ABSTRACT. Recycling, as a waste management strategy, has become imperative for nations globally. As more and more climatic challenges occur, recycling could be used as a solution to some of the climate change problems. South Africa (SA) has a high throw-away rate due to low participation in recycling, which means that waste ends up in landfills. Although the country has made significant strides in educating businesses and households on the need for recycling, much still needs to be done to ensure that households are involved in recycling. While studies have determined recycling intention in South Africa, including those that applied the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) model, few have targeted areas known as townships in South Africa. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the recycling behaviour of township consumers by applying the theory of planned behaviour. This study specifically investigates the direct effect of subjective norms, attitude and perceived behavioural control on recycling intention, as well as the effect of recycling intention on recycling behaviour of township consumers. The study further determines the mediation effect of recycling intention on the relationship between personal norms, attitude and perceived behavioural control and recycling behaviour of township consumers. A survey was conducted online among township consumers across SA. All township consumers listed in the independent research company’s database were contacted online and were sent a self-completion questionnaire. The research company has a database of over 40 000 consumers, only some of which are township consumers. Therefore, only township consumers across SA were targeted for this study. The results of the regression analysis show that perceived behavioural control, attitude and social norms have a significant effect on recycling intention of township consumers. The study also found that the relationship between perceived behavioural control, attitude, social norms and recycling behaviour is mediated by the recycling intention of township consumers. The study provides solution for policymakers and organisations dealing with waste management issues.

ABSTRACT. Influenced by Maleka’s (2012) study, we aimed to establish whether demographic variables have a different effect on participation and autonomy (i.e., democratic leadership styles). Moreover, we were motivated to conduct this study as the assessment of the literature showed that not many studies of this kind have been conducted in South African municipalities. We collected data using the convenience sampling technique. Eight hundred and eight employees (n=808) completed the self-report questionnaires that were distributed. The Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) Version 29 was used to examine the data, and the findings reflected that gender did not have a significant effect on the two leadership styles. In terms of employment status, a significant effect on autonomy was determined, as it was found that full-time employees had a higher mean score (mean (M) = 2.75) and standard deviation (SD) = 1.27) than part-time employees (M=2.48, SD = 1.28), t (806) = 2.80, p <0.05. The participation and autonomy mean scores for employees with postgraduate qualifications were the highest, as compared to other qualification groups. Furthermore, the employees in the 18 to 24 age group rated autonomy and participation items as the highest, compared to other employees in other age groups. These results infer that municipal managers and supervisors should not impulsively use participation and autonomy as leadership styles since they are not perceived the same by municipal employees.

ABSTRACT. This research inquiry explores relational approach to HR stakeholder engagement and its implication on HR processes for achieving business competitive advantage in Thailand. HR scholarship emphasizes the significance of social relations in linking HR practices and performance, highlighting the necessity of engaging HR stakeholders in HR processes to enhance organizational outcomes (Adler & Kwon, 2002; Bannya, Bainbidge, & Chan-Serafin, 2023; Hollenbeck & Jamieson, 2015; Lengnick-Hall, Lengnick-Hall, Neely, & Bonner, 2021). HR processes incorporate a range of activities from design to implementation and involve several stakeholders (Boxall & Purcell, 2008), among which the partnership between HR and line managers has been argued to have strong influence on effective implementation (Purcell & Hutchinson, 2007). However, Bannya et al. (2023) show in their 20-year review of relational HRM research that research into the relational coordination between HR and their stakeholders was not well represented (cf. Gubbins & Garan, 2016; Truss & Gill, 2009). This research domain can contribute to strategic HRM research by explaining how social capital derived from social interactions between HR and their stakeholders can uncover HR black box in the implementation (Lengnick-Hall et al., 2021) Given that social relations and networking are context-dependent (Horak & Paik, 2023; Wang, Tian, & Li, 2019), investigating HR processes within a specific context will reveal how societal factors and social actors interact and foster HR relational coordination with different stakeholders. Accordingly, our research extends strategic HRM research by adopting a relational HRM perspective to explore HR stakeholder engagement in the HR-performance process, considering the Thai cultural context.

ABSTRACT. Healthcare waste requires specific disposal to be done according to colour-coded containers. Knowledge of the legislation based on having been trained or not trained among healthcare workers is imperative to performing correct handling and disposal methods. The aim was to assess the knowledge of waste legislation among healthcare workers in a government hospital. A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted in a healthcare facility in Mpumalanga among healthcare workers. A total of 205 sample sizes from allied health practitioners, corporate, health promotion, medical, nursing, and operational managers, were randomly selected as participants in the study. Data was collected using a closed-ended, self-administered questionnaire from participants who met the inclusion criteria. Data analysis was performed using SPSS software version 26. Logistic regression models were used to calculate odds ratios. Individuals aged between 21 and 30 years, nurses, and senior staff members exhibited reduced odds of lacking training (OR: 0.40, CI: 0.14–1.5; OR: 0.30, CI: 0.10-0.70; and OR: 0.28, CI: 0.12-0.70), respectively. While male participants demonstrated increased odds of lacking training at the odds ratio (AOR: 2.01, CI: 1.01-4.04), participants lacking knowledge of the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act, Act 85 of 1993, were more likely to receive training (OR 12.08, CI 9.87–24.89). In contrast, those unaware of the National Environmental Management Act (NEMA): Waste Act were less likely to lack training (AOR 0.53, CI 0.16-0.17). The findings indicate that those healthcare workers who were not trained might have contributed to the mismanagement of healthcare waste in the study facility, leading to non-compliance with legislative requirements.

ABSTRACT. The amount of clothes bought in South Africa has increased substantially as a result of the growth of the middle-income group and only about 12% of all textiles are recycled and less than 1 % is recycled back into clothing. Although no clear statistics are available, it is determined that the textile sector contributes to about R70 billion to the gross domestic product in South Africa for the year 2016, and a total of 210000 people are employed in the textile industry in 2020. However, these figures do not extend to the impact that the environmental factor this industry have. This paper examines an overview of the foundation and evaluation of the clothing and textile industry on the environment and on carbon emissions. The textile industry is a contributor to climate change. Different environmental impacts such as resource depletion, air and water pollutants and energy consumption and chemical use will be seen through the lens of the South African constitutional mandate to provide an environment for current and future generations that are not harmful and the evolving legislation. Legislation and case law must be understood within the context of the textile industry and how the government can achieve the objective set out in section 24 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 and the National Environmental Management Act 107 of 1998 (NEMA). Clothing waste is regulated by the National Environmental Management: Waste Act 59 of 2008 (hence NEM: WA), however the person using the clothing is protected by the Consumer Protection Act 68 of 2008 and The Extended Producer Responsibility Regulations of 2020. This paper presents the environmental impact of the textile industry and how this industry is regulated in South Africa.

ABSTRACT. Service quality plays an integral role in the higher education institution’s reputation, competitiveness and most importantly in students’ satisfaction. Service quality in Higher Education Institution distinguishes one institution from another, and its assessment can lead to achievement of competitive advantage. If students are not satisfied with the quality of services being offered by the university, they are likely not to recommend others through word of mouth to enrol at that institution, it can tarnish the brand image of the institution, and it may not attract future students which will ultimately has a negative impact on the financial state of the institution. This study was then conducted to assess customer satisfaction of administrative services that are provided to the University of Limpopo (UL) students using the SERVQUAL model. There are two key objectives: firstly to determine the students’ expectations and perceptions of the administrative services at UL; secondly, to evaluate the students satisfaction level with the actual administrative services provided by UL employees. A quantitative, descriptive approach was conducted to determine whether students at the University of Limpopo are satisfied or dissatisfied with the administration services provided by the university’s central administration offices. A total number of 288 students participated in the study. Self-administered Online and physical questionnaires were utilised to collect data for the study. The questions were based on the SERVQUAL model where a first set of questions were based on the expectations on service quality, second set were based on the perceptions of service received across all the dimensions of the model namely tangibility, reliability, responsiveness, assurance and empathy. The study concludes that students are dissatisfied with the quality of administration services provided by the University of Limpopo’s central administration offices across all dimensions of the SERVQUAL model. This was determined by the low perceptions scores of service quality as compared to the expectations scores. Therefore the study recommends for improvement of service quality so as to enhance the student satisfaction.

ABSTRACT. As the world spins into the new epoch of digital tools, businesses, sectors, organisations, firms, companies, and industries wondered what is ahead of them because of digital marketing revolution and challenges to adapt, adopt and moving with the wheel of situation by adapting to digital marketing strategies of the new era of digital marketing transformation in business. This study contributes to existing literature that gives a theoretical insight, understanding and relevance of storytelling and the concept of sustainability to fashion and luxury brands. Hence, we can recognize the importance of using digital marketing strategies for fashion and luxury brands. Also to acknowledge the innovative transformation of digital marketing, thereby provide a theoretical framework for future research.

ABSTRACT. The current study investigated factors influencing behavioural loyalty towards online grocery delivery and ordering Apps. The objective of this study reveals that perceived usefulness, confirmation, and design aesthetics or mobile platform content has a positive significant towards behavioural loyalty. Then, data will be analysed by running an EFA, Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) for a statistical analysis, correlation tests and CFA using AMOS, then SEM using the partial least squares (PLS) bootstrapping method. In the article a quantitative method was employed. Further, a non-probability sampling method together with convenience sampling technique and a descriptive research design was used. Data was collected on a sample of 456 respondents who use online grocery delivery and ordering Apps. The article will contribute a new viewpoint on predictors of behavioural loyalty within grocery shopping Apps in South Africa. Scholars, businesses, and marketers should consider the predictors of behavioural loyalty within grocery shopping Apps and concentrate on adapting sales through grocery shopping Apps. The findings will impinge on separate literature of perceived usefulness, confirmation, and design aesthetics or mobile platform content, behavioural loyalty, and grocery shopping Apps.

ABSTRACT. Introduction: Gambling is a lucrative activity that is perceived as both a benefit and a curse to society, with varied levels of support and opposition from various sections of society and with many positive and negative economic, socio-cultural, and environmental impacts. It is therefore imperative to investigate the kind of social impacts that Gauteng casinos have on surrounding communities. Methodology: Quantitative data was collected from 385 community members in the vicinity of eight casinos using a structured questionnaire. The overall perceptions of communities on the social impact of Gauteng casinos were investigated and explored using an Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA), Anova and T-tests. Results: The findings revealed that community members felt negatively about casinos’ social impacts in their communities. The majority of community members indicated that corruption of CSR officials, lack of communication between casinos and community is crippling the progress of improving the quality of life in society, and casinos have not implemented any CSR initiatives in the community for the past six months. Conclusion/- and Recommendations: The findings provide useful insight in assisting casino management, the decision-making body in government, and other stakeholders to reflect on the current state of casinos’ social impacts in Gauteng and encourage regular social audits on these casinos. Social impacts must be monitored and evaluated by assigning an independent agency to conduct annual social, economic and environmental inspections on how they impact the community and meet the social obligations of that community. From managerial perspectives, the results of this study may be valuable in assisting casino management, the decision-making body in government, and other stakeholders to reflect on the current state of casinos’ social impacts in Gauteng and encourage regular social reviews on these casinos. From the academic perspectives, this study only collected data from the community members therefore, future research could include interviews with different stakeholders such as other casino employees, government officials, and consumers in order to gain a better understanding on how the casino practices have an impact on communities.

ABSTRACT. This study emphasized the importance of food safety management in shared kitchens and proposed a new system for this. The proposed system established a microorganism number prediction model and monitoring system in consideration of cross-contamination, which is the characteristic of shared kitchens, and insufficient management by others. Through this, stakeholders can check the food safety condition to reduce the risk of food safety accidents and clarify responsibility in the event of an accident. The proposed system consists of data collection, microorganism number prediction model, and monitoring system. In the data collection process, the initial number of microorganisms, temperature data, and process progress data of food and cooking tools are collected, and a microorganism number prediction model is constructed based on this. This model predicts the number of microorganisms in the cooking and storage process by considering the characteristics of the shared kitchen. The monitoring system contributes to maintaining food safety by providing these prediction results to stakeholders. However, since the proposed model focuses only on a specific cooking process, its application may be limited when various ingredients and complex cooking processes are included. In addition, there is a limitation in that the verification of the model considering the cross-contamination of cooking tools is insufficient. In future studies, it is necessary to develop and verify models considering various cooking processes and ingredients to overcome these limitations. In addition, additional data collection and experiments are required to verify the model considering the cross-contamination of cooking tools. This study presented a new perspective on food safety management and suggested directions for future research. Food safety in shared kitchens is a very important issue, and the results of this study can be the basis for improving it.

ABSTRACT. Microfranchising is one of the new innovative business concepts that has gained traction in the past few years, and which could provide a solution to the challenges faced by micro- entrepreneurs and stimulate the growth of entrepreneurship. Microfranchising has therefore, emerged as a potential strategy meant to rapidly scale-up entrepreneurship behaviour within the Bottom of the Pyramid (BoP). However, despite microfranchising being singled out as a panacea for economic growth globally, very little is known about the microfranchising business concept in South Africa. Furthermore, the concept is also still nascent in South Africa and little is known about the microfranchising phenomenon in South Africa. Resultantly, the latter is ignored from entrepreneurship discussion and discourse at both academic and policy levels. To address this gap, the study explored the reasons for operating a microfranchise business and the benefits of operating a microfranchise business from the microfranchisees perspective in South Africa. The study used the interpretivism research paradigm to achieve the study objectives. Primary and secondary data were employed to collect data on the reasons and benefits of operating a microfranchising business. Five in-depth interviews were successfully conducted with microfranchisees, while secondary data (microfranchisees’ and microfranchisors’ success stories) were employed to collect data to explore the reasons and benefits of operating a microfranchise business for microfranchisees in South Africa. The collected data was analysed using the ATLAS.ti. The study results show that the reasons for operating a microfranchising are market gap, referrals, extreme poverty, business in a box and good marketing mix. The study results also revealed that the benefits of operating a business through the microfranchising business models are creation of wealth, gain respect and learning entrepreneurial skills. The study concludes that microfranchising is an innovative business tool that ameliorate some of the entrepreneurial challenges, such as lack of information, lack of entrepreneurial skills and experience, as well as lack of self-efficacy among micro entrepreneurs at the BoP.

ABSTRACT. This paper investigates the possible implementation of birth limit in Africa, motivated by several challenges that Africa is facing, primarily poverty. The economic development is stagnating and that results in failure by many African states to enforce socio-economic rights. Failure to enforce socio-economic rights leave many Africans under immense socio-economic challenges. Africans tend to even resort to extremist measures. In the streets of several cities of Africa people can be seen begging on the roads with children. Good Samaritans often give them food and/or money. Several rights of the children are infringed in this regard, for instance, the children do not go to school, they do not have proper upbringing like playing with other children and the likes. We can even extend this to the right around dignity. Further, security of these children is compromised as they are exposed to dangers on the road and/or the areas they beg from. This paper looks at socio-economic rights, both at global and regional level (Africa). The paper analyse socio-economic rights protected by various treaties. The stance of African counties on the protection and the enforcement of socio-economic rights. This paper shows that both at global and regional level socio-economic rights are protected. In fact, all the African countries are part of the African Charter which protects several socio-economic rights. This paper weigh limiting birth in Africa and the several rights that are currently being infringed, especially of the children. This paper investigates the possibility of whether birth limit, if implemented can address the socio-economic crisis in Africa

ABSTRACT. Over the past decade, Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) have increasingly embraced multidisciplinary teams to tackle real-world challenges, involving students and teachers from diverse fields alongside companies. This trend has been growing in recent years due to the substantial benefits it provides for both companies and students. One such approach is the use of co-creation, where students from different fields collaborate to ideate and develop solutions to problems presented by external partners. This method encourages the active participation of stakeholders and is an effective tool for HEIs to foster students' skills and competencies. On the other hand, organizations benefit from the fresh perspectives and innovative solutions generated through the co-creation process.

This study aims to delineate the burgeoning prevalence of co-creation within HEIs and pinpoint the key competencies and skills engendered by this collaborative approach. To achieve this, all relevant papers published since 2000 – identified through titles, abstracts, or keywords related to co-creation in HEIs – were systematically retrieved from Web of Science (WoS) and Scopus databases. Leveraging the VOS viewer and R language, a comprehensive bibliometric analysis was conducted to discern trends pertaining to the frequency of publications on co-creation in HEIs, the geographical distribution of adoption, influential journals, publications and authors, prevalent co-creation tools or methodologies, as well as the spectrum of competences and skills fostered among students. Additionally, the study explores the trend of companies engaging in the co-creation process to address their challenges.

HEIs are responsible for providing their students with the necessary knowledge, skills, and competencies essential for their personal and professional growth. This imperative emphasizes the importance of fostering an innovative culture that encourages creativity, entrepreneurship, and collaboration among students, faculty, and industry/organizations partners to generate new ideas, products, and solutions. By identifying and disseminating the core competencies and skills honed through the co-creation process, alongside the most effective tools and methodologies, HEIs bolster students' readiness for the demands of the job market. Consequently, this enriches the quality of education provided by HEIs, ensuring graduates are equipped to thrive in their future endeavors.

ABSTRACT. The intention of this paper is to unpack, explore and discover the commitment levels of those in the public office entrusted with the responsibility of public service provision at local government level. The paper argues that the relations between politicians and administrators in local government level often obscures and deters the policy intentions and mandates for public service delivery and these questions the commitment levels of those in charge of providing the communities with basic services. This paper employs ‘Afrocentricity’ as its theoretical grounding to argue the African humanist culture and morality in the provision of public service delivery in then public sector institutions or local government. Afrocentrism as a theory and a paradigm was found fit for this paper with an intention of pondering whether its aspirations were do develop the African mind for greed, corruption immorality or to develop an African mind that is pinned towards the guidelines of Africology such as the ‘ubuntu’ (spirit of humanity) philosophy. Therefore, if there’s ‘ubuntu’ amongst the African people, the question is why more corruption and greed in the local government level at the expense of the poor black masses in South Africa? The paper is conceptual in nature and that it relies on the existing literature (desktop research) to find its foundation for argument to its main intention. The desktop research was found feasible for purpose of scholarly argument through consultation of different literature sources. Scientific findings and recommendations will be drawn from the argument and the literature consulted for future research.

ABSTRACT. Corporate governance is regarded as the most significant aspect for the growth prospects and sustainability of any organization in the world. Sound corporate governance practices are regarded as very important in attracting investment capital and improving the performance of institutions. However, the way in which corporate governance is organized differs between intuitions depending on their political and social contexts. The objective of the study is to investigate the Senior Managers’Adherence to Corporate Governance Principles Effects on Sustainable Development. The study employed qualitative methods of enquiry. The method includes non-probability sampling design where purposive sampling technique was applied. The study also adopted semi-structured interview for data collection. Qualitative data analysis used the open coding procedure to arrive at conclusion. The study revealed that nonadherence to corporate governance principles has a significant impact on the general performance of senior managers and highlight key strategic areas and programmes that need to be improved in the municipality. This is the first study conducted in Greater Giyani Municipality on corporate governance and senior managers’ performance during this period when municipalities are underperforming according to the report of the Auditor General South Africa. As results, this study makes a significant contribution to the body of knowledge on corporate governance in the local sphere of government and illustrate how corporate governance impact on institutional performance with regard to sustainable development. The conclusions drawn from the study is that even in adverse social and economic conditions, good corporate governance practices were important to the performance of municipalities.

ABSTRACT. Orientation: Employees in all positions within organisations often find it difficult to balance their roles and responsibilities within the work environment with those required of them within the non-work environment. This struggle to balance roles is more pronounced for women, especially those women who are in management positions. To facilitate the performance of women their wellbeing needs to be taken into consideration. Purpose of the research: This paper intended to explore the effects that experiences of work-life conflict have on women managers looking at the resource drain theory. Research methodology: The study employed a qualitative design to collect data from women in junior and senior management positions from various organisations within the public sector of the province. Individual interviews were conducted with a total of 16 women managers mostly at their workplaces. Thematic data analysis was used to analyse the collected data. Main findings: the study indicates that, in the workplace, women tend to overwork themselves because they feel the need to prove that they are capable. Consequent to the need to prove themselves, as well as issues of work overload and understaffing, the women managers do not complete their expected responsibilities during office hours and end up taking their work to the non-work space. In the non-workspace, specifically their homes, they also have expected roles to achieve. Therefore, they get drained in terms of energy, attention, time, and end up feeling stressed, which results in negative psychosocial and health consequences. The psychosocial and health consequences that they experience interfere with their ability to perform well both at work and at home. Managerial implications: the findings of the study highlight the need for organisations to initiate programmes that can support women in their endeavours to perform well and ascend the organisational hierarchy as well as the need for the women managers themselves to know how to access help when necessary form both the life and work environments. Contribution/value-add: The research results deliver invaluable information that can be employed in strategies that attempt to alleviate the negative experiences of work-life conflict by women managers and enhance their work-life balance.

ABSTRACT. A compliance program is not limited to a legal requirement or penalties and fines associated with non-compliance. For its implementation, behavioral changes are necessary to minimize the risk of integrity, that is, for a compliance program to be effective, it is necessary to internalize values for the formation of an Organizational Compliance Culture (OCC). This study aims to analyze how different elements of the organizational culture influence the implementation of a compliance program. Although the guidelines of a compliance program are standardized in the legislation, its implementation process may vary according to different organizational cultures. Therefore, in this work, based on descriptive-analytical research, with a qualitative approach, semi-structured interviews were carried out with ten compliance specialists chosen according to convenience and accessibility, who met the following condition: they are compliance professionals with at least 5 years of experience in implementation processes of compliance programs. The analyzed cases showed seven elements of a OCC that contribute to the internalization of practices and behaviors: being compliant, example with responsibility, aligned speech and practice, clear rules of the game aligned with values, whistle blowing with protection, punishment with equity and grounded results in values. The results identified organizational culture as a key driver to guide organizations in internalizing the values of a culture of integrity, and that the cultural maturity of the organizations studied is not related to the degree of formalism and certification of the compliance program, but rather to the application of these seven elements of a OCC. Researchers, managers, and consultants should consider that, although the guidelines of a compliance program are standardized in the legislation, for it to be effective, it is necessary to internalize values for the formation of an Organizational Compliance Culture (OCC).

ABSTRACT. This research work has addressed the issue of poor production at a caravan manufacturing organisation in Gauteng province of South Africa. Two notable factors used in this study namely poor quality of finished products and excessive production hours spent on rework operations for both returned and newly finished products were linked to the act of poor productivity. The specific objectives of this research comprise identification of critical productivity factors in this caravan manufacturing organisation; conduct system observation measures on identified critical factors on obtain current productivity level; application of selected Six Sigma techniques for enhancement of the productivity level of the system and comparative analysis and improved productivity levels. As a result of Six Sigma project, some operations have improved the multifactor productivity from 0.0075 to 0.0087 sets per rand, and increased in the labour productivity from 0.375 to 0.4375 sets per labour-hour. Furthermore, some critical productivity factors as deployed in this include: human capital, management, layout, machine, material, government, technology and competitiveness. Observed data collected from the system were analysed based on the use of a qualitative system observation method. Microsoft office Excel 2013 Windows 7 was used to analyse data from the critical productivity factors. From the observed results, it was concluded that the number of defects per unit decreased by 41.1%, production performance increased by 36.39%, while the process cycle time improved by 14.1%. The enhanced system is seen to be capable of improving the overall customers’ satisfaction, production performance and the competitive advantage of the industry.

ABSTRACT. ChatGPT emerges as a beacon of AI innovation, revolutionising emerging markets with its unmatched efficiency, propelled by electronic word-of-mouth (eWOM) as the driving force behind the intention to use new technologies. This research explores the influence of eWOM on Generation Z’s brand recognition and trust in ChatGPT, scrutinising the impact of brand awareness, brand familiarity, and eWOM on their intentions to use ChatGPT. Employing structural equation modelling on a dataset from 150 individuals aged 18 to 24, the analysis confirmed that all relationships in the structural model were positive and significant. Notably, trust was identified as the most influential factor in determining the intention to adopt ChatGPT, highlighting its critical role in linking brand characteristics with the adoption of new technologies by Generation Z. Trust is crucial for Generation Z when adopting new technologies, as it reassures them of the technology’s reliability and security – key factors for this digitally native group who value authenticity and transparency in their online interactions.

Furthermore, the substantial effect of eWOM on shaping Generation Z’s perceptions and decision-making processes is evident. The findings of this study contribute valuable insights into digital marketing strategies that effectively engage Generation Z, and highlight the broad implications of eWOM and brand recognition in the realm of the intention to use AI technology.

ABSTRACT. While certain studies have generated insights regarding artificial intelligence (AI) adoption, usage, & post-adoption, there are no comprehensive studies on AI adoption, including readiness and maturity levels in different contexts like the sports and fitness in the UAE. In view of the above, a vital area for current research is to explore the importance of AI adoption in the sports and fitness sector of the UAE. Also, since AI is expected to contribute to consumer brand engagement, it remains vital to investigate the nature of the relationships. This study bridges these theoretical gaps by critically examining the importance of AI and questioning how it enhances the consumer brand engagement (CBE) within the context of the UAE and the fitness sector. In so doing, the study proposes to develop a conceptual model that illustrates how AI could be used to enhance CBE in the sports and fitness industry of the UAE.

ABSTRACT. Blockchain is a technical innovation that successfully records and shares timestamped information pertaining to the interaction between parties as a distributed ledger technology. Business models may differ in the degree of centralisation. A blockchain will be only as good as its underlying data and processes, therefore the verification processes used would be crucial to the security and integrity of the documents. The land administration process in South Africa is still paper-based and comprises numerous public and private role-players, which makes property transactions complex, lengthy and costly. Each of these role-players uses their own technological systems, which need to be managed across the end-to-end property process. Blockchain technology can effectively assist in managing the workflow from these diverse systems. This paper discusses blockchain technology as a suitable technology to be deployed and managed in land administration processes and land transactions in South Africa. In addition, the current business processes in land transactions will need to be reengineered to accommodate centralisation and digitised land transactions. The study comprised semi-structured interviews of various stakeholders involved in the property process. The interviews were transcribed and analysed using content analysis. In addition, documents were reviewed and a desktop literature review explored the use of blockchain technologies in land administration. Current role-players involved in property processes in South Africa are aware and in favour of using blockchain technology in land administration. The technology will make property transactions transparent and will speed up the turnaround time of their processing. Blockchain can enable the payment-versus-delivery principle against real-time updates and automated smart contracts. The relevant legislation will need to be updated to make provision for digitised processes.

ABSTRACT. Customers’ demand for printing industry to be more productive and compete globally in relation to delivery, cost, quality and use of technological factors is one of the factors which have a possible impact on productivity. Printing establishments through the South African printing industry have a major role to play in the country’s economy. Printing industry is characterised by overloading, inefficiency and ineffectiveness affecting overall organisational performance. The purpose of this study is to examine the factors influencing productivity improvement practices and develop productivity improvement model to improve printing division. This study follows a qualitative research approach as it is an exploratory research technique used to understand the underlying reasons, perceptions and motivations of individuals in solving a problem. A sample of Government Printing Works’ (GPW) employees directly involved in the printing, finishing and packaging of Higher Education and Training examination question papers located in Pretoria, City of Tshwane municipality participated in this study. A number of critical success and barriers to productivity improvement practices are identified. Barriers factors include poorly designed process; poorly designed layout; poor quality materials; lack of effective maintenance plans; unsatisfactory planning; supplier inefficiencies and customer inefficiencies were the major causes of low productivity in the GPW. This comprehensive and holistic framework can assist government printing employees’ and lean practioners’ in their lean manufacturing implementation journey systematically and improve the organisation’s performance.

ABSTRACT. Previous studies have shown that for quite a while, many people still have stereotypes that the administrative profession is a field implied for the female gender. However, men administrative employees predominate in today's organisations. The study investigated the challenges faced by male administrative employees in a profession typically perceived as female dominated. The paper is based on the results of a pilot study. The study was conducted using the quantitative research approach and a descriptive research design. A closed-ended questionnaire was used to solicit data from male administrative employees via Google Forms. The study findings revealed that there has been a noticeable increase in the number of men pursuing careers in administration, but there is still a very low percentage of men in this field. Men in this field still face challenges like gender discrimination and societal stereotypes that the administrative field is work meant for women. These challenges contribute to their decreased job satisfaction and eventual departure from their positions. This study offers valuable contributions to both literature and practical efforts aimed at promoting gender equality and diversity in the field of administration. The findings inform organisational policies and practices aimed at fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment for all administrative employees, regardless of their gender.

ABSTRACT. The incorporation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into organisational processes has emerged as a powerful force, fundamentally altering the dynamics of workplace environments and the delivery of services across several sectors. AI's influence on workplace results is viewed from multiple angles, transforming conventional operational structures. This highlights the technology's ability to improve efficiency and innovation, but also brings up difficulties associated with its implementation and integration. Drawing on extant literature, this paper examines the simultaneous presence of humans and AI in the workplace, offering a nuanced perspective on AI as both a valuable resource and a difficulty, contingent on its deployment and the preparedness of the organisational ecosystem to embrace technological progress. The adoption of AI technology in public services requires a fundamental change in the culture of public sector organisations. This transition entails adopting innovation, promoting ongoing education, and establishing novel managerial strategies that include AI tools while preserving the human aspect of public service. There is a notable research deficiency on the impact AI on service quality, particularly in the public sector.

ABSTRACT. This study aimed to determine the impact of distributive justice on employee engagement and the effect of employee engagement on affective commitment. In addition, the other aim was to ascertain the moderating effects of gender on the relationship between employee engagement and affective commitment. A review of the literature revealed a limited number of similar studies within the South African context; thus, we used social exchange theory (SET) as a theoretical framework and followed a positivist paradigm to achieve the study objective. The study was quantitative, and 281 respondents were sampled via convenience sampling. The data were analysed in SPSS Version 29, which incorporated means, kurtosis, and skewness analyses. Linear regression and Hayes Model 1 were also calculated to test the study hypotheses. Moreover, exploratory factor analysis was conducted to achieve data reductions and to determine the moderating effect of gender on the relationship between employee engagement and affective commitment. The implication for managers is that employees will be engaged if they create a conducive working environment and distribute rewards fairly. Managers should, therefore, be mindful of the fact that when employees are engaged, they are actually also committed, and affective commitment is a proxy for retention.

ABSTRACT. Market segmentation has been fundamental to marketing theory since 1956 (Smith, 1956; Schlager & Christen, 2021). Smith’s seminal concept of market segmentation has stood the test of time whereby prescribed texts that teach marketing teach traditional segmentation variables and classify the target market as consumer markets or business-to-business markets. Over the past decade, however, a new target market has emerged: the subscriber market. The subscriber market is differentiated from the traditional consumer markets based on the nature of the transaction. In contrast to traditional business models, in which most of the commerce is premised on individual transactions and the transfer of ownership from supplier to consumer, the subscription business model facilitates a transaction where the consumer can gain value from using the product or service without becoming the legal owner thereof (Rando, 2023). Consumer behaviour is shifting towards valuing subscriptions and the in-use experience over ownership, as noted by Morewedge, Monga & Small (2021) and Smania, Arakaki, Oliveira, Cauchick-Migual, de Sousa Mendes (2023). This trend necessitates organisations to gain deeper insight into subscription users: who they are, how they utilise the service, etc (Paddle, 2023). This marks a significant shift in consumer behaviour, impacting purchase decisions and how businesses engage with potential customers.

In the South African solar solutions industry, various companies offer subscription agreements to consumers seeking solar solutions. Under these agreements, subscribers pay a monthly fee for the use of solar equipment and different service options without assuming ownership. The lack of a dedicated segmentation framework that addresses the solar subscriber target market in South Africa leaves a clear research gap. It becomes necessary, therefore, to relook at the well-established models of consumer segmentation and formulate a new segmentation framework for the subscription business framework as segmentation strategies form the basis on which businesses identify high-potential consumers; acquire new consumers; retain consumers; and allocate resources for marketing to specific groups. The remainder of this proposal explains the background of the study, followed by the problem statement and the research aim. The primary and secondary objectives are discussed next, followed by the research questions. This proposal then highlights the research design and methodology, as well as the limitations of the study. The proposal concludes with an outline of the rest of the thesis.

ABSTRACT. Brand personality has the ability to distinguish a brand from other competing brands. In the sport market, sport marketers are using the concept of brand personality to position their sport teams better than the other sport teams in the league and for better team identification. Furthermore, Brand personality of a team results to a better sponsorship deals. The aim of this study was to validate brand personality scale to 16 professional sport teams competing within the premier soccer league (PSL) in South Africa. A convenience sampling method was selected in study. Descriptive and single cross-sectional research designed was employed. Data collected from a sample size of 435 participants using a Self-administrated questionnaire. The confirmatory factor analysis results validated brand personality scale to 16 PSL team as a four-factor structure that includes the dimensions of successfulness, ruggedness and Sincerity. Moreover, the results of the study indicate the internal consistency and composite reliability of the measurement model, as well as construct, convergent, discriminant and nomological validity. The measurement model showed no signs of multicollinearity between the factors, and the model fit index values of IFI, TLI, CFI, SRMR and RMSEA presented a good fitting model. This study concluded that this four-factor model is a reliable and valid instrument to measure brand personality of PSL teams in South Africa and is the first non-South African scale to validate brand personality to 16 PSL teams to within the South African context.

ABSTRACT. The internet has altered customer–firm interactions and service delivery. Online service failures are inevitable, but social media provides opportunities for efficient service recovery. In light of the lack of research on the drivers of customer satisfaction among luxury fashion customers, the present study investigates customer satisfaction in relation to luxury fashion brand customers and explores the motivations and barriers to satisfaction following a negative service experience. The paper considers the range of recovery strategies that can be adopted and provides managerial and marketing insights for fashion and luxury managers seeking to improve customer satisfaction using various strategies.

ABSTRACT. This research explores South African retailers’ community service and their legitimate standing in the communities they serve. Literature on community service is abundant, but the research is done outside South Africa. This paper aims to evaluate the effectiveness of South African retailers’ community service. It offers a novel way of doing qualitative research, as both retailers and community members were interviewed face to face. Both streams had the same interview protocol using the 5W1H method, which comprises six interrogative elements: what, why, where, when, who, and how. The 5W1H method is an innovative and attractive clarification approach offering readers an effective understanding of the issue at hand. The results are triangulated for validation as a credibility method. Although this research is done with an inductive mindset wherein evaluations are made more from raw data than previous studies, this study loosely draws from legitimacy theory, which centres around the relationship of the community service donors and its perceived value from the benefactors. This research contributes to the South African landscape by providing academic insight into the topic. Findings indicate that community members agree with what retailers are doing and that there is legitimacy in this relationship.

ABSTRACT. Social media adoption over the years, has seen billions of people participating on social networking sites and the interaction thereof has considerably influenced marketing related correspondence, public relations as well as modern day business communication. Of note, is that the social industry market, is a rapidly changing and fiercely competitive market with many substitute and alternative electronic devices competing in this sector. The introduction of smartphones dramatically altered the telecommunication sphere and its availability made it easier for consumers to access vast amounts of information about products and services which have an impact on their buying decisions Moreover, smartphones are regarded as the deathknell of prototypic cellphones who earlier on were considered as the substitution of land-based phones. This study investigated the influence of selected consumer-based brand equity elements, namely brand awareness, brand loyalty and perceived quality on purchase intention of smartphones within the South African context .To attain the empirical objectives of the study, a quantitative research design was adopted and the respondents were selected using a non-probability convenience sampling technique. For data collection, the researcher used a structured self-administered questionnaire survey validated in previous studies. In addition, the reliability and validity analysis were carried out in relation to the measuring instrument. Of the 320 distributed questionnaires, the researcher utilised 304 usable questionnaires for data analysis. Results from regression analysis revealed that consumer-based brand equity elements, namely brand awareness, brand loyalty and perceived quality explain approximately 41 percent of the variance in purchase intention. The framework developed in this study extends the current body of knowledge regarding the relationship between consumer-based brand equity elements and purchase intention towards smartphones within the South African context. In addition, the findings of the study, leaves room for further research to be conducted in order to determine extensively the causal relationship and effects of brand equity elements on purchase intention.

ABSTRACT. This paper gives the overview on some of the major questions related to marketing, digital marketing tools and budgetary allocation on marketing activities. Marketers have encountered various new obstacles and opportunities in the digital era, as digital marketing has grown from year to year and become a part of marketing strategy performed by marketers and businesses of all sizes, sectors, and countries. Given that the success of marketing campaigns necessitates effective performance measurement, marketing tool selection, adequate budgetary-resource allocation, and optimization of digital marketing content. Marketing budgetary allocation is crucial and should be based on facts and data rather than intuition and exclusively on predicted values; the success of marketing campaign depends upon the better budgetary allocation across the products and regions. The purpose of this paper is to provide information about the market’s responsiveness regarding the marketing spending and helps the marketers in the marketing strategies formulation. For the research we collected data for analysis from the financial reports of companies, traffic data in public domain, using analytical tools and some website and marketing data calculation platforms. We are evaluating 63 companies from Russia, UK and US from all three sector of business operation. From the analysis we received the result that Russian market is sensitive towards the marketing spending for secondary and service sector, however, for the primary sector UK and US market responsiveness is more positive. Although. Market’s level of response towards the digital marketing is quite high for the service sector in Russia and the US, but very low in the secondary sector in the Russian market. Furthermore, the data indicated that Russian customers are more conscious of the brand's worth, with a higher response rate in the secondary market but a lower response rate in the service and primary sectors when compared to the UK and US. The research also indicates the contribution of traditional marketing in the overall marketing campaign indirectly. In this research we found some results that can help marketers in selection of digital marketing tools and techniques, social media channels and device for the communication with the potential customers during the marketing campaign. As with the recent proliferation of social networks, and web-based platform digital marketers get several options. In this changing digital world, where the digital marketing tools and techniques comes with several challenges and opportunities the marketers, marketing agencies, and firms need to re-think their marketing strategies and this paper helps them to optimize their marketing activities for successful marketing campaigns.

ABSTRACT. This paper revisits and enhances the classic POLC framework used as a foundation of management education. The POLC framework guides students to consider management as four pillars: Planning, Organizing, Leading, and Controlling. Planning generally consists of activities such as creating a strategy, developing a vision and mission, and setting goals and objectives. Organizing entails allocating work assignments, defining reporting relationships, and creating a structure for organizational success. Leading traditionally encompasses motivating, inspiring, and communicating while controlling includes those activities necessary to ensure the organization maintains progress toward achieving its goals. While the four pillars of the POLC framework provide compelling visual imagery, they don’t accurately reflect a comprehensive system of management. The visualization of management as four discrete pillars may even promote a silo mentality, where employees engaged in one business function neglect to exchange share critical information, ideas, or inspiration with other functions. This work suggests an enhanced visual framework for guiding management education based on the structure of a table. The revised imagery employs the pillars of POLC as the legs of the table. It adds communication as the tabletop. Communication, often relegated to a subcomponent of leadership, is a critical and sometimes underemphasized component of effective management. It provides structure, support, and coordination and is possibly the most critical defense against a silo mentality. The “table of management” is aligned with the work of Henri Fayol, an influential management theorist considered the creator of the school of administrative management. Fayol posited there are five functions of management: forecasting and planning, organizing, commanding (or leading), controlling, and coordinating (or communicating). While management theorists may never fully understand how coordination/communication became a lost pillar and an underemphasized component of effective management, the “table of management” restores communication to an appropriately prominent position and provides students with a compelling visual framework of management effectiveness.

ABSTRACT. From cave paintings left by nomadic tribesmen to apostolic letters to correspondence courses, distance education, in one or the other form has been a fundamental means of transferring knowledge. Post-pandemic and global lockdown, distance education has been catapulted to the forefront of tertiary education as an alternative to face-to-face education and is serving tens-of-millions of students each year. Unfortunately, the attrition rate at most distance education institutions far exceeds that of face-to-face counterparts, and institutions of higher learning are turning to business management and marketing principles such as customer experience management to differentiate themselves from the competition and improve student retention. Using an interpretivist, qualitative approach, the researchers explored the perceived experience of students in different phases of their student journey at a distance education institution by conducting focus groups with new students, current students, and alumni. Findings revealed considerable differences in student perceptions about their experiences and their tolerances for service delivery failures according to the period of their involvement with the tertiary institution. Students at the beginning of their studies were found to be more positive and tolerant of challenges to their study experience. Students who had been in the system for more than two years reported having a more negative experience and could identify many more challenges to their study experience but were also less likely to complain. Alumni, possibly due to the principle of recency and the fresh memories of their graduation, on the whole reported more positive experiences and were willing to recommend distance education. Furthermore, the study revealed a series of painpoints experienced by students across the board relating to service delivery, communication, reliability, and availability. The study contributes to the existing knowledge of customer experience by applying the theory to the student environment and provides a framework that tertiary distance education institutions can use to better manage the student experience.

ABSTRACT. Background It is commonly known that a requirement for better provision of government service is credible financial statements and reliable recording of the activities of government institutions. The government established Operation Clean Audit, aiming for clean audit outcomes for the entire local government sphere by 2014. Until now, there has been a very small improvement in terms of the local government audit outcomes, and the number of clean audits has decreased in the 2022 financial period. Aim To investigate whether poor leadership is contributing to the non-achievement of the clean audit in South African municipalities. Methods The research approach applied in this study was qualitative. This study was mostly dependent on evaluating the academic literature and examining the key official documents. Results The findings of the study are that the key factor impeding the achievement of clean audit outcomes in South African municipalities is the lack of proper leadership. Conclusion To solve the impeding factors raised above, the study recommends a number of practical ways of eliminating challenges in municipalities. These include the appointment of competent individuals and doing away with cadre deployment. Contribution The research reveals that municipalities fail to receive clean audit outcomes, primarily because of the appointment of incompetent individuals to key positions who cannot perform leadership functions. Appointing competent individuals to key municipal positions is a sustainable and all-encompassing approach to achieving clean audit outcomes for South African municipalities. The cadre deployment is no longer sustainable for the municipalities.

ABSTRACT. Social networks are internet sites and applications that accredit individuals and organisations to connect, communicate, receive information and establish connections. Social networks at the workplace are drastically increasing influenced on the back of globalised forms of communication. Their prevalence has raised questions about the influence on human resource management (HRM), creating challenges and opportunities for managers and HRM practitioners who need to ensure the continuity of their organisations and help employees to contend with this form of organisational communication. Research addressing the impact of social networks on HRM are sparse. Some studies have shown negative repercussions of social network usage in workplaces. Most studies do not explain the HRM and social network implications and opportunities, or propose future organisational studies in the workplace because they present their findings based on cross-sectional data. Narrative studies are marginalised in management literature by virtue of small percentage of published papers. To catalyse scholarly interest, it is crucial to critically integrate the relevant literature as the principal methodology for analysing research where the perspective on social networks and human resources management are most contentious. Accordingly, this manuscript is a pervasive analysis which aims to broaden the perspectives of management literature by inquiring on the impact of social networks on HRM practices (i.e. strategic human resource management; staffing; performance management; training and career development; compensation management; safety and health management; and the employment relationship). It glimpses the key challenges and opportunities that have transpired amid this means of organisational communication and it propounds prescience for managers and HRM practitioners into probable future organisational directions that may possibly emerge from these opportunities.

ABSTRACT. The role of communication in improving public health outcomes has been acknowledged by public health systems around the world. To facilitate two-way involvement between public health systems and communities, social media has emerged as an essential medium for interactive communication. Increased health knowledge, healthier lifestyle choices, and greater utilisation of health care are only some of the ways in which community involvement can improve population health. Drawing on existing studies, this paper aims discuss and offer some insights on the role that social media plays in community involvement, how it affects public health outcomes, and how the public health system makes use of it to address community issues. This research is an important addition to the literature since it examines the use of social media in interactive communication within a regional setting as specific as Abu Dhabi's public health system.

ABSTRACT. Measuring performance of the human-robotic-systems without considering quality of the operation is critical to productivity performance of the Small Enterprise Bakkie liner Assembly. Hence, the purpose of this paper is to examine quality management measuring outside and inside work through the human-robotic-systems for the small enterprise bakkie liner assembly.

Data were collected from the operations manager using a mixed approach involving interviews and direct observation to target a workstation of the single and double bakkie liner assembly respectively in Gauteng, South Africa. The results of the projecting exercise revealed that measuring outside and inside work using quality management is the appropriate strategy to reduce waste and costs of the Small Enterprise Bakkie liner Assembly will improve.

From the findings of this paper using projection, the efficiency of the single cab body van improved by 19.82%, whereas for double cab body van by 11.33%. With an increase of the number of the bakkie liners assembled considering total quality management and work measurement, this enterprise could improve production and the efficiency of the business by reducing variation and waste as well as cost saving.

ABSTRACT. Academic institutions are currently experiencing various challenges, among these challenges is the lack of motivation and proper performance appraisal systems that are conducive to the working environment and remuneration packages which are more competitive towards administrative employees. Research studies have confirmed the relationship between human resource (HR) practices, employee motivation and performance appraisal, though more research still needs to be conducted in terms of investigating how performance appraisal systems are applied to and perceived by administrative employees in academic institutions. The study therefore sets out to explore the impact of performance appraisal, a fundamental aspect of HR practices, on the motivation and performance of administrative employees at a selected academic institution in South Africa. The study sample was 123 administrative employees, however only 112 responses were obtained for this study. The study data were collected through the use an online questionnaire that was distributed through Google Forms and regression analysis was used for analysing the data. Findings from the study indicate that the administrative employees perceived their performance appraisal not to be fair and accurately representative as it does not adequately reflect all job components that encompass their performance during the review period. The appraisal system was also determined to possess a weak influence on the motivation and performance of the administrative employees.

ABSTRACT. Although virtuous practices enhance organizational excellence, the virtue and culture of humility are little studied in the field of management due to their conceptual challenges. In order to cover this gap, and considering that the virtue of humility is evolving as a cultural value in an increasing way, this theoretical-exploratory study proposes a typology of humility culture maturity (THCM) that signals a progressive path of this virtue as a value in organizations. The methodological approach adopted is anchored in a theoretical foundation derived from Schein's (2010) organizational culture models, from Galbraith´s (1983) conceptions, from Maldonado et al´s. (2018) organizational humility model, and from Owens et al´s (2013; 2015) individual humility model. Likewise, the typology design is based on the procedures for configuring culture maturity models, such as those of Parker (2006) and Rocha et al. (2023). The combination of these theories makes it possible to suggest a continuum of 5 stages of culture maturity: rhetorical, embryonic, stimulated, full and virtuous, with each stage reflecting different behavioral regimes respectively, progressing from unconcerned, reactive, obligatory, voluntary to unconscious, where humility practices are conducted in an organic way and internalized into virtuous actions, in a demonstration of culture maturity. By proposing the construction of an unpublished progressive and objective typology, the study broadens the understanding of the culture of humility, and makes its analysis more useful, opening up space for the further creation and validation of humility culture maturity models, filling an instrumental gap in the management literature and contributing to organizational excellence.

ABSTRACT. Globalisation and technological changes enable small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) reaching new opportunities. The importance of SMEs has also been recognised in the European Union (EU) countries by setting the framework to promote entrepreneurship, simplifying the regulatory and policy environment for SMEs and removing the remaining barriers to their development. Namely, SMEs are the most important driver of economic growth and play a significant role in employment creation and therefore fighting against unemployment. In recent years, macroeconomic environment has been more favourable for growth of SMEs, particularly due to real growth in all components of aggregate demand. Most enterprises active within the EU are SMEs. Considering the employment and other performance figures, SMEs are also contributing towards delivering the key objectives of the Europe 2020 strategy to reach smart, sustainable and inclusive growth. SMEs are a vital part of national economies contributing to employment and value added. Qualitative research was used in this study. An extensive literature review regarding the importance of SMEs in the European economy was explored. This study aimed to investigate the contributions of SMEs on economic growth in Europe. This aim was achieved by an extensive literature review which revealed that SMEs positively contribute to economic growth in Europe. The study concludes that SMEs have positive contributions on economic growth in Europe. 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 Europe should establish a new support agency for SMEs. The European government should improve the public’s view of SMEs. It is further recommended that the European education system should reform in order to provide SMEs with the skills they need to thrive.