Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/10321/5042
Title: An assessment of the impact of the fourth industrial revolution on manufacturing small and medium enterprises : a case study of Durban, South Africa
Authors: Khuzwayo, Mlondi Eugene 
Keywords: Fourth industrial revolution (4IR);Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs);Technology
Issue Date: Aug-2023
Abstract: 
Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) play a significant role in economies of both
developing and developed countries. They are one of key strategies in combating socio economic issues such as poverty, unemployment, and inequality. For this reason, it is crucial
that they are sustained and elevated as the world is progressing from the third industrial
revolution to the fourth industrial revolution(4IR).
The aim of the research is to assess the impact of the fourth industrial revolution on
manufacturing SMEs in Durban, South Africa. Manufacturing SMEs in Durban contribute
about 20% of the gross value added to the economy of the city, which is a significant
contribution. It is therefore imperative to uncover how the advancements in technology due
to 4IR impacts this sector. A non-probability snowball sampling technique was used to obtain
a sample of 20 respondents who were either owners or people in high management positions
in Durban’s Manufacturing SMEs. Data was collected through structured interviews and
analysed using content analysis, a qualitative data analysis technique.
The results suggest that manufacturing SMEs in Durban know about 4IR. According to their
understanding, 4IR is an enhanced and all-inclusive system that fuses physical, digital, and
technological systems, built on prior revolutions to improve business processes, business
growth and transformation through modern smart and intelligent technologies. The study
recommends that manufacturing SMEs should prioritize education and training, innovate their
business models to accommodate policies that relate to technological disruptions. They
should also invest on innovation, research and development, and smart infrastructure and
investment. Finally, this research suggests that SMEs in different industries do comparable
studies to determine the effects of 4IR. The results further support a proposal for a study that
evaluates the effect of Covid-19 on the use of 4IR by manufacturing SMEs in Durban
Description: 
Submitted in fulfilment of the requirements of the degree of Master of Management Sciences Specialising in Business Administration in the Faculty of Management Sciences at the Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2023.
URI: https://hdl.handle.net/10321/5042
DOI: https://doi.org/10.51415/10321/5042
Appears in Collections:Theses and dissertations (Management Sciences)

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