http://localhost:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/12445 2026-04-18T19:39:11Z http://localhost:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/12847 Title: Constraints, Challenges, and Opportunities for Digital Business in Rural and Township Economy Authors: Mahlaule, Misaveni; Marwa, Nyankomo; Akinrinde, Olawale Abstract: Abstract Background: The digital economy is expanding at an unprecedented pace worldwide, transforming industries and creating new business models. However, the adoption of digital technologies and digital business models in rural and township areas in developing countries faces numerous constraints given their contextual nuances. Purpose: This study examined the constraints, challenges and opportunities for digital business in the rural, and township economy in South Africa. Design/methodology/approach: The study employed a mixed-methods approach incorporating questionnaires and focused group discussions. The study area was two villages in Limpopo and two townships in Gauteng. Findings/Result: The study findings indicate that challenges and constraints that hinder the successful adoption and implementation of digital business in South Africa were: limited access to internet connectivity, inadequate digital infrastructure, limited digital literacy and skills, insufficient financial resources for investment in digital technologies, restricted access to affordable logistics and delivery services, concerns regarding trust and security in online transactions, competition with traditional businesses, limited access to funding for entrepreneurs, and cultural and language diversity barriers. Conclusion: Considering these findings, the research presents a set of recommendations to address these constraints and maximize the opportunities offered by digital businesses in rural and township areas contributing to the broader development goals of the nation. Originality/value (State of the art): This study offers original insights into the specific constraints, challenges, and opportunities for digital business in South Africa's rural and township economies. Employing a mixed-methods approach, highlights the unique contextual factors affecting digital adoption, providing valuable recommendations to enhance digital business integration and contribute to broader national development goals, particularly in underrepresented areas. Keywords: digital business, digital literacy, e-commerce, internet connectivity, rural economy, township economy 2024-09-01T00:00:00Z http://localhost:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/12846 Title: IDENTIFYING CRITICAL SUCCESS FACTORS FOR SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING ADOPTION IN MICRO AND SMALL CULINARY BUSINESSES Authors: Shabrina Nurqamarani, Adisthy; Priyanto, Agus; Fadilla, Sarah Abstract: Abstract Background: With the culinary sector undergoing transformative shifts propelled by technological advancements and the ubiquity of social media, understanding the critical success factors for social media marketing becomes imperative for micro and small businesses. Purpose: This study aims to identify and explore critical success factors for social media marketing adoption in micro and small culinary businesses. Design/methodology/approach: Employing a qualitative approach, the research selected a purposive sample of six Indonesian owners of micro and small culinary businesses, playing pivotal roles in shaping business decisions. Semi-structured interviews conducted via telephone and Zoom Meetings formed the basis for data collection with owners and co-owners of micro and small businesses in the culinary Industry in West Java and East Borneo, Indonesia. The data collection focuses on the critical success factors of social media marketing. Interviews were transcribed and thematically analyzed using a narrative approach. Findings/Result: Five thematic outcomes were noted regarding the critical success factors of social media marketing: interaction, trendiness, persistency, curiosity, and entrepreneurial mindset. The study identifies the "entrepreneurial mindset" as a critical success factor, echoed by five out of six informants. Conclusion: Critical factors that contribute to the success of adopting social media marketing for micro and small businesses integrate the entrepreneurial traits of the owners and managers and the effective utilization of social media marketing strategies. Originality/value (State of the art): This study explores in depth the significance of the combination of entrepreneurial traits and effective utilization of social media marketing strategies which remain underexplored in the social media marketing study, particularly in micro and small businesses. Keywords: culinary industry, micro and small business, social media, critical success factors, narrative approach 2024-09-01T00:00:00Z http://localhost:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/12845 Title: THE FACTORS AFFECTING THE ENTREPRENEURIAL BEHAVIOR AMONG THE BUSINESS GRADUATES OF BANGLADESH Authors: Alam, Md. Shahbub Abstract: Abstract Background: Bangladesh is a densely populated country. It encompasses various problems, unemployment is one of them. Each year a large number of graduates are added to the unemployment incubator. The country's economic and social progress has been destroyed due to serious unemployment problems. This problem can be solved by arousing entrepreneurship. The successful entrepreneur plays a vital role in economic development, control of serious economic disorder, social and sustainable development challenges. Purpose: This research investigates the factors that influence the entrepreneurial behavior of Bangladeshi business graduates. Design/methodology/approach: This research is quantitative in nature. The primary data was collected from 100 business graduates of the Islamic University of Bangladesh. Various statistical analyses, such as demographic, descriptive, correlation, and regression, were used to achieve the study's aims. For measuring data popular software, SPSS was applied in this study. Findings/Result: The study found a strong positive correlation between the independent variables of general skills, risk-taking, knowledgeability, persuasive ability, persistence, and hard work, and the dependent variable of entrepreneurial behavior. Conclusion: The study proved that graduates with positive entrepreneurial behavior have a great chance of being successful entrepreneurs. This study suggests that entrepreneurship education and training programs can be used as an arm for promoting entrepreneurship. Originality/value (State of the art): The added value of this research is that it explores how entrepreneurial behavior influences one to become a successful entrepreneur in the future. Keywords: entrepreneurial behavior, business graduates, entrepreneurship, Bangladesh, ntrepreneurship education 2024-09-01T00:00:00Z http://localhost:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/12844 Title: Co-creation of collective values: Nurturing thriving rural entrepreneurship Authors: Asmit, Brilliant; Mangihut Simatupang, Togar; Rudito, Bambang; Novani, Santi Abstract: Abstract Background: Collaboration plays a very important role in fostering a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem, unlike rural areas, which have constraints compared to urban areas and require special efforts to accelerate their economies. Purpose: This paper aims to explore how actors collaborate to create a prosperous entrepreneurial ecosystem in rural areas. Design/methodology/approach: We conducted a case study of Koto Mesjid Village, Indonesia, which involved collaboration between academics, government, business, and the community. Our research method involved content analysis of recorded academic reports regarding the case, using a systematic coding technique based on fundamental categories identified through a proposed model. The aim is to elucidate the relational dynamics among the ecosystem's actors, values, co-creation, and objectives. Findings/result: Our findings highlight the exchange of resources between the actors produced value that reformed the condition of rural entrepreneurial ecosystem. Collaboration led to densification and diversification of the ecosystem's resources, which in turn allowed its actors to discover new opportunities and increase their success in exploiting them. Conclusion: Building networks has the critical role to exchange knowledge in nurturing rural entrepreneurship. Policy makers can facilitate such networks to develop villages and promote regional economic growth. Originality/value: This study contributes to the conversation of service-dominant logic in the regional economic context by demonstrating that the co-creation of collective values is achievable and crucial for developing a thriving rural entrepreneurial ecosystem. Keywords: entrepreneurial ecosystem, service-dominant logic, value co-creation, regional development, rural 2024-09-01T00:00:00Z