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
Empowering leaders for digital transformation in higher education: a Fanonian perspective
No full textThis paper examines the relevance of Frantz Fanon’s postcolonial theories of alienation, liberation, and the psychology of oppression for addressing sociopolitical challenges in the digital transformation of higher education. Using a PRISMA-based systematic review of 128 peer-reviewed articles (2012–2023) from Scopus and ERIC, the study applies a hybrid analytical method to explore how Fanon’s concepts can inform leadership strategies that foster equity, empowerment, and critical consciousness in technology integration. Findings suggest that digital transformation risks reinforcing technological determinism and power asymmetries if sociopolitical contexts are neglected, whereas leadership guided by Fanon promotes inclusive participation and positions technology as a tool for liberation. By integrating Fanon’s postcolonial framework with digital transformation leadership, the study offers a unique conceptual contribution that has not been systematically addressed in previous research. A limitation is the exclusive reliance on secondary literature, indicating the need for further empirical validation. The paper emphasises the importance of dismantling structural inequities and resisting neo-colonial paradigms to ensure digital innovation advances inclusivity and social justice
The implications of language when teaching geomorphological concepts and maps: Addressing learner-teacher articulation gap in secondary schools of South Africa
No full textTeaching and learning Geography in many countries require qualified teachers who are prepared to teach any Geography curriculum prescribed for Secondary schools. However, most of the geography teachers who have undergone all the administrative, academic, and training to become experts in teaching Geography are still finding it difficult to comprehend language of teaching and learning when teaching Geomorphology and map work. The purpose of this study was to explore the implications of language towards teaching and learning Geomorphological maps. The study followed qualitative approach with a case study design. An interpretive paradigm was used to look at the knowledge and practice of teachers on language towards the teaching of Geomorphological maps. Purposive sampling was used to select 12 Geography teachers who under-performed on Geomorphology and map work during academic years 2022 and 2023. Focused group and document analysis were used to collect data. Social Constructivism theory was used to give theoretical grounding of this study. The results of this study revealed that most Geography teachers lack language foundational competencies of teaching and learning language to provide proper linkage of Geomorphology and maps. The study concluded that support of the language enrichment on teaching and learning Geography and local maps to schools as instructional digital materials is a need to promote quality teaching of Geography. The study further recommend that Geography need to be paired with English in the university as specialized subjects to enhance pre-service language proficiency and pedagogical skills.  
Enhancing warehousing efficiency in the South African automotive sector: challenges and opportunities for supply chain optimization
No full textThis study seeks to evaluate the efficacy of storage in the South African automobile industry, pinpointing difficulties and prospective methods for enhancement. It aims to ascertain how effective warehousing might aid in surmounting logistical challenges and enhancing overall supply chain performance. A qualitative study methodology was utilised to investigate the influence of storage on the automobile industry in South Africa. Exploratory and descriptive research designs were employed to fulfil the research objectives. The target group comprised supply chain specialists from specific automotive manufacturers in Gauteng Province. A purposive sampling method was employed, and data were gathered via structured interviews with 15 individuals. The data were examined via ATLAS.ti Qualitative Data Analysis Software (QDAS), resulting in the identification of principal themes and sub-themes. The research indicated that warehousing is crucial in mitigating obstacles encountered by the South African automotive sector, such as unreliable rail transit, restricted capacity, and elevated port expenses. The incorporation of automation, digital technology, and Industry 4.0 concepts could markedly improve warehousing efficiency. Essential recommendations for enhancing warehousing efficiency encompass the implementation of automated technologies, adherence to circular economy principles, and investment in quality management best practices. The results offer practical suggestions for automobile manufacturers and supply chain experts to enhance warehouse operations. By adopting innovative technologies and optimal processes, organisations may tackle current difficulties, lower operating expenses, and secure a competitive advantage in the South African market. The research underscores the necessity of synchronising warehouse strategies with overarching trends in digital transformation and sustainability. This study enhances the existing knowledge on warehousing in the automotive industry, specifically in the South African setting. It offers distinctive perspectives on how technical advancements and industry trends can enhance warehousing operations and assist the sector in addressing region-specific difficulties. The study emphasises the significance of a comprehensive strategy in warehousing, incorporating automation, digital technology, and sustainability principles
Evaluating AEO in facilitating trade and improving compliance
No full textThis study’s objectives were to assess the extent the AEO programme contributed to improved customs tax compliance among participating businesses and how the AEO programme has affected trade facilitation in South Africa. A mixed-method research approach was used, combining qualitative and quantitative data from a survey. The sample size was 22, selected through purposive stratified sampling, including 1 tax lecturer from the University of KwaZulu-Natal and 21 middle management employees from the South African tax administrator’s AEO department. Key informants reported that the AEO programme has enhanced compliance rates through the implementation of improvement initiatives, the establishment of partnerships, and support for non-compliant applicants. The AEO programme is a voluntary initiative created by the World Customs Organisation in order to ensure compliance and facilitate trade. The programme enhances trade by offering dedicated support through CRM teams, streamlining business operations, and ensuring the swift release of goods
Impact of economic shocks in the Johannesburg Stock Exchange 15 index prices
No full textTechnology, innovation, and economic shocks have transformed global financial markets. The latest global health pandemic has been compared to the 2008 global financial crisis, as investors, lawmakers, and regulators worldwide worried about economic collapse. Johannesburg Stock Exchange is Africa\u27s largest. The JSE names SIFIs, whose failure would threaten SA\u27s economy. Uncertainty increases failure risk, as seen in the GFC and COVID-19. This study examined how economic shocks affected investor confidence in South Africa\u27s growing financial market, the JSE 15 Index. Analysis of data from January 1999 to December 2023 examined short- and long-term stock market impacts, the role of the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) in stability, and investor conduct during crises. The two economic shocks\u27 effects on JSE 15 index stock prices were examined using Autoregressive Distributed Lags (ARDL) and correlation analysis. ARDL determines short- and long-term macroeconomic cointegration. Three macroeconomic variables—interest rates (T-Bills), inflation (CPI), and real effective exchange rate (REER)—are used to track their fluctuation during crises. The analysis shows a shift in investor confidence reflected in a considerable decline in financial performance throughout the crisis. As investors\u27 risk tolerance differs, diversification benefits made abnormal returns unimportant. SARB\u27s monetary and fiscal policies mitigated the pandemic. South African investors were also wary due to internal issues. The study shows that global commodity prices and currency rate volatility affect investor confidence more than domestic policy in emerging economies, adding to behavioural finance
Culture and consumer neuroscience in South Africa: Insights for organisational behaviour and human resource management
No full textThis paper investigated the impact of culture on consumer neuroscience reactions among African Blacks and Whites in South Africa, as well as the implications for human resource management (HRM) and organisational behaviour. Despite the country\u27s vast cultural diversity, little research has been done to investigate how cultural differences affect neurological and emotional responses to marketing stimuli, limiting organisations\u27 understanding of customer and staff behaviour. The paper employed bibliometric analysis to identify dominant trends, patterns, and gaps in the literature, demonstrating that culture has a significant impact on consumer decision-making, emotional engagement, and cognitive reactions. Importantly, these findings went beyond marketing, indicating key applications for OB and HRM, including culturally informed leadership, employee engagement methods, and talent development programs. This paper offers a fresh interdisciplinary viewpoint by clearly connecting culture, neuroscience, and organisational management. It showed that comprehending the emotional and neurological effects of culture could improve HRM procedures, promote inclusive workplace environments, and strengthen customer-focused tactics. To help businesses effectively utilise cultural diversity, this paper recommends incorporating cultural insights into leadership development, training initiatives, and organisational policy. This method will offer a framework for evidence-based, culturally sensitive practices by positioning culture not just as a contextual aspect but as a strategic driver that connects consumer neuroscience insights with human capital management and organisational efficiency
Navigating IAS 21: An integrative review of compliance challenges for SMEs in emerging markets
No full textAs globalization advances and cross-border trade expands, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in emerging markets are increasingly engaged in foreign currency transactions. This development requires adherence to International Accounting Standard 21 (IAS 21), which addresses the effects of changes in foreign exchange rates. While compliance with IAS 21 is vital for ensuring accurate and comparable financial reporting, SMEs often face significant challenges in meeting these requirements due to limited financial resources, technical expertise, and access to appropriate accounting infrastructure. This integrative review consolidates existing academic and industry literature to identify key obstacles encountered by SMEs in implementing IAS 21. These challenges include difficulties in selecting appropriate exchange rates, translating foreign operations, and maintaining up-to-date accounting systems. Guided by institutional theory, contingency theory, and the resource-based view, the study examines how external institutional pressures and internal resource constraints impact compliance levels among SMEs. The review also discusses the implications for financial reporting quality, investor confidence, and policy development within emerging economies. The findings underscore the importance of simplified regulatory guidance, capacity-building efforts, and customized support frameworks to close the compliance gap and strengthen the financial transparency of SMEs operating in international market
Silence in the virtual classroom: A reflective, collaborative response to student passivity
No full textThis study critically examines an educator’s response to student passivity and reduced engagement in online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic, drawing on collaborative action research conducted with a team of module facilitators. The sudden shift to remote instruction introduced significant pedagogical challenges, particularly in under-resourced higher education institutions in South Africa, where digital access limitations and reduced student participation negatively impacted learning outcomes. Using a retrospective collaborative autoethnographic approach, the study reflects teaching practices during this period, highlighting the complexities of encouraging active participation in virtual environments. Based on observed data, the analysis questions the effectiveness of targeted interventions—including structured peer interaction, real-time feedback, and personalised check-ins—aimed at increasing student engagement and reducing disengagement. Through repeated cycles of reflection and adaptation, the educator emphasises the importance of collegial collaboration in improving online teaching methods. The findings deepen understanding of engagement patterns in remote learning and offer practical insights for improving pedagogical responsiveness in resource-limited settings
The Madlanga commission through the lens of South Africa’s constitutional mandate of oversight
No full textThe Madlanga Commission represents an important but understudied moment in South Africa’s evolving system of constitutional oversight. Established to investigate allegations of administrative irregularities, governance failures, and breaches of ethical conduct, the Commission provides rich insights into the persistent challenges confronting public sector accountability. This conceptual article critically examines the Madlanga Commission through the lens of South Africa’s constitutional mandate of oversight, drawing specifically on Sections 41, 55, 92, 195 and 195(1)(f), as well as broader principles of democratic governance and administrative justice. Using a qualitative, desktop-based analytical approach, the article synthesises publicly available evidence and applies thematic governance frameworks—including Accountability Theory, Democratic Oversight Theory, and the Constitutionalism Model—to assess the Commission’s findings and implications. The analysis demonstrates that the Commission exposed deep structural weaknesses in the public service, including blurred lines of authority, weak compliance cultures, politicised administration, and fragmented accountability mechanisms. The article argues that the lessons emerging from the Commission remain crucial for enhancing the integrity, transparency, and responsiveness of public sector institutions in South Africa. It concludes by outlining a set of strategic governance reforms, including strengthened oversight bodies, clearer reporting lines, enhanced ethical leadership, and improved implementation monitoring. The study contributes to scholarly debates on oversight effectiveness in emerging democracies and offers practical recommendations for policymakers tasked with strengthening constitutional governance
Household welfare and energy access in East Africa: Impacts of off-grid solar home systems
No full textOff-grid solar home systems have become a central element of energy access strategies in East Africa, particularly in Kenya, Rwanda, and Tanzania, where pay-as-you-go models have expanded rapidly. This paper examines how household adoption of solar home systems affects welfare and education outcomes, using nationally representative surveys, regional solar irradiance data, and education indicators from UNESCO. The analysis applies an instrumental-variable strategy that exploits exogenous variation in solar irradiance to address adoption endogeneity. Results show that higher irradiance significantly increases the likelihood of adopting solar home systems, which in turn reduces kerosene expenditures, improves lighting quality, and supports longer study hours for children. Welfare gains are evident through higher household savings, improved perceptions of wellbeing, and reduced energy insecurity. Education outcomes benefit through increased evening study time and reduced school absenteeism during rainy months, when grid reliability declines. These findings align with emerging evidence from East Africa that off-grid solar can strengthen inclusive energy transitions and contribute to human development when supported by favourable financing models, consumer protection, and long-term system maintenance pathways. The results offer policy guidance for regional initiatives aiming to expand sustainable, affordable, and reliable household energy access