International Journal of Business Ecosystem & Strategy

Road’s infrastructure is regarded as an essential factor to achieve development goals. It is recorded that most people living in the rural areas are constrained by poor road infrastructure, thereby causing poverty, hunger, and food insecurity. This situation calls for more investments in road infrastructure to promote agricultural activities. Using systematic review method, this study reviewed literature pertaining to road infrastructure in South Africa, the review focused on the importance, benefits, and present state of road infrastructure and the socio-economic effects of poor road infrastructure. The study revealed that Most South African roads are in bad shape, especially roads in the rural areas. due to lack of qualified personnel to manage road infrastructure, government regulations and policies and financial challenges. The implications of this study's findings are substantial for future research. Firstly, in order to ensure the timely delivery of infrastructure construction projects, the study's findings are expected to provide guidance to decision-makers and stakeholders in South Africa and other nations on how to proactively implement measures to provide and maintain sustainable, good road infrastructure.

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

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

This article seeks to analyse the impact of systemic hurdles, organisational inertia, and technology limitations on the digital transformation initiatives of the State Information Technology Agency (SITA) in South Africa. The study aims to present a comprehensive framework to improve SITA's digital transformation strategy by tackling these obstacles. This article aims to identify key areas including policy restructuring, capacity building, and the adoption of modern technologies such as cloud computing, big data, and the Internet of Things (IoT). We utilised a mixed qualitative-analytical approach for data collecting and processing. Primary data were collected via semi-structured interviews with SITA personnel, while secondary data were sourced from official SITA papers, such as annual reports and strategy plans. Thematic analysis was employed to discern reoccurring patterns and themes. An analysis was conducted on a dataset of SITA's digital activities spanning from 2012 to 2021. The study's principal findings indicate that (i) systemic obstacles, including antiquated infrastructure and reluctance to change, substantially hinder digital transformation, (ii) effective security protocols and strategic alliances are crucial for surmounting these obstacles, and (iii) the establishment of a comprehensive framework encompassing capacity building and the integration of advanced technologies can significantly bolster SITA's digital transformation initiatives, thereby enhancing. Nonetheless, the study possesses drawbacks, notably its dependence on qualitative data, which may not encompass the entirety of challenges encountered by SITA. Subsequent study ought to adopt a mixed methodologies approach to facilitate a more thorough analysis. Notwithstanding these constraints, the report provides significant insights and pragmatic recommendations for policymakers and practitioners engaged in digital transformation programs at SITA.  

This study intends to assess the impact of digital transformation on public sector service delivery, concentrating on the State Information Technology Agency (SITA) in South Africa. The report examines critical obstacles obstructing the effective execution of digital transformation programs, including as antiquated infrastructure, procurement inefficiencies, and opposition to change. It also analyses the advantages of agile approaches in improving flexibility, responsiveness, and collaboration in digital projects. We utilised a qualitative study methodology, conducting semi-structured interviews with SITA personnel and analysing pertinent organisational documents. The dataset comprised interviews with personnel from several departments, together with performance and service delivery reports spanning from 2015 to 2022. The study's principal findings indicate that (i) agile methodologies markedly enhance the adaptability and efficiency of digital transformation initiatives; (ii) robust data governance and sharing practices promote transparency and accountability, albeit encountering obstacles such as data silos and inconsistent quality; and (iii) addressing challenges such as digital hesitancy and leadership deficiencies is crucial for cultivating a culture that encourages innovation and continuous improvement. The study ultimately offers strategic recommendations for tackling these difficulties and improving digital transformation initiatives inside SITA.  

The study examines how quality of governance influences the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) inflows in Sub-Saharan Africa. The study adopts a quantitative research strategy that utilises panel data of selected countries during 28 years, that is, 1996-2023. Indicators of governance like Government Effectiveness (GE), Political Stability and Absence of Violence (AV), Rule of Law (RL), Regulatory Quality (RQ) and Voice and Accountability (VA). The findings indicate that Strong Governance frameworks significantly enhance FDI inflows in Sub-Saharan Africa. VA was found to be a very strong positive determinant. GE and PS were also found to have negative relationships in within-country analyses. The IFRS adoption, being a uniform variable throughout the sampled countries, was observed to increase investor confidence. These results imply that the improvement of governance are synergies that help to establish the stable, transparent, and predictable environment sought by investors. Thus, policymakers can improve the governance systems and provide citizen involvement in order to boost foreign investment and attract sustainable capital and economic growth in the region.

The globalized and technologically advanced business environment presents significant challenges to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which play a critical role in national economic growth and innovation. These challenges include strategic orientation, effective resource allocation, and adapting to changing markets, often resulting in premature business failure. Therefore, the paper reviews recent literature on how tangible resources such as financial capital, physical assets, and technology influence SME growth, focusing on studies from the past decade that apply frameworks like the Resource-Based View. A systematic literature review was conducted, involving a comprehensive search of academic databases. Thematic analysis was applied to synthesize the findings on resource impact and management in SMEs. The review revealed that financial capital, physical assets, and technological infrastructure significantly influence SME growth. However, the extent of impact varies across contexts, depending on managerial capabilities, access to finance, and market conditions. Addressing this gap, the article aims to inform both theory and practice on SME sustainability and development and suggests avenues for future research.  

The local government in South Africa is important in providing critical services to communities, although local government is tasked with critical service delivery functions, many faces systemic challenges when fulfilling this responsibility. Mkhondo Local Municipality is no exception, challenges such as inefficiency, inadequate resource management, and limited public participation. This study is grounded in consequential theory, which underscores the significance of outcomes in assessing actions. This theoretical framework facilitates the exploration of strategic actions to enhance service delivery in Mkhondo. The aim of this article was to propose effective strategies to enhance service delivery at Mkhondo Local Municipality. This article adopted a qualitative methodology, with purposive sampling to select ten experienced participants from the supply chain management and finance units. Data was collected through one-on-one, semi-structured interviews with 10 key municipal staff members. The interview transcripts were analysed thematically using NVivo 12 to identify and organise the emerging themes. The results highlighted several barriers, including ineffectiveness of performance monitoring, inadequate procurement transparency, and minimal community involvement. The article recommends the implementation of performance-based accountability, improved stakeholder participation, and transparency in municipal procedures. It is recommended that municipal strategies are aligned with consequential theory to significantly improve service delivery. These interventions can foster greater transparency, efficiency, and public trust, providing a model for similar municipalities across South Africa.

Indigenous knowledge portrays rich science-related knowledge that incorporates cultural practices. Additionally, Indigenous knowledge provides constructive cultural contexts that augment a rich understanding of sociocultural practices for sustainable development. It also attempts to promote connections with modern science concerning the promotion of sustainable development. The qualitative methodology was employed to let students analyse Indigenous science for sustainable development in local community spaces. Subsequently, an analysis of students’ perceptions regarding recognition of the relevancy of Indigenous science for valuable sustainability promotion was captured through semi-structured interviews. Students’ realization revealed that local communities embrace Indigenous science to address challenges in modern science topics such as Medicine, Agriculture, Renewable energy, and Household cleaning products production. Interestingly, students find relevancy in igniting the contextualization of science teaching and learning from Indigenous knowledge. Connecting Indigenous science and modern science education can orchestrate the promotion of relevant education for sustainable development.

Celebrity endorsement is a widely utilised strategic marketing method employed by companies globally. This study examines the influence of sport celebrity endorsement, with particular emphasis on Lionel Messi's effect on the profitability of the brands he represents. Two prominent brands, adidas and Louis Vuitton, both positioned within the top ten most valuable fashion brands in 2024, were selected for analysis. The study utilised secondary data to fulfil its aims. The findings indicate that Lionel Messi has a positive impact on profit generation for endorsed brands, underscoring the effectiveness of integrating high-profile sports celebrities into marketing communication strategies to enhance profitability. Brand managers who have not yet employed sports celebrity endorsements should consider this approach, as it has demonstrated a substantial impact on company profits. This study recognises specific limitations, as is common in research endeavours. Future research should evaluate the influence of local sports celebrities on the profitability of brands they endorse within the community.