International Journal of Research in Business and Social Science (2147- 4478)
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The registration conundrum: A sociological perception into the experiences of first-year students at the University of Venda in South Africa
Get PDFFirst-year students confront various difficulties when they move to higher education, especially in South African universities, which have a heterogeneous socio-economic environment. This study examined the "registration conundrum" students encounter while investigating the sociological factors affecting their experiences during this crucial beginning stage. A mixed-methods approach was used to record the depth and breadth of first-year students\u27 experiences, integrating qualitative interviews with quantitative questionnaires. Ten first-year University of Venda students participated in the study, which provided detailed information about the participants\u27 emotional and personal experiences during the registration procedure. Purposive sampling was used to choose the participants. Findings indicated that inadequate access to resources, bureaucratic inefficiencies, and socio-economic inequality significantly heightened stress and anxiety levels among students, leading to delayed academic engagement. The study also emphasized how race, gender, and class intersect to influence students\u27 registration experiences and how those experiences affect their academic achievement and social integration. According to the research, to improve educational equity and accessibility, higher education institutions must implement inclusive and flexible registration procedures that consider the particular difficulties faced by first-year students. In addition to illuminating the subtleties of student experiences, this sociological viewpoint advocates for legislative changes meant to enhance South Africa\u27s higher education system. The study complied with ethical standards for privacy, anonymity, informed consent, confidentiality, and harm avoidance
Digital agriculture: implications for the agricultural labour market
Get PDFThe advent of digital technologies and their subsequent integration in the agricultural sector has had mixed implications for various stakeholders. However, while studies on the benefits and challenges of digital transformation abound, there is limited scholarly attention on the impact of digital transformation in the agricultural labour market. This article closes this gap in the literature by exploring how digitalisation impacts the agricultural labour market. It also highlights the future trajectory of labour in agriculture under digitalisation transformation. The article a semi-systematic literature review approach and draws from existing literature in both academic and grey formats. The article shows that digital transformation has mixed outcomes for the agricultural labour market. While it smoothens operations, improve production, and accountability, it is also disrupting agricultural labour relations, compromising workers\u27 collective bargaining power, altering income and working conditions, distorting working time and work intensity, generating discrimination in digital work, and worsening worker surveillance and control. It concludes that while highly digitally skilled workers could benefit from integrating digital tools in their operations, non-skilled, independent, and contracted workers, who are the majority in the sector, are on the losing end. It recommends that the welfare of employees be prioritised as enterprises move into digital transformation
The impact of fatherlessness on youth: A case study of Madombidzha village, Limpopo province
Get PDFFatherlessness has emerged as a significant social issue affecting youth\u27s well-being and development, contributing to challenges like mental health issues, academic struggles, and risky behaviours. This study aimed to explore fatherlessness\u27s profound effects on youth in Madombidzha Village, South Africa, using qualitative research methods, including interviews and community surveys, to examine emotional, social, and economic challenges faced by children without paternal figures. The findings revealed a correlation between father absence and increased academic underachievement, behavioural issues, and mental health struggles. The study also discussed broader implications for community development, emphasizing support systems\u27 importance in mitigating negative outcomes. By highlighting fatherless youth\u27s silent struggle, this research aimed to inform local policies and interventions fostering resilience and promoting positive development. The study\u27s insights can contribute to developing targeted support systems and effective interventions. Ultimately, the research provides a foundation for stakeholders to develop evidence-based programs supporting fatherless youth. The findings have significant implications for policymakers, educators, and community leaders seeking to address the complex needs of this vulnerable population
Unveiling the linkage between corporate governance and firm performance: empirical insights from the insurance sector in Bangladesh
Get PDFThis study investigates the relationship between corporate governance and firm performance in the Bangladeshi insurance sector, focusing on variables like board independence, female directors, audit committee size, leverage, and firm age. Using a sample of 42 insurance firms from 2017 to 2021, regression analysis is employed to assess these relationships. The findings show that board independence positively impacts performance, while audit committee size, leverage, and firm age have negative effects. Female directors exhibit a marginal but weak positive influence. This research contributes to the literature by providing empirical evidence from a developing economy, where limited studies exist. It also offers insights into governance practices in emerging markets. The implications suggest that policymakers and corporate leaders in Bangladesh should prioritize enhancing board independence, managing leverage, and promoting gender diversity to improve performance. Future research could explore causal relationships and extend the analysis to other sectors or emerging markets, considering cultural and regulatory factors
Macroprudential and monetary policies in South Africa: complements or substitutes?
Get PDFThe article reports on the complementarity and substitutability of Macroprudential and Monetary policies in South Africa, based on the interactions of both Business and Financial cycles. To this end, a Dynamic Conditional Correlations and the Asymmetric Dynamic Conditional Correlations MGARCH models together with the Granger Causality model, the Artificial Neural Network VAR model, and the Structural VAR model, were adopted for the analyses of synchronization, causality, and the analysis of shocks to cycles, respectively. Empirical evidence obtained is such that, under conditions of financial and real economic stress in South Africa, there exists high synchronicity and bidirectional causality between CBCI and CFCI. Hence, Macroprudential and Monetary policies become complements, there exists interdependence between the two policies and actions of one policy contributes to the improvement of the other. However, under normal times there exist no synchronicity and a unidirectional causality relationship running from CBCI to CFCI, was observed. Under such conditions, Macroprudential and Monetary policies become substitutes, therefore, the two policies become independent of each other, hence, only one policy can achieve the desired outcome. Overall, a shock to one cycle is a major determinant of the fluctuations of the other cycle
The challenges and government support for SMEs at Sol Plaatje Municipality in the Northern Cape Province of South Africa
Get PDFSmall and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are essential catalysts for economic expansion and employment generation in local communities. Nonetheless, their elevated failure rate presents a considerable risk to economic sustainability. This study examines the fundamental difficulties leading to SME failures in the Sol Plaatje Local Municipality (SPLM) in the Northern Cape, South Africa, and analyses viable ways to improve their sustainability and growth. Data were gathered using a qualitative research approach through semi-structured interviews with 15 SME owners recruited via non-probability sampling. Thematic study, utilising ATLAS.ti software, identified multiple persistent challenges encountered by SMEs in the region. These encompass restricted access to technology, deficient infrastructure, financial limitations, poor training, elevated unemployment, constrained market access, and safety issues. Factors like delayed payments, political meddling, unfair competition, the repercussions of the Covid-19 outbreak, and insufficient mentorship further impede SME development. The study assessed current government support channels, highlighting their benefits and deficiencies. The findings highlight the necessity for focused policy interventions, capacity-building measures, and enhanced support structures to bolster the resilience and long-term sustainability of SMEs in SPLM
Decolonization of judiciary attire in Africa: Rethinking the symbolic meaning of wigs for black judges
Get PDFThe adoption of Western-style judicial attire, particularly wigs, by black judges in Africa has long been a contentious issue. Originating from colonial history, this practice raises significant questions about cultural identity, autonomy, and the symbolic meanings of such attire. Judicial wigs, designed for the cultural and climatic context of 17th-century England, were transplanted to Africa during colonial rule, where their relevance has been increasingly challenged. This paper explores the historical roots of judicial wigs, their symbolic role, and their implications in post-colonial African judicial systems. Using decolonization theories and cultural identity frameworks, the paper argues that retaining this tradition perpetuates symbolic degradation and alienation from African heritage. Judicial reform efforts across Africa are examined to identify culturally meaningful alternatives that uphold judicial decorum while embracing local traditions. By advocating for attire reflective of African heritage and dignity, the paper contributes to broader discussions on decolonization and institutional reform in post-colonial societies
Leveraging sustainable food systems for achieving Sustainable Development Goals: An overview
Get PDFSustainable food systems are essential for achieving numerous Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in securing food availability, enhancing nutrition, and fostering sustainable agriculture, while also aiding in other SDGs such as poverty alleviation, promoting health and well-being, encouraging responsible consumption, and addressing climate change. Discussions about both Sustainable Development Goals and the sustainability of food systems are ongoing. This article engages with these discussions by investigating the link between the Sustainable Development Goals and food systems, and analysing how food systems might be prioritised as essential for attaining the SDGs. Supported by a secondary literature assessment, the article demonstrated that food security is essential for sustainable development, influencing many Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Numerous Sustainable Development Goals will be realised when individuals have access to sufficient nutritious food. The conclusion is that recognising the intersections and interrelations between the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and food systems, along with implementing transformative measures that empower stakeholders along the food supply chain, will enhance governments\u27 prospects of achieving the SDGs
Life after matric: The impact of drugs and substance abuse in South Africa and Africa Communities
Get PDFSubstance abuse refers to the harmful or hazardous use of psychoactive substances, including alcohol and illicit drugs. One of the key impacts of illicit drug use on society is the negative health consequences experienced by its members. For many young people across the world, substance misuse is a serious problem. There have been reports that alcohol misuse is widespread in South Africa. The purpose of this paper is to outline the elements that influence of the impact of drugs and substance abuse in South Africa and Africa Communities. The findings of the study that was carried out in the unofficial settlement regions are presented in this essay. The findings of drug usage in the informal community serve as the foundation for the conclusions drawn in this article regarding substance abuse in South Africa. According to this report, young people in South Africa misuse and consume alcohol at significant rates. Unemployment, a lack of effective mentoring, a lack of family values, inadequate parental advice, and a loss of hope were some of the contributing reasons. To achieve the study\u27s goals, a desktop research technique was used, and secondary data was evaluated and deconstructed. This study\u27s major goal was to look at the causes and motivations behind young people\u27s alcohol abuse. The inquiry concentrated on young people\u27s excessive and unusual alcohol consumption
Resilience and travel intentions during crisis: A social perspective
Get PDFIn the wake of the pandemic, countries worldwide have strived to revive their tourism sectors, with Thailand’s industry playing a crucial economic role. Grounded in Protection Motivation Theory (PMT), this study examines key psychological determinants of domestic travel intentions, including threat severity, response efficacy, and psychological resilience. Data from 509 Thai participants were analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). Results reveal that heightened threat perceptions significantly weaken travel intentions, while confidence in protective measures enhances willingness to travel. Psychological resilience mitigates perceived threats and strengthens the effect of response efficacy on travel intention. Surprisingly, anxiety did not significantly impact travel intentions. This study offers a holistic perspective on travelers\u27 cognitive and emotional responses to health crises. The findings provide valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders to strengthen public resilience, foster trust in safety measures, and support sustainable recovery in the tourism sector