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International Journal of Business Ecosystem & Strategy
Last article check: 05 Nov 2026 19:13 · Completed
Last successful article refresh: 05 Nov 2026 19:13
Next article check due: 06 Nov 2026 19:13
Crossref refresh: 21 Oct 2026 00:14 · OpenAlex refresh: 21 Oct 2026 00:14
Bussecon Review of Social Sciences
Last article check: 05 Nov 2026 19:13 · Completed
Last successful article refresh: 05 Nov 2026 19:13
Next article check due: 06 Nov 2026 19:13
Crossref refresh: 21 Oct 2026 00:01 · OpenAlex refresh: 21 Oct 2026 00:02
INDEXED PUBLICATIONS565
CROSSREF CITATIONS330
CROSSREF · CITED PUBLICATIONS28.5%
CROSSREF · MEAN CITATIONS0.59

Crossref citation coverage: 562 / 565 publications (99.5%). Latest observation: 21 Oct 2026, 00:14 UTC. Means and percentages use records with known counts.

Research collection

565 publications

JOURNAL ARTICLE

Exploring artificial intelligence adoption in digital marketing using snowball sampling: A qualitative study of small retail businesses in Cape Town

Steven Lububu · Monique Harris · Michael Twum-Darko

International Journal of Business Ecosystem & Strategy · 2026

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Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming digital marketing by enabling advanced analytics, automation, and personalised customer engagement. Despite growing adoption, qualitative insights into how small retail enterprises in emerging economies adopt AI remain limited. This study examines AI adoption in digital marketing among small retailers in Cape Town using an interpretivist qualitative case study design. Grounded in an integrated Technology–Organisation–Environment (TOE) and Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) framework, data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 18 participants identified via snowball sampling. Thematic analysis shows that AI adoption is driven by competitive pressure, customer expectations, and perceived performance benefits, but is constrained by skills gaps, cost concerns, and data-related challenges. The study extends TOE–UTAUT theory by demonstrating how platform-based AI tools reduce technological barriers while amplifying organisational and capability-related constraints in emerging market contexts. The findings provide actionable insights for policymakers and practitioners aiming to support sustainable digital transformation in small business ecosystems.

DOI 10.36096/ijbes.v8i3.11480 Crossref citations0 OpenAlex citations
JOURNAL ARTICLE

E-government and service delivery in Lesotho

Alouis Chilunjika

International Journal of Business Ecosystem & Strategy · 2026

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The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) altered how institutions and people interact and operate in various contexts. Technological advancements through e-government have resulted in more responsible, transparent, effective, and efficient governance and service delivery in Lesotho. The adoption of e-government and its influence on service delivery in Lesotho are examined in this study using a systematic scoping review process guided by the PRISMA 2020 framework. Using the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) as its theoretical lens, the study argues that citizen adoption is dependent on perceived usefulness and ease of use, both of which are significantly hindered by local constraints. The evaluation acknowledges gains made through programmes such as the 2013 e-Government Infrastructure Project, which has increased efficiency and transparency, particularly in metropolitan areas such as Maseru. Nevertheless, it also draws attention to a notable implementation gap, with a sizable urban-rural digital divide that marginalises rural residents due to inadequate infrastructure, expensive ICT, and restricted coverage. Serious accessibility issues are also exacerbated by inadequate digital literacy and the predominance of English over Sesotho on government websites. According to the study, resolving these problems calls for a multifaceted strategy. Investing in rural digital infrastructure, lowering access fees, requiring multilingual and accessible digital content, and starting national digital literacy initiatives are all part of this strategy to transform e-government into a tool for equitable service delivery and inclusive development for all Basotho.

DOI 10.36096/ijbes.v8i3.11450 Crossref citations0 OpenAlex citations
JOURNAL ARTICLE

Female youth entrepreneurs at the King Sabata Dalindyebo local municipality: A portrait of progress in the context of their contributions to the economy and job creation

Anthony Kambi Masha · Sisipho Komisane

International Journal of Business Ecosystem & Strategy · 2026

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Globally, female entrepreneurship is increasing in developing countries, although women-owned businesses typically operate on a smaller scale and generate lower profits than their male counterparts. In South Africa, youth face significant challenges of poverty, inequality, and unemployment, exacerbated by unequal income distribution, which locks many into poverty and worsens psychosocial issues. The South African Ministry of Social Development identifies these factors as reasons to encourage young female entrepreneurship to combat these adversities. A study within the King Sabata Dalindyebo Local Municipality (KSDLM) utilised a questionnaire to gather insights from female youth entrepreneurs, revealing high perceptions of their contributions to economic growth and employment creation in the region, with mean values of 4.24 and 4.21, respectively. These findings underscore the crucial role of female youth entrepreneurship in driving local development and promoting confidence in women's economic contributions. The study underscores the importance of supporting women's entrepreneurship through policies and educational programs to stimulate social transformation and economic growth, ultimately contributing to a more equitable society. Addressing the challenges faced by women entrepreneurs is crucial to realizing their full potential and enhancing the nation's economy.

DOI 10.36096/ijbes.v8i3.11430 Crossref citations0 OpenAlex citations
JOURNAL ARTICLE

Bridging the skills chasm: How training fosters resilience in South Africa's township social enterprises

Roselyne Cheruiyot · Robert Venter

International Journal of Business Ecosystem & Strategy · 2026

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In an era of compounding crises, skills training is increasingly critical for building resilience in social enterprises (SEs), particularly in marginalized contexts. This study investigates the role of skills training in fostering resilience among township-based social enterprises in Johannesburg, South Africa. Operating within a legacy of spatial apartheid, chronic unemployment, and systemic inequality, these SEs face multidimensional skills gaps that constrain their scalability and sustainability. Through a qualitative, interpretive research design involving 15 SEs in Soweto, this study explores the key skills gaps, the contributions of training to resilience, and the systemic barriers to effective skills development. The findings reveal that skills gaps span financial literacy, technical competencies, digital skills, leadership, and psychosocial preparedness. Skills training, delivered through formal programs, private incubators, and informal peer networks, contributes to resilience by enhancing financial legitimacy, ensuring operational continuity, building social capital, and fostering psychological empowerment. However, significant barriers, including cost, geographic inaccessibility, communication gaps, and cultural mistrust, limit the inclusivity and impact of training initiatives. The study concludes that for skills training to be truly transformative, it must be reconceptualized towards co-designed, context-sensitive, and holistic models that integrate technical, managerial, and psychosocial capabilities. The insights contribute to the discourse on sustainable development and inclusive entrepreneurship in the Global South, offering implications for policymakers, development agencies, and social entrepreneurs seeking to build resilient ecosystems

DOI 10.36096/ijbes.v8i3.11070 Crossref citations0 OpenAlex citations
JOURNAL ARTICLE

Effects of solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation on outdoor workers health: A systematic literature review

Samuel Bangura

International Journal of Business Ecosystem & Strategy · 2026

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Solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation represents a significant occupational hazard for outdoor workers, contributing to various health outcomes including dermatological conditions, ocular diseases, immune system impairment, and decreased productivity. Workers engaged in industries such as construction, agriculture, and transportation are frequently exposed to UVR levels exceeding recommended safety thresholds, thereby increasing their risk of developing non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSCs), pterygium, cataracts, and immunosuppression. Despite widespread awareness of these risks, current preventive measures and occupational regulations are often insufficient. This systematic review aims to compile and analyze current evidence regarding the health impacts of occupational solar UVR exposure among outdoor workers. Additionally, it seeks to identify existing gaps in knowledge and policy to support the development of effective preventive strategies and guide future research efforts. A comprehensive, systematic search was conducted following PRISMA guidelines across multiple databases, including PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, and Web of Science. Keywords and MeSH terms related to UVR exposure, outdoor occupations, skin and eye health, and preventive interventions were utilized. Studies selected for inclusion focused on adult outdoor workers and addressed UVR-related health outcomes or exposure assessments. Due to heterogeneity in study designs, findings were synthesized thematically. Research consistently indicates that outdoor workers experience UVR exposure levels two to three times higher than indoor workers, often exceeding safety limits established by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP). There is strong evidence linking chronic UVR exposure to increased risks of NMSC (relative risk 1.43–2.42), pterygium, and cataracts, with biomarker studies corroborating UV-induced immunosuppression. Additionally, UVR exposure has been associated with cognitive performance, productivity, and absenteeism, leading to considerable economic impacts. While preventive measures such as sunscreen use, protective clothing, and educational programs have improved protective behaviors by approximately 20–40%, adherence to these practices remains limited. Currently, global regulatory frameworks are inadequate, with only about one-third of countries implementing comprehensive occupational UVR guidelines.

DOI 10.36096/ijbes.v8i2.12210 Crossref citations0 OpenAlex citations
JOURNAL ARTICLE

Impact of global tariff shifts on South African manufacturing exports (2020–2025)

Masa Sylvester Motadi

International Journal of Business Ecosystem & Strategy · 2026

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This study examines the effects of global tariff adjustments on the susceptibility of South African manufacturing exports from 2020 to 2025. The escalation of protectionism and uncertainty in trade policy has progressively impacted export performance in emerging manufacturing economies. This study seeks to evaluate the impact of tariff changes on export volume, sector composition, and firm-level adaptation techniques in South Africa's manufacturing sector.A quantitative methodology was utilised, employing secondary data from international trade and macroeconomic databases, encompassing sector-specific export statistics, tariff exposure metrics, exchange rate controls, and global demand variables. Descriptive statistical analysis and multivariate regression modelling were employed to investigate the correlation between tariff exposure and export performance in principal industrial sectors. The results indicate that tariff adjustments had a statistically significant adverse effect on the growth of industrial exports. A one-percent increase in tariff exposure correlated with an estimated 0.5–0.6 percent decline in export growth within tariff-sensitive sectors. The automotive and textile industries displayed the greatest susceptibility, whereas processed manufacturing exports showed enhanced resilience, possibly attributable to regional market diversification. company-level adaptation options, including regional market growth and investments in automation, alleviated export losses but demonstrated inconsistent success across different sectors and company sizes. This study enhances the trade resilience literature by offering empirical evidence that connects global tariff changes to sector-specific export susceptibility in a middle-income manufacturing economy. The results highlight the significance of industry enhancement, regional trade integration, and export diversification in reducing vulnerability to external trade disturbances. The findings provide significant insights for industrial and trade policies intended to improve South Africa's long-term manufacturing export competitiveness in the context of persistent global trade volatility.

DOI 10.36096/ijbes.v8i2.12080 Crossref citations0 OpenAlex citations
JOURNAL ARTICLE

Governance challenges: A buffer in enhancing local economic development in the Vhembe District Municipality

Madzanga Carol Netshandama · Harry Munzhedzi

International Journal of Business Ecosystem & Strategy · 2026

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This study focuses on the governance challenges in enhancing Local Economic Development (LED) in Vhembe District Municipality (VDM). Good governance is a critical factor in enhancing LED, as it ensures transparency, accountability, inclusivity, and efficient resource management. However, the municipality faces a multiplicity of local economic challenges, including poorly maintained infrastructure, a lack of an LED strategy, limited capacity, and low community participation. The article employed a mixed-method approach that comprised quantitative and qualitative research methodologies. Data were collected through a closed-ended questionnaire and structured interviews. For data analysis, the article adopted statistical methods for quantitative data and thematic content analysis for qualitative data. The article found that a lack of accountability, ineffective policy implementation, poor communication, and insufficient financial management practices are challenges VDM faces in enhancing LED. To address these challenges, the municipality should implement stronger accountability measures for officials to ensure transparency and improve the effectiveness of LED efforts. Community engagement should be enhanced by creating more inclusive platforms for participation. The municipality must implement regular, targeted training initiatives to enhance officials’ skills, knowledge, and capacity to drive effective governance and sustainable economic growth. Training programs for municipal officials will improve governance and support economic development.

DOI 10.36096/ijbes.v8i2.12070 Crossref citations0 OpenAlex citations
JOURNAL ARTICLE

Digital transformation and e-government adoption in the public sector: Leveraging technology to improve service delivery and transparency

Limkile Mpofu · Zamokuhle Mbandlwa

International Journal of Business Ecosystem & Strategy · 2026

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In the digital era, public administrations face the dual challenge of modernizing internal processes while improving citizen services, amid rising expectations for transparency, accountability, and integrity. Citizens demand faster, more accessible, and more transparent services, while pressures to cut costs and boost efficiency intensify. E-government and broader digital transformation thus emerge as strategic levers to address these demands. This study aimed to assess how, and under what conditions, e-government initiatives enhance service delivery and transparency, while identifying mediating factors, including technical, organizational, and political factors. An in-depth qualitative literature review and analysis of secondary data (the UN E-Government Survey, open data indicators, and corruption perception indices) was conducted to explore these dynamics. The study followed the integrative review standards, screening the e-government adoption literature, the United Nations E-Government Survey, global benchmarking reports, and digital government evaluations published between 2010 and 2025, and using thematic coding to ensure replicability and analytic depth. The findings provide practical recommendations for policymakers and administrators to enhance service quality, transparency, and citizen engagement. The study contributes to the growing literature on public sector digitalization by synthesizing key success factors, common obstacles, and emerging trends across diverse national and cultural contexts, offering insights for effective governance in the digital age.

DOI 10.36096/ijbes.v8i2.12040 Crossref citations0 OpenAlex citations
JOURNAL ARTICLE

Financial institution support and SMMEs performance in emerging ecosystems:  Qualitative evidence from Vhembe district, South Africa

Khamusi Ramudingane · L.G Nkondo

International Journal of Business Ecosystem & Strategy · 2026

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Small and medium-sized businesses, or SMMEs, are vital to the global economy because they foster innovation, job creation, and economic expansion. Their success and performance depend largely on external support from other organizations, including financial institutions. The objective of this research was to investigate the extent to which financial assistance affects SMMEs' overall performance. Officials from financial institutions and SMMEs in the Vhembe District Municipality comprised the study population. 16 research participants were chosen for the sample using stratified random sampling. An interview guide was used to gather data from the participants. Data was analysed using Atlas.ti. The results indicate that the effect of the financial support leads to business sustainability, business/ local economic growth, and relationship building. By encouraging SMMEs' sustainability and local economic growth in Vhembe District, where outside investment from financial institutions serves as a crucial enabler for innovation and job creation, this study emphasizes the importance of financial support in bolstering entrepreneurial ecosystems. It highlights the stakeholder links between financial officials and SMMEs, encouraging cooperative solutions that improve regional development plans and business performance.

DOI 10.36096/ijbes.v8i2.11820 Crossref citations0 OpenAlex citations
JOURNAL ARTICLE

Tourism SMEs employees' perceptions regarding business excellence in Cape Town

Thandokazi Hazel Ngemntu · Gift Muresherwa · Sipho Selatole Makgopa

International Journal of Business Ecosystem & Strategy · 2026

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Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) in South Africa’s tourism sector increasingly rely on business excellence practices to enhance competitiveness and performance. This study examines how employees in Cape Town tourism SMEs perceive business excellence, using a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative survey data with qualitative thematic insights. The findings identify key critical success factors underpinning business excellence, namely customer and employee satisfaction, operational efficiency, and organisational growth, with satisfaction emerging as the most dominant driver of performance. Additional enabling factors include strong leadership, continuous employee training, effective communication, and the implementation of quality management practices. While most employees indicated the presence of quality plans, gaps in understanding formal business excellence frameworks were evident, suggesting a disconnect between practice and conceptual awareness. These findings reinforce the importance of service quality as central to achieving sustained competitiveness in tourism SMEs. The study contributes to the effective and efficient adaptation of business excellence in both existing and future strategies for tourism SMEs' organizational development. The study contributes empirically to the limited South African literature on business excellence in SMEs and highlights the relevance of employee-centred performance dimensions. Practically, the results suggest that tourism SMEs should prioritise staff development, embed quality management systems, and foster a culture of continuous improvement, while policymakers and industry stakeholders should support SMEs through targeted training and capacity-building initiatives to enhance the effective adoption of business excellence frameworks. The main implication of the study results is that when business excellence principles are implemented, success and better results are easily achieved.

DOI 10.36096/ijbes.v8i2.12020 Crossref citations0 OpenAlex citations
JOURNAL ARTICLE

Improving food safety and quality control through blockchain in emerging market supply chains

Kudakwashe Tazvivinga · Alexander Samuels

International Journal of Business Ecosystem & Strategy · 2026

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This study’s main goal is to find out how blockchain technology may improve food safety and quality management in supply chains serving emerging markets. The increasing pressure on the global food supply chain to ensure the safety and quality of food products served is the driving force behind this study, particularly in poorer countries where infrastructure and regulatory oversight may be less developed. The information asymmetry, weak traceability systems, and fragmented structures that often define supply chains in emerging markets provide significant challenges to food safety and quality control activities. In recent years, blockchain technology has emerged as a potential solution to these problems. The study employed qualitative research approach using a qualitative data analysis programme, ATLAS. ti 23. Having embraced the interpretivist paradigm, about 25 supply chain professionals were purposefully selected for this study. Following thematic analysis, the following themes emerged from the primary data: Blockchain technology fundamentals, challenges in emerging market supply chains, blockchain applications and mechanisms, benefits and challenges of blockchain adoption, policy and regulatory considerations, socio-economic impacts. Using blockchain technology will enable real-time tracking of agricultural goods from farm to consumer in supply chains in emerging markets, like South Africa. Better traceability is ensured, allowing businesses to promptly pinpoint the cause of contamination or quality problems. This reduces the likelihood of widespread foodborne illnesses and recalls. By making sure that all parties involved farmers, suppliers, distributors, and retailers are held responsible for upholding safety and quality standards, this can lessen fraud and tampering. Blockchain technology is becoming more and more popular in developed market supply chains, but its potential in emerging countries is still limited, especially when it comes to food safety and quality control. This study offers fresh perspectives on how blockchain might be tailored to these regions’ particular opportunities and problems, like disjointed supply chains, constrained infrastructure, and inconsistent regulations.

DOI 10.36096/ijbes.v8i2.11930 Crossref citations0 OpenAlex citations
JOURNAL ARTICLE

Aligning personal preferences, user fit, and creative vision: A comprehensive analysis of brand choices in selecting social media platforms

Faith Rudairo Chibvura · Darry Penceliah

International Journal of Business Ecosystem & Strategy · 2026

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This study explored the complex decision-making process and the factors used by people, influencers, and brands when selecting social media platforms. The various factors include target demographics, values, content style, and overall marketing strategy. The study aimed to assess the importance of aligning personal preferences, user fit, and creative vision in selecting which social media platforms to use for a brand. To build a stronger level of engagement, content must be designed in a way that creates value for individual consumers. The Uses and Gratification Theory (UGT) provided a framework for understanding the motivations of millennials seeking a specific type of content on social media and how brands select social media platforms. A mixed-methods approach was used for the study to obtain the perspectives of both social media content creators and customers. The target population comprised millennials in the greater Durban area. Purposive sampling was used to select a sample of 400 participants for quantitative data and 10 content creators for qualitative data collection. Data was analysed both qualitatively and quantitatively using thematic analysis and SPSS version 28.0, respectively. The results contribute to a deeper understanding of the dynamic interplay between personal preferences, user fit, and creative vision in shaping the digital landscape. The study findings suggest that influencer marketing can be a powerful tool for promoting brand preference. Brands should carefully select influencers whose followers align with their target audience and ensure they have a strong following and the trust of their followers. The findings emphasise the effectiveness of diverse content types and customer appreciation posts. Businesses should tailor their content strategies to suit their brand identity and connect with their audience effectively. Different social media platforms offer unique features and formats.    

DOI 10.36096/ijbes.v8i2.11960 Crossref citations0 OpenAlex citations
JOURNAL ARTICLE

Social capital versus social pressure: An exploration of how black tax shapes peer relationships, family dynamics, and personal identity

Phoke Alpha Rakgwata · Rendani Tshifhumulo

International Journal of Business Ecosystem & Strategy · 2026

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This article examines the impact of Black Tax on peer relationships, family dynamics, and personal identity among young Black professionals in the Mopani West Education District, Limpopo, South Africa. Black Tax refers to the monetary and social contributions made by first-generation earners to sustain extended family members, a practice shaped by historical dispossession and systemic racial inequality. The study is framed within Social Capital Theory and Structural Functionalism, employing a qualitative phenomenological design. Data were collected through semi-structured in-depth interviews with five purposively selected participants and analysed using Braun and Clarke's (2021) six-step thematic analysis framework. The findings reveal five interrelated themes: conceptual understanding of Black Tax, proportional financial experiences, psychological effects, the role of family background in shaping financial responsibility, and the tension between family support and personal growth. The study demonstrates that Black Tax simultaneously functions as a source of social capital, reinforcing communal solidarity, Ubuntu values, and intergenerational support, and as a source of social pressure that constrains personal savings, investment, and psychological well-being. These findings contribute to a growing body of literature on informal financial obligations in post-apartheid South Africa and carry implications for policy interventions in financial literacy, mental health support, and intergenerational dialogue.

DOI 10.36096/ijbes.v8i2.11850 Crossref citations0 OpenAlex citations
JOURNAL ARTICLE

The influence of Vhavenda cultural norms on youth development in Ha-Muraga village, South Africa

Maeba Muimeleli · Rendani Tshifhumulo

International Journal of Business Ecosystem & Strategy · 2026

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Youth development in rural communities is strongly shaped by cultural norms that influence behaviour, identity formation, and social roles. This qualitative study explored the influence of Vhavenda cultural norms on youth development in Ha-Muraga Village, Limpopo Province, South Africa. Using an exploratory research design, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 young people aged 15–25 years (5 males, 5 females). Data were analysed using thematic analysis guided by Cultural Identity Theory and Social Learning Theory. Findings indicate that Vhavenda norms play both positive and negative roles in youth development. Positive influences include promoting discipline, respect for elders, and a strong cultural identity through practices such as initiation rites and Ubuntu philosophy. Negative influences include restrictive gender roles that limit educational opportunities, particularly for girls, and pressure on boys to assume provider roles prematurely. The study recommends community education programs, mentorship initiatives that integrate traditional and modern values, and policy interventions that promote gender equality while preserving cultural heritage. These insights are valuable for community leaders, educators, and policymakers seeking to strengthen positive cultural practices while addressing norms that hinder inclusive youth development.

DOI 10.36096/ijbes.v8i2.11830 Crossref citations0 OpenAlex citations
JOURNAL ARTICLE

Supporting the internal auditing profession through social media: Insights from a social learning perspective

Prince Chukwuneme Enwereji · Annelien Van Rooyen · Ilse Morgan

International Journal of Business Ecosystem & Strategy · 2026

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This study investigated the role of social media engagement in supporting the Internal Auditing profession, focusing on how platforms such as Facebook and LinkedIn contribute to education, professional development, and career readiness. The study was underpinned by the Social Learning Theory (SLT), which explored how modelling and interaction within online communities influence the knowledge, skills, and professional identity of Internal Auditing students and practitioners. A quantitative survey was administered to 441 students and practitioners, which yielded a strong response rate of 88.2% (441/500) and a reliable basis for analysis. Descriptive results highlighted that respondents valued social media for developing competencies such as leadership, adaptability, and digital skills, while also acknowledging concerns about stress and limited enhancement of critical thinking. Reliability testing produced a Cronbach’s Alpha of 0.852, confirming high internal consistency. Factor analysis revealed a three-component structure that explained 56.5% of the variance, and these include Social Media for Academic Interaction (29.2%), Responsible Digital Citizenship (15.9%), and Psychological and Cognitive Strain (11.4%). These findings confirm that social media engagement is a crucial tool which offers opportunities for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and professional growth. However, the study identified challenges in the use of social media, such as the lack of credibility, privacy, and psychological well-being. The study recommends that educators, professional bodies, and industry leaders adopt structured strategies that enhance content quality, engagement approaches, and digital skills training to maximise benefits while mitigating risks. Finally, this study concludes that social media serves as a critical enabler of lifelong learning, professional identity, and future career preparedness in the Internal Auditing profession when strategically facilitated.

DOI 10.36096/ijbes.v8i2.11810 Crossref citations0 OpenAlex citations
JOURNAL ARTICLE

Community engagement ecosystems in South African higher education: A bibliometric analysis of scholarship advancing social justice, inclusion, and institutional strategy

Monument Thulani Bongani Makhanya

International Journal of Business Ecosystem & Strategy · 2026

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Community engagement has evolved as a key pillar in the transformation agenda of South African Universities, particularly with regards to social justice, decolonisation, and inclusive knowledge development. This paper employed a bibliometric analysis to analyse the evolving literature on community engagement within South African higher education. The analysis analysed publication trends, keyword co-occurrences, authorship networks and institutional contributions, by providing a systematic overview of how community engagement is conceptualised, practised and theorised in relation to social justice and inclusion. The findings show consistent growth in academic interest over the past decade, corresponding with national calls for decolonial, socially responsive, and participatory academic practices. Key topic clusters show connections between community engagement, change, participatory research approaches and epistemic justice. Emerging patterns indicate that researchers are increasingly conceptualising community engagement as a catalyst for undoing structural inequities, developing reciprocal connections and amplifying historically marginalised perspectives within and outside university settings. The bibliometric mapping reveals additional differences among institutions, highlighting distinct capacities and commitments to engaged scholarship. This paper adds to the discourse by providing a comprehensive evidence-based synthesis that clarifies the conceptual structure of the discipline. It contends that community engagement, when conducted ethically and constructively, can develop inclusive pedagogies, co-create socially grounded knowledge, and increase universities' democratic role in society. The paper recommends increased multidisciplinary collaboration, methodological innovation, and institutional support to improve the transformative impact of community engagement in South African higher education.

DOI 10.36096/ijbes.v8i2.11780 Crossref citations0 OpenAlex citations
JOURNAL ARTICLE

Exploring the role of governance in shaping Foreign Direct Investment in sub-Saharan Africa

Saheed Akande Shittu · Lourens J Erasmus

International Journal of Business Ecosystem & Strategy · 2026

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The study examines how quality of governance influences the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) inflows in Sub-Saharan Africa. The study adopts a quantitative research strategy that utilises panel data of selected countries during 28 years, that is, 1996-2023. Indicators of governance like Government Effectiveness (GE), Political Stability and Absence of Violence (AV), Rule of Law (RL), Regulatory Quality (RQ) and Voice and Accountability (VA). The findings indicate that Strong Governance frameworks significantly enhance FDI inflows in Sub-Saharan Africa. VA was found to be a very strong positive determinant. GE and PS were also found to have negative relationships in within-country analyses. The IFRS adoption, being a uniform variable throughout the sampled countries, was observed to increase investor confidence. These results imply that the improvement of governance are synergies that help to establish the stable, transparent, and predictable environment sought by investors. Thus, policymakers can improve the governance systems and provide citizen involvement in order to boost foreign investment and attract sustainable capital and economic growth in the region.

DOI 10.36096/ijbes.v8i2.11762 Crossref citations1 OpenAlex citations
JOURNAL ARTICLE

Land use/land cover classification and change detection in Umlazi township, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa (2013–2022) using Landsat 8 and Machine Learning Algorithms

Ntokozo Amanda Xaba

International Journal of Business Ecosystem & Strategy · 2026

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The application of Land Use and Land Cover (LULC) highlights the importance of monitoring natural resources and significantly aids decision makers in planning for urban settings with dense populations. In this context, LULC studies are crucial tools for evaluating flood risk mapping and urban growth, especially in study areas that have not yet undergone LULC changes analysis in the past few years. uMlazi is one of the townships in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, that have experienced climate change disasters such as floods due to spatial planning. This study compared three machine learning classification algorithms Random Forest (RF), Support Vector Machine (SVM), and Artificial Neural Network (ANN) Landsat 8 in classifying LULC in uMlazi. Furthermore, to determine the change detection between 2013 and 2022. Change distribution dynamics of each class is reflected in table 6 such as built-up areas from 1.13 km² (19.01%) in 2013 to 2.51 km² (42.14%) in 2022. Barren land saw a reduction of 65.6% due to built-up areas, 2.9% due to grassland, 9.2% due to tar roads, 0.46% due to trees, and 1% due to water bodies. RF achieving the highest accuracy and Kappa coefficient of 0.97 in 2013 and 0.989 in 2022. These findings support improved spatial planning and flood-risk mitigation in rapidly urbanizing townships.

DOI 10.36096/ijbes.v8i2.11690 Crossref citations0 OpenAlex citations
JOURNAL ARTICLE

Institutional quality and digital financial Inclusion as complementary drivers of economic growth: A panel analysis of the SADC region

Collin Chikwira

International Journal of Business Ecosystem & Strategy · 2026

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The study examines how institutional quality and digital financial inclusion influence economic growth in SADC from 2000 to 2022, using panel data from the World Bank and IMF. It applies fixed- and random-effects models, selecting the appropriate model via the Hausman test, and uses Driscoll–Kraay standard errors to address heteroskedasticity, autocorrelation, and cross-sectional dependence. The empirical results suggest that institutional quality, proxied by legal rights, has a positive and statistically significant impact on economic growth at the 5% level (β = 0.000231, p = 0.0348). In comparison, financial inclusion is also positive and significant at the 1% level (β = 0.02345, p = 0.0010). Notably, the findings provide evidence of a synergistic relationship between institutional quality and financial inclusion, in which improvements in governance frameworks strengthen the growth-promoting effects of financial inclusion. The overall model is statistically significant (Prob > F = 0.0475) and accounts for roughly 40% of the variation in economic growth. These findings suggest that isolated policy interventions are inadequate; rather, a coordinated ecosystem of governance and financial systems is necessary. Enhancing legal and regulatory institutions improves the efficacy of digital financial systems, consequently optimising resource allocation and fostering inclusive growth. The study advances the existing literature by offering region-specific evidence on the synergistic interaction between institutional quality and financial inclusion within a developing-country context. From a policy perspective, the findings emphasise the need for integrated strategies that simultaneously promote institutional reforms (e.g., the rule of law and regulatory quality) and expand digital financial infrastructure. Such complementarities are crucial for boosting regional competitiveness, encouraging financial deepening, and fostering sustainable economic growth in the SADC region.

DOI 10.36096/ijbes.v8i2.11740 Crossref citations0 OpenAlex citations
JOURNAL ARTICLE

Urbanisation and internal migration as drivers of economic growth in developing economies: Evidence from South Africa

Buyani Nkabinde

International Journal of Business Ecosystem & Strategy · 2026

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Developing economies prominently highlight urbanisation and internal migration as key aspects of economic development and growth; hence, labour reallocation, structural change, and management are essential for sustainable development. Moreover, an imbalance between urbanisation and internal migration frequently results in labour market distortion and underdevelopment in rural regions. Nonetheless, an unresolved discourse persists regarding the correlation between internal migration, urbanisation, and economic growth within academic circles. It is imperative for this debate to reach a conclusion, thereby enabling academia to guide governmental recognition of the significant impact that internal migration and urbanisation exert on economic growth and development in Africa. Moreover, foreign immigration has continued to be less regulated in African nations, despite the significance of urban expansion and rural development. This study analyses the evolution and economic requirements of internal migration and urbanisation in developing economies, particularly within the African setting, referencing foundational South African studies. The research employs a conceptual framework grounded in the theoretical principles of internal migration and urbanisation in developing economies. The research indicates that effective urbanisation and the management of internal migration can sustain labour markets. If increasing internal migration and urbanisation are not well handled alongside industrial expansion, they would likely result in informal employment and heightened demand for services, adversely impacting growth. Urban employment prospects and income disparities typically serve as internal migratory pull forces, necessitating state-led urbanisation and the enhancement of governance capacity. Investment in infrastructure, innovative urban planning, and legislative reforms can effectively leverage the dynamics of internal migration and urbanisation. There is an urgent necessity for equitable and sustainable economic development that incorporates a responsive migration framework and people mobility. This work enhances the existing knowledge base by synthesising previous research on internal migration and urbanisation, while examining unrestrained population movements.

DOI 10.36096/ijbes.v8i2.11680 Crossref citations0 OpenAlex citations