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Emerging Roles of Small and Medium Enterprises in the Fourth Industrial Revolution in Africa

  • Authors: Adegbite, Waliu M. , Govender, Cookie M.
  • Date: 2021
  • Subjects: SME 4.0 , Fourth Industrial Revolution , SME Hub
  • Language: English
  • Type: Article
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/489579 , uj:44644 , Citation: Adegbite, W.M. and Govender, C.M., 2021. Emerging Roles of Small and Medium Enterprises in the Fourth Industrial Revolution in Africa. Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences, 12(6), pp.151-151. , ISSN: 2039-2117 , DOI: https://doi.org/10.36941/mjss-2021-0065
  • Description: Abstract: The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) is more than just technology-driven change, disruptive innovation impacts core industries, including the informal sector. Expectedly, the revolution will raise the level of innovation and creativity of the manufacturing SMEs through the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT). Unfortunately, fewer studies attempted to examine the knowledge level of SME’s adoption of 4IR technologies, and their benefits to the sector in low-income countries, especially in Africa. This research paper takes a closer look at the expected roles of SMEs. It examines the emerging roles of SMEs in the 4IR towards sectoral growth and intending transformation of the informal sector in Africa. Twenty-nine studies dealing with this range of topics are examined in the framework of a systematic review. Although the reviews showed that the level of awareness on the benefits of adopting 4IR technologies in manufacturing SMEs is increasing, research has not highlighted the specific roles expected of SMEs in the digital revolution, especially in low-income countries like Africa. The study identified from the literature that if SMEs are fully transited into industry 4.0, small businesses in Africa will mobilise future jobs, create a new business model, and promote the internationalization of SME products, among others. The study proposed a framework to facilitate the role of SMEs in the 4IR. A unique regional approach towards governance and cooperation focusing on 4IR to grow the activities of the SMEs for regional development may be necessary for Africa.
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Towards ensuring the sustainability of South African small and medium enterprises in the fourth industrial revolution era.

  • Authors: Adelowotan, Michael
  • Date: 2021
  • Subjects: Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) , Disruptive Technologies , Fourth Industrial Revolution
  • Language: English
  • Type: Journal article
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/490395 , uj:44746 , Citation: Adelowotan, M., 2021. Towards Ensuring the Sustainability of South African Small and Medium Enterprises in the Fourth Industrial Revolution Era. Eurasian Journal of Business and Management, 9(1), pp.38-46. , DOI: 10.15604/ejbm.2021.09.01.003
  • Description: Abstract: The reality of the presence of disruptive technologies of the fourth industrial revolution (4IR) era has dawned on everyone. However, the narratives have centered on how these technologies will aid the production and delivery of goods and services in a more efficient and transparent manner based on increased data accumulation and analysis. The focus of these technologies has been on how large manufacturing and service organizations can automate the development of processes, products and services. The question is “how will the small and medium enterprises survive in the 4IR era?” This paper will attempt to answer this question by considering and examining how the South African small and medium enterprises can seize the opportunities provided by the technologies of the fourth industrial revolution era for their development and sustainability thereby contributing to the socio-economic development and growth of the South African nation. The findings show that in spite of the concerns with respect to perceived threats of loss of jobs, increase in inequality, unemployment and poverty in view of the emerging technologies of the 4IR, the development of a well-articulated policy directions and strategy on the fourth industrial revolution by government coupled with a positive response by the business community will afford the entrepreneurs the opportunity to participate in the newly created supply chains and markets. Furthermore, the new technologies of the 4IR will result in the expansion of labor demand through increased productivity thereby creating new jobs that will far outweigh the old jobs lost through digitalization.
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Robot adoption and FDIs driven transformation in the automotive industry

  • Authors: Anzolin, Guendalina Maria , Antonello, Zanfei
  • Date: 2020
  • Subjects: Automotive , Industrial policy , Fourth Industrial Revolution
  • Language: English
  • Type: Article
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/463889 , uj:41416
  • Description: Abstract: This paper explores the relationship between inward FDIs and industrial robots adoption, across different segments of the automotive value chain. Using IFR and fDiMarket data at a fine level of disaggregation of the automotive sector, we illustrate to what extent FDIs could act as a trigger for upgrade through advanced production technology diffusion in 34 countries over 2005-2014. We find that different groups of countries and different segments of the value chain are characterised by distinct patterns of FDI and robot adoption. While there exists some correlation between FDIs and robot adoption in the OEMs segment, it seems less so for components. Moreover, some emerging countries are characterised by a much higher correspondence between FDIs and robot adoption than others, possibly revealing an important role played by the industrial ecosystem characterising strong adopters of this process technology.
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Effect of the Fourth Industrial Revolution on Road Transport Asset Management Practice in Nigeria

  • Authors: Gambo, Nuru , Musonda, Innocent
  • Date: 2020
  • Subjects: Fourth Industrial Revolution , Road asset , Management practices
  • Language: English
  • Type: Article
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/458307 , uj:40702 , Gambo, N., Musonda, I.: Effect of the Fourth Industrial Revolution on Road Transport Asset Management Practice in Nigeria.
  • Description: Abstract: Poor management practices of road transport assets posed a challenge to the sustainable development of the transport system in developing countries like Nigeria. Studies in the past focused mainly on the performance of road construction process. However, few studies have evaluated the effect of the fourth industrial revolution (4.0IR) on the road transport assets in developing countries such as Nigeria. The current study aimed at assessing the effect of the fourth industrial revolution towards improving the management practice of road transport assets. Survey instruments were administered to project and facility managers in the Nigerian road construction sector of the economy using a proportionate random sampling technique. Partial least square structural equation modelling was used for data analysis utilising the Warp 7.0 PLS-SEM software algorithm. The software calculates p-values with WarpPLS based on non-parametric algorithms, resampling or stable algorithms and thus does not require that the variables to be normally distributed. The study concluded that 4.0IR drivers have a moderate effect change on the management practice of road transport assets in Nigeria at the moment. The findings imply that management of road assets in Nigeria would moderately improve due to 4.0IR technologies resulting in transport, safety and general efficiency and effectiveness of road networks in Nigeria. The study identified 4.0IR drivers to include; robotics, mobility, virtual and augmented reality, internet of things and cloud computing, machine learning, artificial intelligence, blockchain, 3D printing drones that are built with an attached 3D printer, (the drone hangs a 3D printing nozzle that's fed plastic, concrete mix or other material from a tube connected to the top of the drone's printing path that precisely plotted by software, for a promised printing accuracy of 0.1mm),and digital engineering. This study emanated from the government reports and past studies in the area of road transport asset management practice which the study investigated the major causes of poor practices and assessed the effect of the fourth industrial revolution on the practice.
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Knowledge Production on Fourth Industrial Revolution in the ECOWAS Region in Africa : A Scientometric Analysis

Africa in the Fourth Industrial Revolution : a status quaestionis, from the cultural to the phenomenological

  • Authors: Lamola, M. John
  • Date: 2021
  • Subjects: Afrocentric technology , Fourth Industrial Revolution , philosophy of technology
  • Language: English
  • Type: Article
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/481378 , uj:43616 , Citation: Lamola, M.J. 2021. Africa in the Fourth Industrial Revolution : a status quaestionis, from the cultural to the phenomenological.
  • Description: Abstract: As the prevailing marker of the development of human productive forces, and as utilised as a historical paradigm for the justification of Artificial Intelligence technologies as the necessary and eventual feature of human life, the Fourth Industrial Revolution is driven by cultural assumptions and intellectual presuppositions that are informed by the presently hegemonic Western intellectual heritage. The problem identified and elucidated in this chapter is that this epistemic status of this socio-industrial development is set asymmetrically against Africa. Africa does not produce but mainly consume and use these technologies that are designed and manufactured in alien cultural settings. I here go further and highlight that this problem does not only have cultural and geopolitical implications, but that it has fundamental existential ramifications, as the dynamics of human-technology interaction as unveiled by the postphenomenological method indicate that technology does frame human self-knowledge and modes of sociality. Casting this as both an epistemological and socio-ontological crisis, the chapter declares that this status quo, the skewed appropriation of A.I. technologies by Africa, and the effects thereof, constitute a status quaestionis, an an imperative for critical systematic exploration.
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The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) and IT Projects : managing projects of the future

  • Authors: Madikane, Zizile , Tshabalala, Mothepane
  • Date: 2021
  • Subjects: Projects 4.0 , Fourth Industrial Revolution , Agile practices
  • Language: English
  • Type: Article
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/488027 , uj:44446 , Madikane, Z. & Tshabalala, M. 2021. The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) and IT Projects : managing projects of the future.
  • Description: Abstract: The discipline of project management has matured over the years, dating back to the traditional waterfall methodology to the most recent project management methodology, which is the agile framework. In every era, the management of projects has been a prevalent field. Agile project management in the information technology (IT) industry, is the most recent and popular framework for project management, as it provides practices that support adaptive planning and continuous improvement. The fourth industrial revolution (4IR) is an era that introduces new, advanced and complex projects, more specifically IT projects. The management of these projects in the 4th industrial revolution calls for major changes to the current way of managing projects. This research paper discusses managing projects in the 4th industrial revolution, the goal is to evaluate whether agile project management practices will be sufficient for executing projects 4.0. by examining the competencies and skills needed to facilitate the delivery of such complex and high technological projects. The 4th industrial revolution is an era that is greatly focused on big data, artificial intelligence, machine learning and robotics; these factors will impact the dynamics of project management as a profession. The objective of this research study is to establish how project management will thrive in such times. The methodology used is the quantitative method using survey/questionnaire as the data collection strategy. The paper will begin with the review of literature, which includes the introduction, followed by the research objectives and methodology, and research questions. Lastly the paper presents the analysis of data followed by recommendations and conclusion.
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Challenges Implementing the Fourth Industrial Revolution: South African Rural Health System

Challenges implementing the Fourth Industrial Revolution : South African rural health system

  • Authors: Mangwanya, Maonei Gladys , Uwizeyimana, Dominique Emmanuel
  • Date: 2021
  • Subjects: Fourth Industrial Revolution , 4IR , Primary healthcare
  • Language: English
  • Type: Journal article
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/493698 , uj:45004 , Citation: Mangwanya, M.G. & Uwizeyimana, D.E. 2021. Challenges implementing the Fourth Industrial Revolution : South African rural health system.
  • Description: Abstract: The purpose of this article is to explore the challenges facing the rural health sector in South Africa and how the introduction of Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) technologies can assist in resolving some of these problems. While the 4IR has many potential technologies to improve the public health sector in South Africa, it also reveals many challenges facing the country and the governmental organisations responsible for delivering public services and the implementation of government programmes. South Africa’s public health service delivery and its health outcomes have been poor, if not critical, for many years. With the country’s under-resourced and overburdened healthcare systems, there is a chance to take advantage of the 4IR technologies to try and improve health service delivery in rural areas of South Africa. The aim of this article was to assess the challenges faced by the South African government in its attempt to use 4IR technologies to improve rural health systems. The article used a qualitative research approach based on the document review method using the desktop method. Despite the perceived benefits of the new technologies to improve healthcare services in South Africa, there is still a lack of human and material resources to execute the technological advancements in rural areas. The study showed that some of the biggest challenges faced by the South African government include lack of infrastructure, underfunding, and lack of skills for new technologies. Recommendations were made to create awareness and equip the health workforce with skills for new technologies.
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Female School Leaders and the Fourth Industrial Revolution in South Africa

  • Authors: Naidoo, Virginia , Potokri, Onoriode Collins
  • Date: 2021
  • Subjects: Fourth Industrial Revolution , Technology , 4IR leadership skills
  • Type: Article
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/486873 , uj:44300 , Citation: Naidoo, V. & Potokri, O.C. 2021. 1 Female School Leaders and the Fourth Industrial Revolution in South Africa.
  • Description: Abstract: The study explored the leadership skills required to adequately prepare female leaders in South African schools for the fourth industrial revolution. It was conducted with female education specialists, principals, deputy principals and heads of department at primary and secondary schools in South Africa. Both private and public schools were selected. A generic qualitative approach was used with individual and focus group interviews to collect data. Data analysis was conducted using a thematic inductive approach. Themes were generated from clusters of information relating to the research objectives and interview questions. The findings include the skills required for females to effectively lead schools for the 4IR era and the support required for female leaders to become better 4IR-aligned leaders in South African schools. The study revealed that female leaders recognize the need to adjust their leadership skills to the rapidly changing technological environment in schools. The study further revealed that support for development is lacking in public schools while private schools offer more mentoring and coaching of leaders to become 4IR-aligned. It is thus clear that leadership support or development, especially in public schools, requires effective administration and communication to ensure that schools receive the level of support that is drafted and structured at national government level.
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Open governance for improved service delivery Innovation in South Africa

  • Authors: Nel, Danielle
  • Date: 2020
  • Subjects: Fourth Industrial Revolution , Innovation , Open governance
  • Language: English
  • Type: Article
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/416002 , uj:35172 , Citation: Nel, D. Open governance for improved service delivery Innovation in South Africa.
  • Description: Abstract: , The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) is the current and developing environment in which changing technologies and trends such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence (AI) are changing the way governments function. Governments are increasingly facing new risks and opportunities due to the advancement of the 4IR. Governments need to find ways to adapt to the 4IR. Innovation is a prerequisite for adapting to the 4IR. The aim of this article is to determine the level of public service delivery innovation (SDI) in South Africa in the context of the 4IR. The analysis in this article is based on secondary data and documentary analysis, including unsolicited government documents, reports and legislation, and authoritative scholarly literature. A number of innovation measures for improved service delivery have been adopted in South Africa. These efforts are not, however, embedded within the wider public service, and efforts to improve SDI should be considered. In a global environment of resource constraints and constant change, open governance through multi-stakeholder collaboration may present strategic opportunities to facilitate innovation. The aim of these initiatives is to enhance transparency and accountability, and to facilitate public service delivery and citizen participation.
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Disruptive technologies and finance professionals engagement : post Covid-19 survival signal

  • Authors: Salawu, Mary Kehinde , Moloi, Tankiso
  • Date: 2021
  • Subjects: Fourth Industrial Revolution , Finance industry , Digital Currency
  • Language: English
  • Type: Journal article
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/493787 , uj:44782 , Citation: Salawu, M. K. and Moloi, T. 2021. Disruptive technologies and finance professionals engagement : post Covid-19 survival signal.
  • Description: Abstract: The reality of the fourth industrial revolution (4IR) has been forced on the less tech-savvy by the disruptive virus popularly known as covid-19. In this context, the responsiveness of finance professionals to job-related disruptive technology prior Covid-19 is a key indicator to their survival in the 4IR era. The study investigated the extent to which the Nigerian finance professionals engaged in online transactions prior the global pandemic. It also examined the level of ownership of digital currency both by individual finance professionals and by the organizations they work for. Quantitative data were purposively sourced from a sample of 250 accounting professionals which were selected from a population of 1300 using a structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and correlation analysis were employed to analyse data. In spite of the high level of engagement with online transaction, results revealed a low level of ownership of digital currency among professionals and zero level of ownership by organisations. The study signaled a low level of responsiveness to digital currency transactions, which has a high potential of displacing the service of finance professionals in the near future. The study concluded that the apathy exhibited by the finance professional prior covid-19 could deprive them the possible dividend of digital currency as a disruptive technology in the industry.
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Business model innovation success in the fourth industrial revolution

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