Acta Commercii最新文献

{"title":"The internationalisation of South African enterprises: A focus on international market selection","authors":"N. L. Ashley, Fredrick F. Mbuya, Adolf J. Vögel","doi":"10.4102/ac.v22i1.986","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4102/ac.v22i1.986","url":null,"abstract":"A systematic approach is considered a rational and formal decision-making process, where objective selection criteria – including statistical methods – are used to analyse a potential target market (Costa e Silva et al. 2018:581; Musso & Francioni 2014:302; Papadopoulos & Martín Martín 2011:133–134). In comparison, a non-systematic approach is considered more disjointed and irrational (Brewer 2001:156; Cavusgil & Godiwalla 1982:52; Papadopoulos & Martín Martín 2011:139). Orientation: The selection of attractive foreign markets has been identified as one of the most important decisions in an enterprise’s internationalisation process. Research purpose: The primary objective of this study was to determine which international market selection (IMS) processes, if any, South African enterprises follow when selecting international markets for expansion. Motivation for the study: Whilst a significant effort has been made to close the gap in knowledge regarding the IMS processes followed by enterprises from emerging markets, little is known about the IMS processes of South African enterprises. Research design, approach and method: This qualitative descriptive study collected data through semistructured interviews conducted with senior managers who have been or are involved in IMS at 12 South African enterprises. The collected data was analysed using thematic analysis. Main findings: The study found that the majority of enterprises who participated in this study use a systematic, four-step IMS process. However, the process is more flexible than that proposed by some theoretical models. In particular, the selection criteria used when analysing a market are considered flexibly and, in some cases, even in parallel instead of sequentially as proposed by some models. Practical/managerial implications: Research shows that mistakes related to the inappropriate and inadequate evaluation of markets are almost always more expensive than the costs associated with conducting a systematic IMS. Therefore, this research provides guidelines to enterprises on how to conduct such an IMS. Contribution/value-add: This study contributes to the extant IMS literature by broadening our understanding of the IMS processes followed by South African enterprises and in doing so, answers the call to close the emerging market knowledge gap.","PeriodicalId":55663,"journal":{"name":"Acta Commercii","volume":"100 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-06-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"76989212","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":"Supply chain disruption propagation: A study of South African fast-moving consumer goods food and beverage manufacturers","authors":"Tristan Ermes, Neil Henderson, Zuni Staude, W. Niemann","doi":"10.4102/ac.v22i1.1026","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4102/ac.v22i1.1026","url":null,"abstract":"Orientation: Supply chain disruptions have been the subject of substantial theoretical exploration, resulting from the organisational need to enable understanding and appropriate responses to increasingly frequent and severe disruptive events.Research purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore the factors that influence disruption propagation in the South African fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) food and beverage manufacturing sector.Motivation for the study: Whilst disruption propagation can cause notable damage to a supply chain, little research exists on the underlying factors that cause disruptions to spread.Research design, approach and method: The study employed a generic qualitative design. Seventeen semi-structured interviews were conducted to collect data from senior managers working in the South African FMCG food and beverage manufacturing sector. A thematic analysis approach was followed to analyse the collected data.Main findings: This study identified silo thinking, counterparty risk and staffing as factors that cause disruption propagation. Furthermore, the findings indicate that collaboration allows for a quicker response to disruptions because of the increased visibility that decreases disruption propagation, whilst high levels of dependency contribute to disruption propagation. However, this study found that in certain situations, a high level of dependency can be beneficial and decrease disruption propagation.Practical/managerial implications: The study offers managers insight into the nature of supply chain disruption propagation. Managers should revise and adapt disruption mitigation strategies to prevent disruption from spreading by understanding the nature of collaboration and the implications of high levels of relationship dependency.Contribution/value-add: The study identified the factors and circumstances causing supply chain disruption propagation in the South African FMCG food and beverage sector.","PeriodicalId":55663,"journal":{"name":"Acta Commercii","volume":"1 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-06-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"91386979","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":"An operational excellence strategy implementation model for growth in a volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous environment","authors":"Emmanuel Jengwa, R. Pellissier","doi":"10.4102/ac.v22i1.960","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4102/ac.v22i1.960","url":null,"abstract":"Model for Growth in a VUCA (Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, and Ambiguous) Environment. The study was conducted using Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) listed companies. Research purpose: To develop an OE strategy implementation model for organisational growth in a VUCA environment. Motivation of study: Illuminating problems such as the prevailing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic are impeding OE strategy implementation by JSE listed organisations, suggesting the fact that existing models do not address changes in VUCA environments. Research design, approach and method: This research collected quantitative data using the questionnaire instrument rolled out through SurveyMonkey to 1000 people working for JSE listed companies implementing Operational Excellence. The data collected from the 430 responses of the sampled 1000 was acceptable according to Krejcie and Morgan (1970) formula which requires 384 as minimum for generalisation. The data was cleaned for analysis using the Stata SE version 15.1 where all variables were transformed into numerical score on the Likert scale. The linear regression of the variables enabled the linkages that resulted in structural relationships. The structural equation modelling (SEM) technique was used to further analyse the structural relationships observed, these relationships enabled the construction of the final model through path analysis. Main findings: The study found that OE strategy can only drive growth through proper implementation, maintenance, and improvements utilising management review of best practices, policies, and procedures on key performance metrics such as revenue, profits and return on investment. Practical/managerial implications: Shortcomings of the existing models were interrogated and gaps found in order to design a more suitable model for growth which takes cognisance of the VUCA Environment. Contribution/value-add: A new model was designed that can be used successfully as a holistic tool in OE to drive growth by practitioners of the industry.","PeriodicalId":55663,"journal":{"name":"Acta Commercii","volume":"79 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-05-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"84987694","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":"Invigorating the hospitality industry: What is the impact of psychological contract and psychological capital on employee commitment?","authors":"D. Kokt, B. G. Mphirime","doi":"10.4102/ac.v22i1.981","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4102/ac.v22i1.981","url":null,"abstract":"Orientation: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has impacted all industries on a global scale. Specifically, the hospitality industry, being one of the largest industries in the world, has been affected by the decline in all forms of travel and tourism because of lockdown regulations instituted by governments. Research purpose: In recovering from the devastating impact of COVID-19, it is imperative that the hospitality industry retains committed employees to revitalise and rebuild the industry. Motivation for the study: The study reports on the impact of psychological contract and psychological capital on employee commitment within accommodation establishments. Research design, approach and method: The study followed a quantitative research approach and a survey as data collection method. A structured questionnaire was administered to nine graded accommodation establishments in the two main economic hubs of the Free State province, namely Bloemfontein and Clarens. Data were analysed by partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM). Main findings: The results revealed that psychological contract has a statistically significant relationship with employee commitment. There was also a statistically significant relationship recorded between optimism and employee commitment, but no statistically significant relationships between hope, self-efficacy, resilience and employee commitment. Practical/managerial implications: Rational contracts have the highest predictive power towards employee commitment. This emphasises the importance of developing and maintaining constructive relationships in accommodation establishments. Contribution/value-add: The study was conducted during COVID-19, and thus, provides insight into the impact of psychological contract and psychological capital on employee commitment during the time of crisis and disruption. © 2022. The Authors. Licensee: AOSIS.","PeriodicalId":55663,"journal":{"name":"Acta Commercii","volume":"PC-24 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-04-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"84849452","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":"Influential factors impacting leadership effectiveness: A case study at a public university","authors":"Carel D. Jansen van Vuuren, Kobus Visser, M. Du Plessis","doi":"10.4102/ac.v22i1.978","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4102/ac.v22i1.978","url":null,"abstract":"Orientation: As a result of increased globalisation and rapid changes in the technological, social, economic and political spheres, the environment in which businesses and organisations function has become increasingly volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous (VUCA). This has created a unique set of challenges for the leaders of these organisations, including higher education (HE) in South Africa.Research purpose: This study aimed to identify potential influential factors that have impact on leader effectiveness in a HE VUCA environment.Motivation for the study: Leadership effectiveness under VUCA conditions within the South African higher education sector no longer only depends on professional leadership training. A thorough understanding of crucial influential factors moderating leader effectiveness and a sober strategy to overcome potential negative impact is pivotal. This study seeks to contribute to this understanding and to leadership theory and practice.Research design, approach and method: A qualitative research approach was adopted to test research participants’ perceptions regarding the significance of influential factors impacting leadership effectiveness. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 24 employees in leadership positions at a single public university. A rigorous 16-stepwise method was used to analyse the qualitative data that employed a directed qualitative content analysis.Main findings: The major findings of the study include theoretical and empirical support for four influential factors impacting leadership effectiveness, that is, organisational culture, the role of women in leadership, and the role of millennials in leadership and diversity.Practical/managerial implications: Recommendations for university leaders to create an enabling environment for effective leadership to navigate VUCA are provided.Contribution/value-add: The significance of this study lies in the potential contribution to leadership theory and insights for leaders in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) to be effective in the face of VUCA.","PeriodicalId":55663,"journal":{"name":"Acta Commercii","volume":"9 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-04-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"81972861","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":"An evaluation of an apprentice selection process","authors":"J. Puchert, Roelf van Niekerk, Kim L. Viljoen","doi":"10.4102/ac.v22i1.987","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4102/ac.v22i1.987","url":null,"abstract":"scientists, and industrial and organisational psychologists.","PeriodicalId":55663,"journal":{"name":"Acta Commercii","volume":"16 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-03-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"87873048","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":"Apprentice selection: A systematic literature review from 1990 to 2020","authors":"J. Puchert, Roelf van Niekerk, Kim L. Viljoen","doi":"10.4102/ac.v21i1.932","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4102/ac.v21i1.932","url":null,"abstract":"Orientation: Technological innovations and developments in methods of productivity have resulted in an increased demand for technically-oriented artisans. However, the supply of qualified artisans is insufficient to meet the demand.Research purpose: This article is the product of a systematic investigation into the extent and nature of empirical literature related to human resource selection practices used for apprentices.Motivation for the study: The authors noted inadequate research into the selection practices used for apprentices. This investigation was motivated by the need to systematically verify the extent and nature of the empirical literature on apprentice selection, both internationally and nationally.Research design, approach and method: A systematic literature review of published empirical research articles (for the period 1990–2020) in scholarly databases was conducted. The literature was accessed through relevant databases within the business management, human resource management and industrial psychology fields. The literature was restricted to scholarly (i.e., peer reviewed journals), English full textual data. Twelve combinations of two clusters of key words were used in the search function. The first cluster was apprentice, apprenticeship and artisan, with the second cluster being selection, selection process, staffing and recruitment. Four exclusion categories were used to reject literature that were unrelated, dissimilar and unconnected with the purpose of the literature review.Main findings: From the comprehensive review of the literature, 12 articles were found to have content related to the selection of apprentices. Five core themes, with 11 sub-themes, were identified from this literature. A research agenda is proposed with research questions identified for each theme.Practical/managerial implications: This literature review has provided a synthesised summary of the available literature on apprentice selection. Through the provision of a research agenda, this article contributes by providing a foundation for further research in the field.Contribution/value-add: This article adds to the current literature available on apprentice selection practices. This should alert researchers of the need to further explore this area to enhance knowledge and understanding of the best practices employed in the selection of apprentices.","PeriodicalId":55663,"journal":{"name":"Acta Commercii","volume":"15 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-12-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"91389055","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":"Women-friendly HR management practices and organisational commitment among female professionals: Evidence from Zimbabwe","authors":"Shallone Munongo, David Pooe","doi":"10.4102/ac.v21i1.954","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4102/ac.v21i1.954","url":null,"abstract":"Orientation: Despite the growing feminisation of the global labour market, discrimination against women in the workplace remains entrenched.  Such discrimination of women is largely attributed to human resources management (HRM) policies and management practices which are inherently masculine, designed by men for men.Research purpose: The aim of this study was to explore the influence of human resources management practices on the organisational commitment among female professionals in Zimbabwe.Motivation for the study: Notwithstanding the growing scholarly interest in the factors which can help retain women in the workplaces, there remains a paucity of studies from developing countries on how HRM practices influence female professionals’ organisational commitment in the workplace. Dearth in empirical literature is pronounced in Africa, particularly in a society such as Zimbabwe punctuated by patriarchy and an economy that has been depressed for over two decades.Research design, approach and method: The study adopted a quantitative research approach and employed a cross-sectional survey of 210 female professionals employed in the private and public sectors in Zimbabwe. Structural equation modelling was employed for data analysis using AMOS 25.0.Main findings: The results of the study revealed positive and significant relationships between women-friendly HR management practices and organisational commitment of female employees.Practical/managerial implications: Premised on these findings, the study recommended that it is imperative for HR management to implement non-discriminatory rewards systems, increase family-friendly policies, prioritise continuous training and charter clear progressive career development programs for the female employees.Contribution/value-add: This study provides managers with a better perspective of the predictors of organisational commitment among female professionals in an African context.","PeriodicalId":55663,"journal":{"name":"Acta Commercii","volume":"32 2 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-12-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"90651442","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":"Counterfeiting: Exploring mitigation capabilities and resilience in South African pharmaceutical supply chains","authors":"C. Terblanche, W. Niemann","doi":"10.4102/ac.v21i1.963","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4102/ac.v21i1.963","url":null,"abstract":"Orientation: Pharmaceutical supply chains (SCs) are experiencing a growing emergence of illicit trade of counterfeited products. This threat is amplified because of global distributed SC networks, increased access to the Internet and challenging economic conditions.Research purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore risk mitigation capabilities and SC resilience (SCRES) to reduce the effects of counterfeiting in the South African pharmaceutical industry.Motivation for the study: Developing countries such as South Africa tend to be more vulnerable to counterfeiting, as these countries do not have established responses that are seen in more developed countries, such as SC regulation, track-and-trace technology and enforcement regimes.Research design, approach and method: This study employed a generic qualitative research design. Semi-structured interviews were used to collect data from 12 pharmaceutical manufacturers, distributors and retailers in the South African pharmaceutical industry. A thematic analysis approach was followed to analyse the collected data.Main findings: The findings show that the sources of counterfeiting stem from the local and outsourced manufacturing of counterfeited products, presence of unauthorised distributors and importing of counterfeit products. Risk awareness can be enhanced by collaborating with industry members, training members to identify counterfeits and by developing authentication technologies. The industry actively combats counterfeiting by using SCRES enablers including visibility, collaboration, information sharing and by developing an SC risk management culture.Practical/managerial implications: South African pharmaceutical firms have limited resilience. Therefore, managers should develop flexibility, agility, sensing and redundancy as resilience enables firms to combat counterfeiting.Contribution/value-add: This study expands the current literature by identifying the unique sources of counterfeiting and risk mitigation capabilities to combat counterfeiting in pharmaceutical firms in a developing country context.","PeriodicalId":55663,"journal":{"name":"Acta Commercii","volume":"255 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-11-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"82937304","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":"South African Generation Y students’ intention towards ecopreneurship","authors":"Carmen Strydom, N. Meyer, C. Synodinos","doi":"10.4102/ac.v21i1.910","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4102/ac.v21i1.910","url":null,"abstract":"Orientation: It has been argued that the solution to the deteriorating state of the natural environment should not simply be one of regulation but rather of innovation. As such, entrepreneurship or, more specifically, ecopreneurship has been identified as a possible solution.Research purpose: This study’s primary objective was to determine Generation Y students’ intention towards becoming ecopreneurs within the context of South Africa.Motivation of study: Research regarding ecopreneurship is still scarce within academic literature both globally and in South Africa. This study aims to address this research gap.Research design, approach and method: A quantitative research approach was followed using a descriptive, cross-sectional research design. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data from 522 students across three Higher Education Institutions in South Africa. The statistical analysis used to analyse the collected data included exploratory factor analysis, descriptive analysis, and correlation analysis.Main findings: This study’s findings indicate that university students belonging to the Generation Y cohort in South Africa display positive intentions towards becoming ecopreneurs. The students’ intentions were, however, lower than their reported knowledge and concern for the environment. All constructs used yielded positive results, albeit to varying degrees and a positive correlation between them were noted.Practical/managerial implications: Generation Y university students in South Africa display positive intentions towards becoming ecopreneurs. Thus, support to assist them in starting such ventures should be prioritised by incubation programmes and governments funding opportunities.Contribution/value-add: This study contributes to the existing literature on entrepreneurship, ecopreneurship, environmentalism and Generation Y students in the South African context.","PeriodicalId":55663,"journal":{"name":"Acta Commercii","volume":"50 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-10-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"87570190","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}