Matolwandile M Mtotywa, Tshidi Mohapeloa
Abstract
The fourth industrial revolution (4IR) and fifth industrial revolution (5IR) technologies create the foundation for novel and game-changing methods for managing operations in response to operational uncertainty. The study aims to develop a conceptual framework for a configurations development and measurement approach using operational uncertainty, 4IR/5IR technologies and learning organisation as the influencer of 4IR/5IR technologies’ effectiveness The study inductively developed an 11-step analytical conceptual framework grounded on a combination of fuzzy-AHP, PLS-SEM and fuzzy-QCA. The robust framework utilises symmetric and asymmetric approaches to ensure that the outcome moves beyond high value in the dependent variable but in several sufficient and necessary conditions. It provides insights necessary to ensure robust checks to enhance the accuracy of the model by assessing nonlinear effects, endogeneity, unobserved heterogeneity and PLSpredict in the partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) and predictive validity in the fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) findings. Finally, the framework provides an approach to measure the long-term impact of the interventions within the firm using difference-in-difference (DiD) and benchmarking the firm’s technical efficiencies against industry peers with similar decision-making units (DMUs) using data envelopment analysis (DEA). This framework provides a novel contribution to effective management of operational uncertainty in the manufacturing industry.