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The Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) was introduced in 2004.  It aimto strengthen payment card security and reduce fraud through a set of global requirements for entities that process, store, or transmit cardholder data. Despite widespread adoption, payment card data breaches remain common, raising questions about the effectiveness of PCI DSS as a comprehensive security solution. Institutional theory is used to explain how organisations may adopt PCI DSS for symbolic legitimacy rather than substantive security, leading to a disconnect between formal compliance and operational resilience. By reviewing academic literature, industry reports and case studies, including regional perspectives from South Africa and Botswana, this paper examines the challenges of PCI DSS. Findings show that big breaches often happen when companies fail to follow the PCI DSS. The study further shows that, in some cases, firms that pass compliance checks may still be at risk since audits may not capture real-world weaknesses in their everyday security practices. Despite its importance, PCI DSS faces notable limitations. Compliance can be resource-intensive, requiring significant financial, human and technical investment, which poses challenges mostly for smaller organisations. Further, the standard often lags behind evolving cyber threats, creating a gap between formal compliance and actual security effectiveness. Based on the findings, this paper suggests that PCI DSS should not be seen as a complete solution; companies require additional compliance to guard their safety. The study recommends the strengthening of the PCI DSS to incorporate emerging technologies, shifting focus from compliance to resilience and fostering a security culture supported by adaptive monitoring and regional enforcement.

Customer satisfaction is a key driver of competitive advantage in the automobile industry. Understanding how customer support influences perceived service quality becomes increasingly important as service expectations rise. This study investigates the role of customer support in shaping service quality perceptions and its impact on overall satisfaction. A quantitative survey of 504 customers across various industries assessed perceptions of service quality, support effectiveness, and satisfaction levels. Results show that customer support significantly strengthens the relationship between service quality and satisfaction. Customers receiving higher levels of support reported greater satisfaction. These findings highlight the need for organisations to deliver high-quality services and invest in robust support systems. The study offers empirical evidence and practical insights for adopting a customer-centric approach to enhance loyalty and sustain market competitiveness.

Disability and everything it encompass presents significant challenges to individuals, families, and communities worldwide. People with disabilities (PWD) are marginalized and excluded in most societies. Discrimination and prejudice towards PWD are compounded by poverty, lack of essential services and support, and sometimes a hostile and inaccessible environment. The distinctive contribution of this research is its original focus on obstacles to social inclusion in Limpopo Province, South Africa, drawn from the personal experiences of young adults with physical disabilities. The novel contribution of this study lies in its unique illumination of barriers to social inclusion in Limpopo Province, South Africa, through the lived experiences of young adults with physical disabilities. Despite advancements in disability rights legislation, empirical evidence suggests that social exclusion remains pervasive. Key barriers identified include structural, attitudinal, and environmental factors impeding full social participation. The research highlights infrastructural inadequacies, such as limited access to public transportation and poorly designed facilities, which restrict mobility and social engagement. Additionally, prevailing societal attitudes and stigma towards disabilities contribute to the marginalization of affected individuals, exacerbating feelings of isolation and disempowerment. The study adopted a qualitative design. Open-ended online questionnaires have been used as the primary data collection tool and methods to collect data from the 10 participants; this resulted after the findings indicated that the gathered data answered the research questions and achieved the study’s objectives. The selection of participants was secured through purposive sampling; the participants were selected based on the researcher’s judgment and the physical disability experiences. The findings of the research revealed a variety of challenges that people living with disabilities encounter in the Limpopo province. This research not only illuminates the perceived barriers to social but also emphasizes the collective responsibility of stakeholders to facilitate systemic changes toward social inclusion.

This research investigates the strategic management of pharmaceutical supply chains in South Africa, with a focus on responses to disruptions resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. The study explores how supply chain professionals navigated unprecedented challenges and implemented resilience strategies during this crisis. A qualitative, exploratory phenomenological approach was employed using semi-structured interviews with 25 pharmaceutical supply chain professionals selected through purposive sampling. Participants represented diverse segments of the pharmaceutical supply chain, including manufacturers, distributors, wholesalers, and retailers. Data were analysed using thematic analysis with Atlas.ti software to identify patterns and relationships within participant experiences. Four major themes emerged from the analysis: (1) disruptions in supply chains due to COVID-19, characterised by panic buying, logistical challenges, and inconsistent supply; (2) impact on strategic decision-making and operational performance, including implementation of skeleton staffing and increased operational costs; (3) resilience and responsiveness strategies, focusing on supplier relationships, enhanced demand forecasting, and increased local production; and (4) lessons learned and future preparedness, emphasising disaster management frameworks and technological advancements. The study highlights the importance of developing balanced strategic approaches that address immediate disruptions and long-term resilience in pharmaceutical supply chains. Key findings reveal that effective strategic management during crises requires simultaneous attention to operational adjustments (skeleton staffing, remote work) and strategic initiatives (local production, technological investment). These insights contribute to understanding how pharmaceutical supply chains in developing economies can enhance resilience against future disruptions through strategic management practices that balance reactive and proactive approaches.

This study explored the bank-specific and macroeconomic factors influencing capital adequacy in South African commercial banks. In this research, a balanced panel data set comprising 11 recapitalized banks was employed, spanning the period from 2008 to 2019. Employing panel regression techniques including OLS, Fixed Effects, Random Effects, and the Generalized Method of Moments (GMM), the analysis examines the influence of profitability (ROA), bank size, leverage, broad money supply, and the central bank’s monetary policy rate on the Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR). The results indicate that profitability, bank size, leverage, and the broad money supply are critical determinants of capital sufficiency. Banks with increased profitability and increased exposure to the money supply typically demonstrate more robust capital positions. Larger bank size and increased leverage levels negatively affect capital adequacy ratios. The little impact of the delayed CAR signifies minimal persistence in capital buffer methods over time, implying that banks may not significantly depend on prior year capital conditions in their current capital planning. The study highlights the complex nature of capital sufficiency, influenced by microeconomic factors such as size and leverage, as well as macroeconomic indices like the money supply. The findings substantiate the Capital Buffer Theory and furnish critical insights for regulators, bank executives, and policymakers seeking to bolster the resilience of the banking industry in South Africa.

The retail sector plays a crucial role in the global economy, and its competitiveness largely depends on the quality of services provided to customers. This paper aims to investigate the effects of human capital development practices on service quality, customer satisfaction, and overall business competitiveness in the retail industry. To achieve this objective, the study adopted a quantitative research design with an interpretive paradigm. A sample of 180 participants was randomly selected from the selected retail stores in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. The study employed a structured questionnaire to collect data on human capital development, service quality, customer satisfaction, and business competitiveness. The data analysis began with data cleansing and coding in Microsoft Excel, followed by SmartPLS. The findings of the study revealed that investments in human capital development, such as employee training, refresher workshops, and professional development, have a positive impact on the quality of services provided by retail organisations. Improved service quality, in turn, leads to higher levels of customer satisfaction, which is a key driver of customer loyalty and business competitiveness. Furthermore, the study revealed that the enhanced service quality and customer satisfaction resulting from human capital development contribute to the overall competitiveness of retail businesses. The study recommends that the retail industry invest in training and development initiatives, particularly soft skills. Implementing automated machines to improve service quality and high production requires a well-trained workforce.

Despite significant initiatives to enhance educational access for marginalised communities in Africa, the prevalence of street children not enrolled in school remains substantial. Despite several studies examining educational access disparities among marginalised groups, obstacles to governmental initiatives aimed at enhancing educational opportunities for street children in Africa remain insufficiently investigated. This study elucidates these constraints, concentrating on Mutare Urban, Zimbabwe.  It examined the obstacles to governmental initiatives aimed at enhancing educational access for street children in Mutare Urban, Zimbabwe. The study employed a human rights-based approach as its theoretical framework to answer this subject. The research employed a qualitative methodology, utilising interviews, focus group discussions, and documentary analysis for data collection. These methodologies enabled the researchers to comprehend the subjective, lived experiences and perspectives of participants on obstacles to governmental initiatives aimed at enhancing educational access for street children in Mutare Urban. The study identified social disintegration, economic limits, insufficient teamwork, and corruption and nepotism as primary obstacles to governmental initiatives aimed at enhancing educational access for street children in Mutare Urban. The report advises enhanced funding, collaboration, monitoring, and evaluation of government programs, as well as a case-by-case approach to facilitate access to school for street children in response to the identified problems.

This study examines how Artificial Intelligence (AI) adoption in digital marketing enhances the competitiveness of small retail businesses (SRBs) in Cape Town, South Africa. Guided by an integrated Technology–Organisation–Environment (TOE) and Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) framework, a systematic review following PRISMA 2020 guidelines was conducted across eight databases, resulting in the inclusion of 37 empirical and conceptual studies published between 2015 and 2025. Findings show that AI adoption remains modest, with only 39% of small businesses planning to develop internal AI capabilities by 2025. The most common entry points are ChatGPT, text-to-image generators, predictive analytics systems, and WhatsApp-based chatbots. Businesses using these tools reported an average 11% increase in sales and a 28% reduction in marketing costs within six months. However, adoption is constrained by infrastructure challenges (patchy broadband, power cuts, high cloud costs), organisational limitations (low digital literacy, managerial scepticism, fear of automation), and socio-cultural barriers (language diversity and customer mistrust of chatbots). This study provides the first Cape Town-focused synthesis linking AI adoption to SME competitiveness through the TOE–UTAUT framework. It recommends policy measures to improve digital infrastructure and data governance, practical initiatives to strengthen AI literacy and ethical awareness, and theoretical extensions to contextualise socio-cultural dimensions of AI use. Collectively, these insights contribute to advancing inclusive, trust-based digital transformation in Cape Town’s small business ecosystem.

The purpose of this article is to establish factors influencing the adoption of a Blockchain-based tax system for MNEs operating in developing countries. The study was prompted by the fact that the MNEs are a significant contributor to many developing countries. Yet, there is a noticeable gap in literature regarding the factors influencing the adoption of the block-based tax system. By analysing related literature, this research aims to identify the primary drivers of Blockchain-based tax systems. The study adopts a systematic literature review approach, encompassing the analysis and synthesis of relevant literature and authoritative reports. Fifty-five [55] articles were analysed and reviewed. The article found that the adoption and implementation of a Blockchain-based tax system is influenced by technology, regulatory and legal, economic and financial, organisational and human, and contextual factors. In addition, the paper delved into challenges faced by the MNEs and tax authorities that hamper the implementation of the aforementioned technology. A myriad of challenges identified include the lack of preparedness due to lack of digital infrastructure, skills gaps, laws and policies that do not foster innovation and economic growth and the fear of the unknown. This paper recommends training and capacity-building programmes to upskill tax administrators and MNE operators so that they can smoothly embrace emerging technologies with adequate skills and competencies. In addition, there is a need for governments involved to establish legal and regulatory frameworks that foster innovation Also, to close the skills gap, there is a need for collaboration between the industry and academia. The novel contribution of this paper is that it is among studies that have pioneered research on Blockchain-based tax system adoption for MNEs operating in developing countries.

The sawmilling industry in South Africa consists of both formal and informal sawmills. How these sawmills operate and their costs of operation often differ from each other. This challenges regulations, product costings, and product offerings, as this often differs for the players. There is an urgent need to improve the competitiveness of the sawmilling industry; however, despite the various efforts from multiple stakeholders, the industry remains globally and even locally uncompetitive. Therefore, the study aimed to investigate the factors affecting the competitiveness of the South African sawmill industry and how those factors impact the industry’s sustainable development. Research questions were formulated to achieve the objective. The study followed a qualitative approach using semi-structured interviews. Interviews were conducted with seven personnel working in the South African sawmill industry. A non-probability purposive sampling method was employed to choose participants for the study based on their positions. By looking at the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of the PESTLE factors affecting the competitiveness of the South African sawmilling industry, we were able to see that there are several factors at play in the sawmill industry. The study highlighted that by looking at the sawmilling industry holistically, the stakeholders (private, public, communities, government, academia, etc) can work together to address the challenges affecting the sawmilling industry. This can be achieved by incentivising compliance with the regulations that support sustainability and competitiveness in the sawmilling industry. Future research should explore the effectiveness and success stories of initiatives, regulations and programs that address challenges in the sawmilling industry and see how they can be improved for sustainable development.

Blockchain technology has emerged as a disruptive force that can transform various sectors, such as financial institutions, supply chain management, and healthcare, by bolstering transparency, traceability, and stakeholder trust. This research conducts a systematic review to investigate the role of blockchain technology in enhancing data security and privacy within information systems. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, we conducted a thorough analysis of the existing literature sourced from five reputable academic databases (EBSCOhost, Scopus, Google Scholar, IEEE Xplore, and the ACM Digital Library). The research delves into the capabilities of blockchain technology in information systems (IS) to strengthen the security and privacy of data. However, there is a notable gap in research focusing on the role of blockchain in enhancing data security and privacy. The solutions identified encompass the advantages of blockchain, such as transparency, traceability, immutability, scalability, and security within a decentralised ledger. This research contributes fresh insights into the potential of blockchain technology to enhance security and privacy within information systems, offering a foundation for further exploration and innovation.

In South Africa, social grants assist approximately 18 million individuals; nonetheless, numerous beneficiaries remain ensnared in poverty due to obstacles that hinder entrepreneurial advancement. This study investigated the obstacles hindering social grant applicants in Mthatha, Eastern Cape from achieving sustainable entrepreneurship and evaluated the local government's role in mitigating these issues. A qualitative technique was employed, involving semi-structured interviews with 20 informal entrepreneurs, and the material was examined thematically. Results indicated enduring financial, institutional, and socio-economic obstacles, with more than 75% of participants identifying insufficient capital and 65% acknowledging criminality and extortion as significant impediments. The majority of participants received no municipal support, training, or business aid, necessitating ongoing dependence on funds despite their entrepreneurial endeavours. The study indicates that minimal government involvement, insufficient safety measures, and fragile institutional frameworks sustain reliance and hinder local economic development. Enhancing local government interventions, inclusive funding methods, and safety activities could improve business viability and diminish long-term dependence on social assistance in Mthatha.

The COVID-19 pandemic triggered a global economic crisis that significantly impacted the South African banking sector, already weakened by a pre-existing recession. While bank profitability and credit quality declined, stock market reactions appeared less severe, indicating a potential disconnect between fundamentals and investor behaviour. This study explores the influence of investor sentiment on credit risk, lending, and performance (ROA) of selected JSE-listed banks during the pandemic, incorporating behavioural finance perspectives. Panel regression analysis reveals that COVID-19 had a significant negative effect on stock, ROA and ROE, driven by heightened uncertainty and rising non-performing loans. Liquidity and capital positively influenced returns and ROE, reflecting investor confidence in resilient banks. Investor sentiment had a weakly positive impact on returns, but a significant negative effect on both ROA and ROE, suggesting that excessive optimism may have led to riskier lending practices and reduced profitability. Larger banks underperformed in terms of returns, likely due to operational complexity during the crisis. These findings highlight the critical role of behavioural factors in shaping financial outcomes during systemic shocks and provide new insights into emerging market banking dynamics under crisis conditions.

The realization of married women’s sexual and reproductive health rights remains a persistent global, continental, and national challenge. In South Africa, rural married women continue to face heightened vulnerability to sexually transmitted infections, including HIV, largely due to male partners’ denial of their agency in exercising these rights. This article critically examines the barriers rural married women encounter in asserting their sexual and reproductive health rights within marital unions. The article draws from a qualitative study that explored married men’s perceptions and experiences regarding their spouses’ sexual and reproductive autonomy. Despite growing discourse on gender and health rights, there remains a paucity of empirical research addressing this intersection within the context of marital relationships. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with twenty-eight rural married men residing in the Lephalale villages of the Waterberg District in Limpopo Province. A non-probability sampling technique was employed, and data were analyzed using Tesch’s eight-step method of qualitative data analysis. Key findings revealed a significant lack of autonomy among married women, influenced by entrenched patriarchal norms. Moreover, socio-economic marginalization, religious doctrines, and cultural practices emerged as structural impediments that silence women and inhibit their ability to exercise their sexual and reproductive rights.

External environmental changes manifest in erratic economic situations that adversely impact human lives, economies, and SMEs globally. This constitutes a significant global danger to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Small and medium-sized enterprises significantly contribute to the national gross domestic product. Nevertheless, the majority of SMEs have limitations, particularly in terms of resources. SMEs must embrace CI to forecast and make educated decisions regarding the efficient management of existing, often limited resources. Government assistance, in multiple capacities, is equally essential. Moreover, the implementation of Continuous Improvement (CI) by Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) may facilitate nations in attaining the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 8, which aims for reduced unemployment through sustainable economic growth, employment, and decent work for all. Nonetheless, there exists a paucity of literature regarding CI implementation frameworks that assist SMEs in implementing CI techniques for resource management and the advancement of a sustainable economy. This study seeks to establish a framework for Continuous Improvement (CI) implementation to assist SMEs in adopting CI technologies for resource management and enhancing operational efficiency. A systematic literature review (SRL) methodology is utilised to discern essential elements vital for the implementation of continuous improvement (CI) in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This study enhances the sparse information on CI in SME contexts by synthesising best practices and significant insights from global literature. It enables SMEs to manoeuvre through economic volatility and assists policymakers in formulating specific actions. The framework ultimately promotes sustainable economic development and enhances the capacity of SMEs to endure external shocks, including IoT and AI analytics, as well as their consequences for business ecosystems.  

There 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.

Investigations into establishing a framework for incentivising non-academic personnel in universities have been scarce. The research sought to establish a paradigm for motivating non-academic personnel in institutions. The study was informed by Herzberg’s two-factor theory and Adams’ equitable theory of motivation. The research employed a quantitative methodology, wherein a sample of 216 non-academic personnel at the Zimbabwe Open University filled out closed-ended questionnaires. Data analysis was conducted with SPSS version 30.0. The resulting framework details the obstacles, intrinsic motivators, extrinsic motivators, and performance outcomes of university non-academic personnel. The report advises colleges to utilise the framework to create motivational programs for non-academic personnel.

This 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.

The term "Black Tax" refers to the perceived financial responsibilities that Black South African professionals feel obligated to meet in order to support their families. This complex socio-economic phenomenon traverses the nuanced relationship between cultural expectations and financial pressures. This research investigates the impact of socioeconomic background on the emergence and severity of Black Tax responsibilities among young professionals in rural Limpopo. A qualitative research design was utilised, characterised by exploratory inquiry. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with five purposefully selected emerging professionals in rural Limpopo, who offered significant insights into the complex relationships among rural upbringing, financial advancement, and familial responsibilities. This research utilises the framework of Structural Functionalism to conceptualise Black Tax as a social mechanism that supports family stability and economic equilibrium in communities with insufficient formal support structures. The findings reveal contradictions between individual aspirations and collective expectations, especially as young professionals navigate the challenges of balancing personal development with familial obligations while addressing their own needs. This study critiques the simplification of Black Tax as solely a financial obligation, arguing that it is a complex socio-cultural phenomenon influenced by historical inequalities and the necessity for community survival. This research enhances discussions on class mobility, intergenerational obligations, and socio-economic dynamics in the post-apartheid context, providing a detailed understanding of the complexities involved in achieving success that cannot be exclusively linked to individual efforts. The research emphasises the necessity for cohesive financial literacy and community empowerment frameworks to align personal development with cultural responsibilities

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into human resource management (HRM) processes has significantly enhanced organisational operations by optimising efficiency in talent acquisition, performance assessment, and employee engagement initiatives. Nonetheless, this integration introduces ethical challenges, including algorithmic bias, data privacy concerns, and the reduction of human decision-making autonomy. The purpose of the review is to systematically examine the ethical considerations associated with AI deployment in HRM, explicitly addressing issues related to bias, transparency, privacy breaches, and job displacement. Additionally, it evaluates strategies for deploying AI responsibly to uphold principles of fairness, accountability, and stakeholder trust. Considering the purpose of the review, a comprehensive systematic review of peer-reviewed literature was conducted, sourcing data from Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. The review targeted publications relevant to the aims of the study, utilising search keywords such as "ethical consideration," "algorithmic bias," and "data privacy." Data synthesis was conducted via narrative methods complemented by thematic analysis to identify prevailing patterns, research gaps, and emergent themes. Findings revealed that AI enhances HRM functions through automation, predictive analytics, and the delivery of individualised employee experiences, contributing to cost reductions and improved decision-making efficacy. However, potential negative implications include reinforcement of existing biases, violations of privacy, lack of transparency in decision-making processes, and threats to employment stability. Empirical evidence indicates disproportionate impacts on marginalised populations and underscores the necessity for ethical frameworks, including the development and implementation of explainable AI (XAI) and hybrid human-AI systems. Finally, it is affirmed that although AI offers transformative operational benefits within HRM, the associated ethical risks necessitate the implementation of comprehensive governance structures, bias mitigation protocols, and active stakeholder participation. Approaches such as hybrid human-AI systems, targeted workforce training, and adherence to regulatory standards are essential to ensuring sustainable and ethical AI integration. Future research should prioritise investigating employee perceptions and conducting cross-cultural analyses to enhance ethical AI governance in HRM contexts.