Employee engagement amid and post the Covid-19 pandemic in a South African debt collection organisation

In the post-Covid-19 pandemic era, there is increasing interest in the implementation of flexible work arrangements such as remote work. Previous research revealed that remote work environments may affect the engagement levels of employees positively or negatively. This article reports on the results of three studies conducted amid and post the Covid-19 pandemic, measuring the engagement levels of employees in a debt collection organisation in South Africa. The research results suggest that remote work has the potential to enhance employee engagement levels. Consequently, management should consider maintaining or implementing flexible working arrangements, such as remote work, to foster and sustain employee engagement. Additionally, the findings suggested that factors such as gender, age and educational attainment may influence employee engagement levels. The findings highlight the importance of understanding employee engagement and its contributing factors across various work environments, including flexible work arrangements such as remote and hybrid work

THE INFLUENCE OF ACTIVITIES AND CHARACTERISTICS OF MANAGERS AND STRATEGIC ACTIONS ON BUSINESS RESULTS WITH THE MODERATION EFFECT OF IMPROVING KNOWLEDGE (example of Serbia)

The paper analyzes the characteristics of companies, from the aspect of the organizational climate that prevails in them. The goal of authors was to determine to what extent there is a climate that encourages the exchange of knowledge, information and ideas. Also it was investigate to what extent the creativity and innovation of employees is encouraged. The main purpose of this paper is to investigate the influence of activities and characteristics of managers and strategic actions on business results with the moderation of improving knowledge in the companies in Serbia. The mutual relationship and influence of the analyzed variants of management activities and the manager's characteristics was determined through correlation analysis. Correlation analysis confirmed that there is an influence of activity variables and manager characteristics on variable strategic action. Correlation relations of the observed variants of management activities and the strategic action variable from the aspect of how ready the analyzed companies are to improve knowledge are listed. Based on the results of the regression analysis, a regression model was determined that singles out those activities and characteristics of managers that have the greatest impact on achieving the efficiency of strategic action, and singles out those variables of strategic action on which the greatest influence of the aforementioned variables is achieved

EVALUATION of INTERCITY PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICE QUALITY and PASSENGER PATRONAGE

The study assessed the level of customer satisfaction with the quality of services offered by the main intercity public transport companies on the Owerri-Lagos and Owerri-Abuja travel routes in Nigeria. The study's objectives were to establish the level of patronage for intercity public transport providers and evaluate the level of service these providers offer on the assigned routes. To collect primary data, a survey instrument called a questionnaire was employed. Utilising the SERQUAL model of service quality, the study assessed respondents' pre-service and post-service quality expectations and views. Eight key intercity public transport operatives that transport the most intercity passengers through Owerri-Abuja and Owerri-Lagos routes were investigated, in addition to representing the long-distance intercity ways with the topmost demand for intercity journeys from Owerri. The following operators were selected for the study, namely, ABC Transport, LIBRA Motors, Young Shall Grow Motors, Heartland Travels, EKESONS Transport, GUO Transport, CHISCO Transport, and God is Good Motors (GIGM). Descriptive, inferential, and SERQUAL gap models were used to assess the gathered information. The major intercity public transport service operators' mean coefficient of service quality on the Owerri-Lagos and Owerri-Abuja routes is 23.6%, which suggests that their services are of low quality. However, GIGM received the highest service quality score (31.3%), indicating that individual operators in the sample offer services of disproportionately high quality. Additionally, the findings show that the mean daily patronage (MPAR) of 117.72 people was collected by the operators of intercity public transport services. The analysis also shows a substantial relationship between the amount of demand for intercity travel through specific operators and the quality of intercity public transport services. Individual operators must raise the calibre of their intercity travel services since there is a chance that giving the highest calibre of services and value to clients may increase demand for intercity travel

Exploring Innovative Evaluation Strategies for Safety Education in Schools

This study explores innovative evaluation strategies for assessing the effectiveness of safety education programs in schools. Traditional methods of evaluation often rely on pre- and post-assessments or student surveys, which may fail to capture the broader impact of safety education on behavior, awareness, and long-term retention. This study examines alternate approaches to evaluation, including observational evaluations, peer assessments, digital portfolios, and real-time data-gathering technologies, such as mobile applications and gamified platforms.  A descriptive design research methodology was used, using a mixed-methods approach that integrated qualitative data from interviews with educators and students with quantitative analysis derived from longitudinal surveys and behavioural monitoring. The results highlight the benefits of interactive and adaptive evaluation tools, which allow for continuous feedback and more personalised assessment of student engagement and learning outcomes. The research underscores the need to assess both information retention and the subsequent behavioural changes and mental reactions to safety instruction. The findings suggest that innovative, technology-enhanced evaluation strategies give an opportunity for extensive impact of safety programs, supporting the development of more effective and tailored educational interventions. The study contributes to the growing field of safety education by offering new perspectives on how to evaluate student learning in ways that foster deeper understanding and long-term safety awareness

CO2 EMISSIONS and MACROECONOMICS INDICATORS in EMERGING MARKET COUNTRIES

The increasing economic growth in emerging market countries has led to rising concerns about environmental sustainability, particularly CO2 emissions. This study aims to analyze the effect of GDP per capita, Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), and Government Expenditure on CO2 emissions in five emerging economies (Indonesia, India, China, Russia, and Brazil) during the 1998–2022 period using panel data analysis techniques. By applying the Chow and Hausman tests, the Fixed Effect Model (FEM) is identified as the best model for this study. The findings indicate that GDP per capita positively and significantly influences CO2 emissions, supporting the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) hypothesis. Conversely, FDI has a negative and significant effect, aligning with the Pollution Halo Hypothesis, as foreign investments introduce environmentally friendly technologies. Similarly, Government Expenditure negatively and significantly influences CO2 emissions, highlighting the role of public spending in promoting sustainable infrastructure and reducing emissions. These findings suggest that sustainable economic growth, increased public spending on green projects, and incentivizing environmentally friendly FDI are essential for balancing economic growth and environmental sustainability in emerging economies

CHALLENGES of LEARNING and TEACHING in HIGHER EDUCATION: A Systematic Literature Review of the South African Context

This systematic literature review examines the multifaceted challenges of learning and teaching in South African higher education institutions (HEIs). South Africa's higher education landscape is characterised by a unique blend of historical legacies, socio-economic disparities, and a diverse student population, making it a compelling context for investigating the complexities of learning and teaching. Drawing upon a comprehensive search of peer-reviewed journals, conference proceedings, and reports, this review synthesises key findings from the past decade (2012–2022) to shed light on the critical issues faced by HEIs. The review reveals several overarching challenges, which include historical inequalities, inadequate funding and infrastructure, and the demand for curriculum transformation to address 21st-century skills and align with labour market needs, which presents a considerable pedagogical challenge. The review underscores the importance of recognising diverse student backgrounds, languages, and learning preferences in promoting inclusive pedagogical approaches. Recommendations include addressing historical inequalities through targeted interventions, increased funding for HEIs, faculty development programmes, and leveraging technology to enhance access and engagement. In conclusion, this systematic literature review provides a comprehensive overview of the multifaceted challenges facing learning and teaching in South African higher education. It underscores the need for context-specific solutions to improve access, quality, and inclusivity in HEIs and calls for continued research and policy initiatives to address these critical issues

An Exploration of Factors Triggering Employee Shirking through Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses

This study sought to systematically review existing literature, whilst developing an understanding of factors that trigger employee shirking. In addition, the study aimed to propose intervention strategies that organizations can use to reduce employee shirking. The study used the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines for systematic literature review to gather and analyse related literature. A total of twelve research articles, published between 2020 and 2025, were included in this systematic literature review. The study found several factors that trigger employee shirking such as poor employee monitoring, perceived injustice, poor incentive systems, breach of psychological contract, conflict of interest, undervaluing employee competencies, and misjudging task difficulty. To mitigate employee shirking, employers should monitor their employees closely, set clear roles and expectations, conduct regular performance reviews, and design good incentive systems, which motivate workers to work and provide a safe work environment. This systematic literature review contributes to the existing body of knowledge in human resource management by proposing strategies that organizations and human resource specialists can consider when designing and implementing appropriate mechanisms to curb employee shirking

A Historic-Contemporary Analysis of the Benefit-Sharing Agreement for South African Khoisan Rooibos Farmers

The Rooibos Benefit-Sharing Agreement (BSA) represents ethical and legal failure, perpetuating historical injustices against the Khoisan people, while maintaining the racial and economic monopoly of the Rooibos industry. The agreement functions as a superficial compliance mechanism with the Nagoya Protocol, failing to ensure meaningful economic redress for Rooibos's Traditional Knowledge Holders (TKH) rather than serving as a restorative justice and fair-trade instrument. This article critically examines the contradictions between the BSA and international legal frameworks, including the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), the Nagoya Protocol, and access and benefit-sharing (ABS) principles. It argues that the agreement’s structure effectively excludes Khoisan Rooibos farmers from substantive participation in the Rooibos value chain, denying them control over their traditional knowledge and economic benefits. Despite being hailed as a landmark victory upon its implementation in 2019, the Rooibos BSA remains a mechanism of economic marginalization. Khoisan communities, whose traditional knowledge underpins the multi-billion-dollar Rooibos industry, receive a negligible share of industry profits, while historically privileged agribusinesses and multinational corporations retain dominance over production, processing, and international trade. This article critically analyses the agreement, the South African government's role in sustaining this inequitable framework, and its failure to enforce national and international legal obligations

HARNESSING SOLAR ENERGIE TECHNOLOGIES: A response to the energy crisis

Globally, harnessing solar energy technology, managing costs, depletion and pollution has become a topical theme. The study examined factors that determine solar energy technology (SET) adoption readiness by sampling 1510 households in South Africa, Botswana, Malawi, Seychelles, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Targeted user identifiers and capabilities improved perceived economic value of solar energy technology were established. Several perceived economic values, barriers and drivers were established as factors determining readiness of a society to adopt solar energy technologies. A model to determine solar energy technology adoption readiness was developed. The study recommended the need for government energy policies that promotes affordability of solar energy technologies. Furthermore, the issue of perceived uncertainty, beliefs about consequences and consumer asymmetric require interventions by development agencies and solar energy companies. Furthermore, there is need for e-platforms and mobile platforms to provide critical information of servicing, installation, backups and the creation of information hubs and innovation hubs

English

This article provides a comprehensive discussion and analysis of the funding challenges faced by public schools in KwaZulu-Natal. The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education is currently confronting significant financial hurdles that are adversely affecting schools across the region. Key issues include reduced funding, delayed payments, and a critical shortage of resources for essential supplies and infrastructure. As a result, schools are experiencing operational difficulties that undermine the quality of education for both educators and students, ultimately affecting the overall standard of learning. Employing an interpretivist approach and qualitative research methods, the study involved interviews with four union office-bearers and ten school principals who are actively engaged in the management of school finances. The findings indicate a clear financial crisis within schools in the province. Funds are disbursed in tranches, leading to instability as the allocated amounts prove insufficient to cover operational expenses and repay existing debts, resulting in a lack of basic resources. Many schools have accrued significant debts, leaving them uncertain about how to address these obligations. In some cases, principals have had to use personal finances to cover school expenses. To tackle these pressing issues, the study recommends a strategic reallocation of resources to prioritise critical areas in education, such as acquiring Learner-Teacher Support Materials, securing funding for necessary services, and ensuring that teacher retention remains a top priority. Additionally, school governing bodies should actively participate in fundraising efforts and implement cost-saving measures to support their institutions. &nbsp