ABSTRACT. Across Africa, a silent crisis drains vital resources from public coffers: corruption in the procurement systems of state-owned companies (SOCs). These entities, crucial for providing essential services like energy and infrastructure, are plagued by procurement practices that cost African economies an estimated USD 148 billion annually. In sub-Saharan Africa, losses from public procurement alone reach a staggering USD 400 billion per year. A focused look at the energy sector reveals the depth of the problem, with the major SOCs of South Africa (Eskom), Nigeria (NNPC), and Kenya (KenGen) collectively losing about USD 15.5 billion each year to corrupt deals. These are not just abstract figures; they represent missed opportunities for development, eroded public trust, and a severe reduction in the quality of services that reach citizens, hitting the most vulnerable the hardest. In the face of this challenge, this research explores two promising lines of defence: governance reforms and digital interventions. It seeks to understand how transparent, technology-driven procurement platforms, when combined with stronger oversight, can close the loopholes that allow corruption to thrive. The study also assesses the real-world impact of this corruption on communities and evaluates how well existing anti-corruption laws and institutions are working in practice. To build a clear and evidence-based picture, this paper draws on a systematic review of research published between 2016 and 2026. This study adopted the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) framework to ensure a transparent and replicable review process. A systematic search of electronic databases, including Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, was conducted to identify relevant literature published between 2016 and 2026. Keywords such as “procurement corruption,” “state-owned enterprises,” “governance reforms,” and “e-procurement in Africa” were used. This includes analysis of academic studies, government reports, and policy documents. The investigation zeroes in on the energy sector through detailed case studies of Eskom, NNPC, and KenGen, chosen for their economic importance and documented history of procurement challenges. This approach allows for a comparison of different national contexts and anti-corruption strategies. The findings uncover a critical disconnect. Many African nations have, on paper, developed strong anti-corruption policies and laws. However, a persistent "implementation gap" often renders them ineffective. This gap is driven by a lack of political will to enforce rules, weak oversight institutions, and deep-rooted systemic governance failures. Simply having good laws is not enough. The research, however, points to the recommendations. Digital tools, particularly e-procurement platforms, emerge as a potent weapon against corruption. Evidence shows that when these systems are properly implemented and backed by committed leadership, they significantly increase transparency and accountability. By moving procurement online, these platforms automate checks, allow for real-time monitoring, and create data trails that make it harder to manipulate tenders. This shifts the anti-corruption effort from a reactive model of punishing wrongdoing after it occurs to a proactive one of preventing it from happening in the first place. In conclusion, while technology offers a powerful tool, it is not a standalone fix. The most effective path forward requires a holistic strategy that integrates digital innovation with deeper structural reforms. Success depends on a sustained commitment from governments to not only create policies but to enforce them rigorously. This must be accompanied by investing in the capacity of regulatory bodies, promoting a culture of integrity within SOCs, and ensuring that procurement officials are selected based on merit and competence. Only through this combined approach—marrying smart technology with unwavering governance—can Africa's state-owned companies fulfil their potential as engines of equitable and sustainable growth.

ABSTRACT. The need for a more sustainable environment is becoming increasingly imperative on a global scale and this is reshaping management practices across various sectors, including cultural institutions. Organizations such as archaeological museums constitute important pillars not only of the society and culture of countries but, also, of their economies as part of their touristic product. Therefore, it is important for these institutions to adopt environmental policies as part of their management structure. The main objective of this preliminary study is to explore the extent to which archaeological museums adopt green policies and practices and to examine their potential impact on long-term performance. Given the sector’s contribution to economic activity and employment, understanding the variables that influence this kind of adoption in archaeological museums is a necessary step towards sustainability. This study aims to contribute to the literature on environmental management within the cultural sector, with a specific focus on archaeological museums. While existing research has examined environmental practices in industrial contexts, studies addressing cultural institutions remain limited. Examining how archaeological museums approach environmental responsibility provides a more targeted perspective on sustainability practices in this field. A survey was conducted using a questionnaire, addressed to employees of archaeological museums. The statistical analyses carried out helped to draw important conclusions regarding the degree of adoption of green practices in cultural institutions, as well as the ways in which this adoption enhances their performance. For the scientific validity of the conclusions, a variety of statistical analyses were performed, including correlation analysis, reliability analysis and binary logistic regression analysis. Furthermore, a literature review was carried out, in order to clarify the basic concepts and variables of the research and support its results. The findings of the survey revealed that the majority of employees in archaeological museums have high awareness of climate change implications, as well as awareness of the potential benefits in adopting green practices, especially in terms of marketing, establishing partnerships and funding. However, practical adoption of these practices remains limited and mainly focuses on low-cost measures, such as waste recycling. The awareness of employees, as well as the perceived benefits, are positively associated with adoption intentions. However, the results of the survey show that the main predictor of the practical adoption and implementation of green policies is the commitment from the administration of the organizations. The gap between the positive adoption intention and the adoption in practice indicates that the transition towards sustainability in the cultural sector depends mainly on the management structure and commitment of the organizations administrations.

ABSTRACT. Despite South Africa’s progressive post-apartheid policy framework aimed at promoting diamond beneficiation and transformation, the industry remains characterised by limited downstream value addition and weak inclusion of historically disadvantaged South Africans. This study explores how strategic alliances can be leveraged to advance and transform South Africa’s diamond beneficiation sector. Adopting an interpretivist paradigm, the research employed a qualitative methodology based on semi-structured interviews with twelve key industry stakeholders, including producers, beneficiators, and regulators. Thematic analysis revealed that fragmented governance, declining access to rough diamonds, limited financing, and high labour and operational costs have undermined beneficiation sustainability. Findings indicate that cost-based mass beneficiation is structurally unviable, necessitating a strategic shift toward alliance-driven coordination, selective high-value beneficiation, branding, and provenance-based market positioning. Participants emphasised that strategic alliances are not supplementary but foundational mechanisms for aligning state policy, industry capabilities, and financial support. The study concludes that without structured, collaborative alliance frameworks – potentially extending to regional integration within SADC – diamond beneficiation in South Africa will continue to decline. Strategic alliances thus offer a pragmatic pathway to revitalise beneficiation, deepen transformation, and reposition South Africa within global diamond value chains.

ABSTRACT. Orientation: Organisational citizenship behaviour (OCB) is crucial for maintaining teaching and learning quality, research productivity, and community engagement in South African universities. Perceptions of organisational justice are often considered key drivers of OCB, influencing employees’ willingness to engage in discretionary behaviours. Research purpose: This study aimed to examine the effects of organisational justice on OCB among academic employees in a South African university. Motivation for the study: While organisational justice has traditionally been viewed as an important predictor of OCB, little is known about its direct effect in South African higher education contexts under current institutional pressures. Research approach/design and method: A quantitative cross-sectional survey was conducted with 340 academic staff. Data were analysed using Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) in IBM SPSS Amos 28 to test direct relationships between organisational justice and OCB. Main findings: The results revealed that organisational justice did not significantly predict OCB, suggesting that perceptions of fairness alone may not directly drive discretionary behaviours among academic employees in this context. Practical/managerial implications: University management should note that initiatives focusing solely on fairness may not be sufficient to promote OCB. Alternative strategies, such as enhancing engagement, recognition, and support structures, may be required. Contribution/value-add: This study highlights the limited direct influence of organisational justice on OCB in a South African university, offering a foundation for further exploration of contextual or mediating factors that may shape discretionary employee behaviours.

ABSTRACT. Black women remain critically underrepresented in executive and top management positions in South Africa despite three decades of employment equity legislation, and organisations continue to bear a measurable performance cost for this gap. The aim of this paper is to explore the nuanced and often overlooked ways in which Black South African women executives navigate conflicting authority demands within both organisational and cultural contexts. It proposes a conceptual framework that illustrates this navigation process and highlights its implications for organizations. This inquiry is driven by both practical business considerations and schorlaly interest. While much research on women in leadership focuses on barriers to reaching executive positions, there is a significant gap in understanding the structural pressures that Black women executives face once they attain these roles. This is especially relevant in environments where cultural kinship obligations sometimes clash with corporate governance expectations. Existing studies have investigated similar dynamics in other patriarchal societies but have acknowledged that their conclusions may not universally apply across different cultural settings. South Africa presents a unique landscape, characterized by its complex interplay of cultural obligations, employment equity legislation, King IV governance, and a growing Black digital media environment. In this context, the paper employs a conceptual research design that integrates various theoretical frameworks, such as role conflict theory, identity work, boundary theory, field-specific capital theory, social cognitive theory, and postcolonial leadership scholarship to develop an original analytical framework. Importantly, this study does not gather primary data; instead, it lays the groundwork for future empirical research to validate the proposed framework.The paper makes four original contributions to management and communications scholarship. First, it extends power negotiation and identity frameworks to the South African cultural context, addressing a gap in existing literature. Second, it introduces the concept of authority domain conflict as a distinct organisational phenomenon with three specific conflict zones. Third, it positions high-reach digital media platforms as an undertheorised variable in organisational culture that actively reinforces the cultural scripts Black women executives must navigate. Fourth, it proposes actionable implications for human resource management, corporate governance, and organisational communications strategy.

ABSTRACT. The emergence of the “always on” consumer signals monumental shifts driven by hyperconnectivity in how individuals interact with the world, communicate, behave and make purchases. This study explores hyperconnected consumers' demographic and behavioural attributes within South Africa. Conducted in two parts, the study employed two large-scale surveys, which resulted in a total of 717 (combined) valid responses. The study employed descriptive statistics to identify large-scale trends within the sample used to develop the profile of the hyperconnected consumer. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis were conducted to identify behavioural variables of the hyperconnected consumer. The research identifies traits that are key to the hyperconnected consumer, including pervasive smartphone usage, multiple device dependence, high levels of online engagement and financial and commercial activities through online platforms. This study offers valuable insight for marketers and businesses who seek to engage with these hyperconnected consumers. It provides a nuanced understanding of the profile of these consumers, which is critical for businesses to tailor their products, services and communication for effective interactions.

ABSTRACT. Supply Chain Management (SCM) departments, specifically supply chain functions, account for the majority of expenditure in most organisations. Meanwhile, their role has been misunderstood, devalued, and underutilised, and their strategic relevance has not been recognised. As a result, the majority of South Africa's state-owned entities have inadequate supply chain procurement practices. The interpretivism paradigm was used in this study. The paradigm has, therefore, helped the researcher to explore supplier relationship management (SRM) within the selected SOE in South Africa. Interpretivism paradigm collect data from experienced potential participants, and this study collected data from supply chain officials employed in the supply chain section within the state-owned enterprise (SOE) in South Africa. Therefore, the research design utilised is an exploratory design, which explores concepts and ideas on a subject to find more theories about the SRM in the SOE. A qualitative research method was adopted, and semi-structured interviews were employed to gather data regarding current supplier relationship management practices within the supply chain function of a state-owned enterprise. 13 supply chain officials working in the supply chain environment in the State-Owned Enterprises (SOE) were interviewed until a saturation point was reached. The findings of this study indicate that there are poor procurement practices within the SOEs regardless of government initiatives established to address a lack of accountability, inconsistency in the application of procurement policies, a lack of supporting structures and fragmented supply chain processes. The detailed findings indicate that the procurement function is regarded as an administrative function within the SOEs, thereby placing less importance on SRM functions within the SOEs. The findings also show that there is poor contract management during the procurement process, thereby creating opportunities for high levels of corruption in the SOEs. The study found that there are processes that are not followed properly or are not performed at all. The SOEs undervalue their suppliers, which leads to poor SRM. SOEs' inadequate procurement practices/policies created additional obstacles in supplier relationship operations. As a result of the aforementioned challenges, this study offered techniques that might be employed to address the problems discovered within the supply chain operations in the only SOE selected in South Africa. Based on these findings, many recommendations were made to improve the effectiveness of the selected SOE's connections with its suppliers. This study proposes that the SOE establish clear communication channels and engage with suppliers regularly to discuss requirements, address issues, and identify areas for improvement. The other enterprises' SRM procedures need to be improved through positive initiatives like reducing corruption, and the suppliers should be recognised for the growth of SRM in the SCM.

ABSTRACT. Spaza shops in South Africa constitute an important component of an informal economy by providing essential goods and services to local communities. Despite their significance, limited empirical research has examined how these enterprises implement marketing strategies within resource-constrained rural environments. This paper examines the implementation of marketing strategies by Spaza shop businesses in the Ga-Mamabolo area of Limpopo Province, South Africa. Specifically, the objectives of this paper are, first, to identify the marketing strategy elements implemented by Spaza shops in Ga-Mamabolo and second to evaluate the effect of these marketing strategies on business performance. A qualitative research approach was adopted. A non-probability purposive sampling technique was used to select participants and based also on their ability to provide rich and relevant information. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 16 Spaza shop owner-managers. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and the NVIVO thematic analysis tool was used to analyse the collected data. The findings indicate that marketing implementation among Spaza shop owners is predominantly informal and experience based. Common practices include stocking essential goods aligned with community demand, applying cost-plus pricing, engaging in limited promotional activities (primarily posters and word-of-mouth), and fostering trust-based customer relationships. Business performance is largely assessed informally through repeat patronage and perceived customer satisfaction. While these approaches support operational sustainability, they limit strategic growth, innovation, and formal market expansion. The paper concludes that although Spaza shop owners demonstrate adaptability and strong community embeddedness, structural constraints such as limited managerial training, low digital adoption, and informal operational structures restrict the effectiveness of marketing strategy implementation. The paper recommends that targeted community-based business training, cooperative purchasing initiatives, and simplified business formalisation processes may need to be implemented.

ABSTRACT. Rising global energy demand and environmental degradation have intensified the need for sustainable consumption, particularly at the household level, where energy use is significant. Household appliances are among the largest contributors to residential energy consumption and carbon emissions, making the adoption of energy-efficient appliances critical for reducing energy poverty and achieving sustainability goals. This study examines the determinants of energy conservation behaviour and the adoption of energy-efficient appliances by integrating psychological, moral, and behavioural factors into a comprehensive framework. While previous research has largely relied on the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) to explain pro-environmental intentions, growing evidence suggests that additional constructs are critical for understanding the intention–behaviour relationship. Drawing on the TPB, this study investigates how perceived moral obligation influences attitude towards energy conservation and perceived behavioural control, and how these factors, together with subjective norms, shape energy conservation intention. The model further incorporates trust in environmental labels as a key determinant of both intention and actual behaviour, recognising the role of credible information in promoting the adoption of energy-efficient appliances. In addition, habitual energy-saving behaviour is examined as both a predictor of intention and a direct driver of energy conservation behaviour, addressing the gap between intention and action. The study aims to provide empirical evidence on the relative importance of cognitive, moral, trust-based, and habitual factors in influencing energy-related decisions. Using a quantitative research design, data were collected from a sample of 445 household consumers in South Africa and analysed using Structural Equation Modelling (SEM). The findings revealed that consumers' perceived moral obligation to conserve energy positively influenced their attitudes towards energy conservation and their perceived ability to engage in energy conservation behaviours. The findings also affirmed the TBP model structure, with attitude, subjective norms, and perceived behavioural control all positively influencing energy conservation intention. Trust in environmental labels was found to play a meaningful role, positively affecting both energy conservation intention and energy conservation behaviour. This confirms that consumers who perceive eco-labels as credible are more likely to adopt energy-efficient appliances and engage in energy-saving practices. The findings further reveal that habitual energy-saving behaviour contributes to both intention and actual behaviour, supporting the argument that repeated actions strengthen sustainable practices over time. Finally, the results revealed that energy conservation intention significantly predicts actual behaviour, although the effect size suggests that intention alone does not fully translate into action, reinforcing the importance of habit and trust in bridging the intention–behaviour gap. The findings are expected to contribute to the literature by offering an integrated behavioural model that better explains energy conservation behaviour and energy-efficient appliance use. In practice, the study provides policymakers, marketers, and energy stakeholders with insights on how to design more effective interventions, particularly by strengthening trust in environmental labels and promoting habit formation. Ultimately, the study supports efforts to enhance sustainable energy consumption and reduce environmental impact at the household level.

ABSTRACT. Greece is one of the European countries most reliant on tourism, with the sector contributing approximately 18% of GDP and supporting nearly 900,000 jobs. Despite this economic significance, Greece lacks a unified national framework for sustainable tourism development. While tourism objectives are often set at the national level, their implementation falls to municipalities, which must act with limited guidance, fragmented institutional support, and leadership tenures tied to five-year electoral cycles. This teaching case presents the experiences of 12 anonymized municipal leaders from 9 of Greece's 13 regions, drawn from semi-structured interviews conducted after the October 2023 municipal elections (Tsolis, 2024). The case centers on two questions that every Greek mayor with a tourism portfolio face: How should a municipal leader approach sustainable tourism development when there is no national playbook? Furthermore, how should the partnerships needed to execute a strategy be built when institutional pathways are informal and resource-dependent? Through five detailed leader profiles- the Inspirer, the Proximity Authority, the Vision Connector, the Strategist, and the Framework-Setter- the case illustrates how different conceptions of the mayoral role shape partnership formation. Seven layers of partnership are documented across the twelve interviews, from municipality-to-municipality cooperation to direct engagement with the United Nations World Tourism Organization. Six systemic barriers are identified, including bureaucratic constraints, dependence on personal networks, and disruption of the political cycle. Decision points invite readers to evaluate the trade-offs of each leadership and partnership approach without prescribing a single correct answer. A teaching note accompanies the case with theoretical connections to the triple-helix model and leadership theory, along with discussion questions for classroom use.

ABSTRACT. This study examines the influence of destination attributes on destination loyalty among Brazilian tourists visiting Portugal, considering the roles of trust in the destination and the quality of hedonic experience. Drawing on tourism marketing and consumer behavior literature, the study proposes and tests a conceptual model linking destination attributes, trust, hedonic experience and loyalty. A quantitative, descriptive and cross-sectional research design was adopted. Data were collected through an online questionnaire administered to Brazilian tourists who had previously traveled to Portugal for tourism purposes, resulting in 191 valid responses. The proposed model was tested using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) with SmartPLS 4.0. The findings indicate that destination attributes positively influence both trust in the destination and the quality of the hedonic experience. Trust also has a positive effect on hedonic experience and destination loyalty, while hedonic experience positively influences loyalty. However, destination attributes do not directly influence destination loyalty. These results suggest that Brazilian tourists’ loyalty toward Portugal is primarily shaped by trust-based relationships and emotionally meaningful experiences rather than by destination attributes alone. The study contributes to tourism marketing literature by highlighting the importance of integrating functional, emotional and relational dimensions in explaining destination loyalty, while offering practical implications for destination managers and tourism stakeholders seeking to strengthen Portugal’s attractiveness in the Brazilian market.

ABSTRACT. Managing M&A in the Experience Industry, specifically in the Hospitality Industry, is of critical importance due to the people nature of the business. With the next wave of globalization of businesses, Hospitality industry is looking forward for asset light sustainable business models. Disruption in these experience economy, is primarily due to technology & obsolescence resulting from size and scale. Several gains associated with pursuing agile strategy during uncertainties especially in the experience economy (specifically Tourism and Hospitality) that managed to survive through ages. People & process challenge are attributed due to the trade-off between systems and processes that arise through M&As. Perspective 1: The Merger of NordicStay Hotels and Riviera Hospitality Group In early 2023, the European hotel industry was redefining itself. Digital booking platforms, post-pandemic travel surges, and sustainability trends pushed hotel chains to rethink their scale, operations, and brand appeal. Within this shifting landscape, two mid-sized regional players, NordicStay Hotels (NSH) and Riviera Hospitality Group (RHG), began preliminary merger discussions. NordicStay Hotels, based in Copenhagen, Denmark, operated 180 properties across Scandinavia and Northern Germany. Known for minimalist design and eco-friendly architecture, NSH built a loyal base among eco-conscious business travelers and high-income families.Riviera Hospitality Group, headquartered in Nice, France, managed 150 properties along the Mediterranean coast, Spain, Portugal, and southern France. Its brand leaned toward experiential luxury—sun, cuisine, and personalized service catering to leisure travellers and high-end event tourism. The potential combination, initially valued at 1.8 billion euros, aimed to create a pan-European mid-to-upscale hotel powerhouse, combining NSH’s operational efficiency with RHG’s brand allure. Perspective 2: The Acquistion of GlobalHost Corp. Acquisition of VibeStay Hospitality.On September 1, 2025, GlobalHost Corp., a massive, efficiency-driven multinational hotel conglomerate, announced the definitive agreement to acquire VibeStay Hospitality, a trendy, high-growth lifestyle brand known for its "hyper-local" experiences and Millennial/Gen Z appeal. The deal, valued at $2.5 Billion, was heralded by Wall Street as a masterstroke of strategic alignment. However, six weeks into the pre-close planning phase, cracks are appearing. The integration team is deadlocked, key VibeStay talent is updating LinkedIn profiles, and the projected financial synergies are being questioned by internal auditors. The two perspective cases examines the Strategic, Financial, Organizational, and Cultural imperatives of the deal, the Haspeslagh & Jemison framework and the Lippit/Knoster model to save the merger from becoming a value-destroying failure. The participants learn the theory behind M&A and then compare and contrast with the real-life case of Marriott and Starwood to find similarities and dissimilarities from these two cases.

ABSTRACT. This systematic review investigates the epidemiological impacts and economic costs associated with the consumption of contaminated water following the January 2026 floods in Limpopo and Mpumalanga Provinces, South Africa. Severe flooding during this period caused widespread disruption to water supply and sanitation infrastructure, significantly heightening community exposure to unsafe and untreated water sources. The review was guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) framework to ensure methodological rigor, transparency, and reproducibility. Peer-reviewed journal articles, government publications, and authoritative institutional reports were systematically identified, screened, and synthesised according to predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. The primary objective was to assess post-flood waterborne disease outcomes, while a secondary objective examined the direct and indirect economic burdens attributable to contaminated water consumption. The rationale for the study stems from the increasing frequency and severity of climate-related flooding events in Southern Africa and the limited consolidated evidence linking flood-related water contamination to both health and economic consequences.Findings consistently indicate a marked increase in the incidence of diarrhoeal diseases, cholera, typhoid fever, and other enteric infections in the post-flood period. Vulnerable populations, including children, older adults, and displaced households, were disproportionately affected. Key drivers of disease transmission included compromised water treatment facilities, sewage overflows, damaged sanitation systems, and reliance on untreated surface water. Economically, the floods imposed substantial direct healthcare expenditures due to increased treatment demand, alongside indirect costs such as productivity losses, household income disruption, emergency water supply provision, and large-scale infrastructure rehabilitation. However, notable evidence gaps persist, particularly limited post-disaster disease surveillance data and insufficient cost-of-illness or long-term economic evaluations. Overall, this review underscores the urgent need for strengthened disaster preparedness strategies, climate-resilient water and sanitation infrastructure, and integrated health-economic assessment frameworks. These measures are essential to inform public health policy, guide infrastructure investment, and support sustainable development planning in flood-prone regions.

ABSTRACT. This study investigates the impact of renewable and non-renewable energy consumption on climate change mitigation using advanced machine learning techniques, specifically the Quantile-on-Quantile Kernel-based Regularized Least Squares (KRLS) approach. In the context of escalating global climate concerns, particularly following international frameworks such as the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. The understanding of the heterogeneous effects of different energy sources on carbon emissions has become increasingly important. The study employs KRLS to capture the nonlinear relationships between energy consumption patterns and environmental outcomes. Additionally, the Quantile-on-Quantile KRLS framework enables a nuanced analysis of how various quantiles of renewable and non-renewable energy consumption affect different quantiles of environmental degradation. This combined methodological approach provides deeper insights into asymmetric and distributional dynamics that are often overlooked by conventional econometric models. The empirical results indicate that renewable energy significantly reduces carbon emissions, especially at higher emission quantiles, while non-renewable energy consistently contributes to environmental degradation across most quantiles. These findings directly support global sustainability priorities, particularly Sustainable Development Goal 7, which emphasizes access to clean and sustainable energy, and Sustainable Development Goal 13, which focuses on urgent measures to combat climate change and its impacts. Overall, this study makes both methodological and empirical contributions to the climate-energy literature by integrating machine learning techniques with advanced quantile-based estimation methods, while reinforcing the policy relevance of advancing progress toward global sustainability goals.

ABSTRACT. This chapter examines the role of circular economy in the transformation of tourism, arguing that its greatest value lies not in isolated efficiency gains, but in its capacity to support a shift from linear growth-oriented models toward regenerative destination systems. The discussion begins by revisiting the evolution from sustainable tourism to circular and regenerative approaches, highlighting both conceptual continuities and important differences. While sustainable tourism has provided the normative basis for reducing tourism’s negative impacts, circular economy introduces a more systemic logic focused on resource loops, value retention, adaptive reuse, and the redesign of destination processes. At the same time, regenerative tourism expands the horizon further by emphasizing ecological renewal, community well-being, cultural continuity, and long-term place vitality. Building on a critical and integrative review of the literature, this paper shows that circular economy has considerable potential in tourism across hospitality operations, supply chains, visitor behaviour, heritage reuse, and destination governance. However, it also argues that this potential remains only partially recognised. Circularity is still frequently interpreted in narrow managerial terms, confined to waste reduction, recycling, or isolated business-level practices, while broader destination-scale transformation remains underdeveloped. To address this gap, the chapter proposes a conceptual framework for regenerative destination systems structured around four interdependent dimensions: resource circularity, community and stakeholder integration, place-based governance, and regenerative outcomes. This framework positions tourism transformation as both a material and a relational transition, involving not only the reorganization of resource flows, but also the redistribution of value, agency, and responsibility across destinations. The chapter concludes that circular economy can make a meaningful contribution to tourism transformation only when it is connected to broader regenerative ambitions. In this sense, the transition beyond linear growth models depends on the capacity of destinations to align circular resource strategies with community participation, governance coordination, and geographical development goals. The chapter therefore contributes to current debates by framing circular economy as a pathway towards a more resilient, inclusive, and regenerative tourism.

ABSTRACT. The South African automotive industry is distinguished by the significance of its products and the variety of its inventory. There are essential strategic considerations that guarantee a quick time to market. Efficiently managing this crucial resource is essential to guarantee the strong competitiveness of automotive manufacturers. Capacity planning in the automotive sector involves calculating the most efficient production capacity needed to fulfil market demand effectively. Inventory management in the automotive industry involves overseeing the movement of raw materials, components and completed products across the supply chain. This study examines the significance of capacity planning and inventory management in improving operational efficiency and performance in the automotive industry. The study followed a quantitative approach with 215 employees in a car manufacturing company in Johannesburg, South Africa. Through a structural equation modelling (SEM) analysis, the results indicated a strong, positive, and statistically significant relationship (β = 0.830, p < 0.001) between Capacity Planning Practices (CPP) and Inventory Management Practices (IMP), suggesting that effective capacity planning directly enhances inventory management by optimising stock levels, reducing shortages or surpluses, and improving overall supply chain efficiency.

ABSTRACT. The relationship between economic globalisation and the informal sector remains a critical yet underexplored area of inquiry, particularly within the South African context. Characterised by a relatively small yet economically significant informal sector operating within a highly globalised emerging market economy that underwent substantial structural transformation following the dismantling of apartheid-era sanctions in the early 1990s. This study investigates the impact of economic globalisation, disaggregated into trade globalisation and financial globalisation, on two distinct measures of informal sector activity: informal sector output and informal sector employment. Employing annual time-series data spanning from 1980 to 2023, the study draws on the KOF Globalisation Index sub-components, alongside data sourced from the World Bank, the South African Reserve Bank and the ILO. The methodological framework comprises the use of Zivot-Andrews unit root test, alongside conventional unit root procedures. The long-run relationships between economic globalisation and informal sector activity are estimated using three complementary cointegrating regression techniques: Fully Modified Ordinary Least Squares (FMOLS), Dynamic Ordinary Least Squares (DOLS), and Canonical Cointegrating Regression (CCR). The convergence of results across these estimators provides robust evidence of the long-run dynamics at play. The empirical findings reveal a nuanced and heterogeneous relationship between economic globalisation and South Africa's informal sector. Trade globalisation is found to exert a statistically significant positive effect on informal sector output, consistent with the view that increased trade openness creates entrepreneurial opportunities and market access for informal enterprises. However, trade globalisation is also associated with a contraction in informal employment, suggesting that import competition displaces workers from informal survivalist activities into unemployment or inactivity rather than into formal employment. Financial globalisation, by contrast only seems to effect informal output. Results show that capital inflows stimulate formal sector growth with modest spillovers to informal activity. These findings underscore the importance of disaggregating both globalisation and informality measures to capture differential sectoral responses. The study contributes to the sparse empirical literature on globalisation-informality dynamics in sub-Saharan Africa and offers actionable policy implications for South Africa. Specifically, it calls for targeted policy interventions that harness the market-access benefits of trade integration for informal enterprises while establishing social protection mechanisms to cushion informal workers against competitive displacement. Furthermore, macroprudential policies that moderate financial volatility is recommended to safeguard the stability of the informal sector. The findings position this study as a valuable reference for policymakers, researchers, and development practitioners seeking to promote inclusive and sustainable growth in an era of deepening global economic integration.

ABSTRACT. The global shift toward low-carbon and renewable energy systems is transforming national energy mixes and reshaping international production structures, trade patterns, and development trajectories. This study examines how the energy transition affects country-level economic performance, with a particular focus on how these effects are conditioned by the position of the countries within the Global Value Chains. The central argument is that the costs and benefits of the energy transition are unevenly distributed because countries differ in their structural capacity to participate in the emerging green industrial economy. The paper distinguishes between two interconnected dimensions of the energy transition. First, the energy system transition refers to the shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy in domestic consumption and production processes, which affects energy costs, industrial competitiveness, and macroeconomic performance. Second, the green industrial transition refers to the global reconfiguration of production networks around renewable energy technologies, including solar panels, wind turbines, batteries, and related components. It is this second dimension that is most directly shaped by global value chain positioning. The core hypothesis is that a country’s position within global value chains determines its ability to benefit from the energy transition. Countries located upstream in value chains are resource exporters, supplying raw materials such as lithium, copper, cobalt, and rare earth minerals. These may experience increased demand due to the expansion of green technologies but remain vulnerable to commodity dependence and limited value capture. Midstream economies are often engaged in manufacturing and assembly activities. They face both opportunities and risks as production of renewable technologies expands but becomes increasingly competitive and technologically demanding. Downstream economies, concentrate in high-value activities such as design, research and development, and branding, are expected to capture the largest share of value added from the green transition due to their control over technology and intellectual property. To empirically test these relationships, the study employs a country-level panel dataset covering the period 2001-2024 drawing on international databases such as the World Development Indicators, and energy statistics. The dependent variables include macroeconomic outcomes such as GDP growth, export competitiveness, and trade integration. The key explanatory variables include measures of renewable energy adoption (proxied by the share of renewables in total final energy consumption), carbon intensity, and indicators of green industrial demand. The main moderating variable is a constructed Global Value Chain (GVC) position index derived from value added trade data, capturing whether countries are positioned upstream or downstream in global production networks. The empirical strategy uses fixed effects panel regression models to control for unobserved country heterogeneity, along with interaction terms between energy transition variables and GVC position indicators. This allows the study to assess whether the impact of the energy transition systematically differs across countries with different structural positions in global production networks. Additional control variables include human capital, trade openness, industrial structure, institutional quality, and foreign direct investment inflows. The expected contribution of this paper is threefold. First, it provides empirical evidence on how the energy transition affects macroeconomic performance at the country level. Second, it advances the literature by integrating energy transition dynamics with global value chain theory, highlighting the structural inequalities embedded in the global green transformation. Third, it offers policy relevant insights by showing that countries’ ability to benefit from the energy transition depends not only on domestic energy policies but also on their position within global production networks. The study argues that the energy transition is not a uniform global process but a structurally uneven transformation that reinforces or reshapes existing hierarchies in global value chains, with significant implications for development and industrial policy

ABSTRACT. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of digital technology adoption (DTA) on financial performance, focusing on South African financial institutions, including banks and insurance companies. The study employed a panel generalised method of moments (GMM) model with data spanning from 2007 to 2024. A sample of 20 South African financial institutions was analysed, which included both listed and unlisted banks and insurance companies on the Johannesburg Securities Exchange (JSE). The results show a significant and positive relationship between DTA and return on assets (ROA). Furthermore, a significant and positive correlation between DTA and return on assets (ROE), as well as between DTA and the efficiency ratio. However, a negative and significant association was identified between DTA and the capital adequacy ratio (CAR). A small cohort of financial institutions was excluded from the sample because they had more than one missing annual integrated report needed for data collection. These findings are expected to encourage developing countries to pay special attention to how financial institutions manage and implement DTA to improve financial performance. Furthermore, we consider this paper valuable because it contributes to the literature on the interrelatedness between DTA and financial performance, particularly for listed and unlisted financial institutions, and is useful to academics, market regulators, central banks, and boards of directors to inform regulations and policies.

ABSTRACT. Strategy implementation has attracted the interest of many researchers for the past few years. Researchers believe that strategy implementation is the most difficult part of the strategy management process. Various factors can influence the effective implementation of the strategy. The aim of this study is to examine the factors that influenced the effective implementation of strategy within a retail bank in the Durban region. The study took a qualitative approach to explore these factors, focusing on branches in the Durban and Pinetown areas, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. This was a cross-sectional study conducted among nine Branch Managers working at the retail bank. A semi-structured interview was used as an instrument to collect data, and a recorder was used to ensure that all data was collected. The research focused on branch managers from a selected bank in South Africa, as they are responsible for ensuring that the bank’s strategic objectives are effectively achieved. The findings revealed that senior management did not clearly communicate what needed to be achieved, leading to different interpretations. However, the main challenge participants face is meeting those expectations. Some of the main impediments identified include poor communication, low staff morale, and a lack of senior management involvement during strategy implementation, whereas getting buy-in from branch managers, committed teams, and strong leadership lead to effective strategy implementation. Recommendations were put forward based on the results to assist senior management in financial institutions in understanding the challenges that middle and lower management face, as these challenges hinder regional/branch performance. This study can also assist top management in companies across industries in identifying factors to consider during strategy formulation to promote effective strategy implementation.

ABSTRACT. Entrepreneurship education has become a vital mechanism for socio-economic empowerment, particularly in marginalised contexts where opportunities are constrained. The Student Training for Entrepreneurial Promotion (STEP) programme at North-West University (NWU) aims to cultivate entrepreneurial competencies through experiential learning and structured support. This study investigates the challenges encountered by STEP participants, employing a qualitative research design grounded in semi-structured interviews and thematic analysis. The inquiry focuses on students' lived experiences across three dimensions—business dynamics, entrepreneurial education, and entrepreneurial identity—providing nuanced insights into the interplay between systemic and personal barriers. Findings reveal persistent obstacles, including limited financial resources, uncertainty in recognising opportunities, and the difficulty of balancing academic responsibilities with entrepreneurial pursuits. Emotional and familial dynamics further shaped confidence levels and identity formation, while students expressed a strong need for context-sensitive training, mentorship, and peer support. The study contributes to theory by extending understandings of entrepreneurial identity development within marginalised settings and by situating student experiences within broader institutional and societal frameworks. Practically, it underscores the importance of integrating soft skills, adaptive pedagogy, and community engagement into entrepreneurship curricula, alongside institutional mechanisms that support students in managing dual academic and entrepreneurial roles. The originality of this research lies in its focus on the intersection of structural barriers and identity-related challenges, offering fresh perspectives on how experiential programmes like STEP can be refined for greater impact. Ultimately, the study affirms that while STEP fosters entrepreneurial intent, addressing these layered challenges is essential for sustainable student-led business development.

ABSTRACT. In South Africa, women entrepreneurs occupy a paradoxical position: they are economically active in significant numbers yet remain systematically underserved by formal entrepreneurship education structures. Although short learning programmes (SLPs) offer a potentially powerful response to this gap, they are largely under-theorised and under-reported in the scholarly literature. This paper examines the evolution, pedagogical design, and systemic impact of the North-West University’s (NWU) SLP for Business Start-ups, with a particular focus on the Enterprising Women Programme (EWP), from its inception in 2013 to its current digital, stackable micro-credentials modality. Drawing on a reflective case study design, the paper triangulates evidence across programme records and facilitator reflections, an independent Master of Business Administration (MBA) evaluation, a doctoral study producing a framework for entrepreneurship education and an institutional case document. Effective SLPs for female entrepreneurs, as evidenced by the paper, must be participant-centred, architecturally adaptable and institutionally commitment to iterative development. A proof of concept for inclusive, gender-responsive entrepreneurship education in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals is provided by the EWP's outcomes, which include over 650 beneficiaries, a 60% business formation rate among programme alumni compared to a national small, micro, and medium enterprises (SMME) survival benchmark of 25%, and documented identity-level personal transformation. The paper enhances theoretical discourse by presenting a comprehensive framework that amalgamates transformative learning theory, andragogical principles, communities of practice, effectuation theory, and the capability approach, with the construct of entrepreneurial identity formation serving as the pivotal integrative element. Additionally, it informs practical applications by delineating three design principles for SLPs aimed at supporting marginalised women, while advancing the proposition that stackable micro-credentials constitute a substantial instrument for promoting equity in entrepreneurship education within the Global South.

ABSTRACT. Women-owned businesses are widely recognized as critical drivers of inclusive economic growth, employment creation, and poverty alleviation, particularly in developing economies. In South Africa, Limpopo Province, is divided into five district municipalities which are characterized by high unemployment and rural economic structures. This presents a unique geographical setting where women entrepreneurship is both a necessity and an opportunity. However, their business growth remains uneven and often limited by structural, socio-cultural, and institutional barriers. Previous researches focused on challenges encountered by small and medium enterprises (SMES) hence, there is limited systematic synthesis focusing specifically on women-owned enterprises in Limpopo province. This research paper addresses this gap by systematically reviewing the key determinants that either enable or hinder the sustainability of women-owned businesses in the province of Limpopo. The research problem addressed in this study is the lack of consolidated, context-specific knowledge on the key determinants affecting the growth trajectories of women-owned enterprises in Limpopo Province. The research problem to be addressed by this study lies in the lack of consolidated, context-specific understanding of growth factors affecting women entrepreneurs, resulting in ineffective and poorly targeted policy interventions. The purpose of this study is to identify, analyse, and synthesize key growth determinants influencing business growth through a systematic review of existing literature. A systematic review methodology will be used, guided by Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) principles. Peer-reviewed journal articles, policy reports, and empirical studies published between 2010 and 2025 will be used from Google Scholar, Scopus, and Web of Science. The inclusion and exclusion criteria will be used to ensure quality and relevance. The researcher will adopt thematic analysis to identify recurring key growth factors which will be grouped into main domains for the growth of women-owned enterprises. This study contributes to theory by integrating fragmented evidence into a unified framework. The findings are expected to inform targeted policy interventions, enhance support mechanisms, and contribute to the broader discourse on gender-inclusive economic development in South Africa.

ABSTRACT. Entrepreneurship education has become a vital mechanism for equipping emerging business owners with the skills and confidence needed to navigate complex socio-economic environments. This study explores the forms of educational support available to entrepreneurs affiliated with Higher Education Institution (HEI), focusing on how such support influences their business development and resilience. Using a qualitative research design, semi-structured interviews were conducted with emerging business owners to capture lived experiences and perceptions of institutional and community-based support. Findings reveal that participants benefit from structured educational programmes, mentorship initiatives, and peer collaboration, which collectively foster innovation and entrepreneurial identity. However, challenges persist, including limited access to financial resources, fragmented institutional coordination, and difficulties in balancing academic responsibilities with entrepreneurial pursuits. Emotional and familial dynamics also emerged as significant factors, shaping confidence levels and influencing business decision-making. The study highlights the importance of integrating community engagement, empowerment, and adaptive pedagogical approaches into entrepreneurship education. By situating the experiences of emerging business owners within broader institutional and societal frameworks, the research underscores the need for context-sensitive support systems that extend beyond technical training to include mentorship, soft skills, and collaborative networks. Ultimately, the study affirms that while HEI’s provides foundational educational support, addressing structural and identity-related challenges is essential for sustainable business growth and the long-term success of emerging entrepreneurs.

ABSTRACT. Small business owners often operate with limited staff and lack flexible resources and hierarchical administrative systems compared to large business leaders, impacting their ability to create and manage innovations. For instance, larger firms can establish dedicated departments, business lines, or network systems to explore and exploit new ideas. In contrast, small businesses must use their resources wisely and employ creative problem-solving approaches. Research on small businesses is crucial because they are the driving force of the US economy, representing 49% of the US workforce and 97% of US exporters. In Texas, small businesses employ 4.8 million people, constituting 45.1% of the private workforce. Innovation is the primary driver of economic growth in Texas, allowing organisations to identify and seize new opportunities. Research on the relationship between entrepreneurial orientation (EO) and organisational culture in small businesses remains relatively limited. The lack of knowledge makes it difficult for small business leaders to understand how their businesses can gain advantages from specific organisational cultures and strategic orientation. Therefore, through this study, the researcher examined the relationship between organisational culture and EO in Texas-based small businesses. The investigation aims to enhance our understanding of the link between organisational culture and EO in small businesses. This research offers new insights into the study of organisational culture within small businesses. This study used a qualitative research method to investigate how organisational culture is related to EO in small businesses based in Texas. The data analysis revealed that there were more insignificant results than significant results. Only the adhocracy culture was found to predict at least one of the subsets of EO on its own. The market and clan culture types were significant, but only when combined with the adhocracy culture. The hierarchy culture was excluded from the analysis due to high multicollinearity, meaning it was too highly correlated with the other independent variables in the sample. Although the premises associated with the different cultures’ predictions of EO were insignificant, there were significant results when the cultures were combined.

ABSTRACT. This study investigates how environmental factors influence the relationship between entrepreneurial orientation (EO) and internationalisation among rural Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), South Africa. SMEs have been acknowledged globally as important employers, contributors to economic growth, and the foundation of successful businesses in rural areas. When SMEs in rural areas choose to access international markets, the effects of environmental variables on EO—a strategic method that explains how organizations operate, deliberate, and build strategies in an entrepreneurial way—can be crucial. The procedures, methods, and decision-making approaches of businesses that behave in an entrepreneurial manner are referred to as EO. A general lack of understanding is found by policymakers and other relevant stakeholders of the factors that could hinder EO as a tool for the survival and growth of SMEs, particularly in the rural areas of KwaZulu-Natal. Using quantitative design, data were collected from 309 rural SMEs via a Likert-scale questionnaire administered to owners-managers using quota sampling. Statistical analysis (SPSS v27) confirmed reliability (Cronbach’s α > 0.70) and significance at p < .001. Findings indicate international EO positively impacts international performance, and this effect is strengthened by favourable environmental conditions such as access to raw materials, domestic demand, taxation policies, and equipment quality, as well as family labour, and practical technology use. The results highlight the unique challenges faced by rural SMEs and demonstrate that strengthening environmental conditions amplifies EO’s performance returns. The study contributes to EO and international entrepreneurship literature by advancing a contingency perspective and offers actionable implications for managers and policymakers. Limitations include the cross-sectional design and geographic specificity; future research should incorporate longitudinal and mixed methods approaches and examine the role of networks and institutional support.

ABSTRACT. Entrepreneurship is universally recognised as a critical driver of economic growth, innovation, and socio-economic development, with universities increasingly positioned as strategic anchors in national and regional entrepreneurial ecosystems. Yet the translation of entrepreneurship policy into functioning institutional ecosystems remains fragmented and inconsistent across many national contexts. Leadership and governance conditions, the behaviours, structures, and practices through which institutions are directed and managed, are increasingly recognised as foundational determinants of whether university entrepreneurial ecosystems take root and sustain themselves. Drawing on qualitative, interpretive research comprising semi-structured interviews with academic staff, support staff, and institutional management across South African public universities, this study identifies five leadership-governance dimensions that determine the viability of university-based entrepreneurial ecosystems: commitment, support, vision and mission, strategy, and structure. Each dimension is shown to possess enabling configurations that advance ecosystem development and obstructing configurations that impede it. While grounded in the South African context, an emerging economy where policy ambition for university-based entrepreneurship development consistently outpaces institutional delivery, the leadership and governance challenges identified may resonate broadly across emerging-economy universities as they navigate the tension between traditional academic mandates and entrepreneurial transformation. The study provides empirically grounded, actionable insights for entrepreneurship development practitioners, university managers, and policymakers seeking to bridge the persistent gap between the ambition of entrepreneurship policy and the realities of the institutional ecosystem.

ABSTRACT. Entrepreneurial education is widely promoted as a strategic response to youth unemployment in South Africa; however, concerns remain regarding its effectiveness in fostering entrepreneurial intention. This study examines how entrepreneurial traits shape entrepreneurial intention among South African youth and explores implications for entrepreneurial education. Grounded in the Theory of Planned Behaviour, the research focuses on key traits, including self-confidence and innovativeness. A quantitative, single cross-sectional design was employed, using data collected from 400 South African youth aged 18 to 35 through a self-administered questionnaire. Data analysis included reliability and validity testing, descriptive statistics, correlation analysis and regression analysis to identify factors influencing entrepreneurial intention. The findings reveal that self-confidence and innovativeness are significant positive factors influencing entrepreneurial intention. The research advocates a shift from predominantly theoretical, business-plan-oriented teaching towards the development of psychological and behavioural traits, particularly confidence-building and innovation-driven learning. The study contributes to the literature by providing empirical evidence from a developing economy and highlighting the need to rethink how entrepreneurial traits are cultivated among youth.

ABSTRACT. Background: The SASSA Disability Grant is a means-tested social assistance benefit for South African citizens, permanent residents, or refugees aged 18-59 who, after a state medical assessment, are found physically or mentally unfit to work for six months or longer. Annual thresholds limit profits from grantees’ businesses (R107,880) for a single person) to maintain eligibility, yet financial stability can enable entrepreneurship by providing a safety net. Gap: Despite the potential to support economic empowerment, limited research and policy guidance exists on leveraging disability grants for entrepreneurship. Current policies emphasize welfare over empowerment, although grants are intended to provide income security, not restrict self-reliance. Aim: This paper explores how disability grants can be harnessed as catalysts for entrepreneurial activity, reducing dependency while promoting economic inclusion. Methodology: A mixed-method approach was employed, including qualitative interviews with 30 grant recipients operating small businesses in retail, services, and artisan sectors, five in-depth case studies, and a policy analysis of SASSA regulations. Findings: Recipients often use portions of grants to start micro-enterprises, though limited training, capital, and market access constrain growth. Policy adjustments could create an enabling environment, reduce dependency and foster entrepreneurship. Implications: The study highlights a shift from welfare to economic empowerment and provides actionable recommendations for policymakers to support inclusive entrepreneurship.

ABSTRACT. Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are finding supply chain management to be increasingly complicated, and performance improvement appears to be crucial. Information technology in conjunction with supply chain integration and responsiveness are crucial tactics for improving business performance if SMEs are to improve just-in-time delivery, minimize supply chain disruptions, and guarantee resource availability. Thus, this research considers information technology, responsiveness, and supply chain integration to be important elements impacting the performance of SMEs. In view of this, special consideration was given to ethical respects such as the right to privacy, confidentiality and anonymity of research respondents. Furthermore, the respondents’ right to equality, justice, freedom of choice, expression and access to information as well the right to human dignity and life and protection against harm was ensured. Since this study used people as respondents, the principle of informed consent was adhered to. The study was conducted after permission was granted by the companies involved. A convenience sampling method without regard to probability was used to choose the respondents. This approach is necessitated by the fact that there was no sample frame from which all respondents can be drawn. In addition, it was difficult to locate the respondents at the same place and time since they were drawn from different companies. The study collected, analysed, and interpreted the data using a quantitative approach. Measurement tools were created with the South African setting in mind. Demographics, supply information technology, supply chain integration, supply chain responsiveness, and supply chain performance were the five areas of the structured questionnaire. Additionally, the selected sample of small and medium-sized businesses in the southern region of Gauteng were targeted. 151 self-administered questionnaires were distributed.The SMART-partial least squares (SMART-PLS 4.0) structural equation modeling procedures were used to analyse the quantitative data that was gathered. The path analysis methodology was used to test the accuracy of the measurement scales. Both inferential and descriptive statistics were among the specific data analysis methods used in the study. Positive correlations between the research variables which are supply chain information technology adoption, supply chain integration, supply chain responsiveness, and SME performance were demonstrated by the study's findings. In the SMEs supply chain, this suggests that improved supply and demand alignment may result from ongoing improvements in information technology use.

ABSTRACT. This study explored the influence of digital transformation and innovation among Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises in the tourism sector of Mbombela Local Municipality. Digital transformation has become crucial for enhancing competitiveness, improving customer engagement, and improving operational efficiency. While this is the case, many tourism SMMEs still face challenges in fully adopting digitalization, especially in developing and semi-rural contexts. Based on three theoretical frameworks, namely, Technology-Organization-Environment, Diffusion of Innovation, and the Resource-Based View, the research investigated the internal and external factors that influence digital readiness, adoption patterns, and innovation practices in the sector. A quantitative research design was adopted, with structured questionnaires used to sample owners, managers, visitors, and employees of tourism SMMEs. Simple random sampling was used to select 120 respondents. Data analysis used descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and multiple regression to identify key determinants of digital adoption. Reliability of the measurement scales was verified using Cronbach’s Alpha, and construct and content validity were assessed. The findings indicated that, while tourism SMMEs are increasingly adopting digital tools such as online booking systems, social media, and customer service technologies, the level of adoption varies widely. Key enabling factors identified are leadership support, access to external networks, personal digital skills, and perceived benefits of technology. Poor digital infrastructure limited financial resources, and low levels of digital literacy represent major barriers. Socio-cultural attitudes and regional dynamics strongly influence levels of digital readiness. Based on these results, the study concludes that investment in infrastructure, digital skills development, and collaborative networks will be required to understand digital transformation among Mbombela’s tourism sector businesses. These insights provide a critical foundation for policymakers, support agencies, and industry stakeholders seeking to enhance digital innovation.

ABSTRACT. South Africa’s persistent youth unemployment crisis continues to intensify pressure on policy and higher education institutions to support sustainable venture creation. While government, donor, and private programmes have expanded business development support (BDS), many young entrepreneurs still experience the ecosystem as fragmented, uneven, and difficult to access. This paper argues that a key constraint is not simply resource scarcity, but the architecture of access: how support is made visible, trusted, and navigable for those who need it.The objective of the paper is to develop a clear, testable conceptual framework that explains how universities can act as practical access brokers that convert dispersed BDS offerings into usable pathways for youth entrepreneurs. Building on entrepreneurial ecosystem and entrepreneurial university perspectives, the study proposes an Embedded University Hub (EUH) Model that repositions universities as central connectors within the entrepreneurship ecosystem. The model frames universities as visible and trusted platforms that embed mentorship, training, interdisciplinary collaboration and external partnerships into everyday campus life, while also curating routes to incubation, advisory services, market access and funding linkages.Methodologically, the paper is conceptual and grounded in a structured synthesis of relevant literature on BDS, university incubation and accelerators and ecosystem coordination. The EUH Model is developed as an integrated architecture with interlinked constructs (universities, hubs, cross-faculty collaboration, external partners, ventures, and the economy) and feedback loops that can be operationalised in empirical work. The paper contributes to literature by (i) reframing youth entrepreneurship support from programme proliferation to embedded visibility and coordinated access, (ii) extending ecosystem theory by theorising universities as embedded access brokers, and (iii) offering testable propositions to guide future research on venture quality, survival and job creation outcomes. Practically, the framework provides a roadmap for universities and policy actors to reduce fragmentation, improve referral pathways, and strengthen youth-facing entrepreneurial pipelines.

ABSTRACT. Africa continues to grapple with one of the most pressing contemporary developmental challenges which is the crisis of energy insecurity marked by recurrent load-shedding. Load-shedding disrupts business operations, weakens investor confidence and constrains the delivery of essential municipal services, thereby undermining local economic growth and employment creation. For small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs), which constitute the backbone of local economies, the consequences are especially severe, manifesting in increased operational costs, productivity losses, and reduced competitiveness. This study was motivated by the need to understand how entrepreneurs operating in resource-constrained and energy-unstable environments such as townships respond to recurring external shocks and whether such constraints suppress or stimulate innovative behaviour. Consequently, the study examined the effect of load-shedding on entrepreneurial behaviour, with a focus on innovation and resilience. Using a qualitative research approach complimented by purposive sampling technique, the study conducted in-depth interviews with SMMEs owners and municipal officials to explore how persistent power outages shape business operations, local innovation processes and adaptation strategies. Findings revealed that while load-shedding severely disrupts productivity, service delivery and local development planning, it has also stimulated innovative responses such as the adoption of renewable energy technologies, energy-efficient systems and informal collaborative networks between the local municipality and entrepreneurs. Highlighting how energy insecurity not only exposes structural governance weaknesses but can stimulate entrepreneurial creativity and resilience. The study contributes to the sustainability of township entrepreneurship activities by highlighting the mechanisms through which external shocks shape innovation, while offering practical insights for both policymakers, development agencies and SMMEs owners.

ABSTRACT. This study investigates how manufacturing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the eThekwini District can harness emerging technologies to future-proof their businesses and enhance competitiveness in the era of automation. Emerging technologies play a critical role in strengthening SMEs’ operational efficiency, innovation capacity, and sustainability within the global manufacturing landscape. Using a quantitative research design, the study employs structured questionnaires to collect data from a non-homogeneous sample of manufacturing SMEs across diverse sectors in eThekwini. Statistical analysis is conducted to examine the relationships between technology adoption, organizational readiness, innovation capability, and business competitiveness. The findings reveal that the adoption of emerging technologies including artificial intelligence (AI), automation systems, and the Internet of Things (IoT) positively influences SMEs’ performance and resilience. Moreover, innovation serves as a mediating factor, amplifying the impact of technology adoption on competitiveness and sustainability. The study recommends the development of targeted capacity-building programs and digital training initiatives to strengthen SMEs’ technological readiness and innovation-driven growth. These findings provide valuable insights for policymakers, industry leaders, and entrepreneurs seeking to enhance SME development, digital transformation, and long-term competitiveness in the evolving future of work.

ABSTRACT. Graduate unemployment remains a significant challenge in South Africa, despite increased access to higher education and ongoing interventions by government and the private sector. Many graduates struggle to enter the labour market due to limited work experience, skills mismatches, and weak labour market absorption. In response, social enterprises have emerged as important actors that support graduate employability through skills development, work exposure, mentorship, and employment-focused initiatives. However, there is limited empirical research on how these organisations contribute to addressing graduate unemployment and what lessons can be drawn from their experiences. The aim of this study is to examine how social enterprises in South Africa address graduate unemployment and to identify lessons for practice and policy. Socially, the study responds to South Africa’s high levels of graduate unemployment and inequality, highlighting the role of social enterprises as complementary actors within the employment ecosystem. A qualitative research approach will be adopted, using semi-structured interviews with founders, managers, and programme coordinators from selected social enterprises. The data will be analysed using thematic analysis to identify key strategies, challenges, and areas for improvement. The significance of the study lies in its focus on an under-researched area within the South African context. The findings are expected to inform policy development, strengthen collaboration between social enterprises and higher education institutions, and contribute to improved graduate employability initiatives. The long-term objectives include contributing to academic knowledge, supporting evidence-based practice, and creating a foundation for future research and postgraduate student involvement.

ABSTRACT. Africa is a culturally, morally and spiritually rich continent. These virtues are expected to inform the various dimensions of societal existence in African countries. This includes conduct in businesses. Businesses exist as units of the society and they are expected to be an extension of the society. In Africa, modern business entities emerged from Western philosophies and values. A discrepancy whereby the ethos, values and conduct expected in business deviated in someway to some indigenous way was createds. However, this was easily adapted and business entities became treated as unique societal entities which follow an order that may not mirror indigenous order. Today, the question of indigenous ethics and morality has become an area of focus once again in the era of artificial intelligence (AI). While AI can imitate and perform duties and tasks ordinarily done by humans, ethics are different. The purpose of this study is to: (1) explore how AI has eroded indigenous ethics and morality of business enterprises with specific focus on selected entities in South Africa and Cameroon, (2) explore how the selected business entities can utilise AI while avoiding the erosion of indigenous ethics and morality. The study will rely on multiple case studies of enterprises; some selected from South Africa and others from Cameroon. Interviews with key persons from the selected entities will be performed and the results analysed thematically to attain the study objectives. The results of the study will be principles that can be adhered in using AI while maintaining indigenous ethics and morals.

ABSTRACT. In search for ways to address high unemployment rates, there has been an increased focus among educators, practitioners and policymakers towards interventions that can facilitate entrepreneurship development. Amongst other interventions, over the past two decades there has been increasing research on the impact of entrepreneurship education. Researchers argue that entrepreneurship education can drive entrepreneurship development by shaping individuals’ mindsets and developing their skills, knowledge and competencies to start, manage and grow their own businesses. This study assessed the effect of entrepreneurship education on entrepreneurial intentions of technical vocational education and training (TVET) students in Johannesburg by employing the theory of planned behaviour. A cross-sectional quantitative design was conducted using 267 final-year Business Studies students at two TVET colleges in Johannesburg. Data were analysed using quantile regression analysis. The results indicate that entrepreneurship education has a statistically significant positive link with attitude towards behaviour and perceived behavioural control. However, there was no association between entrepreneurship education and subjective norms. The findings revealed further that attitude towards behaviour and perceived behavioural control significantly influenced entrepreneurial intentions, while subjective norms had no significant effect. Based on those findings, it is recommended that educational establishments and policymakers should develop techniques that could assist students to further their entrepreneurial aspirations. Since entrepreneurial intention determines entrepreneurial behaviour, entrepreneurship educators should create active learning environments that are practice-oriented, which facilitate exposure to entrepreneurial role models to raise the impact of entrepreneurship education on the antecedents of entrepreneurial intention.

ABSTRACT. This empirical paper examines the internal factors influencing owner-managers’ attitudes and intentions to adopt Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) within the tourism sector. Guided by the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB), the study investigates how perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, behavioural intentions, and top management support shape ICT adoption decisions. The objective of this paper is to explore how internal factors, such as managerial attitudes, behavioural control, and organisational support influence the extent to which tourism SMEs harness ICT, for enhanced business performance and sustainable growth. A mixed-method research design was employed. The quantitative component involved surveys distributed to 114 SME owner-managers operating within the tourism and hospitality sector, while the qualitative component included structured interviews to obtain in-depth insights into behavioural and attitudinal dynamics. Data were analysed using both descriptive statistics and thematic analysis to identify patterns and relationships between managerial perceptions and ICT adoption behaviour. Findings reveal that positive managerial attitudes, perceived ease of use, and strong top management support are critical predictors of ICT adoption. Conversely, limited digital skills, cost concerns, and lack of confidence in technology emerged as key barriers. The integration of TAM and TPB frameworks provides a robust theoretical foundation for understanding the cognitive and behavioural processes underlying ICT acceptance in tourism SMEs. The study concludes that fostering digital confidence and managerial commitment can enhance the strategic use of ICT for innovation, competitiveness, and sustainable development in the tourism sector.

ABSTRACT. Entrepreneurship in emerging economies is often framed through performance outcomes, yet far less attention is given to how entrepreneurs become, how their identities are formed and sustained within resource-constrained environments. This study explores entrepreneurial identity formation and ecosystem support among emerging entrepreneurs in Mahikeng, North West Province. Adopting a qualitative, interpretivist approach, the research draws on in-depth, semi-structured interviews conducted with early-stage entrepreneurs, with data collection continuing until thematic saturation was achieved. The study interrogates how individuals navigate the early stages of venture creation while simultaneously constructing an entrepreneurial identity shaped by social context, education, and lived experience. Particular attention is given to the role of entrepreneurial development programmes, peer networks, and family dynamics in shaping confidence, decision-making, and business progression. The findings reveal that identity formation is neither linear nor static, but an evolving process influenced by both enabling and constraining ecosystem conditions. The study highlights persistent structural challenges, including limited access to resources, gaps in practical training, and the emotional demands associated with entrepreneurial activity. At the same time, relational support systems and learning communities emerge as critical enablers of resilience and sustained engagement. By foregrounding lived experience within a secondary city context, this research offers a nuanced understanding of how ecosystem dynamics and identity development intersect. It contributes to ongoing debates on inclusive entrepreneurship by advancing a more human-centred perspective on entrepreneurial growth and support.

ABSTRACT. The effectiveness of artificial intelligence (ai) and the fifth industrial revolution (5ir) in combating mobile fraud at South African Banking Industry. The emergence of AI and 5IR alleviates the 5IR technocentric driven behaviour by promoting collaboration. The 5IR is based on the observation that 5IR focused less on the original principles of social fairness and sustainability and more on digitalisation and artificial intelligence-driven technologies to increase production efficiency and flexibility. To achieve the study's goals, a literature analysis was used, and secondary data was evaluated and deconstructed. This paper major goal was to focus the effectiveness of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Fifth Industrial Revolution (5IR)in fighting mobile fraud. The inquiry concentrated on young people's excessive on the effectiveness of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Fifth Industrial Revolution (5IR) in Education. The study made recommendations for potential research topics that the education sector could look into in order to create and improve the Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Fifth Industrial Revolution (5IR) in biometrics payment models. Qualitative methodology as the research that produces descriptive data, generally the Systematic Literature Review (Explicit Inclusion/Exclusion Criteria) pertaining to data collection. Recommendations refers to risk and protective factors can be divided into five categories or domains: individual characteristics, law enforcement agencies, banking subject matters expert and banking community. The relationship between the number and type of risk factors affects an individual's risk of becoming a mobile fraud and/or engaging in delinquent behavior.

ABSTRACT. The changes in Crude oil prices fluctuations have huge impact for the global economy, and South Africa is no exception. The dynamics between oil prices, exchange rates, inflation, and the terms of trade are particularly significant for countries that rely heavily on imported oil. This study explores the impact of crude oil prices on the real effective exchange rate in South Africa, with a focus on the relationships between oil prices, exchange rates, inflation, and terms of trade. Using quarterly data from 2000Q1 to 2023Q4, the research employs a Vector Error Correction Model (VECM). The study finds that Brent crude oil price shocks have a significant positive effect on real effective exchange rate (REER) in the long term. The analysis also shows a strong positive relationship between Brent crude oil prices and the terms of trade, while a negative relationship exists between inflation and the REER. Furthermore, the impulse response functions highlight the harmful effects of oil prices shocks on inflation and terms of trade, underscoring South Africa's vulnerability due to its dependence on oil imports. Based on these findings, the study recommends that South Africa prioritize investment in alternative and renewable energy sources to reduce reliance on imported oil. Additionally, the South African Reserve Bank should integrate oil price shocks into its inflation-targeting framework, and the government should consider providing cash transfers or fuel subsidies to households and firms most affected by shocks in oil prices. This research contributes to the growing body of literature on the economic impacts of crude oil price fluctuations, particularly in the context of South Africa’s unique economic structure.

ABSTRACT. With regard to the current geopolitical environment and the emergence of BRICS as a counterweight to NATO and the EU, attention is brought to the de-dollarization strategies and the challenge of determining whether these processes are primarily economic, related to managing exchange rate risk and minimizing transaction costs, or a geopolitical strategy intended to challenge US supremacy. Using a mixed-methods approach, this study aims to answer this question by combining qualitative analysis of the official declarations and policies adopted by BRICS summits with statistical analysis of IMF COFER reserve data, SWIFT payment statistics, World Gold Council statistics, lending data of the New Development Bank, and bilateral trade settlements. The findings illustrate that after 2022, there was a significant increase in the rate of local currency settlement (up to 67% for BRICS countries and 99% for Russia-China transactions, India- Russia transition), gold purchases (amounting to over 6,000 tonnes), and alternative financial systems, while the percentage of USD in international reserves fallen gradually from 71% to 57% over 26 years, which is quite typical of economic diversification processes. De-dollarization initiatives were significantly sparked by geopolitical events including the freeze of the Russian central bank's assets and the sanctions imposed on SWIFT.highlights that the adoption of de-dollarization measures is not intended to replace the dollar but rather is focused on gradually developing alternative financial infrastructure to reduce dependency and weaponization of US dollar. We suggest that de-dollarization in the BRICS is a complex phenomena, driven by both geopolitical and economic influences.

ABSTRACT. Currency reforms in dollarized economies generate complex implications for Small Retail Enterprises (SREs), particularly in contexts characterized by monetary instability, fluctuating exchange rates, and limited access to formal financial support systems. This study examined the effects of Zimbabwe’s Gold currency (ZiG) adoption on the cost structures, market competitiveness, and adaptive strategies of SREs in Manicaland Province, Zimbabwe. Anchored in an interpretivist research paradigm, the study adopted a qualitative multiple-case study design focusing on SREs operating in Mutare, Buhera, Chipinge, and Rusape. Data were generated through semi-structured interviews with 20 purposively selected retail owners and managers possessing direct experience of operating before and after ZiG adoption. Thematic analysis was employed to identify recurring patterns related to pricing practices, currency acceptance, liquidity management, competitiveness, and enterprise adaptation. The findings reveal that ZiG adoption reshaped everyday business operations by increasing pricing complexity, transaction uncertainty, and operational costs associated with dual-currency trading. However, the study also found that SREs demonstrated considerable adaptive capacity through strategies such as dual pricing systems, selective currency acceptance, mobile money integration, flexible inventory management, and renegotiated supplier arrangements. Enterprises that adapted more proactively reported relatively stronger customer retention and operational stability despite persistent market volatility. The study concludes that the impact of ZiG adoption on SRE competitiveness is uneven and strongly shaped by enterprise adaptability and broader structural conditions. The findings contribute context-specific insights into monetary reforms in hybrid dollarized economies and provide practical implications for policymakers, SME support institutions, and small business operators navigating evolving currency environments.

ABSTRACT. As generative artificial intelligence (AI) applications (apps) increasingly function as consumer-facing brands, understanding how users form brand evaluations of algorithmic systems has become a critical marketing issue. This study examines AI brand equity as a higher-order branding construct and investigates how it shapes continued use of the ChatGPT app among Generation Z (Gen Z) users in South Africa. Drawing on the stimulus-organism-response framework, the study conceptualises key service-related stimuli as drivers of internal brand-related evaluations, which influence behavioural outcomes. A quantitative, cross-sectional research design was employed, with data collected from 166 Gen Z users of the ChatGPT app. Data were analysed using SmartPLS 4, estimating a reflective higher-order construct model in which AI brand equity captures users’ trust, attitudes, and perceived value associated with the ChatGPT brand. The findings demonstrate that AI brand equity plays a central mediating role, significantly shaping user satisfaction and continuance intention. Results further show that brand-based evaluations are more influential than purely functional perceptions in explaining sustained engagement with generative AI apps. By positioning ChatGPT as an algorithmic brand, rather than a neutral technology tool, this study extends branding theory into the domain of generative AI and offers actionable insights for marketers managing AI-driven brands in highly competitive digital environments.

ABSTRACT. Human resources management (HRM) literature deals with people analytics and observation in literature, but it is defined differently. So, in this article, a new definition is developed, and it includes Excel as a data analysis tool. The definition suggests that human capital is the key to driving business performance, so human capital theory has been an appropriate theoretical framework. Another literature trend is that Africans have a shortage of people analysis, and most of the literature comes from India, the United States of America, and Europe. Other studies have shown that they refer to different kinds of statistical techniques and that HRM practitioners possess descriptive analysis and lack diagnostic and predictive analysis, but they do not show which or how these statistical techniques can be used to solve research problems. The inclusion criteria for sources analysed were 20 or more citations. The data analysis techniques were content analysis from 2015 to date. The article proposes a framework for people analysis focusing on how people analytics can create business impact. The proposed human analytics framework is proposed based on previous Rasmussen, Ulrick and Ulrich (2022), showing how Excel can be used at different stages.

ABSTRACT. This study examines how Generation Z experience augmented reality (AR) and virtual assistant (VA) technologies in online retail using cognitive absorption as the guiding framework. Although these tools are commonly combined in digital shopping, little is known about how they jointly influence deep experiential engagement. A qualitative descriptive design was used, where 15 Generation Z participants interacted with an AR try-on and a VA before completing semi-structured interviews. A hybrid thematic analysis produced two themes for each of the five cognitive absorption dimensions. Heightened enjoyment is driven by emotional immersion and playfulness, which strengthened motivation to reuse the system. Curiosity is both information-seeking and experiential fascination, supported by realism and responsiveness. Perceived control is strongly enabled by the AR interface, while the VA often limits autonomy due to narrow scripts and shallow responses. Temporal dissociation occurs when vivid visuals and smooth navigation create immersion, but is disrupted by delays, glitches, and effortful interaction. Focused immersion is strongest when the AR tool offers accurate and seamless realism and weakest when technological barriers increase cognitive effort. The study shows AR and VAs jointly shape deep absorption for Generation Z, but do not contribute equally. The study contributes to immersive retail theory by conceptualising cognitive absorption as a multimodal, asymmetrical phenomenon, co-created across AR and VA tools, but more strongly driven by AR-based visual immersion than by current VA implementations. The findings extend theoretical understanding of multimodal retail experiences and offer practical guidance for creating emotionally engaging, autonomy-supporting, and low-friction AR and VA systems.

ABSTRACT. Background: Green and sustainable supply chains have become strategic imperatives as organisations respond to climate risks, sustainability-driven competitiveness, and regulatory pressure. Digital transformation technologies are increasingly recognised as important enablers of sustainability transitions within supply chain environments. Research Gap and Problem: There is limited consolidated understanding of how cloud computing specifically enables green and sustainable supply chains within the contextual realities of the Global South. Existing literature remains fragmented, technology-specific, and largely grounded in developed economies, leaving insufficient explanation of cloud-enabled sustainability in resource-constrained and institutionally diverse environments. Objective(s): This study systematically synthesises the literature on cloud computing as an enabler of green and sustainable supply chains in the Global South. It further examines how cloud computing capabilities support environmentally sustainable supply chain practices and how technologies such as the Internet of Things, blockchain, big data analytics, and artificial intelligence integrate with cloud computing to enhance sustainability outcomes. Rationale: The study is motivated by the growing strategic importance of sustainable supply chains and the need for context-sensitive understanding of digital sustainability transformation within developing economies. Methodological Rigor: Guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) framework, literature records were obtained from Google Scholar, Web of Science, Scopus, and IEEE Xplore and analysed using code-based thematic analysis. Major Contributions and Implications: The findings reveal three interrelated dimensions: cloud computing enablers, cloud-enabled sustainable supply chain practices, and sustainability outcomes. The study further identifies drivers, barriers, and governance conditions influencing cloud computing effectiveness in supply chain sustainability. Based on these insights, the study develops an integrated and context-sensitive framework that advances theory and provides practical guidance for researchers, supply chain managers, and policymakers seeking to leverage cloud computing for sustainable supply chains in the Global South.

ABSTRACT. Inspired by the African philosophy of Ubuntu, which emphasises compassion, community welfare, and connectedness, this article examines corporate social responsibility (CSR) from the viewpoint of business owners. Although corporate and stakeholder views are commonly utilised to assess CSR, this paper focuses on the business owners’ perspective, particularly how their approach to CSR is influenced by ethical and community-based values. It examines the intentions, approaches, and outcomes of owner-led CSR initiatives within the Ubuntu framework, using qualitative research methods. To identify a wide range of companies engaging in CSR, a purposeful sampling was employed, and semi-structured interviews were used to gather data. Ten business owners were interviewed in total. The data saturation principle, which suggests that interviews should continue until no new themes emerge, was used to determine the sample size. The thematic analysis that was used to analyse the data was supported by multiple-source comparison in order to increase credibility. The findings demonstrate that business owners view corporate social responsibility (CSR) as both a strategic business tool as well as a moral and cultural imperative. In line with Ubuntu principles, the motivations behind engaging in CSR include a sense of responsibility to protect long-term sustainability, promote employee well-being, and help improve the community. However, problems like limited funds, a lack of institutional support, and finding a balance between social impact and profitability were also brought to light. Despite these constraints, owners reported positive outcomes, including improved employee morale, heightened brand loyalty, and strengthened community relations. The study suggests that, particularly in African and emerging market contexts, indigenous knowledge systems like Ubuntu be more thoroughly integrated into CSR policy and discourse. Additionally, it also calls for special support from the government and development organisations to support owner-led CSR initiatives that prioritise human dignity, inclusivity, and mutual development.