Indiscipline as Method: From Telescopes to Ventilators in Times of Covid

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 79-102
Author(s):  
Irina Turner ◽  
Siri Lamoureaux ◽  
James Merron
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Industrial Revolution ◽  
Methodological Approach ◽  
Science And Society ◽  
Fourth Industrial Revolution ◽  
Political Implications ◽  
Situated Approach ◽  
Opening Up ◽  
By Products

There is no unproblematic way to study things as “African”, yet an epistemologically situated approach based on concrete technological projects situated in Africa and their social and political implications offers an important account of the intersection of the Fourth Industrial Revolution and African Studies. We explore this perspective through the notion of “indiscipline” using the Square Kilometre Array radio telescope project (SKA) based in South Africa as a case study through which to observe “indiscipline” as a methodological approach to technoscience at work. Indiscipline helps frame the socio-technical (by)products of astrophysics and engineering, and we present the production of ventilators for COVID-19 patients as an example of how the design of mega-science projects can become entangled with the dynamic concerns of society. Our conclusion elaborates on the politics of large technological systems, opening up a conversation on the intersection of science and society in the context of the Fourth Industrial Revolution in African settings, using the template of experiences with the SKA and the National Ventilator Project in South Africa.

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.

Scant Penetration of Women in the Fourth Industrial Revolution : An Old Problem in a New Context

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 81–98
Author(s):  
Joseph Mudau ◽  
Ricky Munyaradzi Mukonza
Keyword(s):  
Communication Technology ◽  
Social Inclusion ◽  
Industrial Revolution ◽  
Methodological Approach ◽  
Gender Inequalities ◽  
Technological Infrastructure ◽  
Fourth Industrial Revolution ◽  
Critical Scholarship ◽  
Information And Communication ◽  
Technological Space

A study of every industrial revolution would be incomplete without any reference to the scant inclusion of women in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector. It remains true that a plethora of women are still not extricated from the obfuscation of social inclusion in the technological space. The gender inequalities in ICT remains a perennial problem, consequently prompting a new debate. Closely related to this debate is the scant rate of the inclusion of women in the fourth industrial revolution (4IR). This article opines that men have more freedom to utilise technological devices than women due to, inter alia, limited knowledge regarding technological infrastructure. The article is conceptual in nature and relied on critical scholarship review as a methodological approach to obtain insights. The objective is to argue that gender inequality in ICT is most likely to persist in the 4IR. Furthermore, it provides a summation and conclusion on the 4IR.

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.

Fourth Industrial Revolution; Would Pakistan be a Potential Winner or Loser?

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ghulam Rasool Madni
Keyword(s):  
World Economy ◽  
Industrial Revolution ◽  
First Century ◽  
Existing Problems ◽  
Fourth Industrial Revolution ◽  
Large Numbers ◽  
Challenges And Opportunities ◽  
Growth Prospects ◽  
Opening Up ◽  
Mass Level

Around the middle of the twenty first century, world will be facing the fourth industrial revolution that will change the ways we work, live and relate to one another, be the result of advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), genetics, robotics, nanotechnology, biotechnology, computers, algorithms and 3D printing. The Fourth Industrial Revolution is opening up huge growth prospects for the world economy, while at the same time appearing new or worsening existing problems, one of which is unemployment. Automation and digitalization may result a jobless future and this debate is on theoretical as well as on empirical fronts since last decade. This paper is an attempt to explore fundamental transformation of employment patterns as a result of fourth industrial revolution with special reference to Pakistan. The main conclusion of the study reveals that large numbers of jobs are likely to be destroyed in future with advent of computerization at mass level. After brief analysis, this study provides some insights to be considered to combat the challenges and opportunities of fourth industrial revolution for the country.

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 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.

scholarly journals SUPPORTING THE TRANSITION FROM SCHOOL TO ACTIVE LIFE. CASE STUDY: FEEDBACK ANALYSIS OF THE INTERNSHIPS STUDENTS OF „VASILE ALECSANDRI” UNIVERSITY OF BACAU

2020 ◽  
Vol 26 (2) ◽  
pp. 42-49
Author(s):  
MARIA-CRINA RADU ◽  
PETRONELA SAVIN ◽  
VALENTIN NEDEFF ◽  
ROXANA GRIGORE
Keyword(s):  
Industrial Revolution ◽  
Practical Training ◽  
Key Factors ◽  
Feedback Analysis ◽  
Economic Agents ◽  
Fourth Industrial Revolution ◽  
Active Life ◽  
Life Education ◽  
And Training

At all stages of life, education and training are essential aspects of human development and key factors for economic growth, jobs, and social cohesion. High quality and inclusive training must be a main goal of our society, especially as we live in a very challenging period, governed by the fourth industrial revolution, that transforms economies, jobs, and the society itself. Because of this, the „Vasile Alecsandri” University of Bacau is involved as a partner, with other universities, in a project with European funding, that facilitates practical training of students at economic partners, to increase the employability of graduates and obtain feedback from employers to correlate the curriculum to the labor market. The current paper aims to present a case study related to the feedback offered by the students who carried-out internships at local economic agents, within the above-mentioned project.

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