International Journal of Business Ecosystem & Strategy (2687-2293)
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How far in business performance are Gauteng construction SMMEs from applicable best practices?
Full text linkSmall, Micro- and Medium Enterprises (SMMEs) play a significant role in most world economies, particularly in developing countries. South Africa’s SMMEs demonstrate a high failure rate and do not seem to match the performances of applicable best practices. Regarding construction SMMEs, these issues are particularly noticeable. This study wants to investigate the level of performance of SMMEs in the construction industry of the Gauteng Province in South Africa as compared to SADC and best practices by addressing the research question, “To what extent do Gauteng construction SMMEs deviate from global best practice and SADC measures in terms of performance metrics?”, using regional and global lenses. The study design was cross-sectional qualitative based on secondary data. The targeted study population consisted of registered Gauteng construction SMMEs, and SADC and global best practices benchmarks were used for measuring these performances. The study found the Gauteng construction SMMEs were not engaging in social responsibility, and were lacking the most in business results, policy and strategy, processes, and in people management
The effect of emerging technologies on the performance and engagement of human resources (HR) professionals: evidence of existing studies
Full text linkThe swift advancement of emerging technologies has profoundly changed the workplace, especially within human resource management (HRM) practices and applications. Innovations such as data analytics, artificial intelligence (AI), and employee self-service (ESS) systems are pivotal to this transformation. While these technologies offer considerable advantages, they also present challenges that organizations need to address for effective integration into their operations. This study aims to examine the impact of emerging technologies on the performance and engagement of HR professionals, drawing on existing research. To achieve this, a comprehensive literature review was conducted. The findings indicate that emerging technologies have significantly transformed the workplace and human resource management, enhancing engagement within these areas. Furthermore, their implementation has notably advanced the modern workplace and the HR profession. Despite these benefits, challenges such as job security, potential skill displacement, and concerns about skill replacement exist. However, the research suggests that these challenges can be mitigated through the implementation of training programs, leadership endorsement initiatives, and technical support. The theoretical implications of these findings contribute valuable insights regarding the role of emerging technologies in HRM practices. Practically, the findings provide a framework for managers and organizational stakeholders to effectively leverage emerging technologies in human resource management applications
Immigrant entrepreneurs\u27 competitive advantage: the role of cultural and disruptive innovation
Full text linkImmigrant entrepreneurship has been credited for its contribution to economic development globally. The importance placed on immigrant entrepreneurship has put it at the centre of debate in South Africa. The debate emanates from whether immigrant entrepreneurs bring value to the economy of South Africa or not. However, studies have revealed that immigrant entrepreneurship, if properly regulated, plays a pivotal role in the economy. The study aimed to investigate the role of cultural and disruptive innovation on immigrant entrepreneurs\u27 competitive advantage. The study used a qualitative research methodology, which allowed the study to have a deeper insight into the experiences of immigrant entrepreneurs regarding the aspects of cultural and disruptive innovation, which play a role in their business performance. Data was collected from 20 immigrant entrepreneurs operating in the Eastern Cape. The study findings reveal that cultural and disruptive innovation aspects that have aided immigrant entrepreneurs in having a competitive advantage have more to do with adopting unique business models and strategies, which include networking, adaptability, and market creation or differentiation. The study also highlighted policy and practitioner implications, especially for South African township entrepreneurs
Analysis of financial management practices in Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs)
Full text linkThis paper investigated the financial management practices among Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) in the Thulamela Local Municipality using a qualitative approach. The research focused on a sample of forty-eight respondents from the informal sector, which was deemed representative of the SMME landscape. Interviews were conducted with SMME owners, guided by an interview framework, and recorded for transcription and thematic analysis. Findings revealed that competition is perceived as the primary cause of business failures; however, inadequate financial management emerged as a significant underlying issue. The study emphasizes the urgent need for intervention from government, banks, and academic institutions to offer financial management training and improve access to funding for SMMEs. Recommended actions include the establishment of workshops and seminars designed to enhance financial literacy among business owners. Such training would provide them with essential accounting and budgeting skills, ultimately enabling them to meet loan requirements from financial institutions and reducing the risk of cash flow issues and business failure
Digital innovations in semi-arid agriculture: A case study of precision farming in Opsoek ladismith, Karoo
Full text linkAgricultural production in semi-arid regions such as Opsoek, Ladismith Karoo faces numerous challenges, including water scarcity, low soil fertility and unpredictable weather patterns. Digital innovations, particularly precision farming and mobile extension systems have proven to be important tools in overcoming these challenges and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. This case study examines the adoption and impact of precision farming technologies and mobile support services among farmers in Opsoek. The research combines field observations, interviews with local farmers and analysis of data on the use of mobile extension services. The results show that precision agriculture tools, such as soil moisture sensors, GPS-based field mapping and automatic irrigation systems, have significantly improved resource management and crop yields. In addition, mobile extension services improved farmers’ access to timely information on weather forecasts, pest control and best farming practices, thereby strengthening decision-making processes and reducing production risks. Despite the obvious benefits, the study notes that barriers remain, such as limited digital literacy, high costs of technological inputs and inadequate mobile network coverage, which hinder wider adoption among smallholder farmers. The study concludes that targeted digital literacy training, government support for affordable technology access and improved rural network infrastructure are essential to fully realize the potential of digital innovation in semi-arid agriculture. This study contributes to the growing body of literature highlighting the transformative role of digital technologies in improving agricultural productivity and resilience in water-scarce areas and provides practical insights for policy makers, development practitioners and agricultural technology innovators
The impact of corporate social investment on human development in South Africa
Full text linkThe current research investigates the effect of Corporate Social Investment (CSI) on the Human Development Index in South Africa. A quantitative longitudinal study conducted over 10 years reviewed the relationship between CSI and HDI in South Africa. The survey results confirmed a negative statistical relationship between CSI and HDI in South Africa. With a 1% increase in CSI, leading to a marginal decrease in human development. An implication of the study is that CSI spending is not reaching the citizens of South Africa, possibly due to systemic corruption in South Africa. The results of the study thus have significant policy implications for the implementation and administration of CSI projects in South Africa
Comparing the motivation of Generation Y and Z non-academic staff at the Zimbabwe Open University
Full text linkThere is inadequate literature on research comparing the motivations of Generations Y and Z, especially for non-academic university staff. Therefore, this research compared the motivation of the two generational cohorts amongst non-academic staff at the Zimbabwe Open University. Two sub-objectives guided the research: first, to compare the intrinsic motivation of the two generations and the extrinsic motivation of the two generations. The generational theory guided the research, elaborating that generational cohorts have different preferences. The supplementary theory was Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, which shows how employees are motivated by the provision of needs from basic to fulfillment needs. The study was quantitative, using descriptive statistics to compare the motivation of Generation Y and Z. The research utilised closed-ended questionnaires, which were distributed to 196 respondents. SPSS version 30.0 was used for data analysis. Reliability, validity, and data normality tests confirmed the data. The findings show that both generations are motivated intrinsically, but preferences on the intrinsic motivators diverge. The research found that Generation Y is more extrinsically motivated than Generation Z. The research recommends using intrinsic motivation for Generation Z employees and using both intrinsic and extrinsic motivation for Generation Y employees
Statutory, regulatory and policy frameworks governing the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in public policy making in the South African context
Full text linkThis study aims to critically examine the statutory and regulatory framework governing the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in public policy-making in South Based on document analysis, the study uses a qualitative methodology informed by an interpretive research philosophy. From a variety of written sources, such as public reports, academic literature, policy drafts, and legislation, data were purposefully chosen and subjected to thematic analysis. Three main conclusions emerge from the study: first, South African regulations governing AI lag far behind the rate of technological advancement; second, the guidelines currently in place for the use of AI in the public sector are confusing and inadequate; and third, the current strategy falls short in striking a balance between innovation and essential protections. The study concludes by recommending that South Africa must move beyond consultative drafts and urgently establish a comprehensive, legally enforceable framework. This framework should be aligned with global best practices to ethically and effectively oversee AI deployment across its public institutions
The role of robo-advisors in digitally transforming retirement planning in South Africa: a literature review
Full text linkIn South Africa, only 6% of the population is expected to retire with financial independence, and the implementation of the Two-Pot retirement system in September 2024 exacerbates the retirement savings dilemma, underscoring an urgent necessity for creative retirement planning solutions. This article thoroughly delineates the present status of research into the utilisation of Robo-advisors in retirement planning. This analysis evaluates the appropriateness and feasibility of employing Robo-advisors to enhance and democratise digital financial advice within the context of a developing economy like South Africa, particularly through the adoption of the Two-Pot retirement scheme. A comprehensive literature analysis was conducted utilising the Emerald Insight, ProQuest, and Scopus databases to find peer-reviewed journal articles published between 2019 and 2024. These articles critically assessed the function of Robo-advisors in democratising financial advice, providing a cost-efficient, accessible, and perhaps less biassed alternative to conventional advising services. The study highlights the imperative for future research to guarantee the ethical, transparent, and controlled implementation of robo-advisory services in South Africa. The literature analysis delineates five pertinent study themes: emerging literature on Robo-advisors, behavioural dimensions, risk assessment, regulatory frameworks, and Robo-advisor characteristics pertinent to the South African retirement context, considering the Two-Pot retirement system.The report delineates potential research opportunities for each highlighted issue to aid scholars in performing empirical investigations aimed at optimising retirement planning in South Africa through the use of Robo-advisors
Deconstructing the role of gender and power in restorative approaches to child protection: Reimagining justice for children
Full text linkThis articles critically deconstructs the role of gender and power within restorative approaches to child protection, with the overarching aim of reimagining justice for children through a gender-sensitive lens. By applying a qualitative, exploratory research design, the study delves into the complexities of how gendered power dynamics shape the experiences of children, particularly those from marginalized or vulnerable groups, in restorative justice processes. A desktop study methodology was employed, systematically reviewing existing literature, policies, and case studies to analyze the intersections of gender, power, and justice in child protection frameworks. Thematic analysis of the data revealed key insights into how traditional restorative practices inadvertently perpetuate patriarchal norms and power imbalances, often marginalizing the voices of children, especially girls and gender-diverse individuals. The study also highlighted the challenges and opportunities of rethinking justice to create more inclusive, equitable systems that not only address harm but also transform the power structures that facilitate violence and exploitation. The findings offer critical perspectives on the potential for restorative justice to serve as a tool for empowerment, suggesting a transformative approach that goes beyond repair of harm to dismantling systemic inequities within child protection