Browsing by Author "Nel, Bianca"

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    A dynamic business framework aimed at guiding South African small businesses towards sustainability by considering Industry 4.0 and Industry 5.0 trends and technologies.
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2024-02) Nel, Bianca; Von Leipzig, Konrad; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Engineering. Dept. of Industrial Engineering. Engineering Management (MEM).
    ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The research presents a dynamic business framework designed to guide South African small businesses towards sustainability in the face of Industry 4.0 and Industry 5.0 trends and technologies. The study addresses three key research questions: RQ 1: What factors influence businesses? An exploration of the factors that influence small businesses. Drawing on a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) methodology, the study synthesizes existing knowledge to identify and analyze the different factors that are shaping the business landscape. RQ 2: What will be the effect on businesses to adopt technology? The research investigates the implication of technology adoption on small businesses, examining the transformative effect of Industry 4.0 and emerging Industry 5.0 trends. This study identifies both the adoption advantages and challenges on the business. RQ 3: What will constitute a dynamic framework to ensure business success during unpredictable and unstable future environments, especially focused on South African small businesses? In response to the dynamic and uncertain business environments, this research proposes a dynamic business framework tailored for South African small businesses. The framework is developed through a SLR methodology, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the various factors influencing a business, the contributors, and the practices. The framework is validated through reviews from subject matter experts, incorporating practical insights to ensure that the application is relevant. The SLR serves as primary research method, allowing for a systematic exploration of the literature related to the research questions. The validity of the results and to enhance the findings, the findings from the SLR are critically evaluated against the reviews from subject matter experts in the South African small business context. The research found that although there are changes in the markets, it can be possible for a business to succeed. By ensuring the business has a dynamic business model in place, move with the markets by incorporating technology and innovation, and by fostering a problem-solving mindset- the business can be sustainable for any changes. This research study contributes to the growing discourse on business sustainability, provide small businesses in South Africa with a practical and adaptable framework to be able to withstand the impact of unpredictable events and evolving markets.