International Journal of Research in Business and Social Science (2147- 4478)
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The Impact of green human resource management on decent work: Linking environmental sustainability and employee well-being
Full text linkThis study examined the impact of Green Human Resource Management (Green HRM) practices on promoting decent work conditions in Ilala Municipal, Tanzania. Specifically, the research focused on key indicators of decent work, including fair wages, a safe working environment, social protection, job security, and respect and dignity in the workplace. The study employed a mixed-method approach, combining both quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews, to gather insights on the extent to which Green HRH aligned with Decent works Data were collected from 120 respondents, including employees and HR managers from the public and private sectors, as well as HR professionals from the industrial, service, and retail sectors. The findings revealed that the implementation of Green HRM practices, such as environmental training, sustainable recruitment, eco-friendly workplace policies, and performance appraisal for sustainability, positively influenced decent work conditions. Employees expressed higher levels of job satisfaction, work-life balance, health and safety, and opportunities for growth. The study concluded that Green HRM not only fosters environmental sustainability but also enhances employee well-being by promoting a supportive and secure work environment. Recommendations include strengthening employee engagement in green initiatives, improving health and safety measures, expanding social protection, and promoting a culture of respect and dignity. The study contributes to the growing body of literature on the intersection of sustainability and human resource management and suggests areas for future research, including the role of digital transformation and sector-specific analyses of Green HRM practices
Exploring the purpose and evolution of education: from informal learning to formal schooling, challenges, international legal frameworks and recommendations for the future
Full text linkEducation has transitioned from an informal, community-driven process rooted in family and tribal collectivism to a formalized system of structured learning within schools. This paper explores the historical evolution of education, beginning with its early roots in natural, informal interactions within communities and the pivotal role of parents and families in shaping foundational learning. It examines the shift to formal education, driven by the advent of written symbols and societal complexity, and highlights the critical functions of schools in socialization, skill acquisition, and cultural preservation. Foundational theories on education are discussed, emphasizing its social embeddedness and collective purpose. The paper further addresses contemporary challenges in formal education, including issues of accessibility, quality disparities, systemic discrimination, and the selective nature of assessments. These challenges are analyzed through the lens of international legal frameworks, such as the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR) and the Convention Against Discrimination in Education (CADE), which provide a normative basis for addressing inequities in education systems. The methodology taking a doctrinal approach involves a critical review of historical accounts, theoretical perspectives, and legal instruments, to uncover both cultural nuances and global legal standards relating to education. The findings underscore the transformative potential of education when it is inclusive, adaptable, and aligned with societal, cultural and legal contexts. Recommendations include improving accessibility and quality. By emphasizing the role of law in advancing these objectives, the study calls for systemic reforms to achieve universal access to quality education and highlights the necessity of aligning education with the broader goals of societal equity and development
Examining the role of trade unions during salary negotiations in public schools
Full text linkEducators in public schools deserve decent unions in negotiating for salary increases for educators in living salaries for their teaching services. The aim of this paper is to examine the role of trade public schools. A qualitative research approach was adopted to address the aim of the paper and fifteen educators affiliated to trade unions were interviewed. Content analysis method is used to analyse the primary data obtained during in-depth interviews. The findings of this study uncovered that trade unions negotiate for salaries increases for educators based on the mandate received from the members in branches. This paper offers recommendations to key stakeholders in public schools and future research directions on the topic
Harnessing migration for sustainable development in Africa: challenges and opportunities
Full text linkThis study investigates the intricate dynamics of migration in Africa, emphasising its implications for sustainable development. The background highlights that Africa faces significant migration pressures driven by socio-economic challenges, political instability, and environmental changes, particularly high unemployment rates among youth and the adverse effects of climate change. Despite the continent\u27s potential to harness migration for development, a notable gap exists in comprehensive migration policies that adequately protect migrants\u27 rights and leverage their contributions to economic growth. The aim of this study is to explore the complex dynamics of migration in Africa, focusing on identifying both the challenges and opportunities that migration presents for sustainable development. A desktop study approach was employed, synthesising existing literature, policy reports, and secondary data to identify critical themes. Findings reveal that economic motivations are the predominant drivers of migration, while remittances play a crucial role in stabilising local economies and alleviating poverty. The research underscores the importance of regional cooperation in managing migration effectively and addressing shared challenges. The study recommends the development of rights-based migration policies that foster safe migration pathways, investment in local economies to create job opportunities, and initiatives to promote the productive use of remittances. Enhanced collaboration among African nations is essential for optimising the benefits of migration and addressing common challenges. Furthermore, ongoing research is necessary to adapt to the evolving landscape of migration trends in the region
Project-based learning for promotion of entrepreneurial education among first level science students
Full text linkThe educational institutions in South Africa face challenges in integrating crucial 21st-century skills like critical thinking, problem-solving, and innovation into their academic programs. Project-based learning (PBL) has emerged as a valuable approach to enhancing entrepreneurial education by developing these essential competencies through real-world applications. PBL effectively bridges the gap between theoretical concepts and practical problem-solving in real-life situations by involving students in practical, hands-on learning. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of Project-Based Learning (PBL) in fostering entrepreneurial skills among first-year science students at a rural university. Using a mixed-methods approach, participants created and presented organic soaps, simulating authentic business processes. The study used purposive sampling, and student performance was evaluated by a panel based on specific criteria. Data analysis included descriptive statistics and One-Way ANOVA, with data visualisation using Python\u27s Matplotlib. The paper investigated whether the implementation of PBL significantly enhances students\u27 entrepreneurial skills compared to traditional teaching methods. The study revealed that 210 students, mainly from schools with limited resources, faced challenges in practical chemistry despite prior instruction in Physical Sciences. The implementation of project-based learning proved to be an effective method for nurturing entrepreneurial skills, highlighting the importance of experiential learning. It is essential for higher education institutions to integrate entrepreneurship into their curricula, collaborate with industry, improve group dynamics, and prioritise quality control. These strategies have the potential to foster innovation and better prepare students for self-employment opportunities
A sociological investigation into the factors influencing women\u27s political participation in South Africa: a qualitative approach
Full text linkThis study examined the determinants affecting women\u27s empowerment in political involvement within the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality (BCMM) in the Eastern Cape Province. A qualitative inductive technique was utilised to obtain insights from female ward and proportional representation councillors, involving 10 key informant interviews to examine their experiences in local governance. The research was based on feminist theories that underscore the necessity for social equality and the deconstruction of patriarchal frameworks within political situations. The results indicated that social support, knowledge, and accessible forums for women to articulate their perspectives were crucial in enabling women\u27s active participation in local politics. The study emphasised the significance of executing existing policies and cultivating personal drive as essential factors for increasing women\u27s political participation. The results highlighted the importance of establishing a supportive atmosphere that prioritises women for political roles and the need for chances for them to express their views. The research demonstrated that women\u27s political drive and legacy are crucial in encouraging future generations of female leaders. This study offers a thorough analysis of the elements that can enhance women\u27s empowerment in municipal politics, hence fostering greater female representation and involvement in decision-making processes
Value judgements as the basis of decision-making in an organisational setting: A case of SMME in eThekwini municipal area, South Africa
Full text linkAlmost every aspect of the decision-making process that individuals or organisations engage in involves value judgements or the influence of what can be used to determine what is morally good or wrong. The characteristics of those who make decisions, specifically their perceptions of the situation, and their social networks, all have a big influence on how their actions turn out. Thus, it is essential from the perspective of SMMEs to comprehend this idea to objectively evaluate the current decision-making procedures and offer recommendations for enhancement. Assessing how SMMEs\u27 value judgements affect their decision-making in their business environment was the aim of this study. The conduct of SMME operators was the foundation for this study, which examined how their value judgements and decision-making skills may support economic growth and help them thrive in a competitive market. To gather information from a variety of SMMEs in the eThekwini Municipal Area, simple random sampling was employed. A total of 229 business owners responded to the survey which produced the study\u27s sample while data was gathered and analysed using SPSS (version 24). The study concluded that organisations that embrace good value judgement will experience the greatest sense of fulfilment and happiness when they act and make choices that are consistent with their values
Evidence ignored? Unpacking barriers to evaluation use in the city of Tshwane’s indigent programme exit strategy
Full text linkEvaluation systems are slowly making inroads in South African municipalities, particularly in the metros, yet their effective utilisation remains uneven across service delivery programmes. This study investigates the barriers affecting the uptake of evaluation in implementing the Indigent Programme Exit Strategy within the City of Tshwane (CoT) Metropolitan Municipality. Despite the strategic intent of the exit strategy to reduce long-term dependency and promote self-sufficiency among beneficiaries, the study finds that evaluation evidence is rarely used to inform decisions related to the strategy\u27s design, implementation, or review. Instead, reliance is placed on administrative reporting and compliance-driven monitoring data, which limits learning, adaptation, and accountability. Using a qualitative case study approach grounded in institutional and systems theory, the study draws on semi-structured interviews and document analysis to identify key barriers, including weak political incentives for evaluation use, limited integration of evaluation processes into decision-making cycles, and inadequate feedback loops between evaluators, implementers, and policymakers. The findings underscore that the challenge is not the absence of M&E systems but rather the underutilisation of evaluation evidence to inform programmatic change. The article concludes by offering context-sensitive recommendations for enhancing evaluation uptake within municipal exit strategies and related interventions, contributing broader lessons for strengthening evidence use in local governance
Exchange rate undervaluation and economic growth in South Africa: evidence from various transmission mechanisms
Full text linkThe present study aims to examine the relationship between exchange rate undervaluation and economic growth in South Africa, focusing on the various transmission mechanisms through which this relationship occurs. Through the adoption of secondary quarterly data spanning the period 1980 to 2018 and a two-step Generalised Method of Moments approach. The study estimated a Behavioural Equilibrium Exchange Rate of South Africa and used it to construct a measure of Exchange rate undervaluation. Further, the study examined the effects of Exchange rate undervaluation on the tradable sector, the savings/capital accumulation sector, and the total factor productivity sector. The study found evidence of the tradable sector and total factor productivity (TFP) channels in South Africa. Therefore, we conclude that there exist valuable lessons to be learnt through the analysis of this relationship on a micro level compared to a macro level. Macro-level studies overlook the individual effects, hence why results have been inconclusive. This, therefore, means that South Africa has an incentive to keep the Rand at a competitive level since the industrial and agricultural sectors benefit from a competitive Exchange rate
A constructivist approach to trigonometry problem solving using Manipulatives: a case study of a South African secondary school
Full text linkTrigonometry is currently an examinable section in the subject of mathematics and is assessed in grade 12 examinations. This study addresses the challenge that teachers’ knowledge and the supply of quality learning support material is inadequate in trigonometry in secondary schools The purpose is to determine how Mathematical models/manipulatives helped grade 12 learners adopt more interactive approaches toward the learning of three-dimensional trigonometric problems and whether the use of models improves the learning of mathematics. The study used a qualitative approach with a case study research design. The interpretive paradigm framed the analysis of the learners\u27 interactions with the Mathematical manipulatives. This case study was conducted at a school in KwaZulu-Natal (n=16) in South Africa. Grade 12 mathematics learners participated in the research, engaging in qualitative assessments in structured activity worksheets consisting of questions on 3-dimensional trigonometric problems and semi-structured interviews. Findings emanating from the data analysis reveal that the use of manipulatives is beneficial to learners when solving 3D trigonometric problems and suggest that the use of manipulatives shows a reduction in task difficulty by linking the concrete to the abstract, and manipulatives encourage mathematical fluency