Leadership and trust as key pillars in “smart governance” for inclusive growth in the 4th Industrial Revolution (4IR): Evidence from South Africa

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
More Ickson Manda
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Industrial Revolution ◽  
Inclusive Growth ◽  
Smart Governance

Website Information Security and Privacy Concerns in 4IR: The Moderating Role of Trust in B2C e-Commerce

10.29007/jlq6 ◽  
2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thabang Mofokeng
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Customer Satisfaction ◽  
Customer Loyalty ◽  
Success Factors ◽  
Industrial Revolution ◽  
Emerging Market ◽  
Security And Privacy ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Privacy And Security ◽  
Customer Trust

The technology devices introduced in recent years are not only vulnerable to Internet risks but are also unable to elevate the growth of B2C e-commerce. These concerns are particularly relevant today, as the world transitions into the Fourth Industrial Revolution. To date, existing research has largely focused on obstacles to customer loyalty. Studies have tested e-commerce models guided by the establishment of trusting, satisfied and loyal consumers in various international contexts. In South Africa, however, as an emerging market, there has been limited research on the success factors of online shopping.This study examines the influence of security and privacy on trust, seen as a moderator of customer satisfaction, which in turn, has an effect on loyalty towards websites. Based on an exhaustive review of literature, a conceptual model is proposed on the relationships between security and privacy on the one hand, and customer trust, satisfaction and loyalty on the other. A total of 250 structured, self-administered questionnaires was distributed to a purposively selected sample of respondents using face-to-face surveys in Johannesburg, South Africa. A multivariate data analysis technique was used to draw inferences from the data. With an 80.1% response rate, the findings showed that privacy and security do influence customer trust; security strongly influences customer trust and weakly influences satisfaction. In South Africa, customer loyalty towards websites is strongly determined by satisfaction and weakly determined by trust. Trust significantly moderates the effect of customer satisfaction on loyalty. The study implications and limitations are presented and future research directions are suggested.

Recounting the Empowerment of Women in Rural Areas of KwaZulu-Natal from Information and Knowledge in the Fourth Industrial Revolution Era

Libri ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Glenrose Jiyane
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Industrial Revolution ◽  
The Body ◽  
Non Profit ◽  
Fourth Industrial Revolution ◽  
Governmental Organizations ◽  
Body Of Knowledge ◽  
Non Governmental Organizations ◽  
Critical Resource

Abstract The fourth industrial revolution (4IR) marks the new, advanced era of development in humankind, and globally countries are in the process of ensuring their citizenry’s readiness. In South Africa, various governmental departments, organizations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and non-profit organisations (NPOs) are making efforts, through their plans, talks and actions, to attain this status for all her people, particularly women in rural areas. However, the development of women in the rural areas for empowerment remains a concern in developing countries. Consequently, there is a dire need to ensure the developmental status for women in rural areas in the advent of the 4IR, and this paper seeks to demonstrate that information and knowledge may be instrumental in empowering women in rural areas to strive in the 4IR. Accordingly, information and knowledge are a critical resource contributing to the empowerment of women in rural areas for their development. An exploratory question is raised to determine whether South Africa is ready for Fourth Industrial Revolution. The outcome of this paper will contribute to the body of knowledge advocating the importance of information and knowledge in the empowerment of women in rural areas. Significantly, it will generate insights for policymakers on the important role of information and knowledge for women’s development.

Readiness of academic libraries in South Africa to research, teaching and learning support in the Fourth Industrial Revolution

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (6/7) ◽  
pp. 355-368 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dennis N. Ocholla ◽  
Lyudmila Ocholla
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Conceptual Framework ◽  
Information Literacy ◽  
Academic Libraries ◽  
Industrial Revolution ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
Theory And Practice ◽  
Library Services ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Fourth Industrial Revolution

PurposeIn this paper, we refer to the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, in 2016, where the concept of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) was coined by Klaus Schwab, with the reference that it would be building on “the Third, the digital revolution” and would be “characterized by a fusion of technologies that is blurring the lines between the physical, digital, and biological spheres”. While acknowledging that the 4IR will impact on everything, everywhere, including research and libraries, we conceptualize 4IR, and we compare current academic library services/trends in South Africa with 4IR requirements, through the analysis of 26 public university library websites.Design/methodology/approachBesides conceptualization of 4IR, a content analysis of websites of 26 public universities’ libraries in South Africa was achieved followed up with verification of the data by respective libraries through a preliminary research report circulated to them by email. 23 areas were identified as the trends in academic libraries, which included free Wi-Fi in the libraries; 24/7 study areas and access to library resources on and off campus; research commons; makerspace; borrowing ICTs (e.g. laptops); e-resources; e-catalogues; research data services (RDS; RDM, IR); open scholarship; information literacy and reference/bibliographic tools, library as a publisher, among others. Data obtained were captured in Excel and analyzed by the research questions.FindingsThe 4IR concept does not occur often in literature, in relation to academic libraries, but it is implied. The findings show that the libraries are responding well to the revolution through their services, with remarkable innovation and creativity on display. There was a 64% presence of the analyzed trends/services in the libraries, with emerging trends/services such as library as a publisher (4%), robotics/AI (4%), makerspace (8%), RDS (27%), borrowing of ICTs/devices (19%) and user experience (19%) scoring low, while information literacy and digital scholarship (e.g. IR) (88%), e-catalogue and e-resources (92%), group study area (85%) and off campus access (77%) scoring above 75%. The scatter of the trends/services among the university libraries is noted for knowledge sharing of best practice.Research limitations/implicationsIn order to improve accordance with trends, academic libraries have to be better resourced, accessed and used, as well as improve web visibility. The study expects library services to be responsive, resourced and accessible anytime and anywhere, and it provides a conceptual framework and a benchmark for further research and exploration in the country, region and perhaps elsewhere.Practical implicationsThe study can be used for benchmarking current and future academic library services in Africa. The conceptual framework provides an agenda for theoretical discussions and deliberations.Social implicationsThe trends, framework and 4IR representations in the study can inform theory and practice in LIS, particularly in Africa.Originality/valueLinking 4IR to current and future library services provides a tool for academic libraries services benchmarking and development and provides a conceptual framework for theoretical and practical debates and implementation. The study is quite current and appropriate for the ongoing discussions of 4IR implications to academic libraries.

scholarly journals The Impact of Magnetic Materials in Renewable Energy-Related Technologies in the 21st Century Industrial Revolution: The Case of South Africa

2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wallace Matizamhuka
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Magnetic Materials ◽  
21St Century ◽  
Industrial Revolution ◽  
Permanent Magnets ◽  
Renewable Energy Sources ◽  
Renewable Energy Technologies ◽  
Energy Technologies ◽  
The Impact

Magnetic materials specifically permanent magnets are critical for the efficient performance of many renewable energy technologies. The increased reliance on renewable energy sources has accelerated research in energy-related technologies the world over. The use of rare-earth (RE) metals in permanent magnets continues to be a source of greater concern owing to the limited RE supply coupled with dwindling reserves on the globe. This review focuses on how this has impacted on the state-of-the-art magnetic materials that continue to play a pivotal role in driving renewable energy technologies. Magnetic materials are perceived as key in driving the 21st century industrial revolution, and the participation of South Africa in this energy paradigm is critical in driving a new industrial revolution within the African continent. A number of opportunities are highlighted, and clarity is given on the several ubiquitous misconceptions and the risks on the heavy reliance on a single source for RE magnetic materials.

scholarly journals Attitudes Towards Utilising Mobile Banking Applications Among Generation Z Consumers in South Africa

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (6) ◽  
pp. 417-438
Author(s):  
Moshele Koenaite ◽  
Eugine Maziriri ◽  
Tinashe Chuchu
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Industrial Revolution ◽  
Consumer Attitudes ◽  
Mobile Banking ◽  
African Continent ◽  
Fourth Industrial Revolution ◽  
Generation Z ◽  
Actual Use ◽  
Mobile Banking Applications ◽  
Modern Era

In today’s post-modern era, the banking industry is becoming a digital rather than a physical system. Digital banking has been synonymous with the fourth industrial revolution making a notable impact on the African continent.  Therefore, the purpose of this research is to empirically investigate consumer attitudes towards mobile banking applications in South Africa. A positivist paradigm underpinned the study, and a descriptive design was employed. To test the proposed hypotheses a unique conceptual model was  developed. Non-probability sampling was adopted in selecting appropriate participants. A total of data was collected from 325 willing participants through an survey. In terms of analysis, SPSS n and AMOS were utilised to generate descriptive statistics and hypotheses testing.  The results established that attitudes towards mobile banking applications and actual use of mobile banking applications was the strongest relationship.  The empirical evidence presented in this study adds value to the existing research on mobile-banking within the 4th industrial revolution, particularly in South Africa, a largely under-researched area.

scholarly journals Two passions, one goal, and a pandemic: the future of medical education in South Africa

2020 ◽  
pp. S11-S13
Author(s):  
C Quan
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Medical Education ◽  
Industrial Revolution ◽  
Fourth Industrial Revolution ◽  
The Future

Medical education in South Africa is experiencing two major disruptions: the Fourth Industrial Revolution and the COVID-19 pandemic. I will explore the effects these events have had on our education and possible solutions in the context of our country.

scholarly journals Global warming and climate change with reference to South Africa. Some perspectives

2008 ◽  
Vol 27 (4) ◽  
pp. 294-306 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gawie De Villiers ◽  
Giel Viljoen ◽  
Herman Booysen
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
South Africa ◽  
Global Warming ◽  
Human Activities ◽  
Industrial Revolution ◽  
Environmental Changes ◽  
Storm Surges ◽  
Flood Damage ◽  
Coastal Areas ◽  
Sufficient Evidence

According to the geological history of the earth, climate change is an integral part of environmental changes that occurred over time. Sufficient evidence is provided of recurrent wet and dry and cold and hot periods due to natural circumstances. Since the industrial revolution human activities increasingly contribute to air pollution by releasing huge volumes of carbon dioxide and other gasses into the atmosphere, so much so that it is generally accepted that increase in global warming the past decades is directly linked to human activities. Observable signs of human induced climate change include increasing average temperatures at many places, melting ice caps in polar areas, rising sea levels on a global scale and coastal disturbances and damages due to storm surges on coastal areas in various countries, also in South Africa. Consensus from a number of hydrological-meteorological circulation models show, for South Africa, a rise in average annual winter and summer temperatures of between 1.5 and 3.0 degrees Centigrade the following number of decades with a strong possibility of an increase in rainfall in the eastern parts and a decrease in rainfall in the western parts. Bigger floods and longer droughts should occur more frequently as well as severe sea onslaught activities along the eastern and south-eastern coastal areas. The net impact of the predictions on the community is negative. There is though other scientists who indicate that no concrete proof of climate change in South Africa exists; including changes with regard to river floods and droughts. According to more beneficial than detrimental. Despite the differences in opinion about the relative contribution of natural and human activities to the present global warming, changes in hydrological and characteristics of floods in several parts of South Africa in the immediate past, necessitate modifications to available models and approaches to flood damage management and control. Flood conditions need to be managed with applicable models. Modifications are furthermore essential as a result of meaningful demographic, social, physical and economic changes in the working and living environments of people and communities.

scholarly journals Strategic positioning of a motorcycle manufacturer within the Fourth Industrial Revolution

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Zoé J. Bosch ◽  
Dirk Rossouw
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Industrial Revolution ◽  
Customer Engagement ◽  
Initial Contact ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Strategic Positioning ◽  
Head Office ◽  
Fourth Industrial Revolution ◽  
Depth Analysis ◽  
The Individual

Orientation: Whilst the South African motorcycle industry faces a declining market, an additional challenge remains – the movement of the market into the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), calling for strategic amendments.Research purpose: The purpose of this research was to investigate and analyse the current strategies of a specific manufacturer, with the aim of establishing a strategic positioning suitable for the 4IR to gain a competitive advantage.Motivation for the study: Acquired knowledge resulted in the establishment of various suggestions and recommendations, benefitting the manufacturer to gain a competitive advantage in the 4IR and thus strengthening its strategic positioning.Research design, approach and method: Following an interpretive paradigm, a qualitative approach was used, allowing for in-depth analysis of 29 semi-structured interviews at five different dealerships and the regional head office in South Africa. Interviewees were selected using purposive and convenience sampling for the initial contact with the individual dealerships and regional head office of the motorcycle manufacturer. Thereafter, further interviewees were acquired based on the study requirements. Content analysis was applied to analyse the data.Main findings: Some interviewees were less acquainted with the strategy and positioning of the manufacturer. Strong customer engagement strategies are necessary whilst targeting new markets.Practical/managerial implications: Additional training is required, ensuring the equal acquisition of knowledge amongst employees. The introduction of technologies and the 4IR to customers is required to grow the market. New markets need to be identified and analysed to ensure efficient targeting.Contribution/value-add: Whilst South Africa addresses the 4IR differently to Europe; this study’s focus provides insights for the specific manufacturer to accurately conquer the changing environment.

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