International Journal of Research in Business and Social Science (2147- 4478)
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Exploring work-life balance among nurse educators in Nursing Education Institutions in Gauteng province
No full textThis study explored the work-life balance experiences of nurse educators at a nursing education institution in Gauteng, South Africa. Using a qualitative, descriptive design, 16 purposively sampled nurse educators participated in semi-structured interviews. Thematic analysis revealed two main themes: Transition Challenges and Work-Life Balance Interference. Participants faced difficulties adapting to academic roles, leading to strained relationships and social isolation. Academic demands also led to neglect of personal and social obligations, disrupting the work-life balance. The findings highlight the complex challenges of transitioning from clinical practice to academia, which can negatively impact well-being. The study emphasises the need for institutions to implement supportive strategies to improve nurse educators’ work-life balance
Mobile money and SMEs in sub-saharan African: Bridging the financial access gap
Get PDFSMEs play a critical role in employment generation and improving economic growth but continue to be excluded from the financial systems. However, the emergence of financial technologies such as mobile money provides a critical tool to address financial exclusion. As such, this study investigates the impact of mobile money on access to finance by small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Using a sample of thirteen sub–Saharan African countries, covering the period between 2015 to 2022, the study utilised secondary data and employed panel data regression techniques in estimation. This study demonstrated that mobile money impedes access to financial services at commercial banks by SMEs. To promote financial inclusivity, this study proffers policy advice as it recommends partnering of mobile money providers and traditional financial institutions to develop financial products which are tailor-made to SMEs using mobile money platforms to take advantage of its popularity in the SSA region
Financial literacy and digital finance: Understanding personal finance dynamics in an emerging economy financial literacy
No full textIn the context of rapid technological advancement and evolving financial ecosystems, this study investigates the interplay between financial literacy, digital finance, and financial behaviour among high school teachers in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), South Africa. Structural equation modelling (SEM) approach was used to describe intricate relationships between latent constructs, namely, financial literacy, financial Behaviour and, digital finance Knowledge as well as observed variables (B7 to B22, C23 to C44, D45 to D56, demographics). Demographic variables include Gender, Age Category, Qualification Type, Teaching Duration, Financial Literacy Course and Field Employed. The model defined each construct as a linear combination of its observed variables as well as demographic variables under its measurement component, and hypothetical relationships among three latent variables under its structural component. We used Python software and machine learning code to create and estimate the model using observed data. The missing values in each observed variable were imputed with averages of the variables’ data. The tests of normality assumption for SEM were performed using histogram and q-q plots, Shapiro-Wilk test D\u27Agostino and Pearson\u27s test. Most data vectors violated the normality assumption. Diagonally Weighted Least Squares (DWLS) was used for parameter estimation as a suitable method that can provide better estimation for more complex models with many parameters. This method has an additional advantage of being less sensitive to outliers. The DWLS parameter estimation results, based on p-values, suggest that financial literacy and financial behaviour have a negative association which means that lacking financial behaviour results in financial literacy. A positive association between has been identified between financial behaviour and digital finance knowledge. Financial literacy and digital finance knowledge have a weak or no relationship. Thus, having or not having digital finance knowledge does not necessarily determine the possibility of experiencing financial literacy. Furthermore, among demographic variables, the financial literacy Course is the only demographic variable that has a significant impact, and only on Financial Behaviour and Financial literacy. The rest of the variables do not significantly influence the latent constructs. This study uniquely applies SEM using the DWLS estimator to explore personal finance dynamics in an emerging economy, offering concise insights into key relationships
The intervening role of marketing effectiveness on interactive marketing and marketing performance
Get PDFMarketing effectiveness, a technique aimed at improving marketers\u27 outreach to customers to optimise marketing expenditures, has consistently demonstrated efficacy in a highly competitive landscape. Nonetheless, its empirical mediating function continues to be a subject of inquiry among many experts. This study aimed to examine the mediating function of marketing effectiveness in the relationship between interactive marketing and the marketing performance of Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) in the Nyanza Region, Kenya. A cross-sectional survey study approach was employed, targeting a population of 3,211 registered MSE owners in Nyanza, from which a sample size of 356 was determined using Yamane\u27s (1967) formula. Data were gathered by questionnaires and analysed utilising descriptive and inferential statistics with SPSS version 26.0. The analysis reveals that interactive marketing significantly influences marketing performance (t = 19.933, p < 0.5); interactive marketing also significantly affects marketing effectiveness (t = 19.331, p < 0.5); furthermore, marketing effectiveness significantly impacts marketing performance (t = 15.238, p < 0.5). The indirect test indicates that marketing effectiveness, as an intervening variable, can mitigate the impact of interactive marketing on marketing performance
Investigating factors that encumber old mutual protect covers in South Africa
Get PDFThis study examines the obstacles to the adoption of Old Mutual Protect Covers in South Africa through a quantitative methodology. The study seeks to ascertain critical variables—namely income level, education level, and faith in insurance companies—that affect the probability of acquiring certain insurance products. Data was gathered via a structured survey of 500 South African people and analysed utilising SPSS version 29.0, focussing on Pearson correlation and regression analysis. The results indicate substantial favourable correlations among income level, education level, and faith in insurance firms with the use of Old Mutual Protect Covers. These findings indicate that socio-economic considerations and customer confidence are pivotal in the acquisition of insurance. The report continues with recommendations for Old Mutual to improve awareness and trust among lower-income and less-educated demographics to boost the adoption of their Protect Covers. The study\u27s limitations and recommendations for future research are also addressed
Assessing the financial condition of municipalities in Nepal
Get PDFThe research issue centers on examining the solvency of urban municipalities in Nepal, focusing on their ability to meet long-term financial obligations. The main aim of the study is to assess the financial condition of municipalities in the context of Nepal. A descriptive research design was employed to assess the financial condition of municipalities. The study targeted only the urban municipalities of Nepal. The study comprises two years of data from 2019/20 and 2020/21. The sample consisted of 37 urban municipalities representing different types in different geographical locations representing all seven provinces and all ecological zones in Nepal. The analysis of the financial condition of local urban governments in Nepal across two fiscal years (2019/20 and 2020/21) reveals no significant differences in LGFCI based on municipal type (f(2,72)=0.166, p>0.05) or ecological zone (f(2,72)=0.229, p>0.05). In FY 2019/20, 5 local governments were classified as having a good financial condition, 25 as average, and 7 as poor. In FY 2020/21, the numbers dropped to 3 in good condition, 29 in average, and 5 in poor condition. There was limited movement in financial status between the two years, with 7 local governments shifting, and most remained in the average category. This suggests a need for improved financial management in local governments. In conclusion, the financial condition of local urban governments in Nepal, based on LGFCI, shows no significant difference by municipal type or ecological zone. Most local governments are classified as having an average financial condition, with only a few in good or poor financial status. Over the two fiscal years, few local governments showed changes in their financial status, highlighting the need for better financial management practices to improve stability. The results have policy implications for strengthening fiscal federalism in Nepal
Democracy and inclusivity: the political participation and representation of People Living with Disabilities (PLWDs) in Africa
Get PDFIn an ideal liberal or representative democracy, the participation of every person in the democratic process is essential. Although prior research has examined political inclusion and exclusion from many perspectives within democracies, few studies have focused on the political involvement and representation of people living with disabilities (PLWDs) in Africa. This study addresses this deficiency. This study analysed the status of inclusivity in Africa, focussing on the political engagement and representation of persons living with disabilities (PLWDs) in the democratic process, as well as the factors influencing their inclusion or exclusion. The study employs an explanatory research design, utilising document and desk review/analysis with secondary data sources. The notion of political and democratic inclusion is utilised as an analytical framework. Research indicates that although numerous African nations have embraced various international and domestic laws safeguarding the political participation and representation rights of persons living with disabilities (PLWDs), many have merely offered superficial compliance with these regulations. Consequently, the political engagement and representation of PLWDs remain inadequate, reflecting a state of democratic instability across the continent. Factors such as low educational attainment and pervasive negative attitudes towards PLWDs persistently obstruct their political involvement and representation in Africa. It states that Africa has not yet fulfilled the ideal of political and democratic inclusion regarding the substantial and unimpeded participation of persons living with disabilities (PLWDs) in the continent\u27s political and electoral processes, which contributes to the democratic instability in the region
Exploring perceptions and challenges of transitioning wood processing SMEs into commercial ventures: a case study of Buseko and Mandevu-Chaisa markets in Zambia
Get PDFThis purely qualitative study is about the perceptions of growth for Wood Processing SMEs at Lusaka’s Buseko and Mandevu-Chaisa markets. The first objective was to highlight factors that can contribute to the growth of wood processing SMEs at Buseko and Mandevu-Chaisa markets to grow into viable commercial ventures. The second objective was to ascertain the challenges SMEs in the wood processing industry were facing. The third objective was to explore the strategies that can be implemented by the wood processing SMEs to ensure profitability and growth of wood processing business ventures. An interpretivism paradigm was adopted targeting a sample size of 20 SMEs that were identified using a snowball sampling method from a population 82 SMEs. The information was collected using semi structured interview guides and analysed using an inductive thematic approach. The findings revealed that there was available market for wood products and there was evidence of some SMEs in wood processing at the two markets growing into commercial ventures. Lack of specialized commercial equipment, lack of government support towards SMEs in wood processing and lack of formal training in wood processing were identified as challenges. Access to commercial equipment, taking wood processing industry as a quick method of employment creation and marketing wood products were identified as strategies that can be implemented to ensure profitability and growth of wood processing SMEs. The study recommended access to commercial equipment through cooperative loans and promoting training of more youths in carpentry and joinery in order to alleviate employment shortage.  
Transformational leadership and catalytic collaboration in village development: Study in Mojokerto, East Java, Indonesia
Get PDFAfter the implementation of UU Desa No. 6/2014, villages are now transformed with various authorities, so that villages are required to be able to manage their village potential for the greatest welfare of the community. In addition, the central government\u27s push for the implementation of the SDGs Desa means that villages must focus on the total development of their communities. One of the fundamental aspects that must be owned by the village in order to encourage village development based on village potential is the leadership ability of the village head in managing existing resources. This is the case in Pesanggrahan Village, Kutorejo Subdistrict, Mojokerto Regency, which is a buffer zone for the Ngoro Industrial Park Mojokerto and the Pacet, Tretes and Trawas tourism areas. Not only that, Pesanggarahan Village also has historical and cultural ties that are deeply rooted since the Majapahit Kingdom era. From these 2 (two) things, the Pesanggarahan Village Head is able to encourage fundamental transformations in the community in the context of village development which is not only based on improving the welfare of the community but there are efforts to maintain the customs and culture that exist in Pesanggrahan Village amid the influence of outside culture caused by the current industrialisation that is growing so rapidly in the midst of the Pesanggarahan Village community. This article is the result of research using qualitative methods, looking at how the transformational leadership model of the Pesanggrahan Village Head, Kutorejo District, Mojokerto Regency and also the collaboration taken in an effort to accelerate village development. This article uses two approaches to analyse the transformational leadership model of Pesanggrahan Village Head and the ability to build catalytic collaboration. So that this article can later contribute as one of the references for models that can be developed to encourage accelerated village development based on their potential. Because so far, the fundamental problem in the village is that the government and the village head are less able to find the potential of the village which can then be managed for the greatest welfare of the people in the village
Recalibration perceptions of risk management challenges within the built environment at the national road infrastructure project within eThekwini Municipality
Get PDFThe study explores contributory factors that make a fundamental contribution within the built environment pertaining to the management of the cognitive perceptions and attitude of risk with its concomitant insights, contributions and expectations. The built environment infrastructure is a fundamental component of economic prosperity as the research focuses on the construction of national roads and the associated risks, both internal and external, to primary and secondary stakeholders. The research purpose is to illuminate those factors within the risk management discipline which are critical from the prism of the employees and other indirect contracting personnel who are the main contributors within the high-risk environment of the built environment. The study employed the interpretivist philosophy, which is synonymous with the inductive approach of the qualitative methodology. The purposive sampling technique was adopted to solicit the expertise, insights, and experiences of approximately twenty respondents who held management and supervisory portfolios in the organisation. The interview channel was the preferred research instrument used to collect and contribute towards the extrapolation of data from the study respondents. The findings in the study illuminate the significance of the prioritisation of the culture, behaviour and actionable tendencies that seek to eliminate and mitigate the risk permutations in these perilous and often life-threatening safety and hazardous construction sites. The study concluded by acknowledging the organization-wide responsibility and compliance with the manageable risk appetite and also illuminated the significance of monitoring and evaluating the perceptions and attitudes of personnel involved in these precarious and yet fundamental contributors of economic prosperity pertaining to infrastructure improvement, development and modernisation