International Journal of Research in Business and Social Science (2147- 4478)
Not a member yet
2644 research outputs found
Sort by
Exploring the utilisation of sexual and reproductive health services in rural South Africa: Knowledge, perceptions, and experiences of youth in Mutale Village, Limpopo province
Full text linkSexual and reproductive health (SRH) is recognised as a fundamental human right in South Africa. The study explores the underlying reasons and motivations for service hesitancy among youth in Mutale Village, even when they are aware that those services are available. This study analyses the knowledge, perceptions and experiences of young people in Mutale Village, Thulamela Municipality. Utilising a mixed-method approach, the study employed both snowball and purposive sampling to gather data from 126 participants via semi-structured interviews and questionnaires. Qualitative data underwent thematic analysis while quantitative data was analysed using descriptive statics via SPSS version 19.0. key findings reveal young people encounter numerous challenges accessing SRH services due to minimal awareness of available options. Service use is significantly hampered by prevailing social norms, religious beliefs that view SRG as improper for youth, and misconceptions regarding contraceptives side effects (e.g. fear of infertility). Furthermore, the negative attitude of local healthcare workers was found to discourage young people from using the facilities. The concludes that social barriers and healthcare worker attitudes are major impediments to the utilisation of essential SRH services. The study recommends that clinics in rural areas should expand youth-friendly corners with trained staff who respect confidentiality and provide non-judgmental services. Regular refresher training for healthcare providers on adolescent SRH needs is essentia
A scoping review protocol on managerial strategic initiatives to improve institutional performance
Full text linkAfrican institutions are under pressure to innovate, adapt, and maintain global competitiveness in rapidly changing circumstances. Innovation management, leadership changes, capacity building, and governance frameworks are increasingly seen as key to institutional performance and sustainability. These methods are becoming more important, but research on their nature, execution, and efficacy is scarce. In this scoping study, we map and synthesise the literature on management strategic initiatives to improve African institutional performance between 2015 and 2025. The six steps are establishing the research question, locating suitable studies, selecting a study, charting the data, gathering, summarising, and reporting the results, and consulting stakeholders. A comprehensive search technique will be used throughout Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed/MEDLINE, ProQuest, AJOL, and grey literature sites including Google Scholar, World Bank, and African Development Bank repositories. Peer-reviewed and grey material published in English between 2015 and 2025 on managerial approaches to improve African institutional performance is eligible. Two reviewers will independently screen titles, abstracts, and entire texts, with differences handled by discussion or a third reviewer. A standardised charting form will guide data extraction, and narrative synthesis with tables and figures will present findings. Since this study reviews current literature, ethical approval is not needed. Institutional leaders, policymakers, academics, and practitioners will benefit from findings. Publishing in a peer-reviewed journal, academic conferences, stakeholder workshops, and policy briefings will optimise impact
Consumer perspectives on reverse logistics in e-commerce in Gauteng, South Africa
Full text linkThe rapid growth of e-commerce has significantly increased product returns, making reverse logistics a critical component of sustainable supply chain management. The purpose of this study is to examine consumer perspectives on reverse logistics in Gauteng, South Africa, where infrastructural constraints and diverse consumer expectations pose unique challenges. A quantitative research method was employed, with data collected from 250 online shoppers through a self-administered questionnaire. Exploratory factor analysis confirmed five underlying constructs, which are Return policy transparency, Efficiency of return process, Customer support, Customer satisfaction and Trust. Multiple regression analysis tested the construct\u27s predictive power. The findings reveal that Return policy transparency was the strongest predictor of consumer satisfaction, while efficiency and customer support were less influential in this context. The findings highlight that clear, accessible return policies improve consumer trust and satisfaction, even in the presence of operational inefficiencies. This study highlights that the strategic role of transparent communication instils positive return experiences in emerging markets. The study contributes to reverse logistics literature by integrating behavioral dimensions into operational frameworks and offers practical implications for retailers aiming to build consumer trust without heavily investing in infrastructural investments
Facilitating organisational development through digital workplace in the railway industry: A serial mediation of digital leadership and psychological safety
Full text linkRail is one of the most efficient forms of transport in the whole world for both passengers and freight. Although the sector is thriving in the developed world, the same cannot be said of the sector in less developed countries where it is burdened by the ageing infrastructure, financial constraints, operational inefficiencies and environmental concerns. However, the digital workplace can be a panacea to the above predicaments. As such, the study sought to assess the influence of the digital workplace on organisational development in the railway industry, moderated by digital leadership and psychological safety. Guided by the positivism research philosophy and the deductive approach, the study adopted a quantitative research design where a survey was utilised to collect primary data from 194 participants working in the railway industry in Bulawayo, Matabeleland North and Matabeleland South provinces.The study found that digital workplace has a positive impact on organisational development. It was concluded that digital workplace, digital leadership and psychological safety are important in improving organisational development. There is need to invest in robust digital infrastructure which prioritises the rollout of secure and high speed digital communication platforms across all railway stations and operational points to ensure real-time information sharing.
Evaluating the effectiveness of the quality improvement plan in higher education institutions emerging from programme review evaluations
Full text linkQuality Improvement Plans (QIPs) play a pivotal role in advancing the performance and standards of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) following the completion of CHE Institutional Audits and internal Programme Reviews Evaluations (PREs). This study explores the effectiveness of the QIP by investigating its impact across critical areas, including curriculum development, infrastructure, student-centred practices, innovation and entrepreneurship, government support, technology, and collaborations and partnerships. As higher education continues to evolve, the successful implementation of the QIP is vital for fostering academic excellence, institutional growth, and global competitiveness. This study addresses the following questions: What factors influence the success of QIP implementation in HEIs? How can QIP initiatives be optimised to achieve strategic goals? What are the measurable outcomes of these initiatives on institutional performance
Practical theology meets social work: Tackling femicides in South Africa
Full text linkThis study examines how practical theology and social work may collaborate to eradicate gender-based violence and femicides in South Africa. Faith communities can reinterpret religious teachings, criticise patriarchal behaviours, and help survivors spiritually and psychosocially. Social workers contribute to the problem through advocacy, trauma-informed treatment, therapy, psychoeducation, and community mobilisation. The study recommends church-based efforts, social work techniques, and a theological framework to combat GBV, help victims, and promote social change and inclusivity. The study supports advocacy, transformation, social justice, and reconciliation through social work and faith-based solutions. Practical theology can integrate spiritual care, advocacy, community-based rehabilitation, and psychosocial assistance with social work. This study uses a literature review to discuss femicide and gender-based violence (GBV) in South Africa through an interdisciplinary debate between Practical Theology and Social Work
Academic excellence ignored: The marginalisation of highly qualified SAPS members in promotion and leadership appointments
Full text linkThe professionalisation of policing in South Africa has increasingly highlighted the tension between academic achievement and organisational recognition within the South African Police Service (SAPS). Despite the presence of highly qualified police officials—many of whom began their careers through the police academy and advanced academically to postgraduate and doctoral levels—promotion and appointment processes frequently bypass these individuals. Instead, external candidates, often from non-policing professions such as education, are recruited into senior leadership positions. This practice raises critical concerns about fairness, institutional morale, and the future of professional policing. The paper further situates its analysis within the broader fields of organisational leadership and human resource management, highlighting how recognition of academic qualifications contributes to improved decision-making, motivation, and organisational performance. This article explores the implications of disregarding internally qualified candidates in favour of outsiders, arguing that such practices erode morale, weaken discipline, and undermine the professional identity of the SAPS. Drawing on comparative international insights, the study demonstrates how other jurisdictions leverage academic expertise in leadership promotion, ensuring that merit and institutional experience are valued. The article concludes by recommending a transparent, merit-based approach that integrates both policing experience and academic achievement in leadership appointments, thereby strengthening professionalism, discipline, and public trust in the SAPS. The question of promotions and leadership appointments within the South African Police Service (SAPS) has long been a matter of contention. While efforts have been made to professionalise policing in South Africa, contradictions remain between academic advancement and recognition in organisational structures. Many SAPS members begin their careers at the police academy, commit decades of service, and pursue further academic studies up to doctoral level. Despite these efforts, their contributions are often overlooked in favour of external appointments from unrelated professions, including teaching
Forging a strategic partnership: How defense cooperation became the cornerstone of Qatar-Türkiye relations?
Full text linkThe emergence of defense diplomacy is closely tied to the post-Cold War shift in the understanding of international security and related policies. This shift provided a broader perspective on the roles of armed forces, extending beyond their traditional defensive or deterrent functions. In this context, defense diplomacy has been recognized as an effective tool for crisis prevention, enhancing state influence, maintaining regional balance, and strengthening international relations. Over the past two decades, Qatar and Türkiye have cultivated deep and friendly relations, concluding numerous military agreements. These ties were significantly intensified following the signing of a pivotal defense agreement on December 19, 2014, which established a Supreme Strategic Committee. This committee convenes annually to deepen bilateral cooperation. The agreement established a legal framework for enhancing collaboration in areas such as joint defense, military training, and the development of military industries. This research argues that defense cooperation forms the backbone of relations between the two countries, fostering interdependence and strengthening ties across various fields. In 2019, Qatar and Türkiye agreed to further bolster their bilateral relations, signing several agreements in trade, industry, and technology, with a continued strong emphasis on military and defense cooperation. The research concludes that the defense sector is a cornerstone of the growing strategic partnership between Qatar and Türkiye
Mitigating workplace stress in Emergency Medical Services: A Pastoral-Social Worker dialogue
Full text linkThis research investigates the prevalence, experiences, and impacts of stress among Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel, focussing on trauma within the South African context, occupational stress, and the breadth of emergency practice. Recent research emphasises the trauma faced by victims and the stress endured by carers. This qualitative phenomenological study utilised trauma theory as a framework, incorporating purposive sampling, in-depth interviews, and thematic analysis. The findings indicate that elevated demands and insufficient support adversely affect the biopsychosocial well-being of EMS personnel. The study posits that social workers and pastoral workers are essential in fostering supportive, growth-oriented work environments via interventions like Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) and labour relations policies aimed at alleviating occupational stress
Customer relationship management as a strategic instrument for enhancing customer retention: a case study of an ICT company in Johannesburg
Full text linkIn the competitive business environment, organisations are increasingly adopting Customer Relationship Management (CRM) strategies to strengthen customer retention and improve service delivery. This study explored CRM as a strategic tool for customer retention at a selected Information Communication Technology (ICT) company based in Johannesburg, South Africa. A quantitative research approach was employed, targeting 121 employees across sales, marketing, business development, logistics, and finance departments. These employees were selected due to their direct engagement with customers. Data were collected through structured online questionnaires and analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26. Descriptive and inferential statistical techniques, including Pearson’s correlation and regression analysis, were applied to evaluate the relationship between CRM and customer retention. The findings revealed a moderate but significant positive correlation between CRM and customer retention, indicating that strategic CRM practices contribute to stronger customer loyalty. The research concludes that CRM is a critical organisational strategy that can enhance customer retention if properly integrated and supported across business functions. It recommends further investment in CRM systems, employee training, and customer engagement initiatives to sustain competitive advantage and long-term growth