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This study aimed to examine the influence of team management approaches, specifically team structuring, leadership, motivation, and communication, on the performance of tea processing projects in Rwanda. The study is grounded in Belbin’s Team Role Theory and the Iron Triangle Model and adopted descriptive and correlational research designs. The target population included 185 respondents, comprising factory staff, supervisors, team leaders, and officials from NAEB, MINAGRI, and the Rwanda Tea Growers Cooperative. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and interviews. A pilot test was conducted with 19 respondents to determine the instrument's ability to produce consistent results over time. Validity and Reliability testing of the research instrument yielded 0.78 and a Cronbach’s Alpha of 0.79 from pilot results, confirming the instrument's validity and reliability respectively. Data analysis involved descriptive and inferential statistics, including Pearson correlation and regression, using SPSS version 28 at a 0.05 significance level. 

Macroeconomics plays an important role in influencing firm value and performance. This study aims to analyze the effect of inflation, exchange rates, interest rates, and Gross Domestic Product (GDP) on firm value, with firm performance as a mediating variable. Firm performance in this study is proxied by liquidity, which is measured using the Current Ratio (CR), representing one specific dimension of firm performance rather than its overall performance, while firm value is proxied by the Price Earning Ratio. The study was conducted on infrastructure sector companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange for the 2019–2023 period, using a purposive sampling method. Data analysis was carried out through classical assumption tests, multiple linear regression, and mediation analysis using the Sobel test. The results showed that inflation, interest rates, and GDP had a significant effect on Current Ratio, but exchange rates did not. Meanwhile, inflation, interest rates, and exchange rates had a significant effect on firm value, but GDP did not. The mediation test showed that Current Ratio only significantly mediated the effect of inflation on firm value. These findings indicate the importance of liquidity management and strategies in dealing with macroeconomic risks. Further research is recommended to examine other mediating variables and different industrial sectors.       

Effective management of human, material, and financial resources is crucial for delivering housing construction projects successfully. In Musanze District, Rwanda, many housing projects have faced delays and cost overruns, largely due to weaknesses in planning, coordination, and resource use. Using the Resource-Based View (RBV) and Systems Theory as guiding frameworks, this study assessed how resource management strategies impact the performance of housing construction projects. A descriptive survey design with correlational analysis was used. The study targeted 152 stakeholders, including district infrastructure officers, project managers, site engineers, architects, quantity surveyors, foremen, skilled workers, and material suppliers. A stratified random sample of 110 participants was drawn, and a 10% pilot test (n = 11) was conducted to ensure the questionnaire’s clarity. Reliability analysis using Cronbach’s Alpha produced a value of 0.826, indicating strong internal consistency. Content validity was confirmed with a CVI of 0.87. Data were analyzed in SPSS 25 using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and multiple linear regression at a 5% significance level. Findings indicated that overall project delivery performance was high (composite mean = 4.38). Key delivery indicators such as quality (mean = 4.74), scope achievement (4.56), and stakeholder satisfaction (4.35) were strong, while timely completion recorded the lowest performance (mean = 4.02). Material Resource Management (MRM) exhibited a strong, positive, and statistically significant correlation with project delivery (r = 0.510, p = 0.000), making it the most influential individual strategy.

Seed potato farming projects are essential for increasing agricultural productivity, strengthening food security, and supporting rural livelihoods in Rwanda. However, their performance is often affected by internal organizational culture challenges such as weak communication, limited accountability, unresolved conflicts, and low employee motivation. This study examined the influence of key organizational culture aspects—communication, accountability, conflict resolution, and employee motivation—on the performance of seed potato farming projects in Rwanda. The study was guided by Organizational Culture Theory and Systems Theory and employed both descriptive and correlational research designs. The target population consisted of 420 individuals, including project managers, agronomy staff, field operations personnel, administrative staff, and smallholder farmers involved in the RAB potato seed multiplication project. A sample of 230 respondents was selected using appropriate sampling techniques. Data were collected through questionnaires, interviews, and document review. A pilot test involving 23 respondents was conducted to assess the consistency of the research instruments. The obtained results show a Cronbach’s Alpha value of 0.78, confirming reliability, and a CVI of 0.82, which exceeds the acceptable threshold for validity, meaning the research instruments were both dependable and appropriate for accurately measuring the study variables. Only items with a Content Validity Index (CVI) of at least 0.70 were retained. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation, and regression analysis with SPSS version 28 at a significance level of 0.05.      

This paper focuses on a classic policy trade-off by unraveling the role of financial deregulation in driving financial stability and exploring how the role of regulatory quality can affect this relationship. To this end, this study uses a balanced panel dataset of 73 countries across a period of ten years starting from 2014. The empirical specification utilizes a two-step System GMM approach, accounting for both endogeneity, unobserved heterogeneity issues, and persistence in financial stability. Specifically, financial stability is measured by non-performing loans (NPLs), which represent the level of risk exposure of national banking sectors. The findings reveal that financial freedom leads to higher level of financial instability, proving theoretical predictions of the excessive risk-taking behavior of lending institutions encouraged with financial deregulation. Furthermore, the interaction term between financial freedom and regulatory quality is statistically significant, suggesting that financial deregulation can be compensated by the quality of regulatory environment. The role of the GDP per capita variable used for stabilizing the findings is significant as it represents the resilience of more developed economies. The implications of the results are complex. In a more institutional context, this finding suggests that financial stability is not a direct function of financial freedom but is conditional on institutional capability. Hence, high regulatory quality can mitigate the instability caused by financial freedom, thereby enabling a balanced approach.

The primary focus of this study is to examine how green recruitment and selection, as well as green training, influence employee commitment to the company. Furthermore, this study also examines the role of innovation culture in strengthening the relationship between GHRM and employee commitment. This study aims to investigate the effect of Green Human Resource Management (GHRM) practices on employee commitment, with innovation culture as a moderating variable. This study attempts to fill the theoretical and empirical gaps regarding the implementation of GHRM, innovation capabilities, innovation culture, and employee commitment. The method used in this study was a quantitative approach with an explanatory research design, and data were collected through questionnaires distributed to 250 respondents from PTPN IV employees in the North Sumatra region. To analyze the data, the Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) method was used. The results of the study indicate that green recruitment and selection, as well as green training, have a significant positive influence on employee commitment. A culture of innovation was shown to strengthen the influence of green training on employee commitment but did not show a significant moderating effect on the relationship between green recruitment and selection and employee commitment. The implications of these findings provide important insights for companies to integrate GHRM practices and a culture of innovation to enhance employee commitment in supporting the company's sustainability goals. This research has contributed to the human resource management and sustainability literature by investigating the interactions between GHRM practices and factors that moderate or amplify their impact.

The global emphasis on sustainability and responsible business practices has elevated the importance of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) reporting in corporate accountability. The COVID-19 pandemic has intensified ESG’s critical role, drawing attention to specific ESG concerns linked to the crisis and reinforcing the global reassessment of corporate objectives. What is more, global institutions such as the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) advocate for integrating sustainability into accounting education, resulting in a growing need to align accounting curricula with ESG competencies to prepare future accounting professionals for evolving stakeholder expectations and regulatory landscapes. This paper presents a mathematical framework for modelling ESG literacy among accounting graduates, emphasising the integration of environmental (E), social (S), and governance (G) competencies. The proposed model defines ESG literacy as a weighted function of the three core dimensions: ESG literacy score, and are weights reflecting the relative emphasis of each competency in the curriculum. The model enables quantification of ESG competency levels, while the theoretical framework supports empirical validation for curriculum assessment. These foundations also inform future research on ESG integration and curriculum effectiveness in developing economies.    

In 2008, the International Labour Organisation (ILO) adopted the Declaration on Social Justice for a Fair Globalization. The Declaration is based on four equally important strategic objectives relevant to our purposes the promotion of social dialogue through the building of effective labour inspection systems. The setting of such labour standards has been ongoing for over a century in the area of labour inspection at the international level. By virtue of its ILO membership, South Africa is duty-bound to adopt similar laws to set labour standards. Such standards which determine labour inspection’s jurisdiction fall under four broad categories, i.e. Basic Conditions of Employment, Employment Equity, Occupational Health and Safety and Compensation for Occupational Injuries, for which labour inspectors must monitor and ensure compliance. Non-compliance with legislation and regulations is said to be rife in developing countries. This is supported by the Department of Labour Department’s inspector report, which underlines non-compliance with labour standards which this paper views as a deterring factor to achieving social justice. In the South African context, sanctions such as fines and or prison sentences are the legislative enforcement mechanism. Notwithstanding these harsh measures, there is a reported non-compliance from employers. In order to ensure more compliance, this paper suggests that other preventive enforcement mechanisms be envisaged, such as criminal and administrative penalties that affect the vital economic interests of the company, i.e. withdrawing the eligibility of the company to participate in public tenders or subsidies and closing down the company temporarily or permanently.

The COVID-19 pandemic brought unprecedented changes to the workplace, forcing organisations to adapt quickly to remote work, flexible arrangements, and digitalisation. Human Resource (HR) professionals played a significant role in managing these transitions, ensuring employee well-being, and implementing new workplace policies and procedures. However, there is scant research on the competencies required by HR professionals to navigate the post-pandemic work environment successfully. This study aims to identify the critical HR competencies needed for HR professionals to thrive in the post-pandemic era. To address the research objective, a qualitative research approach was employed, which involved semi-structured interviews conducted online and face-to-face with nine HR professionals who participated in the study. The data were analysed using thematic analysis. The findings provide insights for HR professionals and organisations to develop effective HR practices and successfully support the transition to the post-pandemic work environment. Six themes emerged from the study: the Role of HR in the Post-Pandemic Work Environment, HR Competencies in the Post-Pandemic Work Environment, the Evolution of Critical HR Competencies in the Post-Pandemic Era, Challenges Faced by HR Professionals, Future-Proofing HR Competencies and Roles, and Professional Development.  Given the limited existing studies on HR competencies in the post-pandemic period, further research is recommended in this area.

This study aimed to determine consumers’ benefits for attending a carnival event in South Africa. Social exchange theory was adopted as theoretical lens in the study. Quantitative research method was adopted to address the research aim and the primary data was analysed through descriptive data analysis method with the aid of SPSS version 30. The results of the study provides insights by revealing how consumers perceive the socio-cultural benefits of carnival events. Carnival events provide opportunities for tourism, increase entertainment opportunities, increase destination visibility, offer opportunities to meet new people and showcase the diverse communities. This study provides valuable insights for event organisers and practitioners, emphasising the importance of socio-cultural impacts in planning culturally sustainable festivals. The study aligns with the theme of social inclusivity and cultural sustainability in festivals.

This articles critically deconstructs the role of gender and power within restorative approaches to child protection, with the overarching aim of reimagining justice for children through a gender-sensitive lens. By applying a qualitative, exploratory research design, the study delves into the complexities of how gendered power dynamics shape the experiences of children, particularly those from marginalized or vulnerable groups, in restorative justice processes. A desktop study methodology was employed, systematically reviewing existing literature, policies, and case studies to analyze the intersections of gender, power, and justice in child protection frameworks. Thematic analysis of the data revealed key insights into how traditional restorative practices inadvertently perpetuate patriarchal norms and power imbalances, often marginalizing the voices of children, especially girls and gender-diverse individuals. The study also highlighted the challenges and opportunities of rethinking justice to create more inclusive, equitable systems that not only address harm but also transform the power structures that facilitate violence and exploitation. The findings offer critical perspectives on the potential for restorative justice to serve as a tool for empowerment, suggesting a transformative approach that goes beyond repair of harm to dismantling systemic inequities within child protection.

This study explores students' experiences with continuous assessment (CA) in South African universities, focusing on assessment fatigue, rote learning, and the effectiveness of assessment design. A systematic literature review was conducted, analysing 30 academic and institutional publications sourced from databases such as Scopus, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect, covering articles published between 2013 and 2025. Key findings include the widespread prevalence of assessment fatigue, particularly due to poorly designed assessment schedules, overlapping deadlines, and insufficient recovery time. Additionally, the study highlights how misaligned assessments promote rote learning while well-designed assessments foster deeper conceptual understanding. A critical theme also emerged regarding the role of assessment design, where diversified, well-spaced, and feedback-rich assessments effectively mitigate fatigue and improve engagement. Based on these findings, the study recommends strategic changes, including integrated assessment schedules across departments, enhanced educator training on constructive alignment, adoption of authentic assessment formats, and improvements to digital infrastructure and mental health support services. These recommendations aim to create a more equitable and effective continuous assessment framework in South African higher education, promoting both student engagement and learning outcomes.

This research investigated the knowledge-sharing strategies used by librarians in Nigeria, emphasising both conventional and modern approaches. The embedded mixed methods research design was used, with the sample including all 114 librarians from the selected universities. The instruments used for gathering data comprised a questionnaire and semi-structured interviews.  The numerical data was evaluated using SPSS, while the qualitative data underwent thematic content analysis (TCA).  The Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) served as the theoretical underpinning for the research. Although the study found that librarians in the institutions surveyed share their knowledge through both traditional and technological means, the majority of the time, traditional methods like in-person interactions, meetings, training, mentorship, brainstorming, peer support, and communities of practice were used. Librarians proficient in information exchange approaches and technological methods validated the adoption of these technologies. The Nigerian Library's online forum, research gate/academia.edu, instant messaging, social networking sites, email, and online discussion forums were among the methods utilised to exchange information. Furthermore, with a mean score of 19.83, the librarians gave the technology approaches the highest ranking, while the conventional methods received a mean score of 9.88. According to the study's findings, librarians are aware of both forms of information exchange and favour employing technology approaches.  On the basis of the results of the current investigation, recommendations were made.

The study aims to examine the significant challenges associated with Subsidy Housing Allocation (SHA) in both rural and urban contexts within the City of Tshwane (CoT). This study focuses on two specific areas: Winterveldt, representing a rural setting, and Soshanguve, representing an urban setting, serving as case studies for comparison. Housing continues to be a salient challenge encountered by the government across all spheres, largely due to its classification as a concurrent responsibility. The study employed a mixed-methods approach, combining both qualitative and quantitative methods. Interviews, questionnaires, and literature reviews were utilised to gather data on the housing phenomenon. A total of 965 participants were included in the study, selected through a combination of stratified and purposive sampling. The study's main finding indicates that there is no significant difference in SHA between the two areas. However, the respondents in both areas confirmed that the waiting list utilized by the CoT as part of the SHA tool is fraught with complications, including corruption, and is observed as exacerbating poor housing allocation in the municipal jurisdiction. The findings suggest that while the municipality is attempting to fulfill its development goals regarding SHA, there are notable challenges that need to be tackled.

This study examines how technology readiness and selects demographic characteristics influence the uptake of mobile commerce among SMEs in Polokwane, South Africa. Although factors such as age, gender, and education level have been investigated in other regions, their impact in the South African SME sector remains insufficiently explored. The research employed a quantitative design, surveying 146 SMEs drawn randomly from a total of 261. Data were collected using a closed ended, self-administered questionnaire and analysed through descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, ANOVA, regression, and Chi-Square tests. Correlation results revealed a strong positive association between technology readiness and mobile commerce adoption, whereas demographic variables demonstrated weak or non-significant relationships. ANOVA and regression confirmed technology readiness as a significant predictor, with no statistically significant influence from age, gender, or education; Chi-Square tests supported these outcomes. Reliability was assessed through Cronbach’s alpha, and normality was checked using the Kolmogorov–Smirnov test. Overall, technology readiness emerged as the dominant driver of adoption, yet the limited role of demographic factors suggests opportunities for targeted interventions to improve inclusivity and expand adoption among SMEs.

The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) is transforming global higher education through disruptive technologies such as artificial intelligence, big data analytics, virtual reality, and the Internet of Things. This qualitative study investigates the adoption and utilization of 4IR technologies within Zimbabwean state universities, examining perceived benefits and barriers to integration. Data was collected using semi-structured interviews with academic staff, administrators, and ICT personnel across multiple institutions. Findings reveal widespread use of foundational digital tools, including Learning Management Systems, yet adoption of advanced 4IR technologies remains limited and fragmented. Key benefits identified include enhanced access to educational resources, improved academic communication, and increased operational efficiency. Conversely, infrastructural inadequacies, constrained funding, skills deficits, weak policy frameworks, and inconsistent leadership commitment significantly impede broader uptake. Employing the Technology-Organization-Environment (TOE) framework, the study elucidates how technological readiness, organizational dynamics, and external environmental pressures collectively shape 4IR adoption. The paper concludes with strategic recommendations focused on infrastructure enhancement, capacity building, policy alignment, and strengthened collaborations with industry and international partners. These insights contribute to advancing institutional and national digital transformation strategies in Zimbabwe and comparable developing country contexts.

This paper examines a complicated dilemma of information security in virtual banking, where technical innovation intersects with the necessity to safeguard advanced financial systems, resulting in paradoxes and tensions. The study reveals a significant knowledge deficiency concerning the amplification of information security vulnerabilities as financial organisations shift from conventional to digital banking.  Framed through a socio-technical lens, the objective of this research study was to develop a grounded theory that offers new insights into the conceptualisation of information security in virtual banking. This conundrum is characterised by its multifaceted nature and involves competing interests in security, information security, usability, technological innovation, and customer trust. To resolve the difficulties of the conundrum, the qualitative researchA qualitative research study employing an innovative mixed-methods dual approach, integrating the Straussian grounded theory method (GTM) with Checkland’s Soft Systems Methodology (SSM), was conducted, facilitating both detailed analysis of information security practices and a comprehensive understanding of virtual banking ecosystems. The study's critical findings from 20 participants, derived from Grounded Theory Methodology (GTM), are encapsulated in the Trust-Responsive Security Architecture (TRSA) framework, which integrates socio-technical perspectives and demonstrates how these inherent tensions can be managed.  TRSA asserts that virtual banks encounter a dilemma wherein excessive security can result in complexity, friction, and diminished usability, potentially undermining trust. This situation is reframed as an emergent socio-technical balance issue, necessitating that virtual banks continuously negotiate and manage the equilibrium between security, trust, and usability. The study thus claims that the ramifications of this research are that vThe research indicates that by implementing TRSA, virtual banks can emphasise user-centric design in virtual platforms to balance trust and information security requirements, hence fostering trust, usability, and regulatory compliance.

HRBPs play a crucial strategic role in academic institutions by bridging faculty autonomy, collegial governance, and HR policy. HRBPs in academia handle conflicting demands from deans, department heads, and unions while fostering organisational transformation. Exclusive HRBPs' academic experiences are understudied despite increased recognition of their value. This study examines how HRBPs develop trust, enforce policies, exercise emotional resilience, and mediate conflicts to create customised HR practices that improve academic HRBP effectiveness. This qualitative multi-case study used purposive sampling to examine HRBPs' perspectives in scientific faculties at six South African HEIs. Data were obtained via personalised open-ended

This study examined perceived risks in South African omnichannel shopping, focusing on financial, time-loss, transaction, and logistics risks. It addressed consumer uncertainties and the impact on trust and adoption while identifying key risk dimensions. A descriptive research design was employed, utilising a structured questionnaire to gather data from 428 respondents recruited through a marketing research company’s consumer panel. The quantitative approach provided a detailed analysis of perceived risks. The findings revealed that consumers perceive financial aspects, such as refunds and price accuracy, as secure and reliable. Online shopping is considered time-efficient, particularly in information searches and order processing. However, concerns persist regarding the timeliness of returns and the security of personal credentials. Logistics risks, including delivery accuracy and product condition, were received positively, although delivery timeliness remains challenging. Retailers' processes and financial security measures improve post-purchase processes and educate consumers on digital security practices. Strengthening logistics operations, optimising mobile platforms, and implementing strategies tailored to the South African context are essential. Emphasising trust-building through transparency and reliability is critical to addressing consumer concerns. This study contributes to understanding perceived risks in omnichannel shopping within an emerging market context. Highlighting consumer concerns and providing actionable recommendations offers valuable insights for retailers to improve trust and foster greater adoption of omnichannel platforms.

Establishing adaptable cultural practices is the target of organizations and communities to guarantee ongoing development and change. To ensure exceptional performance, the leaders need to promote the organization's inimitability qualities. The paper aims to assess the influence of cultural values on the operations management of SMMEs in the eThekwini Municipal Area in KwaZulu-Natal Data from a variety of SMMEs in the eThekwini Municipal Area was gathered by basic random sampling. The study's sample consisted of 250 respondents who completed the questionnaire. This data was captured and analyzed on SPSS (version 26) and yielded both descriptive and inferential statistics. The study's conclusions demonstrated that cultural values have a major role in improving the performance level of SMMEs. The total efficacy of operations management depends on these cultural values, and it is recommended that their application be increased to create standards that people will want to live up to.