Browsing by Author "Larbi, Lee"

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An evaluation of black crop farmers facing economic difficulties in the Mpumalanga province
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2022) Makukule, Matrix Kulani; Larbi, Lee
Black crop farmers continue to play a key role in South Africa’s agriculture. However, they have been faced with a lot of challenges. The objective of this study was to investigate the obstacles that stood in their way, the types of crops that they raised, and the potential solutions to their predicament. The study used qualitative research methodologies and was based on a sample of farmers from the province of Mpumalanga. These farmers were interviewed, and the responses were analysed in terms of their quality. Because they did not have appropriate access to lands, agricultural financing, and technical help, the findings imply that black crop farmers were impoverished. Land reform, equal access to agricultural finance, and technical assistance were some of the recommendations made
Determinants of Corporate Social Innovation in South Africa’s Commercial Banking Sector
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Larbi, Lee; Venter, Rob
This study is situated within the realm of Social Innovation (SI), specifically focusing on Corporate Social Innovation (CSIn) within the South African commercial banking sector. Addressing a significant gap in the understanding of the determinants of CSIn within this context, the study draws upon Institutional Theory and Social Capital Theory to extend theoretical insights in the domain of SI. While traditional Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) practices often view social and environmental issues as external to core business strategy, the concept of Creating Shared Value (CSV) has emerged, emphasising the creation of economic value while addressing societal challenges. Employing a sequential mixed methods approach, the study first administered a seven-point Likert scale questionnaire to 219 CSR professionals within commercial banks in South Africa. Subsequently, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 14 CSR senior managers and leaders to deepen the findings. Path analysis and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) were used for quantitative analysis, revealing positive and significant relationships between management support, transformational leadership, and internal social capital with CSIn in South African commercial banks. Furthermore, the study found that internal social capital mediates the relationship between transformational leadership and CSIn, and that transformational leadership mediates the relationship between management support and CSIn, as well as social proactiveness and CSIn in South African commercial banks. The qualitative phase of the study involved thematic analysis of interview data to complement the quantitative findings. Methodological triangulation was employed to enhance the validity of the iii results. Given the underdeveloped and empirically lacking literature on CSIn, particularly in the commercial banking industry, this study makes a substantial contribution by identifying key determinants and enriching the theoretical understanding through empirical insights. It underscores the importance of social innovative behaviours within banks in addressing societal challenges, fostering a culture of social innovation that contributes not only to meeting Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) targets but also brings numerous implicit benefits.
Evaluating the impact of Fourth Industrial Revolution on Education in the rural areas in South Africa
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2021) Chavalala, Miehleketo; Larbi, Lee
The purpose of this research study is to evaluate the impact of Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) on education in rural areas in South Africa. This research investigates the following objectives, which are: the impact of 4IR technologies on education and how these technologies can improve the education system in primary and secondary schools in South Africa; the quality of education system in South Africa and factors contributing to the poor education system; how to bridge the gap between the marginalised communities, rural public schools, and urban private schools. The study is focused on public schools in the rural areas in South Africa. Qualitative research strategy has been applied in this research study, interviews have been conducted to afford the researcher an opportunity to interact with stakeholders from the education sector and telecommunication industry. The sample and targeted population of the interviewees are educators from rural schools, former students from rural schools who are in the ICT sector, educators from higher education and 4IR committee member(s). The research strategy applied has been relevant and provided the researcher with a unique in-depth involvement and understanding of the issues contributing to poor education in South Africa. The literature conducted in this study research exhibit that the interview schedule was the most suitable instrument to use to collect data for this research study. One of the findings in this research study is that the powers of administering schools are invested in School Governing Bodies (SGBs) and School Management Teams (STMs). Many parents in rural schools who form part of these bodies are not well-educated and can hardly make an informed decision to benefit learners. Therefore, the adoption of 4IR will centralise the education system and provide equal benefits to learners across the country. The adoption of 4IR on education will have a positive impact and enhance learners’ development in rural areas through robotics concepts. The findings of this research study show that the Department of Basic Education and the South African government are not ready for Fourth Industrial Revolution. However, iv there are signs for opportunities. The findings show the obstacles that can delay the adoption of 4IR to facilitate teaching and learning in rural public schools to bridge the gap that exist between rural public schools and private schools in the cities. The findings show that 4IR can transform the South African education system to compete with the world by producing scholars that are innovative and creative. The findings indicate how communities can transform through digital infrastructure developments to accommodate 4IR in learning in rural schools. This research study’s findings indicate ways in which the South
The adoption of technology in the Limpopo province agriculture sector
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2021) Kganakga, Khomotso; Larbi, Lee
The fourth Industrial revolution technologies offer us an opportunity to increase competitiveness, as well as an opportunity to overcome weaknesses prevalent in the current agricultural system and the persisting limits of intensive agriculture. The Limpopo province agricultural sector is a major producer of some of South Africa’s agricultural commodities and a competitor in the export markets of agriculture produce. This study seeks to explore the usage and adoption of technology in the Limpopo province agriculture sector. Even though there has been research in the agricultural sector of South Africa in the context of the fourth industrial revolution none has been done in the Limpopo province context. Therefore, this study will attempt to close the knowledge gap by providing more literature on the topic The research strategy adopted for this study is a qualitative interview research approach. The finding of this research indicates that role players in agricultural sector of Limpopo have embraced the use and adoption of technology within the sector, this adoption of technology has helped the industry to be competitive internationally, however the introduction of technology within the sector has bought about some level of uncertainty regarding job securities for some. Technology will continue to advance and bring about change in society and its environment, those in business who chose to ignore this fact and continue with obsolete practices are at the risk of finding their own businesses one day. The provincial government too has role to play in advancing awareness and developing policies
The impact of employee engagement on performance in the South African gold mining industry
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2022) Rusere, Jeremy; Larbi, Lee
The purpose of the study was to evaluate factors that influence employee engagement at five gold mining companies in South Africa as well as to determine the effect of employee engagement on employee performance. Additionally, the research aimed to recommend strategies that promote employee engagement at the concerned companies. The research followed a quantitative approach, whereby data collection was by means of a questionnaire distributed online to 600 participants out of which 329 participants provided valid responses. Standard multiple linear regression was applied to the data set to determine the cause-and-effect relationships between eight predictors (compensation, work from home, work environment, organisational policies, training and career development, team and co-worker relationship, employee wellbeing and leadership) and employee engagement. Similarly, the research applied multiple regression analysis to establish the influence of employee engagement on employee performance. The research found that compensation as well as work from home were statistically significant and positively predicted employee engagement. Based on these findings, this empirical work recommended executives of the five gold mining companies to review compensation of the workforce with a view to drive employee engagement in this economically crucial industry