EUREKA: Social and Humanities
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Procurement performance improvement through adoption of e-procurement: a study of small and medium enterprises
Full text linkProcurement serves as the backbone of any company's operation, fuelling its acquisition of goods and services necessary for daily functions. In developing countries, innovative technology's application in procurement has become important within both management and information technology infrastructure. Enhanced internet access and modern technologies propel the growth of SMEs by facilitating faster and easier transactions, expanding their reach to clients and customers. However, South African SMEs face challenges and barriers in adopting e-procurement, due to lack of knowledge impacting their performance. Given the crucial role of e-procurement in SME success and the knowledge gap in South Africa, this study investigates the relationship between procurement performance and e-procurement implementation practices, considering quality management and competitiveness factors within these businesses. This study employed a quantitative research design, utilising a survey questionnaire, administered to 186 South African SME owners or managers. A data analysis was conducted in two complementary stages: first, SPSS 29.0 facilitated confirmatory factor analysis to validate the measurement model, and then AMOS 29.0, which enabled structural equation modelling (SEM) to assess the proposed model's fit and evaluate the statistical significance of hypothesised relationships. The results of the study show that e-procurement implementation practices are statistically significant in predicting the procurement performance of the SMEs in South Africa. Over 60 % of South African SMEs are still lagging in basic digital tools and e-commerce. Their technological lag, often due to knowledge and financial constraints, hinders their ability to effectively market their products and/ or services. Hence, it is important for SMEs to enhance marketing through effective technology that can not only boost sales but also strengthen customer engagement and brand awareness
The curse of the liberation movement after 30 years in power: observations from Southern Africa
Full text linkThe trajectory of liberation movements in Southern Africa provides insights into post-colonial governance and democratic transitions in the Global South. While much research has focused on the initial successes of these movements, less attention has been paid to their long-term effectiveness and the complex interplay between local and international forces shaping their governance. This study aims to fill this gap by examining why liberation movements often lose power after three decades, focusing on the interplay between the local agency and global systemic constraints. The research employs a comparative case study approach, analysing five key liberation movements in Southern Africa: the Malawi Congress Party, Zambia's United National Independence Party, Tanzania's Chama Cha Mapinduzi, Zimbabwe's Zimbabwe African National Union-Patriotic Front, and South Africa's African National Congress. Through historical analysis and examination of governance patterns, the study identifies common trajectories, challenges, and strategies these movements employ. The findings reveal that African democratic transitions often mask a repositioning of the global order, with the Global South, admitted into the international system at subordinate levels. These insights have significant implications for understanding post-colonial state-building, nation-making and the limitations of democratic transitions in the Global South. African politics, international relations, and democratisation scholars will find this research valuable for its nuanced approach to the interplay between local and global forces. By challenging simplistic narratives linear of democratic transition, this study contributes to a more complex understanding of post-colonial governance relevant to academic discourse and policy formulation in international developmen
A scoping review of neurodiverse women's representation in feminist research in Sub-Saharan Africa
Full text linkThis scoping review investigates representation of neurodiverse women in feminist research across Sub-Saharan Africa revealing a significant gap in the comprehension of the interplay between gender, neurodiversity, and cultural context. This study is underpinned by the Feminist Disability theory and Ubuntu philosophy. The analysis encompassed publications from two international and two regional databases: Scopus, EBSCO, the African Women’s Development Fund (AWDF) Online Repository (AfriRep), and the African Disability Rights yearbook. Peer reviewed journals across multiple disciplines from the Taylor and Francis Group’s online platform were also analyzed. Our systematic search indicates a lack of African feminist research on women with Neurodevelopmental conditions (NDCs), despite an expanding body of literature concerning women with sensory and physical disabilities. The review pinpointed several factors contributing to this dearth in NDCs research in African contexts: limited research on gender-specific challenges related to NDCs diagnosis and intervention, over reliance on foreign-developed knowledge body and diagnostic tools for NDCs, African cultural and societal perspectives on NDCs and limited local data on generated on NDCs. These findings highlight the pressing need for culturally relevant research methodologies that incorporate Ubuntu epistemologies for conceptualizing the nature of NDCs and support of neurodiverse individuals. Funding is essential to develop local research capacity and creation of new local relevant knowledge on NDC
Comparative study of job satisfaction and the role of socio-demographic factors among mathematics teachers in Nigeria and South Africa
Full text linkThis study presents a quantitative analysis of job satisfaction and the role of sociodemographic factors among mathematics teachers in Nigeria and South Africa. The study was motivated by concerns over low teacher morale, attributed to inadequate work satisfaction. The research aimed to explore the influence of sociodemographic factors on job performance and compare job satisfaction levels between teachers in both countries. The study was guided by Herzberg's Two-Factor Theory of Job Satisfaction, which examines how motivation and hygiene factors impact job satisfaction. Findings revealed that while most participants were female, male teachers reported higher job satisfaction, influenced by basic needs and emotional tolerance. However, gender did not significantly impact job satisfaction. Educational qualification, particularly holding an honours degree, and marital status were significant predictors of higher job satisfaction. Public sector teachers reported greater satisfaction than their private sector counterparts, challenging some previous studies. Furthermore, South African teachers exhibited higher job satisfaction levels than Nigerian teachers, especially in rural areas with fewer amenities. This study provides valuable insights into the role of sociodemographic factors in shaping mathematics teachers' job satisfaction in both nations. Based on the findings, the study recommended that teachers' salaries should be made attractive. At the same time, providing basic amenities is also not overlooked, and school managements are encouraged to motivate the teachers in ways they deem fit consistentl
Mother-tongue instruction: imperatives in overall academic performance
Full text linkThere has been some cumulative attention within the educational environment about the use of mother-tongue instruction, raising alarm bells within the society of scholars who had generated interest in investigating and understanding the impact on overall academic performance. It is for this reason that this paper investigates imperative mother-tongue instruction roles toward shaping learner academic attainment. Qualitative insights through conducting semi-structured interviews were administered in one Primary School, located in a rural Eastern Cape Education District. This qualitative inquiry complemented the real lived experiences of teachers pending their involvement in mother-tongue instruction programs, prescribed by the South African Languages Policy. Administering semi-structured interviews as a data-gathering tool assisted a lot in providing a better understanding of either the challenges or benefits of mother-tongue instruction. Three purposively nominated grade four teachers became participants in this study. The findings of the study discovered that language policy implementation and transitioning from the Foundation Phase (FP) level to the Intermediate Phase (IF) were critical factors that led to lowered academic performance in the subsequent grades. The study concludes and recommends that aspects of curriculum development and educational policies be revisited consistently to help redefine methods and strategies that would counteract declining academic performance
Translanguaging: a case of language education in rural schools
Full text linkThis abstract investigates the implementation and effectiveness of translanguaging practices in rural schools, focusing on their impact on language education and academic achievement. Translanguaging, the flexible and purposeful use of multiple languages in educational settings, has emerged as a promising approach to address the linguistic diversity prevalent in rural schools. Drawing on sociocultural and sociolinguistic theories, this study explores how translanguaging can promote inclusive and effective language education in rural contexts. The study engages qualitative research methodology to gather information. Through semi-structured interviews that were confined to open-ended questions, thereby leading to open-ended responses, interviewing provided insights into teacher and learner experiences in line with translanguaging practices. Data gathering agents were five teachers. The study examines the implementation of translanguaging impact on language proficiency, academic achievement, the perceptions and experiences of stakeholders in rural schools. Findings revealed the potential benefits of translanguaging in enhancing language learning outcomes and promoting inclusive learning environments. However, challenges, such as limited resources, standardized curriculum requirements and societal attitudes towards multilingualism, are also identified. The study concludes with recommendations for policymakers, teachers and researchers to promote the effective implementation of translanguaging practices in rural schools, thereby supporting equitable access to quality education for all learners
Assessment of welfare services provision and management of student unrest in universities
Full text linkWelfare services provision and management of student unrest are crucial issues in the governance of higher institutions. This study assessed the provision of welfare services with a focus on understanding their adequacy and impact on student unrest. The objectives were to identify the available welfare services provided, evaluate the strategies, employed in managing student unrest, and determine the influence of welfare service provision on the management of student unrest. The study was hinged on the theory frustration-aggression, which has been widely applied to understand various social behaviors, including student unrest in educational settings. The research adopted a descriptive survey design, utilizing a multi-stage cluster sampling method to ensure a representative sample of students from various faculties at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Nigeria. Data were collected using structured questionnaires. Data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The results indicated that while certain welfare services, such as health care, are perceived as adequate by most students, there are significant concerns regarding the adequacy of mental health support, financial aid, housing, career services, and other student support systems. The study concluded that there are critical areas in need of enhancement to better meet student needs and to manage student unrest more effectively
Evaluating user satisfaction with the appointment booking system at the department of home affairs
Full text linkThe Department of Home Affairs (DHA) plays a vital role as the custodian of civic and immigration services, issuing essential documents, such as identity cards and passports, required for employment, voting, travel, and financial transactions. Despite its importance, the DHA has faced criticism for poor service delivery and prolonged queues. To address these challenges, the DHA introduced an online booking system in May 2022, aiming to reduce waiting times and improve service efficiency. This study evaluates user satisfaction and operational efficiency of the online booking system, examining its perceived usefulness and effectiveness in addressing service delivery concerns. The paper used a quantitative research approach, and the data was collected through questionnaires from 120 respondents. The data was analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 30. The researchers employed descriptive statistical analysis to summarise and present the survey data through tables. The findings show that there is a need for proper accessibility and inclusivity of the online booking system, implemented by the Department of Home Affairs, with a particular focus on the diverse linguistic and demographic needs of South African citizens. The research highlights challenges, faced by clients in rural areas surrounding Mthatha, many of whom are elderly or have limited literacy skills, making it difficult to navigate an English-only system. The study recommends that the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) implement training programmes using mobile service trucks in collaboration with ward councillors. These initiatives should focus on educating individuals, particularly those in rural areas, on how to use the online booking system. This approach is expected to enhance user satisfaction and improve overall service deliver
“From progressing to sinking schools’’: principals perceptions on factors contributing to the decline in school performance
Full text linkThe decline in school performance in the O. R. Tambo Inland District has emerged as a pressing concern within the South African education system. This paper explores principals’ perceptions of the key factors contributing to this decline in school performance, using a qualitative case study approach. Data were collected through semi-structured, face-to-face interviews with principals from selected secondary schools in the district. The study aimed to provide an in-depth understanding of the underlying issues affecting school performance. Findings indicate that a combination of socioeconomic challenges, lack of adequate resources, and deficiencies in school leadership are central to the declining performance. Many schools operate under conditions of poverty, insufficient infrastructure, and limited teaching and learning materials, all of which hinder academic achievement. Additionally, the study highlighted the need for improved leadership capacity, as many principals lack access to formal training in strategic and instructional leadership. Based on these insights, the paper recommends that the Eastern Cape Department of Education, in collaboration with local stakeholders, increase funding for resources and infrastructure, while implementing targeted leadership development programs. These efforts are essential for revitalizing school performance and are aligned with the broader objectives of Agenda 2063, which promotes inclusive, equitable, and high-quality education across the African continent
Exploring remote work occupational health and safety perspectives: a theoretical review and synthesis
Full text linkThe rise of remote work has introduced complex and novel challenges in maintaining occupational health and safety (OHS) standards, and OHS for remote workers has consequently developed into a progressively critical area of research. Understanding the theoretical underpinnings of OHS in this context is crucial for developing efficient frameworks and strategies to ensure optimal occupational health and wellbeing for workers. This research explores various theoretical models and frameworks to address OHS concerns in the digital work environment.
This study conducts a theoretical review to synthesise existing frameworks related to OHS for remote workers. By integrating key constructs, such as OHS risks, home office ergonomics, and organisational support, it examines how existing models address remote work challenges, highlights gaps, and proposes directions for future research. Additionally, the synthesis of constructs reveals how these constructs influence one another, thus enriching theoretical perspectives and providing a framework for future research.
Using a construct-driven theoretical review, this study analyses a series of nine models in chronological order ranging from 1984 to 2022, guided by a conceptual framework, developed for this research.
The review highlights significant relationships between employee perceptions of OHS, psychosocial risks, and the role of organisational support in mitigating occupational stress.
The findings suggest that frameworks must adapt to address not only physical but also psychological wellbeing in evolving work environments.
This study contributes to the evolving discourse on OHS in remote work by highlighting the need for revised regulatory policies, enhanced organisational strategies, and a more holistic approach to employee wellbeing. Future research should further explore how digital workspaces can be structured to promote sustainable health and safety outcomes for remote workers