International Journal of Research in Business and Social Science (2147- 4478)
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The impact of the appropriation of ICT in HR management on the performance of Tunisian SMEs
Get PDFThis study examines how using information and communication technologies (ICT) affects the performance of Tunisian SMEs in human resources management (HRM). The findings indicate that numerous Tunisian small and medium-sized enterprises struggle to integrate ICT tools into human resource management due to inadequate foundational knowledge about these technologies and a limited understanding?of their functionality. Consequently, they may underperform. As argued by Müller and Voigt (2021), proper utilization of ICT can be achieved through the appropriate?adoption of tools and the continuous development of digital skills within human capital. Jones and Kim (2020) also highlight the significance of this finding, suggesting that investment in tools (e.g., the intranet) not only enhances internal communication but also forges connections between mobile employees, those working from home, and office-based employees
Barriers to uptake of treatment for geophagic women of reproductive age in Tshwane district, Gauteng province: A qualitative study using the health belief model
Get PDFGeophagic practise amongst women of reproductive age remains a major public health concern that is associated with perinatal and postpartum mortalities and morbidities that requires critical interventions to mitigate the practise. Despite the available interventions such as administration of oral iron and folic acid supplementation and intravenous iron therapy, geophagic women of reproductive age do not adhere to the prescribed treatment. Geophagic practise is mostly common and prevalent amongst women of reproductive age worldwide, irrespective of their socio-economic status, ethnicity, age, and social status. An exploratory qualitative research method was used to conduct the study to explore the perceived barriers to accessing treatment for geophagy among women of reproductive age in Tshwane District, Gauteng Province, using the Health Belief Model as a theoretical framework. The study was conducted in the antenatal care and family planning units in the public healthcare facilities of Tshwane District, Gauteng Province. The findings indicate that absence of geophagy health education and screening of iron deficiency in the antenatal care units, as part of the antenatal care. addiction, dependency syndrome, influence from peers, fear of judgement and shame to disclose to healthcare providers about their geophagic practise status, lack of awareness regarding the benefits of taking oral and intravenous iron therapies were stressed as the main barriers influencing the uptake of treatment for geophagy amongst women of reproductive age. The implementation of iron and folic acid supplementation and intravenous iron therapy for geophagic women of reproductive age is not adequately yielding positive results if this initiative is not coupled with geophagy health education particularly in the antenatal care units to enhance treatment uptake and adherence
Reimagining curriculum in the global South: Balancing globalisation, technology, and decolonisation
Get PDFThis chapter examines the evolution of curricula in the Global South amidst globalisation, emerging technology, and the imperative for decolonised education that is relevant to the region. This study examines the influence of international standards, cross-border collaborations, and digital pedagogies on curricular policy and practice through an interpretive qualitative methodology and a review of contemporary literature. These alterations facilitate the emergence of novel concepts; but, they concurrently reinforce Eurocentric structures, exacerbate the digital divide, and marginalise local knowledge. The research illustrates the tension between global standards and the necessity to incorporate local languages, indigenous knowledge systems, and inclusive pedagogical approaches. Obstacles encompass stringent regulations, disparate resources, and educators lacking proficiency in technology, a reality that became evident during the COVID-19 pandemic. This chapter advocates for co-designing curricula with students, establishing robust digital infrastructure, and formulating new policies that emphasise equity and inclusion. The findings emphasise that for reform to last, community engagement is essential, intersectoral collaborations must be established, and continuous research is necessary. Ultimately, curriculum reform in the Global South must achieve a balance between global influences and commitments to social justice, human development, and intellectual freedom
Wearable activity tracker adoption intention in an emerging market: an extended TRA perspective
Get PDFThis study investigates wearable activity tracker (WAT) adoption intention among South African Generation Y university students by extending the Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA) to include brand name as a predictor. A cross-sectional survey of 462 Generation Y students from three South African institutions was analyzed using exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses and structural equation modeling to test relationships between attitude, subjective norm, brand name, and adoption intention. Results indicate that attitude, subjective norm, and brand name significantly influence WAT adoption intention, with attitude as the strongest predictor, followed by brand name. The extended TRA model demonstrated acceptable fit, reliability, and validity, highlighting brand reputation\u27s critical role in reducing perceived risk in emerging markets. The study is limited by its non-probability sample from three campuses in one province, suggesting future research should employ longitudinal designs, expand geographic scope, and incorporate additional constructs. Findings provide practical guidance for WAT manufacturers to prioritize building trustworthy brands and emphasizing health benefits, while marketing strategies leveraging peer influence and affordable pricing can enhance adoption among cost-conscious students. Promoting WAT adoption among youth can advance health awareness and public health goals in developing countries where proactive health monitoring technologies remain underutilized. This study offers one of the first empirical examinations of WAT adoption intention among South African Generation Y students using an extended TRA model. Unlike prior research focused on medical settings or limited samples, this study incorporates brand name as a novel construct, demonstrating its pivotal role in wearable tech adoption. This research contributes original empirical evidence from a developing market context, advancing theoretical and practical understanding of wearable technology adoption
Exploring the challenges facing South African Police Services (SAPS) investigations of ritual killings in Vhembe region: Limpopo province
Get PDFThe aim of the study is to investigate the challenges facing the SAPS in successfully investigating and prosecuting cases of ritual killings in Vhembe District, Limpopo Province. The study adopted a qualitative methodology. Purposive sampling technique is used to sample, review and analyse, 30 material sources that reflected coverage on ritual murders and SAPS interventions in Vhembe District. The study applied thematic content analysis, leading to adoption of main thematic themes (legal barriers and SAPS Investigations strategies) to present results. The findings indicate that Human Tissue Act of 1983 hampers police effort to stop ritual murders as it provides for six months’ imprisonment or R2000 payable fine to those found in possession of human remains. This promotes recidivism of ritual murders as there is leniency inherent in criminal justice system. SAPS laboratory Services is unable to accurately determine cause of ritual murder victim’s death in most cases and merely attributing the death to animal predators leading to premature closure of cases. Vhembe communities do not cooperate with SAPS, thus withholding crucial information that may drive police investigations. It is therefore recommended that a special police investigations task team be established to focus specifically on ritual killings. Furthermore, SAPS should establish special community policing forum aimed at strengthening cooperation between the police and members of the community, NGO’S, faith based organisations and community leaders. Further studies should be conducted to examine the effectiveness of methods used by SAPS to investigate ritual murders
The criminological evaluation of cybercrimes within higher learning institutions: A case study of the University of Venda students (UNIVEN)
Get PDFThis study evaluates the nature and extent of cybercrimes prevalent within higher learning institutions of South Africa. Cyber-attacks are growing at a distressing rate and has posed a serious challenge within academia by impacting and disrupting normal learning setting. Universities data infrastructure is vulnerable to criminals, can be compromised easily while students and staff are not alien to proportion of cybercrime impact inclusive of hacking, financial loss, bullying, illegal circulation of pornography, blackmailing’s, extortion and many other crimes. This case study evaluates student views about cybercrimes prevalent, causes, interrogated views about cybersecurity channels and impact of crimes at the University of Venda (Univen). Quantitative approach is applied, where snowballing sample procedure was utilised to quantitatively sample Univen students. The focus of this section, is Univen students, therefore 200 questionnaires were circulated amongst them to collect data. The research utilised the routine activities theory and differential association theory of crime as the study problem framework. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22 for quantitative data analysis is used to analyse data. The study uncovered depth of cybercrimes prevalent within Univen and extent of victimization and perpetration. It also exposes legal challenges hindering reporting or disclosure of violence suffered in online platforms. It makes recommendations that could be used to inform adoption of framework to manage cybercrimes within higher education institutions (HEI) of South Africa and to find alternatives programmes that will positively address cyber incidents within academia
Crafting narratives of hardships: Living with adolescents who misuse substances
Get PDFAdolescents’ substance misuse presents significant challenges to the well-being of their families. Families are expected to support adolescents who are misusing substances while continuing to cope with everyday life. Additionally, families continue to endure the negative effects of prejudice and stigmatisation while supporting adolescents who misuse substances. This study aimed to provide insight into the narrative hardships of living with adolescents who misuse substances. The study aims to gain insight into the impact of living with adolescents who misuse substances. Qualitative research was used to gain an in-depth understanding of the phenomenon under study using the family systems theory as the point of departure. Data was collected from 10 parents of adolescents who misuse substances and analysed using thematic analysis. The two themes that emerged from the interviews conducted were the impact of having adolescents who misuse substances in the family and strategies for effectively managing life with adolescents who misuse substances. The study suggests that the relationship between adolescent substance misuse and families is bidirectional and thus, adolescent substance misuse may lead to strained relationships and also negatively impact the wellness of families. The findings from this study may be used to develop ongoing strategies to support and encourage personal health, mindfulness and wellness for families
An empirical investigation of the long memory effect on the relationship between downside risk and stock returns: Evidence from international stock markets
Get PDFLong memory suggests that past returns can influence future returns over extended periods, indicating potential predictability. The aim of this study was to empirically examines the interplay between long memory effects, downside risk, and stock returns across five major international equity markets (S&P 500, FTSE 100, Nikkei 225, DAX, and ASX) from 2000 to 2022. An ARFIMA model which quantify fractional differencing was used in conjunction with a correlation matrix, regression and Granger causality test to investigate the interplay. The findings revealed a significant long memory across all markets, with Nikkei 225 exhibiting the strongest persistence, attributed to Japan’s prolonged economic stagnation. Counterintuitively, lagged downside risk positively predicts returns, aligning with behavioural theories of investor overreaction to tail events. Bidirectional causality between risk and returns underscores reflexive market dynamics. The study bridges a critical gap by integrating long memory into downside risk models, demonstrating that persistent volatility amplifies tail risk premiums. The findings of this study suggest that financial market regulators need to seriously considers adaptive regulatory tools due to the dual long memory in returns and downside risk necessitates. To the author´s knowledge, this study is the first to bridge a critical gap in the literature by systematically integrating long memory effects with downside risk metrics so as to provide a more robust framework for understanding risk-return dynamics, as it accounts for the persistent nature of volatility and tail risk, which traditional short-memory models often overlook
Load-shedding crises and its effects on digitalization in South Africa post-COVID-19
Get PDFThis article examines the load-shedding crisis in South Africa, primarily emphasising its disruption of digital development and its hindrance to the nation\u27s ability to fulfil the requirements of digitalisation and the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR). The report aimed to evaluate the impact of digitalisation on community development following COVID-19. The South African government has implemented strategies aimed at addressing the crises of unequal access to digital resources in communities; however, the ongoing load-shedding crisis continues to hinder progress by imposing daily power cuts, thereby exacerbating the digital divide. It is essential to acknowledge that COVID-19 has compelled the government and private sector organisations to transition into the digital era, where operations are conducted without physical presence, relying on technical innovations. The research concluded that the government has insufficiently addressed the issue of load-shedding, now referred to as load-reduction, and has demonstrated an incapacity to implement effective systems to respond to the crises. The study contends that the issue of load-shedding in South Africa can be mitigated if the government invests in nations with sufficient energy connectivity to support digital advancement. The study asserts that the nation will lag in benefiting from digitalisation unless the obstacles impeding it are promptly resolved. The study employed a qualitative methodology, enhanced by a critical evaluation and analysis of secondary data obtained from electronic documents. The study substantially identifies deficiencies related to the load-shedding issues and proposes ways to aid the government in effectively addressing these crises, ensuring equitable access to technology, and bridging the South African digital divide
The lived experiences of youth raised by alcohol dependent parents at Mpheni Village, Vhembe District in Limpopo Province, South Africa
Get PDFThe topic of the study is the lived experiences of youth raised by alcohol dependent parents at Mpheni village, Vhembe District in Limpopo Province, South Africa. One of the major challenges faced by children staying with parents who abuse alcohol is that they may grow up thinking that alcohol is the solution to any problem they might encounter. The aim of the study was to explore the lived experiences of youth raised by alcohol dependent parents at Mpheni village, Vhembe District in Limpopo Province, South Africa. A qualitative research approach and semi-interview were adopted as a data collection method and data was analysed thematically. However, the sample was drawn from the population using non-probability and snowball sampling to recruit participants for the study. The study found that social gatherings have a major influence on how people perceive and drink alcohol. The researcher recommends hotline services to be implemented so that young people can have professionals whom they can talk to as well as rehabilitation centres for the parents