FOURTH INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION (4IR) AND THE PERFORMANCE OF BUA FOODS, LAGOS

Abstract

The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), characterised by the integration of advanced digital technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT), has transformed business operations and organisational performance across industries. This study examined the effect of the Fourth Industrial Revolution on the performance of BUA Foods, with specific emphasis on the influence of AI and IoT on organisational performance. A survey research design was adopted for the study. The population comprised 768 employees of BUA Foods; 264 respondents were calculated using Yamane's (1967) formula, raised to 291 after a ten per cent allowance, of which 276 were usable and utilised for data collection through structured questionnaires. Data collected were analysed using correlation and regression techniques to establish the nature and extent of the relationship between 4IR technologies and organisational performance. The findings revealed that both Artificial Intelligence and the Internet of Things have a significant and positive effect on the performance of BUA Foods. However, the study found that IoT shows an influence on organisational performance compared with AI, suggesting that IoT applications contribute to performance outcomes. The study concludes that the adoption of Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies improves organisational performance within BUA Foods. Based on these findings, it is recommended that BUA Foods should intensify investment in IoT infrastructure while simultaneously strengthening its AI capabilities through continuous technological upgrades, employee training, and strategic integration of digital innovations to sustain competitive advantage and improve overall organisational performance.