International Journal of Business Ecosystem & Strategy (2687-2293)
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Significance of bank financing for SMMEs in the Vhembe district municipality: Opportunities, challenges, and implications
Get PDFIn any economy, Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) are essential for creating employment opportunities, which in turn help to eradicate poverty and high unemployment rates. Access to credit from several banks is essential for SMMEs to be sustainable. Since this finance is the lifeblood of these small businesses, its importance cannot be understated. Therefore, it was crucial for this study to assess the significance of the funding of SMMEs from banks and their impact on the sustainability of these small businesses. The research methodology used in the study was qualitative. SMMEs from different industries, such as agriculture, tourism, etc, and banking officials in the Vhembe District Municipality region made up the population used in this study. Ten research participants were chosen as a sample using stratified random sampling. Data was collected from the participants using an interview guide, and Atlas.ti was used for analysis. The results of this study revealed that the significance of financing SMMEs is grounded on job creation, poverty alleviation, and SMME development in the Vhembe district. The study also revealed that the funding assistance provided by banks provides the basis to develop their operations and enhance business sustainability
The silent quintile: Infrastructural inequities and developmental risk in township-based early childhood development centres in South Africa
Get PDFThe quality of infrastructure in Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres has a profound influence on child development outcomes, particularly in marginalised communities. This article investigates the infrastructural challenges facing township-based ECD centres in Johannesburg, South Africa, and explores how these challenges influence parents’ decisions and, potentially, the developmental trajectories of their children. Drawing on the National Integrated ECD Policy (2015) and the Department of Social Development (DSD) infrastructure norms, the study employs a mixed-methods design to assess the availability and adequacy of physical infrastructure in selected centres. Parents of children attending township ECD centres participated through an online quantitative survey and telephonic qualitative interviews conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings reveal widespread compliance with minimum infrastructure standards—such as access to clean water, basic sanitation, and classroom space—but expose critical gaps in outdoor play areas, safety features, and child-friendly environments. These deficiencies are compounded by limited financial resources, overcrowded facilities, and dual-purpose premises that serve both as homes and ECD centres. While parents generally expressed satisfaction with proximity, staff care, and affordability, their responses also highlighted low awareness of infrastructural quality as a determinant of developmental outcomes. The study concludes that township ECD infrastructure reflects a “silent quintile” system—an informal, inequitable tier of provisioning shaped by historical neglect, regulatory ambiguity, and constrained investment. It argues for targeted infrastructure grants, strengthened monitoring mechanisms, and parental awareness campaigns to ensure that ECD infrastructure supports rather than hinders child development. This article contributes to the growing discourse on structural inequality in early childhood provisioning and calls for policy coherence and cross-sectoral collaboration to advance the right to quality early learning for all children in South Africa
The The strategic role of communication in facilitating trade and economic growth in the SACU region
No full textTrade in the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) region experiences imbalances due to South Africa’s dominance and fragmented communication. This study aims to highlight communication\u27s strategic role in enhancing trade policy, logistics, and cooperation within SACU, focusing on digital platforms, ICT, policy alignment, and transparency. A qualitative, literature-based methodology is conducted, employing thematic analysis of academic and institutional sources to explore how communication strategies influence trade facilitation and integration within SACU. Five key themes are identified: Uneven ICT infrastructure, Economic impact of clear policy communication, Trade imbalances due to information asymmetry, Underutilised digital trade platforms, and Urgent need for communication capacity building. Communication’s crucial role for SACU integration includes institutional coordination, private sector engagement, and crisis management. It identifies missed strategic opportunities like dashboards and localized messaging. Addressing gaps in communication capacity, ICT infrastructure, digital platforms, and policy communication is vital for equitable, efficient regional trade integration. Policy proposals include investing in infrastructure, consolidating digital platforms, standardizing protocols, and promoting inclusive consultations. The study emphasizes adaptive governance and integration with regional value chains to ensure inclusive, efficient trade facilitation and equitable economic development across all member states
Understanding the utilization of Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) technologies among state universities in Zimbabwe
Get PDFThe Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) is transforming global higher education through disruptive technologies such as artificial intelligence, big data analytics, virtual reality, and the Internet of Things. This qualitative study investigates the adoption and utilization of 4IR technologies within Zimbabwean state universities, examining perceived benefits and barriers to integration. Data was collected using semi-structured interviews with academic staff, administrators, and ICT personnel across multiple institutions. Findings reveal widespread use of foundational digital tools, including Learning Management Systems, yet adoption of advanced 4IR technologies remains limited and fragmented. Key benefits identified include enhanced access to educational resources, improved academic communication, and increased operational efficiency. Conversely, infrastructural inadequacies, constrained funding, skills deficits, weak policy frameworks, and inconsistent leadership commitment significantly impede broader uptake. Employing the Technology-Organization-Environment (TOE) framework, the study elucidates how technological readiness, organizational dynamics, and external environmental pressures collectively shape 4IR adoption. The paper concludes with strategic recommendations focused on infrastructure enhancement, capacity building, policy alignment, and strengthened collaborations with industry and international partners. These insights contribute to advancing institutional and national digital transformation strategies in Zimbabwe and comparable developing country contexts
Traditional and technological methods of knowledge sharing: insights from librarians using UTAUT
Get PDFThis research investigated the knowledge-sharing strategies used by librarians in Nigeria, emphasising both conventional and modern approaches. The embedded mixed methods research design was used, with the sample including all 114 librarians from the selected universities. The instruments used for gathering data comprised a questionnaire and semi-structured interviews. The numerical data was evaluated using SPSS, while the qualitative data underwent thematic content analysis (TCA). The Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) served as the theoretical underpinning for the research. Although the study found that librarians in the institutions surveyed share their knowledge through both traditional and technological means, the majority of the time, traditional methods like in-person interactions, meetings, training, mentorship, brainstorming, peer support, and communities of practice were used. Librarians proficient in information exchange approaches and technological methods validated the adoption of these technologies. The Nigerian Library\u27s online forum, research gate/academia.edu, instant messaging, social networking sites, email, and online discussion forums were among the methods utilised to exchange information. Furthermore, with a mean score of 19.83, the librarians gave the technology approaches the highest ranking, while the conventional methods received a mean score of 9.88. According to the study\u27s findings, librarians are aware of both forms of information exchange and favour employing technology approaches. On the basis of the results of the current investigation, recommendations were made
Identifying critical HR competencies for post-pandemic HR professionals
No full textThe COVID-19 pandemic brought unprecedented changes to the workplace, forcing organisations to adapt quickly to remote work, flexible arrangements, and digitalisation. Human Resource (HR) professionals played a significant role in managing these transitions, ensuring employee well-being, and implementing new workplace policies and procedures. However, there is scant research on the competencies required by HR professionals to navigate the post-pandemic work environment successfully. This study aims to identify the critical HR competencies needed for HR professionals to thrive in the post-pandemic era. To address the research objective, a qualitative research approach was employed, which involved semi-structured interviews conducted online and face-to-face with nine HR professionals who participated in the study. The data were analysed using thematic analysis. The findings provide insights for HR professionals and organisations to develop effective HR practices and successfully support the transition to the post-pandemic work environment. Six themes emerged from the study: the Role of HR in the Post-Pandemic Work Environment, HR Competencies in the Post-Pandemic Work Environment, the Evolution of Critical HR Competencies in the Post-Pandemic Era, Challenges Faced by HR Professionals, Future-Proofing HR Competencies and Roles, and Professional Development. Given the limited existing studies on HR competencies in the post-pandemic period, further research is recommended in this area
Evaluation of digital advancements in education and training: Incorporating generative artificial intelligence (GENAI), digital video educational platforms, and social media in teaching, learning, and research
Get PDFA transformative shift is imminent as generative artificial intelligence facilitates a synthetic and highly individualised approach to information creation and transmission. Technological breakthroughs and innovations necessitate the integration of technology across all facets of life, operations, and education to improve efficiency and effectiveness. Numerous institutions worldwide have adopted Generative AI (GenAI) as a revolutionary tool in educational dialogue, encompassing teaching, learning, student participation, and research. The study sought to assess digital innovations using GenAI, video platforms, and social media within the educational sphere. A mixed-methods design was employed including 225 participants. Research indicated that AI improves personalisation and engagement, while video and social media tools promote collaboration and digital literacy. GenAI can automate administrative functions, support multidisciplinary research, and enhance dynamic and interactive learning experiences. Artificial intelligence can automate and improve several processes, facilitating support for both learners and educators, from managing routine enquiries to optimising resource allocation via predictive analytics. Video educational platforms facilitate the creation of interactive and customised content. Social media may augment initiatives, cultivate digital literacy, and promote user-generated content. The research suggests that effective integration necessitates ethical AI knowledge and institutional capability
The impact of the constitutional court decision number 168/PUU-XXI/2023 concerning law number 6 of 2023 on national investment growth in Indonesia
Get PDFThe purpose of this study is to investigate the Constitutional Court Decision Number 168/PUU-XXI/2023 concerning Law Number 6 of 2023 and its impact on national investment growth in Indonesia. This Constitutional Court Decision was stipulated on October 31, 2024, in response to the request for a material review of Law Number 6 of 2023 concerning the Stipulation of Government Regulation instead of Law Number 2 of 2022 concerning Job Creation into a Law related to changes to provisions originally regulated in Law Number 13 of 2003 concerning Manpower and the 1945 Constitution of the Republic of Indonesia. This research methodology uses a doctrinal legal research approach that focuses on the law and involves analyzing legal rules found in primary sources. This document uses data from scientific contributions published in academic research databases. The findings of this study are that labor laws are expected to reflect the national legal commitment to maintaining harmony between industry needs and worker protection so that the benefits can be felt by all parties involved in employment relations in Indonesia. Thus, this Constitutional Court decision is expected to create fairer labor standards in the form of creating an employment ecosystem in Indonesia. This scientific contribution concludes that labor laws and regulations are expected to be able to increase national investment growth in Indonesia. This study is of interest to various stakeholders, legislators, companies, academics, and others to encourage national economic growth in general, and national investment growth in particular after the Constitutional Court Decision Number 168/PUU-XXI/2023
Influence of electronic word of mouth during consumer buying decisions in South Africa
Get PDFThis study explored the influence of electronic word-of-mouth (e-WOM) on the online purchasing behaviour of Generation Z and Millennial students in South Africa, specifically identifying key e-WOM factors influencing consumer decisions and examining the role of demographic differences in shaping these behaviours. A quantitative, cross-sectional survey was conducted with 288 students and lecturers from Durban University of Technology. Data analysis was performed using SPSS software and regression analysis to examine the causal relationships between e-WOM factors and consumer buying behaviour. Key findings indicate that e-WOM significantly influences consumer buying behaviour, with factors such as e-WOM volume, e-WOM adoption and usage emerging as strong predictors. The influence of e-WOM was consistent across age groups and gender. The consistent influence of e-WOM on both Generation Z and Millennials, regardless of gender, suggests that unified e-WOM strategies can be developed for these generational cohorts, resulting in more efficient and cost-effective marketing campaigns. Based on these findings, digital marketers must focus on increasing the volume of e-WOM, particularly by encouraging customer reviews and enhancing social media engagement and leveraging user-generated content. Businesses can benefit from these approaches by enhancing brand trust, improving consumer decision-making and ultimately driving sales performance. Future studies could incorporate a mixed methods approach to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the phenomenon
A note on the alternative method of estimating a firm’s sustainable growth rate
Get PDFThe sustainable growth rate of a firm\u27s earnings and dividends is a critical component in the majority of prominent equity asset valuation models. The sustainable growth rate serves as an estimated proxy for a firm\u27s long-term growth rate in earnings and dividends. The sustainable growth rate of a firm represents the maximum achievable and maintainable rates of earnings and dividend growth without resorting to external financing, assuming a constant capital structure and no introduction of new equity. The sustainable growth rate of a firm is characterised as the growth rate in dividends and earnings that can be maintained given a specific return on equity (ROE) and retention rate, provided that no new equity is issued and the capital structure remains constant. This paper presents a derived, discussed, and tested model for an alternative sustainable earnings growth rate, utilising the firm\u27s current earnings per share (EPS), long-term book value per share (BVPS), and earnings retention rate. The model indicates that the firm can enhance its long-term growth rate by increasing its earnings per share (EPS) and retention rate, thereby augmenting its internal equity for financing growth opportunities.