Faculty of Management Sciences
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Item Business leadership competency for innovative strategies post COVID-19 among small and medium enterprises in Gauteng Province, South Africa(2023) Mugivhisa, Fulufhelo Lindelani; Ogulu, ChristianaThe COVID-19 pandemic brought many challenges to South African business leaders, such as optimising hybrid teams, attracting and retaining workers with needed capabilities, and making the most of scarce competencies. Current and complex challenges require leadership with the necessary skills. Besides COVID-19 challenges, business organisations and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) must deal with economic downfall, social unrest, and corruption. Leadership plays an important role in ensuring business competitiveness amid these challenges. This study investigated the business leadership competency required for innovative strategies required post-COVID-19 among SMEs in Gauteng Province, South Africa. This involves identifying leadership competencies and proposing a framework for innovative leadership. A sample size of 384 respondents was drawn from owner/managers of SMEs in Gauteng Province. A mixed-method approach was adopted using both structured interviews and a closed-ended questionnaire through an online survey. The results showed that most of the SMEs agreed that COVID-19 challenged SMEs with several difficulties. The research highlighted business leadership competencies for innovative strategies post-COVID-19. The main findings revealed that training and developing employees play a pivotal role in shaping and influencing business performance, which is critical to the success of a business and ensuring innovation. Furthermore, the survey results showed that most SME owners/managers prioritise the competency of setting targets, reviewing and improving financial performance. Results also indicated that adaptability, flexibility, and resilience are necessary to meet changing market conditions. Furthermore, the study highlighted the importance of building diverse and expansive networks. Additionally, findings show that SME Leaders must be willing to take calculated risks for the business to emerge successful.Item The importance of systemic support for student-driven social media learning on campus in Nigerian universities(Ponte Academic Journal, 2022-01) Kayode, Aderinsola Eunice; Linganiso, Linda Z.The use of social media during the COVID-19 pandemic has emerged as a critical factor for academic continuity on university campuses globally. This paper reviews the use of social media as a learning tool among a undergraduates sample of students from selected Nigerian universities during this pandemic challenges period. A set of online survey Google forms was self-designed and used to explore how undergraduate students learn and concentrates on their academic activities during this pandemic. A sample size of 450 was purposively selected from the three universities, but only 153 online survey responses were valid for the data analysis. Descriptive statistics of frequency, mean and standard deviation were used in analysing demographic variables and research questions. The research findings indicated that students were ready for the new change to digital learning with their academic performance. Researchers recommended that both the academic community and government should support building resilient social media networks on campus among students and lecturers, including skills development and ready access to devices and the internet.Item A scientometric review of the impacts of digital technologies on HEIs during COVID-19 pandemic(Ponte Academic Journal, 2022-06) Kayode, Aderinsola E.; Obiseye, Obiyemi O.Research has shown that the importance of Digital Technologies (DT) in enhancing productivity and performance in higher education institutions (HEIs) can never be underestimated, as was apparent during the COVID-19 pandemic. This pandemic, and consequent lockdown, impacted every aspect of human life globally, and the education system was not spared. Although much research related to the COVID-19 pandemic has been published, few studies have considered the impact of DT on education/learning during this period. Educators and students of HEIs had to rapidly adapt to the use of DT in delivering lectures, as well as for learning. Unfortunately, educators and students, as major HEI stakeholders, have not yet taken full advantage of the educational benefits of DT – hence the motivation for this research. The methodology adopted entailed a comprehensive, systematic and expository review of selected published articles on DT in journals, books and conference proceedings from different databases: Web of Science, Scopus, Google Scholar, Academia.edu and Research gate. This article presents the findings of a scientometric review of literature on the impact of DTs in HIEs, with a focus on events during the COVID-19 outbreak. It is hoped that the outcomes of this review will add to the growing body of knowledge about whether or not the adoption of DTs has had any significant impact on teaching, learning and assessment; as well as techniques for leveraging DT, even for learners in hard-to reach communities, in this new normal.Item Women in higher education institutions and the challenge of academic progression(2023-08-03) Anwana, Emem O.; Kayode, Aderinsola E.Female academics in Africa have historically faced several challenges that have hampered their advancement to positions of leadership in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). The study's findings suggest that the COVID-19 pandemic contributed to women's inability to generate research outputs, which are required for advancement in HEIs. This problem was compounded by diverse degrees of infrastructural deficits and poor research funding. This study adopted a qualitative exploratory analysis approach whereby structured interviews were held with 20 female university academics in two African countries to examine the factors that inhibit need for HEIs to review the recognise the additional work that female academics perform in their homes and families. It provides recommendations that may be used by HEI managers to bridge the widening gender gap in leadership positions in HEIs in the selected African countries. The findings cannot be generalised as the sample was taken from female academics from public universities in only two African countries. The study could, however, assist HEI managers and policymakers find solutions to some of the issues affecting women's progression in HEIs.Item A model to enhance tourism education post the Covid-19 pandemic : a case of uMgungundlovu and Harry Gwala District Municipalities(2023-07) Zaca, Acquinath Kholeka Nombulelo; Hlengwa, Dumsile Cynthia; Sucheran, ReshmaThe COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on tourism education in South Africa, leading to a sudden shift from traditional teaching to digital schooling. While some schools successfully adopted technology-enhanced online learning, socially disadvantaged schools and communities faced challenges in transitioning due to technological limitations, poor internet connectivity, and skills shortages. This research sought to improve tourism education in high schools within the uMgungundlovu and Harry Gwala District Municipalities. The study argues that the tourism curriculum must adapt to the changing needs of the industry by incorporating technological advancements. Resilience-based interventions were explored as a means to help tourism education recover from the pandemic's disruptions. The research utilized Critical and Resilience Theories and employed a pragmatic approach with a mix of qualitative and quantitative data collection from tourism educators, subject advisors, and industry partners. Findings revealed that teachers embraced digital technology to enhance teaching and learning but faced challenges such as increased absenteeism, curriculum completion difficulties, knowledge gaps, and reduced morale due to inadequate support. The study emphasizes the importance of integrating tourism education theory and practice and forging strong industry relationships to develop a relevant curriculum that aligns with industry demands. To ensure the survival and adaptability of tourism education, resilient pedagogical strategies are proposed, involving a redesigned curriculum that reflects industry trends. Ultimately, tourism education plays a crucial role in the industry, and its success hinges on the ability of educators to adapt and build resilience in the face of future uncertainties.Item An exploration and description of the impact of COVID-19 on women's employment in KwaZulu Natal, South Africa(Durban University of Technology, 2024) Womack, Anna Johanna Catharina; Orton, PenelopeThe effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have highlighted the issue of gender inequality in the labour market in relation to greater risks of unemployment and financial vulnerability. The shift to remote work altered responsibilities for domestic labour among partnered couples and single parents, as did the impact of closed schools, child care centres, and more. Disruptions to economic and social arrangements of South African women were no different than what other women in similar situations experienced in other countries. This study sought to explore the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on women, with respect to employment, work-life balance and family responsibilities. A qualitative study within a constructivist paradigm, with a multisite, instrumental case study design was used. Data were collected from participants using both a survey questionnaire and a structured interview. A sample size of 172 was sought for the questionnaire and 26 qualitative interviews were conducted guided by data saturation. Quantitative questionnaire data were analysed using SPSS (version 27) for descriptive and inferential statistics. Thematic analysis of the qualitative interviews was done using NVIVO for coding and categorising. Black women, particularly from the informal sector, were found to be more adversely affected than those in formal employment by the COVID-19 pandemic. This study contributes to understanding the effects the COVID-19 pandemic had on women’s employment, work-life balance and family responsibilities.Item Promoting a technologically driven tourism industry post-COVID-19 : a case study of hotels in Durban, South Africa(2022-08) William, Siphiwe; Mnguni, Erasmus; Anwana, EmemaThe outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in 2019 resulted in governments from around the world being proactive by responding with extreme measures that had significant impacts on economies from travel bans to some hotels closing down temporarily and others indefinitely. Quarantine and partial-to-full lockdowns were enforced to contain the spread of the virus. As a result of this, the tourism industry suffered the most. The South African tourism industry was not spared from such impacts. The aim of the study is to promote a technologically driven tourism industry post-COVID-19 in South Africa. Hotels are now adopting technological solutions to provide guests with contactless hotel services and reassure them of their health and safety. There is an increase in the adoption of robotics and AI, self-service kiosks, remote check-out and facial recognition check-in systems, all these technological innovations are being implemented to minimize the spread and risk of COVID-19 infections by eliminating physical human-to-human contact. The spatial setting of this research study was the City of Durban, KwaZulu-Natal (KZN). The study integrated two different sampling techniques underpinned by probability sampling method, namely: simple random sampling and nonprobability sampling method, namely: purposive sampling technique. The study’s target population for hotel guests, was N=2 000 000 (forecasted visitors), thus a sample size of n=384 was determined to be appropriate. However, a sample size of 422 was achieved. The respondents were categorized into two different groups namely hotel guests (travelers) and 11 General Hotel Managers. A convergent parallel mixed method was adopted for this study. Data was collected through online survey questionnaires and structured interviews and was analyzed using SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences) version 27.0 and NVivo software. The primary results revealed that younger respondents had a positive attitude towards the use of service automation technologies (SATs) in hotels when compared to the older travelers’ counterparts. There were concerns about privacy and security issues, the use of SATs by hotel guests and job losses as a result of the adoption of SATs by general hotel managers. The respondents had a high preference for human employees in hotels for interactivity purposes but also had a high preference for SATs for safety and health purposes where the risk of COVID 19 was involved. Hotels in the city of Durban faced SAT adoption barriers which included a lack of government support and inadequate IT skills and infrastructure. Hotels in the city of Durban along with the city’s tourism industry continue to lag behind in terms of technology adoption. A Conceptual Framework was developed, which was underpinned by the aforementioned findings, and they are expected to be useful tools in assisting General Hotel Managers in the city of Durban in successfully adopting SATs so that their benefits can be fully exploited and restore the trust of hotel guests and travelers and reassure them of their health and safety when consuming tourism and hotel services amid and post-COVID-19 pandemic.Item 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 The socio-economic implications of the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on the South African informal economy(Durban University of Technology, 2023) Langry, Fiona; Rena, RavinderThe informal business sector in many developing economies is often seen as a driver of economic growth due to the role that this sector plays in the creation of employment opportunities, increasing the social activities of its communities, and providing business opportunities for rural entrepreneurs. The informal economy has been known to be insulated from macro-economic volatility in the global markets, but this could be an oversight on the part of the national government as they have not taken this sector into account when determining GDP or strategic imperatives to bolster the economy. The COVID-19 pandemic showcased how unprepared many economies were in the face of harsh government-imposed lockdowns and the resultant job losses that occurred due to individuals being unable to go to work. The South African government, whilst acknowledging the informal sector and the subsequent economic and social role it plays, lacks the necessary policy framework and enablement of this sector, as well as a platform that enables the continuation of business practices for informal traders that will protect them from the daunting impacts of a pandemic or another global catastrophe. The purpose of this study is to comprehend and analyse the socio-economic ramifications of the COVID-19 epidemic and its impact on the informal economy in South Africa. To do so, the study utilises discourse analysis and which is carried out using a secondary data collection approach. Theses for master's and doctoral degrees, papers presented at conferences, policy documents, government gazettes, statistical data from governments, and reports from international organizations are all taken into consideration. Articles published in scientific journals that have been subject to the process of peer review are also taken into account. According to the findings of the study, in order to protect the informal sector from unforeseen disasters in the future, it is recommended that policies and protection mechanisms be put into place.Item Millennial’s consumer behaviour during the COVID-19 pandemic : perspectives from an emerging and a developed economy(Adonis & Abbey Publishers Ltd, 2022-11-10) Tshikovhi, Ndivhuho; Dobbelstein, Thomas; Moyo, SibusisoOne of the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic was on shopping behaviour patterns due to lockdown restrictions and social distancing requirements. In this study, South African and German millennials (those born between 1980 and 2002) are analyzed to determine their buying behaviour during the COVID-19 pandemic in the year 2020. We demonstrate the choices of purchases amongst African Journal of Business and Economic Research (AJBER) (Online) ISSN 1750-4562 (Print) ISSN 1750-4554 Indexed by SCOPUS, UGC CARE List, IBSS, EBSCO, ProQuest, ABDC, SAJE, COPERNICUS,ERIH PLUS, CABELL, Sabinet and J-Gate Vol. 17, (Issue 4), December 2022 Pp 283–309 Millennial’s consumer behaviour during the COVID-19 … 284 millennials between the two countries, that is, South Africa as an emerging and Germany as an advanced economy. This study shows how consumers' choice was influenced by the pandemic before, during, and after the first lockdown. Making use of an online survey (meaning accessing millennials with internet access in both countries), it was found from a data set of 949 millennials in Germany and 676 millennials in South Africa that millennial’s shopping behaviour varied for specific product categories before, during and after the lockdown. As a result, this study concluded by providing recommendations for retailers, policymakers and researchers taking into account a pandemic scenario.