Current trends like the digital transformation and Industry 4.0 are challenging logistics management: flexible process development and optimization has been a primary concern in research in the last two decades. However, flexibility is limited by its underlying distribution of action and task knowledge. Thus, our objective is to develop an approach to optimize performance of logistics processes by dynamic (re-) configuration of knowledge in teams. One of the key assumptions for that approach is, that the distribution of knowledge has impact on team's performance. Consequently, we propose a formal specification for representing active resources (humans or smart machines) and distribution of action knowledge in multiagent-based simulation. In the second part of this paper, we analyze process quality in a psychologically validated laboratory case study. Our simulation results support our assumption, i.e., the results show that there is significant influence of knowledge distribution on process quality.
The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic and its accompanying restrictive measures have led to a sudden digitalization of all areas of work and to many knowledge workers now working entirely from home. Especially, the use of information and communication technologies (ICT) has been associated with negative outcomes such as technology overload. Interacting with technology is dynamic and employees often have to face negative ICT events that are related to the technology's characteristics (e.g., system reliability). In this preregistered study, we aimed to link ICT events with employees' technology overload during a phase of intensive telework. In a daily diary study over the course of 2 weeks, we investigated how ICT events impact technology overload. Additionally, we explored how technology overload as well as professional isolation due to current pandemic-related restrictions impacts employee strain. Multilevel regression modeling was used to explore the described relationships. ICT events were a significant predictor of technology overload and a significant interaction effect of objective technology expertise was found. Technology overload further impacts ICT-related strain. No significant effects were found regarding professional isolation. Gaining a better understanding of the relationship between ICT events, technology overload, and technology expertise during a phase of extensive telework will help to develop training and support for employees to improve their interaction with virtual communication systems during times of social distancing and beyond.
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