FUTURE OF JOBS CASE STUDY

Read through the case study and answer the questions that follow.

By removing barriers between humans and technology, the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), also known as Industry 4.0, is fusing the physical, digital, and biological worlds. Industry 4.0, the digital revolution, has through Artificial Intelligence (AI), biotechnology, and the Internet of Things (IoT) totally transformed industry. The World Economic Forum reported in April 2023 (as graphically displayed below) that organisations are expecting Big Data and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to drive job growth.

(Source: WEForum. 2023. The Future of Jobs Report 2023).

Question 1 (10 marks)

Read the statement below, in alignment with the case study, and answer the question that follows.

The advancement of technology has resulted in changes in the organisational context, including how organisations are expecting Big Data and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to drive job growth. Managing the integration of technology in the workplace is the responsibility of the HR function of organisations.

As an HR professional, you are required to equip your organisation to embrace the opportunities for HR in the context of Industry 4.0. Discuss the role of the HR professional as a change agent for the future world of work.

Question 2 (15 marks)

Discuss any three risks that human resource planning is facing in Industry 4.0 (4IR).

Question 3 (15 marks)

Considering the unique needs and challenges of your organisation, explain how you would implement appropriate technologies to effectively manage human resources and enhance overall workforce productivity and engagement.