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Connecting entrepreneurial ecosystem and innovation. Grasping at straws or hitting a home run?
Get PDFJournal Article, Faculty of Humanity.North--West University-VandebijiparkWhy do some regions continuously exhibit productive entrepreneurship while others stagnate? The entrepreneurial ecosystem and innovation are buzzwords within academic research, representing the cultural, economic, social, and political environment supporting productive entrepreneurship. Scholars have examined the linkage between ecosystems and innovation in the past few years, and there is an agreement that the interaction of entrepreneurial actors, institutions, and cultures facilitates new venture development and productive entrepreneurship. However, despite burgeoning research, the entrepreneurial ecosystem still represents a metaphor lacking clarity. There is little agreement on the causal mechanisms driving the entrepreneurial ecosystem and innovation outcomes as the research at the current stage involves diverse views and is currently fragmented. We present a review of ninety-eight articles to synthesize existing research evidence on entrepreneurial ecosystems by identifying the ecosystem aspects maximizing innovative capacity. The content analysis reveals three predominant themes: (1) the role of universities, (2) the role of entrepreneurial actors, and (3) innovation as an outcome of the entrepreneurial ecosystem. The findings highlight scholarly attention on the interactions between elements of the entrepreneurial ecosystem and reveal the crucial role of entrepreneurial actors as drivers of innovation. We contribute to the prior research by offering an overview of predominant themes and proposing a conceptual framework. Shedding light on the intersection between the entrepreneurial ecosystem and innovation is a potential pathway for future ecosystem research
Preferences for index-based crop insurance in South Africa
Get PDFJournal Articles. 1Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, North-West University, MafikengThe main reason cited for the low participation rate in indexed insurance in Africa is the lack of farmers’ involvement in the initial conception. The main aim of this article was, therefore, to design an improved participatory methodology that would help farmers in South Africa gather information on the value they place in new crop insurance initiatives based on weather indices. The main objective of this study was to determine their willingness to pay (WTP) crop insurance in the Eastern Cape. The study adopted a cross-sectional design, and the respondents were selected by using a probability sampling procedure. A sample of 150 respondents was selected. The results from descriptive statistics showed that 62% of the smallholder irrigation scheme farmers were between 52 and above years of age, male and female: 87% and 13%, respectively. The results from the probit model revealed that out of nine variables included in the model, only four namely, logAge square, gender, marital status and age were significantly influencing the WTP index-based crop insurance at 1%, 5% and 10%, respectively. However, age was found to reduce the chances of participating in crop-based insurance. A large proportion of those who were willing to pay insurance had not previously experienced losses because of natural hazards. Therefore, it recommended that the government should use existing extension officers to educate the farmers and promote the importance and benefits of insurance products.
Contribution
The results are expected to contribute to the local government to improve disaster resilience through strengthening regional financial funding
Beyond the shadows of trauma: exploring the synergy of emotional intelligence and distress disclosure in Nigerian adolescents’ trauma journey
Get PDFArticle, Faculty of Humanities (NWU Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Teaching and Learning)--Northwest University, Potchefstroom CampusAlthough adolescence is a critical period marked by increased vulnerability to trauma, the mechanisms underlying how adolescents cope with such experiences remain underexplored. This study is anchored in Hobfoll’s conservation of resources theory and Porges’ polyvagal theory, which together suggest that emotional intelligence and distress disclosure are critical resources for adolescents coping with trauma and investigated the interplay of distress disclosure in the relationship between emotional intelligence and trauma among secondary school adolescents. A three-wave longitudinal study was conducted with 491 adolescents enrolled in public secondary schools in Enugu State, Nigeria, selected using a two-stage cluster sampling technique. Emotional intelligence, distress disclosure, and trauma symptoms were assessed using the Trait Emotional Intelligence Scale, Distress Disclosure Index, and Trauma Symptom Checklist for Children, respectively. Confirmatory factor analysis, path analysis, and mediation analysis were employed. The results indicated significant negative relationships between emotional intelligence, distress disclosure, and adolescent trauma. Furthermore, the mediation analysis revealed that distress disclosure partially mediated the relationship between the latter two. These findings have practical implications for designing interventions and support systems that foster emotional intelligence and promote distress disclosure among Nigerian adolescents and others exposed to trauma. Future research should explore additional protective factors to enhance the robustness and generalisability of the findings
The Impact of (In)Civility on Selected Individual and Organisational Outcomes in Financial Services
Get PDFJournal article. WorkWell Research Unit, Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroo
Reconciling the pain with gain of Church leadership conflict in Zimbabwe
Get PDFJournal Article, The Unit for Reformational Theology and the Development of the South African Society, Faculty of Theology, North-West University, PotchefstroomSince time immemorial, there has been demonisation of conflict that entangles Church leaders and congregants in Zimbabwe. Innumerable publications have exposed multifarious negative effects of ecclesial conflicts, such as dividing the parties involved, splitting churches and creating space for dubious and cultist opportunists to take up leadership positions at the expense of gullible believers. While this happens, focusing on the negative consequences of conflict prolongs the hurt and pain, while delaying healing, closure, peace and development. Thus, the positive effects of conflict represent a critical gap in need of attention. Employing qualitative literature review, biblical peace and conflict management principles, this submission reconciles the aforementioned downsides with the upsides of Church conflict, such as necessitating introspection and exposing hidden issues that need attention. It finds conflict unavoidable, yet sometimes destructive, constructive and indicative that certain issues must be addressed. All in all, it recommends that Church leaders should not delay, or rub off, but manage conflict and upgrade their conflict management as well as peace building skills in view of biblical precepts to stay progressive in any situation.
Contribution: This article reconciles the negative with the positive effects of Church leadership conflicts to achieve ecclesial and community development
Local and Regional Migration Governance in Nigeria: Perspectives from Youth, Growth, and Development
Get PDFJournal Article, Department of Political Studies and International Relations, North West UniversityStudies have examined the nature and causes of international migration among Nigerians as well as the political economy of migration and the governance of regions in Nigeria. However, adequate attention has not been paid to investigating the implications of youths‘ migration from local or regional areas in Nigeria. It adopted an inferential survey research and secondary data that were obtained from textbooks, academic journals, official documents of federal ministries, departments, and agencies and the internet to gather information, opinions, and perspectives on the subject matter. It further provides an in depth analysis of the existing migration framework at local and regional levels in Nigeria. This study found that factors driving global migration are becoming more and more entrenched, and they don't appear to be abating. In order to properly understand the transnational contextual realities of Nigerians within the framework of migrant existences, innovative techniques, as previously discussed, should be appreciated and implemented. Additionally, drivers of migration should be completely acknowledged and addressed through policies and programmes. The study concluded that the government should address factors driving the youth into migration in order to tap into or benefit from their youthful contributions to Nigeria‘s growth and development
Commerce, labour and happiness: An existential reading of Adam Smith's "The poor man's son"
Get PDFJournal Article, Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences, Workwell: Research Unit for Economic; Management Sciences-- Potchefstroom CampusThis article highlights the philosophical contribution of an existential reading of Adam Smith’s narrative of ‘The poor man’s son’ that opens transdisciplinary research themes. The narrative in Adam Smith’s The Theory of Moral Sentiments [1759] deals with the issue of labour and happiness in commercial society, an important contemporary topic in meaningful labour research. This field is dominated by research on labour’s personal or moral value, which may lead to personal and workplace conflicts in case of ethical dilemmas. Recent research advocates existentialism, underscoring authenticity in workplace meaningful labour. The problem is that some of these studies limit meaning of employees’ reception of workplace policies and other events, resulting in a dualism between surface and deep existentialism. I will argue that an existential reading of the narrative ‘The poor man’s son’ contributes to transdisciplinary research by advancing research in commerce, specifically existential meaningful labour, by advocating an integrative theory of labour and happiness. The insights from Jean-Paul Sartre concerning anguish, authenticity, freedom, and facticity challenge the assumption that the son’s labour was meaningless because of the misery he experienced during old age, supporting a view that his choices were an expression of his freedom of choice and authenticity, and not determined by circumstances that provide important insights for an integrative theory of meaningful labour that prioritises the anguish of ontological freedom, consciousness as the source of freedom and facticity as hurdles to be surmounted on the path to fulfilment.
Transdisciplinary contribution: The article is an intersection between philosophy and commerce by promoting insights from existentialism to read ‘The poor man’s son’ in Adam Smith’s The Theory of Moral Sentiments, providing insights for an integrative theory of meaningful labour and happiness.Ethical considerations
An application for full ethical approval was made to the Economic and Management Sciences Research Ethics Committee (EMS-REC) of the North-West University on 24 May 2023. The ethical clearance number is NWU-00645-23-A4
NONCOMMUNICABLE DISEASE CONDITIONS AND HIV IN RURAL AND URBAN SOUTH AFRICA: 2005-2015
Get PDFJournal Article, Hypertension in Africa Research Team (HART),
North-West University, Potchefstroom CampusPurpose: Hypertension, obesity, hyperlipidemia, and type 2 diabetes contribute primarily to noncommunicable disease deaths and together with human immunodeficiency virus contribute largely to mortality in South Africa. Our longitudinal study provides the necessary data and insights over a 10-year period to highlight the areas where improved management is required in urban and rural localities.
Methods: This study included 536 rural and 387 urban Black participants aged 32 to 93 years from the North-West province, South Africa. Disease prevalence, treatment, and control were determined in 2005 and were re-evaluated in 2015. Multiple measures analyses were used to determine the trends of blood pressure and waist circumference.
Results: The initial prevalence of hypertension was 53.2%, obesity was 23.6%, hyperlipidemia was 5.1%, diabetes was 2.9%, and human immunodeficiency virus was 10.7% in 2005. By 2015, the rural population had higher rates of hypertension (63.7% versus 58.5%) and lower rates diabetes (4.3% versus 7.9%) and hyperlipidemia (6.6% versus 18.0%) with similar obesity rates (41.7% versus 42.4%). The average blood pressure levels of urban hypertensives decreased (Ptrend.001) in both sex and locality groups over the 10-year period.
Conclusion: Although average blood pressure of urban hypertensive individuals decreased, urgent measures focused on early identification, treatment, and control of the respective conditions should be implemented to decrease the burden of noncommunicable diseases
How did the COVID-19 pandemic impact consumers’ food safety knowledge, attitudes and practices? A multi-country study on the omicron variant
Get PDFArticle, Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences (Workwell: Research Unit for Economic; Management Sciences)--Northwest University , Potchefstroom CampusPurpose – The COVID-19 pandemic is not a foodborne infectious disease, but it has dramatically impacted food safety practices worldwide due to its potential for transmission through contaminated surfaces and food. Accordingly, the Omicron variant seems to have affected food-related activities and behaviours and disturbed food supply networks since its appearance in November 2021. Hence, this paper aims to assess how the Omicron variant impacted food safety knowledge, attitudes and practices amongst adult consumers in five countries: Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia, Serbia, Montenegro and Russia. Design/methodology/approach – The study is based on an online survey. The questionnaire was developed and revised based on previous research on the impact of previous COVID-19 waves on food-related activities in several countries. The questionnaire was distributed through the SurveyMonkey platform from January 15 to February 25, 2022. It consisted of 29 multiple-choice and one-option questions organised into three sections. A total of 6,483 valid responses were received. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25.0 was used to analyse the survey results. Findings – According to the survey findings, food safety practices evolved during the Omicron wave in the studied countries. Firstly, less than half of the sample used a face mask whilst purchasing food. Secondly, regarding food safety knowledge, the survey results suggest that there is still a lack of knowledge in the studied countries. Thirdly, the survey indicates a lack of knowledge amongst the respondents regarding food safety attitudes. For instance, more than a third of the sample (34.4%) are unsure whether the COVID-19 virus can be transmitted through food. These results are surprising and alarming, especially considering that our sample has a higher education than the population of the studied countries. Research limitations/implications – The main limitation of this research is the sample bias. Survey participants were randomly chosen, enrolled voluntarily and not rewarded. As a result, the questionnaire was self-administered and completed exclusively by people motivated by an interest in the topic. Consequently, our survey does not represent the general population of the studied countries. People with a high degree of education and women, for example, were overrepresented in our sample. Originality/value – This study is unique in that it is the first to gather information and analyse people’s perceptions of the effects of the Omicron variant on food safety. As a result, the findings of this survey offer a solid basis for future investigations into the impact of the pandemic on food safety in the Balkan region and Russia. This study can help further understand the changes during the COVID-19 pandemic. It provides crucial insights that can be used to guide future decision-making and policy development regarding improving food safety practices. This and other future studies will be a foundation for organisational and government readiness for future shocks, crises and pandemics. The effects of the present Ukrainian conflict on agricultural systems and supply chains throughout the globe (e.g. increased food prices) show that this is timely, urgent and highly required
Experiences of Women regarding Accessibility of Choice on Termination of Pregnancy Services in Northwest Province, South Africa
Get PDFArticle, Faculty of Health Sciences (Quality In Nursing and Midwifery (NuMiQ)--Potchefstroom CampusBackground: Poor access to choose on termination of pregnancy services remains a disturbing health challenge to women, mostly in developing countries. In rural provinces of South Africa, this hurdle is manifested by, amongst others, fear of stigmatisation and failure to access the services due to a lack of trained staff and transport.
Objectives: This study is designed to explore and describe women’s experiences regarding access to choice on termination of pregnancy services, subsequently describing recommendations to improve access to choice of
termination of pregnancy in a sub-district of Northwest province of South Africa.
Methods: A qualitative, exploratory, descriptive and contextual design was used to assess the experiences of women regarding access to termination of pregnancy services. The population included women of childbearing age with a history of legal or illegal termination of pregnancy at selected public health care facilities. Purposive sampling was used to identify participants for the study, and 10 women were interviewed using unstructured in-depth face-to-face individual interviews. All ethical principles were adhered to throughout the study, and thematic analysis with six phases was utilised in evaluating the data generated.
Results: Difficulties in accessing choice of termination of pregnancy services and strategies for improvement of accessibility emerged as the two themes. Amongst others, pervasive negative attitudes of nurses, fear of stigma, and lack of psychological and social support were reported as cumbersome experiences in trying to access the service. To improve access, women recommended that more nurses should be trained and deployed to render choice of
termination of pregnancy services to women. They also recommended advertising choice of termination of pregnancy services available on various platforms.
Conclusion: Based on the findings, women in the North West Province face challenges in accessing Choice of Termination of Pregnancy services