Perceptions of the effects of 4IR on expected job disruptions on the human capital development approach at the University of Zululand
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Date
2020
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University of Zululand
Abstract
Some call it ‘Digitization’, others call it ‘Automation’ yet, some others use the catchword ‘Industry 4.0’! The unprecedented, and undeniable impacts of tech-jargons such as AI, IoT, VR, AR and CPS across industries and nations has made the 4IR a buzz word globally. Subsequently, many workers, professionals, academics and people in governance are eager to know the effects that the 4IR may have on jobs, skills and the best approach to human capital development in the fast-changing work environment. Hence, in view of these questions begging for answers, this study with four research objectives and questions explores perceptions of effects of the 4IR on expected job disruption and on human capital development approach at the University of Zululand. A structured questionnaire titled ‘Fourth Industrial Revolution Skills Assessment Questionnaire (FIRSAQ)’ was designed, validated by a research analyst, and tested for internal consistency. FIRSAQ with a reliability coefficient of 0.882 was used to gather data from the randomly stratified 170 academic staff members. Findings reveal that perceptions about the probable 4IR skill requirements is high, and the current level of awareness with regards to the effect of 4IR technologies on job disruption is high. Furthermore, the assessment of the significance of 4IR technologies on job disruption and human capital development in the University of Zululand indicated that 4IR significantly affects both job disruption and human capital development. However, findings also showed that the current human capital development approach in the University of Zululand is more formal than informal. Therefore, in view of the propositions from the 70:20:10 model, a change in human capital approach to more of informal than formal approach was recommended.
Description
A dissertation submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Masters of Commerce in the department of Business Management, Faculty of Commerce, Administration and Law at the University of Zululand, 2020.
Keywords
Digitization, ‘Fourth Industrial Revolution, Human capital development