Developing Capabilities for the Workforce to Embrace Technological Change at a Logistics Company in Durban, South Africa

Authors

  • Neville Chinniah Graduate School of Business and Leadership, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa.
  • Simon Taylor Graduate School of Business and Leadership, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa.
  • Cecile Gerwel Proches Graduate School of Business and Leadership, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/ctbef/v3/4640E

Keywords:

Change management, manual processes, technological change, logistics, South Africa

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine how the workforce in a logistics company in Durban, South Africa, transitioned from a manual to an automated process, to  manage short shelf-life inventory stock. The previously implemented manual inventory control system to monitor shelf-life was replaced with the Systems Applications and Products in Data Processing (SAP), which automatically reported stock approaching shelf-life expiry dates. To understand the process of change, Kotter’s 8-step model of change was utilised in conducting this study.  A qualitative research approach was applied due to the exploratory nature of the research. Interviews and focus groups were conducted, and data were analysed using thematic analysis. The study findings contribute to broadening the understanding of the emerging development opportunities to enhance the capabilities of the logistics workforce.

Published

2023-03-18

How to Cite

Neville Chinniah, Simon Taylor, & Cecile Gerwel Proches. (2023). Developing Capabilities for the Workforce to Embrace Technological Change at a Logistics Company in Durban, South Africa. Current Topics on Business, Economics and Finance Vol. 3, 99–111. https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/ctbef/v3/4640E

Issue

Current Topics on Business, Economics and Finance Vol. 3

Section

Chapters