ABSTRACT. This contribution represents the initial step of a broader research project focused on the empirically based expansion of the "Golden Triangle of Sports." This model fundamentally describes the relationships between sports, media, and business, and their interdependencies concerning target group marketing (Bertling & Schierl, 2020). However, it remains rather superficial and excludes further services and benefit aspects. Therefore, the first step is to examine more closely the relationship between sports and business. The focus here is on the hospitality management of sports clubs (i.e., service provision) and the resulting networking opportunities (i.e., benefits) (Bruhn & Rohlmann, 2022) Based on interviews with the hospitality managers of sports clubs and a deductive evaluation model (Lutz & Wolff, 2022), ten corporate representatives from the sponsor circle of each club are surveyed to rank and compare the respective offerings (Schnell, Hill & Esser, 2023). The focus is on football clubs, as they represent the dominant, media-marketed sport in Central Europe. The target group from Austria includes the national team, three football clubs from the first league, three football clubs from the second league, and as a comparison group, one basketball, ice hockey, and American football club each, to incorporate the more US-American character of the event. The evaluation is then conducted by the sponsor representatives of these sports clubs, resulting in approximately 100 responses. The aim is not only to theoretically expand the relational structure within the "Golden Triangle" by including service provisions and benefit aspects but also to identify practical improvement possibilities and, last but not least, to contribute with greater transparency to the public discussion on political distribution aspects through sports policy (Stange, 2021).

ABSTRACT. The pervasive digitalisation of businesses and the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into business processes pose substantial risks to many professionals, calling into question the enduring relevance of their competencies and the sustainability of the organisations they are associated with. Although integrated reports that can be used to assess the profitability of the telco industry, little is known about the effectiveness of AI in the telco industry’s financial sustainability, especially when financial sustainability is not measured by financial ratios only. This study sought to ascertain the effectiveness of AI in automating the telecommunications (Telco) industry ecosystem, internal controls for proactive risk management, and the impact thereof on South African mobile operators’ profitability. Through a systematic literature review (SLR), this research critically examined the high risks impacting an organisation's financial sustainability and triangulated multiple data sources to assert an in-depth analysis on the impact of AI in the South African telco industry. While the existing literature affirms that AI is not a threat to the organisation's financial sustainability, the synthesised literature findings of this study signify other considerations. These involve poor corporate governance, ineffective risk management, geopolitical, and religious policies as major threats to the financial sustainability of most organisations. Since we live in a global village, governance frameworks, effective internal controls and policies, political influence, religious perspectives, and economic disputes pose challenges to the financial sustainability of businesses.

To evaluate the impact of AI on the organisation's financial sustainability, an SLR was conducted to synthesise over fifty (50) publications from Research Gate, Google Scholar and business reports to advance the extant literature on financial sustainability. This was achieved by introducing a pertinent framework for financial sustainability that integrates knowledge management (KM), stakeholder management (SM), and impression management (IM), suggesting that geopolitical dynamics should be part of SM factors when measuring the financial sustainability of the organisation. Practically, the study recommends that organisations cultivate innovation, accelerate the digitization of business processes, and embrace entrepreneurialism amid evolving technology to augment efficiencies and customer satisfaction. Future research is recommended to establish financial sustainability in different contexts in areas where AI integrates with quantum computing, advanced robotics, and BIG data analytics.

ABSTRACT. This paper investigates the evolving role of strategic communication as a fundamental enabler of knowledge transfer and innovation capacity building within European research and technology ecosystems. Moving beyond the traditional perception of communication as a mere dissemination tool, the study positions it as a core mechanism that actively shapes how knowledge is produced, translated, and adopted across complex, multi-stakeholder environments. The primary objective is to explore how communication strategies, when systematically integrated with capacity-building and innovation management practices, contribute to: The enhancement of stakeholder engagement across the Quadruple Helix (academia, industry, governance, and civil society). The facilitation of effective knowledge transfer between research and application domains. The strengthening of innovation uptake and ecosystem cohesion. The support of skill and competency development among researchers, students, and SMEs. The generation of both measurable and perceived socio-economic impact. The paper seeks to provide a holistic understanding of how communication-driven approaches can bridge the gap between technological advancement and real-world implementation, particularly within the context of European-funded research and innovation (R&I) initiatives.

ABSTRACT. This paper presents a literature review of Conversational Agents (CAs) and their evolving role in service interactions. CAs are AI-driven systems designed to simulate human-like communication through text, voice, and multimedia interfaces. They support customers with tasks ranging from answering queries to delivering personalised recommendations across multiple digital platforms. CAs can adopt diverse roles, such as experts, peers, or assistants, while leveraging natural language processing to enable flexible and intuitive interactions. Their ability to mimic conversational cues and detect emotional signals enhances user engagement and experience. The review synthesises existing knowledge, outlining key characteristics, interaction modalities, and service roles, and highlights their growing relevance in contemporary service environments

ABSTRACT. Higher education institutions (HEIs) are increasingly influenced by artificial intelligence (AI) tools, such as ChatGPT, particularly as students employ these technologies to support academic activities like information seeking, writing assistance, and problem-solving. As generative AI becomes more relied upon in higher education, it is important for HEIs to understand students’ attitudes towards such tools, as attitudes shape how AI technologies are evaluated and engaged with in academic contexts. This study examines the influence of performance expectancy, effort expectancy, and anthropomorphism on students’ attitudes towards ChatGPT, and how these attitudes impact the intention to use ChatGPT among Generation Z university students. A quantitative research design was adopted, with data collected through a self-administered questionnaire distributed to Generation Z students at a university. The data were analysed using partial least squares structural equation modelling to evaluate the measurement and structural models. The results indicate that performance expectancy and anthropomorphism have a significant and positive influence on attitude towards ChatGPT, suggesting that perceived usefulness and human-like interaction are central to favourable evaluations of generative AI tools. In contrast, effort expectancy has no significant effect on attitude. However, attitude exerts a strong and positive influence on intention to use ChatGPT. These findings contribute to research on AI in higher education by demonstrating the importance of attitudes and offering insights into how HEIs understand their students’ attitudes towards ChatGPT, leading to it being seen as a supportive and value-enhancing learning tool.

ABSTRACT. Previous research has examined the influence of user-generated content (UGC) on consumer attitudes and behaviours; however, comparatively limited attention has been paid to its role in promoting sustainable consumption within the fashion industry. This study addresses this gap by exploring how UGC shapes consumers’ awareness, evaluation, and adoption of sustainable fashion practices. Drawing on social influence theory and sustainability literature, the paper examines the mechanisms through which UGC affects ethical decision-making and perceptions of sustainability. The findings suggest that UGC can encourage sustainable consumption by enhancing information transparency, peer credibility, and consumer engagement. Nevertheless, the study highlights the need for further research, particularly to examine the long-term effects of UGC on sustained behavioural change and to explore how different forms of UGC influence sustainable consumption outcomes.

ABSTRACT. Advertising avoidance has become an increasingly critical challenge for advertisers in social media and other digital platforms. Users’ tendency to deliberately avoid advertising content is particularly prevalent among younger and heavy digital media users. In digital advertising, the increasing use of algorithm-driven personalization has transformed how users perceive media content and evaluate data privacy issues. In this context, focusing on social media advertising, this study examines the role of algorithmic media content awareness as a dimension of digital media literacy in shaping advertising avoidance. The study addresses this relationship within the framework of the privacy paradox, testing the mediating role of privacy concerns and the moderating role of privacy fatigue. The research adopts a quantitative approach and employs a cross-sectional survey design. Data were collected through an online questionnaire from 404 university students who are active social media users. Established scales were used to measure algorithmic media content awareness, privacy concerns, privacy fatigue, and advertising avoidance. The data were analyzed using SPSS, and the proposed model was tested with Hayes’ PROCESS macro. The findings indicate that privacy concerns mediate the effect of algorithmic media content awareness on advertising avoidance, and that this relationship is moderated by privacy fatigue. The results suggest that awareness of algorithmic processes does not directly translate into behavioral outcomes; rather, its effects are shaped through privacy-related cognitive and affective evaluations. By integrating digital media literacy, the privacy paradox, and advertising avoidance into a unified framework, this study provides a comprehensive understanding of how these relationships operate. In particular, identifying the role of privacy fatigue contributes to a relatively underexplored area in prior research. From a practical perspective, the findings highlight the importance of considering users’ privacy perceptions and how these translate into behavioral responses in social media advertising, offering implications for the development of more balanced and user-centered advertising strategies.

ABSTRACT. This study examines the impact of internal marketing on employee happiness, team cohesion, customer orientation, and individual performance within organizations operating in the construction solutions sector. Data were collected from 200 employees and analysed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM). The findings indicate that internal marketing positively influences employee happiness and team cohesion, which subsequently enhance customer orientation and individual performance. Customer orientation also positively affects individual performance. The study contributes to internal marketing literature by integrating these constructs into a single framework and provides practical implications for managers seeking to improve employee well-being and organizational effectiveness.

ABSTRACT. This research applies expectation confirmation theory to examine Generation Z’s (Gen Z’s) experiences with augmented reality shopping, addressing a critical gap in understanding how this generation forms and evaluates meaning from AR encounters. Despite AR’s rapid growth, research overlooks Gen Z’s unique technological socialisation and expectation-performance dynamics, particularly in African markets where the phenomenon remains unexplored. Through interpretive phenomenological analysis of 16 online interviews with South African Gen Z consumers, the study employed iterative interpretation to identify core patterns and synthesise a comprehensive narrative. Findings reveal that satisfaction emerges not from high performance alone, but from positive disconfirmation, when realistic execution exceeds socially shaped expectations. This triggers permanent standard elevation, transforming AR from a delightful feature into a baseline requirement. The research indicates that a positive AR experience can permanently elevate Gen Z’s expectations, while poor execution can lead to irreversible rejection. Thus, marketers must prioritise flawless technical execution and seamless purchase integration over aggressive promotion. This study addresses the underrepresentation of African markets in AR shopping literature, which predominantly focuses on Western developed markets or Chinese contexts, despite Africa’s rapid mobile penetration.

ABSTRACT. Online retailing continues to expand globally; however, in South Africa, many Generation Y consumers primarily use online retail stores for product information rather than for actual purchases. Drawing on Ducoffe’s Advertising Value Model, this study examines the influence of perceived enjoyment, credibility and informativeness on the perceived value of online retail stores as sources of product information among Generation Y consumers. A quantitative cross-sectional research design was employed. Data were collected from 300 Generation Y consumers using a structured self-administered questionnaire. The measurement instrument included validated scales for enjoyment, credibility, informativeness and value. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS and included descriptive statistics, reliability analysis and regression analysis. The findings indicate that Generation Y consumers generally perceive online retail stores as enjoyable, credible and informative sources of product information. Reliability results confirmed acceptable internal consistency for all constructs. Regression analysis revealed that informativeness and credibility have significant positive effects on perceived value, whereas enjoyment exerts a weaker yet positive influence. The study contributes to the application of Ducoffe’s model in an online retail context and highlights the importance of delivering credible and informative content to enhance perceived value. Practically, online retailers should prioritise accurate, trustworthy and useful product information to convert information-seeking behaviour into purchase intentions among Generation Y consumers.

ABSTRACT. Wrist-worn activity trackers (WATs) dominate a fitness-tracking market projected to exceed USD 290 billion by 2032, yet South African penetration sits near 10%. This study examines drivers of WAT adoption intentions among South African young adults (18–34), comparing how user experience and brand preference shape these drivers. Anchored in an extended Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) integrating social image, brand name, information availability, perceived cost, and perceived performance risk, the model was tested on 292 valid responses collected at three Parkrun events. Construct validity was confirmed via exploratory factor analysis, collinearity diagnostics, internal-consistency reliability, and Harman's single-factor test. Two umbrella hypotheses were tested through theory-justified split-sample multiple regressions stratified by user experience (users vs. non-users) and brand preference (Apple, Fitbit, Garmin, Polar, Samsung), with gender, age, and exercise frequency as controls. Non-users' intentions are driven primarily by perceived usefulness, where experienced users respond more strongly to information availability and perceived cost, and attitude was significant for both. Brand preference produced markedly different profiles, namely Apple loyalists by usefulness, Garmin by usefulness/brand-name/information, and Samsung by ease of use. Additionally, cost mattered for Fitbit, Garmin, and Samsung, but not for premium Apple and Polar. The study contributes a context-tailored extended-TAM application in an under-researched emerging market and an empirically grounded, brand-specific playbook for converting non-users and deepening loyalty.

ABSTRACT. The growth of social media has transformed how consumers share and interact with user-generated content, making it a powerful force in shaping brand image. Consumers continue to influence social media marketing by shaping their perceptions of brand image through reviews. Businesses should understand the impact of User-generated content on their brand image if they are seeking to remain competitive with consumers. The purpose of this study was to evaluate how user-generated content contributes to brand image, with specific attention to three elements of source credibility: trustworthiness, attractiveness, and competence. The study aims to investigate how each of these aspects impacts brand image and to provide practical tips for organisations seeking to effectively utilise UGC. The study has adopted a quantitative approach, guided by a positivist perspective. The data were collected via an online questionnaire distributed via Google Forms. The data has been collected from 100 respondents. A convenience sampling technique was employed, and the data were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics, including a reliability test and Pearson correlation analysis, as conducted in SPSS. The results we found were a positive and significant relationship between all three variables: trustworthiness, attractiveness, and expertise with brand image. Trustworthiness enhances brand image, while attractiveness increases consumer engagement. Expertise influences UGC because customers like to follow brands represented by people with knowledge and expectations of the product. The recommendations encourage companies to create and share user-generated content, engage transparency with consumers, form collaborations with content creators and always monitor both positive and negative content that can affect the brand image. By enhancing user-generated content, brands can foster trust and build strong consumer relationships in the marketplace.

ABSTRACT. This study explores how olfaction plays a powerful role in consumer behavior, particularly in food retail marketing. Scent can evoke strong emotional and cognitive responses, influencing purchasing decisions through visceral reactions and sensory imagery. Exposure to food aromas increases the likelihood of purchase by triggering an immediate desire to consume. Additionally, anticipation of taste and pleasure enhances the sensory experience, further driving consumer intent. However, existing research often overlooks the impact of odor intensity, which varies naturally in retail environments like bakeries and coffee shops. Differences in odor strength can lead to distinct perceptual and behavioral responses, influencing decision-making. Prolonged exposure to strong scents may also result in sensory adaptation, altering neural signals linked to digestion and consumption. The study aims to investigate how varying food scent intensities affect consumer behavior through controlled experiments, contributing to a deeper understanding of olfactory influence in food marketing.

ABSTRACT. Indigenous culinary practices include traditional food preparation methods and cultural activities that often encourage sustainable food production and consumption. In South Africa indigenous culinary practices are an important part of intangible cultural heritage, reflecting complex systems of knowledge, values, and social meaning, and identity. Despite their significance, these practices are under-documented and under-explored, particularly in the light of the country’s diverse cultural landscape and colonial history. Moreover, the preservation of indigenous culinary practices in South Africa is being threatened by a variety of other factors including loss of indigenous knowledge, cultural marginalisation, urbanisation, westernisation and global food systems, decline in indigenous agriculture and biodiversity, policy and institutional gaps, and health and nutrition perceptions, thus affecting cultural continuity and community resilience. This conceptual research explores indigenous culinary practices as intangible cultural heritage in South Africa using a desk-based review of theoretical and empirical literature, policy and legislative frameworks, and international heritage documentations. The rationale for this study arises from the understanding that while indigenous culinary practices are increasingly endangered, these practices remain important source of cultural identity, social cohesion, ecological knowledge, sustainable tourism development to name but a few. By synthesising secondary data, this research reveals conceptual gaps in South Africa’s culinary heritage documentation, preservation, and policy and legislative frameworks. The study emphasises the implications of acknowledging South Africa’s indigenous cuisine as intangible cultural heritage, thereby proposing conceptual guidelines for community-driven documentation, contextualised heritage frameworks, and interdisciplinary research that aim to safeguard indigenous culinary heritage. Finally, this study accentuates the urgency of systematically documenting indigenous culinary practices as a dynamic and living form of cultural heritage, ensuring cultural preservation, decolonisation of knowledge, and sustainable development within South Africa’s distinct culinary practices for future generations while broadening the global awareness of intangible cultural heritage.

ABSTRACT. Background Sustainable tourism has become increasingly central to destination competitiveness as travellers and policymakers recognise the environmental and socio-economic impacts of tourism activities. Despite rising global awareness of environmental issues, a persistent gap remains between travellers’ expressed environmental concern and their actual participation in eco-tourism. Understanding the factors that motivate travellers to translate concern into action is therefore critical for destinations seeking to position themselves as sustainable tourism leaders. Addressing this attitude–behaviour gap, this study applies and extends the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) to examine the determinants of non-eco-tourists’ intentions to visit eco-tourism destinations in South Africa. Methodology The study investigates how attitudes towards eco-tourism, subjective norms, perceived behavioural control, and eco-consciousness influence travellers’ intentions to engage in eco-tourism. Eco-consciousness is incorporated into the TPB framework to capture the role of general environmental concern in shaping sustainable travel decisions. Data were collected from 226 international travellers who had no prior eco-tourism experience. The proposed research model was analysed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM), allowing for the simultaneous assessment of measurement reliability, construct validity, and structural relationships among variables. In addition, Importance–Performance Map Analysis (IPMA) was employed to identify constructs with high strategic relevance but relatively low performance, offering actionable managerial insight. Results Findings reveal that subjective norms and perceived behavioural control are the strongest predictors of eco-tourism intention, followed by attitude towards eco-tourism. These results indicate that social influence and travellers’ perceived ability to engage in eco-tourism play a more decisive role in intention formation than personal evaluations alone. Contrary to expectations, eco-consciousness does not have a direct significant effect on eco-tourism intention. However, eco-consciousness significantly influences attitudes towards eco-tourism, suggesting that while environmental concern shapes positive evaluations of eco-tourism, it does not automatically lead to behavioural commitment. This provides empirical evidence of the enduring attitude–behaviour gap in sustainable travel contexts. IPMA results further demonstrate that subjective norms have high importance but comparatively lower performance, indicating that social influence is underutilised in current eco-tourism marketing strategies. Implications The study contributes to marketing and tourism literature in three key ways. First, it extends the TPB framework by empirically testing eco-consciousness in the context of eco-tourism adoption, confirming that general environmental concern does not directly predict sustainable travel intention. Second, it highlights the primacy of social norms and perceived behavioural control over attitudes and environmental values in shaping tourism behaviour. Third, the integration of IPMA offers strategic guidance by identifying priority areas for managerial intervention. From a practical perspective, destination marketers should design communication strategies that leverage peer influence, social endorsement, and user-generated content to normalise eco-tourism participation. Tourism operators should also strengthen perceived behavioural control by improving information accessibility, simplifying booking processes, offering affordable eco-tourism packages, and ensuring reliable destination infrastructure. Collectively, these efforts can bridge the gap between environmental concern and actual eco-tourism engagement.

ABSTRACT. Dark tourism sites are becoming increasingly prominent within global tourism, particularly in societies with histories of conflict, trauma, injustice and contested memories. In countries such as South Africa, sites including apartheid museums and historic battlefields are embedded within national frameworks of remembrance and function as spaces where reconciliation, identity and political meaning are negotiated. While earlier research has largely focused on visitor motivations and visitor experiences, less attention has been given to the governance, management and ethical obligations of the institutions responsible for these sites. This paper seeks to address this gap by examining the strategic challenges involved in managing dark tourism attractions located in politically sensitive and socially complex contexts. This study uses a secondary data research design based on a systematic and integrative review of existing sources. These include peer-reviewed journal articles, studies indexed on Google Scholar, heritage policy documents, institutional governance guidelines and international tourism and heritage reports. Furthermore, additional information will be collected from national heritage legislation, museum governance frameworks, archival records, tourism development strategies, global case studies on dark tourism and reputable media investigations and publications. By drawing on all these sources, the study can provide a comprehensive understanding of the governance challenges faced by sites associated with painful and contested histories. This includes places shaped by apartheid, colonialism and post conflict rebuilding. The analysis identifies five interrelated strategic challenges: (1) presenting and interpreting painful or sensitive histories in an ethical way; (2) negotiating with stakeholders while maintaining community trust and political accountability; (3) engaging visitors effectively and supporting meaningful learning; (4) commercial pressures and tourism market competitiveness; and (5) long term institutional sustainability in environments marked by unresolved historical tensions. These findings suggest that dark tourism sites need governance approaches that go beyond standard tourism management models. By drawing on ideas from critical heritage studies and strategic management, the paper moves the discussion away from a narrow focus on visitors and instead highlights the wider governance issues that shape how difficult and traumatic histories are presented and interpreted. The study offers practical insights for tourism authorities and heritage managers working in contested heritage settings, and it also points to directions for future empirical research.

ABSTRACT. The rapid digital transformation of urban tourism, combined with increasing sustainability pressures and evolving visitor expectations, has created the need for integrated smart tourism ecosystems that effectively balance technological innovation, environmental responsibility, cultural preservation, and stakeholder value creation. While numerous smart tourism initiatives have focused on technological deployment, fewer studies have systematically examined how user-centered requirements engineering, stakeholder co-creation processes, and performance evaluation frameworks can be combined into a unified methodological approach supporting sustainable urban tourism innovation. This paper addresses this gap by presenting an integrated framework developed within the GreCO (Green Cultural Oases) project, a European urban innovation initiative aiming to transform urban tourism through digital technologies, participatory design, and sustainability-driven performance monitoring.

ABSTRACT. From Local to Global: How to Scale a Business Across 30+ Countries

ABSTRACT. Repositioning Tourism in Greece and Beyond for the Future through Sports Tourism

ABSTRACT. From Compliance to Competitive Advantage: How Regulation Shapes Innovation, Trust, and Sustainable Growth

ABSTRACT. Active and inquiry-based learning, specifically project-based learning (PjBL), has been shown to play a very valuable role in advancing academic literacy among all types of learners. In a higher education setting, active and inquiry-based approaches have also been shown to improve both perceived and actual learning outcomes by involving students in collaborative, real-world tasks that increase engagement and relevance. These benefits are particularly important for traditional non-science and/or business majors, who could often lack intrinsic or genuine motivation for, or interest in, scientific content. Current research has shown that PjBL environments can help advance core competencies of scientific literacy, including data interpretation, evidence-based reasoning, and the application of scientific concepts to everyday contexts. With integrating AI tools into PjBL, it has been shown that inquiry-based learning activities can significantly enhance students’ learning experiences with AI-tools providing real-time feedback, personalized support, and opportunities for deeper inquiry. These AI-assisted activities can enable students to iterate more effectively on their projects through quick and specific feedback, which can consolidate their problem-solving and critical thinking skills. In this pilot study, as part of a core non-STEM scientific inquiry course, an AI-assisted Project-Based Learning activity was designed to examine how students benefit from this active-learning approach by implementing and conducting their own experiments on how indoor air quality could potentially affect student learning and academic performance. Students reported greater satisfaction in their learning outcomes and reported overall higher scores on scientific literacy assessments when compared to students who did not participate in the PjBL activities within the courses. AI tools also enhanced the students’ sense of autonomy and ownership by allowing them to explore complex, real-world problems with scaffolded assistance, aligning closely with the goals of PjBL. After completing the active-learning activities, students not only produced higher-quality project outcomes but also developed stronger metacognitive awareness and confidence in applying knowledge across several contexts. Additionally, on post-project reviews, most students reported a desire to conduct future research that will help them further evaluate their findings and expand the scope of their study.

ABSTRACT. The goal of any education system is to provide quality education to all students. Therefore, an inclusive education system must be promoted to ensure that no student falls behind. Globally, the demand and access to higher education for visually impaired students has increased. However, visually impaired students face difficulties with online learning, including incompatibility with digital materials for learning and delays in the delivery of physical materials such as computers, screen readers, and other assistive devices as major drawbacks. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of online teaching and learning on visually impaired students at a Higher Education Institution (HEI) in South Africa. The study adopted an exploratory qualitative field research design and focused on the lived experiences of visually impaired students at HEI University in Limpopo Province. Data were collected using a semi-structured interview protocol and one-on-one interviews as the primary data collection technique for this study. The results show that online teaching is effective and has some benefits; however, there is evidently a need to improve the way it is delivered and the engagement with students with disabilities so that the support the university has available to them is maximised and tailor made.

ABSTRACT. Inequities in South African school infrastructure have deep roots in the nation’s apartheid and colonial history (Mokgwethi et al., 2023). Despite numerous initiatives to address these disparities, significant challenges persist. Sustainable Development Goal 4 aspires to “ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all,” emphasizing the need for educational environments that are both safe and conducive to effective pedagogy (Andrade, Padilla, & Carrington, 2024). Research consistently demonstrates that well-developed school infrastructure positively influences academic achievement (Aloysius et al., 2025). However, adverse conditions, particularly those compromising safety, undermine teaching and learning processes (Mokgwathi et al., 2023). Studies further suggest that inadequate safety contributes to low educational outcomes (Katschnig & Hastedt, 2017; Musu et al., 2019; Mokgwathi et al., 2023). The safety and quality of physical infrastructure are thus critical, as “physical facilities play a pivotal role in the actualization of educational goals and objectives by satisfying the physical and emotional needs” of teachers and learners (Gatua, 2015; Mokgwathi et al., 2023). Meeting these needs requires the provision of secure structures and adequate sanitary facilities (Gatua, 2015). Beyond creating an enabling environment for learning, infrastructure shapes students’ development, relationships, and well-being (Manhood & Zafar, 2025). Despite its importance, Cuesta, Glewwe, and Krause (2016) identify a persistent research gap regarding the impact of infrastructure on learning time in developing contexts. Against this backdrop, the study aims to analyze perceptions of teachers on the impact of infrastructure on the performance of learners in Quintile 1 high schools, focusing on Ndengeza High School. Ndengeza High School is grappling with dilapidated infrastructure, thereby making the process of teaching and learning a daunting challenge. It is anticipated that the article will contribute to the body of knowledge by scientifically examining the impact of infrastructure on learner performance in Quintile 1 schools. It is anticipated that the findings will assist the school, policy-makers, stakeholders, and the government to see value and invest in infrastructure development to improve academic performance in Quintile 1 schools. Theory of change will be adopted as the theoretical foundations underpinning the study. Employing a qualitative approach, the study will utilize open-ended interview questions to gather data from ten purposively selected research participants. Thematic analysis technique with the aid of Atlas.ti software, will be employed to interpret the qualitative data. The findings of the study will inform conclusions and make key recommendations.

ABSTRACT. Portugal has shifted from a country of emigration to an important destination for international migrants, making immigrant labor market integration a relevant topic. This study examines the evolution of immigrant integration in Portugal between 2012 and 2023 using annual administrative employer–employee data from Quadros de Pessoal. The findings reveal a substantial expansion and diversification of the immigrant workforce, alongside improvements in educational attainment and participation in more specialized sectors. Immigrants remain more likely to experience precarious employment and occupational mismatch than Portuguese workers. The findings provide new insights into the changing patterns of immigrant labor market integration in Portugal over the last decade.

ABSTRACT. This research addresses the disconnect between corporate lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and intersex (LGBTQI+) marketing efforts and community experiences by centring lived perspectives to distinguish authentic engagement from performative allyship. Despite increasing brand visibility during pride celebrations, LGBTQI+ consumers question the authenticity of corporate commitments that appear temporally confined and commercially motivated. This study employed an interpretive and constructive analysis to examine perceptions of brand authenticity among South Africa’s LGBTQI+ community, conducted through 15 in-depth online interviews. Data analysis utilised inductive content analysis to identify emergent themes, with findings synthesised into an interpretive narrative. The research drew on the four-dimensional brand authenticity model of Carsana and Jolibert, which comprises integrity, credibility, symbolism, and continuity. Findings reveal that Pride Month marketing efforts are perceived as performative inclusion, rather than genuine commitment, with brands capitalising on LGBTQI+ consumer segments, whilst providing minimal year-round support or authentic community representation. This temporal engagement erodes brand meaningfulness and trust. The study offers novel insights into how LGBTQI+ consumers evaluate authenticity through indexical and iconic cues, extending our understanding beyond traditional communication frameworks to examine co-creation and meaning-making processes. These findings provide actionable frameworks for developing authentic brand-community relationships while advancing the theoretical understanding of marginalised consumer segments’ authenticity perceptions.

ABSTRACT. Electronic waste (e-waste) presents escalating environmental, health, and governance challenges, particularly in developing economies. Drawing on interdisciplinary literature, this study examines the effectiveness of e-waste awareness initiatives in relation to consumer purchasing behaviour and regulatory contexts, with a specific focus on Nigeria. Evidence indicates that information-based campaigns are insufficient in the absence of supportive regulatory frameworks, economic incentives, and institutional capacity. The analysis highlights the role of extended producer responsibility, economic instruments, and community-based engagement in strengthening public participation, while also acknowledging the dominance of informal recycling networks.. The study contributes context-sensitive insights to inform more coordinated, inclusive, and sustainable e-waste management strategies in Nigeria and comparable settings.

ABSTRACT. This study examines the post-effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector in Gauteng Province, South Africa. The aim of this research is to bridge the gap in existing literature regarding shopping habits related to FMCG, particularly in the post-pandemic context. A quantitative and descriptive research approach was employed, utilising convenience sampling to select 398 owners of small and medium-sized FMCG enterprises from a total population of 70,992. Data were collected through an online questionnaire and analysed using SPSS to gain insights into the pandemic's impact on this crucial sector of the South African economy. The data analysis revealed that COVID-19 negatively affected FMCG SMEs in Gauteng, particularly regarding consumer purchasing behaviour and sales revenue. This study highlights the lasting impacts of the pandemic on SMEs within the FMCG sector. It recommends that SMEs build resilient, pandemic-proof supply chains by incorporating online platforms, revising sourcing policies, engaging new vendors, simplifying product lines, and assessing supply chain robustness. Additionally, SMEs should integrate technology and online platforms into all operational processes to enhance adaptability to environmental uncertainties such as pandemics.

ABSTRACT. This study investigated the impact of digital marketing on consumer purchasing decisions within the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sector in Mthatha, South Africa. The research aimed to identify the most effective digital marketing channels, analyse key factors influencing consumer behaviour, and understand barriers to digital marketing adoption in a semi-urban context. A quantitative research design was employed using a descriptive survey method. The study targeted consumers aged 18 and above who regularly purchase FMCG products in Mthatha. A non-probability convenience sampling approach was adopted due to geographic constraints, resulting in a sample size of 100 respondents. Data was collected through structured questionnaires distributed both online and offline to ensure inclusivity. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS to examine relationships between digital marketing exposure and purchasing behaviour. The findings reveal that platforms such as Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube are the most influential in shaping consumer decisions, with promotions and user reviews identified as the most impactful content types. Influencer marketing also emerged as a key driver of trust and engagement. The study highlights infrastructural challenges, including limited internet access and high data costs, which hinder full adoption of digital marketing. Key recommendations include prioritizing social media platforms, leveraging influencer collaborations, and integrating promotional content and user reviews into marketing strategies. Furthermore, businesses should adopt hybrid marketing approaches and invest in digital literacy initiatives to enhance consumer engagement.

ABSTRACT. As wealth management undergoes digital transformation, firms struggle to engage young professionals aged 30-45 who exhibit fundamentally different expectations than traditional clients. Drawing on Commitment-Trust Theory and employing thematic analysis of interviews with 40 young professionals in South Africa, this study develops a comprehensive CRM framework tailored to this demographic. Eight key themes emerged: evolving value propositions emphasizing holistic financial guidance over product sales; trust as the foundational relationship element built through transparency and competence; preference for hybrid digital-human service models that balance efficiency with personalized advice; significant barriers to engagement including fee skepticism and wealth threshold misconceptions; personalization as the primary competitive differentiator; financial education as a critical relationship-building tool; specific communication frequency and quality expectations; and referral behaviour driven by demonstrated results. The findings reveal that effective CRM for young professionals requires moving beyond transaction-focused approaches toward relationship-centric strategies that acknowledge digital preferences while maintaining human touchpoints for complex decisions. This research contributes theoretically by extending Commitment-Trust Theory to digitally-native wealth management contexts and practically by providing actionable insights for firms seeking to attract and retain this strategically important demographic segment.

ABSTRACT. Augmented reality (AR) technologies are revolutionising online fashion retail, yet limited research examines Generation Z experiences in Global South contexts. This constructivist grounded theory study investigated how AR fashion retail technologies influence South African Gen Z purchase experiences through fifteen semi-structured interviews with participants actively engaging luxury sunglasses platform AR virtual try-on features. Hybrid thematic analysis integrated deductive codes from five theoretical frameworks with inductively derived themes. The study's primary contribution is a process-orientated constructivist grounded theory revealing four sequential phases: initial embodied encounter generating virtual presence; iterative trust construction through self-verified visual evidence; hedonic habituation enabling identity exploration; and expectation normalisation creating competitive imperatives. Findings demonstrate AR fundamentally reconceptualises South African Gen Z purchase experiences by replacing brand-mediated trust with consumer-generated certainty, transforming transactional shopping into experiential play, and shifting AR from competitive differentiator to market survival necessity. The study identifies how urban South African Gen Z demonstrate digital fluency comparable to global counterparts, transcending national technological constraints and establishing new baseline expectations for brand relevance in digitally-mediated fashion retail contexts.

ABSTRACT. As the world increasingly relies on intelligence-led policing, GCC law enforcement organizations face a unique challenge: integrating global data-sharing concepts with regional socio-legal mandates. This paper explores the strategic eco-system of GCC policing – a framework were cultural ethical principles such as Maslaha (public interest) and Shura (consultive governance) converge with emerging technology. Moving beyond Descriptive accounts of technology adoption, this study proposes a compliance-by-design structure as the mediator for the security- privacy paradox. GCC policing organizations can automate the balance between national sovereignty and international cooperation, by embedding regional legal constraints and ethical protocols directly into the technical aspects of data-sharing networks (i.e.- GCCPOL and INTERPOL). This paper provides a conceptual model that shifts the discourse from Western imported framework to customized local framework, offering critical insight for policy makers shaping the future of security in GCC.

ABSTRACT. Critical and strategic viewpoints centered on utilizing technology transfer, coordinating skill development with innovation demands (especially the Fourth Industrial Revolution, or 4IR), and creating a capable, moral, and progressive state are necessary to shape the future of universal organization and expertise in South Africa. In the 4IR, South Africa is at a crucial point. In order to increase productivity and generate new job prospects while controlling the displacement of traditional jobs, strategic planning places a strong emphasis on spearheading digital transformation, including robotics, AI, and the Internet of Things (IoT). In order to provide universal access, particularly in underserved areas, the Universal Service and Access Agency of South Africa (USAASA) are essential in developing digital. Addressing the mismatch between present abilities and the demand of a changing economy is a key tactic. This necessitates the creation of a strategic perspective of all participants in the National System of Innovation as well as a large investment in education, especially in vital disciplines like science and technology. Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges are bolstering workplace-based learning and artisan training. As stated in the Framework Document on South Africa's National Interest, international cooperation is also encouraged, with an emphasis on sending South African residents overseas to gain vital information and technologies. Accountability and Governance: One of the main goals of the National Development Plan (NDP) 2030 is to create a capable highlighting the need of accountability and openness for the effective operation of contemporary institutions. As a fundamental component of the National Development Plan (NDP) 2030 is the developing state. Even guarantee efficient service delivery, this entails professionalizing the public sector and enhancing coordination. This paper will adopt desk top method research to have an in-depth understand as well as to contribute immensely on the researched issue. Preliminary findings are that the National Development Plan (NDP) 2030, which speaks to the overarching plan to eliminate poverty and reduce inequality by 2030 through various interventions, including growing an inclusive economy and building capabilities. The National Digital and Future Skills Strategy lay forth a strategy to get South Africa's labour force ready for the opportunities and challenges brought about by the 4IR. The 2025–2030 National Skills Fund (NSF) Strategic Plan: a plan for effective skill development that promotes economic growth and is in line with national interests.

ABSTRACT. With the dawn of democracy, South Africa legalised casino gambling as part of a broader national strategy to stimulate economic growth, enhance tourism development, and create employment opportunities. As a condition of this legalization, the casino sector is required to allocate 1% of its net profits towards addressing socio-economic challenges within host communities and mitigating the negative impacts associated with gambling. Over the years, the sector has reportedly invested billions in various community development initiatives, often in partnership with other organisations. Central to the success and sustainability of empowerment initiatives is meaningful stakeholder involvement both internally, through key organisational role-players and staff members, and externally, through beneficiaries and community leaders. This study seeks to determine the extent to which relevant stakeholders are engaged in the planning and decision-making processes of the sector’s CSI initiatives, as well as how casinos maintain relationships with stakeholders across all levels. The study will employ a qualitative approach where managers involved in CSI portfolios within the different casino operators in South Africa will be interviewed, together with beneficiaries who have directly benefited from casino CSI initiatives since 2020. The findings will contribute to the limited body of literature on the South African casino industry, which has predominantly focused on problem gambling rather than community development and empowerment.

ABSTRACT. The rapid adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies is reshaping the hospitality operations worldwide, introducing innovations namely self-service kiosks, robotic assistance, and AI-enabled customer service systems. These technologies are increasingly positioned as strategic responses to labour shortages, the rising cost pressures, and demands for operational efficiency. However, the hospitality industry remains a fundamentally human-centered industry, where emotional labour, interpersonal interaction, and cultural responsiveness are critical to service quality and to meet and exceed every guest experience. This paper critically interrogates the strategic trade-offs between automation and the human touch in contemporary hospitality contexts. The study aims to explore Automation vs the Human Touch: Strategic Trade-offs in Service Quality, Employment, and Guest Experience in Hospitality. Its objectives are threefold: to examine how automation technologies influence service quality and guest experience; to investigate the implications of automation for employment and labour practices; and to propose hybrid service models that balance technological efficiency with human-centered hospitality. The Methodology that will be employed in this research will be a systematic review using Boolean search strategies, ensuring rigor, transparency, and replicability in synthesizing existing scholarship and industry evidence. This study is aligned with SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), this study contributes to global debates on responsible automation. Its major contribution will offer timely insights into how the hospitality industry can design balanced automation strategies that integrate technological innovation with human-centered service design. The implications extend to shaping the future of hospitality in an increasingly automated global economy, ensuring efficiency gains do not compromise the guest experience, cultural responsiveness, or decent work opportunities.

ABSTRACT. Ensuring food safety in hospital foodservice units is essential, as patients are particularly vulnerable to foodborne illnesses. This study explored the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of food handlers in public district hospitals in Tshwane. Using a quantitative approach, data were gathered through structured questionnaires and observation checklists from 159 foodservice staff, with a response rate of 56.79%. Descriptive statistics and ANOVA were used to analyze compliance with food safety standards. While most participants showed a basic understanding of hygiene, there were notable weaknesses in key areas such as preventing cross-contamination, managing food temperatures, and applying HACCP principles. Although 94.3% of respondents had heard of HACCP, proper implementation was often lacking due to limited training, resource constraints, and poor enforcement of policies. The findings highlight the urgent need for targeted food safety training, ongoing supervision, and stronger policy enforcement to help protect patients and improve food handling practices in hospital settings.

ABSTRACT. Agritourism is increasingly positioned as a transformative niche within the global tourism landscape, offering pathways for rural economic diversification, environmental stewardship and authentic, experience-driven travel. However, its sustained growth depends not only on supply-side innovation but also on understanding the behavioural mechanisms that drive tourist participation an area that remains underexplored, particularly in developing country contexts. This study addresses this gap by examining how agri-environmental literacy shapes behavioural intentions towards agritourism. Anchored in the premise that pro-environmental behaviour is driven by both cognitive and affective factors, the study conceptualises agri-environmental literacy as a multidimensional construct comprising environmental knowledge, attitudes, concern and sensitivity. A quantitative research design was adopted, with data collected from 526 potential agritourists in Gauteng, South Africa, using a structured questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential statistical techniques were applied to examine the relative influence of each dimension on behavioural intention. The results indicate that while environmental knowledge provides a necessary cognitive foundation, it is insufficient to drive behavioural intention on its own. Instead, affective dimensions, particularly environmental attitudes and concern, emerge as significantly stronger predictors of willingness to participate in agritourism. This underscores a shift in understanding agritourist decision-making, highlighting that values, emotions and personal responsibility are more decisive than knowledge alone in shaping sustainable tourism behaviour. This study makes both theoretical and practical contributions. Theoretically, it advances the limited demand-side scholarship in agritourism by foregrounding agri-environmental literacy as a key behavioural determinant within a developing country context. Practically, it challenges agritourism stakeholders to move beyond information-based strategies towards designing emotionally engaging, value-driven agritourism experiences that resonate with environmentally conscious consumers. By reframing agritourism through a behavioural lens, this research contributes to the broader sustainability discourse and provides a foundation for future research exploring more complex behavioural dynamics in niche tourism sectors.

ABSTRACT. The rapid growth of urban tourism creates new problems in relation to environmental pressures. The problem is not only the increasing number of tourists that may lead to the exhaustion of resources but also pollution, traffic congestion, biodiversity loss, and climate-related risks. Although tourism development is a powerful tool for urban regeneration and contributes positively to economy growth, it also raises serious concerns about environmental sustainability of the destinations. As a result, destination managers have been forced to find an effective approach to the measuring, monitoring, and management of environmental impacts of tourism activities. Nevertheless, today, there still exist significant gaps in environmental monitoring practices that consider the relationship between tourism activities, stakeholder behavior, and environmental system capabilities. To address these challenges, this study provides a thorough environmental sustainability assessment framework developed in the framework of GreCO (Green Cultural Oases) project that focuses exclusively on the environmental sustainability of urban tourism destinations.

ABSTRACT. This study examines how and under what conditions green procurement influences firms’ green innovation. While prior research largely assumes a linear and positive relationship between green procurement and innovation, this paper challenges that view by theorizing and empirically demonstrating a non-linear relationship. Drawing on organizational learning, knowledge search, and interorganizational knowledge transfer theories, we argue that green procurement initially enhances green innovation by facilitating learning from environmentally advanced suppliers, but that excessive reliance on such procurement generates diminishing and eventually negative returns. We further contend that this relationship is contingent on governance structures and supply network configurations. Specifically, we examine the moderating roles of state ownership, long-term institutional investor ownership, and supplier concentration. Using a large panel dataset of 15,248 firm-year observations of publicly listed Chinese manufacturing firms from 2009 to 2024, we find strong empirical support for our hypotheses. We discuss the practical and research implications of our findings.

ABSTRACT. University spin-out companies represent a vital mechanism for transforming academic research into commercial ventures that stimulate innovation, economic growth, and societal impact. Globally, spinouts have become integral to entrepreneurial universities, yet South African institutions continue to face persistent barriers, including financial constraints, bureaucratic inefficiencies, weak leadership within Technology Transfer Offices (TTOs), limited adoption of digital tools, and inadequate alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This study investigates the role of leadership and digital transformation in enhancing spin-out performance, employing a qualitative methodology based on semi-structured interviews with TTO professionals, academics, and industry experts. Findings reveal that transformational leadership and proactive digital adoption are pivotal enablers of spin-out success. Entrepreneurial leadership fosters innovation-driven cultures, strengthens industry linkages, and empowers researchers, while digital transformation streamlines commercialisation processes, enhances efficiency, and expands market access. Theoretically, the study extends academic entrepreneurship literature by integrating leadership styles, digital transformation, and sustainability imperatives into a unified framework for spin-out development. Practically, it offers actionable strategies for universities, policymakers, and industry partners, including establishing seed funds, streamlining bureaucratic processes, fostering entrepreneurial training, and leveraging artificial intelligence. The originality of this research lies in its South African perspective, highlighting how entrepreneurial leadership and digital adoption can unlock latent spin-out potential in resource-constrained contexts. By embedding entrepreneurship into leadership practices and aligning spinouts with SDGs, universities can advance national innovation goals while contributing to inclusive socio-economic development. Ultimately, the study demonstrates that leadership and technology are not peripheral but central to spin-out success. This positions South African universities as potential catalysts for sustainable innovation in emerging economies.

ABSTRACT. This paper examines how impact orientation shapes entrepreneurial performance by influencing how ventures design innovation, allocate resources, and balance social, environmental, and economic goals. Despite the rapid growth of impact-driven entrepreneurship, limited clarity remains on how impact orientation functions as a strategic organising logic rather than a purely ethical commitment. Drawing on social entrepreneurship, hybrid organising, and institutional perspectives, the study discusses impact orientation as a strategic driver shaping opportunity recognition, experimentation, and value capture. Rather than treating impact as an outcome, it is embedded within venture design, actively influencing decision-making and performance priorities. The analysis suggests that impact-orientated ventures can enhance stakeholder alignment and innovation adaptability when social and environmental goals are integrated into early-stage development. Examples such as mobile money platforms, microfinance institutions, and renewable energy ventures illustrate how impact-driven innovation can open new markets, strengthen legitimacy, and enable inclusive value creation. However, these benefits are context-dependent and not consistently realised. The paper also highlights persistent tensions within hybrid ventures operating across social and commercial domains. These include trade-offs between profitability and mission, risks of mission drift, and challenges in scaling across diverse institutional contexts. Evidence remains inconclusive due to reliance on short-term metrics and self-reported data, limiting insight into long-term performance outcomes. In summary, impact orientation is a double-edged construct that enhances innovation and legitimacy while introducing complexity in governance and measurement. Sustainable impact requires deliberate strategies to manage competing logics.

ABSTRACT. Inclusive entrepreneurship has gained increasing scholarly and policy attention as a pathway for advancing sustainable development and addressing structural inequalities in African economies; however, access to entrepreneurial opportunities remains uneven, particularly among marginalized groups such as smallholder farmers, women, and rural youth. This paper adopts a systematic literature review (SLR) approach, guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) framework, to examine the role of inclusive entrepreneurship in promoting sustainable development, with a specific focus on digital innovation within agricultural value chains. The review follows a structured process of identification, screening, eligibility assessment, and synthesis of relevant studies, based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria and a transparent search strategy. Drawing on peer-reviewed literature, policy reports, and development frameworks, the study explores the intersection between entrepreneurship, digital transformation, and sustainability. The findings suggest that digital technologies, including mobile platforms, digital marketplaces, and data-driven tools, can enhance productivity, improve market access, and strengthen resilience among small-scale entrepreneurs; however, structural constraints such as limited digital literacy, inadequate infrastructure, and unequal access to finance continue to hinder the inclusiveness and scalability of these innovations. The paper contributes to the literature by proposing a conceptual framework that explains how digital innovation can support inclusive entrepreneurship while advancing both economic and environmental sustainability in African economies.

ABSTRACT. Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) are fundamental drivers of China’s economic transformation and modernisation, underpinning sustained growth, job creation, technological advancement, and social inclusion. This study presents a comprehensive, up-to-date analysis of the multifaceted impact of MSMEs on China’s economy, drawing on recent academic scholarship, policy documents, and empirical reports published between 2018 and 2025. Employing a qualitative, thematic methodology, the research traces the evolution of China’s MSME sector, exploring its contributions to gross domestic product (GDP), employment, innovation, export dynamism, and regional equity. The analysis highlights persistent challenges, including restricted access to finance, regulatory burdens, talent shortages, and market volatility, while also showcasing the sector’s adaptability, especially in response to shocks such as the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic both exposed and intensified structural vulnerabilities, prompting the government to accelerate reforms in digitalisation, credit access, and entrepreneurship support. Multiple case studies illustrate how innovative policy instruments, digital transformation, and public-private partnerships have enabled resilience and recovery among MSMEs. The findings underscore the need for a robust enabling ecosystem, integrating regulatory streamlining, talent development, and targeted digital infrastructure to sustain MSME competitiveness. Policy recommendations advocate for holistic support agencies, innovative financing, regional development incentives, and enhanced entrepreneurship education. The manuscript concludes by identifying avenues for future research, including longitudinal and comparative studies, the integration of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles, and the role of informal MSMEs. The study’s insights are relevant not only for China but also for other emerging economies seeking to leverage MSMEs for sustainable, inclusive growth.

ABSTRACT. In 1945, after World War II, the victorious allied powers established a world order under the United Nations (UN) and its umbrella organizations that include the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the World Trade Organization (WTO), and The World Bank (WB). The system is an outcome of multilateral dialogues and conferences among the Big Three (United States, United Kingdom, and the Soviet Union). Now Russia has replaced the Soviet Union. So far, the global governance system under the United Nations has served the interests of the global community, recognized the sovereignty of nation-states, maintained the hegemonic balance of powers, and contributed favorably to global economic growth. Most nations have benefited from it, and the organization has consistently received favorable ratings in Pew Research polls.

ABSTRACT. Artificial Intelligence (AI) particularly following the release of OpenAI’s ChatGPT, has transformed multiple sectors, including higher education. It impacts business performance in sectors ranging from technology, healthcare, financial services, and retail, to the automotive (Machucho and Ortiz 2025). While innovation and service enhancement in various business sectors has been well documented, AI could negatively impact employment in several industries (Eloundou et al 2024) disrupting societal arrangements. In the educational arena, AI has emerged as a stellar performer, outperforming average humans in economics ( Geerling et al 2023), creative problem solving (Boussioux et al 2024), and writing tasks (Noy and Zhang 2023) on efficiency and quality parameters. While the performance of AI lags the performance of human experts in skilled tasks (Dell’Acqua et al 2025), it outperforms them on skills within its capabilities. And its capabilities are increasing at an exponential rate. Recent surveys by OpenAI and others reveal the extent of usage of AI tools by college students. Starting papers/projects, summarization of texts, brainstorming, exploration of topics, editing of writing, solving mathematical problems, exam preparation, academic research, tutoring are some of the ways students have used AI (OpenAI 2025). The survey by Tyton Partners (2025) shows that a significant proportion of students (42%) used AI on a daily or weekly basis. All this, while the faculty are concerned about academic cheating (McMurtrie 2025). The same articles identify the dilemma of academicians best captured in the words of a business professor: “Some colleagues are still going in and teaching the way they always did, and in actual fact, students are learning very differently in many ways.” This dilemma is reflected in the fragmented policy landscape across universities – ranging from outright bans to restricted use and active encouragement for use of AI tools for specific purposes (Bousquette 2024). Reid Hoffman, the co-founder of LinkedIn explored the diverse perspectives on AI in his recent book. He identified a range of attitudes held by individuals coming into contact with AI and categorized them into four distinct groups (Grindlinger 2025). Doomers view AI as an existential threat that might bring disastrous consequences. Gloomers are skeptical about the benefits offered by AI and call for regulatory control. Zoomers, on the other hand are against any controls and call for rapid adoption of AI with scant concern for the potential risks. Bloomers are cautiously optimistic about the effects of AI and believe that with proper risk management, it can positively impact humanity. To better understand these conflicting perspectives, this study adopts the attitudinal framework proposed by Hoffman. The present research examines whether these attitudinal categories are associated with differences in AI usage patterns and preferences across applications. As data are collected from both students and faculty members, the gaps separating these two stakeholders regarding their openness to AI can be examined. Questionnaire has been constructed and face validity has been established. At this time, data are being collected from students and faculty of a public university in the U.S. When data collection is complete, reliability of the measures will be assessed and hypotheses will be tested using ANOVA and other appropriate statistical procedures. The study is expected to contribute to the literature by evaluating the applicability of Hoffman’s framework in an academic context and by providing insights into how differing attitudes toward AI may influence its adoption, governance, and integration in higher education institutions.

ABSTRACT. This study examined how electronic commerce (e-commerce) can influence inventory management strategies of South African businesses targeting Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). E-commerce has gained strategic importance due to its potential for positive environmental impact. With the growing integration of online sales channels, SMEs find their traditional inventory management practices challenged by new demands and presented with new opportunities. By examining the adaptations and innovations in inventory management strategies adopted by SMEs engaged in e-commerce, this study aims to identify best practices and challenges in optimising inventory levels, minimising costs, and enhancing customer satisfaction in the online marketplace. This study investigated the influence of e-commerce adoption on SMEs' inventory management strategies. The article offers a comprehensive overview of inventory management in e-commerce, focusing on identifying challenges, opportunities, strategies, and solutions to help SMEs improve their inventory processes and succeed in a highly competitive market. The study employed a quantitative method on a sample of 401 SME owners and employees within the Sedibeng region in Gauteng Province. The survey instrument underwent thorough psychometric testing to ensure the integrity of the findings. To confirm that the scales accurately measured the intended variables, both content and construct validity were assessed through expert reviews and factor analysis. Cronbach’s alpha was used to verify the internal consistency of the constructs, with all coefficients exceeding the acceptable threshold of 0.70, demonstrating high reliability of the instrument. Hypotheses were tested using structural equation modelling based on the SMART partial least squares technique. The findings provided valuable insights for SMEs seeking to leverage e-commerce for growth while managing their inventory in a dynamic and interconnected business environment.

ABSTRACT. Taxi violence has a negative impact on the efforts by government to ensure a safe and secure road environment by 2030 which is in line with Sustainable Development Goals. The nature of this violence has changed from involving predominantly shoot-outs at taxi ranks to more targeted violence in the form of taxi ‘hits’, primarily motivated by competition over taxi routes or leadership battles within taxi associations. Lack of partnership between the taxi associations, law enforcement agencies and commuters contribute to taxi violence and more should be done in establishing partnerships. This study attempts to analyse the challenges contributing to taxi violence and provide possible solutions. This qualitative study adopted the empirical research design through observation, forming the foundation for knowledge based on experience and literature to support it. Key findings indicated that taxi associations are fighting for profitable routes and the e-hailing business exacerbate the situation as there’s no tolerance for e-hailing in the industry. The study further revealed that law enforcement agencies are not capacitated to counteract taxi violence. Additionally, there’s no accountability within the taxi industry which contribute to lawlessness. Based on the findings, the following recommendations were made. It is recommended that taxi associations should foster partnerships with law enforcement agencies and commuters in curbing taxi violence. Regulations and guidelines should be clear to taxi associations and e-hailing businesses to combat taxi violence.

ABSTRACT. The shift toward data-intensive discovery and large-scale computational analysis is redefining the foundations of competitive advantage in the digital era. Within this landscape, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become a central driver of strategic renewal, reshaping how firms createvalue, differentiate, and adapt to technological change. This paper examines how Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping the sources of competitive advantage by comparing the historical role of human capabilities with the emerging role of intelligent systems. Using a narrative literature review of recent strategic management studies, we synthesize insights from the Resource-Based View, Knowledge-Based View, and Dynamic Capabilities to explore when AI technologies can substitute for or complement human expertise. Our analysis finds that AI alone rarely confers sustainable advantage – instead, firms achieve lasting differentiation when AI is combined with unique data assets, deep organizational integration, ethical governance, and human-centered leadership. We identify conditions under which human–AI collaboration outperforms either humans or AI alone, highlighting that AI augments human decision-making in data-intensive tasks while humans provide contextual judgment and creativity. These findings update classical strategy theory for the AI era by demonstrating that dynamic, data-driven capabilities are now as critical as traditional human knowledge. Practically, the study implies that managers should develop hybrid human–AI teams, invest in continuous reskilling programs, and implement robust AI governance to mitigate bias and build trust. In sum, sustainable competitive advantage in the digital age arises not from AI in isolation, but from strategic complementarities between advanced AI systems and uniquely human insight.

ABSTRACT. As multinational enterprises (MNEs) increasingly operate through globally distributed digital platforms, organizations no longer fail (or succeed) at the center, but at the edge of the organization - where they encounter real-time, culturally embedded customer experience. Yet most firms continue to manage customer service as a downstream support function optimized for efficiency rather than insight. This paper develops a conceptual, theory-building framework that reconceptualizes customer service as an AI Edge Intelligence System: a socio-technical architecture through which organizations perceive, interpret, and learn from distributed experience at scale. Drawing on international business, socio-technical systems theory, leadership-as-sensemaking, and Epistemic Network Analysis, the paper theorizes four mechanisms that transform service into a strategic intelligence system: 1) root cause analytics as edge diagnosis, 2) AI-enabled interpretation as classification infrastructure, 3) closed-loop feedback as edge-to-core learning, and 4) weak-signal detection as anticipatory governance. Together, these mechanisms enable Learning Organization 2.0, where learning is continuous, distributed, and embedded within AI-mediated boundary systems. The paper makes three contributions: it reframes customer service as the primary site of organizational cognition, introduces AI Edge Intelligence Systems as a model of global learning, and advances a critical perspective showing that AI systems shape organizational perception - creating epistemic risk. These insights highlight that competitive advantage depends on the ability to interpret and govern distributed experience coherently across global contexts.

ABSTRACT. Digital initiatives have become a strategic priority, but little is known about the micro-level mechanisms through which digital initiatives affect work outcomes, especially in emerging markets. Using Dynamic Capabilities Theory and the Digital Maturity Model, the current research explores the structural links between digital organisational culture, digital transformation commitment and job satisfaction with digital competency as a moderator. This study adopted a quantitative, cross-sectional approach through a survey of 129 employees at a South African consumer goods firm. Structural equation modelling using Partial Least Squares (PLS) was used to test the hypotheses, using SmartPLS 3, with a two-stage analysis of measurement and structural models. The results of the structural model show that digital organisational culture has a significant positive influence on commitment to digital transformation and job satisfaction, revealing strong explanatory ability at the individual level. The bootstrapping findings also demonstrate that digital competency has a positive, non-significant moderating effect on the association between digital organisational culture and commitment to digital transformation. Also the direct effects of digital competency, digital organisational culture and commitment to digital transformation are positive but not significant, implying no significant interaction effects in the proposed model. The research adds to the digital transformation literature by offering empirical insights into how Dynamic Capabilities Theory can be expanded with a micro-foundational approach and how the moderating role of digital competency unfolds in digitally mature organisations. From a practical perspective, the study highlights that it may be more important to build a supportive digital organisational culture than individual digital competency to nurture commitment and satisfaction of employees in the midst of digital transformation. This suggests the vital role of culture-driven digital capability building for organisational success.

ABSTRACT. Over the years, the call and the debate on the importance of corporate sustainability disclosures have been growing for both private and public sector. The role played by state owned entities (SOEs) in promoting transparency as part good corporate governance practices is yet to receive attention compared to research geared towards privately-owned entities. This paper examines how selected mechanisms of board diversity, namely board activeness (BA), board size (BS), and nominations committees (NC), through the mediating roles of economic and environmental disclosure influence corporate sustainability responsibility (CSR) within South African SOEs. Using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM), 15-year data was analyzed to test a mediation model comprising three board diversity mechanisms, two mediating CSR dimensions and one outcome dimension. The ten hypothesized paths received empirical support. Through analysis of effect sizes, the BA, BS and NC significantly influence economic (R² = 0.40) and environmental disclosure (R² = 0.43), which in turn strongly predict corporate sustainability disclosure (R² = 0.25). Mediation analysis reveals moderate mediation for board activeness (VAF = 52.2%) and nominations committees (VAF = 47.7%), however full mediation for board size (VAF = 100%), indicating that larger boards influence social outcomes entirely through economic and environmental pathways. BS demonstrates the strongest effect on environmental disclosure (β = 0.244, p < 0.001), while economic disclosure exerts the strongest influence on social disclosure (β = 0.411, p < 0.001). The findings suggest that governance of sustainability disclosure in South African SOEs requires sequential capacity-building interventions. SOE policymakers should prioritize committees’ capacity development, optimize size of the board for environmental expertise, and recognize that social outcomes emerge through mediated pathways rather than direct advocacy of the board.

ABSTRACT. The acceleration of digital transformation is reshaping Human Resource Management (HRM) globally, with Artificial Intelligence (AI) and automation emerging as strategic enablers of organisational performance. In South Africa, however, staffing practices remain dominated by traditional, manual processes that often result in slow recruitment cycles, talent mismatches, and inconsistent decision-making. These persistent challenges highlight the need for technologically advanced, evidence-based solutions that strengthen organisational agility. This study develops an integrated AI-enabled e-HRM framework designed to enhance staffing efficiency and effectiveness within South African organisations. A mixed-method research approach is employed to provide a holistic understanding, combining qualitative insights from HR professionals with quantitative analysis of organisational performance metrics.

ABSTRACT. Research on female employees remains important as it fills the gap between theory and practice, providing organisations with insights into how to attract, retain, and advance talented women, while contributing to larger societal objectives, such as gender equality and sustainable development. Studies have demonstrated that employees with a good ‘fit’ in their organisations are likely to report higher levels of job satisfaction, achieve better performance and occupational well-being, as well as lower turnover than those without an organisational fit. Person-organisation fit can be defined as the individuals’ perceptions of congruence with organisations that influence attitudes, well-being, and behaviour. Congruence between the values of academics and universities strengthens the alignment towards essential strategic objectives, creating a foundation where value alignment and psychological ownership foster effective structures and processes in academic institutions. Through an interpretative phenomenological method, the study offers a distinctive perspective on the experiences of organisational fit among South African female academics in higher education. The study population comprised female academic employees aged 30-59 years at a university of technology in Gauteng, South Africa. Non-probability snowball sampling was employed in this study. In-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 female academics, allowing for a detailed exploration of their experiences and perspectives. This approach facilitated detailed conversation and allowed members to expound on their personal experiences. Data were analysed using MAXQDA, utilising a thematic analysis strategy, to identify patterns and emergent themes. The main themes relate to the individual’s overall organisational fit, organisational vision, mission and value alignment, organisational changes and organisational supportive initiatives. Results indicate that person-organisation fit is not portrayed as a simple, static state, but rather exists as a dynamic, multi-layered construct comprising departmental context, leadership stability, and everyday support. More detailed findings revealed that overall fit was widely experienced through positive relationships at departmental levels, whereby participants anchored themselves in supportive micro-communities. The individuals also remained committed despite recognised incongruence with the organisational vision, mission and values. Organisational change demonstrates how fluctuating leadership, shifting role expectations and uneven policy enactment disrupted fit for female academics. Organisational support was found to be relationally rich, but structurally thin. Together, these findings illuminate how female academics locate a sense of belonging, endure strain, and cultivate flourishing in their work environment. This suggests that management in higher education would benefit from recognising that person-organisation fit is not solely an individual responsibility, but also an institutional endeavour that should inform the design of future support systems.

ABSTRACT. Introduction and rationale. Growing global awareness of mental health has prompted organizations to implement workplace interventions such as workshops, campaigns, and counselling services, which have been linked to improved productivity, engagement, and reduced absenteeism and turnover (Dhanpat et al., 2025). As the concept of holistic well-being gains traction, it is increasingly recognised that employee wellness extends beyond mental health to include emotional and physical dimensions. Despite strong evidence linking physical activity to improved mental health outcomes, many organisations continue to underinvest in accessible, workplace-based physical wellness solutions (World Health Organization, 2024). This gap is particularly concerning given that employees spend a substantial portion of their time at work, limiting opportunities for regular exercise. While traditional initiatives exist, they are often infrequent and insufficient to drive sustained behavioural change, contributing to persistently high levels of physical inactivity and declining workplace well-being. Several sources emphasise that regular movement at work can improve mood, sleep, and overall quality of life, while reducing stress, anxiety, depression, and non-communicable diseases (Conn et al., 2009; Mahindru et al., 2023; Dhanpat et al., 2025). Whether companies are cognisant of the value proposition of regular movement at work, not many provide on-site facilities, have on-site facilities but poor organisational culture, where most offer activity-based outings only once per quarter or annually. Recent technological advancements, particularly in extended reality (XR), present a novel opportunity to address these challenges through immersive and gamified sports and fitness (S/F) experiences (Muller & Bonnema, 2025; Litesport, 2024). For context, the definition of XR S/F games and respective examples are presented in Figure 1, which include simulated cycling, virtual running, and sports played using virtual reality (VR) headsets. These XR platforms have the potential to enhance employees’ engagement, accessibility, and motivation. However, their implementation in workplace settings remains largely unexplored and lacks empirical validation.

ABSTRACT. Employee engagement has emerged as a critical determinant of organisational performance, innovation, employee well-being, and long-term sustainability in contemporary workplaces. In increasingly volatile, uncertain, and digitally evolving environments, leadership plays a central role in shaping employee attitudes, motivation, and commitment. This study examines the role of leadership in enhancing employee engagement through the integrated perspectives of Social Exchange Theory and the Job Demands-Resources (JD-R) theory. The study adopted a traditional literature review methodology grounded in an interpretivist research philosophy to critically analyse and synthesise contemporary scholarly literature on leadership and employee engagement. Findings from the review reveal that leadership enhances employee engagement through both relational and structural mechanisms. From a relational perspective, supportive, ethical, authentic, and inclusive leadership practices foster trust, psychological safety, reciprocity, and perceived organisational support, which encourage employees to invest themselves more meaningfully in their work roles. From a structural perspective, leadership enhances engagement by strengthening job resources such as autonomy, recognition, feedback, mentoring, and developmental opportunities while simultaneously managing excessive job demands. The study further establishes that contemporary workplace realities, including remote work arrangements, workforce diversity, digital transformation, and economic uncertainty, have amplified the strategic importance of adaptive and people-centred leadership. By integrating Social Exchange Theory and the JD-R framework, the study provides a more comprehensive conceptual understanding of how leadership influences employee engagement in modern organisations. The study contributes to both theory and practice by offering insights that may assist organisational leaders and human resource practitioners in developing leadership strategies capable of sustaining employee motivation, resilience, and organisational performance.

ABSTRACT. In many post-colonial African economies, poverty and socio-economic inequalities have endured despite attempts to eliminate it. Attainment of political independence, has not fully translated to economic independence and many economies or societies continue to be donor dependent and still lack viable independent existence. Monopolies still exist and certain societal segments still lack locally -driven and indigenous systems of economic activity. As a result, the political independence is being threatened as citizens revolt against their government to address their plights. Additionally, some governments still hold on to foreign economic links that have been associated with resource exploitation resulting in further public discontent. The purpose of this paper is to explore forms of corporate responsibility that translate to socio-economic emancipation of marginalised communities in post-colonial African societies. The specific research question is: How can corporate social responsibility be implemented as a strategy for socio-economic emancipation of marginalised communities in post-colonial African societies. The study will adopt a systematic literature review of relevant studies and make a thematic analysis that will lead to the formulation of a possible strategy for adoption in post-colonial African economies. The results of the study will be strategic recommendations for adoption to improve socio-economic independence and reduce economic marginalisation in post-colonial Africa.