21-COP-0044_Process Optimization and Industry 4.0

About this project

<p><span style="font-size: 11pt"><span style="font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;, sans-serif">Babes Bolyai University (BBU) has identified the opportunity for an educational program (1)targeting company processes and their optimization and (2)creating the proper mentality for practitioners, managers and entrepreneurs towards automation and Industry 4.0.<br> Long and fruitful cooperation with School of Business from University of South-Eastern Norway (USN), previous contacts with Tinius Olsen Fagskolen i Viken (TOFiV) and the already existing cooperation between USN and TOFiV in this area, represent the starting point for addressing the identified market opportunity.<br> Process Optimization and Industry 4.0 project aims to create a short term educational program with modular activities, organized on-site with simultaneously on-line broadcasting for those students unable to attend on-site lecture at that specific moment. Some specific activities will be organized on-line, under coordination of Norwegian professors, followed by an intensive on-site activity in the laboratory, during a study trip in Norway.<br> By cooperating in an international environment, universities (1) develop an educational program with huge potential, accomplishing their education duty for society and (2) create premises for applied research. Staff from all 3 universities involved will contribute to: the curricula / the content of lectures included in the curricula / the pilot program, assessment of concept and potential corrections. Their knowledge, experience and competences will play a key role for creating an attractive and useful curricula. Company visits, both in Romania and Norway, will clarify perception of staff from HEIs related to current business status, differences and common points between the two business environments.<br> Target groups for the project are staff of involved HEIs and students enrolled in the pilot program. Target groups for the educational program are graduates of business and technical schools, practitioners from business environment, managers and entrepreneurs.</span></span></p>

Bilateral cooperation results

Cooperation with the Norwegian partners has generated significant benefits for all involved parties in the project: institutions, staff and students. Having worked in mixed teams, we have experienced cultural differences and adaptability was essential. Romanian students have benefited from the pedagogical methods used by Norwegian professors, and needed to adapt to the Norwegian style methods of teaching/learning. Company visits both in Romania and Norwegia has highlighted the differences in perspectived when it comes to business models, digital and Industry 4.0 processes, planning, and efficiency. Another significant aspect is being subjected to the Norwegian lifestyle, through the social activities planned in Norway. Being able to participate in this project and being able to interact in the Industry 4.0 laboratory at Tinius Olsen has been crucial to understanding Industry 4.0. Romanian staff has also benefited from the project, by being in contact with the applied teaching and research methods at USN. Each mobility had assignnments specific to the topics of the project and have been joint decisitions of RO and NO staff. The curricula and learning materials as well as the submitted articles are results of this collaboration. Planning and discipline is important and while we have had setbacks in the implementation, we have dealt with the situations accordingly. There are plans to continue the on-going sucessful collaboration between institutions (this will be the 3rd project between us), and to submit new applications when financing will be available - it is something that is necessary and desired by all parties.

Project partners

• University of South-Eastern Norway (USN) Donor project partner· Norway
• Viken Vocational College Donor project partner· Norway