bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Using Multi-Skilled Workforce on the Flexibility of Project Resource Scheduling and Project Costs
Authors: Manyi Thulisile , Sibanda Rosemary , Katrodia Ankit
Published: January 2020

The introduction of multi-skilling within organisations is normally conducted with the aim of improving efficiency, quality, production and cost-effectiveness. The study addressed the effect of using multiskilled workforce in the execution of project activities by studying the changes in project execution resource scheduling flexibility and project costs in response to workforce multi-skilling strategy. A quantitative research design was used, to test the concept of workforce multi-skilling to predict its influence on project resource scheduling, project cost saving, project duration, effect on optimal utilization of project technicians and members if adopted at Eskom PTM Central Group department. An electronic questionnaire was distributed to collect data and statistical analysis of data was conducted. The hypothesis testing performed concluded as follows; H1: The use of multi-skilling provides for flexible project resource scheduling; the research hypothesis was accepted. H2: Multi-skilling has a positive effect on the project cost savings; the research hypothesis was rejected. H3: The use of multi-skilling has no significant impact on project duration; the research hypothesis was rejected. H4 (i): The findings show that a positive relationship between multi-skilling and job redesign exists, and H4 (ii): Multi-skilling therefore has a positive impact on the adoption of multi skills; both research hypotheses were accepted.
The Influence of Packaging and Brand Equity on Over-The-Counter Herbal Medicines in Kumasi, Ghana
Authors: Oppong Peter Kwasi , Phiri Maxwell A
Published: January 2020

In today`s competitive business environment, packaging and brand equity provide a competitive advantage to a firm which may increase and maintain its market share. However, the role of packaging in supporting the brand equity is relatively new in the over-the-counter pharmaceutical market and currently, there is a lack of empirical research to uncover its significance in this product segment. This paper seeks to investigate the impact of packaging on brand equity through the mediating effect of dimensions of brand equity in the over-the-counter drug market in Kumasi metropolis. Based on Aaker`s customer-based brand equity model, eight hypotheses were formulated and tested through structural equation modelling. Using systematic sampling, data was collected through survey questionnaires from a sample of 348 consumers who patronize in herbal medicines from herbal stores in Kumasi Metropolis. The study found that packaging significantly contributes to support brand equity of plant medicines through the mediating effect of brand awareness, brand association and brand loyalty. These results indicate that brand managers in the plant medicine industry need to consider packaging as an important brand-building tool in their marketing strategy to enhance brand equity in the over-the-counter pharmaceutical market. This will enh0ance their competitive distinctiveness in the over-the-counter market.
Behavioral and Environmental Influences on Entrepreneurial Orientation
Authors: Chen Jeff Y-J , Urban Boris
Published: January 2020

Traditionally, theories of innovation and entrepreneurship have concentrated on either environmental or dispositional variables to explain different rates and levels in entrepreneurial activity. However, these theories have unsuccessfully represented the complexity of human behavior actions involve the interaction of various environmental, cognitive, and behavioral variables. Recognizing this shortcoming and considering that contextual influences on entrepreneurial behavior in an emerging market context are rarely accounted for, this study empirically examined the degree to which individual-level variables of entrepreneurial alertness and self-efficacy interact with environmental dynamism and hostility to influence a firmâ€™s entrepreneurial orientation. Appreciating the multiplicity of elements facing an entrepreneur who is trying to make sense of the external environment, the study surveyed 310 owner-mangers in South Africa and relied on SEM to determine the best model fit. The study findings reveal that as a result of mediating and interaction effects, an individual with higher levels of alertness and self-efficacy is more likely to be innovative, engage in risk-taking behavior and show pro-activeness, in other words, have higher levels of entrepreneurial orientation. It is recommended that policymakers encourage entrepreneurial orientation by fostering a high-support route in which the effects of the hostile environments are minimized to encourage higher levels of innovation. Moreover, scholars can build on these findings by investigating the interconnectedness of exogenous environmental and individual factors in terms of explaining entrepreneurial orientation.
An Empirical Investigation of Trade Liberalization and Trade Patterns in South Africa
Authors: Khumalo Sibanisezwe Alwyn , Tsegaye Asrat
Published: January 2020

The study made use of the gravity model to analyze the behavior of South Africaâ€™s trade patterns at industry level. Using SIC 2-digit level data for the period 1996-2013 based on two sub-samples, 1996-2004 and 2005-2013, the study found that trade liberalization was not universally influential on trade patterns. Some industries did not exhibit significant behavior changes as a result of tariff liberalization. The results show that Agriculture, mining ores, crude oil, machinery and transport are the only industries from the selected sample of nine that are significantly influenced by trade liberalization policy. Furthermore, empirical results indicate that trade liberalization hinders extensive margins and does not encourage intensive margins.
Influence of Socio-Psychological Factors on Consumer Willingness to Pay (WTP) for Organic Food Products
Authors: Baiyegunhi Lloyd J.S. , Mashabane Sikhumbuzo E. , Sambo Nonjabulo C
Published: January 2020

This study evaluates consumersâ€™ willingness to pay (WTP) a premium for organic vegetables and fruits in Pietermaritzburg metropolis, KwaZulu-Natal province, South Africa, using data collected from 210 consumers approached during their food shopping. The standard economic approach to valuation was extended by including psychological factors. The results from the empirical model show that psychological factors (behavioural control, attitude and subjective norms) exerted more influence on consumersâ€™ WTP for organic products. In addition, socio-demographic factors such as gender, education, number of children in a household, high income and race, are statistically significant in explaining consumersâ€™ WTP for organic food. Policy implications for advancement and improved promotion, sales and consumption of organic food products were discussed.
Modelling the BRICS Exchange Rates Using the Vector Autoregressive (VAR) Model
Authors: Metsileng Lebotsa Daniel , Moroke Ntebogang Dinah , Tsoku Johannes Tshepiso
Published: January 2020

The paper modelled the BRICS exchange rates using the Vector Autoregressive (VAR) model. Monthly time series data ranging from January 2008 to January 2018 was used. All the analysis was computed using the R programming software. The study aimed to determine a suitable VAR model in modelling the BRICS exchange rates and determine the linear dependency between the financial markets (in particular BRICS exchange rates). Optimal lag length of one (1) was selected using the SIC. The VAR model with lag length one was fitted and the parameters were estimated. The results revealed that there is a unidirectional relationship amongst the BRICS exchange rates. The VAR (1) model did not satisfy all the diagnostic tests, therefore forecasting future values of the BRICS exchange rates could not be computed. Recommendations for different approaches were formulated.
The Impact of Financial Sector Development on Foreign Direct Investment: An Empirical Study on Minimum Threshold Levels
Authors: Tsaurai Kunofiwa , Makina Daniel
Published: January 2020

Using panel data of 21 emerging economies, the paper investigates the financial sector development threshold levels that would influence foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows. The threshold levels we identified are 41.27% of stock market capitalization for stock market turnover, 53.55% of gross domestic product (GDP) for stock market value traded, 121.53% of GDP for stock market capitalization, 114.43% of GDP for domestic credit to private sector by banks, 144.06% of GDP for domestic credit provided by financial sector, 0.22% of GDP for outstanding domestic private debt securities and 41.26% of GDP for outstanding domestic public debt securities. Our results show that higher stock market and banking sector development above the threshold level positively and significantly influence FDI inflows whilst the influence of lower stock market and banking sector development on FDI inflows was weak and not significant. Levels of private bond market development equal to or greater than the threshold level are found to have a positive but non-significant impact on FDI inflows whilst private bond market development levels less than the threshold have a weaker positive and non-significant influence on FDI inflows. On the other hand, public bond market development levels equal to or greater than the threshold level negatively influenced FDI inflows whilst levels of public bond market development less than the threshold positively but non-significantly attracted FDI inflows into emerging markets.
External Factors Influencing the Cognitive Response of Impulse Buying Behaviour amongst Generation Y Students
Authors: Neves Jacinta Ana , Redda Ephrem Habtemichael , De Klerk Natasha , De Klerk Natasha
Published: January 2020

Impulse buying behaviour has been recognised as a key research concern amongst academic researches and marketers. At one time or another a large amount of consumers purchases on impulse. Evidence from the literature indicates that external factors, such as in-store atmosphere, in-store browsing, in-store layout, salespersons, promotions and reference groups are important antecedents of impulse purchases. The cognitive response to act on impulse purchase is triggered by external factors to buy on impulse. This paper reports on a study undertaken to determine the external factors influencing the cognitive response of impulse buying behaviour amongst Generation Y students. Generation Y are labelled as individuals born between 1986 and 2005. The study employed a quantitative method, whereby a structured, self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data from a non-probability convenience sample of 349 students (aged 18 to 24 years), across two South African public higher education institutionsâ€™ campuses located in the Gauteng province. The collected data was examined using descriptive statistics, confirmatory factor analysis, reliability, correlation analysis and regression analysis. The coefficient of multiple determination (R2) was 0.070 that implies that in-store atmosphere, in-store browsing and promotions can predict seven percent of the variance in Generation Y studentsâ€™ cognitive response to buy on impulse, which proposes that other variables influence Generation Y studentsâ€™ cognitive response to buy on impulse.
Employee Retention Factors: The Case of Hotels in Cape Town, South Africa
Authors: Ezeuduji Ikechukwu O , Mbane Thandokazi Lulu
Published: January 2020

High turnover of employees in the hotel sector has been widely reported in academic papers. This high turnover has associated costs, such as financial costs, inconsistency in delivering service quality, and probable loss of customer loyalty. This empirical study investigates hotel employeesâ€™ responses to statements that relate to work conditions that support employee retention. Selected three, four and five star hotels in Cape Town, South Africa participated in this study. A structured respondent-completed questionnaire was used to collect data that were subjected to descriptive, bivariate and multivariate analyses. Result highlights suggest that hotel employees, dominated by the female population, are mostly not so desperate to leave their employment soon, however not many of them have worked in the hotel for more than five years. There are positive inter-correlations among â€˜employee retentionâ€™ factor and other factors that relate to work conditions that support employee retention (compensation, employee development, work engagement, work relations, and working hours). Results also show that â€˜strict supervisionâ€™, â€˜long working hoursâ€™ and â€˜perceived unfair salaryâ€™ are the top major concerns for hotel employees. These findings will enable hotel employers address employee concerns in order to curb the high employee turnover costs. Possible comparative research in other nations and continents will help establish cultural similarities and differences among nations or continents.
Entrepreneurial Barriers that are Confronted by Entrepreneurs Living with Physical Disabilities: A Thematic Analysis
Authors: Maziriri Eugine Tafadzwa , Madinga Welcome , Lose Thobekani
Published: January 2020

Living with a physical disability can interfere with an individualâ€™s ability to participate actively in economic and social life. It is imperative to comprehensively understand the entrepreneurial barriers hindering the development of entrepreneurs living with physical disabilities. In spite of the increasing research on entrepreneurship, there seems to be a paucity of studies that have investigated the entrepreneurial barriers that are faced by entrepreneurs living with physical disabilities in South Africa. This study set out to explore the entrepreneurial barriers that are confronted by entrepreneurs living with physical disabilities. In this study, data were collected within the Sebokeng Township, which is an African township located in the Vaal Triangle, south of Johannesburg in South Africa. A qualitative research approach was used to collect data for the study. The researchers gathered qualitative data by means of semi-structured face-to-face interviews and focus groups. The analysis of the qualitative data was conducted through the use of thematic analysis. The themes that emerged from the findings include lack of equipment and machinery, discrimination, business networking, hardships in obtaining start-up capital, knowledge of support centres for entrepreneurs living with physical disabilities, and lack of education and training. Each theme was discussed individually, followed by substantiating quotes. Most respondents stressed that the barriers they face hinder the survival and growth of their ventures. The paper suggested that in order to help entrepreneurs living with physical disabilities, the South African government must formulate some schemes that are most necessary for their improvement and betterment of their life.
South Africa's Youth Unemployment Dilemma: Whose Baby is it anyway?
Authors: Meyer Natanya
Published: January 2020

Youth unemployment is a major concern to various different countries, including South Africa, which ranked fourth-worst in the global youth unemployment ratings in 2013 and 2014reaching rates of more than 50 percent. Entrepreneurship development and increased employability through appropriate skills development have been considered as possible solutions to this growing problem. The aim of this study is to determine perceptions of students pertaining their entrepreneurial outlook and perceived employability. Validated Entrepreneurship- and Employability Scales were used to determine entrepreneurial outlook and perceived employability perception. A total of 293 students from a South African University participated in this study. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, histograms, Pearson correlation, MANOVA and ANOVA. The findingsof this studyshow that studentâ€™sperceptions indicated that if they haveamore entrepreneurial outlook, it could strongly increase their employability. They also do not think that after the completion of their degrees that they would be more employable. A significance difference was found between year level of study, race, age, and perception of entrepreneurial outlook and employability variables of the students.They seem to have a realistic view when it comes to the risk of possible unemployment for some time after graduation. Based on these findings, it is suggested that introducing entrepreneurship training and employability programs (skills development) to students during the completion of their higher education career, could assist in the reduction of youth unemployment in South Africa.
Does Financial Development Lead to Poverty Reduction in China? Time Series Evidence
Authors: Ho Sin-Yu , Iyke Bernard Njindan
Published: January 2020

The impact of financial development on poverty reduction has received attention in the literature recently. While the connection between financial development and poverty may appear straight forward in theory, in empirics it may be much complicated. This study attempted at empirically assessing the causal links between financial development and poverty reduction in China for the period 1985â€“2014. The study used the Toda-Yamamoto causality test to avoid pretesting bias that has featured majority of the existing studies. The study utilized two standard proxies for financial development, namely: the domestic private credit by banks as percentage of GDP, and money supply (M2) as percentage of GDP; and a standard proxy for poverty reduction namely: the household final consumption expenditure per capita growth (annual percentage). The study found a bidirectional causal flow between financial development and poverty reduction, implying that the causal flow between these important variables is independent of the proxy for financial development. This means that financial sector reforms and poverty reduction programs are more of â€œwin-winâ€ strategies in the case of China. Therefore policymakers in China should continue to implement robust financial sector reforms and poverty reduction strategies.
The influence of Ghana's national culture on latent entrepreneurs: An application of Social Rule System Theory
Authors: Ansah Martin Owusu , Chinomona Richard
Published: January 2020

The impact of Ghana's national culture on its latent entrepreneurial activities are in frequently studied on - as compare to social, economic and financial influences. The current studyexamined the impact of Ghana's national culture on its latent entrepreneurs amongSmall and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs) from the view point of Social Rule System theory. The study employeda simple random sampling technique ineliciting251 respondents from the Business city of Kumasi in Ghana.It employedStructural Equation Modelling statistical technique (SEM) using Amos software version 22 in analysing the data. The results showed that, masculine and high power distance cultures in Ghana have significant positive effects on peoples' intention to become entrepreneurs. High uncertainty avoidance and collective cultures had positive and insignificant effects on latent entrepreneurs. Thestudy presents significant contribution to the existing academic literature on national culture and latent entrepreneurial activities. Italso brings additional step towards a fundamental means of empowering people into SMEs in any developing country. Recommendationsare also providedfor useful suggestionstogovernment and policy makers in Africa towards the improvement of Small and Medium Sized Enterprises.
Awareness of Ecological Economics as a Model for Promoting Sustainable Construction
Authors: Oke Ayodeji , Aigbavboa Clinton , Ndou Mpho
Published: January 2020

Construction industry is a major consumer of natural resources and this has a significant impact on the environment and socio-economic development of society. The result of this impact includes deforestation; climate change, air, water and land pollution; and the like. Ecological economics (EE) models are tools for assessing and understanding these issues with a view to enhancing green buildings and sustainable construction in general. As part of a continuous study, this research therefore examines the level of awareness of the concept of EE by construction professionals in a quest to adopting the principle of sustainable development. Data were collected through questionnaires administered on relevant and experienced construction professionals such as construction project managers, architects, engineers, quantity surveyors and construction managers. EE as an aid would help in mitigating construction impacts on the environment, thereby enhancing sustainability but it is barely practised in the construction industry. This is as a result of the fact that construction professionals have little or no knowledge of its existence in the local industry. Most professionals with knowledge of the concept in the study area obtained the information on sustainability through the media and short courses .. The basic influencing factors are related to professionals' levels of education, the economic development of the country and knowledge of the environment. Introducing EE through communicating new ideas to stakeholders (through environmental campaigns, conferences, and the like) as well as incentivising ideas for change relating to greener construction will assist in overcoming the barriers to the adoption of EE in the construction industry. Professionals also need to keep abreast of current sustainable practices, their benefits, challenges, barriers as well as the methods of overcoming these barriers in their quest for delivering sustainable projects.
Technology-Enhanced Knowledge Management Framework for Retaining Research Knowledge among University Academics
Authors: Rambe Patient , Mbeo Mpho Agnes
Published: January 2020

Given the challenge of retaining the research knowledge of an aging, experienced professoriate at South African Universities of Technology, institutions with a nascent tradition of scholarly research, this paper explores the feasibility of a technology-enhanced knowledge management framework for generating, sharing and retaining tacit research knowledge to leverage research outputs at the Central University of Technology (CUT), Free State, South Africa. Since digital trails of established-novice researcher interactions are left behind whenever they interact in online platforms, an examination of such interactions can provide insights into the sharing and transferring of tacit research knowledge from senior researchers to novices. This theoretical study draws on Nonaka and Takeuchiâ€™s Theory of Organisational Knowledge Creation, an emerging technology platform, SharePoint, mainstream literature and the authorsâ€™ reflective experiences to develop a technology-enhanced knowledge management model. The paper argues that tacit knowledge can be assimilated from a comprehensive examination of the knowledge production interactions between senior academics and novices enabled by low threshold technology and collaborative sharing of content. This studyâ€™s insights are relevant to Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) struggling to create a sustainable culture of scholarly research and grow a new generation of competent researchers amid the attrition of senior academics and the prevalence of systemic blockages in knowledge transfer processes.
A Bank Failure Prediction Model for Zimbabwe: A Corporate Governance Perspective
Authors: Chokuda Tinevimbo Santu , Nkomazana Njabulo , Mawanza Wilford
Published: January 2020

The primary objective of this study was to come up with a bank failure prediction model for Zimbabwe. The research sample comprised five failed commercial banks that were operational in 2003 as well as five non-failed commercial banks that were operational during that same period. The model developed in this research was applied to each of these banks and a failure classification awarded. Out of a sample of ten banks, the model misclassified one bank as failed instead of non-failed and this signified a strong predictive power. Results revealed a distinct pattern of owner managed banks being predicted to fail while those banks run by professional managers, divorced from ownership, were getting high passes, a sign of stability. Some owner managed entities were predicted as non-failing and this was interpreted as emanating from a strong presence of institutional and other outside shareholders with a significant shareholding in the banks and thus eliminating shareholder concentration. The findings from the research showed that owner managers were more likely to commit corporate governance abuses than professional managers. It was concluded that corporate governance factors significantly contributed to the bank failures experienced in Zimbabwe between 2003 and 2004. As a result, banks need to focus more on corporate governance factors to avoid failures in the future.
Can Sound Corporate Governance Alleviate Corporate Failure? A Study of the Zimbabwean Financial Services Sector
Authors: Dlamini Banele , Tapera Julius , Chivasa Shynet
Published: January 2020

This study, using the Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) Regression Model, investigated the extent to which good corporate governance practices can minimise or alleviate corporate failure in the Zimbabwean Financial Services Sector. The results of the study reflected that sound corporate governance has a positive effect on corporate success and can alleviate corporate failure. It is thus recommended that financial institutions continuously adhere to sound corporate governance practices to guarantee corporate success and alleviate the collapse of financial institutions as has been witnessed in the past. The findings of the study will assist policy makers, regulators and players in the financial services sector to adhere to sound corporate governance practices, given its impact on corporate success. Further research could be carried out with regards the implementation of sound corporate governance in parastatals, quasi-government institutions and private sector companies in other sectors other that the financial services sector and how it can be monitored or enforced.
The Shemita Effect, How a Jewish agricultural law prompted fear for Evangelical investors: Confirmation Bias and Bandwagoning in Action
Authors: Newfeld Daria J.
Published: January 2020

This paper examines how Shemita, a Jewish agricultural law only applicable in Israel came to be viewed by Evangelical Christian Investors as a signal of a potential stock market crash in September, 2015 purportedly as a consequence of G-dâ€™s displeasure with the United States. In 2014 Johnathan Cahn, a popular Evangelical preacher, published â€œThe Shemita Effectâ€ which claimed that the seven year Shemita cycle mirrored stock market patterns over the last 50 years and suggested an impending crash. This theory was quickly taken up by conservative Christian Evangelical media and at least one man was convinced enough to start an entire investment company based on it despite the fact that it is easily disproven using basic statistical analysis of freely available data. This bizarre incident illustrates confirmation bias and bandwagoning effects in action, amplified with religious fervor.
Regulation, Cross Border Migrants and the Choice of Remittance Channels in South Africa
Authors: Akinboade Oludele Akinloye , Daseman Anrich , Taft Trevor , Molobi Victor M.S.
Published: January 2020

Remittances have become an increasingly important factor in developing economies. Among others, compliance with onerous regulation requirements discourages the use of formal methods of remittances. The paper discusses results from a survey of the influence of regulation on the choice of migrantsâ€™ remittance channels in South Africa. It aims to highlight how regulation affects the choice between formal and informal channels of remitting funds. A questionnaire was administered to collect primary data from migrants seeking documentations from the Department of Home Affairs, those remitting funds at taxi ranks or bus terminals, and those remitting through commercial banks and money transfer operators. 275 responses were analysed using a Likert rating scale format of 1 (highest) to 5 (lowest). Regulatory requirements of documentary evidence are an important factor influencing the choice of the remittance channel used. Documentation requirement in the formal market causes migrants to be ineligible for the formal channels of remittances and is a factor that influences the choice of remittance channel. Restrictive visa requirements could easily push migrants to become illegal aliens which further deny them access to formal remittance channels. The paper adds to the academic literature on the determinants of remittance channels in Africa. Understanding the relevant issues could assist regulatory authorities to restructure the remittance market with a view to encouraging migrant workers to enter the formal financial system.
Analysis of Crime Data in the Limpopo Province
Authors: Kyei Kwabena A
Published: January 2020

South Africa has a very high rate of murders, assaults, rapes and other crimes compared to most countries. Most South Africans who immigrate to other countries cite crime as the major reason. Crime has become a concern for all, the police, private security industry, real estate developer, car manufacturers, businessmen, etc. There is a high demand for crime prevention; and this calls for a continuous use of new, advanced and reliable methods to prevent crime. How bad is the level of crime in Limpopo and what are the major crime types? This study uses secondary data from the 2011 Census conducted by Statistics South Africa; and tries to look at the composition of crime in the province and the variables that influence crime, in order to propose measures to tackle and minimize crime in the province. Multivariate statistical analysis has been employed, and the study shows that the following variables; the population size, number of households, youth unemployment, growth rate, and dependency ratio; have a positive influence in the occurrence of crime. The study recommends the slowing down of population growth rate, decrease in household size and the reduction of youth unemployment to curb crime in the province.
The Significance of Mining Infrastructural Development on South African Economy from 1980-2013: An Econometric Approach
Authors: Marutle Ofentse William , Daw Olebogeng David
Published: January 2020

In this present paper we investigate the relationship between mining infrastructure and economic growth in South Africa from 1980-2013. The importance of this paper is to examine if there is both short and long run significant relationship between mining infrastructure and economic growth in South Africa. The data mining was collected from South African Reserve Bank (SARB) covering the range from 1980-2013 of the paper. Both Augmented Dickey Fuller (ADF) and Phillip Perron (PP) where used for stationarity tests. Johansen Cointegration test is employed in this paper; also Vector Error Correction Model (VECM) is also employed in this paper. In the results we obtained that there is a positive significant relationship between mining infrastructure and economic growth. There is also a causal relationship between mining infrastructure and economic growth, meaning the development of mining infrastructure does promote economic growth. In conclusion the policy makers should improve private infrastructure which will equip human capital to be more useful in contributing towards knowledge and innovation. This means South African government and mining industry should priorities the development of infrastructure as component that will be sufficient towards economic development.
Framework for Advancement of Women Working in Selected Regulatory Organizations in South Africa
Authors: Tladi Portia Mahwibi , Maleka Molefe Jonathan
Published: January 2020

The purpose of this study was to develop a framework that would be used as a guideline for managers to create a conducive environment for women to advance into management positions in selected regulatory organizations operating in the maritime and aviation industries. The literature reviewed revealed that mentoring, employment equity legislation, and not confirming to stereotypes were some of the factors leading to womenâ€™s advancement into management positions. Feminism and equity theory were used to give the study theoretical grounding. The research approach was qualitative, the population size was twenty (N=20) and the sample size was fifteen (n=15). The latter was attained after the saturation point had been reached. The research protocol was developed from the literature reviewed. Face-to-face interviews were conducted and qualitative content analysis was used to develop study themes manually. The major findings of the study were that these factors enhanced womenâ€™s advancement into management positions: qualification and industry-related experience, fair recruitment and selection practices, proper handover, mastering workâ€“life balance, and leadership and management development. It is envisaged that the results will empower managers and policy-makers dealing with employment equity, given the fact that women advancement into management positions is moving at a slow pace. In future a study can be conducted where a bigger sample size is used and the researchers could use the mixed-method approach. Furthermore, a follow-up study could be conducted using the same participants to establish whether they have advanced or not.
Savings Mobilization and Financial Development during the Multicurrency Regime Period in Zimbabwe
Authors: Tsaurai Kunofiwa
Published: January 2020

This paper seeks to investigate the relationship between savings and financial development in Zimbabwe using both autoregressive distributive lag (ARDL) and vector error correction model (VECM) approaches for comparison purposes with monthly time series data from January 2009 to August 2015. Four distinct hypotheses emerged from the literature and these are the savings-led financial development, financial development-led savings, feedback effect and the insignificant/no relationship hypothesis. The existence of diverging and contradicting views in empirical literature on the subject matter is evidence that the linkage between savings and financial development is still far from being concluded. Both F-Bounds and Johansen co-integration tests observed that there is a long run relationship between savings and financial development in Zimbabwe. What is even more unique about this study is that both ARDL and VECM noted the presence of a bi-directional causality relationship between savings and financial development in the short and long run in Zimbabwe. The implication of this study is that in order to increase economic growth, Zimbabwe authorities should increase savings mobilization efforts in order to boost financial development, which in turn attracts more savings inflow into the formal financial system.
Threshold Cointegration and Nonlinear Causality test between Inflation Rate and Repo Rate
Authors: Makatjane Katleho , Moroke Ntebogang , Xaba Diteboho
Published: January 2020

The current study investigated a cointegration and nonlinear causality relationships between inflation and repo rates of South Africa using the data spanning the period of January 2002 to March 2016. We used a threshold vector error correction model (TVECM) and nonlinear Granger frameworks causality to carry out the analysis. Preliminary analysis of data revealed the expected properties of the data such as nonlinearity, non-stationarity and co-movement of the variables. The two variables confirmed to be moving together in the long-run according to the observed supWald test statistic. Finally, the Diks-Panchenko nonlinear Causality test revealed a strong bidirectional nonlinear causal relationship between repo rate and inflation rate. The results imply that the use of repo rate to target the inflation rate during the target period did not address the financial problem in South Africa. Consequently, the study concluded that repo rate may not be a good measure to use for controlling inflation rates of South Africa.
Evaluating Entrepreneurial Features of Firm's Growth Using Confirmatory Factor Analysis
Authors: M Arthur-Aidoo B , C Aigbavboa , D Thwala W
Published: January 2020

The growth of Small and medium-size firms cannot ensue without the entrepreneurial features and the environment that the firm operates. The entrepreneurial characteristics, therefore, are vital due to the unique individualism of firm owners or sponsors. Construction SME growth-oriented firms are a significant contributor to Ghana's economic gain. Conversely, the concept of growth varies from one entrepreneur to the others depending on the exhibited skills by the entrepreneurs, hence entrepreneurial features. Numerous factors influence the entrepreneurial features as a factor of firmâ€™s growth. Some are of the factors are established and categorised as having strong influence while others are classified weak. This study, therefore, adopted the confirmatory factor analytical technique to justify the factors after exploring. To achieve the goal of the study, respondents such as firm owners, SME managers and construction professionals engaged by SMEs as the population were administered with questionnaires. In all, 315 questionnaires were given out in the form of semi-structured structured, but only 228 were retrieved for analysis representing a responds rate of 72 percent. The study established Cronbach alpha and composite reliability values that predicted the entrepreneurial feature as a subsequent determinant of firmâ€™s growth. Additionally, the hypothesis was supported statistically suggesting that there is a direct relationship between entrepreneurial features and firm growth.
Electronic Banking Services in Nigeria: Some Determinants and Opportunities for Households' Financial Inclusion
Authors: Oluwatayo Isaac B.
Published: January 2020

Economic transactions in many of the countries in Africa are still largely cash-based and many of these transactions are costly, inefficient, time consuming and sometimes risky because of the security situation in most countries in the continent. In fact, finality of payment is not always guaranteed because of potential counterfeits and the lack of financial discipline when cheques or other paper-based means of payment are used. The introduction of electronic banking services into the Nigerian banking sector has brought some respite considering the number of people now using electronic platforms such as the Automated Teller Machines (ATM), mobile phones, internet and bank websites instead of the conventional over the counter method used by most people. The result presented in here is based on secondary data consisting of 6002 respondents collected by The Financial Inclusion Insights Program, InterMedia. A descriptive analysis of data showed that the North-central (35%) and South-west (33%) geopolitical zones of the country had the highest as over one-third of the residents harnessed internet as the platform for their banking services. Meanwhile on the determinants of using electronic banking services, the result of the tobit model employed revealed age, gender, education status, and ownership of mobile phones as positive enablers and poverty status, distance to banking services and marital status as hiccups to using electronic banking services. The study therefore recommends welfare enhancement through provision of infrastructural facilities to ease access banking services, Also capacity building of respondents through education should be intensified since most of the people using these electronic platforms are those with a minimum of secondary education.
Profiling Smallholder Farmers Goals and Aspirations for Enhanced Agricultural Development: a Case of Smallholder Maize Farmers
Authors: Oyedokun Fakunle Olufemi , Leocadia Zhou
Published: January 2020

The intervention of government in the development of smallholder agriculture is still grappling and has not yielded the desired results, despite the huge investment from government. This has been a source of concern to government and policy makers. This paper sought to analyze the socio-demographic features of the smallholder maize farmers; profile the goals and aspirations of these farmers; and lastly, to analyze the technical efficiency of maize farmers. Qamata and Tyefu in the Transkei and Ciskei homelands, respectively were purposively chosen for the study. Descriptive statistics; Principal component analysis (PCA) and stochastic frontier analysis (SFA) were used in the analysis. The result shows, that majority (66%) of the farmers were males with an average range of 61 years old. On the other hand, the PCA indicated that there is a variation between predicted goals and aspiration among maize farmers. The SFA result showed that farmers were efficient. The mean technical efficiency estimates up to 100%, an indication that farmers are more efficient in the usage of factors of production at their disposal in the study area. This implies that smallholder maize farming is lucrative due to its profit-making potentials. Moreover, this is a clear indication that more income and wealth is generated thereby implying that it is strategic and pivotal in improving farmersâ€™ livelihoods
Entrepreneurial Inclination: South African Youth's Mental Attitude towards starting Tourism Business
Authors: Ezeuduji Ikechukwu O. , Ntshangase Sibusiso D.
Published: January 2020

This study assessed the tourism entrepreneurial intention of South African youth, and the mental attitude of those who have this intention. It used questionnaire survey to gather data from 207 youth resident in Mtubatuba Local Municipality, KwaZulu-Natal Province of South Africa, to address the study objectives. Data analyses reveal that a significant percentage of the youth have tourism entrepreneurial intention. Those who perceive themselves as entrepreneurial individuals and willing to start tourism businesses in the future exhibit some distinct mindset. This mental attitude depicts these individuals to be innovative, transformational, risk takers, persistence, strong-minded, visionary, optimistic, and goal-getters. The South African Government, through its Department of Labour, need to optimize its strategic and operational plans to support these entrepreneurial youth in acquiring business education and entrepreneurial skills, to empower them realise their dreams of starting and managing their own businesses. This will help curb the high rate of unemployment in South Africa, especially among the youth.
Internet Banking Adoption in South Africa: The Mediating Role of Consumer Readiness
Authors: C Aguidissou O , Shambare Richard , R Rugimbana
Published: January 2020

The recent rapid development of Internet banking (IB) around the world is not without certain challenges. For instance while a majority of banking SSTs (Self Service Technologies, e.g. ATMs and debit cards) have been well received by the South African market, consumers seem sceptical towards Internet banking. This paper seeks to test various conceptual frameworks of consumer adoption patterns of IB with the view of a framework with the greatest explanatory power for the South African market. To achieve the stated objective of a framework for IB adoption in South Africa, this paper suggests an approach not yet undertaken, according to the literature review conducted, within the South African retail banking industry â€“ investigating a comparison of the predictive efficacy of two common groupings of variables most cited in the consumer behaviour literature as important determinants of adoptive behaviour in SSTs. These are: perceptions of innovation characteristics and consumer readiness (CR) variables. Therefore, the primary objective of this article is the consideration of this gap within the body of knowledge around South African consumersâ€™ IB adoption behaviour. Through a descriptive quantitative analysis of 1516 large sample size, innovation characteristics as consumerâ€™s perceptions (complexity, perceived risk notably) or views (endogenous variables) were found with greatest predictive power over IB adoption, in the South African consumer market context. This finding is therefore for marketers (particularly in South Africa) a set of useful tools that can be relevant to promote the adoption of IB.
Measuring employee engagement of low-income workers either working at or visiting Marabastad Mall in the City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality
Authors: Maleka Molefe Jonathan , Schultz Cecile , Van Hoek Lize , Dachapalli Leigh-Anne Paul , Ragadu Suzette
Published: January 2020

The purpose of this study is to measure employee engagement of low-income workers either working at or visiting Marabastad Mall in the City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality (CTMM). The literature review revealed that in the South African context there is a dearth of research on predictors of employee engagement. The research design was a survey and the sample size was six hundred and forty-nine (n=649). The descriptive statistics show that the respondents were moderately disengaged, disaffected, and committed. The descriptive statistics also revealed that respondents moderately disagreed that they had training opportunities and they had a good quality of work life. The inferential statistics showed that males were more engaged than their female counterparts, part-time employees were slightly more engaged than full-time employees and employees who were unionised were more engaged than the non-union members.  It was also found that job satisfaction was the highest predictor of employee engagement (Î² = 0.28, p<0.05). The study has implications for policymakers that employees earning between R1 000.00 and R10 000.00 are less engaged and committed and their job satisfaction levels were low. The implication for managers is that they must be aware that development and recognition of employees and job satisfaction predict employee engagement. Quality of work life and labour relations did not predict employee engagement
Income Diversification, Inequality and Poverty among Rural Households in Oyo State, Nigeria
Authors: Alawode Olubunmi O , Oluwatayo Isaac B , Abdullahi Afusat O
Published: January 2020

The study examined income diversification, inequality and poverty among rural households in Oyo state, Nigeria. Cross-section data were generated from the survey conducted on a sample of 200 households with the aid of structured questionnaire using multi-stage sampling procedure. Descriptive statistics, diversification index, Gini coefficient, FGT poverty index, and the Probit regression model were used to analyze data. Mean income diversification index of 1.22 shows that majority of the respondents had multiple streams of income but crop farming had the largest share (90%) in total income. Mean income of respondents was â‚¦77,613.2Â±83575.01, and Gini coefficient of 0.48, 0.46, and 0.39 were obtained for total income, nonagricultural income, and agricultural income respectively. The poverty line was â‚¦6,490.50 and mean per capita expenditure was â‚¦9,735.74. The head count ratio showed that 53.5% of the households were poor while 46.5% were regarded as non-poor, and poverty gap was 0.214. From probit results, age, secondary occupation, and farm size had significant inverse relationship with poverty status. Having primary and secondary income sources is poverty reducing, therefore, rural households should be encouraged to remain in farming, especially crop farming, and motivated through skill acquisition to diversify into other income generating activities.