JOURNAL OF BUSINESS AND PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION

Journal Volume 15 (2024) Issue 1 - Publishing date: 6/2024

Securing tomorrow: Synergizing change management and cybersecurity in the digital era

Sharon L. BURTON


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Abstract:
In the rapidly evolving business environment of 2024, organizational change management (OCM) leaders face unprecedented challenges driven by technological advancements, digital transformation, the integration of remote work, and a heightened focus on sustainability. This study examines the efficacy of traditional OCM models in addressing these modern complexities. Through a qualitative methodology employing an extensive literature review, the research identifies vital issues such as resistance to change, digital transformation imperatives, the shift to remote and hybrid work models, and the imperative for sustainable and ethical business practices. The study posits that while classical OCM frameworks offer foundational insights, there is a pressing need for more adaptive, inclusive, and flexible approaches to navigate the nuanced demands of the contemporary and future business landscape. Expected findings suggest the integration of agile methodologies, technology adoption, and a shift towards a culture of continuous change and employee empowerment as critical strategies for effective change management. These insights aim to guide OCM leaders in developing strategies that address the current challenges but also anticipate the dynamics of future organizational change, thus contributing to the broader discourse on evolving OCM practices in a digital and globally interconnected era.

Keywords:

Organizational Change Management; Cybersecurity; Digital Transformation; Remote Work; Sustainability; Artificial Intelligence

Predicting Talent: Interaction between Potential, Competencies, and Bias

Rezky Ariany ARAS, Elvita BELLANI, Sri WAHYUNI, Grestin SANDY, Triani ARFAH


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Abstract:
The psychological attributes associated with both psychological potential and managerial competence are regarded as valuable assets for any company. Consequently, it is in the best interest of companies to actively search for the most potential candidates and develop their competencies. Organizations expend substantial resources to assess the potential of prospective employees during the recruitment process. This research aims to evaluate the extent to which employees' potential can predict their competencies. We assessed candidates' potential using self-report scales measuring grit and a growth mindset, while competencies in achieving results and managing change were evaluated through the assessment center method. The data was collected from 155 civil servants employed by the Makassar City Government. The findings reveal that potential does not significantly influence employees' competencies, whether it be Grit for results orientation or Growth mindset for change management competence. After conducting correlation tests between grit and growth mindset to social desirability bias, we found varied results with Grit (r= 0.1718, p = 0.03248) and growth mindset (r=0.0703, p-value = 0.3847), suggesting diverse correlations between the investigated variables. In light of these results, we recommend a re-evaluation of the practice of relying on potential as a predictor of competence.

Keywords:

Assessment; Potential; Competencies; Response Bias

Experiences of mathematics school departmental heads: Pertinent challenges and lessons learned

Dingaan BALOYI, Shuti Steph KHUMALO


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Abstract:
There has been a shift in the professional management of schools which is gradually inclining towards performance-based management. This shift has put emphasis on managing schools to achieve higher learner performance and has put pressure on Departmental Heads (DHs) and teachers to improve outcomes especially in the mathematics subject. The main aim of the study is to explore a myriad of pertinent challenges experienced by DHs in managing mathematics in primary schools. In examining the phenomenon, we deployed an exploratory qualitative research approach. In collecting data, the researchers used the semi-structured interviews to interview [teachers, DHs, the curriculum advisor, principals]. The study was underpinned by the Deming quality management theory. The study provided insights in the myriad challenges and impediments in managing mathematics in primary schools by the heads of departments. The study results include the following: Problems with interpersonal stakeholder relations, lack of disciplinary expertise and specialization, teacher absenteeism and implications, work overload of mathematics heads of department, insufficient support from the educational and local school authority and insubordination, dereliction, and non-cooperation of teachers. This paper is significant because it adds novel insights in the epistemology of the management of mathematics in primary schools.

Keywords:

Departmental heads; teachers; principals; curriculum advisor; mathematics performance; quality management theory

Impact of economic factors on the process of population transition from labour activity to pension in the Republic of Moldova

Galina SAVELIEVA, Svetlana ZAHAROV


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Abstract:
The purpose of research is to analyse the impact of population ageing process on labour force market, as well as economic factors on the transition from labour activity to pension in the Republic of Moldova. The change in the structure of labour force to wards elder ages, as well as interruption of active economic activity and retirement is one of the factors in economic growth slowdown, which is conditioned by a reduction of labour force reproduction and its growth. In this situation, in order to mitigate the negative consequences of labour force deficit, it is necessary to take effective measures to increase labour productivity not only to ensure economic growth, but also to ensure the welfare of the country’s population and meet the necessities of an increased share of the population-dependents (both the elderly population and children under 15). Taking into account the relevance of the above-mentioned problem, the analysis of the relationship between economic factors and the transition from labour activity to pension in the conditions of demographic ageing was carried out, including the evaluation of the role of economic factors in making a decision to exit from the labour market to pension. In this context, the comparative quantitative and qualitative analysis of tendencies in the economically active and employed population was carried out, including pre- and pension ages and the phenomenon of precarious employment, the demographic coefficient of dependence on old age, the dependence of pension from the income level, and the financial stability of the Social Insurance Budget. The proposals to improve the effectiveness of government policies in regulation and harmonization the transition from the labour market to pension, including the continuation of active economic activity was elaborated in order to reduce the negative consequences connected with the process of population ageing and to ensure the stability of labour market development. The article is developed in the framework of the research Subprogramme “The demographic transition in the Republic of Moldova: particularities, socioeconomic implications and demographic resilience straightening” (2024-2027).

Keywords:

employment, income, pensions by age, transition from work to pension, labour force market, ageing population, economic factors.

Exploring ethics in South African municipal procurement: professionalism, compliance, and ethical dimensions interface

Ayanda JAM, Mohammed Sayeed BAYAT, Tando RULASHE


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Abstract:
The local government is close to the people who thus, heavily rely on it for basic needs, a legislative imperative enshrined in the supreme law of the Republic of South Africa, the Constitution of 1996. Its purpose is to supply goods and services and encourage the participation of citizens in the realisation of policy objectives. This paper is one-third of a three-series composition sought through a conceptual and theoretical perspective to interrogate the ethical dimensions in which the public service exists within the interface of professionalism and compliance with municipal procurement processes and procedures. While the local sphere of government is crucial in the democratization and intensification of mass participation, there has been a rise in incidents of corruption and fraud, fruitless and wasteful expenditure, and the misuse and misdirection of funds, which gradually erode public trust. This paper employed an interpretivism paradigm and a qualitative approach, and it relied on secondary data The paper found that the erosion of public trust leads to citizens violently protesting, demanding better service delivery and that service delivery is likely to decline when funds are misappropriated since municipalities rely on the procurement of goods and services to initiate public service delivery. Furthermore, the paper found while South Africa has sound, comprehensive and clear legislative policy frameworks that regulate public procurement; implementation remains a challenge.

Keywords:

Ethics, Compliance, Local government, Professionalism, Procurement

Analyzing the impact of AI-generated email marketing content on email deliverability in spam folder placement

Nasser BOUCHAREB, Ismail MORAD


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Abstract:
This study investigated the impact of AI-generated email content on email marketing deliverability, specifically its placement in spam folders. A controlled experiment was conducted with 450 participants who received AI-generated emails sent from different domains using plain text content and clear subject lines. The emails were analyzed for placement in inboxes or spam folders based on participant responses. The results revealed no significant impact of AI-generated content on email deliverability, regardless of the sender's domain or the recipient's email provider. All emails consistently reached primary inboxes, suggesting that the applied precautions (plain text, clear subject lines, and avoidance of suspicious elements) mitigated any potential spam triggers. This study shows AI-generated email content can be deliverable and personalized, challenging concerns about spam placement. Marketers can use AI to craft engaging emails that land in inboxes, not spam folders. This finding also aligns with SEO trends, where AI content isn't automatically penalized.

Keywords:

AI-generated email content; Email deliverability; Email provider; Inbox; Spam.

Forms, Practices and Ramifications of abusive supervision in universities: A social justice scrutiny

Shuti Steph KHUMALO


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Abstract:
Universities have experienced a phenomenal increase in the incidences of abusive supervision. The practices of abuse in leadership are manifested in different forms and shapes. These unjust and unfair practices are perpetuated in different divisions and sections of the university leadership and are counterproductive. The overarching purpose of this study is to scrutinize the different kinds of abusive supervision practices and their ramifications. This examination takes the form of the extensive and intensive analysis and synthesis of extant and apposite authoritative literature. In addition, to strengthen the scientific rigor and soundness of this examination, I deploy the three-dimensional social justice theory of Nancy Fraser as a framework. This study is significant in that it provides epistemological insights into abusive supervision in universities. The findings confirm scholarly evidence of the prevalence of acts of abuse in various forms such as sexual harassment, exclusionary decision-making practices, designed and strategic isolation of dissenting voices, and selective promotional practices.

Keywords:

Abusive supervision; universities; recognition; representation; social justice

Understanding trends in green accounting studies: A bibliometrics analysis

Sully Kemala OCTISARI, Dwi ARTATI, Irman FIRMANSYAH, Arya Samudra MAHARDHIKA, ROMANDHON, Aris SUSETYO, Arif Sapta YUNIARTO, Roni BUDIANTO


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Abstract:
The concept of sustainable business, which emerges as one of the consequences of environmental degradation, is currently a significant focus for many entities. Having the ability to incorporate business costs with environmental sustainability within an accounting system becomes a distinct advantage for companies. The term for this concept is referred to as "green accounting". This article aims to explore and map research related to Green Accounting using bibliometric methods, covering the observation period from 1976 to 2023. Data were sourced from the Scopus database using keywords "green accounting" and "environment* accounting". The Scopus search yielded a total of 421 articles or documents discussing Green Accounting. The employed method was bibliometric analysis, utilizing R-Studio Biblioshiny and Vos Viewer software. The results of this mapping indicate a progressive increase in publication volume over time, particularly within the last two decades. The majority of publication sources stem from the Social and Environmental Accountability Journal and are predominantly authored by individuals from the United Kingdom and the United States. The primary trending topics in green accounting research revolve around the central theme of environmental accounting, which is presently undergoing evolution and generating several other new topics.

Keywords:

Bibliometrics, Green Accounting, environmental accounting, biblioshiny, VOS viewer

Diversity innovation to get more African-Americans interested and exposed to fisheries biology and fisheries management careers

Darrell Norman BURRELL


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Abstract:
It is no secret that African-American men in the United States face an array of challenges in the workplace, especially in fisheries. According to recent reports, African-Americans are significantly underrepresented in fisheries. This lack of representation is concerning, particularly when considering the potential benefits that African-American men could bring to fisheries. Promoting diversity and inclusion in the sciences is important for a number of reasons. In order to address this issue, it is essential to develop more applied learning, internships, and experiential learning approaches for African-American men in fisheries careers. This paper will outline the potential value of such approaches for African-American men in fisheries careers.

Keywords:

Fisheries Management, Fisheries Biology, African-Americans in Fisheries, Diversity in Biology

How does digital transformation affect green supply chain efficiency?

Samira GHOLAMI


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Abstract:
Digital transformation is one of the prominent phenomena of the century, and it has many effects on the economy, society, and environment. Digital transformation means using new technologies that lead to increased efficiency, creativity and innovation and can solve environmental challenges, such as reducing air, water and soil pollution, saving natural resources, protecting biodiversity and solving greenhouse effect reduction. Slow Green performance is an index that measures the degree of adherence of businesses to environmental activities and preserves resources for future generations. Organizations and companies are trying to move their production activities towards green production. Advertising activities are also organized through green marketing and combined green marketing. Given the importance of green performance, this article explains what aspects of the green supply chain are affected by digital transformation. This article is based on articles collected from the reliable hub research site and interviews with several experts in digital and green management. The present article, which is qualitative, cites numerous articles and the qualitative analysis method with MAXQDA software and explains how digital transformation makes the green supply chain more efficient. The results showed that digital transformation has the greatest impact on green production, followed by green materials and green consumption.

Keywords:

Digital transformation, green chain efficiency, Green materials, green production, green consumption