International Journal of Research in Business and Social Science (2147- 4478)
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Heteroskedastic behaviour of stock prices: Evidence from international financial markets
Full text linkTraditional financial models assume constant variance in asset returns however, empirical evidence highlights volatility persistence, which are effectively captured by ARCH and GARCH models. The aim of this study was to examine the heteroskedastic behaviour of stock prices across international financial markets. Using a GARCH (1,1) model with a student’s t-distribution, this study analyses daily stock returns from the NYSE, FTSE 100, Nikkei 225, and Shanghai Composite (SSE) between 2018 and 2023. The findings confirm significant autoregressive conditional heteroskedasticity in all markets, supporting the notion that financial volatility is dynamic and clustered. Developed markets, such as the NYSE and FTSE 100, exhibit lower baseline volatility but more persistent shocks, indicative of market efficiency and stability. In contrast, emerging markets, particularly SSE, demonstrate higher volatility and greater sensitivity to past shocks, reflecting heightened uncertainty. The results re-iterate the importance of incorporating dynamic volatility models in risk assessments. Given the increasing complexity of global financial systems, this study advocates for enhanced regulatory frameworks and adaptive econometric methodologies to account for evolving market structures and external macroeconomic shocks
Unpacking the death-cleansing rituals in Africa: A comprehensive literature review (CLR)
Full text linkMany African communities observe intricate death cleansing rituals that serve as both spiritual and social mechanisms for navigating bereavement. These ceremonies help individuals and families process their grief while reinforcing social bonds and cultural identity. This abstract aimed to distil key findings from the literature review, examining the sociocultural, psychological, and ritualistic dimensions of death-cleansing practices within an Afrocentric paradigm. The CLR synthesises ethnographic accounts, historical narratives, and contemporary academic discourses on death-cleansing rituals. Key theoretical lenses include Ubuntu philosophy, communal bereavement practices, and cultural continuity frameworks. Balobedu death cleansing rituals are deeply embedded in notions of community solidarity, spiritual appeasement, and ancestral veneration. These rituals serve as transitional rites that guide the deceased and the bereaved through structured mourning and reintegration into communal life. The literature highlights the tensions between traditional practices and modern influences, including legal constraints and evolving gender roles. The CLR underscores the resilience of Balobedu death cleansing rituals despite external pressures. Understanding these practices through an Afrocentric lens affirms their significance in maintaining cultural heritage and collective identity in contemporary African societies
Motivation strategies in the mining sector: Lessons from Tronox KZN sands
Full text linkThe mining sector is vital for economic growth, yet it encounters considerable workforce challenges, such as hazardous working conditions, fluctuating job security, and low levels of employee motivation. This study investigates the motivation strategies implemented by Tronox KZN Sands to tackle these issues, offering insights that can be beneficial for the broader mining industry. Utilizing Herzberg’s Two-Factor Theory as a foundation, the study assesses the effects of intrinsic and extrinsic motivators, leadership, and organizational culture on employee engagement and productivity. A quantitative methodology was adopted, with data collected from 100 employees at Tronox KZN Sands. The findings indicate that concerns regarding job security, limited recognition, and insufficient financial incentives notably affect motivation levels. The study emphasizes that while hygiene factors, such as workplace safety and equitable compensation, are critical for preventing dissatisfaction, motivators—including career development opportunities and recognition programs—are essential for enhancing engagement and performance. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic has intensified workforce challenges, highlighting the necessity for adaptive motivation strategies. The research advocates for a balanced approach that integrates both hygiene factors and motivators to maintain employee commitment. Recommendations include enhancing financial incentives, establishing structured career development initiatives, and promoting a culture of recognition and empowerment. Furthermore, organizations should emphasize transparent communication and workforce stability to alleviate uncertainty and improve job satisfaction. These insights offer practical guidance for stakeholders in the mining sector aiming to formulate effective motivation strategies to enhance workforce productivity and retention
Occupational therapists’ and educators’ experiences of the school-to-work transition for learners with mild intellectual disability
Full text linkIntellectual disability is a developmental disorder that markedly affects cognitive and adaptive functioning. Learners with mild intellectual disability are capable of engaging in various occupations, including activities of daily living, leisure, social interactions, and employment. Employment is frequently regarded as a critical measure of successful outcomes following education. Nonetheless, individuals with mild intellectual disabilities often exit the educational system lacking the workforce readiness skills—such as communication, social skills, self-management, responsibility, problem-solving, decision-making, and job-specific competencies—essential for sustained employment in the open labour market. Low intelligence quotients restrict community engagement. The researcher noted that South Africa does not have adequate systems to facilitate the successful transition of these learners from school to the workplace. This research investigates the experiences of educators and occupational therapists to delineate concepts related to facilitating school-to-work transitions for learners with mild intellectual disabilities. A qualitative exploratory research design was utilised. Fifteen educators and eight occupational therapists from schools for learners with mild intellectual disabilities in the Gauteng province, Tshwane region, were selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected via five focus group discussions until saturation was achieved and analysed thematically. Five primary themes were identified: challenges associated with the Differentiated Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (DCAPS), accomplishments within the DCAPS framework, collaborative initiatives, resource deficiencies, and learnership placement. Educators and occupational therapists could support learners in specific domains; however, they encountered systemic challenges. This study generated significant data for policymakers, the Department of Education, occupational therapists, and vocational skills training educators in schools for Learners with Special Education Needs, aimed at facilitating a successful school-to-work transition for learners with mild intellectual disabilities
The effect of governance quality and government expenditure on economic growth: SADC PMG-ARDL panel data analysis
Full text linkThere is a dichotomy between the conventional theoretical view, which postulates that increased quality of governance stimulates economic growth and advances private capital formation. This study investigates the impact of governance quality and government expenditure on economic growth in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region. The study applied the Pooled Mean Group and Autoregressive Distributed Lag (PMG-ARDL) model. The annual panel covers the period 2002 – 2023, which comprises five selected countries from the SADC member states. The data set was obtained from the World Bank World Governance Indicators (WBWGI) databases. In the short run, economic growth was linked to government expenditure. In the long run, technical governance quality variables bring participants into action or service through control of corruption and the rule of law. The technical governance quality variables contribute to economic growth and are positive in the long run. At the same time, democratic governance quality variables influence economic growth negatively. However, it was highlighted that a permanent increase in country government expenditure could be experienced due to continuous randomness. The study revealed that weak governance and unstable government expenditure deteriorate economic growth complexity. Henceforth, this study has also enhanced the governance quality and government expenditure theories and empirical literature concerning economic growth by exposing that the governance quality of the selected SADC countries endures commotion. This study recommends that achieving selected SADC growth can be possible by balancing the technical governance quality variables and abating the democratic governance quality variables. Thus, the study contributes by outlining the golden thread that national and international policies should be prioritized in control of corruption and endorse governance effectiveness, regulatory quality, the rule of law, and managing expenditure within the threshold level
Employees’ perceptions of the employment relationships, work engagement and performance management system in the selected South African National departments
Full text linkThis study examines employees\u27 perceptions regarding employment relationships, work engagement (WE), and performance management systems (PMS) within specific South African National Departments. This subject has not been thoroughly investigated in prior research within a comparable context. Despite extensive research on PMS, employment relationships, and WE, there remains a notable gap in comprehending employees\u27 perceptions of these elements within the chosen South African National departments. This research aims to address the existing gap and provide a thorough understanding of these important aspects. This research is of significant importance and urgency. The research employed quantitative and cross-sectional designs. This study included 400 administrative employees, who were purposively selected from a population of 10,660. The research focused on employees at job levels 1 to 12, specifically those who were permanently employed and possessed a minimum of five years of experience within the department. A structured questionnaire was utilised as the primary instrument for data collection, comprising closed-ended questions. Descriptive statistics were conducted using SPSS to evaluate the reliability of the measurement instrument. The study results revealed mixed perceptions among respondents; nonetheless, there is a predominantly positive view regarding compliance, fairness, good faith, and truth within the selected government departments. The study indicated that respondents exhibited a notably positive perception of vigour, dedication, and absorption in their work. A moderate positive perception was noted regarding the understanding of PMS, PMS alignment, and the focus on performance management. This study presents practical implications, emphasising the importance for managers to prioritise employee attitudes towards the performance management system (PMS), alignment of performance management, organisational culture, and the employee performance review process, rather than solely comprehending the PMS process itself
Curriculum reform in South African higher education: Policy effectiveness and institutional responses
Full text linkThere has been intense scrutiny about the design and delivery of curricula in South Africa higher education institutions. Various policies and laws have been established to ensure that the South African higher education contributes to the transformation agenda of the nation. This study contributes to this debate by examining how the South African higher education policies contribute to the transformation of curriculum to meet contemporary socioeconomic needs. The study employs a systematic literature review to synthesise current evidence and adopts a morphogenetic approach to explore how existing frameworks, such as the Higher Education Act of 1997 and the White Paper for Post-School Education and Training (2014), have shaped the curriculum design and implementation processes in South African universities. The paper begins by discussing the internationalisation of higher education curricula and highlights the need for graduates to develop global competencies. It further examines the role of the South African internationalisation policy in preparing students for the global economy. The research also addresses how policy gaps, such as the inadequate focus on decolonisation and the lack of alignment with the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), impact the effectiveness of curriculum transformation efforts. The findings reveal that despite numerous policy frameworks and strategic documents, there remains a disconnect between the goals of higher education policies and the practical realities of curriculum design and delivery. This disconnect contributes to the numerous challenges in the higher education sector, manifested through student protests and dissatisfaction with the relevance of academic programs. The paper concludes that a more nuanced approach to curriculum reform is necessary, one that bridges policy intentions with practical outcomes through continuous dialogue among universities, the government, and industry stakeholders
Leveraging the power of human resource analytics for enhanced decision making: opportunities and challenges
Full text linkThe fast-changing technological environment compels organisations to make swift and adaptive strategic choices, necessitating the use of tools and systems that can effectively manage complexities, foresee challenges, and capitalise on opportunities; as a result, there is a growing trend towards the adoption of human resource analytics to improve decision-making processes in the ever-evolving field of human resources. Despite the increasing use of HR metrics and analytics in human resource management, HR professionals have been relatively slow to embrace a data-driven approach, and existing research on data-driven decision-making in HRM often lacks the comprehensive frameworks necessary to provide practical guidance for the effective integration of human resource analytics. Hence, this study aims to explore the utilisation of human resource analytics to improve decision-making processes within organisations, highlighting both the potential benefits and the challenges that may arise. A systematic literature review revealed that the adoption of Human Resource Analytics offers organisations significant benefits, such as enhanced decision-making, better alignment with strategic objectives, improved employee experiences, a stronger competitive advantage, and reduced time expenditures. However, challenges persist, including concerns related to data privacy and security, the quality, integrity, and accuracy of data, a lack of data literacy and skills among employees, and inadequate technological infrastructure. To address data security concerns, HR technology providers must adopt robust security measures, including encryption, firewalls, and intrusion detection systems. Additionally, they should develop user-friendly data management systems and analytical tools that enable HR professionals to derive valuable insights from the data effectively
The Influence of restaurant image on behavioural intention: The mediating role of experience value and customer satisfaction
Full text linkThis study aims to obtain the results of the analysis of the influence of restaurant image on behavioural intention, with the mediating role of experience value and customer satisfaction on restaurant customers in Ternate City. A total of 127 restaurant customers were used as samples in this study. A purposive sampling approach was used. The analysis method used to test the hypothesis in this study was SEM-PLS. The study showed that restaurant image had no significant effect on behavioural intention. Further studies also showed that restaurant image positively and significantly affected experience value and customer satisfaction, and positively and significantly impacted behavioural intention. The variables experience value and customer satisfaction can mediate the influence of restaurant image on behavioural intention
Augmented reality in mobile commerce: Exploring how AR values shape intention to shop through mobile app
Full text linkInteractive technology has increasingly gained attention from both consumers and retailers, reshaping the shopping experience. Among these technologies, augmented reality (AR) has emerged as a powerful tool that enables businesses to engage customers in distinctive and immersive ways. Although several leading companies have developed dedicated AR applications or integrated AR features into existing apps, limited research has explored how AR in mobile shopping apps influences consumer attitudes and shopping intentions. This study examines the effects of utilitarian value (UV), hedonic value (HV), and symbolic value (SV) of AR on customer attitudes and intentions to shop via mobile applications. Based on empirical data from 389 respondents, the results reveal that UV, HV, and SV positively influence attitudes toward mobile app shopping. However, only HV and SV significantly impact shopping intention. Additionally, attitude mediates the relationship between the perceived values of AR and the intention to shop. These findings contribute to the understanding of AR’s role in mobile commerce and offer practical insights for retailers, managers, and AR designers aiming to enhance the customer experience through in-app AR features