Methodological approaches to analysing Industry 4.0 digital technologies in change management at enterprises

Abstract

The aim of this article is to summarize and systematize methodological approaches to analyzing Industry 4.0 digital technologies in change management within enterprises. We achieved this aim by employing methods of structural-logical analysis, comparison, and theoretical generalization. In this article, we examined process-based, systems-based, analytical, adaptive, project-based, risk-oriented, competence-based, communication-based, comparative, and  organizational-behavioral approaches, as well as the digital maturity approach to analyzing Industry 4.0 digital technologies in change management at enterprises. The results of the study enabled us to establish that different methodological approaches offer varying capabilities for assessing the digital transformation of enterprises. We have demonstrated that a single approach does not provide a comprehensive analysis of digital change. In this article, we emphasize the value of combining multiple approaches based on the analysis's objectives, the enterprise’s level of digital maturity, and the specific characteristics of organizational change. We have determined that the comprehensive use of methodological approaches enables a more objective understanding of the impact of Industry 4.0 digital technologies on change management within enterprises and reduces the risk of piecemeal implementation of digital solutions. In our conclusions, we demonstrate that systematizing methodological approaches to analyzing Industry 4.0 digital technologies provides a theoretical foundation for improving the effectiveness of change management within enterprises. The study shows that a comprehensive analysis of digital technologies can be used as an analytical and management tool in the process of digital transformation. On the one hand, this approach enables businesses to assess their readiness for digital change and identify problematic aspects of management. On the other hand, the analysis results provide a basis for management decisions aimed at improving business processes and enhancing enterprises’ adaptability to changes in the external environment. In the long term, these initiatives will contribute to a more informed implementation of Industry 4.0 digital technologies and to improved effectiveness in organizational change management.