South African Industry Research Articles

The status of extended reality technology in South Africa's mining industry

The economic upheaval of COVID-19 forced companies to invest in emerging technologies to aid recovery. One such technology is extended reality, which is becoming a mature and innovative tool. Early adopters are seeing significant benefits in learning, training, immersive data visualization, and remote assistance. In South Africa, the mining industry is increasingly interested in using extended reality to optimize and innovate operations. The Minerals Council of South Africa's July 2021 report highlighted the potential of extended reality's to achieve zero-harm production and modernize the industry. However, the extent of extended reality adoption in mining remains unclear due to limited information on its usage. This study addressed this gap by distributing an online survey to assess awareness, knowledge, and current uses of extended reality in South Africa's mining sector. The results indicated that virtual and augmented reality had the highest levels of awareness and usage, primarily for learning and training. Mixed reality, however, had the lowest awareness and knowledge levels. In terms of applications, visualization and remote assistance had the least use cases. These findings highlight that the South African mining industry is deficient in its understanding and use of extended reality technologies. Without better awareness and application, the South African industry risks missing out on the full benefits of extended reality. The study underlines the need for the South African mining industry to improve its outlook on extended reality technologies to fully leverage their potential applications and benefits.

Workers' Perceptions Towards the Establishment of Workplace Forums in South African Industries

The purpose of this study is to investigate the perceptions of workers towards the establishment of workplace forums in South Africa industries. Workplace forums are committees of employees elected by employees for employees in a workplace. These bodies promote the interests of all employees in the workplace, not only of trade union members. In this study, 30 respondents (management and employees of all races and gender) were selected to participate from 230 employees using a simple random technique. The cluster system was used to divide the industry into departments from which the final respondents were selected. The observation method and most of the official records and statistics were also used to collect and solicit the necessary information for this research. The central view held by this study was that workplace forums are very useful in achieving efficiency in the workplace and that they help in improving trade union activities. The critical view of the study was that there are few workplace forums established in South African industries. This showed that, the industries should provide some possible measures for the establishment of the workplace forums to reduce industrial unrest. But the problem is that trade unions did not encourage this because they see workplace forum as a threat to them. Nonetheless, special attention was on workplace forums because it was taken as a second channel of representation which intended to be one of the primary instruments of the Labour Relations Act (LRA) to democratise the workplace. The study recommended that; workplace forums should be established in all industries. Trade unions should be involved in the workplace forums. There should be the prevention of the establishment of other forums within one organisation. Management and workers should work together to prevent impending conflict.

Impact of Corporate Sustainability Performance on Financial Performance of South African Industries Via Brand Value and Competitiveness

Sustainability managers and stakeholders unanimously recognise that a single, systematic and integrated model for measuring corporate sustainability performance significantly enhances firms’ competitive advantage, profit and performance. Nevertheless, serious concerns exist in literature on the non-existence of a single, systematic and integrated model for measuring the impact of corporate sustainability performance (i.e. environmental, social, and economic) on the financial performance of South African industries via brand value/reputation and competitiveness. Thus, the objective is to develop this model by collecting qualitative and quantitative data through a census of 70 out of 74 companies of Johannesburg Stock Exchange, active in Socially Responsible Investment Index. Factor analysis was used for data reduction, Chi-square tested for association between categorical variables, and Cronbach alpha for internal consistency and reliability of instruments. Findings revealed positive impacts between environmental, social and economic aspects of corporate sustainability performance, brand value/reputation, competitiveness and financial performance. Results also showed that the elements/factors of corporate social performance like ethical behaviour, genuine community initiatives and human rights can translate to brand value/reputation. Likewise, elements/factors of brand value/reputation like competitive edge, comparative advantage, innovation, reputation, employees’ loyalty and non-market effect can translate to competitiveness and financial performance. By implication, the model can be useful to potential managers in South Africa or world for making easy and prompt decisions on past, pending and future environmental, social and economic sustainability. Hence, the research contributes to development science a single, systematic and integrated evaluation model adaptable to companies, businesses and governments/municipalities for achieving performance targets.

Revitalizing warehouse management to enhance global manufacturing competitiveness: insights from South Africa

Company operations and global trade necessitate storage. Warehouse management is essential for meeting customer expectations, ensuring product availability, and delivering globally swiftly and affordably. A company's international competitiveness can suffer from warehouse instability. This study assesses warehouse performance for competitive advantage. The report also explores top management's disregard for warehouse management's impact on manufacturing competitiveness. This paper reviews warehouse management system research from several industries. Reviewing literature for gaps and flaws. Quantitative methods include industrial specialized surveys. Three varied South African manufacturing enterprises will be case-studied. Deduction is used to analyze industry expert consultation data. Due to its accessibility and data collection suitability, convenience sampling was employed to choose participants. This study discovered many warehouse management issues in South African industrial firms. Integration and automation are lacking in current systems, hampering global competitiveness. Warehouse movements and infrastructure damage increased without zone selection. Technology-illiterate warehouse workers slowed operations. The study offers zone picking, warehouse training, and warehouse system integration and automation to address these difficulties. South African industrial firms should strengthen warehouse management systems, according to this study. These organizations can enhance operational efficiency, save money, and compete globally with the suggested changes. Zone picking, warehouse system integration, and worker technical training can alleviate challenges and provide companies an edge. This study highlights warehouse management's often overlooked significance in manufacturing competitiveness. International organizations can do better by studying warehouse management system problems and solutions. Practical warehouse management advice from this study increases South African industry competitiveness.

Assessment of industry 4.0 readiness in smart manufacturing: evidence for the south African economy

Abstract This study focuses on the significant transformation triggered by Industry 4.0 (14.0) within small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) operating in the manufacturing sector. The research aims to explore the readiness and the extent to which I4.0 criteria are integrated into the operations and business models of the South African industry. This study employed a quantitative research approach, with selected industry professionals as participants through purposeful sampling via Google Form distribution. Nineteen semi-structured interviews were subsequently conducted, utilizing an extensive and intricate questionnaire. The collected data was subjected to thematic analysis for comprehensive examination of the responses. The research revealed that I4.0 demands higher skills compared to traditional manufacturing practices. The study offers valuable insights for human resource practitioners and manufacturing professionals. Furthermore, the study establishes a foundation for future research exploring the development of Industry 4.0 skills competencies within the South African industry.

South African Industry and Geographic Dynamics Perspective on the Link Between Employee Diversity Attributes and Employee Productivity

This study is part of an ongoing research project on various aspects of employee productivity in the South African workplace. The aim of the article is to measure the industry and geographic dynamics of the impact of different employee diversity attributes on productivity as no South African econometrically focused publications on this particular topic exist. I deemed it important to close this gap in the employee productivity literature. I applied an employee real remuneration model with a dissimilarity index vector and an industry dynamics vector to estimate the spillover effects of employee productivity for different employee diversity attributes. To validate the robustness of the estimates of the employee real remuneration model, estimations of the fixed-effect panel data were done for the full firm-based data sets. The estimation results indicated the same productivity pattern for the two industries in the three geographic areas. The productivity estimates suggest that the impacts of higher employee productivity spillovers (for all diversity subcategories) were more prominent for the area of the stronger gross geographic product. Limitations of this study that should be addressed are studies focused on the individual employee level and the productivity impact of the different levels of female remuneration gaps in the workplace. The estimation methodology applied in this study and the results thereof are intended to contribute to human resource policy debates on the impact of employee diversity attributes on employee productivity across industries and geographic areas in a diverse workplace.

E-waste recycling and collection in South Africa: views of industry and proposed guidelines to improve the system

ABSTRACT Inadequate and inappropriate e-waste management in developing African countries is harmful to human beings and to the environment. This paper offers a South African industry point of view of four stakeholder groups active in managing e-waste from household consumers. Data were collected via semi-structured interviews with 20 participants representing environmental specialists; governmental bodies; recycling/disposal entities responsible for collection and recycling, and supply chain members producing, distributing, and retailing. ATLAS.ti was used to analyse the transcribed interviews. Industry views and several practical recommendations for effective e-waste recycling and collection from household consumers were offered.

Drivers and risk of business process outsourcing in South African mobile telecommunication industry

Mobile telecommunications service providers outsource various activities like logistics, assembly operations, manufacturing and design. However, little research has been conducted in Southern Africa to establish the actual drivers triggering mobile telecommunication companies to implement business process outsourcing (BPO) and the risks associated with implementation. This research aims to redress the existing knowledge gap and the limited body of literature by conducting research to establish the drivers and risks of implementing BPO. A structured, closed-ended questionnaire collected raw data from 210 employees. Descriptive statistics were conducted to establish the drivers triggering mobile telecommunication companies to implement BPO. Overall, the results concluded that some of the key drivers of implementing BPO by the telecom operators are reduction in capital investment, thereby freeing up limited capital funds more available for core areas, and the company can have access to unique resources skills and talents. The results also indicated that the risks of BPO implementation include the potential loss of control over critical functions and the difficulty of ensuring service quality and consistency from the service provider. The results will help the corporate management to make decisions about outsourcing based on quantifiable results instead of managerial estimates. While the study confined itself to the mobile telecommunications companies, more research can be conducted in other South African industries, most notably banks and learning institutions that are also important BPO hubs worthy of further examination.

Investment, Exchange Rate and Exports Nexus within the South African Automotive Industry

The automotive industry is one of the South African industries that contribute to the manufacturing output and exports and plays important to the country’s economic performance. However, the export volume from this industry depends on various economic factors that include foreign direct investment, domestic investment and exchange rate volatility. The current study aims to determine empirically these three variables on the export volume in the South African automotive industry. To achieve this objective, the authors applied the autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) model, ECM and causality test on quarterly time series data from 2008 to 2021. The study findings reveal that in the long run, domestic investment has a dominant positive effect on exports from the automotive industry. However, while both domestic investment and exchange rate are inversely related to the export in the short run, foreign direct investment is positively significant to increase export levels. The study recommends, based on these findings, the implementation of strategies that enhance growth in domestic investment and cautious management of foreign direct investment as the latter is more effective in the short run. Additionally, the monetary policymakers should, in each policy introduced and implemented, aim for the stability of the domestic currency and its effect on exports, especially in the automotive industry.

The opportunities and challenges of digitalization for SME's

Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SME's) are prevalent in the South African Industry and have been globally recognized for their contributions to economic development, job creation, poverty alleviation, and innovation. Although SME's are aware and can benefit significantly from digital systems, the time, skills, and finances required to develop SME-specific systems are prohibitive. This is because the ability to define sensor to enterprise systems demands for SME's is dependent on specific needs. The current solutions that are offered to SME's are stand-alone and not integrated. This research provides insights into the engagement and development of a demand-driven SME ecosystem. The research provides insights into the digital system priorities of some 200 South African SME's. Based on the analysis of the survey conducted, the researchers designed and developed the initial four systems for SME's out of the 10 identified. This paper covers the data gathering, design, and delivery phase of the 4 functions.

Functions of Project Steering Committees in Large Capital Projects

Large Capital Projects (LCPs) have a significant impact on the growth and development of local and international economies. Their failure stagnates progress, is not sustainable and cripples the economy and society in which they exist. This research study investigated the effective functioning of a Project Steering Committee (PSC) as a pivotal component to project management. Based on the findings of the literature review, the research model consists of four PSC function categories: (i) configuration, (ii) competency, (iii) decision authority, and (iv) communication. A 5-point Likert scale survey was used, and the results from 46 respondents within the South African industry was analyzed.The results concurred with previous studies that PSCs’ knowledge of Structured Corporate and Project Governance is essential for the efficient functioning of a steering committee. Contrary to the expectations of experienced project practitioners, Communication Management ranked relatively low in importance. Whilst there was consensus on the ratings of the PSC competencies, the variance noted can be attributed to factors such as the project experience of participants, the type and location of the project, and the PSC construct in different organizations. This can indicate that there is no single PSC attribute, but a combination of technical and interpersonal skills, necessary for effective PSC functioning.Based on the results, it is recommended that the roles and responsibilities of the PSC are confirmed and understood by project stakeholders early in a project to ensure clear guidance and authority.

Determining the competitiveness attributes of conference tourism: a South African industry perspective

Determining the competitiveness attributes of conference tourism: a South African industry perspective

Determining the competitiveness attributes of conference tourism: a South African industry perspective

Determining the competitiveness attributes of conference tourism: a South African industry perspective

How Working from Home has Affected South African Industries? A Cybersecurity Culture Perspective

The notion of working from home is not a new concept. However, it has become a buzzword amidst the COVID19 pandemic. Some scholars were already engaging in the work-from-home (WFH) concept a few years before the pandemic. However, contextualization of this concept from a South African perspective only became compelling during COVID19 times, when various industries had to shift their focus and adjust rapidly. This paper aims to investigate through literature reviews, and to understand the cybersecurity challenges that emerged because of this adjustment. Moreover, to investigate South Africa’s readiness and the lessons learned from this significant shift.

A Framework for Evaluating the Impact of Business Process Outsourcing on the Operational Performance of the Mobile Telecommunications Industry, South Africa

Mobile telecommunications service providers outsource a range of activities like logistics, assembly operations, manufacturing and design. However, little research has been conducted to empirically evaluate the impact of business process outsourcing (BPO) on the company's operational performance. This research tried to redress the existing knowledge gap and the limited body of literature by proposing a framework to evaluate the impact of BPO in the mobile telecommunications industry using cost and profitability as the underpinning quantitative performance measurements. A structured closed-ended questionnaire was used to collect raw data from 210 employees. Descriptive and chi-square tests were conducted to establish the statistically significant relationship between business process outsourcing and the operational performance of mobile telecommunications. The results reflected a statistically significant relationship between implementation of BPO and cost and profitability. The results will help the corporate management to make decisions of outsourcing based on quantifiable metrics instead of managerial estimates. While the study confined itself to the mobile telecommunications companies, more research can be conducted in other South African industries most notably banks, hospitals, car assembling and learning institutions that are also important BPO hubs worthy of further examination.

Rol van kommunikasie in die nywerheid

Effective communication within the South African industrial context is vitally important if the objectives of industry are to: contribute to satisfactory national economic growth provide adequate job appreciation distribute economic activity to provide for sensible geographical development improve the social well-being of the community improve acceptable economic independence from external economic and political influences. The dilemma which faces South African industry is the heterogeneity of the South African population and that communication must take many factors such as race, cultural development, language and standard of living into account. Recognition by industry of the importance of proper communication in all facets is fundamental to the building of an economically and politically viable social structure in South Africa.

Influence of organisational climate on communication in organisations

The situation/environment in which a person finds himself, influences his behaviour - also his "communication" behaviour. A large part of this situation/environment in the organisational setting is accounted for by the organisational climate which is established and maintained in the particular organisation. In this paper the term organisational climate is defined and from the vast body of literature that exists on the topic, some common characteristics are emphasised. A model of organisational climate is presented, showing the components of organisational climate and their interaction and interrelatedness and how it affects communication in the organisation. The characteristics of a sound organisational climate will be stressed and reference will be made to some research in this field in the South African industry.

Funksie van mannekragbestuur in effektiewe kommunikasie binne die organisasie

For purpose of this paper the term Personnel Management will be used in its widest generic sense so as to include all the behavioral functions within the organisation. The basic function of personnel management (Human Resources Management) is to influence the behaviour of people at work in such a professional manner that it will realise performance objectives at an optimal level. Traditionally personnel practitioners concentrated primarily on the mechanistic inputs to realise these objectives. With the dramatic change of the South African Industrial complexion with its different races integrating the work place, it has now become imperative to focus more on the behavioral dimension of personnel management in order to influence the behaviour of people at work in a positive way. In this dominant role in the total spectrum of management activities in modern South African organisations, the personnel practitioner plays a vital communications role. This communication contribution is dominant not only in verbal categories but equally in the non-verbal categories of communications. The overall manpower mosaic, noted for a distorted manpower supply and demand situation, requires a sensitivity to manpower which is unprecedented in the history of South African Industry.

Challenges faced by female entrepreneurs: The case of the South African learner transport industry

This study aimed to explore the challenges faced by female entrepreneurs operating in the learner transport industry in South Africa, specifically in the Gauteng province. The study adopted a qualitative research approach by making use of semi-structured interviews with 15 female entrepreneurs operating in the learner transport industry in the Gauteng province. A non-probability sampling approach was adopted by means of convenience sampling. Data was analysed through thematic content analysis, using Atlas.ti. Findings from the study indicated that female entrepreneurs in the learner transport industry face several challenges such as high operational costs, a male-dominated industry, being disrespected or undermined by customers, a lack of trust and commitment, being belittled, as well as a lack of opportunity awareness. Participants also indicated a need for government intervention in the industry due to prevailing working conditions. The findings of the study contribute both to the industry, as well as the existing body of knowledge. The findings from the study will assist the national government to collaborate with regional governmental transport agencies, as well as with regional industry associations in an effort to improve the working environment for female entrepreneurs, as well as grow the learner transport industry in a more structured and regulated manner. The industry, despite being regulated by regional transport associations, is currently unstructured.

An evaluation of an apprentice selection process

Orientation: The artisan job family is the number one area of concern with regard to filling vacancies both nationally and globally. Hence, artisanship has been identified as a scarce and critical skill. The domestic economy and the effectiveness and success of many organisations could be strengthened if the artisanal crisis is adequately addressed.Research purpose: This article proposes a screening process for organisations to use during the selection of apprentices. The selection process has four phases: application review, rating of application documentation, aptitude testing and skills-based teamwork assessment, and interviews. The effect of the selection phases on the survival of the applicants was investigated.Motivation for the study: This study adds to the limited body of literature on artisans, apprentices and the selection of individuals for these technical positions. In addition, it provides recommendations to optimise the selection process for this job family.Research design, approach and method: Large amounts of archived data from an annual apprentice selection process at a large multinational automotive firm were accessed. A quantitative measure, survival analysis, was used to assess whether the survival curves were statistically different across the groups.Main findings: The four selection phases had a significant effect on the survival time of the applicants in the selection process. The significance of the Gehan–Wilcoxon statistic suggests that the survival distribution across the applicants was not because of chance but rather indicates a true difference in the data. The constructs assessed at each phase had a significant effect on the selection success of the apprentice applicants. The termination rate of applicants was steady across all four selection phases.Practical/managerial implications: The multiple-hurdle selection process employed in this study should be replicated and employed as the national selection tool for apprentices. The use of standardised application documentation is recommended, and job preparation workshops should be provided to assist apprentice applicants.Contribution/value-add: The findings of this study are relevant to the South African automotive industry, as well as the manufacturing sector. The findings are also of value to human resource practitioners, educators, social scientists, and industrial and organisational psychologists.