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and digital change that are linked to the 4IR. The researcher was able to learn more about how the 4IR can be used to promote sustainable development, improve livelihoods, and cater to the particular needs and ambitions of the South Durban Basin community by looking at this group. It was appropriate for members of the company’s management to reply to the survey due to its design and questions. Therefore, the respondents were members of the senior management of the companies that were selected based on their capacity to offer insights into their organisations’ strategic orientation.
Sampling techniques
Probability sampling, according to Bryman, Bell and Hirschsohn (2021), is crucial because it allows researchers to extrapolate results from samples to the entire population. Additionally, according to Maree (2017) the probability sampling methodology is an objective sampling strategy in which each component of the target population has an equal chance of being chosen to be included in the sample. According to Rahi (2017) there are four types of probability sampling: cluster sampling, stratified random sampling, basic random sampling, and systematic random sampling. The best sampling technique for the study was determined to be systematic random sampling because, in addition to the other advantages already mentioned, the researcher believed that it saves time and effort when compared to simple random sampling, in which each element is chosen independently.
Sample size
Considering that the research is using a mixed method, there were two samples for the qualitative and the quantitative method. For the quantitative study the researcher took a sample size of 160 from a population of 320 companies, and used a formula to calculate the sampling intervals: sampling interval (k) = N / n sampling interval. Therefore, in the case of the South Durban Basin, the sampling interval (k) = 320 / 160 and the sampling interval (k) = 2. After having identified the sampling interval the researcher selected every 2nd (k) company from the population of 320 companies to arrive at the desired sample size of 160.
The sample for the qualitative study is a total of 40 medium- sized companies based in the South Durban Basin area. For calculating the qualitative sample, the researcher took a sample size of 40 from a population of 320 companies for qualitative respondents and used the same formula to calculate the sampling intervals. Therefore, in the case of the South Durban Basin the sampling interval (k) = 320 / 40 and the sampling interval (k) = 8. After having identified the sampling interval the researcher selected every 8th (k) company from the population of 320 companies to arrive at the desired sample size of 40.
Data collection strategies
According to Saunders, Lewis and Thornhill (2019), to obtain a thorough grasp of the topic a comprehensive research study must utilise both qualitative and quantitative data collection methodologies. To gather quantitative data and provide quantifiable, broadly applicable results, structured approaches including experiments, surveys, and statistical analysis were used. The researcher chose to include only closed-ended items in the survey to collect quantitative data. This strategy guaranteed uniformity among participants and assisted in standardising data collecting. In contrast, focus groups, and observations are methods used in qualitative data collection that capture the richness and depth of participants’ viewpoints and experiences. By combining these strategies the researcher strengthened the context of the data, addressed the study questions from several perspectives, and corroborated findings, all of which help to come to more comprehensive and nuanced conclusions. With a predetermined list of open-ended questions, the researcher conducted semi-structured interviews to collect qualitative data. This maintained a balance between structure and flexibility, encouraging the exchange of creative ideas while guaranteeing that all participants addressed the main points.
Ethical considerations
The participants’ dignity and self-respect were preserved, the research endeavour did not cause harm to the participants, and the researcher upheld the fairness principle. No discrimination occurred before, during, or after the study. The right of the respondents to discontinue participation in the study at any time without facing any negative repercussions was guaranteed. The researcher made certain that the participants were informed of the aim of the investigation and that they verified their comprehension of it. Each participant signed an informed consent form that was connected to the study, confirming that they had read it and understood it completely.
findings
This pivotal section guides us through the intricate network of decisions and exchanges that encapsulate our research endeavour. We create the foundation for a comprehensive disclosure of findings by reviewing the initial objective that motivated this research with a laser-like focus at the outset. We examine the fundamental issues of our study and shed light on the many revelations made possible by utilising the enormous amount of meticulously gathered quantitative and qualitative data. As we navigate the places where our discoveries and existing knowledge coincide or diverge, the literature that has previously been published will serve as a guide through the maze of findings.
The results demonstrated the advantages of using 4IR technology, which included increased efficiency from
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