The perception of the impact of the Fourth Industrial Revolution on the production in South African mines Solomon Ledwaba Student Number: 1279943 A research article submitted to the Faculty of Commerce, Law and Management, University of the Witwatersrand, in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Business Administration Johannesburg, 2022 Protocol number: WBS/BA1279943/970 (March 2022) ii DECLARATION I, Solomon Ledwaba, declare that this research article is my own work except as indicated in the references and acknowledgements. It is submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Business Administration in the Graduate School of Business Administration, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg. It has not been submitted before for any degree or examination in this or any other university. Solomon Ledwaba Signed at ……Phalaborwa……………………………………………… On the ……16th ……………………….. day of …………November……………… 2022 iii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I wish to express my sincerest gratitude and appreciation to the individuals who played an instrumental part in this research study: • My dear family especially my wife, Mpho Sehlako who played a pivotal role in supporting me through the whole MBA journey, it was not easy and thank you for all that you have endured with me through out • My Son Tshegofatso Letswalo, thank you for transacting these “old dog” into a technocrat in a shortest period when the World migrated to the digital space. • Dr Pius Oba, my supervisor, for his informed guidance and constructive criticism of my work • Ms Ayanda Magida, our lecturer for ARP, your patience compares to none, thank for your assistance. • Mr. Dennis Modise, Senior Manager (Human Resource) for unconditionally permitting me to carry out my research and offer the utilisation of the company property • Top Academic Editing for their professional service in editing the document without changing the content. • And finally, I would like to thank Palabora Mining Company, my employer and all my colleagues and seniors who participated in the survey and provided honest feedback. iv SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION Nominated journal: L. Barnewold and B. G. (2020).Lottermoser, Identification of digital technologies and digitalization trends in the mining industry, International Journal of Mining Science and Technology, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijmst.2020.07.003 Supervisor : Dr Pius Oba Word count †: 16556 Supplementary files: Research instrument Statistical analysis PIS Consent Form Confirmation of Ethics Turn-it-in Report † Excluding Abstract, references, etc. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijmst.2020.07.003 v ABSTRACT The aim of the study was to explore the perception of Fourth Industrial Revolution(4IR) strategies and practices in relation to production process performance in the mining industries at selected mines in South Africa. The study followed a quantitative research methodology, and a sample of 110 employees at the selected mines in South Africa, consisting of 60 mine workers, 10 information technology employees, 10 middle managers, 10 operations managers, 10 health and safety personnel, and 10 executive officers were drawn using a simple random sampling approach. Primary data was collected using a questionnaire with a 5-point Likert Scale. Data were analysed using the SPSS version 4.1. Findings from the study reveal that employee level of awareness of the concept of 4IR and associated technologies had a significant impact on how employees perceived the current 4IR strategies. Though findings show that a high percentage of employees were involved in the 4IR strategy development process, most believe that the current 4IR strategies and practices did not fully represent the interests of all stakeholders. While some were of the perception that the strategies and practices were designed to improve productivity and reduce employment costs, others believe that it puts workers’ jobs at risk, as mines had started replacing humans with 4IR technologies such as robots and drones. However, findings reveal that the adoption of the 4IR technologies according to the perception of employees, has improved health and safety within the mines. Keywords: Fourth Industrial Revolution(4IR); Employee perception; strategies; practices; production process performance; mining. vi Table of Contents DECLARATION ....................................................................................................................................... ii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ........................................................................................................................ iii SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION ....................................................................................................... iv ABSTRACT .............................................................................................................................................. v LIST OF ACRONYMS .................................................................................................................... viii LIST OF FIGURES ............................................................................................................................ ix LIST OF TABLES ............................................................................................................................... x CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION .............................................................................................. 11 1.1 BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY .................................................................................... 11 1.2 PROBLEM STATEMENT .................................................................................................. 12 1.3 AIM OF THE STUDY ........................................................................................................ 13 1.4 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY ......................................................................................... 13 1.5 RESEARCH QUESTIONS ................................................................................................. 14 1.6 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY .................................................................................... 14 1.7 FORMAT OF THE RESEARCH ........................................................................................ 15 1.8 CONCLUSION ................................................................................................................... 16 CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW ................................................................................. 17 2.1 INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................................... 17 2.2. MINING PRODUCTION, TECHNOLOGY, AND OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCY ............ 17 2.3 FOURTH INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION (4IR) ..................................................................... 20 2.4 THE IMPACT OF PERCEPTION ON ORGANISATIONAL PERFORMANCE .................. 22 2.5 FOURTH INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION TECHNOLOGIES ................................................ 24 2.6. FOURTH INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION STRATEGIES AND PRACTICES ...................... 27 2.7. EMPLOYEE PERCEPTION OF 4IR ....................................................................................... 31 2.8 THEORETICAL FOUNDATION............................................................................................. 32 2.9 4IR OPPORTUNITIES, CHALLENGES, AND BARRIERS .................................................. 33 2.10. CONCLUSION ...................................................................................................................... 36 CHAPTER 3: RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODOLOGY .................................................. 37 3.1 INTRODUCTION ......................................................................................................................... 37 3.2. RESEARCH DESIGN .................................................................................................................... 37 3.3. THE RESEARCH STRATEGY ........................................................................................................ 38 vii 3.4. RESEARCH APPROACH .............................................................................................................. 38 3.5. RESEARCH PHILOSOPHY ........................................................................................................... 38 3.6. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY ...................................................................................................... 39 3.7 DATA COLLECTION APPROACH .................................................................................................. 40 3.8. VALIDITY AND RELIABILITY ........................................................................................................ 41 3.9 DATA ANALYSIS .......................................................................................................................... 43 3.10 PILOT STUDY ............................................................................................................................ 43 3.11. LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY .................................................................................................. 44 3.12. ELIMINATION OF BIAS ............................................................................................................ 44 3.13 ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS ................................................................................................. 45 3.14 CONCLUSION ........................................................................................................................... 46 CHAPTER FOUR: DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS ................................................ 47 4.1 INTRODUCTION.......................................................................................................................... 47 4.2 RESEARCH INSTRUMENT ........................................................................................................... 47 4.3. SAMPLE CHARACTERISTICS STATISTICS .................................................................................... 48 4.4 FINDINGS, INTERPRETATION, AND DISCUSSIONS ..................................................................... 49 CHAPTER FIVE: CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS ............................................ 64 5.1 INTRODUCTION.......................................................................................................................... 64 5.2. FINDINGS FROM THE STUDY .................................................................................................... 64 5.3 CONCLUSIONS OF THE FINDINGS .............................................................................................. 72 5.4 RECOMMENDATIONS BASED ON FINDINGS .............................................................................. 73 5.6 CONCLUSION OF THE STUDY ..................................................................................................... 74 5.7 FUTURE RESEARCH OPPORTUNITY ............................................................................................ 75 REFERENCES .................................................................................................................................. 76 APPENDIXES .................................................................................................................................... 87 Appendix A: Ethical Certificate ...................................................................................................... 87 Appendix B: Informed Consents Letter ........................................................................................... 88 Appendix C: Participation information Sheet .................................................................................. 89 Appendix D: Research Questionnaire – Instrument ........................................................................ 91 viii LIST OF ACRONYMS 4IR Fourth Industrial Revolution ICT Information and Communication Technology KPI Key Performance Indicator PA Performance Appraisal PM Performance management PMS Performance Management System ix LIST OF FIGURES Figure 2.1 Four Stages of the industrial revolution 21 Figure 2.2 The top Ten 4IR technologies today 24 Figure 2.3 The Well steps engagement model 29 Figure 3.1 Research Onion 37 Figure 4.1 Gender Distribution 49 Figure 4.2 Age Distribution 50 Figure 4.3 Highest qualification 50 Figure 4.4 Length of service with organisation 51 Figure 4.5 Awareness of the concept and technologies of 4IR 52 Figure 4.6 Employee involvement in 4IR strategy development 53 Figure 4.7 Alignment of 4IR to organisational strategy 55 Figure 4.8 Technologies used at the selected mines 56 Figure 4.9 Employees Perception of the current4IR strategies and practices 57 Figure 4.10 Perception of adopted 4IR Technologies 59 Figure 4.11 Perceived ease of use 63 Figure 5.1 Number of unsure responses across entire data 66 x LIST OF TABLES Table 3.1 Population and sample framework 39 Table 4.1 Summary of participant demographics 48 Table 4.2 Response Rate 48 11 CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION Like the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, industrial revolutions served as reminder that sudden emergent changes in the environment can bring about permanent changes in the ways of life both for household and organisations in a way that bring about exposure of organisations and sectors to the possibility of extinction, with a need to reengineer strategies and practices. The fourth industrial revolution is no exception in the delivery of such impact, and so is the mining sector no exception to the phenomenon. As mining companies align themselves to the fourth industrial revolution by adopting appropriate strategies and practices, the perception of individuals of such fourth industrial revolution strategy and practices and how such practices may engender slow adoption or impact on implementation and adoption of 4IR strategies which may have consequences for production performance, may not be overlooked. The aim of the study is to explore perception about Fourth Industrial Revolution(4IR) strategies and practices in relation to production processes performance in the industries at selected mines in view of making recommendation for enhancing productivity. Discussions relating to the proposed topic are discussed in the subsections below, commencing with a brief background to the study, a presentation of the problem statement, and an enumeration of the research objectives and questions. A focus will then be shifted to the discussion on the significance of the study, a preliminary review of literature, as well as the chosen research methodology and design which will be used during the execution of the study. Finally, the chapter structure of the dissertation detailing the chapter-by-chapter organisation along with brief summary of what each chapter contains, will be presented. 1.1 BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY Regardless of the scale of mining activity whether large or small, mining remains a dangerous activity, not just because of the possibility of accidents, but also because the activity comes with exposure to dust and toxins as well as 12 high stress levels due to the working environment, or pressure from management which often result in a variety of diseases (Stewart, 2020) In a study conducted in mines in Ghana, Kyeremateng-Amoah and Clarke (2016) in evaluating the causes of injuries in the Ghanian mining industry, found that the collapse of the mine pits and falls of ground included most common causes of injury. However, evidence exist that 4IR technologies such as the Internet of Things, robotics, artificial intelligence, and machine learning have the capabilities in providing signalling support after an analysis of underground temperatures that my result in fall of ground, high levels of harmful toxins, in ensuring the safety of mine workers and averting of possible injuries (Hoosain, Paul and Ramakrishna, 2020). However, despite the benefits of the 4IR technologies, most mines are slow to the uptake of such technologies and the full development and deployment of 4IR strategies and practices ((Venter, 2019)), while the mines that have deployed the 4IR strategies and practices have not attained the level of employee motivation and performance expected since the deployment of the 4IR strategies and practices. While some employees have expressed fear of job insecurity, the complete perception of the employees regarding management 4IR strategies and practices within the selected mines, where production processes and activities are concerned are unclear. This has provided an impetus to explore the perception about Fourth Industrial Revolution(4IR) strategies and practices in relation to production processes performance in the mining industries at selected mines. 1.2 PROBLEM STATEMENT Even though the Minerals Council CEO Roger Baxter indicate that “Adoption of innovations emerging out of the 4IR did not go into lockdown during the COVID- 19 pandemic. In fact, the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the application of 4IR technologies helping Minerals Council members and others to manage the pandemic more effectively’’ many mines in South Africa are slow to adopt 4IR strategies and practice, along with its technologies. Conversely, mines that have deployed the strategies and practices have met with employee demotivation, with rising feeling of job insecurity being expressed. Perceptions 13 of employees in these mines that have deployed the 4IR strategies and practices in the production processes regarding the deployment of the strategies and practices in the production processes are unclear, and management of the selected mines fear that this may impact on employee performance, if employee perception of the 4IR strategy and practices in the company is not fully understood, to take proactive action. This has called for an exploration into the perception about Fourth Industrial Revolution(4IR) strategies and practices in relation to production processes performance in the mining industries at selected mines. 1.3 AIM OF THE STUDY The aim of the study is to explore perception about Fourth Industrial Revolution(4IR) strategies and practices in relation to production processes performance in the mining industries at selected mines, by carrying out a quantitative study, in view of improving mining operation at the selected mine 1.4 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY The objective of the study is as follows. ⚫ To determine the perception of employees and management on Fourth Industrial Revolution(4IR) strategies and practices in relation to production processes performance at selected mine ⚫ To determine employee perception on the adoption of Fourth Industrial Revolution(4IR) technologies on productivity at selected mine ⚫ To offer recommendations to management in selected mines of way of improving mining operations through 4IR strategies, practices and technologies. 14 1.5 RESEARCH QUESTIONS The research questions are as follows. ⚫ What is the perception of employees and management on Fourth Industrial Revolution(4IR) strategies and practices in relation to production processes performance at selected mine? ⚫ What is employee and management perception on the adoption of Fourth Industrial Revolution(4IR) technologies on productivity at selected mine? ⚫ What recommendations can be offered to management in selected mines of way of improving mining operations through 4IR strategies, practices, and technologies. 1.6 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY Through finding from the study, the management of the selected mining companies will benefit, as finding may reveal unique elements of resistance to the acceptance and adoption of fourth industrial revolution strategies and technologies. The study will furthermore reveal positive and negative 4IR practices that may impact on the productivity of employees, and the productiveness of the mining processes positively or negatively, and with such knowledge, management can revise its strategy to reinforce 4IR positive practices and strategies and discourage negative practices in a way that results in better operational efficiency and productivity. The study would also be beneficial to the world of research, especially in the area of ICT deployment, change management and operations and productions management. These benefits are expected to emerge from findings from the study that contribute to new knowledge, which have not been covered in prior studies. 15 1.7 FORMAT OF THE RESEARCH This section provides details of the proposed format of the dissertation chapter by chapter. The section also presents a brief summary of what it chapter will be about. Chapter One: Introduction In this chapter, an introduction of the topic of study will be presented along with the problem statement, aim and objective of the study Chapter Two: Literature Review A review of existing literature relating to the challenges faced by small businesses will be carried out in this chapter, with the aim of formulating a theoretical background for the study through existing knowledge provided by existing literature. Chapter three: Research design and methodology In this chapter, the methodology and the research design chosen for the study will be discussed along with the sampling method, data collection instrument, how data was validated as well as the data analysis method chosen for the study, along with how they were implemented. Chapter four: Research findings and discussions This chapter will provide a detail discussion of the findings from the primary data analysis. Interpretation of the finding will be presented in this chapter. Chapter five: Research conclusions and recommendations Conclusions and recommendations based on the findings from the primary data analysis and interpretation will be presented in this chapter, recommendation made will also be presented and discussed. 16 1.8 CONCLUSION This chapter forms an introductory chapter of the dissertation, in this chapter, a brief background to the study and a description of the research problem have been discussed. Furthermore, the study’s aims objective and research questions to be answered were enumerated, while the significance of the study along with the chapter structure of the dissertation was presented. In the next chapter, an in-depth literature review will be carried out on investigate perception about Fourth Industrial Revolution(4IR) strategies and practices in relation to production processes performance in the mining industries at selected mines 17 CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW 2.1 INTRODUCTION In this chapter, a preliminary literature review is presented. Winchester and Salji (2016:308) in highlighting the importance of a literature review in a study, describes a literature review as a systematic evaluation of knowledge provided by prior studies on the topic of investigation. The authors further explain that a literature review is conducted with the aim of providing an in- depth understanding of the subject matter, as well as unveiling the gaps in the literature. While aims at exploring perception about Fourth Industrial Revolution(4IR) strategies and practices in relation to production processes performance in the mining industries at selected mines. 2.2. MINING PRODUCTION, TECHNOLOGY, AND OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCY Prior studies have shown that technology permeates different facets of human lives and activity, and its continuous advancement has brought both positive and negative consequences for households, organisations, sectors, and economies at a global scale. According to the (South African National planning commission, 2020). While technology is disruptive, digital technology specifically is developing at an unprecedented rate, bringing about the way work is done, and how humans live and play. The concept of technological determinism forwards the assumption that technology plays a central role in societies’ evolve and development, and while technology drives development, policymakers are advised to note that technology has the potential to drive socio-economic inequalities (National planning commission, 2020). The mining sector is no exception to this phenomenon. In understanding how technology is driving and impacting mining activities, some studies have provided an insight into trends in the mining industry that is requiring the use of technology. A study by Igogo, Lowder, Engel-Cox, 18 Newman, and Awuah-Offei (2020), reveals that trends shaping activities of the mining industry, and also calling for further adoption of new technologies include the mining industry’s interest in renewable energy use in mining operations, the declining of ore grade reflected in the depletion of high-grade and easily accessible ores, as well as the need for operational and production efficiency, requiring new ways and technologies for extracting, loading, hauling, transporting, and processing, minerals at the mines. Other factors relate to volatile Prices, that result in inconsistent production costs. Increasing environmental concerns, that stem from mining activities and their impact on communities and the ecosystem is another factor that calls for the use of mining technologies that can support environmental sustainability, while extracting and processing minerals are concerned. Furthermore, rising political and social concerns, as the mining sector has been found to be constantly under pressure from both shareholders as well as external stakeholders such as international organisations, host governments, local communities, and end-use product producers (metal buyers and their customers along the supply chain) to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and improve their environmental and social performance in the places where they operate (Igogo et al., 2020). Attempts to isolate the effect of technology and innovation on labour productivity within the mining industry have been around for a while. Analysis of the behaviour of labour productivity in specific mining industries has been carried out in a bid to isolate the effect of innovation. First to introduce the importance of new technologies and innovation in the growth of labour productivity is Tilton and Landsberg in 1999. The authors in studying the decline and recovery of the copper industry in the United States during the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s, found that labour productivity increase was to be ascribed to the incorporation of the solver extraction and electrowinning technology (SX-EW), as well as the use of larger trucks, shovels and drills, in-pit mobile crushers and conveyor belt systems, computerized scheduling of trucks, and real-time process controls. Aydin, and Tilton (2000), found that technologies such as the hydrometallurgical production method SX-EW have been a contributor to productivity growth in the US copper industry over 19 the last decades of the twentieth century, so has continuous mining equipment in underground coal mining, along with draglines and bucket wheel excavators in surface coal mining, were key advances to reach new levels of productivity in coal production. Barnewold and Lottermoser (2020), allude that over time, techniques and technologies for mining have evolved, with mining production processes seeing the use of explosives, and the use of mechanised and motorised mining equipment. When comparing the past to the present where mining activities and performance is concerned in relation to mining technologies and techniques, each technical achievement and its implementation at mine sites have been found to have led to better practices and strong industrial growth (Barnewold and Lottermoser, 2020). Igogo et al., (2020) however, argue that mining industry design and investment structure makes it more difficult to phase out old technologies for more contemporary ones, such as renewable energy and electrification equipment before end-of-mine-life. Diverse terminologies have been found to emerge in mining sectors of the present day, that reflect the level of adoption and implementation of digital innovation. Some buzz words or terms such as ‘‘digital revolution”, ‘‘smart mining”, ‘‘fourth industrial revolution”, and/or ‘‘digitalisation”, have been found to be used to describe technological advancement and associated imminent changes. Barnewold and Lottermoser (2020:747) describe digital mining as ‘‘the use of computerised or digital devices or systems and digitised data that are to reduce costs, improve business productivity, and transform mining practices’’ Technological advancements however have been found to impact production output, fostering large rates of production, while using the same workforce, or resulting in a direct reduction of the needed for personnel through the automation of different organisational processes (Felipe Sánchez1 and Philipp Hartlieb, 2020). . In a study conducted by Barnewold and Lottermoser (2020:747), it was found that while mining companies find it hard to decide which digital technologies meet the needs and requirements of their company, the actual implementation of digital technologies in 158 active surface and 20 underground shows that there is limited uptake of digital technologies in general and that the uptake increases with the run-of-mine production. While Large-scale mining operations, select and apply digital technologies suitable to their needs, conversely, mines with lower production rates were found not to implement the currently available digital technologies to the same extent. 2.3 FOURTH INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION (4IR) In a bid to effectively explore perception about Fourth Industrial Revolution(4IR) strategies and practices in relation to production processes performance in the mining industries at selected mines, it is imperative to understand what the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) really is and possible trends surrounding its emergence. Prior studies indicate that megatrends shape the future of the world. Frost and Sullivan Consulting (2015), define megatrends as ‘‘transformative and global forces that shape our future world with their impact on business operations, societies, economies, cultures and personal lives’’ According to McKinsey 2020, the world is undergoing a dramatic transition, which can be ascribed to the influence of four major disruptive forces, namely, accelerating technological changes, urbanization, greater global connectivity, and challenges of an aging world. While there is a shift in economic activities to emerging markets such as China, the second force involves the increasing technological impact on using information and communication technology, while the third disruptive force highlights that the human population is getting older and the fertility rate especially in developed countries is decreasing. With consideration to how fast the world is changing due to megatrends, which technological advancement is an element of such megatrend, Markowitz (2019), posits that African countries cannot afford to fall further behind the technological frontier or to worsen the existing digital divides within their borders. Adopting new technologies has been predicted to have the potential to drive rapid and sustainable productivity and economic growth. To this end, policy makes are advised to endeavour to create an enabling environment that supports investments and improvements of information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure. Data access and affordability, digital skills, and innovation 21 ecosystems are necessary building blocks for 4IR high-tech investments (Markowitz, 2019). In a paper by the South Africa department of science and innovation (2020:1) the fourth industrial revolution has been described as a revolution characterised by ‘‘a fusion of technologies resulting in the blurring of lines between the physical, digital, and biological spheres’’ these technologies include the cloud technology and big data, internet of things, blockchain, artificial intelligence, and Robotics. While it has been noted that Industrial revolutions are characterized by ‘exponential change’ which are and unstoppable, and with the potential of rendering tried and tested solutions obsolete or ineffective, Quian, Zhong, and Du (2020:156) provide a brief history of the industrial revolution and they change they brought about as depicted in figure 2.1 below. Three distinct features of the Fourth Industrial Revolution have been identified by Schwab (2016) which include scope, velocity, and systems impact. According to the author, while Velocity refers to the speed at which 4IR technologies are spreading and evolving. Scope refers to the wide range of sectors, industries, and occupations affected by these technologies, and systems impact refers to the breadth and depth of changes that are already occurring and are expected to continue to develop in entire systems of production, management, and governance. Patters of human existence are envisaged, when the velocity, scope, and impact of the 4IR are combined (Schwab, 2016). Figure 2.1: Four stages of the industrial revolution Source: Quian, Zhong, and Du (2020:156) 22 2.4 THE IMPACT OF PERCEPTION ON ORGANISATIONAL PERFORMANCE As it is the aim of the study to explore perception about Fourth Industrial Revolution(4IR) strategies and practices in relation to production processes performance in the mining industries at selected mines, it is imperative to understand what perception is, as a critical element strong enough to impact on the acceptance of the organisational implementation of 4IR practices and strategies, as well as 4IR technologies, which eventually may impact on mining operational efficiency and performance. Saini, Kumar, and Kaur (2020:186), define perception as ‘‘a procedure by which environment and connotation of sensual motivations are identified and construed. Perception can be predisposed by consideration and can occur subliminally, without cognisant cognizance’’. However, other studies have indicated that perception is the unique experience of an individual, as a person can only formulate perception from what is known to them (Mcdonald, 2011). This means that employee perception of 4IR practices and strategies may differ on an individual basis. Though individual perception is key in understanding the behaviour of an employee, especially where the acceptance of 4IR policies and practices are concerned, an employee does not work alone, but with other employees where socialisation is inevitable, which may engender group perception. Walker and Avant (2005), posit that for perception to occur, the following attributes must be present, such as sensory awareness or cognition of the experience, personal experience, and comprehension that can lead to a response. Prior studies have shown that social influences may affect an individual’s perception, regardless of gender and socioeconomic status (Kimura,2004; and Geary, Gilger, and Elliott-Miller,1992). Sociologists define socialisation as the “multifaceted process through which individuals learn and internalise cultural norms, codes, and values” (Šaras & Perez- Felkner, 2018). Within the context of the organisation, Organisational socialisation has been described as the process through which “an individual acquires the social knowledge and skills 23 necessary to assume an organisational role” (Van Maanen & Schein, 1979:211). Drawing from the definitions, employee interaction and knowledge sharing take place in the organisational socialisation process. This may also include the sharing of sentiments, and opinions that may induce a change in the perception of employees within the chain of interaction or socialisation, bringing about an entire group sharing the same perception. This influence of perception is critical to the study, especially where resistance to change due to negative perception, acceptance, and adoption of 4IR strategies and practices are concerned. Studies have also revealed that perception of risk can inform employee behaviour and response to specific activities and processes. Jaeger et al. (2001, 16), define risk as “a situation or event in which something of human value is at stake and the outcome is uncertain.” While Michael and Schopler (1982) defined risk as “the probability of an event occurring together with its consequences”. Klinke and Renn (2002,1071) echo this by noting that risk is “the possibility that human actions or events will lead to consequences that damage aspects of things that people value.” A study by Grima, Hamarat, Özen, Girlando, and Dalli-Gonzi (2021), which investigated the influence of Risk Perception (RP) and Risk Definition (RD) on the Risk-Addressing Behaviour (RB) of individuals, found that a relationship between employee’s risk perception and their employees’ level of fear, as well as peer influence level. Taking from the definitions, an understanding of employees’ response to 4IR strategies and practices can be further understood, where employee perception of risk is concerned. Employees who perceive the implementation of 4IR strategies as something that puts what they value such as their job at stake and see uncertainty in their future may not want to accept the adoption of the 4IR strategies and practices. Furthermore, perception has been found to impact on employee level of motivation (Zaina, Ab-Rahmana, Ihsana, Zahrima, Norb, Zaina, Hipnia, Ramlia, and Ghopa, 2011), where motivation has been described as the driving force which stimulates an individual to initiate and sustain a behaviour (Saini et al., 2020). 24 2.5 FOURTH INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION TECHNOLOGIES For the purpose of this study, it is worth giving a closer look at some of the technologies that make up the 4IR. Hoosain, Paul Ramakrishna (2020:4) identifies what the authors regard to be the top ten 4IR digital technologies of today, as depicted in figure 2.2 below. The ten top 4IR digital technologies as presented by Hoosain, Paul, and Ramakrishna (2020:4) are discussed below. Advanced materials According to Hoosain, Paul, Ramakrishna, Raza (2021), materials passport is a value tracking tool capable of restoring residual values to the market. Materials Passports always ensures the availability of information, from production stage to purchase, all the way through to use and maintenance. Passports consists of a set of information relating to a specific product, material, or system. The required information relates to properties of the specific product or material, such as physical or chemical, safety data sheets (MSDS, TDS), bill of materials (BOM), logistics, disassembly, and recyclability. Generating a passport involves different stakeholders and companies. Some popular materials passports databases include: Madaster and Buildings as Material Banks (BAMB) (Hoosain, et al., 2021) Artificial intelligence John McCarthy (2006), the father of artificial intelligence described artificial intelligence in the 1990s as “the science and engineering of making intelligent machines, especially intelligent computer programs”. However, according to (Moore, and Mellon, (2020), the term “AI” is generally used to describe machine simulation functions associated with human minds, such as learning and problem solving (Moore, and Mellon, 2020). Blockchain The term “blockchain” from a technical perspective, have been described as a data structure that stores information in blocks and forms a chain in which new blocks are linked to previously formed blocks. First used in the bit coin 25 cryptocurrency, the blockchain technology was aimed at recreating cash in a digital version in a way that it could be transferred between individuals without needing to involve a third party who will act as an intermediary or one that attests to the transaction (Nakamoto, 2008). Cloud technologies According to Elameer (2020:1) the term ‘CLOUD’ ‘Common Location- independent Online Utility on Demand. While Common: implies multi-tenancy no single or isolated tenancy, Utility implies pay-for-use. On-Demand implies infinite, immediate, invisible scalability’’ generally, Cloud Computing is a term used in describing a new class of network-based computing that takes place over the Internet, where data and applications are stored on remote servers and accessed using the internet. Drones According to Gupta (2020) Drones are also called Unmanned Aircraft Systems or Vehicles (UAS UAV) and refer primarily to an unmanned aircraft guided by remote control. Though the earlier designed Drones were created for military purposes, the early-2010s, saw Drones being used for a whole new range of activities, due to their ability reach different kind of environment at low cost. Drones are now being used by countries, governments, and business organisations, for different purposes, which include but not limited to surveillance, rescue operations, delivery of goods to transporting time-sensitive medical supplies, not to mention stock taking in mines Biotechnology Naz (2015:1) describes biotechnology as ‘the use of living things especially cells and bacteria for production of various products for benefiting human beings. It is a combination of various technologies, applied together to living cells, including not only biology, but also subjects like mathematics, physics, chemistry, and engineering’’ The application of biotechnology, cuts across different industries. As a 4IR technology, Biotechnology uses advanced genetic 26 engineering and synthetic biology to develop human therapeutic proteinsm for instance, plant cells are used to express human recombinant proteins with increased safety, production speed, clinical efficacy, cost and scalability (Arzagen, 2019) Robotics According to World Economic Forum and A. D. Bank, (2017), ‘robotics is an electro-mechanical, hybrid and biological machines supported by Artificial Intelligence (AI) that computerize, augment or aid human activities, autonomously or according to set instructions’’ An intelligent robot has been described as a machine which collects information from its environment and executes the application of knowledge in a significant, safe and purposeful manner (World Economic Forum and Bank, 2017). Robots play a critical role in operations in the mines, as they help ensure the health and safety of employee, for instance, robots can be used for underground movement in an environment that may be too risky for humans, due to the high risk of the ground caving in (Marshall, Bonchis, Nebot and Scheding, 2014). The Internet of Things While Porter and Heppelmann, (2014) describe the “Internet of Things” as a “reflection of a situation where ‘a growing number of smart, connected products’’ Dobbs et al (2015) in their description of the internet of things describes it as “physical sensors and actuators embedded machines and other objects that have been used for data collection, remote monitoring, decision-making, and optimization processes in all areas from production through infrastructure to health care” 27 Figure 2.2: The top Ten 4IR digital technologies today 2.6. FOURTH INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION STRATEGIES AND PRACTICES It is imperative for an organisation to have a strategy by which it responds to a fast-changing environment. Bailey (2018) describes a business strategy as the medium through which an organisation determines its long-term direction, area of focus, and how resources will be generated and allocated in a manner that effectively meets the needs of markets which it serves, as well as stakeholders. Abdulwase, Ahmed, Nasr, Abdulwase, Alyousofi, and Yan (2020) posits that if a strategy is to be good, such strategy need to take into consideration variables such as resources, people, power, money, existing barriers, and such strategy must also be consistent with the organisation’s vision, mission, and overall goals. It is to be understood that 4IR strategies and practices within an organisation do not happen in a vacuum, as its effect on employees and other stakeholders must be put into consideration, Dombrowski and Wagner (2014) posit that that organizational strategies induced by this fourth industrial revolution, need to give consideration to employee awareness and realignment regarding their integration and cooperation with such ground-breaking digital technologies and the related significances (Dombrowski and Wagner, 2014). While the 4IR strategies translate into practices within the organisation, how employees perceive the 4IR practices may result in positive or negative responses that may in turn have positive or negative outcomes. 28 • Health and safety practices According to Corfe (2018) the use of 4IR technologies such as the use of robots and connected devices can help make the workplace safer significantly. The author posit that robots have the potential to take on tasks that are dangerous to humans, such as the moving and lifting of heavy objects, while connected devices within the office place can help take the needed breaks from their computers and at the same time help avoid eye strain, The devices are also able to alert employees to move away from their desk and do some excurses. 4IR systems also provide data analytics, artificial intelligence, assistance, while connected devices provide improvement in employee mental health while at work. Al-Rodhan (2015), also found that in the mines, the internet of things along with other 4IR technologies that handled location and proximity sensing and warning, were used to communication, integrate people tracking, video surveillance and analytics, and real-time personal health management to assist mines to continuously improve help and safety, by providing analysis on hazards, incidents, near misses and safety observations. • Maintenance practices As companies try to emerge from the negative impact if the covid-19 pandemic and meet up with market demands, it is imperative that timely delivery of product to customers are of great importance. This means that mines have to ensure that production activities and systems are not down suddenly, putting pressure on delivery timelines and revenue, Peters( 2017),found in a study that current development in the internet of things aimed at the mining industry will assist mines in predicting downtime, creating real-time multi-dimensional models for optimising the mine layout and operation, expedite decision making and organise all the moving pieces for the most efficient operation (Peters, 2017). 29 • Data management practices The processes of mining have been said to be characterised by highly hazardous, demanding and complex, which can be ascribed to changing of physical elements such as cold, heat, noise, vibrations, and conditions which are unpredictable for work. the unpredictable conditions of work (Lööw, and Nygren, 2019). (Lööw, and Nygren, (2019) posit that such unpredictable environment, when combined with human error and mining equipment that are defective, and natural hazards can prove to be highly risky. Given that most mining risks arise from the use of heavy mining equipment, as well as occurrences of different forms of energy such electrical, mechanical, other, the overtime contribute to a volatile environment (Lööw, Nygren, 2019). Given the nature of the mining environment described, Wojaczek, and Wojaczek, (2017), indicate that is vital to monitor mining processes, mining site, as well as equipment used, continuously, and comprehensively, with monitoring data collected from different sources which relate machinery monitoring systems, employee locations, working environment. This provides a reason for the digitisation of the mining processes for data collection that will assist in controlling mining activities and improving productivity is vital (Lööw, Abrahamsson, and Johansson, 2019). Ghattas, Soffer, and Peleg, (2014) posit that acquiring large amount of data from machines used in the mining process, allows for the mine managers to have a more complete picture and deeper knowledge of the how efficiently mining processes are carried out, especially data relating to geometrical dimensions of the excavation, and a detailed operating state of machines. While the collected data should relate to a particular process and should be analysed within the context of the process, in a bid to in-depth efficiency analysis (Brzychczy, Gackowiec and Liebetrau, 2020), the outcome of the analysed data provides support to managers for effective decision making especially regarding areas where efficiency need to improve are revealed (Ghattas, Soffer, Peleg, 2014). 30 Other operational practices and activities • Planning Integrated Real Time Resource Planning: An Opportunity across the value chain to work on the recurrence of mine planning and scheduling through computerized surveying and reconciliation of assets combined with gear, material and labour force tracking and visualization, would empower ideal coordinating of assets and machinery, which requires planning and performance management. (Venter, 2019) Adaptive mining Planning: Mines as of now accumulate mineral body data from various sources, including drill hole information and face inspections. Joined with geographical data, the opportunity presented is to utilize modern data analysis methods to comprehend this better and to do so faster. This will empower fast transformation of mining intends to build yield effectiveness and decrease non-productive mining time. (Venter, 2019) • Automated SHEQ processes and predictive safety: Wearable equipment empowers worker fatigue monitoring and correspondence, joined with position tracking, digital compliance, logging, and intellectual prescient examination of safety incidents can assist with diminishing utility utilization, improve functional proficiency, and drastically decrease safety incidents. (Venter, 2019) • Short interval control: Near real time tracking of execution against plan at an assignment level. This will empower authority to oversee procedure on input measurements and leading performance indicators and give the perceivability to eliminate execution waste. (Venter, 2019) 31 2.7. EMPLOYEE PERCEPTION OF 4IR As organisations respond to changes that may emerge from the internal or external environment, which may require the development and deployment of new strategies and processes, understanding employee perception of changes becomes imperative to the success of such strategy and new practice. The response of the mining industry to the movement into the fourth industrial revolution has not been an exception. A myriad of studies has been conducted on how employees perceive the changes that accompany the fourth industrial revolution, especially where the increased use of technologies such as Artificial intelligence (AI) and Robots are concerned. While Kovacs, (2018), posits that 4IR strategies and practices must form part of an extraordinary socio-economic configuration, the author highlights that 4IR comes with unexpected consequences the stem from automation, and security uncertainty. In a study conducted by Soukupová, Adamová1, Krninská1 (2020) Czech Republic aimed at testing employee perception of 4IR, found that in the Czech employees perceive the 4IR a potential threat to their existence. The study also found that the perception however differed on the across demographic variables such age, gender, education, and the job position of the employees. However, most employees perceive the 4IR to be causing increase in job losses, as employees substitution humans with robots, and this may result in barriers to implementation of 4IR. Another study, found that employees perceive that 4IR technologies would bring about a pay-cut, given the efficiency of machines over that of humans (Stentoft et al., 2019), While employee perceive a lack of trust from employees, in the implementation of 4IR strategies and practices, in the production process, as employees use connected devices to monitor workers in a manner employees deem intrusive, as these devices also have the capacity to monitor after hours activities, including evenings, holidays and weekends (Corfe,2018). 32 2.8 THEORETICAL FOUNDATION This section presents a discussion on the theoretical foundations on which the study is anchored as presented in subsections 2.7.1 and 2.7.2 below. 2.8.1 The Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) While the study is aimed at exploring perception about Fourth Industrial Revolution(4IR) strategies and practices in relation to production processes performance in the industries at selected mines it is imperative for such perception to support the adoption and use of 4IR mining technologies, along with 4IR strategies and practices in the selected mines. Liao, Hong, Wen, Pan, and Wu, (2018), explain that the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) gives reason and explains what can prompt organisation or any individual to take a decision to adopt and use a particular technology. As introduced in 1985 by David, the Technology acceptance model was developed in view of providing an explanation as well as predicting why a specific information technology can be acceptable. The model was also to help explore and examine factors that determine the acceptability of information technology. In the Technology Acceptance Model, it is indicated that the perceived usefulness (PU) and perceived ease of use (PEOU) of information technology, are two main factors that influence the behavior, attitude as well as the decision of an individual or organisation to adopt, acquire and use a specific technology. The technology acceptance model is relevant to this study, as it helps provide an evaluation of the perception of employees at the selected mines, where the acceptance and adoption of new and innovative 4IR technologies and related strategies and practices in the selected mines are concerned. 2.8.2 The theory of creative destruction As revealed from prior discussions, different industrial revolutions have in one way or the other brought about the disruption of old ways of doing things or entire industries. Charles Schumpeter’s theory of ‘creative destruction’ dating back to the 1940s, continues to be relevant to technological development. Schumpeter postulated that while advancement in technology 33 will bring about new opportunities, for growth and employment in emerging technologies and industries, it will also bring about a decline in employment opportunities in traditional industries (Markowitz, 2019:6). This has been found to be true, especially in African countries While the adoption of the 4IR has the capability of bringing about benefits such as efficient production across Africa, increased automation can also put jobs at risk. Traditional paths to economic development have all followed a similar trajectory from the Second Industrial Revolution: manufacturing underpinned by low-cost, labor-intensive production, which creates mass employment. However, these growth paths are now threatened by the automation of low-skill activities. According to a 2019 McKinsey report, the importance of labour cost advantages in determining production locations has declined, and only 20% of goods production is currently based on labour–cost arbitrage. Countries’ industrial development strategies across many sectors in Africa are being impacted upon, as Low-skill production outsourced to emerging markets is increasingly insourced closer to home markets. Considering the fact that there is inherent uncertainty in future technological developments predicting what impact technological change would have on employees is not possible. However, evidence exists that the competitive advantage of an organisation can be determined by where there are high levels of digital skills, as the demand for technically skilled employees is predicted to reach a high of 55% by 2030. This will also increase the need for more longer-term policies and strategies relating to 4IR technologies (Markowitz, 2019:6) 2.9 4IR OPPORTUNITIES, CHALLENGES, AND BARRIERS Though the fourth industrial revolution has been found to hold many benefits, as noted in discussions from previous sections, evidence exists of ongoing challenges, impending challenges as well as variables that serve as barriers to the deployment and uptake of the 4IR. Wolf, (2015), highlights that the fourth industrial revolution poses challenges to the labour markets, as it causes disruption of the markets, citing the automation processes which substitutes for labour across the entire economy, and the net displacement of workers by 34 machines that may result in the exacerbation gap between returns to capital and returns to labour. The author further explains that as digital technology continues to drive the era of the fourth industrial revolution, the most scarce and valuable resources will neither be ordinary labour or ordinary capital, as the future, will see talent, more than capital, become the critical factor of production (Wolf, 2015). The desire and pursuit of talents will engender an increasingly segregated job market, as computers and digitisation replace low-skilled and low-wage jobs, which may further lead to an increase in social tension (Wolf, 2015). In the same vein, Wolf and Lambert, (2017), posit that the threat of massive job displacement resulting from the ongoing fourth industrial revolution is bringing about a variety of challenges relating to risk assessment, cybersecurity, hacking, and others (Wolf and Lambert, 2017). While other studies agree that the 4IR may result in massive job losses, recommendations have been made on how governments of nations can avert such danger. A study by Zervoudi (2019), advises that governments should invest in education and training of employees of all ages to be able to better their adaption to new technologies and digitisation, and if exposure of employees to the risk associated with automation is to be averted and mitigated. The author proposes that to mitigate the negative impact that may result from digitization on a country’s labour force, the government should carry out different forms of interventions which can include providing practical training and education to children and young people in new technologies, which can help them be able to enter into the labour market with the relevant skills and knowledge. Secondly, professionals should be trained through the practical training of professionals should be provided with practical training through job-related re-skilling and up- skilling programs so as to help people to get familiar with new technologies and become more competitive in labour market, Thirdly, there should be a direct link established between education and the labour market the Fourthly, the government should increase training programs in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, and encourage the participation of young people in the program, finally, there should be the establishment of internships and practice for young people, in order to help them gain work experience during their studies, while adult long-life learning should also be encouraged (Zervoudi, 2019). 35 It has also been revealed that the issue associated with the emergence of the Fourth Industrial Revolution is the possible widening of the income inequality gap, as global income inequality is currently said to be high, with the richest 8% of the world’s population earning estimated to earn half of the world’s total income and the remaining 92% of people the other half. The widening of the income inequality gap has been ascribed to variables such as rapid technological advancement and the introduction of new technologies across all sectors, including factors such as the inadequate regulation of financial integration and the growing competition in product and service markets. Furthermore, education has also been found to widen the income inequality gap, most educated and highly qualified employees possess the ability and the skills to adapt well to automation, thereby ripping the benefits of technological achievements. People with already high income, skills and wealth will be further favoured by the significant increase of their assets’ value because of the technological progress. Conversely, low-skilled workers will experience unemployment and constant downward pressure on their wages and their income, and they will be most negatively affected by the implementation of the Fourth Industrial Revolution strategies and practices (Zervoudi, 2019). Goode (2018), noted that there is an increased interconnectedness of devices in the daily lives of people today, which is an indication of much technology in the fabric of society. The author further alludes that interlink of things using IoT will exponentially increase the vulnerabilities that already exist in different networks, and connections and burden of connectivity, systems would need more security. Further, companies would need to put systems in place to continuously assess risk and determine the acceptable level of risk, and how the risk should be managed, as human error, acts of nature can become unintentional sources of risk can cause connectivity vulnerability and disruption (Goode, 2018) While resistance to change and adoption of 4IR technologies have been highlighted as a barrier for 4IR adoption (Liao et al., 2018) A report by the Australian Local Government Association, (2018) identified critical skill shortage as a challenge and a barrier to the development of 4IR in South Africa, 36 as there is a shortage of skills in areas such as Science, Engineering, and Technology. 2.10. CONCLUSION The section of literature review has presented a preliminary review of existing literature and the knowledge provided by prior studies on exploring perception about Fourth Industrial Revolution(4IR) strategies and practices in relation to production processes performance in the mining industries at selected mines. In the section, the chosen research methodology and design are presented. 37 CHAPTER 3: RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODOLOGY 3.1 INTRODUCTION This chapter discusses the research methodology and design used during the execution of the study. The subheading of the chapter commences by discussing the research design for the study, and reasons for its suitability to the study, and further subsections discuss the research philosophy, strategy, target population, sampling, the research instrument used for the study, pilot study, design and administration of the questionnaire, data analysis method, the validity and reliability assurance of the study, limitation of the study, elimination of bias, and finally, the ethical consideration for the study. Figure 3.1: Research onion Source: Thesismind (2019) 3.2. RESEARCH DESIGN Exploratory research design was chosen for this study, because the design allowed for the in-dept probing of participant in a bid to have a deeper understanding of the factors affecting the growth possibility of Telecom companies in the South Africa Telecommunication industry. The research design also supports the qualitative research method chosen for the study. https://thesismind.com/author/noko12/ 38 3.3. THE RESEARCH STRATEGY 3.3.1 Survey design A cross-sectional survey will be use in this study. The motivation behind this choice is that a cross-sectional survey allows for the collection of quantitative data and follows a quantitative research methodology 3.4. RESEARCH APPROACH In this study, the quantitative research approach was followed. The implementation of the study, with samples drawn from selected mines in South Africa. The choice to use the quantitative research methodology was motivated by the fact that the qualitative research approach supports the use of a questionnaire in the collection of primary data and also support data analysis tools that allows for numeric computation and analysis. 3.5. RESEARCH PHILOSOPHY The term prominence refers to what is ‘posited’ that is ‘given’. This shows the positivist’s focus on strictly scientific empiricist method designed to reward clean data and facts that are uninfluenced by human interpretation or bias. Saunders et al. (2016) positivist can be the positive impact of variable put to place to foretell links between variables. Saunders et al. (2016) also stated that it is impartial that it contains numeric measurements or statistics to examine primary phenomenon. It requires research to be valid and its realistically measurable, its strong point in delivering quantitative facts and numbers that are correct; therefore, it will be accommodated in this study. 39 3.6. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY 3.6.1 Target population In this study we will be targeting 400 employees from selected mines in South Africa consisting of 150 mine workers, 50 information technology officers, 50 middle managers, 50 operations managers, 50 health and safety officers, and 50 executive officers. 3.6.2 Sampling strategy To draw 110 samples from the target population of 400 employees at the selected mines in South Africa, a simple random sampling approach was followed. The motivation behind selecting this technique is that it is suited for a quantitative research approach for this study. Table 1: Population and sample framework Table 1: Population and sample framework Department Population Quantitative sample & method IT employees 50 10 Health and safety personnel 50 10 Middle managers 50 10 operations managers 50 10 Mine workers 150 60 Executive personnel 50 10 Total 400 110 The use of a quantitative research approach for this study served as motivation for applying a probability sampling method for sample selected. From the 400 employees at selected mines, 110 were randomly selected from the target 40 population, from the employee registers, and consisted of a sample of 60 mine workers, 10 information technology employees, 10 middle managers, and 10 operations managers, 10 health and safety personnel and 10 executive officers. Source: Researcher 3.7 DATA COLLECTION APPROACH Using questionnaire primary data was collected, where together with a consent latter, 100 questionnaires were sent to randomly chosen participants through email from the database of the selected mines. The management of the department, prior to sending the email, had already informed the employees of the study and its purpose, and had encouraged participation. A duration of up to a week was given to the employees of the study to finish and submit either by use of email or hard copy. On indication of interest by prospective participants, a consent latter was sent first, followed by the questionnaire, once the consent letter was signed and returned by the participant. Closer to the due date of receiving the questionnaire from participants, emails were sent to interested participants as a reminder of the due date. After the due date, if the people who received the questionnaires still did not return them, they were considered as non-responses. An email which was created as a depository, where participants could drop completed questionnaires, while hard copies were collected by hand, or scanned and sent by the participants. Completed questionnaires were then moved into a folder in preparation for cleaning, capturing, coding and analysis. 130 questionnaires were sent out and 110 were returned. 3.7.1 DATA INSTRUMENT Based on Saunders et al. (2016) says that data collection instruments can be defined as a tool utilised in the collection of primary data from respondents in the study. An interview is a perfect tool in qualitative research for collecting primary data whereas a questionnaire is a perfect tool in collecting primary data 41 in a quantitative research approach. According to a definition by (Kabir, 2017). Kabir (2017) a questionnaire is an instrument of research which entails a series of questions aimed at collecting information from respondents aiming at reaching goals and objectives. For this study a questionnaire will be selected due to the fact that it is inexpensive and is a perfect tool for primary data collection in a quantitative research approach The questionnaire consisting of 32 questions in total, allocated in three different divisions which are, section “A”, “B1” “B2” and “B3” Section “A” entails four demographic questions, Section “B1” entailed of 17 5 scale Likert questions, based on the study objective one… Section “B2” consist of “9” questions based on the 5 point Likert Scale, based on research objectives two and section “B3” consist of 6 questions based on a 5 point Likert Scale (rating scale) and based on research objective 3. 3.8. VALIDITY AND RELIABILITY To ensure reliability and validity of the research instruments utilized for the collecting data, a reliability and validity test will be conducted and to ensure the reliability of the results from the results. In the subsection below we discuss how validity and reliability will be maintained. 3.8.1 Validity test This is when a research instrument measures the extent to its anticipation to measure (Kubai, 2019).theoretical and empirical evidence can be measured through the utilization of a validity test. Just as theoretical examinations consist of translation or representation of a concept in an operational form. The bases of validity on a quantitative analysis involving statistical methods are included in empirical examination. (Kubai, 2019).to ensure validity in the study a pilot study will be done through caring out different validity tests, which is discussed in the subsection below. 42 3.8.1.1 Construct validity This is when suggestion can in a correct way be made from the operation in a study of a theoretical construct on which are the bases for that operation (Trochim, 2020). Construct validity is set to confirm the differences between people who lack other features (Fink, 2020), research questions will therefore be deeply examined by experts in the information communication technology. It is then ensured by the operations management that the goals of the study are reached, and concepts and constructs are not stolen. 3.8.1.2 Content validity According to Middleton this is where whether a test defines all the aspects of the construct is analyzed. The contents of a trial, survey or measurement methods must include all relevant pieces of the subject it aims to measure so that it can benefit reliable results. In the absence of other relevant aspects of the measurements, validity is vulnerable. Although the study assumed a 5 scale Likert tool for primary data, the content and the score allocated to each question still makes it mandatory to be verification. It was then required of experts to spot the importance of an item when operating a construct in a set of items and score them in a rank of, essential, to useful but not important and not important. This will be ranging from 1 to -1 whereby 1 is a full agreement of members of the panel and so on in a descending manner with -1 being non agreement (Zamanzadeh et al: 2015). 3.8.1.3. Convergent and Discriminant validity Convergent validity comparison on observed values of one indicator of one construct with others of the same construct will be done to successfully attain comparison. Discriminant validity will be attained by indicating that pointers of one construct are different. A statistical procedure called bivariate correlation will be applied to analyse items on the questionnaire using exploratory factor analysis for convergent and discriminant validity. According to Carlson et al. (2012), convergent validity it is a sub of construct validity. This is where the construct aiming to measure a certain construct is the construct itself. It then measures two constructs that are alike and show that 43 they are related. Conversely, discriminant validity exposes when two measures which are perceived to be related actually aren’t. 3.8.1.4. Criterion-related validity The extend of correspondence between a test measure and one or more external referents (criteria) by correlation (Mohajan, 2017). For example, when students wrote an examination and got marks and then were questioned about their marks. A correlation will be performing among the test marks obtained and the significance in order to try out the criterion-relatedness variables. 3.9 DATA ANALYSIS 3.9.1 Descriptive analysis Loeb, et al., (2017) defines a descriptive analysis as the transforming of raw data into a form that can be understood and interpreted easily, where determination of rearranges, order and data manipulation that provide descriptive information is concerned. In the study, descriptions will be carried out using averages, frequency, range and standard deviations in a way that reveals patterns within the data. 3.9.2 Inferential Analysis The study will carry out a Pearson Correlation. correlation analysis in determining the relationship between employee perception of 4IR and production performance at the selected mines. The study will also carry out other analysis and test such as the Bi-variate Regression analysis 3.10 PILOT STUDY Creswell (2015) says that this is where primary data is collected prior to the main research. According to (Doody and Doody, 2015:1074) a pilot study is a smaller vision pre-study conducted with a smaller group of participants similar to the larger group for the actual study. 44 This study aims to test the possibility of the success of research through testing a smaller scale of participants by taking them through the actual research procedures, testing the responses of participants, contents of the questions, face validity and the feasibility of using technology in a questionnaire administration (Doody and Doody, 2015). thereafter there will be 10 participants selected as sample for the pilot study that are from the target population spotted in this study. The selected research approach for the study is qualitative whereby in conducting this study it will assist in the establishment of validity of the research and spotting items that are not quite perfect. 3.11. LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY Baker and Edwards (2015:10) says, due to lack of time when the study is conducted, the size of the data pool where from samples are extracted may be significantly small. The study is constituted by time constrains to extract and test a larger sample which also affects the feasibility of generalizing the findings in a larger target population. 3.12. ELIMINATION OF BIAS Provocative an ambiguous words are shunned in an aim to ensure that bias is removed from the study. Also, in the process of structuring questions for the questionnaire imprecise words are left out to avoid them causing confusion for the respondent where the respondent might end up not responding in a correct way or not responding at all. Questions that may result in causing emotional harm or tent to be discriminatory towards the respondent’s gender, cultural or religiously believe were shun as well. To keep the responses of the participants authentic, the study ensures that there are no leading or complicated questions posed to the participants 45 3.13 ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS Ethical considerations constitute a manner in which humans and animals are handles when participating in the study Vanzyl (2014. The research follows the law in place by considering the variables mentioned: include requirements on daily work, the protection of dignity of the participants and the publication of the information in the research (Fouka & Mantzorou, 2011:3). Below are the requirements to meet the research ethics: 3.13.1 Informed consent For this study participants were fully prepped on what is to be required from them, where the information will be going and how it will be used and what penalties my come from it. This will be done through a letter with a fully detailed information which will be provided to participants which also allows them to make sane decisions to participate which are intentional and rational .this is what is included in the concept form: the reason why the study is conducted; time it will take to complete the projected; procedures followed in the study; information entailing the right of the participant to decline or pull out; prospective remunerations from the research and contact details of the person responsible for answering questions. The participants then sign a consent to confirm their understanding of what will take place in the study and what their rights are which the consent will thereafter constitute a contract between the researcher and the participants. A short carefully presented information sheet will be used to obtain the informing aspects of the consent. 3.13.2 Ensuring no harm comes to participants. The study ensures the wellbeing of the participants by protecting them against questions that may trigger emotional disparities or even create stress for them. Identities of participants were kept secret to protect them from any physical or mental harm posed to the by the public or people who might not like their responses to the research questionnaire, and they were also the questionnaire is formed in a way that will prevent respondents from any sort of embarrassment, victimization, fear, offence and any mental or psychological harm. 46 3.13.3 Anonymity and Confidentiality The terms confidentiality and anonymity are related but they differ in concepts. Sim & Waterfeld (2019) Say that in confidentiality the information given by the respondent is kept a secret whereas in anonymity the respondent’s identity is kept a secret. To uphold confidentiality, all the information acquired from the respondents will be kept in protection, by way of not asking them to fill out any questionnaire be it electronic or hard copy that is not part of r from the research. And also, all completed questionnaires in hard copies are locked up in a safe while soft copies are locked up with a pass-word.to ensure anonymity, questionnaires do not require any information to do with the respondent’s names, physical or postal addresses and their names are not disclosed in the course of the analysing and publicizing the report. 3.13.4 Ensuring that Permission is obtained. Bargaining for access to participants and obtaining information from the company that will be helping in the collection of data, are too the most vital parts of the study. Through a proper request for permission to perform a study, it is vital that official channels are opened. Ethical clearance will be taken to the university after permission has been granted from selected mines to do the study. 3.14 CONCLUSION In this chapter, discussions relating to the research philosophy, design and strategies chosen for the study, as well as samples and target population for the study. In the chapter, the research instrument as well as data collection approach was discussed. The administration of the questionnaire, pilot conducted before the major study, data analysis approach applied in the analysis of collected data, hoe reliability and validity were ensured, as well as the limitations of the study, along with how bias was address in the study was discussed. Finally, ethical consideration which were considered during the study were discussed. In the next chapter, results from the analysed data, along with interpretations and along with relevant discuss will be presented. 47 CHAPTER FOUR: DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS 4.1 INTRODUCTION The aim of the study was to explore the perception of Fourth Industrial Revolution(4IR) strategies and practices in relation to production processes performance in the mining industries at selected mines, by carrying out a quantitative study, in view of improving mining operation at the selected mine. Qualitative primary data was collected to this effect. In this chapter, the analysis of the quantitative primary data collected, and the statistical test conducted will be discussed along with relevant interpretations. Relevant literature will also be used to provide evidence supporting the findings, as results are presented based on the predefined objectives of the study. The chapter is guided by the following research questions: 1. What is the perception of employees and management on Fourth Industrial Revolution(4IR) strategies and practices in relation to production processes performance at the selected mine? 2. What is employee and management perception on the adoption of Fourth Industrial Revolution(4IR) technologies on productivity at selected mine? 3. What recommendations can be offered to management in selected mines of the way of improving mining operations through 4IR strategies, practices, and technologies 4.2 RESEARCH INSTRUMENT 4.2.1. Reliability In ensuring reliability, a Cronbach’s reliability test was carried out. Results from the rest show the reliability of the instrument is good, as it shows a reliability coefficient of 0.902, based on 5 tests, for 4 items tested (0.881), on 3 items tested (0.304), on 5 items tested (0.773) items, on a further 4 items (0.571). 48 Sürücü and Maslakçi (2020:2695) describe “reliability” as an indicator for measuring the stability of values obtained by measuring the same value more than once, under the same situation applying the same instrument. 4.3. SAMPLE CHARACTERISTICS STATISTICS Table 4.1. Sample Characteristics Statistics Kurtosis -1,082 -1,005 -0,678 -0,677 -0,898 Std. Error of Kurtosis 0,472 0,472 0,472 0,472 0,472 Minimum 1 1,00 1 1 1 Maximum 5 5,00 5 5 5 Source: Questionnaire 4.3.1 Response Rate Table 4.2: Response rate Responses Frequency Percentage Responses 40 40% Nonresponses 60 60% Total 100 100% Source: Questionnaire As indicated in table 4.2 of the 100 questionnaires administered, 40 questionnaires which represented 40% of the questionnaires were successfully completed and returned, while the other 60% accounted for a number of nonrespondents. 49 4.4 FINDINGS, INTERPRETATION, AND DISCUSSIONS Discussions in the section and subsection below focus on providing results from the demographic data of participants in the study, along with relevant interpretations. 4.4.1. Demographic Data As shown in figure 4.1, primary data indicated a higher male representation at 82%, with female representation at 18%. The result is relevant to the study in that it eliminates the problem of bias as samples were randomly selected. The results also provided a means of determining the gender differences in perception of 4IR technology adoption. However, while the result may seem to give an impression of a male-dominated work environment, such conclusions cannot be justified, given that the sample size is rather small. Figure 4.1: Gender Figure 4.2 below provides the age categorization as well as representation in the study. As indicated in figure 4.2, there were no participants between the ages of 18 to 24 years of age that took part in the study. While participants between the ages of 25 to 34 years of age made up 10% of the total number of 82% 18% Gender Male Female 50 participants, participants between the ages of 35 to 44 years constituted 50% of the total number of participants. A further 30% of the participants were between the ages of 45 to 54years, the remaining participants who made up the rest of the 10% of the total number of participants were 50 years and above. While the result provided a means of identifying the difference in perception of 4IR adoption that might be induced by age differences, it did not give a true picture of what the dominant age group was at the selected mines. Figure 4.2: Age Results from primary data as indicated in figure 4.3 above revealed no representation of participants with certificates. While 2.5% had matric certificates, 15% had diplomas, a further 45.0% had degrees, while the other 37.5% had post-graduate qualifications. A closer examination of the result reveal that at least 97.5% of the participant had a junior degree, while only 2.5% had high school qualifications. The relevance of this result to the study is that it provides a description of levels of education considered by the study to be sufficient to be able to read, comprehend and provide answers a view on the subject of investigation. 0.0% 10.0% 50.0% 30.0% 10.0% 0.0% 10.0% 20.0% 30.0% 40.0% 50.0% 60.0% 18-24 25-34 35-44 45-54 55 and above AGE 18-24 25-34 35-44 45-54 55 and above 51 Figure 4.3 Highest qualification As indicated in figure 4.4 below, while 17.5% of the participants had been in the organisation for a period between one to five years, a further 17.5% has also been with the organisation for a period between six to ten years. Other participants had been with their organisation for a period between 11 to 15 years, another 10% between 16 to 20 years, while the remaining 10% had been with their organisation for a period of 21 years and above. This means that about 82.5% of the participant have been with their company for at least not less than 6years. This period is considered long enough by the study, for a participant to have been exposed to the transformations where the use of ICT within their mines and their production process is concerned. Furthermore, while the study provides authentication of data, it served to ensure that data collected from participants truly reflect the current situation of the selected mines, where 4IR strategies and technology adoption are concerned. 45.0% 15.0% 37.5% 2.5% 0.0% 0.0% 5.0% 10.0% 15.0% 20.0% 25.0% 30.0% 35.0% 40.0% 45.0% 50.0% Degree Diploma Post graduate Matric Certificate Highiest qualification 52 Figure 4.4: Length of service in the organisation 4.4.2 Research question 1: perception of employees and management on Fourth Industrial Revolution(4IR) strategies and practices in relation to production processes performance at selected mine 4.4.2.1 Employee awareness of the 4IR concept and technologies In a bid to have an in-depth understanding of what employee perceptions are with regards to the 4IR strategies, practices, and use of 4IR technologies in the production process are, it was imperative to understand the foundation on which such perceptions were formed. Questions related to employee awareness of the concept of perception as well as what types of technologies constitute 4IR were posed to respondents. 17.5% 17.5% 45.0% 10.0% 10.0% 1 - 5 6 - 1 0 1 1 - 1 5 1 6 - 2 0 2 1 A N D A B O V E LENGTH OF SERVICE WITH ORGANISATION 53 Figure 4.5 Awareness of the concept and technologies of 4IR Results from analysed data revealed that while 20% strongly disagreed with having any form of awareness of 4IR, a further 67.5% owned up to the fact that they were not aware of the concept of 4IR. While 7.5% remained neutral, 5% agreed to be aware of the concept of 4IR. The result was quite a revelation, as it revealed that 87.5% of the participants were not aware of the concept of 4IR, considering that these technologies are being deployed at the mines where they work. It came as no surprise that results in relating to employee awareness of existing 4IR technologies revealed that 75% of the participants said they had no knowledge of the different 4IR technologies that exist, while 201% were neutral, only 5% agreed that they had knowledge of 4IR, a percentage consistent with the number of participants that said they are aware of the concept of 4IR. While Mcdonald (2011) posits that perception is the unique experience of an individual, and a person can only formulate perception from what is known to them, Walker and Avant (2005), highlighted that for perception to occur, attributes present, such as sensory awareness or cognition of the experience, personal experience, and comprehension that can lead to a response must be present. Aware of the concept of 4IR Aware of technologies that make up 4IR STRONGLY DISAGREE 20.0% 15.0% DISAGREE 67.5% 60.0% NEUTRAL 7.5% 20.0% AGREE 5.0% 5.0% STRONGLY AGREE 0.0% 0.0% Employee awareness of 4IR concept and technologies STRONGLY DISAGREE DISAGREE NEUTRAL AGREE STRONGLY AGREE 54 4.2.2.2. Employee involvement in the development of 4IR strategies Results from primary data however reveal contradictions and inconsistency, as indicated in figure 4.6. following prior findings that reveal that a high percentage of employees were not aware of 4IR concepts and technologies, results relating to employee involvement reveal that 67.5% of employees agree that they were involved in the 4IR strategy development, while a significant 22% stayed neutral, 10% disagreed to being involved in the development of 4IR strategies. The result highlights possibilities of ineffective participation and involvement, which may stem from a lack of awareness of the concept of 4IR and associated technologies that can hamper the effectively contribute to the development of strategies relating to such technology. Studies have however revealed that though the terms “involvement” and “participation” are related and often used interchangeably, a difference does exist between the terms (Quain, 2018). While involvement may provide an employee the opportunity to learn, participation requires an actual contribution to the decision being taken (Durán, Jessica, Corral, and Antonio, 2016). Findings by Dede (2019) showed that when employees participate in decision making in an organisation, a good working environment is created, workers become more committed, employee morale increase and satisfaction on decisions taken is engendered since they feel recognized and part of the team players in the organization and direct consequences of all these increase productivities within the organization. Figure 4.6: Employee involvement in 4IR strategy development. 2.5% 7.5% 22.5% 50.0% 17.5% 0.0% 10.0% 20.0% 30.0% 40.0% 50.0% 60.0% STRONGLY DISAGREE DISAGREE NEUTRAL AGREE STRONGLY AGREE Employees were involved in the 4IR strategy development https://www.eurofound.europa.eu/authors/duran-jessica-corral-antonio https://www.eurofound.europa.eu/authors/duran-jessica-corral-antonio 55 4.4.2.3 Perception of the alignment of 4IR and corporate strategy To further gather employee perception of the current 4IR strategy, questions relating to the alignment of the organisational corporate strategy to the 4IR strategies were posed to the participants. Results from primary data reveal that 20% disagree that there is alignment between the corporate of selected mine with the 4IR strategies. While 57.5% of the participants chose to remain neutral, 22.5% agreed that there is an alignment of the company’s corporate strategy with its 4IR strategy. Regarding the alignment of the organisation’s human resource strategic alignment to 4IR strategies, 12.5% disagree with the notion that there is an alignment between the human resource strategies and the 4IR strategies of the selected mines. While 45% were neutral to the question, 42.5% agree that there is an alignment between the human resource strategies and the 4IR strategies of the selected mines. Alignment of the mine operational strategies with the 4IR strategy was said not to exist by 12.5% of participants, while 42.5% remained neutral, participants that agree that such alignment exists were 45%. SREONGLY DISAGREE DISAGREE NEUTRAL AGREE STRONGLY AGREE Corporate strategy 2.5% 17.5% 57.5% 22.5% 0.0% Human resource strategy 0.0% 12.5% 45.0% 37.5% 5.0% Operations strategy 2.5% 10.0% 42.5% 40.0% 5.0% Production strategy 40.0% 27.5% 35.0% 20.0% 0.1% Aliggnment of 4IR to organisational strategy Corporate strategy Human resource strategy Operations strategy Production strategy 56 Figure 4.7. employee perception of alignment of 4IR strategy to organisational strategy Regarding the alignment of the organisation’s production strategies to its 4IR strategies, 67.5% of the participants were of the perception that these strategies are not aligned. While 35% were neutral, 20.1% of the participants agreed that there was an alignment between the production strategies of the selected mines and 4IR strategies. 4.4.2.4 Current 4IR practices at selected mines Figure 4. 8 Technologies used at the selected mines Before trying to understand employee perception of the adoption of 4IR technologies, in the mines where they worked, it was imperative to first find what 4IR technologies they were exposed to by asking them to explain how different technologies were used in the production and management processes at their mine. 80% of the participants mentioned the use of drones and other 27.5% 47.5% 55.0% 57.5% 62.5% 62.5% 67.5% 70.0% 72.5% 72.5% 72.5% 72.5% 80.0% 0.0% 10.0% 20.0% 30.0% 40.0% 50.0% 60.0% 70.0% 80.0% 90.0% Use of 4IR technologies for Provide training on the use of different 4IR technologies Use of 4IR machines are used for blasting Use of 4IR technologies for inventory reordering Use of 4IR machines for Ore collection and bringing to the surface Use of 4IR machines for underground temperature sensing to avoid ground collapse Use of 4IR technologies for taking production decisions Use of 4IR technologies for the collection of mining data Use of 4IR machines for underground mineral identification Use of 4IR machines for quality checking of minerals Use of 4IR machines for stock pilling Use of 4IR machines for identify and signal for high level of underground toxicity Use of Robots for underground mining Use of Drones and other 4IR technologies for stock taking Current 4IR practices at selected mines 57 4IR technologies for stocktaking. 72.5% mentioned the use of robots at the mines, while technologies for identifying and signaling high levels of toxicity were mentioned by another 72.5% of participants. Other technologies mentioned were 4IR technology for mineral identification mentioned by 70% of the participants, and 4IR technologies for mining data collection, mentioned by 67.5% of participants. Others mentioned 4IR technology for taking production decisions, mentioned by 62.5% of respondents, 4IR technologies for underground temperature measuring to avoid ground collapse, mentioned by a further 62.5%, 4IR technologies for collecting ore and bringing them to the surface, mentioned by 57.5%, inventory reordering systems, mentioned by 55% of participants, machine for blasting, mentioned by 47.5% of participants, and 4IR technologies for providing training on 4IR. Barnewold and Lottermoser (2020), allude that over time, techniques and technologies for mining have evolved, with mining production processes seeing the use of explosives, and the use of mechanised and motorised mining equipment. When comparing the past to the present where mining activities and performance is concerned in relation to mining technologies and techniques, each technical achievement and its implementation at mine sites have been found to have led to better practices and strong industrial growth (Barnewold and Lottermoser, 2020). 4.4.3 Research objective 2: employee perception on the adoption of Fourth Industrial Revolution(4IR) technologies on productivity at selected mine 4.4.3.1 Employee and management perception of 4IR strategies and practices As the 4IR strategic plans become implemented, some new ways of doing things using 4IR technologies were expected to begin to impact old ways, which may require employees to adapt to the new ways. It then became imperative to get the perceptions of employees on elements of the 4IR strategies and practices implemented in the selected mines. Questions relating to this were posed and results from primary data revealed that 35% of the participants believe that the 4IR strategies were not well formulated. While 37.5% were neutral on the matter, 27.5% believe the strategies were well formulated. 58 Furthermore, results also revealed that 37.5% of the participants perceive that there is a division in stakeholder interest, where the 4IR strategies and practices are concerned, as some stakeholders did not consider the interest of another stakeholder. While 35% of the parti