International Journal of Research in Business and Social Science (2147- 4478)
Not a member yet
2644 research outputs found
Sort by
Talent management and employee retention in the South African Higher education landscape
Get PDFThis study explored talent management and employee retention in South Africa\u27s higher education sector, focusing on Institution X. Post-apartheid, South African higher education has faced numerous challenges, including attracting, managing, and retaining new academics essential for societal transformation. The study aimed to assess the relationship between talent management practices (recruitment, career management, rewards, management style, and talent development) and employee retention in this sector.The study\u27s objectives were to examine the strategic orientation of talent management at Institution X, determine its contribution to employee retention, investigate challenges faced in talent management, and propose strategies to enhance retention. A quantitative research design was used, employing a self-administered structured questionnaire. The sample included 65 academic staff members, such as professors, lecturers, and junior lecturers, with data analyzed using SPSS. Findings indicated that talent management is neither a strategic element nor fully implemented within the higher education sector. This highlights a significant challenge in managing and retaining qualified academics, an issue prevalent since the end of apartheid. The study underscores the importance of understanding and improving talent management strategies to ensure the sustainability and quality of higher education institutions. Recommendations were made for reviewing and enhancing talent management practices for academic staff in the sector
Influence of modes of communication on public participation in Laikipia County, Kenya
Get PDFThis study investigates the impact of communication modes on enhancing public participation in Laikipia County, Kenya. The objective of the study was to examine how different communication channels affect citizen involvement in government-led development processes. Public participation is crucial for fostering democratic governance and equitable development. However, in Kenya, achieving substantial public engagement has been challenging, partly due to the use of ineffective communication channels. This study hypothesizes that such channels hinder meaningful public participation. To explore this, a hybrid analytics method was employed, combining quantitative and qualitative approaches, to assess how various communication modes influence public engagement. The research utilized a dataset comprising 384 respondents collected between June and July 2024. Data analysis, completed in July 2024, revealed several that different modes of communication significantly affect the level of public participation, influencing how well citizens receive and comprehend information about development initiatives. Channels that facilitate clearer, more direct communication leads to higher levels of understanding and engagement among the public. Effective communication channels are essential for fostering meaningful public involvement, as they impact citizens\u27 responses and behaviours towards development activities. These findings underscore the importance of utilizing effective communication strategies to enhance public participation in development processes. The study contributes to a better understanding of how communication methods can be optimized to support democratic engagement and improve development outcomes in Kenya
Cost and returns analysis of upland and lowland rice production among farmers in North Central Nigeria
Get PDFSustainability of the rice production and farmers’ income in Nigeria raises a serious concern due to the rising costs of production inputs and other factors beyond farmers’ control. As a result, the study compared the cost and returns of rice production in North central, Nigeria. A multistage sampling technique was used to select 387 rice farmers in the study area. Descriptive statistics, gross margin analysis and seeming unrelated regression were used to analyze the dataset collected. The findings revealed that most of the rice farmers were male, averagely young and have at least 9 family members in their respectively households. Results from Kwara State showed that total cost is higher among the upland rice farmers compared to their lowland counterparts, but reverse was the case in term of net profit, as this favoured the lowland rice farmers. For Niger State and pooled data, the lowland rice farmers had higher net profit than the upland rice farmers. Seemingly unrelated regression estimates indicated that costs associated with fertilizer, herbicide, seed, pesticide and labour used were significant and influencing factors affecting the revenue of rice farmers in the study area. While inaccessibility to cheap farm inputs was the major constraint affecting the rice farmers, other challenges include lack of storage, inadequate rainfall and inadequate credit facilities. The study recommended seamless access to improved rice varieties by the farmers as this can scale up adoption of improved technologies, boost production and ultimately the net revenue of rice farmers. Farmers are also advised to join and/or form a registered occupational groups through which credit facilities can easily be accessed, to expand the farming operations because of the positive and complementary role of social group and access to credit
Innovation, competitiveness, and business ecosystem: determinants of local economic strengthening
Get PDFThis study aims to analyze the influence of innovation, competitiveness, and business ecosystem variables on strengthening the local economy. The development of small businesses as the basis of the people\u27s economy is one of the strategic steps that need to be followed up with concrete steps to increase family productivity, improve the economy, and overcome the problems of poverty, and unemployment. Community business is one of the strengthening of the local economy. This research is field research with qualitative and quantitative approaches to provide a comprehensive explanation. The research sample was MSME business actors in Sukajadi Village, Muaraenim Regency using the purposive sampling method. Data collection techniques are used through surveys, documentation, and questionnaires using Likert scales to assess instruments. Multiple linear regression equations were utilized for the analysis of the data. The results showed that the variables of innovation, competitiveness, and business ecosystem partially or simultaneously affect the strengthening of the local economy. The independent variable affected the dependent variable by 51.2% while the remaining 48.8% was influenced by other variables not described in this study. Innovation, competitiveness, and business ecosystems play a crucial role in strengthening the local economy. These factors are interconnected and have a positive impact simultaneously and reinforce each other. By working together, innovation, competitiveness, and business ecosystems can create a strong sustainable, and inclusive local economic environment at the local level. This not only benefits local businesses but also for communities to become more resilient and able to access more opportunities. This condition supports the improvement of the welfare and quality of life of the community as a whole
The impact of green credit distribution on bank performance and influencing factors: a case study of Indonesian banks
Get PDFThis research aims to analyze the impact of green credit distribution by banks on bank performance and identify factors that can influence green credit. The study utilizes data from 46 banks in Indonesia during the 2018-2022 period, by using the panel data regression method. The findings indicate (i) that green credit does not have a significant influence on credit risk, as measured by the NPL (Non-performing Loan). The distribution of more green credit allocations does not result in a decrease in bank credit risk. Additionally, sustainable business borrowers do not exhibit better debt repayment performance compared to the non-sustainable business category. (ii) In terms of bank profitability, green credit does not impact ROE (Return on Equity) and NIM (Net Interest Margin), but it does have a negative effect on ROA (Return on Assets). Banks that allocate a significant portion of their credit distribution to green initiatives tend to experience a decline in their profits. (iii) Bank size has a positive impact on the allocation of green credit, with larger banks dedicating a greater portion to the distribution of green credit. Larger banks possess more capital and extensive networks, making them better equipped to address potential risks compared to smaller banks. (iv) Meanwhile, government ownership and good corporate governance in banks do not influence the proportion of green credit distribution. The author recommends that the government make corrections to existing green financing programs, to cultivate a green credit ecosystem in Indonesia. One concrete step that can be taken is to support government-owned banks in becoming pioneers in the distribution of green credit in Indonesia
A scoping review of literature on deep learning and symbolic AI-based framework for detecting Covid-19 using computerized tomography scans
Get PDFThis scoping review aims to explore various Deep Learning and Symbolic Artificial Intelligence (AI) models that can be integrated into explainable hybrid AI for the purpose of detecting COVID-19 based on Computerized Tomography (CT) scans. We followed the PRISMA-ScR framework as the foundation for our scoping review protocol. Our approach included a thorough search across 13 databases, complemented by an additional random internet search for relevant articles. Due to the voluminous number of articles returned, the search was further narrowed using the keywords: Deep Learning, Symbolic AI and Hybrid AI. These keywords were used because they are more visible in the earmarked literature. A screening of all articles by title was performed to remove duplicates. The final screening process centered on the publication year, ensuring that all considered articles fell within the range of 2019 to 2023, inclusive. Subsequently, abstract or text synthesis was conducted. Our search query retrieved a total of 3,312 potential articles from the thirteen databases, and an additional 12 articles from a random internet search, resulting in a cumulative count of 3,324 identified articles. After the deduplication and screening steps, 260 articles met our inclusion criteria. These articles were categorized based on the year of publication, the type of aim, and the type of AI used. An analysis of the year of publication revealed a linear trend, indicating growth in the field of Hybrid AI. Out of the five aim categories identified, we deliberately excluded articles that lacked a specified aim. It\u27s noteworthy that 3% of the articles focused on the integration of AI models. The low percentage value suggests that the integration aspect is overlooked, thereby transcripting the integration of Deep Learning and symbolic AI into hybrid AI as an area worth exploring. This scoping review gives an overview of how a Deep Learning and Symbolic AI-based framework has been used in the detection of COVID-19 based on CT scans
Exploring the impact of 12-hour shifts on police officers\u27 personal lives: a case study in the City of Tshwane, South Africa
Get PDFShift work has become a necessity in various professions, including law enforcement, to ensure the continuous operation of essential services. The implementation of 12-hour shifts has become common practice in police departments, aiming to meet the demands of public safety. However, the implications of such extended work periods on the personal lives of police officers are significant and warrant exploration. This study focuses on examining the effects of a 12-hour shift schedule on police officers within the South African Police Service (SAPS) stationed in the City of Tshwane, Gauteng province, South Africa. Through qualitative research methods, data was collected from eight police officers with a minimum of two years of experience through face-to-face interviews. Thematic content analysis was used to analyse the data systematically. Findings reveal that the 12-hour shift system presents challenges in maintaining a healthy work-life balance, impacting officers\u27 social and familial responsibilities, participation in cultural and religious activities, and overall well-being. Officers expressed concerns about fatigue, limited time for family and leisure activities, and conflicts with personal commitments. Addressing these challenges is crucial for enhancing the health and effectiveness of police personnel and ensuring a positive work-life balance. This study contributes to the existing body of knowledge by shedding light on the nuanced effects of the 12-hour shift system on police officers\u27 personal lives, particularly in the South African context. Recommendations were also made to address the effects of the shift system on officer’s personal life
The influence of society’s perception, social networking and social impact measurement on access to finance of social enterprises: Perspective of eThekwini Municipality, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
Get PDFThe aim of this paper is to explore the influence of society’s perception, social networking and social impact measurement on access to finance for social enterprises’ activities. It broadens the theoretical understanding from the perspective of resource dependence theory. The study tested hypotheses to asertain the impact of society’s perception, social networking and social impact measurement on access to finance that enhances social enterprises’ activities. A quantitative research approach was adopted, using a snowball sampling technique to identify 90 owners/managers of social enterprises from three communities in the KwaZulu-Natal province. The data was examined with Partial Least Square Structural Equation Modeling. The study revealed that social impact measurement has a positive, but statistically insignificant impact on access to finance; there is a positive and statistically significant impact of social networking on access to finance; also, society’s perception has a positive and statistically significant impact on access to finance. The result does not support the moderation effect of society’s perception on social networking and access to finance. Therefore, this study recommends that government educate the society on the importance of social entreprise activities in KZN communities, which will enhance members of the societys’ willingness to provide financial assistance. In addition, there should be great emphasis on social networking among social enterprises as it provides crucial platforms to share relevant information on access to finance, which is essential in addressing sociatal challenges
Revisiting the January effect anomaly: evidence from international stock markets
Get PDFA recurring theme in the literature and discussion of stock market analysis is the concept of the January effect which essentially implies buy in December and sell in January. The January effect is based on the perceived seasonality trend where short term investors hope to take advantage of the arbitrage opportunity between December and January. However, this perceived anomaly continues is seen as a myth and has been strongly rejected by many market participants in the current dispensation. The purpose of this paper was to investigate the January effect in the Nikkei 225, JSE, CAC 40, DAX, and the NASDAQ Index from February 2019 to February 2024. A F-test statistics was used to explore the phenomenon. The findings indicated that there is no significant difference between the realised returns in January and those of the other month for the most recent five years. This led to the conclusion that, while the January effect may have been observed, it is no longer evident in financial markets, hence market participants should avoid using this type of arbitrage approach because it may result in massive losse
Factors with significance on vandalism of on-farm infrastructure at the Musekwa Valley, Vhembe District of Limpopo Province, South Africa
Get PDFIn some parts of the Vhembe District in Limpopo Province of South Africa, vandalism is becoming a serious problem, and solutions are not easy to find. Vandalism has had a variety of negative impacts on livestock farmers. A few studies have studied the concept of vandalism, but studies employing empirical models to determine the factors that are of significance to vandalism are conspicuously rare, if not absent. This paper investigated factors of significance to on-farm infrastructural vandalism in the Musekwa Valley of the Vhembe District, Limpopo Province. The study used a mixed method approach and collected data using a cross-cultural semi structured questionnaire instrument translated from English into the native Tshivenda. Data were collected from fifty-five (n=55) purposively selected primary participants who were interviewed using face to face approach. Additional data were collected through key informant interviews administered on purposively selected key informants (n = 4), focus group discussions were done, and transect walks were employed for observation purposes. A binary logistic regression model was fitted to the data, and the following factors emerged as significant to vandalism: age, gender, education level, ownership of cattle, exposure to information, household expenditure, and reporting of incidents of vandalism to authorities. It is recommended that a community-based approach is adopted to find solutions to the problem of vandalism, to avoid a top-down approach that residents might undermine