Autor: Niklas Obermann

Pre-Stages of GenAI Governance via Managerial Communication

Pre-Stages of GenAI Governance via Managerial Communication

Exploratory findings from SMEs in the Ruhr area
Niklas Obermann ORCID Icon, Uta Wilkens ORCID Icon, Antonia Weirich ORCID Icon, Matthias E. Cichon ORCID Icon, Jürgen Mazarov, Bernd Kuhlenkötter ORCID Icon
The governance of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) usage is often described as a formalized reporting system. This neglects the early-stage mechanisms of coping with ethical challenges during the GenAI implementation period. Exploratory empirical findings from the Ruhr area reveal that managerial communicative practices serve as a substitute for missing institutional structures, particularly at an early stage of GenAI implementation in SMEs.
Industry 4.0 Science | Volume 42 | Edition 1 | Pages 6-13 | DOI 10.30844/I4SE.26.1.6
AI Skills for Responsible Use

AI Skills for Responsible Use

Realistic learning environments, critical thinking, and role design in teams
Valentin Langholf ORCID Icon, Niklas Obermann ORCID Icon, Uta Wilkens ORCID Icon, Marco Kuhnke, Michael Prüfer
Artificial intelligence (AI) is changing the world of work. But how can work teams learn to use AI support in a way that delivers speed advantages and ensures consistently high quality? One possible approach is to test it in a workplace-like simulation. Trying it out under realistic conditions shows the role that critical thinking plays.
Industry 4.0 Science | Volume 42 | Edition 1 | Pages 100-107 | DOI 10.30844/I4SE.26.1.92
Mechanisms of GenAI Governance

Mechanisms of GenAI Governance

A case study on the responsible use of GenAI in organizations
Niklas Obermann ORCID Icon, Daniel Lupp ORCID Icon, Uta Wilkens ORCID Icon
Compared to traditional AI systems, generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) introduces user-dependent characteristics that create unique challenges for AI governance in organizations. These challenges are particularly tied to human factors, such as employee attitude, awareness, and skills, which are often neglected by existing governance frameworks. This qualitative case study examines how a manufacturing organization implemented GenAI governance mechanisms to foster the responsible use of this technology. The findings reveal that organizations should adopt a holistic approach, combining structural, procedural, and relational mechanisms to address employee-related aspects of GenAI governance. As a result, this study contributes to the growing field of GenAI governance and provides practical insights for its responsible use in organizations.
Industry 4.0 Science | Volume 41 | 2025 | Edition 5 | Pages 58-64 | DOI 10.30844/I4SE.25.5.58
Transforming Under Pressure

Transforming Under Pressure

An analysis of coping strategies along the value chain in agriculture
Niklas Obermann ORCID Icon, Saskia Hohagen ORCID Icon, Uta Wilkens ORCID Icon
The transformation in production offers the chance to redesign existing value chains. Cooperation between various ecological, social and governmental stakeholders is seen as particularly key to sustainable development. However, little research has been conducted into how companies can best manage the resulting interdependencies. Agriculture is used as an example to examine how businesses can activate resources along the value chain.
Industry 4.0 Science | Volume 40 | 2024 | Edition 5 | Pages 99-106 | DOI 10.30844/I4SE.24.5.99
Pathways to Responsible Use of AI at Work

Pathways to Responsible Use of AI at Work

An organizational change perspective
Valentin Langholf ORCID Icon, Uta Wilkens ORCID Icon, Daniel Lupp ORCID Icon, Niklas Obermann ORCID Icon
The integration of AI in Industry 4.0 is steadily increasing. Applications include both single-purpose and generative AI systems in operation practices as well as training approaches. In addition to the technical challenges posed by these systems, organizations need to assess, plan and support the organizational changes associated with technology integration.
Industry 4.0 Science | Volume 40 | 2024 | Edition 5 | Pages 58-66 | DOI 10.30844/I4SE.24.5.58