1,397 research outputs found
Innocent Victims Poetic Injustice in Shakespearean Tragedy
No full textThis is a revised version of the book which was privately published by the author in 1982. At the time, the book was widely welcomed by Shakespearean scholars as a trenchant, scholarly and highly orginal contribution to the field of Shakespearean studies. The book's argument is that a full response to Shakespearean tragedy has to take account of the fate of the victims as well as of the tragic heroesl and this thesis is illustrated and developed by a consideration of Lavinia, Lucrece and the children in Richard III, Macbeth and King John; and to the thee principal Shakespearean tragic victims, Ophelia, Desemona and Cordelia.Intro -- Contents -- Preface to second edition -- I: Fore Thoughts -- II: Innocent Victims -- III: Lavinia -- IV: Lucrece -- V: Children -- VI: Ophelia -- VII: Desdemona -- VIII: Cordelia -- IX: After Thoughts -- Appendix: Critics and Victims -- Notes -- Bibliography -- Index -- A -- B -- C -- D -- E -- F -- G -- H -- I -- J -- K -- L -- M -- N -- O -- P -- R -- S -- T -- U -- V -- W -- YThis is a revised version of the book which was privately published by the author in 1982. At the time, the book was widely welcomed by Shakespearean scholars as a trenchant, scholarly and highly orginal contribution to the field of Shakespearean studies. The book's argument is that a full response to Shakespearean tragedy has to take account of the fate of the victims as well as of the tragic heroesl and this thesis is illustrated and developed by a consideration of Lavinia, Lucrece and the children in Richard III, Macbeth and King John; and to the thee principal Shakespearean tragic victims, Ophelia, Desemona and Cordelia.Description based on publisher supplied metadata and other sources.Electronic reproduction. Ann Arbor, Michigan : ProQuest Ebook Central, YYYY. Available via World Wide Web. Access may be limited to ProQuest Ebook Central affiliated libraries
An Analysis of Determinants of Private Investment in Zimbabwe for the Period 2009- 2011
No full textAn analysis of Determinations of Private Investment in Zimbabwe for the period 2009-2011 is a published article of the Finance Department.,The study set out to analyse the determinants of private investment post the introduction of the multi-currency
system in Zimbabwe (2009-2011). This was prompted by the sluggish growth in private investment thereby
crippling the economy?s growth on the large. Variables identified for the study include political risk, GDP,
national savings, inflation, interest rates, public investment, trade terms and debt servicing. To enhance the
analysis, the study assumed correlation analysis and multiple regression in an effort to examine how private
investment related to each identified variable as well as the net effect of each variable on private investment.
Though most results from correlation analysis are contrary to the research?s expectations, treating the
variables for co and multicollinearity gave theory aligned results in regression analysis. The study, though not
out rightly disregarding correlation results identifies political risk, interest rate, GDP, debt servicing and trade
terms as key determinants of private investment over the study period. Key though is the realisation that,
statistical significance of results is independent of the practicality of economic principles. In a bid to foster
economic growth and increase private investment, the study recommends the promotion of political stability,
the attraction of FDI, enabling a structured public-private dialogue and promoting Government investment in
infrastructure development among others
Financing structure and financial sustainability: evidence from selected Southern Africa development community microfinance institutions
Get PDFThesis (PhD)--Stellenbosch University, 2017.ENGLISH SUMMARY : Despite the burgeoning interest in microfinance, research has shied away from addressing the relationship between financing structure and the financial sustainability of microfinance institutions (MFIs) as evidence on the same remains sparse. Considering the commercialisation trend, this thesis closes this gap by examining the relationship between the financing structure and financial sustainability for selected Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) MFIs. The effort was informed by the need to have financially sustainable MFIs that can consistently provide financial services to the marginalised, and hence advance outreach in the poverty–stricken region. The thesis comprises a blend of four research papers that address: (1) a conceptual review of ‘financial sustainability’ as applied in microfinance, (2) the essence of the life cycle theory (LCT) in explaining financial sustainability, (3) financing structure and financial sustainability, as well as (4) the relationship between the financing structure and outreach (depth and breadth). Assuming panel data on 60 selected MFIs drawn from the MIX over a period of six years, the study applies robust panel framework (fixed and random effects models) as well as binary–outcome models (probit and logit models). The results show that MFI age alone cannot explain the level of financial sustainability. Rather, the ability to manage default risk by reducing the portfolio at risk as well as embracing cost–efficiency by minimising both operational and financing costs improves chances of financial sustainability. Generally, MFIs are not financially sustainable — supporting evidence from earlier studies. ‘Young’ MFIs emerge more financially sustainable signifying a new trend variant from the propositions of the LCT. Further evidence reveals that financial sustainability is sensitive to the financing sources employed by MFIs as well as the number of active borrowers. Regulatory costs also limit the role of deposits in spurring financial sustainability. Moreover, results demonstrate that outreach depth is significantly constrained by debt financing; whilst equity, deposits and ‘new’ MFIs have a significant positive effect on outeach depth. Outreach breadth is promoted by deposits only; whilst equity, debt and ‘new’ MFIs limit it. The study suggests the adoption of proper credit risk analysis done through credit bureaus and client screening technology to reduce adverse selection and moral hazard. In addition, a strong loan recovery strategy can also limit outstanding loans. Embracing cost–efficiency through the use technology such as mobile banking and cost–cutting innovation in lending may reduce the operating costs for MFIs. Also, financing costs incurred through the use of costly borrowings can be controlled by reducing borrowings, thereby improve chances of attaining financial sustainability. The removal of controls on lending rates and the promotion of efficient financial markets through appropriate regulatory framework go a long way in reducing the cost of borrowing, allow for the raising of equity capital as well as stimulating financial sustainability. Regulation that promotes competition; reduce regulatory costs and allow for the establishment of ancillary financial infrastructure (credit bureaus) helps in improving transparency in the microfinance sector.AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING : Ten spyte van die groeiende belangstelling in mikrofinansies, het navorsing weg van die aanspreek van die verhouding tussen finansiering struktuur en die finansiele volhoubaarheid van microfinanciering instellings (MFI) as getuienis op dieselfde weggeskram bly yl. Met inagneming van die kommersialisering tendens, hierdie tesis sluit hierdie gaping deur die ondersoek van die verhouding tussen die finansiering struktuur en finansiele volhoubaarheid vir geselekteerde Suider-Afrikaanse Ontwikkelingsgemeenskap (SAOG) MFI. Die poging is deur die behoefte om finansieel volhoubaar MFI wat konsekwent kan verskaf finansiele dienste aan die gemarginaliseerde, en dus bevorder uitreik in die armoede-geteisterde gebied het. Die tesis bestaan uit 'n mengsel van vier referate wat spreek: (1) 'n konseptuele oorsig van 'n finansiele volhoubaarheid 'soos toegepas in mikrofinansies, (2) die essensie van die lewensiklus teorie (LCT) in die verduideliking van finansiele volhoubaarheid, (3) finansiering struktuur en finansiele volhoubaarheid, asook (4) die verhouding tussen die finansiering struktuur en uitreik (diepte en breedte). Die aanvaarding van data paneel op 60 gekies MFI uit die mengsel oor 'n tydperk van ses jaar, die studie van toepassing is sterk paneel raamwerk (vaste en ewekansige effekte modelle) asook binere-uitkoms modelle (probit en logit-modelle). Die resultate dui daarop dat MFI ouderdom alleen die vlak van finansiele volhoubaarheid nie kan verduidelik. Inteendeel, die vermoe en die standaard risiko te bestuur deur die vermindering van die portefeulje in gevaar asook die aanvaarding van koste-doeltreffendheid deur die vermindering van beide operasionele en finansieringskoste verhoog kanse op finansiele volhoubaarheid. Oor die algemeen, MFI is nie finansieel volhoubaar - ondersteunende bewyse van vorige studies. 'Jong' MFI na vore meer finansieel volhoubaar aan te dui 'n nuwe tendens variant van die stellings van die LCT. Verdere bewyse toon dat finansiele volhoubaarheid is sensitief vir die finansiering bronne in diens van MFI asook die aantal aktiewe leners. Regulatoriese koste ook die rol van deposito te beperk in stijgende finansiele volhoubaarheid. Verder het die resultate toon dat uitreik diepte aansienlik beperk word deur skuldfinansiering; terwyl aandele, deposito's en 'nuwe' MFI het 'n beduidende positiewe uitwerking op outeach diepte. Outreach breedte word bevorder deur net deposito's; terwyl aandele, skuld en 'nuwe' MFI beperk dit. Die studie dui daarop dat die aanvaarding van behoorlike krediet risiko-analise gedoen deur kredietburo's en klient screening tegnologie om ongunstige seleksie en morele gevaar te verminder. Daarbenewens kan 'n sterk lening herstel strategie ook uitstaande lenings te beperk. Omhels koste-doeltreffendheid deur die gebruik van tegnologie soos mobiele bankdienste en koste te sny innovasie in uitleen kan die bedryfskoste vir MFI verminder. Ook, finansieringskoste gely deur die gebruik van duur lenings kan beheer word deur die vermindering van lenings en sodoende kanse bereiking finansiele volhoubaarheid te verbeter. Die verwydering van kontroles op uitleenkoerse en die bevordering van doeltreffende finansiele markte deur middel van toepaslike regulerende raamwerk gaan 'n lang pad in die vermindering van die koste van lenings, voorsiening te maak vir die verkryging van aandele kapitaal sowel as stimulerend finansiele volhoubaarheid. Regulasie dat mededinging bevorder; verminder regulatoriese koste en voorsiening te maak vir die vestiging van bykomende finansiele infrastruktuur (krediet buro) help in die verbetering van deursigtigheid in die mikrofinansies sektor.Doctora
Financing Structure and Financial Sustainability of Selected SADC Microfinance Institutions (MFIs)
No full textThis study analyses selected Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) Microfinance Institutions (MFIs) in delineating how commercialized financing structure relates to financial sustainability given the need to control poverty through financially sustainable MFIs. The study takes from a recent SADC microfinance survey which recommended financial rescue packages for ailing MFIs to proffer financial sustainability. This survey failed to specify the form of financing which supports financial sustainability in addition to the inconclusive and little evidence in this regard. We note that though the financing structure and the level of financial sustainability varies with countries, MFIs are generally financially unsustainable. A robust probit model framework affirms the role of financing structure on financial sustainability. Portfolio at risk, cost efficiency and costs linked to deposit attraction explain financial sustainability. We suggest the availing of more donations, upgrading risk management and improving cost efficiency to induce financial sustainability
Financing and financial sustainability of microfinance institutions (MFIs): a conceptual view
Get PDFRecent evidence shows that MFI financing continues to evolve with an increased inclination towards commercial financing. Taking stock on MFI financing and refocusing on the relationship between financing options and financial sustainability (FS) is unavoidable. The authors consummated a literature review based on complementing the little evidence on the subject with both theoretical and implied evidence from related studies in unpacking the relationship. Though donations are losing grip as a popular MFI financing option, review of literature recommends smart subsidies to spur FS and counter inefficiency, mis-targetting, dependency and distortions. As much as debt addresses agency problems and endorses FS, it has to be kept within limits to curb liquidation and mission drift. Deposit attraction augments FS and outreach, though MFIs must prepare to foot licensing costs, otherwise, mission drift ensues. Equity, though scarce in microfinance, is cheap and additive to FS. The authors suggest that MFIs should consider commercial funding, whilst keeping a check on the downside of each commercial financing option to augment FS and multiply outreac
Ian McEwan’s Innocent Spies
No full textWhen Ian McEwan published a new novel, The Innocent, at the beginning of 1990, after three years of silence, many reviewers were rather perplexed. The Innocent seemed to be a traditional, linear spy story, apparently without any postmodern winks to deeper hidden meanings. It did not reveal, either, any metafictional or auto-referential elements disguised as popular fiction tricks. It was just a spy story, belonging to a “minor” genre, even though it was written by a major author. This is why, while looking for all the possible interpretations suggested by the novel’s title and the subtitle – A Special Relationship – in this essay I take into account the specificity of spy fiction as a genre, on the one hand, all possible readings springing from the usual scenario of spy stories, and the deeper meaning the novel acquires thanks to the author’s explicit or implicit reference to narrative and filmic intertexts. More than twenty years after The Innocent, McEwan published another spy story: Sweet Tooth. In a way, Sweet Tooth seems to be a light the counterpart of The Innocent, because the tone of the narration is almost cheerful, there is no violence and narrative tricks substitute suspense. Here McEwan does what he did not do with The Innocent: that is to say, he uses a spy fiction plot for other purposes. While the story of The Innocent was first and foremost a spy thriller, with a tinge of noir, Sweet Tooth is a metafictional tour de force contrived as a spy story. It is apparent that, despite all the references to the Cold War, the miners’ strikes, the power crisis, the IRA, the soaring crime rate, we are a long way from spy fiction. Or maybe we are not. According to an unconfirmed quote, McEwan believes that “All novels are spy novels [...] as all writers are spies”
An innocent at home: Scott Pilgrim and his Canadian multicultural contexts
No full textbook chapterThe chapter, "An innocent at home: Scott Pilgrim and his Canadian multicultural contexts" was written by the listed authors Brenna Clarke Gray and Peter Wilkins (Douglas College Faculty). Part of the Routledge research in cultural and media studies series.Published
Book briefs: Seduction of the innocent
No full textDr. Frederic Wertham\u27s book Seduction of the Innocent reviews the harmful effects of crime comics in children. In the book the author claims that crime comics consist of 50 to 100 frames of brutality, violence and blood, sexual sadism, a distorted view of authority, womanhood and life, and can also adversely affect a child\u27s reading ability. The author calls for a ban on crime comics for children under the age of 15
The Innocent Passage of Warships in Foreign Territorial Seas: A Threatened Freedom
Get PDFThis comment explores the right of warships to make innocent passage through foreign territorial seas. The understanding of many nations regarding the 1958 Convention on the Territorial Sea and Contiguous Zone was that all ships on a peaceful mission are allowed to move through foreign territorial waters without restriction. However, an increasing number of coastal states have begun requiring prior notice before allowing warships innocent passage. The author explores the background of this issue as well as the contentions of both sides. The author concludes that the future is gloomy for the principle of innocent passage as applied to warships
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