bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Influence of Social Support on Entrepreneurial Inclination among Business Students in Indonesia
Authors: Sahban Muhammad Amsal , Ramalu Subramaniam Sri , Syahputra Ruswiati
Published: January 2020

The objective of this study is to investigate the influence of social support on studentâ€™s inclination toward entrepreneurship. It also aims to test whether gender can moderate the relationship between SS and entrepreneurial intention among business students in Indonesia. Quantitative analysis was conducted using SPSS version 22. This study conveniently distributed 1,230 self-administrated questionnaires to the business students at public and private universities in Indonesia. This data collection process yielded back with 381 usable responses that were used in the statistical analysis for assessing the relationship between SS and EI as well asthe difference between male and female students in terms of entrepreneurial intention.This study reveals that, there is a positive relationship between social support system and studentâ€™s inclination toward entrepreneurship and there is a difference between male and female students in terms of entrepreneurial intention.
Social Media Perception Affecting the Business of PTT Public Company Limited
Authors: Chatchalermpol Achara , Pongsuwan Wuttipong , Vajropala Leelavadee
Published: January 2020

The social media perception affecting the business of PTT Public Company Limited (PTT) aims for three purposes. Firstly, to study customersâ€™ behavior via social mediaâ€™s perception. Secondly, to study interaction between social media and customers. Finally, to study the impact of any information channels via social media that affects to user of products, related services, and companyâ€™s images. Social media has been played a vital role rapidly in communication and transferring a huge of information in the manner of videos and contents widespread, which persuade many companies to promote their company via social media to acquire customersâ€™ attentions even related services including the public relation for the companyâ€™s image. PTT has adjusted to a new era of social media comply with organizational communication plan. However, social media has affects both positive and negative impact at the same time. The company is rumored a negative issue in society and triggered by social media such as FBâ€™s page â€œPay back PTTâ€ is a web page for whom anti PTT. The company must handle these impact of negative information that can transfer to the customer of company in term of goods and service or any attitude that affect to companyâ€™s image after receiving any information that derived from social media. Therefore, it is necessary to manage social media contents to create two ways of understanding about any issues and also prevent social media disaster from companyâ€™s communication in term of attitude, image and decision making process to consume goods and service. This study is to provide recommended policy for PTT to improve their communication process and enhance trust for customer and investor in the future.
Determinants of Sales Force Performance in Banking Sector: A Case of Malaysia
Authors: Kosim Zunarni , Ahmad Nor Hayati , Choo Tan Sek
Published: January 2020

Globalisation, deregulation, technology, competition and new customersâ€™ needs influence the banks to adopt marketing approach in promoting their product and services to generate income. In this aspect, personal selling which focuses on selling skills of banking employees becomes a very important banking function. This study intends to investigate the relationship between the determinants namely teamwork, learning, leadership, communication and, high performance culture and Key Performance Indicators (KPI). Inspite of the importance of KPI in measuring performance of salesforce, there is a lack of published empirical findings to explain the influence of these predictors on KPI achievement in banking sector.This study reported that the model explains 0.21 percent of the variance in KPI achievement. In which teamwork and high performance culture are found to be positive and significantly related. This new finding appears to imply that bank should cultivate and promote teamwork and high performance culture to ensure KPI highly achievable and enhance banks profitability.
Measuring Political Perceptions in Organizations: Assessing Reliability and Validity of POPS across Cultures
Authors: Brubaker Timothy A.
Published: January 2020

This study addresses the reliability and validity across cultures of the perceptions of organizational politics scale (POPS) developed by Kacmar and Carlson (1997). First, POPS is discussed generally by tracing the development of previous scales and how POPS fits into that stream of research. Subsequently, reliability and validity are addressed from across cultural settings. Reliability of POPS is assessed using Cronbachâ€™s alpha; validity is discussed by considering discriminate and concurrent validities. The general finding of this study is that POPS is consistently reliable across cultural settings and consistently demonstrates strong correlations with criterion variables related to POPS from within the nomological network. However, concerns about the discriminate validity of POPS in relation to perceptions of organizational support and organizational justice are shown to exist across cultural settings. In conclusion, suggestions are made for ways to build a stronger case for the reliability and validity of POPS within future research.
Estimating the Costs and Benefits of a Common Currency for the Second West African Monetary Zone (WAMZ)
Authors: Okafor Harrison Oluchukwu
Published: January 2020

This paper, estimates the costs and benefits of a common currency in WAMZ. Behavioral models capturing the elements of costs (asymmetric shocks, loss of monetary policy autonomy, and fiscal policy distortion), and benefits (trade creation, financial integration effects and policy coordination gains) were estimated using the Vector Auto-regression (VAR) procedure and panel estimation technique.VAR impulse response and forecast error method was used to determine the countriesâ€™ response to shocks while panel regression technique was used to estimate other behavioral equations. Fiscal policy distortion and loss of monetary policy autonomy are the main cost of monetary union in the zone while the potential trade creation gain is marginal. High disposition to money reserve and weak revenue base are the core determinants of fiscal policy distortion in the zone. Overall, the paper concludes that fiscal policy distortion constitutes serious policy challenge to monetary union in the zone. Dealing with this challenge may require short-run systematic macroeconomic adjustments to enhance the convergence of macroeconomic policy indicators in the zone.
The Empirical Analysis of Performance Management System : A Case Study of a University in South Africa
Authors: Ngcamu Bethuel Sibongiseni
Published: January 2020

The absence of a single performance management system (PMS) aligned to institutional strategic plan often results in failure to deliver anticipated outcomes. This study aims to investigate the employeesâ€™ readiness on the forthcoming implementation of the PMS at the university concerned and diagnose impediments, thus providing pertinent recommendations on the bottlenecks identified.It is a great concern that universities fail to develop customised performance management systems which are aligned to university strategic plans that can be cascaded to faculties and departments.This study adopted a quantitative survey method, whereby a structured questionnaire was administered by the researcher to a selected population size of 150 of which 108 completed questionnaires generating a response rate of 72%. A reasonably high percentage (34.3%) of the respondents disagreed with the need for PMS in this university and a disproportionately high percentage of 49.1% of the respondents agreed that there is a dire need for such as the system will manipulate and enforce a particular agenda in its absence.The article presents an overview of factors that have a potential to hamper the successful implementation of the PMS in universities. The findings arrived in this study can inform and assist university leaders to consider all contributory factors on the ineffectivess of the PMS in universities during their planning phases.
Does Economic Growth Lead Employment in South Africa?
Authors: A. Temitope L.
Published: January 2020

This paper adopts the Toda-Yamamoto technique of causality in order to examine the direction of causality between employment and economic growth. This is to investigate whether the increase in the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) translates into increased employment or not and vice versa, in South Africa, using quarterly data from 2000Q1 to 2012Q3. South Africa has been experiencing high and increased growth for the past decade, yet the rate of employment is not significantly high. Meanwhile, the objective of the government, since the first democratic election in 1994, was to increase economic growth along with a reduction in the unemployment rate (BMR, 2011). Although the economy has been experiencing significant success of increased economic growth, it performed poorly in the area of increased employment (BMR, 2011). This study thus seeks to answer the following questions: (1) does it mean that the increase in growth does not translate to the creation of more jobs and (2) is increased economic growth not as a result of increase in employment in South Africa? The results obtained shows that causality does not run from employment to economic growth in South Africa, as the null hypothesis was not rejected at all significant levels. However, Keynes General Theory holds for South Africa, where the empirical result showed that economic growth leads employment. These results support the criticism of â€˜jobless growthâ€™ against South Africa (Kumo, 2012). The paper suggests some policy recommendations for the improvement of employment.
Personal Characteristics and Hedonic Shopping Orientation on Apparel Adult Shoppersâ€™ Repatronage Behavioral Intention
Authors: Wong Yue-Teng
Published: January 2020

A new direction of consumer centric marketing is now advocated to be included in the marketing module, yet there is a lack of shopping repatronage research based on a solid theoretical background pertinent to the issue. Based on the Reasoned Action Approach by Fishbein and Ajzen (2010), this study endeavors to examine the relationships between the personal characteristics, hedonic shopping orientation and repatronage behavioral intention. The structural equation modeling was used to analyze the causal relationships for the self-administrated data gathered from 569 apparel adult shoppers aged 30 to 60 years old. The refined hypothesized model was relatively good fitted. The personal characteristics of need for activity, impulsiveness, shopping confidence and susceptibility to influence were found significantly related to the repatronage behavioral intention. These relationships were fully mediated by the intervening variable of hedonic shopping orientation. The hypothesized model of hedonic mediating structural model explained 56% of the repatronage behavioral intention. The study advanced the understanding of the importance of hedonic shopping orientation as well as the personal characteristics in consumer-centric marketing.
The Impact of Husbandâ€™s Perception and Value towards Family Purchase Decision Patterns
Authors: Wibisono Christian
Published: January 2020

Changes are occurring in societyâ€™s norm structure. One of these changes is the shifting of women roles. More wives are working outside home and acting as a source of income, event becoming chief wage earner in the family. Many past researches have used demographic and family structure as predictor of family purchase decision patterns. This study will figure out the impact of husbandsâ€™ perception and value to the usage of wifeâ€™s income for family expenditure. Total 112 husbands in Jakarta and Bandung participated in this survey. This study used questionnaire to gather data. Questions to measure perception and norm of husbands were derived from qualitative study, a preliminary interview with 20 husbands in Jakarta and Bandung Indonesia. Schwartz Value Scale was used to measure husbandâ€™s value structure. Findings indicate that husband perception and value have significant impact on usage of wifeâ€™s income for family expenditure. This research is useful to fill the research gap in family purchase decision theory. For marketers and business practitioners the results will enhance their comprehension in segmenting, selecting more effective target and creating more creative communication strategy.
Modelling non-linear Spatial Market Integration and Equilibrium Processes in Hidden Markov Framework
Authors: Abunyuwah Isaac , . Henry De-Graft Acquah
Published: January 2020

Along the basic rationale of the Enke-Samuelson-Takajama-Judge spatial equilibrium theory and the dynamic conceptualizations made from arbitrage processes, the study explores regime-switching techniques in hidden Markov framework. This is motivated by complex non-linear structure inherent in market integration processes, which is derived from multiple equilibria conditions, and transaction costs constrained threshold autoregressive (TAR) effects. These place theoretical limitations on current time series empirical models that are applied in market integration studies. In equilibrium representation, the non-linearities imposed by both alternating rent levels and switching adjustment parameters are directly accommodated. Two synthesized time series market data sets of varying levels of non-linear structures are used to highlight the strengths and limitations of the Markov variants vis-Ã -vis the band-TAR models that have currently dominated market integration analysis. The former model could capture alternating adjustment processes implied by the relatively complex non-linear market data set while the later produced mixed results.
Assessing Health and Safety Requirements in Construction Contracts in Botswana
Authors: Mwanaumo Erastus , . Jan-Harm Pretorius
Published: January 2020

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of contractor selection andrequirements on Health and Safety compliance in Botswana. Literature was reviewed, a questionnairesurvey was conducted and the statistical analysis undertaken. According to Murie (2007), one of the weaknesses of adopting traditional procurement approach is that the successful tender will frequently be the one that, among others, does not provide H&S protective equipment or have insurance coverage for accidents, and has the largest proportion of informal workers, who are not covered in practice by any legal or social protection. The study has provided usefulinformation involving key stakeholders involvement in H&S performance in constructionindustry. The traditional method could thus impede on Health and Safety management from project preplanningthrough to construction on site.
An Investigation of Shared Value, Benefit, Commitment, Trust and Retention in the Banking Sector: A Student Perspective
Authors: E. Chinomona , . Sandada. M
Published: January 2020

Despite the increase in research focusing on service relationship level in the banking sector, research on relationship benefit, student perceived shared value on relationship commitment, trust and student retention in the African banking context is still scant. Therefore, using a data set of 175 from students in colleges and universities in Johannesburg, this study examines these relationships. Smart PLS software technique was used to statistically analyse the measurement and structural models. All the posited six hypotheses were supported. The findings from the data analysis proved that there is a strong positive relationship between all six hypotheses.
The Economic and Political Ramifications of Inequality in Post-Apartheid South Africa
Authors: Mohautse Molefi Solomon
Published: January 2020

South Africa is regarded as one of the most unequal societies in the world. Apartheid engineered a population with vast inequalities across racial groups. The nature of this inequality was primarily racially based. The political and economic trajectory of the last twenty years has somewhat changed the nature and composition of this kind of inequality but fundamental continuity of deep inequality is still somehow maintained. The post-apartheid distributional regime continues to divide South Africans into insiders and outsiders. Although the political pattern is still largely racially based, a new political landscape is beginning to emerge which is based on the complexity of class and race entanglements. The rising inequality within the black community is becoming a cause for concern for the continuation of the present developmental trajectory. It has created a fertile ground for the rise of populist movements and demagogues that will seek to take advantage of those neglected by the state machinery. This paper will seek to explore the links between inequality and economic growth and political conflict by tracing the origins of income inequality in South Africa, its evolution after the democratic transition in 1994; and its economic and political implications.
The Intention to Pay Zakat Commercial: An Application of Revised Theory of Planned Behavior
Authors: Heikal Mohd , . Falahuddin
Published: January 2020

Several researches have been carried out to predict the intention to pay zakat using the factors introduced by the Theory of Planned Behavior â€“ developed by Ajzen & Fishbein (1980). Meanwhile, an addition of predicting past behavior factor on the intention to pay zakat has not been found in previous researches. The purpose of this research is to analyze the influence of attitude, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control and past behavior towards the intention of traders in the Lhokseumawe city to pay zakat commercial. The revised Theory of Planned Behavior was used in the research. This study aims to predict the intention of zakat payers. A total of 2,432 traders as the population of the research was identified and 150 of them were chosen as respondents determined using the purposive sampling technique. Using multiple linear regression models, it has found that the subjective norms, perceived behavioral control and past behavior partially have positive and significant influence towards the intention to pay zakat commercial. It also finds that past behavior variable has the most dominant impact towards the intention of zakat payers, while attitude has the least impact towards the intention. Finally, there is a simultaneously positive and significant influence towards the intention to pay zakat commercial.
The Relationship between External Financial Flows and Economic Growth in the Southern African Development Community (SADC): The Role of Institutions
Authors: Mingiri Kapingura Forget , Ikhide S.I , Tsegaye A
Published: January 2020

The study examined the relationship between external financial flows, domestic savings and economic growth in the SADC region for the period from 1980 to 2009 specifically looking at the role played by institutions. The majority of countries in the SADC region are experiencing low levels of savings, which has led to them relying more on external financial flows to bridge the gap between domestic demand for finance and domestic supply. However the relationship between external finance and economic growth is still a contentious issue. Given this, the study has thus examined the link between growth and external finance in the region, specifically focusing on the impact of the different forms of external financial flows on economic growth in the region incorporating the role played by institutions. The empirical results revealed that three types of external financial flows have a significant impact on economic growth in the SADC region except ODA; however when all the different types of external financial flows were interacted with the measure of institutions, they all become significant and more enhanced in explaining economic growth in the region. This supports the hypothesis that good institutions are necessary in promoting economic growth in developing countries. The empirical results also suggest that foreign capital is another channel through which a crisis in developing countries can be transmitted to the SADC region.
Determinants of Foreign Direct Investment: New Granger Causality Evidence from Asian and African Economies
Authors: Awolusi Olawumi D , Pelser Theuns G , Adelekan Adedeji Saidi
Published: January 2020

Previous studies on the determinants of foreign direct investment (FDI) have predominantly focused on developed and emerging economies. However, there seem to be few studies concentrating on a comparative analysis of vast African and Asian countries. This paper analysed drivers of foreign direct investments (FDI) to Asian and African economies using a panel dataset from 1980 to 2013.This study used Granger causality test, under vector error correction modelling (VECM) to test for causality among the variables. While the drivers of FDI inflows were measured using five dimensions as proposed by Anyanwu; the dependent variable, FDI inflows, was proxied by the ratio of FDI flows to gross domestic product (GDP). Findings revealed that variables manifesting the determinants of FDI inflows positively affected FDI into these continents. Specifically, factors such as trade openness, macroeconomic condition, infrastructural development, and monetary union have positive and significant effect on FDI to Asian economies. No significant relationship was found between FDI inflows and market size to the Asian continent during the study period. On the other hand, trade openness, macroeconomic condition, market size and infrastructural development have positive and significant effects on FDI inflows to African economies although there was no significant relationship between FDI inflows and monetary union to the African continent during the study period. In fact, there were bi-directional relationships between FDI inflows and some of the determinants in both continents. Theoretically, this model provides predictive implications on improved FDI inflows, given the activities of critical variables manifesting as determinants of FDI inflows.
Analysis of Social Responsibility Implementation Plan to Profitability Companies in Bank Syariah Mandiri
Authors: Rahmawati - , Ariesta Auliarahmi , Patra I Ketut
Published: January 2020

This paper aims to describe Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is one of concern for a company on the environment. Currently CSR aims to maximize profits but are also required to better accommodate the needs of the community and its stakeholders. This study was conducted to provide empirical evidence of the influence of CSR to the company's profitability. Research was conducted on PT Bank SyariahMandiri. The Data used are the financial statements issued by the company each year during the period 2002-2013. This study uses a simple regression analysis results showed that during the period 2002-2013 cooperated with LAZNAS BSM BSM/organization partners in the distribution of alms fund companies and the implementation of programs that are Humanity. The program routine that has been Carried out Independently of Islamic banks is synergy Together LAZNAS, who consistently implement the People Partner program, Micro Development, development and economic empowerment of the people through the capital assistance, training and mentoring of individual businesses, educational assistance (scholarships) to Reviews those in need, help is Also included learning facilities, Community Development Program, Religious, Public Facility etc. Moreover in this study indicate that the implementation of CSR.
The Necessity for Education and Training within the Survivalist Retail Entrepreneurship Sector
Authors: Iwu Chux Gervase , Gwija Saphetha , Tengeh Robertson , Cupido Chris , Mason Roger B
Published: January 2020

This paper investigates the necessity for education and training within the survivalist retail entrepreneurship sector in Khayelitsha, in the Western Cape Province of South Africa. A structured questionnaire, informal interviews and observations were employed to collect data. To analyse the collected data, Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS version 23) was employed. A total of 150 questionnaires were distributed, but only 128 usable completed copies were returned. The key findings were twofold: (1) an admission by the majority of the subjects that their businesses are not doing particularly well owing to their lack of basic business skills; and (2) the subjectsâ€™ admission that competitive practices of the immigrant retail entrepreneurs in the township can be counteracted if they had adequate business skills. These findings imply that should survivalist retail entrepreneurs in Khayelitsha be expected to add greater value to the economy by creating employment opportunities, it is essential that they are provided with skills training on a regular basis by government agencies and other stakeholders such as the Wholesale and Retail Sector Education and Training Authority (W&RSETA). This paper has its origin in the considered intention of the Wholesale and Retail Leadership Chair of CPUT1 to assist in developing the retail sector of the community of Khayelitsha.
Celebrity Endorsement Advertising: Brand Awareness, Brand Recall, Brand Loyalty as Antecedence of South African Young Consumers' Purchase Behaviour
Authors: Ndlela Thubelihle , Chuchu Tinashe
Published: January 2020

Celebrity endorsement advertising has received much attention in recent years from marketing practitioners and academic researchers. Pepsi spent $50 million dollars on an endorsement contract with BeyoncÃ¨ Knowles which accounted for a sixth of the company's total budget. This research paper aims to examine whether or not South African marketers can utilise celebrity endorsements to promote their products or brands to young consumers effectively. The other purpose of this study is also to establish whether brand recall, brand awareness, brand loyalty and purchase behaviour are positively influenced by celebrity endorsement advertising. Utilising a quantitative research approach a field study was conducted in Durban whereby research data was collected from 325 participants 18 to 24 years of age. The research survey comprised of 25 questions that were self-administered to willing participants over a one month period. Using SPSS 23 and AMOS 23 software programs, Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was performed to analyze the data set. Major findings revealedthat brand loyalty is the most significant antecedent of purchase behaviour. Furthermore the study also revealed that participants in the 18-20 year age group were more inclined towards purchasing and paying more for celebrity endorsed brands as compared to any other age group in the survey.Lastly this study provides marketing practitioners an understanding of how firms can benefit from the use as it was found that brand recall and brand loyalty positively influence purchase behaviour whilst brand awareness had no direct influence on purchase behaviour.
Foreign Exchange Exposure Management Practices by Zimbabwe's Tourism and Hospitality Companies: A Case for the Depreciation of Rand (2014-2016)
Authors: Mawanza Wilford
Published: January 2020

One of the key challenges for tourism and hospitality in the Sub-Sahara Africa (SSA) region is currency behaviours and Exchange rate regime choices. When a company engages in international business foreign currency risk management becomes a crucial part of doing business and the tourism industry of Zimbabwe was not spared on this issue. The objective of this research was to assess the foreign exchange (forex) Exposure Management Practices by Zimbabwe's tourism and hospitality companies. The study was done through a survey on 28 operators in Zimbabwe. A qualitative research approach was adopted in analysis of the data It was found out that the most commonly used ways of reducing the exposure by Zimbabwe's tourism companies were the amicable and mixed-method approaches, of receiving the currency and use it in the country of origin to import materials, matching receipts and payments in foreign currency, risk shifting though it come with low volumes and compromised repeat business. The study recommended that companies and the entire economy must consider invoicing products and services in Rands and even use the rand as a reporting currency. If for example tourism and hospitality players would price regional tourists especially from South Africa and other Rand countries, ignoring the impact of rand depreciation, it would mean that Zimbabwe's tourism and hospitality providers will be in direct competition with the former's own local service providers based on rand priced packages.
The Dinaledi Intervention Program
Authors: Ncanywa T.
Published: January 2020

The study seeks to examine the relationship between educational inputs, primarily the Dinaledi intervention program and schooling outcomes. The Dinaledi program is one of the governmentâ€™s intervention programs to redress the inequalities and provided education resources to the previously disadvantaged communities in South Africa. The study employed a pseudo panel analysis on the attempt to answer the question of interest. Considering the random effect regression, Dinaledi schools were less likely to increase dropout rate by 0.099% with reference to non-Dinaledi schools. The pseudo panel analysis indicated a positive and significant association of the Dinaledi schools to pass rates. Further extensions of the analysis were looking at the distribution of the Dinaledi program on racial and gender issues by using the DiNardo- Fortin-Lemieux (DFL) estimation. It can be concluded that schooling outcomes can be strongly influenced by the Dinaledi intervention program with females and Blacks becoming more responsive to dropping out than their counterparts. Looking at the nature of resources and support provided to Dinaledi schools, it is recommended that the entire schooling system adopt the model to eradicate the legacy of inequality and improve schooling outcomes.
Modeling the Factors that Influence Employee Attitude and Service Delivery Behavior among Higher Education Professionals
Authors: O. Omoruyi , E Chinomona
Published: January 2020

Good and well calculated service delivery is very essential for the smooth running of institutions and for life long learning of students. Looking at factors that lead to employee attitude and service delivery bevaviour helps the higher education professionals to build a strong positive relationships with peers, students, staff and university leaders. This paper will look at remuneration, professional development and Information Communication Technology (ICT) efficiency as factors that contribute to positive employee attitude and good service delivery behaviour. Efforts by higher education institutions to improve the quality and standards of education professionals have progressed through the use of various forms of student feedback and methods of evaluation in an attempt to understand what matters to studentsâ€™ and educational professionals regarding their educational experience. Structured questionnaires were distributed to university professionals, which include all university staff like Deans of faculties, Heads of departments and lecturers at one University of Technology (UoT). A quantitative method using Smart PLS was employed to test the relationships among the four hypotheses. The positive relationship between the four proposed hypotheses validatesthat remuneration; professional Development and ICT efficiencyare instrumental strategy to stimulating employee attitude and service delivery behavior of employees.Practically, the study build on a new direction towards research based on consumer behaviour by opening up a discussion on the importance of marketing practices in the development and improvement of service delivery behaviours in one UoTs in South Africa. Based on the findings, recommendations will be made to both the university policy makers and the university professionals for efficacy reasons. The proposed study is expected to have practical and theoretical implications to policy makers for the university and university professionals. In addition, it will provide added insights and added new knowledge to the existing body of literature hitherto not studied extensively in South Africa and UoT in particular.
The Efficacy of Wellness Programmes as Work-Life Balance Strategies in the South African Public Service
Authors: Abe Ethel N. , Fields Ziska , Abe Isaac I.
Published: January 2020

Abstract: This paper aimed to evaluate the wellness programs adopted by the South African Public Service to ascertain their efficacy at addressing work-family challenges and aiding employees to achieve work-life balance. Understanding the effectiveness of wellness programmes as work-life balance strategies is necessary especially when the cost of implementing such strategies is considered exorbitant. Many institutions have put in place work-life balance strategies, but discrepancies concerning definitions, formulation and implementation could make it impossible for them to fully reduce work-family challenges and assist employees in achieving the envisaged work-life balance. A sequential transformative mixed-methods study design was adopted. Data was collected using self-report questionnaire administered to 307 individual managers. Additionally, 11 top management members were interviewed. The major findings are as follows; (a) significant relationship exists between the wellness programmes and work-life balance strategies (b) wellness programmes qualified to be addressed only as life strategies because they did not address work challenges faced by employees. (c) work-life balance strategies predicted only 7.1% of the variations in wellness programmes in the South African Public Service. The peculiarity and value of this article lies in the discovery that work and life balance strategies adopted by organisations may not address employee work and life challenges and assist them in achieving work-life balance. Summarily, wellness programmes are not work-life balance strategies, and the South African Public Service should endeavour to adopt strategies that could assist employees in balancing work and family needs.Keywords: Wellness Programmes, Work-Life Balance Strategies, Work-family challenges, Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs)
Synthesizing the Relationship between Reported Dissonance and Post-Purchase Responses in High Involvement Decisions Using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM)
Authors: Parumasur Sanjana Brijball , Parumasur Nabendra
Published: January 2020

Abstract: This study develops and validates a scale to assess the impact of reported dissonance on post-purchase responses (attitude change, trivialisation, selective exposure, justification) respectively and applies the instrument to high involvement consumers. A sample of 200 new motor vehicle buyers who purchased from a leading and reputable motor vehicle company in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, was drawn using stratified random sampling based on range of motor vehicle (bottom, middle, top) and month of purchase. Initially, exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was used to extract the factors. The reliability of the modified questionnaire was then assessed using Cronbachâ€™s Coefficient Alpha. Thereafter, confirmation factor analysis (CFA) was used to establish if the measurement model is a good fit and to develop and test the model structure in SEM, which generated a good model fit. Pearson r was computed to assess the relationship amongst the dimensions. Using structural equation modelling, the results support significant inverse relationships between reported dissonance and attitude change, trivialisation and justification respectively. Whilst the inverse relationship between reported dissonance and selective exposure was supported using correlation, it was not confirmed using SEM. Recommendations, based on the findings, are presented and are directed at reducing reported dissonance and effectively managing post-purchase interactions and responses.Keywords: Post-purchase evaluation, reported dissonance, attitude change, trivialisation, selective exposure, justification
Black Economic Empowerment in South Africa: Challenges and Prospects
Authors: Shava Elvin
Published: January 2020

Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to assess if the Black Economic Empowerment act has brought new economic horizons for the historically disadvantaged South Africans, or it has contributed to further impoverishmentof the lower classes in communities. The paper based its argument on an extensive literature review which envisaged that, despite many years of its implementation, BEE has caused the emergence of classes resulting fromfraud and corruption, fronting, difficulties in registering status, political interference, and poor accountability strategies. The paper interrogates the implementation strategies of BEE in the local government context to assess whether historical imbalances have been addressed or not. The paper concludes that the government needs to revisit BEE as an economic empowerment policy to see whether it has benefited the black majority or not. The paper reiterates further that, BEE as a black economic emancipation blueprint requires proper implementation and alignment with other economic policies such as the National Development Plan to accelerate economic opportunities for the black majority. The paper recommends the government of South Africa through local municipalities to exercise monitoring and evaluation in the BEE procurement systems are prerequisites in safeguarding the manipulation and corrupt tendencies arising from the awarding of tenders in the local government.Key words: Black Economic Empowerment, South Africa, Challenges, Prospects
Analysis of Trade in Goods between Indonesia and South Korea on Cooperation Forum IKCEPA
Authors: Abdullah Ragimun
Published: January 2020

Abstract: Indonesia Korea Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Partnership (IKCEPA) arises from the desire of both countries to boost trade performance and make the free trade agreement more comprehensive. CEPA agreement with South Korea has targeted the reduction and elimination of tariffs that cover more products and services. This study analyzed the relationship between Indonesia merchandise trade cooperation with South Korea. Besides, look at the potential of the Korean market for goods exports from Indonesia featured. To deepen the study simple equilibrium analysis is used to analyze the potential of the South Korean market for goods exports Indonesia. The analysis showed that after the implementation of AKFTA in 2007, Indonesia merchandise trade performance by sector turned out to have an average growth of imports by 21.36 percent, higher than the average export growth of 8.19 percent. There are some items which have the potential to become a mainstay of exports to Korea that includes textiles, wood processing, manufacturing goods such as spare parts of household appliances, bicycles and others. Likewise, there are some agricultural products such as pineapple, guava, and animals such as freshwater fish, crabs, cuttlefish and others. However, the export of these items to South Korea is still hampered by their tariff barriers. Forum IKCEPA cooperation can be a bridge to fill the gap between the two countries for tariff reduction, market acces and an increase in exports of both countries.Keywords: IKCEPA, negotiation, export
International Trade, Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and International Technology Transfer: A Comparative Study of Asian and African Economies
Authors: Awolusi Olawumi Dele , Fayomi Ezekiel Jide , Olayiwola GANIYU Idris
Published: January 2020

Abstract: This paper investigates the long-run equilibrium relationships and short-term effect of international trade and Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) on international technology transfers in selected African and Asian countries from 1980 to 2013.The Johansen and Juselius multivariate co-integration technique and the granger causality test was used to test these relationships. The findings confirmed the presence of co-integrating vectors in the models of these countries. The outcome of the test posits short-run causal relationships, which run either bidirectionally or unidirectionally in all the variables for the selected countries. However, the most interesting lesson for many developing countries in Africa and Asia is that this study confirmed that international technology transfers supported domestic investment, economic growth, exports and imports of goods and services in some of these countries. Finally, all the variables in each model adjusted to equilibrium in the long-run, except for domestic investment in the Malaysian, Nigerian and Indian systems. The study thereby suggests an improved government policies and regulatory framework to improve international technology transfers, domestic investment, economic growth, and exports and imports of goods and services.Keywords: International Technology Transfer, Foreign Direct Investment, Trade, Vector Error Correction Modeling, Africa, Asia
Stock Returns and Trading Volume Relationship of the Nigerian Banking Sector: An Empirical Assessment
Authors: Ugwu Ugwu , . Sule , . Kehinde Oluwatoyin , . Emerole , . Gideon Ahamuefula
Published: January 2020

This study assessed the relationship between stock returns and trading volume, using daily data of some Nigerian Banking Sector Stocks. It further checked for both the contemporaneous and causal relationship between stock return and trading volume utilizing data covering ten (10) companies from the Banking Sector. Six hundred and nineteen to seven hundred and six (619-706) observations for a period of thirty â€“ six months (36) from 1st March, 2004 to 28th February, 2007, were empirically tested with the Granger-Causality tests. This determined if the Wall Street adage which says, â€œIt takes volume to make pricesâ€ was true in the Nigerian Banking Sector. Using the daily data, we first found a negative relation between and absolute value of price changes (return) and price changes itself in the Nigerian Banking Stocks. However, the results from the Granger-Causality test failed to find strong evidence on stock price changes leading volume. This was contrary to evidence reported by study on developed markets but consistent with previous result from the Latin American Market which is an emerging market like that of Nigeria. In fact, in all the ten banks studied, volume seems to lead stock price changes. Thus, we concluded that these set of emerging markets with different institutions and information flows than the developed markets, do not present similar stock/return-volume relationship to the preponderance of studies employed U.S data. The implication of these results was that differences in institutions and information flows in the set of emerging markets are important enough to affect the valuation process of equity securities and warrant further analysis.
Leadership Effectiveness, Truth Commissions and Democratization in Africa
Authors: Iwu Chux Gervase
Published: January 2020

This paper explores the significance of transformational and political leadership in strengthening the capacities of truth commissions as effective mechanisms for democratization in transitional polities. First, the paper sets out to trace some of the conflicting goals and political compromises that attend to the establishment of truth commissions in Africa as well as lack of political will on the part of political leadership. The paper then identifies and discusses major problems that confront the institutionalization of truth commissions as veritable instruments of post-conflict transformation and democratic consolidation in the continent. Drawing insights from South Africa, Sierra Leone, and Nigeria, the paper argues that national reconciliation processes in Africa are characterized by a paradigm shift from the primary concern of leadership choices to those of justice, truth-seeking, granting of amnesty and forgiveness. In conclusion, the paper stresses the role of transformative leadership as crucial to enhancing the capacities of truth commissions in consolidating democracy in post-conflict states.
Analysis of Determinants of Agribusiness investment in a Young Economy: Nigeria (1999 -2008)
Authors: O. Nto Philip
Published: January 2020

The study examined determinants of agribusiness investment in Nigeria. Data for the study are time series collected on quarterly basis from publications of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) and National Population Commission (NPC). Some firmsâ€™ specific data were collected from published and unpublished records of forty (40) agribusiness enterprises randomly selected in Nigeria. Vector Auto Regression (VAR) model was used to analyze the data. Among the determinants of agribusiness investment in Nigeria analyzed by the study, tax paid, market size and exchange rate were found to be statistically significant at 5% probability level. Based on the results, it was recommended that government should enforce the policy on five-year tax holiday for young agribusiness firms and also establish Agribusiness Investment Protection Agency which will be charged with the responsibility of liaising with other relevant agencies to create enabling environment for agribusiness firms.
A Study on the Strategies of Eco-civilization Construction
Authors: Guo Jingfu
Published: January 2020

During the primitive civilization and the agricultural civilization, human beings had limited understanding of nature, while the industrial civilization has created unprecedented material wealth and great convenience, the natural resources and ecological environment have been depleted and damaged. This paper illustrates that eco-civilization is the integral product of material, spiritual and regulation achievement; itâ€™s the cultural and ethical manifestation of the harmonic co-existence of human and nature, balanced development, sustainable prosperity. The major characteristics of eco-civilization are studied in this paper, the essence of eco-civilization is to pursue the harmonic co-existence between human and nature and the goal of which is to realize the all-rounded, harmonic and sustainable development of human society. At last, the strategies to construct eco-civilization in China are explained, such as construction of ecological government, establishment and improvement of the laws and regulations to protect the ecological environment, developing ecological and circular economy, utilizing the traditional eco-ethics culture and nurturing the sense of eco-citizen, etc.
Beyond Arab Spring: Societal Context and Prospects for a New Paradigm of Arab Management
Authors: Sabri Hala Abdulqader
Published: January 2020

This study investigates the defining characteristics of Arab management and takes into account the impact of societal and cultural factors on Arab managerial practices that provoked different opinions in the field of management thought. The proposition merits investigation because it takes place in the wake of the Arab Spring that emphasizes democratic change in Arab leadership styles and political systems. Hence, any evaluation of the underlying causes of this turmoil would recognize that a fundamental transformation in Arab management and leadership styles is also required; a transformation that creates an acceptance and eagerness to do things differently, and to keep pace with the rapidly developing societal and cultural environment. To achieve its objective, the study adopts a qualitative content analysis that incorporates the review and analysis of different studies that highlight features of Arab societal culture and the varied perspectives of Arab management styles. The study also considers some of the underlying causes and possible outcomes of the current Arab uprising as a possible basis for re-positioning Arab management in a new paradigm of management.