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Upskilling the silver workforce: learning Industry 4.0 skills in purchasing and supply management
Erp, V.E.A. van (2025) Upskilling the silver workforce: learning Industry 4.0 skills in purchasing and supply management.
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| Abstract: | The purchasing and supply management (PSM) sector faces rapid digital transformation due to Industry 4.0. With this transformation, organisations must upskill their aging workforce to ensure continued competitiveness. This study explores how silver workers, employees aged 50 years old and older, perceive and evaluate different learning methodologies for acquiring Industry 4.0 skills. Drawing on data from 235 professionals in the EXPERTISE project, this research assesses preferences and perceived effectiveness of elearning, hands-on workshops, and blended learning formats. A quantitative analysis, including t-tests, ANOVA, and multiple linear regression was used to test hypotheses regarding training preferences and the moderating effects of individual factors (age, experience, and workload). The findings highlight how individual factors shape training outcomes beyond the learning methods itself. Perceived relevance and clear communication also play key roles in training effectiveness. This study contributes to the underexplored area of upskilling older professionals in digital contexts and provides actionable insights for designing training programs that align with silver workers’ needs. |
| Item Type: | Essay (Bachelor) |
| Faculty: | BMS: Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences |
| Subject: | 85 business administration, organizational science |
| Programme: | International Business Administration BSc (50952) |
| Link to this item: | https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/106849 |
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