ABSTRACT. After the referendum on the name change of Chinese Taipei Olympic Committee in November 2018, there were many controversies in Taiwan that related to the Chinese Taipei Olympic Committee in recent years. A review of previous literature only partly focuses on the legal status of the Chinese Olympic Committee, but past studies hadn’t discussed the relevance of the Chinese Taipei Olympic Committee to the sports administration in Taiwan. Therefore, the author was prompted to study the cooperation mode and reason between the Chinese Olympic Committee and the sports administration of our country. The study collected relevant research literature and compiled legal regulations related to this research topic.

Other studies have shown that the right to freedom of association in sports is a fundamental right according to The Constitution of Taiwan. Meaning the government has the responsibility to guarantee the formation and operation in sports organizations isn’t interfered by politics. Also, The Constitution of Taiwan reveals the importance of sports development and the rights of sport. Thus, sports affairs are part of the public administration tasks of in Taiwan. The principle of a single position system (Ein-Platz-System) in the sports field is distinctive. It means that each country can have basically only one National Olympic Committee recognized by the International Olympic Committee to carry out tasks related to the Olympic Games. Under the regulation of International Olympic Committee, National Olympic Committee of each country has the relevant rights and obligations. That led to a mass of cooperation between the Chinese Taipei Olympic Committee and the sports administration in Taiwan.

Our results indicated that the interaction mode between Chinese Taipei Olympic Committee and the sports administration in Taiwan to implement administration tasks of sports is quite similar to the concept of “public-private partnerships”. Furthermore, the model of public-private partnership between Chinese Taipei Olympic Committee and the sports administration in Taiwan varies from different types of sports administration tasks. And the study suggested future cooperation between Chinese Taipei Olympic Committee and the sports administration in Taiwan could improve through detailed review to the government grants regulations. Hopefully, the private and public may better promote the environment sports field in Taiwan together.

ABSTRACT. Every year the lives of approximately 1.3 million people are cut short because of a road traffic crash and this is according to World Health Organisation in 2022, between 20 and 50 million more people suffer non-fatal injuries, with many incurring a disability as a result of their injuries. Reckless and negligent driving is a global problem even in South Africa. The inability of motorists to adhere to the rules of the road is a major problem in South Africa and more should be done to counteract this problem as road users are losing their lives on the road due to reckless or negligent driving. This article focuses on negligent driving as a causative factor towards road traffic accidents in South Africa. This qualitative article adopts a systematic review under the non-empirical research design. This study is completely based on the secondary data. A systematic review was done in detail for the collected literature. The key findings indicated that motorists do not adhere to the rules of the road, speeding and driving while intoxicated have a major consequences on road traffic accidents. The findings further indicated that corruption within law enforcement agencies compromise road safety. Based on the findings, the authors provided, possible recommendations such as strengthening road safety campaigns nationwide, increase visibility of law enforcement officials on the road and capacitate law enforcement agencies with resources to counteract corruption and contribute to road safety.

ABSTRACT. Introduction: Every coastal country has jurisdiction over maritime space by international conventions. The Kenyan Minister for Foreign Affairs and the Somali Minister for National Planning and International Cooperation signed a Memorandum of Understanding to grant to each other no-objection in respect of submissions on the outer limits of the continental shelf. The Memorandum of Understanding was registered by the Secretariat of the United Nations on 11 June 2009 at Kenya’s request. Somalia informed the Secretary-General of the United Nations that the Memorandum of Understanding had been rejected and requested that it be treated ‘as non-actionable’. The parties to the agreement engaged in negotiations on the various questions of the delimitation. Somalia filed an application instituting proceeding against Kenya concerning a dispute in relation to the establishment of a single maritime boundary between Somalia and Kenya in the Indian Ocean. Somalia invoked the declarations which Somalia and Kenya have as the basis for the jurisdiction in the International Court of Justice. Kenya raised concerns on the jurisdiction of the court. Kenya submitted that the parties were deemed to have accepted arbitration for the settlement of disputes concerning the interpretation or application of the Convention and therefor doesn’t have jurisdiction in the International Court of Justice.

Methodology: The primary goal of this research is to compile, organize, and describe legislation, as well as to offer commentary on the emergence and significance of the authoritative legal sources in which such rules are considered, in particular referring to case law, with the goal of identifying underlying issues. This research was carried out with the intention of identifying underlying issues. Results: In order to determine whether the Memorandum of Understanding has any effect with respect to its jurisdiction, it was appropriate first to address the issue whether the Memorandum of Understanding constituted a treaty in force between the parties. The court concluded that this signature expressed Somalia’s consent to be bound by the Memorandum of Understanding under international law. The court concluded that the Memorandum of Understanding is a valid treaty that entered into force upon signature and is binding on the Parties under international law. As neither party has made a declaration regarding the choice of one or more means of dispute settlement Kenya submitted that the parties were deemed to have accepted arbitration for the settlement of disputes concerning the interpretation or application of the Convention. Kenya argued that an agreement was made to have recourse to some other method or methods of settlement than approaching the International Court of Justice. Conclusions and recommendations Kenya’s acceptance of the court’s jurisdiction in the declaration extends to “all disputes” except those for which the parties have agreed to resort to a method of settlement other than recourse to the International Court of Justice. Consequently, this dispute does not fall outside the scope of Kenya’s optional clause declaration. The finding that the court has jurisdiction gives effect to the intent reflected in Kenya’s declaration, by ensuring that the dispute is subject to a method of dispute resolution. Since an agreed procedure takes precedence there is no certainty that this intention would be fulfilled were this court to decline jurisdiction. Considering all these considerations, the court concluded that ‘the force of the arguments weighed in favour of jurisdiction, and that this case does not, fall outside the scope of the parties’ consent to the court’s jurisdiction.

ABSTRACT. This paper sought to investigate the outcomes on Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) mechanism for Sustainable development in Sedibeng District Municipality (SDM), which were recommended by the investigator in the year 2014. The restructuring of local governance in South Africa required municipalities to serve the communities within their areas of jurisdiction. That has brought capacity challenges for the most municipalities. They are expected to deliver acceptable standards of services to the residents. Lack of delivery is still apparent in the prevalent protests by community members display their frustration with sub-standard service delivery and backlogs. Additionally, municipalities were allowed as well as obligatory to formulate their own by-laws to improve the lives of community members, and to implement their legislative mandates acceptably. In order for the municipalities to perform more efficiently, a transformative model was necessary. The quality of services delivered at municipal level were reviewed. Monitoring and evaluation, key elements of valuation must be undertaken. The rationale behind this monitoring and evaluation is to make the system of governance more effective by smooth handed assessment of policies, programmes, projects, strategies, performance of personnel, and indeed of the organization as a whole. The article is based on a study conducted to consider the implementation of monitoring and evaluation mechanisms at South African municipal level. The local government structure requires more consideration because of marked skill challenges. However, there is a need not only to enhance the performance of employees but also the quality of services provided and the effective management of municipalities as a whole. The focus area of this research is Sedibeng District Municipality (SDM), a Category C municipality in the Gauteng Province. The study was based on the theory that effective monitoring and evaluation mechanisms could provide sustainable development in Sedibeng District Municipality with improved service delivery. In order to validate the hypothesis, empirically based structured questionnaires on the monitoring and evaluation, and service delivery were utilized. Frequency analysis, which lends itself to association analysis, of employees’ responses and residents’ responses was conducted using the questionnaires. The study tried to identify gaps within municipal capabilities to assess community needs. The qualitative study has revealed gaps in infrastructure delivery related to lack of capability mainly in primary resources, viz. financial, technical and human. The capabilities of Sedibeng District Municipality require effective utilization of these primary resources, resulting in acceptable standards of service delivery to satisfy community needs. The municipal performance to address community needs was identified, reviewed, prioritized and strategized through a Municipal Assessment Tool, discussed in a proposed model called as Monitoring and Evaluation for Sustainable Development (MESD). The model was placed in the municipality in an attempt to assist on achieving a level of efficiency towards sustainable development.

ABSTRACT. The advancement of technology in the medical field within the United States and around the world has been the story of a remarkable achievement in advancing diagnostic and treatment capabilities, but concomitantly also greatly increased the cost of providing care and the risks of legal liability. A critical component of technological advancement in the healthcare field is electronic health records (EHRs). EHRs have provided a great many opportunities for improving how medical records are maintained, stored, and shared. EHRs unfortunately also have increased physician frustration and burnout rate, increased risks of data security breaches and privacy violations, and provided a general lack of interoperability between EHR systems. The “wonder and worries” of EHRs are discussed in this paper, along with ideas for EHR systems improvement. The authors recommend that hospitals and healthcare organizations strive to achieve certification from the Office of the National Coordinator – Authorized Testing and Certification Body, develop effective encryption of data, utilize best-practice password protection, and maximize the use of audit logs. Further, the human connection aspects of the clinical experience need to be kept at the forefront, and physicians should be helped in this goal using medical scribes and software programs that help physicians avoid burnout related to EHR demands. There are reasons for cautious optimism that the myriad promised benefits of electronic health records can yet be realized for physicians and other clinicians, their patients, and society as a whole.

ABSTRACT. The study is a conceptual one looking at the existing discrepancy in determining the occupational well-being of workers in the formal and informal economy. The occupational well-being is important for all workers, workers in the formal or informal economy. Work engagement is one of the constructs that is used to determine occupational well-being. There is generally no consensus on the definitions of work engagement, resulting in the development of various instruments for assessing the construct. The most used instrument in assessing work engagement is UWES. The UWES is only validated in assessing work engagement of workers in organisations, including those in informal employment in the formal economy. The formal economy is unable to create decent jobs for everyone, and others end-up working in the informal economy. Street traders are the most visible workers in the informal economy. The informal economy is the largest employer, with more 60 percent of the global labour force, yet occupational well-being of these workers is least studied. This is odd, as occupational well-being addresses how workers feel about their lives at work both in formal and informal economy. The study recommends that to realise the aspirations of the principles of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), namely SDG#3 and SDG#8, which seek to promote good health and decent work for all, occupational well-being studies must be commissioned, focusing on the workers in both informal and formal economy.

ABSTRACT. This paper will discuss the economic and educational fallout of disruption in the American higher education system over the past 50 years. In a 1967 speech, then Governor Ronald Reagan, famously said that America “should not subsidize intellectual curiosity.” As a response to what he saw as the “beatnik” and “radical” students of the 1960 protests, Reagan wanted to shift the focus and funding structure of public higher education in the country, including a proposal to eliminate the United States Department of Higher Education. In addition to outlining this far-reaching shift in the epistemology of higher education in America, we will discuss the muti-faceted fallout of this disruptive transformation. In considering the economic fallout, for example, we will review how the economic models of higher education in America have pivoted towards a new independent business model, in addition, we will consider the effect this pivot has had on the student debt crisis, the shift in faculty models and academic freedom, and the growing divide between faculty and administration. Also, we will address the concomitant increase in private funding in American higher education: what are the economic implications of private fundraising and development in higher education – are there differences based upon whether an institution is public or private? What are the ethical implications and boundaries of reporting to donors, and how do we preserve the integrity of our program(s) and academic freedom in the process? Lastly, we will discuss the future of disruption in American higher education—the pros and cons and the potential paths forward to address the current state of higher education in the United States.

ABSTRACT. This paper explores the Innovative Teaching Partnership Program (ITPP) at Southern New Hampshire University, with a focus on the specific experiences of creating and teaching an interdisciplinary co-taught course in mathematics and economics. The ITPP is run through our Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL) and offers pairs of faculty members the opportunity to create and co-teach a new interdisciplinary course during a year-long partnership. We start this paper by exploring reasons for participating in a program such as the ITPP and specifically why we chose to work together on a course that would bring together concepts of mathematics and economics. We believe that co-teaching is a collaborative relationship, “for the outcome of achieving what none could have done alone.” We also found that other researches define three interdisciplinary strategies, which helped us ground our own motivations and strategies. In particular, the second and third strategies aligned well to our own work. The second strategy, conceptualizing, is grounded in mathematics and the sciences and “involves identifying core concepts that are central to two or more disciplines (e.g. ‘change’, ‘linearity’), and establishing a rigorous quantifiable connection among them”. The third strategy, problem-centering, is grounded in applied fields and “involves enlisting the knowledge and modes of things in several disciplines (i.e. biology, chemistry, political science, economics) to examine messy real-life problems (such as wary pollution, genetic engineering, or AIDS in Africa) that require more than one discipline to solve.” Related to our course, in the Mathematical Association of America (MAA) Notes #82, the editors call for cross-disciplinary applications and teaching experiences that introduce concepts of economics into mathematics courses and development of interdisciplinary programs. The majority of this paper will then discuss our experiences and reflections designing and teaching the course to a small group of students. We will start with our first struggle of picking out an appropriate textbook, explore how we were able to make modifications to the course as we taught it, describe how we decided to assign and grade assessments, and how our class structure changed based on the student’s background knowledge. We will highlight the challenges we faced, as well as the benefits we found for both the students and ourselves. Finally, we will end this paper with a summary of how we think this experience will affect our teaching in the future, the most important lessons we learned that could influence the future or courses like this at our own university, and more generally, how others might be able to find success co-teaching an interdisciplinary course. We have found that the cost of offering these types of interdisciplinary courses can be extremely expensive, but also extremely rewarding experience for the students.

ABSTRACT. While student success has always been a priority for university instructors, many faculty members are currently looking for additional ways to support student learning in the classroom given the challenges students are facing after the pandemic. This paper examines the experience of several faculty members who participated in the Learning Fellows program at Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU). The authors share insight from their interactions with students and colleagues in the program and provide guidance for faculty members considering options to support students in the classroom. The Learning Fellows program at SNHU involves embedding three students in a course to help facilitate the class, work with fellow students in the class, and assist in designing learning opportunities. Students who recently completed the course successfully are selected for the Learning Fellow positions. Students in the Learning Fellows program take a course on pedagogy while participating in the program. Additionally, the Learning Fellows students and the faculty instructor have weekly huddles with a colleague through the Center for Teaching and Learning at SNHU. The Learning Fellows program has been extremely successful at SNHU. In fact, Material Science had a 34% DFW rate prior to Learning Fellows and 100% students passed in Fall 2019 semester and students were 5.29% more likely to pass a class with a Learning Fellow. The authors have participated in the Learning Fellow program as instructors and huddle leaders. They share their experience with the program and evidence of student success along with a discussion of ideas for colleagues considering similar programs. The authors primarily focus on suggestions for introductory economics courses and other business courses. However, the recommendations may offer significant benefits in terms of student success for faculty teaching any subject in postsecondary education.

ABSTRACT. Using a standard event study methodology and the EGARCH model, this study examined the depth of market reactions to the onset of the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine. Equity markets in Africa and G7 countries were analyzed due to their widely different connections to the conflict. While the G7 countries were unified against Russia, African countries, which are primarily import-dependent, remained neutral. This study finds that abnormal stock returns in the initial period of the conflict were larger for the G7 markets than for the African markets. Results also showed that volatility persistence was present across the board with leverage effect more pronounced for the North American markets. Over the entire period, commodity prices rose sharply. Unfortunately, this had a deleterious effect on many African economies because of their heavy reliance on grain and fuel imports. This study then offers some risk management and policy recommendations designed to mitigate the adverse effect of currency and commodity price shocks.

ABSTRACT. This study investigates customer perceptions of service failure and recovery strategies in the context of online banking in Pakistan. The aims is to develop appropriate service recovery strategies based on customer needs and expectations. The study adopts a social constructivist epistemological position, recognizing the importance of social and cultural values in shaping customer perceptions and responses to service failure and recovery strategies. Data were collected through semi-structured in-depth interviews with customers using purposive sampling to gather data from customers who have experienced service failure and recovery, and from managers involved in recovery strategies. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data, identifying key themes on the basis of relevant codes and key words. The study found that proactive service recovery strategies, effective communication channels, effective service recovery, compensation and incentives, and monitoring and improvement were all critical aspects of improving customer satisfaction and loyalty in online banking in Pakistan. The major implications of the study are that online banking providers need to understand customer needs and expectations.

ABSTRACT. The National Development Plan encourages metropolitan cities to provide their communities with healthy, safe, and sustainable environments (SA, 2012a:37-38). However, the issue faced by South African metropolitan cities is the lack of financing required to purchase green infrastructure to improve their communities' lives sustainably (SANC, 2016:2). Employing a qualitative research method, this study aimed to assess the adequacy of the current financing structures in greening South African metropolitan cities and to develop an integrated financing framework to assist in greening these cities. Purposive sampling assisted in collecting data through virtual and telephone interviews with 7 out of 8 participants in the city sustainability/environmental management departments across all eight South African metropolitan cities. Derived from the findings, the effectiveness of the current financing structures was evaluated, and an integrated financing framework for greening South African metropolitan cities was developed.

ABSTRACT. Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a complex social problem, a major global concern, and an obstacle to social and economic progress in the developing regions of the world (South Africa not exempted). Generally, intimate partner violence occurs in the private sphere of the family and poses serious risks to human beings and the broader society. This article was prompted by the paucity of data to address the growing problem of IPV against men in Limpopo province of South Africa, particularly the narrow focus on cultural norms and standard towards men. It also examines the impact of cultural values on IPV against men. Furthermore, the article evaluates what changes may be implemented within cultural norms and standards to include male as victims of domestic violence. To get a thorough understanding of the impacts and implications of cultural norms and standards imposed on men, this article adopted a qualitative research method to garner men's perceptions of IPV, which enables an in-depth understanding of how cultural norms and standards perpetuate IPV against men. Face-to-face interviews were conducted with ten members of the House of Traditional Leaders. Findings indicate that instances of Intimate Partner Violence against men in Limpopo province are primarily influenced by the cultural norms, values, language, and other traditional factors that are like the dust in the air which surrounds everyone. In addition, the article argues that IPV against males can be reduced by societal education and greater research which can influence culturally effective strategies to combat IPV against men.

ABSTRACT. Higher education institutions (HEIs) are increasingly recognizing the importance and relevance of teaching entrepreneurship and entrepreneurial teaching. However, the unspoken assumption in most of our lessons about entrepreneurship is that to become an entrepreneur, you must start your own business. Entrepreneurship is thus strongly associated with starting up. The alternative, taking over an existing business, is rarely recognized, although business takeovers outperform starters in terms of survival (Xi et al., 2020; Van Teeffelen, 2012; Meijaard, 2007). Another point of view not often considered it that the students in higher education with a family business background have, from childhood on, been immersed in an entrepreneurship learning environment. Research on entrepreneurial intentions has long recognized the influence of role models (Chlosta et al., 2012; Laspita et al., 2012; Joensuu-Salo et al., 2015), and recently Joensuu-Salo (2022) demonstrated that role models are also linked to entrepreneurial competences. Furthermore, students with family business backgrounds are more likely to have business takeover intentions (Joensuu-Salo et al., 2021). Taking over a family business is also an entry mode into entrepreneurship, but qualitatively very different from starting a new business or buying an existing business with no connection to one’s family. Taking over through family succession entails a level of commitment to maintaining the socio-economic wealth internalized in the business (Berrone el al., 2012; DeTienne & Chirico, 2013; Makó et al., 2018), and calls for dealing with family dynamics. The fact that family businesses, too, would need successors from within the family is often overlooked. Traditionally, about a quarter or third of family businesses have a successor in sight within the family (e.g. Varamäki et al. 2021). However, this cannot be taken for granted, and more systematic work is required to get more successors inside the family. Family businesses, too, require awareness raising activities aimed at making them aware of the issue. In most cases, whether the successor is found within the family or not has depended on family-internal discussions and upbringing. Finnish family businesses are plagued by a culture of silence, in which the children’s and parents’ wishes are not discussed but problems are expected to be solved spontaneously. In the worst case, this leads to decades of bitterness. Universities are a natural place to implement awareness raising activities for students, as many of them come from a family business background. Previous studies strongly indicate that students with a family business background generally have higher entrepreneurial intentions (e.g., Carr & Sequeira, 2007; Zellweger et al., 2011; Hahn et al., 2021). The objective of the paper is to describe through a case study how a higher education institute can support with a successor school concept students’ continuation processes in their own family firms and decision-making processes when considering their future careers. The Successor School has, at the time of writing this, been running for one and a half year in the authors’ HEI. Seinäjoki University of Applied Sciences has a more than 20-year experience in the research, development and training in business transfers, and the University of Applied Sciences boasts exceptionally many experts in business transfers. Consequently, it was most natural to start building an operations model for the Successor School at Seinäjoki University of Applied Sciences. Moreover, entrepreneurship in general is both as a part of Seinäjoki University of Applied Sciences strategy and vision and entrepreneurial spirit is also one of the key values in the university, and thus it is natural to have also the Successor School at the university.

ABSTRACT. The energy industry is a crucial component of the global economy as it provides essential inputs necessary for the functioning of all other industries and has a significant impact on the environment. In recent years, there has been a growing concern over the sustainability of the energy industry, and many countries are making efforts to transition to a more sustainable energy system. This paper aims to examine the future of the energy industry and the role of sustainability in it. The paper begins by discussing the current state of the energy industry and the challenges it faces. Next, it examines various technologies and trends that are likely to shape the energy industry’s future. Finally, it discusses the role of sustainability in the energy industry and strategies to promote sustainable energy practices.

ABSTRACT. The global retail industry has recently witnessed a remarkable shift towards online shopping. Despite the increasing popularity of online shopping, there is a lack of studies exploring the experiences of low-income consumers in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) market within emerging markets. To address this gap, this qualitative study investigated the online shopping experiences of low-income consumers in South Africa. More specifically, the study sought to differentiate between low-income customers’ intentions towards online and in-store purchases of FMCG retailers/brands in South Africa. Additionally, low-income consumers’ perceptions of their holistic shopping journey with FMCG retailers/brands were evaluated. To achieve these objectives, in-depth interviews were conducted with low-income consumers with experience of online and/or in-store purchases of FMCG retailers/brands under a from a large study conducted following an exploratory-descriptive research design where literature review identified a deficit of knowledge which led to the justification for further research. The data collected from these interviews were analysed using inductive thematic analysis (ITA) to identify patterns and themes related to low-income consumers’ shopping intentions and perceptions. The findings reveal that low-income consumers opt for online shopping because of the convenience it offers and the time and travel cost savings it provides. Low-income consumers also appreciate the mood benefits of online shopping, such as avoiding queues and crowds, primarily because of health concerns such as COVID-19. Regarding low-income customers’ perceptions of their holistic shopping journey with FMCG retailers/brands, the study found that they were familiar with, trusted, and loyal to the retailers/brands they purchased. Consumers feel happy, good, and satisfied with their shopping experience. They appreciate the time and energy savings associated with online shopping. Additionally, consumers valued the immediacy of in-store shopping compared to online waiting time while expressing concerns about the inconsistency of online product images, differences in customer service, and cleanliness standards. This study provides important insights into the online shopping behaviour of low-income consumers. This offers valuable information for FMCG retailers/brands to better understand this market segment. Retailers/brands can develop strategies to improve this consumer group’s overall shopping experience by recognising the factors influencing low-income consumers shopping decisions and experiences.

ABSTRACT. Research on podcast marketing success is limited, particularly from a developing economy perspective. This study examined podcast marketing success from a developing economy perspective, specifically, through investigating the factors that influence user satisfaction and, ultimately, their use behaviour of a podcast. The research was theoretically grounded in the Information System Success Model. Data was obtained from 382 respondents who had previously listened to a company’s podcast. The validity of the measurement model and hypothesis testing was done using a structural equation technique. The findings suggest that the use behaviour of a podcast is determined by system quality. However, information quality was found not to be a predictor of the users’ use behaviour in podcasting. By the same token, service quality of a podcast was also found not to be a predictor of use behaviour. The findings of the study further suggest that system quality determines user satisfaction significantly. Information quality was also found to be a significant predictor of user satisfaction. Service quality, as well, was found to be having a significant and positive relationship with user satisfaction. In conclusion, the findings of the study also suggest that user satisfaction with a podcast has a significant and positive relationship with the user’s use behaviour. The study highlights, both, the theoretical and managerial implications of these findings to marketers who are interested in promoting the use behaviour or even continued intention to use their podcasts, thereby enhance podcast marketing success in South Africa. Also, the study identifies possible challenges and opportunities for future research within this domain of podcast marketing.

ABSTRACT. Purpose: The current study examined the influence of billboard marketing (independent variable /Color & Size, Celebrity Images, Brand Image & Logo, and Texture and Message; dependent variable / young adults' attention) as a de-marketing strategy for tobacco consumption among young adults. Methodology: The quantitative approach was used, and an online questionnaire was distributed to a sample of (438) consumers in Jordan. Results: Results of study indicated the acceptance of the main hypothesis, and it appeared that billboard de-marketing can influence young adults' attention towards consuming tobacco, as well as, Respondents had a good level of awareness regarding billboard marketing as they were able to respond to the questionnaire with minimum help. All sub-hypotheses were also accepted, and it was seen that the highest influential sub variable was texture and message, indicating a variance of 38.8%, meaning that the messages held within billboards can influence how young adults view tobacco consumption. Conclusion: The study concluded that billboard marketing is sufficient to provide a competitive advantage for the organization by referring to the chosen location, the size of the advertisement, and the way it is presented. It also helps to build the brand in the minds of consumers because they do not have a choice in seeing the advertisement. However, they are forced to see it because it is on Crowded roads and public places, so the "Skip the ad" option is usually unavailable in this type of marketing strategy, which increases the brand's chances of reaching a larger number of consumers. Recommendations: The Study recommended the need to define marketing objectives as a first step before choosing the strategy to be adopted for marketing in a manner that is compatible with the available financial resources. Further recommendations were presented in the study.

ABSTRACT. Worldwide, entrepreneurship portrays an influential role in the economic growth and development of a country. Entrepreneurs play an essential role in any economy through business start-ups and employment creation. However, entrepreneurs need entrepreneurial intention to contribute to a robust economy. As such, Entrepreneurial Intention (EI) has become a create matter of concern to policymakers, academics, and researchers. More specifically youth entrepreneurial intention (EI) as these individuals’ decision to become entrepreneurial are influenced by various barriers, posing a significant concern for students and graduates. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the mediating effect of attitudes on the influence of barriers on students Entrepreneurial Intention (EI). A descriptive research design approach was followed. A self-administered questionnaire was used to obtain the data from a convenience sample of 338 South African students. The collected data were analysed using reliability and validity analysis, descriptive statistics analysis, correlation analysis, regression analysis and mediation analysis. The results indicated that both paths of barriers and attitudes have a significant influence on students Entrepreneurial Intention (EI). The findings of the study provide empirical evidence of the mediating effects of barriers on attitudes on Entrepreneurial Intention (EI), a field under-researched within the South African context. The findings make an important contribution in that it will assist the South African government and Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) on developing strategies lessening the barriers young individuals may face.

ABSTRACT. Women entrepreneurship has gained popularity globally over the past few decades because it increases productivity, innovation, and economic prosperity, reduces poverty, and creates jobs. Women have shown increased interest in the Nepalese food industry, and several have begun their careers to improve their living standards and social status. However, past studies showed that women entrepreneurs still face significant barriers despite an increasing number of start-up businesses in the food industry. Few researchers have discussed the barriers women entrepreneurs face in Nepal, and none have examined the barriers women entrepreneurs face in the food industry, which leaves a research gap. The current study aims to examine the barriers that women entrepreneurs face that limit their business involvement in the Nepalese food industry. From a social constructivist perspective, utilising an inductive approach and a case study strategy, in-depth interviews with 25 women entrepreneurs were conducted in Nepal. This paper provides some insights into how barriers faced by women entrepreneurs in Nepal could be mitigated.

ABSTRACT. SMEs play a critical role in the economic growth of every nation, such as generating work opportunities, income and wealth creation, and poverty reduction. These enterprises are very important in less developed economies. SMEs have become preferred economic entities and have an easy and quick adaptation. The existence of SMEs helps inefficient consumption of nearby assets and boosts economies all over the world. SMEs constitute an integral part of developing economies through imports and commodities prices, which generates global economic success. In the worldwide economy, they assume a vital role through their critical commitment to GDP (Gross Domestic Product) and boosting the comfort of societies. It also provides more employment to people in various economies as compared to larger organisations and therefore leads to poverty alleviation. Generally, advanced nations have 90 percent of their enterprises in the SME sector, and it's one of the remarkable reasons for their financial development. In developing nations, the SME sector plays an essential role in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by creating job opportunities, alleviating poverty, promoting innovation and fostering sustainable industrialisation, and reducing income inequalities. Qualitative research was used in this study. An extensive literature review regarding the importance of SMEs in the American economy was explored. This study aimed to investigate the impact of SMEs on economic growth in America. This aim was achieved by an extensive literature review which revealed that SMEs have a positive impact on economic growth in America. The study concludes that SMEs have a positive impact on economic growth in America. SMEs are vital to the economic growth of any country. The successful establishment of SMEs leads to employment opportunities and growth in all economies. In view of the study results, it is thus recommended that the government of America should establish a new support agency for SMEs. The American government should improve the public’s view of SMEs. It is further recommended that the American education system should reform in order to provide SMEs with the skills they need to thrive.

ABSTRACT. Street food vending is a lucrative business that is considered to be associated with impoverished households. These businesses are known to create jobs worldwide; however, they are not regulated by their respective local municipalities, especially in South Africa. However, owners of these businesses experience policy and socio-economic challenges as almost all of them are not registered. Harassment by the official was one of the challenges reported in Brazil. The aim of this study was to determine whether or not the money generated by street food sellers may reduce poverty and increase wealth in both urban and rural areas. A total of 59 street food vendors in the urban area of Marabastad, Gauteng, and the rural areas of Makhado and Elim, Limpopo, were interviewed using a questionnaire with both quantitative and qualitative methods. The street food vending business needs as much starting capital as any other business; however, there are significant differences in expenditure funds between urban and rural areas. Both areas generate good profits from this business. However, their investment priorities are different: urban areas prioritize funding tertiary school studies, while rural areas prioritize building houses. There was no official planned investment of the income generated, though they practice informal stokvel in both areas. Street food businesses have the potential to alleviate poverty and create wealth; however, they can only be successful if there is proper business planning as well as a policy where the government provides business education.

ABSTRACT. This paper addresses concerns of business leaders who want to be a part of the new economy, built on sustainability, cleaner energy, and an overall commitment to improving people’s lives. There is demand from consumers and end users for products and services from companies that have made a conscious decision to have their businesses follow expected norms in terms of social policies. For those making strategic decisions, being socially conscious can be seen as good public relations; however, shareholders still demand profits and higher dividends, and this is the dilemma for strategic managers. In moving to a sustainable direction and making profit, one must not only dip one’s toes in but also totally believe. Also, investment in clean technologies is only the beginning, as management must focus on the effects of their business on the local, regional, and global landscapes. Such a proactive stance can give firms a very strategic advantage as consumer demands become clearer and more demanding. The buy in must be complete, which requires brave leadership. This paper focuses on these traits and how being at the forefront of this new economy will ultimately be a profitable journey.

ABSTRACT. This study identifies the key usability characteristics of augmented reality (AR) apps in the fashion industry to improve their effectiveness for customers. To achieve this, a qualitative content analysis was conducted of user reviews for three popular fashion brand AR apps: Gucci, ASOS, and Zara. The study employed four coding categories: visual appeal, consumer engagement, interactivity features, and information accessibility. Our findings indicate that visual appeal, consumer engagement, interactivity features, and information accessibility are critical factors in enhancing the usability and effectiveness of AR apps. Positive reviews highlighted the importance of visual appeal, interactive experiences, personalized recommendations, try-on features, filters, and comprehensive information. Negative reviews highlighted the need for improvement in technical difficulties, confusing navigation, inconsistent product information, and accessibility for users with disabilities. The originality of the study lies in its qualitative analysis of user reviews of popular fashion brand AR apps, providing valuable insights into the usability characteristics that are critical for the success of AR apps in the fashion industry.