The impact of the Fourth Industrial Revolution on job turnover and workforce adaptation in a selected local municipality in the Eastern Cape
-
Maxhobandile Ndamase(1*)
Faculty of Economic and Financial Sciences, iYunivesithi Walter Sisulu
(*) Corresponding Author
Keywords:
Fourth Industrial Revolution, Job Turnover, Workforce Readiness
Abstract
The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) is reshaping public-sector organisations by accelerating digitalisation, automation, and changes in work processes, yet its implications for workforce adaptability and stability in municipal contexts remain insufficiently understood. This study examines how 4IR influences organisational adaptability, worker preparedness, and job turnover in a South African local municipality. A qualitative research design was adopted, with semi-structured interviews conducted with 15 municipal employees selected through purposive sampling. Data were analysed thematically, with data collection continuing until theoretical saturation was reached. Eight interrelated themes emerged: critical skills shortages, inadequate training, insufficient infrastructure, job insecurity, weak leadership and change management, increased workload, psychological stress, and loss of institutional knowledge. The findings indicate that limited digital preparedness, ineffective communication, insufficient organisational support, and poorly aligned technology planning contribute to employee anxiety, resistance to technological change, and heightened turnover intentions. These findings suggest that the workforce consequences of 4IR are shaped not only by technological adoption itself but also by the organisational capacity to manage technological change and support employees throughout the transition. The study contributes to the emerging literature on 4IR and public-sector workforce transformation by highlighting the organisational and human dimensions of digital transformation within a municipal context in a developing-country setting. The findings underscore the need for coordinated digital transformation strategies that integrate leadership, workforce development, infrastructure investment, employee engagement, and employee well-being. Practical priorities include structured training programmes, clear digital transformation roadmaps, upgraded ICT infrastructure, participatory change management, and targeted retention and well-being initiatives.
Keywords: Fourth Industrial Revolution; Job Turnover; Workforce Readiness
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References
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https://journals.co.za/doi/abs/10.4102/jamba.v14i1.1302
Enwereji, P. C., & Uwizeyimana, D. (2022). Smart city readiness in South African municipalities: A qualitative study. HOLISTICA Journal of Business and Public Administration, 13(1), 93-109. https://doi.org/10.2478/hjbpa-2022-0006
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https://hdl.handle.net/10520/ejc-genbeh_v21_n1_a29
Kumalo, M., & Scheepers, C. B. (2021). Leadership of change in South Africa public sector turnarounds. Journal of Organizational Change Management, 34(1), 137-157. https://doi.org/10.1108/JOCM-04-2017-0142
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https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Paulo-Cesar Morceiro/publication/356065063
Maenetja, R. E., & Kgobe, F. K. L. (2024). Enhancing socio-economic sustainability in South Africa: A review of local municipalities in managing inward migration from the periphery to the core. Jurnal Administrasi Publik (Public Administration Journal), 14(1), 64-76. https://doi.org/10.31289/jap.v14i1.11573
Magadla, A. (2023). The role of small-scale agricultural business on youth employment at a selected district in the Eastern Cape, South Africa (Doctoral dissertation, Cape Peninsula University of Technology).
Malan, C., Fourie, D., & van der Waldt, G. (2025). Gauging the Institutional Readiness and Resilience of Local Government: The Case of South African Municipalities. Administratio Publica, 33(3), 1-24.
https://doi.org/10.61967/adminpub.2025.33.3.1
Maluleke, V. (2024). Assessing the impact of small, medium and microenterprises (SMMEs) in creating jobs in the automotive sector in the Tshwane Region (Doctoral dissertation, Tshwane University of Technology).
https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14519/786
Mamokhere, J. (2024). Why leaders fail? Exploring Issues Affecting Leadership in Realising Sustainable Service Delivery in South African Municipalities. Journal of Public Administration and Development Alternatives (JPADA), 9(si1), 159-178. https://doi.org/10.55190/JPADA.2024.309
Maxhobandile, N., & Yusuf, L. (2024). The use of Fourth Industrial Revolution drivers to enhance employee's performance in South African municipalities. Journal of Public Administration, Finance & Law,(32). https://doi.org/10.47743/jopafl-2024-32-25
Mishi, S., Tshabalala, N., Anakpo, G., & Matekenya, W. (2023). COVID-19 experiences and coping strategies: The case of differently sized businesses in South Africa. Sustainability, 15(10), 8016. https://doi.org/10.3390/su15108016
Mohan, D. H., & Lone, Z. A. (2021). Psychological Wellbeing of Employees. International Journal of Emerging Technologies And Innovative Research, 8_ (4), 53-62. https://doi.org/10.1729/journal.26412
Mokofe, W. M. (2024). The fourth industrial revolution and unemployment in South Africa: A continuing challenge. Kazan UL Rev., 9, 7.
Mtawa, N., Fongwa, S., & Wilson-Strydom, M. (2021). Enhancing graduate employability attributes and capabilities formation: A service-learning approach. Teaching in Higher Education, 26(5), 679-695.
https://doi.org/10.1080/13562517.2019.1672150
Mthiyane, D. B., Wissink, H., & Chiwawa, N. (2022). The impact of rural–urban migration in South Africa: A case of KwaDukuza municipality. Journal of Local Government Research and Innovation, 3, 56.
https://hdl.handle.net/10520/ejc-jolgri_v3_n1_a56
Ncoyini, S. S., & Cilliers, L. (2020). Factors that influence knowledge management systems to improve knowledge transfer in local government: A case study of Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality, Eastern Cape, South Africa. SA Journal of Human Resource Management, 18(1), 1-11.
https://hdl.handle.net/10520/EJC-1fa45e9981
Ndamase, M., & Lukman, Y. (2025). Adapting to the Digital Era: An Analysis of Job Transitions and Workforce Transformation in King Sabata Dalindyebo Municipality. Journal of Public Administration and Development
Alternatives (JPADA), 10(2), 86-106. https://doi.org/ 10.55190/JPADA.2025.430
Ndatshe, Y., Mokhele, M. O., & Jakoet-Salie, A. (2024). The effects of employee turnover on the loss of organisational knowledge in South African municipalities: Balancing rhetoric with actual practice. International Journal of Research in Business & Social Science, 13(7). https://doi.org/10.20525/ijrbs.v13i7.3673
Ndatshe, Y., Mokhele, M. O., & Jakoet-Salie, A. (2024). The effects of employee turnover on the loss of organisational knowledge in South African municipalities: Balancing rhetoric with actual practice. International Journal of Research in Business & Social Science, 13(7). https://doi.org/10.20525/ijrbs.v13i7.3673
Ngomana, T. (2023). An analysis of Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) and entrepreneurship in South Africa: opportunities and challenges. https://univendspace.univen.ac.za/server/api/core/bitstreams/57520f97-d7f7-4d68-b82c-f9197f256c83/content
Nwaikpo, P. N. O. (2025). From classroom to crisis: Interrogating stakeholders on the correlation between skill mismatch, unemployability, and increasing unemployment in Nigeria. Research Journal in Translation, Literature, Linguistics, and Education (RJTLLE), 1(1). https://doi.org/10.64120/w3ccnz08
Okatta, C. G., Ajayi, F. A., & Olawale, O. (2024). Navigating the future: integrating AI and machine learning in hr practices for a digital workforce. Computer science & IT research journal, 5(4), 1008-1030. www.fepbl.com/index.php/csitrj
Phaladi, M. P., & Ngulube, P. (2024). Understanding tacit knowledge loss in public enterprises of South Africa. SA Journal of Human Resource Management, 22, 2229. https://hdl.handle.net/10520/ejc-sajhrm_v22_n1_a2229
Piao, X., & Managi, S. (2022). Long-term improvement of psychological well-being in the workplace: what and how. Social Science & Medicine, 298, 114851. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.socscimed.2022.114851
Pillay, S. S., & Kikasu, E. T. (2024). An Analysis of Skills Gaps and Future Skills Necessary to Growing and Advancing Sustainable Municipalities in the Kwazulu-Natal Province. Open Journal of Political Science, 14(3), 334-373.
Saul, T., & Maleka, M. C. (2024). Workplace Skills Plan a Critical Instrument for Leadership Capacity Building and Organisational Performance: A Case for Municipalities in South Africa. IAHRW International Journal of Social Sciences Review, 12(3).
Selesho, R. A., & Matjie, M. A. (2024). Exploring turnover intentions of employees at a South African government education council. SA Journal of Human Resource Management, 22, 2251. https://hdl.handle.net/10520/ejc-sajhrm_v22_n1_a2251
Sibonde, A. H., & Dassah, M. O. (2021). The relationship between employee motivation and service quality: Case study of a selected municipality in the Western Cape province, South Africa. Africa’s Public Service Delivery and Performance Review, 9(1), 499. https://journals.co.za/doi/abs/10.4102/apsdpr.v9i1.499
Smith, N., Van Der Werf, M., Adelson, M., & Strohl, J. (2025). Falling Behind: How Skills Shortages Threaten Future Jobs. Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce. https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED676644.pdf
Sparks, C. R. (2023). “May the fourth be with you”: how will the fourth industrial revolution impact South Africa’s labour force?. https://scholar.ufs.ac.za/items/c79d1486-fb8a-45cf-bb14-10bfc1e0da9f
Sutcliffe, M., & Bannister, S. (2020). Research on the 4th industrial revolution: Implications for local government in the context of skills development. City Insight, 1-115. https://cdn.lgseta.co.za/resources/research_and_reports/2019
Thusi, X., & Chauke, R. (2023). Strategies for retaining scarce skills and reducing turnover in the South African public sector. International Journal of Management, Entrepreneurship, Social Science and Humanities, 6(1), 120-134. https://doi.org/10.31098/ijmesh.v6i1.1242
Totobayo, B. W., & Ndamase, M. (2024). Retaining Jobs in the Age of Fourth Industrial Revolution: the Views of a Selected Small Businesses in Mthatha, Eastern Cape. Journal of Public Administration, 59(3), 498-515. https://doi.org/10.53973/jopa.2024.59.3.a10
Tshamano, W., Shopola, A., & Mukonza, R. (2021). Unmasking merger problems from employees’ perspectives: A case of the disestablished Aganang Local Municipality, South Africa. Africa’s Public Service Delivery & Performance Review, 9(1), 11.https://doi.org/10.4102/apsdpr.v9i1.501
Van Song, N., Hanh, P. T. M., Cuc, M. T., & Tiep, N. C. (2020). Factors affecting human resources development of SMEs: Evidence from the fourth Industrial revolution in Vietnam. Management Science Letters, 10(12), 2705-2714.
https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/adcd/6fe187ee7f876fa63595d94b80dbb905965c.pdf
Wang, H., Jin, Y., Wang, D., Zhao, S., Sang, X., & Yuan, B. (2020). Job satisfaction, burnout, and turnover intention among primary care providers in rural China: results from structural equation modeling. BMC family practice, 21(1), 12. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12875-020-1083-8
Ye, R., & Ortiga, Y. Y. (2025). Stockpiling, forecasting and protecting skills: Skilling as technique of preparedness in times of crises. Current Sociology, 00113921251347644. https://doi.org/10.1177/00113921251347644
Akinyemi, B., George, B., & Ogundele, A. (2022). Relationship between job satisfaction, pay, affective commitment and turnover intention among registered nurses in Nigeria. Global Journal of Health Science, 14(2), 37.
https://doi.org/10.5539/gjhs.v14n2p37
Alexander, R. (2021). The Fourth Industrial Revolution in South African manufacturing and connectivity: Case studies of automotive and mining equipment manufacturing, along with transportation and ICT infrastructure and services. SARChI, University of Johannesburg. https://www.uj.ac.za/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/sarchi-wp-2022-8c-alexander-september.pdf
Amegayibor, G. K. (2021). Training and development methods and organizational performance: A case of the local government organization in Central Region, Ghana. Journal of Social, Humanity, and Education, 2(1), 35-53.
https://doi.org/10.35912/jshe.v2i1.757
Balledux, T., & Iyer, S. S. (2025). Gauteng’s Infrastructure Sustainability Development: Smart Initiatives. International Journal of Business Ecosystem & Strategy (2687-2293), 7(2), 487-495. https://doi.org/10.36096/ijbes.v7i2.811
Bardhan, R., Byrd, T., & Boyd, J. (2022). Workforce management during the time of COVID-19—lessons learned and future measures. COVID, 3(1), 1-27.
https://doi.org/10.3390/covid3010001
Bijalwan, P., Gupta, A., Johri, A., & Asif, M. (2024). The mediating role of workplace incivility on the relationship between organizational culture and employee productivity: a systematic review. Cogent Social Sciences, 10(1), 2382894. https://doi.org/10.1080/23311886.2024.2382894
Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2019). Reflecting on reflexive thematic analysis. Qualitative research in sport, exercise and health, 11(4), 589-597.
https://doi.org/10.1080/2159676X.2019.1628806
Chamisa, S. F., Mjoli, T. Q., & Mhlanga, T. S. (2020). Psychological capital and organisational citizenship behaviour in selected public hospitals in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. SA Journal of Human Resource Management, 18, 12. https://doi.org/10.4102/sajhrm.v18i0.1247
Chigbu, B. I., & Nekhwevha, F. H. (2021). The future of work and uncertain labour alternatives as we live through the industrial age of possible singularity: Evidence from South Africa. Technology in Society, 67, 101715.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techsoc.2021.101715
Dibakoane, S., Siyongwana, P., & Shabalala, A. N. (2022). Vulnerability, impact and adaptation strategies of female farmers to climate variability. Jàmbá-Journal of Disaster Risk Studies, 14(1), 1302.
https://journals.co.za/doi/abs/10.4102/jamba.v14i1.1302
Enwereji, P. C., & Uwizeyimana, D. (2022). Smart city readiness in South African municipalities: A qualitative study. HOLISTICA Journal of Business and Public Administration, 13(1), 93-109. https://doi.org/10.2478/hjbpa-2022-0006
Giwa, F., & Ngepah, N. (2024). Artificial intelligence and skilled employment in South Africa: Exploring key variables. Research in Globalization, 8, 100231. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.resglo.2024.100231
Hamilton Skurak, H., Malinen, S., Näswall, K., & Kuntz, J. C. (2021). Employee wellbeing: The role of psychological detachment on the relationship between engagement and work–life conflict. Economic and Industrial Democracy, 42(1), 116-141. https://doi.org/10.1177/0143831X17750473
Kreusch, N., Best, A., & Yalezo, B. (2023). Assessment of service delivery challenges during the fourth industrial revolution in the Eastern Cape Department of Transport, South Africa. Gender and Behaviour, 21(1), 21238-21248.
https://hdl.handle.net/10520/ejc-genbeh_v21_n1_a29
Kumalo, M., & Scheepers, C. B. (2021). Leadership of change in South Africa public sector turnarounds. Journal of Organizational Change Management, 34(1), 137-157. https://doi.org/10.1108/JOCM-04-2017-0142
Lorenz, E., Tessarin, M., & Morceiro, P. (2019). Report on the adoption of 4th Industrial Revolution technologies in South African industry. In Innovation and Inclusive Industrialisation Conference, Pretoria, South Africa.
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Paulo-Cesar Morceiro/publication/356065063
Maenetja, R. E., & Kgobe, F. K. L. (2024). Enhancing socio-economic sustainability in South Africa: A review of local municipalities in managing inward migration from the periphery to the core. Jurnal Administrasi Publik (Public Administration Journal), 14(1), 64-76. https://doi.org/10.31289/jap.v14i1.11573
Magadla, A. (2023). The role of small-scale agricultural business on youth employment at a selected district in the Eastern Cape, South Africa (Doctoral dissertation, Cape Peninsula University of Technology).
Malan, C., Fourie, D., & van der Waldt, G. (2025). Gauging the Institutional Readiness and Resilience of Local Government: The Case of South African Municipalities. Administratio Publica, 33(3), 1-24.
https://doi.org/10.61967/adminpub.2025.33.3.1
Maluleke, V. (2024). Assessing the impact of small, medium and microenterprises (SMMEs) in creating jobs in the automotive sector in the Tshwane Region (Doctoral dissertation, Tshwane University of Technology).
https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14519/786
Mamokhere, J. (2024). Why leaders fail? Exploring Issues Affecting Leadership in Realising Sustainable Service Delivery in South African Municipalities. Journal of Public Administration and Development Alternatives (JPADA), 9(si1), 159-178. https://doi.org/10.55190/JPADA.2024.309
Maxhobandile, N., & Yusuf, L. (2024). The use of Fourth Industrial Revolution drivers to enhance employee's performance in South African municipalities. Journal of Public Administration, Finance & Law,(32). https://doi.org/10.47743/jopafl-2024-32-25
Mishi, S., Tshabalala, N., Anakpo, G., & Matekenya, W. (2023). COVID-19 experiences and coping strategies: The case of differently sized businesses in South Africa. Sustainability, 15(10), 8016. https://doi.org/10.3390/su15108016
Mohan, D. H., & Lone, Z. A. (2021). Psychological Wellbeing of Employees. International Journal of Emerging Technologies And Innovative Research, 8_ (4), 53-62. https://doi.org/10.1729/journal.26412
Mokofe, W. M. (2024). The fourth industrial revolution and unemployment in South Africa: A continuing challenge. Kazan UL Rev., 9, 7.
Mtawa, N., Fongwa, S., & Wilson-Strydom, M. (2021). Enhancing graduate employability attributes and capabilities formation: A service-learning approach. Teaching in Higher Education, 26(5), 679-695.
https://doi.org/10.1080/13562517.2019.1672150
Mthiyane, D. B., Wissink, H., & Chiwawa, N. (2022). The impact of rural–urban migration in South Africa: A case of KwaDukuza municipality. Journal of Local Government Research and Innovation, 3, 56.
https://hdl.handle.net/10520/ejc-jolgri_v3_n1_a56
Ncoyini, S. S., & Cilliers, L. (2020). Factors that influence knowledge management systems to improve knowledge transfer in local government: A case study of Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality, Eastern Cape, South Africa. SA Journal of Human Resource Management, 18(1), 1-11.
https://hdl.handle.net/10520/EJC-1fa45e9981
Ndamase, M., & Lukman, Y. (2025). Adapting to the Digital Era: An Analysis of Job Transitions and Workforce Transformation in King Sabata Dalindyebo Municipality. Journal of Public Administration and Development
Alternatives (JPADA), 10(2), 86-106. https://doi.org/ 10.55190/JPADA.2025.430
Ndatshe, Y., Mokhele, M. O., & Jakoet-Salie, A. (2024). The effects of employee turnover on the loss of organisational knowledge in South African municipalities: Balancing rhetoric with actual practice. International Journal of Research in Business & Social Science, 13(7). https://doi.org/10.20525/ijrbs.v13i7.3673
Ndatshe, Y., Mokhele, M. O., & Jakoet-Salie, A. (2024). The effects of employee turnover on the loss of organisational knowledge in South African municipalities: Balancing rhetoric with actual practice. International Journal of Research in Business & Social Science, 13(7). https://doi.org/10.20525/ijrbs.v13i7.3673
Ngomana, T. (2023). An analysis of Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) and entrepreneurship in South Africa: opportunities and challenges. https://univendspace.univen.ac.za/server/api/core/bitstreams/57520f97-d7f7-4d68-b82c-f9197f256c83/content
Nwaikpo, P. N. O. (2025). From classroom to crisis: Interrogating stakeholders on the correlation between skill mismatch, unemployability, and increasing unemployment in Nigeria. Research Journal in Translation, Literature, Linguistics, and Education (RJTLLE), 1(1). https://doi.org/10.64120/w3ccnz08
Okatta, C. G., Ajayi, F. A., & Olawale, O. (2024). Navigating the future: integrating AI and machine learning in hr practices for a digital workforce. Computer science & IT research journal, 5(4), 1008-1030. www.fepbl.com/index.php/csitrj
Phaladi, M. P., & Ngulube, P. (2024). Understanding tacit knowledge loss in public enterprises of South Africa. SA Journal of Human Resource Management, 22, 2229. https://hdl.handle.net/10520/ejc-sajhrm_v22_n1_a2229
Piao, X., & Managi, S. (2022). Long-term improvement of psychological well-being in the workplace: what and how. Social Science & Medicine, 298, 114851. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.socscimed.2022.114851
Pillay, S. S., & Kikasu, E. T. (2024). An Analysis of Skills Gaps and Future Skills Necessary to Growing and Advancing Sustainable Municipalities in the Kwazulu-Natal Province. Open Journal of Political Science, 14(3), 334-373.
Saul, T., & Maleka, M. C. (2024). Workplace Skills Plan a Critical Instrument for Leadership Capacity Building and Organisational Performance: A Case for Municipalities in South Africa. IAHRW International Journal of Social Sciences Review, 12(3).
Selesho, R. A., & Matjie, M. A. (2024). Exploring turnover intentions of employees at a South African government education council. SA Journal of Human Resource Management, 22, 2251. https://hdl.handle.net/10520/ejc-sajhrm_v22_n1_a2251
Sibonde, A. H., & Dassah, M. O. (2021). The relationship between employee motivation and service quality: Case study of a selected municipality in the Western Cape province, South Africa. Africa’s Public Service Delivery and Performance Review, 9(1), 499. https://journals.co.za/doi/abs/10.4102/apsdpr.v9i1.499
Smith, N., Van Der Werf, M., Adelson, M., & Strohl, J. (2025). Falling Behind: How Skills Shortages Threaten Future Jobs. Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce. https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED676644.pdf
Sparks, C. R. (2023). “May the fourth be with you”: how will the fourth industrial revolution impact South Africa’s labour force?. https://scholar.ufs.ac.za/items/c79d1486-fb8a-45cf-bb14-10bfc1e0da9f
Sutcliffe, M., & Bannister, S. (2020). Research on the 4th industrial revolution: Implications for local government in the context of skills development. City Insight, 1-115. https://cdn.lgseta.co.za/resources/research_and_reports/2019
Thusi, X., & Chauke, R. (2023). Strategies for retaining scarce skills and reducing turnover in the South African public sector. International Journal of Management, Entrepreneurship, Social Science and Humanities, 6(1), 120-134. https://doi.org/10.31098/ijmesh.v6i1.1242
Totobayo, B. W., & Ndamase, M. (2024). Retaining Jobs in the Age of Fourth Industrial Revolution: the Views of a Selected Small Businesses in Mthatha, Eastern Cape. Journal of Public Administration, 59(3), 498-515. https://doi.org/10.53973/jopa.2024.59.3.a10
Tshamano, W., Shopola, A., & Mukonza, R. (2021). Unmasking merger problems from employees’ perspectives: A case of the disestablished Aganang Local Municipality, South Africa. Africa’s Public Service Delivery & Performance Review, 9(1), 11.https://doi.org/10.4102/apsdpr.v9i1.501
Van Song, N., Hanh, P. T. M., Cuc, M. T., & Tiep, N. C. (2020). Factors affecting human resources development of SMEs: Evidence from the fourth Industrial revolution in Vietnam. Management Science Letters, 10(12), 2705-2714.
https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/adcd/6fe187ee7f876fa63595d94b80dbb905965c.pdf
Wang, H., Jin, Y., Wang, D., Zhao, S., Sang, X., & Yuan, B. (2020). Job satisfaction, burnout, and turnover intention among primary care providers in rural China: results from structural equation modeling. BMC family practice, 21(1), 12. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12875-020-1083-8
Ye, R., & Ortiga, Y. Y. (2025). Stockpiling, forecasting and protecting skills: Skilling as technique of preparedness in times of crises. Current Sociology, 00113921251347644. https://doi.org/10.1177/00113921251347644
Published
2026-11-01
How to Cite
Ndamase, M. (2026). The impact of the Fourth Industrial Revolution on job turnover and workforce adaptation in a selected local municipality in the Eastern Cape. Journal of Management : Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), 19(3), 2143-2158. https://doi.org/10.35508/jom.v19i3.27577
Section
Articles
