Comp4Pro

Scientific Challenges: The research design addresses the pressing problem of I4.0 Competence Development in Manufacturing Companies in Lower Austria. We offer a competency model with three different variants for these three areas by combining three research methods: a literature review, focus groups and a quantitative study. Qualitative approaches will be particularly valuable in exploring the competence development of employees in action. The original 64-competencies 4 field matrix model would also continue to be used to study the empirical answers to specific research questions based on the DigComp 2.0 model using a quantitative survey in order to test hypotheses deriven from the literature review. To define competencies for I4.0 we will conduct a systematic literature review, which offers a rigorous view of research results. The focus group will be recruited from selected manufacturing companies in Lower Austria, the results are then recorded and transcribed. We will code the transcripts using the software MAXQA and combined an inductive with a deductive coding approach. The quantitative Competence Achievement Plan (CAP) evaluative research will study the adaptation of the competence model based on the original KODE-X model but modified over the next two years using a process of design-based research. The modification will be addressed through the use of design-based research (Design-based Research Collective, 2003) to support continuous improvement in the implementation of the model. Design-based research provides a useful methodology for researchers, practitioners and content area specialists to work together to produce meaningful change in context of practice Kelly (2003). This is systems-based research within a company setting the lens of design-based research is promising and needed. Our mixed-methods proposed work will be carried out in manufacturing companies through the LARA research consortium and integrating early stage researchers