Employees’ aptitudes and trepidations for the adoption of enterprise application architecture for supply chain management in small and medium enterprises: A case of Capricorn District Municipality

Abstract

Background: This article inspects the internal constituents on employees’ aptitudes and trepidations (EATs) for the adoption of enterprise application architecture (EAA) for supply chain management (SCM) in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) within Capricorn District Municipality. EATs trait origins widespread destruction and inflict in the adoption of EAA if not managed amicably, unless, the enterprise accentuate the importance of the 4th Industrial revolution with careful planning to deal with the aftermath and mitigate the inspirations instinctively. Thus, the logistics of EAA adoption is one of the main activities in information technology (IT) that requires meticulous knowledge in algorithms for a successful SCM. Objective: The principal objective of this study is to determine whether EATs affect the adoption of EAA for SCM in SMEs and to identify gaps and institute state of the art in research for future studies. Method: This study adopts a descriptive research method with the use of 310 respondents targeted at both SME owners and managers, sculpted over quantitative research. Based on the analyses of data, the linear regression model is executed. As a result, the author realised that ‘EATs affect the adoption of EAA’ as a dominant research focus of these studies. In this study, the response EATs as a primary influencer of the adoption of EAA, considered on linear regression model for attainable SCM. In practice, SMEs should link EAA to new technologies, enterprise capabilities, objectives and strategies, as well as the existing culture and performance philosophies. Results: The SMEs’ success in SCM activities is dependent on employees’ perceptions, attitudes, motivation and learning abilities that could ease the narratives on the adoption of EAA. Conclusion: These results provide the following comprehensions for future research: applying simplicity by getting them on board, introducing EAA through different channels of learning, building a coalition of willing mindsets, motivating its purpose and celebrating small progress. The research provides a profound understanding relevant in the contextual background to SMEs to adopt EAA for SCM that depends on the enterprise resources (ERs) acquisition and\ or availability.