Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) are pivotal players in economies worldwide, especially in developing and emerging economies, where they contribute significantly to job creation, poverty alleviation, and innovation. Despite their limited capital and financial resources, SMMEs play a vital role in new product development and technological innovation, driving industrial renewal and economic growth. This study employs a qualitative content analysis approach to examine the challenges and opportunities confronting SMMEs. Data for this analysis were drawn from various scholarly sources, including journals, books, and reputable academic publications. The findings of this theoretical literature review underscore that while SMMEs aim to foster economic growth and formalize their presence, regulatory and legislative frameworks often present stringent compliance requirements, posing significant challenges. This research highlights the potential of national and provincial public sector institutions to facilitate SMME growth and development, ensuring their stability and prominence within the economy.

Background: Entrepreneurship is essential for economic growth and innovation, and educational institutions, particularly technical and vocational education and training (TVET) colleges, play a pivotal role in nurturing entrepreneurial skills. Aim: This study examined the relationship between entrepreneurship education, opportunity recognition and exploitation. Setting: The research was conducted among the students at the selected TVET college in the North West province, South Africa. The study focussed on the students enrolled in N5 to N6 levels under business management and marketing management programmes because they have a background in entrepreneurship and business management. Methods: A quantitative research design was employed, utilising a structured questionnaire. A non-probability sampling technique was used, and the sample size consisted of 151 completed questionnaires. Data were analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences and Smart-PLS software to identify correlations between the constructs. Results: The findings indicate a positive correlation between the quality of entrepreneurship education and the ability to recognise and exploit opportunities. The results imply that the students who receive comprehensive entrepreneurship education, demonstrate a higher propensity to identify and act on entrepreneurial opportunities. Conclusion: The results emphasise the importance of entrepreneurship education in equipping TVET college students with skills critical for opportunity recognition and exploitation. Efforts should be vested in the integration of entrepreneurship education into other non-business-related study programmes. Contribution: This research adds to literature by providing empirical evidence on the impact of entrepreneurship education in TVET colleges, emphasising the importance of collaboration between educational institutions, businesses and policymakers in fostering entrepreneurial development.

Purpose: This study aims to explore the effectiveness of operating models for SMMEs in the context of economic stimulation and growth. As the development of SMMEs is essential for their sustainability and expansion, enhancing and refining their operating models becomes crucial. Such improvements can lead to more efficient and profitable businesses that can thrive in the mainstream economy. Methodology: By evaluating the effectiveness of these models, this research addresses existing gaps in the literature concerning their impact on SMMEs. To investigate the effectiveness of operating models for SMMEs, a comprehensive literature review was conducted. Findings: The study reveals that SMMEs make significant contributions to the South African economy by operating in neglected markets, serving local communities, and stimulating economic growth. By adopting effective operating models, SMMEs can optimize resource utilization, improve efficiency, and make informed decisions. Furthermore, integrating principles of quality, ethical practices, and environmental sustainability within the operating model enables SMMEs to build trust, preserve natural resources, and enhance resilience. In conclusion, by recognizing the importance of operating models and taking concerted efforts to develop and implement them, countries can empower SMMEs to fulfil their potential as drivers of economic development and social progress in the country. Originality/value: This paper is original Paper type: a Research Paper

Orientation: Mindfulness is increasingly recognised as a resource for employee well-being and leadership effectiveness, yet its potential as a collective capability for strategic agility remains underexplored, particularly in lower- and middle-income (LMIC) contexts. Research purpose: This study explored how mindfulness, when institutionalised within organisational systems, functions as a dynamic capability that enhances strategic agility in South African logistics organisations. Motivation for the study: Mindfulness research is predominantly individual-focused and Western. Few studies have examined how organisational embedding of mindfulness influences strategic agility through a comparative cross-case design in South Africa. Research approach/design and method: A qualitative, interpretivist multiple case study was conducted across two logistics organisations with differing levels of mindfulness institutionalisation. Ten purposively selected managers participated in semi-structured interviews, supported by document analysis. Reflexive thematic analysis using hybrid deductive-inductive coding was applied. Main findings: Mindfulness enhanced strategic agility through cognitive flexibility, emotional regulation and psychological safety, aligning with strategic sensitivity, resource fluidity and collective commitment. Institutionalisation, rather than mere presence, was associated with more consistent, scalable outcomes. Cultural framing using operationally embedded language mitigated resistance. Practical/managerial implications: Embedding mindfulness within leadership development, HR policies and operational routines enhances adoption. Contextual framing, including ubuntu-aligned values, supports integration, while brief practices address time constraints. Contribution/value-add: The study provides empirical support for mindfulness as a micro-foundational capability and shows that institutionalisation is associated with its contribution to strategic agility.

This study aims to investigate the role of supervisors in developing postgraduate literacies, focusing on research capabilities, critical thinking, and academic writing. It seeks to identify effective supervisory practices and the challenges supervisors face in fostering these literacies. Additionally, the research intends to explore the impact of supervisory feedback on the overall academic proficiency of postgraduate students. The research design employs the literature review method, offering a structured examination of existing knowledge and research findings. This encompasses academic articles, books, conference papers, and case studies. Critical practices include providing tailored, constructive feedback, fostering a supportive and collaborative research environment, and encouraging active participation in scholarly communities. However, supervisors often face challenges such as managing diverse student needs, balancing guidance with promoting student independence and maintaining consistent communication. The study emphasizes the importance of targeted training and resources for supervisors to address the identified challenges and enhance their supervisory practices. Recommendations include developing professional development programmes for supervisors, the creation of clear guidelines for supervisory practices, and implementing regular feedback mechanisms between supervisors and students. Institutions should also promote a culture of mentorship and support to facilitate the development of postgraduate literacies.