The Impact Of 4IR On Accounting Education In Higher Education
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Abstract
The adoption and full use of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) by South Africa is a worrying national economic issue. Hence, using the World Economic Forum’s benchmarking framework, South Africa’s readiness for the 4IR has been found wanting as it is still in the nascent quadrant and has not gone beyond the rudimentary stage yet. The aim of this study is to establish the impact of the Industrial Revolutions with special emphasis on the 4IR in Higher Education. The study employed a qualitative research method. Structured and semi-structured interviews were conducted with 6 university lecturers in the province of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Only lecturers in the field of Accounting Education were interviewed, based on the assumptions that the accounting lecturers have the knowledge, experience and skills that would enrich the study. The empirical findings reveal that 4IR has a significant influence and therefore compels the Higher Education institutions to adapt to the new changes to fit into the new era of advancement. The study also demonstrate that the Higher Education institutions need to recognize the necessity of adapting and scaling up the new 4IR forms of education rapidly to assure the sustainability of the environment and economy, as well as to sustain the relevance of Higher Education as a responsive and vital component of the society. The study recommends that universities should develop a plan that will ensure that student graduates are ready for the advancing working world as propelled by the Fourth Industrial Revolution.