Technology path that suites the Department of Defence best under Industry $4\mathrm{.}0?$

$4\mathrm{.}3\mathrm{.}1$ Question B$1$: Which technology path suites the Department of Defence best under Industry $4\mathrm{.}0?$

This section contains answers and views of respondents given through the email interview sent though to participants by the researcher. The respondents were to answer questions which focused on the technology path that suites the Department of Defence best under industry $4\mathrm{.}0$ in the Logistics Division in Pretoria. The goal is to understand the perspectives and preferences regarding the technology path that best suits the Department of Defence $($DoD$)$ under Industry $4\mathrm{.}0.$

For instance, one of the technology parts is AI and ML as Critical Components as indicated by

participants $1,2,3,4,$ and $6$ as $“......$being the significance of Artificial Intelligence $($AI$)$ and Machine Learning $($ML$)$ in transforming the way the DoD conducts business.

Emphasis on automation, modernisation, digitisation, and optimisation using AI and ML technologies.$”$

However, some respondents stated that IoT and Big Data Analytics is critical and suitable for DoD to adopt as indicated by participants $1,3,5,$ and $7$ when they mention $“......$the importance of Internet of Things $($IoT$)$ and big data analytics in enhancing military capabilities. Real$-$time monitoring, simulation, and prediction models are considered critical for accurate and reliable data analysis.$”$

Also participant $4$ draws attention to severe budget constraints within the DoD, $“.......$ indicating limitations in implementing new systems. Despite budget constraints, participants acknowledge the necessity of modernization and optimization to address cyber threats.$”$ With regards to industry $4\mathrm{.}0$ technologies in military operations participants $1,3,5,$ and $7$ advocate and states that $“....$ leveraging industry $4\mathrm{.}0$ technologies to enhance military operations.$”$ Machine learning, modernisation, and optimisation of networks are specifically mentioned as key components.

On leadership role of the military in technology adoption participant $5$ suggests that $“....$ the military $($DoD$)$ should lead in adopting industry $4\mathrm{.}0$ technologies.$”$

Integration of advanced technologies was also highlighted to be of importance within the DoD with participants $1,2,$ and $3$ emphasising $“...$ the need to integrate advanced technologies for informed decision$-$making, cost savings, and efficiency in business processes.$”$ However, on personal experiences and observations participant $7$ mentions $“....$ attending MICSSA and highlights machine learning, modernization, and optimization as aspects that can suit the DoD.$”$

On the other there were also cross$-$cutting themes such as data analytics and informed decision making with multiple participants stressing and stating $“....$ the importance of data analytics for informed decision$-$making within the DoD.$”$ Cybersecurity concerns as mentioned by participant $4“...$underscores the real threat of cyber warfare and the importance of addressing it through modernization and optimisation.$”$

$4\mathrm{.}3\mathrm{.}2$ Discussion and interpretation of results

Collective support for integrating AI$,$ ML$,$ IoT, and big data analytics to modernize and optimize DoD operations under Industry $4\mathrm{.}0,$ considering budget constraints and cybersecurity concerns. The consensus among respondents$’$ points towards the integration of AI$,$ ML$,$ IoT, and big data analytics for modernizing and optimizing the DoD's operations under Industry $4\mathrm{.}0.$ Despite budget constraints, there is a shared recognition of the necessity to address cyber threats and leverage advanced technologies for military advantage. The responses collectively advocate for a strategic approach that aligns with Industry $4\mathrm{.}0$ principles while considering the unique challenges faced by the DoD.

QUESTION

$1.$ Based on the research question and responses obtained from participants$’,$ what findings can be extracted from the information gathered in the form of overall theme and how the theme is developed?

$2.$ Based on the results obtained from the participants, what recommendations can be advocated for from the information obtained?