{"title":"Examining the drivers of artificial intelligence adoption in Nigeria’s supply chain management landscape","authors":"Adewale Hassan","doi":"10.36096/ijbes.v6i2.476","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.36096/ijbes.v6i2.476","url":null,"abstract":"The evolution of artificial intelligence and varying perspectives on its integration within the supply chain management landscape tend to influence organisations’ ability to adapt to changing market conditions and maintain relevance and competitiveness. Using a quantitative approach, this study explored the drivers of artificial intelligence adoption in Nigeria’s supply chain management landscape. A survey questionnaire was the primary means of collecting quantitative data from 80 local supply chain practitioners, which was analysed through statistical tests. Results from the study established support and leadership from senior management, availability of technological infrastructure, and regulatory framework and regulatory considerations as the foremost drivers of AI adoption in Nigeria’s supply chain landscape. The study's findings provide valuable insights for policymakers, industry practitioners, and academic researchers. The study posits that fostering a conducive environment for AI implementation, addressing regulatory ambiguities, and enhancing technological capabilities will be imperative for unlocking the full benefits of AI in Nigeria's supply chain management landscape.","PeriodicalId":150007,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Business Ecosystem & Strategy (2687-2293)","volume":"42 9","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-06-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141382434","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Lerato Relebohile Maboee, Paulene Naidoo, N. Ramlutchman, V. Rawjee
{"title":"The influence of social media use on corporate reputation at a higher education institution","authors":"Lerato Relebohile Maboee, Paulene Naidoo, N. Ramlutchman, V. Rawjee","doi":"10.36096/ijbes.v6i2.514","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.36096/ijbes.v6i2.514","url":null,"abstract":"The use of social media in organisations can assist in the creation and maintenance of a good brand, reputation and image largely due to the potential of developing interactive relationships with various stakeholders. This not only aids in building stakeholder relationships, but also in increasing an organisation’s visibility. The aim of this research was to assess how a higher education institution, specifically the Durban University of Technology (DUT) in South Africa, uses social media platforms to build and maintain a positive corporate reputation. Additionally, the research examined how the institution actively engages with their target audience on social media platforms. A quantitative methodology was adopted with a sample population of 180 students from the DUT. Data was collected through the distribution of questionnaires to students and analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25.0. Findings revealed that social media plays an important role for organisations as a vital tool to build and maintain corporate reputation online, as well as communicating effectively and actively with various target audiences. The research recommends that organisations prioritise investing in social media platforms and communicate effectively and actively with their audiences online.","PeriodicalId":150007,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Business Ecosystem & Strategy (2687-2293)","volume":"45 10","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-06-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141381855","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Learning accumulation from unfamiliar environments: informal focus groups","authors":"S. Gololo, S. Seeletse","doi":"10.36096/ijbes.v6i2.483","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.36096/ijbes.v6i2.483","url":null,"abstract":"Informal and accidental focus groups emerged in which academic personnel of the same higher education institutions (HEIs) who travel together in small vehicles, stimulated the interest to embark on this writing. The people traveling together have to interact with one another even where they initially did not know each other, due to close proximity. These opportunities took place in various settings of South Africa, such as years and places. The authors realised that especially when these trips are too long, dialogues that take place there can include informative life lessons. They then formerly decided to ‘collect’ data through observations, sometimes taking field notes such as in anthropological research approaches. The findings from very few focus groups produced a variety of lessons for the authors, but it was more pleasing that the lessons learned by the focus group members on those platforms were massive. The study found the proximity and separation of different departments as lost opportunities. It then recommends the introduction of interactions of an informal nature for experts of different fields, including those who do not even know one another. ","PeriodicalId":150007,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Business Ecosystem & Strategy (2687-2293)","volume":"26 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-06-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141382760","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Richard Ofosu Dwamena, Lawrence Mpele Lekhanya, Eric Kofi Boadi
{"title":"External factors affecting entrepreneurial financial governance strategies of the technical universities in Ghana","authors":"Richard Ofosu Dwamena, Lawrence Mpele Lekhanya, Eric Kofi Boadi","doi":"10.36096/ijbes.v6i2.527","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.36096/ijbes.v6i2.527","url":null,"abstract":"The study examined important external elements that have an impact on the technical universities (TUs) in Ghana's entrepreneurial financial governance methods. It highlights the difficulties TUs have managing their finances and the critical role that entrepreneurial finance plays in overcoming these financial limitations. A questionnaire was used by respondents as the data gathering tool in the researcher's quantitative investigation. Purposive sampling was utilised in the study to choose the 160 respondents that participated. According to the study, external environmental factors like political and economic factors, regulatory boundaries set by the state, competition between TUs, insufficient budgetary allocation, inefficient financial monitoring systems, and a lack of dynamic capabilities all have a significant impact on entrepreneurial financial governance strategies. According to the study, technical universities (TUs) in Ghana can increase revenue production, augment government financing, and satisfy their objective of offering high-quality education by applying creative initiatives and improving financial governance processes. This study offers policymakers and key stakeholders in the education sector useful insights to improve the financial sustainability and performance of Technical Universities (TUs) in Ghana. It does this by doing a thorough examination of the external environment and its impact on financial governance initiatives. Through an analysis of the effects of political and economic variables, insufficient budgetary provisions, and inadequate financial monitoring frameworks, this research highlights the imperative for Technical Universities in Ghana to give special consideration to these external elements","PeriodicalId":150007,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Business Ecosystem & Strategy (2687-2293)","volume":"49 22","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-06-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141384487","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Board demographic characteristics and governance practices of SOEs in Ghana","authors":"Kwaku Asiedu-Nketiah, Yakubu Yakubu, D. Y. Dzansi","doi":"10.36096/ijbes.v6i2.486","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.36096/ijbes.v6i2.486","url":null,"abstract":"Across the globe and particularly in the developing country settings, there has been an upsurge of interests from businesses, academics and policy-makers alike in understanding the relationship between corporate board characteristics and governance practices of State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs). This understanding especially in post-pandemic era would aid in formulating best policies for optimal performance of the SOEs. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of board characteristics on corporate governance practices in SOEs in Ghana. Utilizing a structured questionnaire, data was collected from employees across various SOEs and analysed through Smart-PLS structural equation modelling. The findings indicate that board demographic characteristics have a significantly positive impact on governance practices, underscoring the importance of diversity in board composition. This outcome highlights the need for SOE policymakers to prioritize board diversity to enhance governance efficacy. This research enriches the literature on corporate governance in the developing country context and has practical implications for enhancing SOE management and performance. It also provides a foundation for future research to explore the dynamics of board characteristics in different contexts.","PeriodicalId":150007,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Business Ecosystem & Strategy (2687-2293)","volume":"30 6","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-06-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141385141","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Exploring the impact of social responsibility on staff engagement in Ghanaian Universities:","authors":"E. A. Prempeh, D. Y. Dzansi","doi":"10.36096/ijbes.v6i2.484","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.36096/ijbes.v6i2.484","url":null,"abstract":"Ghanaian universities have embraced a corporate identity and are actively participating in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), which is referred to as University Social Responsibility (USR). The purpose of this is to enhance the perception of identification (organisational identity) and promote employee involvement. This research examines the effect of University Social Responsibility (USR) on the level of involvement and commitment of staff members in Ghanaian institutions. It also proposes that the sense of identity plays a role in mediating the relationship between USR and staff engagement. This study utilised a cross-sectional survey methodology. The poll utilised a two-stage multi-stage sampling procedure to choose 412 participants. The survey utilised a validated questionnaire using a 5-point Likert scale. The questionnaire had a Cronbach's alpha coefficient (?) greater than 0.70. The data acquired from this questionnaire was customised for the survey. The data collected were configured and subjected to Structural Equation Modelling for analysis at a significance level of p<.05 using the SMART pls software. The findings indicate that identification perception does not significantly and directly predict the mediation effect of internal CSR on employee engagement (beta=0.008; t<1.96; p=0.439: p>0.05), and external CSR on employee engagement (beta=0.002; t<1.96; p=0.443: p>0.05) in the surveyed Ghanaian universities. The study concluded that the impression of identification did not operate as a mediator in the predicted association between the internal and external corporate social responsibility activities of the universities and employee engagement. According to the findings and conclusion, Ghanaian universities should take into account several elements and adopt a comprehensive approach when aiming to enhance employee job engagement. It is important not to exclusively concentrate on employee identification with the institution. It is advisable for the administration of Ghanaian institutions to develop efficient employee-focused engagement strategies and activities, both internally and externally, to boost the welfare of their workers, promote a sense of belonging, and improve overall performance.","PeriodicalId":150007,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Business Ecosystem & Strategy (2687-2293)","volume":"52 50","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-06-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141383965","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Mitchell Dodzi Morvey, Lawrence Mpele Lekhanya, Eric Kofi Boadi
{"title":"Supply chain management (SCM) framework for small and medium manufacturing enterprises (SMEs) in Ghana","authors":"Mitchell Dodzi Morvey, Lawrence Mpele Lekhanya, Eric Kofi Boadi","doi":"10.36096/ijbes.v6i2.528","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.36096/ijbes.v6i2.528","url":null,"abstract":"Efficient supply chain management is essential for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Ghana to guarantee a dependable flow of products and services, sustain competitiveness, and promote growth and job creation. The objective of this study is to analyse the current supply chain models utilised by manufacturing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Ghana. Additionally, it intends to propose a prototype model that will aid manufacturing SMEs in achieving sustainability, growth, and future expansion in Ghana and other regions. The Conceptual framework was developed by examining variables identified in the existing literature on supplier management practices in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), as well as inventory management approaches that are relevant to SMEs. A structured questionnaire was employed to collect data from the main source. This study employs a mixed method approach, which includes the participation of 363 respondents. Interviews and surveys were carried out with small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) owners and managers. The data was analysed using the SPSS (v 27.0) computer application, which involved both inferential and descriptive statistical analysis. The findings revealed essential components of the prototype, such as the implementation of supply management (SM), proficient information management (IM), streamlined distribution strategies, and strong marketing and sales strategies, in addition to customer relationship management (CRM) and effective post-sales services. Implementing these supply chain management (SCM) principles effectively can guarantee the sustainability, growth, employment generation, and overall performance of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Ghana.","PeriodicalId":150007,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Business Ecosystem & Strategy (2687-2293)","volume":"46 39","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-06-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141384375","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Utilisation of M-government in Matjhabeng local municipality: a necessity for effective public participation","authors":"M. Mofolo","doi":"10.36096/ijbes.v6i2.478","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.36096/ijbes.v6i2.478","url":null,"abstract":"Since the first case of the COVID-19 pandemic in South Africa in 2020, public participation in municipalities took a knock as COVID-19 regulations prohibited large crowds from gathering. Because the Matjhabeng local municipality's valuation roll was about to be renewed, this became a major point of contention. As a result, this article investigated how Matjhabeng local municipality conducted public participation to comply with the law during the pandemic. The study is primarily quantitative, but qualitative aspects are also included. According to the findings, the municipality failed to use other platforms to ensure that no one was left behind while drafting the rates policy. As a result, it is suggested that the use of m-government in Matjhabeng local municipality is necessary for public participation during COVID-19 and beyond.","PeriodicalId":150007,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Business Ecosystem & Strategy (2687-2293)","volume":"63 8","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-06-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141383098","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The worth of corporate social responsibility in SME growth to large corporate size","authors":"S. Seeletse","doi":"10.36096/ijbes.v6i2.503","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.36096/ijbes.v6i2.503","url":null,"abstract":"This study investigated the relationship between corporate social responsibility (CSR) and the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). It examined the extent to which SMEs can engage in CSR to achieve larger sizes. A purposive study selected three large corporates that started as SMEs and grew to become large corporates through CSR. Interviews with managers leading CSR in these corporates revealed that CSR can be a key driver of growth, leading to larger sizes. The study concludes that CSR can be effectively used by SMEs to enhance their growth, potentially even to multinational enterprise levels. Recommendations include training employees in CSR knowledge, integrating CSR into business operations, prioritizing CSR initiatives, exposing management to CSR, and incorporating CSR into the mission for strategic status.","PeriodicalId":150007,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Business Ecosystem & Strategy (2687-2293)","volume":"28 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-06-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141383312","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The determinants of use behavior of e-procurement system in developing countries","authors":"Deus N. Shatta, Bahati Mabina","doi":"10.36096/ijbes.v6i2.498","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.36096/ijbes.v6i2.498","url":null,"abstract":"The existing body of literature on e-procurement adoption has not adequately predicted the direct and indirect impact of performance expectancy and effort expectancy on the usage behavior of e-procurement system through the attitude of users. This paper focuses on analyzing the direct and indirect effects of various factors that influence the usage behavior of e-procurement systems in Tanzania. The paper was guided by the Social Information Processing (SIP) theory, the Affect Infusion Model (AIM), and the modified Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT). The paper also used a deductive perspective and an explanatory cross-sectional survey research approach. A stratified sampling technique was used to identify 383 respondents (buyers and suppliers) that use the e-procurement system. Data gathering was conducted via the use of a documentary review and questionnaire. Inferential statistical analysis was conducted using the Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling, with the assistance of SmartPLS 4 software. The results indicate that performance expectancy, effort expectancy, and attitude significantly influence positively the usage behavior of the e-procurement system (p value<0.05). The paper finds that the behavior of buyers and suppliers, after the adoption of an e-procurement system, is indirectly impacted by the system's performance expectancy and effort expectancy, via their positive attitudes. The results of this study confirm the usefulness of the proposed research model in directing management decision-making, particularly in determining the importance of investment considerations when implementing or improving an e-procurement system.","PeriodicalId":150007,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Business Ecosystem & Strategy (2687-2293)","volume":"60 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-06-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141382981","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}