Abstract:

Job introduction is a critical process in forest machine operator companies. The employees need skills to sort tools and different types of waste to support sustainability and a circular economy. This case study focuses on supporting forest machine operator Motoajo's job introduction process in Finland. The research problem in this study is how to support job introduction with 360-degree virtual reality environment. The pedagogical experiment takes place in 1000 square feet warehouse facility Nurmes. The business goal was to make the job introduction process more efficient and precise. Therefore, the forest machine operators should claim that their employees have had job introduction covered. For example, they were dealing with waste and operating in the field.

The company started a 360 virtual reality project in 2021 autumn to support the introduction process. Earlier job introduction materials were examined. The prototype was launched in 2022 January, where we gathered feedback.

In data collection, we utilized multiple sources of evidence. First, we gathered data during Motoajo's employee interviews. We analyzed input with thematic analysis to determine how 360 virtual reality and videos supported or prevented the job introduction process. We gather observations during the process and figure out challenges. The findings could support companies' job introduction process.

As main findings we observed that 360-degree virtual reality environment reinforced the company job introduction process. Employees can see insight information videos by clicking hotspots in real context. Earlier job introduction material was mostly text and image-based. We tested two different platforms, and both were available for desktop and mobile devices.

Keywords:

Job introduction, virtual reality, 360 video, case study, thematic analysis, pedagogical experiment, forestry.