MBA Thesis – Leadership Strategies in African Academic Libraries to Support Digital Transformation in Resource-constrained Environments

This is the feedback I received.

1. How well did you do? – Justifies a reasonable choice of project and appraises its
   feasibility—critical evaluation of recent theories but with limited evidence of
   wider reading. Formulates a plan for a major project by developing aims and
   objectives and designing an outline method of analysis. No real originality or
   organisation. Identification of sources of evidence and method of analysis.
   Aligned to aim and objectives.
2.  How can you improve? – The report needs a clear rationale that highlights the
   research gap and how your research contributes to knowledge in the area of
   green supply chain management. The rationale should also highlight the
   practical implications and social impact concerning digital transformation in
   AFRICA. Ensure that your literature review addresses the themes and
   clusters of the literature that are relevant to the research aim and objective.
   The theory must also address the technology adoption not just leadership. Stop listing variables and provide clear theories that will
   be used to address the research area and provide a proper argument as to why
   the theory is applicable to your research. The theory implemented must be
   relevant and current. Consider justifying the method of analysis.

The MBA thesis is a systematic review and needs to be critical and analytical. 

I need to submit the draft Literature Review (2500 words excluding references (minimum 25 references (no more than 30))) for my thesis supervisor on Tuesday 3rd December, 2024. All References must be within the last 10 years (from 2014 to present), and academic sources. As you know the literature review should look at the global context of the topic, include the conceptual framework,  

For the Literature Review, the following should be covered:

The Global Context of Digital Transformation in Libraries

• Must include actual data
• Introduce evidence where leadership initiatives failed to overcome these systemic barriers, providing examples from regions with persistently low adoption rates despite leadership efforts. 
• What percentage of libraries in various parts of the world have adopted AI or cloud computing? 
• How do funding levels compare between developed and developing regions? 
• What are the specific metrics for user satisfaction or workflow optimization in digitally transformed libraries? 
• How many libraries report successful digital adoption under transformational leadership? 
• Are there measurable improvements in employee performance or technology integration linked to adaptive or servant leadership?

Conceptual Framework

• Focus less on discussing the theories individually and more on them as an integrated framework that you have adapted to suit the study and chapter. (Leadership theories Transformational leadership , servant leadership and adaptive leadership) 
• Resource Contraints and Leadership Practices
  Include critical evaluation of the strategies. For example, analyze whether transformational leadership’s focus on innovation is sufficient to address chronic resource shortages or if adaptive/servant leadership is inherently better suited.

  Discuss the limitations or unintended consequences of each leadership style in addressing resource constraints.

  Highlight gaps in current literature—e.g., are there regions or contexts where these strategies have not been studied extensively? 

• Critique whether these leadership styles are sufficient in addressing chronic or systemic resource shortages. For example, argue that adaptive leadership may only provide short-term solutions and lacks the visionary outlook of transformational leadership for long-term resource sustainability. 
• Analyze cases where resource constraints have persisted despite the implementation of these leadership styles. For instance, are there examples of servant leadership falling short due to limited empowerment opportunities in hierarchical institutions? 
• Suggest that combining these styles with external funding models or technological partnerships could provide more sustainable outcomes.

  What proportion of libraries in resource-constrained regions face inadequate funding?

  How much funding is allocated to capacity-building programs in different countries or regions?

  Leadership Competencies and Behaviours
  The section could benefit from more evaluation of how these competencies directly impact organizational outcomes. For instance, do transformational leaders consistently out-perform adaptive leaders in digital innovation, or are results context-dependent?

  Critically assess whether these competencies are universally applicable or if specific environments (e.g., highly resource-constrained regions) demand alternative skill sets. 

• Argue that focusing on leadership competencies alone might overlook systemic or cultural barriers. For example, leaders with excellent competencies may still fail in environments where organizational inertia or lack of stakeholder buy-in prevails. 
• Critique whether the emphasis on technical expertise and strategic vision might undervalue interpersonal skills or emotional intelligence, particularly in culturally diverse environments.

  Discuss the need for balanced competency development that includes socio-emotional skills and stakeholder collaboration, particularly in cross-cultural or resource-constrained contexts.
  ○ How do these competencies influence measurable outcomes like employee satisfaction or project success rates?
  ○ Are there surveys or studies quantifying the effectiveness of leaders with these skills? 

Capacity Building and Sustainable Transformation 

• This section could expand its critical analysis by examining why certain capacity-building efforts succeed or fail. For instance, are localized strategies always more effective than broader, one-size-fits-all approaches? What are the trade-offs? 
• Evaluate the long-term sustainability of capacity-building initiatives. How do leadership styles influence their scalability and integration into institutional practices? 
• Discuss how emerging technologies like AI may exacerbate inequalities if not implemented equitably, tying this back to servant leadership principles. 
• Critique whether capacity-building initiatives can be truly sustainable without consistent institutional or governmental support. For example, argue that these initiatives may fail in regions where funding cycles are inconsistent or where leadership lacks long-term commitment.

  Include examples of capacity-building programs that failed due to external dependencies or lack of follow-through. 

• Evaluate whether localized strategies sometimes lack scalability and whether collaborative partnerships risk over-reliance on external stakeholders.

  Suggest integrating continuous assessment mechanisms and embedding capacity-building efforts into broader institutional strategies for long-term sustainability. 

• How many staff members were trained in specific programs?

  What was the cost vs. benefit of implementing these programs? 

Identified Gaps and Future Directions 

• Critique whether the proposed research directions adequately address the systemic issues underlying these gaps. For example, argue that focusing on emerging technologies may overlook existing infrastructure gaps in resource-limited settings. 
• Evaluate whether the focus on leadership models and emerging technologies might divert attention from broader socio-political or economic factors. 
• Discuss the limitations of current studies in capturing the complexity of cultural dynamics. 
• Propose multi-disciplinary research that combines insights from leadership studies, sociology, and economics to create more holistic solutions for digital transformation challenges. 
• What percentage of libraries have adopted emerging technologies like AI, and what are the barriers? 

Conclusions 

• What specific processes or tools do leaders use to make decisions under resource constraints? 
• Are these approaches reactive (addressing immediate issues) or strategic (focusing on long-term transformation)? 

The MBA thesis is to be done by chapters and submitted to my thesis supervisory for feedback before I can move on to the next chapter. I have also submitted a sample Literature review supplied by my thesis supervisor for guidance of structure. Since this is an MBA thesis I was advised to use tables, diagrams and charts where applicable. I have attached some articles I have found so far to aid in the literature review. 

Do let me know if you need further clarification or additional information.

Do let me know if you need any further information or guidance.