Dissertation
The automated enterprise: a narrative inquiry exploring worker perceptions of robotic process automation (RPA) in a global life sciences organization
Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), Drexel University
May 2021
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/00000336
Abstract
The implementation of Robotic Process Automation (RPA) is positioned to fundamentally transform the way the organizations operate, as RPA enables the organization to remove or significantly decrease the need for human labor in the functional areas in which automation is being deployed. The problem is the use of RPA technology in global life sciences organizations is a new phenomenon and, as a result, its impact on worker performance factors such as productivity, motivation and autonomy has yet to be fully determined. The purpose of this qualitative narrative inquiry was to explore the worker perceptions of RPA technology implemented for packaged drug inspection using a smart technology tool called AVI (Automated Vision Inspection) in the manufacturing division of PharmaCo, a global life sciences organization. The central research question was: How do workers perceive the influence of RPA on their overall performance in the workplace? Sub-questions were: 1) How do life sciences professionals perceive the influence of RPA on their motivation? 2) How do life sciences professionals perceive the influence of RPA on their productivity? And 3) How do life sciences professionals perceive the influence of RPA on their autonomy? The researcher interviewed ten inspectors via secure Zoom videoconferencing technology. Analysis of the data revealed three major themes: 1) AVI introduction issues; 2) AVI implementation challenges; and 3) AVI predictions for the future. Four results were identified: (a) the lack of clear communication and lack of inspector engagement negatively impacted inspectors' understanding of AVI; (b) the inspector-reported impact of AVI on productivity was varied; (c) the lack of inspector engagement in early implementation of AVI was demotivating to inspectors; and (d) inspectors predict the implementation of AVI will result in positive impacts for the organization and a new set of skills for inspectors.
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Details
- Title
- The automated enterprise
- Creators
- Mantel P. Featherson
- Contributors
- Deanna Hill (Advisor)
- Awarding Institution
- Drexel University
- Degree Awarded
- Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)
- Publisher
- Drexel University; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Number of pages
- 112 pages
- Resource Type
- Dissertation
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- School of Education (1997-2026); Drexel University
- Other Identifier
- 991014961549204721