ABSTRACT
This chapter presents the impact of work study on technological capital in relation to the productivity of manufacturing small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Work study was used to measure technological capital factors such as tangible assets and intangible assets for productivity improvement in manufacturing SMEs. The aim was to determine whether there is a relationship between work study and technological capital for the productivity of manufacturing SMEs. Tangible assets included equipment such as hardware, trackers, and telephones, whereas intangible assets consisted of software, technological tools, systems, innovation, networking, and technological skills.
This chapter emphasizes that when work study is applied to technological capital factors implemented in the manufacturing process, that is, influenced by management’s manufacturing capabilities along with adding value activities, the productivity of manufacturing SMEs will continue to improve. Finally, the chapter concludes by focusing on the technological capital challenges facing the productivity of companies located in Gauteng, South Africa. The aim is for research to add value to manufacturing SMEs through the use of the latest technology, which will position them to compete nationally and abroad.
