Search

The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) within supply chain management (SCM) has precipitated a significant transformation in business processes, particularly in emerging economies like South Africa. This systematic literature review explores the extent of AI’s influence on SCM practices across various industries within the South African context, underpinning the potential of AI to improve operational efficiency, strategic decision-making, and innovation. This review thoroughly followed the PRISMA guidelines. The findings reveal that AI significantly contributes to the advancement of SCM by improving accuracy in demand forecasting, optimising resource allocation, and facilitating real-time decision-making. This review synthesizes current research, offering a comprehensive overview of AI’s transformative potential in SCM within South Africa. It also suggests areas for future research, particularly in addressing the challenges of AI implementation and exploring its impact on sustainable SCM practices. The implications for both practitioners and policymakers include prioritising digital infrastructure development, ethical AI integration, and encouraging public-private partnerships to support AI-driven innovations in supply chain networks. Future research should prioritise the development of practical methods that specifically target the demands and obstacles of incorporating AI into supply chains in South Africa, with the aim of promoting fair and sustainable growth.

Successful business transformation requires companies to cope with serious resource constraints. Despite fruitful research on the factors influencing transformation, how companies achieve transformation remains unclear. This study investigates transformation mechanisms by adopting the resource orchestration perspective and conducting a case study of a fintech company. The findings demonstrate a three-stage model of resource constraints, resource orchestration actions, and resulting capabilities. This study contributes to transformation theory by exploring the transformation process with a focus on resource constraints and actions and the capabilities to respond to the constraints. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dynamic progression of technology has induced a profound metamorphosis within the realm of commerce, ushering in novel prospects and trials for enterprises spanning diverse sectors. In contemporary times, the rise in non-fungible tokens (NFTs) and the conception of the Metaverse have ensnared the focus of corporate entities and visionary proprietors alike. This article explores the transformation of business frameworks during the era of NFTs and the Metaverse. It delves into traditional paradigms, clarifies the unique characteristics of NFTs, and examines their potential impacts on commerce. This article investigates the convergence of virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and blockchain technology within the Metaverse. To investigate these transformations, this study undertakes a comprehensive literature evaluation. The findings highlight how NFTs and the Metaverse have introduced new avenues for generating revenue and creating value. These advancements are achieved through the utilization of smart contracts and adaptable strategies that cater to evolving consumer behaviors. This article also addresses significant challenges in this landscape and provides a forward-looking perspective on the anticipated trajectory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding and managing the customer experience (CX) is paramount for organizations aiming to enhance their business performance. However, despite significant investments in improving CX, the high failure rate of CX management programs shows that effectively executing CX-led business transformations can be a true snafu. While academic literature on CX is abundant, research on how executives and managers can implement CX within their organizations remains limited. Meehan's interview (2024 – this issue) with Piyush Gupta offers valuable insights into this aspect, serving as a foundation for further exploration. This paper offers an initial conceptualization of a CX-led business transformation and identifies areas ripe for new research streams on CX management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the rapidly evolving contemporary business landscape, the Industry 4.0 revolution has emerged as an immense and transformative force, fundamentally reshaping industries and presenting significant challenges to prevailing business models. As technology components continued to evolve in response to this revolution, it became increasingly evident that understanding the multifaceted implications of these changes for organizational sustainability is of paramount importance. The overarching goal of this research was to elucidate the intricate interplay between Industry 4.0 technologies and organizational sustainability. To achieve this objective, we conducted a comprehensive exploration of real‐world instances where companies boldly embraced Industry 4.0 technologies, subjecting their specific practices and processes to thorough examination. This methodological approach yielded a wealth of invaluable insights into the practical implications of Industry 4.0 on organizational sustainability, effectively bridging the gap between theory and practice. This research underscores the urgent need to provide businesses and decision‐makers with insights of paramount significance. The findings of the study aim to serve as a guiding compass for organizations, offering clarity on potential benefits and challenges associated with Industry 4.0 adoption. Notably, within the scope study, the utilization of semi‐structured interview technique added a unique dimension, enabling in‐depth insights. Interviews were conducted with individuals from diverse nations across different continents, thoughtfully selected based on predefined criteria, setting this research apart in terms of both the sample's size and the remarkable diversity within the participant profile. This diversity enriched the research findings by encompassing various perspectives and experiences, significantly enhancing the depth and breadth of the study's insights. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study delved into the world of Digital Marketing in social networks, exploring its evolution from 2018 to April 2023 through the prism of the Scopus database. Using a quantitative methodology with a bibliometric approach, 368 documents were examined using statistical tools such as VOSviewer, RStudio and Microsoft Excel. The results paint a picture where the annual document production shows a steady decline of -3.34%, attributed to saturation, changing algorithms and mutable preferences. With the participation of 81 countries, Spain, USA, UK, India, and Indonesia emerge as prominent players, while 26 subject areas, led by Business, Computer Science and Social Sciences, top the subject matter. Documentary diversity is reflected in articles (76.36%), papers (15.22%) and reviews (3.80%). In this scenario, nine authors, including Civelek et al. (2020), Dwivedi et al. (2020), and Saura (2021), stand out. The exploration of trends took the form of a Thematic Map with specific sections, while future inquiries are oriented towards resource theory, destination marketing, social network platforms, diet advertising and social network analysis. Overall, this study not only provides insight into contemporary scientific production, but also points to fruitful directions for future research.

Technological disruption and the COVID-19 pandemic have challenged SMEs to adapt to digital consumer behaviour, necessitating digital transformation. This study examines the impact of digital literacy on digital transformation, exploring the antecedent factors shaping digital literacy and the government’s role in providing IT infrastructure. A survey method was undertaken for this study with a total sample of 293 small businesses in East Java, Indonesia. This study employed structural equation modeling through PLS-SEM for the data analysis. The research results show that locus of control, need for achievement, and social capital significantly and positively influence digital literacy. Digital literacy has been proven to significantly and positively impact digital business transformation. IT infrastructure does not significantly affect the moderation between digital literacy and digital transformation. The findings of this research will assist in overcoming technology usage challenges faced by SMEs in East Java, particularly those exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Business actors can leverage the Indonesian government’s efforts in business incubation and facilitating access to technology and the internet to enhance their social capital. SMEs should consider joining sectoral organisations or associations to build relationships with other business actors and engage in training and capacity-building initiatives.

Copyright of Revista de Ciencias Sociales (13159518) is the property of Revista de Ciencias Sociales de la Universidad del Zulia Venezuela and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Revista de Ciencias Sociales (13159518) is the property of Revista de Ciencias Sociales de la Universidad del Zulia Venezuela and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The fusion of quantum computing and artificial intelligence (AI) heralds a transformative era for Industry 4.0, offering unprecedented capabilities and challenges. This paper delves into the intricacies of quantum AI, its potential impact on Industry 4.0, and the necessary change management and innovation strategies for seamless integration. Drawing from theoretical insights and real-world case studies, we explore the current landscape of quantum AI, its foreseeable influence, and the implications for organizational strategy. We further expound on traditional change management tactics, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning, ecosystem collaborations, and proactive approaches. By examining successful and failed quantum AI implementations, lessons are derived to guide future endeavors. Conclusively, the paper underscores the imperative of being proactive in embracing quantum AI innovations, advocating for strategic foresight, interdisciplinary collaboration, and robust risk management. Through a comprehensive exploration, this paper aims to equip stakeholders with the knowledge and strategies to navigate the complexities of quantum AI in Industry 4.0, emphasizing its transformative potential and the necessity for preparedness and adaptability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the growing need to continually generate customer value, firms must be flexible to address changing business environments and customer expectations. Although research has examined Information Technology (IT) flexibility, the nuances of IT flexibility in services have received limited attention. This study uses a three-stage roadmap to build digital service flexibility. First, using prior research on services and IT flexibility, we articulate three dimensions for digital services flexibility (DSF): core DSF, transaction DSF, and customer DSF. Second, we propose a theoretical customer-service value framework as a blueprint for service firms to align their strategies along these three DSF dimensions using four propositions. Third, for DSF to be applied in practice, we discuss contextual and situational embeddedness to support digital transformation for services. We use a practical application of DSF using a multi-year case study that aligns service innovations inside and outside a patient room in a hospital setting. The main contributions of this study lie in a) conceptualizing digital service flexibility and identifying its three dimensions, b) proposing a conceptual framework highlighting how firms can use DSF in alignment with their business strategy, and c) illustrating how the concept of DSF applies in a hospital setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to test the concept derived from resource-based and knowledge-based views to determine the success of digital transformation. The Industrial Revolution 4.0 has changed the way organisations survive and are adaptive in all rapidly changing environments, one of which is the use of social media in business. We investigated how SMEs in creative industries adapt their strategies, resources, and knowledge capabilities to achieve digital transformation through organisational agility. Data was collected from 269 SMEs in Indonesia using a questionnaire and analysed using the SEM (Structural Equation Modelling) statistical software SmartPLS. The results showed that organisational agility succeeded in mediating the influence of knowledge absorption capabilities, social media engagement, and digital resources in strengthening digital transformation. Achieving digital transformation can be successful if SMEs can use social media business and technology as their strategy and knowledge to survive and achieve competitive advantage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research aims to explore and analyze the challenges and dynamics faced by entrepreneurship and innovation in the face of profound changes in the digital era. Research methods to investigate the Future of Entrepreneurship and Innovation in the Digital Age can be directed through a combination of qualitative and quantitative approaches. This holistic approach enables a thorough understanding of the unique challenges and dynamics emerging in the context of technological change. This research is expected to provide in-depth insights into the dynamics of entrepreneurship and innovation in the digital age, helping entrepreneurs and stakeholders to understand changes and adjust their strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Environmental & Social Management Journal / Revista de Gestão Social e Ambiental is the property of Environmental & Social Management Journal and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Industry 4.0 technologies have business process re-engineering capabilities that can radically improve process performance and increase the effectiveness of communication and collaboration between actors. Despite the significant emphasis on technology adoption, the slow uptake rate can be attributed to ignoring nontechnical aspects, such as systemic change concerning people and processes. There are ample Industry 4.0 maturity models in the literature; however, a common criticism of maturity models lies in their applicability. This paper attempts to address this criticism by presenting two case studies where maturity assessments for general contractors were conducted to understand how ready they were to adopt to Industry 4.0 and what they could do to improve their current readiness. This paper aims to answer the following research questions: (1) Can the Industry 4.0 maturity modelling literature be applied in an organisational context for a construction general contractor? (2) Do construction general contractors relate to such an assessment? To answer the research questions, a comprehensive assessment of the Industry 4.0 maturity of two general contractors was conducted, thereby intending to support their strategic planning and systematise their transformation in Industry 4.0. The richness of the findings lies in the detailed understanding of the organisation's current Industry 4.0 capabilities and future plans, thereby establishing the applicability of the maturity attributes identified from the literature and confirming whether the managers of a construction organisation can relate to them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quantum computing is emerging as a groundbreaking force, promising to redefine the boundaries of technology and business. This paper provides an in-depth examination of the quantum realm, beginning with its fundamental principles and extending to its implications for today's industries. We discuss how quantum algorithms threaten existing cryptographic measures while also uncovering vast opportunities in sectors like finance, healthcare, and logistics. The narrative then shifts to the evolution of new business models, exemplified by Quantum-as-a-Service (QaaS) and enhanced AI capabilities. Alongside the myriad opportunities, we address the challenges and ethical concerns surrounding the swift rise of quantum technologies. By emphasizing the importance of collaborative efforts among businesses, policymakers, and technologists, the article advocates for a balanced and responsible approach to quantum adoption. Through this analytical lens, the article paints a comprehensive picture of the impending quantum era, presenting both its transformative potential and the complexities it brings to our interconnected world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dynamic progression of technology has induced a profound metamorphosis within the realm of commerce, ushering in novel prospects and trials for enterprises spanning diverse sectors. In contemporary times, the rise in non-fungible tokens (NFTs) and the conception of the Metaverse have ensnared the focus of corporate entities and visionary proprietors alike. This article explores the transformation of business frameworks during the era of NFTs and the Metaverse. It delves into traditional paradigms, clarifies the unique characteristics of NFTs, and examines their potential impacts on commerce. This article investigates the convergence of virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and blockchain technology within the Metaverse. To investigate these transformations, this study undertakes a comprehensive literature evaluation. The findings highlight how NFTs and the Metaverse have introduced new avenues for generating revenue and creating value. These advancements are achieved through the utilization of smart contracts and adaptable strategies that cater to evolving consumer behaviors. This article also addresses significant challenges in this landscape and provides a forward-looking perspective on the anticipated trajectory.

Global economic, social and environmental change drivers have tremendous effects on the dynamic and nested business environment calling for a sustainability transition to a circular bioeconomy. The transition will pressurise established industries to alter their value creation logic to consider sustainability holistically. The study follows a case study research strategy and investigates how an established Finnish pulp and paper industry reconfigures its communicated value creation logic. The findings of a qualitative document analysis suggest that the pulp and paper industry has started to explore new sustainable path-breaking innovations and create a common development agenda, which has resulted in incremental adaptations in the value creation logic. However, the industry’s narrative of already being sustainable has hampered the reconfiguration and stabilisation of the adapted value creation logic. From a theoretical perspective, adopting an interdisciplinary and systemic perspective is necessary to understand the changing business environment. From a managerial perspective, cross-sectoral collaboration and including perspectives of different actors can help in creating a holistically sustainable value creation logic.

Purpose: This study aims to investigate metaverse elements affecting digital transformation and examine how the metaverses' enabled digital transformation affects Industry 5.0. Design/methodology/approach: This paper adopts intersectional research methodologies to understand how metaverse technologies facilitate digital transformation and contribute to Industry 5.0. The Metaverse literature is bibliometrically analyzed to identify the intersection of digital transformation and components of Industry 5.0. Findings: The conceptualization of the metaverse, its ecosystem and its enabling technologies are consistent with the human-centric, resilient and sustainable vision of the industrial revolution. The findings show that scientific research into digital transformation contributes to refining potential conflicts and tensions that may arise at the intersection of the metaverse and Industry 5.0. Research limitations/implications: Study have significant implications for digital transformation research, as transformation studies help to fine-tune emerging technologies such as the metaverse for the industrial revolution. Based on the findings, the authors have provided a threat model for the Sustainable Metaverse Revolution. Social implications: The utility of metaverse technologies in industrial revolutions necessitates the formulation of business model policies that promote the metaverse-enabled digital transformation. Policy recommendations for integrated development approaches are also provided in this paper. Originality/value: The metaverse-enabled digital transformation and its implications for the industrial revolution are less reported. The current study addresses the importance of such intersectional studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most employers devote meticulous efforts to hire highly competent candidates to promote productivity and success of their organisations. Employers prefer to hire a candidate with a combination of both soft skills and hard skills. While the graduates have the required hard skills, the bulk of them usually fall short of soft skills. Lacking soft skills at the workplace has been endemic for decades and trumpeted as a key aspect that renders an employee labelled incompetent. Although there are various studies conducted on employability, there is still a growing need for a better comprehension of soft skills as a possible stimulus to employability. The milieu of poverty in South Africa is perpetuated by the massive and cataclysmic wave of the unemployment rate of young graduates who do not have more than 24 years of age which currently sits at 32,6%, while those aged between 24 to 34 years is pegged at 22,4%. Despite R5,2 billion allocated to businesses in the year 2022 as an incentive for youth employment, the statistics of youth unemployment rate are still very high. The purpose of this study is to examine the influence of soft skills in enhancing the employability of graduates in South Africa. The study used a literature review method and a qualitative research approach. The data was collected from different sources which include peer-reviewed conferences, journals articles, and job advertisements. The study underscores the need for the South African government to take measures that support soft skills improvement of graduates with immediacy and urgency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

the issue of business transformation at vegetable trading posts, aiming to propose a strategic approach for future development. Grounded in strategic management theory (Porter, 1985) and scrutinizes research the study methodology, using a case the current business operations of trading posts and the dynamic context they operate within. It identifies several bargaining the low face, including posts challenges trading power of farmers, small quantities of produce, and erratic pricing mechanisms. A key finding is the potential benefits of integrating digital technologies to enhance operational efficiency and market reach (Bharadwaj et al., 2013). Furthermore, it emphasizes the importance of establishing more resilient and inclusive supply chains. This research contributes to the ongoing discourse on sustainable agricultural practices and opens avenues for innovative business transformation strategies in the vegetable trading sector. It serves as a key reference for policymakers, stakeholders, and researchers interested in sustainable agricultural practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The global finance industry is highly impacted by fintech innovations and technology transformations due to rapidly evolving emerging technologies. Blockchain has become one of the key emerging technologies to bring promising results in the finance sector. These transformations and the use of decentralized ledger systems would contribute to significant changes in financial transaction processing and with the advent of distributed ledger technology and its ability to enforce better transparency, blockchain is becoming a disruptive force in the finance industry. This research investigated challenges in implementing blockchain solutions in the finance sector in Sri Lanka. The Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM) based approach was used to investigate relationships between identified factors that influence blockchain solutions. According to the results of the study, the factors with higher driving power included lack of trust in new and immature technology, lack of regulations and governance, lack of standardization, cost of implementation, and interoperability issues with legacy systems. The results of the study emphasize the importance of regulatory bodies to develop new rules and regulations to support the technology transformation and blockchain vendors to provide better interoperability and standardization across platforms.

Because of the increasing internet use, print media is under significant threat. As part of its transformation, a media company deployed an Integrated Marketing Solution (IMS) to address current business challenges. This method, however, requires further investigation. As a result, this study aims to assess the utility of IMS, analyze the implementation of the McKinsey 7S Framework on IMS, and identify McKinsey 7S Framework aspects in IMS for future development. In-depth interviews with 12 people were conducted for this qualitative study. The findings indicate that IMS is the core of the company's business transformation, with all components of the McKinsey 7S Framework in place. However, the shared value component is still required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Digital transformation has emerged as a key driver of business innovation and growth in the 21st century. As organizations increasingly rely on digital technologies to operate and interact with customers, digital transformation has become an essential strategy for remaining competitive in today's rapidly evolving business landscape. Simultaneously, the relevance of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues has increased in the context of consumers, investors, and regulators, as the negative consequences of business activities on the natural environment and society become increasingly evident. In this research article, we examine the relationship between ESG and the triple transformation of business, people, and technology, as well as how organizations can use digital technologies to enhance their ESG performance. Our aim is to identify the principal drivers and mechanisms that shape ESG performance in the context of triple transformation and to investigate the trade-offs and synergies between different ESG dimensions. We used a mixed-methods approach combining fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) and structural equation modeling (SEM) to examine the implications of triple transformation on ESG in the energy sector. The results showed that triple transformation has positive impacts on ESG performance, depending on the specific context and the interaction between different drivers and mechanisms. We suggest that energy companies that are able to effectively navigate the challenges and opportunities of triple transformation are likely to outperform their peers in terms of ESG performance. Our study contributes to the literature on ESG in the energy sector by providing a nuanced and dynamic view of the relationships between triple transformation and ESG performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Digital transformation is important not only in the manufacturing sector but can also help service-based organizations to achieve competitive advantage. Therefore, this study has examined the impact of digital transformation on competitive advantage and the mediating role of entrepreneurial orientation. Innovation capability is considered a moderator between digital transformation and competitive advantage. The data for the research were gathered from service companies in Jordan, and AMOS was utilized for the analysis. The results revealed that digital transformation not only influences competitive advantage but also affects entrepreneurial orientation. Entrepreneurial orientation significantly mediates the relationship between digital transformation and competitive advantage. In addition, innovation capabilities moderate the relationship between digital transformation, competitive advantage, and entrepreneurial orientation. Innovation, production, and operational managers as well as owners of service companies can use the results of this research as a guideline for policy-making in order to develop a competitive advantage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Industry 4.0 technologies have business process re-engineering capabilities that can radically improve process performance and increase the effectiveness of communication and collaboration between actors. Despite the significant emphasis on technology adoption, the slow uptake rate can be attributed to ignoring nontechnical aspects, such as systemic change concerning people and processes. There are ample Industry 4.0 maturity models in the literature; however, a common criticism of maturity models lies in their applicability. This paper attempts to address this criticism by presenting two case studies where maturity assessments for general contractors were conducted to understand how ready they were to adopt to Industry 4.0 and what they could do to improve their current readiness. This paper aims to answer the following research questions: (1) Can the Industry 4.0 maturity modelling literature be applied in an organisational context for a construction general contractor? (2) Do construction general contractors relate to such an assessment? To answer the research questions, a comprehensive assessment of the Industry 4.0 maturity of two general contractors was conducted, thereby intending to support their strategic planning and systematise their transformation in Industry 4.0. The richness of the findings lies in the detailed understanding of the organisation’s current Industry 4.0 capabilities and future plans, thereby establishing the applicability of the maturity attributes identified from the literature and confirming whether the managers of a construction organisation can relate to them.