Research Publications (Management Sciences)
Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://ir-dev.dut.ac.za/handle/10321/217
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Item Financial bootstrapping as a sustainable livelihood alternative for agricultural co-operatives in an emerging economy(Virtus Interpress, 2024) Zwane, Bonginkosi Keith; Nyide, Celani John; Sikwela, Misery; Mantzaris, Evangelos; Fuyane, NkululekoThere is a scarcity of scholarly literature relating to financial bootstrapping in emerging economies, especially the use by co operatives in general and agricultural co-operatives in particular. As such, the financial bootstrapping methods used by agricultural co operatives in South Africa, an emerging economy, remain unknown (Rwekaza, 2021; Zantsi, 2021). The aim of this study is to determine the financial bootstrapping methods used by agricultural co-operatives. This study was undergirded by pragmatism, which allowed and guided the adoption of mixed-methods research. The qualitative aspect was given more priority or weight in answering the research questions, making it a quan → QUAL design. The study consisted of 52 agricultural co-operatives located in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. It was found that agricultural co-operatives practised some of the bootstrapping methods, especially those related to owner-related financing. However, there is little or no evidence of bootstrapping practices related to sharing resources and minimising capital invested in stock and accounts receivable. The co-operatives stifled their growth as they employed counter-bootstrapping activities caused mainly by their unsubstantiated beliefs. This research furnishes rural cooperatives with operational capital-enhancing guidelines that promote successItem An overview on the role of innovation in making sustainable and future-ready businesses(ERM Publications, 2023) Rena, RavinderInnovation is the key to success for businesses and it remains a crucial element in the sustainable development of the entrepreneurship activities across the globe. It is characterized by the creative capacity of invention as a source of sociocultural and technological change. In this background, the current review provides an overview of innovative business practices, enablers, and the factors that prevent the business owners to innovate new product/ service offerings, role of innovation among the small and medium enterprises, and impact of innovative business practices in the aftermath of COVID-19. Methodology: No comprehensive review has been made in this domain, though the researchers have focused on the concepts of innovation and business practices separately. The present study is an important contribution to the research domain as it holistically approaches the concept, its application, and the takeaway for future. Findings: The research article reviewed the studies conducted earlier and discussed the innovative practices followed in different domains and how the existing studies handled the concept of innovation in business. The paper also discussed about green innovation concepts and the concept of business innovation in India since India emerges as a vibrant nation after COVID-19. Implications: As per the India Innovation Index 2021, India is yet to tap the potential areas. With loads of opportunities yet to be unleashed, India must bring policy measures to make business innovations, a norm. It has increased continuously in the ladder of innovative start-up environment provider, though there is a scope for further growth in this regard.Item Towards developing a sustainability assessment framework for buildings in Uganda : a literature review(2023-08-29) Semanda, Julius; Moyo, Sibusiso; Chikafalimani, Samuel Herald Peter; Kibwani, NathanThe construction sector is one of the main contributors to sustainable development, and its importance in encouraging environmental protection, economic growth, and social advancement is undeniable. The present study reviewed existing literature to help develop a framework for assessing the sustainability of buildings in Uganda. To develop the framework, indicators were needed, therefore, sustainability indicators from the main sustainability rating tools like BREEAM, LEED, CASBEE, Green Star and IGBC, and the various journals were established. A systematic literature review of accessible literature was the research approach used. Inadequate public education and awareness, construction process technicalities, higher costs of sustainable building processes and materials, bureaucracy processes, unfamiliarity with sustainable technology, and lack of sustainable product information, were singled out as the main challenges for implementing sustainability processes in developing countries coupled with regional differences in local conditions, policies, and regulations in different countries. Embracing and implementing sustainability practices offers protection of air, water, land, and ecosystems, promotes harmony among people and between humanity and nature, and improves economic growth. Since no sustainability assessment tool/framework of buildings exists in Uganda, the study aims to establish one, to be able to foster sustainability practices. However, establishing policies, regulations, incentives, awareness, and industry support are important to promote sustainability in Uganda.Item How to encourage buying recycled products : a South African : German comparison(2023-06-16) Dobbelstein, Thomas; Lochner, CarinaDue to an increasing demand, companies have started producing recycled products. However, little is known about the specific purchase behavior. Hence, this study analyses the factors influencing purchase intention for recycled products including differences related to different types of products and between Germany and South Africa. A quantitative study in Germany (n = 603) and South Africa (n = 692). shows that purchase intention is significantly higher in South Africa. The influencing factors (individual, product, and context related constructs) are the same in both countries, but they differ regarding their strength. Thus, the factor “attitude/environmental concern” has the strongest influence in South Africa, while it is “value/accessibility” in Germany. Furthermore, purchase intention for mobile phones is generally smaller than for t‐shirts and toilet paper. Purchase intention for recycled t‐shirts is significantly higher in South Africa than in GermanyItem Stakeholders’ involvement in service delivery at eDumbe Municipality(AOSIS, 2022-02-28) Zwane, Zweliknona; Matsiliza, Noluthando S.Background: Stakeholders have diverse interests in the provision of public services; hence, they support municipalities in responding to communities’ basic needs by engaging them in decision-making and in offering development support.Aim: This article aims at assessing stakeholders’ engagement in service provision at eDumbe Municipality, in Kwazulu-Natal. The main objective was to improve service provision and development at eDumbe local area.Setting: eDumbe municipal area is the study location where data were collected by researchers.Methods: A qualitative approach was employed to collect and analyse data, using the case study design.Results: It has emerged that resource management, socio-economic factors and governance issues are barriers in successfully achieving stakeholders’ full support in service delivery.Conclusion: This study demonstrated dynamics of limited stakeholders’ engagement at eDumbe. It is recommended that municipality must improve its relations and strategies for engaging stakeholders to improve their participation in service provision. Findings from this study contribute to the existing knowledge of participatory democracy in South Africa.Item Insights into corporate social responsibility in small and medium enterprises in South Africa(International Journal of Special Education, 2022-03-03) Maome, Itumeleng Judith; Zondo, Robert Walter DumisaniSmall and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are recognised around the world for their contribution to a country's social and economic growth. They are the fertile generators of economic growth and development for South Africa. It has been recognised that one of the strategies that contributes to the longevity and success of businesses is Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). Hence, this study provides an insight into the influence of CSR on business growth in South Africa. Various scholars assert that CSR is more evident in major corporations with structured CSR strategies. Such businesses have separate divisions dedicated to CSR initiatives. However, CSR activities in SMEs in South Africa are still sketchy. They are based on the personal judgement and beliefs of owners and managers. There is a lack of awareness of the advantages of CSR in SMEs in South Africa. The lack of top management commitment has also been identified as a barrier to SMEs participating in CSR in South Africa. Consequently, there is more focus on the application of CSR in big corporations, thus neglecting SME participation in this initiative. It has thus been established that CSR remains a development tool that facilitates growth for SMEs in South Africa. Not all CSR activities require businesses to spend millions on such activities. SMEs may choose projects that are within their economic means. Hence, CSR awareness campaigns are useful to assist SMEs to make their projects more explicit.