Faculty of Management Sciences

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Information and communication technology as a blended-learning tool for sustainable development for university students
(Ponte Academic Journal, 2023-01) Kayode, Aderinsola Eunice; Linda, Lingaliso
The integration of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) as a blended-learning tool into traditional classroom-based teaching and learning has been shown to improve students' academic performance at globe and is essential to economic development. These claims were investigated in a sample of undergraduate students at the faculty of Education, University of Ibadan, Nigeria. Based on the goals of the research, a purposeful sample of students was chosen. It used a mixed-method survey design. A total of 117 students completed the online survey (quantitative component); while a focus group interview with 4 students (qualitative component) was conducted. The findings showed significant barriers to, and affordances of, the use of ICT as a blended-learning tool. In addition, the study discusses student access to ICT devices and internet facilities on campus, student proficiency in using these devices and facilities, and the impact these have on students’ academic activities. Finally, conclusions and recommendations are discussed in the context of graduate career opportunities and national economic sustainable development
Evaluating the sustainability of South Africa’s gambling industry
(2023) Mlobeli, Siphamandla; Hatikanganwi, Mapudzi
South Africa is a developing country that prides itself on having in-depth understanding of gambling activities. People engage in gambling activities like casino games and lotteries. Even though gambling activities have evolved from being a relatively unusual occurrence limited to brick-and-mortar casinos, bingo halls, race and sports books, it has become a technologically sophisticated sector that is growing significantly every year. The gambling activities have transforms how individuals gamble. People gamble in the comfort of their own homes. However, the growing importance of unregulated (and thus illegal) gambling in South Africa is a troubling trend. This study aimed at investigating the opportunities for the South African gambling sector to continue operating in the face of declining revenues. To establish the set objectives, this study adopted the use of qualitative methods particularly purposive sampling. The researcher acquired a representative sample of the three CEOs and 12 players from each of the three companies, Gold Circle, HollywoodBets, and Phumelela Gaming. In a similar vein, the 12 clients chosen from the three businesses have a history of doing business with them. The findings of the study revealed that both internal and external elements contributed to the industry's swift drop in fortunes. The internal variables include marketing, culture, issues with tax income, racing, wagering, and the use of human capital. Education, innovation, globalisation, a lack of skilled workers, economic and political instability, legal issues, restrictions on gambling, change, and government backing are some of the external variables. The study recommended significant government assistance for the industry. The national gambling board should also see to the closure of all illegal gambling establishments. The sudden increase in licence renewal costs and tax revenue needs to be investigated, to help the business regain its financial stability.
Modelling values, entrepreneurial competencies and sustainable development : a case of small, medium and micro enterprises in eThekwini Municipal area
(2023-04) Ogonsola, Sijuwade Adedayo; Potwana, Nobubele
There is a universal call to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity. This must be done in such a way that the needs of the present must be met without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. This is what sustainable development is all about. Broadly stated, it refers to programmes, initiatives and actions aimed at the preservation of distinct areas such as human, social, economic and environmental. Governments at all levels are expected to be in the forefront of such initiatives. At the heart of economic development is the business world, in particular, Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises. There is overwhelming evidence that these categories of business are very responsive to societal needs and are thus able to mitigate the effects of afflictions such as poverty and unemployment. As such, the South African Government has some initiatives in place to assist them to grow. The kind of assistance that is mainly focussed on is financial and skills training. However, even with all that assistance, the two main ills of poverty and unemployment have not been dented. This observation gave rise to this study, to examine the behavioural competencies of entrepreneurs to see how values impact competence so that sustainable development is achieved. The research area was eThekwini Municipality, which is a Metropolitan City in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Its size and economic activity make it attractive to job seekers even from rural areas. The main aim of this research has thus been to determine the extent to which values and entrepreneurial competencies can impact sustainable economic development in the eThekwini Municipal Area of South Africa. To establish the set objectives, a descriptive research design was employed, using a quantitative research strategy. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire which was administered to the entrepreneurs through convenience sampling, yielding a sample of 400. The data was captured and analysed on SPSS (version 26) and SEM was used to test the structural relationships of the variables, these being Honesty; Integrity; and Transparency as these emerged as the key values that entrepreneurs should have while Accountability; Social Interaction and Personal Identity were conceptualised as key competencies. The main measures of sustainable development were Poverty Alleviation and creation of employment opportunities. Pertinent observations came out of the structural model which showed that honesty and transparency do not have an effect on accountability. Similarly, personal identity does not have an impact on integrity whereas integrity has a significant effect on social interaction. Furthermore, accountability does not have a significant impact on neither poverty alleviation nor creation of employment opportunities. The finding that integrity weighs more to society than anything else is to be taken seriously.
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, Nathan
The 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.
Social entrepreneurship as a tool for sustainable development in the townships in KwaZulu-Natal province
(2023) Akoh, Emmanuel Inalegwu; Lekhanya, Lawrence Mpele
Globally, social entrepreneurs have been identified as major contributors to solving social problems such as unemployment, poverty and inequality. They can also be considered a catalyst to economic transformation as a result of their significant contribution to a country’s Gross Domestic product (GDP) and have been identified as a crucial part of any country that aspires to achieve sustainable development. In countries, such as the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, France and Australia, growth in social value creation attributable to social entrepreneurs has strengthened, indicating any predicated or identified economic, social and environmental challenges may be mitigated or addressed by their inputs. This indicates beyond reasonable doubt that social entrepreneurs have an important role to play in any country and, it can also be argued, more especially in developing countries such as South Africa. The ineffective use and low contribution of this phenomenon to address the many socio-economic challenges affecting South Africa have been a significant concern to the South African government, academies, investors and policy makers, leading to a call for additional support for social entrepreneurship emergence and growth in the country. The National Development Plan (NDP) considers small businesses such as social enterprises a key component of any inclusive growth strategies and envisions by 2030, 90 percent of new jobs will be created by micro, small and medium enterprises. Research on factors affecting social entrepreneurs’ growth and their contribution to sustainable development in the country has seen various extensive studies in this field, nonetheless, a serious research gap remains regarding an in-depth understanding of those characteristics and factors that critically influence social entrepreneurship and improve their contribution to sustainable development. Furthermore, theoretical models of these factors are lacking. The current study, therefore, covers a critical research area with the potential to improve the present state of South African social entrepreneurship, with specific reference to social entrepreneurship within the townships in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN). The study aimed to identify the critical factors affecting social entrepreneurship as a tool for sustainable development in the KZN townships and to propose a prototype model to improve its effective contribution, since the contribution level currently experienced in the social sector is poor, which is attributed to various significant challenges faced by social entrepreneurs in South Africa. Research was thus conducted in three townships within the KZN Province, employing a quantitative research method, where the study population consisted of 90 social entrepreneurs. A non-probability, convenience sampling technique was adopted, while a closed-ended questionnaire was used to collect the primary data for the study. Inferential and descriptive statistical analysis of the data was undertaken using SPSS (version 27.0) software. The findings of the study indicate several challenges severely affect social entrepreneurs, who are constantly faced with significant barriers that affect their performance, impacting on social entrepreneurs’ innovativeness and creativity that could promote and improve their contribution to sustainable development. The study identified environmental factors to have a significant impact on social entrepreneurs’ contribution to sustainable development, while society’s perception, social networking, social impact measurement and access to financial resources were also identified as catalysts to social entrepreneurs’ performance. Key insights are provided into both the theoretical and practical implications of social entrepreneurs’ contribution to sustainable development. In addition, an extensive range of recommendations is outlined and a theoretical framework proposed for those factors that social entrepreneurs, government officials, and policy makers can understand to help develop remedies for current challenges affecting social entrepreneurs
Cluster methodology : the strategy for sustainable local development in the rural communities of South Africa
(2023-05-16) Zondo, Robert Walter Dumisani
Rural communities are making efforts to implement sustainable development initiatives in their regions. However, there is a lack of capacity, specific development strategies, expertise, infrastructure and finance to achieve their developmental goals. These deficiencies disadvantage self-reliant initiatives in rural areas as the development interventions and investments are directed to better-off urban communities. Hence, this paper proposes the cluster approach as a sustainable local development in rural areas of South Africa. Clusters are referred to as the agglomeration of inter-related firms and related institutions. They are employed to show a geographical and a sectoral focus of firms that produce and sell a range of related or complementary goods and services. These firms normally experience the same challenges and opportunities. The clusters are assisted by a spectrum of supportive institutions situated within spatial proximity, including business-related associations, technical or training service providers. Cluster development initiatives that improve access for local firms to local and global markets can have positive poverty impacts that enhance income, employment and the well-being of workers and entrepreneurs within a cluster. This study assesses the influence of the cluster approach on sustainable local development in rural areas of South Africa. It establishes the suitability of clusters as strategic methods for local economic growth for South Africa.
The impact of financial audits on the sustainable growth of SMME’s : a case study of the eThekwini Municipality
(2021) Mkhize, Nkanyezi Lindani Alen; Chazireni, Bobo
Small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) play a very important role in the economies of the world. However, the sustainable growth of these businesses in South Africa is one of worst recorded, as 90% of them fail within the initial stage of their existence. This study sought to investigate whether financial audits had an impact on the sustainable growth of SMMEs in South Africa. The New Companies Act 71 of 2008 of South Africa has brought about a lot of changes in the regulatory requirements of SMMEs to relieve them of administrative burdens and increase their sustainability. This, however, worked adversely against these businesses due to the barriers which inhibit their longevity. This can be attributed to the notion that managers/owners of the SMMEs have become oblivious to the risks inherently associated with businesses, and that this is enhanced by SMMEs not having to account to anyone (that is, there is no regulatory body or entity that controls these businesses). The commander and the agency theories, highlight the importance of separating ownership and control amongst SMMEs to align information symmetry between interested parties. A quantitative approach was followed in conducting the study and data was collected from SMMEs in Durban, under the eThekwini Municipality using a semi-structured questionnaire. A descriptive statistical analysis was performed to analyse the sample demographics, and then mean and standard deviations were computed for the variables.
An evaluation into Nambiti Private Game Reserve as a tourism contributor towards socio-economic sustainable development of local communities
(2022) Dladla, Simphiwe Sandile Justice; Chili, Nsizwazikhona Simon
This study focuses on the contribution of the Nambiti Private Game Reserve as a tourism attraction towards improving the welfare of the local community of Cremin through a socio-economic sustainable development. The primary focus of tourism growth is to make the most of socio-economic gain amongst the neighboring communities. This is however not always the case as most rural communities adjacent to private game reserve, national parks and heritage sites are among the least developed communities in the Republic South Africa. it is, therefore, necessary for this study to examine and evaluate whether rural communities residing near private game reserves, heritage sites and national parks are benefiting socially and economically. The purpose of this study is to determine if Nambiti Private Game Reserve has an important responsibility in social and economic sustainable development of Cremin community. For purpose of this study, both qualitative and quantitative methods of research are applied in a form of a case study approach. The benefits of using a qualitative approach involve that of collecting more in-depth information from respondents which enables the researcher to examine respondent’s experience in detail through research tools such as the semi-structured interviews, whereas quantitative research generates statistics using large-scale survey research using tools such as questionnaires with closed-ended questions. The study was undertaken to examine the contribution of the Nambiti Private Game Reserve towards ensuring that the welfare of the Cremin community is improved socially and economically. This study was conducted in the Cremin region which had a total number of 21 households as of 2006 which than grew to 58 households with a population of 174 in 2016 (STASSA, 2011). The Cremin region falls under the uThukela District in Klipriver and is 25 kilometers from Ladysmith, Kwazulu-Natal. This study plays a key role in the exposition of the contribution of the Nambiti Private Game Reserve to emancipate the community while at the same time it reveals challenges that are faced by all the concerned stakeholders especially the Nambiti Private Game Reserve authorities to achieve the principles of sustainable development of the local community of Cremin.
Factors influencing purchase intention for recycled products : a comparative analysis of Germany and South Africa
(Wiley, 2023-01-27) Dobbelstein, Thomas; Lochner, Karina
Due to an increasing demand, companies have started producing recycled products. However, little is known about the specific purchase behavior. Hence, this study ana lyses the factors influencing purchase intention for recycled products including differ ences 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 (indi vidual, product, and context related constructs) are the same in both countries, but they differ regarding their strength. Thus, the factor “attitude/environmental con cern” 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 signifi cantly higher in South Africa than in Germany.
Evaluating private game reserves' contribution to community development : a case-study of Kwandwe Private Game Reserve
(2020-04) Stuma, Phelokazi; Giampiccoli, Andrea; Jugmohan, Sean
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the application of the community development-model adopted by Kwandwe Private Game Reserve (KPGR), in the Eastern Cape, towards sustainable development of communities near the location of the game reserve. Community development is one of the important areas that the government of South Africa is targeting to reduce poverty and inequalities. Many initiatives have been proposed through local authorities to enhance local economic development. KPGR provides work opportunities for the local people to enable them to earn household income. The study draws from a mixed method approach wherein elements of quantitative and qualitative techniques were used to obtain relevant information from 300 respondents. These include employees of KPGR, the management of KPGR, Ubunye Foundation and the community members of Branderstone and Kransdrift. Findings of the study revealed that many factors adversely affect KPGR from exercising some of its corporate social responsibility. These include limited interaction of KPGR with the surrounding community, low literacy among community members and inadequate infrastructure. These factors adversely affect the community developmental model in the Branderstone and Kransdrift communities. To mitigate these concerns, the study advocates a thoughtful and strategic involvement of the surroundings, harnessing the potential of local communities and investing in infrastructural projects which are crucial for community development.

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