International Journal of Business Ecosystem & Strategy (2687-2293)
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A digital ecosystem modeling for international student licensing in Indonesia
Get PDFThe arrival of foreign nationals in Indonesia for various purposes, including state visits, tourism, business, and education, has become common. This study aims to analyze the factors influencing the application process for study permits for foreign nationals and map the ecosystem of this process, particularly for those studying at Indonesian universities. The research follows a five-step method to analyze the digital business ecosystem: 1) defining the ecosystem boundaries; 2) identifying actors and their roles; 3) outlining value propositions; 4) exploring actor interactions; and 5) verifying the ecosystem design. Using qualitative methods like interviews and literature review, the study finds that Indonesia\u27s foreign student licensing ecosystem involves multiple actors and complex procedures, leading to delays and confusion. The lack of integration between agencies makes the process inefficient. The study suggests digital integration to enhance speed, transparency, and coordination, aiding the internationalization of higher education in Indonesia
How do soft skills enhance the audit committee’s effectiveness in South African municipalities?
Get PDFThis study examines how soft skills enhance the audit committee effectiveness in South African municipalities. The paper adopts the positivist paradigm and a quantitative technique. Surveys were conducted using questionnaires, and data was collected from 87 participants using purposive sampling. Data were analysed using the exploratory factor analysis with the Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin Measure of Sampling Adequacy (KMO) value of 0.716 level and descriptive statistics which indicates that the audit committee\u27s soft skills demonstrate commitment to understanding the operations. The paper’s finding is connected to audit committees in charge of the public sector. The paper highlights the need for improved audit committee soft skills for good judgement, objectivity and honesty, a high level of ethics, strong communication skills, and freedom from undue influence or intimidation. Further research is needed to examine the role of soft skills on auditors and management in South African municipalities. The Study recommends enhancing audit committee effectiveness in South African municipalities through structured soft skills training and mandatory governance reforms. This includes training programs on leadership and stakeholder engagement, soft skills assessments in audit committee selection, and professional certifications for audit committees. This study addresses a significant gap in the literature by specifically focusing on audit committee soft skills
Automation breakthrough: the initiative for productivity improvement in a selected automotive assembly organisation in South Africa
Get PDFAutomated flow line manufacturing systems are becoming more relevant in the automotive sector. Improving productivity in the manufacturing system is the core objective of all companies, measured by overall equipment effectiveness (OEE). OEE is a measure of how well a manufacturing operation is utilised compared to its full potential during the periods when it is scheduled to run. Organisations have thus made technological changes in their processes that have led to opportunities for greater flexibilities. This sentiment underpins the concept of automation. Hence, this study examines the impact of automation for productivity improvement in the selected automotive assembly organisation in South Africa. Automation is the creation and application of technology to monitor and control the production and delivery of products and services. The study was quantitative in design and examined production and the related experiences of the automotive assembly organisation that has adopted automation system in its automobile roof process in weld plant for productivity improvement. The Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) model, using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was used to analyse data. The company operates in the eThekwini Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal province of South Africa. The study was achieved by collecting pre- and post-quarterly data for labour productivity, process efficiency and downtime. The results establish that labour productivity, process efficiency and downtime have a relationship and are statistically significant to company productivity after automation was implemented. It has the potential to reduce errors, increase productivity and augment human capacity. Hence, the original value of this study is its approach in uncovering strengths and weaknesses of automation for productivity improvement in South Africa.
The interplay between job security and motivation: evidence from Tronox KZN sands
Get PDFJob security and employee motivation are crucial factors that contribute to organizational stability, productivity, and overall success. This study explores the relationship between job security and employee motivation at Tronox KZN Sands, a mining and mineral processing company based in South Africa. Utilizing Social Exchange Theory (SET) as a theoretical framework, the research examines how perceptions of the workplace influence levels of commitment and job satisfaction among employees. Employing a quantitative research methodology, data was gathered from 100 employees through a structured questionnaire, with statistical analysis conducted using SPSS 30 software. It was noted that job uncertainty often arises from economic downturns, industry fluctuations, and organizational restructuring, which can result in diminished motivation and job satisfaction among employees. Additionally, the study identifies demographic variations in perceptions of job security, revealing that younger employees typically express greater concern about job stability compared to their older counterparts. Factors such as workplace support, transparent communication, and opportunities for career development significantly influence the interplay between job safety and employee motivation. Effective communication regarding job stability, investment in employee career advancement, and the promotion of a supportive work environment are essential measures that organizations can adopt. Companies can enhance employee morale, reduce turnover rates, and improve overall organizational performance by prioritizing these strategies. The findings of this study contribute to the broader discourse on the relationship between human resources and workplace dynamics, offering practical insights for policymaking in South Africa\u27s mining regions, as well as for manufacturers and management professionals
The role of the fourth industrial revolution in the future of contact centre managers in the South African police service
Get PDFUnderstanding the role of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) on the future contact centre managers in the South African Police Service (SAPS). The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of 4IR on future contact centre managers. 4IR has been discussed in different contexts, but its precise effects on the future of contact centre managers are still unclear, and this research intends to bridge this gap. This research employed a qualitative approach within interpretivism to gather information from 12 participants who fit the predetermined criteria using a nonprobability convenience sampling. ATLAS.ti was utilised to analyse data. The study found that the 4IR impacts the development and transformation of contact centre managers\u27 roles, while also automating contact centre operations. Key themes identified in the study include the adoption of advanced technology, capacity building, rapid response, improved customer experience, and the facilitation of remote work and collaboration, all of which are essential for the future roles of contact centre managers within the SAPS. This has the potential to assist managers within the SAPS contact centres in comprehending the consequences of 4IR and embracing the use of disruptive technologies in contact centres. The study will assist the contact centre managers in ensuring the development and redefining of new skills and roles to enhance productivity in contact centres
A global normative public management framework for revitalizing inner-city decay: A Systems Theory perspective
Get PDFProgramme evaluation is a critical management tool internationally, enabling the assessment of whether public sector policy objectives are effectively met. In South Africa, such evaluations are essential for refining governance strategies in response to persistent urban challenges. This paper arises from a programme evaluation of inner-city turnaround initiatives aimed at addressing urban decay and problem buildings. It seeks to develop a normative public management model, with a focus on the role of city governments and municipalities in leading regeneration efforts. A qualitative research design was adopted, employing thematic content analysis to examine governance and management practices across South African municipalities. Systems theory, conceptualised within public administration and management, served as the analytical framework for interrogating the interrelated factors driving urban decline. This lens informed the construction of a normative model designed to guide coordinated municipal responses, enhance institutional capacity, and improve strategic urban planning. Findings demonstrate that systems theory offers a robust foundation for understanding and managing the complexities of inner-city environments. The paper presents a visual normative model that emphasises the critical leadership role of city governments in reversing urban deterioration. By bridging theory and practice, the study contributes to academic and practical discourses on urban governance and offers a structured, adaptable model for inner-city regeneration both locally and globally
Navigating the effects of load shedding on agricultural productivity and food security: a case study of South Africa
Get PDFEskom\u27s electricity generation can\u27t satisfy rising demand. Eskom\u27s installed capacity of 52,000 MW surpasses production of 47,000 MW, a large discrepancy. Eskom uses voluntary load shedding to address this gap and protect the national grid. A desk review study on power outages\u27 socio-economic effects on South African agriculture and food security is presented in the paper. The study also assessed electricity supply and load shedding legislation. Power outages have disrupted farming activities, from irrigation to food processing, and farmers\u27 capacity to maintain production levels. This has caused crop losses, livestock production reductions, and food distribution delays. Thus, food costs have risen, worsening food insecurity, especially for disadvantaged groups. Focussing on agricultural production and energy supply, the study proposed evidence-based solutions and suggestions to lessen load shedding\u27s detrimental effects on South Africa\u27s food systems and improve food security for all
The investigation of role overload on organizational deviance: The mediating roles of moral disengagement and felt trust
No full textRole overload is prevalent in modern workplaces and can lead to negative consequences; however, its connection to organizational deviance is understudied. This study investigated the relationship between role overload and organizational deviance, and examining the mediating roles of moral disengagement and felt trust. Using the job demands-resources model, moral disengagement theory, and social exchange theory as frameworks, three hypotheses were developed and tested. Data were collected in two phases from 324 full-time employees in Taiwan using validated scales. Partial least squares structural equation modeling was used for the analysis. The results indicate that role overload has a direct positive relationship with organizational deviance. Additionally, moral disengagement and felt trust both mediated this relationship. Specifically, role overload increases moral disengagement, which in turn increases organizational deviance. Role overload also decreases felt trust, leading to increased organizational deviance. These findings suggest multiple pathways through which role overload can result in deviant workplace behaviors. This study contributes to the literature by identifying the moral and emotional mechanisms linking role overload to organizational deviance
Perceived risks in omnichannel shopping: Consumer insights from South Africa
Get PDFThis study examined perceived risks in South African omnichannel shopping, focusing on financial, time-loss, transaction, and logistics risks. It addressed consumer uncertainties and the impact on trust and adoption while identifying key risk dimensions. A descriptive research design was employed, utilising a structured questionnaire to gather data from 428 respondents recruited through a marketing research company’s consumer panel. The quantitative approach provided a detailed analysis of perceived risks. The findings revealed that consumers perceive financial aspects, such as refunds and price accuracy, as secure and reliable. Online shopping is considered time-efficient, particularly in information searches and order processing. However, concerns persist regarding the timeliness of returns and the security of personal credentials. Logistics risks, including delivery accuracy and product condition, were received positively, although delivery timeliness remains challenging. Retailers\u27 processes and financial security measures improve post-purchase processes and educate consumers on digital security practices. Strengthening logistics operations, optimising mobile platforms, and implementing strategies tailored to the South African context are essential. Emphasising trust-building through transparency and reliability is critical to addressing consumer concerns. This study contributes to understanding perceived risks in omnichannel shopping within an emerging market context. Highlighting consumer concerns and providing actionable recommendations offers valuable insights for retailers to improve trust and foster greater adoption of omnichannel platforms
Examining the impact of continuous assessments on students: A South African perspective
Get PDFThis study explores students\u27 experiences with continuous assessment (CA) in South African universities, focusing on assessment fatigue, rote learning, and the effectiveness of assessment design. A systematic literature review was conducted, analysing 30 academic and institutional publications sourced from databases such as Scopus, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect, covering articles published between 2013 and 2025. Key findings include the widespread prevalence of assessment fatigue, particularly due to poorly designed assessment schedules, overlapping deadlines, and insufficient recovery time. Additionally, the study highlights how misaligned assessments promote rote learning while well-designed assessments foster deeper conceptual understanding. A critical theme also emerged regarding the role of assessment design, where diversified, well-spaced, and feedback-rich assessments effectively mitigate fatigue and improve engagement. Based on these findings, the study recommends strategic changes, including integrated assessment schedules across departments, enhanced educator training on constructive alignment, adoption of authentic assessment formats, and improvements to digital infrastructure and mental health support services. These recommendations aim to create a more equitable and effective continuous assessment framework in South African higher education, promoting both student engagement and learning outcomes