Society for the Study of Business & Finance- SSBFNET: E-Journals
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Who gets in? Unpacking equity and choice in primary school admissions
No full textThis study examines the efficacy of primary school admission policies in ensuring equitable access to education and upholding the right of parental choice. Anchored in the principles of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC, 1989), which affirms every child’s right to non-discriminatory and inclusive education, and the UNESCO Education 2030 Framework for Action, which emphasizes equity and quality education for all, the study investigates how admission policies are implemented in South African primary schools. A qualitative research design was employed, using semi-structured interviews with principals, School Governing Body (SGB) members, and admission committee representatives from two purposively selected primary schools in Free State schools. The study explored how these stakeholders interpret and apply the South African Schools Act (SASA) admission policy, the challenges they encounter, particularly regarding age eligibility and how these policies affect both fairness and parental choice. Findings indicate that limited understanding of the SASA policy among SGB members often results in inconsistent implementation and potential inequities in learner admission. The study recommends targeted capacity-building initiatives, such as workshops and policy orientation sessions, to strengthen policy alignment and uphold the principles of transparency, inclusivity, and the right to education as articulated in national and international frameworks
The impact of COSO-based integrated internal control system on corporate governance principles in the sustainability era: The case of a leading educational foundation
No full textThis study mainly aimed to examine the impact of the COSO’s internal control system components (Control Environment, Risk Assessment, Control Activities, Information-Communication, Monitoring) on corporate governance principles (justice, transparency, accountability and responsibility) through the example of a leading educational foundation in Türkiye. In the study, it was investigated whether there was a significant relationship between the perceptions of employees regarding the effects of the internal control system components on corporate governance. It was also investigated whether these perceptions differed according to demographic characteristics such as gender, age, education, length of service, position. Methodologically, a descriptive online survey method including a questionnaire was applied to collect data. The survey was sent to 234 participants in different departments and positions working in the foundation, and 197 employees responded. The data were analyzed with SPSS-22. The survey, which was suitable for a 5-point Likert scale, included statements regarding demographic characteristics and COSO’s main internal control components and corporate governance principles. The study concluded that all COSO components have a significant and positive relationship with corporate governance principles. In addition, a stronger relationship was revealed between transparency and accountability principles and internal control components compared to others. Furthermore, it was indicated that these perceptions differed according to demographic characteristics. While significant differences were found in perceptions according to demographic characteristics such as gender, age and position, no differences were found according to education and working years criteria. The study is considered to contribute to the literature because it is the first study to examine the impact of the main COSO internal control components on corporate governance principles, together with the example of a leading educational foundation. The study is limited by the selected sample educational foundation, the number of respondents, survey questions-answers, the applied statistical analysis method and tests. Therefore, in order to reach more general results, it is suggested to expand the studies with more diverse and larger numbers of educational foundations, employees, survey questions and statistical methods
Calibrating the LMN Model based on the J-law to Implement the Credit Risk in the Economic Scenarios Generator
No full textThe aim of this paper is to calibrate the Longstaff, Mithal and Neis (2005) model (LMN model) based on the J-law (see Jerbi (2015) to implement the credit risk in the economic scenarios generator. The LMN model, based on the assumptions of the normality of the risks is used to establish a link between the spread, the probability of default and the liquidity risk. The related assumptions seem unrealistic given the depth of the distribution that characterizes the financial and economic data. In this context, we develop an LMN model based on the J-law taking into account the effects of Skewness and Kurtosis related to the two series of the CDS premium and the corporate bond prices. We use a simulated data that are from January 2009 to December 2016. We estimate the model parameters. The LMN model based on the J-law fit better with the reality than the one based on the normal Law.
Customer relationship management as a strategic instrument for enhancing customer retention: a case study of an ICT company in Johannesburg
No full textIn the competitive business environment, organisations are increasingly adopting Customer Relationship Management (CRM) strategies to strengthen customer retention and improve service delivery. This study explored CRM as a strategic tool for customer retention at a selected Information Communication Technology (ICT) company based in Johannesburg, South Africa. A quantitative research approach was employed, targeting 121 employees across sales, marketing, business development, logistics, and finance departments. These employees were selected due to their direct engagement with customers. Data were collected through structured online questionnaires and analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26. Descriptive and inferential statistical techniques, including Pearson’s correlation and regression analysis, were applied to evaluate the relationship between CRM and customer retention. The findings revealed a moderate but significant positive correlation between CRM and customer retention, indicating that strategic CRM practices contribute to stronger customer loyalty. The research concludes that CRM is a critical organisational strategy that can enhance customer retention if properly integrated and supported across business functions. It recommends further investment in CRM systems, employee training, and customer engagement initiatives to sustain competitive advantage and long-term growth
Evaluating the effectiveness of the quality improvement plan in higher education institutions emerging from programme review evaluations
No full textQuality Improvement Plans (QIPs) play a pivotal role in advancing the performance and standards of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) following the completion of CHE Institutional Audits and internal Programme Reviews Evaluations (PREs). This study explores the effectiveness of the QIP by investigating its impact across critical areas, including curriculum development, infrastructure, student-centred practices, innovation and entrepreneurship, government support, technology, and collaborations and partnerships. As higher education continues to evolve, the successful implementation of the QIP is vital for fostering academic excellence, institutional growth, and global competitiveness. This study addresses the following questions: What factors influence the success of QIP implementation in HEIs? How can QIP initiatives be optimised to achieve strategic goals? What are the measurable outcomes of these initiatives on institutional performance
Navigating universal health coverage: experiences of professional nurses at the primary healthcare level in Johannesburg, South Africa
No full textSouth Africa is dedicated to attaining Universal Health Coverage via the National Health Insurance program, with the NHI Bill set to be enacted into law in 2024. The primary healthcare system, essential for Universal Health Coverage delivery, encounters ongoing challenges such as a shortage of healthcare professionals, insufficient infrastructure and medication shortages, financial limitations, and inadequate governance frameworks. The Johannesburg health district has experienced high turnover among trained primary healthcare nurses over the past two financial years, leading to staff shortages and decreased morale. This situation threatens the achievement of Universal Health Coverage. Additionally, patients were often turned away from primary health facilities due to early closures and staff shortages, limiting access to healthcare and hindering UHC goals. To achieve UHC, healthcare services must be available, accessible, affordable, and of high quality.To explore the experiences of professional nurses with regards to the implementation of Universal Health Coverage at Primary Health Care facilities in the Johannesburg health district, Gauteng. A qualitative, exploratory, descriptive methodology was employed. Eleven participants, comprising operational managers, professional nurses, and an area manager, were purposefully selected from eight primary healthcare facilities in Regions C and G of Johannesburg. Semi-structured interviews were performed, audio-recorded, and thematically evaluated using Braun & Clarke’s framework. Three themes emerged: (1) Hhuman resource limitations and professional erosion including staff shortages and high turnover, (2) healthcare system inadequacies and patient accessibility such as poor infrastructure and medication stockouts; and (3) financial and policy constraints that impede effective UHC implementation. Nurses\u27 experiences indicate structural obstacles hindering the implementation of UHC. It is essential to address personnel shortages, infrastructure deficiencies, and policy inefficiencies. Enhancing governance and prioritising nurse involvement in policymaking are crucial for attaining equitable, high-quality healthcare in South Africa
Navigating the complex challenges faced by principals in the implementation of school improvement plans
No full textThe purpose of this study is to examine the challenges faced by school principals in rural South African secondary schools when implementing School Improvement Plans (SIPs). The study is guided by the theory of instructional leadership, which views principals as key drivers of teaching and learning. Instead of assuming that principals effectively fulfil their catalytic role, the study explores the persistent implementation gap that constrains meaningful school improvement. A qualitative multiple-case study design was employed, drawing on semi-structured interviews and document analysis of school improvement plans. Five principals were selected through convenience sampling. Using qualitative content analysis, the findings reveal that principals experience significant difficulties in translating SIP policies into practice, mainly due to limited capacity, contextual barriers, and inconsistent support from district officials. District monitoring systems were found to be weak, with officials struggling to enforce adherence to policy guidelines or to provide timely, targeted interventions. The study concludes that without sustained professional support, regular supervision, and strengthened accountability structures, principals remain unable to drive the intended improvements in teaching and learning. These insights underscore the need for additional research on strategies to bridge the SIP implementation gap in under-resourced educational contexts
Organizational performance in volatile markets: Strategic leadership lessons from NSE-listed financial institutions in Kenya
No full textThis study investigates the influence of strategic leadership components on the performance of financial multinational companies listed on the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) in Kenya. Specifically, it examines the effects of strategic controls, organizational capabilities, visionary leadership, and organizational change management on performance outcomes, measured through profitability and branch expansion. Employing a descriptive research design, the study targeted 14 listed commercial banks and 250 middle-level managers across marketing, relationship, and finance departments. A sample of 154 respondents was selected using stratified random sampling and the Taro Yamane formula. Data were collected via structured questionnaires incorporating five-point Likert scales and administered both electronically and through the drop-and-pick method. Analysis was conducted using SPSS, applying both descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings reveal that all four strategic leadership components significantly impact organizational performance, with organizational change management exerting the strongest influence. The study concludes that strategic leadership is pivotal for sustaining competitiveness and growth in Kenya’s financial sector. It recommends enhancing strategic reviews, fostering innovation and business intelligence, articulating clear organizational visions, and promoting adaptability, effective communication, and employee engagement to drive performance improvements
Traditional leadership and sustainable crime prevention in rural South Africa: A qualitative study of the Amathole District Municipality under COGTA
No full textMurders and attacks against women and youth are rising in rural South Africa. The Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) enables chiefs and headmen to maintain peace and order; however, violence suggests that traditional authorities and professional law enforcement rarely operate in tandem. This study examines the challenges and provides recommendations on how traditional leadership can foster sustainable crime prevention in the Amathole District of the Eastern Cape Province. A qualitative study design was used to conduct semi-structured interviews with fifteen (15) chiefs, headmen, and ward committee members from varied rural communities in the district. Thematic analysis identified leadership engagement, community participation, and local crime-fighting strategies. Traditional leaders play a crucial role in rural administration, possessing moral and cultural authority that can be leveraged for social control and early intervention. However, insufficient cooperation with the South African Police Service (SAPS), limited resources, and a lack of institutional recognition for community safety initiatives, such as village night patrols and Community Policing Forums, limit their capacity. When urban migrants return home for holidays, crime rates, notably violent assaults and gender-based violence, climb, showing that social dislocation and alcohol consumption worsen tensions. The Chiefs agreed to work with SAPS on community awareness, customary punishments, and CPF reactivation. The study found that rural safety requires a hybrid crime prevention paradigm that combines state and customary authority. Integrating COGTA\u27s governance structure with community-based policing could boost rural resilience, trust, and accountability. The study highlights indigenous governance as a social sustainability mechanism in rural South Africa, supporting Sustainable Development Goal 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions)
The influence of supply chain management, service quality, operational innovation, and information technology on operational performance in logistics companies in Indonesia
No full textThis study aims to determine and analyze the influence of Supply Chain Management, Service Quality, Operational Innovation, and Information Technology on Operational Performance in logistics companies in Indonesia. The type of research used is quantitative with a descriptive-verification approach. The population of this study were operational employees in national logistics companies such as JNE, J&T Express, SiCepat, and Pos Indonesia, with a sample of 100 respondents selected through a purposive sampling technique. Data collection was carried out through an online questionnaire using a Likert scale of 1–5. Data analysis was carried out using multiple linear regression using SPSS. The results of the study indicate that Supply Chain Management, Service Quality, and Information Technology have a positive and significant effect on Operational Performance, while Operational Innovation has no significant effect