Supermarkets are continually changing in terms of new digital technologies that have automated many processes that used to be performed by employees.
This learning engagement has the following learning intentions:
- To understand that digital systems have changed the way that supermarkets operate.
- To understand that automation has an impact on employment
- The types of jobs that may be replaced by automation
- The types of jobs that remain despite automation
- The types of jobs that have been created due to automation
- The types of jobs that have been changed due to automation
QUICK OVERVIEW
- With software and machines automating more work, companies no longer need to hire as many employees, and some people may find themselves out of a job if a computer program is able to do their work.
- As of 2021, one in three workers are at risk of their job being automated in the next 10 years.
- However, very few jobs will be fully automated. In these jobs, it is expected that tasks will evolve, and workers will have to adapt to the new environment.
- Jobs in unpredictable environments, such as caregivers, gardeners and plumbers, have some protection as they are difficult to automate and less financially lucrative to developers.
ACTIVITY 1: DIGITAL SYSTEMS IN A SUPERMARKET
TUNING IN: BRAINSTORM and DISCUSSION
What does a typical supermarket look like today – on butchers’ paper in groups – sketch and annotate the digital systems/digital experiences that a customer may encounter when shopping at a supermarket like Coles or Woolworths.
You should consider:
- The data gathered and stored about the customer
- The data about the products in the store (the inventory)
- The link between the data gathered about the customer and the products
VIDEO PROMPTS:
Videos to play after 5-7 minutes so that students can add to their butchers’ paper
【4K】Walking Around Supermarket in Australia | Coles – Brisbane Queensland【VR】
COLES SUPERMARKET SELF SERVICE CHECKOUT – how it works! January 2020
AREAS TO DISCUSS
This is the important learning….pay attention!
Now consider the employees in the supermarket:
- What jobs do you see employees doing at the supermarket?
- For each job:
- Is it a new/adaptation of a job due to automation?
- Is it the same job?
- Is it a completely new job?
- What about employment numbers: which areas do you think has seen an increase in employment and which do you see has had a decrease in employment?
- What types of jobs are off-site?
EXAMPLES OF A03 QUESTIONS
Discuss the opportunities and challenges for employees in the supermarket retail sector.
To what extent have the advances in digital systems changed employment opportunities in the retail sector?
| Marks | Level descriptor |
| 0 | The work does not reach a standard described by the descriptors below. |
| 1–2 | The response shows limited understanding of the demands of the question.
There is limited relevant knowledge. The response is descriptive and consists mostly of unsupported generalizations. The response has limited organization or is only a list of items. |
| 3–4 | The response shows some understanding of the demands of the question.
Some relevant knowledge is demonstrated, but this is not always accurate and may not be used appropriately or effectively. The response moves beyond description to include some analysis, but this is not always sustained or effective. The response is partially organized. |
| 5–6 | The response shows adequate understanding of the demands of the question.
Response demonstrates adequate and effective analysis supported with relevant and accurate knowledge. The response is adequately organized. |
| 7–8 | The response is focused and demonstrates an in-depth understanding of the demands of the question.
Response demonstrates evaluation and synthesis that is effectively and consistently supported with relevant and accurate knowledge. The response is well-structured and effectively organized. |
ACTIVITY 2: THE HIVE
The video below is about The Hive in London. It is a behind the scenes of online supermarket shopping.
You will see different processes from
- Products being delivered to the warehouse
- Robots selecting products
- Products being packed.
- Products being delivered
You will note that there are a lot of cars in the car park which means that there are employees working in the Hive. As you watch the video, you are to note the processes/jobs that are carried out by the employees.
Our goal is to determine which jobs are now automated, which jobs currently remain and which jobs may have been created.
Behind the scenes of the robots packing your shopping | The Gadget Show
ACTIVITY 3: CONCEPT CONNECTIONS TASK
This is a CRITICAL THINKING TASK – it is HARD!
What you are required to do:
- You will select two of the following concepts and respond to the question posed with the concept.
- Each response should have at least two examples, preferably (if appropriate) one from the first task, our Coles/Woolworth supermarket and one from the Hive.
- It is expected that each response will be between 100 – 150 words.
- A good response will have an example that may challenge the question in addition to examples that support the question.
For example, with identity, you may provide an example to show how automation may have a positive impact on some workers’ identity. Likewise for power, you may provide an example where the power relationship may have impacted positively as well as negatively the relationship between companies and employees.
QUESTIONS:
Identity: The identity of workers is often linked to the type of work they do. How has automation impacted workers’ identity?
Power: Power is embedded and exercised through digital systems. How has automation impacted the power relationship between companies and employees?
Space: How does the warehouse environment change when humans and robots work side by side? Is it more or less human orientated?
Systems: Automation involves complex technologies, both digital and other types. Are human elements considered in the design of these systems?
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