International Journal of Research in Business and Social Science (2147- 4478)
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Organisational agility a leverage to firm’s performance: an integrative review
Get PDFThis study examines the relationship between organisational agility and performance to determine how agility can improve performance. It will also emphasise organisational agility as a key driver of company performance. In keeping with the previous statement, an integrative review was undertaken using Scopus, EBSCO, and ABI Inform. We also used free web searches to find resources on Science Direct, SABINET, Bing, and Google Scholar for this investigation. This study shows that aligning procedures with agility adoption can boost company performance. Well-planned and implemented agility initiatives improve company processes and efforts. Thus, organisational management can use agility to adapt to the changing business environment when correctly planned and performed. The report offers practical advice on how companies might adopt agility
Decolonising technology in digitizing indigenous games
Get PDFThis paper aimed to conserve and digitise indigenous games, making them accessible online, in order to harmonise cultural traditions with modernity. The majority of contemporary youth are exposed to Western entertainment that contradicts African values and traditions. Certain games have had a detrimental impact on society, leading young people to engage in acts of violence, sexual promiscuity, and even self-harm. African youth in pre-colonial times acquired moral principles through instruction from communal elders, who imparted these lessons through the use of moral games. This study contends that the process of digitization can be employed in conjunction with conventional means of knowledge dissemination and conservation to address the void in a societal context where cultural customs are diminishing. The significance of elders, relationships, and the corpus remains paramount. The study aimed to find an Afro-centric approach to digitise traditional games for educational entertainment. The study centred on the Sankofa and Diffusion of Innovation theories. The study employed qualitative case study research methodology to achieve its objective. Information was collected through a document survey. The data underwent thematic analysis. The paper investigated decolonial approaches to safeguard games via social media, applications, and websites. The study concluded that qualitative methodologies are necessary for determining the optimal and economically efficient technologies. Additionally, it emphasised that decolonization necessitates the establishment of alternative knowledge systems to challenge the dominance of Western and Eurocentric epistemology
Financial and risk-related dynamics in energy management strategies: a South African perspective
Get PDFThe adoption of energy strategies is increasingly crucial for organisations, driven by the need to decrease energy cost and greenhouse gas emissions. The research evaluates the financial and risk-related factors influencing energy management strategies within South African organisations. The study delved into various financial aspects such as bank loans, corporate sponsorships, government funding, tax rebates and own funding alongside risk factors including disaster, reputational, operational, regulatory, strategic, financial, market, liquidity and credit risks. Using a quantitative non-experimental research design, data was collected through a questionnaire from 142 participants in the financial services industry, yielding a response from 77 individuals. Results indicate a predominant use of internal funding for energy projects, with limited utilisation of external funding options. Financial benefits such as reduced operating costs and potential tax rebates were acknowledged, yet challenges including high capital investment and inadequate finance were highlighted. Furthermore, risk management emerged as integral, although the involvement of risk management departments in energy strategy formulation was limited. Identified risks varied with disaster, reputational and operational risks ranking the highest. The study underscores the need for greater integration of risk management into energy strategy development to effectively address risk exposures. Organisations must balance the approach to energy strategy implementation with the organisational objectives and environmental responsibilities. Further research opportunities exist to explore alternative financing methods and address existing barriers to optimal energy strategy implementation
Strategic thinking as a catalyst: shedding the light on entrepreneurial intention and activities among college graduates
Get PDFThis research investigates the factors influencing the transition from entrepreneurial intention to actual entrepreneurial activity among college graduates, focusing on the role of strategic thinking as a determinant of entrepreneurial behavior. Additionally, the study seeks to broaden understanding beyond entrepreneurial intention by incorporating strategic thinking variables as moderators in examining the causal relationships between entrepreneurial activity and its antecedents. The sampling method used in this study was nonprobability sampling. 142 respondents were collected and analyzed using Partial Least Square through SmartPLS. The main findings of the study demonstrate that (i) attitude, subjective norm, and perceived behavioral control significantly affect entrepreneurial intention (ii)attitude, subjective norm, and perceived behavioral control do not significantly affect entrepreneurial activity, (iii) entrepreneurial intention does not significantly affect entrepreneurial activity, (iv) the effect of attitude, subjective norm and perceived behavioral control toward entrepreneurial activity does not mediated by entrepreneurial intention, (v) strategic thinking does not moderate the effect of attitude, subjective norm and perceived behavioral control towards entrepreneurial activity, (vi) strategic thinking significantly affects entrepreneurial activity. The study brought several implications related to the predictors of entrepreneurial activity and the integration of strategic thinking into the theory of planned behavior model
Effect of deployment of total quality management practices to enhance firm competitive advantage of selected manufacturing firms in Industrial Area, Nairobi City County, Kenya
Get PDFThe technical efficiency operations of manufacturing enterprises in Nairobi County, Kenya, have lately declined to 59%, compared to the global index of 74%. This decline is mostly attributed to the insufficient implementation of Total Quality Management Practices. A comprehensive and extensive study is required to solve the complex problems faced by Industrial Area enterprises in implementing overall quality management methods. This study should be tailored to the specific context and location in order to effectively tackle the underlying issues and maintain operational excellence. The study aimed to evaluate the impact of customer focus, quality planning, supplier management, and staff involvement practices on the competitive advantage of manufacturing enterprises in the industrial area of Nairobi City County, Kenya. The study was based on the notions of competitive advantage, quality trilogy, and zero defects. The study\u27s methodology was informed by a cross-sectional research design. The target population consisted of 20 manufacturing enterprises that were specifically chosen from the industrial sector of Nairobi City County. The census survey employed the use of semi-structured questions to gather primary data. Data analysis involved the utilisation of both descriptive and inferential statistics, with the findings being presented in tables and narratives. The study employed a multivariate regression model to ascertain the correlations between variables. The study revealed that quality planning practice, employee involvement practice, supplier management and customer focus practice had statistically significant positive impacts on competitive advantage. The study determined that total quality management techniques had a statistically significant impact on the competitiveness of selected manufacturing enterprises in the industrial area of Nairobi City County, Kenya. The study suggests that management of manufacturing enterprises should do research on dynamic quality management approaches to implement and maintain operational relevance in the face of increased sectorial competitive challenges
The perceived future of female entrepreneurs in South Africa
Get PDFThe study under discussion aims to map the outlook for female business owners in South Africa by investigating nine stories shared by interviewees operating across industries, age groups, and holding different levels of education. Through a qualitative exploration grounded in the intersectionality theory, the research unveils a nuanced tapestry of challenges and opportunities shaping the experiences of these resilient entrepreneurs. The findings echo the transformative potential inherent in women-led businesses, vividly portraying them as dynamic agents fostering growth, attracting investments, and contributing positively to economic expansion, poverty alleviation, and community development. The narrative portrays the leading women-run businesses as agents of change, instigating economic growth, attracting investments, and contributing positively to the realisation of social justice, poverty eradication, and improved livelihoods. The theme of patriarchy surfaces as a challenge in the entrepreneurial field, but with more pronounced adverse structures in opposition to free-playing entrepreneurship. The study that has exhausted all the topics ends with an emphasis on targeted interventions, acknowledging the obstacle of domestic constraints, improving cooperation, and dismantling patriarchal power structures. Its principles are establishing a supportive environment that considers the distinctive factors of women\u27s entrepreneurship, resulting in economic empowerment and sometimes overall social development. Due to its active contribution to women\u27s direction in business and in the implementation of pertinent targeted interventions, South Africa can employ women\u27s potential fully, which can lead to economic growth and be socially beneficial in the meantime. The study also suggests that future inquiries to clear the sight about different actors within the entrepreneurship ecosystem and eventually form a comprehensive outlook of all factors that underline the complex business generation process
Identifying obstacles to evaluating business intelligence in Micro-Small Apparel Enterprises: a case study in Durban, South Africa
Get PDFThe escalating financial burdens faced by the Small Medium and Micro Enterprise (SMME) sector necessitate a perpetual pursuit of enhanced managerial efficacy. For enhanced financial management, client relationship management and inventory control, it is necessary for businesses to utilise various technologies and methodologies. One approach involves the utilisation of business analytical technologies, such as Business Intelligence (BI). Business Intelligence (BI) serves as a valuable tool for enterprises, aiding in the examination and interpretation of data to facilitate informed decision-making processes aimed at enhancing overall business efficacy. The eThekwini region encompasses a significant presence of micro-small enterprises within the apparel manufacturing and retail sector. The primary aim of this research was to identify and analyse the many issues that hinder the evaluation of business intelligence (BI) in micro-small apparel enterprises located in Durban, a city in Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa. A cross-sectional quantitative study was undertaken to examine a cohort of 161 small apparel business owners. The participants were chosen through the utilisation of a judgemental sampling technique. The data was gathered through the utilisation of anonymous questionnaires. The data was analysed by utilising multiple linear regression analysis to determine the characteristics that hinder the evaluation of business intelligence (BI) in the small apparel industry. The study employs the Technology-Organisation-Environment (TOE) framework as its conceptual framework. The researcher identified several obstacles that hinder the evaluation of business intelligence in micro-small textile enterprises in South Africa. These factors include perceived relative advantage, cost, organisational data environment, organizational decision-making culture, and external support. However, there are numerous governmental institutions that are intended to provide support for micro-small companies. Therefore, it is recommended that these institutions establish training initiatives aimed at educating apparel SMMEs on BI. The implementation of target-driven training has the potential to significantly contribute to the achievement of vision 2030 for fostering the growth of small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs) to enhance the South African economy
Enhancing public participation for local economic development: insights from Jozini Local Municipality
Get PDFThe study focused on the insights of municipal officials and community members concerning the significance of public participation in promoting local economic development at Jozini Local Municipality. The study aimed to determine the challenges hindering the function of public participation in the uplifting of the local community and how these challenges influence community development. This study adopted a mixed-method (qualitative and quantitative) research method to collect and analyze the data. Both methods ensured various data collection techniques, including questionnaires and interviews. Questionnaires were presented to community members because several people could be reached in a brief time as numerous community members were targeted. Interviews also served to collect data from the municipality staff, since they were not that many. The study identified the challenges hindering public participation in community development; it also revealed politics as the bearer of public participation between the municipality and the community. The findings also revealed municipal officials struggle with financial resources during their course of work. Corruption and maladministration among municipalities were identified, hampering community development through public participation. The study suggests that the municipality should improve communication between the officials and the residents, enabling them to raise their opinions. The study also suggests providing adequate funding to be effective in development that will satisfy the community
The influence of green human resource management on service innovation performance: the role of change-oriented organizational citizenship behavior
Get PDFThis paper aims to examine the influence of the variables Green Human Resource Management (GHRM), Change-Oriented Organizational Citizenship Behavior (OCB), Service Innovation Performance, and Narcissism. The approach used in this research is a quantitative approach. The sample used in this research was hotel workers, totaling 218 respondents. Research data was obtained from the results of filling out a questionnaire and analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling analysis techniques with the help of Smart PLS program. The results of this research show that (i) GHRM has a positive and significant effect on Service Innovation Performance, the higher the GHRM, the higher the Service Innovation Performance, and vice versa; (ii) GHRM has a positive and significant effect on Change-Oriented OCB, the higher the GHRM, the higher the Change-Oriented OCB, and vice versa; (iii) Change-Oriented OCB has a positive and significant effect on Service Innovation Performance, the higher the Change-Oriented OCB, the higher the Service Innovation Performance, and vice versa; (iv) Change-Oriented OCB can mediate the indirect influence of GHRM on Service Innovation Performance; (v) Narcissism does not moderate the influence of GHRM on Service Innovation Performance. In general, the conclusion drawn from this research is that the implementation of GHRM practices and the development of Change-Oriented OCB are important in improving the Service Innovation Performance of hotel workers in Yogyakarta. Hotel management in Yogyakarta can pay attention to these aspects to strengthen competitive advantages and provide excellent services to hotel guests
Creating a more prosperous life through beauty: how entrepreneurship education empowers women MSME in Indonesia
Get PDFThis research aims to determine whether a top cosmetic company’s Beauty for Better Life Women\u27s Empowerment Program (BFBL – WEP) has encouraged women to become entrepreneurs in the micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSME) sector, and identify the various obstacles and challenges they face in navigating their entrepreneurship journey. Launched by the L\u27Oréal Foundation in 2009 in 27 countries including Indonesia, the BFBL Program believes that a program like this will play a central role in helping vulnerable, underprivileged, or marginalized women regain their self-esteem, develop self-confidence and enhance their well-being. Using a qualitative research design with primary data collected through semi-structured interviews of thirteen (13) female beneficiaries of the Program, the research covered six (6) regions in Indonesia. Additional data was obtained from two (2) more key informants representing the Head of the BFBL Program in L’Oreal Indonesia and a beauty coach. Interviews were done through hybrid methods of offline and online engagements with respondents, enabling reach as well as convenience as the respondents came from different regions across the country. Findings show that the BFBL produces successful women MSME entrepreneurs through a) training in the planning and design of beauty services; b) resource support provides mentoring and coaching, and c) marketing support skills through social media promotion, creating a business portfolio, and learning ethical practices in dealing with clients. Geographical challenges in program implementation as well as logistical capabilities of participants were detected. Implications to organizational practices related to women’s entrepreneurship promotion are presented.