International Journal of Research in Business and Social Science (2147- 4478)
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The influence of formal central-local government interface on implementing good agricultural practices
Get PDFThe implementation of Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) in developing countries, particularly Tanzania, requires strong government intervention to achieve sustainable agricultural outcomes in line with both national and international standards. Given the high costs and institutional demands associated with GAP implementation, the central–local government interface plays a critical role in facilitating, coordinating, and overseeing this process. This formal interface comprises key dimensions, including the transfer of authority, interaction channels, adherence to existing legislation, and resource-sharing mechanisms. However, limited understanding of how these institutional arrangements influence the effective implementation of GAPs has contributed to persistent inconsistencies and inefficiencies. This study investigated the extent to which Tanzania’s formal central–local government interactions affect GAP implementation. A total of 228 respondents were surveyed across Local Government Authorities in the Morogoro, Mbeya, and Shinyanga regions, and data were analysed using multiple linear regression. The results demonstrate that the transfer of authority (? = 0.124, p < 0.05), interaction channels (? = 0.540, p < 0.001), and resource-sharing mechanisms (? = 0.134, p < 0.001) significantly influence the implementation of GAPs. In contrast, adherence to existing laws and regulations showed no statistically significant effect (? = 0.018, p = 0.587). These findings underscore the importance of decentralised authority, effective intergovernmental communication, and coordinated resource allocation in strengthening agricultural governance. The study recommends more targeted policy reforms that empower local governments and foster institutional synergy to enhance GAP implementation, thereby contributing to Tanzania’s agricultural transformation and broader development objectives. It is therefore, the study reinforce the need for integrated governance as a pathway to achieving agricultural modernisation and food security goals in line with SDG 2
Emerging strategic decisions issues from Uptake of private health insurance in Kenya
Get PDFPrivate health insurance is crucial for healthcare financing, but its uptake remains suboptimal, with many still relying on out-of-pocket expenses. Statistics indicate Kenya\u27s informal sector comprises 83.3% of the population, with only 2% of employees having national hospital insurance and 20% having public health insurance. Therefore, this study investigated effect of strategic decision on uptake of private health insurance services, specifically, the study examined the effect of level of coverage, cost and affordability, network of health providers and quality of services on uptake of private health insurance services in Nairobi City County, Kenya. The study was anchored using the agency theory, dynamic capability theory and expected utility theory. The study embraced descriptive research design. The target population was sixteen private health insurance in Nairobi city county, Kenya. A sample size of eighty was utilized, employing census. Primary data was collected using a semi-structured questionnaire. The response rate was sixty eight percent. Level of coverage, cost and affordability, network of health providers and quality of services had a significant effect on uptake of private health insurance services. The study recommend, insurance providers should continue to offer diverse plans that cater to different needs and income brackets, ensuring that comprehensive coverage options remain accessible to a broad audience. Additionally, insurers should continue to develop and offer flexible payment plans that cater to different income levels. Introducing tiered pricing models, where customers can choose from a range of premium options based on their financial capacity, can make insurance more accessible. Moreover, the insurer should focus on maintaining a strong commitment to service quality and continually refining their offerings, which can build greater trust and satisfaction among customers, leading to increased adoption of private health insurance services
The integration of artificial intelligence in higher education institutions’ workforce: a literature review
Get PDFArtificial Intelligence (AI) integration has become increasingly prevalent in various industries, transforming business processes and creating new opportunities. As AI continues to shape the future of work, organisations such as Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) must scrutinize their readiness to develop a workforce competent in AI. AI competencies are fundamental to successfully enacting and integrating these technologies. As a result, several organisations have invested in workforce readiness, albeit these efforts are affected by several actors and determinants. Consequently, organisations must examine the workforce readiness for AI integration as a technology of the future. This paper aims to explore the integration of AI in organisations such as HEIs to ascertain workforce readiness. Addressing three pivotal research questions, it delves into the extent to which the workforce in HEIs is developed and competent in AI, the contributing factors shaping the integration of AI into HEIs’ workforce, and the overall readiness of HEIs in fostering workforce development within the realm of AI. Employing a systematic content analysis review, the study provides pragmatic findings, serving as a reference point to elevate workforce readiness and pinpoint critical determinants. The study identified factors contributing to AI competency development that serve as valuable insights for other institutions aiming to design and implement effective workforce development programs in AI. Also, the findings provide significant implications for institutions seeking to enhance their workforce\u27s competency in AI.
Keywords: Artificial Intelligence, Higher Education Institutions, HEIs, Workforce, Readiness
Innovation: A labour productivity improvement strategy for the automotive assembly organisation in South Africa
Get PDFOver the years, productivity performance has been the subject that generated enormous interest amongst economic scholars. This shows the value of productivity on business growth. Hence, the implementation of improved interventions for productivity improvement requires appropriate innovative practices for industries. This sentiment supports the importance of innovation for productivity improvement. Consequently, this study assesses the influence of innovation on labour productivity in an automotive assembly organisation in South Africa. It has been established that the manufacturing industry in South Africa has low labour productivity compared with its BRICS counterpart countries like Russia, India and China. As a result, this study centres its attention on innovation, considering low levels of labour productivity in the manufacturing sector of South Africa. It was quantitative in design and the investigation was achieved by collecting pre-and post-innovative quarterly data for spoilage and the achievement of production targets. The study analysed the production and related experiences of an automotive assembly organisation, operating in KwaZulu-Natal in the eThekwini Municipality that had adopted an innovative seat-handling manipulator in its assembly process. The Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) model, using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), was used to analyse data. The study indicates that spoilage rate and the achievement of production targets have the relationship with labour productivity after an innovative seat handling manipulator was implemented in the organisation
The interplay of psychological safety, quiet quitting, and employee resilience: a framework for sustainable workplace engagement
Get PDFWorkplace dynamics have significantly evolved, leading to increased discussions around psychological safety, quiet quitting, and employee resilience. Psychological safety fosters an environment where employees feel comfortable expressing ideas, taking risks, and seeking support without fear of negative consequences. However, the emergence of quiet quitting, where employees disengage emotionally while meeting only minimal job requirements, raises concerns about workplace motivation and commitment. This conceptual paper explores the interplay between psychological safety, quiet quitting, and employee resilience, proposing a framework for sustainable workplace engagement. Drawing on existing theories in organizational behavior and psychology, this paper examines how fostering psychological safety can mitigate quiet quitting and enhance resilience among employees. The study further highlights strategies for organizations to build adaptive work cultures that promote employee well-being, engagement, and long-term productivity
Evaluating employee assistance programmes: Social workers\u27 perspectives on their effectiveness
Get PDFThe study explored social workers\u27 perspectives on utilising employee assistance programmes (EAPs) as intended for the beneficiaries of the service. A qualitative approach was adopted for the data collection and analysis. Thematic analysis was applied to the data from a sample of social workers employed by the Department of Social Development in the Gauteng province of South Africa. The study revealed that EAPs were regarded as intervention programmes rather than holistic wellness programmes, which resulted in the loss of its primary role as a supportive structure. The study also revealed fear of stigmatisation and poor marketing of the programmes as hindrances to the utilisation of the programmes. The study further revealed that decentralisation, improved marketing, visibility of EAP staff, and a structured and specialised EAP service would enhance the programme\u27s functioning. The College of Human and Social Sciences Research Ethics Committee approved the study with ref NO (Rec-240816-052)
Dual roles, single mission: How teachers as employees manage and cope with family-work conflicts
Get PDFThis study examined the coping strategies of teachers to manage the intersection of work and family duties, emphasizing their challenge and stress coping strategies in both domains. The research was based on a qualitative research design grounded on the interpretivism paradigm that aims to interpret human experiences from the participant\u27s point of view. Utilizing a phenomenological study design with descriptive, contextual, and exploratory aspects, the study explored teachers\u27 everyday life experiences, using semi-structured interviews to collect data. The study assessed how professionals balance professional and family obligations, noting the coping processes they implement to alleviate stress and achieve equilibrium. Findings indicated that teachers utilize adaptive coping processes, such as proficient time management, seeking help, and maintaining segregation between work and family obligations. Social support networks, including colleagues, relatives, and community groups, were pivotal in offering emotional support and practical help. In addition, teachers also outlined the deployment of personal resilience and ordering strategies to sustain their well-being. The study highlights the significance of teachers comprehending the dynamic interplay between professional and family life by illuminating how institutional support and policy action could strengthen their coping ability. These results add to the general discourse on teacher satisfaction and work-life balance by urging professional support structures in school and home environments
Impact of freight logistics supply chain management on supply chain robustness and financial performance: Post-COVID-19 era
Get PDFThe study investigated the impact of supply chain management (SCM) practices on supply chain robustness (SCR) and financial performance (FP) in the freight logistics sector in South Africa post-COVID-19 era. Employing a survey research design and quantitative methodology, the research utilised a purposive sampling technique to recruit 500 professionals specialising in supply chain, operations, and finance from freight logistics firms across the Gauteng, North-West, and Mpumalanga provinces of South Africa. The study assessed various SCM practices, specifically focusing on capacity and skills management (CSM), customer relationship management (CRM), and supplier relationship management (SRM) as independent variables. The mediating variable was SCR, with FP being the outcome variable. Hypotheses were tested using Partial Least Squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM). In the findings, both CRM and SRM demonstrated significant positive impacts on SCR, while CSM was statistically insignificant. Furthermore, SCR was found to have a significant positive effect on FP. A significant mediating effect of SCR on the association of CRM and SRM on FP was observed. The study is a groundbreaking attempt to provide insights into which SCM factors deserve attention when attempting to strengthen the robustness and FP of freight logistics supply chains
Application of factor analysis on the determinants of warehouse inventory performance at Eskom distribution in Gauteng cluster
Get PDFThis study investigates the key factors influencing warehouse inventory performance at Eskom Distribution in the Gauteng Cluster using factor analysis. The aim is to identify critical elements that impact inventory management effectiveness and enhance operational performance. Eskom faces challenges in inventory control, including forecasting inaccuracies, procurement risks, and technology integration limitations, despite advancements in Economic Order Quantity (EOQ) and Reorder Point (ROP) models. This research applies a quantitative approach with a positivist paradigm, using simple random sampling to select 144 respondents from a target population of 230 employees involved in inventory management. Data was collected through structured questionnaires and analyzed using Principal Component Analysis (PCA) to uncover the factors affecting warehouse performance. The study identifies three major components—operational efficiency, inventory accuracy, and record-keeping—that account for the majority of variance in performance outcomes. These findings are aligned with previous studies emphasizing the role of accurate inventory data, efficient operations, and technology in enhancing warehouse functioning. The implications suggest that Eskom and similar organizations should invest in advanced inventory management systems, improve staff training, and adopt real-time tracking solutions. Further research could explore how external disruptions and emerging technologies, such as AI and blockchain, influence inventory performance across various sectors. This study contributes valuable insights to the field of inventory management within the public sector, offering practical recommendations for improving warehouse efficiency and reducing operational delays.
 
From emergency relief to structural redress: Rethinking South Africa’s SRD grant as a basic relief income program
Get PDFThe Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant, introduced as an emergency measure during the COVID-19 pandemic, has become a critical support mechanism for millions of South Africans. Although initially implemented to address the immediate economic fallout of the pandemic, the grant has persisted beyond the crisis, evolving into an essential component of the country’s social protection landscape. Its discontinuation at this stage would have devastating consequences, particularly for the large population of unemployed youth in townships who rely on the grant for basic survival, including securing a daily meal. Unlike other targeted grants such as those supporting children, the elderly, or students, the SRD grant is uniquely positioned to address the needs of working-age individuals excluded from formal employment and other social programs. In a context where South Africa’s apartheid legacy continues to shape patterns of poverty, marginalisation, and inequality, the SRD grant serves not only as a poverty alleviation tool but also as a vehicle for redress and inclusion. This paper advocates for institutionalising the SRD grant by transforming it into a permanent Basic Relief Income (BRI) program, designed as a near-universal income support for working-age adults with low or no income. The BRI is envisioned as a sustainable and inclusive safety net that recognises the socio-historical context of dispossession and responds to the structural exclusion faced by millions. By framing income support as both a developmental and restorative intervention, the proposed BRI model can play a vital role in promoting economic participation, social cohesion, and long-term national stability