International Journal of Business Ecosystem & Strategy (2687-2293)
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The role of human capital investment in economic growth: a study of South Africa
Get PDFThis research examines the correlation between human capital and economic growth in South Africa. Human capital is represented by Government Expenditure on Health (GEH), Government Expenditure on Education (GEE), and Secondary School Enrolment (SER). Notwithstanding substantial investments in these domains, South Africa has enduring economic difficulties, prompting apprehensions regarding the efficacy of existing human capital policies. This research aims to evaluate the influence of differences in GEH, GEE, and SER on economic productivity, consequently guiding policy decisions. We utilised a quantitative methodology employing annual time series data obtained from the World Bank and the South African Reserve Bank. The analysis incorporated unit root tests (ADF) to determine data stationarity and Johansen cointegration tests to examine long-term correlations among the variables. The data indicate that GEH positively influences economic productivity, suggesting a correlation between increased health spending and elevated GDP. Conversely, SER exhibits a negative correlation with economic growth, indicating that merely augmenting enrolment numbers does not yield enhanced economic results. While Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) has a favourable correlation with economic growth, it is statistically insignificant. The report advocates for South Africa to prioritise educational quality over enrolment figures and to ensure continuous investment in healthcare services. Furthermore, subsequent research ought to investigate the ramifications of human capital within particular sectors, such as tourism, to yield focused policy recommendations for fostering economic growth
Exploring the impact of social responsibility on staff engagement in Ghanaian Universities: : unveiling the mediating effect of organizational identification
Get PDFGhanaian universities have embraced a corporate identity and are actively participating in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), which is referred to as University Social Responsibility (USR). The purpose of this is to enhance the perception of identification (organisational identity) and promote employee involvement. This research examines the effect of University Social Responsibility (USR) on the level of involvement and commitment of staff members in Ghanaian institutions. It also proposes that the sense of identity plays a role in mediating the relationship between USR and staff engagement. This study utilised a cross-sectional survey methodology. The poll utilised a two-stage multi-stage sampling procedure to choose 412 participants. The survey utilised a validated questionnaire using a 5-point Likert scale. The questionnaire had a Cronbach\u27s alpha coefficient (?) greater than 0.70. The data acquired from this questionnaire was customised for the survey. The data collected were configured and subjected to Structural Equation Modelling for analysis at a significance level of p<.05 using the SMART pls software. The findings indicate that identification perception does not significantly and directly predict the mediation effect of internal CSR on employee engagement (beta=0.008; t<1.96; p=0.439: p>0.05), and external CSR on employee engagement (beta=0.002; t<1.96; p=0.443: p>0.05) in the surveyed Ghanaian universities. The study concluded that the impression of identification did not operate as a mediator in the predicted association between the internal and external corporate social responsibility activities of the universities and employee engagement. According to the findings and conclusion, Ghanaian universities should take into account several elements and adopt a comprehensive approach when aiming to enhance employee job engagement. It is important not to exclusively concentrate on employee identification with the institution. It is advisable for the administration of Ghanaian institutions to develop efficient employee-focused engagement strategies and activities, both internally and externally, to boost the welfare of their workers, promote a sense of belonging, and improve overall performance
The role of entrepreneurship curriculum in empowering rural students for socio-economic development in South Africa
Get PDFThis systematic literature review investigates the role of entrepreneurship curriculum in empowering rural students for socio-economic development in South Africa. Entrepreneurship education has gained prominence as a means to address unemployment and poverty, particularly in rural areas. However, there is a gap in understanding how entrepreneurship curriculum can effectively empower rural students. Through a systematic review of literature published between 2010 and 2024, this study examines the existing research to elucidate the impact of entrepreneurship curriculum on rural student empowerment and socio-economic development in South Africa. The findings contribute to the body of knowledge by identifying key themes, challenges, and best practices in entrepreneurship education for rural students
COVID-19 pandemic digitisation lessons for rural women-owned Micro and Small Enterprises
Get PDFThe world economy and ecology have undoubtedly been impacted by the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) epidemic. Female-owned Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs), particularly those operating in marginalised rural economies, are major victims of the COVID-19 outbreak, mostly due to their restricted usage of digital technologies. Digitalisation thus opens up new opportunities for rural women owned MSEs and can help them remain competitive. The study aims to explore COVID-19 pandemic digitisation lessons for rural women owned micro-and small-enterprises. Even though the literature on Women Entrepreneurship is well covered, to the best of our knowledge, the intersection between rural women entrepreneurship and digitisation remains largely unexplored, particularly in African economies. A qualitative approach using personal insights to provide COVID-19 pandemic digitisation lessons for women owned MSEs was used to guide the collection and analysis of the data. The data were collected from a purposive sample of seven women entrepreneurs operating MSEs in the Raymond Mhlaba Local Municipality located in South Africa’s Eastern Cape Province and analysed through thematic analysis. The results highlight the critical importance of incorporating digital technology into business operations, stressing the need to prioritize data security, adopting a mobile-first approach, recognising the significance of an online presence, and innovatively developing digital or digitally enhanced offerings. The study\u27s insights provide data-informed insights, as we continue to advocate for inclusive and effective responses to crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic. For rural women owned MSEs in South Africa, it is clear that digital platforms have been helpful, and while digitalization alone is insufficient, this research can inform the recovery strategies and policies needed after the pandemic.
Key words: COVID-19, digitization, micro-and small enterprise, rural women entrepreneurs
 
The analysis of dynamic supply chain capability and operational performance of food and beverage MSMEs in Sleman, Indonesia
Get PDFDynamic capabilities in the supply chain play an essential role in improving an organization\u27s operational performance. This research aims to see the influence of supply chain dynamic capabilities, including collaboration, integration, agility, and responsive capabilities, on the operational performance of food and beverage MSMEs in Sleman, Indonesia. The sample of this study is food and beverage MSMEs located in Sleman, Indonesia, which apply supply chain management capabilities such as collaboration, integration, agility, and responsive capabilities. The MSMEs must have been operated for more than three years, starting from 2019, so MSMEs already have a more robust supply chain network. Data from sixty food and beverage MSMEs was collected in 2024 using a set of questionnaires tested for validity using Pearson’s correlation and reliability using Cronbach’s Alpha. Data processing in this research uses SPSS 25 software with an analysis tool, namely multiple regression analysis. This analysis helps prove whether or not there is an influence between two or more independent variables on the dependent variable. The results of this research show that collaboration capabilities, integration capabilities, agility capabilities, and responsive capabilities partially have a significant positive effect on operational performance. Increasing collaboration capabilities between MSMEs and internal and external parties must be maintained to improve value from the MSMEs themselves. According to the hypothesis test results, the integration capability variable significantly influences the operational performance of MSMEs in Sleman, Indonesia. The agility capability variable significantly influences the operational performance of MSMEs in Sleman, Indonesia. The responsiveness significantly influences the operational performance of MSMEs in Sleman, Indonesia
Corporate social responsibility practices: evidence from the automotive manufacturing SMEs in the Ethekwini Metropolitan area
Get PDFSmall and Medium sized Enterprises (SMEs) are regarded as a vital business sector in the South African economy. They elevate employment, reduce poverty, and increase the overall economic growth of any country. It is essential that SMEs should develop and grow. In ensuring their survival and growth, SMEs must be flexible and agile in every growth stage. Thus, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is one of the strategic tools for business survival and growth. CSR is when organisations act responsibly and ethically towards society, the environment and other stakeholders, to maximise positive impact not just for profit. It is expected that the implementation of CSR can enhance the performance of SMEs. Consequently, the study assesses CSR practices applied by SMEs in the eThekwini Metropolitan Area. The study was quantitative in nature. It targeted 120 SME owners in the automotive manufacturing sector of the eThekwini Metropolitan Area. Data collected from 110 SME owners was analysed using version 27 of the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The results established that business performance increases when SME organisations support community, particularly when there is employee involvement in such support activities. Hence, the original value of this study is in its approach in uncovering the perceptions and involvement of SMEs operating in the automotive manufacturing sector in the eThekwini Metropolitan Area in KwaZulu-Natal (in South Africa) on their CSR practices.
The relationship between profit sharing ratio and zakah performance ratio on return on assets: an empirical study of Sharia compliance and financial sustainability in Bank Pembiayaan Rakyat Syariah in Indonesia
Get PDFThe research aims to investigate and study the implementation of Sharia compliance and financial sustainability, especially at Bank Pembiayatan Rakyat Syariah (BPRS) or Sharia People\u27s Financing Bank in Indonesia. For this reason, an empirical study is needed to determine the relationship between the Profit-Sharing Ratio and the Zakah Performance Ratio on Return on Assets in BPRS in Indonesia. The research method used is a quantitative approach using secondary data, and data analysis techniques using multiple regression. The research results show that partially the profit-sharing ratio has a significant effect on the return on assets of BPRS in Indonesia. On the other hand, the zakat performance ratio does not significantly influence the return on assets of BPRS in Indonesia. However, simultaneously or together the profit-sharing ratio and zakat profit ratio significantly affect the profitability of BPRS in Indonesia. Thus, the research is expected to provide a constructive contribution to the development of the world of science, for the government, for practitioners and others related to the implementation of Sharia compliance and financial sustainability of Sharia Financial Institutions in general, and of BPRS both globally and locally—Indonesia in particular.
The decision to use ShopeePay as a substitute for cash in the cashless era
Get PDFThe aim of this study is to evaluate the convenience, promotion, and security factors associated with the use of Shopee Pay electronic currency by visitors in malls in the Central Jakarta region. The study sample comprises persons who frequent shopping malls in the Central Jakarta Region. This survey includes a group of 103 persons who use Shopee Pay electronic money in the mall area of Centra Jakarta. The sample selection was carried out using the method of incidental sampling. The data used in this study include primary data, especially questionnaires that were distributed to respondents. The study results suggest that the convenience and promotional activities have a positive influence on the decision to use Shopee Pay digital currency. This suggests that the choice to utilise electronic currency is impacted by factors such as convenience and promotional offers. Before proceeding, consumers will evaluate whether a system would streamline their activities, considering the wide array of attractive offers offered by the shopeepay site, as well as compelling marketing about available specials on the platform. Furthermore, security concerns negatively affect the willingness to use Shopee Pay as a digital payment option. This text explores the relationship between security and the choice to use electronic money. Before choosing the Electronic Money platform, customers must ensure that the funds saved in the electronic wallet will be protected and resistant to unauthorised access, therefore reducing the likelihood of unwanted events
Road infrastructure challenges at Mqanduli Village in King Sabata Dalindyebo Local Municipality
Get PDFReports indicate that the South African government is failing to maintain its infrastructure adequately. This has been a persistent issue, especially considering the state of the roads in regions like King Sabata Dalindyebo Local Municipality (KSDLM). The study aimed to elucidate the challenges of road infrastructure in KSDLM and propose strategies for the Municipality to address the identified issues. The research utilised a mixed methods technique to examine the obstacles related to road infrastructure in Mqanduli hamlet. The primary findings indicate that (i) the roads in Mganduli village have deteriorated due to a lack of maintenance, leading to an escalation of community protests, (ii) neglecting road maintenance poses a danger to public safety, as many individuals have been adversely affected by the substandard road conditions, and (iii) KSDLM is failing to adhere to the principles of open system theory in utilising public-private partnerships to address pressing service delivery requirements that the Municipality cannot fulfil effectively and efficiently due to financial limitations
Adaptive public relations and marketing in tourism: how South African timeshare businesses responded to the Covid-19 crisis
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South Africa is one of the most popular tourist destinations on the African continent, with timeshares—vacation properties shared by multiple owners—being an important feature of the tourism industry as it contributes significant growth and sustainability of tourist destinations. After its introduction in the 1960s, timeshare gained popularity through its capability to provide luxury holiday affordability and security in South Africa. Since then, timeshare businesses have used traditional public relations, marketing, advertising strategies and tactics to increase brand awareness and reach sales targets. During the difficult COVID-19 period, global tourism declined drastically due to travel restrictions, extreme lockdowns and tight regulations, forcing businesses to adapt their marketing strategies to cope with unprecedented challenges and the loss of customers. Before the pandemic’s culmination, travel agencies and timeshares thus utilized digital marketing and social media to effectively strategise and publicly engage with their audiences online. Drawing upon McGuire’s (1969) theory of information processing, and Echtner and Ritchie’s (1993) destination image branding, a content and thematic analysis of two South African timeshare companies and their Facebook page content was studied to investigate the public relations tactics and marketing strategies implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic. Key findings reveal that timeshares engaged publicly with customers through posts which stimulated online participation, which included the sharing of images, information, updates, competitions and discounts, thus maximising the potential of social media to engage with stakeholders on a short to long term basis