Tankiso Moloi

Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Nigeria have been proven to be essential drivers of advancing the nation’s economy. Despite the evident importance of strategic management practices (SMP) in enhancing performance in volatile business environments such as Lagos State, many SMEs continue to experience a high failure rate. Therefore, this study investigates the moderating effect of entrepreneurial risk-taking on the relationship between strategic management practices and SME growth in Lagos, Nigeria. The study was guided by the resource-based view and perceived risk theory while also employing a quantitative cross-sectional research design to gather data via a structured online questionnaire from 262 owners and managers of registered SMEs. The analysis of the data was done using structural equation modeling to test direct and moderating relationships among the variables. The findings of the study revealed that although there is a significant positive relationship between SMPs and SME growth, entrepreneurial risk-taking did not have a direct effect on SME growth. Hence, the study concludes that SMP is indispensable for SME growth and recommends that owners and managers should focus on effectively implementing strategic plans in a disciplined manner while ensuring that risk-taking is calculated in a strategic manner.

Robotic process automation, data analytics abilities and artificial intelligence, among other technological advances, have increased the volume of data usage and applications. The increase in data is affecting various industries and roles, including accounting. Accountants are now required to collect, analyse, and transform data quickly and efficiently, with fewer errors and more insightful information for decision-making. The literature indicates that, now more than ever, accountants need critical thinking and problem-solving skills to navigate these new roles brought about by the changes in the technological landscape. However, developing these skills in accounting programmes has been challenging due to a lack of alignment in critical thinking. This study aimed to develop an aligned definition of critical thinking in accounting based on interviews with three important stakeholders: academics, professional bodies, and employers. The study employed a two-phase sequential approach, beginning with an SLR of 14 articles, to examine how CT is conconceptualised. Phase 2 employed thematic analysis, yielding seven themes regarding how critical thinking is understood as a process-orientated construct. The results indicate that CT in accounting is defined as a structured and iterative process involving problem definition, data evaluation, data transformation, decision-making, and communication, underpinned by reflective and inquisitive dispositions.

Poverty remains a critical challenge in sub-Saharan Africa that continually demands innovative solutions. This paper examined the impact of financial and digital inclusion on the poverty rate in sub-Saharan Africa, covering data from the year 2000 to 2023. It combined financial inclusion variables (automated teller machine availability and mobile money) with digital-based inclusion variables (mobile subscription and internet accessibility) to assess their moderating impact on poverty rate. The Systems Generalised Method of Moments models were employed for analysis. Key findings from the study show that neither automated teller machine availability nor mobile money usage significantly reduce poverty rates. However, mobile subscriptions alone show a negative impact on poverty in all examinations. The findings also demonstrate that digital inclusion (via the internet and mobile access) does not moderate the relationship between financial inclusion and poverty alleviation. Policy makers, management, and stakeholders (that make key decisions) could consider investing in increasing mobile subscription (especially smart devices), as evidence shows that it is relevant in the increasingly digitalised society and it has contributed to reducing the rate of poverty.

The Journal of Economic and Financial Sciences promotes research in auditing, corporate finance, corporate governance, economics, econometrics, financial accounting, financial management, financial planning, investment management, management accounting and taxation in the emerging market field.

Background: This study develops a framework for the integrated digital transformation of municipal healthcare services in Gauteng, South Africa, focusing on municipal clinic systems. Objectives: To identify the factors impeding digital transformation, understand key stakeholder perspectives on a systems approach to digital change, and propose a framework for integrated digital municipal clinics. Additionally, this study examines the relationship between implementing digital transformation and quality of care, as well as how digital solutions connect various components within the municipal clinic system. Method: A positivist research paradigm was applied, using quantitative surveys to gather data from 210 healthcare staff in Gauteng municipal clinics. Data were collected using closed-ended Likert-scale questionnaires designed to measure barriers to digital transformation, stakeholder consensus, key constructs for framework development and perceptions of service quality. Quantitative data were analysed using SPSS and MS Excel, employing descriptive statistics, correlation analysis and stepwise multiple regression to examine relationships between digital transformation, stakeholder roles, barriers and service quality outcomes. Results: Findings reveal significant barriers, including infrastructural limitations, funding constraints, skill gaps and low digital service user acceptance. Despite these challenges, there is strong support for digital transformation, with the potential to enhance service integration, communication and overall care quality. Conclusion: This framework aims to improve healthcare quality, access and operational efficiency in Gauteng’s municipal clinics, ultimately leading to better health outcomes for local communities. Contribution: This study proposes a comprehensive framework that emphasises adaptable systems, continuous training and stakeholder collaboration to address these barriers and ensure successful implementation.

There are indices for measuring the different aspects of how companies disseminate information, but none specifically assesses the level of blockchain technology adoption by financial institutions. Given the rapid development and applications of blockchain technology in finance, evaluating its adoption by financial institutions is crucial. In this context, this study develops and tests a formative blockchain technology adoption index to quantify the extent of blockchain adoption in the financial sector, based on data from the annual reports of leading banks in Africa. The research employs a triangulation methodology, which involves identifying indicators that can be combined to form a blockchain technology adoption index. These indicators were evaluated against the SMART criteria for selecting effective metrics. The index was then created based on these indicators and applied using data from 20 leading banks in Africa. These banks were chosen for their regional representation, size, and rankings derived from Africa Business data, a reputable source that uses Tier 1 capital as a key indicator of bank strength. Findings revealed that banks in West Africa lead with the highest adoption score of 72%, followed by South Africa at 66%. Furthermore, an ANOVA test at a 0.05 confidence level was used to examine whether bank size significantly influences blockchain adoption levels. The results showed no statistical difference in the average total assets between larger and smaller banks in the sample, thereby indicating the index’s broad applicability regardless of bank size. This study concludes that the developed blockchain technology adoption index in this study can be applied to banks and other financial sector companies of varying revenue sizes across different regions in Africa and beyond.

Background: The global shift towards digital health care presents significant challenges for municipal health systems striving for digital transformation. In Gauteng, South Africa, municipal clinics face multiple barriers including limited infrastructure and low digital competence among patients and healthcare workers, exacerbated by socio-economic disparities. This study aims to identify key obstacles to successful digital transformation in these settings.Aim: The study explores barriers such as inadequate infrastructure, financial constraints, healthcare workers’ resistance to adopting technology, and patients’ concerns about data security.Methods: A qualitative research design was employed using semi-structured interviews with healthcare staff across Gauteng clinics to gather rich, context-specific data on digital transformation challenges.Results: Findings indicate that barriers are deeply interlinked. Inadequate funding underpins many challenges, including insufficient infrastructure, poor digital skills among staff, weak data protection systems, and general resistance to technological change.Conclusion: Overcoming these obstacles requires a multifaceted strategy that includes infrastructure development, digital literacy training, change management frameworks, robust information security, and increased financial investment.Contribution: This study enhances understanding of the structural and socio-economic barriers to healthcare digitalisation. It offers practical insights for policymakers and healthcare managers aiming to implement equitable digital transformation in municipal healthcare services. Additionally, the study contributes empirical evidence to the field of electronic health records (EHRs), informing strategies to improve healthcare delivery and equity in similar developing-country contexts.

Advanced technologies, such as robotic process automation, blockchain, and machine learning, increase audit efficiency. Nonetheless, some Supreme Audit Institutions (SAIs) have not undergone digital transformation. This research aimed to develop a comprehensive framework for supreme audit institutions to adopt and integrate emerging technologies into their auditing processes using a hybrid theoretical approach based on the TAM (Technology Acceptance Model) and TOE (Technology–Organisation–Environment) models. The framework was informed by insights from nineteen highly experienced experts in the field from eight countries. Through a two-round Delphi questionnaire, the experts provided valuable input on the key factors, challenges, and strategies for successful technology adoption by public sector audit organisations. The findings of this research reveal that technology adoption in SAIs starts with solid management support led by the chief technology officer. They must evaluate the IT infrastructure and readiness for advanced technologies, considering the budget and funding. Integrating solutions like the SAI of Ghana’s Audit Management Information System can significantly enhance audit efficiency. Continuous staff training is essential to build a positive attitude toward new technologies, covering areas like data algorithm auditing and big data analysis. Assessing the complexity and compatibility of new technologies ensures ease of use and cost-effectiveness. Continuous support from technology providers and monitoring advancements will keep SAIs aligned with technological developments, enhancing their auditing capabilities.

Municipalities are an essential sphere of government, as they provide basic services to local citizens. They are expected to function optimally to meet this mandate. However, due to challenges with governance, the performance of most mu-nicipalities in South Africa is disappointing. To improve their performance, and address the governance challenges, this study proposes a conceptual governance framework for these non-performing municipalities in South Africa. The Delphi Technique was implemented to obtain views from municipal governance experts on measures that could become the cornerstones of a framework with a view to improving the performance of these municipalities. The results obtained indicate that the conceptual governance framework needs to focus on leadership as one cornerstone of governance, to be followed by strengthening the financial management unit and its personnel, the supply chain management unit and its personnel, and the asset management unit and its personnel. This was achieved from the responses obtained through engagement with municipal governance experts, which indicated the appointment of suitably qualified and experienced individuals as key measures for improving governance in district municipalities. The proposed governance framework could be used by district municipalities as a point of reference towards effective and efficient governance performance.