Page 210 - UKZN Proceedings of the Conference Report

Sampling and data collection
The survey used an innovation survey comparable to CIS- style innovation surveys but customised for the informal sector. Fieldwork, including a business listing survey and innovation survey, was conducted using RedCap, administered using mobile technology, yielding a sample of 173 informal construction businesses. Data collection involved conducting face-to-face interviews with nine informal construction business owners at their workplaces, ensuring the interview times were flexible and convenient for the participants.
Data analysis
Qualitative data, consisting of textual information and
insights gathered through semi-structured interviews, was analysed using NVivo, a specialised software for qualitative data analysis (Welsh 2002).
Qualitative data was analysed using the statistical software package, Stata. Descriptive statistics, including averages and other key values, were calculated. A correlation matrix was then generated to examine the relationships between variables. Further exploratory data analysis was conducted on key variables using principal component analysis (PCA). The data consists of 173 observations and 13 variables. The variables were all binary (coded as 1 or 2) and measure different aspects of innovation activities. The variables are listed in Table 1 overleaf, along with their labels.
table 1: variables used for analysing the nature of innovation in the informal construction sector
Label
variable Name
definition
value
equipment and technological variables
Var 1
B6_Innov_NewEquip
Bringing in tools, machinery and equipment
1 = Yes, 2 = No
Var 2
B6_Innov_NewTech
Bringing in internet facilities and other devices
1 = Yes, 2 = No
Var 3
B6_Innov_TechUpgrade
Change/upgrade technology (tools & equipment)
1 = Yes, 2 = No
Var 4
B6_Innov_InfrasChanges
Changes to buildings, vehicles or other infrastructure
1 = Yes, 2 = No
Knowledge and learning variables
Var 5
B6_Innov_IK
Using indigenous knowledge
1 = Yes, 2 = No
Var 6
B6_Innov_Searching
Searching for new knowledge
1 = Yes, 2 = No
Var 7
B6_Innov_KnowHow
Bringing in know-how or other types of knowledge
1 = Yes, 2 = No
Var 8
B6_Innov_UnexDiscov
“Happy accidents” (unexpected discovery) during production
1 = Yes, 2 = No
training and development
Var 9
B6_Innov_TrainStaff
Training staff to introduce changes
1 = Yes, 2 = No
Var 10
B6_Innov_Fapprent
Engaging in a formal apprenticeship system
1 = Yes, 2 = No
Var 11
B6_Innov_ OnTheJobLearn
On-the-job-learning
1 = Yes, 2 = No
Linkages variables
Var 12
B6_Innov_NewSupp
New suppliers of raw materials and tools
1 = Yes, 2 = No
Var 13
B6_Innov_CustDem
Customer demand
1 = Yes, 2 = No
208 | Proceedings of the conference on Public innovation, develoPment and sustainability