Organisations rely on software in providing services to its clients and business partners. Due to this reliance, the quality of software contributes to dictating the type of services that some organisations provide, which in return, influence their relationship with clients and partners. For this reason many organisations focus on the quality of software, which makes testing critical. The challenge is that various factors influence the software testing in an organisation. The objective of this study was to examine the factors that influence the software testing and evaluation in an organisation in the automotive industry. The qualitative methods and case study approach were applied in the case. The data were analysed by following the interpretivist approach, which was guided by two theories: actor network theory (ANT) and diffusion of innovation (DOI). Based on the findings from the analysis, a framework was developed, which can guide an understanding of the factors that influence software testing and evaluation in this specific organisation as well as a guide for other organisations.
Objective - SMEs often fail to market their business and their green marketing initiatives effectively. This paper assesses how the promotion of green social media marketing could provide a possible solution to SMEs failed marketing efforts within the metropoles of Nelson Mandela Bay and Buffalo City in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. Methodology/Technique - An empirical study was conducted following a descriptive quantitative research approach in which 150 self-administered structured questionnaires were distributed to respondents. Findings - It was found that most SMEs do not make use of green social media marketing but are aware of the benefits it could offer. Novelty - The study provides guidelines to the owners of SMEs on how to successfully implement green social media marketing. Type of Paper: Empirical. JEL Classification: M31, M39. Keywords: Green marketing; social media marketing; green initiatives; social media; SME’s Reference to this paper should be made as follows: Beck, S.B; Deliwe, A.P; Smith, E.E. (2021). Assessing SME Perceptions of Using Green Social Media Marketing, Journal of Management and Marketing Review, 6(1) 65 – 72. https://doi.org/10.35609/jmmr.2021.6.1(7)
Greenhouse gas (GHG) emission and its associated effects have been a debate in literature for many years (Hoffman, 2011:5; Williams & Schaefer, 2012:175; Whitmarsh, 2011:690). According to Jackson (2016), climate change is seen as a yearly change within the earth's climate that is a result of changes in its atmosphere, as well as interactions between the atmosphere and other chemical, geologic, geographic and biological factors within the earth's system. Climate change has primarily caused a warming effect of the earth's atmosphere that has affected all aspects of life (Pachauri & Reisinger, 2007:7). While there are limited studies that measure greenhouse gas emissions arising from the entire global food chain, there have been estimates of GHG emissions attributable to global agricultural production (Garnett, 2011:23). Energy consumption is one of the biggest challenges food retailers are facing as it not only increases overhead costs but also GHG emission (Tassou, Hadawey & Marriott, 2011). Garnett (2011) alleges that the food chain produces greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions at all stages in its life cycle, from the farming process and its inputs, through to manufacture, distribution, refrigeration, retailing, food preparation in the home and waste disposal. Technological improvements, while essential, will not be sufficient in reducing GHG emissions. The combination of population growth and rising per capita anticipated consumption of meat and dairy products will undermine the cuts that technological and managerial innovation can achieve. Over the last few years food retailers in South Africa started to focus their attention towards GHG emissions, but there is still no framework for food retailers to reduce GHG emissions in South Africa (Tassou et al. 2007:2988). Various studies have argued that the food and drink, transportation, and construction industry sectors are regarded as the most significant contributors to GHG emissions (European Commission, 2006; SEI, WWF & CURE, 2006 and UNEP, 2008). Significant changes in food production and increases in food transport have resulted. The production of food on farms has become increasingly mechanised, large-scale, and specialised; and food supply chains have become more complicated and transport-intensive (Roelich, 2008). Food retailers are contributing to GHG emissions by means of electricity usage through refrigerator equipment, lighting, heating, air conditioning, baking and other secondary services. There is no general strategy for food retailers to reduce GHG emission and minimal research has been done in this sector (Tassou et al, 2011). Keywords: climate change; food retailers; greenhouse gas emission; perceptions; strategies
The image of an enterprise in relation to the environment in which it operates is currently of increased importance (Liskova, Cudlinova, Partlova & Petr, 2016, p.64). An enterprise's brand image is a customer's perception of a brand and can help customers assemble information, discriminate brands, create positive feelings, and create a reason to purchase (Huang, Yang & Wang, 2014, p.263). Therefore, enterprises aim to create a strong positive image of their brand which can be generated through marketing programmes. Social media marketing is the application of marketing principles, tools and techniques to social media platforms to differentiate and position the brand better than competitors (Neti, 2011, p.3). Enterprises should therefore use social media to promote and communicate their green initiatives to their stakeholders because of the prominent benefits it offers. Conscious and careful use of social media is the most promising investment for furthering an enterprise's green marketing strategies and by implementing green projects as a CSR initiative SMEs can satisfy their stakeholders (Williams, Page & Petrosky, 2014, p.26). SMEs do not effectively and efficiently market their enterprises due to the lack of funding, insufficient cash flow and the need for technical assistance to market their enterprise (National Small Business Chamber, 2016). Social media is the most popular means of communication in society and provide a good solution as it allows enterprises to interact with their stakeholders through dialogue and engagement to identify and satisfy stakeholder expectations (Bibri, 2008, p.14). The implementation of marketing activities that communicate enterprises' social and environmental initiatives creates added value and enhances financial performance (Bibri, 2008, p.14). If SMEs promote their green initiatives in their marketing communications that are directed at their stakeholders, they could succeed in marketing their business effectively and as a result grow and survive in the long term. However, few SMEs in South Africa are aware that implementing green strategies can improve their profitability and their survival. Keywords: Green marketing; social media marketing; SME's
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