Main challenges and best practices to be adopted in management training for Industry 4.0

Purpose The objectives of this study are twofold: identify the main challenges in performing training on Industry 4.0 concepts to managers operating in the manufacturing sector who are not familiar with them but aspire for an Industry 4.0 broad view and validate training practices that can be adopted to reduce managerial knowledge differences. Design/methodology/approach A Delphi method was carried out in two rounds to identify the Industry 4.0 training challenges and a Fuzzy Delphi method was applied in one round to validate the training practices. Both methods used the same set of participants composed of experts in training for Industry 4.0. Results were discussed considering literature statements. Findings In total, 11 challenges in Industry 4.0 training were identified and grouped into: challenges associated with the necessary knowledge, challenges of breaking paradigm, challenges associated with training characteristics and challenges associated with expected results. In total, 11 training practices were directly validated, including actions to be adopted before, during, and after the training process. Originality/value The findings are relevant for professionals, academics, or consultants as the findings enable better training planning and execution. No similar papers were found in scientific databases, reinforcing this present study's originality and contribution.

Automated summary

The purpose of this study is to identify the main challenges in training managers in the manufacturing sector who are not familiar with Industry 4.0 concepts but aspire to have a broad view of Industry 4.0, and to validate training practices that can reduce knowledge differences. Through the use of Delphi and Fuzzy Delphi methods, 11 training challenges and 11 training practices were identified. These findings are of value to professionals, academics, or consultants.