International Journal of Business Ecosystem & Strategy (2687-2293)
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The impact of work-life balance on job satisfaction and organisational commitment in higher education in KwaZulu-Natal
Get PDFThis paper investigates how work-life balance affects job satisfaction and organisational commitment among academic and non-academic personnel in higher education institutions in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Increasingly, in recent years, institutional pressures and professional expectations have come under fire for their influence on the well-being and motivation of university staff members. Though work-life balance affects job happiness and organisational commitment in the higher education sector concurrently, few empirical research in South Africa have looked at this in light of the worldwide movement towards employee health. Rooted on the interpretivist paradigm, this study uses a qualitative, descriptive approach. Ten academic and administrative staff members at the Richfield Institute of Graduates were interviewed semi-structured to gather data. Long working hours, administrative pressure, and lack of personal time were identified by the study to harm worker satisfaction and impair organisational commitment. Many of those who answered said they felt emotional tiredness and work-related stress, which led to lower motivation and performance. Employees showed more job satisfaction and greater emotional connection to the company where institutions encouraged flexible work policies, management assistance, and team-oriented workplace cultures. The research shows that a good work-life balance increases general well-being among employees as well as more organisational loyalty and drive. It advises universities to adopt unambiguous rules and support systems meant to enhance staff work-life integration. Inclusive settings that assist personnel holistically help to sustain human resource practices and improve institutional performance. This study adds to the larger conversation on human resource management in academia and provides useful ideas for university administrators, legislators, and HR experts trying to promote better working conditions in South Africa\u27s higher education scene
Exploring the impact of bookkeeping and financial literacy on the performance of small businesses in Alice
Get PDFSmall, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) are the foundation of South Africa\u27s economy, driving job creation, innovation, and local economic growth. However, these businesses frequently face challenges in critical areas such as bookkeeping and financial literacy, which have a direct impact on operational performance and sustainability. Limited financial knowledge and inadequate record-keeping practices have long been issues for Alice\u27s SMMEs, posing significant challenges to effective financial management. These gaps in financial literacy and bookkeeping make it difficult for SMMEs to manage cash flow, make informed decisions, and plan for growth, limiting their ability to fully contribute to the local economy. Addressing these challenges has become critical for SMMEs, as improved financial management practices are required for success and resilience in a competitive market. The study\u27s exploring the impact of bookkeeping and financial literacy on the performance of SMMEs in the context of Alice. Data was collected qualitatively through in-depth interviews with 15 SMME operators and analysed thematically to gain a thorough understanding of their experiences and practices. The findings show that both accurate bookkeeping and financial literacy improve business performance, allowing owners to make data-driven decisions, avoid cash flow issues, and lay the groundwork for future growth. Those who fall short in these areas suffer from financial mismanagement, which harms their businesses. Despite the challenges, the study identified strategies implemented by SMMEs owners to improve both bookkeeping and financial literacy such as digital bookkeeping tools, external financial advisory support, and collaborative financial management across teams. Finding from this study are crucial for enhancing SMMEs’ operational performance and fostering economic resilience within South Africa\u27s competitive market
Leveraging HR analytics for data-driven business decisions: a strategic approach for SMMEs
Get PDFIn the rapidly evolving landscape of contemporary business, Small, Medium and Micro enterprises (SMMEs) must adopt intelligent and strategic approaches to maintain their competitive edge. A significant method for achieving this is using Human Resource (HR) analytics, which enables organisations to make informed decisions based on data insights. By examining workforce patterns, companies can enhance recruitment processes, retain high-performing employees, and increase productivity. Nevertheless, numerous SMMEs face challenges in fully integrating HR analytics due to limited resources, insufficient expertise, and resistance to change, which complicates effective workforce management. This paper investigates how HR analytics can empower SMMEs to make informed, data-driven choices that fortify their operations. It aligns with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 8, which advocates for sustainable economic growth, productive employment, and decent work for all individuals. Through a systematic review of existing literature, this study assesses the advantages, obstacles, and best practices associated with implementing HR analytics in smaller enterprises. The results indicate that HR analytics can revolutionise personnel management within SMMEs, facilitating processes from selecting suitable candidates to forecasting employee turnover and enhancing overall workplace productivity. It offers actionable recommendations for SMMEs to adopt HR analytics, including using cost-effective digital tools, fostering a data-centric organisational culture, and investing in employee development
Relationships between corporate governance principles and performance in state entities of a developing country
Get PDFThe conception of corporate governance practices remains a challenge across state entities in developing countries including South Africa. Corporate governance principles such as accountability, responsibility, reliability, ethical standards are core elements of effective and quality performance that spurs quality delivery of primary services. Positivism strategy aided by quantitative primary data was applied. Empirical data was collected through the administration of questionnaires to geographically dispersed 106 participants who were randomly and purposively selected. The authors used a structured questionnaires aided by quantitatively analyses through the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25.0. Key findings on this paper revealed that all the corporate governance principles contribute to entity’s performance. However, “fairness” largely contributes more to the level of performance. The study recommends policy makers and consultants need to embark on awareness campaigns through educational programmes.
Moodle use in South African distance education: A UTAUT-3 – based exploration on student and lecturer perspective
Get PDFDuring the COVID-19 pandemic countries all over the world underwent hard lockdowns that limited face-to-face contact in everyday aspects of our lives. Higher Education Providers responded to ensure that education was accessible via online platforms to allow students to continue their studies during the pandemic. Due to this Learning Management Systems (LMSs) were no longer merely used for uploading or downloading content and instead was used for completing online courses including submitting assignments, conducting examinations and lectures. Thus, using an LMS became the only means of survival for many educational intuitions during the pandemic. The study used the qualitative method for collecting and analyzing data by conducting one on one interviews via MS Teams. The objective of the study was to explore which functionalities of Moodle were used for e-learning in a learning journey at a Private Distance Higher Education Institution in a COVID-19 environment and why. Based on this objective, the following research question was posed: Which functionalities of Moodle do lecturers and students use when using Moodle for e-learning in a learning journey and what are the reasons for their choice? The results revealed that despite having multiple functionalities available only limited functionalities were used by both lecturers and students. It was identified that usage on Moodle was motivated by UTAUT-3 constructs such as Performance Expectancy, Effort Expectancy, Hedonic Motivation and Facilitating Conditions. The research further revealed that students and lecturers may not have understood how to use all the functionalities available hence usage was limited
The pitfalls of corporate governance in conflict: insights from the Anglophone Crisis in Cameroon
Get PDFThe Anglophone Crisis in Cameroon exemplifies the severe consequences of governance failures in managing historical grievances and socio-political diversity in a postcolonial African state. Rooted in colonial legacies and intensified by centralized governance, systemic corruption, and political exclusion, the conflict reflects the state’s failure to constructively address calls for equity, recognition, and reform. This paper argues that the government’s coercive responses to legitimate corporate revendications, particularly in education, legal systems, and regional autonomy, have eroded trust and escalated tensions, resulting in entrenched conflict and humanitarian distress. Multinational corporations operating in resource-rich Anglophone regions have further contributed to instability by prioritizing profit over social responsibility, deepening socio-economic inequalities and environmental harm. Drawing on recent academic research and policy analysis, the article examines how political centralization, elite-driven economic governance, and shrinking civic space have prolonged the crisis. It affirms the urgent need for decentralization, inclusive governance, and corporate accountability while highlighting the role of local agency and participatory peacebuilding. Situated within broader discourses on governance in conflict-affected settings, the paper offers practical insights for policymakers, corporate actors, and civil society. It concludes with targeted recommendations to promote transparency, equitable development, and inclusive dialogue as foundations for sustainable peace in Cameroon and similarly divided societies.
This study synthesizes insights from recent academic research and policy analyses to explore how governance failures, both political and corporate, have exacerbated the crisis. It argues for the urgent need for decentralised governance frameworks, corporate accountability mechanisms, and inclusive conflict resolution approaches that prioritize local agency and stakeholder participation. Situating the Anglophone Crisis within broader discussions of governance in fragile and conflict-affected contexts, the article offers valuable lessons for policymakers, corporations, and civil society actors committed to preventing similar conflicts. It concludes by outlining targeted recommendations focused on fostering meaningful dialogue, ensuring transparency in governance practices, enhancing corporate social responsibility, and building robust accountability frameworks to sustainably address grievances and promote enduring peace in Cameroon and comparable settings
Integrating real time audits in legislative oversight during times of crisis: a public finance accountability approach for Zimbabwe
Get PDFThe implementation of lockdown measures by the government of Zimbabwe in response to the health emergency triggered by COVID-19 resulted in the adoption of emergency fiscal measures comprising supplementary budgets, budget reprioritisations and use of contingency reserves to support the economy and procure personal protective equipment (PPEs). However, the suspension of budget and procurement oversight by the Parliament of Zimbabwe – which was unable to function due to lockdown directives, and the reliance on performance auditing (post-audits) by Supreme Audit Institutions created a fiscal oversight vacuum. The reliance on performance auditing - audit action taken after the expenditure period has been completed, by the Auditor General of Zimbabwe resulted in unaccountable emergency spending and public procurement which led to widespread corruption. Using systematic review results from a Doctoral study, this study seeks to synthesise best practice lessons from countries that managed to use Real Time Audits (RTAs) to enforce real-time fiscal accountability during COVID-19. The analysis then provides a framework upon which the Auditor General’s office and Parliament can integrate their process through RTAs to institutionalise real time oversight on public expenditure during a national emergency. For RTAs to become part of Zimbabwe’s legislative oversight framework during emergencies, the review results underlined the importance of a review of the parliamentary oversight system, review of public finance and audit legislation, codification of emergency oversight instruments and citizen oversight
Analysing the efficiency of computer-assisted audit tools and techniques within the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality
No full textThis research investigates Computer-Assisted Audit Techniques (CAATTs) within the Internal Audit Unit at the City of Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality (EMM). The study explores the extent to which CAATTs are utilized, the challenges faced in their implementation, and their impact on the efficiency and effectiveness of internal audits. Data was collected through a mixed-methods approach, including surveys and interviews with internal auditors. The findings reveal that while CAATTs, primarily TeamMate, are increasingly being used to automate audit processes, their adoption is hindered by limited access, insufficient training, and high costs. Despite these challenges, CAATTs have been shown to improve audit accuracy and efficiency, contributing to more timely and reliable audit outcomes. The study highlights the need for enhanced IT infrastructure, greater executive support, and comprehensive training to optimize the use of CAATTs. Based on these findings, the research provides several recommendations, including expanding the use of diverse CAATTs, investing in IT support, and fostering a culture of innovation to maximize the benefits of these technologies in internal auditing. This study contributes to the growing body of knowledge on CAATTs and offers practical insights for municipal internal audit units seeking to enhance their audit capabilities through technology
Population growth and unemployment in South Africa: A 24-Year analysis
Get PDFThis study explores the nexus between population growth and unemployment in South Africa from 2000 to 2023, a period marked by significant demographic changes and economic challenges. South Africa has experienced rising unemployment alongside rapid population growth, which has led to concerns about the country’s ability to absorb its expanding labour force. The aim of this research is to examine how population growth influences unemployment, considering additional factors like foreign direct investment (FDI), gross domestic product (GDP), and inflation. Using time series data from the World Bank, Statistics South Africa, and the South African Reserve Bank, the study employs the Augmented Dickey-Fuller unit root test for stationarity, Johansen cointegration for long-term relationships, and Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression to estimate the impact of population growth on unemployment. Key findings indicate that population growth has a positive and statistically significant relationship with unemployment, meaning higher population growth increases unemployment levels. Foreign direct investment also shows a positive effect on unemployment, while GDP and inflation exhibit negative but statistically insignificant relationships. Based on these findings, the study recommends strategic urban planning, family planning initiatives, and targeted policies to attract labour-intensive FDI. Additionally, the government should focus on economic diversification, supporting SMEs, and investing in skill development to create sustainable jobs. This research contributes to understanding the dynamics between population growth and unemployment in South Africa and offers insights for more effective policy interventions
Efficient bankruptcy prediction and its role for a more resilient Alpine tourism
Get PDFThis paper examines the impact of selected variables on the value creation of tourism enterprises in Western Austria (Salzburg, Tyrol, and Vorarlberg) with the objective of developing an insolvency prediction model for Alpine tourism businesses. This study specifically highlights practical applications for business owners, policymakers, and financial institutions, providing strategies to mitigate bankruptcy risks in the tourism sector. The objective of this study is to address existing gaps in the literature regarding the early detection of insolvency in the tourism sector, particularly in German-speaking regions. To this end, a hybrid analytical method is employed, combining quantitative statistical approaches with sector-specific contextual analysis. A dataset comprising tourism firms was divided into two groups, namely solvent and insolvent, with a view to identifying significant explanatory variables influencing insolvency risks. The primary findings indicate that enterprise size, company age, and debt levels (as indicated by the equity ratio) are significant risk factors for insolvency. Furthermore, the results suggest that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are particularly vulnerable to financial crises. Finally, the findings demonstrate that macroeconomic structures and sectoral effects significantly impact insolvency probabilities. These findings emphasise the necessity for the development of early warning systems that are tailored to the specific requirements of SMEs in Alpine tourism.This research is particularly pertinent in light of the rising insolvency rates in the tourism industry and the lack of comprehensive official statistics, which impede effective crisis management. By addressing these challenges, the study contributes to the development of targeted risk management and intervention strategies to enhance the resilience of tourism enterprises in the region