A qualitative analysis of the key factors necessary for repurposing the administrators’ jobs at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) in line with the 4IR technologies

This study examined the key factors required to repurpose administrators' positions at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) in accordance with the technologies of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR). The study found four key components for effective job repurposing by employing a qualitative methodology and semi-structured interviews with 13 purposefully chosen administrators. These include putting in place pertinent technology that caters to institutional requirements, carrying out constructive performance reviews to find skill gaps, planning team-building activities to mend relationships damaged during the Covid-19 pandemic, and offering capacity building by means of job shadowing and coaching. The results showed administrators' fears about job security in the face of technological change and the significance of institutional accountability in retraining staff. The study suggests that DUT takes a comprehensive approach that incorporates all four elements, placing special emphasis on implementing technology gradually and setting up internal knowledge transfer systems to make sure administrators stay effective and relevant in the rapidly changing technological landscape of higher education. Key Words:Administrators, Capacity building, Fourth Industrial Revolution, Repurposing, Skills training, Technology