Society for the Study of Business & Finance- SSBFNET: E-Journals
Society for the Study of Business & Finance- SSBFNET: E-JournalsNot a member yet
3089 research outputs found
Sort by
Opportunities associated with family-owned businesses in Thohoyandou
No full textThis study aimed to suggest strategies for running sustainable family-owned businesses in Thohoyandou, Limpopo Province, South Africa. While family-owned businesses contribute significantly to employment and local economic development, their survival is often threatened by challenges such as poor financial management, family disputes, inadequate planning, and lack of government support. Using a qualitative exploratory design, semi-structured interviews were conducted with ten family-owned businesses operating in diverse sectors. Thematic Content Analysis revealed that strategies for sustainability include strengthening financial management systems, investing in skills development, formalising succession planning, embracing innovation and technology, and building strong customer relationships. The study concludes that long-term sustainability can be achieved when family-owned businesses integrate modern business practices with their cultural strengths. It recommends structured training, adoption of governance mechanisms such as family councils, and targeted government support tailored to rural enterprises
South African unemployment and economic growth: A disaggregated analysis by education attainment
No full textThis study examines the correlation between unemployment and economic growth in South Africa through a disaggregated analysis focused on educational attainment. Grounded in the Solow growth model and human capital theory, the research utilises annual time-series data from 1994 to 2022, obtained from the World Bank Indicators. Economic growth is represented by GDP growth, labour is indicated by unemployment rates categorised by advanced, intermediate, and basic education levels, and capital is measured by gross fixed capital creation. The Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) framework is utilised after conducting unit root and bounds tests, which validate the existence of long-run cointegration. The findings reveal a negative and statistically significant long-term association between economic growth and unemployment for those with basic and intermediate education, but unemployment among those with advanced education shows a negative but minor influence. Investment consistently demonstrates a favourable and substantial effect on growth. The findings emphasise structural unemployment and skills mismatches, highlighting the necessity for enhanced alignment between educational systems and labour market requirements to foster inclusive and sustainable economic growth in South Africa
Assessment of project management practices and sustainable development of oil producing communities: A tale of Ilaje Local Government Area, Ondo State, Nigeria
No full textThis research investigates the influence of project management practices (PMP) on sustainable development among oil-producing villages in the Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, Nigeria. This study examines the impact of Project Management Practices (PMPs)—including planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation—on the sustainable development (SD) dimensions of the environmental, economic, and social aspects of inhabitants in oil-producing areas within Ilaje LGA, Ondo State. Data were gathered from 154 household heads through structured questionnaires using a survey methodology and analysed with descriptive and inferential statistics, including multiple linear regression. The findings indicated a modest level of PMP, with Mean Index Scores between 2.14 and 2.44, signifying restricted community engagement. The results of the multiple linear regression indicate that the construct and implementation significantly impacted all three dimensions of sustainability: environmental, economic, and social. This indicates that financial benefits are received by the residents of the host community, notwithstanding their limited participation as casual workers during project execution. Nevertheless, oil companies exhibit minimal care for the aspirations of the populace concerning the impact of their projects on the local environment. The study\u27s geographic limitations restrict generalisability, indicating the necessity for further extensive comparative research. It advises oil companies to use inclusive project management frameworks that improve stakeholder engagement, therefore promoting sustainable socio-economic development and environmental stewardship in host communitie
“Sirha ra Wansati Rile Vukatini”: An exploration of factors contributing to Tsonga women’s persistence in unfavorable marriages
No full textThis literature-based study, titled “Sirha ra Wansati Rile Vukatini,” a Xitsonga word meaning “the strength or endurance of a woman lies in her marriage,” examines the contemporary variables influencing Tsonga women’s choices to persist in unsatisfactory marriages. This study examines the socio-cultural and economic background of Munghonghoma Village within the Greater Giyani Municipality, Mopani District, employing an exploratory qualitative methodology based on current literature regarding gender, culture, and marital dynamics among Tsonga women. Literature review findings indicate that Tsonga women frequently endure unsatisfactory marriages due to economic reliance, entrenched cultural norms, and apprehension regarding the social shame linked to divorce or separation. Emotional bonds with their spouses and apprehension for their children\u27s welfare also influence their choices to remain. Literature suggests that several Tsonga women endure diverse forms of physical, mental, and financial abuse, which compromise their entire well-being. The study suggests that ingrained patriarchal practices, gender inequity, and restricted economic empowerment persist in perpetuating women\u27s vulnerability inside marriage. It advises that governmental entities, religious organisations, and community stakeholders establish initiatives that foster women\u27s empowerment, economic autonomy, and awareness of their rights to mitigate the normalisation of abuse condoned by the cultural ideal of “Sirha ra Wansati Rile Vukatini.”
Examining the drivers, effects, and mitigation strategies of gender-based violence among university students in South Africa
No full textGender-Based Violence (GBV) is a critical issue in South African universities, affecting students\u27 access to safe and quality education. Despite universities’ reputations for inclusivity, societal expectations have made them less welcoming, and GBV cases continue to rise with insufficient policy enforcement. This study was motivated by the rising cases of GBV in South African universities. Drawing on social norms’ theory, the study aimed to identify the drivers, effects, and potential mitigation strategies for addressing GBV. The goal was to build a stronger basis for improving policies and creating safer, more inclusive university environments. A qualitative approach was used to gather secondary data from various sources, including journal articles, books, government documents, and news reports. The literature revealed that GBV in South African and other universities has sparked frequent protests centred on issues of sexual, physical, and emotional violence. Moreover, it was also highlighted that many students refrained from reporting GBV incidents due to concerns about stigma and the impact on their careers, with victims often facing anxiety, depression, and physical symptoms, which further impeded their participation in university life and restricted their educational opportunities. This study concluded that GBV restricted students\u27 access to quality education and, if unaddressed, might lead to declining university enrolment. Thus, it recommended collaboration between universities, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), and families to tackle GBV and called for a review of policies to improve enforcement and provide better protection for students.
Legal and regulatory issues of Islamic finance in Ethiopia
No full textThe study examines concerns regarding Islamic finance legislation in Ethiopia. Using a qualitative method, the study investigated the current legal and regulatory frameworks regarding Islamic finance and the challenges facing Islamic financial institutions in the country. In the study we conducted semi-structured interviews with 23 respondents, including executives, boards of directors, regulators, managers, shariah board members, and legal scholars familiar with the country\u27s laws. The study\u27s findings indicate an urgent necessity for an inclusive and robust legal structure specifically designed for the unique characteristics of Islamic financing. Enhanced supervisory oversight is essential for ensuring adherence to Sharia principles. Furthermore, the research findings demonstrate how important it is to set up a separate supervisory body within the National Bank of Ethiopia to keep an eye on Islamic financial institutions. Lastly, the study highlights the significance of having qualified professionals and Sharia scholars in Islamic financing. Integrating Islamic finance education into universities can enhance capacity-building for regulators, scholars, and finance professionals
Implementation Interventions and Success of Education Infrastructure Projects
No full textThis study examined the influence of implementation interventions on the success of education infrastructure projects in Rwanda, using the China-Aided Expansion Project of IPRC Musanze as a case study. The study was grounded in the recognition that project success is not solely dependent on the availability of financial resources but is largely influenced by the effectiveness of implementation strategies throughout the project lifecycle. Specifically, the study assessed the effect of materials and resource management, financial management, technology adoption, and human expertise and skills development on project success. The study was guided by Implementation Theory and the Project Success Model and adopted both descriptive and correlational research designs. The target population comprised 123 employees of IPRC Musanze at the time of project implementation, including three who were assigned to supervise the project on behalf of the beneficiary institution, as well as 1,243 students who were enrolled during the same period. This resulted in a total population of 1,366 respondents. A mixed sampling approach was employed, whereby a census technique was applied to the employee category, while simple random sampling was used for the student category. Data were collected using questionnaires, interviews, and document review to ensure triangulation and enhance the validity of findings.
Leadership for service: Principals’ experiences of the influence of Servant leadership in Faith-based schools
No full textThis paper aims to explore how servant leadership practices influence the leadership of faith-based schools in South Africa. It also aims to assess how these leadership practices promote holistic development, ethical behavior, and community involvement within school settings. The study involved six purposively selected principals from faith-based schools across three provinces, all linked to the National Alliance of Independent Schools Associations, who have firsthand experience implementing servant leadership principles in their institutions. The researcher employed a qualitative case study design to explore the lived experiences of these school leaders. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews, allowing participants to share detailed insights into their leadership practices, and analysed using emergent thematic coding to identify patterns and key themes directly from the narratives. The main findings of this study demonstrate that (i) servant leadership is seen as a genuine calling to serve, intertwining faith, mission, and personal values to focus on the development and well-being of students, staff, and the broader school community; (ii) it acts as a healing method, meeting emotional, spiritual, and relational needs while nurturing a supportive and caring school atmosphere; and (iii) it strikes a balance between task-oriented and people-focused responsibilities, along with (iv) encouraging collaborative decision-making, building community, and enhancing leadership skills among both staff and students. The study concludes that servant leadership in faith-based schools plays a crucial role in promoting holistic development, building a sense of community, and nurturing ethical, empathetic, and effective educational leadership. By blending spiritual values with practical management techniques, servant leaders not only boost academic performance but also enhance the overall well-being of school communities. These insights emphasise the significance of servant leadership as a foundational model for faith-based education and suggest its potential relevance in wider educational settings
Gender challenges of Congolese migrant women informal traders in Durban
No full textWomen migrant informal traders face numerous vulnerabilities worldwide. In developing countries, women engaged in informal trading constitute a significant portion of the workforce within the informal economy. Many of these women originate from African countries and initially seek employment opportunities within South Africa\u27s informal sector. This study aims to examine the participation of Congolese refugee women in the informal economy within local markets in Durban. Employing a qualitative research methodology, data was collected from ten Congolese women who confront various challenges, including family responsibilities, police harassment, documentation obstacles, and limited access to financial services. Participants were selected using snowball sampling between 2008 and 2009. The findings indicate that approximately 90% of the women engage in entrepreneurial activities to compensate for the lack of formal employment opportunities, thereby improving their livelihoods and contributing positively to the wider community. The study highlights the important role played by Congolese women in Durban’s informal economy and underscores the need for gender-responsive policies. Implementing such policies can empower women informal traders and support the socio-economic development of Durban
The psychosocial effects of school-based gang violence on educators: A case study of johannesburg, South Africa
No full textSouth Africa’s epidemic of school-based gang violence significantly impacts educators, affecting their psychosocial well-being and professional performance. This qualitative study examines these effects within Johannesburg public schools, guided by Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory, which emphasizes the influence of interconnected social and cultural environments. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with purposively sampled educators and analysed thematically using Creswell’s framework. Ethical standards, including confidentiality, informed consent, and privacy, were rigorously upheld. Findings reveal that educators experience emotional distress, professional burnout, and compromised well-being as a result of persistent exposure to school-based gang violence