bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Paradigm of Islamic Education in the Future: The Integration of Islamic Boarding School and Favorite School
Authors: Das St. Wardah Hanafie , Halik Abdul , - Amaluddin
Published: January 2020

Islamic education goes into future options, and became a reference in developing the potential of learners and the embryo of world civilization; the progress of Islamic civilization was born of Islamic education quality. Therefore, islamic religious education should be managed professionally, based saintek and quality. Islamic educational system urgently reformulated in accordance with the dynamics of the times, the needs of the market, and based on local wisdom, thus bringing forth a superficial scientists clerics and scholars scientist. Methodology used in this research is qualitative research, this research works in Parepare city, with sample of excellent school and Pesantren Al- Badar. The result of study is the integration of the educational system, good educational system and system seed boarding school education, relevant done as an attempt to find the ideal model of islamic education and real in the era of globalization.
Role Overload, Self- Efficacy, Locus of Control and Job Performance among Employees of a Printing Company in Malaysia
Authors: Omar Muhamad Khalil , Hussein Norashikin , Azli Norazamimah
Published: January 2020

Abstract: Job performance becomes the most commonly discussed issue in the recent years even though many research have been conducted. As the employee is the most important asset for an organization, various factors influencing the employee performance need to be ascertained. For companies that offer services to customers, their employeesâ€™ job performance could impact the loyalty of the customers and longevity of the business. However, constant dealing with high and various consumer demands, employees of printing company could easily be stressful hence requiring them to control their emotions. Therefore this study investigated the effects of role overload, self-efficacy, and locus of control towards employee job performance. A total of 67 employees of a small printing company located in Klang Valley, Malaysia had participated in the survey of this descriptive and correlational study. The results indicated that there was a strong positive relationship between self-efficacy and job performance, the meanwhile locus of control had a moderate positive relationship with job performance. This study contributes to the body of knowledge by validating the positive association of both self-efficacy and locus of control with employee job performance. The practitioners could also make reference to this study in order to properly manage the performance of their employees.
Comparative Analysis of Socio-Economics Determinants of Fertility: Malaysia and United Kingdom
Authors: Kamaruddin Rohana bt , Zainal Nor Rashidah
Published: January 2020

Abstract: The divergence between the literature on fertility decision making and the differences factors on determinants signifies the importance of this study. The study will conduct empirical analysis from the perspective of demographical dimension, socio-economics, intergenerational factors and microeconomics factors that is associated with fertility decision making from the theoretical perspective of quality vs. quantity of children. Order Probit model was employed using the selected sample of female at the age 15 to 49. The finding revealed educated women in Malaysia and UK decision on the number of children based on their fertility preference and career advancement. The other explanation is based on the relative price change by Becker's demand of children cost of child-rearing activities, urbanization, opportunity costs of child-bearing.

Keywords: Fertility-decision, socio-economics, demographical, intergenerational, microeconomics
The Place of Financial Markets in the Development Process: Evidence from Nigeria
Authors: Kizito Ehigiamusoe Uyi
Published: January 2020

The paper examines the place of financial markets in the development process in Nigeria. The paper used descriptive approach and discovered that financial markets play fundamental role in the development process. However, the overall performance of the Nigeriaâ€™s financial market despite some expansion in recent times has been below its potential. In particular, as propellers of economic development, the markets have not been able to meet their goals such as accelerating industrial development, promoting the rate of investment, generating employment opportunities, providing services that help accelerate poverty reduction, promoting human capital development, and accelerating agricultural productivity. Some of the challenges confronting the Nigeriaâ€™s financial markets include; dearth of instruments and lack of market breadth and depth, the oligopolistic structure of the markets, dependence on government, slow growth of the secondary market and information gap and asymmetry. It was therefore recommended that the financial markets should be reformed and effectively harnessed as tools of economic development, and policy makers should create the enabling environment for financial markets to thrive to propel Nigeria to the path of development with a view to achieving Vision 20:2020.
Branding in Serbian Rural Tourism
Authors: VukiÄ‡ Milena , . Marija KuzmanoviÄ‡
Published: January 2020

To become competitive in the global world market, as a relatively new destination for rural tourism, we need to know how to use existing resources and to prove capable of coping with new challenges. The road to this great accomplishment goes through branding, because only with the help of branding it is possible to achieve recognition of Serbian rural product. That, first, implies a reformatory process of searching for our renewed that is redesigned identity, networking of various industries, as well as their integration. In such a context, rural tourism of Serbia should not be isolated within a particular segment of the whole, rather it should master those universal principles upon which the world is organized today, which is a unique and dynamic tourist product, and should be gradually turned into a brand thanks to its added value.
Internal Mainstreaming of HIV and AIDS in Zimbabweâ€™s Non-Governmental Organisations
Authors: Chitapi Rutendo Fran
Published: January 2020

Organisations remain exposed to risk and are vulnerable to HIV and AIDS impacts for as long as they are unprepared to mainstream HIV and AIDS. Certainly without infusing sustainable strategies for the HIV and AIDS pandemic into day to day operations there would be considerable waste of resources. This study sought to establish the level of internal mainstreaming of HIV and AIDS in an international NGO operating in Zimbabwe. Questionnaires were used to collect data from a sample of employees of the NGO, while senior managers were interviewed. Relevant internal documents were also reviewed to help ascertain the extent of internal mainstreaming in the NGO. The main finding was that HIV and AIDS internal mainstreaming had not been successfully done. While the organisation had certain comparative advantages, these were not harnessed to address the causes and effects of HIV and AIDS in an effective and sustained manner within the NGO. The major barrier was lack of commitment by senior management of the NGO. While management were aware of the impacts of HIV and AIDS, there were no tools to enable them to quantify the effect on the NGO. Getting it right for this NGO does not require more financial resources but a paradigm shift and modifying or realigning what is already on the ground for an effective and sustained response to HIV and AIDS.
The Relationship between Organizational Conduct and National Culture
Authors: Qamar Ahsan , . Ahmad Jusoh , . Halimah Idris
Published: January 2020

This paper puts forwards different existing theories on classifying cultures of different countries. The first theory it introduces is of Hofstedeâ€™s cultural aspects, then the Hallâ€™s Method of classifying culture into low and high context, and lastly the model of cultural differences by Trompenaars. Following that is the discussion on the interaction between organizational behaviour and the national culture. The focus would be the influence of culture on employee motivation, communication, organizational changes and conflict resolution.
The Effect of the Exchange Rate Risk on the Stock Prices of the Energy Companies
Authors: Kapusuzoglu Ayhan
Published: January 2020

The purpose of this study is the examination of the effect of the unexpected exchange rate risk on the stock prices of the energy companies which are transacted in the ISE (Istanbul Stock Exchange) National 100 index, for the period of 03/01/2005 â€“ 29/06/2012. In addition, the study has investigated the effect of the market return on the stocks of the related companies in the same period. In line with that purpose, a multi-regression analysis has been realized in order to examine whether there was any effect or not. At the end of this inquiry, it was concluded that the unexpected exchange rate risk had a very small effect on the companies which are active in the energy sector and the return on market, on the contrary, had a very big effect thereon.
The â€˜Chavâ€™ Subculture: Branded Clothing as an Extension of the Self
Authors: Mason Roger B.
Published: January 2020

This paper explores the chav phenomenon as a consumer subculture, with special reference to branding and consumer behaviour. The study is important because of the presence of chavs in many consumer markets, and their significant role in the consumption of numerous products. The aim of the primary research was to compare the branded clothing choices of two groups, namely chavs and nonchavs. A qualitative method was used, namely a survey of thirty 14 to 23 year olds (fifteen each of chavs and non-chavs), followed by in-depth interviews with four of the respondents. The issues studied were the relationships between the choice of branded clothing and the respondentsâ€™ social experiences, or backgrounds, as well as whether these backgrounds acted as motivations for the respondentsâ€™ consumer behaviour. The findings indicate a relationship between the wearing of branded clothing by chavs and their social backgrounds. Their consumption behaviour may be explained by the wearing of branded clothing as an extension of the self. The findings also provide an indication of differences between chavâ€™s and non-chavâ€™s perceptions of branding and consumer behaviour.
Impact of Human Capital on Entrepreneurial Earnings: Employing Parametric and Nonparametric Methods
Authors: Karahan Hatice
Published: January 2020

Economics literature provides ample evidence regarding the important positive effect of human capital on earnings. However, the self-employed have been consistently omitted in such studies. To fill this gap, I examine the effect of human capital on entrepreneurial earnings using National Survey of College Graduates dataset. To estimate the coefficients on income levels, I take advantage of three different econometric methods, namely OLS, Heckit and matching estimators. Regression results on men show that having higher education brings more success in terms of self-employment earnings. Evidence shows that men do better when they are self-employed whereas women are better off when they are wage workers. The most lucrative majors for male entrepreneurs are architecture, math, physics, chemistry and most fields of engineering. Women entrepreneurs who enjoy higher earnings are mostly majored in architecture, medicine, law, psychology and counseling. However, no particular education level is found to contribute to female entrepreneurial earnings.
Volatility characteristics of stocks underlying Exchange Traded Funds in South Africa
Authors: Matarutse Justice
Published: January 2020

Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs), since their inception, are now taking a foothold in emerging markets. The study measures price volatility in ETFs and their underlying stocks before and after ETF inception so as to provide new evidence of the volatility implications of ETFs for financial markets. The analysis focuses on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) SatrixTop40 ETF and its components using an EGARCH (1, 1) model. The analysis focuses on leverage effects, absolute size of volatility innovations and volatility persistence, and concludes that these volatility characteristics have changed and/or increased after the Satrix Top40 ETF introduction on the JSE.
Construction Project delays in Lusaka, Zambia: Causes and Effects
Authors: C.O. Aigbavboa , . Mukuka M.J.
Published: January 2020

This paper assesses the construction professionalsâ€™ perception on the major causes of construction project delays and there consequential effects of on the Lusaka â€“ Zambia, construction industry. This is due to the fact that the Zambia construction industry is a major key sector in the development and economic growth of Zambia. Despite this belief, the industry has not escaped the challenges facing other countries worldwide in terms of construction projects performance with regards to the delivery of projects on time as stipulated in the contracts. Data used in this study were derived from both primary and secondary sources. The secondary data was collected through a detailed review of related literature. The primary data was collected through a structured questionnaire survey, distributed to construction professionals, who include: architects, quantity surveyors, builders, civil engineers, land surveyors and project managers. Out of the 50 questionnaires sent out, 32 were received back representing 64% response rate. The primary data from the questionnaires was analyzed using descriptive statistics procedures. Hence, findings from the study revealed that delay in progress payments, difficulties in financing projects by the contractor, delay in approving major changes in the scope of work amongst others, were the major causes of construction delays. The study also revealed that extension of project time and cost over runs are the two major effects of construction project delays in Lusaka, Zambia. The study contributes to the body of knowledge on the subject of the causes and the effects of delay construction project delays in Lusaka, Zambia.
The Spillover Effects of Fedâ€™s Policies with Emphasis to the Fragile Five
Authors: ORHAN Mehmet , . Halil Ä°brahim Ã‡ELÄ°KEL
Published: January 2020

Since the Bretton Woods Agreement, the U.S. dollar has played the role of dominant global currency. As a result, the Federal Reserve Bank has many privileges such as the ability to run trade deficits without foreign exchange reserves. In the world, foreign exchange rates of currencies are quoted against the dollar, and majority of currency trading involves the dollar. Besides, international trade in primary commodities, such as oil, wheat, gold and coffee are bought and sold in U.S. dollar. The central banks of countries hold major positions of their international reserves in dollars. Any changes in its interest rates automatically alter the revenues of all world assets. With deregulated financial markets, the spillover effects of the Federal Reserve Bankâ€™s decisions have increased. In this paper, we examine the impacts of Federal Reserve Bank policies over the Fragile Five that is a sub group of the weaker emerging markets namely Brazil, India, Indonesia, South Africa and Turkey. We are mainly focusing on the consequences of changes in Fedâ€™s policies on the fragile fiveâ€™s basic indicators; exchange rate, interest rate, and the stock exchange indices. All Fragile Five currencies have been depreciated by about 10 to 25% after the Fed tapering decisions. In addition we test for mean and volatility spillover of Wall Street on stock exchange indices of the Fragile Five in GARCH in mean framework and document the existence of such spillovers in almost all cases.
Human Resources Development and Performance of Government Provincial Employees: A Study in North Sumatera, Indonesia
Authors: Muda Iskandar
Published: January 2020

This study aims to analyze the factors associated with human resource development that probably influence employee's performance. They include the recruitment process, general and specific training, compensation, career development, job promotion and mutations. The assessment is laid out towards achieving a good government of the North Sumatera Province. Furthermore, it plans to look at the most crucial factors affecting the performance. A total of 119 respondents (officers of government civil servants) were chosen using a purposive random sampling technique. All eight independent variables and one dependent variable are tested using the multiple linear regression model. As both primary and secondary data are collected and examined, it is concluded that elements of human resource development simultaneously influence employee performance. This leads to the suggestion that effort has to be made in fostering the improvement in administration duties as well as the encouragement on human resources development consistently.
Sustainable Local Economic Development: The Role of Informatics in Determining Municipal Revenue Management
Authors: Twum-Darko Michael
Published: January 2020

This paper discusses the challenges undermining the ability of smaller municipalities in South Africa (SA) to raise revenue to sustain local economic development (SLED). The concept of enactment of technology-in-practice (ETiP) of Structuration Theory (ST) was adopted as a lens to understand and interpret the factors hindering the implementation of relevant legislation e.g., the municipal property rates Act of 2004 (MPRA) for SLED. The purpose of the study was to determine the role informatics can play in the implementation of MPRA to institutionalise its provisions to improve revenue collection. An extensive investigation in twenty-five (25) smaller municipalities across SA indicated a number of factors suggested by ETiP have impacted on the implementation of MPRA and property rates collection. The view is that implementation of legislation e.g., MPRA is similar to the deployment of ICT solutions in governments. Thus, in the world of social theory, legislation implementation is a socio-technical phenomenon with significant political, economic and social components. The findings of the study is a general framework as a lens through which factors influencing SLED can be understood and interpreted to provide a richer understanding of the complexity associated with the role of informatics in government revenue management to support SLED.
Work Engagement, Intrinsic Motivation and Job Satisfaction among Employees of a Diamond Mining Company in Zimbabwe
Authors: Masvaure Polite , . A. Maharaj
Published: January 2020

This paper seeks to establish the relationships between three job characteristics constructs, namely work engagement, intrinsic motivation and job satisfaction in a workplace notorious for discord and conflict between workers and employers. A quantitative methodology was adopted using a crosssectional survey. Respondents were selected from the workers at a mining company, with a final sample of 156 employees participating in the study. The Utrecht Work Engagement Scale, Intrinsic Motivation Inventory and the Minnesota Job Satisfaction Questionnaire were used to collect data. The results of the study indicate positive relationships between job satisfaction, work engagement and intrinsic motivation among the workers. Age and marital status were found to be significant contributors to workersâ€™ job satisfaction, intrinsic motivation and work engagement. Implications of these results are that human resource interventions are required in order to deal with enhancing work engagement, intrinsic motivation and job satisfaction. Furthermore, the results indicate that intrinsic motivation and work engagement can enhance job satisfaction. The current study adds to the research pointing at job satisfaction as a promising underlying mechanism for employeesâ€™ to be internally motivated and engaged at work.
Capital Structure and Firm Performance in Nigerian-Listed Companies
Authors: Abata Matthew Adeolu , Migiro Stephen Oseko
Published: January 2020

a number of business failures have not been reported in Nigeria arising from inability to payback nor does service debts .This paper empirically investigate the relationship between capital structure and firm performance in the Nigerian listed firms. A sample of 30listed firms out of a population of 173 were examined from 2005 to 2014 using multiple regression tools. Two hypotheses were formulated and tested using descriptive statistics and an econometric panel data technique to analyze the gathered data. An insignificantly negative correlation was found between financial leverage and ROA on one hand and a significantly negative relationship between debt/equity mix and ROE on the other hand. It is therefore recommended that firms should use long term liabilities to finance firmâ€™s activities and mix debt/equity appropriately by ensuring that debt financing ratio is lower to enhance corporate performance and survival.
The Effects of Adverse Childhood Experiences on Self-Reported Physical and Mental Health Outcomes in Adulthood
Authors: Son Chong-Hwan
Published: January 2020

The number of physically and mentally unhealthy days as a measure of health-related quality of life (HRQOL) is used to examine the different effects of the adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) on physical and mental health outcomes. The data, a cross-sectional state-level survey, is obtained from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) collected by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in 2012. Multiple regression analyses are conducted for the study. The results indicate that all individual ACE categories are inversely associated with both physical and mental health, as respondents who exposed to any adverse childhood experience are likely to have physically- and mentally-related poor HRQOL in adulthood. The estimated coefficients for individual ACEs in magnitude on the mental health outcome are, in overall, greater than the estimated coefficients on the physical health outcome. The regression results with accumulative ACE scores indicate that higher levels of the ACE score would affect higher negative health outcomes, such as the dosage effects that appear again in this study. The estimated coefficients of accumulative ACE scores on the mental health outcome exceed the coefficients of ACE scores on physical health outcome for an ACE score of 2 and above. The gap in the estimated coefficients of ACE scores between physically and mentally unhealthy days increases as the ACE score rises. The estimated coefficient at the score ACE8 for the mentally unhealthy days becomes almost twice as large as the coefficient for the physically unhealthy days. Importantly, the negative effects of ACEs on mental health outcomes are significantly greater than the negative effects on physical health outcomes.
An Empirical Analysis of Sovereign Credit Risk Co-movement between Japan and ASEAN Countries
Authors: Jitmaneeroj Boonlert , Ogwang John
Published: January 2020

Japan is the most developed economy in Asia. However, it has been on record for being the most heavily indebted country among OECD countries. In many circumstances, the high sovereign debt level indicates a high possibility of sovereign credit risks associated with investment in government bond. The high sovereign credit risk may also generate a number of negative externalities for private businesses operating in the host country. This paper investigates whether sovereign credit risk of Japan as measured by its sovereign credit default swap (SCDS) can better predict and commove with sovereign credit risk of selected ASEAN countries. The bivariate VAR model was used to test for Granger Causalities among these countries SCDS premiums and correlation analysis to investigate co-movements between SCDS of these countries. The results indicate that Japanâ€™s sovereign credit risks do not co-move with those of ASEAN countries, Furthermore, Sovereign credit risks of ASEAN countries tend to lead those of Japan as evidenced by unidirectional causalities from these countries to Japan. The overall suggestion is that sovereign credit risk of Japan is not likely to influence those of ASEAN. The paper concludes with some implications for businesses.
A Non-Linear Analysis of the Oil Price-Exchange Rate Nexus in Nigeria
Authors: O. Olagbaju Ifeolu , O. Akinbobola Temidayo
Published: January 2020

This paper studies the effect of oil price shocks on the Nigerian exchange rate on the basis of monthly data over the period January, 2008 to October, 2015. In order to explore the effects of oil prices on the competitiveness of the Nigerian currency, which had hitherto attracted little attention in literature, the paper adopts the real effective exchange rate measure within a five-variable VAR model, analysed using both linear and non-linear approaches. We find evidence of a non-linear impact of oil prices on real effective exchange rate. Specifically, decreases in oil price are found to have an appreciating impact on real effective exchange rate, implying a loss of competitiveness of the Naira, while increases in oil price are found to be irrelevant for movements in the real effective exchange rate. Our study also suggests a link between Naira depreciation and the real effective exchange rate appreciation through a pass-through effect on rising domestic prices.
Tourist Activity and Destination Brand Perception: The Case of Cape Town, South Africa
Authors: Ezeuduji Ikechukwu O. , November Kirsti Lee , Haupt Chelsea
Published: January 2020

A respondent-completed questionnaire in Cape Town, South Africa was used to check how the activities that tourists enjoyed in Cape Town relate to how they perceive this destination using brand descriptive variables (brand essence, brand image and brand loyalty). 200 questionnaires were received for bivariate and multivariate analyses. This study finds that although tourists found most activities in Cape Town enjoyable; nature and outdoor, food and wine, and shopping enjoyment have more impact in determining the general experience satisfaction of tourists, than beach, and surprisingly, history and cultural activities. Nonetheless, tourists generally perceive Cape Town quite positively. From analyses, this study strongly suggests that the brand position statement for Cape Town should revolve around unique and diverse tourists' attractions in Cape Town, and the memorable experience with which tourists go home from Cape Town. The brand position statement should be linked to Cape Town tourism integrated marketing communications. This study can assist tourism business owners in Cape Town to evaluate and improve tourism offerings to meet the expectations of visitors, contributing to visitors forming a positive perception towards Cape Town. The findings have implications for similar destinations in the developing economies.
Different Crime Types in Western Cape Province: Principal Component Analysis
Authors: KA Kyei , TH Tshisikhawe , LM Dube
Published: January 2020

South Africa has a very high crime rate compared to most countries. Crime affects the society,Â business and psychology of the people. It compels people to move out or come into a particular area. It isÂ most prevalent in the urban areas where poverty gap is conspicuous. Western Cape and Gauteng ProvincesÂ are the best developed provinces in the country and therefore have higher crime levels. But the question is:Â what types of crime are prevalent in the Western Cape Province? And what are the major causes of theseÂ crimes? The purpose of this paper is to identify the different types of crimes committed in the Western CapeÂ Province which are prominent. Principal Component analysis (PCA) has been use in this study to gauge theÂ patterns of crime and the distinct important factors affecting the level of crime. Secondary data from aÂ website have been used in the analysis. The results show that violence and vehicle thefts are the mostÂ committed crimes in the province. The areas where crime occurs most frequently are Bellville, Cape TownÂ Central, Gugulethu, Harare, Khayelisha, Mitchells Plain, Nyanga and Parow. Firearms have been identified asÂ major means for committing crime. The paper recommends that attempts be made by the provincialÂ government to clamp down unlicensed fire arm holders/dealers. Amnesty should be granted to encourageÂ holders of unlicensed fire arms to surrender without punishment and the public should report to the policeÂ all those dealing in unlicensed firearms in order to root out crime in the province.
The Determinants of Non-Performing Loans in the MINT Economies
Authors: Morakinyo Akinola Ezekiel , Sibanda Mabutho
Published: January 2020

This paper investigates the major determinants of non-performing loans in the MINT (Mexico, Indonesia, Nigeria and Turkey) economies. Identifying major determinants of non-performing loans, which are observed to be growing in these countries in recent time, will also guide policy and forecasting future levels that will be useful for pre-emptive policies and actions. It uses static panel data and dynamic panel model analyses. Evidence suggests that in the four economies, capital adequacy ratio, liquidity ratio, total bank credit andreturn on assets are significant bank-specific determinants of non-performing loans. Also, while the return on assets, liquidity ratio and capital adequacy ratioshow a negative and significant relationship with non-performing loans, nominal exchange rate, money supply growth rate, total bank credit and lending rate show positive and very significant relationships with non-performing loans. Finally, corruption, an institutional variable, shows a very strong positive relationship with non-performing loans.
Board Member Age Diversity and Financial Performance of Manufacturing Firms: A Developing Economy Perspective
Authors: Akisimire Richard , Masoud Muhsin Salim , Baisi Mutahyoba D. , Orobia Laura A.
Published: January 2020

This paper examines the relationship between board member age diversity and financial performance of manufacturing firms in Uganda. A cross section survey research design was employed using 78 manufacturing firms across the country. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics, chi-square analysis and point bi-serial correlation. The results showed that majority of the boards had members with an average age of 35-44years, followed by 25-34 years. In addition, boards comprising of majorly young board members registered low performance level, compared to the boards comprising of majorly older members. Further, the results indicated that board member age diversity is significantly associated with financial performance of manufacturing firms. Like any other research study, this study is limited in the following ways. Since only a single research methodological approach was employed, future research could undertake a mixed approach and triangulate to validate the current findings. Further, a longitudinal approach should be employed to study financial performance trends among manufacturing firms over years. Finally, board member age diversity was studied and by virtual of the results, there are other factors that explain the financial performance of the Ugandaâ€™s manufacturing sector that were not part of this study.
Foreign Direct Investment in Russia: Stakeholders' Views and Perceptions
Authors: Komendantova Nadejda , Ilmola Leena , Stepanova Anastasia
Published: January 2020

Volumes of foreign direct investments (FDI) are growing steadily, however, transition economies, such as Russia, are attracting only a minor share of FDI despite of available potentials. Risk aversion is one of the reasons influencing decision-making processes of FDI investors. This paper reviews existing objective and subjective risks, which impact decisions regarding FDI. The results of the paper are based on the extensive dialogue with stakeholders from Austria, Germany and Japan on the risks for FDI in Russia as well as on the outcomes of the discussions on barriers for trade in frames of the workshop, which brought together Russian and European stakeholders. The results show that political, regulatory, revenue, currency and operational risks within the economy of Russia are perceived by FDI investors from different sectors such as construction, financing, automotive and other industries as being the most likely and probable risks for FDI in Russia. The majority of investors perceive political risks as a greater barrier for investment in Russia. These perceptions are influenced by existing asymmetries on the market and the political decision-making dominance over business environment. Our results support existing evidence on impacts of uncertainties connected with political and regulatory risks for FDI in Russia. However, we did not find evidence that these risk perceptions were affected by creation of the Eurasian Customs Union, neither in positive nor in a negative way. The results suggest that significant progress was already done by improving investment climate in Russia but further efforts are also needed on addressing regulatory risks such as dealing with construction permits, protecting minority investors or simplifying customs regulations, as well as addressing existing market asymmetries.
Factors Affecting Demand Planning in the South African Clothing Industry
Authors: Matsoma NJ , Ambe IM
Published: January 2020

The decline in the number of clothing manufacturers and the effect of globalisation have contributed to complexities in estimations and the scheduling of demand, as well as lead time management in the South African clothing industry. This article explores demand planning factors affecting the South African clothing industry, with specific reference to Gauteng. The study was necessitated due to demand planning challenges facing the South African clothing industry as well as economic factors which contribute to inaccuracies in clothing demand planning. The study makes an impact in the garment production factories of Gauteng in South Africa and adds to the philosophy of demand planning practices. It uncovers key factors affecting demand planning practices in the Gauteng clothing industry, South Africa. The study is explorative and descriptive in nature and it uses SPSS to analyse data. The findings revealed that there were factors affecting how demand planning practices were conducted in the clothing industry. The factors that have a significant influence on clothing demand planning include the scheduling of the manufacturing of customersâ€™ orders, planning for fashion clothes, the use of the POS system, clothing imports, estimating future clothing requirements, recession and the effect of the late arrival of clothes. Therefore, clothing industry stakeholders should take these factors into consideration when planning for their demand to ensure customer needs can be fully met, thus improving the performance of the clothing industry.
Counting the Cost? A Cautionary Analysis of South Africa's BRICS Membership
Authors: Umezurike Samuel Augustine , Ogunnubi Olusola
Published: January 2020

BRICS is a grouping of five major developing countries that includes Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, all with the ambition of changing the governance architecture of international political-economy but with claims to speedy industrialization, fast growing economies and relatively strong regional and global influence. South Africa joined BRICS at the invitation of China in 2010 and has shown commitment to the group through friendly relations with other member countries. The countryâ€™s extensive economic links with China and the other BRICS states underpinned its strategy of diversifying its external trade especially with regard to looking away from West. This article employs content analysis to reflect on South Africaâ€™s membership of BRICS, focusing specifically on the countryâ€™s relations with China. It argues that, while South Africaâ€™s economic indicators do not fit well with the BRICS grouping, China is promoting this relationship in order to counter the Westâ€™s neo-imperialism and neo-liberal rhetoric. South Africaâ€™s willingness to accept Chinese superiority in the African market and to act as a junior partner in the global power configuration makes the country the perfect choice for this project.
The Performance of Maximum Likelihood Factor Analysis on South African Stock Price Performance
Authors: Khula Andile , Moroke Ntebogang Dinah
Published: January 2020

Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to explore the effectiveness and applicability of Maximum Likelihood Factor Analysis (MLFA) method on stock price performance. This method identifies the variables according to their co-movement and variability and builds a model that can be useful for prediction and ranking or classification. The results of factor analysis in this study provide a guide as far as investment decision is concerned. Stock price performance of the seven well-known and biggest companies listed in the Johannesburg stock exchange (JSE) was used as an experimental unit. Monthly data was available for the period 2010 to 2014.Details of a trivariate factor model is: Factor 1 comprises of Absa and Standard Bank (Financial sectors), Factor 2 has Shoprite and Pick â€˜n Pay (Retail sectors) while Factor 3 collected Vodacom MTN and Sasol (Industrial sectors). The companies contribute 46.9%, 12.7% and 10.8% respectively to the three sectors and these findings are confirmed by a Chi-square and the Akaike information criterion to be valid. The three factors are also diverse and reliable according to Tucker and Lewis and Cronbachâ€™s coefficients. The findings of this study give economic significance and the study is relevant as it gives investors and portfolio managerâ€™s sensible investment reference.Keywords: Maximum Likelihood Factor Analysis, stock prices
Analyzing Biographical Differences on Employees' Perception of Safety Control Measures with Special Emphasis on the Cost Thereof at a Colliery
Authors: Mokoena Mothemba , Oberholzer Merwe
Published: January 2020

Abstract: The purpose of this article is to determine whether biographical differences influence employeesâ€™ perception on safety control measures and the cost thereof. A quantitative research approach was followed for which data were collected by means of a structured questionnaire from 151 employees at a colliery in South Africa. Exploratory factor analysis was used to reduce the employeesâ€™ perceptions into nine factors. This was followed by an analysis of means using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and t-tests to determine differences between perceptions of these factors and the biographical groupings of the employees. Five biographical variables were included, namely (i) years of experience, (ii) English proficiency, (iii) qualification, (iv) gender, and (v) designation. Within a meta-theoretical conceptual scope, a cross-sectional analysis revealed the following statistically significant perception differences: Firstly, from a biographical variable view, English proficiency groupings differ significantly among six of the nine factors. Secondly, from a factor classification view, both direct and indirect cost of work accidents/injuries and perceptions in relation to direct and indirect cost of an unsafe work environment differ significantly in three biographical variables, namely years of experience, English proficiency and qualification. To be more specific, the most experienced group (21+ yearsâ€™ of experience), the poor/fair, and even to a lesser extent, the good English proficiency groups and the group with no tertiary training should be educated especially about the effect that work accidents, injuries and an unsafe work environment have on the direct and indirect costs of the colliery. The study recommend that the employees with higher qualifications, excellent English proficiency as well as those with relatively fewer years of experience should do higher risk jobs as they are more receptive to safety rules and procedures.

Keywords: Biographical factors, colliery, mine, production costs, safety controls
Academic Dishonesty: Prior perceptions and behaviour on cheating of Bachelor of Accountancy Freshmen at a Zimbabwean university
Authors: Warinda Togara
Published: January 2020

Abstract: Academic dishonesty is a perennial problem the world over. Financial scandals that have rocked the world of business have refocused attention on the education of business students in general and accounting students in particular. Both accounting students and accountants have been found to have a low moral campus by some studies. The study examined the perceptions and behaviours on cheating of 61 accounting freshmen prior to any university instruction. Accounting freshmen had a remarkable understanding of what constituted cheating, and had indulged in one form of cheating or the other. Cheating behaviour varied with gender, religiosity, age and Advanced level points. The study recommends among other things staggering of courses within the examinations venue and universities coming up with clear policies on academic dishonesty and recycling of examinations.Keywords: Academic dishonesty, cheating, cheating behaviour, accounting freshmen
Gender Differences in the Perceptions of Entrepreneurship Hindrances: A Case of Vocational Education Students in Zimbabwe
Authors: Rambe Patient , Ndofirepi Takawira Munyaradzi
Published: January 2020

Abstract: Despite the compelling evidence on the capacity of gender biases rooted in subjective beliefs and assumptions to shape recognition and evaluation of business opportunities, there is limited research on whether females and males in resilient, economically troubled economies such as Zimbabwe conceive entrepreneurial constraints differently or in similar ways. In view of literature that highlights some marked gender variations in perceived feasibility and desirability of participating in entrepreneurial ventures, the current study explored whether femalestudents at Zimbabwean vocational education institutions would be more inclined to perceive entrepreneurial barriers differently than their male counterparts. A total of 365 students identified through simple random sampling were invited to participate in the study. On completion of the survey, 160 questionnaires were successfully completed, presenting a response rate of 43.8%.The findings reveal that there were no significant differences between male and female students in their perceptions of entrepreneurship support, regulatory and socio-cultural barriers. However, males had stronger perceptions of financial barriers while females had stronger perceptions of personal barriers. The implication of these findings is that the Government of Zimbabwe should institute and implement more gender parity-based measures to ensure prospective entrepreneursâ€™ transformative reflection on venture creation, and more inclusive access to and participation in entrepreneurial activities.Keywords: Gender differences, entrepreneurship barriers, students, Zimbabwe
Influence of electronic commerce on business performance: Evidence from e-commerce organisations in Harare, Zimbabwe
Authors: Hurasha, Christine Ivy , Chiremba Tafara
Published: January 2020

Abstract: The purpose of the study was to explore the impact of electronic commerce on business performance with specific focus on business organisations in Harare, Zimbabwe. This was achieved through investigating the relationship between e-commerce investment and indicators of business performance such as cost operations, service operations and profit levels. A structured questionnaire was developed and administered to 40 respondents from 10 e-commerce organisations. The study revealed that there was a positive relationship between e-commerce investment and business performance. It was revealed that an investment in e-commerce by organisations in Zimbabwe would increase profit levels, improve service operations and reduce transaction costs. The researchers recommended that organisations that have already adopted e-commerce should raise customer awareness and interest in e-commerce and promote the usage of the technology. They also recommended that policy makers such as the Government must take a leading role in the funding of education and the development of infrastructure in order to encourage more organizations and consumers to participate in e-commerce.Keywords: E-commerce, Business performance, Business organisations, Service operations, Cost operations
The Impact of Emerging Market Trends on the Development and Marketing of Financial Service Products in Zimbabwe Post Dollarization
Authors: Chokuda Tinevimbo , Mawanza Wilford , Chimboza Farai
Published: January 2020

Abstract: The research sought to analyse the impact of emerging market trends as measured by competition, technology and consumer demographics on the development and marketing of financial service products in Zimbabwe post dollarization. The Zimbabwean financial service sector has been largely characterised by new and changing market trends since dollarization. These trends have largely manifested in the form of entrance of new players in the market, a growing informal sector at the expense of the formal financial sector and the emergence of new technology paving way for the need to develop and market new financial service products. There is therefore need for financial service providers in Zimbabwe to continually embrace innovative product development and marketing strategies so as to shape banking products to fit consumersâ€™ evolving financial needs much of which are well beyond the realm of traditional banking products. An explanatory research design was adopted in conjunction with a descriptive research design. Results from the study indicate that the entry of new financial institutions, removal of barriers between institutions, emergence of non-regulated financial institutions, increased consumer access to financial information owing to increased adoption of technology, market fragmentation and increased formal unemployment have a significant impact on the way financial service products are structured, provisioned. In light of that, it is recommended that financial service providers should design and tailor new business models to suit the emerging market environment.Keywords: Emerging market trends, development, financial services, Zimbabwe, post-dollarization
Stock Market Volatility Using GARCH Models: Evidence from South Africa and China Stock Markets
Authors: Cheteni Priviledge
Published: January 2020

Abstract: This study looks into the relationship between stock returns and volatility in South Africa and China stock markets. A Generalized Autoregressive Conditional Heteroscedasticity (GARCH) model is used to estimate volatility of the stock returns, namely, the Johannesburg Stock Exchange FTSE/JSE Albi index and the Shanghai Stock Exchange Composite Index. The sample period is from January 1998 to October 2014. Empirical results show evidence of high volatility in both the JSE market, and the Shanghai Stock Exchange. Furthermore, the analysis reveals that volatility is persistent in both exchange markets and resembles the same movement in returns. Consistent with most stock return studies, we find that movements of both markets seem to take a similar trajectory.Keywords: GARCH, ARCH effect, JSE index, Shanghai Stock Exchange Composite Index