International Journal of Research in Business and Social Science (2147- 4478)
Not a member yet
2644 research outputs found
Sort by
Empowering rural communities in the Vhembe district to prevent gender based violence: an impact evaluation of the men and boys championing change programme
Get PDFThis qualitative study examined the Men and Boys Championing Change programme’s effectiveness in reducing gender-based violence (GBV) in South Africa’s Vhembe district, facilitated by Traditional leaders (Mahosi) using an empowerment model. In-depth, semi-structured interviews with ten Mahosi purposefully selected using a non-probability sampling method, analysed thematically and supported by a 4-point Likert-type scale, indicated positive perceptions of the programme, scoring an average of 3.7 out of 4. Leaders highlighted improved attitudes, male engagement, and gender equity as programme benefits. However, sustainability concerns scored 3.0, reflecting a moderate to high level of agreement that limited resources may impact long-term success. The findings suggest the programme promotes community cohesion, social justice, and respect for women while highlighting resource constraints as barriers to lasting impact
Capital structure and a firm´s profitability: is there any relationship?
Get PDFCapital structure defined by the proportion of debt and equity financing has always been an important component in managerial finance due to its relative importance in measuring a company\u27s risk. Arguably, it is among the most controversial topics in corporate finance and has gain recent recognition of its importance when considering the emergence of different sources of financing across industry. The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between capital structure and a firm\u27s profitability in other to determine whether a significant connection exists between how a firm finances its operations and its financial performance. A comprehensive Lilliefors’s, Kolmogorov Smirnov and Chi square tests analysis were utilised for a sample of 23 peer reviewed journal articles across various industries. The findings revealed that capital structure cannot be used to explain variations in profitability and profitability is independent of capital structure. This paper contributes to the ongoing debate on optimal capital structure by strengthening methodological rigor and some of the existing theories on how capital structure can be used to maximise profitability. It may be very helpful for further studies to first establish the direction of impact and the size effect of the independent variables
The impact of disability support services on the academic success of students with disabilities in South African higher education institutions
Get PDFThis study explores the impact of disability support services on the academic success of students with disabilities in South African higher education institutions. Recognizing the increasing need for inclusive educational practices, this research examines how effectively disability support services (DSS) facilitate the academic journey of students with disabilities and whether these services contribute to their academic achievements. The study employs a qualitative research approach with an exploratory design, using a comprehensive desktop research methodology to synthesize existing literature and secondary data. Thematic analysis was employed to transcribe and analyze the data, allowing for the identification of key themes related to the accessibility, quality, and effectiveness of disability support services. Findings suggest that while disability support services in South African higher education institutions have made strides in providing accommodations and resources, significant barriers persist, including limited awareness, insufficient resources, and gaps in institutional policies. The study also highlights the role of DSS in promoting academic performance, retention, and social inclusion of students with disabilities. This research contributes to the ongoing discourse on the accessibility and effectiveness of support systems for students with disabilities in South Africa, offering insights that may inform policy development and institutional practices aimed at enhancing educational equity and inclusion
Productive asset creation as a panacea to reinforce local economic development in Botswana
Get PDFProductive asset creation has been proposed as a potential solution for local economic development. The research study explores the concept of productive asset creation and its impact on local economies. The main objective of the study was to establish the impact of Productive Assets Creation (PAC) in stimulating Local Economic Development in Botswana The research study discusses value creation and value appropriation, highlighting the role of innovation and competition in capturing societal value through productive assets. Local Economic Development provides a multilevel perspective on value creation and capture, emphasizing the role of favourable economic environments within communities. The research study referred to various kinds of literature discussing the importance of productive asset creation as a solution to Local Economic Development. The literature that was used also argued that policy consideration should be made on productive assets to promote business development and improve overall returns to communities. The research utilised qualitative methods of data collection and analysis. Interviews and document analysis were used to interact with relevant participants and gathering relevant data. The findings and recommendations derived from this paper aids in developing productive assets that feeds into local economic development initiatives. By considering the theories and perspectives discussed in the selected references, future researchers, policymakers and practitioners may gain insights into the factors and strategies that contribute to successful economic development at the local level
The role of price, land, labor, and capital on Kepok Banana farmer\u27s income in Sikka Regency: the mediating role of production
Get PDFDespite the national increase in banana production, Kepok banana farmers in Sikka Regency have experienced a sharp decline in both production and income. This study aims to analyze the factors affecting the income of Kepok banana farmers in Sikka Regency by examining the role of production as a mediating variable between key determinants—price, land area, labor, and capital—and income levels. The study employs a quantitative research approach using survey methods to collect primary data from Kepok banana farmers in Sikka Regency. The sampling technique applied is simple random sampling, ensuring proportional representation from 21 sub-districts. Out of a total population of 2,123 farmers, a final sample of 354 farmers was randomly selected. The collected data was analyzed using Partial Least Squares (PLS) through SmartPLS to examine the relationships. The study found that price, land area, labor, and capital all have a positive and significant impact on the production of Kepok bananas in Sikka Regency. Production itself plays a crucial role in influencing farmers\u27 income, alongside price, land area, labor, and capital, all of which have a direct positive and significant effect on income. Production mediates the relationship between price, labor, and capital with farmers\u27 income, indicating that these factors contribute to higher production, which in turn increases income. However, production does not mediate the effect of land area on income, suggesting that while land expansion increases production, its direct impact on income may be influenced by other factors beyond production volume alone
Enhancing the scope and efficiency of the witness protection programme in the South African criminal justice system
Get PDFThis study examines the challenges and effectiveness of witness protection measures within South Africa’s Criminal Justice System (CJS). Witnesses play a pivotal role in court proceedings, yet many remain unprotected, leading to case withdrawals or unjust acquittals due to intimidation and threats. A qualitative research approach was employed, utilising face-to-face interviews with 13 participants from the Free State’s National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and the South African Police Service (SAPS). Thematic analysis was used to evaluate key trends and concerns. The study identifies critical gaps in witness protection, including inadequate public awareness, strict eligibility criteria, and insufficient safeguarding of whistle-blowers. These limitations reduce the effectiveness of the Witness Protection Programme (WPP). The study advocates for an enhanced witness protection framework, recommending legislative reforms, improved resource allocation, and increased public participation
Crisis management and business continuity: Strategies for South African SMEs post-COVID-19
Get PDFCrises are inevitable in the business environment, and the effects can vary widely across small and large businesses. Depending on its severity, crisis can threaten the continuity of businesses, especially small and medium enterprises (SMEs). For instance, the recent COVID-19 pandemic saw the discontinuation of several businesses. Thus, it is essential to investigate the survival strategies that can be adopted to facilitate business continuity. This study performs a literature review to investigate the strategies that can be adopted by SMEs to foster business continuity amidst crises. Considering SMEs crucial contribution to global economic development, employment creation and poverty alleviation, it is crucial to identify strategies that facilitate business continuity among SMEs. The findings of this literature review indicate that technological innovation, business agility, organizational resilience, innovative marketing strategies and the retrenchment strategy can facilitate business continuity among SMEs. This research contributes to the literature on crisis management in business and highlight strategies that can be implemented for business continuity in SMEs. Future research should empirically investigate the adoption of these strategies in SMEs, and ways to overcome the challenges hindering their adoption and implementation for sustainable business continuity
Transformational leadership, organizational learning, and employee performance: the mediating role of affective commitment in Cement Company X, Rembang
Get PDFThis study examines the influence of transformational leadership and organizational learning on employee performance, mediated by affective commitment, in Cement Company X, Rembang Regency. Using a quantitative approach with 163 respondents, data were analyzed through Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) with Partial Least Squares (PLS). The results indicate that both transformational leadership (? = 0.369, p < 0.001) and organizational learning (? = 0.265, p = 0.012) significantly enhance employee performance. Affective commitment partially mediates these relationships, with mediation effects of 0.129 (p = 0.035) for transformational leadership and 0.093 (p = 0.047) for organizational learning. Transformational leadership, measured through idealized influence, inspirational motivation, intellectual stimulation, and individualized consideration (Bass & Avolio, 1994), fosters emotional bonds (? = 0.490, p < 0.001), while organizational learning (Watkins & Marsick, 1993) strengthens employee competencies and affective ties (? = 0.352, p < 0.001). Affective commitment itself significantly boosts performance (? = 0.263, p = 0.019). These findings align with prior research (Park et al., 2022; Naim & Lenka, 2020) and highlight the dual pathways—direct and mediated—through which leadership and learning culture drive performance in Indonesia’s competitive cement industry. The study underscores the importance of fostering transformational leadership practices and a robust learning environment to cultivate employee engagement and achieve organizational goals.Keyowrd: Transformational leadership, Organizational learning, Affective commitment, Employee performance, PLS-SEM, Cement industr
Decolonizing education in Africa: Curriculum reform, language policy, and indigenous knowledge systems
Get PDFThe movement to decolonize education in Africa has gained significant momentum as scholars, policymakers, and communities critically assess the legacy of colonial education systems. This research explores the imperative for curriculum reform, the re-evaluation of language policy, and the integration of indigenous knowledge systems as key strategies for advancing decolonization. The paper investigates how colonial epistemologies persist within educational structures, hindering efforts to cultivate culturally relevant and locally grounded pedagogies. By analyzing the implications of current policies and practices in various African countries, the study sheds light on the tensions and opportunities in transforming educational content and delivery. The research draws on qualitative data from case studies, policy documents, and academic literature to assess the readiness of African institutions to embrace a decolonized framework. Emphasis is placed on the significance of language as a vehicle of cultural identity and the crucial role of community knowledge holders in shaping curricula. Furthermore, the study considers how early childhood, primary, and higher education systems can benefit from inclusive and pluralistic approaches that validate African worldviews. The findings illustrate that while there are ongoing challenges, such as institutional resistance and resource limitations, there are also promising initiatives that reflect a commitment to epistemic justice. Ultimately, this paper proposes a strategic, context-sensitive approach to decolonizing education that acknowledges historical injustices while laying the foundation for a more equitable and empowering learning environment across the continent
Integrating indigenous knowledge systems into entrepreneurship education: A South African perspective
Get PDFThis article explores the integration of Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) into entrepreneurship education in South Africa, advocating for a culturally responsive and inclusive approach. Drawing from historical, socio-political, and pedagogical perspectives, the study critiques the dominance of Western knowledge systems in formal education and the resulting marginalisation of IKS. It argues that embedding indigenous perspectives in entrepreneurship curricula can enhance relevance, foster innovation, and support sustainable development, particularly in rural communities. Through a literature-based, qualitative review complemented by stakeholder input including students, educators, and policy actors the research identifies the benefits and challenges of incorporating IKS into entrepreneurship education. These include improved creativity, community engagement, and a stronger connection between academic theory and local entrepreneurial practice. Key findings highlight strategies such as guest lectures, knowledge-sharing platforms, and collaboration with science parks to support IKS-driven entrepreneurship. The study recommends curriculum reform, educator training, and institutional policies that validate IKS as a valuable entrepreneurial asset. Ultimately, integrating IKS offers a pathway to decolonize higher education, empower indigenous learners, and build inclusive, contextually grounded entrepreneurial ecosystems