https://stm2.bookpi.org/BITEG/issue/feed 2026-04-01T12:14:38+00:00 Open Journal Systems <p>This book investigates the impact innovation and technology can have on digital advancements across multiple industries and sectors of the current economy. The evolution and expansion of the digital economy requires businesses and public sectors to incorporate new technologies in order to remain viable, competitive, and provide effective services.</p> <p>This book examines and exemplifies the impact of digitalization on operational frameworks and customer interaction. The first chapter(s) focus on the impact of social media on consumer behaviour, in particular, how advertising on Instagram and the use of nano influencers affect the purchasing intentions of the digital natives of Generations Y and Z. The book also examines the omnipresence of retail mobile applications and how they position themselves to be customer-centric in the South African market.</p> <p>The book also goes beyond consumer markets and critically examines other areas of significant change. It talks about and validates a conceptual framework for digital transformation of the South African public sector. The authors identify and discusses key components of the model, which include: transformational leadership, organizational culture, and adaptable governance. It also discusses and systematically examines the impact of digitalization on the performance of small and medium enterprises (SME), and how it enhances operational efficiency and productivity.</p> <p>Integrating theoretical approaches such as the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), with practical perspectives, this book is a critical reference for policymakers, marketers, and researchers. It examines the possibilities and complexities of the digital age and articulates strategies for optimizing technology for sustainable value economic creation.</p> https://stm2.bookpi.org/BITEG/article/view/1125 2026-04-01T11:56:42+00:00 Boitumelo Sephaka Rodney Duffett [email protected]

<p>Instagram has become increasingly popular, especially among Gen Y or Millennials, who are among the heaviest users of this social networking service. Instagram has also become an essential component for consumers in industries ranging from fashion to beauty to travel and beyond. Marketers are using the platform to drive up company sales, customer engagement, and awareness. The expanding number of users on Instagram has made the platform a popular site for branding and an advisable tool for advertising businesses among young consumers. This research aims to identify the worth of Instagram advertising for fashion businesses and brands to capture the interest of young consumers, which in this study is represented by Gen Y in a developing nation, namely South Africa (SA).Therefore, the research considered the effect of the technology acceptance model (TAM), Instagram usage, and demographical variables on purchase intention due to Instagram fashion advertising among South African Gen Y. The inquiry applied a descriptive and quantitative methodology, utilising non-probability sampling techniques and a web-based survey to gather data from 345 Gen Y consumers who were exposed to fashion advertising on Instagram. The results show positive perceived usefulness and purchase intention, and perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness associations, but did not support the perceived ease of use and purchase intention association. Gen Y consumers who used Instagram multiple times a day, for longer durations, were less experienced and displayed higher levels of purchase intention due to Instagram fashion advertising. This study increases the theoretical knowledge of the TAM and makes practical contributions to the use of Instagram advertising by fashion retailers.</p>

2026-04-01T00:00:00+00:00 Copyright (c) 2026 Author(s). The licensee is the publisher (BP International). https://stm2.bookpi.org/BITEG/article/view/1126 2026-04-01T11:59:50+00:00 Atandile Ngubelanga Rodney Duffett [email protected]

<p>The use of traditional retail mobile apps has seen tremendous growth among both online and traditional retailers, particularly since the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic. Traditional retailers had no alternative but to develop m-commerce opportunities for their consumers so that they would not lose market share, which has resulted in a proliferation of traditional retail mobile apps over the past five years in South Africa. Furthermore, young consumers (Gen Z and Y) are a lucrative target for traditional retail mobile apps since they are never without their mobile phones, which have become extensions of themselves and are used for common day activities such as shopping, messaging, social media, and searching for information. This study aims to investigate the effect of traditional retail mobile apps on customer satisfaction (CS) by employing the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). Hence, traditional retail mobile apps can be used influence Gen Z and Y’s shopping behaviour due to their constant engagement on mobile devices. Therefore, the research considered the effect of the TAM, mobile usage, and demographical variables on CS among Gen Z and Y users of traditional retail mobile apps. The research was descriptive and quantitative in nature, which used non-probability sampling and an online survey to collect data from 400 consumers who used traditional retail mobile apps. The results show that perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness positively affected CS. Gen Z and Y respondents who used tablets and smartphones, who spent more time and money, were male and had higher qualifications, and showed higher levels of CS towards traditional retail mobile apps. This research makes an important theoretical and practical contribution, providing insights into how traditional retail mobile apps affect satisfaction levels among Gen Z and Y in terms of the TAM and online and traditional retailers.</p>

2026-04-01T00:00:00+00:00 Copyright (c) 2026 Author(s). The licensee is the publisher (BP International). https://stm2.bookpi.org/BITEG/article/view/1127 2026-04-01T12:02:18+00:00 Ayabonga Mxunyelwa Rodney Duffett [email protected]

<p>As organisations increasingly target young consumers, a fast-growing sector of the consumer market, understanding the characteristics of influencer marketing on this platform becomes critical. Gen Z, distinguished by their digital fluency and significant use of social media, has distinct purchasing patterns and preferences compared to prior generations. Nano-influencers have fewer than 10 000 followers and are becoming increasingly important to marketers because of their high responsiveness and engagement with young audiences. This research aims to assess the effect of usage variables (usage frequency and time, product BI, and digital platform spending) on purchase intention PI due to Instagram nano-influencers among Gen Z. Thus, the inquiry used the TAM to investigate the effect of Instagram usage and demographical variables on purchase intention due to nano-influencers. The investigation relied on a descriptive and quantitative approach, employing non-probability sampling methods and an internet-based survey to collect the data from 222 young consumers who showed a preference to follow nano-influencers. The findings show positive perceived ease of use and purchase intention associations. Young consumers whose behavioural intentions were often impacted by Instagram nano-influencers, who spent ≥R2 001 per month via digital (online and mobile) platforms, and who were in grade 12, displayed greater purchase incidence owing to following nano-influencers. This paper adds to the theoretical TAM knowledge and has practical implications for marketers' use of Instagram nano-influencers.</p>

2026-04-01T00:00:00+00:00 Copyright (c) 2026 Author(s). The licensee is the publisher (BP International). https://stm2.bookpi.org/BITEG/article/view/1128 2026-04-01T12:04:53+00:00 Sello Mmakau [email protected] Tebogo Sethibe

<p>Digital transformation models are essential for guiding digital initiatives, yet many lack specificity, particularly in the resource-constrained and bureaucratic public sector. This study validates a comprehensive conceptual model of digital transformation, which encompasses ten key dimensions of strategy, leadership, culture, data and insights, innovation, customer, people, processes, technology, and governance. Insights were gathered from interviews with 18 ICT and executive leaders, which were analysed using thematic analysis. Findings reveal that digital strategies often prioritise technology while neglecting critical aspects such as business model innovation, organisational culture, employee reskilling, and operational change. Leadership gaps in embracing digital transformation were evident, with regional and cultural factors influencing leadership behaviours. Ineffective collaboration with institutions, which fail to deliver tangible solutions, further hampers innovation. Additionally, outdated legacy systems restrict data access, hindering decision-making and resource allocation. The study underscores the urgent need for high-quality digital self-services and more flexible governance frameworks, such as adjustments to the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA), to support digital prototypes and proof- of-concept (POC). Discrepancies between participant experiences and existing literature highlight key challenges and opportunities in the public sector’s digital transformation journey. The findings underscore significant challenges and opportunities encountered during the public sector's digital transformation journey and offer pragmatic recommendations for policymakers and leaders to facilitate context-sensitive digital adoption in South Africa.</p>

2026-04-01T00:00:00+00:00 Copyright (c) 2026 Author(s). The licensee is the publisher (BP International). https://stm2.bookpi.org/BITEG/article/view/1129 2026-04-01T12:07:29+00:00 Rankhumise EM [email protected]

<p>The digital economy, characterised by features such as digitisation, has a significant impact on the global economy and daily life. Despite the revolution of digitalisation, Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are increasingly facing challenges regarding the use of digital technologies. The purpose of this systematic review was to examine the impact of digitalisation on the performance of SMEs. With the development of digitalisation, digital entrepreneurship has become increasingly popular; hence, this study aimed to investigate the impact of digitalisation on performance. To understand the impact of digitalisation on SME performance, the PRISMA method was employed as the research approach to identify relevant sources for the phenomenon under investigation. A detailed search of various databases was conducted using keywords such as digitalisation, digital economy, and so forth. The search for the articles originated from studies conducted globally, as indexed in databases such as Google Scholar, Web of Science, and Scopus. The researcher identified 65 articles; after applying the exclusion and inclusion criteria, 20 met the inclusion criteria and were included in the study. The findings show that digitalisation had a positive effect on SME performance, particularly through increased efficiency, productivity, and competitiveness. Despite the positive effects of digitalisation, the findings further highlighted challenges SMEs face in adopting and implementing digital technologies, including limited resources, a lack of expertise, and inadequate infrastructure. The study further identified key factors influencing the relationship between digitalisation and SME performance, including firm size, industry type, and level of digitalisation. It can thus be concluded that digitalisation has a positive effect on the performance of the SMEs. The results provided policymakers and researchers with important insights for promoting the growth and competitiveness of SMEs, particularly in the digital economy.</p>

2026-04-01T00:00:00+00:00 Copyright (c) 2026 Author(s). The licensee is the publisher (BP International). https://stm2.bookpi.org/BITEG/article/view/1130 2026-04-01T12:09:36+00:00 Nomava Keswa Anisha Ramsaroop [email protected]

<p>There are various reasons for monitoring sustainability in performance management and development systems (PMDS), including the identification of diverse techniques, the performance improvement perspective, in which departments, including the KwaZulu-Natal Office of the Premier, seek to contribute to sustainable development by measuring the factors that allow the department to make decisions and enhance performance and processes. The aim of the study was to establish what difficulties plagued the PMDS at the KwaZulu-Natal Office of the Premier. Questionnaires were disseminated using Simple Random Sampling to ten per cent of participants from a population of 632 employees, working in all five sites (Moses Mabhida, Natalia building, Invesco, Marine building and KZN Provincial Public Service Training Academy). 20 participants were selected using Purposive Sampling for face-to-face interviews. For both the surveys and the interviews, the target population comprised officials ranging from level 3 to level 16, who were in the department for five years or more. The occupational levels for these employees ranged from top management (Senior Management Service) 13-16, (Middle management) 11-12, (Junior management) 9-10 and (Junior employees) 3- 8. The Goal Setting Theory was used to understand the significance of goal setting, oversight, and feedback, with the employment process, in order to improve performance and productivity. Employee job descriptions and management task settings are constantly reviewed to determine where the challenge arises, and suggestions are inevitably made to improve the performance management process (Pumane, 2020). Vroom’s Expectancy theory expresses the interdependence of effort, performance as well as outcome (Lunenbury, 2016: 2). Workers are of the opinion that proper effort is expended in the course of work, and that this is intended to improve performance. The greatest performance improves great rewards and salary level advancement for the employee (Martinko, 2018). This theory was used to better understand the compensation package used in the KwaZulu-Natal Office of the Premier to motivate employees to achieve their goals. In theory, this is done to increase motivation and enable employees to contribute their best efforts to the organisation.</p> <p>Findings revealed, amongst others, that managers engineered blockages to prevent staff from achieving their goals, thus hindering staff bonuses and progressions, favouritism, bias and incorrect ratings. Suggested recommendations, amongst others, indicated managers should receive training on how to deliver structured, frank, and timely feedback as part of the PMDS implementation. </p>

2026-04-01T00:00:00+00:00 Copyright (c) 2026 Author(s). The licensee is the publisher (BP International). https://stm2.bookpi.org/BITEG/article/view/1131 2026-04-01T12:11:55+00:00 Atuweni Jawadu Ayanda Pamella Deliwe [email protected] Sinaye Akhumzi Mtimba

<p>Numerous SMMEs struggle to adapt in the ever-changing environment owing to resource limitations, resistance to change, and a lack of agility. Rigid structures, inadequate skills and a lack of knowledge further hinder adaptation. To succeed, SMMEs must invest in technology, personnel, and processes to respond promptly to changes. This study assesses the use of social media advertising platforms within the context of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMMEs) and their marketing strategies. The study employed qualitative methods, including interviews, to collect in-depth data and assess the use of social media advertising platforms. Two key themes emerged: social media platforms and consumer interests and attention. Participants highlighted the diverse ways in which social media is leveraged to engage consumers, with platforms like TikTok and Instagram proving particularly effective in connecting with younger individuals, such as Generation Z and Millennials, who increasingly influence purchasing decisions. Social media marketing (SMM) improves brand awareness and customer engagement, with TikTok’s focus on authenticity and WhatsApp’s facilitation of direct communication being particularly impactful. The research underscores the importance of leveraging trending elements to capture attention and engaging content to sustain interest. The study recommends that SMMEs adopt a strategic approach to social media marketing by creating authentic, engaging content, particularly on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and underutilised ones like Twitter, Snapchat, Pinterest, and LinkedIn. Furthermore, integrating the AIDA model, capturing attention, generating interest, fostering desire, and prompting action can enhance engagement and drive sales. By incorporating these strategies, businesses can optimise their digital presence, increase visibility, and build stronger consumer relationships, ultimately adapting to the dynamic digital marketing landscape.</p>

2026-04-01T00:00:00+00:00 Copyright (c) 2026 Author(s). The licensee is the publisher (BP International). https://stm2.bookpi.org/BITEG/article/view/1132 2026-04-01T12:14:38+00:00 Faeda Mohsam [email protected] Courtley Pharaoh

<p>Nurse leadership is a pivotal element that significantly influences patient care quality, staff satisfaction, and the effectiveness of the healthcare system. Nurse managers, at the forefront, guide staff through complex environments, with their leadership critical for implementing new technology that impacts job satisfaction, retention, and clinical performance. This article highlights a shift in perception from initial scepticism to acknowledging the positive impact of technology on work activities.</p> <p>This qualitative, interpretive study examined nurses' and administrators' experiences with Digital Health Technologies (DHTs) in two Western Cape hospital settings. Employing the Normalisation Process Theory (NPT) for design and interpretation, the research purposively sampled 28 participants to gain detailed insights. Thematic analysis, focusing on nurses' lived experiences with DHTs, revealed a journey from initial adaptation struggles to eventual comfort and appreciation of technology in their professional roles.</p> <p>The findings highlight the critical role of nurse leadership in the successful adoption and integration of DHTs. Results suggest nurse leaders are pivotal in promoting data-driven decision-making within their teams. This study contributes significant originality and value by focusing on the crucial intersection of nurse leadership and DHT adoption within clinical contexts.</p>

2026-04-01T00:00:00+00:00 Copyright (c) 2026 Author(s). The licensee is the publisher (BP International).