The Impact of Automation, Robotization and AI on the Work Environment of Airport Ground Staff (TARA), 2023-2026
This project, with Åsa Cajander, Rebecca Cort, Jonathan Källbäcker, and Andreas Bergqvist, aims to investigate the impact of new technologies, such as automation, robotics, and AI, on the working environment of ground personnel in the aviation industry. By focusing on the experiences of loaders, airport technicians, and refuelling staff, the research seeks to fill critical knowledge gaps regarding the effects of these technologies on occupational health and safety. The project will also collaborate closely with the Transport Workers’ Union and Transport Employers’ Association to ensure the findings are used to proactively address potential workplace risks and create safer and more attractive working conditions in the aviation sector. Through a combination of field studies, interviews, surveys, and collaboration with industry stakeholders, this project aims to provide valuable insights and recommendations for the responsible implementation of new technologies in the aviation industry, focusing on improving the well-being of its workforce.
Adapting Computing Education for an AI-Driven Future: (EDU-AI, 2024-2026
The EDU-AI project, with Åsa Cajander, Mats Daniels, Sofia Ouhbi, Lars-Åke Nordén and a post-doctoral researcher, explores the impact of generative AI on computing education. This project comprises four stages to understand how generative AI affects IT professionals, students, and teaching methods. Work Package 1 examines generative AI adoption among IT professionals across three countries. Work Package 2 focuses on student perspectives, including attitudes and competency development. Work Package 3 evaluates teaching strategies for generative AI integration, and Work Package 4 synthesizes findings to offer recommendations. This project enhances computing education, preparing students for an AI-centric future, and strengthening the Department of Information Technology’s competitiveness in higher education.
Work Engagement in Automation, Robotics and Ai (AROA), 2023-2026
In response to the alarming global trends in employee work engagement, this pioneering project with Åsa Cajander, Jessica Lindblom, Rebecca Cort, Jonathan Källbäcker, and Andreas Bergqvist is dedicated to exploring the profound impact of automation, robotics, and AI on the workforce. Recent Gallup reports have raised concerns about plummeting work engagement levels, emphasizing the need to address the positive inner state of employees deeply immersed in their work. The paradox of automation and AI is that human involvement becomes even more crucial as these technologies become more efficient. This project investigates how this integration affects work engagement and the socio-technical dynamics of the workplace. By answering research questions and developing a comprehensive framework called AWARE (AI@work and woRk Engagement), this initiative aims to bridge the gap in understanding the interplay between AI and work engagement. Through qualitative methods, field studies, interviews, and interdisciplinary collaboration, we aspire to provide invaluable insights for industries grappling with the challenges and opportunities of AI@work.
Enhancing Caregiver Preparedness and Well-being for Head and Neck Cancer Patients, (Carer eSupport), 2020-2025
Awais Ahmad and Åsa Cajander from HTO work on this project with a multidisciplinary team from other departments. The project focuses on informal caregivers (ICs) assisting patients with head and neck cancer (HNC). These dedicated caregivers often face unmet needs, impacting their preparedness, burden, and health. We aim to evaluate the impact of internet-based support, “Carer eSupport,” through a randomized controlled trial (RCT), comparing it to standard care. We’re actively involving ICs in development, conducting focus group interviews and a feasibility study. Our goal is to enhance the well-being of ICs, reducing suffering for caregivers and patients. Join us in revolutionizing HNC caregiver support.
Empowering Caregivers: Designing IT Applications to Support Informal Caregivers (2019-2024)
Led by Shweta Premanandan and Åsa Cajander, our project aims to empower informal caregivers in Sweden through innovative Information Technology (IT) applications. Informal caregivers often face challenging responsibilities with limited support, making their role essential but overlooked. We create a usable IT application using persuasive design approaches that provide tailored information, virtual support spaces, and more. These tools enhance caregiving experiences and promote well-being. Our project contributes to Information Systems and Health Informatics by addressing caregivers’ diverse needs, improving their emotional well-being, and recognizing their vital role in healthcare.
AI’s Impact on the Work Environment (AI4Research), 2024
This project explores the multifaceted impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the modern workplace and is Åsa Cajander’s project for her AI4Research project 2024. Investigating both positive and negative aspects, we investigate how early adopters worldwide utilize AI in their work and its repercussions on their work environment. Additionally, we focus on healthcare professionals to understand AI’s influence in a highly technical healthcare setting. By addressing these research questions, we aim to deepen the understanding of AI’s effects on the work environment, bridging knowledge gaps in this evolving field and envisioning a future where AI fosters a sustainable and inclusive work environment.
ICT and advanced technology in the contemporary digital work environment and its association with occupational health
This postdoctoral project, led by Magdalena Ramstedt Stadin, aims to explore the influence of information and communication technology (ICT) and advanced technology on the work environment and occupational health from various perspectives. The project comprises two sub-studies, each employing a distinct research design. The first sub-study employs a qualitative approach within the field of eHealth, focusing on how registered nurses experience automated triage and counselling advice from a work environmental standpoint. Åsa Cajander is actively engaged in collaboration with the first sub-study. The second sub-study utilises a quantitative research design to explore the relationship between technostress, operationalised as ICT demands, and psychological health in the working population. This integrated approach is a key strength of the project, as it allows for a nuanced exploration of the complex interplay between technology, work environment, and occupational health.
Relationship between software sustainability and software quality
Jennifer Gross and Sofia Ouhbi are collaborating on a multi-disciplinary project focused on software sustainability and software quality. The sustainability of software systems presents a significant challenge for the IT community, given the growing adoption of software solutions in various fields. A crucial aspect in the design of sustainable software systems is the delivery of high-quality products to users without compromising their sustainability. The primary objective of this project is to identify novel approaches for designing software systems that strike an acceptable trade-off between software sustainability and quality-in-use (i.e., the quality perceived by end-users).