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There is inadequate literature on research comparing the motivations of Generations Y and Z, especially for non-academic university staff. Therefore, this research compared the motivation of the two generational cohorts amongst non-academic staff at the Zimbabwe Open University. Two sub-objectives guided the research: first, to compare the intrinsic motivation of the two generations and the extrinsic motivation of the two generations. The generational theory guided the research, elaborating that generational cohorts have different preferences. The supplementary theory was Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, which shows how employees are motivated by the provision of needs from basic to fulfillment needs. The study was quantitative, using descriptive statistics to compare the motivation of Generation Y and Z. The research utilised closed-ended questionnaires, which were distributed to 196 respondents. SPSS version 30.0 was used for data analysis. Reliability, validity, and data normality tests confirmed the data. The findings show that both generations are motivated intrinsically, but preferences on the intrinsic motivators diverge. The research found that Generation Y is more extrinsically motivated than Generation Z. The research recommends using intrinsic motivation for Generation Z employees and using both intrinsic and extrinsic motivation for Generation Y employees.

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

Developing countries are experiencing significant governance challenges in the form of corruption, fraud, and mismanagement of public funds. These issues are most pronounced at the local government level, where municipalities are particularly affected. In South Africa, the persistent failure of mechanisms intended to hold public servants accountable for maladministration and unethical conduct has been evident. This has contributed to weakened governance structures and compromised service delivery. Numerous instances of unethical behaviour have gone unpunished, highlighting the absence of effective consequence management and posing ongoing threats to sustainability in local governance. The purpose of this research paper is to examine and evaluate the role of effective oversight mechanisms in strengthening accountability and promoting appropriate consequences for misconduct within local government systems, with an emphasis on improving public service delivery. A qualitative desktop research methodology was employed, relying on existing literature and data to explore the topic under investigation. The findings revealed that, despite the introduction of several accountability initiatives, these have not succeeded in holding local government officials responsible for their actions. Significant gaps in monitoring, enforcement, and the application of sanctions for unethical conduct have undermined progress. As a result, essential services continue to suffer. The review recommends the implementation of robust and participatory oversight mechanisms to foster a more enforceable and inclusive accountability model that supports improved governance and service delivery outcomes at the local level. This research provides insight into the persistent weaknesses of local government oversight systems and emphasizes the need for more effective accountability frameworks to achieve sustainable service delivery and governance in South Africa.

Machine efficiency and performance are crucial for attaining company objectives economically. High-tech industries, marked by substantial expenditures, can adapt to swift changes and consumer demands within their established operational parameters and available resources. Providing high-quality products at competitive prices has posed a problem for machine-driven manufacturing organisations. This study investigates the implementation of mechanisation to enhance quality in a chosen automobile assembly company in South Africa. The study employed a quantitative methodology to investigate the production and associated experiences of a chosen automotive assembly organisation that implemented a mechanised system for quality enhancement in its Deck Tailgate process within the welding facility. The Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) model was employed to analyse data using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The corporation functions within the eThekwini Municipality in the KwaZulu-Natal region of South Africa. This research examines the influence of mechanisation on product quality, defect rates per unit, and operational downtime inside an automotive assembly firm in South Africa. Analysis of pre- and post-mechanisation quarterly data using OLS regression indicates that mechanisation substantially enhances product quality; however, no significant effects were seen regarding defects per unit and downtime. This study reveals the advantages and disadvantages of mechanisation inside this automotive assembly organisation in South Africa. 

In South Africa, productivity is crucial for individual livelihoods and business performance.  A workplace that fosters employee engagement and participation is a means to cultivate an environment that attracts motivated teams for enhanced productivity.  This perspective supports the notion of employee engagement.  This study investigates the impact of employee engagement on enhancing labour productivity in South African automobile parts manufacturing firms.  Employee involvement denotes the degree of commitment and participation that employee exhibits towards their organisation. The study goals were fulfilled by analysing the production and associated experiences of the automobile parts manufacturing organisation that implemented an employee involvement strategy to enhance labour productivity.  The corporation functions within the eThekwini Municipality in the KwaZulu-Natal region of South Africa.  The study was conducted by gathering pre- and post-quarterly data on absenteeism, spoilage, and attained production targets.  Nevertheless, findings indicate that the employee participation ideology lacks the capacity to enhance labour productivity within the automobile parts manufacturing sector in South Africa.  There is no correlation between absenteeism and spoiling rates, nor with the production standards attained, in connection to labour productivity following the implementation of the employee involvement strategy. This study reveals the advantages and disadvantages of employee engagement on labour productivity within automobile parts manufacturing firms in South Africa. 

This study evaluates the barriers to employment among beneficiaries of the Youth Entrepreneurship and Agribusiness Support (YEASA) program in Ekiti State, Nigeria. Using quantitative descriptive and inferential methods, the study investigates how the YEASA program influences employment, local economic development, and participants’ quality of life. A purposive sample of 125 beneficiaries provided data through structured questionnaires analyzed with SPSS. Findings reveal that 94% of participants acknowledged YEASA’s contribution to job creation, 85% reported improved living standards, and 90% noted increased confidence in managing agribusiness ventures. Despite these achievements, systemic barriers persist—particularly limited funding (55% dissatisfaction) and weak market linkages (60% concern)—which hinder the program’s overall impact. The study recommends improved funding mechanisms, stronger government involvement, and the introduction of tailor-made training programs to enhance sustainability and entrepreneurial outcomes among youth.

Sustainable procurement has become a crucial strategy for attaining the objectives of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Despite the growing emphasis on the concept, understanding the development of sustainable procurement over the last two decades remains limited. This paper offers a comprehensive examination of sustainable procurement, outlining significant research topics, leading authors, relevant countries, and notable publications in the discipline. Nineteen (199) publications from 2004 to 2024 were retrieved from Scopus following the PRISMA protocol. Bibliometric analysis is utilised, followed by the construction of clusters through co-citation analysis. The clusters are analysed to identify emerging themes and potential areas for further research. The co-citation analysis identifies five distinct clusters of research themes: sustainable procurement practices and drivers, environmental management and performance in procurement, sustainable public procurement and implementation challenges, green procurement strategies and supplier management, and sustainable procurement adoption and influencing factors. Publications have been sourced exclusively from one database. Only publications from relevant academic journals have been utilised for the bibliometric analysis. Only articles with high citation counts were selected for co-citation analysis and cluster formation. The analysis of the identified clusters delineates study domains for further exploration aimed at improving the understanding of sustainable procurement and implementing its practices to achieve sustainability..

This desk research journal article explores the relationship between entrepreneurship and the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) in the context of South Africa. The study examines the challenges and opportunities faced by entrepreneurs in harnessing the potential of 4IR technologies and their impact on economic growth, job creation, and social development. Research shows that people are being laid off as a result of other industries collapsing since their services are no longer needed. The article highlights the government's initiatives and policies to support entrepreneurial activities in the 4IR era. Through the analysis of existing literature and case studies, this article examines the challenges and opportunities faced by entrepreneurs in South Africa. Qualitatively, the study utilized secondary sources for data collection. The study concludes that Industry 4.0 can affect entrepreneurship in South Africa in the era of 4IR. The implications of entrepreneurs in the 4IR include concentrating on the characteristics of the techno-economic opportunities, creating entrepreneurship that reacts to intelligence, and creating a system that adapts to the knowledge of rapid change and manufacturing advancements.

The conception of corporate governance practices remains a challenge across state entities in developing countries including South Africa. Corporate governance principles such as accountability, responsibility, reliability, ethical standards are core elements of effective and quality performance that spurs quality delivery of primary services. Positivism strategy aided by quantitative primary data was applied. Empirical data was collected through the administration of questionnaires to geographically dispersed 106 participants who were randomly and purposively selected. The authors used a structured questionnaires aided by quantitatively analyses through the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25.0. Key findings on this paper revealed that all the corporate governance principles contribute to entity’s performance. However, “fairness” largely contributes more to the level of performance. The study recommends policy makers and consultants need to embark on awareness campaigns through educational programmes.   

The eThekwini Municipality, South Africa, has experienced increased drought frequency and intensity due to climate change and the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO). This study assesses and forecasts meteorological, agricultural, and hydrological droughts using the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI), Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI), and ARIMA/SARIMA models, analyzing climate data from 1990 to 2022. Results reveal significant drought intensification, with extreme events in 2019 (central region, SPEI-6 = -3.42) and 2020 (northern region, SPI-3 = -8.15). SARIMA models outperformed ARIMA in forecasting accuracy, emphasizing the role of seasonality. Urbanization and land-use changes exacerbate central region droughts, while northern agricultural reliance highlights the need for water storage. Recommendations include drought-resistant crops, enhanced irrigation, and rainwater harvesting to bolster resilience. These findings inform localized drought management and contribute to global climate adaptation strategies.

Programme evaluation is a critical management tool internationally, enabling the assessment of whether public sector policy objectives are effectively met. In South Africa, such evaluations are essential for refining governance strategies in response to persistent urban challenges. This paper arises from a programme evaluation of inner-city turnaround initiatives aimed at addressing urban decay and problem buildings. It seeks to develop a normative public management model, with a focus on the role of city governments and municipalities in leading regeneration efforts. A qualitative research design was adopted, employing thematic content analysis to examine governance and management practices across South African municipalities. Systems theory, conceptualised within public administration and management, served as the analytical framework for interrogating the interrelated factors driving urban decline. This lens informed the construction of a normative model designed to guide coordinated municipal responses, enhance institutional capacity, and improve strategic urban planning. Findings demonstrate that systems theory offers a robust foundation for understanding and managing the complexities of inner-city environments. The paper presents a visual normative model that emphasises the critical leadership role of city governments in reversing urban deterioration. By bridging theory and practice, the study contributes to academic and practical discourses on urban governance and offers a structured, adaptable model for inner-city regeneration both locally and globally.

The aim of the study is to investigate how employees' unwillingness to change is influenced by demographic factors (age, gender, and educational attainment). Employees at car dealerships in the eThekwini region of South Africa make up the statistical population of this study. The means of data collection was by administration of questionnaires distributed across 170 employees from selected dealership automobiles. Cronbach's Alpha was used to compute and confirm the questionnaire's reliability, while factor analysis and the KMO index were used to authenticate its validity. The results demonstrate employees' resistance to change in the cognitive rigidity dimension to be significantly influenced by the mean of the variables in the two groups of men and women. Employee resistance to change in the cognitive rigidity construct is unaffected by age, and employees with better educational backgrounds displayed less cognitive resistance than those with lesser educational backgrounds. The tenure of employment also indicated that those with more years of tenure showed less resistance compared to those with lesser years of the tenure at the organisation. The study suggests that these insights are valuable for organisations seeking to improve their change management practices by considering demographic factors as means to understand change is increasingly essential and promises more successful change efforts in the future.

Job security and employee motivation are crucial factors that contribute to organizational stability, productivity, and overall success. This study explores the relationship between job security and employee motivation at Tronox KZN Sands, a mining and mineral processing company based in South Africa. Utilizing Social Exchange Theory (SET) as a theoretical framework, the research examines how perceptions of the workplace influence levels of commitment and job satisfaction among employees. Employing a quantitative research methodology, data was gathered from 100 employees through a structured questionnaire, with statistical analysis conducted using SPSS 30 software. It was noted that job uncertainty often arises from economic downturns, industry fluctuations, and organizational restructuring, which can result in diminished motivation and job satisfaction among employees. Additionally, the study identifies demographic variations in perceptions of job security, revealing that younger employees typically express greater concern about job stability compared to their older counterparts. Factors such as workplace support, transparent communication, and opportunities for career development significantly influence the interplay between job safety and employee motivation. Effective communication regarding job stability, investment in employee career advancement, and the promotion of a supportive work environment are essential measures that organizations can adopt. Companies can enhance employee morale, reduce turnover rates, and improve overall organizational performance by prioritizing these strategies. The findings of this study contribute to the broader discourse on the relationship between human resources and workplace dynamics, offering practical insights for policymaking in South Africa's mining regions, as well as for manufacturers and management professionals.

Social media has become a vital tool for entrepreneurs, enabling them to expand their reach, enhance brand visibility, and engage directly with customers. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn provide entrepreneurs with cost-effective ways to access global markets, promote their products, and foster meaningful relationships with consumers. While social media has facilitated the growth of entrepreneurship by lowering barriers to entry, challenges such as managing online presence, handling negative feedback, and addressing privacy concerns persist. This study aims to systematically review existing literature to explore how entrepreneurs can strategically leverage social media for growth, examining its economic benefits, challenges, and best practices. Findings from the review reveal that social media offers entrepreneurs substantial advantages, including increased brand awareness, enhanced customer engagement, and improved sales performance through direct sales features and promotional campaigns. Additionally, social media enables networking, resource acquisition, and business model innovation. However, challenges related to platform management, algorithm changes, and privacy risks must be navigated. Based on these findings, the study recommends that entrepreneurs develop a clear social media strategy, actively engage with customers, stay updated with trends, and leverage data analytics to optimise their marketing efforts. Building brand communities and fostering customer loyalty through personalised communication and consistent interaction can further support business growth.

This study explores the nexus between population growth and unemployment in South Africa from 2000 to 2023, a period marked by significant demographic changes and economic challenges. South Africa has experienced rising unemployment alongside rapid population growth, which has led to concerns about the country’s ability to absorb its expanding labour force. The aim of this research is to examine how population growth influences unemployment, considering additional factors like foreign direct investment (FDI), gross domestic product (GDP), and inflation. Using time series data from the World Bank, Statistics South Africa, and the South African Reserve Bank, the study employs the Augmented Dickey-Fuller unit root test for stationarity, Johansen cointegration for long-term relationships, and Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression to estimate the impact of population growth on unemployment. Key findings indicate that population growth has a positive and statistically significant relationship with unemployment, meaning higher population growth increases unemployment levels. Foreign direct investment also shows a positive effect on unemployment, while GDP and inflation exhibit negative but statistically insignificant relationships. Based on these findings, the study recommends strategic urban planning, family planning initiatives, and targeted policies to attract labour-intensive FDI. Additionally, the government should focus on economic diversification, supporting SMEs, and investing in skill development to create sustainable jobs. This research contributes to understanding the dynamics between population growth and unemployment in South Africa and offers insights for more effective policy interventions.

This study investigates the critical factors influencing social media adoption by rural Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), South Africa, with a focus on supporting business survival and growth during the Covid-19 crisis. The Covid-19 crisis intensified existing challenges such as limited digital connectivity, financial constraints, and poor market access, highlighting the need for adaptive, cost-effective solutions. Social media became a vital tool for these businesses, enabling expanded market reach, improved customer engagement, and continued product promotion during uncertain times. A quantitative research approach was employed, gathering data from 374 rural SMMEs using a structured 5-point Likert scale questionnaire. Analysis revealed a strong positive correlation (r = 0.779, p < 0.001) between broadband internet access, financial resources, and social media use, all critical factors for maintaining digital engagement and ensuring business continuity. The study advocates for increased public and private investment in rural broadband infrastructure to address the digital divide and emphasises capacity building programmes to enhance digital literacy and social media marketing skills among rural entrepreneurs. The findings offer actionable insights for policy and practice, supporting the long-term sustainability of rural SMMEs and promoting inclusive digital development in rural KZN. A Social Media Adoption Model is proposed to enhance the survival and growth of rural SMMEs during the Covid-19 crisis in KZN.

Automated flow line manufacturing systems are becoming more relevant in the automotive sector.  Improving productivity in the manufacturing system is the core objective of all companies, measured by overall equipment effectiveness (OEE).  OEE is a measure of how well a manufacturing operation is utilised compared to its full potential during the periods when it is scheduled to run. Organisations have thus made technological changes in their processes that have led to opportunities for greater flexibilities.  This sentiment underpins the concept of automation.  Hence, this study examines the impact of automation for productivity improvement in the selected automotive assembly organisation in South Africa.  Automation is the creation and application of technology to monitor and control the production and delivery of products and services.  The study was quantitative in design and examined production and the related experiences of the automotive assembly organisation that has adopted automation system in its automobile roof process in weld plant for productivity improvement.  The Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) model, using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was used to analyse data.  The company operates in the eThekwini Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal province of South Africa.  The study was achieved by collecting pre- and post-quarterly data for labour productivity, process efficiency and downtime.  The results establish that labour productivity, process efficiency and downtime have a relationship and are statistically significant to company productivity after automation was implemented.  It has the potential to reduce errors, increase productivity and augment human capacity.  Hence, the original value of this study is its approach in uncovering strengths and weaknesses of automation for productivity improvement in South Africa. 

Technological advancements are becoming increasingly significant due to the poor production levels of enterprises in South Africa.  Consequently, businesses use technology modifications in their operations that create chances for enhanced flexibility and productivity enhancement.  This emotion supports a transformative concept of digitisation.  Digitalisation involves the separation of information and technologies designed to transform operational dynamics for enhanced corporate performance.  It serves as both an enabler and a catalyst for enhancing productivity.  This study investigates the impact of digitisation on productivity enhancement within a specific distribution sector of a food manufacturing company in South Africa. The study employed a quantitative approach to investigate production and the associated experiences inside the distribution division of a food manufacturing enterprise that implemented digitalisation to enhance productivity.  The Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) model was employed to analyse data using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS).  The corporation functions within the eThekwini Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.  The study was conducted by gathering pre- and post-quarterly data on product picking accuracy, hourly product loading, product replenishment rate, and product release rate.  The results demonstrate a statistically significant association between the product release pace and the company’s production in the post-digitalization period.  Nonetheless, it fails to demonstrate the correlation between product picking accuracy, product loading per hour, or product replenishment rate and productivity.  A targeted organisational strategy on digitisation is expected to enhance the organization's performance. Digitising records enables the tracking of each phase of the production process, so maintaining transparency and instilling confidence in consumers.  Therefore, the primary significance of this study lies in its examination of the strengths and shortcomings of digitalisation for enhancing productivity in South Africa. 

The decline in labour productivity in the South African manufacturing industry is a course for concern.  The majority of South Africans expect greater prosperity that can be achieved through greater employment and high productivity.  Thus, the industrial sector turns to employees for innovative productivity improvement initiatives.  This sentiment underpins the concept of employee engagement.  Hence, this study examines the effectiveness of employee engagement for productivity improvement in the selected industrial packaging organisation in South Africa.  Employee engagement is the degree of dedication and involvement an employee has towards his/her organisation.  The study was quantitative in design and examined production and the related experiences of the industrial packaging organisation that have adopted an employee engagement strategy for productivity improvement.  The Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) model, using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was used to analyse data.  The company operates in the eThekwini Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal province of South Africa.  The study was achieved by collecting pre- and post-quarterly data for the Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), spoilage rate and labour productivity.  The results establish that employee engagement philosophy does not have a relationship with OEE and labour productivity.  However, it has an influence on the rate of spoilage.  The original value of this paper is its approach in uncovering strengths and weaknesses of employee engagement for productivity improvement in South Africa. This includes leadership engagement and the alignment of employee incentives with productivity goals.

Academic advising is essential in equipping students for their careers, particularly in specialized fields such as Management Accounting, where alignment with industry expectations is critical. This study investigates the effectiveness of academic advising in enhancing the career readiness of Management Accounting students at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) in South Africa. Employing a quantitative research approach, data was collected from 33 students through structured surveys, focusing on key components of advising, including skill development, job market insights, mentorship, and employability support. The findings reveal that academic advising plays a significant role in fostering students’ understanding of essential professional skills, career planning, and industry trends. Students expressed high satisfaction regarding advising related to course selection and resume preparation, achieving a mean score of 4.03 (SD = 0.810) for the impact of advising on skill development. However, lower mean scores in areas such as internship opportunities (3.61, SD = 1.223) and interview preparation (3.67, SD = 1.051) indicate existing gaps in connecting theoretical knowledge with practical work experience. Furthermore, the study identifies demographic variations in advising effectiveness, with Generation Z students showing a preference for digital career resources, while female students expressed the necessity for gender-sensitive career support. Although the study highlights the overall positive impact of academic advising, it emphasizes the need for enhancements to better align with industry expectations. Recommendations include incorporating experiential learning, strengthening mentorship programs, expanding digital advising resources, and fostering partnerships between industry and academia. These improvements will ensure that students not only excel in their academic pursuits but also transition smoothly into professional roles. The study contributes to the broader dialogue on higher education and employability by providing insights into the evolving role of academic advising in preparing graduates for the workforce.