The globe has been subjected to an unprecedented health challenge in the form of COVID-19, indiscriminately impacting the global economy, global supply chains, and nations. The resolution of this unprecedented challenge does not seem to be in the short-term horizon but rather something the globe has to live with. Initial data provides for some insights on responses, precautions, and sustainability protocols and processes. The Food and Beverages Manufacturing sector in South Africa (SA) and globally is an expeditious respondent to the COVID-19 challenge. Food is essential for human existence, but the food value chain is subjected to significant COVID-19 risks. The Food and Beverage Sector Education and Training Authority is responsible for skills development in the Food and Beverages (FoodBev) Manufacturing Sector in South Africa and seeks to quantify Foodbev sustainability. This research paper reviews global literature, performs a high-level knowledge classification, with the aim of expedited awareness, knowledge sharing, and most importantly, quantification of an expedited response, within the FoodBev Manufacturing sector in SA. The research is contextualized via a SA sector-based instrument deployment and data analysis. The paper provides insights into COVID-19 impact, adaptations, and responses in the SA Food and Beverages Manufacturing sector.

Organisations require an employer value proposition (EVP) to attract and retain people in management. This study was undertaken to understand the key retention factors that influence experienced management employees, in the maintenance phase of their careers, to remain employed at a local government organisation. Retention factors inform the organisation’s EVP. A qualitative, empirical-analytical research paradigm with a modernist approach was adopted. Data were obtained through purposive sampling (n = 10) by way of semi-structured interviews. <br />A theoretical framework was used against which data could be deducted and compared. Sixteen key factors were identified, of which Job Aligned with Personal Meaning or Passion emerged as the strongest retention factor among the study’s participants

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Purpose Sustainability is an accepted measure of business performance, with reductions in energy demand a commonly practised sustainability initiative by multinational corporations (MNCs). Traditional energy models have limited scope when applied to the entire MNC as the models exhibit high data and time intensity, high technical proficiency, specificity of application and omission of non-manufacturing activities. The purpose of this paper is to propose a process centric energy model (PCEM), which adopts a novel approach of applying business processes for business energy assessment and optimisation. Business processes are a fundamental requirement of MNCs across all sectors. The defining features of the proposed model are genericity, reproducibility, minimum user input data, reduced modelling time and energy evaluation of non-manufacturing activities. The approach forwards the adoption of Industry 4.0, a subset of which focuses on business process automation or part thereof. Design/methodology/approach A quantitative approach is applied in development of the PCEM. The methodology is demonstrated by application to the procure to pay and electroplating business processes. Findings The PCEM quantifies and optimises the business energy demand and associated carbon dioxide emissions of the procure to pay and electroplating business processes, validating the application of business processes. The application demonstrates minimum user inputs as only equipment operational parameters are required and minimum modelling time as business process models and optimisation options are pre-defined requiring only user modification. As MNCs have common business processes across multiple sites, once a business process energy demand is quantified, its inputs are applied as the default in the proceeding sites, only requiring updating. The model has no specialist skills requirement enabling business wide use and eliminating costs associated with training and expert’s services. The business processes applied in the evaluation are developed by the researchers and are not as comprehensive as those in actual MNCs, but is sufficiently detailed to accurately calculate an MNC energy demand. The model databases are not exhaustive of all resources found in MNCs. Originality/value This paper provides a new approach to MNC business energy assessment and optimisation. The model can be applied to MNEs across all sectors. The model allows the integration of manufacturing and non-manufacturing activities, as it occurs in practice, providing holistic business energy assessment and optimisation. The model analyses the impacts of the adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies on business energy demand, CO2 emission and personnel hours.