International Journal of Business Ecosystem & Strategy (2687-2293)
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Exploring the campus managers’ challenges in managing educational resources in a TVET college
Get PDFThis qualitative research article examines the challenges faced by campus managers in managing educational resources within a Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) college in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), South Africa. The study aims to inform and enhance resource management practices in similar educational settings by exploring the real-life experiences of campus managers. Specifically, the research focuses on understanding the challenges encountered by campus managers in their role of managing educational resources at a TVET college. The study adopts an interpretive paradigm and utilises thematic data analysis to analyse the perspectives of three campus managers from distinct campuses within a single TVET college. Participants were purposively selected, and semi-structured interviews were conducted to collect data. In adherence to COVID-19 regulations, interviews were facilitated through the Zoom platform to ensure social distancing. Thematic data analysis was employed to identify recurring themes and patterns within the data generated from the participants\u27 responses. The findings reveal several challenges campus managers face, including prolonged and stringent procurement processes, inadequate supply of educational resources, financial constraints, and suboptimal maintenance of educational facilities
Human-centric technologies in sustainable supply chain management: a systematic review of the evolution from Industry 4.0 to 5.0
Get PDFThis paper examines the shift from Industry 4.0 to Industry 5.0 in relation to sustainable supply chain management (SCM), highlighting the incorporation of human-centric technologies. As industries progress, there is an increasing necessity to integrate technologies that enhance human-machine collaboration, optimise operational efficiency, and foster sustainability. This work aims to do a systematic review of the evolutionary process, emphasising the transformation of supply chain management by these technologies. A systematic review technique, adhering to the PRISMA framework, was utilised to collect and assess pertinent material published between 2010 to 2024. The review encompassed an exhaustive database search, stringent eligibility screening, and thematic analysis via Atlas-ti software to discern main themes and patterns concerning the incorporation of human-centric technology in supply chain management. The results indicate that the change to Industry 5.0 entails a substantial movement towards human-automation collaboration, with AI and machine learning as essential components. Digital transformation is redefining supply chain management by utilising big data, the Internet of Things, and blockchain technology to enhance transparency, traceability, and decision-making. Bionic supply chains, integrating human intelligence with machine efficiency, are developing as a vital foundation for operational resilience and sustainability. The study suggests that the incorporation of human-centric technology in supply chain management enhances efficiency and sustainability while fostering a more resilient supply network adept at reacting to interruptions. This paper offers essential recommendations for academics and practitioners seeking to enhance supply chain operations in the context of Industry 5.0
3D printing firms in South Africa and their financial management practices: How and to what extent does it enhance business performance?
Get PDFAs the 3D printing industry continues to gain momentum in South Africa\u27s SME sector, issues about their financing and financial management need to be investigated. This is due to the capital-intensive nature of the business as well as the financing challenges encountered by 3D printing SMMEs. This study aimed to contribute to research on financial management practices and sources of finance as predictors of performance for 3D printing small and medium enterprises (SMMEs) in terms of profitability and increase in client base. The study adopted the interpretivist research paradigm, exploratory research design, inductive research approach and qualitative research method to achieve the objectives of the study. A total of twenty (20) 3D printing firms participated in the study. Employees and managers were purposefully selected to participate in the study. The participants comprised finance managers, senior managers and managers of the twenty (20) 3D printing firms that participated in the study. Structured interviews served as the instrument for data collection based on the objectives of the study. Data gathered from interviews were transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis. The study revealed that effective working capital management practices boost the profitability of 3D printing SMMEs, particularly through adopting no-credit policies and hiring competent finance officers. These practices also help expand the client base by ensuring timely delivery of products and services, with customer relationship management being a strategic approach. The study also revealed that liquidity management practices significantly boost the profitability of 3D printing firms by ensuring sufficient cash flow to meet financial obligations, managing financial risks, and ensuring timely product delivery, thereby enhancing customer satisfaction and contributing to growth in the customer base. The study recommends the need for 3D printing SMMEs to prioritise cash flow management and develop robust systems to monitor and control working capital components, including inventory, receivables, and payables.
 
Reimagining local government\u27s role in promoting inclusivity: A coproduction pathway for cities
Get PDFPromoting inclusion requires acknowledging and tackling many aspects and overcoming obstacles and disparities that hinder equitable access to opportunities, resources, and services. It is worth mentioning that the hierarchical method of creating policies and providing services in urban areas frequently neglects to consider the varied requirements and viewpoints of different communities. Therefore, it is necessary to further investigate approaches to policymaking and service delivery that take into account the different needs and perspectives of the community. This article examines the City of Johannesburg as a case study to investigate a collaborative approach for municipal governments to enhance inclusion in urban areas. Using a qualitative research design, this study gathers data by analysing documents and reviewing existing literature. The data are examined using the process of content analysis. The report reveals that coproduction approaches enhance inclusivity in the City of Johannesburg by fostering collaboration opportunities between local governments and communities. It illustrates that when individuals participate in the formulation of policies and the provision of services, local governments may more effectively access the many needs and viewpoints of the community and develop policies and services that are more efficient and inclusive. The report also emphasises the difficulties linked to the implementation of a coproduction strategy and suggests the need to enhance capabilities and establish trust and communication among stakeholders
Potential cannabis commercialisation benefits in the South Africa cannabis masterplan
Get PDFDespite the stigma surrounding cannabis, discourse has evolved, and it is now recognised as a viable economic commodity, reflecting a substantial transformation in societal attitudes. Several African countries have been exploring the industrial possibilities of medicinal hemp as a facet of economic development. This study aimed to examine the potential advantages of cannabis commercialisation in Limpopo province, South Africa. The study utilised a descriptive design and qualitative technique, focussing on cannabis enterprises. Snowball sampling was utilised to acquire a sample of 20 individuals. The sample size was determined by data saturation. Data was gathered through semi-structured interviews and thematically analysed using ATLAS.ti 23 software. The results indicate that the creation of cannabis cultivation and processing businesses may produce job opportunities, stimulate economic expansion, and promote community development. Furthermore, the cannabis industry presents substantial income generation prospects, especially for rural agriculturists, and has the capacity to augment tax revenue for local authorities. The research indicates that cannabis commercialisation could yield advantageous socio-economic results, such as poverty reduction, provided that stringent regulations and extensive community engagement are established. The research emphasises the importance of addressing legal and social equity challenges to ensure the sustainability of these benefits.
Identification of diagnostic methods for African swine fever: A systematic literature review
Get PDFThis review emphasizes the urgent need for effective diagnostic strategies for African swine fever (ASF), a serious disease affecting pig populations worldwide. The aim of the review is to analyze the existing research on ASF diagnostics through a comprehensive literature review, focusing on different diagnostic approaches, including clinical assessments, PCR tests, ELISA, rapid tests and epidemiological models. It examines their sensitivity, specificity and overall performance, addressing challenges such as the varying sensitivity of tests and cross-reactivity. The review highlights both the strengths and limitations of current methods and suggests areas for improvement and standardization. Recommendations are made for future research and the development of innovative diagnostic tools to improve ASF surveillance and control. This study makes a practical contribution by providing a detailed assessment of ASF diagnostic methods from which veterinary scientists and practitioners can benefit. Theoretical contributions include the identification of gaps in ASF diagnostics and the refinement of discussions on diagnostic accuracy and reliability. These findings are consistent with the journal’s focus on infectious diseases and veterinary research and support progress in veterinary medicine and animal welfare
Quality of work life in review of outsourcing, compensation, and quality human resources factor
Get PDFAs a result of the increasingly competitive industrial sector, employees become a highly valuable asset. Employees need to improve their quality and competence, followed by reasonable compensation to increase their productivity. On the other hand, employers shall provide a favorable working environment to produce a quality work life. This study aims to analyze the effect of outsourcing, compensation, and quality of human resources on the quality of work life of employees in the industrial area in Bekasi using the method of path analysis. The sample in this study consists of 100 employees selected with the purposive method. The findings of the study indicate that: 1) Outsourcing has no direct effect on the quality of work life, 2) Compensation has a positive direct effect on the quality of work; 3) Quality of human resources has a positive direct effect on the quality of work life4) Outsourcing has a positive direct effect on the quality of human resources, and 5) Compensation has a positive direct effect on the quality of human resources
The influence of Islamic emotional intelligence and work-life balance on organizational commitment mediated by burnout
Get PDFThis study examines and analyses the effect of Islamic emotional intelligence, work-life balance, and burnout on organizational commitment. In addition, this study also examines and analyzes the role of burnout in mediating the effect of Islamic emotional intelligence and work-life balance on organizational commitment. Respondents in this study were female employees who worked at the Ministry of Religion in Pekanbaru, Riau, with a total of 73 respondents. The sampling technique was carried out by saturated sampling or census with SEM-PLS statistical analysis. The results showed that (i) Islamic emotional intelligence has an effect on organizational commitment, (ii) work-life balance has an effect on organizational commitment, (iii) burnout has an effect on organizational commitment, (iv) Islamic emotional intelligence has an effect on burnout, (v) work-life balance affects burnout, (vi) burnout can mediate the effect of Islamic emotional intelligence on organizational commitment, (vii) burnout can mediate the effect of work-life balance on organizational commitment
Adapting social media strategies: a comparative analysis of Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways, and Emirates before, during, and after the COVID-19 Pandemic
Get PDFIn recent years, the aviation industry has transformed significantly, driven by the increasing importance of digital technologies and social media for communication and marketing. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated this transformation, posing unprecedented challenges to airlines. The present study investigates how Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways, and Emirates adapted their social media strategies before, during, and after the pandemic. The research has a threefold focus: (i) assessing pre-pandemic social media strategies, (ii) examining strategy evolution during the pandemic, and (iii) comparing the effectiveness of these strategies before and after COVID-19. By exploring how these airlines leveraged social media to navigate pandemic-related disruptions and maintain vital connections with passengers, this study provides valuable insights. These findings hold significant implications for aviation stakeholders, marketing professionals, and researchers, shedding light on the evolving role of social media in crisis communication and marketing. The study uncovered interesting changes in how airlines use Twitter. After the pandemic, they started using more emojis, and their messages shifted from promoting services to expressing hope during the pandemic and back to promotions afterward. They played with visuals and hashtags. Pricing-wise, they offered discounts for students, different ticket options, and bundled services. In promotions, they focused on being environmentally and socially responsible, user convenience, and specific events. They mainly shared updates on flights, achievements, and travel advice. To engage people, they used quizzes, replied directly to customers, and targeted specific groups. For marketing managers, the study suggests being more customer-focused, emphasizing environmental and social responsibility, offering diverse pricing, celebrating milestones, and creating engaging content. Overall, the findings provide practical insights for adjusting marketing strategies in the ever-changing world of airlines, especially considering the challenges brought by COVID-19
Microfinance practices versus sustainable welfare
Get PDFThis study primarily investigates microfinance practices for sustainable community welfare. Microcredit aims to provide credit to poor people to help empower communities and reduce poverty. Community empowerment strategies can be carried out by increasing the productivity of poor communities to increase their income. A basic approach that emphasizes that the poor move from their current situation to a better position by empowering MSMEs through the distribution of microcredit by micro-financial institutions. Changes that will result in sustainable prosperity, decreasing inequality between regions, and reducing community income gaps. This research will use a qualitative approach using the case study method, which does not use statistical generalizations but uses logical and replicative generalizations. This research uses multiple cases with varying characteristics as research informants. Two microfinance institutions and ten cases of MSMEs will be selected in this research. The study was conducted at Sharia Microfinance Institutions as providers of microcredit and MSMEs receiving microcredit in the Southern region of the Special Region of Yogyakarta, Bantul. This district was chosen because Bantul has the highest poverty rate. This condition is the focus of attention for maximum treatment. This research will use three data collection methods: interview, observation, and documentation, to maintain the data\u27s validity and reliability. Data triangulation was used to test the validity of the data. The data analysis process in this research uses two stages: descriptive analysis and within-case analysis. The research results found that microfinance practices carried out through Sharia Microfinance Institutions (SMFI), apart from focusing on providing accessible financing facilities, have also provided direction in developing MSMEs and taking action towards community welfare. SMFI regularly provides business development training to MSME