International Journal of Research in Business and Social Science (2147- 4478)
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An evaluation of risk management practices in South African Public Institutions: A case study in the supply chain of Thulamela Local Municipality
Get PDFEfficient risk management within the supply chain is essential for municipal success. This study assesses the supply chain risk management procedures of the Thulamela Municipality to guarantee service delivery. The main objectives were to evaluate the municipality\u27s risk management structure and recommend enhancements in accordance with the MFMA and King IV requirements. The study question examined the implementation of a risk management system by Thulamela to guarantee service delivery. Utilising risk management and institutional theory, the study adopted a mixed-methods approach, applying deductive thematic analysis and SPSS software to examine data regarding the municipality\u27s risk management procedures, team expertise, and framework suitability. The findings reveal that although Thulamela possesses a supply chain risk management framework, enhancements are necessary, specifically in (i) empowering the risk management team, (ii) incorporating technology and maintaining a record of suppliers with a history of non-compliance, and (iii) augmenting staff\u27s risk management expertise. A favourable correlation was observed among effective risk management, institutional theory, supply chain procedures, and service delivery. This report provides essential information for policymakers to improve municipal supply chain risk management. Future research may investigate the impact of technology on mitigating risks such as non-compliance, corruption, and supplier failures, and also analyse the risk management frameworks among South African municipalities
Effectiveness of internal control systems: A case study of a TVET College in Vhembe District, Limpopo Province, South Africa
Get PDFThis study examined the efficacy of the internal control systems at a TVET College in the Vhembe district, emphasising the five essential components of an internal control system: the control environment, risk assessment, control activities, information and communication processes, and monitoring. This research utilises a sample of 52 permanent employees. The selected responders possess familiarity with internal control systems and are engaged in the development and execution of the organization\u27s internal control system. Descriptive statistics, including frequencies, percentages, and cumulative percentages, were employed for analysis. The study\u27s findings indicated that the institution\u27s control environment was predominantly effective, whilst the remaining four components of its internal control system were moderately effective. The researcher determined that the institution\u27s internal control system was moderately effective. The findings indicate that TVET College management should prioritise the enhancement of internal control systems to improve operational efficiency and risk management. The research emphasises the necessity for policies that fosters the ongoing enhancement of internal controls, potentially resulting in stronger governance and accountability inside the organisation
Social media usage determinants across demographic characteristics of mobile network users in Zimbabwe
Get PDFThe study sought to establish the primary determinants of social media usage among mobile network users in Zimbabwe, and how do these determinants vary across different demographic characteristics, including age, gender, education, income, and occupation. A descriptive research design was used in this study. A self-administered face-to-face personal survey was used to collect data from the consumers. The population in this study was made up of mobile consumers of the mobile network providers, Econet, NetOne, and Telecel in Harare Province, aged between 18 and 64 years. Convenience sampling technique, was used to select the mobile network consumers to participate in the study drawn from the three mobile operators. A sample of 384 respondents was chosen for the study. The result indicated that male respondents demonstrated a stronger perception of the effects of social media engagement on social media usage and truthfulness as a determinant of social media usage among the 18 to 25 age group and the 34 to 41 age group was different. Respondents with secondary education only demonstrated stronger perceptions of the effect of perceived usefulness on social media usage than degree holders’ respondents. Formally employed respondents had a stronger perception of the effects of social media influence on social media usage compared to students. The analysis of the study results further indicated that respondents who earned less than 3001- 4000. The study concluded that male consumers have a stronger perception of the effects of social media engagement on social media usage, the consumers in the 18 to 25 age group have stronger perceptions of truthfulness of information, holders of certificates have a stronger perception of the effects of cost effectiveness on social media usage and formally employed consumers have a stronger perception of the effects of social media influence on social media usage compared to students. Creation of social media content helps the mobile network operators to adapt, design and develop social media content specifically targeted to specific ages, gender, occupations, and income levels on social media sites. Mobile network operators can use the results of the study to choose a social media channel that speak to the right demographic consumers who visit their platforms
The effect of environmental social governance (ESG) performance, capital structure, and firm size on firm value mediated by profitability on ESG leaders index in IDX
Get PDFFirm value is a very important because the success of management in managing a firm is reflected in the firm value. With the uncertainty of global economic conditions in recent years, Companies have faced challenges in maintaining or increasing firm value. Companies must have a strategy in order to increase the firm value by paying attention to financial and non -financial factors. This study aims to test and analyze the effect of ESG performance, capital structure, firm size on firm value with profitability as a mediation variable. Sampling techniques in this study uses saturated sample because all populations included in the sample criteria that used in research as many as 15 companies listed in the ESG Leaders index for the 2020-2023 period. Research data analysis using multiple linear regression methods and path analysis with SPSS programs. The results showed that ESG\u27s performance, capital structure had a significant positive effect on firm value while firm size had a significant negative effect on the firm\u27s value. Profitability as a mediation variable could mediate the effect of ESG performance, capital structure, firm size on the firm value
Inflation dynamics and retail energy prices in Nigerian states
Get PDFThis study investigates the relationship between inflation dynamics and retail energy prices across Nigerian states. The paper utilizes LSDV and SYS-GMM techniques for the estimation of the static and dynamic panel models. The research disaggregates energy prices into PMS, AGO, HHK and Gas, with CPI as the dependent variable. State Revenue per capita income, representing demand-pull factor of inflation, is used to capture excess liquidity\u27s impact on inflation. Key findings reveal that PMS, AGO, and HHK have significant and distinct effects on inflation, with PMS and AGO driving the largest increases in CPI. Gas price also contribute to inflation, but its impact is moderated by a substitution effect, where consumers shift to gas in response to rising prices of HHK and other household cooking energy sources. This substitution effect reduces the inflationary pressure from gas, making its overall contribution to CPI less pronounced. Importantly, State Revenue per capita income is positively correlated with inflation, highlighting the role of federal transfers in exacerbating demand-pull inflation. For policymakers, these findings emphasize the importance of targeted interventions to stabilize energy prices, particularly PMS, AGO and federal transfers in shaping local economic dynamics and inflationary pressures. This targeted interventions to stabilize energy prices are vital for mitigating inflationary pressures in Nigerian states, as they account for regional economic differences, ensuring more effective and equitable economic stability across the country
Evaluating access to National Health Insurance Scheme Services: A case study of outpatient care at Levy Mwanawasa University Teaching Hospital in Lusaka, Zambia
Get PDFAccess to health insurance is vital for achieving Universal Health Coverage, yet barriers such as high costs, inadequate coverage, and systemic inefficiencies often impede access to necessary health care. This study evaluated access to the National Health Insurance Scheme-provided services among enrollees at the outpatient department (OPD) of Levy Mwanawasa University Teaching Hospital (LMUTH) in Lusaka, Zambia, chosen for its role as a pioneering NHIS-accredited facility and its significance as a major publicly funded referral hospital. Data were collected in May 2024 from 270 systematically sampled NHIS enrollees at the OPD of LMUTH using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Descriptive analysis revealed a balanced gender distribution, with most respondents aged 35 and above, married, holding tertiary education, and earning a monthly Zambian Kwacha (ZMW) of 20,000 or less. The thematic analysis using NVivo uncovered positive and negative experiences with NHIS services, highlighting issues such as medical service availability, drug shortages, service delays, technological problems, communication challenges, equity in service delivery, and coverage gaps. The key policy implications for improving access to NHIS services include enhancing supply chains, digital infrastructure, coverage to rural areas, staff training, public awareness of the NHIS, and information technology systems
Determinants of energy conservation behaviour in small hospitality firms: application of the extended value belief norm theory
Get PDFThe study aims to investigate the energy conservation behaviour of owners and managers of small hospitality firms by incorporating social norms into an extended Value-Belief-Norm (VBN) model. In addition, the study examines the mediating effects of causal chain of the VBN model in the context of energy conservation behaviour. The world faces serious environmental challenges such as loss of biodiversity, pollution, depletion of natural resources and global warming. One of the causes of these environmental challenges is the production and consumption of energy by households and firms. The hospitality sector uses a significant amount of energy in its operation leading to negative environmental impacts. Reducing energy use will improve environmental and financial sustainability of hospitality firms. Energy conservation behaviour is one of the significant ways to reduce energy consumption. The study adopts the survey method for data collection and the respondents are conveniently sampled. The Partial Least Square Structural Equation Modelling is used for data analysis. Based on a dataset of 360 respondents, the study finds that the extended VBM model that includes social norms is applicable in explaining the energy conservation behaviour of owners/managers of small hospitality firms. The mediating effects of the causal chain of the VBN model are significant. The theoretical implication is the applicability of an extended VBN model that includes social norms to predict energy conservation behaviour. Recommendations on how to improve energy conservation behaviour include improving the level of awareness of ecological problems caused by energy consumption.
The study aims to investigate the energy conservation behaviour of owners and managers of small hospitality firms by incorporating social norms into an extended Value-Belief-Norm (VBN) model. In addition, the study examines the mediating effects of causal chain of the VBN model in the context of energy conservation behaviour. The world faces serious environmental challenges such as loss of biodiversity, pollution, depletion of natural resources and global warming. One of the causes of these environmental challenges is the production and consumption of energy by households and firms. The hospitality sector uses a significant amount of energy in its operation leading to negative environmental impacts. Reducing energy use will improve environmental and financial sustainability of hospitality firms. Energy conservation behaviour is one of the significant ways to reduce energy consumption. The study adopts the survey method for data collection and the respondents are conveniently sampled. The Partial Least Square Structural Equation Modelling is used for data analysis. Based on a dataset of 360 respondents, the study finds that the extended VBM model that includes social norms is applicable in explaining the energy conservation behaviour of owners/managers of small hospitality firms. The mediating effects of the causal chain of the VBN model are significant. The theoretical implication is the applicability of an extended VBN model that includes social norms to predict energy conservation behaviour. Recommendations on how to improve energy conservation behaviour include improving the level of awareness of ecological problems caused by energy consumption
The role of social work intervention in promoting mental health and resilience in communities: Ubuntu perspective
Get PDFThe prevalence of mental health illness is on the rise throughout the world. Mental health is increasingly one of the most overwhelming conditions that has an effect on the social functioning of individuals and families within communities. Mental Health Care Act, No 17 of 2002 of the South African government provides for the protection of individuals and communities against mental health. Still, people continue to experience mental health problems at a high rate. Social workers have a fundamental role to play in improving mental health services and outcomes for communities. Social work services have the potential to improve the lives of people with mental health conditions and build resilience in individuals and families. Resilience is a critical technique that assists individuals to function properly despite the challenges they may have experienced. Research has shown that people with mental health problems struggle to return back to normality. This article aims to explore the roles of social work intervention in promoting mental health and resilience in communities. The study was conducted by analyzing research or studies related to mental health and resilience. The study carried out comprehensive desktop electronic research to gather data and themes from previous studies. The analysis showed that mental health is still a major concern, and social workers have an important role to play in building resilience for individuals and families
Employee motivation and its impact on employees’ productivity and efficiency: a study of Pick n Pay Pine Crest Mall, Pinetown
Get PDFManagement\u27s primary responsibilities encompass cultivating a more satisfying work environment for employees and synchronising employee motivation with organisational goals. These interconnected responsibilities are essential for organisational performance and employee welfare. This study utilised Pick n Pay Pine Crest Mall in Pinetown as a case study to investigate the impact of employee motivation on productivity and efficiency, as well as to discover the existing techniques employed by Pick n Pay to enhance employee motivation for enhanced productivity and efficiency. The study employed a qualitative methodology with an exploratory research design, utilising a non-probability quota sampling strategy to pick eleven respondents from a population of 144 employees. Open-ended interview questions were employed, and the data were analysed utilising NVivo 11 software. The results indicated that Pick n Pay management incentivises employees by providing efficient tools, fostering a conducive work environment, and offering monetary rewards or awards. The survey also identified shortcomings, including insufficient team-building activities, inadequate communication among staff, and discontent with existing compensation. To improve performance and cultivate a productive staff, it was advised that management revamp motivational strategies, prioritising respect, acknowledgement, and enhanced information distribution. Suggestions for improving staff enthusiasm, productivity, and efficiency at Pick n Pay Pine Crest Mall encompass improved feedback and communication, a clear career progression, extensive training programs, investment in team development, and the provision of competitive remuneration
Factors affecting time and cost in road construction projects at a South African municipality
Get PDFThe South African construction sector is confronted by significant obstacles, particularly concerning cost overruns and project delays within the road construction sphere. This research sought to investigate the factors impacting cost and duration in road construction projects under the purview of a KwaZulu-Natal municipality. A qualitative research approach was adopted to explore this phenomenon. A sample size of 27 participants was selected from a population of 171 for in-depth semi-structured interviews. Critical determinants of cost overruns and delays were identified as ineffective communication, suboptimal procurement processes, deficient stakeholder management, and shortcomings in project execution and personnel capabilities. This study offers valuable insights into the relationship between cost, time, and the successful delivery of road projects within the local government context. By illuminating these factors, the research contributes to a deeper theoretical understanding, informs evidence-based policy development, and provides actionable recommendations for enhancing project management practices