Society for the Study of Business & Finance- SSBFNET: E-Journals
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Challenges, progress and lessons in the implementation of Sustainable Developmental Goal 16 to improve service delivery in local government
Get PDFDespite notable progress since the end of apartheid, South Africa continues to experience deficiencies in peace, social justice, and institutional strength. This phenomenon is primarily observed in local government, characterised by complex and nuanced issues pertaining to insufficient service delivery and governance. Municipalities nationwide exhibit significant unethical leadership, inadequate governance, and excessive expenditure, thereby eroding public trust and accountability. These challenges may deplete public resources and hinder the efficient implementation of policies designed to improve public living conditions. The disparity between governmental statements and actual service delivery increases, leading to considerable public dissatisfaction. This has affected the effective execution of SDG 16. This study analysed the advancements and obstacles in the implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 16 within local government, focussing on the identification of key lessons to enhance service delivery and promote improved governance practices. The research employed a desktop methodology, focussing on the analysis of secondary data to meet its objectives. The findings indicate that, despite significant advancements in delivering basic services to municipalities, the country has not fully achieved its potential, as evidenced by ongoing public dissatisfaction and major protests regarding inadequate service provision. The ongoing outcry and clear dissatisfaction underscore the necessity for policymakers to urgently address these gaps. Municipalities have advanced in achieving SDG 16 by establishing legislative frameworks, such as Municipal Finance Management, to enhance governance. Notwithstanding these accomplishments, significant reforms are still necessary, and the attainment of SDG 16 by 2030 remains uncertain
Unpacking the death-cleansing rituals in Africa: A comprehensive literature review (CLR)
Get PDFMany African communities observe intricate death cleansing rituals that serve as both spiritual and social mechanisms for navigating bereavement. These ceremonies help individuals and families process their grief while reinforcing social bonds and cultural identity. This abstract aimed to distil key findings from the literature review, examining the sociocultural, psychological, and ritualistic dimensions of death-cleansing practices within an Afrocentric paradigm. The CLR synthesises ethnographic accounts, historical narratives, and contemporary academic discourses on death-cleansing rituals. Key theoretical lenses include Ubuntu philosophy, communal bereavement practices, and cultural continuity frameworks. Balobedu death cleansing rituals are deeply embedded in notions of community solidarity, spiritual appeasement, and ancestral veneration. These rituals serve as transitional rites that guide the deceased and the bereaved through structured mourning and reintegration into communal life. The literature highlights the tensions between traditional practices and modern influences, including legal constraints and evolving gender roles. The CLR underscores the resilience of Balobedu death cleansing rituals despite external pressures. Understanding these practices through an Afrocentric lens affirms their significance in maintaining cultural heritage and collective identity in contemporary African societies
The impact of digital footprint on interview invitation rate and perceived cultural fit: An integrative review
Get PDFThe ongoing digitization of professional interactions has significantly altered how employers evaluate candidates throughout the hiring process, with digital footprints emerging as a crucial factor in recruitment decisions. This integrative literature review investigates the influence of digital footprints on two essential recruitment outcomes: interview invitation rates and perceived cultural fit. Digital footprints, which encompass social media activity, professional profiles, and online interactions, provide employers with valuable insights into a candidate\u27s qualifications, personality traits, and cultural alignment. Research indicates that candidates with well-managed digital profiles, particularly on platforms such as LinkedIn, tend to receive a higher number of interview invitations, whereas adverse online content can negatively impact job prospects. Furthermore, employers are increasingly leveraging digital footprints to gauge cultural fit by analysing online behavior, shared content, and social media interactions to assess alignment with organizational values. However, the reliance on digital footprints raises ethical concerns, including privacy issues, unconscious bias, and discrimination, as employers may unconsciously favour candidates who share similar personal or political views. The review underscores the necessity for standardized ethical guidelines in digital screening practices to ensure fair and unbiased hiring decisions. Additionally, job seekers are encouraged to proactively manage their online presence, curating content that accurately represents their professional identity. Employers should strive to balance efficiency with fairness by implementing transparent digital screening policies to mitigate bias risks. This study contributes to both academic discourse and practical approaches for digital hiring, emphasizing the importance of ethical frameworks and systematic evaluations in the digital recruitment process. Future research should investigate cross-cultural variations in digital screening practices and the implications of artificial intelligence in automating digital footprint assessments. Ensuring fairness and transparency in digital hiring practices will be essential for fostering equitable employment opportunities in the digital era
Role of dynamic capabilities in public sector performance: a strategic management perspective
Get PDFThis research investigates how dynamic capabilities contribute to improving public sector performance and the degree to which strategic management facilitates their implementation. This research employs Dynamic Capabilities Theory (DCT) to assess the impact of sensing (identifying and interpreting opportunities and threats), seizing (mobilising resources to capitalise on opportunities), and transformation (realigning structures, processes, and assets to adapt to change) on organisational performance. A quantitative, non-experimental correlational research design was utilised, employing structured surveys from 193 respondents in key public energy sector enterprises in Malawi. The findings indicate that sensing and transformation capabilities substantially improve performance, while seizing capability alone does not exert a direct influence unless combined with other strategic processes. The interplay between sensing and seizing underscores the necessity for public enterprises to both identify opportunities and implement effective actions in response. Organisational capability has emerged as a vital factor, highlighting the significance of workforce competence and institutional adaptability in enhancing performance. This study advances the theory of DCT by illustrating its relevance in public sector governance constraints and presents a quantitative framework for evaluating dynamic capabilities. Policy recommendations involve enhancing seizing capability by overcoming internal bureaucratic obstacles, promoting an adaptive organisational culture, advancing leadership development, and incorporating data-driven decision-making. These measures aim to empower public enterprises to effectively manage complexity, increase responsiveness, and attai
Unpacking the Nexus between internship programs and graduate skills development in South Africa, Limpopo Department of Education
Get PDFRecent graduates often struggle to find suitable work, therefore, internships provide them with the skills they need for future employment opportunities. The study explores the nexus between internship programs and graduate skills development and the challenges hindering effective implementation of internship programs. The study used a pragmatic paradigm and convergent parallel design, involving 190 officials and interns from the Limpopo Department of Education Head Office, and analyzed using thematic and descriptive statistics. The study found that 33% of respondents believe internship programs are hindered by a lack of human and financial resources, with seven major themes including administration, incompetence, attitudes, stipends, and workload. The study demonstrate four main themes: administration, incompetency, lack of resources, interns and mentors attitude, stipend and workload as the main challenges in internship programs. The study revealed that interns can acquire valuable skills and experience that can significantly enhance their chances of securing a job post-internship. This study concludes that internship programs is pivotal for providing skills development for recent graduates to foster their employability in the job market search. This research can be applied in the Limpopo Department of Education and other institutions that provide internship programs, as well as in the field of Public Administration, in terms of policy and personnel functions in making informed policies. This study enhances knowledge in literature review and policy making for Limpopo Department of Education, enhancing officials\u27 and interns\u27 perspectives on internship programs. The study recommends that the LDoE, should be able to have enough to resources provide for all necessary aspects to ensure effective implementation of internship, as well as employ personnel well equipped to train the interns. By providing resources it is believed that internship programs can run smoothly. However, it is recognized that a potential challenge such as training mentors which will need to be addressed through external interventions
Occupational therapists’ and educators’ experiences of the school-to-work transition for learners with mild intellectual disability
Get PDFIntellectual disability is a developmental disorder that markedly affects cognitive and adaptive functioning. Learners with mild intellectual disability are capable of engaging in various occupations, including activities of daily living, leisure, social interactions, and employment. Employment is frequently regarded as a critical measure of successful outcomes following education. Nonetheless, individuals with mild intellectual disabilities often exit the educational system lacking the workforce readiness skills—such as communication, social skills, self-management, responsibility, problem-solving, decision-making, and job-specific competencies—essential for sustained employment in the open labour market. Low intelligence quotients restrict community engagement. The researcher noted that South Africa does not have adequate systems to facilitate the successful transition of these learners from school to the workplace. This research investigates the experiences of educators and occupational therapists to delineate concepts related to facilitating school-to-work transitions for learners with mild intellectual disabilities. A qualitative exploratory research design was utilised. Fifteen educators and eight occupational therapists from schools for learners with mild intellectual disabilities in the Gauteng province, Tshwane region, were selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected via five focus group discussions until saturation was achieved and analysed thematically. Five primary themes were identified: challenges associated with the Differentiated Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (DCAPS), accomplishments within the DCAPS framework, collaborative initiatives, resource deficiencies, and learnership placement. Educators and occupational therapists could support learners in specific domains; however, they encountered systemic challenges. This study generated significant data for policymakers, the Department of Education, occupational therapists, and vocational skills training educators in schools for Learners with Special Education Needs, aimed at facilitating a successful school-to-work transition for learners with mild intellectual disabilities
Curriculum reform in South African higher education: Policy effectiveness and institutional responses
Get PDFThere has been intense scrutiny about the design and delivery of curricula in South Africa higher education institutions. Various policies and laws have been established to ensure that the South African higher education contributes to the transformation agenda of the nation. This study contributes to this debate by examining how the South African higher education policies contribute to the transformation of curriculum to meet contemporary socioeconomic needs. The study employs a systematic literature review to synthesise current evidence and adopts a morphogenetic approach to explore how existing frameworks, such as the Higher Education Act of 1997 and the White Paper for Post-School Education and Training (2014), have shaped the curriculum design and implementation processes in South African universities. The paper begins by discussing the internationalisation of higher education curricula and highlights the need for graduates to develop global competencies. It further examines the role of the South African internationalisation policy in preparing students for the global economy. The research also addresses how policy gaps, such as the inadequate focus on decolonisation and the lack of alignment with the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), impact the effectiveness of curriculum transformation efforts. The findings reveal that despite numerous policy frameworks and strategic documents, there remains a disconnect between the goals of higher education policies and the practical realities of curriculum design and delivery. This disconnect contributes to the numerous challenges in the higher education sector, manifested through student protests and dissatisfaction with the relevance of academic programs. The paper concludes that a more nuanced approach to curriculum reform is necessary, one that bridges policy intentions with practical outcomes through continuous dialogue among universities, the government, and industry stakeholders
Leveraging the power of human resource analytics for enhanced decision making: opportunities and challenges
Get PDFThe fast-changing technological environment compels organisations to make swift and adaptive strategic choices, necessitating the use of tools and systems that can effectively manage complexities, foresee challenges, and capitalise on opportunities; as a result, there is a growing trend towards the adoption of human resource analytics to improve decision-making processes in the ever-evolving field of human resources. Despite the increasing use of HR metrics and analytics in human resource management, HR professionals have been relatively slow to embrace a data-driven approach, and existing research on data-driven decision-making in HRM often lacks the comprehensive frameworks necessary to provide practical guidance for the effective integration of human resource analytics. Hence, this study aims to explore the utilisation of human resource analytics to improve decision-making processes within organisations, highlighting both the potential benefits and the challenges that may arise. A systematic literature review revealed that the adoption of Human Resource Analytics offers organisations significant benefits, such as enhanced decision-making, better alignment with strategic objectives, improved employee experiences, a stronger competitive advantage, and reduced time expenditures. However, challenges persist, including concerns related to data privacy and security, the quality, integrity, and accuracy of data, a lack of data literacy and skills among employees, and inadequate technological infrastructure. To address data security concerns, HR technology providers must adopt robust security measures, including encryption, firewalls, and intrusion detection systems. Additionally, they should develop user-friendly data management systems and analytical tools that enable HR professionals to derive valuable insights from the data effectively
The Impact of Emerging Technology on Insurance Companies in Saudi Arabia
Get PDFThere is a limited understanding of the emerging technologies, such as blockchain, artificial intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), and machine learning (ML) and their effect on the insurance sector in the Saudi Arabian market. A structural equational modelling was implemented to investigate the impact of emerging technology on customer experience, business productivity, risk management, and financial performance in Saudi insurance companies. Online surveys were directed to the insurance sector to explore their perceptions of the use of technology and its effect in 2024. The sample includes 102 valid responses in the data analysis. The findings show that the development and integration of technology in the Saudi Arabian insurance sector significantly improve customer experience, business productivity, risk management, and financial performance, which aligns with accelerated transformation in the market to achieve the main goals of the Saudi Vision 2030.
Resilience and travel intentions during crisis: A social perspective
No full textIn the wake of the pandemic, countries worldwide have strived to revive their tourism sectors, with Thailand’s industry playing a crucial economic role. Grounded in Protection Motivation Theory (PMT), this study examines key psychological determinants of domestic travel intentions, including threat severity, response efficacy, and psychological resilience. Data from 509 Thai participants were analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). Results reveal that heightened threat perceptions significantly weaken travel intentions, while confidence in protective measures enhances willingness to travel. Psychological resilience mitigates perceived threats and strengthens the effect of response efficacy on travel intention. Surprisingly, anxiety did not significantly impact travel intentions. This study offers a holistic perspective on travelers\u27 cognitive and emotional responses to health crises. The findings provide valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders to strengthen public resilience, foster trust in safety measures, and support sustainable recovery in the tourism sector