University of Twente Student Theses
Industry 4.0 - Expectations of Purchasers
Schiereck, Philipp (2018) Industry 4.0 - Expectations of Purchasers.
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| Abstract: | In the light of the increasing digitalization and globalization in business a new industrial revolution becomes evident. The upcoming industrial revolution will be the 4th disruptive innovation phase in history, named Industry 4.0. Due to the almost nonexistence of literature focusing on the ramifications of Industry 4.0 on purchasing, this thesis will focus on the expectations of purchasers on the effect of Industry 4.0 on purchasing. A series of interviews was conducted with purchasers to examine their expectations regarding industry 4.0 in purchasing. The qualitative data that was obtained through the interviews, was compared with the results of the pilot study ‘Procurement 4.0’. The 12 points summarising the results of the pilot study were then used as a basis of comparison. The examination of the results revealed that industry 4.0 in purchasing is still in the early stages of its development, as only a minority have already implemented elements of industry 4.0 in purchasing. Furthermore, the interviewees predict a decrease in operative tasks, going hand in hand with a reduction of purchasing staff, due to operative tasks being autonomously automatized. Some of the purchasers think that there will be problems with senior purchasers having to adapt their working styles and getting used to new technologies. Moreover, the interviewees prognose a shift away from a price focus towards strategic partnerships with suppliers. Besides that, the results revealed that the interviewed purchasers expect many incremental innovations and developments, instead of few radical ones when industry 4.0 is implemented in purchasing. All in all, this research adds to the existing literature of industry 4.0 in regard to purchasing and can be seen as guideline for future research. |
| 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/75350 |
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