bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ambivalencia transitiva y estructura argumental: resultados de un estudio de uso
Authors: Ibáñez Sergio , Melis Chantal
Published: August 2016

En este trabajo nos ocupamos de un grupo de verbos que en la bibliografía son considerados de transitividad ambivalente, en el sentido de que pueden aparecer en oraciones con y sin objeto directo explícito: comer, dibujar, llorar, sonreír, dormir, soñar y rezar. El objetivo central es explorar, con base en datos de corpus, la posibilidad de establecer estructuras argumentales léxicas de base que puedan dar cuenta de la variabilidad construccional atestiguada en el uso. En particular, examinamos la frecuencia de aparición de construcciones transitivas e intransitivas y la productividad de los objetos, en términos de su variación semántico-referencial y de sus alternativas de codificación sintagmática. El análisis muestra que sí es posible distinguir entre verbos de estructura argumental bivalente, que en ciertos contextos prescinden de su objeto, y aquellos que son claramente monovalentes y que sólo de forma marginal se combinan con un objeto de tipo cognado. De manera interesante, las estructuras argumentales que emergen del uso no siempre coinciden con lo señalado en estudios de foco puramente teórico.
El tratamiento de un corpus de anglicismos de la prensa mexicana del siglo XX en los diccionarios de la RAE
Authors: Vázquez Amador María
Published: August 2016

Debido a la gran importancia adquirida por el inglés en el siglo pasado, la incorporación de anglicismos al resto de las lenguas se ha convertido en un fenómeno global. México, país colindante con los Estados Unidos de América, es uno de los países hispano-hablantes afectados por esta tendencia.El objetivo de este trabajo es determinar el grado de admisión de un corpus de anglicismos encontrados en la prensa mexicana publicada durante siglo XX en las distintas ediciones del Diccionario de la lengua española, obra de referencia de la Real Academia Española y del Diccionario manual e ilustrado de la lengua española, resumen a la vez que suplemento de este. Se examinará en qué edición se admitieron por primera vez estos anglicismos, la información etimológica atribuida y las modificaciones gráficas sufridas, y se comparará esta información con la ofrecida en la 22ª edición del diccionario con el fin de determinar si se han observado cambios en estos anglicismos a nivel gráfico, léxico o semántico.
Beatriz Arias Álvarez, María Guadalupe Juárez Cabañas y Juan Nadal Palazón, Mosaico de estudios coloniales (I Coloquio Internacional de Lenguas y Culturas Coloniales, 2008). México, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, 2013, 532 pp. ISBN: 978-607-02-4180-2
Authors: Mendoza Posadas Mauro Alberto
Published: August 2016

Dicen los autores que “el principal objetivo de este volumen es ofrecer las diversas perspectivas desde las cuales se puede estudiar la Colonia” (p. 10) y, en efecto, la diversidad con la que se ataca en estas páginas ese periodo histórico, clave para el entendimiento de nuestra actualidad económica, social y cultural —y por lo tanto lingüística—, le dan forma a este mosaico. En este volumen se reúne una amplia serie de trabajos que originalmente fueron presentados en el I Coloquio Internacional de Lenguas y Culturas Coloniales, realizado entre el 3 y el 5 de noviembre de 2008 en el Instituto de Investigaciones Filológicas de la UNAM, los cuales fueron cuidadosamente revisados y dictaminados para su inclusión en el volumen. Como veremos, este tipo de obra contribuye indudablemente al entendimiento de la colonia.
Virginia Bertolotti, A mí de vos no me trata ni usted ni nadie. Sistemas e historia de las formas de tratamiento en la lengua española en América, México, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, 2015, 484 pp. ISBN: 978-607-02-6627-0
Authors: Cepeda Ruiz Cristal Yeseidy
Published: August 2016

A mí de vos no me trata ni usted ni nadie… es una obra abarcadora sobre las formas de tratamiento pronominales y verbales en el español de América que se enfoca, por un lado, en la historia de los tratamientos de segunda persona, especialmente los singulares y, por otro lado, en las características particulares de los sistemas alocutivos actuales. El libro es el fruto de la investigación doctoral de Virginia Bertolotti Los cambios en la segunda persona del singular durante el siglo XIX en el español del Uruguay, así como de su experiencia como docente del curso que da nombre a la obra (A mí de vos no me trata ni usted ni nadie…), llevado a cabo en el Instituto de Investigaciones Filológicas de la Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México durante el 2012.
Type II Bivariate Generalized Power Series Poisson Distribution and its Applications in Risk Analysis
Authors: Jose K.K , Jacob Shalitha
Published: August 2016

In this paper we consider type II bivariate generalized power series Poisson distribution as a compound Poisson distribution with bivariate generalized power series compounding distribution. We obtain some properties, p.m.f. and conditional distributions. In addition we also give a brief discussion about the multivariate extension of this case. Then we introduce type II bivariate generalized power series Poisson process and consider a bivariate risk model with type II bivariate generalized power series Poisson model as the counting process. For this model we derive distribution of the time to ruin and bounds for the probability of ruin. We obtain partial integro-differential equation for the ruin probabilities and express its bivariate transform through two univariate boundary transforms,where one of the initial capitals is fixed at zero.
Assessing Uncertainty in LULC Classification Accuracy by Using Bootstrap Resampling
Authors: Hsiao Lin-Hsuan , Cheng Ke-sheng
Published: August 2016

Supervised land-use/land-cover (LULC) classifications are typically conducted using class assignment rules derived from a set of multiclass training samples. Consequently, classification accuracy varies with the training data set and is thus associated with uncertainty. In this study, we propose a bootstrap resampling and reclassification approach that can be applied for assessing not only the uncertainty in classification results of the bootstrap-training data sets, but also the classification uncertainty of individual pixels in the study area. Two measures of pixel-specific classification uncertainty, namely the maximum class probability and Shannon entropy, were derived from the class probability vector of individual pixels and used for the identification of unclassified pixels. Unclassified pixels that are identified using the traditional chi-square threshold technique represent outliers of individual LULC classes, but they are not necessarily associated with higher classification uncertainty. By contrast, unclassified pixels identified using the equal-likelihood technique are associated with higher classification uncertainty and they mostly occur on or near the borders of different land-cover.
Thermal Conductivity of Polymer Composites Filled with Nanofillers
Authors: Kiran Raj
Published: August 2016

Polymer nanocomposites are composed of polymer materials reinforced with nano fillers. In the present study the effective thermal conductivity of the composites filled with nanofillers has been investigated using commercially available finite element software ABAQUS 6.11. The nanofillers used were alumina particles and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) and the matrix was considered to be made of epoxy. For the analysis 2D and 3D Representative Volume Elements (RVEs) were generated using Random Sequential Adsorption (RSA) algorithm using MATLAB and Python scripts. Thermal conductivity was found out for 2D and 3D RVEs for different area and weight fractions respectively. Two different shapes of the alumina nanoparticles were considered: spherical (circular) and ellipsoidal (elliptical) for 3D (2D) analysis. It was found that the thermal conductivity was increased with the addition of nanofillers. The increase in thermal conductivity was approximately same for both types of inclusions at corresponding area or weight fractions in 2D or 3D analysis. The results showed that addition of MWNTs to the composites lead to a significant increase in thermal conductivity than spherical or ellipsoidal inclusions.
A Model to Estimate the Cost-Effectiveness of Water Pollution Management Strategies in Developing Countries: The Cocody Bay Case, Côte d’Ivoire
Authors: Sanogo Vassiki
Published: August 2016

The pollution of the bays in Abidjan is a major concern for the Ivorian policy makers. In fact, the pollution of the bays induce high costs to the society while impacting population health dramatically. As a result, pollution reduction management of production activities has been undertaken in the Cocody Bay area. To our knowledge, no study has yet proposed a model to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of these pollution management strategies. A cost-effectiveness model, based on Monte Carlo simulation, was developed to assess the economic and environmental impacts of various scenarios characterized by a set of production practices, both in the short term and in the long term. The authors discuss the steps and input parameters of the model presented. The proposed model may serve as the basis for identifying an optimal production scenario defined as the scenario with the best incremental cost-effectiveness ratio considering a willingness to pay (WTP) threshold. The WTP, to be estimated based on the gross domestic product of Côte d’Ivoire, represents the opportunity costs associated with selecting the optimal scenario. The current framework can also be applied to other settings facing similar challenge.
Contribution of Glottic Insufficiency to Perceived Breathiness in Classically Trained Singers
Authors: Graham Ellen , Angadi Vrushali , Sloggy Joanna , Stemple Joseph
Published: August 2016

Breathiness in the singing voice is problematic for classical singers. Voice students and singing teachers typically attribute breathiness to breath management issues and breathing technique. The present study sought to determine whether glottic insufficiency may also contribute to
breathiness in a singer’s voice. Studies have revealed a relationship between insufficient vocal fold closure and inefficiency in the speaking voice. However, the effect of insufficient vocal fold closure on vocal efficiency in singers has yet to be determined. Two groups of voice students
identified with and without breathiness issues underwent aerodynamic and acoustic voice assessment as well as laryngeal stroboscopy of the vocal folds to quantify the prevalence of insufficient vocal fold closure, also known as glottic insufficiency. These assessments revealed four groups:
1) those with glottic insufficiency and no perceived voice breathiness; 2) those with glottic sufficiency and perceived voice breathiness; 3) those with glottic insufficiency and perceived breathiness; and 4) those with glottic sufficiency and no perceived breathiness. Results suggest that
previously undiscovered glottal insufficiency is common in young singers, particularly women, though the correlation with identified breathiness was not statistically significant. Acoustic and aerodynamic measures including noise-to-harmonics ratio, maximum phonation time, airflow rate, subglottal
pressure, and laryngeal airway resistance were most sensitive to glottic insufficiency.
Fertilizer Microdosing in the Humid Forest Zone of Ghana: An Efficient Strategy for Increasing Maize Yield and Income in Smallholder Farming
Authors: Okebalama Chinyere B. , Safo Ebenezer Y. , Yeboah Edward , Abaidoo Robert C. , Logah Vincent
Published: August 2016

Core Ideas

N–P–K fertilizer microdosing increased maize yields by 99% in the humid forest zone.

Gleyic Plinthic Acrisol produced higher maize grain yield than the Plinthic Acrisol.

Microdosing increased N, P, and K use efficiency of maize in rotation vs. sole cropping.

Maize grain yield and net returns were optimal with N20P40K20and N0P40K20microdoses.

High fertilizer costs pose a challenge in smallholder farming; optimizing fertilizer recommendations that are affordable to resource‐poor farmers could increase crop yield and income. The study aimed to determining the yield and economic effects of N–P–K fertilizer microdosing on maize (Zea maysL.) crops on Gleyic Plinthic Acrisol (GPA) and Plinthic Acrisol (PA) in the semideciduous rainforest zone of Ghana using a split‐plot randomized complete block design with three replications. The field trial included two cropping systems (continuous maize cropping [CMC] and cowpea [Vigna unguiculata(L.) Walp.]–maize rotation [CMR]) as main plots with four treatments (N0P0K0, N0P20K20,N0P40K20, and N20P40K20) and the recommended fertilizer rate (N90P60K60) as subplots. Fertilizer treatment effects on maize stover and grain yields were assessed. The microdose treatments increased maize yields by 32 to 99% across cropping systems and soil types. Maize grain yield increase was higher on the GPA than on the PA. The N90P60K60and N20P40K20treatments resulted in higher grain and stover yields than the other treatments across cropping systems and soil types. Among the treatments maximum grain yield increases of 76 and 99% were obtained with N20P40K20on the PA and the GPA, respectively, under CMC. Under CMR, grain yield increased by 46% with N0P40K20(PA) and 74% with N0P20K20(GPA). The largest net return was obtained with N20P40K20under CMC across both soil types and with N0P20K20(GPA) and N0P40K20(PA) under CMR. These fertilizer microdoses can be considered appropriate for increasing maize yield and the income of smallholder farmers.
Facebook, la Mark(a) de lo social en los albores del siglo XXI
Authors: Cogollo Ospina Sonia Natalia
Published: August 2016

En el año 2003, luego de que Erica Albright terminara su noviazgo con Mark Zuckerberg, éste en medio de la ebriedad y el despecho, comenzó a divulgar intimidades de ella a través de la red y a comparar chicas para clasificar quiénes eran las más atractivas de las distintas casas de Harvard. Éste fue el hecho que dio origen a la fama del estudiante de ingeniería de sistemas, con un alto coeficiente intelectual, pero con dificultades para establecer relaciones sociales y sobre todo, para ingresar a las hermandades o, en otras palabras, a las redes sociales presenciales de la segunda universidad más prestigiosa a nivel mundial. Es clave pensar en este deseo como el eje para la posterior creación del famoso libro de rostros, “Facebook”, la marca más popular de las redes sociales en Colombia y el mundo; para ello, ahondaremos un poco en la figura de Mark Zuckerberg.
Las creencias en el noviazgo universitario: infidelidad, mentira y engaño
Authors: Botero Álvarez Sara , Builes Cedula Cristian Fabián , Zurisaday García Bonilla Zurisaday , Gil Saldarriaga Manuela , Ramírez Guerrero Karen
Published: August 2016

Este ejercicio de investigación se llevó a cabo bajo un diseño metodológico cualitativo. Con este diseño se lograron identificar, desde los lenguajes juveniles y sus experiencias, las creencias que son factores importantes para la generación de violencia en los noviazgos. Algunas de estas creencias entre universitarios son: la intolerancia, la inseguridad, la infidelidad, la falta de diálogo, el irrespeto, los celos, la incidencia del ambiente, la baja autoestima, entre otras. Estas categorías emergentes dan cuenta de las creencias sociales existentes en estos sujetos, con respecto al cómo o al por qué se generan actos de violencia en las relaciones de noviazgo en las parejas heterosexuales de jóvenes universitarios.
Acompañamiento escolar: punto de conexión para el rendimiento académico en niñas de primer grado
Authors: Atehortúa Vélez Maribel Regina , Giraldo Franco Maribel , Gallego Henao Adriana Maria
Published: August 2016

El presente trabajo es producto de la investigación Acompañamiento escolar: punto de conexión para el rendimiento académico en niñas de primer grado, realizado en el Colegio Calasanz Femenino[1], Medellín, Colombia. Para darle viabilidad al proyecto se trazaron objetivos como: describir el acompañamiento de los adultos significativos[2] e identificar el rendimiento académico de las estudiantes con relación al acompañamiento brindado por los adultos.El estudio fue cualitativo, desde el paradigma hermenéutico, sin embargo, se empleó la encuesta como instrumento de corte cuantitativo. También se aplicaron entrevistas y grupo focal con cuidadores y maestros. Se encontró que el rendimiento de las niñas está proporcionalmente relacionado con el acompañamiento de calidad[3] que los adultos significativos les ofrecen a las niñas. Se concluye que el rendimiento académico se encuentra vinculado a la dimensión afectiva, mediado no tanto por la cantidad de tiempo que se les dedica a las niñas en el desarrollo de los deberes escolares sino en la calidad del mismo.[1] La población que acoge el colegio es femenina, por lo que en el presente estudio se empleará el término “niñas”.[2]En el proyecto se entendió como adultos significativos a todas aquellas personas que acompañan el proceso educativo de las niñas, para este caso madres, padres, abuelos, empleadas y demás.[3]En el estudio se entiende acompañamiento de calidad a aspectos relacionados con: la paciencia, la tolerancia, el tiempo y el trato afectivo.
El rol del auxiliar de investigación como constructor de conocimiento: un aporte desde sus experiencias académicas y personales
Authors: Calle García Sindy Alejandra , Franco Manuela , Londoño Licona Luisa Fernanda , Urrego Rivera Tatiana
Published: August 2016

Este artículo pretende dar a conocer la importancia de pertenecer a un semillero de investigación y de ser partícipes como auxiliares de investigación en proyectos académicos, desde experiencias que permiten una formación significativa tanto en ámbitos académicos (planeación, estructuración y  ejecución de proyectos), como personales (circunstancias familiares, relaciones interpersonales e intrapersonales), logrando la reflexión de las diversas situaciones de la vida cotidiana. De esta manera, el rol de auxiliar de investigación permite dar paso a la integración de conocimientos teórico-prácticos.
Sentimientos y pensamientos de niños bajo vulneración de derechos
Authors: Gallego Henao Adriana María , Restrepo Álvarez María Camila , Duque Ríos Julieth Andrea , Pineda Duque Diana Lucía , Montaño Ochoa Kelly Johana
Published: August 2016

Este artículo tiene por objetivo dar a conocer los diferentes sentimientos y pensamientos que se generan en los niños y las niñas que han sido víctimas de vulneración de derechos dentro del núcleo familiar. Para ello, se acudió a un paradigma cualitativo desde el enfoque hermenéutico, utilizándose como estrategia el estudio de caso. Los participantes fueron niños y niñas entre los 7 y 13 años de edad, quienes se encuentran vinculados al programa “Avanzando” de la Escuela de Trabajo San José (Bello, Antioquia). Se encontró que los sentimientos y pensamientos más arraigados en estos niños y niñas son la cólera, la soledad, la tristeza, entre otros, manifestándose generalmente en comportamientos de agresividad, aislamiento o ambos. Se concluye que los sentimientos de abandono o frustración están relacionados generalmente con la historia personal de los niños y las niñas y que estas historias son reflejadas en el contexto escolar, a partir de comportamientos de agresividad, baja autoestima y aislamiento.
Sobre las semejanzas en el pensamiento entre Dussel y Rousseau: pedagógica y dominación
Authors: Ochoa Silva Edwin Arley
Published: August 2016

El presente texto tiene la pretensión de mostrar un paralelo que vincula el pensamiento de Enrique Dussel y Jean Jacques Rousseau, mostrando la similitud que puede haber entre ambos cuando hablan de los conceptos de pedagogía y dominación. Para ello será indispensable tener en cuenta el contexto al que pertenecen ambos autores y la intención con la que hablan de los modelos educativos y sus presupuestos de dominación.
Mujer enferma y niña muerta: relaciones con la Alianza y la ley
Authors: Patiño Martínez Rigoberto
Published: August 2016

Desde el texto de Mc 5, 21-43 se abordan diversos elementos de relación entre la mujer que aparece enferma y la Antigua Alianza, así como entre la niña muerta y la ley que era celebrada en la sinagoga. En este sentido, se trata de dar respuesta a interrogantes como: ¿por qué aparecen en esta misma perícopa la mujer y la niña? ¿cómo se relacionan la mujer con flujo de sangre y la hija de Jairo? ¿cómo se relaciona la mujer enferma con la Antigua Alianza? ¿existe alguna relación entre la niña y la ley celebrada en la sinagoga? También se considera que, a semejanza de la mujer y la niña, en el encuentro con Jesucristo, tanto los sacrificios de la antigua alianza como la ley sinagogal encuentran su salud y plenitud.
Chinese renminbi, Mexican peso U.S. dollar exchange rates and their competitive positions in export markets
Authors: V. Nguyen Chu , Mahboob Ali Muhammad , Angert Cory
Published: August 2016

Since, in the NAFTA era, the Mexican economy is much more advanced in the manufacturing sector than those of other Latin American countries, Mexico competes directly with China for U.S. imports. This study empirically investigates the behavior of the Mexican peso/Chinese yuan, Mexican peso/U.S. dollar, and Chinese yuan/U.S. dollar real exchange rates to determine whether the exchange rate policies serve as contributing factors to the subpar performance of the Mexican economy. The empirical findings suggest that the Mexican, Chinese, and U.S. real exchange rates, over the sample period, prove consistent with predations of the purchasing power parity theory; therefore, exchange rate policies may not be a contributing factor to the poor performance of the Mexican economy
Interaction effect between product and process innovation: the case of Tunisian banks
Authors: Abir Mabrouk , Raoudha Dhouibi , Emna Rouetbi
Published: August 2016

The authors examine the impact of the relationship between two types of financial innovation and bank performance. The research attempts to test hypotheses that are not yet validated by previous studies focusing on the financial services industry, thus, giving the study an exploratory look. The authors try, specifically, to determine the interaction effect of both types of financial innovation on bank performance and, then, try to enrich innovation theory with new hypotheses on product and process innovation. The results show that Tunisian banks have begun, probably, to see the importance or the need for the simultaneous adoption of two types of financial innovation since 1995 to improve their poor performance. The authors also find that the interaction effect of product and process innovation reduces profitability. However, efficiency is achieved in terms of market share and value. The authors conclude that financial innovation is a value creation instrument for Tunisian banks
Learning curve from the financial economic crisis of 2008 for organizations: a conceptual viewpoint
Authors: M. Valitov Shamil , A. Nigmetzyanov Almaz , Isioma Ukpere Wilfred , L. Grigoryeva Leona
Published: August 2016

The objective of this paper is to critically analyze the concept of organizations considered as a too big to fail and how this phenomenon played out within the recent financial economic crisis of 2008. Special attention was paid to its negative characteristics and consequences. Nevertheless, these types of institutions seem to have become an inalienable part of the mo-dern financial world. The authors explored literatures on the relevant financial sector reforms by considering the experience of Switzerland and USA with regards to the Financial Stability Board. The authors suggest that financial economic crisis of 2008 revealed the necessity to carry out measures to prevent systemic risk caused by large financial organizations
Financial structure and economic performance in selected African countries: time series evidence
Authors: Rateiwa Ronald , Jesse Aziakpono Meshach
Published: August 2016

In this paper, the authors investigate the long-debated question of whether or not a country’s financial structure matters for economic performance and, if so, how exactly it matters. The study uses the Johansen cointegration and vector error correction modelling framework within a country-specific setting to examine empirically the existence of a long-run equilibrium relationship between the financial structure of a country and per capita GDP and the causality thereof. The empirical assessment is based on evidence from selected African countries over the period 1971-2013, notably Egypt, Nigeria and South Africa. Firstly, cointegration test results reported in this paper show that there exists a strong relationship between the financial structure of Egypt and South Africa, and per capita GDP in these countries. However, such a relationship is weak in Nigeria, mainly attributable to its low level of financial development and the possibility of the natural resource curse emanating from the oil industry. Secondly, the evidence also strongly suggests that the nature of the relationship between the financial structure of Egypt and South Africa and per capita GDP is positive, albeit based on different measures of financial structure. In Egypt, financial structure is measured by the S-Size ratio, while, in South Africa, it is proxied by the S-Activity ratio. In Nigeria, there is no evidence suggesting that the country’s financial structure influences per capita GDP. Lastly, coefficients of the error correction term for all three countries are low, suggesting inefficiencies in the financial system and possible rigidities within the economies
Leadership performance of financial firms on climate change action
Authors: Burnett Amy , Schellhorn Carolin
Published: August 2016

Global awareness of the urgent need to decarbonize the economy has been growing. Although legislative and regulatory actions have been lagging, some businesses have emerged as leaders in this process. In particular, financial institutions as information producers and resource allocators play an important role. In order to accelerate the global transition to a low-carbon economy, market participants need to develop the ability to identify and support firms that are leading on climate change action. Using CDP data on ten climate change action metrics for 2013, the authors apply the dichotomous Rasch model to rank the overall climate change action performance of U.S. financial firms across multiple dimensions of this effort. Simultaneously, the results identify the climate change action metrics for which success was most difficult to achieve. The authors show that investors, managers and regulators should consider ranking firms using this more comprehensive methodology rather than the CDP’s Performance Band or the CDP’s Disclosure Score alone when assessing firm leadership in this area. While this study focuses on financial firms, a similar analysis could be conducted for ranking firms in other industries as well. The authors’ results are important for investors, managers and regulators charged with firm performance evaluation and resource allocation in the face of growing pressures to decarbonize the global economy
The accrual anomaly in the Greek stock market
Authors: A. Papanastasopoulos Georgios , I. Tsalas Andreas , D. Thomakos Dimitrios
Published: August 2016

The authors examine the negative relation of traditional accruals and % accruals with future returns in the Greek stock market. Positive abnormal returns from hedge portfolios on both accrual measures summarize the economic significance of this negative relation. The magnitude of returns obtained from traditional accruals is higher than that obtained from % accruals, contrary to existing evidence from the U.S. capital market. The analysis suggests that the accrual anomaly appears to be present in the Greek stock market: this has macroeconomic implications because firms with low reported accruals may exhibit higher stock returns and at this time, during the ongoing Greek capital market crisis, investors are more likely to gain substantial abnormal returns in the future – if and when the Greek economy returns to positive growth
Selected skills required for sustainable small and medium businesses
Authors: Mwepu Mbuya Jean-Marie , Bounds Maria , Goldman G.
Published: August 2016

The objective of the study was to determine to what extent the selected skills contribute to the growth and the sustainability of small and medium businesses. In an attempt to understand the underlying factors contributing to the high failure rate of small and medium businesses, this study focused on the extent to which small and medium business owners from two age groups perceived five identified skills generally associated with entrepreneurial and business behavior as conducive to either success or failure. A lack of entrepreneurial and business skills impacts on the growth and survival of small and medium businesses in the Johannesburg Metropole. A quantitative study approach using structured survey questionnaires was used amongst 150 small and medium businesses in the Johannesburg Metropole. Factor analysis was used to analyze the responses gathered from the survey. Findings indicated that all selected entrepreneurial skills (leadership, creativity and innovation, networking, goal-setting and time management) appeared to be critical for small and medium businesses sustainability and growth. Although previous researches have indicated that entrepreneurial skills played crucial role in small and medium businesses sustainability, this study highlighted some of the key skills and attributes that SMEs owners should possess in order to operate their business ventures successfully
Do small craft businesses need strategic marketing to survive?
Authors: Makhitha K.M.
Published: August 2016

The purpose of this paper was to determine if small craft producer businesses need strategic marketing to survive. Existing literature on strategic marketing and the craft industry in South Africa (SA) was used to answer the following question: do small craft businesses need strategic marketing to survive? Since craft producers lack access to the market, they face major challenges in marketing their products successfully. Secondary research was used to determine the need of strategic marketing by craft producers in SA. Strategic marketing is crucial since craft producers must research changes developments taking place in the market and to be able to develop an appropriate marketing strategy to sustain their businesses. This will enable craft producers to identify customers and to formulate an appropriate marketing strategy to reach their chosen target market. The research revealed it enables them to identify customers and to formulate an appropriate marketing strategy to reach their chosen target market. The study revealed that craft producers do need strategic marketing to survive in South Africa
Customs duty incentives and their effects on customs revenue mobilization: the case of Zimbabwe (2009-2014)
Authors: Madzivanyika Ezera
Published: August 2016

This paper analyzes the effects of customs duty incentives on customs revenue mobilization for the period 2009 to 2014. It employs both cross-sectional and panel data regression analysis using firm-level data obtained for a sample of 35 firms in Zimbabwe’s mining sector. The data were collected from Zimbabwe Revenue Authority’s Asycuda World System. The results from the two separate models confirm that customs duty incentives (rebates and preferential tariff rates) had negative effects on customs revenues for the period 2009 to 2014. The study, therefore, recommends an urgent need to streamline customs duty incentives granted to importers of goods meant for use in the mining sector
Differences in call centre agents’ perception of their job characteristics, physical work environment and wellbeing
Authors: Miller Noleen , Hendrickse Rozenda
Published: August 2016

Orientation: job characteristics and physical work environment of call centres have an impact on the wellbeing of call centre agents. Research purpose: the aim of this study is to determine whether there are differences in male and female call centre agents’ perception of their job characteristics, physical work environment and wellbeing. The study also aims to investigate whether there is a significant relationship between the wellbeing problems encountered by call centre agents and the job characteristics and physical work environment factors. Motivation for the study: wellbeing in call centres is a concern and therefore necessitates a study in understanding the factors of the work environment that negatively impact the wellbeing of call centre agents. Research design, approach and method: a quantitative research approach was employed to gather the data for the study, utilizing a structured questionnaire. The sample (n = 275) consisted of call centre agents from four companies situated in the Cape Metropole. Main findings: call centre agents had the same perceptions of their job characterises. Differences in perception were found with the physical work environment and wellbeing. Significant relationships between job characteristics, physical work environment and wellbeing were found. Contribution/value-add: the study contributes to the literature and knowledge of the workplace environment and wellbeing of call centre agents
Strategic HRM: What will work be like in the future, and what impact will changes have on HR departments? Theoretical discussion and practical implications
Authors: J. Adriaenssen Daniel , Johannessen Jon-Arild , Sætersdal Helene
Published: August 2016

The issue the authors are investigating is how work will evolve in the future. The question discussed here is as follows: What will work be like in the future, and what impact will changes have on HR departments? To answer this question, the authors have established the following research questions: 1. What will be the context for work in the future, and how will HR departments be affected? 2. How can organizations develop ideas and innovate, and how will HR departments be affected in the future? Method: Conceptual generalization. Findings: In the future, work will be largely compartmentalized and performed using specialist skills. Those organizations that survive will be extremely adaptable. Many organizations will be managed in accordance with a logic whereby their component parts are distributed across the global economy according to the following principles: extreme focus on costs, quality and expertise, and a high level of focus on innovation
Managing knowledge resources
Authors: Stokvik Hanne , J. Adriaenssen Daniel , Johannessen Jon-Arild , Sætersdal Helene
Published: August 2016

This article discusses the development of the type of knowledge held to be crucial for creativity and innovation, and which is referred to here as hidden knowledge. The research question investigated is: How can organizations develop hidden knowledge? The first purpose of the article is to bring forth a type of knowledge which can give some foundation for knowledge management and innovation. The second objective is to give some foundation for the HR-department, in order to bring knowledge management theory to practical use. The authors develop five propositions concerning a mini theory for the development of hidden knowledge. A descriptive framework of “knowledging” is also developed at the individual, team and organizational levels, for tacit, implicit, explicit and hidden knowledge, which can be used of the HR-department to increase innovation in the organization
The psychological career resources and organizational commitment foci of South African workforce
Authors: Tladinyane Rebecca
Published: August 2016

One of most critical issues facing organizations today is how to retain employees they want to keep. The study examines the relationship dynamics between employees’ psychological career resources (measured by the Psychological Career Resources Inventory) and their organizational commitment foci (measured by the Organization-Related Commitment Scale). A quantitative survey is conducted involving a non-probability purposive sample of predominantly black females employed at managerial and staff levels (N = 318) in the field of industrial and organizational psychology. The findings provide valuable indicators for the design of career development practices aimed at retaining valuable staff
Bus rapid transit projects involving the South African government and small operators (as SMMEs): is bus rapid transit a blue or red ocean strategy?
Authors: Sammy Boya Kgaugelo
Published: August 2016

Transport forms the heartbeat of the economy, not only in South Africa but also globally. Over time the South African government has invested a great deal of resources in transport projects such as taxi recapitalization rail technology as well as bus rapid transit (BRT). The BRT project has been a point of discussion in terms of the value which it can bring to key stakeholders, particularly to commuters and the country’s economy at large. BRT is basically an urban public bus transport strategy which seeks to alleviate congestion, mostly in the Metropolitan areas. In this paper the significance of the BRT strategy is highlighted as this may guide future public transport project investment. As a strategic move, the decision for government to roll out BRT is evaluated in terms of blue ocean strategy (BOS) principles and red ocean strategy (ROS) elements. BOS strategy suggests that an organization operates in its own created market space where competition is rendered irrelevant, whereas with ROS organization relies on having a competitive edge in order to outsmart its rivals. The preliminary findings suggest that there are some elements of both BOS principles and ROS that are relevant to BRT projects. BRT is seen as a useful public transport investment particularly for countries with developing economies elements such as South Africa. However, stakeholder buy-in and cooperation should be promoted to preserve the strategic and social gains brought about by BRT and other integrated public transport projects
Problems of statistical study of labor productivity in construction
Authors: A. Kamalova Alina , Isioma Ukpere Wilfred
Published: August 2016

The article focuses on the problems of statistical measurement of labor productivity in construction, as recent years saw the most significant changes in the methodology of calculating construction products. The study examined the factors affecting the dynamics of labor productivity in construction, calculated by the volume of work at estimate piece that is at the index known as “average output per worker” in the practice of planning and statistics. Labor productivity is a complex qualitative index, which is influenced by numerous factors. Therefore, the most effective method for studying the dynamics of labor productivity is the use of the index method. The index method seems to be widely used in statistical research of labor productivity in construction
Contested confines: political risk and the media in South Africa
Authors: Piasecki Mary-Anne , Croucamp Piet
Published: August 2016

The South African private news media industry represents a substantial portion of the overall media industry and the most successful in terms of profit acquired. It is critical however to assess the shareholders and private ownership of the news media industry in order to determine the likely success of investment in this industry. However, additional risk factors need to be considered along with the shareholders and ownership; macro factors such as, legislation and economic stability as well as micro factors such as the restructuring of ownership and transparency within the industry. It is also fundamental that the news media industry of South Africa is assessed through the lens of its historical landscape and transformation and its Fourth Estate responsibilities. Through this assessment it is possible to conclude three likely outcomes of investment in the news media industry. These outcomes are based on the measured growth and current stability of the industry and the South African economy. The most concerning risk for investment is the continued economic downturn of the South African economy and its effect on restructuring of media ownership and a declining profit. This can be coupled with the risk of legislative turnover and executive overreach within the news media industry
Communication privacy management of students in Latvia
Authors: Petersons Andris , Khalimzoda Ilkhom
Published: August 2016

The lack of communication privacy boundaries among students and the fault of self-disclosure are two main reasons for unforeseen distress, broken relationships and trust, vulnerability and conflicts in universities. Based on S. Petronio’s theory of communication privacy management this research investigates the interaction of domestic students and foreign students in Latvia with their peers in order to set up privacy and disclosure boundaries that do not violate peer privacy, especially in a sensitive multicultural context. In fact, the presence of private information and the willingness to disclose it is often confronted with numerous privacy dilemmas and issues regarding their secureness, especially in universities where peers are young with different cultural backgrounds. This article analyzes the privacy management skills of locals and foreigners and reveals how security of information is managed between them stemming from social penetration and communication privacy management theory. Privacy management is significant in facing the dilemma of communication privacy and facilitates solving already existing problems of privacy among students
Future entrepreneurs: does the field of study matter? A comparison of students in a South African urban environment
Authors: Mbuya Jean-Marie , Schachtebeck Chris
Published: August 2016

South Africa is experiencing high rates of unemployment and poverty, particularly among the youth. Entrepreneurship, and the education of it, is often seen as a solution to this socio-economic issue, yet studies show conflicting results on the impact the field of study has on entrepreneurial intent. Accordingly, the aim of this paper is to evaluate and compare the entrepreneurial intention among urban students enrolled for an entrepreneurship qualification versus students who were registered for a non-entrepreneurship related qualification. The article presents quantitative, empirical data collected from 603 students by means of a questionnaire to determine if the field of study has an influence on entrepreneurial intent. The study makes use of descriptive statistics, factor analysis, Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin and Bartlett test in order to discover similarities and differences in entrepreneurial intent in students pursuing entrepreneurial and non-entrepreneurial qualifications. The results reveal that students view entrepreneurship as a valuable career path, regardless of field of study. Both groups hold similar strong positive views and beliefs regarding their intention to pursue this career path. Entrepreneurship students, however, display a marginally higher self-observed personal attitude toward becoming entrepreneurs. Results also show that family support is an important influencer in entrepreneurial intent among students
Leading and manage diverse schools in South Africa
Authors: J van Vuuren Herman , C van der Westhuizen Philip , van der Walt JL
Published: August 2016

All school populations are diverse in many ways. The diversity in South African schools has been compounded since 1994 with the migration of Black learners to former ‘white’ schools. Some schools and their principals have succeeded in coping efficiently with the new social and cultural makeup of their schools, while others have been struggling and even resigned under the pressures of all the conflicting demands from stakeholders. The theoretical and empirical investigation reported in this paper shows that principals and schools could benefit enormously from learning from the experiences of the more successful schools and their principals
Price competition between shrink-wrap software and cloud service firms under a stochastic model
Authors: Cheng Kuei-Yuan , Lee Yao-Hsien , Lee Mei-Yu
Published: August 2016

The authors establish a stochastic model of the price competition between shrink-wrap software and cloud service firms. They show that cloud service firms earn higher profits, but face higher risks compared to shrink-wrap software firms. In order to attract customers and earn higher profits, the authors obtain the result that shrink-wrap software firms need to focus on pricing strategies, by contrast, cloud service firms need to focus on quantity strategies
Factors affecting the performance of small and medium enterprises in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Authors: Sitharam Sharmilee , Hoque Muhammad
Published: August 2016

Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) have an important role to play in the development of the country. A strong SME sector contributes highly to the economy, contributing to the gross domestic product, by reducing the level of unemployment, reduction in poverty levels and promotion of entrepreneurship activity. In South Africa (SA), the growth of SMEs and prevalence of SMEs is significantly low. Therefore, the aim of the study is to identify the internal and external factors affecting the performance of SMEs in KwaZulu-Natal, SA. This was a cross-sectional study conducted among 74 SMEs owners/managers who were members of the Durban Chamber of Commerce via online using anonymous questionnaire. The results revealed technological advancement would improve the performance of the business. With regards to challenge, the majority of the respondents viewed competition as a major challenge. Almost all the respondent indicated that crime and corruption affecting business performance. Competition was the only factor amongst the studied internal and external factors that revealed a significant association with the performance of SMEs in KwaZulu-Natal (p = 0.011). SMEs need to recognize they must prepare for both domestic
Competitive intelligence practice challenges in the South African property sector
Authors: Eric Nenzhelele Tshilidzi
Published: August 2016

Competitive intelligence is a critical success factor for businesses of different forms and sizes. It helps businesses to survive in the midst of fierce competition. Competitive intelligence offers competitive advantage to firms. However, firms find it challenging to practice CI. Whilst competitive intelligence practice challenges have been identified in other sectors in South Africa, no research has been conducted to establish competitive intelligence challenges in the South African property sector. This study aims to establish challenges faced by property practitioners in practising competitive intelligence. The study was quantitative in nature and a web-based questionnaire was used to collect data from the respondents. The analysis was descriptive in nature
Characteristics of a coaching culture in leadership style: the leader’s impact on culture
Authors: Vesso Signe , Alas Ruth
Published: August 2016

This article develops a theoretical framework for coaching-related issues, and two models are described. The first is the “Coaching Culture Characteristics in Leadership Style” model (3C model), which evaluates the characteristics of a coaching culture in the leadership style of organizations. The second model “Leader’s Impact on Culture” (LIC model) describes how the impact of leaders, relationship orientation in teams and task/change orientation are interconnected. In order to study the characteristics of a coaching culture in leadership style and the leader’s impact on culture, the authors conducted an empirical survey in 2015. Results indicate that most Estonian companies are in phase two of the 3C model. According to the survey results, the most important development areas for Estonian leaders are leader trustworthiness and behavior towards team members