Project Management Skillset Challenges in Industry 4.0

Abstract

Digital transformation in the manufacturing industry, termed Industry 4.0, has become of strategic importance under exponential technological development. Industry 4.0 is redefining production by aiming to build smart factories through cyber-physical collaboration systems. While Industry 4.0 focuses on the technical aspects, the 4th industrial revolution has a focus on the impact that Industry 4.0 has on manufacturing, but also society as a whole. In a highly competitive world, manufacturing organizations need to be agile when implementing projects to respond quickly to ever-changing market demands. Projects will continue to change in terms of scope and growing complexity. In contrast, project management will continue to involve an irreplaceable combination of skills, leadership, and ethical behavior. What changes and adapts are the skills needed to run a project successfully. Project management is still too focused on “hard” technical skills, which are essential, but people are the ones who manage and implement projects, and that must not be forgotten. Technology alone cannot guarantee the success of projects undertaken, and the human factor should not be overlooked because Industry 4.0 is not only based on technology but also on the creativity of people applying technology. With the growth of complex projects and the increasing pace of change, organizations need project managers and teams to deal with digital transformation, disruptions, frequent changes, and ambiguities. This article focuses on project manager skill set challenges in the context of Industry 4.0, highlighting the importance of people for project success.