International Journal of Research in Business and Social Science (2147- 4478)
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Mitigating entrepreneurial fear of failure: a literature review
Get PDFPsychological problems pose a significant threat to the entrepreneurial process, including increasing fear of failure and reducing the probability of starting a business. Consequently, substantial research found that entrepreneurial fear of failure reduces the intention to start a business and negatively impacts on entrepreneurial behaviour and the entrepreneurial process. Considering the adverse effects of fear of failure on entrepreneurial development, and subsequent economic development, it is imperative to investigate strategies that mitigate entrepreneurial fear of failure. Thus, this literature review study explores the strategies that can reduce fear of failure among entrepreneurs. Secondary research was conducted using online databases to comprehensively review literature on entrepreneurial fear of failure. The findings show that entrepreneurial education and training programs, social and peer support, cultural and institutional support, mindset and personal development and perceived knowledge and skills play a significant role in mitigating entrepreneurial fear of failure. Drawing from the study findings, the research recommends that entrepreneurship education programs focus on developing personal traits such as self-efficacy, resilience and optimism and addressing psychological problems faced by entrepreneurs. Furthermore, policymakers should develop failure-tolerance policies, and the entrepreneurial ecosystem should create a culture that views failure as part of the entrepreneurial process to motivate aspiring entrepreneurs. Moreover, the entrepreneurial ecosystem should create a supportive and collaborative environment that fosters a positive inclination towards entrepreneurship
Entrepreneurship as an alternative career path for management accounting graduates in South Africa: Opportunities in consulting, financial advisory and beyond
Get PDFThe changing business environment in South Africa has encouraged Management Accounting graduates to consider alternative career paths beyond traditional corporate positions. Entrepreneurship, especially in the fields of consulting and financial advisory, offers a valuable opportunity for these graduates to utilize their skills in financial analysis, business strategy, and risk management. Nonetheless, many graduates remain underrepresented in entrepreneurial endeavors due to several challenges, including limited exposure to entrepreneurship education, a tendency towards risk aversion, and difficulties in accessing financial resources. This study examines the entrepreneurial intentions of Management Accounting graduates in South Africa, focusing on their perceptions of self-efficacy, available support systems, and the obstacles they encounter in pursuing entrepreneurship. Anchored in the Entrepreneurial Intention Theory (EIT), the research investigates key factors such as attitudes towards entrepreneurship, perceived behavioral control, and subjective norms that affect graduates’ career decisions. A quantitative methodology was employed, surveying third year and postgraduate diploma students at the Durban University of Technology to evaluate their preparedness for entrepreneurship. The findings reveal that although graduates acknowledge entrepreneurship as a feasible career option, deficiencies in entrepreneurial training and limited opportunities for practical business experience impede their transition into self-employment. The study emphasizes the necessity of incorporating entrepreneurship education into Management Accounting curricula and enhancing collaborations between universities and industries to address these deficiencies. Moreover, targeted support from government agencies and financial institutions is crucial for cultivating a supportive entrepreneurial ecosystem. The study seeks to provide valuable insights for educational institutions and policymakers to improve career diversification strategies for graduates by tackling these barriers. Promoting entrepreneurial ventures in consulting and financial advisory not only broadens employment opportunities but also contributes to the wider economic development of South Africa
Between expression and equality: Constitutional challenges in adjudicating racially charged political speech in South Africa
Get PDFThis article critically examines the constitutional tension between the right to freedom of expression and the rights to equality and dignity in adjudicating racially charged political speech in South Africa. It focuses on the controversial chant "Kill the Boer" and interrogates how courts navigate the competing imperatives of protecting political expression while upholding non-racialism, equality, and human dignity. Through doctrinal and comparative analysis, including cases from Kenya and Rwanda, the article identifies inconsistencies in South African jurisprudence, particularly regarding symbolic speech and its real-world impact on minority communities. It highlights the judiciary\u27s tendency to underplay psychological and symbolic harm, which undermines public trust and the transformative vision of the Constitution. The article further addresses the study\u27s limitations, such as the limited engagement with primary data and potential judicial biases. It proposes reforms that prioritise restorative constitutionalism and a more context-sensitive approach to adjudicating hate speech, considering the feasibility of such measures within South Africa’s resource-constrained legal framework. The study contributes to broader debates on how transitional democracies can address historical injustice without enabling new forms of exclusion or harm
Transformer-Based Sentiment Analysis for classification of non-depressive and suicidal thought from Bangla Text
Get PDFThe growing prevalence of mental health issues, particularly depression and suicidal thoughts, points to the need to develop automated tools capable of detecting such sentiments from online communication. This study addresses some critical challenges by introducing a novel sentiment analysis framework for Bangla text, aimed at classifying content into non-depressive, depressive, and suicidal categories. We propose a hybrid deep learning model leveraging the strengths of transformer-based architectures, designed to manage long textual sequences effectively, a critical aspect in the context of natural language processing. Our model integrates RoBERTa (Robustly Optimised BERT Pre-Training Approach) with a Self-Attention Network (SAN), creating a synergistic framework for nuanced sentiment detection in Bangla social media posts, comments, and articles. This method addresses the scarcity of Bangla specific datasets by utilising a dataset curated for the study. The results demonstrate the superiority of our model, achieving an accuracy of 82.58%, alongside precision, recall, and F1-scores of 82%. Subsequently, it emphasises the potential for the proposed model to support early identification of mental health concerns, thereby enabling timely interventions and contributing to mental health awareness and prevention efforts. In the future, deploying the model as a real-time chatbot or browser extension could scan Bangla social media for depressive, non-depressive, and suicidal content and alert professionals to the risk factors
A comparative analysis of interactive tools in higher education’s teaching and learning: The strengths and weaknesses of Mentimeter, Google forms, Socrative, and Kahoot for playful learning
Get PDFThis study presents a comprehensive comparative analysis of four popular educational technology tools Mentimeter, Google Forms, Socrative, and Kahoot within the context of higher education. The aim is to critically evaluate their respective strengths and weaknesses, focusing on their utility, functionality, and effectiveness in enhancing the learning experience and engagement among college and university students. Mentimeter is a dynamic presentation tool allowing real-time audience engagement through live polls, quizzes, and interactive presentations. Its strengths lie in its user-friendly interface, diverse question types, and real-time feedback capabilities, fostering active participation and knowledge retention. However, limitations include its potential dependency on stable internet connectivity and limited complex assessment features. Google Forms, a versatile survey tool integrated with the Google ecosystem, offers flexibility in creating surveys, quizzes, and assessments. Its strengths include ease of use, data management through Google Sheets, and customizable question formats. However, while suitable for basic assessments, it may lack some advanced features required for complex evaluations and interactive learning. Socrative provides a platform for formative assessment, enabling teachers to create quizzes, assessments, and exit tickets. Its strengths lie in its instant grading, diverse question types, and the ability to track individual student progress. However, its interface might be less intuitive for some users, and its interactive features may be limited compared to other tools. Kahoot is a game-based learning platform that gamifies quizzes and assessments, promoting engagement and motivation among students. Its strengths include its gamified approach, competitive atmosphere, and ease of use. However, its design might favor rote memorization over deeper learning, and it may not be suitable for all types of educational content or assessment formats. This comparative analysis highlights the distinct advantages and limitations of each tool, offering insights for educators and institutions seeking to leverage technology for effective teaching and learning strategies in higher education. Understanding these strengths and weaknesses can aid educators in making informed decisions about selecting and integrating appropriate educational technologies to enhance student engagement, participation, and learning outcomes. Further research and practical implementations can delve deeper into optimizing the use of these tools to cater to diverse educational needs and contexts in higher education
Impact of renewable energy and green finance on economic development in the SADC region: a panel ARDL study
Get PDFThe Southern African Development Community (SADC) region possesses a variety of energy resources yet continues to face challenges in meeting its energy demands. The aim of the study was to examine the current status of renewable energy development and green finance systems in the SADC nations. The research employed panel autoregressive distributed lags (ARDL) on time series data from 16 SADC member nations spanning 2003 to 2022, utilising E-views 13. The study\u27s results indicate no causal relationship between the variables in the near term. Conversely, over the long term, an alteration in the net installed capacity of electricity generating plants in SADC accounts for 55% of the GDP. A variation in renewable energy shares within total final energy consumption adversely affects GDP by 155%, whereas renewable energy producing capacity adds 6.2%. The comprehensive model is statistically significant and possesses a negative coefficient. Consequently, ceteris paribus, investment in renewable energy within the SADC region can be adjusted at a rate of 96%. Moreover, green finance can substantially enhance the region\u27s energy infrastructure and diminish its reliance on fossil fuels over time. The results underscore the significance of private sector engagement and the advancement of green financing for both national and international development. According to the findings, regulatory authorities in the SADC area should augment investment in diverse new energy initiatives that may assist in alleviating climate change over the long term. The policy recommendation urges SADC to collaboratively engage with global climate financing mechanisms, develop regional green finance markets, and advance a low-carbon economy by fostering renewable energy expansion, encouraging private sector investment, and enhancing green finance initiative
Environmental factors influencing mobile commerce adoption among SMEs in South Africa: a TOE model perspective
Get PDFThis study examines the impact of customer, supplier, and competitor pressures on the adoption of mobile commerce (m-commerce) by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Polokwane, South Africa. The research follows a quantitative approach, with data collected from 146 randomly selected SMEs out of a total population of 261. A structured questionnaire was used to measure the pressures from customers, suppliers, and competitors, all assessed using a five-point Likert scale. Reliability of the constructs was confirmed with Cronbach\u27s alpha coefficients exceeding 0.7, and the normality of the data was verified through the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. To analyse the data, ANOVA and regression analysis were applied. The findings reveal that customer, supplier, and competitor pressures significantly influence SMEs’ decisions to adopt m-commerce solutions. These results contribute to the understanding of external factors that shape technology adoption in SMEs, offering both theoretical insights and practical implications. SMEs that respond to these pressures may improve their competitive position by integrating mobile technologies into their operations, leading to better market responsiveness and enhanced business processes. This research provides a foundation for future studies on mobile commerce adoption, focusing on underexplored external influences
Tax compliance burden on SMEs in Durban: Perspectives from tax practitioners and business owners
Get PDFThe purpose of the study was to examine small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and tax practitioners’ perspectives on the effect of the cost of tax compliance on the functioning of SMEs.The study uses both the opinions of SMEs and tax practitioners to extend information on the tax compliance burden and its effect on the functioning of SMEs.The study adopted a quantitative approach using a self-administered questionnaire which was e-mailed to a sample of SMEs and tax practitioners by using a link to QuestionPro. Tax compliance was viewed as a burden by SMEs, with the majority opting to outsource their tax matters to tax practitioners. SMEs and tax practitioners supported the recommendation that if SMEs attend frequent tax training, this may assist in reducing the tax compliance burden of SMEs. The study recommends that SARS conducts frequent tax training aimed at SMEs. The study contributes to the body of knowledge by using both the opinions of SMEs and tax practitioners to extend information on the tax compliance burden and its effect on the functioning of SMEs
Teachers\u27 challenges in supporting grade 7 learners with reading difficulties in inclusive settings
Get PDFThe ability to read is crucial for academic success, yet many learners experience difficulties in attaining the skill. This article reports on challenges experienced by teachers in supporting Grade 7 learners with reading difficulties in English First Additional Language. A qualitative research approach and case study research design guided the study. Purposive sampling included twenty English First Additional Language (EFAL) teachers who are also members of the School Based Support Team (SBST) from four primary schools in the Gauteng East District. Data was collected through individual and focus group interviews, which were audio recorded and analyzed using thematic data analysis. The results indicate that teachers experienced challenges such as insufficient time, work overload, overcrowded classrooms, policy on progression of learners, lack of interest and motivation, lack of reading resources and lack of parental involvement, as such participants viewed these challenges as barriers to learning support processes. The study recommends scheduling individual reading support sessions and hiring more teachers to assist with language teaching. The policy on the progression of learners could be reviewed and integrated as part of continuous teacher training. Schools should budget for reading resources, while parents are encouraged to attend workshops and meetings, and get resources to assist their children with reading at home. Furthermore, collaboration between schools and communities is recommended to promote inclusivity in schools. These findings underscore the urgent need for systemic change to support inclusive education. Addressing the identified barriers requires not only the intervention from the school but also broader educational policy reform. The study highlights the importance of aligning policy with practice to ensure that no learner is left behind, thereby fostering a more inclusive and equitable educational environment
Technology, automation, and industrial relations: the future of HRM in Ilala municipal, Tanzania
Get PDFThis study investigates the complex impact of automation on Human Resource Management (HRM), focusing on areas such as job security, employee rights and welfare, collective bargaining, policy and regulatory responses, trade unions, and worker skills and training. The research aims to understand how automation influences these aspects and to provide insights for organizations crossing this technological shift. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the study combines quantitative data analysis with qualitative interviews. Quantitative data were gathered through structured surveys distributed to employees across various industries, capturing perceptions and experiences related to automation in HRM. Qualitative insights were obtained from in-depth interviews with HR managers, trade union representatives, and employees, offering a comprehensive understanding of the significant effects of automation. The findings reveal that automation has led to significant changes in job security, with 45.2% of respondents reporting alterations due to automated processes. Additionally, 50.0% of participants noted impacts on employee rights, including work hours, leave, and pay structures. Trade unions have been compelled to adapt their strategies, with 11.0% acknowledging a role in addressing automation-driven challenges. Furthermore, 65.1% of employees reported access to training programs aimed at adapting to automation, though the effectiveness of these programs varied.The study concludes that while automation offers efficiency gains, it also presents challenges related to job security, employee rights, and the evolving role of trade unions. Organizations are encouraged to implement strategic workforce planning, invest in effective training programs, and engage in dialogue with trade unions to alleviate negative impacts