International Journal of Business Ecosystem & Strategy

This study was conducted to examine the effect of 3D printing cost, 3D printing technology adoption and regulatory compliance on environmental sustainability among 3D printing firms in South Africa. The study also investigated the mediating effect of regulatory compliance on the relationships between 3D printing cost and 3D printing technology adoption on environmental sustainability. The study adopted a deductive research approach, quantitative research method and an explanatory correlational research design. Simple random sampling technique was used to select a total of 152 employees of 3D printing firms in South Africa. Questionnaires served as the data collection instruments, and online data gathering was done using Google Forms. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26 software was used for data coding, data entry, and descriptive statistics. Smart PLS 4 was used to conduct partial Least Squares (PLS) Structural Equation Modelling. Results of the study indicate that a significant negative relationship exists between 3D printing cost and environmental sustainability while a significant positive relationship was found to exist between 3D printing technology adoption and environmental sustainability among 3D printing firms in South Africa. A significant positive relationship also exists between 3D printing regulatory compliance and environmental sustainability. For mediation effects, it was found that 3D printing regulatory compliance negatively mediates the relationship between cost and environmental sustainability. The results also indicated that regulatory compliance does not mediate the relationship between 3D printing technology and environmental sustainability. The study concludes that, in as much as 3D printing costs and technology adoption are essential, regulatory compliance has significant role to play in ensuring the maximization of environmental sustainability in South Africa’s 3D printing industry.

Employee engagement has become a prominent topic in workplace discourse, particularly within academia, yet the academic literature on this subject remains relatively limited, especially in the context of Ghana. This paper seeks to address this gap by examining the factors contributing to employee engagement among academics and exploring their interrelationships for enhanced engagement of faculty. This was done through a comprehensive literature review, drawing on peer-reviewed journal articles, working papers, textbooks, and other relevant published sources, as well as online databases, including EBSCO Business Source Premier, Emerald Full Text, Google Scholar, Sci-Space, Science Direct, Sci-Hub, and Scopus. This study identifies key factors influencing employee engagement in higher education institutions as co-worker relationships, effective supervision, confidence in management, meaningful work roles, perceived organisational politics, organisational resources, effective leadership, and compensation and monetary benefits. The findings reveal a concerning trend of a higher number of disengaged or unengaged employees compared to those who are actively engaged. Furthermore, the consequences of employee engagement identified in the literature include job satisfaction, employee retention, and organisational citizenship behaviours, while challenges and barriers to engagement include poor management-union relationships, poor work environments, poor management practices, and inadequate communication. This paper contributes to the understanding of employee engagement in academia and provides insights for improving engagement levels in higher education institutions in Ghana.

This study sought to identify significant barriers to market access and marketing connections for small-scale rural farmers, evaluating the impact of demographic factors (gender, education level) and operational factors (years in farming, distance from home, type of commodity) on these constraints. The research employed a cross-sectional descriptive and inferential quantitative approach to examine the barriers to market access and marketing connections among small-scale rural farmers in Ghana's Volta area. The conceptual framework is based on a multi-theory approach. The contingency theory elucidates the significance of farm size, resource availability, and geographic location; the human capital theory delineates the impact of education level and years of farming experience; and the logistics and spatial analysis framework examines how transportation infrastructure, geographic location, and commodity type affect market access and connections. The investigation indicated that inadequate road infrastructure and elevated transportation expenses were the primary obstacles for small-scale rural farmers in accessing markets, with notable disparities based on gender and educational attainment. The commodity kind, years of cultivation, and distance from home substantially influenced limitations. The study concentrated on the Volta region, however the results are probably relevant to other regions in Ghana because of comparable agro-ecological zones and rural socio-economic traits. The rigorous research design, data collection techniques, and comprehensive analysis guarantee dependable and valid outcomes. Notwithstanding possible constraints in generalisability, the research provides comprehensive insights into the distinct issues encountered by small-scale farmers. It emphasises socio-economic factors affecting market access, illustrates the impact of farm-level contingencies on market access and linkages, identifies both diversity and uniformity among small-scale farmers, and addresses a gap in the literature by offering empirical evidence on market access constraints specific to the Volta region that may have global relevance. These contributions are significant for both academic comprehension and practical initiatives aimed at assisting small-scale rural farmers in Ghana and analogous environments worldwide.

Ghanaian universities have embraced a corporate identity and are actively participating in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), which is referred to as University Social Responsibility (USR). The purpose of this is to enhance the perception of identification (organisational identity) and promote employee involvement. This research examines the effect of University Social Responsibility (USR) on the level of involvement and commitment of staff members in Ghanaian institutions. It also proposes that the sense of identity plays a role in mediating the relationship between USR and staff engagement. This study utilised a cross-sectional survey methodology. The poll utilised a two-stage multi-stage sampling procedure to choose 412 participants. The survey utilised a validated questionnaire using a 5-point Likert scale. The questionnaire had a Cronbach's alpha coefficient (?) greater than 0.70. The data acquired from this questionnaire was customised for the survey. The data collected were configured and subjected to Structural Equation Modelling for analysis at a significance level of p<.05 using the SMART pls software. The findings indicate that identification perception does not significantly and directly predict the mediation effect of internal CSR on employee engagement (beta=0.008; t<1.96; p=0.439: p>0.05), and external CSR on employee engagement (beta=0.002; t<1.96; p=0.443: p>0.05) in the surveyed Ghanaian universities. The study concluded that the impression of identification did not operate as a mediator in the predicted association between the internal and external corporate social responsibility activities of the universities and employee engagement. According to the findings and conclusion, Ghanaian universities should take into account several elements and adopt a comprehensive approach when aiming to enhance employee job engagement. It is important not to exclusively concentrate on employee identification with the institution. It is advisable for the administration of Ghanaian institutions to develop efficient employee-focused engagement strategies and activities, both internally and externally, to boost the welfare of their workers, promote a sense of belonging, and improve overall performance.

As the 3D printing industry continues to gain momentum in South Africa's SME sector, issues about their financing and financial management need to be investigated. This is due to the capital-intensive nature of the business as well as the financing challenges encountered by 3D printing SMMEs. This study aimed to contribute to research on financial management practices and sources of finance as predictors of performance for 3D printing small and medium enterprises (SMMEs) in terms of profitability and increase in client base. The study adopted the interpretivist research paradigm, exploratory research design, inductive research approach and qualitative research method to achieve the objectives of the study. A total of twenty (20) 3D printing firms participated in the study. Employees and managers were purposefully selected to participate in the study. The participants comprised finance managers, senior managers and managers of the twenty (20) 3D printing firms that participated in the study. Structured interviews served as the instrument for data collection based on the objectives of the study. Data gathered from interviews were transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis. The study revealed that effective working capital management practices boost the profitability of 3D printing SMMEs, particularly through adopting no-credit policies and hiring competent finance officers. These practices also help expand the client base by ensuring timely delivery of products and services, with customer relationship management being a strategic approach. The study also revealed that liquidity management practices significantly boost the profitability of 3D printing firms by ensuring sufficient cash flow to meet financial obligations, managing financial risks, and ensuring timely product delivery, thereby enhancing customer satisfaction and contributing to growth in the customer base. The study recommends the need for 3D printing SMMEs to prioritise cash flow management and develop robust systems to monitor and control working capital components, including inventory, receivables, and payables.  

Employee engagement has become a prominent topic in workplace discourse, particularly within academia, yet the academic literature on this subject remains relatively limited, especially in the context of Ghana. This paper seeks to address this gap by examining the factors contributing to employee engagement among academics and exploring their interrelationships for enhanced engagement of faculty. This was done through a comprehensive literature review, drawing on peer-reviewed journal articles, working papers, textbooks, and other relevant published sources, as well as online databases, including EBSCO Business Source Premier, Emerald Full Text, Google Scholar, Sci-Space, Science Direct, Sci-Hub, and Scopus. This study identifies key factors influencing employee engagement in higher education institutions as co-worker relationships, effective supervision, confidence in management, meaningful work roles, perceived organisational politics, organisational resources, effective leadership, and compensation and monetary benefits. The findings reveal a concerning trend of a higher number of disengaged or unengaged employees compared to those who are actively engaged. Furthermore, the consequences of employee engagement identified in the literature include job satisfaction, employee retention, and organisational citizenship behaviours, while challenges and barriers to engagement include poor management-union relationships, poor work environments, poor management practices, and inadequate communication. This paper contributes to the understanding of employee engagement in academia and provides insights for improving engagement levels in higher education institutions in Ghana.

This study was conducted to examine the effect of 3D printing cost, 3D printing technology adoption and regulatory compliance on environmental sustainability among 3D printing firms in South Africa. The study also investigated the mediating effect of regulatory compliance on the relationships between 3D printing cost and 3D printing technology adoption on environmental sustainability. The study adopted a deductive research approach, quantitative research method and an explanatory correlational research design. Simple random sampling technique was used to select a total of 152 employees of 3D printing firms in South Africa. Questionnaires served as the data collection instruments, and online data gathering was done using Google Forms. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26 software was used for data coding, data entry, and descriptive statistics. Smart PLS 4 was used to conduct partial Least Squares (PLS) Structural Equation Modelling. Results of the study indicate that a significant negative relationship exists between 3D printing cost and environmental sustainability while a significant positive relationship was found to exist between 3D printing technology adoption and environmental sustainability among 3D printing firms in South Africa. A significant positive relationship also exists between 3D printing regulatory compliance and environmental sustainability. For mediation effects, it was found that 3D printing regulatory compliance negatively mediates the relationship between cost and environmental sustainability. The results also indicated that regulatory compliance does not mediate the relationship between 3D printing technology and environmental sustainability. The study concludes that, in as much as 3D printing costs and technology adoption are essential, regulatory compliance has significant role to play in ensuring the maximization of environmental sustainability in South Africa’s 3D printing industry.

As the 3D printing industry continues to gain momentum in South Africa's SME sector, issues about their financing and financial management need to be investigated. This is due to the capital-intensive nature of the business as well as the financing challenges encountered by 3D printing SMMEs. This study aimed to contribute to research on financial management practices and sources of finance as predictors of performance for 3D printing small and medium enterprises (SMMEs) in terms of profitability and increase in client base. The study adopted the interpretivist research paradigm, exploratory research design, inductive research approach and qualitative research method to achieve the objectives of the study. A total of twenty (20) 3D printing firms participated in the study. Employees and managers were purposefully selected to participate in the study. The participants comprised finance managers, senior managers and managers of the twenty (20) 3D printing firms that participated in the study. Structured interviews served as the instrument for data collection based on the objectives of the study. Data gathered from interviews were transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis. The study revealed that effective working capital management practices boost the profitability of 3D printing SMMEs, particularly through adopting no-credit policies and hiring competent finance officers. These practices also help expand the client base by ensuring timely delivery of products and services, with customer relationship management being a strategic approach. The study also revealed that liquidity management practices significantly boost the profitability of 3D printing firms by ensuring sufficient cash flow to meet financial obligations, managing financial risks, and ensuring timely product delivery, thereby enhancing customer satisfaction and contributing to growth in the customer base. The study recommends the need for 3D printing SMMEs to prioritise cash flow management and develop robust systems to monitor and control working capital components, including inventory, receivables, and payables.  

Myriad research studies across the spectrum continue to emphasize one common goal, namely, sustained desired performance/results. Such an outcome is dependent on employees’ commitment and engagement among others and is a function of astute leadership. This study aimed to contribute empirically to an understanding of and determine the effect of leadership on organizational commitment and engagement among the workforce, especially during and post-crisis. The study adopted a deductive i.e., quantitative research approach, that is descriptive in nature. It used a cross-sectional survey research design in a five-point Likert scale to randomly collect data from 220 dispatched questionnaires to participants across various sectors of the economy in the Free State Province. A total of 181 questionnaires were collected for data analysis, yielding a response rate of 82%. The standard multiple regression analysis (MRA) and interpretation were conducted to assess the relationship between independent and dependent variables. The MRA results reveal that both leadership (?= 0.332) and ownership/accountability (?= 0.346) have a positive and statistically significant (p-values <0.05) impact on organisational commitment/engagement. Leadership and ownership/accountability reflect a significant power of predictability towards organisational commitment/engagement (F = 44.106; R2= 0.361; p<0.05) of the respondents. To ensure sustained exceptional performance, advocating for a servant-leadership culture, and being fearless of being led, will most likely inspire confidence, engagement and commitment among the workforce. The study provides empirical evidence of the positive effect of leadership on commitment and engagement, confirming that these independent variables are predictors of the dependent variables namely, employee commitment and engagement.     

This study sought to identify significant barriers to market access and marketing connections for small-scale rural farmers, evaluating the impact of demographic factors (gender, education level) and operational factors (years in farming, distance from home, type of commodity) on these constraints. The research employed a cross-sectional descriptive and inferential quantitative approach to examine the barriers to market access and marketing connections among small-scale rural farmers in Ghana's Volta area. The conceptual framework is based on a multi-theory approach. The contingency theory elucidates the significance of farm size, resource availability, and geographic location; the human capital theory delineates the impact of education level and years of farming experience; and the logistics and spatial analysis framework examines how transportation infrastructure, geographic location, and commodity type affect market access and connections. The investigation indicated that inadequate road infrastructure and elevated transportation expenses were the primary obstacles for small-scale rural farmers in accessing markets, with notable disparities based on gender and educational attainment. The commodity kind, years of cultivation, and distance from home substantially influenced limitations. The study concentrated on the Volta region, however the results are probably relevant to other regions in Ghana because of comparable agro-ecological zones and rural socio-economic traits. The rigorous research design, data collection techniques, and comprehensive analysis guarantee dependable and valid outcomes. Notwithstanding possible constraints in generalisability, the research provides comprehensive insights into the distinct issues encountered by small-scale farmers. It emphasises socio-economic factors affecting market access, illustrates the impact of farm-level contingencies on market access and linkages, identifies both diversity and uniformity among small-scale farmers, and addresses a gap in the literature by offering empirical evidence on market access constraints specific to the Volta region that may have global relevance. These contributions are significant for both academic comprehension and practical initiatives aimed at assisting small-scale rural farmers in Ghana and analogous environments worldwide.