University of Twente Student Theses
Reasons for investment holdback in robot arm solutions at medium-sized organizations in the food industry.
Buis, G. (2020) Reasons for investment holdback in robot arm solutions at medium-sized organizations in the food industry.
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| Abstract: | Purpose and relevance - This qualitative study investigates the reasons that cause investment holdback in robot arm solutions at medium-sized organizations in the food industry. This study contributes to the literature on technology readiness levels, the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), innovation in the food industry and robot arm solutions by providing information regarding the penetration into the market and integration into production processes of robot arm solutions. Design - This study is based on semi-structured interviews (N=12) and one case study. Results and contributions - The main reason for investment holdback is the misfit of robot arm solutions in the current production processes and production lines. Not working in-line, product and process diversity and the disability of robot arms to work in the production lines in this industry cause this misfit. Additionally, the combination of the critical functions of robot arm solutions and the products in this industry result in investment holdback. This study extends the technology readiness level literature by specifying on robot arm solutions in the food industry and by linking the technology readiness levels to investment plans and processes. Another contribution is the extending of the TAM literature by combining and relating the factors of the TAM model with the challenges of market penetration, production integration and investment decision making of robot arm solutions in the food industry. This study also has practical implications. Firstly, this study can function as guidance for potential investments in robot arm solutions in the food industry since this study discovered several challenges and solutions in the technology readiness levels. All levels are considered in this study. Secondly, this study can be useful for organizations regarding creating acceptance of robot arm solutions among production workers and technical staff. Keywords - robot arm solutions, food industry, investment process, technology readiness levels, TAM model. |
| Item Type: | Essay (Master) |
| Faculty: | BMS: Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences |
| Subject: | 50 technical science in general |
| Programme: | Business Administration MSc (60644) |
| Link to this item: | https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/81416 |
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