International Journal of Research in Business and Social Science (2147- 4478)
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Challenges, progress and lessons in the implementation of Sustainable Developmental Goal 16 to improve service delivery in local government
Get PDFDespite notable progress since the end of apartheid, South Africa continues to experience deficiencies in peace, social justice, and institutional strength. This phenomenon is primarily observed in local government, characterised by complex and nuanced issues pertaining to insufficient service delivery and governance. Municipalities nationwide exhibit significant unethical leadership, inadequate governance, and excessive expenditure, thereby eroding public trust and accountability. These challenges may deplete public resources and hinder the efficient implementation of policies designed to improve public living conditions. The disparity between governmental statements and actual service delivery increases, leading to considerable public dissatisfaction. This has affected the effective execution of SDG 16. This study analysed the advancements and obstacles in the implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 16 within local government, focussing on the identification of key lessons to enhance service delivery and promote improved governance practices. The research employed a desktop methodology, focussing on the analysis of secondary data to meet its objectives. The findings indicate that, despite significant advancements in delivering basic services to municipalities, the country has not fully achieved its potential, as evidenced by ongoing public dissatisfaction and major protests regarding inadequate service provision. The ongoing outcry and clear dissatisfaction underscore the necessity for policymakers to urgently address these gaps. Municipalities have advanced in achieving SDG 16 by establishing legislative frameworks, such as Municipal Finance Management, to enhance governance. Notwithstanding these accomplishments, significant reforms are still necessary, and the attainment of SDG 16 by 2030 remains uncertain
Effectiveness of ergonomics as a labour productivity intervention: Evidence from a selected automotive assembly organisation in South Africa
Get PDFThe affirmative correlation between labour productivity and corporate performance has, over time, underpinned the economic theory for the industrial sector. Organisations in this industry consistently seek methods to enhance workforce productivity. Their ongoing reliance on labour-intensive production underscores the significance of working posture among operators, which concurrently impacts their physical health. Improper management of working position adversely impacts production yields and product quality. This statement underscores the significance of ergonomics. The objective of ergonomics is to provide an optimal alignment between individuals and their tasks, thereby enhancing comfort, safety, and efficiency in the workplace. This study examines the impact of ergonomics on workforce productivity within a chosen automobile assembly organisation in South Africa. The study employed a quantitative methodology to investigate the production and associated experiences of an automotive assembly organisation that has implemented an ergonomics strategy for enhancing productivity. The corporation functions within the eThekwini Municipality in the KwaZulu-Natal region of South Africa. The study was conducted by gathering pre- and post-quarterly data on production targets met, spoilage, and absenteeism. The Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) model was employed to analyse data using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The data reveal that neither absenteeism nor spoiling rates correlate with worker productivity. It disclosed the correlation between the attainment of production objectives and labour productivity.
Blue lights and broken trust: Unmasking and reforming unethical conduct in South African law enforcement
Get PDFCorruption within law enforcement is not just an institutional failure, it is a betrayal of public trust that erodes the very foundation of justice. This study explores the systemic factors contributing to unethical practices among South African law enforcement officers, focusing on weak accountability, socio-economic pressures, and political interference. Grounded in Institutional Anomie Theory, the research employs a qualitative analysis of secondary data, including government reports, academic literature, and case studies, to uncover the root causes of police misconduct. The findings reveal that inadequate oversight mechanisms, financial strain on officers, and political influence create an environment where unethical behaviour thrives. To address these issues, the study recommends strengthening accountability frameworks, improving officer remuneration, and minimizing political interference in law enforcement operations. Additionally, comprehensive ethics training and leadership reforms are essential for fostering a culture of integrity. Beyond its practical implications, this research contributes to the theoretical discourse on ethical policing by emphasising the need for systemic change. Future studies should explore the effectiveness of policy interventions and ethical training programs to ensure long-term solutions. Restoring ethical policing is not merely an institutional challenge, it is a moral imperative
Policing cybercrime in South Africa: Issues and challenges
Get PDFWith the rapid advancement of information technology (IT), it increasingly becomes challenging to identify crimes devoid of a digital component. An increase in internet users correlates with a rising percentage of cybercriminals transitioning traditional crime to the online environment. It is essential to enhance the cybercrime preparedness of law enforcement agencies to effectively address and eliminate this issue. Cyber-attacks have adversely affected the escalating epidemic, necessitating effective solutions. This paper employs qualitative content analysis to examine the challenges and opportunities faced by the South African Police Service (SAPS) in addressing cybercrime. The objective is to propose strategies and methodologies for the establishment of robust professional institutions and the allocation of adequate resources to address cybercrime effectively. The findings indicate a relationship between organisational context, complexity, and control in the context of cybercrime response. Larger agencies, such as the SAPS, those whose officers perform more non-routine tasks, and agencies operating under an active collective bargaining agreement are more inclined to allocate specific resources to cybercrime. Agencies characterised by increased hierarchical layers, greater specialisation, and a higher reliance on civilian employees are more inclined to assign dedicated personnel to cybercrime efforts. This article is among the limited studies employing this framework to analyse the relationship between organisational characteristics and responses to cybercrime. This perspective is beneficial for analysing police organisations, policies, programs, and strategies
Experiences of victims of IPV regarding the role of victim empowerment programmes in tackling their social and housing needs
Get PDFIntimate Partner Violence (IPV), or simply partner violence, is a human rights abuse and an important public health problem. Despite all the success and endeavors towards empowering women, the victims remain disempowered and susceptible. A qualitative research design was utilized, underpinned by a phenomenological, exploratory research design, to attempt to understand the experiences of IPV victims and inform practice guidelines. The study aimed to develop an understanding of the role of VEP in empowering IPV victims in Gauteng. Data were gathered through semi-structured interviews with a sample of fifteen IPV victims. The non-probability purposive sampling strategy allowed the researcher to choose based on discretion by purposively sampling individuals according to accessibility and appropriateness, and such a participant exemplified specific characteristics of the research. The study has revealed a compelling imperative to move beyond short-term emergency shelter arrangements and focus on long-term housing solutions for IPV survivors. Programs must ensure access to decent, permanent housing at an affordable cost, which offers stability and a foundation for survivors to re-establish their lives
The role of funeral policies in alleviating economic and social pressures in African societies
Get PDFFunerals are culturally significant across the continent, often entailing substantial financial costs many families cannot easily bear. This study explores the role of funeral insurance in alleviating financial and social pressures related to burial practices in African countries. The research employs desktop research, analysing secondary data from government reports, academic literature, insurance industry publications, case studies, and media articles. Thematic analysis was applied to identify key themes such as financial alleviation, societal pressures, and migration’s influence on burial customs. Findings indicate that funeral insurance provides crucial financial support, particularly for families in urban areas and migrant workers, by covering burial-related expenses and ensuring adherence to cultural practices. However, the study also highlights the role of societal expectations, which often encourage lavish funerals, leading to overspending despite the intention of financial relief. Additionally, migration has significantly impacted funeral practices, with many individuals wishing to be buried in their rural hometowns despite the logistical challenges and costs involved. The study concludes that while funeral insurance is essential in mitigating financial strain, it must be complemented by efforts to shift societal attitudes towards simpler, more sustainable funeral practices. The research recommends improving the affordability and accessibility of funeral insurance, fostering financial literacy, developing culturally relevant insurance products, and addressing the social pressures associated with extravagant funerals. Future research should explore regional variations, alternative financial mechanisms, and longitudinal trends further to understand the dynamics of funeral insurance in Africa
Effectiveness of team teaching in project-based learning entrepreneurship education: An integrative review
Get PDFEntrepreneurship education plays a crucial role in equipping students with the necessary skills and mindset to tackle economic challenges, promote innovation, and stimulate job creation. In the contemporary world, where youth unemployment presents significant concerns, innovative teaching methods such as Project-Based Learning (PBL) and team teaching are increasingly recognized. This study investigates the effectiveness of team teaching within the PBL framework, highlighting its importance in enhancing Entrepreneurship Education. PBL engages students in real-world projects, connecting theoretical knowledge with practical application while fostering critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration skills. The incorporation of team teaching into PBL brings together diverse expertise and interdisciplinary perspectives, fostering a comprehensive learning environment. Through collaborative instruction, facilitators from various disciplines co-design and deliver curricula, offering students valuable insights into the multifaceted nature of entrepreneurship. This approach not only deepens understanding but also exemplifies teamwork and adaptability—skills vital for entrepreneurial success. The study utilizes an integrative literature review, drawing from both primary and secondary sources to evaluate the impact of team teaching on Entrepreneurship Education. The findings suggest that team teaching enhances student engagement, skill development, and entrepreneurial competencies by leveraging the collective expertise of facilitators. However, successful implementation necessitates careful planning, alignment of teaching styles, and robust collaboration among instructors. The contemporary business environment, characterized by prevalent socio-economic challenges, team teaching within PBL provides a strategic approach to foster entrepreneurial readiness. The study emphasizes the need for further research to refine team teaching strategies, ensuring they effectively address the unique challenges faced in higher education and entrepreneurship across the world. These insights contribute to the broader conversation on advancing Entrepreneurship Education on a global scale
Academic engagement as a mediator between support systems and well-being among Indian high school students
Get PDFThe aim of this study is to assess educational engagement as a mediator of familial and school-based social care on psychological well-being of school students in India. Cross-sectional survey of students of Kashmir-Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, India was taken using validated self-report measures to assess educational engagement, social care within home and school contexts, teamwork dynamics, and psychological well-being. Standard descriptive statistics were utilized to determine mean values along with corresponding standard deviations. A structural equation model (SEM) was also employed to assess direct and indirect effects of determinants on psychological well-being considering that neither multi-group nor univariate conditions of normality had been met. A robust maximum likelihood estimator (RMLE) was, therefore, utilized accordingly. Students display moderate levels of engagement (M = 20.95, SD = 5.91), friendship support (M = 16.39, SD = 6.78), familial support (M = 15.82, SD = 4.64), and institutional support (M = 14.99, SD = 4.63). The inner team climate (M = 28.35, SD = 8.01) is also moderately supportive. Psychological well-being (M = 52.26, SD = 12.68). The structural model indicated good fit, indicating good explanatory power regarding psychological well-being (R² = 0.71) and engagement (R² = 0.61). Family support (p < 0.001), institutional support (p = 0.002), and inner team environment (p = 0.040) were identified to have a positive associative relationship with engagement. For psychological well-being, friendship support had a positive associative relationship with engagement (p = 0.002). Finally, within psychological well-being, engagement functioned as a mediator of the impacts of family support (Indirect effect = 0.18, p < 0.001) and of institutional support (Indirect effect = 0.12, p = 0.017). This research calls for better mental health care to improve students\u27 engagement and resilience. Future researchers need to give priority to these issues
Multilingual pedagogies in South African higher education institutions
Get PDFThe multilinguistic approach enhances the decolonization of teaching practices in South African universities by promoting inclusivity and reflecting the diverse linguistic and cultural realities of the student population. This approach recognizes that language is not merely a medium of instruction but a vital component of identity and knowledge production. This research paper explores the epistemic decolonization of teaching and learning practices in South African higher education institutions through a multilinguistic approach. It seeks to understand how the curriculum is experienced across various institutions to probe students\u27 understandings of epistemic access in the context of decolonization debates. A multilinguistic framework allows for the inclusion of diverse epistemologies, challenging the dominance of Eurocentric knowledge systems. This is crucial for creating curricula that reflect local realities and histories, thus making education more relevant to South African contexts. The multilinguistic approach not only enriches the educational experience but also serves as a critical tool for decolonizing teaching practices, ensuring that higher education in South Africa is reflective of its diverse society and responsive to the needs of all students. This research comprises of a systematic qualitative design. This approach draws on published literature, and institutional data across South African institutions. This study highlights that reconceptualizing theories of social justice and resilience may help to improve higher education systems. While also highlighting the need for definitional clarity on key concepts such as transformation and decolonization. By probing students\u27 perceptions of epistemic access through a multilinguistic lens, this research contributes to the ongoing discourse on epistemic decoloniality in South African higher education
Shared living, shared burdens: A case of the university of Venda exploring the impact of cohabitation on students’ financial stability
Get PDFThe rising costs of higher education have placed increasing financial pressure on students, with living expenses often becoming a significant burden. Many students struggle to balance tuition fees, academic responsibilities, and personal living costs, leading to financial stress and even delayed graduation. The aim of the research was to explore how sharing living expenses through cohabitation can alleviate financial burdens for students and offer broader economic benefits. The study investigated the financial advantages of cohabitation, focusing on how shared costs, such as rent, utilities, and food, contribute to financial stability and improved quality of life for students. The study adopted qualitative approach to get an in-depth exploration of how sharing living expense alleviate the financial burdens of students. Through interviews with students who share living spaces, the research examined how cohabitation influences the financial well-being, academic performance, and overall mental health of students. The study explored the impact of shared living arrangements on fostering social connections and emotional support, which may further enhance students\u27 academic and personal development. The study has provided valuable insights for students, higher education institutions, and policymakers seeking to address student financial burdens and improve student well-being through more affordable housing options.