International Journal of Business Ecosystem & Strategy (2687-2293)
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Planning theory frameworks as a guide for enhancing employment policy impact: An application to the South African context
Full text linkThis study investigates the application of planning theory frameworks to enhance the effectiveness of employment policies in South Africa. This study seeks to develop a conceptual framework that integrates core principles from planning theories with the formulation and implementation of employment policies. This framework is constructed through a critical assessment of planning theories and employment policies. The concept is subsequently applied to South Africa, a nation facing significant unemployment rates and inequality, despite the efforts of policymakers. This study emphasises the potential benefits of utilising planning theory frameworks in the formulation of employment policy. The benefits encompass increased stakeholder engagement, efficient policy execution, and improved policy outcomes. This study adds to the existing literature on labour market planning theory and employment policy. This document offers practical insights that may assist policymakers and practitioners in improving the effectiveness of employment policies in South Africa
Investigating the influence of industry 4.0 technology on work engagement: Applying the JD-R theory to mitigate technostress
Full text linkThis study investigates the influence of Industry 4.0 technology on work engagement through the lens of the Job Demands-Resources (JD-R) theory, aiming to mitigate technostress. The primary objective is to explore how advanced technology affects work engagement and to develop a model that addresses potential negative impacts such as technostress and techno-addiction. Utilizing a sample of 339 employees from rated hotels in South Africa, data were collected through physical and online questionnaires. The study employed Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) to analyze the relationships between technology use and work engagement. Results indicate a significant positive effect of technology on work engagement (path coefficient=0.356, t=8.140 p<0.01), suggesting that Industry 4.0 technologies enhance employee vigor, dedication, and absorption by providing greater work flexibility and autonomy. These findings challenges existing literature, which often highlights the negative consequences of technology on work engagement. The study contributes to the understanding of how to harness Industry 4.0 technology to improve employee well-being and offers practical recommendations for effectively integrating such technologies in organizations
The impact of the application of Big Data Technologies of D. P. World Supply Chain and Logistics
Full text linkThis study examines the impact of Big Data technologies on operational efficiency in DP World’s supply chain and logistics operations. Employing a mixed-methods approach, we surveyed 405 stakeholders and performed 20 semi-structured interviews to investigate the incorporation of advanced analytics, machine learning, and real-time processing capabilities. The study employs Technology-Organization-Environment (TOE) and economic frameworks to examine the technological, organisational, environmental, and economic determinants affecting Big Data adoption. Results indicate substantial positive effects on the reduction of operational complexity, enhancement of customer responsiveness, improvement of supplier connections, and strengthening of technical partnerships. PLS-SEM analysis utilising ADANCO software validated all hypotheses, demonstrating robust connections between Big Data deployment and supply chain efficiency measures. Essential findings indicate that governmental assistance, organisational culture, and information technology infrastructure are crucial success determinants. The report offers practical advice for supply chain managers and policymakers, emphasising Big Data\u27s revolutionary capacity for competitive advantage in global logistics operations
The allocation of subsidy housing in rural and urban areas: a review of the salient challenges in the city of Tshwane
Full text linkThe study aims to examine the significant challenges associated with Subsidy Housing Allocation (SHA) in both rural and urban contexts within the City of Tshwane (CoT). This study focuses on two specific areas: Winterveldt, representing a rural setting, and Soshanguve, representing an urban setting, serving as case studies for comparison. Housing continues to be a salient challenge encountered by the government across all spheres, largely due to its classification as a concurrent responsibility. The study employed a mixed-methods approach, combining both qualitative and quantitative methods. Interviews, questionnaires, and literature reviews were utilised to gather data on the housing phenomenon. A total of 965 participants were included in the study, selected through a combination of stratified and purposive sampling. The study\u27s main finding indicates that there is no significant difference in SHA between the two areas. However, the respondents in both areas confirmed that the waiting list utilized by the CoT as part of the SHA tool is fraught with complications, including corruption, and is observed as exacerbating poor housing allocation in the municipal jurisdiction. The findings suggest that while the municipality is attempting to fulfill its development goals regarding SHA, there are notable challenges that need to be tackled
Effects of employee involvement on labour productivity: Evidence from the automotive parts manufacturing organisation in South Africa
Full text linkIn South Africa, productivity is crucial for individual livelihoods and business performance. A workplace that fosters employee engagement and participation is a means to cultivate an environment that attracts motivated teams for enhanced productivity. This perspective supports the notion of employee engagement. This study investigates the impact of employee engagement on enhancing labour productivity in South African automobile parts manufacturing firms. Employee involvement denotes the degree of commitment and participation that employee exhibits towards their organisation. The study goals were fulfilled by analysing the production and associated experiences of the automobile parts manufacturing organisation that implemented an employee involvement strategy to enhance labour productivity. The corporation functions within the eThekwini Municipality in the KwaZulu-Natal region of South Africa. The study was conducted by gathering pre- and post-quarterly data on absenteeism, spoilage, and attained production targets. Nevertheless, findings indicate that the employee participation ideology lacks the capacity to enhance labour productivity within the automobile parts manufacturing sector in South Africa. There is no correlation between absenteeism and spoiling rates, nor with the production standards attained, in connection to labour productivity following the implementation of the employee involvement strategy. This study reveals the advantages and disadvantages of employee engagement on labour productivity within automobile parts manufacturing firms in South Africa.
Using Moodle as a Learning Management System (LMS) for e-learning: Lecturer experiences in a developing country during the pandemic
Full text linkE-learning tools and LMSs, such as Moodle, have been in existence for decades. However, there has been an accelerated use of such platforms due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Higher Education Providers responded to ensure that education was accessible via online platforms to allow lecturers to continue their daily job functions during the pandemic. This study explores these aspects from a lecturer perspective during COVID-19, using constructs from the Technological Pedagogical and Content Knowledge (TPACK) framework and Unified Theory of Use and Acceptance of Technology (UTAUT-3) theory. This study is based on the pragmatist paradigm. This methodology was deemed appropriate as this study uses a mixed methodology for collecting and analysing qualitative and quantitative data. The objective of the study was to understand the experiences of lecturers using Moodle for e-learning in a learning journey at a Private Distance Higher Education Institution during the pandemic. The results revealed that several lecturers appeared to have adaptation challenges when using Moodle, but thereafter the system performed as expected. Overall lecturers found that Moodle promoted accessibility and performed as expected. The research further revealed that that there was insufficient training and support provided by the institution. Recommendations arising from the findings included, amongst others, upgrading internet packages and investing in backup power supplies to enhance the experience of lecturers in this learning journey. Recommendations for the institution included enhancing support and communication to lecturers especially part-time lecturers as they are not part of the formal institutional structure on a day-to-day basis. More comprehensive training to lecturers is required to ensure lecturers are adequately equipped to improve online learning and student engagement
Evaluating risk factors for criminal behaviors among youth and the responses of the criminal justice system and role players
Full text linkAssessing risk factors for juvenile delinquency necessitates a holistic approach, taking into account individual, familial, societal, and communal influences. Risk factors are conditions or attributes that may elevate the probability of adverse outcomes or behaviours in adolescents. These elements may include multiple dimensions of a young individual\u27s life, such as personal, familial, peer, educational, and communal influences. Globally, crime persists as a pressing issue, predominantly involving youngsters in offences such as cybercrime, robbery, theft, shoplifting, substance misuse, cash-in-transit heists, violent crimes, abduction, kidnapping, gang-related activities, cultism, and ritual killings. It is imperative to confront the prevailing trend of juvenile criminal actions inside society. This article analyses risk variables associated with juvenile criminal behaviour and the responses of the criminal justice system and its stakeholders. The research employed a mixed-methods approach, incorporating in-person interviews and surveys for data acquisition. Research identifies determinants of criminal behaviour, including low self-control, impulsivity, and substance abuse. Family-related factors encompass parental neglect, maltreatment, and inadequate support. Social factors involve associations with delinquent peers, poverty, and discrimination. A correlation exists between drug, alcohol, and substance abuse and criminal behaviour among youth. Parental indifference may impact youth decision-making. Some young offenders are incarcerated in correctional facilities, while others participate in rehabilitation through diversion programs. The findings highlight the necessity for cohesive treatments involving family, community, and institutions, prioritising mental health support and restorative justice to diminish youth recidivism. The study advocates for the active involvement of stakeholders, including non-governmental organisations and rehabilitation centres. It emphasises the necessity for vigilant supervision and monitoring of youth by parents, guardians, family members, communities, institutions, and the criminal justice system to proactively prevent access to drugs and substances that incite violence and criminal behaviour. Furthermore, it underscores the importance of integrating family, community, and institutional interventions, mental health support, and restorative justice to mitigate youth recidivism. Additionally, it calls for the regular monitoring of youth mental health and the provision of effective interventions such as rehabilitation, youth crime prevention, treatment, and morality regeneration programs
Administrative culture as a driver of institutional resilience and adaptive governance in turbulent policy environments
Full text linkThis study explores how administrative culture shapes institutional resilience and adaptive governance in South Africa’s volatile policy environment. Confronted with service delivery failures, governance instability, and public trust deficits, the public sector requires adaptive capacity to withstand systemic shocks. Using a comparative case study of selected national and provincial departments, the research integrates interviews with senior officials, policy document analysis, and survey data. Findings show that collaborative ethos, openness to innovation, and internal accountability strengthen resilience, while rigid hierarchies and siloed decision-making impede responsiveness. Departments with inclusive, learning-oriented cultures adapt more effectively to disruption. By positioning administrative culture as a pivotal enabler of adaptive governance, the study contributes to public administration theory from a Global South perspective and offers actionable guidance for reform. Practically, it underscores that cultivating resilience-oriented cultures can enhance service delivery, rebuild trust, and stabilize governance systems in South Africa’s ongoing institutional reform efforts
A comprehensive analysis of the effectiveness of Nyaope rehabilitation programs for individuals in recovery
Full text linkNyaope is proportionately a new substance/drug in South Africa. It is a combination of heroin and cannabis, and it is a very addictive drug. Nyaope is a public health concern in South Africa because of its spread and prevalence across townships. The streets of South Africa have been described as being flooded by Nyaope, and it is destroying communities due to its highly addictive nature, availability, and cheap prices. In South Africa, Nyaope is one of the illicit drugs that concerns the government. The use of Nyaope is worrying because it is higher than other harder drugs like methamphetamine, cocaine, and ecstasy because of its addictiveness. The study applied the qualitative research approach to understand the comprehensive analysis of the effectiveness of nyaope rehabilitation programs for individuals in recovery. The study used semi-structured face-to-face interviews with purposive sampling selected as a technique. The study utilized interviews as an instrument for data collection. An exploratory research design was employed in the study to explore the effectiveness of rehabilitation programs for individuals in recovery. The study observed ethical considerations such as informed consent, confidentiality, beneficence, debriefing, and harm avoidance. The study applied systems theory and ecological approach to provide a framework and foundation. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of rehabilitation programs in addressing Nyaope addiction among individuals in Seshego, Polokwane, Capricorn District. The findings shed light on the management of rehabilitation programs in the study area, providing insights into the effectiveness and areas for improvement.
Keywords
Addicts, effectiveness, Nyaope, rehabilitation, service users and social workers.
Green human resource management and sustainable performance: a study of a selected hotel, Lagos State Nigeria
Full text linkThe hospitality business faces the complex task of environmental sustainability due to its significant carbon footprint. This field of research remains inadequately examined, particularly in Africa. The research intends to investigate green human resource management and its impact on sustainable performance in a specific hotel in Lagos State, Nigeria. The primary research questions and objectives were addressed through an interpretative paradigm utilising a qualitative case study methodology, employing purposive sampling from a sample size of 10 participants via semi-structured interviews, with the data subjected to thematic analysis. The resource-based view theory served as a framework for the investigation. Furthermore, two primary topics emerged from the study\u27s findings: the existing green human resource management techniques and the impact of green human resource management on employees. Ultimately, the study determined that green human resource management is essential for the sustainability of hotel operations and advocated for the standardisation of green human resource management practices within the selected hotel, while concurrently endorsing ongoing training programs to enhance a workforce dedicated to sustainability. This study significantly contributes to both theory and practice for hotel management leaders and provides practical insights for the hotel industry to enhance environmental management