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Currently, South African government departments is inundated with common dire predicaments prominently manifested in the form of lack of punctuality, frequent leave requests, lack of engagement and poor management of employee wellbeing, resulting in high absenteeism rates. Flexible working schedules ameliorate the level of contentment and performance, which has been discovered to benefit both the employer and employee. There are limited previous studies done in the South African Public Sector on the subject of adopting flexibility conditions in the workplace. The empirical evidence on the subject is still sparse for the transitional economy like South Africa. Hence, this study sought to investigate the flexible work arrangements in the public organisation. The study adopted an exploratory design and a qualitative approach. A qualitative research approach was chosen for the study because it provided an opportunity to explore the research objectives in greater detail. The sample size and strategy used comprised organising focus group interviews as well as individual interviews, using a sample of 10 participants from different levels of the organisation. The findings of the study revealed that offering flexibility could help and support the emotional health of the employees. The study also found that a call for a flexible work strategy is of interest to most employees as it provides work-life balance. The organisation should consider implementing and making provision for flexible working arrangements which in turn improve job fulfilment, increase work and life, motivate employees, reduce absenteeism and increasing the quality of service delivery at all organisational levels.

This study explored organisational culture and strategy implementation within the framework of the fourth industrial revolution (4IR). Using semi-structured interviews and thematic data analysis, the study explored the primary determinants of organisational culture and how these drivers affect the implementation of strategies in the 4IR. A total of twenty-five bank workers from South Africa participated in the study to collect qualitative data. Version 23 of the Atlas-ti software was utilised to analyse the participant data. Content analysis was employed in the study to analyse the data. The study's findings suggest that a variety of organisational culture challenges have an impact on the banking industry's capacity to put strategies into implementation. This includes elements related to organisational skills, mentality and attitude, collaboration and partnership, innovation and technology investment, as well as aspects of organisational leadership and strategy, structure, learning, incentives, processes, and procedures. The study reveals a wider perspective and significant recommendations to help managers adopt a comprehensive and multidimensional approach when tackling organisational culture difficulties within the framework of implementing strategies in the banking sector. In addition to making significant recommendations, the study's conclusion emphasises how crucial it is for the bank to maintain a similar culture across all of its business units because this will affect employee morale and behaviour when the strategy is being implemented.

Green procurement is one of the major topical issues that have become increasingly popular worldwide as the world embraces sustainability. Zimbabwe is one of the countries in the world that is struggling to adopt the use of green procurement in the health sector. Some identified factors affecting such adoption are lack of technology and infrastructure, training and awareness especially of the procurement officers and those in charge of the sector, policy and regulatory framework, limited supply chain, economic pressures and stakeholder engagement. The study’s objective was toidentify and analyse factors affecting the adaptation of green procurement practices in Zimbabwe’s health sector. The study used qualitative secondary data, and three key documents were analysed in the ATLAS. ti 24. Themes were created and results confirmed the challenges faced by adopting green procurement in the health sector in Zimbabwe. The study found that economic challenges, policy and regulatory framework shortfall, limited supply chain management, lack of stakeholder engagement, technology and infrastructure shortfalls and failure to have training and awareness regarding green procurement. Policymakers should encourage collaborations and partnerships between government and industry can facilitate the sharing of knowledge, best practices and resources. Zimbabwe as a signatory to the Abuja Declaration of 2001, the country can revert to this agreement and meet the suggested 15% of the total country budget set aside only for the health sector to support the adoption of green procurement. The study recommends that the government make use of the monitoring and evaluation systems that will influence policymakers in support of green procurement. The study recommended that the government should enact policies that support sustainable procurement and training should be carried out as Zimbabwe is one of the countries that signed the Sustainable Development Goals especially goal number 3.

This study investigates the impact of digital transformation on human capital management practices (HCMPs) and their influence on work engagement. The research aims to evaluate the effects of recruitment and selection, training, career opportunities, and reward on employee engagement, and to examine whether digital transformation moderates these relationships. Using a sample of 607 employees, data were collected through online questionnaires from the banking and hospitality sectors in South Africa and analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). The study finds that HCMPs such as recruitment and selection, training, career opportunities, and reward positively affect work engagement. However, contrary to expectations, digital transformation did not significantly moderate the effect of HCMPs on Work engagement. This suggests that the impact of digitalization may be more complex and context dependent. The significance of this study lies in highlighting the stability of HCMP impacts amidst technological change, providing insights for organizations to manage work engagement effectively without over-relying on digital transformation as a moderating factor.

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.

There is significant rivalry among South African banks as a result of the banking sector's being oversaturated. Banks can make use of financial resources, robust organisational cultures, human resources, and productive employee collaboration in light of resource-based theory. The implications of strategy implementations in the banking sector are also looked at. An in-depth interview was created to collect data from twenty-five bank employees. Altas Ti was used for data analysis. The relationship between organisational sustainability and strategy implementation drivers was investigated in this study through the use of qualitative research methods. The results indicate that technology, social capital, organisational culture, and support from upper management all significantly influence how much a strategy is put into implementation. The findings also demonstrate a clear connection between the drivers of strategy implementation and achieving favourable financial and customer outcomes in addition to obtaining a competitive advantage. This study also clarifies the variables that affect strategy implementation and how it could enhance this sector's growth and competitiveness prospects. According to the current study's findings, in order to enhance organisational effectiveness, the banking industry needs to pay special attention to strategy implementation drivers.

The main aim was to determine how the supply chains of the FMCG industry may enhance their resilience through the adoption of digital technologies. Additionally, enhancing visibility and transparency through the augmentation of operational efficiency to elevate overall performance. This analysis utilised the Uncertainty Framework theory, which provides a systematic approach for identifying, categorising, and managing uncertainties within the supply chain. Organisations can formulate strategies to effectively manage and mitigate risks by understanding the many dimensions of uncertainty within the supply chain and their interrelations. The research utilised a qualitative methodology, gathering data via semi-structured interviews with 25 supply chain specialists and senior executives possessing extensive experience in the FMCG sector. The study's findings indicate that digital transformation enhances agility, transparency, and data-driven decision-making, which is crucial for bolstering the resilience of the FMCG supply chain. Six themes emerged from the findings: data-driven decision-making, supply chain visibility and transparency, automation and robots, collaborative platforms and ecosystems, predictive analytics and forecasting, and traceability and sustainability. The research will enhance our understanding of the implementation of digital transformation initiatives throughout FMCG supply chains. This involves analysing the application of digital technologies in supply chain operations. The study may ascertain the impact of these technologies on various resilience criteria, including flexibility, agility, visibility, and responsiveness, by analysing the role of digital transformation in FMCG supply chains. The research findings can assist supply chain managers in making educated decisions on investments and strategic planning for digital transformation initiatives.Research on digital transformation in the FMCG sector is limited, particularly on these unprecedented upheavals. Moreover, there is little study connecting digital transformation with sustainability and resilience in FMCG supply chains, which is essential for comprehending how these projects might collaboratively enhance robust supply systems.

The Township Innovation Hub was established by the Gauteng Department of Economic Development to promote economic development and competitiveness in Gauteng by fostering innovation and entrepreneurship. However, upon adopting the Gauteng Township Economic Revitalization Strategy in 2014, the services offered by TIH were expected to be disbursed in different townships to support small businesses involved with innovation; hence, the eKasiLabs were established. As a result, eKasiLabs have been promoting entrepreneurship in different townships through various programs. This study, therefore, assesses the socio-economic impact of the eKasiLabs programs in Gauteng. To achieve this objective, a mixture of qualitative (key informant interviews) and quantitative (propensity score matching (PSM) and textual analysis) approaches were adopted. The analysis shows that the eKasiLabs programme has significantly improved entrepreneurial development and innovation among the beneficiaries in the township despite notable challenges. The impacts of the improved growth could thus be observed in business growth, innovation, productivity improvement, and job creation.

Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) as the transformation agenda of the world driven by digital technologies has heralded a significant and drastic shift from normal societal ways of doing things to a more advanced well-knit society. In a bid to enhance efficient service delivery and good governance South African municipalities should also join the bandwagon and adopt 4IR technologies in its operations. The study therefore unpacks the challenges and opportunities for adopting 4IR technologies in South African municipalities. The study being qualitative relied on purposively written records to gather data which was then analysed using thematic and content analysis techniques. The study established that South African local authorities are still lagging behind in terms of investing in 4IR technologies and they also face 4IR capacity building challenges. Similarly, SA municipalities should therefore embrace the conspicuous opportunities heralded by 4IR to address the attendant challenges and enhance efficient service delivery in its localities. 

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.

Advancements in science and technology has resulted in substantial transformations inside society. The telecommunications sector has established cyberspace, a virtual domain for online communication, data exchange, and digital interactions. This platform enables individuals to interact and cultivate relationships worldwide, fostering a sense of proximity despite geographical separation. Nonetheless, these improvements provide concerns, since there has been an increase in cyber victimisation via cyberspace, the internet, computer networks, and online systems. Criminals are progressively utilising these technologies to perpetrate illicit actions, endangering individuals, governments, organisations, and institutions.This study analyses the evaluation of cyber policies for regulating, monitoring, and supervising cyberspace activities, along with the implementation of cybersecurity measures to address technologically advanced crime. A mixed methods strategy, including qualitative and quantitative methodologies, was employed for data collecting. The research revealed that although cyberspace provides avenues for social contact, idea exchange, information dissemination, commercial transactions, and additional activities, it remains susceptible to cyber threats including ransomware, fraud, warfare, terrorism, trafficking, and breaches of privacy. Formulating cyber regulations to regulate actions in cyberspace is crucial for efficient law enforcement, alongside the establishment of a cybersecurity framework to safeguard critical cyber systems and bolster security protocols across several sectors. To safeguard both the public and private sectors against cybersecurity risks, it is essential to create and execute plans. These tactics encompass the regular evaluation and auditing of security systems, investment in cybersecurity training programs, maintenance of current systems, formulation and rehearsal of incident response plans, and dissemination of information among experts and professionals.

This research analyses the employment demands and resources encountered by support personnel at a mining company in Gauteng during the latter phases of the COVID-19 pandemic. The study included 12 support staff, chosen via convenience sampling (median age = 44), who engaged in semi-structured interviews (3 women, 9 men; 3 White, 9 African). The researchers utilised an inductive technique and applied Braun and Clarke's thematic analysis to discover four themes: job pressures encountered, organisational job resources, organisational assistance, and perceived support. The findings indicate that elevated job resources may enhance work efficiency and effectiveness in individuals managing job demands. The study also revealed that perceived organisational support affects job pressure and emotional fatigue in employees. The findings underscore the imperative for employees to proactively pursue job resources and assistance to manage job demands, emphasising the significance of deliberate resource allocation in high-stress industries to bolster resilience and equip both employees and organisations for future crises. The paper fills a gap in the literature by providing a comprehensive narrative analysis of employment demands and resources during the COVID-19 pandemic. Qualitative interviews with support personnel enhance our understanding, supplementing prior quantitative studies that have predominated the research field. Future research should examine the long-term impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on employee well-being in relation to job demands and resources, and evaluate the function of diverse job resources in aiding employees to navigate post-pandemic issue

This article examines the necessity for implementing a more intelligent, inventive, and disruptive policing paradigm, such as intelligence-driven community policing, to address both traditional and technology-facilitated crimes. Intelligence-driven community policing is a comprehensive policing paradigm that emphasises the identification and prevention of habitual criminals, concentrating on groups that present a threat and risk to the community. It employs community intelligence alongside other intelligence-driven policing strategies and methodologies to address crime and criminal activity.  The research employed a mixed-methods approach, integrating qualitative and quantitative data collection techniques. The data for this research was gathered in three countries: Denmark, the two South African metropolitan provinces of Gauteng and Western Cape, and three Nigerian cities: Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt. The findings demonstrate that community policing has been embraced and executed in the majority of jurisdictions; yet, numerous issues hinder its efficient implementation. This encompasses a deficiency in comprehending the model's conceptual framework, misinterpretations and misconceptions by those responsible for its implementation, and an incapacity among the police, stakeholders, and the general public to distinguish community policing from state and regional policing. Innovative policing has significant consequences for international law enforcement in an increasingly digitised and complicated environment. Technological advancements have obscured the distinctions between the physical and digital domains, rendering the criminal scene increasingly global and complex. National and international law enforcement authorities must use innovative approaches and remain abreast of swift digitalisation and technical progress. This study recommends shifting to intelligence-driven community policing by integrating intelligence-led police strategies, techniques, and approaches into the community policing implementation framework. Understanding the conceptual framework of community policing and contemporary implementation methods tailored to the specific demands of each jurisdiction, police agency, culture, and circumstances is essential. A comprehensive recommendation is proposed to enhance the capacity and capability development of criminal justice, law enforcement, and intelligence personnel regarding the execution of intelligence-driven community policing.

This study explores the effect of oil production (OP) on environmental sustainability in relation to the role of institutions in the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), using annual data from 1990 to 2022. Estimates from the dynamic common correlated effects and dynamic seemingly unrelated regression indicate that oil production heightens the ecological footprint, while this devastating impact is lessened by its interaction with institutional quality. Furthermore, there is evidence that ecological footprint and oil production are causally related to economic growth in both directions. To promote a sustainable environment, oil production activities in OPEC should be incorporated into a strong institutional structure that supports the environment. OPEC should also enhance the proportion of renewable energy in its energy mix through subsidies, tax holidays and carbon pricing.

Artificial Intelligence has generated much scholarly and practical attention from researchers in integrating it into job roles that humans traditionally handled. This has inspired an explosion in research activity dedicated to the topic. This study uses a systematic bibliometric method to investigate research progress on individuals' perceptions of AI in jobs. Using a large dataset from the "Web of Science," this research investigates changing patterns, institutional affiliations, geographic distributions, and keyword connections. We retrieved 2228 manuscripts published between 2021 and 2023 from the Web of Science. The researchers used the power of specialized software, Bibliometrix, and VOSviewer, to navigate the intricate web of AI's integration into human-dominated professions. The findings indicate the importance of AI's impact on human job roles. The increased amount of research dedicated to the topic highlights its rising significance within society. This research significantly contributes to the ongoing discourse regarding AI adoption by offering a solid foundation for future enquiries and policy development, particularly as technology and society evolve.  

The international community faces numerous sustainability challenges. In response, firms tackle these difficulties by adopting and implementing Green Supply Chain Management (GSCM) techniques. However, there has been minimal discourse in the literature concerning the institutionalisation of GSCM. This study aimed to enhance our understanding of the institutionalisation of Green Supply Chain Management, specifically concerning South African cement businesses. The study specifically examines institutionalisation from the standpoint of organisational culture. In addition to examining existing literature, the researcher intentionally selected 23 supply chain practitioners from six prominent cement companies, environmental law officials, and academics to provide their insights and perspectives on the influence of organisational culture in institutionalising Green Supply Chain Management (GSCM) within the cement industry. Thematic analysis was employed to examine primary data. The study findings indicated that the organisational culture obstructing the institutionalisation of Green Supply Chain Management (GSCM) factors comprised resistance to green policy implementation, insufficient top management support, and misalignment between green strategy and corporate goals. Conversely, the organisational culture promoting GSCM institutionalisation included human development and investment, effective communication, incentives, and a strong green culture as primary drivers. The study will inform supply chain professionals, cement company managers, environmental regulatory agencies, and NGOs about the significant influence of organisational culture on the institutionalisation of Green Supply Chain Management (GSCM). The influence of culture on the institutionalisation of Green Supply Chain Management (GSCM).

Inadequately secured national and international borders enable the influx of illicit weaponry and ammunition, as well as the transit of illegal immigrants over South African frontiers. Organised criminal factions have executed armed robberies, vehicle theft, hijacking, cash-in-transit heists, as well as human and drug trafficking throughout many places, towns, and cities in South Africa. The enlistment of security agencies and other stakeholders is essential in combating crime.  This study examines the evaluation of the South African Border Management Authority, security networks, and evidence-based policing as comprehensive strategies for addressing border crime and improving safety and security in South Africa. A hybrid methodology was employed for data collecting. The porous borders facilitate the undetected entry of illegal immigrants, and certain security personnel have undermined the system. Evidence-based policing employs scientific evidence for decision-making, grounded in the principle that research should identify areas requiring law enforcement intervention. The Border Management Authority is tasked with the enforcement of South African immigration laws, as well as the protection, control, and management of borders. Recommendations include adopting evidence-based policing and security networks as comprehensive strategies for addressing illegal transnational trade, drug and human trafficking, organised crime, and terrorism; designing and implementing a multi-agency approach; and utilising criminal justice technology and security engineering to improve border security.

While African big businesses are increasingly utilising big data analytics to enhance their competitiveness, many small to medium enterprises (SMEs) across the continent remain hesitant to adopt these tools. Although SMEs could also gain significant benefits from big data analytics, the factors driving their potential adoption for information security management are not yet well understood. This paper presents a qualitative grounded theory study, focusing on SMEs in South Africa. Through in-depth analysis, this research generated a theory that reveals key factors influencing the adoption of big data analytics amongst these SMEs. Using semi-structured interviews, data were collected from 28 owner-managers of SMEs, then transcribed and systematically coded using the grounded theory approach. The resulting substantive theory provides valuable insights into the core aspects driving big data adoption for information security management among South African SMEs – specifically, ability, opportunity, and motivation. The study implies that by understanding the impact of these three factors, SMEs can make more informed decisions to enhance information security performance.

Global research on local governance acknowledges the value of partnerships as strategic facilitators of urban change and regional economic growth. Local government-university interactions have emerged as a critical catalyst for transformation in Africa. The Mutare City Council (MCC), a distinguished local authority in Zimbabwe, has adopted collaborations between local government and universities as a novel strategy to enhance service delivery and overall efficacy. Nonetheless, despite a theoretical and practical paradigm shift towards cooperation between local governments and universities, there has been inadequate research focus on this subject, particularly in developing nations. This article elucidates the lived experiences of the MCC regarding cooperation between local government and universities to bridge this gap. The qualitative investigation of local government-university partnership was conducted through key informant interviews with MCC managers from various units and departments. This article outlines the MCC's collaboration with universities in urban change and the advantages of these partnerships. The paper examines the problems encountered in executing collaborations from the viewpoint of local government. Consequently, the study advises local governments to prioritise collaborations with universities, endorse joint projects and initiatives, and create research and investment units to promote partnerships as a contribution to public administration.

Currently, numerous institutions, organisations, and governments globally have issues associated with rising technological crimes and misinformation within cyber systems, which jeopardise societal faith in these entities. A cyber-system is a framework that employs cyberspace and encompasses information infrastructures, along with individuals and other entities engaged in the system's business operations and activities. Social media platforms facilitate communication, commercial transactions, and various lucrative endeavours. Nonetheless, these sites have been utilised by cybercriminals and fraudsters for nefarious activities, including executing assaults on their targets and disseminating misinformation. This article examines the assessment of developing technological crimes on social media platforms and techniques for mitigating disinformation in cyber networks. A mixed-method approach was employed for data collecting, incorporating both qualitative and quantitative techniques, with unstructured interviews and surveys. The findings indicated that disinformation has adversely affected multiple sectors, including health, social, security, and education. Conspiracy theorists have utilised cyber systems and social media platforms to propagate misinformation, while fraudsters and cybercriminals have exploited these mediums to victimise individuals. Recommendations encompass the necessity for governmental regulation of online activities, the education of cyber system and social media users to exercise caution regarding their online conduct, the implementation of robust cyber policies and legislation, the verification and authentication of information prior to dissemination, the training and retraining of criminal justice officials, and the engagement of cyber law enforcement to scrutinise messages and information traversing cyber systems and social media platforms. tem. Social media platforms are used for communication, business transactions, and other profitable initiatives. However, these platforms have also been exploited by cyber criminals and fraudsters for malicious activities, such as launching attacks on their targets and spreading false information. This paper focuses on evaluating emerging technology crimes on social media platforms and strategies for reducing misinformation on cyber systems. A mixed method was used for data collection, including qualitative and quantitative methods, as well as unstructured interviews and questionnaires. The findings revealed that misinformation has had negative impacts on various sectors including health, social, security, and education. Cyber systems and social media platforms have been used by conspiracy theorists to disseminate false information, while fraudsters and cybercriminals have victimized their targets using social media and other cyber systems. Recommendations include the need for government regulation of online activities, educating cyber system and social media users to be cautious about their online activities, implementing effective cyber policies and legislation, verifying and authenticating information before sharing, training and retraining criminal justice officials, and engaging cyber cops to filter messages and information passing through cyber systems and social media platforms.