International Journal of Business Ecosystem & Strategy (2687-2293)
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The impact of the 4Ps marketing mix on Durban\u27s Micro and Small Enterprises
Full text linkIn the face of heightened global competition, micro and small enterprises (MSEs) in Durban, South Africa, face challenges such as limited resources and restricted market access, which hinder their ability to achieve sustained growth and profitability. This study aims to examine the influence of the 4Ps marketing mix on the performance of MSEs. A cross-sectional, descriptive study with a quantitative research design was employed. Data was collected from 217 MSEs using structured questionnaires, and the analysis was conducted with SPSS 29. Multiple regression analysis was used to examine the relationship between the 4Ps (product, price, promotion, place) and MSEs\u27 performance. The findings show that pricing decisions are a significant determinant of performance, while product diversity does not necessarily enhance business outcomes, emphasizing the importance of strategic product management. Promotional efforts, while positive, were statistically insignificant, indicating complexities in their impact. The relationship between physical location (place) and performance was weak, suggesting a need for MSEs to optimise distribution channels through omnichannel strategies. In conclusion, MSEs can improve performance by refining promotional strategies, leveraging pricing and optimising distribution networks. Further research is suggested to explore the generalizability of these findings across different industries and additional factors influencing marketing strategies
Empowering the next generation: the influence of self-efficacy on entrepreneurial motivation and behavior among African students
Full text linkEntrepreneurship is a fundamental driver of economic growth and innovation, particularly in emerging economies where youth unemployment remains a critical challenge. This study examines the role of self-efficacy in shaping entrepreneurial motivation and behaviour among students at Tshwane University of Technology (TUT), South Africa. Grounded in Bandura’s Social Cognitive Theory, this study integrates Ajzen’s Theory of Planned Behaviour and Becker’s Human Capital Theory to explore the link between self-efficacy, entrepreneurial intentions, and long-term business success. A qualitative research design was employed, involving in-depth interviews with purposively selected students enrolled in entrepreneurship programs. Thematic analysis was utilised to extract key themes related to self-efficacy, resilience, risk-taking behaviour, and socio-economic influences. The findings indicate that students with higher levels of self-efficacy demonstrate stronger entrepreneurial motivation, persistence, and proactive business engagement. The study further explores the role of mentorship programs, institutional support, and policy interventions in enhancing self-efficacy among young entrepreneurs. The research offers critical policy recommendations for higher education institutions, government bodies, and business incubators, advocating for structured entrepreneurship training, financial accessibility reforms, and mentorship-driven ecosystem development. The findings contribute to the growing body of literature on entrepreneurial self-efficacy in emerging markets and provide actionable strategies to foster an entrepreneurial mindset among university students
Towards ideal local governments in South Africa: harnessing the 4IR
Full text linkGovernments are diligently striving to attain sustainable development objectives. The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa 1996, in Chapter Two, section 27, states that “everyone has the right to health services, water, adequate food, and social security.” These constitutional obligations have established the archetypal local government, described as a governmental entity that upholds the principles of democracy, accountability, transparency, and inclusivity while effectively and efficiently addressing the needs and interests of its community. Nevertheless, the government encounters numerous obstacles in realising an optimal local governance structure. The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) is prompting the government to reevaluate its operations. This study aimed to examine how optimal local governance may be attained through the fourth industrial revolution, emphasising the role of citizens. The research employed technological determinism theory as its theoretical foundation. The study\u27s findings indicate that the Fourth Industrial Revolution enhanced citizen transparency, involvement, and participation in municipal government institutions. The Fourth Industrial Revolution facilitates the implementation of e-government systems to tackle existing developmental challenges. The primary challenge confronting South Africa is the lack of sufficient sustainable resources, encompassing digital illiteracy and inadequate infrastructure support. The report advocates for the critical necessity of investing in skill development and a telecommunications infrastructure that promotes openness and transparency within the socio-institutional aspect of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. The study provides a structured framework that enhances efficiency, transparency, and service delivery by addressing the challenges of digital transition. It retains contextual relevance to South African towns while drawing from worldwide best practices and delineates essential implementation processes, funding sources, and capacity-building activities for government workers. The findings contribute to the discourse on the modernisation of the public sector and digital governance
Unlocking the future: integrating data- driven business models for business sustainability
Full text linkThis paper examines the expanded function of business models in promoting organisational sustainability, emphasising their significant influence on strategic management and enduring environmental and economic viability. This study employs a comprehensive literature analysis to analyse data-driven business models and their congruence with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), emphasising the significance of technology, innovation, and sustainability in contemporary business practices. The results demonstrate that sustainable business models promote economic growth, responsible consumption, and industry innovation while also making substantial contributions to environmental stewardship. The study specifically examines the Sustainable Development Goals of Decent Work and Economic Growth (Goal 8), Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure (Goal 9), Responsible Consumption and Production (Goal 12), and Partnerships for the Goals (Goal 17). The study indicates that incorporating sustainability into business model innovation is essential for strategic success in the contemporary corporate environment. Sustainable business models are essential for organisations seeking to excel in environmental and social governance while ensuring economic success. This strategic integration revolutionises conventional business methods, guaranteeing that organisations not only endure but flourish by adjusting to global challenges and shifts in the economic environment
Linking academic advising and industry expectations: a study of management accounting students at Durban University of Technology, South Africa
Full text linkAcademic advising is essential in equipping students for their careers, particularly in specialized fields such as Management Accounting, where alignment with industry expectations is critical. This study investigates the effectiveness of academic advising in enhancing the career readiness of Management Accounting students at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) in South Africa. Employing a quantitative research approach, data was collected from 33 students through structured surveys, focusing on key components of advising, including skill development, job market insights, mentorship, and employability support. The findings reveal that academic advising plays a significant role in fostering students’ understanding of essential professional skills, career planning, and industry trends. Students expressed high satisfaction regarding advising related to course selection and resume preparation, achieving a mean score of 4.03 (SD = 0.810) for the impact of advising on skill development. However, lower mean scores in areas such as internship opportunities (3.61, SD = 1.223) and interview preparation (3.67, SD = 1.051) indicate existing gaps in connecting theoretical knowledge with practical work experience. Furthermore, the study identifies demographic variations in advising effectiveness, with Generation Z students showing a preference for digital career resources, while female students expressed the necessity for gender-sensitive career support. Although the study highlights the overall positive impact of academic advising, it emphasizes the need for enhancements to better align with industry expectations. Recommendations include incorporating experiential learning, strengthening mentorship programs, expanding digital advising resources, and fostering partnerships between industry and academia. These improvements will ensure that students not only excel in their academic pursuits but also transition smoothly into professional roles. The study contributes to the broader dialogue on higher education and employability by providing insights into the evolving role of academic advising in preparing graduates for the workforce
Demographic and business features of SMEs in Windhoek, Namibia: implications for bank financing and economic growth
Full text linkThis study examined the demographic and operational attributes of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Windhoek, Namibia, and their ramifications for bank funding. The study analysed a sample of 66 small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) owners and operators, focussing on gender, education, age, company experience, yearly income, sector type, and business registration status. Findings indicate a prevalence of female entrepreneurs, a well-educated business populace, and an emphasis on middle-aged business proprietors. The data indicates that although a considerable number of SMEs were in the nascent phases of operation, the majority of enterprises were registered with the Business and Intellectual Property Authority (BIPA). The findings highlighted the capacity of financial institutions (FIs) to offer customised assistance to SMEs, particularly in varied and non-traditional industries, to foster sustainable economic growth in Windhoek. The study finishes with recommendations for banks to enhance services and assess the funding requirements of these enterprises according to their distinct characteristics and challenge
The impact of entrepreneurship on South Africa’s economic development in the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR)
Full text linkThis desk research journal article explores the relationship between entrepreneurship and the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) in the context of South Africa. The study examines the challenges and opportunities faced by entrepreneurs in harnessing the potential of 4IR technologies and their impact on economic growth, job creation, and social development. Research shows that people are being laid off as a result of other industries collapsing since their services are no longer needed. The article highlights the government\u27s initiatives and policies to support entrepreneurial activities in the 4IR era. Through the analysis of existing literature and case studies, this article examines the challenges and opportunities faced by entrepreneurs in South Africa. Qualitatively, the study utilized secondary sources for data collection. The study concludes that Industry 4.0 can affect entrepreneurship in South Africa in the era of 4IR. The implications of entrepreneurs in the 4IR include concentrating on the characteristics of the techno-economic opportunities, creating entrepreneurship that reacts to intelligence, and creating a system that adapts to the knowledge of rapid change and manufacturing advancements
Achieving competitive advantage through business innovation and digitalization by South African small and medium-sized enterprises: A systematic literature review
Full text linkInnovation and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are associated with economic development and industrial revitalization. Innovation and digitalization have long been established as the primary contributors to improved business performance in SMEs, and digitalization is becoming increasingly regarded as enabling the transformation of business model and operational capabilities. However, South African SMEs face many challenges in adopting digitization and fostering innovation. This paper critically examines how South African SMEs can systematically leverage business innovation and digitalization to acquire sustainable competitive advantage. The study used a systematic literature review approach, focusing on literature published from 2019 through 2024. Through database analysis of academic literature and industry trends, the study aimed to discover the best practices, barriers, and the role of external partnerships in fostering innovation and digital transformation. The findings indicate that SMEs that emphasize innovation and digital technology improve their productivity and competitiveness. However, obstacles including a lack of funding, expertise, and restricted access to technology prevent many SMEs from reaching their full potential. To overcome these obstacles and promote a culture of ongoing innovation, cooperation with outside partners and emphasis on consumer interactions is crucial. This article contributes to innovation in the digital transformation landscape of SMEs by offering approaches and frameworks for South African SMEs to facilitate the adoption of innovation and digitization for sustainable competitive advantage. This addresses a core gap by guiding how to overcome barriers such as constraints of resources and focus on collaborative networks to drive digital and innovative growth
Leveraging digital transformation leadership and customer agility to enhance SME performance in the Riau Islands, Indonesia
Full text linkThis study investigates the impact of digital transformation leadership and customer agility on the performance of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the Riau Islands, Indonesia. SMEs are pivotal to economic growth, yet they often face challenges in adapting to rapidly changing market conditions. Employing a sustainable development theory framework, the research explores how effective leadership in digital transformation and an agile approach to customer engagement can drive better performance outcomes. Findings reveal that while customer agility does not significantly correlate with SME performance, strong digital transformation leadership and well-implemented digital strategies initiatives are play crucial roles in enhancing operational effectiveness and performance. Study result highlights the necessity for SMEs to focus on cultivating innovative leadership that embraces digitization and developing strategies that respond swiftly to evolving customer needs. This research underscores the importance of integrating digital practices as a core component of sustainability efforts within SMEs. Ultimately, embracing effective digital transformation leadership is essential for SMEs seeking to thrive in increasingly competitive environments. The study recommends that future research should examine additional factors that may influence the performance of SMEs, providing a broader understanding of the dynamics at work in this critical sector
Unlocking SME potential through digital platforms: insights from three African digital economies
Full text linkDigital platforms are reshaping the landscape for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) across Africa, offering innovative solutions to challenges in market access, financial inclusion, and operational efficiency. This study provides a comparative analysis of the role of digital platforms in supporting SME growth in Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa, three of the continent’s most digitally active economies. Drawing on secondary data from reputable sources, the research examines how mobile technologies, e-commerce, and fintech platforms influence SME outcomes in revenue, employment, and access to finance. The study further explores the enabling and constraining ecosystem conditions, such as digital infrastructure, literacy, and regulatory environments, that mediate platform effectiveness. The study shows that while all three countries exhibit measurable gains from platform adoption, the scale and sustainability of impact vary widely. Kenya shows significant advancement due to mobile-first innovation and proactive regulation. Nigeria demonstrates rapid but uneven progress shaped by informality and infrastructure gaps. South Africa benefits from advanced digital systems, yet faces persistent inclusion challenges in underserved communities. The study concludes with actionable policy recommendations to improve digital access, build inclusive ecosystems, and align national efforts with regional initiatives like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the African Union’s Digital Transformation Strateg