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Blended learning has emerged as a transformative approach in higher education, yet for many lecturers, the rapid integration of digital tools has created more challenges than opportunities. This study aimed to critically evaluate how lecturers at a University of Technology perceive and integrate digital tools and teaching strategies within blended learning environments, addressing a gap in the literature on lecturer-centred, contextually grounded perspectives in South African Universities of Technology. Adopting a qualitative research approach within an interpretivist paradigm, the study employed a case study design, involving twelve purposively sampled lecturers who actively engage with blended learning. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analysed using thematic analysis, ensuring rich, context-sensitive insights. The findings revealed a spectrum of practices: some lecturers primarily used digital tools for content delivery, while others employed innovative, student-centred strategies aligned with TPACK and Community of Inquiry frameworks, demonstrating enhanced cognitive, social, and teaching presence. Institutional factors, including professional development, infrastructure, and peer support, were found to significantly influence pedagogical decision-making. The study contributes to the understanding of blended learning in South African higher education by highlighting the interplay between lecturer agency, pedagogical reasoning, and institutional support, and it recommends targeted professional development, strategic infrastructural support, and the promotion of collaborative communities of practice to enhance effective blended teaching.

This study sought to investigate how conversation in teaching and learning improves communication competence among Grade 9 learners, specifically in Technology sessions. A qualitative research design was utilised, informed by social constructivist theory. Six Technology educators were intentionally selected from three public secondary schools in the Tshwane South District. Data were gathered via semi-structured interviews and classroom observations, subsequently transcribed, categorised, and analysed thematically. The research indicated that students participated more vigorously in classroom discussions when their input was regarded as significant. Notwithstanding obstacles including overcrowded classrooms and elevated noise levels, educators' implementation of dialogue and questioning techniques fostered reflection, elucidated comprehension, and enhanced communicative proficiency. Students also encountered heightened satisfaction and engagement as their conceptual comprehension intensified. Educators must prioritise discussion in lesson preparation and provide activities that promote significant learner interactions. Moreover, fostering a supportive and secure classroom atmosphere is essential to promote students' confidence in engaging in conversations. This study enhances the comprehension of dialogue's practical application in Technology education, emphasising its significance in cultivating learners' communication skills and providing insights for educators aiming to improve interactive and reflective learning methodologies.

This study seeks to evaluate the efficacy of storage in the South African automobile industry, pinpointing difficulties and prospective methods for enhancement. It aims to ascertain how effective warehousing might aid in surmounting logistical challenges and enhancing overall supply chain performance. A qualitative study methodology was utilised to investigate the influence of storage on the automobile industry in South Africa. Exploratory and descriptive research designs were employed to fulfil the research objectives. The target group comprised supply chain specialists from specific automotive manufacturers in Gauteng Province. A purposive sampling method was employed, and data were gathered via structured interviews with 15 individuals. The data were examined via ATLAS.ti Qualitative Data Analysis Software (QDAS), resulting in the identification of principal themes and sub-themes. The research indicated that warehousing is crucial in mitigating obstacles encountered by the South African automotive sector, such as unreliable rail transit, restricted capacity, and elevated port expenses. The incorporation of automation, digital technology, and Industry 4.0 concepts could markedly improve warehousing efficiency. Essential recommendations for enhancing warehousing efficiency encompass the implementation of automated technologies, adherence to circular economy principles, and investment in quality management best practices. The results offer practical suggestions for automobile manufacturers and supply chain experts to enhance warehouse operations. By adopting innovative technologies and optimal processes, organisations may tackle current difficulties, lower operating expenses, and secure a competitive advantage in the South African market. The research underscores the necessity of synchronising warehouse strategies with overarching trends in digital transformation and sustainability. This study enhances the existing knowledge on warehousing in the automotive industry, specifically in the South African setting. It offers distinctive perspectives on how technical advancements and industry trends can enhance warehousing operations and assist the sector in addressing region-specific difficulties. The study emphasises the significance of a comprehensive strategy in warehousing, incorporating automation, digital technology, and sustainability principles.

Organisational leaders are the most vital and effective machinery that organisations possess to enhance and sustain employee engagement. As such, it is important that they fully understand the significance of the effect of leadership style on employee engagement. Against this background, this paper aims to examine the effect of transformational leadership on employee engagement. A quantitative research methodology was utilised for the data collection and analysis.  The target population for this study comprised the labour force at a specific company in South Africa. The unit of analysis was all individuals employed at the company and could be seen as individuals with an influence on the performance of the company through their level of engagement. A questionnaire with closed-ended questions was utilised to collect data after having obtained an ethical clearance certificate from an institution of higher learning in South Africa. Descriptive statistics and correlational analysis were used to analyse the data. The main finding demonstrates that transformational leadership style has a positive effect on employee engagement. The study underscores the importance of transformational leadership style in fostering employee engagement. The study contributes to the theoretical discourse on leadership by emphasising the need, in an ever-changing competitive business environment, where businesses are constantly striving to achieve a competitive edge over their competitors, for a leadership style that has a positive effect on employee engagement.

This study aims to assess the e-learning difficulties faced by students at South African public higher education institutions, given the increasing reliance on online learning as a core mode of teaching and learning. The researchers critically analyzed previous research on technology in higher education to identify gaps in existing knowledge. The study adopted the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) as the theoretical framework to guide the investigation. A quantitative research method was employed, using surveys distributed to experts from various faculties, departments, and students. This approach enabled the collection of data regarding the perceived challenges and barriers to e-learning. The findings revealed that students encountered significant challenges in e-learning, including issues related to digital literacy, limited access to resources, unreliable internet connectivity, and high data costs. These barriers are exacerbated by the disadvantaged and poverty-stricken backgrounds of many students in South African public institutions. Additionally, educators and course designers also face challenges in effectively implementing e-learning solutions. Addressing these challenges is essential for the successful adoption and integration of e-learning in South African higher education institutions. The study suggests that overcoming systemic issues—such as improving digital literacy, enhancing infrastructure, and reducing data costs—could unlock the full potential of e-learning. This could lead to more inclusive, accessible, and effective higher education. This study contributes to the existing body of knowledge by identifying specific barriers to e-learning adoption in South African public higher education institutions. It emphasizes the importance of addressing these challenges to harness the potential of technology-enhanced learning and promote inclusivity in higher education. The findings provide insights into how policy makers, educators, and institutions can better support students and course designers in the transition to e-learning environments.

The fast-changing technological environment compels organisations to make swift and adaptive strategic choices, necessitating the use of tools and systems that can effectively manage complexities, foresee challenges, and capitalise on opportunities; as a result, there is a growing trend towards the adoption of human resource analytics to improve decision-making processes in the ever-evolving field of human resources. Despite the increasing use of HR metrics and analytics in human resource management, HR professionals have been relatively slow to embrace a data-driven approach, and existing research on data-driven decision-making in HRM often lacks the comprehensive frameworks necessary to provide practical guidance for the effective integration of human resource analytics. Hence, this study aims to explore the utilisation of human resource analytics to improve decision-making processes within organisations, highlighting both the potential benefits and the challenges that may arise. A systematic literature review revealed that the adoption of Human Resource Analytics offers organisations significant benefits, such as enhanced decision-making, better alignment with strategic objectives, improved employee experiences, a stronger competitive advantage, and reduced time expenditures. However, challenges persist, including concerns related to data privacy and security, the quality, integrity, and accuracy of data, a lack of data literacy and skills among employees, and inadequate technological infrastructure. To address data security concerns, HR technology providers must adopt robust security measures, including encryption, firewalls, and intrusion detection systems. Additionally, they should develop user-friendly data management systems and analytical tools that enable HR professionals to derive valuable insights from the data effectively.

Corruption within law enforcement is not just an institutional failure, it is a betrayal of public trust that erodes the very foundation of justice. This study explores the systemic factors contributing to unethical practices among South African law enforcement officers, focusing on weak accountability, socio-economic pressures, and political interference. Grounded in Institutional Anomie Theory, the research employs a qualitative analysis of secondary data, including government reports, academic literature, and case studies, to uncover the root causes of police misconduct. The findings reveal that inadequate oversight mechanisms, financial strain on officers, and political influence create an environment where unethical behaviour thrives. To address these issues, the study recommends strengthening accountability frameworks, improving officer remuneration, and minimizing political interference in law enforcement operations. Additionally, comprehensive ethics training and leadership reforms are essential for fostering a culture of integrity. Beyond its practical implications, this research contributes to the theoretical discourse on ethical policing by emphasising the need for systemic change. Future studies should explore the effectiveness of policy interventions and ethical training programs to ensure long-term solutions. Restoring ethical policing is not merely an institutional challenge, it is a moral imperative.

The study investigated the impact of supply chain management (SCM) practices on supply chain robustness (SCR) and financial performance (FP) in the freight logistics sector in South Africa post-COVID-19 era. Employing a survey research design and quantitative methodology, the research utilised a purposive sampling technique to recruit 500 professionals specialising in supply chain, operations, and finance from freight logistics firms across the Gauteng, North-West, and Mpumalanga provinces of South Africa. The study assessed various SCM practices, specifically focusing on capacity and skills management (CSM), customer relationship management (CRM), and supplier relationship management (SRM) as independent variables. The mediating variable was SCR, with FP being the outcome variable. Hypotheses were tested using Partial Least Squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM).  In the findings, both CRM and SRM demonstrated significant positive impacts on SCR, while CSM was statistically insignificant.  Furthermore, SCR was found to have a significant positive effect on FP. A significant mediating effect of SCR on the association of CRM and SRM on FP was observed. The study is a groundbreaking attempt to provide insights into which SCM factors deserve attention when attempting to strengthen the robustness and FP of freight logistics supply chains.

Perceived organizational support is a crucial factor in encouraging employees to stay in their organizations for a longer time. Public hospitals in South Africa face major challenges in attracting and retaining nurses, leading to high nurse turnover rates in the public health sector. This study investigates the effects of perceived organizational support on nurse retention in the South African Public Health Sector. While the relationship between perceived organizational support and employee retention has been extensively studied in various sectors, limited research exists within the South African’s public health sector context. This research paper addresses that gap by examining how perceived organizational support influences the retention of nurses in public hospitals. A quantitative, cross-sectional research design was employed. Data were collected from 230 nurses and analyzed using item analysis, factor analysis, and Pearson correlations. The findings revealed a moderate positive correlation between POS and nurse retention (r = 0.389, p < 0.01), indicating that higher levels of organizational support are associated with increased nurse retention. Public health administrators should therefore prioritize supportive organizational practices to attract and retain skilled nurses. Implementing supportive measures can mitigate high turnover and promote workforce stability in public hospitals. This study contributes to existing literature by providing sector-specific insights and highlights the value of organizational support in retaining nurses. This provides practical evidence to guide policies and management practices aimed at improving the nursing workforce in South African’s public health sector.

The rapid shift to Emergency Remote Teaching (ERT) during the COVID-19 pandemic exposed significant challenges within higher education (HE), particularly in rural and under-resourced institutions. While ERT enabled academic continuity, it highlighted critical gaps in digital infrastructure, staff preparedness, and institutional support. This study explores senior academics' strategies to enhance ERT at a rural University of Technology (UoT) in South Africa, emphasising the need for sustainable solutions beyond temporary crisis responses. Employing a qualitative, phenomenological research design, the study collected data through individual semi-structured interviews with twelve senior academic personnel who experienced the transition to ERT first-hand. Thematic analysis using NVivo software identified key strategic themes, including addressing issues of technological capacity, inadequate professional development, and compromised academic integrity during remote assessments. Findings revealed the need for continuous staff training, improved online learning platforms with enhanced security features, and collaborative partnerships to support resource-constrained institutions. The study’s significance lies in addressing the overlooked experiences of rural senior academic personnel, often neglected in ERT literature focused on well-resourced institutions and a diverse population that lacks seniority. The research recommends implementing structured, ongoing professional development, investment in digital infrastructure, and establishing national policies ensuring equitable access to online learning resources. This study provides critical insights for policymakers, educators, and institutional leaders seeking to bridge the digital divide and ensure equitable access to quality education during future disruptions.

Identifying research gaps is a key aspect of scholarly excellence, yet it remains a challenge for many novice researchers. Despite the emphasis on innovation in academia, early-career scholars often struggle to differentiate genuine gaps from mere absences in the literature. This study examines these difficulties within social science research, exploring structural and institutional factors that shape the research journey. Using a qualitative, non-empirical approach, the study employs a systematic literature review and critical discourse analysis to synthesize scholarly arguments. Data were sourced from reputable databases, ensuring credibility through strict inclusion criteria. Thematic analysis identified key challenges, including difficulties in recognizing gaps, theoretical conceptualization, methodological rigor, and institutional constraints such as rigid paradigms, limited mentorship, and lack of interdisciplinary collaboration. Triangulation enhanced validity by evaluating sources across disciplines. Findings reveal that inadequate exposure to academic discourse, weak theoretical grounding, and insufficient methodological training hinder gap identification. The study underscores the need for structured mentorship, enhanced training, and critical engagement with theory to support emerging scholars. Addressing these barriers contributes to research capacity building in social sciences, highlighting the importance of fostering innovative and impactful academic contributions.

Companies in the South African apparel industry are being driven to improve their operational efficiency by implementing Lean Manufacturing Principles (LMPs) as a result of the severe competition that they face both locally and internationally. To evaluate the effectiveness of LMP implementation in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) operating within the apparel sector in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), this research employed a quantitative methodology. The degree of LMP adoption and its influence on operational performance, quality management, and competitiveness are brought to light through a comparison analysis between a small-sized company (Company A) and a medium-sized company (Company B). The was gathered using a structured survey distributed to employees across different functional levels in both companies. The findings suggest that there are significant differences in the implementation of LMP between the two companies, with Company B reaching a higher degree of adoption and generating more substantial benefits in both efficiency and quality. When it came to smaller businesses, difficulties such as insufficient managerial assistance, limited resources, and knowledge gaps were more noticeable. This study enhances the understanding of LMP application in SMEs and offers recommendations for fostering lean adoption, minimizing waste, and encouraging sustainable practices and continuous improvement within South Africa's apparel industry.

Since today’s market is highly competitive and constantly evolving, organisations are striving to achieve high levels of productivity and low levels of turnover. One of the key factors in achieving this goal is organisational commitment. Thus, the study advocates that the level of employee commitment and willingness to continue working with the organisation is reflected in their intention to stay. Based on the theory of reasoned action, this study aims to investigate how the dimensions of employee commitment influence their decision to stay with the organisation in the long term within a telecommunication company. The study adopted a postpositivist perspective, a descriptive approach, a quantitative research method and a structured questionnaire to collect numerical data. In addition, descriptive, factor, correlation and regression analyses were performed through SPSS version 26.0. The study population consisted of 470 employees working in different departments, ranging from entry-level positions to consulting engineers. A sample of 298 employees was selected through a simple random sampling to minimise bias. Regression results indicated a moderate positive relationship between organisational commitment and intention to stay. The study recommends organisations to prioritise strategies that promote and sustain organisational commitment for improved intention-to-stay outcomes. This can be achieved through various means such as providing opportunities for professional development, recognising and rewarding employee contributions, and promoting open communication.

Since the start of the democratic era in 1994, South Africa has prioritised small, medium, and micro enterprises for economic growth and social development, offering significant opportunities to the unemployed population. However, the extent to which SMMEs contribute to the socio-economic progress of a particular economy is contingent upon various factors, including the specific country or sector in which they operate. In South Africa, the majority of SMMEs operate within the services sector, with 30% in wholesale and retail trade, 23% in community and social services, and 14% in financial services. Grounded on the  Resource-Based View theory, this study aims to investigate how SMMEs contribute to the social and economic development of South Africa. Furthermore, their contributions align with four of the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations, making this research both relevant and timely. This systematic literature review included nineteen research articles using bibliometric indicators from the Google Scholar database. As a result, the literature review revealed four key SMMEs’ contributions to South African socio-economic development namely employment creation and income generation, economic growth, development and specialisation, contribution to GDP, and poverty alleviation. To further enhance this contribution, it is recommended that governments provide support in the form of training programs, access to finance, and mentorship opportunities to help SMMEs grow and create more job opportunities..

The paint manufacturing sector has not received sufficient attention, having its unique challenges with employee engagement, despite numerous investigations on employee engagement in several industries. This study seeks to address this deficiency by performing a targeted investigation on the levels of employee involvement within the paint manufacturing sector. This study aims to assess the level of employee involvement in the paint manufacturing industry in South Africa. This study systematically assesses the strategies and practices of employee engagement implemented by paint manufacturing companies operating in the region. This study utilises a mixed methods approach and follows an exploratory research design to accomplish its objectives. This methodology utilises many research techniques to provide a thorough understanding of the complex employee engagement processes in the paint manufacturing industry. The survey instrument, comprising of 320 questionnaires, was distributed to managerial professionals, human resource practitioners, and general employees working at paint production plants in South Africa. In addition to collecting quantitative data, interviews were undertaken to further enrich the depth of insights. The findings reveal a beneficial and interconnected link between the factors studied, suggesting a reciprocal strengthening that enhances employee engagement. Moreover, the study highlights the complex interconnection between the six aspects of employee involvement in the company environment. These characteristics jointly contribute to the fundamental aspects of employee engagement within paint manufacturing firms. Industry stakeholders should work together to develop an organisational culture that is deeply ingrained in the industry's identity and resonates with all personnel. One key remedy suggested is to conduct an employee engagement survey across the entire organisation, which will help gain a thorough understanding of engagement dynamics. This study highlights a strong association between employee engagement, departmental affiliation, racial demographics, and age groups. Therefore, organisations can improve workplace engagement by carefully taking into account the impact of departmental divisions, racial origins, and age cohorts on the overall engagement picture. The study's findings shed light on the significant influence of these factors in determining the dynamics of employee engagement.

The Digital literacy has become an imperative part of higher education, since the Covid19 outbreak, traditional institutions had to adapt digital learning techniques. However, students from rural schools were left in the dark. Since there are still some extremely poor schools in the rural parts of South Africa, where there is still no access to electricity. Therefore, the ability to use any digital tools remains a huge challenge for such students. The transition from a rural school to an urban higher education institution that is very tech savvy and living in the 4th industrial revolution is extensively difficult. Subsequently, the success of students from rural schools gets hindered. However, this doesn’t necessary mean that these students are incapable of succeeding in their respective programs. This paper aims to explore the challenges faced by students from rural schools regarding digital literacy. The research methodology will be a quantitative approach, the sample will be drawn from students in traditional universities who are coming from rural high schools. The findings of this paper will be used to recommend ways of increasing the success rate of learners from rural schools in digital literacy and skills development for traditional universities in South Africa. Keywords: Digital Literacy, Inclusive Education, Student Succes, South African Higher Education Subject classification codes: I230; I240; I210

The study examined the influence of board nationality diversity on shareholder value creation of non- financial companies listed on the JSE for a 10- year period from 2013 to 2022.The study used quantitative quasi-experimental research design. The study measured board nationality diversity using proportion of foreign directors on board, Blau index for board nationality diversity, dummy variables for one, two and three or foreign directors. The proxies of shareholder value creation included standard market value added, market- to book ratio and Tobin’s Q and fixed effects model based on linear and curvilinear models were used to test the hypotheses. Main findings of the study demonstrate that proportion of foreign directors on board has an insignificant negative impact on standardised market value added and Tobin’s Q, while significant negative impact on market to book ratio.  Blau index for board nationality diversity has insignificant negative impact on standardised market value added and market to book ratio, yet insignificant positive impact on Tobin’s Q. One foreign director on board has significant positive impact on standard market value added and market to book ratio, while insignificant positive impact on Tobin’s Q. Two and three foreign directors on board have insignificant positive impact on all shareholder value creation measures. In relation to curvilinear models, proportion of foreign directors on board and Blau in index for board nationality diversity have both positive and negative impact on all shareholder value creation measures highlighting an inverted U- shaped effects.

This study aims to examine the effects of deep acting on employees employed at the racecourse. The objective of this study is to examine the effects of deep acting, a type of emotional labour, on the well-being and job performance of service employees in the hotel industry in South Africa. Additionally, the study intends to provide effective coping strategies to minimise any negative consequences of emotional labour. This study employs a qualitative methodology, utilising purposive sampling to choose eight participants from the racecourse industry. The data was gathered using semi-structured in-depth interviews, enabling a thorough investigation of the participants' experiences and perceptions. Thematic analysis was employed to examine the data and discover significant themes and patterns pertaining to the practice of deep acting and its effects. According to the study, sales assistants reported that deep acting was less stressful than surface acting. The practice of deep acting had a positive impact on the job performance and communication abilities of the sales associates, hence contributing to their professional development. Notwithstanding these advantages, certain individuals experienced a sense of being underappreciated by their employers due to the emotional work they performed. The results indicate that engaging in deep acting promotes a heightened sense of empathy towards clients and improves the performance of sales associates as a result of their cumulative work experience. This research emphasises the necessity for organisations, especially those in the hospitality sector, to acknowledge and endorse the emotional labour carried out by their employees. By acknowledging the beneficial aspects of deep acting and providing appropriate coping mechanisms, employers can help alleviate potential negative impacts on employee well-being. Acquiring this comprehension can result in improved management techniques that foster employee contentment and productivity. This study adds to the scarce body of scholarship on emotional work in the South African setting, particularly within the racecourse business. This study presents innovative perspectives on the impact of deep acting on service employees and provides practical approaches for efficiently managing emotional labour. The research highlights the significance of maintaining a balance between employees' self-management and their regulation of client interactions, which ultimately improves the overall quality of customer service and staff satisfaction.

A company cannot grow unless its employees engage in meaningful behaviours. Therefore, higher learning institutions must foster organisational citizenship behaviour. An educational institution's overall operations are impacted by it, which significantly affects institutions’ operations, enhances the effectiveness of educators, and has a favourable effect on students' academic performance. However, the behaviours that men and women are expected to exhibit and how their actions are perceived are both influenced by their gender. Based on the role theory as the theoretical framework, this study explored the differences between male and female respondents' exhibition of altruism, conscientiousness, sportsmanship, courtesy, and civic virtue among academics. 253 academics were chosen at random from a group of 405 participants using a convenience sampling strategy. Data were gathered using a structured questionnaire and analysed through descriptive, factor analysis, and the Mann-Whitney U test. The means showed that employees of this institution appeared to be good citizens displaying all five citizenship dimensions. Furthermore, factor analysis results reported the extraction of five components. Thereafter, the Mann-Whitney test revealed that there were no discernible differences between the organisational citizenship behaviour scores of male and female respondents across all dimensions. These findings create an awareness of the importance of organisational citizenship behaviour in higher learning institutions and give managers a better knowledge of these behaviours. This study advocates that leaders should foster a strong organisational culture that promotes the exhibition of these behaviours within the workplace to make it easier for them to offer assistance to students, and colleagues and advance institutions’ goals.

This study examines the correlation between inventory and accounts payable management and the profitability of construction companies listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE). The annual financial statements of all 13 listed construction businesses from 2009 to 2019, including statements of financial position and financial performance, were obtained from an external database for statistical analysis. The study employed multiple linear regression to assess the impact of working capital management on the financial performance of construction companies listed on the JSE. Additionally, a correlation model was utilised to investigate any potential relationships among the variables being examined. The study's findings indicate that the management of working capital has a notable impact on the profitability of construction companies listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) in South Africa. Despite contradicting findings from other studies that support the opposite conclusion, this study demonstrates that effective management of working capital does not necessarily lead to a positive relationship with financial performance for financial managers of construction companies. Therefore, it is crucial to consider other aspects of management in addition to working capital.