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Trade, productivity and efficiency: testing for innovative spillovers from Asia’s newly industrialized countries (nics) on manufacturing in South Africa
Get PDFThesis Submitted for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) In the Department of Economics Faculty of Commerce, Administration and Law at the University of Zululand, 2019.This study primarily speaks to the current debate on technology transfer by testing whether Chinese, South Korean and Japanese service imports affect productivity and efficiency of South Africa’s manufacturing industries through transferring innovation embodied in foreign services. This is a relatively underexplored area as previous literature on international technology transfer has given more attention on imports of physical goods.
In achieving the central aim of the analysis, the study makes several contributions to the body of knowledge. Firstly, it modifies and improves open economy endogenous growth theories by accommodating trade in services as a channel through which technology can be transferred across borders. Secondly and most importantly, it constructs a composite innovation spillover index that comprises several indicators of innovation namely R&D stock, researchers in R&D sector, trademarks and patent applications. Thirdly, it applies a Bayesian approach in one of the chapters (chapter five) which allows us to circumvent model uncertainty in the technology transfer model. Fourthly, unlike the majority of previous studies, it also focuses on technical efficiency as the outcome variable which allows us to establish not only whether Chinese, South Korean and Japanese innovation spillover pushes domestic technology frontier outwards but also how it influences the industries’ movement towards the existing technology frontier. Fifthly and for the first time in literature, it examines the response of labour productivity to exogenous innovation shocks through impulse response functions derived from the local projections method.
Using the R&D stock measure and physical intermediate imports as the transmission mechanism, the study is able to first replicate the result obtained in previous studies that innovation spillovers from China, South Korea and Japan significantly influence productivity growth of manufacturing industries in South Africa and that the effect increases with institutional quality and human capital accumulation. In particular, Generalised Method of Moments (GMM) results in chapter four confirm that Chinese, South Korean and Japanese innovation spillovers raise total factor productivity of South Africa’s manufacturing industries in the 0.003 – 0.012 per cent, 0.005 – 0.022 per cent and 0.0150 – 0.0151 per cent range respectively. When the study moves from the simple R&D stock measure and physical intermediate imports to a composite innovation measure and service imports as the transmission channel in chapter five based on a Bayesian analysis, the study reaches a different conclusion which is that China’s imported innovation exerts a negative effect on total factor productivity of South African manufacturing industries in the -0.015 – 0.176 per cent range. For South Korea and Japan, the effect is plausible and positive in the 0.023 – 0.061 per cent and 0.132 – 0.141 per cent range respectively which is consistent with open economy endogenous growth theories.
Chapter six focuses on labour productivity in the entire manufacturing sector. Results based on the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model are similar to those reported in chapter five despite the use of different outcome variables (i.e. labour productivity and total factor productivity). It is confirmed that South Korean and Japanese innovation spillovers are positively associated with labour productivity and the results are robust to alternative estimators and the decomposition of the total
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sample. For China, the result of a negative effect on productivity still emerges this time in the – 0.01 – 0.036 per cent range.
Chapter seven focuses on technical efficiency as the outcome variable and the results from a True-Fixed effects stochastic frontier model show that innovation spillovers from South Korea and Japan improve technical efficiency of manufacturing industries. South Korean spillovers have a larger effect (0.310 per cent) when compared with Japanese spillovers (0.129 per cent). Meanwhile, China still enters with a negative effect on technical efficiency which is akin to a positive effect on technical inefficiency.
With respect to the local projections method in chapter eight, it is empirically confirmed that productivity growth in South Africa’s manufacturing sector increases with Japanese and South Korean exogenous technology spillover shocks particularly in long term horizons (above 6 quarters). For China, South Africa’s productivity response is significantly negative.
At the outset, the study raises four arguments. Firstly, Chinese innovation reduces productivity growth adding to the on-going concerns of China’s resource predatory presence in Africa. Secondly, innovation imported from the remaining countries particularly Japan and South Korea correlates positively with domestic productivity and the effect increases with human capital accumulation and the quality of institutions. Thirdly, despite observing a positive effect innovation from Japan and South Korea on domestic productivity, it is domestic innovation that enters with the most sizeable effect implying that foreign innovation should not substitute but rather complement domestic innovation efforts. Fourthly, trade in services plays an important role in transferring innovation across international boundaries.
As far as domestic industrial policy is concerned, the policy implication arising from this study is that service trade with Japan and South Korea is a relevant mechanism through which South Africa’s manufacturing industries can make technological upgrades but that with China should be a source of concern and an important area that requires further research. Two possible explanations for China’s negative effect are suggested. Firstly, China’s services in Africa hardly employ domestic workers as they normally come with their own workforce. This means when Chinese services (or service providers) leave South Africa, none of their technology is left for the domestic manufacturing industries to utilise. Secondly, China has been recurrently accused of providing services in Africa at the expense of natural resource extraction. This implies that the technology effect of China might be outweighed by the resource extraction leading to an overall negative effect of Chinese presence.
For South Korea and Japan in which the technology spillover effect is positive, evidence suggest that the effect is smaller when compared to that of domestic innovation index implying that Japanese and South Korean imported innovation ought to be treated as a complement rather than a substitute of domestic innovation effort. Also confirmed is that the positive impact of imported innovation increases with human capital accumulation and institutional quality implying that domestic absorptive capacity plays a huge role in ensuring that South Africa is able to fully absorb technology coming from Japan and South Kore
The entrenchment of public service ethics in the public schools System: a case study of Umhlathuze Local Municipality
No full textA thesis submitted in fulfillment of the academic requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in the Department of Mathematical Science in the Faculty of Science, Agriculture and Engineering, University of Zululand, 2020.The entrenchment of public service ethics in the public-school system in the uMhlathuze Local Municipality is aimed at improving the behaviour of school-based and office-based educators which can have a positive significant in reducing corruption and all other forms of unethical conduct in the public sector. Ethics is important in public administration, particularly in public schools of uMhlathuze Local Municipality, and the whole of King Cetshwayo District and South Africa as a whole.
A total of 125 learners from 25 public schools in the uMhlathuze Local Municipality and a total of 125 school-based educators participated in the research study. The study also collected data from five Office-based educators from each circuit including the uMhlathuze Cluster Manager. Data analysis was done using both qualitative and quantitative methods which include inferential and descriptive statistics. Data was based on information related to the perception of school–based and office-based educators about the entrenchment of public service ethics in the public-school system of uMhlathuze local Municipality.
Research findings demonstrated that there were many challenges surrounding the implementation of public service ethics in uMhlathuze Local Municipality. Seventy- five per cent of the respondents indicated that, although there are measures in place, they were not explained to school-based educators. It is clear that school-based educators have a challenge regarding access to information. It is a futile exercise to make a host of policies but to make insufficient effort to ensure that they are understood by the people involved and are properly implemented in the work place.
Controversy surrounds the behaviour of school-based and office-based educators in uMhlathuze Local Municipality and the King Cetshwayo District, particularly in the appointment of post level-one educators and in the promotion posts of Principals, Deputy Principals, Heads of Department and office-based posts. Public servants are expected to conform to ethical standards in the public sector, and to promote ethical leadership. The media has recently exposed a large number of cases of unethical conduct specifically within the South African Education Department, and particularly in the uMhlathuze Local Municipality, where school-based educators use corporal
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punishment and are suspected of having sexual relations with learners. Amundsen, (2009:10) argues that, “the public sector is composed of two core elements; at the political level there are political institutions where policies are formulated and the (major) decisions are made, and at the administrative there is the public sector administration, which is in charge of implementing these policies”. South Africa seems to have a number of good policies, but the implementation of polices and decisions are raised only now and again, either at the Provincial Level or at Local Government Level. In the light of what has been stated above, it is evident that there is a need for the entrenchment of public service ethics in the public-school system, particularly in the uMhlathuze Local Municipality.
There seems to be a crisis in public confidence in the government and a lack of public trust in public institutions. A Quality Learning and Teaching Campaign cannot be effective where there is a lack of public trust. Professionalism should be maintained at all times. School-based and office-based morality should be addressed by entrenching public service ethics in the public-school system. All other stakeholders such as learners, educators’ Unions and school governing bodies should also be sensitive to ethical issues. In the last chapter of this study the researcher has highlighted some recommendations to be implemented as a turnaround strategy, which should enhance the entrenchment of public service ethics in uMhlathuze Local Municipality and in South Africa as a whole. The following key words have been used in the study: public service ethics, corruption, professional code of ethics, professionalism, and public sector. It is important to highlight the indispensability of ethics and of sound ethical conduct amongst school-based and office-based educators in the uMhlathuze Local Municipality. Public service ethics need to be understood clearly by school-based and office-based educators, if there is seriousness about the desire to achieve quality education in South Africa. No one should compromise the implementation of the Public Service Code of Conduct, (2016). This can enhance the implementation of the National Development Plan towards the realisation of goals for 2030. The entrenchment of public service ethics in the public-school system in the uMhlathuze Local Municipality is aimed reducing corruption and all other forms of unethical conduct. The entrenchment of public service ethics in public schools is a subject of importance in the third decade of South Africa`s democracy. Various public administration gurus such Wood,
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(2004:188), Moilanen and Salimanne, (2006:22), Meguid, (2011:5), Dale, (2000:180), MacCarthaigh, (2008:18 and Kernaghan (2003), unanimously agree that the following principles serve as cornerstones for public life; these include: selflessness, integrity, honesty, leadership, objectivity, openness and accountability. These principles should be instilled in the minds of all school-based and office-based educators so as to produce quality service delivery and quality education in South Africa. Public servants in general and public representatives, including political office bearers should gain the public trust. It is true that corruption is a challenge on a Global, National, Provincial and Local level, and should be tackled ethically. Giving affirmation to the status quo can serve as a major blow to economic development and to social needs. Corruption is perceived as a threat by many authors globally and should be reduced because it has a negative impact on a country that ironically subscribes to democratic values and principles of public administration. These authors include Waweru (2010), Menzel, (2015 and Kimath, (2010)
Informetrics Education in Library and Information Science (LIS) Departments in South Africa
Get PDFDissertation submitted to the Faculty of Arts in accordance with the requirements for the Masters' Degree in Library and Information Science in the Department of Library and Information Studies, at the University of Zululand, 2019.This research sought to explore informetrics education in Library and Information Science (LIS) departments in South Africa. This study adopted the pragmatic epistemology and pluralistic ontology. The abductive approach was considered appropriate for this study. The employed mixed research methods were survey and content analysis. The survey research methods, through questionnaire, were used to collect data from the LIS heads of departments (HODs) and informetrics lecturers. On the other hand, the content analysis was employed to analyse the content of course outlines. The study‟s population was all LIS departments in South Africa. Nine LIS departments were targeted and responses were received from eight LIS departments. Five of the eight departments were found to offer informetrics education. These were the LIS departments from the University of Cape Town, University of Kwa-Zulu Natal, University of Limpopo, University of Western Cape, and the University of Zululand. The LIS department at the University of Zululand is the only department that offers informetrics education as autonomous module/course in the full programme. Other LIS departments offer it as a chapter/Unit in a module. Three LIS departments (University of Cape Town, University of Limpopo, and University of Western Cape) offer informetrics as module component at a Masters level. The LIS department at the University of Zululand offers informetrics education to level three and four undergraduate students in two programmes- BLIS and BIS. The University of Limpopo also offers it at an undergraduate level (level two, three and honours). The content analysis revealed that the scope of informetrics is broad in the essence that there is no uniformity in the content of informetrics across all LIS departments. The blended learning method is widely used: cased studies, group discussions, and online teaching and learning methods are commonly used for informetrics education. Numerous challenges that surround informetrics education were pointed out. Most of them are linked to the consideration that informetrics is broad, ICT reliant and dynamic. The solutions to the challenges were suggested. The study concluded that there is very limited informetrics education in South Africa. The study recommended that LIS departments create awareness about informetrics education, develop informetrics curricula, provide short courses on informetrics, and keep up with the trends in LIS education internationally
Professional development of teachers for promoting teaching and learning in rural primary schools of Tshinane circuit
Get PDFSubmitted in fulfilment of the requirements of the Master’s Degree in Education in the Department of Foundations of Education in the Faculty of Education at the University of Zululand, 2019.Conditions in rural schools regarding learner academic performance are still categorized as below the expected level of performance based on national and international standards. Learners and teachers continue to underperform as evidenced by poor results in schools. The aim of this study was to investigate the extent to which teachers are professionally developed to promote teaching and learning in rural primary schools. The study was conducted through mixed methods approach. Simple random sampling was used to select teachers from twenty-four public primary schools. Purposive sampling procedure was followed to select participants who were interviewed face-to-face. Results showed that teachers find that teacher’s professional development programmes are too demanding. The training of teachers who are at work should be conducted during school holidays to avoid disruption of classes. The study concludes that if teachers are well developed, teaching and learning would be effective. The study recommends that the department should organise workshops for teachers in rural areas and train them taking into consideration the conditions in the rural areas.National Research Foundation of South Afric
Ecotourism as a mechanism for local economic development in the communities adjacent to the Oribi Gorge nature reserve
No full textA thesis submitted in fulfillment of the academic requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in the Department of Recreation and Tourism in the Faculty of Arts, University of Zululand, 2019.Scholars and stakeholders involved in the tourism industry share a common view that ecotourism has demonstrated a great potential for attracting both international and local visitors. Consequently, ecotourism has been advocated as one of the most important pillars of the tourism industry mainly for conserving natural resources whilst boosting the socio-economies of the local communities. Review of literature indicates that most of the developed and developing countries use their scenic natural resources and distinct landscapes as tourism resources. However, the problem is that literature does not clearly state how ecotourism can be used as a mechanism for the development of local economies, especially in rural areas. Based on this literary background, the study sought to find out how ecotourism can be used as a mechanism for the development of local economies.
The study was conducted at the Oribi Gorge Nature Reserve and the adjacent communities under KwaNdwalane (Nsimbini) and KwaXolo Traditional Councils. A sample of 384 respondents comprised of the municipal official, community tourism organisation’s manager, Oribi Gorge Nature Reserve’s manager, community leaders, and community members of the study area was drawn from the population of 348 553 using convenience sampling technique. The sample size of 384 was based on the Research Advisors Spreadsheet [2006] at 95 percent level of confidence and 5 percent margin of error. Based on the chosen sampling technique, the sample comprised of the respondents who were accessible, knowledgeable about the issues related to the chosen topic, and willing to participate in the study.
The study adopted a mixed methods design, which suggests that both quantitative and qualitative modes of research enquiry were used during the collection, analysis and interpretation of data. Survey questionnaires were used to collect data from the respondents through face-to-face surveys. The quantitative data were analysed with the aid of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software which enabled the study to carry out statistical tests to determine the relationships between independent and dependent variables. In this study, Pearson correlation coefficient was used to determine the relationships between dependent and independent
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variables using bi-variate correlation coefficient analysis. Crosstabulations were used to establish reciprocal relationships between bi-variate variables that were considered essential for testing the hypotheses. Chi-square tests were performed by the study to test the hypotheses. The qualitative data were analysed through content analysis where the researcher sifted the meanings embedded in the open-ended responses in order to establish the respondents’ in-depth understanding and/or own interpretation of the subject under investigation. During this process, the successive parts or common threads from the data were classified according to their categories in order to generate themes and/or sub-themes for the purpose of interpreting the results against the research questions.
The study asserts that ecotourism is embedded and can be explained within a neoliberalism theory of development, where aspects of nature are packaged for tourism consumption and profit maximisation purposes. The study found that ecotourism contributes towards the local economic development of the study area through employment creation, capacity building, multiplier effect and revenue generation. The study established that ecotourism is not understood by the community members of the study area. The study found that ecotourism development towards the study area is influenced mainly by marketing strategies, proper infrastructure, and branding.
The study also found that community members of the study area do not participate in ecotourism development activities. Based on these findings; stance of the selected theories on local community participation in ecotourism development activities; shortcomings of the reviewed model approaches of local community participation in ecotourism development activities; and findings of the literature on the limitations to community participation in ecotourism, a model for improving local community participation in ecotourism development activities in the study area was developed.National Research Foundation (NRF
Job requirements and challenges of LIS graduates in public libraries in Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa
Get PDFDissertation submitted to the Faculty of Arts in accordance with the requirements for the Masters Degree in Library and Information Science in the Department of Library and Information Studies, at the University of Zululand, 2019.This dissertation investigates job requirements and challenges of Library and Information Studies (LIS) graduates in public libraries. It is of paramount importance that a workplace recruits a workforce with requisite competencies to offer professional services. Having requisite competencies/employability skills help in keeping with the demands and challenges of the unfolding knowledge society whilst meeting the mission of the library and information services respectively. This study is aimed at investigating required competencies from LIS graduates by public libraries. The study emanates from skills gap, which is a concern to most public libraries. Skills gap relates to candidates with inappropriately skills that were placed in professional positions in some public libraries. It is also noted that drastic changes in the entire LIS market have constituted a daunting challenge, which eventually demands the revision and re-orientation of LIS curricula.
Curricula revision and re-orientation is a process that cannot be achieved overnight. To understand the nature of required competencies for workforce in public libraries, the following objectives were set and investigated: to determine the job functions and requirements of the public libraries, to find out the perceptions of employers and LIS graduates on job requirements of the sector, to find out the perceptions of employers and LIS graduates about the LIS curriculum and to determine the challenges facing LIS graduates regarding their functions/duties in the work place. Post-positivism paradigm was employed through triangulation of both qualitative and quantitative methodologies in data collection and analysis. Content analysis and survey as research methods/designs were employed. The study collected secondary data from four (4) newspapers (Sunday Times, Ilanga, Mail and Guardian and Sunday Tribune) covering a three- year period (from January 2015 to December 2017) of job advertisements. This data was collected through qualitative and quantitative content analyses. Primary data was gathered from assistant directors and LIS graduates.
Semi-structured interviews were conducted with assistant directors. Structured questionnaires were administered to LIS graduates. The data collected was analysed qualitatively and quantitatively using themes, subheadings, graphics and statistics. Most advertised jobs (50%) required Grade 12, which is not a professional LIS qualification. Majority (85%) of the jobs required job experience of 1-3 years. There seem to be a knowledge gap in terms of cataloguing and classification as well as technical knowledge. v There is strong demand for generic skills, particularly computer literacy and communication skills. There is still need for new skills (51%). There seem to be no balance between theory and practice (70%). There is need for curriculum review. Employed LIS graduates face several challenges which include inadequate knowledge and skills, especially in cataloguing and classification, and information communication technologies. More practical exposure and on -job training are highly recommended. There is a strong need for development and promotion of continuing education through short courses and workshops to fill the knowledge and skill gaps. Regular curriculum review is essential to meet the rapidly changing information access and user needs.
Experiential learning period should be extended and voluntary service learning needs to be encouraged. Employment of staff without tertiary qualification in LIS in public libraries requires review by Library and Information Association of South Africa (LIASA) and other stakeholders. The originality of this study emanates from its scope, subject matter and the application. The study is significant for providing theoretical background for the development of research in the following domains: public libraries, LIS curriculum and LIS graduates/professionals
The effects of a low-carbohydrate, high-fat diet on type 2 diabetic patients
Get PDFThesis submitted to the Department of Human Movement Science in fulfilment of the requirements for the award of Philosophiae Doctor in Human Movement Science, Faculty of Science and Agriculture at the University of Zululand, 2019.Diabetes amongst South Africans is increasing at an alarming rate. With 8.27% – 9% of the population suffering from diabetes, the majority is Type 2. It is predicted that diabetes will have doubled by 2030. The aims of this study were first to determine the effectiveness of a low carbohydrate high fat diet (LCHFD) on Type 2 diabetic patients. Secondly, to see what the effects of a concurrent physical activity programme with an LCHFD will have on Type 2 diabetic patients. Lastly, this study aimed to determine the effects on cholesterol and lipoproteins using an LCHFD on Type 2 diabetic patients. Participants were recruited from patients registered at the Richards Bay Diabetic Clinic and surrounding area in Zululand, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa and were screened and received approval by a medical doctor at the diabetic clinic for participation in the study. Twenty-eight female and eleven male Type 2 diabetics (N = 39) aged 31-71 years were assigned into either a concurrent physical activity and LCHFD group (DiExG) (n = 14) which followed a 16-week program consisting of physical activity program entailing walking a minimum of 10 000 steps daily (measured using a pedometer wristband) combined with an LCHFD requiring participants not to consume more than 50grams (g) of carbohydrates per day for the 16-week experimental period, LCHFD only group (DietG) (n = 11) which were required to follow an LCHFD requiring participants not to consume more than 50g of carbohydrates per day or control group (ConG) (n = 14), whose members continued with their normal daily activities throughout the 16-week period.
Of the initial 39 patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus who were eligible to participate in the study, 35 patients (DiExG: n=12, DietG: n=10, ConG: n=13) completed the study and were included in the final analysis. The results revealed no significant (p>0.05) changes in glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), glucose and insulin in either the DiExG (HbA1c: p=0.592; 8.3% decrease, glucose: p=0.477; 11.1% decrease and insulin: p=0.367; 44.1% increase) or DietG (HbA1c: p=0.822; 0% change, glucose: p=0.108; 11.0% decrease and insulin: p=0.976; 4.2% decrease). No significant (p>0.05) changes were found in the DiExG and DietG regarding body mass (p=0.999; 2.0% decrease and p=0.991; 2.5% decrease; respectively), body mass index (BMI) (p=0.999; 2.2% decrease and p=0.998; 2.3% decrease; respectively), percentage body fat (%BF) (p=0.693; 16.7% decrease and p=0.928; 13.0% decrease, respectively), waist circumferences (p=0.929; 5.4% decrease and p=0.71; 6.3% decrease, respectively), hip circumference (p=0.85; 5.8% decrease and p=0.414; 7.0% decrease; respectively) and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) (p=0.999; 0% difference and p=0.999; 0% difference, respectively). No significant (p>0.05) changes were observed in total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), triglycerides (TG) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) in either the DiExG (TC: p=0.791; 2.0% increase, LDL-C: p=0.704; 7.4% increase, TG: p=0.477; 9.5% decrease and HDL-C: p=0.989; 0% change) or DietG (TC: p=0.881; 0% change, LDL-C: p=0.744; 13.8% decrease, TG: p=0.677; 17.9% increase and HDL-C: p=0.844; 0% change).
In conclusion, neither an LCHFD alone or in combined with a physical activity programme failed to elicit improvements in insulin sensitivity and should not indisputably be included in a treatment regime to manage or improve body composition in Type 2 diabetics. As such, adoption of an LCHFD, either alone or combination with physical activity, should not unequivocally be adopted as part of the treatment approach for Type 2 diabetics and should carefully be weighed against the benefits of more traditional dietary and/or physical activity interventions. This study further concludes that the LCHFD with or without exercise has no beneficial or negative adaptations to cholesterol in Type 2 diabetics
Shadow banking, financial stability and economic performance: implications for regulation in emerging economies
Get PDFA Thesis submitted to the Faculty of Commerce, Administration and Law, of the requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Commerce in the Department of Economics at the University of Zululand, 2019.Shadow banking became a topical issue in advanced economies during and after the global financial crisis of 2007/2008. The importance of the study of the shadow banking sector stems from the need to identify the channels through which it benefits the economy and also channels through which it can become detrimental to economic performance through propagation of systemic risk. Available literature, however, does not provide evidence on the impact of the growth of the shadow banking system on both financial stability and macroeconomic performance in emerging economies. This study contributes to the extant literature on financial innovation by providing evidence on the linkages between the shadow banking sector, economic performance and stability of financial systems across national borders in emerging economies.
The study firstly reviews literature on shadow banking focusing on the channels through which shadow banking impacts the macro-economy, financial stability and monetary policy. Five empirical papers, each with a unique contribution to literature are used to show the impact of shadow banking on various macro-economic and financial variables using a panel of emerging market economies. Firstly, the study employs the Pooled Mean Group technique to estimate a model in which economic growth is a function of shadow banking and other variables. The results show that shadow banking is positively related to economic growth. The second paper analyses the impact of shadow banking on bank risk across national borders within a Global Vector Auto-regressive (GVAR) framework. The findings show increased financial fragility as a result of a negative shock in shadow banking at the global level in the majority of economies under study. Furthermore, the study identifies financial contagion across national borders amongst emerging countries and between emerging countries and advanced economies through the shadow banking sector.
In another paper, the study investigates the relationship between shadow banking and monetary policy using the Panel Vector Auto-regression (PVAR) technique. The findings point to the existence of a negative relationship between the monetary policy rate and shadow bank growth. Contractionary monetary policy results in reduction in shadow bank activity. In addition, the study establishes a positive response of shadow banking to a positive shock in bank liquidity. The fourth empirical paper focuses on the interaction between shadow
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banking, monetary policy and risk-taking behaviour of banks. The study finds shadow banking to be an important component of the monetary policy transmission mechanism in emerging countries. High risk increases the impact of monetary policy on shadow banking whereas lower risk weakens monetary policy transmission through the shadow banking system. Furthermore, the study argues for linkages between shadow banking and bank risk taking in the monetary policy transmission mechanism; the findings show that high risk taking occurs through the shadow banking sector. The fifth empirical paper investigates the impact of shadow banking activities on firm profitability in South Africa with the aim to establish whether South African firms benefit from shadow financial services or otherwise. Single equation cointegration methods and three measures of firm profitability were employed in the study. Several macroeconomic and bank specific variables were used as control variables. The results are mixed; showing that shadow banking has a negative impact on traditional banks’ profitability but has a positive impact on non-financial firms and the overall measures of firm profitability. The results indicate that both non-financial firms and non-bank financial institutions are benefiting from the expansion in shadow banking activities. Targeted functional regulation is suggested in order to promote economic activities in the shadow banking sector whilst at the same time limiting possible risks that may arise.
Other policy implications arising from the study points firstly, to the need to craft regulatory measures that encourage monitoring of shadow banking activities to curb contagion effects that can transfer to other jurisdictions. Secondly, regulation should also allow for growth and development of shadow banking assets to enhance economic growth. Lastly, policy coordination is necessary to ensure that the impact of monetary policy on financial markets is accounted for during policy formulation
The experiences of educators with english as the language of learning and teaching in the intermediate phase
Get PDFA dissertation submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Education in the Department of Curriculum and Instructional Studies, Faculty of Education at the University of Zululand, 2019.This study aimed to explore the experiences of educators in using English as the language of learning and teaching for Grade 4 learners. It employed an interpretive qualitative approach. A sample of six teachers teaching Grade 4 were purposively selected from a district in the province of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa. Data were collected through classroom observations and unstructured interviews. Findings revealed that teachers in rural monolingual community schools find it difficult to meet the policy prescriptions and curriculum demands in terms of the language of learning and teaching. Teachers end up translating into the mother tongue, which is isiZulu, and code-switching to enhance content understanding; this is a strategy that limits both teachers’ and learners’ exposure to English. In addition, learners transitioning from their Home language to English as the language of learning are not sufficiently supported. The findings also indicate that teachers in rural monolingual community schools in King Cetshwayo district find it difficult to meet the curriculum demands in terms of the language of learning and teaching. Grade 3 moves to Grade 4 with little English vocabulary and competence; this makes teaching very strenuous and challenging to teachers. Teachers were also found to be insufficiently proficient in English. The significance of the study relates to the educational issues of rural schools that are ignored by officialdom, including the fact that teachers are not adequately prepared to teach in English. In addition, learners transitioning to the very unfamiliar language of learning and teaching are not sufficiently supported with regard to improving their command of it. Hence, policies need revision to address the linguistic shortcomings of teachers and learners. New policies ought to be designed and implemented if English is to remain the language of learning and teaching in South African schools
Cyberethical behaviour of undergraduate students of the University of Zululand, South Africa, and the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria
No full textA thesis submitted in fulfillment of the academic requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in the Department Information Studies in the Faculty of Arts, University of Zululand, 2019.This study examined the cyberethical behaviour of undergraduate students of the University of Zululand, South Africa, and the Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta, Nigeria. Cyberethical behaviour is the study and understanding of users’ attitudes towards the use of cybertechnology and their interaction with other aspects of the Internet and its environment.
The specific objectives of the study were to: explore the relationships between students’ demographic characteristics and their cyberethical behaviour; determine their level of awareness of cyberethical behaviour; explore the types of cyberethical behaviour exhibited by undergraduate students; determine the influence of the Theory of Planned Behaviour on cyberethical behaviour; find out the challenges faced by students in order to act ethically in cyberspace; and establish the impact of cyberethics policy in strengthening or promoting cyberethics in the two universities.
The study adopted the pragmatic research paradigm that combines both quantitative and qualitative research methods. The sample for the study was drawn from undergraduate students in two purposively selected universities in South Africa and Nigeria. The respondents were drawn from all faculties and colleges in the two universities. A combination of quantitative and qualitative approaches was used in the data analysis. Data collected using the quantitative instrument were coded and the analyses were carried out using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25.0. Data from the interview schedule were analysed using thematic analysis. Overall, 450 undergraduate students were invited to participate in the survey, but 380 respondents completed and returned the questionnaire, giving a response rate of 84.4%. From the expected 16 members of staff of both Information Technology Section (ITS) and Information & Communication Technology Resources Centre (ICTREC), 14 were interviewed, giving a response rate of 88%.
The findings of the study indicated a demographic dominance of female respondents from South Africa and male respondents from Nigeria. The majority of the undergraduate students in the studied universities are in the 21-25 age brackets, which is not unique. The study also showed moderate influences of demographic characteristics on cyberethical behaviour. Most of the respondents from the sampled universities reported that they were aware of cyberethical behaviour. A high percentage of participants, 98 (52.1%), revealed that they had never received ethical orientation in the university.
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Top on the list of types of cyberethical violations is cyber piracy, with the highest mean scores of ( ̅ = 3.6 and SD = 1.5) and ( ̅ = 3.6, SD = 1.3) among students in Nigeria and South Africa respectively. The three variables - attitude, subjective norm and perceived behavioural control from the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) - were individually statistically significant in influencing students’ cyberethical behaviour. Furthermore, the study revealed a significant number of challenges that were associated with appropriate cyberethical behaviour. Despite the importance of cyber technology to the university community, the universities provided access, but with some restrictions. While UNIZULU provides round the clock internet access, FUNAAB has limited and regulated access for users on their network.
The study recommends that universities should sustain orientation programmes on cyberethics and cyber security awareness at the start of each academic year, especially for fresh students, so that they can act responsibly when in the university cyberspace. It is also suggested that universities establish strong policies and corresponding penalties for cyberethical violations or misuse behaviour. Universities should revisit or review existing computer laboratory ethical conduct and policies to attune to the demands of present reality.
The findings of this study may spark further investigation into the impact of cyber technology on the ethical conduct of undergraduate and graduate students in academic institutions in the studied countries, and perhaps elsewhere. The study also contributes to extant literature on the application of the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB).
The originality and value of this study can be viewed from the application of a socio- psychology theory to determine cyberethical behaviour, which provides further evidence that the TPB can be applied to cyberethics research. The study also contributes to literature by conceptualising the phenomenon of cyberethics in the context of South Africa and Nigeria, which can generate debates for further discussions on cyberethics among African scholars. In addition, the findings will help university executives to consider developing policy and standards that will encourage ethical behaviour by all the cyber technology users in their cyberspaces. The empirical findings from this study can help to create awareness about cyberethics and motivate academics and institutions in these African countries to accept the challenge of establishing, monitoring, evaluating and strengthening their environments so that academic integrity will be valued and carefully protected. The principal theoretical implication of this study is that, while it is not enough to declare that unethical cyber behaviour is against an institution’s code of conduct and acceptable use, university managements need to initiate forums to bridge the gap between students’ knowledge and their actual behaviour