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The study significantly enhances the current literature by highlighting the importance of financial management skills in the success of MSMEs, especially in the context of small construction firms functioning under unstable and uncertain economic conditions. It offers insights on how effective financial management can alleviate the negative impacts of economic uncertainty, including variable interest rates and regulatory modifications, which were intensified by the COVID-19 pandemic. This study concentrates on BCO Construction in Johannesburg, examining the distinct financial issues encountered by small construction firms and the potential solutions through improved financial management strategies. The research delineates numerous vital financial management competencies needed for project accomplishment. This encompasses the capacity to manage liquidity efficiently, sustain profitability, and utilize financial instruments such as Net Present Value (NPV) and Earned Value (EV) management. It emphasizes the significance of abilities in managing financial leverage, which can facilitate the attainment of project objectives within budgetary and temporal limitations. The findings indicate that the absence of trained financial personnel, ineffective payment systems, and liquidity issues are substantial obstacles for BCO Construction. Consequently, it is advisable to tackle these difficulties through specialized financial literacy and management training to enhance overall project performance. The study employs a quantitative methodology, including standardized questionnaires administered to eighty (80) participants to gather data regarding the problems and competencies required for financial management in building projects. The analysis conducted with SPSS version 29 indicates that enhancing communication channels, integrating strategic financial planning, and implementing thorough training programs are essential for aligning financial objectives with overarching corporate goals. This alignment is essential for optimizing resource allocation, guaranteeing financial stability, and improving competitiveness in the construction sector.  

The motivation behind this study is rising concern about climate change and its impact on future generations. Mining companies in Zimbabwe are significant contributors to environmental degradation. The study tested the relationship between climate action and green human capital management and its sub-variables of green recruitment and selection, green training and development, green reward management, and green performance management. The quantitative survey utilized a sample size of 383 employees across the Zimbabwean mining sector. The study found that green human capital, green training and development, and climate action are being implemented in the Zimbabwean mining sector. However, the study found that mining enterprises need to implement green recruitment and selection, green reward management, and green performance management, which is a cause for concern. The study accepts all hypotheses as multiple linear regression, which showed a significant positive relationship between climate action and green human capital and its sub-variables. The study recommends that organizations utilize green human capital management practices in the fight against climate change and its consequences. The study adds to the body of knowledge on green human resources by providing valuable insights into green human capital activities that generate maximum climate action.

With the global trend to prioritize tailoring communication strategies to meet the ever-changing diverse workforce, the study reveals a more nuanced reality.  While much focus is placed on addressing communication differences, this papers position is that not enough focus is on our basic human need to communicate. This paper aims to evaluate whether certain aspects of the flow of information and communication are racially shared perceptions. Furthermore, through a Chaos Theory lens, evaluate the influence of managerial and organizational control mechanisms on various internal communication perceptions. A quantitative method was adopted, and data was collected from 63 non-management respondents in an automotive group in Kwa-Zulu Natal, by a closed-ended 5-point Likert scale. Data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics to identify racially shared and divergent perceptions of organizational communication and the statistically significance.  Key findings conclude that the free and accurate flow of information is a shared perception, regardless of race, and thus, a basic human need.  Furthermore, the study demonstrates the significant influence managerial and organizational control mechanisms have on aspects of organizational communication, and challenges current academic positions that similar race dyads experience higher levels of trust.  Finally, the paper concludes that the significant negative perception to control mechanisms, such as informal idea-sharing processes, flexible communication between levels, and active participation in SOPs and policy development, is a racially shared perception.

In response to escalating global environmental challenges, mainly the urgent issue of climate change delineated by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs), large corporations are increasingly pressured to mitigate their carbon emissions and ecological footprint. The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies has emerged as a pivotal strategy in this endeavour, promising to revolutionise how businesses approach sustainability while maintaining economic competitiveness. AI offers capabilities such as optimising operational efficiencies, enhancing energy management systems, and facilitating data-driven decision-making processes—all of which are instrumental in achieving sustainability objectives. However, the effective application of AI in environmental sustainability initiatives faces several challenges. These include addressing data scarcity, ensuring ethical deployment of AI technologies, and complying with evolving regulatory frameworks. This study investigates how large corporations are leveraging AI to reduce their environmental impact through AI-driven strategies for carbon footprint reduction. The study follows a qualitative approach, six medium-large corporates in Gauteng were interviewed to gain insights on the subject matter. The findings highlight that AI adoption enhances operational efficiency and environmental stewardship while highlighting ongoing challenges and the need for robust ethical and regulatory frameworks. Moreover, emerging trends such as AI-driven autonomous vehicles for logistics and advanced climate modelling illustrate AI's transformative potential in reshaping corporate ethos and addressing environmental concerns. The study contributes insights grounded in the Resource-Based View (RBV) theory, offering practical recommendations for corporations to harness AI effectively for sustainable growth within the framework of the UN SDGs and global environmental norms.

Globally, staff development is essential for enhancing employee performance and promoting organizational success (Akdere & Egan, 2020). In the context of local municipalities in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), the absence of effective staff development has been recognized as a significant factor contributing to inadequate service delivery (Thusi & Selepe, 2023). Although the importance of staff development is acknowledged, municipalities face challenges in determining the effectiveness of these initiatives (Zulu, Yalezo & Mutambara, 2022). The COVID-19 pandemic has further intensified these issues, resulting in organizational changes, such as the shift to remote work, which have affected employee performance (Rogerson & Rogerson, 2020). This study investigates the influence of staff development programs on employee performance, with a focus on the Msunduzi Municipality. A literature review identified notable challenges, including insufficient engagement, inadequate compensation, and a lack of consultation during the development of performance management systems (Khunoethe, 2021; Govender & Bussin, 2020). The study is grounded in Human Capital Theory, which suggests that investing in employee skills leads to enhanced performance and improved service delivery (Mphahlele & Zandamela, 2021). The methodology involved purposive sampling and in-depth interviews with staff at the Msunduzi Municipality to gain insights into their perceptions of staff development programs. The findings indicated that while training programs were appreciated, they often lacked alignment with broader organizational goals. Personal Development Plans (PDPs) were identified as vital for synchronizing individual growth with municipal objectives; however, challenges related to performance management persisted, reflecting a compliance-driven culture. The study advocates for the implementation of a more integrated staff development framework that focuses on goal-oriented, needs-based training aligned with organizational objectives. Additionally, continuous monitoring and mentorship programs are recommended to ensure ongoing improvements in service delivery and employee performance. Addressing economic constraints through strategic resource allocation will be crucial in overcoming these challenges.

Digital marketing has profoundly altered the marketing techniques utilised by merchants. Although a growing number of rural retail enterprises in South Africa are starting to implement these techniques, the comprehensive effect of digital marketing on their sustainability is still inadequately examined. This study seeks to investigate the impact of internet marketing on retail operations in the rural community of Flagstaff. A quantitative research methodology was utilised, distributing questionnaires to all 52 major merchants via a census technique, yielding 45 replies and an 87% response rate. The results demonstrate that merchants employ several digital marketing strategies, such as social media marketing, email marketing, and mobile marketing, to engage with customers and present sales propositions. This engagement is constrained by the minimal acceptance of digital marketing among consumers, restricted e-commerce utilisation, and inadequate digital literacy, preventing both sides from fully leveraging its advantages. The report advises businesses to persist in using digital marketing methods, including social media and email marketing, into their promotional efforts. This strategy will enable them to engage the niche population that prefers these platforms and maintain alignment with market trends, so assuring competitiveness. Furthermore, it is essential to assist rural areas in improving their digital marketing adoption to sustain retail enterprises and maintain relevance in the contemporary digital environment.

This qualitative research investigates the influence of servant leadership on the execution of strategic government initiatives, with a particular emphasis on the Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP) in Kwa-Thema. The project outcomes were investigated by collecting data from 10 participants using convenience sampling to investigate the impact of servant leadership traits, including empathy, commitment, empowerment, humility, ethical stewardship, long-term vision, and resilience. Thematic analysis was implemented to pinpoint critical themes and insights that were pertinent to the success and obstacles of the project. The research tackles a critical issue: project failures frequently result from inadequate leadership, which impedes team cohesion, collaboration, and overall performance (Swart et al., 2022). Additionally, the results suggest that servant leadership significantly improves project delivery by ensuring transparency, promoting collaboration, and aligning projects with community requirements. The impact of leadership on project achievement was discovered to be mediated by employee motivation and engagement. The study's limitations include its emphasis on a particular region and project type, which implies the necessity of conducting more extensive research. There are two recommendations: the integration of servant leadership principles into project management practices and the provision of targeted training for leaders to improve team dynamics and project outcomes.

The focus of this paper is on public administration as a discipline and a distinct body of knowledge concerned with the ontological and epistemological realities of monitoring and evaluation. This study will provide a brief account of the evolution of the field of Public Administration in connection to the ontological realities of M&E policy processes in order to provide context for the current thesis on M&E policy processes. As a precursor to the current study's methodological approach and emphasis on the need for M&E policy practice in South Africa, the paper provides the historical epistemological and ontological foundations of the discipline of Public Administration. In this light, the paper will seek to unveil the historical trends in the epistemological and ontological philosophical aspects of the discipline of Public Administration thus offering a scholarly anchor for the paper. Against this setback, this conceptual paper seeks to explore the prospects and challenges of monitoring and evaluations contribution to Public Administration discourse.

This research examines the correlation between human capital and economic growth in South Africa. Human capital is represented by Government Expenditure on Health (GEH), Government Expenditure on Education (GEE), and Secondary School Enrolment (SER). Notwithstanding substantial investments in these domains, South Africa has enduring economic difficulties, prompting apprehensions regarding the efficacy of existing human capital policies. This research aims to evaluate the influence of differences in GEH, GEE, and SER on economic productivity, consequently guiding policy decisions. We utilised a quantitative methodology employing annual time series data obtained from the World Bank and the South African Reserve Bank. The analysis incorporated unit root tests (ADF) to determine data stationarity and Johansen cointegration tests to examine long-term correlations among the variables. The data indicate that GEH positively influences economic productivity, suggesting a correlation between increased health spending and elevated GDP. Conversely, SER exhibits a negative correlation with economic growth, indicating that merely augmenting enrolment numbers does not yield enhanced economic results. While Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) has a favourable correlation with economic growth, it is statistically insignificant. The report advocates for South Africa to prioritise educational quality over enrolment figures and to ensure continuous investment in healthcare services. Furthermore, subsequent research ought to investigate the ramifications of human capital within particular sectors, such as tourism, to yield focused policy recommendations for fostering economic growth.

In Higher Education, intellectual stimulation as a key aspect of transformational leadership, plays a vital role in fostering creativity and critical thinking among students. Several efforts have been made to improve students’ creativity in teaching and learning. Intellectual stimulation in Higher Education plays a significant role in fostering keen interest for learning and preparing students for future challenges. It creates a dynamic educational experience that benefits both the educators and students. However, there are still many institutions that have not optimized their students’ capacity development. For this reason, intellectual stimulation is considered as a strategic means for the improvement of creativity in education. All over the world, educational institutions encourage transformative teaching and learning skills design so as to implement a shift from the traditional pedagogy and be more creative with their teaching activities. Nevertheless, teaching and learning accomplishments in Higher Education are often faced with the challenge of resistance to change which slows down the improvement of students’ creativity improvement. This study comprises a systematic literature review using PRISMA approach to track related researches on the role of intellectual for the improvement of creativity in teaching and learning in Higher Education. The study defines the concept of intellectual stimulation and creativity in teaching and learning. The significance of intellectual stimulation in Higher Education is to enhance teaching strategies, influence policies and guide future research  by providing a clear and impactful contribution through the promotion of active learning, encouraging student feedback on their thinking processes, directing funding towards innovative teaching methods and technologies that enhance intellectual stimulation in order to build supportive learning environments and finally, policy makers can use findings on intellectual stimulation to advocate for curricula that emphasizes problem solving, creativity and real world application .Results obtained indicate that intellectual stimulation plays a crucial role in improving students’ creativity. Findings from the study can be linked to potential policy changes for enhancing educational practices and improving education policies serving as advocates for inquiry-based learning and critical thinking skills. The potential contribution of this review study will prompt educators to encourage questioning, introduce diverse learning activities such as group projects and case studies, critical thinking exercises, foster a growth mindset in students, connect to real world issues.

Research studies have proven that leadership styles and communication are positively and significantly related to effective change management. This implies that the influence of leadership on effective communication is integral to the success of any organizational performance. These leadership styles include transformational and transactional leadership. The study was based on two different theories; the leadership theory and the communication theory. The study was descriptive in nature considering a sample size of 300 employees in the selected dealership organisations operating in the eThekwini, South-Africa. Data collection was achieved by handing out questionnaires to 300 employees, out of which 170 were returned completed. The study was analysed by means of correlational and regression analysis ascertained through the structural equation model (SEM). The study found that leadership styles and communication were positively and significantly related and are major determinant to the success of an effective organisational change management. The study further concluded that leadership styles and communication were positively and significantly related to effective change. Conclusively, it was indicated that the transformational leadership style stands out as the most effective leadership style for successful change management. It was also agreed that integrated communications which involves the application of more than one communication strategy to pass important information especially regarding change management was vital. The study recommended the adoption of transformational leadership style in the various departments of the organization. Also, it considers the application of integrated communication which includes verbal, non-verbal, written, assertive and electronic means of communication.

The main purpose of the study was to uncover the hidden dynamics of HRM's role in supporting the health and safety of healthcare workers in the current world of work. It specifically focuses on an integrative review conducted in Durban, Republic of South Africa. In terms of design, that study approaches an integrative review conducted on 26 research articles and journals from reputable sources such as Google Scholar and Ebsco-host. The focus of the review was on the impact of human resource management on the well-being of healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 200 results were collected and categorised based on specific inclusion criteria, with a focus on the intersection of HRM, COVID-19, and healthcare workers. The inclusion criteria are premised on the fact that articles that did not directly address how HRM can improve the performance and safety of healthcare workers were excluded. The authors carefully reviewed the abstracts and titles of the articles to ensure they met the inclusion criteria. After removing duplicate entries, 26 articles were identified as relevant to the study and were analysed alongside other pertinent literature. The findings of this study highlight the significant impact of human resource management in effectively addressing challenges related to the healthcare workforce during crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. The originality of the study is grounded on the significance of HRM as a key stakeholder in workforce operations. Therefore organisational management must acknowledge this role. This is evident in the recommendation of the 6Cs of HRM as a pathway to effectively manage the health and safety of healthcare workers. For Future Research the fact that the  study highlights the significance of HRM in organisations during times of crisis, such as a pandemic. It is important to recognise the necessity for further research employing quantitative or mixed methods to obtain a comprehensive understanding of how HRM plays a crucial role in effectively addressing and managing healthcare workers amidst challenging situations.

  South Africa is one of the most popular tourist destinations on the African continent, with timeshares—vacation properties shared by multiple owners—being an important feature of the tourism industry as it contributes significant growth and sustainability of tourist destinations. After its introduction in the 1960s, timeshare gained popularity through its capability to provide luxury holiday affordability and security in South Africa. Since then, timeshare businesses have used traditional public relations, marketing, advertising strategies and tactics to increase brand awareness and reach sales targets. During the difficult COVID-19 period, global tourism declined drastically due to travel restrictions, extreme lockdowns and tight regulations, forcing businesses to adapt their marketing strategies to cope with unprecedented challenges and the loss of customers. Before the pandemic’s culmination, travel agencies and timeshares thus utilized digital marketing and social media to effectively strategise and publicly engage with their audiences online. Drawing upon McGuire’s (1969) theory of information processing, and Echtner and Ritchie’s (1993) destination image branding, a content and thematic analysis of two South African timeshare companies and their Facebook page content was studied to investigate the public relations tactics and marketing strategies implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic. Key findings reveal that timeshares engaged publicly with customers through posts which stimulated online participation, which included the sharing of images, information, updates, competitions and discounts, thus maximising the potential of social media to engage with stakeholders on a short to long term basis.

This research investigates consumer perceptions of retail service quality at a particular supermarket chain located in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. It expands upon the SERVQUAL paradigm to examine the determinants influencing consumer happiness and loyalty within the supermarket scenario. The study utilised a quantitative research design to gather data from 400 customers at four supermarket sites in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were employed to assess the dimensionality, reliability, and validity of variables evaluating retail service quality. Structural equation modelling (SEM) was utilised to examine the interrelations among these constructs. The study examined the impact of interpersonal interactions, loyalty, customer satisfaction, physical attributes, policies, and reliability on customer views. The results demonstrate that clients uphold favourable attitudes regarding all dimensions of service quality, with personal interaction, loyalty, and customer satisfaction being especially significant. The study establishes a substantial positive correlation among policy, physical attributes, interpersonal contacts, and customer happiness. Nonetheless, it fails to establish a substantial correlation between reliability and consumer pleasure. The study emphasises the significant impact of customer happiness on perceived loyalty. The study contributes by adapting and validating the SERVQUAL paradigm for the context of grocery chains. It provides pragmatic insights for service businesses seeking to improve customer experiences and cultivate loyalty.

Climate change is characterised by long-term changes in typical weather patterns, which can span from several decades to millions of years. Variations in temperature, precipitation, and other climatic factors are among the variables often used to quantify or qualify climate change. Most scholars recognize droughts and floods as two prominent consequences of climate change. Hence, the utilisation of climate change indicators such as periods of drought and heavy rainfall is of utmost importance. U. This study aimed at assessing patterns of dry and wet spell implications in the Central and Northern regions of eThekwini district municipality using historical climate data (1990–2022) on precipitation and temperatures (maximum and minimum) to determine the frequency, intensity, and duration of dry spells and wet spells. The findings revealed that the Central Region had almost double the rainfall compared to the Northern Region, which is particularly concerning since elevated levels of precipitation during a period of heightened moisture can result in the occurrence of floods, landslides, and an augmented supply of water. Frequent dry spells, indicative of severe drought, primarily affect the Northern region, posing a challenge to communities through water scarcity, agricultural losses, and hunger. Citizens of these areas are projected to be more vulnerable to extreme weather events; therefore, the need for a profound understanding of dry and wet spells and their socio-economic ramifications is evident. As communities worldwide grapple with the consequences of these climatic fluctuations, academic inquiry is essential to providing guidance for effective policy formulation, disaster management, and sustainable development.

This study examines the efficacy of using smartphones for teaching and learning in higher education, with a particular emphasis on undergraduates and blended learning. It is vital to investigate how cellphones, favored by Generation Z and Millennials, might improve academic achievement because the COVID-19 epidemic required a change from traditional teaching approaches to accommodate remote and online learning. The scholarly article explores smartphones' potential as an effective teaching and learning aid by conducting a theoretical investigation. Understanding how these tools can promote learning outcomes is crucial given the prevalence of smartphones and our escalating reliance on digital technologies. This systematic literature review aims to shed light on the potential benefits and challenges associated with integrating smartphones into the educational process for undergraduate students within the Higher Institutional learning environment of the University of Technology (UoT). Drawing upon peer-reviewed articles and studies published from early 2020 to the present, the review critically examines the advantages and drawbacks of smartphone usage, investigates undergraduate preferences, and assesses the implications for teaching and learning methodologies. The findings of this study provide valuable insights into the efficacy of smartphones in enhancing teaching and learning outcomes, emphasizing their positive impact on student engagement, academic achievement, and overall satisfaction within blended learning environments. The review offers practical recommendations for educators to promote greater student engagement by prioritizing individual needs and leveraging digital resources to foster creativity and innovation.

The Covid-19 pandemic has accelerated the shift to online learning, leading to significant changes in higher education institutions in South Africa and across the world. The importance of online learning has increased, and institutions are now challenged with providing a high quality, adaptable, and accessible education in a digital setting. In order to fully embrace online teaching and learning, this demands institutions to make investments in digital infrastructure and reevaluate pedagogical practices. In this literature review paper, we use PRISMA methodology to examine the discipline of online teaching and learning, the strategies used by universities during the epidemic, and the online teaching and learning strategies used in the post pandemic period. We explore how the Covid-19 epidemic has altered the online learning environment in South African higher education institutions in the post pandemic period. The review results established that in order to provide high-quality education to students across the country, South African higher education institutions need to make a flexible and accessible education, rethink pedagogical methodologies, and implement best practices in online learning. We recommend that higher institutions, policymakers, and stakeholders must work together to ensure that online learning remains a viable and successful modality of instruction in the post-Covid-19 era.

Organisations all over the world are increasingly adopting Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) as a strategic not only for improving their brand image but also making a meaningful contribution to the welfare of society. This trend includes incorporating socially responsible aspects into marketing strategies, resulting in goods and services that benefit the community at large. Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) play an important role in this framework, as they contribute significantly to both social and economic growth. Using a quantitative methodology, this study examines the experiences of a manufacturing organisation in the eThekwini District Municipality of KwaZulu-Natal that has included CSR into its marketing strategies. The analysis employs the Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) method, with data evaluated using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). This study collects and analyses pre- and post-CSR implementation quarterly data on sales performance and customer retention. The empirical findings offer a multifaceted picture of the impact of CSR on marketing performance. Contrary to assertions, that there appears to be a substantial relationship between customer retention rates and marketing performance following CSR implementation. Interestingly, the study discovers an inverse association between sales volumes and marketing performance, implying that a rise in sales does not always result in improved marketing results for the organisation in question. This unexpected consequence shows the intricate interplay between CSR programmes and marketing outcomes, providing useful insights for businesses, particularly those in the South African manufacturing sector, attempting to negotiate the complexities of CSR-driven marketing strategies. This study contributes to a better understanding of how CSR efforts can be strategically integrated with marketing goals to promote both social well-being and business success.

Organisations are in the midst of cultural change and transformation. Thus, the global market demands that they remain competitive, flexible and relevant in order to adequately react to culturally diverse changes in their human resources. This sentiment describes the importance of cultural diversity in organisations.  Hence, this study examines the significant of cultural diversity on business performance in the automotive parts manufacturing organisations in South Africa. The study was quantitative in design, with the participation of middle-level managers in two large automotive parts manufacturing organisations in the eThekwini District Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal (in South Africa).  Of the 168 individuals identified for participation, 118 participated in the study, representing a 70.2 per cent response rate.   Descriptive and t-tests, using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), were used to analyse data.  Study results indicate that a culturally diverse workforce is associated with greater organisational performance, improved strategic decision-making and innovation.  The original value of this study is its essence in providing opportunities and challenges of cultural diversity on business performance in the parts manufacturing organisations in South Africa.

Competitive intelligence strategies are employed by higher education institutions to assist with student recruitment. These competitive intelligence (CI) strategies help maintain or increase market share in education. Utilising competitive intelligence is crucial for firms in competitive markets, assisting in strategic planning and execution. Higher education organisations can benefit from CI to make informed decisions and develop strategic goals. The competition between selected public universities that reside in the same town has resulted in devising competitive strategies to attract grade 12 students with effective and innovative student recruitment strategies. The study sought to examine how competitive intelligence is used as a strategy to promote student recruitment at selected public universities. The study adopted a quantitative research approach where 234 first-time entering university students were used as key informants. To collect data, a questionnaire was used and is attached. It was discovered that both institutions utilised similar strategies to recruit students. Results reveal that the selected public universities employ traditional and technology-based strategies for student recruitment, relying on past success rather than a standardised approach based on competitive intelligence. Further research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of competitive intelligence strategies in student recruitment, aiming to promote diverse communication needs among current and potential students.