bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of Entrepreneurial Orientation, Entrepreneurial Management and Environmental Dynamism on Firmâ€™s Financial Performance
Authors: Hameed Imran
Published: January 2020

Entrepreneurial Orientation (EO) involves business mindset and behavior. The firm and industry context of entrepreneurship has always fascinated researchers for inquiry. The main aim of this study is to establish an association of factors such as EO characteristics (innovativeness and risk-taking), Entrepreneurial Management (EM), and Environmental Dynamism (ED) with firmâ€™s financial performance. The objective also includes examining the moderating impact of EM and ED respectively on the link between EO characteristics and firm performance. This investigation covered small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) in Pakistan from the cities of Islamabad and Lahore, and constituted a diverse sample of entrepreneurs from various sectors. Results reveal direct positive, individual relationships of innovativeness, risk-taking, and EM with firmâ€™s financial performance. As far as moderating influence is concerned, EM and ED could not establish any significant interaction between EO characteristics and firm performance. Interestingly, from the contextual landscape of this study, risk-taking and EM have proved to be stronger, more consistent and stable predictors of performance compared with innovativeness. The EO dimension of innovativeness exhibits dual results of either strong or very weak predictor to performance, hence implying vulnerability. In fact, running full regression, the impact of innovativeness on performance gets diminished in the presence of risk-taking and EM. The investigation also reveals that when controlling for ED the analytical framework shows a slightly better degree of association between predictor and criterion variables. Under the context of this study it, therefore, concludes that SME managers should rely more on risk-taking dimension of EO compared with innovativeness especially in executing entrepreneurial management (EM) approaches.
Need and Employees Motivation to Work for NGOs in Thailand
Authors: Ya-Anan Matchakarn
Published: January 2020

This study aims to discuss and explain the level of need and motivation of working employees to work for NGOs in Thailand. How comment can motivate employees to perform as required or to stay in the organization by need. How it can encourage and develop human resource for NGOs in Thailand. Indepth interview was used to collect data from employees of NGOs in Bangkok, Prachuabkireekun Province, Rachaburee Province, Nakornrachasrima Province, Phuket Province, Chiangrai Province, and Chiangmai Province. The data was divided into 11 males and 18 female employees. From the results it is found that, the average of age is 34 years old, working period is 4.5 years, the level need (%) of physical needs is 62.06%, social needs is 52.58%, self-actualization needs is 51.41%, esteem needs is 51.09%, safety need is 46.84%. From the results it is concluded that different stages of maturity in strategic and operational human resource management exist.
Multidimensional Poverty in Pakistan: Case of Punjab Province
Authors: Awan Masood Sarwar , . Muhammad Amir Aslam
Published: January 2020

This paper applies Alkire & Foster (2007) approach for measuring the multidimensional poverty. The data set used in the study is Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey 2003-04 of Punjab, Pakistan. Eight dimensions used in the study are Housing, Water, Sanitation, Electricity, Assets, Education, Expenditure, and Land. Results shows that at cut off K=2; Rajanpur, Muzaffargarh, Rahimyar Khan, Kasur, Okara and Lodhran respectively are the most multidimensionally poor districts of Punjab whereas, Gunj Buksh Town Lahore, Ravi Town Lahore, Cantt Town Lahore, Sialkot, Rawalpindi, Allama Iqbal Town Lahore, Gujranwala and Jhelum are the least deprived Towns/Districts of Punjab province. Dimension wise breakdown shows that Land deprivation, expenditure, sanitation, housing and education are respectively the major contributors among overall multidimensional poverty.
Impact of Leadership Style on Organization Commitment: In A Mediating Role of Employee Values
Authors: Sabir M. Suleman , . Muhammad Asif Khan
Published: January 2020

This paper aims to how leadership ship style effects the organization commitment of the employees, when the organization culture is reflecting the employeeâ€™s values in the organization. This paper is a conceptual based paper which gives theoretical evidence to support the idea. The paper also gives a brief overview of transactional leadership and transformational leadership. The results of the paper suggest that the leadership style is a strong dimension of organization commitment when organization culture of the organization represents the employeesâ€™ values in the organization. Employees are more satisfied if the organization will meet their expectations which are the part of that organization culture, so they are more committed with the organization. The paper is not giving any empirical evidence of the model. Further studies can be carried out by replacing transactional leadership with servant leadership.
Strategic Job Analysis and Competency Modeling in HRM: Lessons from Manufacturing Firms in Bangladesh
Authors: Haque AKM Mominul
Published: January 2020

The research examines the determinants of job analysis and competency models affecting employeeâ€™s motivation and competencies in a manufacturing firm. Data were obtained from a readymade garments based on structured questionnaire. Results show that competency has no relationship with rewards, motivation, and job description. Conversely, competency is positively related with performance appraisal, motivation, training, and selection process. The study also reports that rewards and job specifications are futile to leverage employeeâ€™s competencies. It further suggests that harnessing these variables might contribute the firm with potential to enhance motivation and competency level to a greater extent.
The impact of Diversity training on Commitment, Career satisfaction and Innovation
Authors: Sohail Adil , . Shams-ul-Haq , . Jaam Javaid Iqbal , . Adeel Razaq , . M. Suleman Sabir
Published: January 2020

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between diversity training with organizational commitment, career satisfaction, and innovation in the organization. The paper builds conceptual understanding of the model. The paper takes organization commitment, career satisfaction and Innovation, as Innovation is the part of organization environment. There are many studies on diversity training but no one focused its effect of innovation. The paper concluded that employees who are trained for diversity are more committed towards their organizations, and more satisfied with their careers. The paper also concluded that diversity training has positive effect on innovation. This paper builds relationship among different variables through previous studies. Limitations of this paper are that it is not guaranteeing the empirical reliability of the model, than the research on innovation is difficult to conduct because innovation is very gradual and systematic process. While talking about the innovation in the organization, diversity training is a very technical and worth while approach for todayâ€™s organizations. The paper finds that diversity training has its effect on commitment, career satisfaction and innovation.
Significance of Lean, Agile and Leagile Decoupling Point in Supply Chain Management
Authors: Amir Faiza
Published: January 2020

A supply chain is a system, consisting of material suppliers, production facilities, distribution services and customers. These are all linked together through the downstream feed forward flow of materials and the upstream feedback flow of information. Several organizations have adopted the concept of â€œLeanâ€ to improve the performance and position in the market place and. The â€œAgileâ€ manufacturing has been recently emerged as a customer demand driven option. It defines as using market knowledge and virtual corporation to exploit profitable opportunities in a volatile marketplace, leanness stands for developing a value stream to eliminate all waste, including time and to ensure a level schedule. Leagile is one suitable way to exploit the both approaches, lean and agile. It requires the selection and setting up of a material flow decoupling point. The positioning of the decoupling point, therefore, depends upon the longest lead-time and at the same time customer is prepared to tolerate this time lag and the point at which variability in product demand dominates. Downstream from the decoupling point all products are pulled by the customer demand, that is why that part of supply chain is market driven. Upstream from the decoupling point the supply chain is essentially forecast driven. This review paper will explore the approaches of lean, agile and leagile decoupling point to suggest the most suitable supply chain practices, processes and procedures. Several factors are needed for lean and agile practicesâ€™ success; not only is it necessary to implement most of the technical tools but an organizationâ€™s culture needs transforming too.
Singaporeâ€™s Venture into the Gulf: Undiscovered Treasure or Empty Pot?
Authors: YEOH Caroline , . Joses Wong
Published: January 2020

Singapore: a country synonymous with business efficiency, strict laws and a reputation that belies its miniscule size. Its state-enterprise network and attempts at grafting â€œSingapore-styledâ€ investment enclaves onto foreign locales often receive attention from the international community. These stateengineered projects are premised on the exportability of Singaporeâ€™s state credibility, systemic and operational efficiencies as well as the technological competencies of Singapore companies, to locations where these attributes are less distinct. This paper, as part of our series on this topic, revisits the city-stateâ€™s determined efforts to encapsulate economic space for Singapore-based firms, enabling them to expand beyond the region. This paper however, focuses specifically on the gambits of Singaporeâ€™s government-linked companies (GLCs) in the Gulf region (GCC countries). Our research shows with purely commercial purposes as the priority, political objectives (and the attendant advantages and complications) tend to take a back seat; that, following from this, the ostensible strategic advantages present in Singapore-styled management and methodology remain uncertain; and that socio-political intricacies in new environments often stymie efforts to import competencies and business practices wholesale.
Perspectives of Entrepreneurial Orientation with the Quality of Life
Authors: Hafeez Salima , . Rashid Mehmood Chaudhry , . Muhammad Aslam Khan , . H.Mushtaq Ahmad , . Kashif Ur Rehman
Published: January 2020

The characteristics of entrepreneurial orientation is played important role in business. How do an entrepreneurial firms and individuals have taken the advantage in industry? This study explores the dynamic capabilities of the organization according to international performance. Our findings indicates the positive impact on dynamic capabilities of the business with perfectly use of this research framework. The main aspect of this paper is to analyse the impact of entrepreneurial orientation with the quality of life. Distinctive features of entrepreneurs and their contribution to the economy can make it possible for third world countries to grow their economies faster and provide financial means to enhance social, health, and environmental well-being (basic dimensions of quality of life), along with products and services that the poor need in these countries. Entrepreneurial orientation combined with organization learning and Quality of life (QOL) are enhanced the dynamic capability of the organization. Present conceptual research will provide the source of competitive advantage and mainstream line for further development of the business .We suggest that existing literature reconfiguring the different approaches for the entrepreneurial to capture the opportunities in world business. First, quality of life cannot possibly improve in inactive or weakening economic conditions; second, economic development in the third world countries cannot advance in a balanced and desirable manner without a major domestic entrepreneurship movement (Samli 2004, 2008a).
Volatility Linkages between Equity Markets of Pakistan, India, Singapore and Hong Kong: A GARCH BEKK Approach
Authors: Iqbal Muhammad Junaid , . Afsheen Abrar , . Nagina Jamil , . Abid Ali Shah , . AhsanulHaqSatti
Published: January 2020

The purpose of current study is to explore the volatility linkages between four Asian equity markets, which arePakistan (Karachi Stock Exchange), India (Bombay Stock Exchange), Hong Kong (Hang Sang Index) and Singapore (Strait Time Index). We estimate Multivariate GARCH BEKK model using weekly returns from January 2000 to August 2011.Direct evidences of linkages are found among all markets with respect to conditional mean returns and volatility.Own volatility spillover is found greater than cross volatility spillover in all emerging and developed economies.The insinuation of this study is that overseas investors may take advantage from the decrease of uncertainty by accumulating the stocks in the emerging markets to their investment portfolio.
Threshold Effects and Asymmetric Price Adjustments in the Ghanaian Plantain Market
Authors: Acquah Henry de-Graft
Published: January 2020

This study investigates if there is an asymmetric relationship between Ghanaian retail and wholesale plantain prices. Using the Consistent Threshold Autoregressive Model(C-TAR), this study finds that the retail and wholesale plantain prices are threshold co integrated. The study also finds that the retail and wholesale plantain prices adjust asymmetrically for deviation from the long run equilibrium. The findings of this study further indicate that 63.2% of the positive deviations and 24.9% of the negative deviations persist to the next period. These results suggest that any price movement that squeezes the margins is transmitted more rapidly than an equivalent that stretches the margin.
Perceptions of Educators of Reading Literacy; A Case Study of the Intermediate Phase in South African Primary Schools
Authors: Naidoo U. , . K. Reddy
Published: January 2020

The achievement of worldwide participation in education is essentially determined by the quality of education available. How well learners are instructed and how much they learn determines how regularly learners attend schools. Sound education is further affected by the following factors: time spent learning by learners, assessment methods for monitoring learner progress, styles of teaching, education spending, the language of instruction, and classroom organisation strategies (EFA Global Monitoring Report, 2005). However, the development of learnersâ€™ literacy in South Africa as a developing country is accentuated by several challenges. Many learners in South Africa have difficulty understanding the language in which they are taught which is English, as they are not taught in their mother tongue. However, the language of instruction is not solely responsible for the poor performance in international reading tests and schooling in general. Learners are also faced with socio-economic issues, very little or hardly any parental supervision and educators are faced with the challenge of finding reading methods and strategies suitable to improving reading. Learners in the foundation phase are explicitly taught reading skills. In the intermediate phase, learners are expected to apply the skills acquired in the foundation phase to access the curriculum. In reality, this is difficult to achieve. The purpose of this article is to determine educator perceptions of reading literacy in the intermediate phase with the aim of enhancing reading literacy in the intermediate phase.
Poverty Measurement and Choice of Poverty Reduction Strategy: The Importance of Poverty Measurement in Determining the Right Strategy
Authors: Badrudin Rudy
Published: January 2020

This study aimed at testing the poverty measurement and the choice of poverty reduction strategy by using the data in four regencies and one municipal in Special Province of Yogyakarta (Indonesia). The study observed the number of poor people in those regions for eight-year periods (2001-2008) after the Law of Local Government Autonomy was in force in 2000. By using averagely 140 observations for each regency and municipal and employing ANOVA 2-Ways Analysis, the empirical results surprisingly revealed that only one regency and municipal produced nearly correct measurement on poverty. As to inter-temporal comparisons of the poverty number for each region, the statistical testing validated the inconsistency of poverty measure used. It gave evidence that the choice of poverty lines and poverty measures was a product of local governmentâ€™s arbitrary decision, and of course, based on the finding; it called for robustness analysis of the poverty measurement used by the local government. To this respect, the choice of poverty reduction strategy should be seen as the free-vested interest decision in determining the poverty measurement. It needs a customization strategy based on the measure taken.
Credit Risk and Shareholdersâ€™ Value in a Developing Economy: Evidence from Pakistani Banking System
Authors: Arif Ahmed , . Mohammad Afzal
Published: January 2020

The present study examines the role of credit risk in value creation process in banking system of Pakistan. This study here develops a conceptual model with three antecedents to credit risk. These antecedents are loan loss provision, advances, and capital adequacy ratio. The study analyzes the impact of these antecedents on accounting return on equity (ROE) and market return on shares (ROS). The data come from 20 banks listed on Karachi Stock Exchange (KSE) for 2004-2009. The study includes panel data analysis to analyze the relationship between the selected variables. The results of this study expose a minimal role of credit risk in value creation process in banking system of Pakistan. The results further reveal that banks with higher advances in their portfolio are successful in getting the confidence of shareholders.
Determining Growth Saturation Point for Sustainable Development
Authors: Fashola Mashhud Adenrele
Published: January 2020

As economic growth may reach a point where further socio-economic development is not sustainable due to continual environmental degradation having negative development impact, the paper proposes a methodology for determining global central tendency for the saturation point of economic growth in its impact on sustainable development. The theoretical framework adopts a modified classical growth model, where economic growth is considered a means towards development, just as capital stock constitutes a means towards economic growth. In such a model, the impact of economic growth on sustainable development exhibits diminishing â€œmarginal social productivityâ€, until development reaches a stationary state, where the impact of growth reaches its climax and any further growth will bring a decline on the level of development. Economic growth is measured by per capita income while selected development indicators measure development. The factors responsible for the diminishing â€œmarginal social productivityâ€ of economic growth are population growth and depreciation rates of capital stock and physical environment. For empirical investigation, econometric studies explored the dependence of various development indicators on per capita income (US$ PPP) for 99 countries, with a-priori expectation that the development indicators will progress with economic growth at a decreasing rate and reach saturation point. The results revealed that the saturation point or ultimate level of sustainable development is attained at per capita income of $36,400 500 (PPP), a level exceeded by 13 percent of the countries. Results also showed that environmental degradation is both a causal factor and consequence of contemporary growth.
Factors Wavering Internationalizations of SMEs: Indian Context
Authors: Kumar.M. Dileep
Published: January 2020

It is implicit in a research that in todayâ€™s environment, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that start with a global strategy can move quickly to take advantage of cross-border activities, which provide opportunities for not only revenue growth but also the exchange of knowledge and the enhancement of capabilities, which strengthen the long-term competitiveness of the firm. Though, the changing business environment creates new opportunities and incentives for SMEs to internationalize, it also confronts domestic firms with the threat of international competition, networking issues, policy and regulation matters, financial constraints etc. Internationalization has become increasingly important to the competitiveness of enterprises of all sizes. SMEs are increasingly facing numerous obstacles in the process of internationalization of business and it is perceive that SMEs need to respond on these changes for strategic improvement. This not only implies adjusting their domestic strategy, but increasingly forces firms to go abroad. This particular research tries to explore that factors which influence the internationalization process of SMEs in India.
Influencing Factors of Job Satisfaction in TechnicalOrganization
Authors: Ibrahim Muhammad , . Nadir Khan , . Yasser Khan , . Zahid Mahmood Awan , . Muhammad Khalil Shahid,  Abdul Kareem
Published: January 2020

The aim of this research is to find out the core factors, which have a strong impact on Job Satisfaction in Technical Organizations in Pakistan. This study discusses the main variableslike Effective Recruitment, Rewards, and Personality of employees and Role of Leadership and their effect on job satisfaction. First hand, data was used in the research and some important recommendations were made for the improvement of Job Satisfaction of employees working at Ufone. It is expected that this study will make comprehensive note to the environment of Ufone especially and every other organization in general, how to make their working environment acceptable to the employees.
The Influence of Hedonic Motives and Browsing On Impulse Buying
Authors: GÃ¼ltekin Beyza
Published: January 2020

The purpose of this study is to investigate whether hedonic motives and browsing affect impulse buying and examine the role of browsing as a mediator between hedonic motives and impulse buying.In this context, a model was proposed and tested on a sample of customers who made an impulse purchase in Ankara. Confirmatory factor analysis supported the components of hedonic shopping motives such as adventure shopping, gratification shopping, role shopping, value shopping, social shopping, and idea shopping. Moreover, the results of the regression analysis showed that hedonic motives and its dimensions such as adventure, gratification, and idea have a positive impact on impulse buying. Consumersâ€™ browsing behaviorinfluenced impulse buying positively. The mediating role of browsing between hedonic motives and impulse buyingwas also identified.
How Leadership Behaviors Affect Organizational Performance in Pakistan
Authors: Akram Muhammad , . Liaqat Ali , . Muhammad Muazzam Mughal
Published: January 2020

The purposes of this study are to analyze which leadership behavior is most closely related with organizational performances based on both leaderâ€™s and employeeâ€™s perceived; and to what extent leadership behaviors have impact on organizational performances in public and private organizations. Two questionnaires were developed to capture leadersâ€™ behaviors and employeesâ€™ responses. Sample comprises of five hundred managers and five hundred employees of different private and public sector organizations of Pakistan. Correlation analysis and regression analysis are used to analyze relationship and effects of leadership behaviors with and on organizational performances. Results indicate that: firstly, all leadership behaviors are positively interrelated with leader is perceived and employee has perceived organizational performances. Secondly, only monitoring leadership behavior has significant positive impact on leaderâ€™s and employeeâ€™s perceived organizational performance based on individual analysis; whereas, innovative role modeling, support for innovation, recognition and monitoring leadership behaviors have significant positive impact on leaderâ€™s perceived and employeeâ€™s perceived organizational performances based on pooled analysis.
Broad Money Demand in Mauritius with Implications for Monetary Policy
Authors: Ramlall Indranarain
Published: January 2020

This paper employs ECM approach to investigate the long run and short-run components of the broad money demand function in Mauritius for the period spanning from 2000 to 2009. To the authorâ€™s best knowledge, no study has been undertaken over broad money in Mauritius since 1992, with an update being long overdue. Results show that M2 is positively elastic with respect to GDP, with the elasticity coefficient revolving around 2.80%, clearly showing that Mauritius is not endowed with a fully developed financial system with monetization moving faster than output. The low adjustment coefficient for VECM furthers substantiates the fact that there is indeed a lack of alternative assets to M2 and above all fully justifies the transition from monetary targeting to interest rate targeting. Evidence is found in favor of foreign asset substitution but only through the exchange rate channel. Findings further show that the local stock market does not act as a substitute to local money holdings. Overall, the study points out a rather stable demand for money function in Mauritius so that the monetary authority can contemplate using it as a complementary tool but chiefly for long-run policy assessments.
Sustainable Development in Developing Countries: Case Studies of Sustainable Consumption and Production in South Africa and India
Authors: Kanayo Ogujiuba , . Fadila Jumare
Published: January 2020

The pursuit of development has had a major impact on the environment and on existing social structures. During the 1950s and 1960s, most nations were preoccupied with economic growth and energy consumption, which led to social and environmental issues being overlooked. Thus, traditional societies have been devastated and extreme environmental damage occurring such as pollution and inadequate water supply, transportation and sewer infrastructure problems amongst others. If environmental damage remains unchecked, the achievements of development and even essential ecosystems would be undermined. This paper reviewed the link between growth trends and sustainable development in Sub-Saharan Africa. Thereafter, the impact of environmental degradation was discussed including strategies for sustainable energy production and consumption. These were based on evidence from South Africa and India and provided the benchmark for discussing ways in which energy production and consumption can take place sustainably. The paper notes that in developing and implementing strategies, emerging countries do not necessarily have to be western in their sustainable development policies. Rather, each country has to have sustainable development policies that are peculiar to its own circumstance. The paper recommends community participation and accountability of institutions as necessary for ensuring that social development is integrated into the economic and environmental elements of sustainable development.
Threshold Effects and Asymmetric Price Adjustments within the Ghanaian Maize Market
Authors: Acquah Henry de-Graft
Published: January 2020

This study investigated co integration and asymmetric adjustments in the end equilibrium between Ghanaian retail and wholesale maize markets using the Enders and Siklos technique. Two competing models, namely Consistent Threshold Autoregressive (C-TAR) and Consistent Momentum Threshold Autoregressive (C-MTAR) models were estimated. Following the application of a standard model selection technique, CMTAR model is selected as most appropriate. The results of the C-MTAR model confirm that the retail and wholesale prices of maize in Ghana are co integrated with threshold adjustment. Furthermore, it suggests that the process is asymmetric when the retail and wholesale prices of Ghanaian maize adjust to achieve the longterm equilibrium. Additionally, the adjustment is relatively faster when the price differential is increasing than when it is decreasing.
Institutionalising a Whistle blowing Culture within Higher Education Institutions: Policy and Procedure Underpinning Good Governance at the Durban University of Technology
Authors: Dorasamy N
Published: January 2020

The article proposes to explore the importance of policy and procedure as an impetus for establishing a whistle blowing culture. It can be suggested that the institutionalization of a whistle blowing culture through established and practiced policies and procedures can lead to lower levels of perceived retaliation, which is frequently a deterrent in blowing the whistle. The quantitative research method was employed to determine the extent to which higher education institutions implement policies and procedures to institutionalize whistle blowing as an imperative for an ethical organizational culture, which encourages potential whistleblowers to report on wrongdoing. A conceptual framework informed by legislation, policy and procedures was used to determine employee perceptions relating to the role of whistle blowing policies and procedures within the Durban University of Technology as an impetus for establishing a whistle blowing culture. The investigation was based on empirical research conducted at the Durban University of Technology, South Africa and literature on whistle blowing. In the light of the research, recommendations are made relating to institutional whistle blowing policies and procedures. The empirical findings reveal that whistle blowing legislation is inadequate to encourage whistle blowing. The article provides a comprehensive framework for the institutionalization of whistle blowing within the organizational culture as an imperative to encourage disclosure of unethical practices.
Corporate Social Responsibility and Ethical Banking for Developing Economies
Authors: Dorasamy N
Published: January 2020

Corporate social responsibility is being increasingly considered vital for organizational success and sustainable growth, especially in view of corporations operating in an environment with multiple stakeholder interests. Investment in CSR should not been seen as an expense, but rather the allocation of resources to strengthen relationships with stakeholders in an endeavour to reap the multifaceted benefits of such investments Financial institutions like banks need to be seen as leading organizations who engage in social activities that uplift society, the environment and economy. The article analyses significant areas of corporate social responsibility for banks which are integral for customers, government, suppliers, citizens, employees and global partners for enhancing the responsibility of banks to a diverse range of stakeholders who have an interest in the banks. This â€˜common goodâ€™ reputation can provide several advantages to banks which further impacts on the performance of banks.
Teacher job satisfaction and learner performance in South Africa
Authors: Iwu Chux Gervase , . Henrie Olumide Benedict , . Robertson Khan Tengeh
Published: January 2020

Against the backdrop of the dismal performance of a number of South African high Schools in recent years, this study investigates the relationship between poor performance of learners and teacher motivation in selected high schools in the Western Cape Province of South Africa. Adopting an exploratory approach, a random sample of 279 educators was drawn from the database of the poorly performing high schools as provided by the Western Cape Department of Education. Using closed and open-ended questions, a survey questionnaire was utilized to collect data. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS version 21) was utilised to analyse the data. A number of descriptive statistical tests including Chi Square, and Spearmanâ€™s correlation were conducted on the data. The results suggest that highly motivated educators experience job satisfaction; and also perform better than their poorly motivated counterparts. In terms of motivation, the results further suggest that a mix of intrinsic and extrinsic factors tend to exert influence on the educators motivation. For instance, working conditions, job security, and perceived growth opportunities in order of importance were noted to be contributing factors. As far as the obstacles that these educators encounter, lack of resources, work over load and lack of recognition were noted in order of severity. A positive relationship between the factors that influence an educatorsâ€™ motivation and the level of obstacles encountered was noted. The implication is that, notwithstanding the rankings of the two sets of factors, no factor should be addressed in isolation.
The application of the theory of Visitor Attractions and its impact on the competitive advantage of the Tourism Sector in Durban, South Africa
Authors: S. R Balkaran
Published: January 2020

Visitor attractions become the nexus in the relationship between the Tourism sector and the city of Durban as a competitive destination and are arguably the most significant component within the tourism system. To become competitive within the attraction sector there is a need to have a combination of attractions, like sightseeing, shopping, entertainment, gaming, culture and recreation and these plays an important role in determining the competitiveness of a destination. The increase in tourist activity creates an environment where all stakeholders within the tourism system have an opportunity to exercise their function in the most appropriate way. This however does not occur without challenges and clearly, from general observations, the Tourism sector is faced with several challenges in Durban such as the lack of synergy between the stakeholders within the tourism system; standards and quality between various groups differ which impact on service delivery, price structure and foreign expectations; sustaining a high cost capital and labour intensive industry throughout the year; domestic tourists having to compete with currency fluctuations; and the social, political, economic and technological challenges. The development of a competitive model would contribute to tourism sustainability, which is vital for the economy, growth and further development of the Tourism sector in Durban, South Africa.
Analyses of Socioeconomic Factors influencing on-farm Conservation of Remnant Forest Tree Species: Evidence from Ghana
Authors: Danquah Jones Abrefa , . Ari Pappinen
Published: January 2020

The contribution of remnant trees in traditional agro forestry systems in recent times has attracted significant attention from policy makers, stakeholders, and academicians due to their important role in conserving biodiversity within agricultural systems, reserves of genetic resources and provision of other important environmental services. The study seeks to determine socioeconomic factors influencing farmersâ€™ decision to maintain remnant trees in agricultural landscape. Data was solicited from 220 households in three rural communities through structured interviews and on farm visitations. We employed Poison and Negative Binomial Regressions to determine factors influencing rural farm householdsâ€™ decision to retain remnants forest tree species in agro ecosystem. The regression results indicated that the key factors strongly affecting farmersâ€™ on-farm conservation decision to retain remnant forest trees in agricultural landscape were age, gender, years of schooling, religion, land tenure, farmersâ€™ perceptions to current environmental problems, distance to farm land, erosion and the size of the landholdings. The study recommends that forest governance with focus on collaborative forest resource management and equitable distribution of benefits generated from extraction of forest resources should be given high impetus in policy formulation. The needs and concerns of forest fringe communities should feature paramount in this regard.
The Importance of Teamwork, Continuous Top Management Support and Training in Bringing About TQM
Authors: Parumasur Sanjana Brijball
Published: January 2020

As a result of increasing competition, organizations have realised the importance of its human capital in bringing about continuous improvement in quality in order to secure increased customer satisfaction and loyalty as well as sustainable development. Strategic approaches frequently, though not always successfully, adopted in a TQM environment include teamwork, management support and training. Hence, this study aims to assess managerial perceptions of the importance of teamwork, continuous top management support and training in bringing about TQM. Biographical influences on these managerial perceptions are also assessed. A sample of 202 managers (middle, senior, top) was drawn using a stratified random sampling technique. Data was collected using a pre-coded, selfdeveloped questionnaire whose psychometric properties were assessed using Factor Analysis and Cronbachâ€™s Coefficient Alpha respectively. Data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings reflect that in this organization, the focus in bringing about total quality management is on continuous top management support, followed by continuous training and learning and lastly, teams and teamwork. These dimensions also significantly inter-correlate with each other. Biographical influences were also noted in terms of position, qualifications and gender. Based on the results, recommendations are presented for enhancing team performance, managerial support and training in efforts to bring about TQM.
Challenges Facing Black Owned Small and Medium Construction Companies: A Case Study of Nelspruit â€“ Mbombela Municipality, South Africa
Authors: C.O. Aigbavboa
Published: January 2020

The purpose of the paper is to investigate current challenges and problems facing small and medium size contractors (SME) in Mbombela (Nelspruit) - Mpumalanga Province of South Africa. This study was necessitated because the importance of small and medium sized enterprises in national building and economic development is of paramount importance in the South Africa economic debate. The primary data for the study was collected through a structured questionnaire survey which was distributed to Small and medium contractors within grade 1-4 of the South Africa Construction Industry Development Board. The survey results indicated that external factors such as high competition when tendering for construction jobs within the CIDB category is a major challenge the SMEâ€™s faceâ€™s in the procurement of work. Also, internal factors such as poor administrative management within the company, lack of skilled professionals and lack of capacity to deliver on certain project were the greatest challenges faced by the construction companies. The scope of this study is only focused on small and medium size contractors in Nelspruit (Mpumalanga province). In addition, the study is not focused on large established contractors in South Africa. The South African construction industry will continue to provide jobs but intervention is needed to develop the SMEâ€™s contractors who contribute a greatly to the economy.
Factors Affecting the Improvement of Service Quality at Universities of Technology: The Case of South Africa
Authors: Green Paul
Published: January 2020

Several research studies have been conducted on the evaluation of service quality at conventional universities. However, this study focuses on universities of technology which are fast growing value-based educational institutions in South Africa. The uniqueness of this study highlights the issues that can affect the improvement of service at universities of technology. Three factors namely: Organizational issues, Educational issues and Staff &Student issues were extracted as the main foci in the improvement of service at universities of technology. A mixed method methodology and an action research approach were employed in this study. The results obtained using factor analysis provides a basis for driving an equation system for evaluating the impact of the issues with respect to the factors named above. The results also show that some extraneous factors that are external to service delivery, have a substantial effect on the quality of service at universities of technology.
Perceived marketing intelligence and marketing communications tools used by rural Small, Medium and Micro Enterprise in South Africa
Authors: Lekhanya Lawrence Mpele
Published: January 2020

Previous research revealed that Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) have been struggling to grow including in rural and remote areas. However, there is little empirical research into how SMMEs promote themselves. To date is not clear about what marketing intelligence and marketing promotional communications they use. The survey intends looking to make contribution in closing research gap by seeking to understand the marketing intelligence and marketing promotional communications tools used by rural SMMEs and to what extent they used these tools and what are the limitations they have. This research aims to examine the perceived marketing intelligence and marketing communications tools used by South African rural SMMEs , to identify limiting factors to the used and establish the extend to use and their implications. The study population consisted of 374 respondents in five rural areas of KwaZulu â€“ Natal province in South Africa (Empangeni, Ulundi, Nquthu, Escourt and Kwa-Nongoma). A quota sampling method was used to determine desired target population. Quantitative Likert scale questionnaire was designed and personal distributed to the respondents. Respondents were giving 7 days to complete questionnaire. Data analysis was done using SPSS (21.0) version. Figures and tables were used to present research findings. Statistical analysis revealed that marketing intelligence and marketing promotional tools were applied and found to be significant. The study found that promotional communication tools that cover both marketing promotional mix and marketing intelligence used by rural SMMEs are significant (p=.000*)
Against the Herd: Contrarian Investment Strategies on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange
Authors: Sarpong Prince K.
Published: January 2020

This study seeks to investigate herd behaviour among equity mutual fund managers and the performance of mutual funds that trade against the herd in South Africa. The behaviour of mutual funds has an effect on the stability and volatility of stock markets, the ultimate returns to the investors. The study builds upon the efficient market hypothesis, portfolio theory and behavioural finance to provide evidence of the behaviour of mutual funds in an emerging market context using the Johannesburg Stock Exchange. The Lakonishok, Shleifer and Vishney (1991) measure of herding is used to ascertain the behaviour of mutual funds over the period 2006 to 2012. Institutional investors in South Africa are susceptible to the behavioural bias of herding and this phenomenon influences the performance of their funds. Funds that trade in the opposite direction of herd funds are able to put up a superior performance over time. Superior performance, however, does not entice mutual fund investors to invest less in under-performing funds and more in funds that recently show superior performance. These findings imply that following investment waves does not culminate in superior returns in the stock market. Consequently, mutual funds that take an opposite direction to herd funds help stabilize the stock market and lessen the severity of bear markets. This study categorizes mutual funds into â€˜herdingâ€™ and â€˜contrarianâ€™ and provides an insight into the performance of each category. Investors who oppose herd behaviour realize greater returns over time while stabilizing the markets at the same time.
Street Food Vending and Hygiene Practices and Implications for Consumers
Authors: Kok R.
Published: January 2020

Street food vending has and is becoming globally a convenient and in most cases an essential service. Lifestyle changes and socio economic factors creates very little space for consumers to look at other alternatives one of which would be to prepare oneâ€™s own meal. Street food therefore becomes an easy and economic means to acquire prepared food. Safe hygiene practices should become integral to the vendor as the product will be consumed by people of all ages and many may be vulnerable to poor quality food. The street food vendor in turn relies on this service as a means of employment and income generation. The competition between vendors is increased and the pressure to cut corners becomes a reality and one significant corner is appropriate hygiene practices. The practice of appropriate hygiene practices is also as a result of total ignorance of many vendors and the nature of the food that they prepare. The paper explores lessons from various countries in respect of dealing with ensuring good hygiene practices of street food vendors and its usefulness to the South African perspective. One such initiative is the programme launched by the Indiaâ€™s Food Safety and Standards Authority and the National Association of Street Vendors of India. South African street food industry is rapidly increasing in size and proportion. Several studies have been undertaken to look at this operation from various perspectives including hygiene practices and small business. Employment creation has become a national imperative of the country and small business development is seen as a significant component to employment creation. This paper sets out to establish the global practices in street food vending from a hygiene perspective and its relevance to the South African context.
Understanding the tax compliance culture of private sector tax practitioners in South Africa
Authors: AKINBOADE Oludele Akinloye
Published: January 2020

The paper presents the findings of a private sector tax practitioners segmentation survey conducted by South Africa Revenue Service to understand their tax compliance culture, appropriateness of SARS services to them and their client service needs. A set of structured questionnaires were administered to seven hundred and three tax practitioners in nine provinces which included open and closed questions. The level of tax compliance by the tax practitionerâ€™s organization varies from province to province. Roughly, more than ninety percent of tax practitionersâ€™ organizations that filed or submitted their organizations tax returns did so on time. Private sector tax practitioners are good e-filers. On average, assistance provided by SARS officials is considered to be very helpful. They prefer communication via email, internet, letters in the post, television and telephone calls. Most would like a dedicated SARS unit to serve them.