Society for the Study of Business & Finance- SSBFNET: E-Journals
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Integration of technology in mathematics education: Experiences and perceptions of public senior secondary school mathematics teachers in Botswana
No full textThe integration of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in educational contexts has led to substantial changes in both teaching and learning approaches. The role of ICT has proven advantageous for both teachers and students. Despite this, there exists a scarcity of research investigating the experiences and perspectives of mathematics teachers at the senior secondary level in Botswana concerning the integration of ICT in mathematics education. This study investigated the perceptions and experiences of 20 purposively selected senior secondary mathematics teachers regarding the integration of ICT in mathematics education. The study was guided by Mishra and Koehler\u27s (2006) TPACK (Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge) framework and employed structured interviews and observations to collect data. The results showed that mathematics teachers are aware of the concept of integrating technology into mathematics education. The results also showed that most teachers are only familiar with basic technological tools such as computers and scientific calculators. Teachers acknowledged the significance of integrating technology into mathematics education for both them and their students. They noted that the integration of ICT in mathematics teaching can assist in lesson planning, delivery, communication, administrative duties, and research, while also having the potential to enhance students\u27 academic performance. However, teachers conceded that there are significant challenges to effectively integrating technology into mathematics education, which include a shortage of resources, a lack of necessary knowledge and skills, and inadequate professional training specific to the subject. The study recommended that the government of Botswana should focus on providing reliable internet connectivity in public schools, maintaining classroom
Observations and Inferences About the Fixed Cost in Protective Put Strategy
No full textThe Options Based Portfolio Insurance (OBPI) should avoid losses and capture gains, by the cost of a “premium”, but in practice the premium cost can be too high to capture gains in the different market conditions. Based on this premise, the objective of this study is to analyze an optimized alternative to Options Based Portfolio Insurance, assuming that the probability of an Extreme Negative Event varies with time, and therefore the insurance floor should not be maintained at any cost. To achieve the objective, data were crossed between the rollover date and a fixed insurance cost on equity, using historical data from 678,546 trades carried out in the US market, which resulted in 3,700 portfolios. Data analysis was performed using descriptive and econometric statistics with simple linear regressions. The results demonstrated that the insured floor varied with the volatility implied in option prices, indicating the possibility of obtaining better return-risk ratio and lower drawdown when compared to the unprotected portfolio, showing a positive correlation between insurance cost and return-risk ratio for low costs and a negative correlation for higher costs. Furthermore, it can be indirectly inferred that the explanation for the results comes from the perception of risk by the market not representing the real risk. As with the stabilization and possible recovery of prices that occur after a significant drop, market confidence is not restored to the same proportion. That’s why volatility remains at high levels, consequently, raising the insurance cost, even with lower probabilities of Extreme Negative Events.
Financial inclusion through agent banking in Bangladesh: opportunities and challenges
Get PDFFinancial inclusion aims to include the unbanked population in the official financial system. To quickly serve the unbanked population, this study aims to investigate the concept of agent banking as a means of financial inclusion and to assess the elements that influence the acceptance of agent banking in Bangladesh. The study also covered the main advantages of agent banking and pertinent barriers to its adoption. Using a basic judgmental sampling technique, 195 respondents from the Chittagong region made up the study\u27s sample. Face-to-face interviews and a structured questionnaire were used to collect the data. The impact was investigated using statistical measures such as mean, standard deviation, correlation, and regression. Kendall\u27s W test, also known as Kendall\u27s coefficient of concordance, was utilized to evaluate the benefits and drawbacks of accepting agent banking in this study. According to the result, there is a significant positive correlation between acceptance of agent banking and independent variables - perceived trust, convenience, perceived risk, awareness, and service quality. The study also found that easy banking is the key reason for agent banking, marked by the respondents, followed by the nearest location and adding new customers. Lack of training is the major challenge, followed by a lack of logistic support and cyber security risk in implementing agent banking in Bangladesh
The relationship between ease of doing business and FDI attraction in South-Eastern Asia
Get PDFDespite extensive research on foreign direct investment (FDI), the specific dynamics and determinants affecting FDI inflows to South-Eastern Asia remain largely unexplored. This study using Dunning\u27s OLI theory to identify the economic determinants of foreign direct investment (FDI) and examines the correlation between FDI inflows and the ease of doing business (EODB). This study aims to examine the effect of ease of doing business indicators on foreign direct investment inflows and the degree to which they affect the volume of FDI inflows in South-Eastern Asia. Interest in the determinants of foreign direct investment has surged, as it is regarded as essential for capital inflows to poor countries. This research utilises a Fully Modified Ordinary Least Squares (FMOLS) panel regression to analyse FDI flow variations among seven countries—Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam—during the period from 2006 to 2019. The results indicated a substantial and enduring correlation between foreign direct investment (FDI) and the enforcement of contracts, investor protection, tax compliance, and GDP per capita. The research underscores the significance of EODB variables in attracting FDI to South-East Asia. Policymakers must prioritise enhancing the business environment by streamlining processes, including investor protection and tax system simplification. By prioritising certain sectors, governments can cultivate a more conducive environment for foreign investors, leading to heightened FDI inflows. The results suggest that targeted reforms in these critical sectors can significantly enhance South-East Asia\u27s appeal as a foreign direct investment destination
Transformational leadership and catalytic collaboration in village development: Study in Mojokerto, East Java, Indonesia
Get PDFAfter the implementation of UU Desa No. 6/2014, villages are now transformed with various authorities, so that villages are required to be able to manage their village potential for the greatest welfare of the community. In addition, the central government\u27s push for the implementation of the SDGs Desa means that villages must focus on the total development of their communities. One of the fundamental aspects that must be owned by the village in order to encourage village development based on village potential is the leadership ability of the village head in managing existing resources. This is the case in Pesanggrahan Village, Kutorejo Subdistrict, Mojokerto Regency, which is a buffer zone for the Ngoro Industrial Park Mojokerto and the Pacet, Tretes and Trawas tourism areas. Not only that, Pesanggarahan Village also has historical and cultural ties that are deeply rooted since the Majapahit Kingdom era. From these 2 (two) things, the Pesanggarahan Village Head is able to encourage fundamental transformations in the community in the context of village development which is not only based on improving the welfare of the community but there are efforts to maintain the customs and culture that exist in Pesanggrahan Village amid the influence of outside culture caused by the current industrialisation that is growing so rapidly in the midst of the Pesanggarahan Village community. This article is the result of research using qualitative methods, looking at how the transformational leadership model of the Pesanggrahan Village Head, Kutorejo District, Mojokerto Regency and also the collaboration taken in an effort to accelerate village development. This article uses two approaches to analyse the transformational leadership model of Pesanggrahan Village Head and the ability to build catalytic collaboration. So that this article can later contribute as one of the references for models that can be developed to encourage accelerated village development based on their potential. Because so far, the fundamental problem in the village is that the government and the village head are less able to find the potential of the village which can then be managed for the greatest welfare of the people in the village
Addressing nurse turnover in Ghana: the interplay of stress factors, job satisfaction, and transformational leadership
Get PDFWorkplace stress and nurse retention are critical challenges in healthcare, affecting organizational stability and public health outcomes. Therefore, this study investigates the impact of stressors and job satisfaction on nurses’ turnover intentions in the western region of Ghana, with a focus on the moderating role of transformational leadership. Methodologically, a descriptive cross-sectional design was employed to collect data from 364 registered nurses working in four hospitals. Participants completed an online questionnaire measuring stress factors, job satisfaction, turnover intentions, and transformational leadership. Structural equation modelling was employed to analyze the data using Mplus 8.3. The results revealed stressors (stress from workload, superiors, and coworkers and daily life) significantly increased nurses’ turnover intentions while negatively influencing job satisfaction. Job satisfaction was inversely associated with turnover intentions, and transformational leadership moderated this relationship, reducing the likelihood of such intentions. The findings highlight the importance of fostering job satisfaction and implementing transformational leadership strategies, such as mentorship and effective stress management, to alleviate workplace stress and enhance nurse retention. These insights offer valuable guidance for hospital administrators and policymakers in designing interventions to improve nurse retention and overall organizational performance
HIV universal test and treat uptake and lost-to-follow-up rates among people living with HIV in Moretele Sub-district, South Africa
Get PDFThe Universal Testing and Treatment (UTT) program aimed to improve human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) outcomes by initiating immediate antiretroviral therapy (ART). However, UTT faced challenges, including high attrition rates and loss to follow-up (LTFU), particularly in South Africa, where implementation has sometimes led to increased treatment discontinuation. This study investigated HIV UTT program uptake and LTFU rates among people living with HIV (PLWHIV) in Moretele Sub-district, South Africa. A quantitative, observational retrospective design evaluated UTT effectiveness in rural HIV care. Adult clients initiating ART between January 2020 and January 2022 across nine clinics in Moretele Sub-district were included. A random sample of 500 medical records was analyzed using Tier.net and DHIS software for record identification. Data analysis using STATA 18.0 included descriptive statistics, bivariate analysis, and logistic regression to identify factors influencing retention. Of 203 records analyzed, (30.8%) were aged 30–39, and 52.8% were female. Most clients were single (61.8%) and employed (51.6%). Same-day ART initiation was high (83.8%), yet 70% were LTFU, 25% transferred, 4.4% stopped treatment, and 0.6% died. Clients aged 30–39 had higher odds of LTFU (adjusted OR = 1.77; p=0.007). Gender, marital, and income status showed no significant association. While UTT enables rapid ART initiation, high LTFU rates, especially among younger, male, and employed individuals, hinder success. Strategies to improve retention should focus on same-day initiators and community engagement. This study highlights critical challenges in UTT implementation, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions to address LTFU and enhance retention in HIV care programs
Understanding the relationship between organizational support and innovative work behaviour: perspectives of South African manufacturing company employees
Get PDFABSTRACT
Purpose of the study: Our quantitative correlational study investigates the association between the perceived organisational support of manufacturing company employees and their innovative work behaviour.
Design/methodology/approach: Our study included 423 employees from a manufacturing company in Gauteng, South Africa, selected using a convenient sampling method. We used descriptive statistics, chi-square, Kruskal-Wallis test, and regression analyses.
Findings: We found that manufacturing company perceptions of organisational support and innovative work behaviour differ based on age, job role, and tenure and are not different by highest completed qualification. Perceived organisational support had a positive significant relationship with innovative work behaviour.
Recommendations/value: The value of this study is that it allows company managers to realise that when they do not create a supportive culture, it leads to less innovation. Creating a supportive work environment positively impacts employees’ innovative work behaviour, builds a strong organisational innovative culture, and communicates innovation.
Managerial implications: Manufacturing company managers to diversify resources of support for employees and prioritise this approach for the administration. They should make organisational changes that consider the needs and expectations of the employees
Multilingual lyrics and cultural shifts: A case study of Isixhosa pop music
Get PDFSouth Africa (SA) is known for its multilingualism, with 12 official languages for teaching and learning. Bi/multilingual SA allows people to speak any language of their choice when speaking, and in most educational spaces, English is still hegemony (Gobodwana, 2023). Due to human mobility for greener pastures, this study intends to examine the linguistic shifts and changes that occur over time. The projects will focus primarily on young individuals with linguistic changes in input in that language. A qualitative method will investigate the influence of language shift in multilingual cultures on South African adolescents. The interviews were done with youth between the ages of 18 and 35. It is believed that if a society experiences psychological transformation, the language of songs may shift due to accessibility across the human space. These lyrics investigated are those of the isiXhosa language (one of the African Indigenous languages)
Shared living, shared burdens: A case of the university of Venda exploring the impact of cohabitation on students’ financial stability
Get PDFThe rising costs of higher education have placed increasing financial pressure on students, with living expenses often becoming a significant burden. Many students struggle to balance tuition fees, academic responsibilities, and personal living costs, leading to financial stress and even delayed graduation. The aim of the research was to explore how sharing living expenses through cohabitation can alleviate financial burdens for students and offer broader economic benefits. The study investigated the financial advantages of cohabitation, focusing on how shared costs, such as rent, utilities, and food, contribute to financial stability and improved quality of life for students. The study adopted qualitative approach to get an in-depth exploration of how sharing living expense alleviate the financial burdens of students. Through interviews with students who share living spaces, the research examined how cohabitation influences the financial well-being, academic performance, and overall mental health of students. The study explored the impact of shared living arrangements on fostering social connections and emotional support, which may further enhance students\u27 academic and personal development. The study has provided valuable insights for students, higher education institutions, and policymakers seeking to address student financial burdens and improve student well-being through more affordable housing options.