Research collection
262 publications
JOURNAL ARTICLEGeorge Ayodele Kayode · Olajumoke O. Ogunsanya
International Journal of Business Ecosystem & Strategy · 2026
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This study investigated the effects of digitalisation of tax administration on tax compliance among selected small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Ibadan North West Local Government Oyo State, Nigeria. The study was anchored on the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), which explains technology adoption through perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, and external constraints. A descriptive survey design was adopted, and structured questionnaires were administered to 367 SMEs across key business sectors. Of these, 352 valid responses were analysed using SPSS through descriptive statistics and ANOVA. The study examined the level of digital technology adoption, the perceived influence of digital tax administration on compliance, the drivers of non-compliance, and preferred policy measures for improvement. Findings revealed generally low digital technology adoption among SMEs, with 42.9% reporting very low adoption and 36.6% reporting low adoption. The major barriers were poor internet connectivity, high cost of technology and digital tools, limited technical skills, and inadequate awareness. Perceptions of digital tax reforms showed limited realised compliance benefits, as 48.9% of respondents reported no noticeable improvement in compliance, 21.3% reported improved ease of compliance, while 29.8% stated that compliance had become more difficult. Non-compliance was mainly linked to limited awareness of tax obligations, weak enforcement, affordability challenges, and low digital capability. The study concludes that digitalisation can improve SME tax compliance only when foundational readiness gaps are addressed. It recommends improving broadband reliability, reducing digital access costs, strengthening taxpayer education, simplifying digital tax processes, providing practical training, and ensuring consistent and fair enforcement.
DOI 10.36096/ijbes.v8i5.14050 Crossref citations0 OpenAlex citations
JOURNAL ARTICLELungile Preety Ngcobo
International Journal of Business Ecosystem & Strategy · 2026
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Sophisticated AI applications like ChatGPT and Grammarly offer distinct advantages for enhancing writing proficiency. They assist users in conceptualising ideas, organising material, and refining writing style, whereas Grammarly focuses on improving grammar, punctuation, and clarity with context-aware recommendations. This is particularly relevant for students who are non-native English speakers, as it supports them and helps bridge educational disparities. While these instruments markedly enhance scholarly writing abilities, their efficacy in tertiary education remains a subject of debate. Recent occurrences of academic dishonesty associated with the improper use of generative AI technologies have negatively impacted higher education. This study assesses the impact of artificial intelligence on enhancing academic writing abilities in students who are not native English speakers. In accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) criteria, this study consolidates evidence from scholarly literature, policy reports, and institutional case analyses. Keywords, synonyms, and subject headings were employed to query three electronic databases from 2021 to 2025. The electronic repositories included Scopus, Emerald Insight, Google Scholar, and ProQuest. The evaluation of the publications was conducted through titles and abstracts, followed by an assessment of the full-text papers against the qualifying criteria. The results were derived and amalgamated into a narrative synthesis from selected publications. The results underscored AI's ability to customise and improve the educational experience for learners.
DOI 10.36096/ijbes.v8i5.14100 Crossref citations0 OpenAlex citations
JOURNAL ARTICLEBuyani Nkabinde · Thandile Ncwana
International Journal of Business Ecosystem & Strategy · 2026
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Rapid urbanisation in South Africa is reshaping the country’s spatial geography, largely driven by internal migration from rural areas and financially disadvantaged towns to urban centres. Key destinations, such as Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, and Cape Town, attract migrants seeking work, education, and better lifestyles. However, this movement places greater strain on urban systems by increasing demand for housing, water, energy, sanitation, transportation, and other basic public amenities. It also adds to urbanisation, overpopulation, the spread of informal settlements, land-use disputes, and governance issues. These shifts underscore the urgency for municipalities to shift away from planning models built on stable demographics and toward governance systems that respond to migration and demographic shifts. This research explores the connection between internal migration and local governance in South Africa, with an emphasis on the effects for inclusive service provision and urban sustainability. A qualitative study technique was adopted, including a conceptual document review of academic, policy, and institutional materials. The research reviewed data on migration patterns, governance capacity, participatory mechanisms, and planning solutions in the context of local government. Results showed that several municipalities have not adequately embraced migration dynamics in their urban planning practices. Existing participation methods generally exclude migrants and other transitory communities, leading to underrepresentation and choices that fail to capture changing urban demands. Delayed planning decisions increase infrastructure pressure, service provision backlogs, informal areas, and spatial inequalities. The study suggests that internal migration needs to be central to urban planning and accountability. It advocates for migration-informed spatial decision-making, increased engagement of mobile residents in Integrated Development Plan (IDP) operations, and unified governance revisions to promote inclusive and urban sustainability.
DOI 10.36096/ijbes.v8i5.13840 Crossref citations0 OpenAlex citations
JOURNAL ARTICLEFulufhelo Mugivhisa · Ivan Govender
International Journal of Business Ecosystem & Strategy · 2026
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Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in South Africa's Gauteng Province face high failure rates despite their economic importance, thus creating an urgent need to investigate business sustainability. This research examined the implementation challenges of ICT SMEs and the enhancement of competitiveness through shared value creation. A qualitative, interpretivist design was employed, with semi-structured interviews conducted with 12 purposively selected ICT SME owners and senior managers in Gauteng Province. The thematic analysis revealed three principal themes. One key finding was that implementation barriers operate at three interconnected levels: the business environment, industry level, and institutional level. At the Business-Environment level, issues include load shedding, regulatory complexity, and funding gaps. The competitive level interrogates incumbent dominance and high buyer power, while the institutional level reviews skills, competencies, time and cost constraints. Another important finding was that SMEs overcome these barriers through value-chain innovations such as energy efficiency, inclusive hiring, and intellectual property development; through strategic positioning, including focused differentiation and organizational agility; and through cluster engagement, such as vendor partnerships and peer networks. Integrating their selected strategies yields productivity gains, cost reductions, and incidental shared value. The study proposes a Resilience-Through-Shared-Value Framework that provides entrepreneurs with a four-phase process for turning barriers into advantages. It also provides policymakers with guidance on tiered compliance and on infrastructure support and development, and development agencies with a diagnostic framework for multi-barrier mentorship programs.
DOI 10.36096/ijbes.v8i5.13600 Crossref citations0 OpenAlex citations
JOURNAL ARTICLEReshma Sewpersadh · Ivan Govender
International Journal of Business Ecosystem & Strategy · 2026
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Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) solutions such as SAP represent a vital investment for organisations seeking to unify varied operational activities into integrated, data-driven platforms. In institutions of higher learning, the use of ERP systems is a crucial component of digital transformation efforts aimed at improving administrative efficiency, institutional governance, and competitive positioning. This article examines the impact of SAP ERP implementation on both organisational and employee dynamics for administrative staff at the Durban University of Technology (DUT), emphasising technostress, digital fatigue, employee well-being, and post-implementation adaptation within a constrained higher education environment. Utilising a desktop appraisal methodology, the study synthesises existing literature to demonstrate how decisions made in the pre-implementation and implementation phases consistently affect employee experiences and organisational outcomes post-implementation. The study indicates that attaining enduring ERP effectiveness requires continuous capacity development, cooperative implementation approaches, and employee-centered support frameworks. The research develops an interdisciplinary model by integrating socio-technical, psychological, capacity-building, and normalisation perspectives, thereby improving the understanding of the human factors involved in ERP deployment within higher education. The study introduces the ERP Lifecycle–Employee Adaptation Framework (ELEAF), which outlines the progressive escalation of technostress during the pre-implementation, implementation, and post-implementation phases, linking each stage to a pertinent theoretical mechanism and a set of organisational interventions. The findings indicate that inadequate training, limited organisational support, dependence on key users, and absence of employee engagement contribute to technostress, digital fatigue, reduced job satisfaction, and challenges in post-implementation adaptation. The study further demonstrates that decisions taken throughout the ERP lifecycle have enduring impacts on employee well-being and organisational effectiveness beyond the system's implementation. This highlights the tangible consequences for higher education institutions, stressing the importance of continuous training, institutional support, systematic information sharing, employee wellness initiatives, and staff-centric ERP management to enhance long-term value achievement. It consequently lays the groundwork for future research on the human dimensions of digital transformation in resource-constrained environments.
DOI 10.36096/ijbes.v8i5.15170 Crossref citations0 OpenAlex citations
JOURNAL ARTICLEThembinkosi Peter Kalanga · Mavundla Thabiso S’bonelo · Pfano Mashau
International Journal of Business Ecosystem & Strategy · 2026
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Agriculture has advanced from subsistence farming to a dynamic, market-oriented sector fuelled by agripreneurship. The use of modern technology, such as artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, and precision farming, is changing agricultural productivity and sustainability. Despite these developments, the adoption of such technology by agripreneurs remains unequal, particularly in developing countries. Structural inequities, limited access to resources, and insufficient technical skills continue to impede the efficient use of technology. The study adopted a qualitative desktop review to analyse the existing literature on integrated technologies to increase agripreneurship productivity. The secondary data sources were journal articles, online books and government reports. The timeframe of the included data ranges from 2018 to 2026, while data from 2017 and earlier were excluded. Lastly, keywords such as agripreneurship and integrated technologies were used to search for data across sources, including Google Scholar and Web of Science. The findings show that integrated technologies improve agricultural output, efficiency, and resource optimisation among agripreneurs. The study also found that perceived usefulness substantially influences readiness to accept technology, although perceived ease of use remains a significant issue due to insufficient technical abilities. Furthermore, extrinsic problems such as poor infrastructure, budgetary constraints, and insufficient institutional backing impede wider adoption. Based on the Technology Acceptability Model, the findings show that tackling these hurdles is critical to improving technology acceptability and maximising agribusiness outcomes. The integration of technology into agripreneurship plays an important role in mitigating socio-economic challenges by creating jobs, boosting the local economy, and helping agripreneurs manage their farms effectively. Various technologies are adopted to minimise the impacts of climate change, improve pest control, and increase productivity and efficiency.
DOI 10.36096/ijbes.v8i4.12710 Crossref citations0 OpenAlex citations
JOURNAL ARTICLESibonelo Sibahle Mpanza
International Journal of Business Ecosystem & Strategy · 2026
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The emergence of tokenization of real-world assets (RWA) has disrupted transformative innovation in global finance, enabling the representation of financial and physical assets on blockchain networks. This study adopts a systematic literature review (SLR) of 25 peer-reviewed research works published between 2015 and 2026, supplemented by authoritative policy and industry reports to explore the implications of RWA tokenization for financial market transformative innovation. Following the guidelines of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis Framework, this study identifies four main research streams: (1) technical and economic drivers, (2) effects of market transformation, (3) regulatory and governance pressures, and (4) risks and adoption dynamics. According to the review, tokenization enhances efficiency, accessibility, and liquidity through continuous trading, smart contracts, and fractional ownership. However, barriers such as technological risks, governance uncertainty, and regulatory fragmentation remain prominent. The study contributes to the academic discourse by providing a comprehensive synthesis of RWA tokenization and emphasizing its implications for developing markets, in particular, financial inclusion and capital formation. The study concludes that although RWA tokenization holds substantial transformative innovation potential, its long-term impact lies in regulatory harmonization, infrastructure development, and empirical validation.
DOI 10.36096/ijbes.v8i4.12780 Crossref citations0 OpenAlex citations
JOURNAL ARTICLEDalisu Mhleng Mkhize · Lawrence Lekhanya
International Journal of Business Ecosystem & Strategy · 2026
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Mobile technology is increasingly prevalent in urban regions of South Africa; nevertheless, there is a scarcity of empirical data evaluating the use and integration of such technologies by small-scale enterprises in KwaZulu-Natal. This research investigates the influence of mobile technology on the efficacy of mobile entrepreneurs within small-scale companies in KwaZulu-Natal. It aims to assess how the integration of mobile technologies influences corporate expansion, competitive edge, and the ability to satisfy market requirements. The research locale encompasses Durban, PMB, Port Shepstone, and Richards Bay in KwaZulu-Natal. The research utilised a quantitative methodology, surveying 384 mobile entrepreneurs affiliated with SEDA in the SMME sector in KwaZulu-Natal. A systematic closed-ended Likert scale questionnaire was used as the main tool for data collection. The analysis of data was conducted with SPSS version 29.0. The results of this research indicate that mobile technologies are perceived as significantly impactful in fostering business expansion, efficiency, and adaptability among mobile entrepreneurs in KwaZulu-Natal. This research determines that mobile technologies significantly contribute to the performance of mobile entrepreneurs in the small-scale industries of KZN. The research will enhance the understanding of mobile entrepreneurship inside small-scale enterprises. Policymakers and entrepreneurs can get advantages by comprehending the influence of mobile technologies on mobile entrepreneurship performance and their impact on business expansion, competitiveness, and market demand fulfilment
DOI 10.36096/ijbes.v8i4.13430 Crossref citations0 OpenAlex citations
JOURNAL ARTICLEBuyani Nkabinde · Thandile Ncwana
International Journal of Business Ecosystem & Strategy · 2026
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Internal migration significantly influences South Africa's urbanisation path, affecting urban planning, service delivery, and governance mechanisms. This research investigates the impact of migration-related elements on civic engagement and urban development approaches within municipal administrations. Utilising a comprehensive examination of existing academic literature and governmental documents, the research examines the limitations of conventional participatory methods in the context of rapid urban growth and demographic changes. The findings indicate that internal migration challenges static population assumptions, contributes to the growth of informal settlements, and places pressure on urban amenities, services, and municipal resources. Traditional participation frameworks, typically established within stable, geographically bounded communities, may marginalise mobile and underprivileged groups, therefore limiting inclusive government. Consequently, the research advocates for flexible public engagement by highlighting ongoing involvement, institutional learning, adaptation, and multilevel collaboration. Adaptive engagement could bolster municipal resilience by improving responsiveness, inclusivity, and preparedness to modify planning and governance practices in accordance with changing demographic circumstances. The study enhances the understanding of local governance by connecting internal migration to adaptive governance and demonstrating how participation can be customised to demographic shifts. It additionally presents pragmatic approaches for towns to integrate migration into their planning, budgeting, data-driven governance, and intergovernmental cooperation.
DOI 10.36096/ijbes.v8i4.12550 Crossref citations0 OpenAlex citations
JOURNAL ARTICLEAnne Govindasamy · Veena Parbo Rawjee · Sean Sean Jugmohan · Faith Tinonetsana
International Journal of Business Ecosystem & Strategy · 2026
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The rapid shift to online teaching and learning (OTL) during and after the COVID-19 pandemic exposed significant institutional and infrastructural challenges in higher education. While existing research has examined experiences of emergency remote teaching, limited attention has been given to systematically identifying the foundational pre-conditions necessary for sustainable OTL implementation, particularly within business school contexts in developing settings. This study aimed to identify the pre-conditions required for effective OTL implementation at the Durban University of Technology Business School (DBS). A mixed-methods approach was adopted, combining quantitative survey data (n = 82) with qualitative open-ended responses. Quantitative data were analysed using exploratory factor analysis, reliability testing and chi-square goodness-of-fit tests, while qualitative data were examined through thematic analysis. The findings reveal strong convergence between quantitative and qualitative results. Structural barriers, mostly related to internet connectivity, device access and staff development, emerged as the most critical pre-conditions. Participants also emphasised digital skills, stable power supply and institutional support as foundational requirements. The study contributes empirical evidence on institutional readiness for OTL and provides a structured framework for prioritising infrastructure, capacity building and support systems in similar higher education contexts.
DOI 10.36096/ijbes.v8i4.12390 Crossref citations0 OpenAlex citations
JOURNAL ARTICLEAndrew Enaifoghe · Trisha Ramsuraj
International Journal of Business Ecosystem & Strategy · 2026
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The study examined the critical approach adopted by entrepreneurship and policy development in promoting socio-economic development. In this review. It also looked at the difficulties small, micro, and medium-sized businesses in South Africa face. The conceptual research looked at the influence of small, micro, and medium-sized companies (SMMEs) on South African development. The study's objective was to evaluate how small, medium-sized businesses (SMMEs) are now driving economic growth and solving social issues in a setting where big businesses and governments appear to be doing very little. As a result, the study examines how SMMEs might help the nation solve persistent societal evils, including poverty, inequality, and social isolation. A desktop literature review research design was adopted to collect data on the role of entrepreneurship in South Africa. The study further looks at policies and practices of big business and government that exacerbate social issues in communities and impede socio-economic development, as well as the specific roles that SMMEs play in achieving socio-economic development goals. The findings reveal that, among various developmental outcomes, SMMEs are at the forefront of generating employment and promoting social and political justice within the nation. Future empirical studies should account for and evaluate the importance of SMME contributions to constructing economic, social, and political justice in the nation.
DOI 10.36096/ijbes.v8i4.12860 Crossref citations0 OpenAlex citations
JOURNAL ARTICLEZanele Priscilla Ngcobo · Lawrence Mpele Lekhanya
International Journal of Business Ecosystem & Strategy · 2026
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This study aims to identify the factors that influence the use of digital finance by SMEs. The study is mixed method in nature where literature review was used as a source of information in identifying variables to be tested in the questionnaire. Data was collected from different parts of the eThekwini metropolitan area. The sample consisted of 400 SMEs owners/managers who are operating in Inanda, KwaMashu and uMlazi. A non-probability convenience sampling technique was used, and data was collected through a 5-point Likert scale closed-ended questionnaire. The analysis was conducted using SPSS (Version 29.0). The main findings of this study were 87 percent indicated financial support as the challenge for the use of digital finance by their businesses. While in the qualitative response, the majority indicated that government policies are lacking in regards to the use of digital finance in these industries. It has to be noted that this study is confined in the eThekwini Metropolitan areas in KwaZulu-Natal, Therefore, the generalisation of these results needs to be made with care.
DOI 10.36096/ijbes.v8i4.12660 Crossref citations0 OpenAlex citations
JOURNAL ARTICLEJames Abadektemi Abasimi · Albert Tchey Agbenyegah
International Journal of Business Ecosystem & Strategy · 2026
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This study presents a quantitative analysis of the strategic role of job embeddedness on turnover intention among nurses in selected healthcare centres in urban Accra, Ghana. Focusing on both on-the-job and off-the-job embeddedness, the study aims to develop a predictive model as a complement to evidence-based policies on human resources to help improve the existing retention of nurses in the healthcare sector. A sample of 276 nurses was randomly selected to participate in the study. Structured questionnaires were administered through digital formats to enable selected respondents to provide data for analyses. The authors employed descriptive statistics in SPSS Version 28 to analyse the data, while Structural Equation Modelling with SmartPLS 3.0 was used to assess the relationships among the variables. By adopting an ecosystem and strategic perspective, this paper considers the role of on-the-job embeddedness as a vital stability mechanism in healthcare systems. Conversely, off-the-job embeddedness emerged as a comparatively weaker influence. The results underscore the need to improve organisational embeddedness as a strategic approach to curtail turnover and enhance healthcare service within healthcare facilities in Ghana.
DOI 10.36096/ijbes.v8i4.12000 Crossref citations0 OpenAlex citations
JOURNAL ARTICLEJames Abadektemi Abasimi · Albert Tchey Agbenyegah
International Journal of Business Ecosystem & Strategy · 2026
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Concerns about nurse attrition are mounting. Despite this, limited empirical evidence exists on how different dimensions of burnout and institutional support interact in this context. This study investigates how burnout influences nurses’ turnover intention (TI) in urban Ghana and examines whether institutional support mitigates this relationship. A cross-sectional survey design was employed to collect data from 245 nurses across five Christian-based hospitals. Primary data is analysed and aided by the Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) in addition to conducting direct evaluation to assess the moderating influences. The findings revealed that emotional exhaustion has a significant impact on TI, whereas depersonalisation has no direct effect. Institutional support also significantly reduces TI. In addition, emotional support strongly moderates the link between emotional exhaustion and TI, while access to resources partially moderates the effect of depersonalisation. The study shows that the negative effects of burnout on TI can be reduced through strong institutional support systems. The outcomes reinforce the applicability of Job Demands-Resources and Social Exchange theories and recommend more investment in both tangible resources and emotional support mechanisms to enhance nurse retention in high-demand urban healthcare ecosystems.
DOI 10.36096/ijbes.v8i4.11980 Crossref citations0 OpenAlex citations
JOURNAL ARTICLEAndile Gama · Lusanda Juta · Sandiso Mahlala
International Journal of Business Ecosystem & Strategy · 2026
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This study focuses on procurement processes as one of the most critical issues facing the South African local government domain today. Our main argument in this paper is that effective and efficient procurement processes are stifled by corruption emanating from political patronage which continues to menace the public sector. The trickle-down effect of this is poor service rendering in local government and the disjuncture between the services rendered and the citizens’ priorities. The principal-agent theory was used as an analytical lens of the study. The study adopted a qualitative literature review to unearth the scourge of tenderpreneurship and explore its effects on service delivery in the Eastern Cape province. Findings revealed that, despite the enactment of relevant statutory instruments and institutional structures to enhance procurement practices within local government, politics-administration dichotomy continues to negatively affect the processes. Corruption in the procurement processes has manifested itself through bribery, fraud and kickbacks and these have proven to be counterproductive in terms of service delivery. Findings have also demonstrated that the rendering of services such as water and sanitation, infrastructure and electricity remain elusive in many local municipalities in the provinces owing to the poor quality of work provided by inexperienced contractors linked to the political elite. In this regard, the study recommends the strengthening of internal financial controls within municipalities and establishing clear work procedures and oversight mechanisms between the politicians and the street bureaucrats.
DOI 10.36096/ijbes.v8i4.11590 Crossref citations0 OpenAlex citations
JOURNAL ARTICLENtokozo Xaba
International Journal of Business Ecosystem & Strategy · 2026
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Children living in urban informal settlements are disproportionately exposed to environmental hazards associated with polluted river water or degraded river stream systems. Regrettably, many communities are often not aware of the dangers degraded river systems pose both on environment and public health of the citizens living in their vicinity. Hence, this study assessed community perceptions of children’s vulnerability to environmental hazards in Umlazi Township, KwaZulu-Natal, and integrated these perceptions with targeted environmental exposure measurements. A household questionnaire (n = 190) was administered to adult residents to examine perceived stream conditions, health and safety risks, children’s exposure pathways, water governance, and community environmental awareness. Composite indices were developed to quantify children’s vulnerability, environmental hazard perception, knowledge and awareness, and governance barriers, and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. To contextualize perceived risks, surface water samples were analyzed for select pharmaceutical, biological and chemical contaminants, such as Escherichia coli, total coliforms, phosphate, and nitrate. The pharmaceutical ecological risk was assessed using cumulative risk quotient and toxic unit approaches, while microbial and nutrient contamination were evaluated using guideline-based risk classifications. Results indicated that poor perceived stream condition, proximity to streams, governance barriers, and negative community attitudes were significantly associated with higher perceived vulnerability of children towards health risks. Environmental analyses confirmed elevated microbial contamination, nutrient enrichment, and high pharmaceutical mixture toxicity, supporting community concerns regarding unsafe stream environments. The convergence of social perceptions and environmental exposure evidence highlights compounded ecological and public health risks for children in the Umlazi Township and underscores the need for integrated interventions addressing wastewater management, sanitation, and child-focused urban planning.
DOI 10.36096/ijbes.v8i3.12270 Crossref citations0 OpenAlex citations
JOURNAL ARTICLEAlbert Tchey Agbenyegah · Linda Esinam Ametsimey
International Journal of Business Ecosystem & Strategy · 2026
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This paper aims to examine the effects of public sector procurement practices on public sector service delivery in Ghana’s technical universities, while also assessing the influence of institutional leadership and stakeholder pressure as mediating mechanisms within this relationship. In this paper, it is also aimed to evaluate how internal governance conditions shape the effectiveness of procurement reforms in higher education institutions. The study employed the positivist research paradigm, a quantitative research approach and an explanatory research design, using structural equation modelling (SEM) to validate the measurement model and test the structural relationships. Primary data were collected from 235 staff across selected technical universities through a simple random sampling technique using a structured questionnaire. The main findings demonstrate that: (i) procurement practices do not have a significant direct effect on service delivery, indicating that technical interventions alone are insufficient to drive performance improvements; (ii) institutional leadership exerts a strong and positive influence on service delivery, highlighting the importance of strategic direction, governance competence and managerial oversight in shaping public sector outcomes; and finally, (iii) stakeholder pressure substantially enhances service delivery and serves as a critical channel through which procurement practices exert their influence. The results further reveal that both institutional leadership and stakeholder pressure significantly mediate the relationship between procurement practices and service delivery, suggesting that procurement reforms achieve their intended outcomes only when supported by robust institutional environments. These findings provide practical insights for policymakers and higher education managers, emphasising the need for governance-focused interventions alongside procurement reforms to achieve sustainable improvements in service delivery within Ghana’s technical universities.
DOI 10.36096/ijbes.v8i3.12190 Crossref citations0 OpenAlex citations
JOURNAL ARTICLEAlbert Tchey Agbenyegah · Linda Esinam Ametsimey
International Journal of Business Ecosystem & Strategy · 2026
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This study aims to assess the public sector procurement practices implemented in technical universities in Ghana and to examine their influence on public sector service delivery within these institutions. Guided by a positivist philosophy, the study employed a quantitative research approach and an explanatory research design to test the hypothesised relationship between procurement practices and service delivery outcomes. The study employed the positivist research paradigm, a quantitative research approach, an explanatory research design and structural equation modelling (SEM) to validate the measurement model and test the structural relationships. Primary data were collected through structured questionnaires administered to 235 employees across management, procurement, finance, stores and audit departments in three technical universities, Takoradi, Cape Coast and Sunyani through the help of simple random sampling technique. Using SmartPLS and structural equation modelling, the study evaluated the reliability and validity of the measurement model, assessed model fit and estimated the structural relationships between variables. The main findings demonstrate that (i) public sector procurement practices are implemented at a moderate level across the technical universities, with higher performance in supplier evaluation, contract negotiation and payment processing, (ii) procurement practices did not significantly influence service delivery, despite a positive but statistically insignificant path coefficient, indicating that procurement alone may not be a strong driver of service delivery outcomes within the higher education context, and (iii) the factors affecting service delivery in technical universities may be broader and more complex, potentially involving governance structures, resource availability, institutional capacity and administrative efficiency. These results contribute new empirical evidence to the procurement literature by highlighting sector-specific dynamics in higher education and suggest the need for more integrated institutional reforms, enhanced procurement monitoring and further research exploring mediating and moderating variables that may influence service delivery performance in Ghana’s technical universities.
DOI 10.36096/ijbes.v8i3.12180 Crossref citations0 OpenAlex citations
JOURNAL ARTICLEPhumlani Dlamkile · Simon Matome Nkgapele · Sifiso Mofokeng
International Journal of Business Ecosystem & Strategy · 2026
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The global rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has positioned digital transformation as a key strategy for improving efficiency, transparency, and responsiveness in public service delivery. In South Africa, however, persistent service delivery protests, limited institutional capacity, and resource constraints continue to undermine effective governance, raising critical questions about the readiness and effectiveness of AI and ICT adoption in the public sector. This paper, therefore, examines the impact of AI and ICT on public service transformation in South Africa, with a focus on their potential to improve service delivery and the barriers limiting their effective implementation. Methodologically, the paper adopts a qualitative research approach based on secondary data, drawing on peer-reviewed literature, government reports, and relevant case studies on digital transformation in public administration. Through thematic synthesis, the paper analyses patterns of adoption, impact, and implementation challenges across key public service domains. The findings reveal that AI and ICT have contributed to improved e-government services, enhanced administrative efficiency, and greater transparency in selected areas of public service delivery. However, these benefits remain uneven and fragmented due to persistent challenges, including inadequate infrastructure, limited financial and human resources, resistance to change, regulatory constraints, low levels of digital literacy, and outdated legacy systems. These barriers collectively slow down system-wide digital transformation and limit the scalability of technological innovations. The paper contributes by providing a consolidated and updated synthesis of fragmented evidence on AI and ICT adoption in South Africa’s public sector, offering a clearer understanding of both progress and persistent structural constraints. It further indicates that digital transformation is not solely a technological issue but also an institutional and governance challenge. The paper recommends prioritised investment in modern ICT infrastructure, strengthened digital skills development for public servants, and the establishment of a coherent national digital transformation strategy. It further recommends simplifying procurement processes, fostering an innovation-oriented public sector culture, and strengthening regulatory and ethical governance frameworks to ensure accountability, inclusivity, and sustainable digital transformation in public service delivery.
DOI 10.36096/ijbes.v8i3.12030 Crossref citations0 OpenAlex citations
JOURNAL ARTICLEKusangiphila Sishi
International Journal of Business Ecosystem & Strategy · 2026
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This study investigates how managerial employees perceive workplace practices as conditions that enhance organisational performance using a qualitative approach. Although organisational performance has been analysed through quantifiable managerial and structural factors, there has been insufficient focus on the relational dynamics that influence how managers perceive daily workplace practices as either facilitating or hindering performance. The study adopted an exploratory research design to provide an in-depth understanding of workplace practices as conditions that enhance performance. Purposive sampling techniques were used to select 10 participants from a population of approximately 1200 employees. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with managerial employees to obtain a comprehensive understanding of their perceptions of how workplace practices influence the ability and willingness of employees to perform. Through a thematic analysis, four key themes were uncovered from the dataset: clarity in communication, perceived fairness in remuneration and working conditions, feeling supported within the working environment, and feeling valued through appreciation and recognition. The results indicate that these practices function as relational signals within the organisational ecosystem, influencing managerial perceptions of clarity, fairness, support, and value. These perceptions serve as mediating factors that facilitate the conversion of workplace practices into performance results. This research enhances the literature on organisational performance by redirecting focus from static organisational factors to the relational and perceptual processes that facilitate performance in practice. From a strategic viewpoint, the results emphasise the significance of aligning workplace practices with organisational objectives through Human Resource governance frameworks that promote equity, support, and recognition.
DOI 10.36096/ijbes.v8i3.11880 Crossref citations0 OpenAlex citations