International Journal of Business Ecosystem & Strategy (2687-2293)
Not a member yet
466 research outputs found
Sort by
Digital transformation in South Africa\u27s agri-business sector: Opportunities and challenges
Get PDFDigital transformation is significantly reshaping the global agribusiness sector, with South Africa actively participating in this technological shift. This paper investigates the influence of digital technologies on enhancing productivity, sustainability, and competitiveness within South African agriculture. The adoption of innovations such as precision agriculture, artificial intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), and blockchain is increasingly viewed as essential for addressing challenges related to climate change, food insecurity, and economic instability. The study highlights the potential of digital transformation to improve supply chain transparency, expand market access, and strengthen risk management. However, it also acknowledges persistent obstacles to adoption. These include poor digital infrastructure in rural regions, high technology implementation costs, limited technical skills, and gaps in digital literacy, particularly among smallholder farmers. By drawing on literature reviews, policy analysis, and empirical case studies, the paper provides a balanced assessment of both opportunities and limitations associated with digital agriculture in the South African context. Findings reveal that while large commercial farms are increasingly utilizing digital tools, small-scale farmers face systemic barriers that limit their participation in the digital economy. As a result, the paper advocates for inclusive digital strategies and capacity-building programs aimed at closing the digital divide. It emphasizes that the success of digital transformation in South African agri-business depends heavily on coordinated efforts among government, industry players, and local farming communities to ensure broad-based access and equitable outcomes
Unveiling the efficacy of the SAPS’s approach to tackling contact crime in the Ethekwini district through crime statistics analysis
Get PDFIn South Africa, the effective use of crime statistics by the South African Police Service (SAPS) is essential for monitoring and addressing contact crimes, such as murder, sexual offenses, and robberies. The quarterly release of these statistics is crucial for understanding crime trends, especially in the eThekwini District of KwaZulu-Natal, where contact crimes have been on the rise. This study evaluates how effectively SAPS utilizes crime statistics to combat contact crimes in the eThekwini District, identifies gaps in their current approach, and recommends strategies for improvement. Using a qualitative research design, this study engaged 18 participants, including station commanders, members of the Crime Information Management Analysis Centre (CIMAC), Strategic Management officers, and chairpersons of Community Policing Forums (CPFs). Semi-structured one-on-one interviews were conducted at selected police stations in the eThekwini District to gather insights on their perspectives regarding the use of crime statistics. Thematic analysis was applied to the collected data, revealing recurring themes and patterns. The findings indicate that while SAPS utilizes crime statistics to develop strategies and operational plans, significant gaps exist in their effective application. Socio-economic conditions were identified as factors influencing crime rates, underscoring the complexity of the issue. Furthermore, although crime statistics are used to assess the performance of station commanders, there is a need to review the criteria for these evaluations to better reflect the multifaceted nature of crime. This study highlights the importance of improving the effectiveness of crime statistics as a tool for monitoring and addressing contact crimes in South Africa. It contributes to the ongoing discussion on crime prevention and policing strategies by offering insights into SAPS’s utilization of crime data. The research provides guidance for enhancing policing efforts in combating contact crimes and promoting safer communities. In conclusion, SAPS has the opportunity to refine its strategies and interventions to align more closely with international best practices in crime prevention and community safety
The interrelationship between unemployment and crime rates in South Africa: An evaluation of socioeconomic factors and policy implications
Get PDFUnemployment and crime are complex socio-economic problem in South Africa that attracts excessive attention from researchers because they are crucial issues worldwide. Since 1990, unemployment has been a problem, and this escalated after the end of apartheid. This occurred due to South Africa’s economic struggles with low growth. Long-term unemployment is linked to frustration, alienation, and breakdowns in social cohesion, primary in poorer communities. This social strain fosters criminal behaviour largely because such individuals exert power or generate much-needed cash from these illegal activities. By virtue of the lack of formal avenues of employment, these people are thus easily recruited through criminal networks or gangs that offer money and social identity for illegal activities. This study aims to evaluate and analyse the impact of unemployment in instigating crime in South Africa. The problem the researcher is addressing results from the alarming increase in youth unemployment and its assumed link to criminal activities, especially in underdeveloped or rural areas in South Africa. The study adopted a mixed research methods approach. A purposive sampling and cluster sampling were used to select participants. The researchers used semi-structured interviews and questionnaires to collect data. Qualitative data was analysed using thematic analysis and quantitative data was analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). It is envisaged that findings of this study may be used in the design and implementation of strategies and programmes to reduce unemployment and crime in South Africa. Further, the researcher makes some recommendations pertaining to addressing and reducing the high rate of youth unemployment and crime
Predictors of effective management of doctoral programmes in Nigerian universities
Get PDFThe doctoral programme is an educational programme put in place to earn the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D). A criterion for assessing the successful administration of doctoral degrees in universities is the timely completion of the programme. Research indicates that several Ph.D. candidates at Nigerian universities fail to finish their programmes within the anticipated five-year timeframe. This research examined the determinants of efficient administration of PhD programmes in universities in southern Nigeria. A sample of 528 respondents (PhD students, supervisors and coordinators) was drawn from the University of Ibadan 305, Olabisi Onabanjo University 38, Ekiti State University 50 and the University of Lagos 135. Two questionnaires titled “Effective Management of Doctoral Programme Questionnaire” (EMDPQ r=0.83) and “Predictors of Effective Management of Ph.D Questionnaire” (PEMPQ r=0.82) were used to collect data. Multiple regression analysis was used to test two null hypotheses at the significance level of 0.05. The research found that the successful administration of PhD programs in institutions in southwest Nigeria was significantly influenced by student, supervisory, and institutional variables (F(3;461) =25.973, Adj. R2=0.13), accounting for 13% of its variance. It was also shown that institutional (? = 0.277, t = 2.892, p < 0.05) and student-related (? = 0.275, t = 2.425, p < 0.05) factors are more powerful predictors of effective management of doctoral programmes than supervisory variables. The findings indicated that to improve the effective management of doctoral programmes in universities in southwest Nigeria, stakeholders should prioritise collaboration on student, supervisory, and institutional factors
Factors influencing corporate environmental reporting amongst mining companies in developing countries.
Get PDFThe study sought to investigate the factors influencing environmental reporting in developing countries. This has been necessited by the inconsistances and non compliant to regulations and laws of environmental reporting among the developing countries. Through examining the factors that influence environmental reporting the study hope to establish context based solutions to the challenge of environmental reporting. The study used a quantitative research method and factor analysis to establish the factors influencing environmental reporting. It was discovered that there are seven key factors influencing environmental reporting among Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries. These factors are: regulatory drivers, risk management drivers, market drivers, management influence drivers, strategic communication drivers, value creation drivers and legitimacy drivers. The study also revealed that there are several sub-factors that influencing environmental reporting under each key factor identified. The study concluded that environmental reporting influenced by the seven key factors. The study recommends that SADC sought for in-depth understanding of factors influencing environmental reporting. This is because understanding of the factors affecting environmental reporting is essential for the formulation and reporting that that satisfies stakeholders\u27 requirements
A discussion paper on international taxation and the allocation of taxing rights in Africa: challenges and opportunities
Get PDFThis paper examines the current international taxation framework and its implications for African economies. The analysis highlights the economic consequences of the existing allocation of taxing rights, which often results in reduced revenue generation and exacerbated economic inequalities. The paper underscores the critical roles played by the African Union (AU) and the African Tax Administration Forum (ATAF) in advocating for fairer taxing rights for African countries. It also delves into potential technological and administrative solutions to enhance tax collection efficiency and effectiveness. A qualitative systematic literature review approach was adopted in the study. The findings reveal that the current allocation of taxing rights disproportionately favours residence countries, hindering African nation\u27s ability to generate adequate tax revenues. This, in turn, impedes investments in essential public services and infrastructure. The paper emphasises the importance of equitable tax reforms, advocating for a reallocation of taxing rights that ensures a fairer distribution of tax revenues. Strengthening the capacities of tax administrations and investing in advanced technology for tax collection are also identified as crucial steps to improve the efficiency and fairness of the tax system. Key recommendations for policymakers include actively participating in international tax reform initiatives, advocating for source-based taxation, and fostering regional co-operation to enhance tax governance. Specific policy reforms suggested include implementing digital services taxes, enforcing anti-avoidance rules, and improving transfer pricing regulations. The paper concludes by calling for further research on the impact of specific tax policy reforms, the effectiveness of technological solutions, and the role of regional bodies in promoting equitable tax practices. These insights aim to contribute to the ongoing discourse on international taxation and support sustainable economic development in Africa
Unveiling the hidden epidemic: substance abuse and mental health concerns among high school learners in Mopani District in Limpopo Province
Get PDFSubstance abuse and mental health concerns are growing issues among high school learners in South Africa. The study aims to investigate the prevalence, correlations and consequences of substance abuse and mental health concerns in Limpopo province. The study draws on Denise Kandal\u27s theory of Gateway to understand and explain the progression of substance use and abuse among youth being high school learners and identify at-risk individuals as well as develop targeted prevention programs. The study adopted a qualitative case-study research design involving Five learners from Grade 10 as participants. The findings of the study revealed that 62,3% reported substance use, with alcohol and cannabis being the most used substances. Additionally, less than 50% of learners are screened positive for mental health concerns, including depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation. Notably, substance abuse was found to be significantly associated with mental health. The findings highlight the need for integrated prevention and intervention strategies addressing both substance abuse and mental health concerns in high schools. The study contributes to the understanding of co-occurring substance abuse and mental health concerns among high schools in South Africa. The findings emphasized the need for a comprehensive support system to address the issues and promote learner’s well-being
How a coffee shop increases the welfare of societies through ecosystem orchestration: : A dynamic capabilities perspective
Get PDFThis research analyses how a service firm develops an ecosystem and serves as the orchestrator. A unique coffee shop in a mountainous area was used as the subject because it has abundant resources to become an orchestrator and various distinctive traits. A single case study design was selected to enable researchers to analyse depth and rich data, covering all participants within the ecosystem. Using a holistic case study design enables investigators to explore complex interplays of ecosystem participants. This study demonstrates that a firm uses elements of dynamic capabilities to manage the evolving process of ecosystem dynamics, starting from the initial formation of the ecosystem to the maturity stage. Our analysis identifies what derivative capabilities can be created from each element of dynamic capabilities and how these derivative capabilities are employed for developing and managing partners involved in the ecosystem. This study establishes a contribution by examining a coffee shop, representing a small service firm, and its evolution into an ecosystem orchestrator role - an under-explored setting in prevailing orchestration literature concentrated on large platform corporations. Single case studies are often criticized because their generalizability is thin and their findings are narrow. However, this weakness has led to the advantage of presenting insights in detail and depth
Exploring youth entrepreneurial cognition: opportunities and challenges in the South African context
Get PDFThe increasing unemployment rates in South Africa and other parts of the continent underscore the critical importance of youth involvement in entrepreneurship to sustain the economy and enhance living standards. Despite this, youth participation in entrepreneurship remains low. This study aimed to investigate the entrepreneurial cognition of opportunities and challenges among the youth in the South African context. Exploratory design using a qualitative research approach, focusing on a cross-sectional data collection method through structured online interviews was employed. A sample of twelve South African youth. The findings show that engagement in entrepreneurial activities remains limited due to significant cognitive challenges which stem from historical inequalities that have marginalized many from economic participation and from present systems that are less supportive of the youth. The study recommends promoting an entrepreneurial mindset focused on seizing opportunities and overcoming historical constraints to stimulate start-up creation and reduce unemployment
Evaluation of multifaceted holistic measures and strategies for combating cash-in-transit heists in South Africa
Get PDFIn recent years, South Africa has witnessed a rise in diverse criminal activities, including violent crime, armed robbery, domestic violence, rape, heists, murder, drug abuse, theft, organised crime, cybercrime, social media offences, gangsterism, ritual killings, cultism, smuggling, the import and sale of contraband, and human and drug trafficking. Enhancing the abilities and competencies of criminal justice officials responsible for preventing, reducing, investigating, and prosecuting crime is crucial for achieving success in the fight against crime. This study seeks to discover comprehensive tools and techniques to reduce cash-in-transit robbery thefts in South Africa. A mixed-method approach was employed for data collecting, integrating qualitative and quantitative methodologies, such as interviews and questionnaires. Findings indicated alarming escalations in violent crime and cash-in-transit heists in South Africa. Technological improvements and inventions have led to an increase in sophisticated criminal activities both in South Africa and elsewhere. Cash-in-transit crime adversely impacts the nation\u27s economy, leading to significant financial losses for institutions and resulting in numerous fatalities. It is essential to analyse the root causes of cash-in-transit crimes to implement preventive measures; hence, enhancing the capacity of police, law enforcement, and private security personnel to collect and utilise intelligence is necessary for the prevention and reduction of cash-in-transit robberies. Intelligence-led policing techniques should be implemented to target criminals and mitigate cash-in-transit crime in South African communities, as well as to prosecute offenders. Moreover, the implementation of multifaceted and holistic strategies, including spatial and crime mapping, focused deterrence, the prediction of prolific offenders, the identification and targeting of repeat offenders, crime intelligence, community intelligence, and inter-agency collaboration, is essential for an expedited response to crime incidents, as well as for the prevention and reduction of crime, investigation, prosecution, and sentencing of cash-in-transit heist offenders. It is essential for the criminal justice system, law enforcement, and security agencies to adopt intelligence-driven community policing, a holistic approach that prioritises the identification and prevention of habitual offenders, focussing on groups that pose a threat to the community. It utilises community intelligence in conjunction with other intelligence-driven policing techniques and approaches to combat crime and criminal activities