1. Critically evaluate the core technologies and principles of Industry and strategic implications of contemporary industry transformations

University Learning Outcome: Knowledge and Understanding, Critical Reasoning Digital Literacy

2. Apply socio-technical systems thinking to analyse the transformation of organisational structures, workforce roles, and human–machine transformations contemporary Industry contexts

University Learning Outcome: Application & Problem Solving, Critical Reasoning & Collaboration Reflection

3. Design a digital and socio-technical transformation strategy that integrates technological, human, ethical and sustainability considerations

University Learning Outcome: Application & Problem Solving, Critical Reasoning & Collaboration, Personal development & Entrepreneurship

4. Critically reflect on the digital leadership competencies, collaborative strategies and ethical considerations required to effectively lead Contemporary Industry transformations

University Learning Outcome: Reflection, Critical Reasoning & Collaboration,Knowledge & Understanding

1. Digital & Socio-Technical Transformation Strategy Report (Individual – 70%)

Students will scope and evaluate contemporary technologies (e.g., AI, robotics, IoT, digital twins, human-centric automation), analyse operational, organisational, and socio-technical impacts, and develop a strategic roadmap integrating technological, human, ethical, and sustainability considerations. They will also assess digital maturity (SWOT/PESTLE), identifying key risks and enablers for effective transformation.

(LOs covered: 1, 2, 3)

2. Group Panel Presentation (Group – 30%)

Topic: “Is Contemporary Industry. Is it more about technology or people?”

Working in groups, students will research and present a structured panel exploring the balance between technological innovation and human, socio-cultural factors. Leadership, ethical, and collaborative considerations in digital transformations. Critical stakeholder perspectives, encouraging dialogue and reflective insights.

(LOs covered: 4)

Professional Body requirements for Engineering students mean that for them, a minimum overall score of 50% is required to pass this module, with a minimum mark of 40% in each element of assessment.

This module explores the transformational impact of Industry, contemporary industry technologies on organisations, supply chains, business models, and workforce dynamics. It enables students to critically engage with the strategic and operational implications of digitalisation, robotics, IoT, AI, automation, and cyber-physical systems — while also reflecting on the socio-technical challenges of managing change in a rapidly evolving industrial landscape.

Indicative content includes Digital and socio-technical transformation strategies, Internet of Things (IoT), AI, robotics, blockchain, digital twins, Smart manufacturing and warehousing, Cyber-physical systems and data integration, Human–machine collaboration; socio-technical theory, Change leadership in digital contexts, Ethical and sustainability issues in automation, Workforce transformation, upskilling, and digital inclusion.

This module enables you to examine the strategic and operational implications of Contemporary Industry transformations — the convergence of digital, physical, and biological technologies — on modern organisations. You will explore how technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, automation, and cyber-physical systems are reshaping business models, value chains, and workforce dynamics. Emphasising a socio-technical systems approach, the module encourages you to critically reflect on the human, ethical, and organisational challenges of leading digital transformation in complex environments. You will develop the analytical, strategic, and leadership capabilities required to design and lead Contemporary Industry initiatives with sustainability, inclusivity, and agility in mind.

This module is delivered with a mixture of taught lectures and tutorials, supported by independent student learning, research, guided reading, and online webcasts/videos.

Various white papers from companies like Honeywell and Rockwell automation

Werbik, A.; Nussbaum, J.; Winter, J. (2024). Coming Home in the Age of Industry 4.0? The Effects of Offshoring and Backshoring on Manufacturing Companies' Success. Sustainability, 6(4), 58. https://doi.org/10.3390/sci6040058

Griffiths, F., & Ooi, G. (2021). Digital Transformation and Human Experience: A Socio-Technical Systems Approach. Springer.

Schwab, K. & David, N. (2018). Shaping The Future of the Fourth Industrial Revolution – A guide to building a better world, Crown Publishing

Kagermann, H., Wahlster, W., & Helbig, J. (2013). Recommendations for implementing the strategic initiative INDUSTRIE 4.0. Acatech.

Morrar, R., Arman, H., & Mousa, S. (2017). The Fourth Industrial Revolution (Industry 4.0): A Social Innovation Perspective. Technology Innovation Management Review, 7(11), 12–20.

Brettel, M., Friederichsen, N., Keller, M., & Rosenberg, M. (2014). How Virtualization, Decentralization and Network Building Change the Manufacturing Landscape: An Industry 4.0 Perspective. International Journal of Mechanical, Aerospace, Industrial, Mechatronic and Manufacturing Engineering.

Westerman, G., Bonnet, D., & McAfee, A. (2014). Leading Digital: Turning Technology into Business Transformation. Harvard Business Review Press.

Porter, M.E., & Heppelmann, J.E. (2014). How Smart, Connected Products Are Transforming Competition. Harvard Business Review.

Wang, K., et al. (2016). Cloud-Based Smart Manufacturing for Industry 4.0: A Review of Research Challenges. Computers in Industry.

Brennen, S., & Kreiss, D. (2016). Digitalization and Digitization. Culture Digitally.

European Commission Reports on Digital Transformation and the Future of Work.

The University Library and Learning Resources
Westlaw e-library
The module VLE (LMS T & L material)
Selected contemporary problem/practice-based case examples