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Motivation is a critical factor that impacts the performance of both employees and organisations. Consequently, it is imperative that supervisors and management ascertain the motivating factors that significantly influence employee performance. The motivation levels of administrative employees were assessed in this study to determine the factors that influence them. The current study is focused on evaluating the motivational level of administrative employees and determining the sequence in which these motivational factors are ranked by administrative employees in the same department. A quantitative research methodology was implemented. An adapted questionnaire was implemented to implement a survey research design. The sample was comprised of 150 administrative employees from a total of 463 employees. The non-probability convenience sampling method was employed to select the respondents for this study. The motivational level of administrative personnel was analysed using descriptive statistics. The study's primary findings indicated that employees were most motivated by job security, job responsibility, goal setting, working conditions, leadership, feedback, salary, and job characteristics. The following was also determined: the most significant motivational factors for employees were ranked in the following order: leadership (1), salary (2), training and development (3), job security (4), feedback (5), rewards (6), working conditions (7), the opportunity for advancement (8), recognition and appreciation (9), job characteristics (10), job responsibility (11), performance appraisal (12), and goal setting 13.

Over the years public institutions have faced problems relating to the unprofessional property asset management due the continued usage of the archaic paper-based property management systems which have compromised the pristine property management efforts of public institutions. It is against this backdrop that the study examines the key drivers as well as the prospects for adopting the IEPMS in public sector property management institutions in Zimbabwe’s Harare province. The study being qualitative, relied on the interpretivism research philosophy was hinged on the Information Systems Success model as its theoretical framework. The study established that the public sector in the Harare province relies on the paper based, traditionalized property management practice that is fragmented. The absence of an up-to-date property asset register for all state properties, the need to address corruption, state property theft and embezzlement of state funds as well as the need to adhere with international best practices were the key drivers for the need to adopt the IEPMS. This enhances dependability, saves time, money and improves on professional property management and service delivery. The study recommends the need to seriously embrace digitalization through the adoption and operationalization of an IEPMS which is efficient and enhances accountability and transparency.

The inclusion of small and medium-sized pharmaceutical companies from developing countries in global supply chains is essential for the expansion and durability of the worldwide pharmaceutical sector. South Africa, with its rapidly growing pharmaceutical industry, is leading the way in this process of integration. It provides a distinct case study of the difficulties and advantages that small and medium-sized enterprises face in the pharmaceutical sector. This study seeks to conduct a systematic analysis of the current literature about the obstacles and possibilities encountered by small and medium-sized pharmaceutical companies in South Africa as they strive to become part of global supply chains. The objective is to offer a thorough summary of the existing research in this field. This study utilised the PRISMA systematic literature review approach to evaluate 26 peer-reviewed papers and academic publications from the Scopus database that are pertinent to pharmaceutical small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in South Africa. The data were extracted using Atlas-ti, which facilitated a thematic analysis to identify and categorise the primary difficulties and opportunities faced by these firms. The assessment has found four main obstacles: regulatory impediments, budgetary limitations, operational and logistical concerns, and market rivalry. On the other hand, there were also important prospects identified, such as the possibility for expanding the market, developments in technology, initiatives to promote sustainability, and the development of collaborative networks. These findings emphasise the complex and diverse ways in which small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) become part of global supply chains. They illustrate the obstacles and opportunities that SMEs encounter in their efforts to succeed. Pharmaceutical small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in South Africa encounter a range of intricate obstacles as they strive to integrate into the global supply chain. However, they also have multiple chances to utilise growth and gain a competitive edge. Effectively managing these difficulties and possibilities is crucial for their incorporation into worldwide markets. This study enhances the scholarly discussion on the integration of global supply chains by conducting a detailed investigation of small and medium-sized pharmaceutical companies in the context of a developing country. This study provides valuable insights into the unique problems and possibilities faced by these businesses, which can be used to guide future research and develop practical strategies to enhance global integration.

MSMEs are widely regarded as important building blocks for economic prosperity and broader social well-being for both developed and developing nations. However, MSMEs face several challenges that impede their ability to fully provide the much-needed boost to the socio-economic development of countries. Tourism MSMEs are often significantly impacted by crises that include economic downturns, natural disasters, and public health emergencies that destroy infrastructure and affect human movement, notably the outbreak of pandemics and epidemics. The Covid-19 pandemic altered every business operation across the globe. This was mainly because the pandemic was new and no reference case for the Covid-19 crisis existed in living memory. As such the survival of all businesses was at high risk, particularly, the tourism MSMEs in South Africa. The industry’s operations were severely affected by the restrictions imposed by the government of South Africa especially in the year 2020 and 2021. Despite operating their businesses in a crisis, the tourism MSMEs entrepreneurs exhibited resilience as they navigated the pandemic, through being agile, adaptive, and exploring new opportunities of operating and utilising government support. It is in this regard that gaining a deeper understanding of the resilience strategies that were employed by the tourism MSMEs during and strategies being employed during post Covid-19 pandemic crisis is of paramount significance. The study adopted qualitative interpretivist approach through document analysis.  Collected data was analysed using the ATLAS.ti.software. The study concludes that even though the Covid-19 had some devastating effects on the MSMEs tourism entrepreneurs, that are still being felt now, it forced the entrepreneurs to adapt and be innovative. It is in this regard that the study concludes that the identified strategies are very vital for the survival of the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. The study also concludes that the tourism MSMEs entrepreneurs became more resilient to the pandemic as it progressed hence, they implemented the identified strategies revealed by the study findings.

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

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

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

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

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

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

This paper aimed to systematically review the literature on management accounting research among small businesses in emerging economies. The study analysed 69 management accounting survey articles on small businesses that were published between 2013 and 2023 using a database-driven search strategy. This analysis synthesised the results into five themes: utilisation of management accounting, factors affecting its use, and its effects on firm performance. It further identified a theme in the management accounting frameworks developed for SMEs in emerging economies as well as the role of government in supporting the implementation of MAPs among SMEs. This study found that general SMEs in developing countries are low adopters of management accounting; those that are using MAPs widely apply the traditional systems. In addition, the study noted that the usage of MAPs is influenced by numerous factors that are similar in different countries. The present view indicates that there is limited research on models or frameworks that have been developed to improve the easy application of management accounting in SMEs. There is a need for more research to be conducted on providing solutions to the low adoption level and how the barriers to the application of MAPs can be overcome by SMEs in emerging economies, instead of just identifying the constraints.

Small and Medium sized Enterprises (SMEs) are regarded as a vital business sector in the South African economy. They elevate employment, reduce poverty, and increase the overall economic growth of any country.  It is essential that SMEs should develop and grow.  In ensuring their survival and growth, SMEs must be flexible and agile in every growth stage.  Thus, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is one of the strategic tools for business survival and growth.  CSR is when organisations act responsibly and ethically towards society, the environment and other stakeholders, to maximise positive impact not just for profit. It is expected that the implementation of CSR can enhance the performance of SMEs.  Consequently, the study assesses CSR practices applied by SMEs in the eThekwini Metropolitan Area. The study was quantitative in nature.  It targeted 120 SME owners in the automotive manufacturing sector of the eThekwini Metropolitan Area.  Data collected from 110 SME owners was analysed using version 27 of the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS).  The results established that business performance increases when SME organisations support community, particularly when there is employee involvement in such support activities.  Hence, the original value of this study is in its approach in uncovering the perceptions and involvement of SMEs operating in the automotive manufacturing sector in the eThekwini Metropolitan Area in KwaZulu-Natal (in South Africa) on their CSR practices. 

The Covid-19 crisis has disrupted businesses of Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) globally, particularly in rural areas such as KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), South Africa. This study investigated the social media marketing strategies adopted by rural SMMEs to survive and grow during the Covid-19 crisis. Furthermore, it aims to recommend the social media marketing strategies that can be used by SMMEs as a critical tool for their survival and grow during the Covid-19 crisis in rural KZN. The quantitative design was adopted, and data was collected from 374 rural SMMEs in KZN by a closed-ended 5-point Likert scale questionnaire. The collected data was analysed by means of statistical social sciences software 27.0. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, factor analysis, and correlation analysis to identify the determinants of social media strategies and its impact on business performance.  Key findings include a significant positive relationship between creating awareness of products and services and increased sales, where r = 0.708, p <0.01 and a significant correlation between customers’ needs and complaints and use of social media to retain customers, where r =0.653, p < 0.001. Recommendations suggested that rural SMMEs must gain technical competencies to use social media marketing strategies to gain competitive advantage to sustain their businesses during the Covid-19 crisis.

This qualitative research article examines the challenges faced by campus managers in managing educational resources within a Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) college in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), South Africa. The study aims to inform and enhance resource management practices in similar educational settings by exploring the real-life experiences of campus managers. Specifically, the research focuses on understanding the challenges encountered by campus managers in their role of managing educational resources at a TVET college. The study adopts an interpretive paradigm and utilises thematic data analysis to analyse the perspectives of three campus managers from distinct campuses within a single TVET college. Participants were purposively selected, and semi-structured interviews were conducted to collect data. In adherence to COVID-19 regulations, interviews were facilitated through the Zoom platform to ensure social distancing. Thematic data analysis was employed to identify recurring themes and patterns within the data generated from the participants' responses. The findings reveal several challenges campus managers face, including prolonged and stringent procurement processes, inadequate supply of educational resources, financial constraints, and suboptimal maintenance of educational facilities.

Population growth and changes in consumer demographics over time require fast moving consumer goods or FMCG company that produce consumer goods to keep innovating. Food market was forecasted to continuously increase between 2024 and 2029 by in total 85.1 million U.S Dollars while beauty and personal care segment projected to reach 10.89 billion U.S Dollars revenue by 2028. Product innovations that are carried out have to conform to regulatory provisions while also meet the required efficacy, quality and safety of the product. The process of fulfilling product compliance can be improved by utilizing technology through digital application. Creation of a digital application have to consider the usability aspect of the user. Design thinking is a method that has been widely used to create a product with human-centered approach and prioritizing the user aspect. Digital application created using a design thinking approach will be easy to use and improve the product compliance process so that companies can have competitive edge compared to competitors. This research is qualitative research that uses study case with design thinking approach. The data was collected by interview method and supplemented by observation method. Informant was five employees that involved in fulfillment of product compliance. Design thinking in this research includes 5 phases, namely empathize, define, ideation, prototype, test. These phases help map problems and formulate ideas to be made into functions or features. Based on the results of the analysis and exploration of ideas, a medium fidelity prototype application was produced which has 4 main menus integrated with 1 technical documentation system. The resulting prototype was tested using the system usability scale and obtained a score of 73.9 and usability rating of 26.6 out of 40 with both grade B-. Further research is expected in refining the prototype and further evaluation on the impact toward product compliance’s business process.

This study aims to analyze the development process of IoT smart tracking products for XYZ mobile operators in Indonesia using a Design Thinking approach. Design Thinking is a creative and innovative approach that focuses on user-centered design. Unlike traditional design methods, Design Thinking involves strong creative thinking and a focus on the user's needs. In this study, a qualitative research methodology was used, including in-depth interviews with several potential and existing customers of IoT intelligent tracking during the Design Thinking empathy stage. The next stage, defining problems and ideas, is validated by the XYZ IoT operator's product development team. Through interviews with three participants from various business backgrounds who are interested in using IoT products and three experts from the IoT development team at mobile operator XYZ, the study identifies the question of "How Might We" (HMW), namely: "How can we develop a more reliable and real-time IoT smart tracking product?" After brainstorming and discussing of 19 proposed ideas with XYZ's IoT expert team, the results in the ideation stage determined that developing cybersecurity features and predictive algorithms is the most unique and impactful product, while also cost-effective solution in developing new IoT products for XYZ mobile operators.

Promoting inclusion requires acknowledging and tackling many aspects and overcoming obstacles and disparities that hinder equitable access to opportunities, resources, and services. It is worth mentioning that the hierarchical method of creating policies and providing services in urban areas frequently neglects to consider the varied requirements and viewpoints of different communities. Therefore, it is necessary to further investigate approaches to policymaking and service delivery that take into account the different needs and perspectives of the community. This article examines the City of Johannesburg as a case study to investigate a collaborative approach for municipal governments to enhance inclusion in urban areas. Using a qualitative research design, this study gathers data by analysing documents and reviewing existing literature. The data are examined using the process of content analysis. The report reveals that coproduction approaches enhance inclusivity in the City of Johannesburg by fostering collaboration opportunities between local governments and communities. It illustrates that when individuals participate in the formulation of policies and the provision of services, local governments may more effectively access the many needs and viewpoints of the community and develop policies and services that are more efficient and inclusive. The report also emphasises the difficulties linked to the implementation of a coproduction strategy and suggests the need to enhance capabilities and establish trust and communication among stakeholders.

Intra-SADC trade has not met the target that was set by the African Continental Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) of achieving 22% by the year 2022 due to a myriad of various trade-related challenges. This present study aims to compare the results of using a Poisson Maximum Likelihood Estimator (PPML) with Random Effects (RE), Fixed Effects (FE), and an Ordinary Least Squares (POLS) model on a balanced panel of select eight Southern African Development Community (SADC) members that trade with South Africa over the period 2010-2022. The paper empirically examines how South Africa’s overlapping Regional Economic Community (REC) membership affects bilateral trade. Also, the examination of how the impact of distance between South Africa and its trading partners impacts bilateral trade. The study findings are that PPML provides more robust results than other estimation techniques in estimating the gravity model for a balanced micro panel. From the PPML results, distance has a significant negative impact at a 5% level on bilateral exports from South Africa which implies that SADC countries that are relatively far in terms of distance from South Africa and landlocked tend to experience a relative fall in exports from South Africa.  However, multiple REC membership has a positive and significant impact of 1% level of significance on bilateral trade contrary to the negative relationship that was expected. The study recommends the speedy conclusion of outstanding AfCFTA issues for member states to effectively benefit from the economies that economic geography presents.

The purpose of the study is to examine the factors and physiognomies that perpetuate unequal allocation and distribution of land between men and women in rural areas. Land is regarded as an instrument towards poverty reduction, increased economic growth and economic development. Gender inequality on allocation of resources such as land continues to manifest not only in African countries but throughout the globe. Moreover, the criteria in which the land is allocated plays a pivotal role in the lives of the people. The resources are still allocated based on the role played by men and women within the society. Although, the post-apartheid South African government formulated laws and policies that aimed to redress the inequalities that still exist in many communities. Cultural roles and beliefs still define how men and women should conduct themselves within the households and communities at large. The study argues that there is a continued limitation of access to and ownership of land by women. Cultural and gender stereotype still influences how land is allocated among men and women. The study concludes that due to culture, men are given the privilege to have access to land and take over their family’s inheritances while women are expected to get married and live with their husband’s family. As a result, women continue to suffer the hardest with limited access to land.

South Africa has experienced an exponential increase in organized crime over the past decade. The government has implemented strategies to combat organised crime, however, the lack of institutional strength, corruption, and cooperation among agencies have hindered their efforts. A growing debate is on whether socioeconomic uncertainties and instability are responsible for the growth of organized crime. The objective of this paper was to explore the challenges faced by the government to address organised crime in South Africa with a focus on the policy framework and the intent of government institutions to address this phenomenon. The study used the Social Disorganised Theory to explore whether the rise in organized crime can be attributed to social instability, economic deprivation, and lack of social cohesion which in turn influences individuals to engage in criminal activities. The methodology adopted in this paper is qualitative and data was collected using secondary sources and materials. The findings indicate that organised crime is increasing in South Africa and across borders due to the lack of political will, management, expertise, and skills of law enforcement agencies to fight organised crime. The findings also indicate that there is an increase in corruption within agencies mandated to carry out the portfolios of fighting and reducing organised crime leading to a subsequent illusion that policies and security are insufficient and unstable. The study argues that to combat organised crime in South Africa, the government must address issues such as inter alia, lack of political will, corruption, lack of institutional capacity and lack of collaboration through the proposed nine steps model.