Will the progressive integration of communications, IT, data and physical elements result
in personnel reductions within the organizations that take advantage of these
opportunities? Why or why not?
The industrial revolution has focused on increasing efficiency in the manufacturing process and
multiplying productivity. The fourth industrial revolution, Industry 4.0, helps companies to
manage and optimize every aspect of their operation and allows them to collect real-time data to
improve various processes and push growth (Epicor, 2021). Industry 4.0 spreads the internet of
things (IoT) in industrial sectors to improve efficiency and reliability by focusing on the use of
big data, machine learning, and machine-to-machine communication (Trend Micro, 2020).
These new technologies will undoubtedly result in significant job losses. Automation and
robotics are minimizing the need for a large portion of the workforce. Things that require a
human for a long time can be reduced using machines that are managed by AI. Various
professions that were popular in the previous industrial revolution are becoming obsolete now.
The use of robots in various sectors is becoming common especially in manufacturing, the effect
it has on the labor force is commonly termed as 'technological unemployment' (Kurt, 2019).
Additionally, technological development requires new knowledge and expertise which the
current workforce lacks. So the demand for the workforce to adapt to change and build their
skills is imminent.
If losses are imminent, will there be other areas where personnel lines will increase to offset
these losses?
As discussed above job losses are inevitable but at the same time, new jobs are created as the
result of the integration of technology into each aspect of work. Based on the study by OECD, it
is reported that 500,000 jobs will be lost but 900,000 will be created (OECD, 2020). This is a
clear indication that some jobs will be lost and other jobs need redesign however the requirement
for the workforce will continue to increase.
There is still a shortage of labor as reported by many companies. The issue is that knowledge and
skill required by the employers are not being met on many levels. Institutes need to create a
program to train employees to meet the needs of future businesses that are powered by Big data,
in personnel reductions within the organizations that take advantage of these
opportunities? Why or why not?
The industrial revolution has focused on increasing efficiency in the manufacturing process and
multiplying productivity. The fourth industrial revolution, Industry 4.0, helps companies to
manage and optimize every aspect of their operation and allows them to collect real-time data to
improve various processes and push growth (Epicor, 2021). Industry 4.0 spreads the internet of
things (IoT) in industrial sectors to improve efficiency and reliability by focusing on the use of
big data, machine learning, and machine-to-machine communication (Trend Micro, 2020).
These new technologies will undoubtedly result in significant job losses. Automation and
robotics are minimizing the need for a large portion of the workforce. Things that require a
human for a long time can be reduced using machines that are managed by AI. Various
professions that were popular in the previous industrial revolution are becoming obsolete now.
The use of robots in various sectors is becoming common especially in manufacturing, the effect
it has on the labor force is commonly termed as 'technological unemployment' (Kurt, 2019).
Additionally, technological development requires new knowledge and expertise which the
current workforce lacks. So the demand for the workforce to adapt to change and build their
skills is imminent.
If losses are imminent, will there be other areas where personnel lines will increase to offset
these losses?
As discussed above job losses are inevitable but at the same time, new jobs are created as the
result of the integration of technology into each aspect of work. Based on the study by OECD, it
is reported that 500,000 jobs will be lost but 900,000 will be created (OECD, 2020). This is a
clear indication that some jobs will be lost and other jobs need redesign however the requirement
for the workforce will continue to increase.
There is still a shortage of labor as reported by many companies. The issue is that knowledge and
skill required by the employers are not being met on many levels. Institutes need to create a
program to train employees to meet the needs of future businesses that are powered by Big data,
