International Journal of Business Ecosystem & Strategy (2687-2293)
Not a member yet
466 research outputs found
Sort by
Challenges faced by the government in addressing organised crime in South Africa: a policy framework analysis
Get PDFSouth Africa has experienced an exponential increase in organized crime over the past decade. The government has implemented strategies to combat organised crime, however, the lack of institutional strength, corruption, and cooperation among agencies have hindered their efforts. A growing debate is on whether socioeconomic uncertainties and instability are responsible for the growth of organized crime. The objective of this paper was to explore the challenges faced by the government to address organised crime in South Africa with a focus on the policy framework and the intent of government institutions to address this phenomenon. The study used the Social Disorganised Theory to explore whether the rise in organized crime can be attributed to social instability, economic deprivation, and lack of social cohesion which in turn influences individuals to engage in criminal activities. The methodology adopted in this paper is qualitative and data was collected using secondary sources and materials. The findings indicate that organised crime is increasing in South Africa and across borders due to the lack of political will, management, expertise, and skills of law enforcement agencies to fight organised crime. The findings also indicate that there is an increase in corruption within agencies mandated to carry out the portfolios of fighting and reducing organised crime leading to a subsequent illusion that policies and security are insufficient and unstable. The study argues that to combat organised crime in South Africa, the government must address issues such as inter alia, lack of political will, corruption, lack of institutional capacity and lack of collaboration through the proposed nine steps model
Investigating the nexus of corporate social responsibility and marketing performance in a medium-sized clothing manufacturing enterprise in South Africa
Get PDFOrganisations all over the world are increasingly adopting Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) as a strategic not only for improving their brand image but also making a meaningful contribution to the welfare of society. This trend includes incorporating socially responsible aspects into marketing strategies, resulting in goods and services that benefit the community at large. Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) play an important role in this framework, as they contribute significantly to both social and economic growth. Using a quantitative methodology, this study examines the experiences of a manufacturing organisation in the eThekwini District Municipality of KwaZulu-Natal that has included CSR into its marketing strategies. The analysis employs the Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) method, with data evaluated using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). This study collects and analyses pre- and post-CSR implementation quarterly data on sales performance and customer retention. The empirical findings offer a multifaceted picture of the impact of CSR on marketing performance. Contrary to assertions, that there appears to be a substantial relationship between customer retention rates and marketing performance following CSR implementation. Interestingly, the study discovers an inverse association between sales volumes and marketing performance, implying that a rise in sales does not always result in improved marketing results for the organisation in question. This unexpected consequence shows the intricate interplay between CSR programmes and marketing outcomes, providing useful insights for businesses, particularly those in the South African manufacturing sector, attempting to negotiate the complexities of CSR-driven marketing strategies. This study contributes to a better understanding of how CSR efforts can be strategically integrated with marketing goals to promote both social well-being and business success
Significant of cultural diversity on business performance in the parts manufacturing organisation in South Africa
Get PDFOrganisations are in the midst of cultural change and transformation. Thus, the global market demands that they remain competitive, flexible and relevant in order to adequately react to culturally diverse changes in their human resources. This sentiment describes the importance of cultural diversity in organisations. Hence, this study examines the significant of cultural diversity on business performance in the automotive parts manufacturing organisations in South Africa. The study was quantitative in design, with the participation of middle-level managers in two large automotive parts manufacturing organisations in the eThekwini District Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal (in South Africa). Of the 168 individuals identified for participation, 118 participated in the study, representing a 70.2 per cent response rate. Descriptive and t-tests, using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), were used to analyse data. Study results indicate that a culturally diverse workforce is associated with greater organisational performance, improved strategic decision-making and innovation. The original value of this study is its essence in providing opportunities and challenges of cultural diversity on business performance in the parts manufacturing organisations in South Africa
The role of South Africa Border Management Authority in tackling border crime: evaluating security networks and evidence-based policing approaches
Get PDFInadequately secured national and international borders enable the influx of illicit weaponry and ammunition, as well as the transit of illegal immigrants over South African frontiers. Organised criminal factions have executed armed robberies, vehicle theft, hijacking, cash-in-transit heists, as well as human and drug trafficking throughout many places, towns, and cities in South Africa. The enlistment of security agencies and other stakeholders is essential in combating crime. This study examines the evaluation of the South African Border Management Authority, security networks, and evidence-based policing as comprehensive strategies for addressing border crime and improving safety and security in South Africa. A hybrid methodology was employed for data collecting. The porous borders facilitate the undetected entry of illegal immigrants, and certain security personnel have undermined the system. Evidence-based policing employs scientific evidence for decision-making, grounded in the principle that research should identify areas requiring law enforcement intervention. The Border Management Authority is tasked with the enforcement of South African immigration laws, as well as the protection, control, and management of borders. Recommendations include adopting evidence-based policing and security networks as comprehensive strategies for addressing illegal transnational trade, drug and human trafficking, organised crime, and terrorism; designing and implementing a multi-agency approach; and utilising criminal justice technology and security engineering to improve border security
Challenges in the proliferation of private higher education institutions in Cameroon: addressing systemic issues and enhancing quality
Get PDFThe liberalization of higher education in Cameroon has significantly reshaped the educational landscape, leading to a proliferation of private institutions. While this expansion aims to meet the high demand for higher education and diversify educational offerings, it has been accompanied by systemic issues that undermine educational quality. This study explores the impact of these issues, including corruption, inadequate infrastructure, insufficient laboratory equipment, lack of qualified lecturers, poor academic programs, and inadequate evaluation of the quality and relevance of these institutions. Motivated by the urgent need to address these challenges and enhance educational outcomes, this study investigates the primary infrastructure and equipment deficiencies in private institutions and examines how these deficiencies impact the quality of education. It also examines the impact of corruption and maladministration, highlighting the challenges posed by the employment of underqualified instructors in student training, which further compromises educational quality and student outcomes. The findings reveal significant deficiencies that severely limit the capacity of private institutions to provide quality education. The study highlights the need for comprehensive reforms, including stricter regulatory oversight, increased investment in infrastructure, and measures to combat corruption. Additionally, addressing the use of unqualified lecturers and improving the evaluation processes of academic programs are crucial steps. Addressing these challenges is essential to ensure that private higher education institutions can effectively complement public universities and contribute to national development. The findings and recommendations of this study aim to inform policy changes and educational reforms, providing a pathway to improving the quality of higher education in Cameroon. By implementing these reforms, Cameroon can create a more robust and equitable higher education system that meets the needs of its growing student population and supports the country\u27s broader developmental goals
An application of monitoring and evaluation discourse in public administration
Get PDFThe focus of this paper is on public administration as a discipline and a distinct body of knowledge concerned with the ontological and epistemological realities of monitoring and evaluation. This study will provide a brief account of the evolution of the field of Public Administration in connection to the ontological realities of M&E policy processes in order to provide context for the current thesis on M&E policy processes. As a precursor to the current study\u27s methodological approach and emphasis on the need for M&E policy practice in South Africa, the paper provides the historical epistemological and ontological foundations of the discipline of Public Administration. In this light, the paper will seek to unveil the historical trends in the epistemological and ontological philosophical aspects of the discipline of Public Administration thus offering a scholarly anchor for the paper. Against this setback, this conceptual paper seeks to explore the prospects and challenges of monitoring and evaluations contribution to Public Administration discourse
Towards a shared vision of peace, security, migration and climate change in Africa
Get PDFIncreasing evidence indicates that climate change is likely to exacerbate anxieties and dangers, leading to heightened conflict and fragility. Climate change may exacerbate food insecurity and encourage climate-related migration, so damaging socioeconomic systems and increasing the likelihood of conflicts over diminishing natural resources. Many drought-affected communities are contending with the compounded impacts of additional crises, such as insecurity, war, and the consequences of climate change, including food insecurity, flooding, and drought. This study, informed by a systematic literature analysis, demonstrates the necessity for communal solutions to address protection issues related to human mobility in the aftermath of the adverse effects of catastrophes and climate change, even when normative and legal instruments are utilised. This situation necessitates a thorough analysis and comprehension of natural mobility patterns, underlying reasons, coordination among key stakeholders, and active involvement in material distribution, capacity enhancement, community engagement, and protection oversight. This study elucidates the human mobility problems associated with climate change and catastrophes, offering recommendations that serve as a foundation for stakeholders addressing this complex issue, ultimately striving towards the shared goal of minimising impacts and safeguarding the most vulnerable populations
Determinant of Green Social Capital : Evidence from Hospital Industry
Get PDFThis study aims to analyze the role of top management support on green social capital with an employee ecological behavior mediation mechanism in the hospital industry in Indonesia. Quantitative analysis was used for data analysis and questionnaires as a data collection technique were disseminated online using Google Forms to 442 employees with random sampling techniques. Data analysis using SEM-PLS with the help of SmartPLS application. The results found that top management support had a significant effect on green social capital. Furthermore, top management support have a significant effect on employee ecological behavior. Then employee ecological behavior has a significant effect on green social capital. In addition, employee ecological behavior mediates in part the influence of top management support on green social capital
The role of intellectual stimulation on students creativity improvement in higher education: A systematic literature review
Get PDFIn Higher Education, intellectual stimulation as a key aspect of transformational leadership, plays a vital role in fostering creativity and critical thinking among students. Several efforts have been made to improve students’ creativity in teaching and learning. Intellectual stimulation in Higher Education plays a significant role in fostering keen interest for learning and preparing students for future challenges. It creates a dynamic educational experience that benefits both the educators and students. However, there are still many institutions that have not optimized their students’ capacity development. For this reason, intellectual stimulation is considered as a strategic means for the improvement of creativity in education. All over the world, educational institutions encourage transformative teaching and learning skills design so as to implement a shift from the traditional pedagogy and be more creative with their teaching activities. Nevertheless, teaching and learning accomplishments in Higher Education are often faced with the challenge of resistance to change which slows down the improvement of students’ creativity improvement. This study comprises a systematic literature review using PRISMA approach to track related researches on the role of intellectual for the improvement of creativity in teaching and learning in Higher Education. The study defines the concept of intellectual stimulation and creativity in teaching and learning. The significance of intellectual stimulation in Higher Education is to enhance teaching strategies, influence policies and guide future research by providing a clear and impactful contribution through the promotion of active learning, encouraging student feedback on their thinking processes, directing funding towards innovative teaching methods and technologies that enhance intellectual stimulation in order to build supportive learning environments and finally, policy makers can use findings on intellectual stimulation to advocate for curricula that emphasizes problem solving, creativity and real world application .Results obtained indicate that intellectual stimulation plays a crucial role in improving students’ creativity. Findings from the study can be linked to potential policy changes for enhancing educational practices and improving education policies serving as advocates for inquiry-based learning and critical thinking skills. The potential contribution of this review study will prompt educators to encourage questioning, introduce diverse learning activities such as group projects and case studies, critical thinking exercises, foster a growth mindset in students, connect to real world issues
Effects of green policies on sustainability of local economies in Africa
Get PDFThis article conducts a thorough analysis of the potential impacts of environmentally friendly policies on the long-term viability of renewable energy and waste management policies on the economics of local regions within the African Continental Free Trade Area. The research examines how these policies intersect with the development of intra-African enterprise and local employment rates. The study employs a qualitative methodology, utilising an exploratory research design to investigate African economic performance metrics. It also uses qualitative data to gain a deeper understanding of the subtle implications of policies. The research evaluates the economic consequences of these policies in African contexts by utilising a range of secondary sources, such as governmental reports, peer-reviewed studies, and policy evaluations. Initial results indicate that although green policies have resulted in substantial environmental advantages, their influence on intra-African economies is intricate and diverse. The report asserts that comprehending these dynamics is crucial for policymakers, practitioners, and researchers who have an interest in fostering sustainable development and inclusive economic growth in Africa. The study suggests the adoption of environmentally friendly policies that take into account the economic conditions inside Africa and aim to achieve a local economy that is both environmentally sustainable and inclusive.