https://actacommercii.co.za/index.php/acta/issue/feedActa Commercii2024-02-01T12:24:47+01:00AOSIS Publishingsubmissions@actacommercii.co.zaOpen Journal Systems<a id="readmorebanner" href="/index.php/acta/pages/view/journal-information" target="_self">Read more</a> <img style="padding-top: 2px;" src="/public/web_banner.svg" alt="" />https://actacommercii.co.za/index.php/acta/article/view/1178Intrapreneurship and dynamic capabilities interplay: Insights of a diamond mine2024-02-01T12:24:47+01:00Nomkhosi T. Radebekhosi.radebe@wits.ac.za<p><strong>Orientation:</strong> When an organisation fails to innovate, it becomes obsolete, and the mining industry is a laggard in the adoption of change.</p><p><strong>Research purpose:</strong> Intrapreneurs are independent strategic partners within an organisation who aim to exploit existing opportunities by leveraging on available resources. Conversely, dynamic capabilities are essential in understanding the firm’s activities. Innovation as an outcome of intrapreneurship through reconfiguration needs exploration. Dynamic capabilities as drivers of intrapreneurship within the mining industry need to be studied.</p><p><strong>Motivation for the study:</strong> Expanding on the key role played by intrapreneurs in propelling innovation is key. The study builds on existing knowledge by closing the gap on how intrapreneurs innovate by identifying the competencies of an organisation and reconfiguring them for continuous improvement. Reconfiguration takes priority as it becomes the driver of innovation.</p><p><strong>Research design approach and method:</strong> Qualitative research method using interviews and observations was employed to collect data. There were 43 interviews from intrapreneurs. The data obtained were analysed using the Atlas.ti software. The article follows a qualitative research method where data was collected through interviews and observations.</p><p><strong>Main findings:</strong> There is an interconnection between intrapreneurship and dynamic capabilities through continuous reconfiguration propagated by innovation.</p><p><strong>Practical/managerial implications:</strong> Successful innovation can be achieved by identifying an organisation’s internal capabilities, which the intrapreneurs will reconfigure to help position themselves. Additionally, this study is imperative to the mining industry in highlighting the importance of innovation, as it is characterised as a laggard to change.</p><p><strong>Contribution/value-add:</strong> The dynamic capabilities as drivers of innovation and the unique fusion of the reconfiguration pillar in achieving competitive advantage spearheaded by intrapreneurs is important.</p>2024-01-26T07:00:00+01:00Copyright (c) 2024 Nomkhosi T. Radebehttps://actacommercii.co.za/index.php/acta/article/view/1180Managerial ability and corporate cash holdings adjustment speed in South African listed firms2024-01-15T08:20:15+01:00Trust Chirekatchireka@wsu.ac.zaTankiso Moloismoloi@uj.ac.za<p><strong>Orientation:</strong> There is little evidence on how managerial traits influence corporate cash holdings decisions.</p><p><strong>Research purpose:</strong> The study investigated the relationship between managerial ability (MA) and the speed of adjustment of corporate cash holdings back to their optimal levels.</p><p><strong>Research design, approach and method:</strong> A quantitative research approach was used by deploying the two-step generalised method of moments (GMM) and the system-GMM estimations to test how MA influenced corporate cash holdings speed of adjustment (CH-SOA). The study sample consisted of 143 non-financial firms listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) for the period from 2000 to 2020.</p><p><strong>Motivation for the study:</strong> While prior studies have found that managerial ability drives corporate decisions and performance, there remains a dearth in empirical studies linking managerial ability with CH-SOA.</p><p><strong>Main findings:</strong> This study found evidence of the existence of optimal cash holding levels and that the average speed of partial adjustment is 75.6% for South African firms. However, the speed of adjustment was lower in firms managed by highly able managers.</p><p><strong>Practical implications:</strong> The study has practical implications for managers, particularly, low-ability managers, who can learn how their more able counterparts manage and adjust cash holdings. Policy makers can clearly observe how different institutional and macroeconomic conditions affect business proclivity to making or delaying investments by holding cash.</p><p><strong>Contribution:</strong> The study provides new evidence on how MA influences CH-SOA. Previous cash holdings studies have ignored the role of MA. Additionally, we provide evidence of the existence of optimal corporate cash holding levels using data from South African firms. We find that firms partially adjust any deviations from the optimal levels considering firm-specific, institutional and macroeconomic conditions.</p>2023-12-21T09:00:00+01:00Copyright (c) 2023 Trust Chireka, Tankiso Moloihttps://actacommercii.co.za/index.php/acta/article/view/1173Implementing artificial intelligence in South African public hospitals: A conceptual framework2024-01-15T08:20:15+01:00Sanele E. Nenesnene@uj.ac.zaLia M. Hewittmhewitt@uj.ac.za<p><strong>Orientation:</strong> Artificial intelligence (AI) is stimulating the generation of knowledge and innovations in healthcare by making machines smart through algorithms to nurture learning and improve resilience in global health systems. Despite these potential benefits, operations managers in a South African public hospital continue to favour manual systems over existing AI technologies within their units.</p><p><strong>Research purpose:</strong> The purpose of this study was to develop a conceptual framework to facilitate the implementation of AI in a public hospital in South Africa.</p><p><strong>Motivation for the study:</strong> A gap was identified, highlighting the need for a conceptual framework that facilitates the successful implementation of AI in a public hospital. The aim is to ensure that operational managers fully embrace the benefits of AI, thereby improving the healthcare system.</p><p><strong>Research design, approach and method:</strong> A qualitative, exploratory, descriptive and contextual research design with a phenomenological research approach was adopted. Five phases were followed to develop a conceptual framework. Twelve individual interviews and two focus group interviews were conducted to collect data. Thematic data analysis was applied to extract and identify significant themes.</p><p><strong>Main findings:</strong> Three themes were identified: positive experiences related to AI, management and leadership processes in AI facilitation and challenges related to AI. These themes served as the foundation for the development of a conceptual framework.</p><p><strong>Practical/managerial implications:</strong> There is ambivalence in embracing AI in the units of this public hospital, and it will be addressed by this conceptual framework.</p><p><strong>Contribution/value-add:</strong> The proposed conceptual framework is designed to enable the operational managers in facilitating the implementation of AI in a public hospital setting. It serves as a valuable resource to promote the integration of AI technology in healthcare operations.</p>2023-12-14T09:22:00+01:00Copyright (c) 2023 Sanele E. Nene, Lia M. Hewitthttps://actacommercii.co.za/index.php/acta/article/view/1191Sustainable banking practices in Southern Africa2024-01-15T08:20:15+01:00Cashandra C. Maracmara@uj.ac.za<p><strong>Orientation:</strong> Problematic loans expose commercial banks to great risk. South African and Namibian banks are highly regulated and require a higher capital adequacy ratio to shield the banking system from default risk. However, such intense regulation distorts the cost of capital and denies equal access to many previously disadvantaged members of society previously excluded from banking services. Highly regulated banking therefore holds major implications for the country’s growth prospects.</p><p><strong>Research purpose:</strong> This theoretical paper examines the South African and Namibian banking systems, to understand the challenges in managing risk and creating greater stakeholder value. As the forerunner to an empirical investigation, it intended to understand scholarly views on sustainable banking practices and financial exclusion.</p><p><strong>Motivation for the study:</strong> Borrowing from the fields of strategic management and business psychology, this study unpacks the human role in executing sustainable banking practices.</p><p><strong>Research design, approach and method:</strong> Theoretical, abstract research, analysing recent research, was conducted to uncover current banking research trends in South Africa and Namibia.</p><p><strong>Main findings:</strong> Value creation, rather than compliance, should be prioritised, to achieve sustainable lending, risk management and inclusivity.</p><p><strong>Practical/managerial implications:</strong> Policy makers in the South African and Namibian financial services sectors may benefit from this theoretical research and use it to improve their ability to strike a balance between sustainable banking, increasing access to banking for the previously unbanked, and meeting regulator needs.</p><p><strong>Contribution/value-add:</strong> This study makes a theoretical contribution to the body of knowledge on sustainable banking, which is an emerging field globally.</p>2023-12-08T07:09:00+01:00Copyright (c) 2023 Cashandra C. Marahttps://actacommercii.co.za/index.php/acta/article/view/1226Socio-economic transformation in a dynamic world2024-01-15T08:20:15+01:00Pandelani H. Munzhedzharry.munzhedzi@univen.ac.zaDominique E. Uwizeyimanadominiqueu@uj.ac.zaNo abstract available.2023-12-01T11:00:00+01:00Copyright (c) 2023 Pandelani H. Munzhedzi, Dominique E. Uwizeyimanahttps://actacommercii.co.za/index.php/acta/article/view/1221Acknowledgement to reviewers2024-01-15T08:20:15+01:00Editorial Officepublishing@aosis.co.zaNo abstract available.2023-11-28T13:31:00+01:00Copyright (c) 2023 Editorial Officehttps://actacommercii.co.za/index.php/acta/article/view/1112An organisational development framework for enhanced public sector performance2024-01-15T08:20:15+01:00Mehauhelo Melaletsamehauhelo@gmail.comMark Bussindrbussin@mweb.co.zaEmmerentia N. Barkhuizennbarkhuizen@uj.ac.za<p><strong>Orientation:</strong> Public sector organisations (PSOs) are continuously scrutinised for their inability to deliver required services to the broader society. Organisational development (OD) appears to be the solution for improved service performance in PSOs.</p><p><strong>Research purpose:</strong> The main objective of this study was to develop an OD framework that could support long-term performance in a selected PSO.</p><p><strong>Motivation for the study:</strong> Integrated OD frameworks that can effectively guide the sustainable performance of PSOs are yet forthcoming in Southern Africa.</p><p><strong>Research design, approach and method:</strong> A qualitative approach was utilised to obtain semi-structured interview data from a purposive sample of management (<em>N</em> = 15) from a selected public sector institution. Theme analyses were applied to illicit themes for the data gathered.</p><p><strong>Main findings:</strong> The findings showed that participants perceive a misalignment between OD interventions and the performance imperatives of the PSO department. The participants highlighted several components that should be part of the OD framework to enhance performance. These included accurate diagnosis and evaluation, leadership and management development, operational factors (i.e. structure, processes and alignment), communication, inclusivity and profiling of employees.</p><p><strong>Practical/managerial implications:</strong> The study highlights the importance of management competence in driving OD interventions. The framework furthermore provides a guideline for management to implement change interventions to achieve the organisation’s strategic objectives.</p><p><strong>Contribution/value-add:</strong> A framework is presented that is specifically aimed at providing practical guidance for the design of OD interventions in PSOs.</p>2023-11-24T08:00:00+01:00Copyright (c) 2023 Mehauhelo Melaletsa, Mark Bussin, Emmerentia N. Barkhuizenhttps://actacommercii.co.za/index.php/acta/article/view/1224Editorial 20232024-01-15T08:20:15+01:00Geoffrey A. Goldmaneditor@actacommercii.co.zaN/A2023-11-15T08:00:00+01:00Copyright (c) 2023 Geoffrey A. Goldmanhttps://actacommercii.co.za/index.php/acta/article/view/1134Entrepreneurship training: Why trainee selection is as vital as training design and delivery2024-01-15T08:20:15+01:00Clint Daviesclintdavies5@gmail.comMenisha Moosmenisha.moos@up.ac.zaJurie van Vuurenjurie.vanvuuren@up.ac.za<p><strong>Orientation:</strong> Entrepreneurship education (EE) and entrepreneurship training (ET) programmes have boomed but many studies have questioned the degree of applied benefits realised from the training.</p><p><strong>Research purpose:</strong> The purpose of this research was to resolve the weaknesses and inconsistencies found in prior research concerning ET efficacy.</p><p><strong>Motivation for the study:</strong> This research aimed to reveal more precisely why and how ET is effective.</p><p><strong>Research design, approach and method:</strong> The study was quantitative and quasi-experimental, and the data were collected in a non-probability purposive sampling strategy from 234 respondents. The eventual sample size was 184 (before) and 184 (after), in a matched-pair sample, based on the number of usable surveys with a response rate of 78.63%. The study statistics included simple regression and multiple-hierarchical regression analyses.</p><p><strong>Main findings:</strong> Results indicated entrepreneurial self-efficacy (ESE) had a greater direct impact on entrepreneurial competencies (<em>r</em> = 0.613) and business management skills (<em>r</em> = 0.552) than training design did (<em>r</em> = 0.471; <em>r</em> = 0.400), respectively. Furthermore, multiple-hierarchical regression showed that ESE mediates the impact of training design on entrepreneurial competencies and business management skills.</p><p><strong>Practical/managerial implications:</strong> Without high levels of ESE, ET is likely to be ineffective regardless of how well designed or delivered it is, because the trainees’ abilities make all the difference. Trainee selection is therefore a key determinant of ET efficacy.</p><p><strong>Contribution/value-add:</strong> There is an innovative mediation effect of ESE on the impact that ET has on entrepreneurship human capital (EHC). This extends the implication of seminal work on self-efficacy theory into the realm of ET and EHC outcomes.</p>2023-11-13T06:00:00+01:00Copyright (c) 2023 Clint Davies, Menisha Moos, Jurie van Vuurenhttps://actacommercii.co.za/index.php/acta/article/view/1097Blockchain technology in the clearing and settlement industry in South Africa2024-01-15T08:20:15+01:00Musimuni Dowelanimdowelani@uj.ac.zaChioma Okorochiomao@uj.ac.zaAbel Olaleyeabelo@uj.ac.za<p><strong>Orientation:</strong> The monopolistic nature of the clearing and settlement industry in South Africa impedes competition and the adoption of new technologies on account of profitability and total market share; there is little incentive to adopt new technologies such as blockchain. Clearing and settlement is currently administrated by shares transactions totally electronic (STRATE) using a centralised database. Blockchain technology is a decentralised advanced database mechanism allowing multiple institutional contributors to the database.</p><p><strong>Research purpose:</strong> This study’s objective was to identify perspectives on the potential role of blockchain technology in the securities clearing and settlement industry in South Africa.</p><p><strong>Motivation for the study:</strong> The emergence and adoption of blockchain technology across industries warrants research on the perceived impact of its adoption in the securities clearing and settement industry.</p><p><strong>Research design, approach and method:</strong> A qualitative research approach using semi-structured interviews was employed to collect data among stakeholders in the securities value chain in South Africa. Using social media, participants were identified through a combination of purposive and snowball sampling. Data were analysed using thematic data analysis with the aid of Atlas.ti software.</p><p><strong>Main findings:</strong> The study found that stakeholders are of the view that blockchain technology has the potential to improve settlement speed, increase automation of the process, increase efficiency, remove human error, remove the single point of failure, increase market size, create a more secure database, improve auditability, increase transparency, improve current infrastructure, eliminate intermediaries, and reduce the cost to users in the South African context.</p><p><strong>Practical/managerial implications and contribution/value-add:</strong> The contribution to practice is illustrated by two alternatives: the adoption of blockchain technology through the formation of a consortium, or a private network.</p>2023-11-09T06:00:00+01:00Copyright (c) 2023 Musimuni Dowelani, Chioma Okoro, Abel Olaleye