The 4SiM project is managed through a structured and transparent approach led by the coordinator, OULU. The project manager oversees all administrative, financial, and reporting activities, ensuring that progress aligns with project goals. Monthly sprint meetings and digital tools such as Trello and Teams enable effective coordination, tracking, and communication across all partners. Inclusive and accessible design principles guide every activity, ensuring equal participation for all. Green and digital practices reduce environmental impact and promote sustainable collaboration. Through strong stakeholder engagement and continuous monitoring, WP1 ensures smooth implementation, efficient budget control, and timely delivery of results that strengthen cooperation and innovation within European manufacturing.
Scalable Socio-Technical System Simulation in Manufacturing
4SiM is an Erasmus+ initiative that combines case-based learning, problem-based learning (PBL), and industrial simulations enhanced with generative AI. The platform develops decision-making skills in complex socio-technical manufacturing systems and measures learner motivation through the ARCS/IMMS framework.
About the project
Objectives: 4SiM develops an AI-supported platform for case-based and simulation-driven learning of socio-technical systems in manufacturing. The goal is to strengthen competencies for Industry 4.0/5.0 by combining academic and industrial practices, focusing on quality, safety, human factors, and integrated management systems.
Implementation: (1) Creating a shared requirements and knowledge database based on scientific research and stakeholder needs; (2) Integrating it into a simulation model and developing interactive case-based learning modules with AI assistants; (3) Conducting extensive piloting and iterative improvements. Open access to results and multi-modal dissemination ensure scalability and sustainability.
Results: The 4SiM platform and its learning cases will be introduced into partner curricula and made publicly available. The project is expected to significantly enhance the future-readiness of European manufacturing education and workforce training.
WP1: "Project Management" (key facts)
WP2: "Creating 4SiM Database"
We are building a shared database of requirements covering quality, safety, human factors, and Lean production processes. The materials include structured case studies, interviews with AI characters (CEO, quality manager, operator), and examples of industrial best practices, ready to be used in teaching and training.
WP3: "4SiM Integration"
The database is integrated into a simulation model with AI-based learning support. Students work through realistic scenarios such as quality management failures or process bottlenecks, interact with AI characters, and explore the dynamics of socio-technical systems through simulation-driven problem solving.
WP4: "4SiM Testing and Validation"
The platform is tested through multiple pilot iterations across partner universities. Engagement, motivation (ARCS/IMMS), learning outcomes, and usability are monitored using quantitative and qualitative methods to refine and validate the learning design.
WP5: "Dissemination, Exploitation and Sustainability"
All results, tools, and guides are published openly. The consortium organizes workshops, webinars, and networking events to promote the adoption of the 4SiM platform in higher education and industry training, ensuring long-term impact and sustainability.
Partners
UNIVERSITY OF OULU (Finland)
HELLENIC INSTITUTE FOR OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY (Greece)
UNIVERSITY OF KRAGUJEVAC (Serbia)
TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY DUBLIN (Ireland)
Spindox Labs srl (Italy)
Planned results and resources
Working paper (planned)
Case design, ARCS/IMMS instrument, and pilot study (n=203): key findings and educational implications.
Instrument: Adapted IMMS (36)
Online/self-learning version including reverse-scored items and scoring guidelines.
Pilot summary
Differences in motivation dimensions and effects of age and experience — insights for course design.