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Obsolescence in IT Work: Causes, Consequences and Counter-Measures

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Innovation Through Information Systems (WI 2021)

Part of the book series: Lecture Notes in Information Systems and Organisation ((LNISO,volume 48))

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Abstract

The fast-moving nature of information technology is causing frequent obsolescence of technologies and competences. Changes in the environment cause a reduction in the need and demand of old competences. This results in a depreciation of these old competences and a reduction in performance in comparison to individuals with up-to-date competences. Obsolescence is especially relevant for IT professionals because the technologies they work with, and thus the demanded competences, change particularly frequently. However, what effect does that have on the education and development of IT professionals and IT work? To answer that question, we have conducted a systematic literature review. We have analyzed 115 relevant hits and identified key aspects and issues for future research. Causes for obsolescence, consequences of obsolescence, and counter-measures against obsolescence are presented as the three central dimensions of the topic.

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  1. Professur Digitale Transformation, Technische Universität Dortmund, Dortmund, Germany

    Lisa Gussek, Lisa Schned & Manuel Wiesche

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  1. Lisa Gussek
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  2. Lisa Schned
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Correspondence to Lisa Gussek .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Faculty of Business Administration and Economics, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany

    Frederik Ahlemann

  2. Faculty of Business Administration and Economics, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany

    Reinhard Schütte

  3. Department of Computer Science and Applied Cognitive Science, University of Duisburg-Essen, Duisburg, Germany

    Stefan Stieglitz

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Gussek, L., Schned, L., Wiesche, M. (2021). Obsolescence in IT Work: Causes, Consequences and Counter-Measures. In: Ahlemann, F., Schütte, R., Stieglitz, S. (eds) Innovation Through Information Systems. WI 2021. Lecture Notes in Information Systems and Organisation, vol 48. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-86800-0_40

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-86800-0_40

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