International Journal of Research in Business and Social Science (2147- 4478)
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South African unemployment and economic growth: A disaggregated analysis by education attainment
Full text linkThis study examines the correlation between unemployment and economic growth in South Africa through a disaggregated analysis focused on educational attainment. Grounded in the Solow growth model and human capital theory, the research utilises annual time-series data from 1994 to 2022, obtained from the World Bank Indicators. Economic growth is represented by GDP growth, labour is indicated by unemployment rates categorised by advanced, intermediate, and basic education levels, and capital is measured by gross fixed capital creation. The Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) framework is utilised after conducting unit root and bounds tests, which validate the existence of long-run cointegration. The findings reveal a negative and statistically significant long-term association between economic growth and unemployment for those with basic and intermediate education, but unemployment among those with advanced education shows a negative but minor influence. Investment consistently demonstrates a favourable and substantial effect on growth. The findings emphasise structural unemployment and skills mismatches, highlighting the necessity for enhanced alignment between educational systems and labour market requirements to foster inclusive and sustainable economic growth in South Africa
The role of artificial intelligence in enhancing supply chain performance: Insights from Tanzania brewery companies
Full text linkThis study was deliberately designed to empirically examine how Artificial Intelligence (AI) enhances supply chain performance within Tanzanian brewery companies, addressing a critical gap between global theoretical potential and local practical realities. Using a mixed-methods, embedded single-case study approach, data were collected from 86 participants at Tanzania Breweries Limited (TBL) through questionnaires, semi-structured interviews, and focus group discussions. The findings revealed a fragmented yet influential adoption landscape, where tools like predictive analytics and machine learning significantly boosted service quality and certain efficiency measures; however, these benefits were notably limited by organizational resistance, weak data governance, and major external infrastructural barriers. As an original contribution, this study offers fresh, context-specific insights into the socio-technical dynamics of AI adoption in a lesser-studied Tanzanian industrial setting. Practically, managers are urged to prioritize core investments in change management and data integrity, while socially, effective integration can promote market stability and skills growth, contributing to wider socioeconomic progress. In conclusion, the study emphasizes that AI’s transformative promise is not assured by technology alone but depends on strong internal capacity and a supportive external environment. A noted limitation is the single-case focus, which may restrict generalization across other industries. Therefore, it is recommended that firms adopt a phased implementation strategy grounded in solid data governance and pilot projects, while fostering public-private partnerships to address the broader external challenges slowing digital transformation
Navigating catastrophic risks: A comparative study of predictive models for vehicle insurance pricing in South Africa
Full text linkThe South African insurance industry faces pricing challenges due to increasing catastrophic events driven by climate change and socio-economic uncertainties. The purpose is to find the best practices for vehicle pricing in South Africa. Five leading predictive models: Generalised Linear Models, Random Forest, XGBoost, Gradient Boosting Regressor, and Artificial Neural Networks are compared for estimating motor insurance premiums under normal and optimised conditions. Furthermore, analyses of catastrophic risk distribution are conducted. Results indicate that machine learning techniques, particularly XGBoost, achieve superior predictive accuracy under optimised conditions, along with the lowest RMSE and MAE. Traditional models like GLM ensure interpretability and regulatory compliance but struggle with non-linear complexities. However, integrating GLM with XGBoost enhances predictive performance. XGBoost is superior and GLM highly complies with the regulations. Gauteng is susceptible to malicious damage, KwaZulu-Natal is mostly exposed to floods and storms, and Western Cape is more vulnerable to droughts and earthquakes. These insights highlight the necessity of adaptive, data-driven risk management tailored to regional vulnerabilities. This research contributes to advancements in insurance pricing methodologies, offering actionable insights for policy development, disaster preparedness, and resilience-building strategies to address South Africa’s evolving risk landscape
Silence in the virtual classroom: A reflective, collaborative response to student passivity
Full text linkThis study critically examines an educator’s response to student passivity and reduced engagement in online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic, drawing on collaborative action research conducted with a team of module facilitators. The sudden shift to remote instruction introduced significant pedagogical challenges, particularly in under-resourced higher education institutions in South Africa, where digital access limitations and reduced student participation negatively impacted learning outcomes. Using a retrospective collaborative autoethnographic approach, the study reflects teaching practices during this period, highlighting the complexities of encouraging active participation in virtual environments. Based on observed data, the analysis questions the effectiveness of targeted interventions—including structured peer interaction, real-time feedback, and personalised check-ins—aimed at increasing student engagement and reducing disengagement. Through repeated cycles of reflection and adaptation, the educator emphasises the importance of collegial collaboration in improving online teaching methods. The findings deepen understanding of engagement patterns in remote learning and offer practical insights for improving pedagogical responsiveness in resource-limited settings
The impact of Covid-19 on leadership and occupational health in remote work environments
Full text linkGiven the COVID-19 pandemic and the development of remote work, this conceptual study proposes integrating OHS leadership competences into responsible leadership education. This study teaches executives how to enhance employee well-being in distributed work contexts to help achieve UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). PRISMA was used to conduct a systematic literature review for transparency and rigour. The review used Web of Science, Scopus, and Sabinet scholarly sources. Qualitative thematic analysis with Atlas.ti identified key themes and research gaps in occupational health and safety, responsible leadership, and remote work. Leadership education and responsible leadership are linked to sustainable development and organisational sustainability. Leadership education still lacks occupational health and safety standards, especially for remote and hybrid work contexts exacerbated by the COVID-19 epidemic. Socio-economic vulnerabilities, violence, and climate change increase occupational risks and health inequities in Africa, highlighting this shortcoming. The suggested approach focusses adapting leadership education to remote work dynamics and including occupational health and safety competences. Online adult education is growing rapidly, offering a chance to adapt leadership development to Africa\u27s socio-cultural and economic conditions. The framework helps train leaders who safeguard health, promote ethical governance, and boost worker resilience in emerging workplaces.This study introduces a new interdisciplinary paradigm that merges leadership education and occupational health, a neglected area of research. In the post-COVID-19 setting, OHS leadership is vital to responsible leadership education, filling a vacuum in scholarship and practice. The framework helps educators, legislators, and leaders create safer, fairer, and more sustainable workplaces
Legal and regulatory issues of Islamic finance in Ethiopia
Full text linkThe study examines concerns regarding Islamic finance legislation in Ethiopia. Using a qualitative method, the study investigated the current legal and regulatory frameworks regarding Islamic finance and the challenges facing Islamic financial institutions in the country. In the study we conducted semi-structured interviews with 23 respondents, including executives, boards of directors, regulators, managers, shariah board members, and legal scholars familiar with the country\u27s laws. The study\u27s findings indicate an urgent necessity for an inclusive and robust legal structure specifically designed for the unique characteristics of Islamic financing. Enhanced supervisory oversight is essential for ensuring adherence to Sharia principles. Furthermore, the research findings demonstrate how important it is to set up a separate supervisory body within the National Bank of Ethiopia to keep an eye on Islamic financial institutions. Lastly, the study highlights the significance of having qualified professionals and Sharia scholars in Islamic financing. Integrating Islamic finance education into universities can enhance capacity-building for regulators, scholars, and finance professionals
Nurturing entrepreneurial skills and mindsets: the imperative role of higher education
Full text linkEntrepreneurship has become a vital force for economic development and innovation in the 21st century. Higher education institutions are pivotal in preparing students to succeed in this dynamic landscape by nurturing entrepreneurial skills and mindsets. This systematically reviewed the 23 empirical studies from databases between 2014 and 2024 to explore the imperative role of higher education in fostering entrepreneurship. It examines the evolving demands of the global economy, emphasising the need for individuals equipped with the creativity, resilience, and adaptability characteristic of successful entrepreneurs. The research findings highlight the pivotal role of higher education in fostering entrepreneurial skills and mindsets. Key findings include adopting interdisciplinary curriculum design and integrating business, technology, and creative fields to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of entrepreneurship. The findings reveal that Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) are critical in promoting entrepreneurial skills and mindsets. They can achieve this by driving entrepreneurial growth, providing practical learning opportunities, promoting cross-disciplinary and collaborative learning, and addressing challenges in entrepreneurship education. To fully realise this potential, a comprehensive approach is needed, including changes to the curriculum, development of academics, institutional support, and community involvement. This will enable HEIs to produce competent, knowledgeable graduates who drive innovation and economic development. Experiential learning opportunities such as internships and startup incubators significantly nurture entrepreneurial mindsets by offering real-world experiences and enhancing problem-solving skills. The study emphasises the importance of entrepreneurial ecosystems within higher education institutions, promoting collaboration and innovation through partnerships with various stakeholders
Evaluating AEO in facilitating trade and improving compliance
Full text linkThis study’s objectives were to assess the extent the AEO programme contributed to improved customs tax compliance among participating businesses and how the AEO programme has affected trade facilitation in South Africa. A mixed-method research approach was used, combining qualitative and quantitative data from a survey. The sample size was 22, selected through purposive stratified sampling, including 1 tax lecturer from the University of KwaZulu-Natal and 21 middle management employees from the South African tax administrator’s AEO department. Key informants reported that the AEO programme has enhanced compliance rates through the implementation of improvement initiatives, the establishment of partnerships, and support for non-compliant applicants. The AEO programme is a voluntary initiative created by the World Customs Organisation in order to ensure compliance and facilitate trade. The programme enhances trade by offering dedicated support through CRM teams, streamlining business operations, and ensuring the swift release of goods
Exploring the interplay among consumers’ actual use of e-wallets, financial inclusion, and taxation
Full text linkWith the emerging use of financial services on e-wallets and the recent growing interest by revenue authorities in levying taxes on digital services in the Philippines, this study primarily aims to determine the factors leading to the actual use of e-wallets, its contribution to the financial inclusion, and to explore the moderation effect of taxation on their relationship. Quadratic regression and moderation analyses were employed to analyze the relationships among the variables of interest. Results show that most predictors have positive relationships, while facilitating conditions manifest a negative relationship with behavioral intention. Furthermore, while results present a positive relationship between behavioral intention and actual use, this study exhibits a significant but slight negative impact of actual use on financial inclusion. It may appear counterintuitive, as e-wallets are generally believed to promote financial inclusion. However, some barriers should be addressed to reverse and maximize the positive potential of using e-wallets for a more financially inclusive society. Lastly, the interaction term between actual use and taxation reveals a positive coefficient, suggesting that individual negative effects of actual use and taxation on financial inclusion are mitigated when they occur together. An effective whole-of-economy approach that enhances financial inclusion among consumers must be promoted
Disclosure determinants in corporate reporting: Testing the significance of financial and pension variables
Full text linkThis study investigates the impact of financial and pension factors, including funding ratios, pension accounting modifications, and anticipated future cash flows, on disclosure practices in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). Although previous studies have provided significant insights into the correlation among pension variables, corporate attributes, and disclosure levels, empirical information in IFRS jurisdictions is still few. To rectify this deficiency, we examine the factors influencing key actuarial estimate (CAE) disclosures and the actual variations in discount rates and anticipated asset returns, utilising panel data from 173 German companies (DAX, MDAX, SDAX), encompassing 1,057 and 1,352 firm-year observations, respectively. Employing the deferred remuneration theory as a framework, the findings reveal that greater firm size and regulatory status enhance the sensitivity of discount rates and anticipated returns, whereas extensive litigation disclosures diminish both. Profitability is positively correlated with sensitivity, whereas a weaker financed status exerts a mitigating influence. The correlations are most robust and consistent among DAX and MDAX companies, but less so among SDAX companies. The model exhibits a high overall fit, with R² values between 0.38 and 0.72. The results indicate that management of larger, regulated enterprises must be particularly vigilant about the formulation and dissemination of pension-related assumptions, as disclosure decisions can significantly affect market reactions. This study enhances comprehension of the factors and implications of pension assumption disclosures by presenting comparative evidence from significant German indices, thereby proposing practical recommendations for company policy and regulatory supervision. This work theoretically expands the deferred remuneration theory (DRT) by illustrating that the intensity and orientation of compensation–disclosure interactions differ systematically based on firm size, governance structure, and financial attributes. This indicates that the amount and direction of the relationship between remuneration and disclosure are not consistent, contrary to DRT\u27s assumption. Instead, they exhibit consistent variation based on firm size, governance frameworks, and critical financial performance metrics