Spiru Haret University: Open Journal Systems
Not a member yet
347 research outputs found
Sort by
INTERDEPENDENCE of DIGITAL PLATFORMS, DEVELOPMENT of TECHNOFEUDALISM and WORK PRECARIOUSNESS in the GIG ECONOMY
Full text linkThe aim of this paper is to present the results of an analysis that explores the interdependence between digital platforms and development of technofeudalism and work precariousness within the Gig economy, examining how digital platforms influence the establishment of technofeudal power structures. Digital platforms have transformed traditional employment by promoting freelance work and facilitating the transition to flexible, short-term work arrangements. This model introduces significant challenges, in particular, insecurity, “algorithmic control” and a lack of worker protections. Platforms often control access to work, dictate wage structures, and retain ownership of workers’ data. By analysing case studies such as Glovo and Uber, this paper illustrates how these platforms create a system that encourages “self-exploitation” under the guise of autonomy and entrepreneurial freedom. This dynamic contributes to technofeudalism, concentrating power among platform owners who profit significantly, while workers become vulnerable and dependent on these digital systems for income. As a result, they face unstable wages, reduced autonomy, and isolation due to algorithmic management. This research advances our understanding of digital labour practices and provides a theoretical framework for interpreting power and inequality in the gig economy. It highlights the need for regulatory changes to ensure fair treatment of short-term and freelance workers
The IMPACT of LOAD-SHEDDING on a COMPANY in MINING INDUSTRY
Full text linkSouth Africa, a major energy producer, relies on Eskom, its state-owned power supplier, for all electricity, which is crucial for various sectors, especially mining. The mining sector consumes about 30% of Eskom's supply, impacting employment and the country’s gross domestic product significantly. However, increased electricity demand and Eskom's struggles to meet the demands has led to load shedding since 2015, impacting mining operations negatively. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the impact of load shedding on a mining company's operations in the Brits area. A qualitative approach was adopted to ascertain the study participants' opinions of the impact of load shedding on a mining company's operations. The purposive sampling technique was used to select participants who had adequate knowledge and experience of how load shedding impacts mining operations. Data was collected from 10 participants through face-to-face semi-interviews. Thematic analysis was employed to identify, organise and report the themes that emerged from the data set. The findings revealed that load shedding impacted the mining company’s overall operations negatively, ranging from loss of production to high operational costs, work stoppages, system disruptions, revenue losses and poor network connectivity. The study provides an adequate understanding of how load shedding impacts the operations of mining companies. The study has practical and managerial implications for mining companies in South Africa because it provides measures to address the impact of loadshedding on mining operations. The study recommends that mining companies should invest in alternative energy power sources such as solar power, generators, and catch-up plan
Investigating personnel perceptions of leadership styles during WFH within private higher education in South Africa
Full text linkThe Covid-19 pandemic has transformed the nature of work, with the implementation of the Work from Home (WFH) arrangement. This change has implied a series of considerations for business operations, including leadership. The purpose of this study is to ascertain academic personnels’ view on the leadership received during the WFH period, with the intention of assessing the leadership styles used, as well as measuring the achievement of the outcomes of leadership. The study was conducted within private higher education in South Africa. Whilst there are studies that assess the leadership styles during the WFH period, no study could be located that assesses this phenomenon within higher education, as well as private higher education in South Africa, to be specific. The study utilised a quantitative research methodology with cross-sectional design and a positivist research paradigm. The target population included all academic personnel within the private higher education institution under study (i.e., 133 personnel). Total population sampling was utilised, and data was collected through an online administered survey utilising the Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire (MLQ), comprising of 46 items. Eleven items were also included to ascertain the demographic details of participants. The study utilised descriptive, inferential and multivariate analysis techniques. A response rate of 79% was achieved. The findings of this study suggested that academic personnel held a general positive sentiment of the leadership approaches used by seniors during the WFH period. Transformational leadership was found to be the dominant approach utilised, as was found, through the correlation with literature, to be the suitable approach used during WFH. In addition, the study found a general level of comfort amongst staff regarding the achievement of the outcomes of leadership. Although there was an overall positive sentiment held regarding leadership during WFH, primary results also suggest areas for improvement, particularly on the increase in the use of transformational leadership and avoidance of instances of passive avoidance leadership. Considering that WFH has been identified as a viable solution for the foreseeable future, private higher education in South Africa should give due consideration to the leadership suggestions recommended in this study, to ensure that leadership approaches are conducive to WFH. This study contributes to literature surrounding the concept of leadership within the WFH period, within private higher education
English: English
No full textThis study explores the challenges and advantages of adopting Industry 4.0 technology in Iraq's accounting profession. The research used questionnaires to gather data from accountants in various industries. The findings suggest that Iraqi accountants are not adequately prepared for Industry 4.0. The study identifies key challenges including digital integration, technical difficulties, lack of skills, cybersecurity concerns, limited budgets, and regulatory constraints. However, there are also potential benefits such as improved efficiency, expanded services, accurate reporting, real-time data analysis, collaboration, increased accessibility, and simplified auditin
No dataset - interviews
No full textThe South African Department of Higher Education and Training issued a Draft Policy for discussing the reclassification of tertiary education institutions. This article scrutinised the proposed policy and provided feedback to the department regarding the challenges, potential considerations, and imperatives of reclassifying higher education institutions in the educational landscape. The study employs a quantitative focus-group research design whereby six experts in Education discussed the impact of policy changes across several educational realities. The role of universities (and other higher education institutions) is discussed, and the results show that the Draft Policy lacks synergy with the country's National Development Plan 2023. There is also a lack of dialogue between public and private higher education institutions, while the Draft Policy neglects Public Private Partnerships. The study recommends that the Minister of Education establish a Research and Development Committee constituted of Public and Private higher education institutions to collaboratively advise and guide the process of reclassifying higher education institutions in South Africa. This committee will also assist the Minister in reimagining what a future South African university should look like in the current turbulent educational environment where demographic shifts, geopolitical challenges, changing workplace demands and high student expectations for a quality digital experience exist
DEMYSTIFYING DEMAND MANAGEMENT TO ENHANCE SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT PERFORMANCE IN THE SOUTH AFRICAN PUBLIC SECTOR
Full text linkOne of the phenomena brought about by the genesis of supply chain management (SCM) in the South African public procurement sector arena is demand management (DM). If properly implemented, departments may be able to plan their procurement activities and has the potential to convert a procurement office from a mere reactive function into a fit for purpose office which will be responsive to the needs of its stakeholders in a more efficient and effective manner. Despite its glorious intensions, many government departments are still grappling with the implementation of DM function. The guiding question is: what are the obstacles preventing demand management functions from being implemented successfully?
To find answers, the study applies a qualitative research approach, and information is obtained from literature review. Conceptual analysis is considered to analyse the data. The study aims to demystify the concept and provide a practitioner’s perspective regarding the implementation of DM. The motivation of the study is that the findings may assist procurement officials on how to implement DM effectively serving the needs of SCM. It may also serve as springboard in the body of knowledge, thus being used as a point of reference and continue to illuminate public discourse in the public sector procurement environment
PRACTICAL EVALUATION of PHYTOSANITARYNPRODUCTS and ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH RISKS in the ZIBAN REGION (Southeast Algeria)
Full text linkThis study assesses the knowledge and practices associated with pesticide use in a farming community. To assess the potential risks to human health and the environment posed by the phytosanitary practices of farmers in rural three localities in the Ziban region, a survey of 103 randomly selected greenhouse growers was performed between December 2019 and January 2020. The results revealed that 100% of greenhouse farmers did not undertake any protective measures (full clothing) from preparing the spray mixture to the end of the treatments. In addition, 67% of greenhouse growers dispose of sprayer-rinsed water on the ground next to the water source (irrigation borehole). Greenhouse growers dispose of 71.8% of pesticide packaging in the wild and burn 6.8% on the farm. The findings of this study reveal that the phytosanitary practices followed by greenhouse growers in the Ziban region are poor and could potentially threaten the health of applicators, consumers, and the environment
Articol de cercetare IMPORTANȚA LOGISTICII ÎN SECTORUL ALIMENTAR ȘI O CERCETARE ÎN PROVINCIA ÇORUM: LOGISTICA IN SECTORUL ALIMENTAR
No full textFood refers to all kinds of nutrients that people consume in order to survive and function in a healthy way. Food contains the nutrients necessary for the human body to meet its energy needs, grow, develop and maintain health. Foods are generally derived from natural sources and may undergo processing. It is important for people to have a balanced and varied diet to live a healthy life, as this helps provide all the nutrients the body needs. Logistics is a concept that refers to the management of processes responsible for the effective supply, storage, transportation, and distribution of goods and services. The purpose of these processes is to ensure that products or services are delivered to consumers or users at the right place, at the right time, and at the right cost.
With this study, customer satisfaction in the logistics of businesses operating in the food sector in Çorum province, food safety, warehouse management, stock management, supply chain, data analytics in logistics, problems in transportation, important parts in food logistics, green logistics in the food sector, technological development in the food sector and food. A survey was conducted on the future of logistics in the sector. According to this research, it has been revealed that businesses have to follow the developments in food logistics and focus on customer satisfaction in order to hold on to the market in today's world. However, it has been revealed that since the products in the food industry are sensitive, that is, perishable, food safety should be given importance in logistics and the necessary precautions should be taken. It has been revealed that while businesses keep their products in the warehouse, they pay attention to the tracking system in the warehouse and stock management. According to the results obtained from the research, businesses expressed that they were open to current developments on the mentioned issues and stated that they followed these issues carefully. They noted that they pay extreme attention to the problems and difficulties that may arise during transportation and in the supply chain in food logistics. They said that they attach importance to knowledge in transportation and shipping, and noted that they pay attention to data storage and backups along with technology. According to the results obtained from the study, businesses also stated that they engage in activities that do not harm the environment while carrying out their logistics activities.Mâncarea se referă la toate tipurile de nutrienți pe care oamenii le consumă pentru a supraviețui și a funcționa într-un mod sănătos. Alimentele conțin nutrienții necesari organismului uman pentru a-și satisface nevoile energetice, pentru a crește, a se dezvolta și a menține sănătatea. Alimentele sunt, în general, derivate din surse naturale și pot fi supuse procesării. Este important ca oamenii să aibă o dietă echilibrată și variată pentru a duce o viață sănătoasă, deoarece aceasta ajută la furnizarea tuturor nutrienților de care are nevoie organismul. Logistica este un concept care se referă la managementul proceselor responsabile pentru furnizarea, depozitarea, transportul și distribuția efectivă a bunurilor și serviciilor. Scopul acestor procese este de a se asigura că produsele sau serviciile sunt livrate consumatorilor sau utilizatorilor la locul potrivit, la momentul potrivit și la costul potrivit.Cu acest studiu, satisfacția clienților în logistica întreprinderilor care operează în sectorul alimentar din provincia Çorum, siguranța alimentară, managementul depozitelor, managementul stocurilor, lanțul de aprovizionare, analiza datelor în logistică, problemele în transport, părți importante în logistica alimentară, logistica verde în sectorul alimentar, dezvoltarea tehnologică în sectorul alimentar și alimentația. A fost realizat un sondaj privind viitorul logisticii din sector. Conform acestei cercetări, s-a dezvăluit că întreprinderile trebuie să urmărească evoluțiile în logistica alimentară și să se concentreze pe satisfacția clienților pentru a se menține pe piața din lumea de astăzi. S-a dezvăluit însă că, deoarece produsele din industria alimentară sunt sensibile, adică perisabile, siguranța alimentară ar trebui să primească importanță în logistică și trebuie luate măsurile de precauție necesare. S-a dezvăluit că, în timp ce companiile își păstrează produsele în depozit, ele acordă atenție sistemului de urmărire din depozit și gestionării stocurilor. Conform rezultatelor obținute în urma cercetării, companiile și-au exprimat deschiderea față de evoluțiile actuale pe problemele menționate și au declarat că au urmărit cu atenție aceste aspecte. Aceștia au menționat că acordă o atenție extremă problemelor și dificultăților care pot apărea în timpul transportului și în lanțul de aprovizionare în logistica alimentară. Ei au spus că acordă importanță cunoștințelor în transport și transport maritim și au remarcat că acordă atenție stocării datelor și backup-urilor împreună cu tehnologie. Conform rezultatelor obținute în urma studiului, întreprinderile au mai declarat că se angajează în activități care nu dăunează mediului în timp ce își desfășoară activitățile de logistică
The Role Of Macroeconomics In The Post-Collapse Status Quo Between Leadership Periods In Indonesia Has Significant Implications, Especially From The Perspective Of Institutional Economics.
Full text linkThe economic crisis is one of the triggers for economic crises in various countries from over time. It's not just the economic crisis, apart from that the more important thing is the collapse of the structure of society, the direction of the economy and politics in the future, in the status quo situation after the collapse between leadership periods in Indonesia, where government product regulations, including external institutions, cause uncontrolled public reactions to the transition situation.
This article discusses the situation in Indonesia from era to era, from a macro-economic, political and institutional perspective. So economics and politics are a forum for leaders to decide on strategic policies in leading the government during the transition period
Exploring Unitarism and Employer Resistance to Collective Bargaining in the public service in Botswana: Unitarism and Employer Resistance to Collective Bargaining in the public service
Full text linkThe origins of collective bargaining in Botswana is relatively young. Compared to other African countries like South Africa and Zimbabwe, collective bargaining can be considered a late developer in Botswana. The government has been a dominant player for industrial relations in the public sector in Botswana. Unitary approach does not believe in third party intervention, such as trade unions. Trade unions are at best antagonists and impostors to matters that are a prerogative of the employer. The paper explores the unitary tendencies and employer resistance to collective bargaining. To realise this objective the paper adopted a social constructivism approach within a qualitative framework, to solicit people’s subjective views about the phenomenon of interest. The paper used a sample size of fifteen (15) participants from the public service and trade unions. Semi-structured interviews were used for data collection. The findings of the study revealed resistance to collective bargaining as demonstrated by several government unilateral decision-making tendencies. The study recommends that the government as the employer should accept a paradigm shift from a unilateral way of doing things and embrace collective bargaining as a genuine means for joint decision making.