Maritime Human-Technology-Organisation (HTO)
About the course
This PhD course provides an overview of the maritime sector’s three core pillars: the human element, technology, and organisation (HTO). The curriculum delves into the impact of these elements on maritime operations, emphasizing real-world challenges and contemporary technological advancements.
The course is compulsory for PhD candidates enrolled in the PH-NAU Programme. PhD candidates from other Norwegian or European PhD programmes are also eligible to enroll in this course as a stand-alone course.
The course will run physically only if more than 3 candidates sign up. If fewer than 3 candidates sign up for the course, it will be conducted as individual digital supervision by the personnel responsible for the course.
The course encompasses the following content:
Human (HVL)
• The human element in the maritime domain.
• Emerging trends and future challenges facing maritime personnel.
Technology (UiT)
• Relevant latest technological advancements in the maritime sector
• Multifaceted impact of technology on maritime safety
Organisation (USN)
• Organisational structure in the maritime domain. It consists of both formal and informal aspects that influence work activities.
• Trends and future challenges for maritime organisations.
Admission requirements
Objectives of the course
Knowledge
The candidate ...
- has advanced knowledge and understanding of the HTO dimension in the maritime domain,
- can evaluate the impact of HTO factors on maritime operations, and
- can evaluate the HTO challenges and opportunities in the maritime domain.
Skills
The candidate ...
- can identify and analyze complex academic issues associated with HTO in the maritime domain,
- can propose, carry out and evaluate maritime research studies at a high international standard,
- can critically assess the maritime HTO issues, identifying their related viability and constraints.
General Competence
The candidate ...
- can critically assess the impact of emerging maritime technologies (e.g., automation, digitalisation, decision-support systems) on human roles and organisational performance,
- can analyse and identify interactions between human performance, technological systems and organisational structures.
- can develop and carry out new research studies in the maritime domain, and
- can communicate new knowledge of maritime research and development projects.
A detailed description of the learning outcomes and objectives for each module will be provided in its respective program.
Teaching methods
The course consists of three modules, each delivered as seminars or workshops.
Each module spans approximately 2-3 consecutive workdays, and may include lectures, discussions, preparatory assignments, group work, laboratory exercises, industry presentations, and site visits.
These three modules are held at the three cooperating universities:
• Human: Western Norway University of Applied Sciences (campus Haugesund)
• Technology: UiT The Arctic University of Norway (campus Tromsø).
• Organisation: University of South-Eastern Norway (campus Vestfold)
The dates for the modules will be communicated no later than 5 weeks prior to first module. A detailed module programme and the pre-assignment instructions will be announced prior to each module start.
Language of instruction and examination
EnglishSchedule
The schedules are normally finalized and published well in advance of the start of the semester, often a few weeks beforehand. This gives students the opportunity to organize their studies and prepare for upcoming activities.
It is recommended to check the schedule regularly, as changes may occur.
Examination
| Assignment |
Grade: Passed / Not Passed |
To take an examination, the student must have passed the following coursework requirements
| Module 1 - participation | Grade: Approved – not approved |
| Module 2 - participation | Grade: Approved – not approved |
| Module 3 - participation | Grade: Approved – not approved |
| Peer review | Grade: Approved – not approved |
Everything you need to know about before, during, and after the exam; registration, absence, appeals, and diplomas: UiT Exams homepage
More info about the coursework requirements
Candidates are required to attend all three modules conducted at the three cooperating universities and to complete the corresponding module assignments.
These module assignments may take the form of presentations, group work, or written reports.
Candidates are also required to complete a peer-review exercise based on a relevant manuscript.
More info about the assignment
Submission tasks
The exam requires candidates to write a manuscript (6,000 words ±10%) demonstrating the application of course content from the three modules: maritime human, technology and organization, to their own PhD project.
The manuscript must be equivalent to an academic article in its depth and quality, and should be critical and reflective in nature.