vital mechanism in the production systems lifecycle. It is the key element in the digital transformation of manufacturing industry all over the world. This scenario imposes a set of major unprecedented challenges which require to be overcome. In order to enable integration in horizontal, vertical, and end-to-end formats, one of the most critical aspects of this digital transformation process consists of effectively coupling digital integrated service/products business models with additive manufacturing processes. This integration is based upon advanced AI-based tools for decentralized decision-making and for secure and trusted data sharing in the global value. This paper presents the FASTEN IIoT Platform, which targets to provide a flexible, configurable, and open solution. The platform acts as an interface between the shop floor and the industry 4.0 advanced applications and solutions. Examples of these efforts comprise management, forecasting, optimization, and simulation, by harmonizing the heterogeneous characteristics of the data sources involved while meeting real-time requirements.


2009 ◽  
Vol 06 (01) ◽  
pp. 97-116 ◽  
Author(s):  
MYUNG-HWAN RIM ◽  
HYUN-SOO HAN ◽  
YEONG-WHA SAWNG

In this paper, we explore the merging of supply chains between media and telecommunications as an example of business application of industry convergence. The goal of this study is to provide managerial insight into the various facets of convergence of supply chains so that companies can effectively exploit business opportunities presented by the accelerating process of digital convergence and related technological innovations. In this study, the focus is set on business models, rather than business strategies as such, since digital convergence is an emerging sector that deserves independent attention as a new business concept. We formulated a series of propositions, related to customer value, value network, and supply chain efficiency, using frameworks borrowed from the existing business model literature and value creation theories for Internet business. Managerial implications are discussed and applied to DMB (Digital Multimedia Broadcasting), a new telecom-broadcasting convergence business model, recently introduced in South Korea.


2019 ◽  
Vol 34 (2) ◽  
pp. 168 ◽  
Author(s):  
Risca Fitri Ayuni

Introduction: Generation Z (Gen Z) refers to the most application-friendly and website-savvy generation engaging with the Internet for most of its daily activities. The number of Gen Z members has been growing and is projected to become the largest market segment by 2020. In the future, Gen Z will affect business strategies; compounded by the presence of a fourth industrial revolution (Industry 4.0), which will encourage companies to change their business models. One of the changes is a new paradigm shift by companies from the traditional business model to an internet-based business model (e-business model/e-commerce), such as online shops. Online shops have escalated at a rapid pace and have changed people’s buying habits, especially for Gen Z. Gen Z seems to be shopping online more than ever. Targeting them is the best strategy to enhance their lifetime loyalty. Background Problem: This study aims to examine the relationship of e-service quality, online customer value, e-satisfaction and e-loyalty. Research Method: Two hundred and forty-one Gen Z respondents were involved in this study. PLS 3, Sobel and SPSS 23 were employed to analyze the data. Five hypotheses were proposed. Findings: The findings indicated that e-service quality became the expected predictor of online customer value and satisfaction. In addition, the results confirm the mediating role of online customer value between e-service quality and e-satisfaction, as well as clarifying the relationship of online customer value and e-satisfaction. Finally, the effect of e-satisfaction on e-loyalty has been proven in this study. Conclusion: Upon figuring out the relevant issue, online shops are able to re-consider their business models to adopt the Industry 4.0 revolution, to strengthen their capacity in tight competition. In order to target Gen Z, who mostly do their purchasing via the Internet, online shops must provide high quality websites and create values which convey economic, social and functional values. These two key factors play significant roles in attaining Gen Z’s e-satisfaction, thus securing Gen Z’s e-loyalty. 


Author(s):  
Thomas Clarke

The origins of modern technological change provide the context necessary to understand present-day technological transformation, to investigate the impact of the new digital technologies, and to examine the phenomenon of digital disruption of established industries and occupations. How these contemporary technologies will transform industries and institutions, or serve to create new industries and institutions, will unfold in time. The implications of the relationships between these pervasive new forms of digital transformation and the accompanying new business models, business strategies, innovation, and capabilities are being worked through at global, national, corporate, and local levels. Whatever the technological future holds it will be defined by continual adaptation, perpetual innovation, and the search for new potential. Presently, the world is experiencing the impact of waves of innovation created by the rapid advance of digital networks, software, and information and communication technology systems that have transformed workplaces, cities, and whole economies. These digital technologies are converging and coalescing into intelligent technology systems that facilitate and structure our lives. Through creative destruction, digital technologies fundamentally challenge existing routines, capabilities, and structures by which organizations presently operate, adapt, and innovate. In turn, digital technologies stimulate a higher rate of both technological and business model innovation, moving from producer innovation toward more user-collaborative and open-collaborative innovation. However, as dominant global platform technologies emerge, some impending dilemmas associated with the concentration and monopolization of digital markets become salient. The extent of the contribution made by digital transformation to economic growth and environmental sustainability requires a critical appraisal.


2021 ◽  
Vol 38 (3) ◽  
pp. 89-107
Author(s):  
MICHELA MATARAZZO ◽  
LARA PENCO ◽  
GIORGIA PROFUMO

Purpose of the paper: This study examines the impact of digital transformation on business model innovation and internationalization using the context of small and medium-sized firms (SMEs) operating in the Made in Italy. The study attempts to answer the following research questions: 1) How is digital transformation changing the business model of SMEs? 2) How is digital transformation changing the internationalization strategies of SMEs? Methodology: To answer these research questions, we present a multiple case study research on the digital transformation of three Made in Italy SMEs. Results: We found that digital instruments contribute to innovate the business model of all the selected SMEs, creating new distribution channels and new ways to build and deliver value to customers; moreover, the use of social media becomes the driver and the “prerequisite” for internationalisation. Research limitations: The main limitations are related to the limited number of case studies and the difficulty in the replication of results. Practical implications: Focusing on Made in Italy, our study contributes to the existing literature on business model and digital transformation of SMEs. Second, it contributes to the internationalisation literature, identifying new paths for entering new geographical markets. In addition to the theoretical implications, this study provides some managerial implications to accomplish the digital transformation of SMEs operating in Made in Italy. Originality. To the best of our knowledge, the present is the first specific study aimed at investigating this intriguing theme for Made in Italy SMEs.


SAGE Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 215824402095317
Author(s):  
Qaisar Ali ◽  
Asma Salman ◽  
Shazia Parveen ◽  
Zaki Zaini

The dogma of conscious environmental behavior has laid the paradigm for sustainable consumer behavior. Modern-day corporates have introduced innovative business models to add a new value to manage fluctuations in consumer behaviors and rejuvenate their financial performance. Similarly, in fashion industry, textile firms have warmly embraced the new business models and widely adopted environmental management systems (EMSs) to contribute to environmental sustainability. This research aims to explore eco-consumerism and its impacts on the financial performance of textile firms in Malaysia. The secondary data of textile firms’ performance from 2013 to 2015 were collected from an online database and annual reports of firms’ web portals. The findings reveal that the textile firms which successfully adopted EMS such as ISO 14001 show significant changes in performance compared with firms which are yet to adopt EMS certification. Moreover, eco-consumerism directly impacts EMS-adopted firms’ performance. Our findings are robust for practical, research, and managerial implications to classify and understand the impacts of consumers’ green behavior on corporate performance. This study contributes to understand the influence of consumers’ eco-behavior to adopt EMS and its impact on the financial performance of textile firms in Malaysia.


2021 ◽  

Abstract Hungarian small- and medium-sized enterprises are facing the challenges of digitalisation and innovation to survive fierce competition in the era of Industry 4.0, and particularly of COVID-19. Survival in the heavily hit sectors depends on the degree of digitalisation and involvement in e-commerce. This paper aims to examine Hungarian SMEs’ current scale of digitalisation and adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies. It also analyses the role of the Hungarian government’s support for SMEs’ digital transformation. To this end, secondary data were collected from Eurostat, the European Commission and the Hungarian Central Statistical Office, including the Digital Economy and Society Index (DESI), indices of skills and innovation from SME performance reviews and sectoral business statistics. In processing the data, the study strictly followed the European Commission’ classification protocol, complemented by a qualitative analysis of reports and programmes related to digitalisation and Industry 4.0 in Hungary. The findings reveal that there is a further need for strengthening the digitalisation and innovation capacities of Hungarian SMEs. The effects of introduced measures could not be seen yet. Hence, the Hungarian government should continue to support SMEs’ digital transformation in order to increase their role in high-tech manufacturing and knowledge-intensive services.


2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 149-164
Author(s):  
Peter Halmosi

Abstract Technology-oriented startups are valued participants of the economy in the 21st century. By inventing and bringing new technologies to the market, this sector supports not only the growth of competitiveness in the corporate sector but that of the standard of living as well. These companies reinterpret the meaning of enterprise by building new functional business strategies, collaborations and business models. As of changing production sequences, conditions of business activity will change together. In the near future, not only the activity of organisations but of technology and business platforms, networks shall be controlled and developed along the value production chain. As attitude to customers will undergo serious changes, the meaning of team working will also be reinterpreted. The carrier of changes will be the Industry 4.0 framework. Due to this, information technology will not exclusively support business but establish new business value by utilizing companies’ tools and resources. The aim of this paper is to present by a recent survey the attitude of Hungarian technology-oriented startups to the changing business environment in the era of Industry 4.0 which can already be observed in many sectors. The author of this paper believes that technology-oriented startups may take serious role in Europe to fight against low wage countries in the world.


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