International Journal of Research in Business and Social Science (2147- 4478)
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Modelling intrusion detection systems using swarm intelligence
Get PDFConventional intrusion detection systems encounter difficulties in addressing advanced cyber threats and handling the increasing volume of network data. This research presents a modernisation strategy by integrating swarm intelligence algorithms to enhance the efficiency and efficacy of intrusion detection. This research employs qualitative observational and content analysis methodologies to investigate the utilisation of swarm intelligence in improving intrusion detection systems. Findings demonstrate substantial enhancements in detection rates and system efficacy, with swarm intelligence algorithms attaining a true positive detection rate of over 99% and minimising false positives to as low as 2%. These findings highlight the impending substitution of conventional intrusion detection systems with swarm intelligence-based alternatives, offering significant enhancement in cybersecurity capabilities
The ideal 4th Industrial Revolution lecturer in South African Universities
Get PDFIn this concept paper, the researcher argues that socio-economic and technological changes in the world today have severe implications for the type of lecturer who should be found in the lecture halls in the 21st Century and 4th Industrial Revolution. The \u27ideal 4th Industrial Revolution lecturer\u27 is not just a vision but a necessity for a technologically adept, adaptable, and innovative lecturer who can effectively navigate the rapidly changing educational landscape. This \u27ideal 21st-Century modern-day lecturer\u27 is a term used to describe a lecturer who is not only well-versed in their subject matter but also proficient in the use of technology, adaptable to change, and innovative in their teaching methods. Exposing students to lecturers who have not been trained to deal with changes in the outside world is tantamount to having the wrong men and women in charge of students in the ever-changing world. In the paper, the researcher interrogates the ideal 21st-century modern-day lecturer. The paper examines content, teaching approaches, the changes in the 21st-Century socio-political, economic, and technological environment and how they demand a responsive lecturer. The lecturer\u27s role in responding to these changes is to adapt their teaching methods, incorporate new technologies, and foster innovation in their students. In the light of the issues raised in the discussions, recommendations are made. The researcher used desktop research. Desktop research is another name for secondary research. The researcher used two types of research activity: primary research (where the researcher goes out and discovers stuff) and secondary research (where the researcher reviews what other people have done). Desktop research is not about collecting data. Instead, the researcher’s role is to conduct desktop research to review previous research findings to gain a broad understanding of the field. The 21st Century is marked by rapid social, economic, political and technological changes. In order to ensure relevance, lecturers have to respond to these changes and possibly spearhead further changes
An analysis of Taiwanese banks\u27 foreign direct investment timing in Japan: The role of external environmental factors
Get PDFTaiwan\u27s banking sector operates in a highly competitive market with narrow profit margins, creating significant pressure for internationalization. This study investigates the external environmental factors influencing the timing of Taiwanese banks\u27 foreign direct investment (FDI) in Japan, with a particular focus on geopolitical risks. The research, based on secondary data analysis and in-depth interviews with senior executives from four Taiwanese banks that have recently invested in Japan, finds that key drivers such as the U.S.-China trade war, supply chain restructuring, Taiwan\u27s New Southbound Policy, changes in Japan\u27s defense and economic security policies, as well as the depreciation of the yen, widening interest margins, and Japan\u27s policy support, play a crucial role in shaping the timing of these investments. Notably, geopolitical risks emerge as a significant determinant in FDI timing decisions. By highlighting the importance of geopolitical risks, this study contributes to the theoretical framework of FDI timing and recommends further research on cross-industry and investment performance to refine analytical framework for FDI timing in a fragmented global economy
South African research on livestock theft: a systematic review
Get PDFLivestock theft is a critical issue in South Africa. The existing research on livestock theft in South Africa remains fragmented and lacks a comprehensive synthesis. This study is a systematic review, and aims to fill this gap by compiling, analysing and synthesizing the existing research on livestock theft in South Africa. The study addresses four key research questions: (1) Theories and models applied to livestock theft research; (2) Methods used in studying livestock theft; (3) Primary dimensions influencing livestock theft; and (4) Gaps in the literature and future research directions. Findings reveal a range of theoretical perspectives applied to the study of livestock theft, including criminological theories like Routine Activity Theory, Crime Pattern Theory, and Rational Choice Theory. These theories offer frameworks for understanding various aspects of livestock theft, such as motives, patterns, and prevention strategies. Methodological diversity is evident, with interviews being the most common approach, alongside literature reviews, secondary data analysis, and focus groups. Gaps in the literature suggest areas for future research, including the integration of theoretical frameworks, adoption of mixed-methods, Design Science Research Methodology (DSRM), and enhanced triangulation of data. There is a call for practical use case studies demonstrating successful implementation of prevention strategies and technologies. Furthermore, understanding the roles of various structures and institutions, including community forums and traditional leaders is crucial for developing effective interventions. In conclusion, the research contributes by consolidating fragmented knowledge on livestock theft and identifying areas for further investigations
Where are the women? analysing women in leadership positions at institutions of higher learning in South Africa
Get PDFThis research examines the ongoing under-representation of women in leadership positions within South African higher education institutions (HEIs). Despite a considerable increase in the number of women entering academia, their advancement to top leadership roles remained markedly constrained. This study analysed secondary data from forty scholarly articles published between 2010 and 2023 to investigate the intricate impediments obstructing women\u27s advancement, the wider consequences of these challenges, and viable measures for enhancing gender parity in academic leadership. The results indicated that deep-rooted systemic and cultural obstacles, along with an absence of supportive legislation, sustained gender disparities within institutional hierarchies. Proposals for modification encompassed the establishment of explicit trajectories for women\u27s professional advancement, gender-sensitive leadership training initiatives, mentorship programs to assist aspiring female leaders, and revisions to institutional regulations to foster diversity. The study emphasised the necessity for ongoing evaluation of gender equality policies and enhanced accountability mechanisms to guarantee continued advancement towards equitable representation in leadership
Impact of automated picking systems on operational efficiency in South Africa’s manufacturing warehouses
Get PDFThe study seeks to examine the determinants affecting warehouse performance, emphasising the impact of warehouse management systems on improving the worldwide competitiveness of South African steel manufacturing firms. It aims to underscore the difficulties in existing procedures and the strategic significance of proficient warehouse management. The study utilised a qualitative methodology to examine warehouse management methods in South African steel manufacturing firms. Data was gathered via structured interviews and questionnaires to ascertain current management system frameworks, picking methodologies, and the incorporation of automated solutions. The results indicate that the majority of South African steel manufacturers employ non-automated and non-integrated warehouse management systems. A notable deficiency in formal picking systems and zone picking was seen, leading to inefficient operations, excessive moves, and a failure to attain a competitive advantage in the worldwide market. The report emphasises a widespread undervaluation of warehouse management\u27s strategic importance by senior management in enhancing manufacturing competitiveness. This report emphasises the necessity for South African steel manufacturing firms to implement integrated and automated warehouse management systems to optimise processes and improve global competitiveness. The enhancement of warehouse operations, particularly through the adoption of formal picking methods, could markedly diminish operational inefficiencies and elevate consumer satisfaction. This study offers significant insights into the constraints of existing warehouse management procedures in South Africa\u27s steel manufacturing industry. By pinpointing particular obstacles and opportunities for enhancement, it provides actionable recommendations for utilising warehouse management as a competitive edge in the global marketplace
Influence of individualized consideration on employee engagement in parastatals in the energy sector in Kenya
Get PDFEmployee engagement has become a critical business priority for senior executives. Engaged employees are inclined to contribute more to organizational output and sustain greater commitment toward their organizations. Individualized consideration is a component of transformational leadership that involves offering personalized support to employees, understanding their unique needs and aspirations, and fostering their career development through mentorship and coaching. This study aimed to examine the influence of individualized consideration on employee engagement. The article is guided by three objectives: the influence of supportive leadership on employee engagement, mentorship and coaching on employee engagement, and career development and training on employee engagement. This study targeted the 10 parastatals within the energy sector in Kenya, with a population of 315 middle-level managers. The study adopted a positivist research philosophy to examine the influence of individualized consideration on employee engagement, and data was collected using structured questionnaires. A correlational research design was conducted to determine the extent to which constructs of individualized consideration influence employee engagement. The findings showed that employee engagement has a statistically significant relationship with supportive leadership, r(161) = 0.413, p < 0.01; mentorship and coaching, r(161) = 0.480, p < 0.01; and career development and training, r(161) = 0.454, p < 0.01. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that supportive leadership, mentorship and coaching, and career development and training positively and significantly influence employee engagement, respectively, ? = 0.141, p < .01, ? = 0.252, p < .01, ? = 0.207, p < .01. The study concluded that supportive leadership, mentorship and coaching, and career development and training positively and significantly enhance employee engagement
The Impact of Credit Risk Management Policies on the Growth of Deposit Money Banks: The Nigerian Experience
Get PDFThis study examines the impacts of credit risk management on the growth of Nigerian banks. Specifically, the study focused mainly on the impacts of credit risk management among Deposit Money Banks in Nigeria. The study employed an ex-post facto research design, utilising secondary data from the financial information of 14 selected listed Deposit Money Banks from 2007 to 2022. The study population was defined as the total number of listed Deposit Money Banks, from which a sample of six banks was selected using a simple random sampling technique. The operationalisation of variables included (1) the use of natural logarithm for bank size, (2) a three-level scale for credit risk, and (3) alternative measurements for collateral management and credit scores. Data analysis involved the calculation of descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, variance inflation factors, and regression analysis. The research hypotheses are also validated to assess the significance of various factors in credit risk management. The findings revealed that credit scores significantly enhance the effectiveness of credit risk assessment, and collateral management did not significantly contribute to mitigating credit risk. The findings also revealed that default risk management significantly reduces the credit risk of Deposit Money Banks in Nigeria. These results highlight the intricate nature of credit risk management in the banking sector and emphasize the need for a multifaceted approach
Bridging the digital divide: enhancing emergency remote teaching through strategies informed by senior academics at a South African university of technology
Get PDFThe rapid shift to Emergency Remote Teaching (ERT) during the COVID-19 pandemic exposed significant challenges within higher education (HE), particularly in rural and under-resourced institutions. While ERT enabled academic continuity, it highlighted critical gaps in digital infrastructure, staff preparedness, and institutional support. This study explores senior academics\u27 strategies to enhance ERT at a rural University of Technology (UoT) in South Africa, emphasising the need for sustainable solutions beyond temporary crisis responses. Employing a qualitative, phenomenological research design, the study collected data through individual semi-structured interviews with twelve senior academic personnel who experienced the transition to ERT first-hand. Thematic analysis using NVivo software identified key strategic themes, including addressing issues of technological capacity, inadequate professional development, and compromised academic integrity during remote assessments. Findings revealed the need for continuous staff training, improved online learning platforms with enhanced security features, and collaborative partnerships to support resource-constrained institutions. The study’s significance lies in addressing the overlooked experiences of rural senior academic personnel, often neglected in ERT literature focused on well-resourced institutions and a diverse population that lacks seniority. The research recommends implementing structured, ongoing professional development, investment in digital infrastructure, and establishing national policies ensuring equitable access to online learning resources. This study provides critical insights for policymakers, educators, and institutional leaders seeking to bridge the digital divide and ensure equitable access to quality education during future disruptions
Mitigating recruitment and selection challenges through the utilization of AI
Get PDFHuman resource management (HRM) is a crucial component of an organization’s management and aims to enhance employee efficiency and an organization’s competitiveness. As organizations advance and grow, recruitment and selection decisions become more critical. The thinking of human resources practitioners and experts must be transformed to accommodate the current workplace. Practitioners and experts must ensure that qualified candidates are attracted to the organization at the right time to fill open positions. Traditional HRM methods are insufficient for the progressively more complicated HRM challenges. Recruitment and selection, as one HRM component, is a process with numerous challenges. This study examines how the use of AI technologies can assist in mitigating recruitment and selection challenges. Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) and soliciting data from databases such as Web of Science, Google Scholar, and Science Direct, a systematic literature review analysis was conducted to investigate the human resources challenges in recruitment and selection and explore how AI can moderate these challenges. The analysis indicated several challenges, including high costs, bribery and corruption, political interference, inadequate job descriptions, nepotism and favoritism, and lengthy recruitment and selection processes. Recommendations of the study suggest that the accuracy and efficiency of recruitment and selection can be enhanced by involving AI technologies, which can assist in lowering the risks and expenses associated with recruitment and selection