bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Social media as a gateway to accelerate inclusive growth
Authors: Churk Josephine
Published: March 2023

The current perspective of understanding development focuses on including all members of society participating in the growth process, primarily through digital technology. This paper examines social media for promoting inclusive growth in Tanzania. More specifically, the study aims to investigate the social media site that youth citizens widely use to discuss government economic issues for fostering inclusive growth, how youth citizens use the perceived widely used social media to participate in discussing government issues for inclusive growth, and how does the government encourage citizens’ use of social media to discuss government issues for inclusive growth. The study was conducted in Dodoma City and employed mixed research methods using survey and interview data collection methods. Findings show that youth citizens mainly prefer using WhatsApp social media to discuss economic issues to promote inclusive economic growth in the study area. The study also found that youth citizens in the study area use WhatsApp social media to spot government actions and voice their opinions for inclusive growth. The study concludes that WhatsApp social media is a gateway to accelerate inclusive growth in the study area. It suggests a networked digital policymaking framework to encourage citizens to openly discuss and publish government issues on social media without fear to accelerate inclusive growth in the country. Also, it suggests an established framework for collecting citizens’ opinions on social media for government decision-making practices to imply that citizens’ views are considered for inclusive growth in Tanzania.
Social media and women’s financial empowerment in the digital economy era in Tanzania
Authors: Churk Josephine
Published: March 2023

For generations, women in Tanzania have been undermined economically despite efforts from the government, educational institutions, and non-governmental organizations. Besides all of them, the growth of digital communication is emerging, inseparable from transforming women’s empowerment economically, politically, and socially. However, how social media has empowered women financially as an aspect of economic empowerment remains understudied in Tanzania. This study assesses the role of social media in the digital economy to realize its contribution to women’s financial empowerment. Specifically, the study assesses the financial activities of women’s support groups through social media, examines how social media offer economic opportunities to women’s support groups and identify the challenges associated with social media women’s support groups. This study is qualitatively designed and employs in-depth interviews with leaders of women’s support groups in the city of Dodoma. The findings highlight the benefits of WhatsApp social media as a platform for digital economic practices, specifically in enhancing the performance of financial activities. The results also revealed a lack of binding principles among women’s support groups, making them fragile and affecting their growth and sustainability. The study recommends establishing government regulations that bind members who decide to help each other through social media sites. This practice ensures the sustainability of women’s financial groups and avoids online fraud thus, promote women’s financial empowerment and participation in the digital economy in Tanzania.
Social workers' roles and contemporary responsibilities in addiction management
Authors: Singwane Thembinkosi Peter , Dillo Justin Ramoshaba
Published: March 2023

This paper sought to explore and describe the roles and responsibilities of social workers in addiction management. The researchers adopted a qualitative approach and used a multiple-case study design. Purposive and convenience sampling techniques were used to select social workers who specialise in substance/addiction management from two Non-Governmental Organisations and one Government Department. Individual interviews and focus group discussions were used to gather data, then thematically analysed. The study's findings indicated that social service practitioners' roles and responsibilities in the public and private sectors are blurry. It was further found that there is role confusion due to a lack of clarity on this issue as some staff tends to shift their responsibilities. This article provides lenses for higher education institutions in tailoring social work programs to address addiction management issues, as there is a persistent need for the development of a curriculum responding to addiction in social work
Understanding democracy and ethnicity as the bane of Africa’s political leadership
Authors: Motswaledi Thabang , Rapanyane Makhura
Published: March 2023

The specialty of African politics lies within its historical contents and background. The continent grew from strength to strength to attain its political development stronghold. By doing so over the years, the continent has been reflected in most states’ political development stronghold. While in some states, religion and tribal alliances are critical factors in political affiliation, in states such as South Africa and Kenya, democracy and ethnicity have been the leading courses to political development. Democracy and ethnicity have proven to be part of the party identification and evaluation factors and have also become the center point of growth and development in the state's politics. Thus, by focusing on Kenya and South Africa as case studies, the paper adopted a qualitative method of research to understand democracy as well as ethnicity as the bane of these states’ political development. Although much has been documented on either state's political development, little is understood about democracy and ethnicity as the bane of their political leadership from 1989 to 2021, which is the complete focus of the paper. The paper relied on qualitative research methodology to collect and analyze the data on democracy and ethnicity as the bane of Kenya and South Africa from 1989 to 2021. Therefore, the study relied on secondary sources such as accredited journal articles, books, and reports to collect and analyze data on the phenomenon at hand. Thus, the paper's main findings suggest that democracy and ethnicity are the strongholds of South Africa and Kenya's political leadership development.

Therefore, the study relied on secondary sources such as accredited journal articles, books and reports to collect and analyse data on the phenomenon at hand. Thus, the main findings of the paper suggests that democracy and ethnicity are the stronghold of South Africa and Kenyas political leadership development.
The presentation of South African politicians in The Times newspaper column “On the Contrary”: 2012-2017
Authors: Roya Witness , Ngcobo Sandiso
Published: March 2023

This paper examined South African politicians' (re)presentation in Tony Leon’s regular column, On the contrary, which appeared in The Times newspaper from 2012 to 2017. This period in South African politics is made interesting by the fact that it coincides with the time when there was mounting pressure for the then president, Jacob Zuma, of the ruling party, the African National Congress (ANC), to step down, especially between 7 January 2015 and 21 March 2017. Tony Leon, who also once served as a councilor for the Democratic Party (DA), one of the major opposition parties in South Africa is the columnist who at the time authors the on the contrary column. This creates interesting research on how the columnist and the newspaper are able or not to maintain ethical journalism. In conducting the study, this article employs the framing theory and critical discourse analysis (CDA) as research tools to assess the columnists’ objectivity and bias in his depiction of the then president and several prominent politicians during the examined period. Data analysis constitutes six newspaper articles which were purposively selected to obtain a representative sample. The results indicated that these articles were well-researched in respect of the information they presented. At the same time, biased tendencies were noted in favor of the political party aligned to the columnist.
The racial hierarchisation of the isiXhosa language in South Africa
Authors: Diko Mlamli
Published: March 2023

The reality is that there is a relationship between language and race as advanced and qualified by ethnolinguistics. Such a relationship points to the subjugation of the isiXhosa language (habitually situated in South Africa), among other prescripts, which was fueled by racial hierarchization that ought to be debated within the paradigm of scholarly discourses. The subjugation, distortion and erosion of the isiXhosa language were led by the colonial, apartheid governance and administration that sought to impose censorship. Therefore, this article employs post-colonial theory to argue and scholarly prove that the language and many South African indigenous languages were oppressed based on racial notions that sought to accelerate neo-liberalist and imperialist perceptions. Hypothetically speaking, the isiXhosa language still suffers from the effects of (post)colonialism carried by colonial agents who continue to mock and humiliate the language. The debates and findings underline that such claims (racial hierarchization of the language) must be validated through theoretical and practical discourses. As a result, closing remarks infuse potential recommendations open to public scrutiny regarding the problematised phenomenon and/or conundrum.
The effect of organizational ambidexterity on the sustainable performance of SMEs in the Limpopo province of South Africa
Authors: Mankgele Khutso
Published: March 2023

Studies on organizational ambidexterity have mostly ignored social and environmental performance in favour of focusing on financial performance. This study investigated the relationship between organizational ambidexterity and the sustainable performance of SMEs. Financial, social, and environmental indicators were used to measure sustainable performance. The study used the quantitative research method, and the cross-sectional survey method to collect data from 145 respondents. A self-administered questionnaire was utilized throughout the data-collection phase of the study. Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and regression analysis were used for data analysis. The results indicated significant positive relationships between organizational ambidexterity and SMEs' financial, social, and environmental performance. The study recommends that agencies that support small businesses should organize seminars to train and educate SME owners on organizational ambidexterity and sustainable performance. The results of this study can assist small business owners in continuing to educate themselves and their staff about organizational ambidexterity. The study recommends that agencies that support small businesses should organize seminars to train and educate SME owners on organizational ambidexterity and sustainable performance.
Determinants of game-products repurchasing behaviour in virtual comunity
Authors: Mifthakhul Zein Dhani , Puspaningrum Astrid , Rofiq Ainur
Published: March 2023

The gaming industry is rapidly evolving, as indicated by the increased market sales of virtual products. Genshin Impact has risen to prominence after receiving the best mobile game 2021 prize at a game awards event. In addition, Genshin Impact will be ranked third in the world mobile game revenue list in 2021. The existence of a community that supports the development of a game is the most important component that contributes to its success. This study aims to examine the effect of virtual communities on online repurchase intention with customer engagement as a mediating variable and achievement as a moderating variable. Respondents in this study were members of the Genshin Impact Indonesia community who had purchased virtual products more than once. This study collected 180 samples which were distributed through various social media platforms such as Facebook. The data in this study were analyzed using SEM-PLS through the SmartPLS. The results of this study indicate that all hypotheses are accepted except for the role of consumer engagement in mediating the effect of virtual communities on online repurchase intention. The community plays a role in providing means of interaction among members and giving information about the game.  The results of this study suggest that game developers provide rewards to the community to encourage interest in playing and purchasing in-game items.
Nexus between human resource management practice and employees’ attitudes and behavior
Authors: Hossain Gazi Md. Shakhawat , Shuvo Shihab Kabir , Hasan Najmul , Zahan Israt , Masud Abdullah Al , Rahman Md. Shahinur
Published: March 2023

This study aims to evaluate the impact of human resource management practices (HRMPs) on employee attitudes and behavior (EAB). The population of this study was all employees of cement manufacturing firms (CMC) in the southern region of Bangladesh. Data was gathered using structured questionnaires following convenient sampling technique. The data was analyzed using SPSS-23 statistical package program. A robust and significant linear association between HRMPs and EAB was found. Further, HRM practices, including compensation & rewards (CR) and motivation (MV) were discovered to be dominant predictors of EAB. According to the study, variations in EAB of 77.10% were caused by independent predictors such as recruitment and selection (RS), training and development (TD), performance appraisals (PA), compensation and rewards (CR), motivation (MV), and maintenance (MT) in CMC in the southern part of Bangladesh. Nevertheless, it is apparent from the study's findings that manufacturing organizations that have implemented progressive HRM practices in a systematic and integrated manner are having an enormous influence on EAB. This study only focused on one industry and one type of organizational structure. According to the study, findings should not be extensively generalized. Future research should incorporate other aspects, such as organizational learning and organizational capacity, to construct a new model of HRM practices.
South African business rescue regime
Authors: Matenda Frank Ranganai , Sibanda Mabutho , Nomlala Bomi Cyril , Gumede Zamanguni Hariatah
Published: March 2023

In South Africa, the devastating effects of the COVID-19 plague forced several corporates to resort to business rescue proceedings to guarantee the continuance of their operations. However, the low success rates associated with the current South African business rescue regime are a thing of concern among policymakers. In this article, we conduct a systematic literature review highlighting the shortcomings of the current South African business rescue mechanism and recommendations that can be adopted to improve its success rates. The study then proposes a broad agenda for future research. We discover that even though the South African business rescue mechanism is an economically significant, promising framework that gives companies time and space to find solutions for their problems, it is associated with numerous shortcomings that lessen its success rates. Also, the study results indicate that the regime can be improved in more than a few dimensions to augment its success rates. Further, the review divulges that implementing the current South African business rescue framework has some uncharted areas that need to be investigated. As a recommendation, policymakers should improve the business rescue regime to increase its success rates.
Advancing agriculture through Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) in South African indigenous or black communities
Authors: Diko Mlamli
Published: March 2023

The primary aim of this scholarly discourse is to demonstrate how South African indigenous people advanced agricultural practices without the dominant aid of globalisation and modernity that, to a certain degree, discredits Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) that have existed from time immemorial. Qualitative research inquiry and IKS are synergetically used as approaches to this scholarly discourse to form juxtaposition and triangulation – a balancing act. The main discussions and findings of the article underline that incontrovertibly, South African indigenous people had their traditional ways of advancing human and social life such as relying on traditional medicine, farming, harvesting and many other determinants. In respect of the problematised phenomenon, the conclusion infuses recommendations for future scholarly debates while the emphasis is on embracing traditional knowledge and avoid continuous and solitary accreditation of neo-liberalist and imperialist notions in South Africa and elsewhere.
Individual dynamics for effective implementation of mainstream English curriculum at a school for the deaf
Authors: Khumalo Sabelo Mlungisi , Shoba Makhosazana Edith , Khoza Simon Bhekumuzi
Published: March 2023

Promoting dynamics of curriculum implementation that help all teachers and learners meet their needs and understand who they are is critical.  Such is equally needful in special schools which use the mainstream curriculum to teach learners with disabilities. This study sought to explore the dynamics that enhance implementing a mainstream English curriculum at a school for the deaf in Eswatini. This was aimed to assist teachers in reflecting on and critiquing their practices and experiences to improve their classroom actions; and to raise awareness of the natural identity of both teachers and learners at the school with the hope of meeting individual needs and, ultimately, the teaching and learning goals. Utilizing purposive sampling, this qualitative study selected six teachers of English Language at the school. The pragmatic paradigm, action research design, and natural identity theory framed the study. Semi-structured interviews, Zoom focus-group discussions, document review, and reflective activities were used as data-generation methods. Findings revealed that implementing the mainstream English curriculum at the school seemed to overlook the importance of individual dynamics, which are vital in meeting unique individual needs. Personal dynamics combine the strengths of top-down and bottom-up dynamics Thus, relieving the remarkable tension between the dominant top-down and bottom-up dynamics. Consequently, this study recommends a balance between the top-down, bottom-up, and individual dynamics to successfully implement the mainstream English curriculum at the school.
Exploring teacher improvisation and its influence on learner performance in an under-resourced Grade 11 Life Science class
Authors: Dhurumraj Thasmai , Moola Zainul
Published: March 2023

The decline in learner performance in science education in South Africa is a perennial problem. Resource paucity in government schools is ubiquitous and reflects inherent challenges that pervade science classrooms. Scientific resources are imperative to the success of content delivery; however, South African government schools need help in procuring these standardised instruments and resources. Therefore, educators must innovate by employing improvised resources. This study illuminates the relationship between improvised resources and learner performance. A quasi-experimental design is adopted. A local school in Gauteng was used for this study, with 40 Grade 11 Life Science students and 1 Life Science educator participating in the project. A pre-test and post-test were administered to evaluate the effect of improvise resources comparatively. The ANOVA two-factor analysis tool demonstrated significant results of performance between the experimental and controlled groups as a statistical difference is seen in the mean scores, further accentuating the invaluable use of improvised resources.
Enhancing communicative competence in English Second Language classrooms through traditional storytelling
Authors: Hilda Nomasomi Matiso , Pelokazi Nqabeni
Published: March 2023

This paper aimed to explore the use of traditional stories as a tool to facilitate and enhance communicative competence in English Second Language (ESL) classrooms. The sudden switch from in-person to online instruction during COVID-19 caused a decline in communicative activities, including traditional storytelling. Any language program should aim to generate learners who are proficient in communication. According to research, even learners with low motivation and poor academic skills are more inclined to listen and put much effort into the narrative setting. This paper is grounded on Gardener’s Multiple Intelligences Theory, which challenges the traditional view of the Intelligent Quotient Theory and enables teachers to take a renewed look at other views about learning development. This study adopted an interpretive paradigm entrenched in a qualitative approach using a case study design. Semi-structured interviews were used to collect data from 5 conveniently selected Grade 6 teachers. Content analysis was used to analyse data. Findings revealed that (i) learners are not engaged in traditional storytelling in schools and (ii) a lack of recordings of traditional stories. The lack of traditional storytelling in schools denies learners opportunities to share their cultural knowledge and values. This paper recommends that traditional stories be included in the school curriculum to improve learners’ communication skills. Furthermore, traditional storytelling can act as a vehicle for restoring the learners’ culture.
Emergent marketing strategies and their influence on the Customer Value Proposition of Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) businesses during Covid 19 Pandemic in Botswana
Authors: Chiguvi Douglas , Sepepe Thuso
Published: March 2023

This research explores how marketing strategies have been changed to adapt to the impactful challenges of the pandemic and economic recession in Botswana's Consumer Goods (FMCG) business landscape. The research adopted an interpretivism philosophical model, an inductive research approach, mono-method wherein qualitative data was collected through semi-structured interviews with open-ended questions. The findings provided substantive evidence that there has been a transition in strategic marketing measures during the COVID-19 pandemic in the Botswana retail landscape and the transition in strategies did have an influence on the customer value proposition (CVP) output of retail businesses.
Factors influencing buying decisions on fruit and vegetables through E-commerce in Indonesia
Authors: Fadhila Febri Arifatul , Mubarokah  , Nuriah Yuliati
Published: March 2023

This study aims to analyze the factors that influence purchasing decisions in e-commerce, namely price, distribution, product, and promotion. The object of research is KitaBeli e-commerce users in Malang City with a sample of 189 people with purposive sampling technique aged 18-35 years. The data analysis technique used multiple linear regression with classical assumptions and partial and simultaneous tests using the E-Views 9 application. The results showed that price, distribution, product, and price had a partial and simultaneous significant effect on buying decisions.
The relation of job insecurity and workload toward turnover intentions mediated by work stress
Authors: Farros Imaroh Muhammad , Sudiro Achmad , Sunaryo
Published: March 2023

This study examines the effect of the relationship between job insecurity, workload, and work stress on turnover intention among BUMDes Sumber Sejahtera. The population in this study is all employees in BUMDes Sumber Sejahtera. This research is explanatory research with a quantitative approach which collects data by distributing questionnaires to 126 respondents. Data analysis used partial least squares (SEM-PLS). The results showed that job insecurity, workload, and work stress significantly affected turnover intention. Likewise, job insecurity and workload had a significant effect on work stress. The results of this study also show that work stress has a significant impact on turnover intention. Furthermore, work stress partially mediates the effect of job insecurity and workload on turnover intention. The results of this study suggest that BUMDes Sumber Sejahtera can improve the strategy to keep and maintain the employee to stay at their work.
The Effects of ESG issues on investment decision through corporate reputation: Individual investors’ perspective
Authors: Rounok Nafisa , Qian Aimin , Alam Mohammad Ashraful
Published: March 2023

Whether investors take into account a company's environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues when making investment decisions (ID), how they interpret corporate reputation (CR) as a result of ESG issues, and whether CR mediates the relationship between ESG issues and ID are the goals of this study. The theory of planned behavior (TPB) and the signaling theory are the bases of the framework. The study was based on a questionnaire survey that received 599 responses from active retail investors in two Bangladeshi cities, Dhaka and Chattagram. The PLS path modeling method was used to analyze the data and test the hypothesis. The empirical findings reveal that corporate ESG issues considerably impact ID and that CR mediates this relationship. This study contributes to behavioral finance by offering empirical proof of the relationship between company ESG issues and investment decisions. By examining the indirect effects of ESG issues on ID via CR, this study contributes to the body of knowledge. It is therefore advised that strategic managers be required to use ESG practices as it builds reputation. At the same time, the government should create public policies, orders, and rules for upholding the ESG issues that contribute to the sustainable development of the capital market and the economy.
Applying critical theory in the examination of one selected isiXhosa short story
Authors: Diko Mlamli
Published: March 2023

A notable framed literature review accentuates that there is a deficit in the scholarly examination of isiXhosa short stories. Such dearth can be pinned on the agnostic inclination in respect of South African literary criticism – isiXhosa literature included. The fundamental aim of this article is to make a systemic and meticulous examination of one selected isiXhosa short story hinging on dominant patterns such as negative peer pressure and poor parental guidance, among other distinguishable matters. Critical theory is used as a foundational base structure alongside qualitative research methodology for a continued and maintained reading of the short story in a bid to develop a noticeable pattern that will contest the conundrum. The results underline that young people and parents as well as the general society have a solitary responsibility to operate in a synergetic relationship to address some of the problems that continue to sabotage the future of many young men and women. The closing remarks suggest that more scholarly discourse in respect of isiXhosa short stories ought to be advanced. The article makes a notable contribution in that it catalyzes the theoretical and intellectual development of the isiXhosa language and literature.
Nanorobots target search strategies using swarm intelligence
Authors: Mushininga Rodney , Moodley Livashen
Published: March 2023

Controlling a swarm of bee-like nanorobots in search of a target in a human body-like environment is a challenge. The challenge lies in the causal factors of emergence. This research focused on designing and developing a bee-inspired algorithm to provide instructions to coordinate simple and naïve nanorobots in search of a target. Experiments were conducted through simulations to determine the rate at which myriads of agents converge at a target. A maze environment depicting human blood vessels was used to deploy the nanorobots. Different sample population sizes were used, and the results indicate that the bigger the sample size, the higher the convergence speed. Compared with a single complicated robot, the swarm of intelligently controlled nanorobots proved efficient and effective in finding a target in a human-like environment.
Increasing work engagement within businesses in the 4IR era: The predictors’ impacts
Authors: Adekanmbi Foluso , Ukpere Wilfred
Published: March 2023

This investigation seeks to answer the research question of how employee creativity (EC), employee polychronicity (EP), high-performance human resource practices (HPHRP), and perceived organizational culture (POC) impact work engagement (WE) inside organizations in the 4IR period. Nine (9) businesses in Nigeria’s Lagos, Ogun, and Oyo States served as the study's sample. Data for this examination were gathered using a cross-sectional survey methodology, and respondents who agreed to participate in the investigation were randomly assigned questionnaires. Consequently, a simple random sampling method was used to select participants. Statistical software for social sciences (SPSS version 28) was analyzed on 261 of the 270 distributed questionnaires that were recovered and determined to be useable. This study demonstrated how POC, EC, EP, and HPHRPs all have a substantial, positive, and independent influence on the improvement and sustainability of WE in Nigerian companies operating in the 4IR era. In light of this, the research’s findings have helped sustain workplace engagement during the fourth industrial revolution, notably in Nigeria. The literature on creativity, polychronicity, high-performance human resource strategies, corporate culture, and job engagement has also benefited from its contributions.
Educators’ perceptions of the influence of administrative communication on effective teaching in a selected school in South Africa
Authors: Adu Kemi O. , Duku Ntombozuko
Published: March 2023

The paper examines the educators’ perceptions of the influence of administrative communication on effective teaching in a selected school in South Africa. The paper adopted a case study research design of a qualitative research approach. Purposive sampling techniques were used to determine eight (8) participants that, comprises of 4 (four) educators and 4 (four) principals of some selected public schools in Buffalo City Metropolitan.  A semi-structured interview was used to elicit information from the participants. The findings indicated that administrative communication influences educators’ task performance and communication is revealed to influence the attainment of goals and school objectives. Also, the principals use different communication channels according to the skills of their educators to make valuable decisions. Educators performed better when they have a sense of belonging and receive constant communication from the principal. It is, however, recommended that the principals should endeavour to understand the type of communication skills possessed by the educators so that such skills will be used constantly to promote effective teaching.
Integration of computational thinking activities in Grade 10 mathematics learning
Authors: Ramaila Sam , Shilenge Hlulani
Published: March 2023

This study explored integrating computational thinking (CT) activities in mathematics learning in Grade 10 classrooms in South African township, suburban and independent schools. The inquiry adopted a mixed method approach as part of an exploratory, descriptive survey design and involved purposively selected Grade 10 learners as participants. Quantitative data were collected through the administration of questionnaires among the participants. Qualitative data was collected through semi-structured interviews and activities involving integrating computational thinking activities in mathematics learning. The empirical investigation underpins the Cultural Historical Activity Theory (CHAT) as the theoretical framework. Key findings from the study revealed that the integration of computational thinking activities in mathematics learning promises to be an effective means to enhance learners’ understanding of mathematics content. In addition, the participants demonstrated a positive disposition towards computational thinking. The participants perceived computational thinking as a vital tool that can be harnessed to develop problem-solving skills in mathematics classrooms. The study findings provide critical theoretical implications for pedagogic innovation.
Assessing the functionality of the department of the education in disruptive times using the Viable System Model
Authors: Mutambara Emmanuel , Cele Thanduxolo J
Published: March 2023

Organisational functionality is critical for ensuring that the organisation remains focused on providing its performance mandate, especially in times of disruption such as the Corona Virus Pandemic, natural disasters caused by floods, earthquakes, and civil unrest. In times of disruption, organisation could enhance their functionality by applying the Viable System Model (VSM). The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education (KZNDOE), experienced functionality-related challenges during the Pandemic which hindered the delivery of teaching and learning across most schools. Therefore, the study aimed to enhance the department's functionality using the VSM. The target population consisted of 300 senior managers, principals, and educators at the KZNDOE. The study employed an exploratory research design gathering data from 14 respondents through interviews as the data collection instrument. Data were analysed thematically using the NVivo 12 model. The study findings revealed that KZNDOE was not prepared to deal with the complexity presented by the Corona Virus Pandemic due to a dysfunctional structure, lack of resources, and skills incompetency to deal with complexity. To address the challenges, the department reviewed the functional structure which was last reviewed in 2011 to one that is adaptive in responding to the complex environment. The review would include the change of structure by creating new structures within the department that can deal with the Pandemic. For example, the study recommended a specific structure that deals with enhancing performance, Corona Virus Pandemic communication network, empowerment structures for educators, and structures to provide for remote learning and pre-learning materials. The study however recommended that a similar study could be conducted in other provinces to have a balanced view before making national inferences.
The challenges of procurement process for the department of correctional services
Authors: Lebete Ntsieni Douglas , Maramura Tafadzwa Clementine
Published: March 2023

This study aims to determine the procurement process challenges for improving the Department of Correctional Services (DCS). All the participants recruited by the researcher were not forced to participate or sign the consent form. The researcher considered only voluntary participation and the participants were requested to sign the POPI Act consent forms before conducting the face-to-face interview. The study adopted a qualitative research methodology to get a comprehensive and deeper understanding of the challenges and effects of the procurement process. Information was collected from the key informants using Face-to-face interviews; the key informants were possible suppliers, chief executors, executors, and directors. Managers specializing in the procurement field and potential suppliers were chosen as respondents to obtain sentiments toward the procurement process. The study established that (DCS) is one of the national departments faced with the challenges of improving the procurement process. Hence the case study focuses on procurement process challenges for the improvement of the DCS. The study concluded that most of the fruitless, wasteful and irregular, and unauthorized expenditures incurred in DCS are caused by a lack of availability of resources such as employment finances and a lack of technology due to resistance to change from the top management to the lower level.
Exploring the effects of technology integration in the learning and teaching of mathematics
Authors: Maqoqa Thabisa
Published: March 2023

This paper presents the effects of technology integration in the learning and teaching of Mathematics in first- and second-year mathematics students. The technology-based learning environment has been the demand in groundwork learning to shape a more active approach to students' learning process. The South African government has made an obligation to advance its people's Information and Communication Technology (ICT) skills and to connect the digital gap by targeting previously disadvantaged groups. The interpretive approach was used with face-to-face interviews to collect data from ten participants. Six participants were interviewed by the lecturers teaching mathematics and four students doing mathematics in one of the rural universities in the Eastern Cape. Findings confirmed that (i) Teacher technology competence and lack of resources are barriers to technology learning implementation. (ii) Consequently, it became evident that learners had a robust positive perception of computer usage in Mathematics learning and teaching even though almost all had little or no access to computers in their schools. It is recommended that the university should ensure that all students have the data card loaded with uncapped data for learning and teaching to run smoothly.
Investigating the classroom teaching practices of life sciences teachers in Gauteng
Authors: Dhurumraj Thasmai , Broadhurst Jodi-Leigh
Published: March 2023

In the analysis of the South African NSC diagnostic reports, the Department of Education prepared areas of learners’ struggle have proved to repeat themselves from 2017 to 2020. The classroom practices of Life Sciences teachers, focusing on teacher knowledge, were observed in a sample of schools in the province of Gauteng, South Africa. The investigation aimed to investigate these practices of Life Sciences teachers and consequently diagnose teaching difficulties. Data was collected through interviews and observations in a multi-case study approach and analyzed using Mudau’s (2016) Classroom Practice Diagnostic Framework. This study reveals that teachers’ classroom practices contribute to the teaching difficulties they experience when considering teachers’ knowledge of the Life Sciences content, the teaching context, and learner understanding.
Analysis of the internal control system for merchandise inventory at PT Hokkian Anugerah Karya Abadi Banjarmasin
Authors: Anastasia Maria , Rahmayanti Nida Putri , Mariyani Kristin , Bahwiyanti Jaya , Nurshifa
Published: March 2023

This study aims to analyze how the internal control system of merchandise inventory that has been running so far and should be carried out by PT. Hokkian Anugerah Karya Abadi Banjarmasin, the method used in this study is descriptive qualitative, the population of this study is all employees of PT. Hokkian Anugerah Karya Abadi Banjarmasin, totaling 89 people and a sample of 4 people consisting of leaders/managers, admin staff, warehouse staff and accounting staff, data collection techniques were obtained from observation, interviews and documentation. The results showed that the internal control system for merchandise inventory at PT. Hokkian Anugerah Karya Abadi Banjarmasin still had weaknesses in the components of the internal control system related to control and monitoring activities, and elements of the internal control system in the authority system and recording procedures, healthy work implementation. and quality employees who are still not optimal, this affects the difference in the amount of physical stock of merchandise inventory in the warehouse with the company's computer programmed.
The role of supply chain resilience to relationships supply chain risk management culture and firm performance during disruption
Authors: Akbar Habib Maulana , Isfianadewi Dessy
Published: March 2023

This study analyzes the role of supply chain resilience in relationships supply chain risk management culture and firm performance during the disruption SME Batik clothing business in the Wedi sub-district, Klaten, Yogyakarta, Indonesia. This study is designed as a quantitative study with primary data obtained through the distribution of questionnaires. Purposive sampling was conducted, and a sample of 87 respondents was selected from SME Batik in Klaten, Yogyakarta that members of the batik SME cooperative. This study limits the sample to two positions: owner and manager. The data collected were analyzed using the structural equation model method using SmartPLS software. The results show that SCRM has a positive and significant effect on Firm Performance. This research also shows that SCRMC has a positive and significant effect on Re-engineering, Agility, and Collaboration. Testing the effect of mediating variables found the significant value of the influence of Re-engineering, agility, and collaboration in mediating the relationship between SCRMC (Supply chain management culture) and firm performance.
China’s war on poverty
Authors: Bakre Olayemi , Dorasamy Nirmala
Published: March 2023

Prior to China’s reform, the poverty count surpassed that of the whole African continent. However, within five years, the Chinese could reverse this narrative. Between 1980 and 2020, China lifted a staggering 800 million citizens out of poverty. By February 2021, the Chinese declared that the war on ‘absolute poverty’ had been won when measured using the standard equivalence of $2.30 a day per person. In consonance with the Chinese feat on poverty, the study examines the strategy adopted in defeating poverty and highlights fundamental lessons that rural developmental stakeholders in South Africa may embrace in achieving a similar feat. To achieve this aim, the study adopted a literature review alongside a desktop analysis in deducing critical lessons from the Chinese war on poverty that may apply to rural developmental stakeholders in South Africa. Hence, an extensive assemblage of earlier studies on Chinese poverty alleviation strategies was looked into systematically. The study highlights potential challenges the South African rural developmental stakeholders may face in an attempt to replicate the Chinese stratagem. The study thus concludes with practical steps rural developmental stakeholders in South Africa may adopt to create viable rural spaces devoid of egregious forms of poverty.
Does the Russia-Ukraine war affects trade relations and foreign Direct investment flows from Europe into Asia and Africa?
Authors: Kola Benson Ajeigbe
Published: March 2023

This study used secondary data from World Development Indicators to examine the implication of the Russia-Ukraine war on Trade relations and Foreign Direct Investment flows into other parts of the world. Data from 85 countries between 2012 and 2021 were analyzed using the generalized method of moments (GMM) technique. Findings revealed that the coefficients of export goods, international trade represented by external trade, food exports and fuel exports had positive and significant results from both panels and all the sub-regions, except for Europe, which revealed a mixed result. Conversely, results from food imports, military expenditure, fuel imports and fossil energy consumption revealed negative but significant results, except food imports in Europe showed an insignificant result. Conclusively, the findings of this study revealed that the current war has increased military expenditure, which has caused a significant setback to FDI and trade relations. This has undermined both bilateral and multilateral trade relations and cut off supply chains, markets, and value chains that have long existed before the crisis amongst countries across the globe. Therefore, world leaders should do everything possible to restore peace between these two countries because it will do the world better than their selfish desires. In addition, if the war degenerates more than this, it would not only be injurious to the global market, trade routes, economy and FDI but can lead the world to another world war. Conclusively, this study will help world countries, governments, leaders, policymakers, investors, and companies in various decision-making endeavors, including war-related decisions. World leaders with management crisis skills who can unite nations should help mediate the conflict between Russia and Ukraine to restore peace. However, further studies are still required on this ongoing war for scholarly guidance as there are still limited empirical studies in the world literature regarding this crisis.
The effects of political interference on procurement performance in the parastatal organizations in Dar es Salaam Region
Authors: Masoud Yussuf
Published: March 2023

The study aimed to examine the effect of political interference on procurement performance in Tanzania's parastatal organization. It was specifically intended to investigate the impact of political interference on the contract award, project allocation, and legal framework implementation on procurement performance and make some recommendations for improvement. The data were collected from heads of departments at 93 parastatal organizations in Dar es Salaam using structured questionnaires. The study's population consisted of 712 respondents, with a sample size of 256 randomly selected, but only 241 questionnaires were returned, completed, and used for analysis. The data were descriptively and inferentially analyzed using a multiple regression analysis with the help of SPSS version 26. The finding shows that political interference in contract award and legal framework implementation negatively influences procurement performance. In contrast, political interference in project allocation positively impacts procurement performance. The study implied that the procuring entity should ensure that politicians were not involved in the procurement process and that only authorized officers were allowed to participate.