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This study aims to provide empirical evidence of the Independent Village Development Strategy by optimizing village potential to improve the economy and community welfare. This study utilizes a qualitative research approach to obtain and explore deeper information in order to formulate a strategy for developing an Independent Village. This strategy focuses on optimizing village potential using the SWOT analysis tool. The data analysis method includes the use of the EFE Matrix, IFE Matrix, SWOT Matrix, IE Matrix, and QSPM. These matrices consist of three stages: the input stage, the matching stage, and the decision stage. The empirical findings show that the Village Cultural Heritage has a distinctive characteristic in the form of a wealth of cultural heritage. The evaluation of internal factors and the evaluation of external factors show that the village has responded well to the challenges and opportunities presented by the village. The results of the analysis show that collaboration between the government, universities, and local organizations aims to develop community-based Human Resource Development and Community Service. This includes local community activities, research projects, innovation festivals, and CSR programs involving MSME actors.

Despite the stigma surrounding cannabis, discourse has evolved, and it is now recognised as a viable economic commodity, reflecting a substantial transformation in societal attitudes. Several African countries have been exploring the industrial possibilities of medicinal hemp as a facet of economic development. This study aimed to examine the potential advantages of cannabis commercialisation in Limpopo province, South Africa. The study utilised a descriptive design and qualitative technique, focussing on cannabis enterprises. Snowball sampling was utilised to acquire a sample of 20 individuals. The sample size was determined by data saturation. Data was gathered through semi-structured interviews and thematically analysed using ATLAS.ti 23 software. The results indicate that the creation of cannabis cultivation and processing businesses may produce job opportunities, stimulate economic expansion, and promote community development. Furthermore, the cannabis industry presents substantial income generation prospects, especially for rural agriculturists, and has the capacity to augment tax revenue for local authorities. The research indicates that cannabis commercialisation could yield advantageous socio-economic results, such as poverty reduction, provided that stringent regulations and extensive community engagement are established. The research emphasises the importance of addressing legal and social equity challenges to ensure the sustainability of these benefits.  

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.

The article seeks to examine the phenomenon of corruption within the specific context of South Africa. The primary inquiry posed in the study is, 'What are the instances and underlying factors contributing to corruption in South Africa?' Corruption arises from a multitude of factors, including avarice, the pursuit of authority, and the dynamics of elite networking, among others. The presence of these factors within the nation fosters an atmosphere of impropriety at both the political and bureaucratic tiers of governance. The nation has instituted a range of anti-corruption bodies and strategies; however, the existing gaps in implementation pose significant obstacles to the effective realisation of these initiatives, thereby hindering efforts to combat or mitigate the prevalence of corruption. The research adopts a qualitative methodology and employs desktop analysis to gather information. The information was obtained through a thorough examination of existing literature and document analyses. The information underwent evaluation through conceptual and documentary content analysis. The findings indicate that cultural and normative frameworks that undermine democracy and the Bill of Rights are perpetuated by corruption. The ethical frameworks that dictate institutional ethics stand in contrast to the principles of public administration. The populace may experience a decline in trust towards governmental institutions and their operations due to the capacity to question the integrity of their elected officials. The article culminates in a proposal for the establishment of codes, strategies, and a culture governed by ethical principles, aimed at fostering ethical values among both employees and employers. It is of paramount significance that individuals embrace personal responsibility and accountability to engage ethically within the workplace, thereby contributing to the overarching organisational culture and values. This research enhances the understanding of public governance, human resource management, organisational development, and leadership studies.

This study aims to analyze the role of top management support on green social capital with an employee ecological behavior mediation mechanism in the hospital industry in Indonesia. Quantitative analysis was used for data analysis and questionnaires as a data collection technique were disseminated online using Google Forms to 442 employees with random sampling techniques. Data analysis using SEM-PLS with the help of SmartPLS application. The results found that top management support had a significant effect on green social capital. Furthermore, top management support have a significant effect on employee ecological behavior. Then employee ecological behavior has a significant effect on green social capital. In addition, employee ecological behavior mediates in part the influence of top management support on green social capital.

Financial knowledge and behaviour in millennials and Gen Z's turbulent and volatile environment are fundamental behavioural traits for a desirable work-life balance. They could contribute to work motivation and a comfortable social life. However, the financial knowledge, financial literacy and financial behaviour viewed from an organizational context are still far from homogeneity and linearity as Gen Y and Z have to navigate through challenging settings while thriving to enjoy financial and investment-balanced decision-making and problem-solving albeit limited disposable income against a plethora of spending pressures. This study explores the synergy between financial knowledge contribution and financial behaviour that culminates in sound investment prioritisation amongst Gen Y and Z professionals in the employment of public entities. The study used the qualitative research approach to unpack the challenges facing Gen Y and Z from fifteen professionals in navigating a prosperous financial future. The findings revealed that the existential restrictive nature of the economic climate and the sluggish economic growth, characterised by the heightened cost of living and inflationary pressure, have not exempted Gen Y and Z, while the broader society is experiencing the worst unemployment. The findings also revealed that even though the participants are in relatively well-remunerating positions from their respective positions, their financial knowledge and commensurate financial literacy could be superseded by actual financial behaviour, which is symptomatic with the current era of rampant price increases on almost every product, assets and purchases which are meant to improve their standard of living and stable quality of life.  

The absence of a digital platform that facilitates customised and personalised, accurately fitted apparel has created a vacuum for those looking for tailored apparel as a form of individualism that mirrors their perceived personality, attitudes, and behaviour. This research study investigated the need to purchase customised and personalised apparel online in South Africa against the backdrop of evolving disruptive technologies driving a growing global economy and marketplace. This has dramatically influenced the textile and fashion industry to integrate with the digital world. A sample of 100 participants was divided into 4 age categories. A total of 27 responses were collected utilising an online survey questionnaire and analysed using descriptive statistics on Microsoft Excel. The demand for customised, personalised apparel online has been investigated by analysing who purchases apparel from a dressmaker. The results, while indicating that less than half of the respondents purchase customised, personalised apparel, also highlight a significantly high percentage that does, substantiating the potential of this market. Furthermore, the findings reveal a strong willingness among respondents to use 3D mobile scanning, purchase more if it is more accessible, and participate in the design process online. The study is essential to understanding motivations for purchasing customised and personalised apparel, market demand and consumer preferences to boost local economic growth, and customising and personalising clothing as an individual expression within a unique social context. The outcome will enable customers to partake in online design and add their body measurements to purchase apparel tailored to their specific needs.

Youth unemployment is an ongoing issue that affects individuals domestically and globally, and such a problem has been an issue for a number of years. As a survival approach for economic improvement in most countries, entrepreneurship has been the driving force. There is some evidence that entrepreneurship programs can increase employability. In addition, it can increase motivation for starting a business, particularly among youth who typically have lower levels of self-confidence. To identify how entrepreneurial training interventions can enhance entrepreneurship elf-efficacy among unemployed youth, as systematic review of past study was conducted. Human capital theory was used to explain how human development idea, which encourages economic production through the foundation for skill development and training programs. The theory assists in exploring the intervention programs that enhance self-efficacy in entrepreneurship. The review revealed that there is a direct relationship between training interventions and youth unemployment. It is concluded that training interventions assist the youth to be more informed and skilled, exposing them to venture creation. Therefore, training interventions are the soundest approach to addressing youth unemployment and other socioeconomic issues.

The amalgamation of traditional and modern governance systems represents a transformative advancement in contemporary African government. This study examines the concept of "hybridity governance" within the African context, providing a comprehensive theoretical framework that integrates modern institutional procedures with traditional governance systems. The paper examines the evolution of African governance from pre-colonial to post-colonial eras, illustrating the emergence of hybrid governance as a response to internal dynamics and external influences. It accomplishes this by utilising historical studies. The philosophical underpinnings are investigated, highlighting organisational and social concepts that elucidate the acceptance of hybrid models. The paper elucidates the applications, accomplishments, and challenges of hybrid government in several African nations through various empirical case studies. A critical examination examines the consequences of these governance paradigms for public administration in Africa. It underscores opportunities for innovation and enhanced flexibility, while also emphasising intrinsic challenges such as job ambiguity and conflict. The report concludes with forecasts regarding the future trajectory of hybrid governance in Africa, considering the interplay of local socio-political dynamics, global interconnectedness, and technological advancements. This article serves as a vital resource for policymakers, researchers, and stakeholders interested in the evolving governance paradigm in Africa, providing valuable applications and recommendations.  

This study examines the effect of reasonable accommodations on the wellbeing of students with impairments. It utilises the accounts of fifteen students with disabilities in a South African university. It utilises a blend of snowball and convenience sampling methods, collecting data via individual semi-structured interviews. The study uncovers a multifaceted relationship between the positives and drawbacks of disability support services. Although these services enhance students' overall wellbeing, they can unintentionally induce illbeing, so underscoring the contradictory impacts of reasonable accommodations. This dichotomy emphasises the necessity for a holistic approach to disability support and a reform of the higher education system to address diversity comprehensively. The results have ramifications for disability management in higher education institutions. A critical evaluation of the quality of disability services is necessary to discover and alleviate unanticipated adverse effects that may cause discomfort and disadvantages to students with impairments.  

This paper examines the shift from Industry 4.0 to Industry 5.0 in relation to sustainable supply chain management (SCM), highlighting the incorporation of human-centric technologies. As industries progress, there is an increasing necessity to integrate technologies that enhance human-machine collaboration, optimise operational efficiency, and foster sustainability. This work aims to do a systematic review of the evolutionary process, emphasising the transformation of supply chain management by these technologies. A systematic review technique, adhering to the PRISMA framework, was utilised to collect and assess pertinent material published between 2010 to 2024. The review encompassed an exhaustive database search, stringent eligibility screening, and thematic analysis via Atlas-ti software to discern main themes and patterns concerning the incorporation of human-centric technology in supply chain management. The results indicate that the change to Industry 5.0 entails a substantial movement towards human-automation collaboration, with AI and machine learning as essential components. Digital transformation is redefining supply chain management by utilising big data, the Internet of Things, and blockchain technology to enhance transparency, traceability, and decision-making. Bionic supply chains, integrating human intelligence with machine efficiency, are developing as a vital foundation for operational resilience and sustainability. The study suggests that the incorporation of human-centric technology in supply chain management enhances efficiency and sustainability while fostering a more resilient supply network adept at reacting to interruptions. This paper offers essential recommendations for academics and practitioners seeking to enhance supply chain operations in the context of Industry 5.0.

The fraudulent claims for Unemployment Insurance (UI) have also risen massively in the United States especially during the onset of COVID-19 pandemic with billions of dollars that were lost. These approaches applied formerly in fraud detection and prevention have been challenged by new and advanced fraud systems. For this reason, AI, Big Data and Predictive Analytics are now crucial for improving fraud mitigation in UI programs. The aim of this research is to understand how far AI, Big Data and Predictive Analytics have been utilized, for how effective they are and the barriers they pose in tackling unemployment insurance fraud in the United States. An online quantitative self-administered questionnaire was administered where 200 participants from the unemployment insurance agencies of the U.S, covering fraud investigators, IT personnel, data analysts and policymakers, were included in the study. Data were analyzed to establish the correlation between technology adoption to application of anti-fraud measures using descriptive statistics, chi-square test and regression analysis. The survey shows that about 42.5% of agencies actively use AI and 34% of them use Big Data very often. However, difficulties like high costs, integration troubles and limited availability of specialized staff are still issues that make adoption a problem. The results of using AI and Big Data were moderate and optimistic but rather elevated, as seen through regression analysis; on the other hand, predictive analytics demonstrated large potential when applied successfully. The study’s results indicate that AI, Big Data and Predictive Analytics present enormous potential for mitigating UI fraud, although broad integration will not be possible without overcoming essential infrastructural and resource limitations.

This research paper delves into the pervasive issue of the digital divide within African indigenous communities, specifically focusing on access to African Indigenous digital games. Employing Participatory Action Research (PAR) as the primary data generation approach, this study emphasises the collaborative involvement of community members in identifying, understanding, and addressing the challenges they face. The philosophical foundation of Ubuntu, with its emphasis on interconnectedness, mutual care, and communal support, underpins the research methodology, ensuring that the study remains deeply rooted in African values and perspectives. The digital divide in African Indigenous communities is a multifaceted issue, stemming from various socio-economic, infrastructural, and educational barriers. These barriers hinder the effective dissemination and adoption of digital technologies, including digital games that are culturally significant and educational. By leveraging the principles of Ubuntu, the research engages community members as co-researchers, ensuring that their voices, experiences, and insights are integral to the study. This approach not only enhances the authenticity and relevance of the findings but also empowers the communities to take ownership of the solutions developed. The study advocates for the development of digital game centres in indigenous communities which may be used as centre for accessing digital African indigenous games.

Office employees dedicate a significant portion of their time within the confines of a building, where the physical surroundings have a profound impact on their overall well-being and directly influence their effectiveness and productivity. Within the professional setting, it is commonly believed that employees who find satisfaction in their physical environment are more inclined to achieve superior work outcomes and performance. Consequently, this document presents an extensive analysis of various environmental factors that have a direct or indirect influence on the performance of employees. This research is a descriptive research design using a quantitative re-search method studying the relationships between office environment facilitations and employee performance. Survey questionnaires technique was used 829 samples were analyzed. Regression analysis, correlation analysis, mediation analysis and hypothesis testing were devised to deter-mine the significance level of the hypotheses. The study also examined the direct effects of office environment on employee communication, interactions, productivity, and performance. The findings revealed significant outcomes, indicating that the office environment has an influence on these employee-based factors. Both communication and interactions, as well as employee productivity, as an indirect effect, were found to significantly mediate the connection between the office environment and employee performance. The practical implications are that these findings can be utilized by organizations to effectively evaluate the costs and benefits associated with different office concepts. By acknowledging the potential issues identified in this study regarding various office concepts, organizations can strive to create a more favorable working environment.

This paper explores the nonlinear dynamics relationship between petroleum product prices and inflation in Nigeria. By focusing on the role of exchange rate fluctuations in amplifying the relationships, the paper employs a multiplicative interaction approach to address the nonlinear effects of petroleum prices on inflation. Utilizing data from 2016: Q1 to 2024: Q2 from the National Bureau of Statistics and the Central Bank of Nigeria, the study introduces interaction terms to capture how petroleum prices and exchange rates interact to influence inflation. The methodology includes static and dynamic panel estimators, with a focus on the within effect model to account for unobserved state-specific factors. Key findings reveal that AGO and PMS prices significantly drive both headline and food inflation, while DPK's impact varies, and GAS shows minimal effect. The study highlights those geographical factors—proximity to seaports and fuel depots—significantly influence inflationary pressures. States closer to these facilities experience lower inflation due to reduced distribution costs. This suggests that policies aimed at partial subsidization for states farther from key infrastructure could mitigate regional inflation disparities. The findings contribute to the understanding of inflation dynamics, emphasizing the need for targeted policy interventions tailored to regional economic conditions in Nigeria.

The purpose of this study is to explore the extent of misconduct in the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) in South Africa as a case study. The article aims to answer the research question, ‘What is the extent of the misconduct in the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure?’. Systematization of the literature and responses to the wrongdoing scenario shows that in South Africa, poor quality performance and inefficient productivity in public service departments may cause financial difficulties. The institutional cause of misconduct is discussed. The decision that was made in this scientific subject matter has importance because this study intends to emphasise that the public service in general and DPWI in particular have been in the media for cases of maladministration, misconduct, and corruption, which necessitates the implementation of orgaisational ethics management OEM) takes action to promote an ethical culture and a climate that is favorable to good governance. The investigation in the article is carried out in the following order: A description of the DPWI and its procedures for combating misconduct follows, and the scope of wrongdoing inside the DPWI is explored using a contextual framework. Conceptual and document analysis were the methodological tools used in the study. Using qualitative research approach with exploratory and descriptive research designs, misconduct is contextually analyzed. The results show that when institutional factors that can combat misconduct and promote good governance are not implemented, then this situation may lead to various forms of misconduct recurring. The article's conclusion makes suggestions for improvement.

The aim of this paper is to explore how the cognitive elements of social identity within informal structures influence employees' perceptions and, in turn, impact corporate strategy. This study proposes a framework for managing such informal structures relevant to both theory and practice by employing a social identity theoretical framework. The research examines the impact of informal structures on corporate strategy within the context of a case study involving a South African mining company. The paper establishes that norms, values, and thought processes toward corporate strategy are informally shaped by social identity groups. It suggests that in future research, employing an alternative theoretical framework could serve to establish the reproducibility of the results. Furthermore, a shift towards quantitative research methods would enhance the comprehensiveness of validity testing through methodological triangulation. The proposed framework offers a comprehensive theoretical perspective that contextualizes the interaction between cognitive components of social identity and corporate strategy. It illustrates how aligning personal goals with corporate objectives, maintaining consistent communication, implementing fair employee recognition practices, and equitably sharing resources can mitigate opposition from social identity groups toward corporate strategy. The research presents a pioneering case study of a mining company that employs social identity theory to delineate the informal structure and ascertain how social identity elements influence corporate strategy.

A well-crafted ecotourism strategy that encourages the participation of poor rural communities could create opportunities for local communities’ residents. This study investigated whether the local communities are participating in the implementation of ecotourism projects. A mixed-methods approach was adopted in the form of interviews and questionnaires. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) and ATLAS TI applications were used for data analysis, respectively. The findings indicate that community members had not been properly informed about ecotourism services across the four local municipalities, thereby, community participation in ecotourism activities was somewhat sporadic, inconsistent, and informal. An improved communication network is recommended to encourage local participation in ecotourism businesses.

This systematic literature review investigates the role of entrepreneurship curriculum in empowering rural students for socio-economic development in South Africa. Entrepreneurship education has gained prominence as a means to address unemployment and poverty, particularly in rural areas. However, there is a gap in understanding how entrepreneurship curriculum can effectively empower rural students. Through a systematic review of literature published between 2010 and 2024, this study examines the existing research to elucidate the impact of entrepreneurship curriculum on rural student empowerment and socio-economic development in South Africa. The findings contribute to the body of knowledge by identifying key themes, challenges, and best practices in entrepreneurship education for rural students.

The world economy and ecology have undoubtedly been impacted by the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) epidemic. Female-owned Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs), particularly those operating in marginalised rural economies, are major victims of the COVID-19 outbreak, mostly due to their restricted usage of digital technologies. Digitalisation thus opens up new opportunities for rural women owned MSEs and can help them remain competitive. The study aims to explore COVID-19 pandemic digitisation lessons for rural women owned micro-and small-enterprises. Even though the literature on Women Entrepreneurship is well covered, to the best of our knowledge, the intersection between rural women entrepreneurship and digitisation remains largely unexplored, particularly in African economies. A qualitative approach using personal insights to provide COVID-19 pandemic digitisation lessons for women owned MSEs was used to guide the collection and analysis of the data. The data were collected from a purposive sample of seven women entrepreneurs operating MSEs in the Raymond Mhlaba Local Municipality located in South Africa’s Eastern Cape Province and analysed through thematic analysis. The results highlight the critical importance of incorporating digital technology into business operations, stressing the need to prioritize data security, adopting a mobile-first approach, recognising the significance of an online presence, and innovatively developing digital or digitally enhanced offerings. The study's insights provide data-informed insights, as we continue to advocate for inclusive and effective responses to crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic. For rural women owned MSEs in South Africa, it is clear that digital platforms have been helpful, and while digitalization alone is insufficient, this research can inform the recovery strategies and policies needed after the pandemic. Key words: COVID-19, digitization, micro-and small enterprise, rural women entrepreneurs