The article examines the relationship between lean production and Industrie 4.0 focusing on the question of autonomy in the work process. In contrast to the claim made by official Industrie 4.0 concepts that the autonomy of the employees would increase, we see in the current implementation...

Production reports from a set of Chinese factories reveal very rapid productivity growth from 1980 to 1991. To understand the underlying factors, the effects of work effort and labor organization are separated from the productivity estimates. Data analysis reveals that these two effects jointly...

The smart glove or smart data glasses: Digitalization of work means that technology is moving closer to the bodies of employees. It can make movements, vital signs and even emotions visible. Technologies which many people use privately to monitor their sporting activities or health opens up a...

This study examines the impact of systemic pillars on technological capabilities in garment manufacturing in Laos. The evidence shows that garment manufacturing employment rose strongly over the period 2000–2006 but has been confined to low value added activities because of low technological...