23 research outputs found
Performance of students in the College of Law and Management Studies, UKZN : an econometric analysis.
No full textPh. D. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 2011.South Africa needs more higher education graduates with the capability to adapt to and function in a
knowledge-driven and knowledge-dependent economy and society. High dropout and failure rates, as well
as the slow progression of students, have revealed themselves as complex, persistent and seemingly
intractable crises. These hindrances are fuelling student attrition, poor graduation, or low throughput rates in
South African universities, and constitute a wastage of much needed potential skills for the South African
economy. While on average less than 15 percent of a cohort of school leavers get into higher educational
institutions, less than 50 percent graduate. Moreover, if high dropout and failure rates or the slow
progression of students affect students from previously disadvantaged population groups in South African
universities, this may result in further racial and socio-economic disparity in future generations.
To identify determinants of students’ academic performance in the College of Law and Management
Studies at UKZN, this study conducted focus groups, correlations sweep, and fits the students’ records data
in two different educational production functions applying two econometric approaches, namely, Ordinary
Least Squares and Logistic Regression models.
Arising from focus group discussions, a consolidation of results indicated that unpreparedness that lead to
exclusion on academic grounds, and financial difficulties were not wholly to blame. Other reasons
including feeder high schools, life events, and the youth’s sundry needs were considerable stumbling blocks
on the graduation path of students. An amalgam of perceptions on ways to address the quality of teaching
and learning, services and support systems to students, academic staff members’ development, curriculum
development, admission policy and placement of students in appropriate curricular routes as well as the
most effective use of resources across the College of Law and Management Studies was reported.
Results of correlations sweep showed some positive correlations between students’ performance at
university and their matric scores. Results of Ordinary Least Squares and Logistic Regression analyses
confirmed that important predictors of students’ academic performance are total matric points, matric Maths
score, English I score, and English as home first language. In some extent, non-designated matric subjects
scores that include matric Accounting score and matric Economics score play some role. This study,
however, cautions that all the predictors identified play only a minor role since they predict only a very
small proportion of the entire variance in students’ academic performance. This is evident from some of the
pseudo-R2 and R2, which were low ranging from 2 to 65 percent pointing out low explanatory power.
Conclusions emanating from these analyses are that these determinants of students’ academic performance
are not straightforward measures of student quality, as they are the sum of complex and multifaceted
process. Other personal and student demographic variables such as age and race play some role in
predicting university success. Exogenous factors such as the institutional environment, intellectual
leadership, a proper learning infrastructure and environment at the university, socio-economic
characteristics, and psychological attitudes may also play an important role in predicting students’
performance, demanding further investigation.
Some policy implications of the results are that: (1) hypotheses focusing their educational policy-making
process and strategic planning for admission, retention and graduation rates based solely on student
characteristics are challenged. Instead, an integrated holistic approach run parallel to appropriately targeted
educational investments to enhance student success in the College is imperative making the prediction of
students’ performance a far more complex and multifaceted process; (2) admission eligibility should
consider additional mechanisms in the selection of candidates and their placement into appropriate
curricular routes where they are more likely to be successful. This will go a long way in reversing the trends
of student attrition and slow progression by keeping them on the graduation path and ultimately increasing
the pass rates, graduation, and throughput rates in the College. These implications should be explored and
integrated into the educational policy-making process and strategic planning
An empirical study into the feasibility of launching a new Zulu language newspaper into the South African marketplace.
No full textThesis (MBA)-University of Natal, 2002.Independent News & Media (South Africa) (pty) Limited the leading newspaper group in South Africa commissioned an investigation into the strategic launch of a newspaper targeted at the African consumer in the KwaZulu Natal (KZN) market. Independent Newspapers had a profitable Service Agreement with Mandla Matla the owners of ILANGA, the oldest Zulu language bi-weekly newspaper in KZN, which expired on March 31,2002. Prior to the ending of the Service Agreement between the two companies, Independent Newspapers was restrained from publishing a Zulu language newspaper. In order to minimise the effect of the loss of profit from the Service Agreement, various options were determined and a through investigation was commissioned. One option was the possible launch of a new Zulu language newspaper. Reader research was commissioned in the form of reader focus groups and reader questionnaires to determine whether there was room for another newspaper targeting the African consumer. The reader research indicated the strong desire for a daily newspaper ideally in Zulu. A comprehensive financial analysis and a new product development strategy was presented in order to best utilise the research findings and develop a profitable and consumer ariven newspaper. In order to achieve this a number of strategic models were used in the development of the proposed new product
An analysis of herd behaviour in the South African stock exchange.
No full textMasters Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.The stock market is an important part of the economy of a country. It plays a crucial role in
the growth of the industry and commerce of the country that eventually affects the economy
of the country to a great extent. This is the reason that the government, industry and the
country in general keep a close watch on the happenings of the stock market. It is in this
frame of mind that the current study investigates the presence of herd behaviour in the South
African stock market.
Herd behaviour occurs when investors disregard their individual information and base their
trading decision on the actions of others. Herd behaviour was measured by testing whether or
not there is a negative relationship between the dispersion of stock returns and the market
return. The study also investigates whether herd behaviour is asymmetric in different market
conditions, namely bull versus bear markets, highly volatile markets versus less volatile
markets and high trading volumes versus low trading volumes. The results point towards a
considerable presence of herd behaviour among investors at the Johannesburg Stock
Exchange (JSE). An analysis of the asymmetric effect of herding on various market
conditions reveals that herding is more pronounced during a bull market than a bear market,
during low trading volume rather than high trading volume periods and is more prevalent
during periods of low market volatility than in highly volatile markets.
This study also used the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) approach to cointegration in
order to examine short- and long- term dynamics of investors’ herd behaviour at the JSE. The
study noted that herd behaviour is not instantaneous; rather it takes place with a lapse in time.
However, the unrestricted error correction results suggest that herd behaviour has a rather
high speed of adjustment, implying that herding is a short-lived phenomenon
An estimation of the value of water in the commercial forestry : two case studies from KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
No full textThesis (M.Com.)-University of Natal, Durban, 2002.The aim of this dissertation is to estimate the value of water in the commercial forestry in selected areas of Kwazulu-Natal. Furthermore, the essay focuses on two species:Eucalyptus grandis and Pinus patula. The estimation of the value of water is done using two types of water and they are evapo-transpiration (ET) and stream flow reduction (SFR). ET water is used because it has been discovered that there is a loss of water due to afforestation. On the other hand, SFR water is used because the existence of trees means that the water that is supposed to flow to the streams does not, as it is absorbed by the trees. Moreover, the essay develops two methods that can be used to estimate these two types of water in the commercial forestry. The methods are the residual method and the marginal value product (MVP) method. In the case of the residual method, the results are diverse. This means that the values of water for eucalyptus using the ET water, ranges from 05 cents to 23 cents. With the pinus patula, the values of water ranges from 01 cents to 03 cents. This is clear that the value of water for eucalyptus grandis using the ET water is higher than the pinus patula. The value of water using the MVP method using the ET water is decreasing. This means that the values of water starts from higher values to the lowest. This is due to the fact that we are estimating the marginal product. The values start from 72 cents and go down to 28 cents in the case of eucalyptus grandis. The values for the pinus patula start from 26 cents and go down to 12 cents. When estimating the value of water using SFR water, we do not use the residual method. We use the MVP method instead. The values obtained show that eucalyptus grandis values are higher than those of the pinus patula. They start from R5.1 0 cents and go down to R2.77 cents for eucalyptus grandis and from R2.39 to R1.03 for pinus patula. The methods used show that the economies of scale are present, because when we add more water, the value falls. Furthermore, The law of diminishing marginal retums is present because when we add more water; the values reach a maximum point and then start to fall. These two factors comply with the economic theory
The role of small, medium and micro enterprises in Lesotho's economy.
No full textThesis (M.Com.)-University of Natal, 2000.A vibrant industrial sector that includes growing small and medium-sized
enterprises is a boon to any economy. By increasing output and incomes, providing
jobs for unskilled labourers, and improving prospects for efficiency and
technological development, growing small firms offer both immediate and long-term
benefits.
These words by McCormick et aI, (1997) say it all. The theme of this study is growth,
development and promotion of industry through small, medium and micro enterprises
(SMMEs). SMMEs are cherished because of their resilience to economic setbacks, their
flexibility, innovative capability and above all, their labour-intensive character.
Lesotho is currently faced with a major problem of joblessness (i.e. a huge number of
labour force is unemployed). The formal sector, (i.e. public sector or government, private
sector and parastatals) is unable to absorb these multitudes of unemployed labour.
Moreover, this sector accounts for only 44 percent of employment in the country while the
rest must be absorbed in the informal sector. The industrial sector is very small if not nonexistent.
Henceforth it has been recognised that SMMEs' sector can make a huge·
contribution to Lesotho's economy through employment and income generation. Most
importantly SMMEs' sector is regarded as a stepping-stone to the industrial sector of the
country. With agricultural production steadily declining and continuing mine workers
retrenchments, the informal sector becomes the employment of last resort. In addition,
Lesotho being an economy that is in the mist of restructuring and privatising,
entrepreneurship through SMMEs offers an alternative route to employment and growth.
This study is therefore concerned mainly with small-scale manufacturing enterprises. The
primary aim is to discover the income and employment generation effects ofthese entities.
Other aspects to be explored include value addition potential and demand effects of
SMMEs. The study has discovered that SMMEs' sector forms an important employer and income
source in the country. Most entrepreneurs depend on the income earned from their
enterprises as the main source of income to support more than two dependants. Monthly
average income generated by most enterprises ranges from 1000 to 10000 Maluti.
However there are some exceptional businesses that make more than 20000 Maluti per
month. These enterprises have a potential to expand and increase their value addition and
since demand for their products is high, there exists better prospects for employment and
income generation.
Small-scale sector was responsible for about 12 to 20 percent of industry in the country
before the 1990's. Currently it accounts for 66 percent of industry. The difference proves
the importance of having this sector in the economy. Employment in small-scale sector
makes up to 20 percent of total labour force.
Small-scale manufacturing sector (SMMEs) in Lesotho compnses the following
categories: (1) Sewing and Knitting (2) Metal and Leather works (3) Woodworks (4)
Handicrafts and Pottery (5) Weaving and Tapestry (6) Electronics (7) Food Processing (8)
Candle and Toiletries making.
Most SMMEs in the manufacturing sub-sector are in the activities of sewing and knitting
followed by woodworks and leather works. Concentration of activity depends on the level
of entry barriersl
. Sewing and knitting is headed mostly by women entrepreneurs.
There are numerous problems facing SMMEs and their performance is thus retarded. The
most frequently cited problem is tinance and working capital. This is followed by the
market problem though most business owners pointed out that their products are highly
demanded. Lack of finance, especially loan financing makes it difficult for the enterprises
to expand or grow into prominent business ventures.
I EntIy barriers here maily concerns the costs of starting the particular enterprise. The Government objectives towards SMMEs sector as stated in the Sixth 5-year National
Development Plan are:
• To provide incentives for SMMEs development and growth
• To assist them in acquisition of better management and technical skills
8 To identify growth sub-sectors of SMMEs in order to secure donors and other means
offinance for them
• To strengthen the capacity of support institutions which assist SMMEs in acquisition
ofloans and in marketing plus capacity building through management training.
However, none of these plans has ever been effectively implemented. What is lacking is
devising appropriate tools that will enable government to carry out its plans. The
following strategies are henceforth proposed in the study:
1. To actively support skills and management training programmes, especially because
the government can secure funds in the form ofgrants or soft loans.
2. To co-ordinate with support institutions so as to establish linkages between
government and these institutions and with small-scale and large-scale firms.
3. To expand the share of small-scale products in the market through publicity, market
and financial support. Most importantly, government must accept tenders from
SMMEs or make exclusive purchases from SMMEs.
4. To enforce a policy that lists products reserved for production by small-scale sector
only.
5. To improve productivity and enhance quality through establishment of ISO 9000
quality standards.
6. To Promote specialisation in production and export-oriented SMMEs
7. To transfer technology through the media, for example, T.V programs and published
materials such as newsletters and magazines.
8. To increase provision of well-serviced industrial sites, appropriate for the needs of
SMMEs.
Personal relevance and identifying consumer needs in the South African music industry.
No full textThesis (MBA)-University of Natal, Durban, 2002.The South African music industry is in crisis. Recent data suggests that the industry has declined by an average of 13.2% per year for the past 5 years. The industry seems to be unable to accept responsibility for this state of affairs and consistently blames external factors for its woes. A new look at the marketing strategies for the industry is urgently required The primary objective of this dissertation is to raise the debate around current marketing strategies, to show that these strategies are not able to facilitate growth in the industry, and need to be radically reassessed. Anticipated results were achieved during the interviews that were conducted. There is a general belief throughout the industry that the reason for the decline is beyond the control of retailers or suppliers. Blame was placed on the increasing sales of cellular phones, gambling, the national lottery and piracy. None of the interviewed stakeholders considered a change in marketing strategy to be beneficial. It is recommended that marketing strategies be reviewed. The tendency to operate on a 'product and price' advertising strategy should be removed, and a strategy put in place that responds to the wants and needs of consumers. This strategy should include a great degree of personal relevance for the consumer. Retail stores should focus on establishing brand identity for their stores rather than focusing on product and price
Ethical Economics and Sustainable Development
No full textAs societies strive for economic progress, they often prioritize metrics like GDP growth, technological innovation, and industrial expansion. However, amid the rush for material progress, something important yet frequently overlooked comes into focus: the influence of moral capital on the trajectory of economic expansion. This book explores the role of moral capital and its relationship with economic growth. It emphasises how investment in moral frameworks can promote social well-being and sustainable development. The book is divided into two sections. The first part focuses on the theorisation of the moral capital and African economic sustainability nexus, while the second part is devoted to some selected empirical studies on the impact of moral capital on African economic policies. The book argues that firm growth is crucial, not only for stakeholders but also for the broader economy, underpinning the sustainability of the ecosystem, and by adhering to ethical principles, organisations can make a positive impact on social, economic, and environmental issues. Furthermore, they can proactively address societal concerns, promote fairness and justice, and engage in sustainable practices. Through their actions, institutions become agents of positive change, helping to shape a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable world. The key message of the book is that the cultivation of moral capital requires a collective effort from all stakeholders involved in institutional development; governments, institutions, civil society, and individuals must collaborate to create an ecosystem that incentivises and rewards ethical behaviour. It includes diverse perspectives and combines conceptual, theoretical, and empirical research, addressing contemporary issues in African economic policy and sustainability. It presents global case studies to make the case for the importance of moral capital in addressing African leadership problems. The book will appeal to academics, students, and researchers in economics, ethics, development studies, and sustainability. The Open Access version of this book, available at http://www.taylorfrancis.com, has been made available under a Creative Commons Attribution-Non Commercial-No Derivatives (CC BY-NC-ND) 4.0 license
Efficiency of microfinance institutions in sub – Saharan Africa: a stochastic frontier approach
No full textThe push for microfinance institutions (MFIs) to achieve sustainability in recent years has made efficiency a prerequisite. Assessment of efficient operations of MFIs is vital for both policy and investment decision making and guaranteeing financial access to the poor. This study investigates the cost efficiency of MFIs operating in 10 Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) countries over the period 2003-2013 and the factors that drive efficiency. The authors considered the Cobb-Douglas stochastic cost frontier model with truncated normal distribution and time variant inefficiency were estimated. The results show that MFIs are cost inefficient in their intermediation role as they currently achieve a mean cost efficiency of 40.09 percent. The main determinants of MFIs efficiency are total assets, operating expense to assets ratio, average loan balance per saver, the percentage of the female borrower and borrower per staff member. The study recommends that practitioners and managers of MFIs should improve on productivity through technical training in portfolio quality management and offer diverse financial products and services innovatively at minimised cost.Keywords: Efficiency, Microfinance Institutions, Stochastic Frontier Analysis, Sub-Saharan Afric
Trade-off between outreach and sustainability of microfinance institutions: evidence from sub-Saharan Africa
No full textClashing Goals of SAICA and South African Universities: A Need for Reflection and Realignment
No full textThis article recognises the conflicting goals of the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) and the faculties of commerce in South African universities. To achieve the central aim of the study, a qualitative approach based on a literature review was applied. The study argues that the excessive focus of SAICA on the chartered accountancy route prevents accounting research in the country and is thus in conflict with the research objectives of faculties of commerce in South African universities. Based on this argument, the study suggests a realignment of objectives. Conflict resolution demands that the teaching and research route in the accounting mentorship programme be promoted and incentivised by creating funds to augment the salaries of lecturers in the SAICA-accredited accounting departments in the country. This realignment will further strengthen the resolve of both SAICA and faculties of commerce in universities to produce world-class higher education and chartered accountants
