A New Era of Global HR Competency Model - Evidence from Global HR Positions

Aim/Purpose: This paper proposes an empirical impact for developing an individual Global Mindset within the Global HR department. Background: Here, we make an explicit assumption that a Global Leader needs a Global Mindset to be effective and for this reason, we employ the term "Global Leadership Mindset" (GLM). Recent (Global) HR competency models focus on the tasks and structuring the HR tasks into nine core competencies such that an HR professional must be effective in ethical practice, communication, consultation, critical evaluation, relationship management, organizational leadership, business acumen and navigation, and, importantly for this paper, global and cultural sensitivity. No study currently exists in which GLM competencies are relevant for different Global HR positions. Methodology: We conducted a comprehensive survey by observing 256 responses from 27 different global HR positions on which 75 global competencies are relevant in their day-to-day work. Based on this groundwork, the paper makes further attempt by proposing an integrative global HR competency framework whereby we identify development dimensions fundamental for developing global leaders. Findings: Our findings show a top 10 list of the most relevant global leadership mindset (GLM) competencies in Global HR. We further investigated 12 different HR positions and assessed relevant GLM competencies relevant in different global career stages. Our findings show that self-management skills, emotional/affective, and cognitive competencies are most important for entry-level positions. Global leadership skills play a vital role for medium-level positions, and senior-level positions require emotional/affective competencies, followed by cognitive aspects. Impact on Society: Our study proposed the top ten GLM HR competencies highlighted as proxy measures to demonstrate essential skill sets required for individuals within the Global HR function. Our research findings are consistent with other studies that emphasize the importance of cultural knowledge (Osland 1995, Adler 1997) and the individual´s cognitive skills fundamental for GLM´s success (Levy et al. 1999). Existing studies highlight three core GLM competencies, such as importance of influencing others, making ethical decisions, and leading change (Bass and Steidlmeier 1999, Canterino, Cirella, Piccoli and Shani 2020), but only a few studies focus on the assessment or testing of these GLM competencies (e.g., Herd, Alagaraja and Cumberland 2016, Cumberland et al. 2016, Kim and Mclean 2015). Hence, our study attempted to elucidate the fundamentals underlying GLM skills and competency development, using multiple functional global HR roles to identify the significance of the competencies discussed in this study.

A MOVEMENT EMERGING FROM MURDER DURING THE ERA OF COVID-19 PANDEMIC: THE DICHOTOMY OF GOOD VERSUS EVIL

Aim/Purpose: The purpose of this theoretical paper was to examine the Black Lives Matter Movement and the Covid-19 pandemic in light of the good versus evil dichotomy. Background: African Americans, particularly males, are at an increased risk of dying from excessive police violence and abuse; the tragic death of George Floyd epitomizes this phenomenon. African Americans are also more likely than their Caucasian counterparts to contract and die from the COVID-19 disease and receive substandard care from health care workers. The social injustices amongst African Americans have led to the growth of social justice movements, such as Black Lives Matter (BLM). Researchers on the BLM and COVID-19 pandemic have not examined the issue from the perspective of good versus evil to gain a better understanding of the social constructs. Methodology: An evaluation of 48 journal articles, books, and websites from 1930 to 2021 was analyzed to better understand the study variables. Findings: The question of the good versus evil dichotomy in relation to the BLM and COVID-19 pandemic is a convoluted conceptual question, which is a social construct, and therefore, upbringing, experience, and culture mediate people’s moral code. Impact on Society: A better understanding of the BLM amid the COVID-19 pandemic could lead to more awareness and analysis of our ethics and tolerance for those who we consider different.

Comparative Advantage and Competitiveness of World Soy Exporter in Respond to Us-China Trade Dispute

Aim/Purpose: This research identifies China’s agricultural commodities demand on soy and compares the comparative advantage, competitiveness of world soy exporters. Background: The world’s largest agricultural commodities importer-China had bought 10.7 % of world agricultural commodities (US$1,167.2 billion) during year 2017. Studying China’s demand in order to formulate export strategies is crucial especially for BRIC countries. Methodology: Reveal Comparative advantage (RCA), Comparative Advantage above Average (CAaA) and Export Competitive Advantage (XCA) were used in this study. Findings: Analysis shows that Brazil, USA, Argentina, Canada, Paraguay, Uruguay and Ukraine who supply more than 97% of world soy export have better comparative advantage and competitiveness over other soy exporters in the world. Russia and Netherlands are picking up with offering lower export price. Impact on Society: Due to US-China Trade dispute, China has switched soy import and purchase from the US to Brazil. That has caused US$3 billion wealth loss for both countries.

Challenges and Opportunities Underlining Africa’s Aviation Landscape: A Multiple Lenses Analysis

Aim/Purpose: This study sought to apply the Structure Conduct Performance paradigm to Africa´s air transport landscape in general. To do that it examines the past, present and future expectations of four of Sub-Saharan Africa’s biggest avia-tion economies namely South Africa, Kenya, Ethiopia and Nigeria. Second-ary data containing historical passenger traffic was analysed and predictions for growth in the next ten years proposed. Background: There is consensus that overall the future of aviation in Africa has significant economic potential with significant other challenges needing to be overcome. The existence of a large land mass that requires connecting with itself, a growing population and specifically a growing middle class with an appetite for air travel, an extensive extractives sector and a growing tourism sector can provide the necessary demand conditions. In support of this, regional economic communities have led the way in implementation of Yamoussoukro Declaration (YD). This is especially so in West Africa through the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU) and the Banjul Accord Group (BAG), which have facilitated the development of the most, liberalized air transport market in Africa. At a higher level, the full implementation of YD requires that states disengage from the industry, liberalise access and facilitate the increased participation of the private sector. Some of the challenges that need to be actioned include high user charges and taxes, under-capitalization of African airlines and insufficient management experience, which have contributed significantly to the low profitability of African airlines. Methodology: The case study approach is generally used to generate an in-depth comprehension of a complex issue in real-life. It is an established research design that is used extensively in a wide variety of disciplines, particularly in the social sciences. The study adopts a quantitative methodology based on the selected regional sample of countries under study and adopts the Structure Conduct Performance (SCP) model as a framework for analysis. The data set was for the previous twenty years and it was exposed to linear extrapolation to determine the expected future growth. Trend lines were included and standard regression modelling revealed the R2 value for international and total air passengers per country. Findings: The research findings exposed the possibility of a significant upside in the development of the aviation industry in Africa ceteris paribus. In all the countries analysed it appears that the development of the industry is sup-ported by strong tourism and travel demand by international tourists, and the various individual country as well as continent-wide measures towards lib-eralization of the African airspace. Impact on Society: The findings of this study have shown that intra-Africa travel can be en-hanced by a strong collaboration between airlines and states. Some strong opportunities have arisen from the enhancement of deep ties between na-tional champions like Ethiopian Airlines and regional carriers in West Afri-ca. Indicating that cross border and cross airline partnerships are a key in-gredient for airlines to make a significant contribution to the economies in Africa.

The Digital Era and Rural Economy Development: A Case of Selected Small-Scale Farmers in the Former Transkei Homelands Eastern Cape South Africa

Aim/Purpose: The main objective of this study was to check e-skills, access to and modern ICTs usage among selected small-scale farmers who are major contributors/stakeholders in former Transkei Homeland rural economies Background: The role of agricultural information system to support agricultural development cannot be over emphasis. Demiryurek et al., (2008) explains the importance of agricultural information to be that it interacts with other production factors such as land, labor, capital, and managerial ability which can be improved by relevant, reliable, and useful information supplied by extension services, research institutions and other agricultural organizations to help farmers make better decisions. ICT application in agriculture has become inevitably due to its potential in improving agricultural productivity by serving as a platform to access vital agricultural information. As highlighted by Diekmann et al, (2009) that for agricultural extension educators, agricultural professionals, and any other agricultural agency to effectively disseminate agricultural information to farmers, it is critical for that organisation to identify the medium used by farmers to search for information. Considering Diekmann et al, (2009) assertion, one cannot overlook the variables of access and ability/skills in terms of using a medium because of its potential to affect the choice of medium to use. Methodology: The research design used was a case study since this method enables researcher to closely examine the data within a specific context from a small geographical area. Quantitative (descriptive analysis) and qualitative (thematic analysis) approaches were used to collect data using a structured questionnaire from the small-scale farmers. Participants were selected using purposive sampling approach where the researchers first visited the selected towns to identify the farmers, and then arranged a suitable time to meet them individual to administer and assist the farmers to answer the questionnaire. This made the effective sample of 46 farmers. Findings: In this study to survey small scale farmers in former Transkei Homelands Eastern Cape Province, South Africa, found that while access to modern ICTs tools was established at Smartphone (100%), Tablets (6.52%), Laptop (10.87%), PC (4.35%), Facebook (1.30%), Google or any Internet explorer (93.48%), WhatsApp (91.30%), You Tube (82.61%) there were less used of these mediums with only 4.95%, 8.91% and 7.89% using Internet to acquire their agricultural information needs. The findings also revealed a shortcoming in the area of the surveyed farmer’s e-skills with high percentage indicating “I can’t do this” as reported in Table 3. With regards to challenges encounter by respondents in terms of using modern ICT tools to support their day to day farming activities, respondents cited cost of ICT gadgets and Internet data, lack of ICT skills, unreliability of networks. Impact on Society: In view of the findings it is recommended that developmental agencies charged with developing policies to uplift rural people livelihood include key interventions of provide training to improve e-skills, reduce the data cost and improve internet, network connectivity. It is expected that the results of the study will positively influence the development of rural economies in the Eastern Cape Province and other rural economies in other provinces of South Africa.

Issue of Financial Management Practices among SMMEs: A Case Study of Former Transkei Homelands in Eastern Cape Province South Africa

NOTE: THIS ARTICLE WAS PUBLISHED WITH THE INFORMING SCIENCE INSTITUTE. Aim/Purpose...................................................................................................................................................................................................... The goal of this study was to investigate the financial management practices of SMMEs operating in under developed regions as a challenge facing SMMEs operating in underdeveloped regions using former Transkei Homelands in Eastern Cape Province as a case study. Background......................................................................................................................................................................................................... In South Africa, the works of Cameron and Miller (2008) highlights that South Africa is ranked among top countries in the world with high failure rates of SMMEs during the first year of establishment. This calls for continues research works to identify factors that could be impeding the progress of SMMEs in South Africa. According to Jayansankaran, (1999) proper financial management practices are among the key deciding factors when it comes to the survival of SMMEs. Mostly SMMEs in underdeveloped regions are owned and managed by one person, the lack of financial management competence on the side of the SMMEs owners or managers in turn could bring serious consequences to the financial stability and grow of the SMMEs. It is against this background that this study focuses on financial management practices among SMMEs entrepreneurs operating their businesses in former Transkei Homelands where survival of SMMEs are critical for economic development of the region. Methodology....................................................................................................................................................................................................... The researcher in this study uses both quantitative and purposive sampling approaches to design an exploratory study to sample 68 SMMEs owners/managers based in the various towns of the selected region. Contribution........................................................................................................................................................................................................ This research will add to the growing knowledge about identifying factors that may be impeding survival of SMMEs. Findings .............................................................................................................................................................................................................. The major findings of the study revealed that 95.59% of the owners/managers have no financial management/accounting skills as well as 58.82% of the internal system of recording financial transactions are not audited. Recommendations for Practitioners................................................................................................................................................................. In view of the findings it is recommended that agencies charged with looking after SMMEs provide training in the area of financial management skills for the SMMEs owners/managers. Recommendation for Researchers.................................................................................................................................................................... Future studies can include the other four principles of financial management principles highlighted by Armstrong (2001). Impact on Society............................................................................................................................................................................................... The research will assist to highlight to funders of SMMEs, policy makers and business support agencies the need for educating SMMEs entrepreneurs especially those operating their businesses in underdeveloped regions in proper financial management practices in order to curve the problem of cash flow faced by SMMEs which leads to SMMEs failure. Future Research................................................................................................................................................................................................. Exploring the skills of the SMMEs entrepreneurs’ to prepare, understand and interpretation of financial statements are critical in this context.

Deciphering the Problem of Change: Socioeconomic Disparity in Marginalized Communities in the Wake of COVID-19

Aim/Purpose: The following manuscript presents a broad humanistic-existential framework in support of human-centered design strategy, as it explores the axiological assessment of how marginalized community leadership, post-COVID-19, can lead and integrate innovative Community-Based Learning (CBL) community development models. The manuscript commences with a synthesis of literature focused on understanding the problem of change concerning marginalized communities’ complex historical origins, which has now become further complicated due to the current COVID-19 pandemic. Background: The manuscript commences with a synthesis of literature focused on understanding the problem of change concerning marginalized communities’ complex historical origins, which has now become further complicated due to the current COVID-19 pandemic. Methodology: By developing an in-depth understanding of the foundational elements that challenge marginalized communities, this manuscript explores and identifies the confluence of non-linear methodological system models with blended applications to create human-centric development. Findings: Such creations driven by synergistic strategies can engage marginalized communities to develop empowered learning opportunities that place direct investment in its residents. Thereby, these efforts can holistically shift community landscapes by enabling residents’ socio-economic growth through the acquisition of high levels of knowledge and skill while achieving ongoing self-awareness. Impact on Society: Even in the face of a volatile future world, these attributes can strengthen and increase levels of independence and autonomy to create sustainable and equitable ecosystems; and ultimately work to ensure a shared vision of change now and into the future.

DO BLACK LIVE MATTER AMID COVID-19 PANDEMIC?

Aim/Purpose: This article aims at exploring how systemic racism predisposes Canadian Blacks to COVID 19 infection, thereby raising the question as to whether Black Live Matters amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Background: Although many discourses about Blacks' vulnerability abound in the public media and academic literature, their vulnerabilities seem to have been overlooked amid the current COVID-19 global health crisis. Since COVID-19 was detected public health authorities deem older people, children, Indigenous people, and low-income Canadian families and those with weakened immune systems from underlying medical conditions as vulnerable to the pandemic. One group of people conspicuously missing from the vulnerable groups’ list is Black people. Drawing on evidence-based data from secondary sources, the article demonstrates that the gravities of the COVID-19 pandemic are deepening racial inequalities in Canada. The article also illustrates how many Black people and other racialized groups are at increased risk of COVID 19 infections and deaths due to a longstanding health inequality. Methodology: This study relies on evidence-based data drawn from various secondary sources, including academic papers, policy briefs, government reports, credible media sources, press notes and advisories, current newspapers, and online media reportage of the unfolding health crisis about COVID-19 to demonstrate that the gravities of the COVID-19 pandemic are deepening racial inequalities in Canada. Although research that articulates existing studies on Black people and the COVID-19 pandemic is very scanty, this paper is mostly exploratory as it emphasizes synthesizing secondary sources of literature review. Findings: The study finds that many Black people and other racialized groups are at increased risk of COVID 19 infections and deaths due to a longstanding health inequality. Further, the paper demonstrates that, historically, social determinants of health have prevented Black people from equal access to economic, social and healthcare opportunities. And thus, have exposed a longstanding systemic racism in employment, housing, education, and healthcare. Finally, the paper recommends two innovative strategies to achieve social transformation: 1) Black Canadians should shift from vulnerability to recognizing their vitalities/resiliencies and 2) building allyships with other oppressed groups to stop the spread of the two pandemics: anti-black racism and COVID-19. Impact on Society: This paper does not only contribute to our knowledge about the challenges Black people experience during the pandemic, but also enhances our understanding about the innovative strategy to defeat anti-black racism. This strategy implies that the time has come for Black Canadians to move beyond their vulnerabilities to discover their vitality and agency – moving from the discourse of victim hood to resilience, agency, vitality and creativity

Records Management Programs in Higher Learning Institution: Case Study of Nelson Mandela Drive Campus Walter Sisulu University, South Africa

NOTE: THIS ARTICLE WAS PUBLISHED WITH THE INFORMING SCIENCE INSTITUTE. Aim/Purpose....................................................................................................................................................................................................... The main aim of this study was to investigate the status of records management program at Walter Sisulu University (WSU) using the Nelson Mandela Drive Site of Mthatha Campus as a case study. Background......................................................................................................................................................................................................... For an organization to function effectively, records (both in electronic and paper format) need to be captured, recorded and secured in order to ensure their authenticity, integrity, reliability and accessibility. The core functions of a university are learning, teaching, research and community engagement, and in order to carry out these functions records are created and received. Records therefore, constitute an essential instrument of administration of any institutions without which operational processes and functions cannot be executed (Kendall and Mizra, 2006). Thus, a proper and efficient managing of records is critical to functioning and administration of institutions. Council of Higher Education (2000) pointed out that record-keeping in the higher education institutions in South Africa was inadequate. Effective records management in universities in the Eastern Cape has not been adequately documented. Hence, this study investigates the records management program that exist in WSU. Although legislation regulating the management of records in South Africa exist, they might be ignorance on the part of certain officials entrusted with managing WSU records and that could have adverse effect on the performance of WSU and ultimately on service delivery. Methodology....................................................................................................................................................................................................... This study may have influence in policy formulation and compliance with the judicial directives on records management program of universities. It may also help improve service delivery, by enabling orderly, accountable and efficient management of universities records. Contribution........................................................................................................................................................................................................ This study may have influence in policy formulation and compliance with the judicial directives on records management program of universities. It may also help improve service delivery, by enabling orderly, accountable and efficient management of universities records. Findings .............................................................................................................................................................................................................. The major findings of the study revealed WSU fell below the requirements in terms of records management program on maintaining records that document its business activities. Inadequate infrastructure, inadequacy regarding the desirable control of WSU records at each stage as required by the records life cycle framework was also found to be inadequate and limited knowledge of legal requirements regarding records management. Recommendations for Practitioners................................................................................................................................................................. Based on the findings, the following recommendations were made. Effort should be made to implement a Centralized control of Decentralized Registry System (Integrated Registry System), provision of training of staff, as well as proper infrastructural facilities to manage WSU records that document its business activities. Recommendation for Researchers................................................................................................................................................................... There is a need for further studies of this kind in other Universities, Technical and Vocational Education (TVET) Colleges in the Eastern Cape Province in order to establish their practices in managing records that document their business activities. Impact on Society.............................................................................................................................................................................................. The research will assist to highlight to administrators, policy makers of universities that proper records management could help universities to manage their information efficiently, fulfill their mandate, protect them from litigation, preserve their corporate memory, and foster accountability and good governance. Future Research.................................................................................................................................................................................................. A study to check the readiness of institution of higher learning to manage electronic records that documents their business activities in the 21st Century digital era will be vital in this context.

Passenger Intentions towards Halal Food in Low Cost Carriers: Key Influencing Factors

NOTE: THIS ARTICLE WAS PUBLISHED WITH THE INFORMING SCIENCE INSTITUTE. Aim/Purpose....................................................................................................................................................................................................... Low cost airline passengers are sensitive towards value for money. They also have their own preferences and perceptions on what encompasses value. This paper discusses passenger intentions to purchase halal food with a specific reference to Malaysia, which has a majority Muslim population (57%). The purpose of this study is to determine the most influential factors that explain passenger intentions to purchase halal meals when flying with low cost air-lines. Background......................................................................................................................................................................................................... In-flight meals are one of the services being offered by low cost airlines albeit at an additional price. Passengers travelling on LCC flights are required to pay for their meals. The relative importance of food choice and its availability in forming passenger satisfaction with low cost carriers is studied and examined. Although low cost carriers have proven to be a major competitor to full service airlines in Malaysia, halal food availability remains one of the major concerns for passengers flying with low cost airlines. Methodology....................................................................................................................................................................................................... A random sample approach was used to select passengers one major air- port located in Kelantan. The passengers were interviewed face-to-face using a structured questionnaire. Factor analysis was applied to explain the factors influencing passenger intentions to purchase halal food during a low cost flight. Contribution........................................................................................................................................................................................................ This paper highlights the factors which explain passenger intentions towards purchasing halal food while flying with low cost airlines. In Malaysia, halal food has been gaining popularity not only from a religious perspective but also due to other positive perceptions increasingly being held by the public that halal food is a more wholesome, hygienic and quality food choice. Therefore different groups of passengers, of various religious backgrounds are increasingly seeking halal food. Policy makers and airline managers based in the South Asia region traditionally did not place a high priority on halal food, however as halal food is becoming more popular, there is increased awareness on the importance of providing halal food to clientele. There are more efforts to study how providing a halal food service can positively impact passenger satisfaction as well as play a role in determining the behavioral intentions and motivation behind passengers choosing to fly with low cost carriers (LCC). Findings .............................................................................................................................................................................................................. The findings indicate that attitude, perceived behavioral control and subjective norms have an impact towards passenger intention to purchase halal food on LCC flights. The results of factor analysis indicate that attitude is the major factor towards influencing passenger purchase intentions. Recommendations for Practitioners................................................................................................................................................................. The findings offer meaningful implications for marketing researchers and practitioners in the low cost airline industry. It can help airline companies further understand the needs and wants of existing and potential customers. Local and international airlines need to fulfill the needs of their clientele by serving more halal options on flights. Recommendation for Researchers.................................................................................................................................................................... Progress has been made in the availability of in-flight religious ethnic foods but many important research questions and technical support needs remain. Impact on Society............................................................................................................................................................................................... The research will assist to highlight purchase intention towards halal food and the importance of religious ethnic foods (e.g. halal food in this case) to meet the passenger requirements. Future Research................................................................................................................................................................................................ Future studies can be conducted to explore local and international insights towards halal in-flight food within a broader geographical areas and locations.