**2. Materials and Methods**

The aim of this study is to extract a SA specific response to COVID-19, based on current international trends. The research methodology adopted for this study is best described as mixed methods, comprising of qualitative data collection via a desktop literature review and a quantitative instrument deployment to gather relevant data, specific to the South African Food and Beverages Manufacturing context.

The initial aspects of the study include a global literature search, seeking response and impacts specific to the Food and Beverage manufacturing sector, and COVID-19. Based on the literature analysis, a structured data gathering instrument is developed and deployed in the SA Food and Beverages Manufacturing Sector. The instrument aligns to literature as extracted in the literature section.

Sampling considerations include the fact that the food and beverage sector in SA comprises some 11,000 companies, of which 93% are SMME's and around 700 companies provide Work Skills Plans (WSP) to the Food and Manufacturing Sector Authority (SETA). The SETA databases are used to manage the data gathering processes. A statistically representative sample for the 11,000 members would be 184, for a 95% confidence and 1% error.

The instrument is developed and with the knowledge of the literature categorized into sections, see Figure 3.

A thematic analysis is conducted based on the sector, company size, and province in which the company operates its business. The Cronbach Alpha reliability test is conducted on feedback data for each knowledge theme. The research team conduct thematic analysis on size of company, supply chain impacts, skills impact, and operational impacts and resources centric impacts. Long-term COVID-19 impact and sustainable responses to COVID-19 are extracted.

**Figure 3.** Instrument categories and focus **Figure 3.** Instrument categories and focus.

### **3. Results 3. Results**

### *3.1. Statistical Analysis of Responses 3.1. Statistical Analysis of Responses*

The overall validity of the study is tested based on the population and number of responses received. The team received 106 responses, which gives a 90% confidence and an 8% error. The first tier of analysis conducted by the team relates to the data reliability tests. The Cronbach Alpha statistical test is adopted to test for reliability. Due to diversity of subject matter of questions, within the COVID-19 context, the questions are clustered bases on themes such as human resources, supply chain, training questions. The instrument is tested for reliability in sections and as per the instrument design. The following reliability tests are conducted with Cronbach Alpha results detailed in Table 2. The first tier of analysis conducted by the team relates to the data reliability. The Cronbach Alpha The overall validity of the study is tested based on the population and number of responses received. The team received 106 responses, which gives a 90% confidence and an 8% error. The first tier of analysis conducted by the team relates to the data reliability tests. The Cronbach Alpha statistical test is adopted to test for reliability. Due to diversity of subject matter of questions, within the COVID-19 context, the questions are clustered bases on themes such as human resources, supply chain, training questions. The instrument is tested for reliability in sections and as per the instrument design. The following reliability tests are conducted with Cronbach Alpha results detailed in Table 2.



The first tier of analysis conducted by the team relates to the data reliability. The Cronbach Alpha statistical test is adopted to test for reliability. Due to diversity of subject matter of questions, within the COVID-19 context, the questions are clustered based on themes such as HR, supply chain, training, impacts, and mitigations. The Instrument is tested for reliability in each of the clusters.

Questions 1, 5, 10, and 15 are defined as multi-category questions, as each question comprises an overarching question, with the response delineated to applicable themes. In Question 1, the companies rate the impact of operational challenges introduced by COVID-19. These challenges are identified from a global review of business challenges brought upon by COVID-19. A Cronbach Alpha of 0.76 is calculated indicating data reliability and that South African Food and Beverages Manufacturing companies (large, medium, micro, and small) are encountering similar operational challenges. It further indicates that SA Food and Beverages Manufacturing companies are experiencing similar challenges as their global counterparts.

Question 5 analyzes the impact to business supply chain, with the Cronbach Alpha calculated as 0.81, indicating a strong reliability. This demonstrates that most companies are experiencing supply chain disruptions, both locally and internationally. This is one of the most significant challenges of businesses globally, given the closure of borders and businesses (due to lock downs).

Question 10 analyzes the business response to HR practices ranging from sick leave policies to COVID-19 response of screening, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), etc. The Cronbach Alpha of 0.58 indicates some inconsistency. This inconsistency is further analyzed in this document.

Question 15 analyzes the response to 17 mitigation measures identified from a global review. A Cronbach Alpha of 0.71 is calculated indicating data reliability. This demonstrates that SA Food and BEV companies have already or are considering the mitigation measures, aligning to global trends in business recovery.

Questions 2 and 3 address climate concerns, thus they are analyzed together. A Cronbach Alpha of 0.51 is calculated indicating some inconsistency. This inconsistency is due to the disassociation between the questions. Most companies indicated no investment plans aligned to stimulus packages (Q2), but indicated future investment plans in environmental footprint reduction (Q3). The stimulus packages may present investment opportunities in new technologies and processes, which could simultaneously improve business performance and resiliency, while reducing environmental footprint.

Question 4 and 13 are clustered as it evaluates COVID-19 impact on business continuity. A Cronbach Alpha of 0.61 is calculated, indicating some data reliability. Whilst 86% of companies did not envisage closure of the business, 32% identified the COVD-19 impact as severe. This contrasting data could attribute to the low Cronbach Alpha.

Questions 7 and 8 are clustered as it evaluates the current status of adoption of mixed methods in skills development/training. A Cronbach Alpha of 0.59 is calculated, indicating some inconsistency. Sixty-one percent of companies responded to having already adopted some form of mixed methods in their training programs (Q7). However, in evaluation of the specific mixed methods adopted (Q8), inconsistency is observed; 61% state have already adopted video conferencing, 27% each have adopted online learning and multimedia, and 12% have already adopted virtual reality simulator. The inconsistency in the Cronbach Alpha could potentially be attributed to the low adoption levels of online learning, multimedia, and virtual reality simulators.
