UWCScholar

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Now showing 1 - 5 of 11

Recent Submissions

Capability evolution as a cyclical process: reframing the dynamic capabilities lifecycle
(Emerald Publishing, 2026) Sibindi, Ntandoyenkosi
Purpose – This paper aims to develop a process theory of capability evolution that explains how organisational capabilities persist, erode and renew over time. It addresses limitations in capability lifecycle theory by reconceptualising capability evolution as a recursive process driven by capability–environment alignment and misalignment. Design/methodology/approach – The paper develops a conceptual, mechanism-based process theory by synthesising dynamic capabilities theory, capability lifecycle theory and complementary perspectives on organisational learning, process theory and organisational microfoundations. The framework identifies capability persistence, managerial recognition and capability reconfiguration as interconnected mechanisms underlying recurring capability evolution. Findings – The framework conceptualises capability evolution as a continuous, relational and recursive process. Capability–environment alignment supports persistence, while environmental change can generate misalignment and erosion. Managerial recognition of misalignment and subsequent capability reconfiguration enable renewed alignment. Each cycle reshapes the conditions for subsequent organisational adaptation. Research limitations/implications – The paper is conceptual and does not empirically test the proposed framework. Future research should examine the model through longitudinal and process-oriented studies, develop measures of its core mechanisms, and investigate its applicability across different organisational and institutional contexts. Practical implications – The framework suggests that managers should treat capability renewal as a continuous process. Regular assessment of capability–environment alignment, environmental scanning, organisational learning and capability reviews can help organisations recognise emerging capability gaps and support timely capability reconfiguration.
Computational elucidation of the potential mechanisms of Warburgia ugandensis against colorectal cancer
(Springer Science and Business Media Deutschland GmbH, 2026) Amos, Yohana,,; Nsengimaana, Bienvenu,; Faleyimu, Mercy Bisola; Adeniyi, Peter Olorundunsin,; Lawal, Aishat Adebol,; Kenou, Orace Mathieu; Martin, Darius,; Jawali, Ashita; Awe, Olaitan I
Background Colorectal cancer remains a major global health challenge due to its high incidence, mortality, therapeutic resistance, and treatment-related adverse effects. Warburgia ugandensis is a medicinal plant that has demonstrated anti-colorectal cancer; however, the specific bioactive compounds responsible and their underlying molecular mechanisms remain underexplored. This study investigated the anti-colorectal cancer potential and molecular mechanisms of W. ugandensis phytochemicals using an integrated computational approach. Methods Phytochemicals were retrieved from published literature and the Collection of Open Natural Products database, standardized, and screened for drug-likeness and oral bioavailability. Potential protein targets were predicted and intersected with colorectal cancer-associated genes, followed by network pharmacology and functional enrichment analyses. Molecular docking, 100 ns molecular dynamics simulations, molecular mechanics Poisson-Boltzmann surface area binding energy calculations, and absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET) analyses were performed to evaluate compound-target interactions, complex stability, and pharmacological properties. Results Among 242 identified phytochemicals, 21 compounds satisfied drug-likeness and oral bioavailability criteria. Target prediction identified 435 potential protein targets of the screened phytochemicals, of which 411 overlapped with colorectal cancer-associated genes. Network analysis of the overlapping targets identified PIK3CA, PIK3CD, GNAI1, GNAI3, and SRC as key hub genes. Functional enrichment analysis suggested that these targets are involved in cancer-relevant signaling pathways, including the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-protein kinase B, insulin receptor, and relaxin signaling pathways. Molecular docking identified quercetin, kaempferol, and bemadienolide as leading candidates, with strong binding affinities toward GNAI1 (-9.8 kcal/mol), GNAI3 (-9.6 kcal/mol), and PIK3CD (-8.7 kcal/ mol), respectively. Molecular dynamics simulations demonstrated stable protein-ligand complexes with reduced
Evaluating South African library and information science school curricula in preparing librarians for the Fourth Industrial Revolution
(University of the Western Cape, 2024) Livi, Yanga; Salubi, Oghenere
This research aimed to evaluate the Library and Information Science school curriculum in South Africa in preparing librarians for the Fourth Industrial Revolution; focusing mainly on LIS schools that were historically disadvantaged in South Africa. The concept of the Fourth Industrial Revolution in libraries has become a catchphrase for the remodelling of how services are rendered, correspondingly allowing a platform for researchers to investigate the preparedness of Library and Information Science professionals to adapt to the concept of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, the implications of the Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies in libraries and the skilling of Library and Information Science professionals. The Fourth Industrial Revolution is mainly driven by technologies including the Internet of Things, artificial intelligence, autonomous robotics, cyber-physical systems, virtual reality, advanced analytics, blockchain technology, big data and cloud computing. Literature highlighted that South Africa has a skills shortage and the library profession is no exception. It further stated that skill levels in developing countries are typically much lower.
Where Worlds Align: Insights from the Joint GGBN–ISBER Conference on Biodiversity and Biobanking, Cape Town, October 2025
(SAGE Publications Ltd, 2026) Burger, Anita; Astrin, Jonas J; Labuschagne, Kim
The 2025 Joint GGBN–ISBER Conference in Cape Town united biodiversity, environmental, and biomedical biobanking communities from 38 countries. The event highlighted biobanks as interdisciplinary and collaborative infrastructures for addressing global challenges—pandemics, biodiversity loss, and food security, among others. Recurring themes throughout the conference were as follows: (1) Harmonization and Quality—adoption of best practices and standards where possible to ensure global interoperability and sample integrity; (2) Equitable Governance—crafting flexible, transparent frameworks for sample and data sharing that uphold sovereignty and benefit local communities; (3) Technological and Data Integration—using artificial intelligence, omics technologies, and standardized metadata to transform physical specimens into scalable digital resources; and (4) Resilient Infrastructure—securing long-term investment in regional biobanking networks and targeted training to build enduring capacity, embedding sustainability by design and safeguarding local knowledge.
Exploring factors influencing the use of internet in the household by women small-scale farmers in rural South Africa: evidence from GHS 2019
(BioMed Central Ltd, 2026) Mbamba F.S.; Nsengiyumva P.
This study adds to the empirical evidence of information and communication technology (ICT) use by women smallholder farmers in South Africa. The study draws on quantitative data collected by Statistics South Africa. The General Household Survey (GHS) for 2019 was manipulated to meet study objectives. The GHS questionnaire was used to sample households, and special attention was given to women farmers who have access to buyers of agricultural products through internet access in the household. A stratified design was used for primary units, and systematic sampling for dwelling units. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (IBM SPSS Statistics 30.0.0) was used for analysis of statistical data. Findings indicated that rural farmers from Free State largely access internet to reach formal and international agricultural markets. Whilst, in other provinces farmers access internet mostly to reach local buyers from the district. Yet, gaining access to the internet access remains a predicament considering it is accessed by limited number of farmers. The Whites predominantly access internet to reach all agricultural market over other racial groups. The farmers with secondary education largely use internet and tend to access both local, formal, and international agricultural markets. To test association amongst variables, Chi-square tests showed a significant association. The Phi and Cramer’s V tests showed a moderate and strong relationship amongst the variables. Logistic regression reveals that all variables, age; race; education; just to name a few, are leading factors that explain internet accessibility by women farmers. The study fundamentally recommended that the government should establish internet access platforms that can be accessed by farmers for free or that which will charge affordable rates to attain agricultural and market information.