The estimation and power of alternative discretionary accruals models
- Gbadeho, Adedeji Daniel, Adekunle, Ahmed Oluwatobi, Akande, Joseph Oluwafeni
- Authors: Gbadeho, Adedeji Daniel , Adekunle, Ahmed Oluwatobi , Akande, Joseph Oluwafeni
- Date: 2023
- Subjects: Earnings management , Discretionary accruals , Jones model , Working capital accruals
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/13119 , vital:77947 , DOI: https://doi.org/10.31098/jgrcs.v3i1.1197
- Description: Discretionary accruals remain decade’s long measures to detect earnings management in empirical accounting research. The correctness of the specifications and test power of the information content for the models remains unexplored based on samples of most emerging market firms. Yet, country’s-based researchers have increasingly used different Jones-based discretionary accruals to proxy earnings management. The paper aims to evaluate four discretionary accruals models and to decide the most appropriate one for the detection of earnings management. For the aim, we apply regression methods to estimate and evaluate four Jones-type discretionary accruals models – simple Jones, modified Jones, extended Jones cash flow model and working capital accruals – based on evidence of a final sample of 1,852 firm-year of 102 firms in Nigeria during 2001–2020. The results disclose that all models are well-specified such that the likelihood of Type I errors is minimum and below the significance level of 5%. In order to demonstrate the power of the test, the simulations completed identify that the modified Jones model exhibits the highest power capability. The implication of this finding is that the modified Jones model is the most appropriate model to detect earnings management based on the Nigerian sample.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023
- Authors: Gbadeho, Adedeji Daniel , Adekunle, Ahmed Oluwatobi , Akande, Joseph Oluwafeni
- Date: 2023
- Subjects: Earnings management , Discretionary accruals , Jones model , Working capital accruals
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/13119 , vital:77947 , DOI: https://doi.org/10.31098/jgrcs.v3i1.1197
- Description: Discretionary accruals remain decade’s long measures to detect earnings management in empirical accounting research. The correctness of the specifications and test power of the information content for the models remains unexplored based on samples of most emerging market firms. Yet, country’s-based researchers have increasingly used different Jones-based discretionary accruals to proxy earnings management. The paper aims to evaluate four discretionary accruals models and to decide the most appropriate one for the detection of earnings management. For the aim, we apply regression methods to estimate and evaluate four Jones-type discretionary accruals models – simple Jones, modified Jones, extended Jones cash flow model and working capital accruals – based on evidence of a final sample of 1,852 firm-year of 102 firms in Nigeria during 2001–2020. The results disclose that all models are well-specified such that the likelihood of Type I errors is minimum and below the significance level of 5%. In order to demonstrate the power of the test, the simulations completed identify that the modified Jones model exhibits the highest power capability. The implication of this finding is that the modified Jones model is the most appropriate model to detect earnings management based on the Nigerian sample.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023
The impact of fiscal and monetary policies on manufacturing sector performance in South Africa
- Authors: Hunter, Desireѐ
- Date: 2023
- Subjects: Manufacturing industries -- South Africa , Fiscal policy -- South Africa , Monetary policy -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/28549 , vital:74417
- Description: Regulatory authorities have to date utilised a strategic blend of fiscal and monetary policies in dealing with the unique set of macroeconomic conditions facing South Africa. Government policy intervention has significant implications for economic growth and output within the manufacturing environment. Heterogeneity has also been discerned in relation to the responsiveness of various industries within the manufacturing sector towards both fiscal and monetary policy variable variations. However, given weakened growth prospects, policy alignment issues have been observed. The purpose of this study was firstly, to examine the impact of fiscal and monetary variables on manufacturing sector output in South Africa and secondly, to analyse the manufacturing industry significance of the various monetary transmission mechanism channels. The study made use of quarterly and monthly data to achieve these stated objectives, dated between 1998 and 2020. To achieve the first objective, the study employed the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model given the order of integration of the variables. The empirical results revealed significant, positive relations between tax revenue, deficit financing, nominal effective exchange rate (NEER) and money supply (M3) for total manufacturing (LTOTAL). Contrastingly, there were negative links between LTOTAL, government spending and the lending rate. At a disaggregated industry level, there were positive relations with tax revenue in food and wood industries, although tax revenue was significantly negative for metals. Likewise, to LTOTAL, linkages with spending were significantly negative for wood and metal industries but positive for chemicals. Negative spending signage could be a result of crowding-out. For deficit financing, positive associations within chemicals did not conform to expectations. Similarly, to LTOTAL, wood and metal industries conformed to expectations of negative relations with the lending rate. In respect of the NEER in food and wood production, significant, positive links were established. Contrastingly, a negative linkage existed for chemical activities at the 5% level. Concerning M3 and akin to LTOTAL, the relation with metal industries was positive. However, negative findings for food and chemicals contradicted expectations, suggesting money supply was not efficiently utilised in managing monetary variables in the long-term. The second objective of the study focused on analysing manufacturing industry significance of the various monetary transmission mechanism channels. The Vector Error Correction Model (VECM) were employed to analyse the relationship between the variables. Impulse response and variance decomposition were also constructed to further trace which channel is more significant in influencing manufacturing output. The empirical results revealed that the interest rate channel occupied a relatively significant role in both LTOTAL and several selected manufacturing industries. Shocks accounted for 9.71%, 11.96% and 14.28% of the variance in LTOTAL, metal and chemical industries. The asset price channel also appeared relatively significant, with shocks to the FTSE/JSE all-share index explaining 18.21% and 21.13% of the variation in food and wood production, signifying the most relevant channel for these particular industries and representing the second most important channel for LTOTAL and the other remaining industries. The exchange rate channel also presented as being a more relevant channel for food and wood, but occupied little role in LTOTAL, whilst the credit channel was relatively ineffectual for both LTOTAL and all industries examined. The results obtained imply that government should exercise caution and demonstrate fiscal restraint and that the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) need to take greater consideration of output fluctuations in monetary policy setting. Research has dictated that an expansionary fiscal policy is generally required as a means to achieving increased growth. However, findings obtained at both the aggregate and disaggregated manufacturing level in South Africa largely varied. This implies significant heterogeneity within the South African manufacturing sector in respect of fiscal policy responses. Expansionary fiscal stimulus packages need to be better targeted towards industries that will most benefit. Similarly, monetary policy responses at the aggregate and disaggregated manufacturing level in South Africa were heterogeneous and furthermore, differed when examining combined policy impacts. There was also a heterogeneous response with respect to relevance of the channels, via which monetary policy operated, with the interest rate channel dominating. SARB do take into consideration output fluctuations in policy setting but this is not currently emphasised or legislated. , Thesis (DCom) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023
- Authors: Hunter, Desireѐ
- Date: 2023
- Subjects: Manufacturing industries -- South Africa , Fiscal policy -- South Africa , Monetary policy -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/28549 , vital:74417
- Description: Regulatory authorities have to date utilised a strategic blend of fiscal and monetary policies in dealing with the unique set of macroeconomic conditions facing South Africa. Government policy intervention has significant implications for economic growth and output within the manufacturing environment. Heterogeneity has also been discerned in relation to the responsiveness of various industries within the manufacturing sector towards both fiscal and monetary policy variable variations. However, given weakened growth prospects, policy alignment issues have been observed. The purpose of this study was firstly, to examine the impact of fiscal and monetary variables on manufacturing sector output in South Africa and secondly, to analyse the manufacturing industry significance of the various monetary transmission mechanism channels. The study made use of quarterly and monthly data to achieve these stated objectives, dated between 1998 and 2020. To achieve the first objective, the study employed the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model given the order of integration of the variables. The empirical results revealed significant, positive relations between tax revenue, deficit financing, nominal effective exchange rate (NEER) and money supply (M3) for total manufacturing (LTOTAL). Contrastingly, there were negative links between LTOTAL, government spending and the lending rate. At a disaggregated industry level, there were positive relations with tax revenue in food and wood industries, although tax revenue was significantly negative for metals. Likewise, to LTOTAL, linkages with spending were significantly negative for wood and metal industries but positive for chemicals. Negative spending signage could be a result of crowding-out. For deficit financing, positive associations within chemicals did not conform to expectations. Similarly, to LTOTAL, wood and metal industries conformed to expectations of negative relations with the lending rate. In respect of the NEER in food and wood production, significant, positive links were established. Contrastingly, a negative linkage existed for chemical activities at the 5% level. Concerning M3 and akin to LTOTAL, the relation with metal industries was positive. However, negative findings for food and chemicals contradicted expectations, suggesting money supply was not efficiently utilised in managing monetary variables in the long-term. The second objective of the study focused on analysing manufacturing industry significance of the various monetary transmission mechanism channels. The Vector Error Correction Model (VECM) were employed to analyse the relationship between the variables. Impulse response and variance decomposition were also constructed to further trace which channel is more significant in influencing manufacturing output. The empirical results revealed that the interest rate channel occupied a relatively significant role in both LTOTAL and several selected manufacturing industries. Shocks accounted for 9.71%, 11.96% and 14.28% of the variance in LTOTAL, metal and chemical industries. The asset price channel also appeared relatively significant, with shocks to the FTSE/JSE all-share index explaining 18.21% and 21.13% of the variation in food and wood production, signifying the most relevant channel for these particular industries and representing the second most important channel for LTOTAL and the other remaining industries. The exchange rate channel also presented as being a more relevant channel for food and wood, but occupied little role in LTOTAL, whilst the credit channel was relatively ineffectual for both LTOTAL and all industries examined. The results obtained imply that government should exercise caution and demonstrate fiscal restraint and that the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) need to take greater consideration of output fluctuations in monetary policy setting. Research has dictated that an expansionary fiscal policy is generally required as a means to achieving increased growth. However, findings obtained at both the aggregate and disaggregated manufacturing level in South Africa largely varied. This implies significant heterogeneity within the South African manufacturing sector in respect of fiscal policy responses. Expansionary fiscal stimulus packages need to be better targeted towards industries that will most benefit. Similarly, monetary policy responses at the aggregate and disaggregated manufacturing level in South Africa were heterogeneous and furthermore, differed when examining combined policy impacts. There was also a heterogeneous response with respect to relevance of the channels, via which monetary policy operated, with the interest rate channel dominating. SARB do take into consideration output fluctuations in policy setting but this is not currently emphasised or legislated. , Thesis (DCom) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023
The Impact of Linguistic Constituencies on Language Profiency
- Makena, Bulelwa, Matiso, Hilda Nomasomi
- Authors: Makena, Bulelwa , Matiso, Hilda Nomasomi
- Date: 2023
- Subjects: Proficiency , Linguistic , Constituencies , Diversity
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/14252 , vital:79170 , DOI: https://doi.org/10.38159/ehass.20234134
- Description: This study inquired into whether linguistic constituencies have an impact on learner language proficiency. An appropriate approach that was used encompasses qualitative research methods as they permit extracting valuable information from small samples. Underpinning this qualitative inquiry is Participatory Action Research (PAR) with its added advantage of being considered to have an underlying characteristic of engaging with community members in action. The researchers and study participants collaborated to determine the investigated problem, in this case being learner linguistic constituencies in parallel or divergent to language proficiency. Data was gathered from five purposefully nominated English language teachers from one rurally located institution of higher learning in one of the Eastern Cape Education Districts. Semistructured interviews generated rich thematically analysed data as they contained openended types of items…
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023
- Authors: Makena, Bulelwa , Matiso, Hilda Nomasomi
- Date: 2023
- Subjects: Proficiency , Linguistic , Constituencies , Diversity
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/14252 , vital:79170 , DOI: https://doi.org/10.38159/ehass.20234134
- Description: This study inquired into whether linguistic constituencies have an impact on learner language proficiency. An appropriate approach that was used encompasses qualitative research methods as they permit extracting valuable information from small samples. Underpinning this qualitative inquiry is Participatory Action Research (PAR) with its added advantage of being considered to have an underlying characteristic of engaging with community members in action. The researchers and study participants collaborated to determine the investigated problem, in this case being learner linguistic constituencies in parallel or divergent to language proficiency. Data was gathered from five purposefully nominated English language teachers from one rurally located institution of higher learning in one of the Eastern Cape Education Districts. Semistructured interviews generated rich thematically analysed data as they contained openended types of items…
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023
The importance of long-term post-release studies in classical biological control: Insect–plant monitoring and public awareness of water hyacinth management (Pontederia crassipes) in Dique Los Sauces, Argentina
- Faltlhauser, Ana C, Jiménez, Nadia L, Righetti, Tomas, Visintin, Andrés M, Torrens, Javier, Salinas, Nicolás A, Mc Kay, Fernando, Hill, Martin P, Cordo, Hugo A, Sosa, Alejandro J
- Authors: Faltlhauser, Ana C , Jiménez, Nadia L , Righetti, Tomas , Visintin, Andrés M , Torrens, Javier , Salinas, Nicolás A , Mc Kay, Fernando , Hill, Martin P , Cordo, Hugo A , Sosa, Alejandro J
- Date: 2023
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/424828 , vital:72187 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1111/eea.13355"
- Description: Several components of classical biological control (CBC) programmes are necessary to assess the success of the management strategy (e.g., post-release monitoring) and also help prevent reintroductions or resurgences of invasive species (e.g., public awareness). Water hyacinth, Pontederia (= Eichhornia) crassipes (Mart.) Solms (Pontederiaceae) is an aquatic plant naturally distributed in the north-eastern region of the Del Plata basin in Argentina. In the 1960s it was introduced into the Dique Los Sauces reservoir located outside of its native range in La Rioja Province, in western Argentina, where it became invasive. The natural enemy, Neochetina bruchi Hustache (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), was intentionally introduced in 1974 to control the weed. To assess the success of this CBC programme, a long-term post-release study was conducted. Between 1965 and 2023, we monitored plant coverage, estimated N. bruchi densities, and quantified the associated damage by reanalysing previously published data and incorporating new sampling. We also conducted an online survey to analyse public knowledge and perception about this programme. Water hyacinth coverage fluctuated from its first record in 1965 (maximum coverage 90%) until the control of germinated plants (coverage 0%) in 2018. The plant decline was accompanied by an increase in the weevil population. In our survey, out of 325 respondents only a small group of mostly middle-aged and elderly people knew that the restoration had been achieved through a management strategy and even fewer were aware of the biocontrol approach taken. Respondents who had a positive approach to biological control were more aware of the management plan than respondents who had neutral or negative opinions. Neochetina bruchi has played a key factor in the control of P. crassipes. The intrinsic dynamics of these populations, the dormant seed bank, and the lack of public awareness support the need for long post-release evaluations including outreach campaigns to make a sustainable successful management programme.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023
- Authors: Faltlhauser, Ana C , Jiménez, Nadia L , Righetti, Tomas , Visintin, Andrés M , Torrens, Javier , Salinas, Nicolás A , Mc Kay, Fernando , Hill, Martin P , Cordo, Hugo A , Sosa, Alejandro J
- Date: 2023
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/424828 , vital:72187 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1111/eea.13355"
- Description: Several components of classical biological control (CBC) programmes are necessary to assess the success of the management strategy (e.g., post-release monitoring) and also help prevent reintroductions or resurgences of invasive species (e.g., public awareness). Water hyacinth, Pontederia (= Eichhornia) crassipes (Mart.) Solms (Pontederiaceae) is an aquatic plant naturally distributed in the north-eastern region of the Del Plata basin in Argentina. In the 1960s it was introduced into the Dique Los Sauces reservoir located outside of its native range in La Rioja Province, in western Argentina, where it became invasive. The natural enemy, Neochetina bruchi Hustache (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), was intentionally introduced in 1974 to control the weed. To assess the success of this CBC programme, a long-term post-release study was conducted. Between 1965 and 2023, we monitored plant coverage, estimated N. bruchi densities, and quantified the associated damage by reanalysing previously published data and incorporating new sampling. We also conducted an online survey to analyse public knowledge and perception about this programme. Water hyacinth coverage fluctuated from its first record in 1965 (maximum coverage 90%) until the control of germinated plants (coverage 0%) in 2018. The plant decline was accompanied by an increase in the weevil population. In our survey, out of 325 respondents only a small group of mostly middle-aged and elderly people knew that the restoration had been achieved through a management strategy and even fewer were aware of the biocontrol approach taken. Respondents who had a positive approach to biological control were more aware of the management plan than respondents who had neutral or negative opinions. Neochetina bruchi has played a key factor in the control of P. crassipes. The intrinsic dynamics of these populations, the dormant seed bank, and the lack of public awareness support the need for long post-release evaluations including outreach campaigns to make a sustainable successful management programme.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023
The in-vitro proliferation-suppression of MCF-7 and HeLa cell lines mediated by differently substituted ionic phthalocyanines in sonodynamic therapy supplemented-photodynamic therapy
- Nene, Lindokuhle Cindy, Nyokong, Tebello
- Authors: Nene, Lindokuhle Cindy , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2023
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/360461 , vital:65090 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jinorgbio.2022.112084"
- Description: This work focuses on the study of the effects of the ultrasonic frequency (MHz) and power (W.cm−2) on the stability, reactive oxygen species yields and cytotoxicity activities of differently substituted ionic phthalocyanines (Pcs) in sonodynamic therapy (SDT). Four ultrasonic parameters were investigated: Par I (1 MHz: 1 W.cm−2), Par II (1 MHz: 2 W.cm−2), Par III (3 MHz: 1 W.cm−2) and Par IV (3 MHz: 2 W.cm−2). A higher degradation of the Pcs was observed with increasing power at the Par II. Two reactive oxygen species (ROS) were detected in the ultrasound treated Pcs: singlet oxygen and hydroxyl radicals. Due to minimal degradation of most Pcs, Par I was chosen for SDT, photodynamic therapy (PDT), and photo-sonodynamic therapy (PSDT) against Michigan Cancer Foundation-7 and Henrietta Lacks cancer cell lines. PSDT generally showed improved therapeutic efficacies of the Pcs compared to the SDT and PDT mono treatments.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023
- Authors: Nene, Lindokuhle Cindy , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2023
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/360461 , vital:65090 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jinorgbio.2022.112084"
- Description: This work focuses on the study of the effects of the ultrasonic frequency (MHz) and power (W.cm−2) on the stability, reactive oxygen species yields and cytotoxicity activities of differently substituted ionic phthalocyanines (Pcs) in sonodynamic therapy (SDT). Four ultrasonic parameters were investigated: Par I (1 MHz: 1 W.cm−2), Par II (1 MHz: 2 W.cm−2), Par III (3 MHz: 1 W.cm−2) and Par IV (3 MHz: 2 W.cm−2). A higher degradation of the Pcs was observed with increasing power at the Par II. Two reactive oxygen species (ROS) were detected in the ultrasound treated Pcs: singlet oxygen and hydroxyl radicals. Due to minimal degradation of most Pcs, Par I was chosen for SDT, photodynamic therapy (PDT), and photo-sonodynamic therapy (PSDT) against Michigan Cancer Foundation-7 and Henrietta Lacks cancer cell lines. PSDT generally showed improved therapeutic efficacies of the Pcs compared to the SDT and PDT mono treatments.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023
The mediation of knowledge-based dynamic capabilities on the relationship between small business human resource management practices and performance
- Authors: Goon, D M
- Date: 2023
- Subjects: Small business -- Personnel management , Organizational effectiveness -- Measurement , Performance -- Measurement
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/29440 , vital:77967
- Description: Small businesses play an important role in the growth and success of local economies worldwide. Regrettably, the persistent issue of small business failure stems from external and internal challenges. One of the most important internal challenges is the lack of knowledge required to configure a small business to sustain performance in a dynamic environment. The business's dynamic capabilities and human resource management are vital aspects. This study investigated the mediating role of knowledge-based dynamic capabilities in the relationship between human resource management practices in small businesses, using the AMO framework, and small business performance. The research employed a quantitative approach, utilising convenience and snowball sampling techniques. It yielded valid responses from 231 small businesses in the Eastern Cape region. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS version 27 and AMOS version 22. The relationships were tested using the Person correlation coefficient, while simple regression models were used to test the influence of the variables within the study hypotheses. To examine the mediating effect, the Hayes Process Macro was utilised. The analysis unveiled positive and significant relationships between human resource management practices and knowledge-based dynamic capabilities with performance in small businesses. Knowledge-based dynamic capabilities and all its subcomponents also mediated the relationship between all dimensions of small business human resource management practices and performance. The implication of these findings highlights the urgent attention small businesses should give towards human resource management practices and building knowledge-based dynamic capabilities. These findings also alert policymakers and small business managers to what aspects of human resource management practices and knowledge-based dynamic capabilities should be prioritised for optimal performance in small businesses. , Thesis (MBM) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023
- Authors: Goon, D M
- Date: 2023
- Subjects: Small business -- Personnel management , Organizational effectiveness -- Measurement , Performance -- Measurement
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/29440 , vital:77967
- Description: Small businesses play an important role in the growth and success of local economies worldwide. Regrettably, the persistent issue of small business failure stems from external and internal challenges. One of the most important internal challenges is the lack of knowledge required to configure a small business to sustain performance in a dynamic environment. The business's dynamic capabilities and human resource management are vital aspects. This study investigated the mediating role of knowledge-based dynamic capabilities in the relationship between human resource management practices in small businesses, using the AMO framework, and small business performance. The research employed a quantitative approach, utilising convenience and snowball sampling techniques. It yielded valid responses from 231 small businesses in the Eastern Cape region. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS version 27 and AMOS version 22. The relationships were tested using the Person correlation coefficient, while simple regression models were used to test the influence of the variables within the study hypotheses. To examine the mediating effect, the Hayes Process Macro was utilised. The analysis unveiled positive and significant relationships between human resource management practices and knowledge-based dynamic capabilities with performance in small businesses. Knowledge-based dynamic capabilities and all its subcomponents also mediated the relationship between all dimensions of small business human resource management practices and performance. The implication of these findings highlights the urgent attention small businesses should give towards human resource management practices and building knowledge-based dynamic capabilities. These findings also alert policymakers and small business managers to what aspects of human resource management practices and knowledge-based dynamic capabilities should be prioritised for optimal performance in small businesses. , Thesis (MBM) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023
The nature of competition in the banking sector and its effect on financial inclusion in South Africa
- Ngonyama, Nomasomi https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7536-9297
- Authors: Ngonyama, Nomasomi https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7536-9297
- Date: 2023
- Subjects: Banks and banking -- South Africa , Competition -- South Africa , Financial services industry
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/28661 , vital:74492
- Description: Competition and access to financial services are lauded as key ingredients in the fight against poverty. While competition enhances markets, fosters innovation, productivity and growth, financial inclusion allows the poor to save, access credit and insurance thereby allowing them to meaningfully contribute to economic growth and also smooth their consumption. Moreover, competition reduces the cost of finance, thereby further expanding the availability of financial services. This suggests an important relationship between competition in the banking sector and financial inclusion. Research in this area is still in its infancy and little consensus exists on both whether the relationship is a robust one or not. There is no unanimity on the direction of causality or whether competition in the financial sector is good or bad for markets. This study examines the nexus between banking competition and financial inclusion in Upper-middle income countries. It employed a panel data set over the period 2011-2017 and Generalized Methods of Moments technique was employed to answer this enquiry. The findings of this study suggest that market power is not bad for financial inclusion in upper-middle income countries. Moreover, the study found that bank competition does not matter in banking the unbanked population in Upper-middle income countries. The implication of the findings of this study is that the focus of the policy makers should not be on policies that reduces concentration and market power in the banking sector, but be on measures that encourages contestability. The threat of entry is sufficient to make banks behave in a competitive manner. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023
- Authors: Ngonyama, Nomasomi https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7536-9297
- Date: 2023
- Subjects: Banks and banking -- South Africa , Competition -- South Africa , Financial services industry
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/28661 , vital:74492
- Description: Competition and access to financial services are lauded as key ingredients in the fight against poverty. While competition enhances markets, fosters innovation, productivity and growth, financial inclusion allows the poor to save, access credit and insurance thereby allowing them to meaningfully contribute to economic growth and also smooth their consumption. Moreover, competition reduces the cost of finance, thereby further expanding the availability of financial services. This suggests an important relationship between competition in the banking sector and financial inclusion. Research in this area is still in its infancy and little consensus exists on both whether the relationship is a robust one or not. There is no unanimity on the direction of causality or whether competition in the financial sector is good or bad for markets. This study examines the nexus between banking competition and financial inclusion in Upper-middle income countries. It employed a panel data set over the period 2011-2017 and Generalized Methods of Moments technique was employed to answer this enquiry. The findings of this study suggest that market power is not bad for financial inclusion in upper-middle income countries. Moreover, the study found that bank competition does not matter in banking the unbanked population in Upper-middle income countries. The implication of the findings of this study is that the focus of the policy makers should not be on policies that reduces concentration and market power in the banking sector, but be on measures that encourages contestability. The threat of entry is sufficient to make banks behave in a competitive manner. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023
The perceptions of teachers about the effectiveness and efficiency of e-learning in rural schools in the Eastern Cape during COVID-19
- September, Khanyile https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0354-3188
- Authors: September, Khanyile https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0354-3188
- Date: 2023
- Subjects: Distance education -- South Africa , Rural schools -- Effect of technological innovations on
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/29540 , vital:77976
- Description: The digital gap has been hitting rural schools across the world. This has also been witnessed in South Africa. This digital gap is a result of inequality amongst households. Hence, learners and teachers from rural schools cannot access technologies as urban learners and teachers do. This situation has caused a lack of connectivity, lack of information about ICT, lack of resources, and lack of skilled teachers in rural schools. Globally, almost all countries have shifted to do things online. However, some countries struggled to shift successfully such as India. The introduction of elearning in South African government schools was done with the aim of improving results performance and to develop skills in learners and allow a flexible learning environment. In some urban and semi-urban areas, teachers are able to use new technologies to teach; however, rural teachers are bound to use traditional teaching only. The problem actually surfaced when the new pandemic known as COVID-19 started in Wuhan, China, in 2019 and spread across the world. This also affected the South African education systems, where teachers and learners were ordered to stay away from school premises and institutions, as way of preventing the virus from spreading. Rural teachers could not perform any academic activities, like urban schools did, to reach out to their learners as they wished because of the challenges stated above. Using e-learning during the 2020 pandemic was an unending nightmare for these rural teachers as they faced more challenges than those that had existed prior to COVID-19. The identified challenges discussed in this paper are those that were experienced by Alfred Nzo district teachers. This paper also refers to how e-learning was used by these teachers. Challenges identified in the literature were addressed through guidance of the UTUAT model which was adopted for the study. Each problem was categorised in line with UTUAT model four construct. The two branches of philosophies were brought in which are ontology and epistemology. Ontology asks question about the reality or existence of something and epistemology asks question about proving he existence of something. This study adopted the qualitative approach and followed that approach in terms of research paradigm, data sampling, data collection and analysis and techniques. Interviews were conducted with 15 teachers (teachers, head of department, school principal and subject advisor) from high and primary school levels, after the consent forms had been issued to obtain permission to proceed with interviews. Notes and audio recordings were made use of during interview sessions for data analysis purposes, with NVivo being used to analyse the data. Form the issues identified, these are the themes that were created which are:poor understanding of the concept “e-learning” by rural educators, high levels of resistance from educators, pedagogy of educators, insufficient support of the concept “e-learning”, poor implementation of e-learning. Lastly, after the data had been collected and analysed, this study developed five new success factors that should be implemented by the Department of Basic Education (DBE) to address issues identified as themes after thorough analysis of the literature and interviews. , Thesis (MIS) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023
- Authors: September, Khanyile https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0354-3188
- Date: 2023
- Subjects: Distance education -- South Africa , Rural schools -- Effect of technological innovations on
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/29540 , vital:77976
- Description: The digital gap has been hitting rural schools across the world. This has also been witnessed in South Africa. This digital gap is a result of inequality amongst households. Hence, learners and teachers from rural schools cannot access technologies as urban learners and teachers do. This situation has caused a lack of connectivity, lack of information about ICT, lack of resources, and lack of skilled teachers in rural schools. Globally, almost all countries have shifted to do things online. However, some countries struggled to shift successfully such as India. The introduction of elearning in South African government schools was done with the aim of improving results performance and to develop skills in learners and allow a flexible learning environment. In some urban and semi-urban areas, teachers are able to use new technologies to teach; however, rural teachers are bound to use traditional teaching only. The problem actually surfaced when the new pandemic known as COVID-19 started in Wuhan, China, in 2019 and spread across the world. This also affected the South African education systems, where teachers and learners were ordered to stay away from school premises and institutions, as way of preventing the virus from spreading. Rural teachers could not perform any academic activities, like urban schools did, to reach out to their learners as they wished because of the challenges stated above. Using e-learning during the 2020 pandemic was an unending nightmare for these rural teachers as they faced more challenges than those that had existed prior to COVID-19. The identified challenges discussed in this paper are those that were experienced by Alfred Nzo district teachers. This paper also refers to how e-learning was used by these teachers. Challenges identified in the literature were addressed through guidance of the UTUAT model which was adopted for the study. Each problem was categorised in line with UTUAT model four construct. The two branches of philosophies were brought in which are ontology and epistemology. Ontology asks question about the reality or existence of something and epistemology asks question about proving he existence of something. This study adopted the qualitative approach and followed that approach in terms of research paradigm, data sampling, data collection and analysis and techniques. Interviews were conducted with 15 teachers (teachers, head of department, school principal and subject advisor) from high and primary school levels, after the consent forms had been issued to obtain permission to proceed with interviews. Notes and audio recordings were made use of during interview sessions for data analysis purposes, with NVivo being used to analyse the data. Form the issues identified, these are the themes that were created which are:poor understanding of the concept “e-learning” by rural educators, high levels of resistance from educators, pedagogy of educators, insufficient support of the concept “e-learning”, poor implementation of e-learning. Lastly, after the data had been collected and analysed, this study developed five new success factors that should be implemented by the Department of Basic Education (DBE) to address issues identified as themes after thorough analysis of the literature and interviews. , Thesis (MIS) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023
The prevalence, uses and cultural assimilation of shrub and tree invasive alien plants in a biodiversity hotspot along the Wild Coast, South Africa
- Wootton, Oscar, Shackleton, Charlie M
- Authors: Wootton, Oscar , Shackleton, Charlie M
- Date: 2023
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/401314 , vital:69725 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1080/26395916.2023.2216804"
- Description: Invasive alien plant species (IAPS) frequently offer both ecosystem services and disservices to rural communities with high livelihood dependency on local landscapes. However, biocultural relationships with IAPS may go deeper than just provisioning uses, as they may be assimilated into local belief systems manifest in them becoming embedded in cultural constructions such as naming, stories, songs and ceremonies. It is likely that IAPS that are culturally assimilated will represent a greater conflict of interest in the face of proposed controls of IAPS in biodiversity hotspots where conservation priorities are frequently deemed paramount by external agencies. Using a mixed-methods approach we undertook roadside surveys of 17 selected IAPS along the 250 km Wild Coast section of the Maputaland-Pondoland-Albany biodiversity hotspot, accompanied by questionnaire interviews with 48 local people. The mean number of IAPS per site was four, ranging from zero (only one site) to ten, and local inhabitants deemed the abundance of all but one of the species to be increasing. All species had been in the region for decades, had a vernacular name, and all but one had direct consumptive uses. Species with multiple uses were more widely recognised. However, there was only marginal incorporation of the IAPS into stories, songs and ceremonies, although medicinal uses of some IAPS were for cultural/spiritual needs rather than physical ailments per se. These results show that despite widespread use, there was as yet relatively limited cultural assimilation of the IAPS in the Wild Coast region.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023
- Authors: Wootton, Oscar , Shackleton, Charlie M
- Date: 2023
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/401314 , vital:69725 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1080/26395916.2023.2216804"
- Description: Invasive alien plant species (IAPS) frequently offer both ecosystem services and disservices to rural communities with high livelihood dependency on local landscapes. However, biocultural relationships with IAPS may go deeper than just provisioning uses, as they may be assimilated into local belief systems manifest in them becoming embedded in cultural constructions such as naming, stories, songs and ceremonies. It is likely that IAPS that are culturally assimilated will represent a greater conflict of interest in the face of proposed controls of IAPS in biodiversity hotspots where conservation priorities are frequently deemed paramount by external agencies. Using a mixed-methods approach we undertook roadside surveys of 17 selected IAPS along the 250 km Wild Coast section of the Maputaland-Pondoland-Albany biodiversity hotspot, accompanied by questionnaire interviews with 48 local people. The mean number of IAPS per site was four, ranging from zero (only one site) to ten, and local inhabitants deemed the abundance of all but one of the species to be increasing. All species had been in the region for decades, had a vernacular name, and all but one had direct consumptive uses. Species with multiple uses were more widely recognised. However, there was only marginal incorporation of the IAPS into stories, songs and ceremonies, although medicinal uses of some IAPS were for cultural/spiritual needs rather than physical ailments per se. These results show that despite widespread use, there was as yet relatively limited cultural assimilation of the IAPS in the Wild Coast region.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023
The Relevance of Livestock Husbandry in the Context of Food Security: A Bibliometric Outlook of Research Studies from 1938 to 2020
- Idamokoro, Monday Emrobowansan
- Authors: Idamokoro, Monday Emrobowansan
- Date: 2023
- Subjects: Livestock , Scientometric analysis , Nutrition security , Vulnerable persons , Bibliometrics , Food security
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/14157 , vital:79147 , DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fsufs.2023.1204221
- Description: The present study aimed to report knowledge-based outcomes on global studies of livestock farming as a tool to address food security, while considering the recurring problems caused by malnutrition and hunger among vulnerable persons, especially in developing countries. A total of 2,012 scientific peer reviewed studies were retrieved in BibTeX design for analysis using bibliometric collections in R studio software. The results obtained from the software included among others, authors, keywords plus, citations, collaborations, affiliations, journals, countries impact and key words. Published peer-reviewed discoveries on livestock husbandry as related to food security gathered from Scopus and the Web of Science (WOS) databanks were used, with a yearly rise in knowledge-based research of 15.04% during the timespan of the investigation. The results of the investigation revealed that the United States was ranked first with an aggregate of 236 publications [including Single Country Publications (SCP) = 225 and Multiple Country Publications (MCP) = 11] and had a huge international scientific effect with the highest article citations (n = 9,138). The most frequently used authors’ keywords in the present research niche area were food security (n = 475), livestock (n = 123), agriculture (n = 100), climate change (n = 99), sustainability (n = 55), cattle (n = 40), and nutrition (n = 37), which gave a clear direction for the related research studies regarding how livestock production can be used to enhance food security. The study in consideration presented an international picture that addresses the pool of knowledge-based, peer-reviewed findings of livestock production research and its significance to food security, while providing a clue regarding further investigations in this research niche area. It is of high essence to emphasise that the current findings solely focused on prime areas of livestock production as related to food security research; thus, it is anticipated that novel empirical research work and potential scientific findings will provide novel understanding and precision to livestock husbandry as a possible instrument to tackle the challenges of food security as new discoveries emerges.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023
- Authors: Idamokoro, Monday Emrobowansan
- Date: 2023
- Subjects: Livestock , Scientometric analysis , Nutrition security , Vulnerable persons , Bibliometrics , Food security
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/14157 , vital:79147 , DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fsufs.2023.1204221
- Description: The present study aimed to report knowledge-based outcomes on global studies of livestock farming as a tool to address food security, while considering the recurring problems caused by malnutrition and hunger among vulnerable persons, especially in developing countries. A total of 2,012 scientific peer reviewed studies were retrieved in BibTeX design for analysis using bibliometric collections in R studio software. The results obtained from the software included among others, authors, keywords plus, citations, collaborations, affiliations, journals, countries impact and key words. Published peer-reviewed discoveries on livestock husbandry as related to food security gathered from Scopus and the Web of Science (WOS) databanks were used, with a yearly rise in knowledge-based research of 15.04% during the timespan of the investigation. The results of the investigation revealed that the United States was ranked first with an aggregate of 236 publications [including Single Country Publications (SCP) = 225 and Multiple Country Publications (MCP) = 11] and had a huge international scientific effect with the highest article citations (n = 9,138). The most frequently used authors’ keywords in the present research niche area were food security (n = 475), livestock (n = 123), agriculture (n = 100), climate change (n = 99), sustainability (n = 55), cattle (n = 40), and nutrition (n = 37), which gave a clear direction for the related research studies regarding how livestock production can be used to enhance food security. The study in consideration presented an international picture that addresses the pool of knowledge-based, peer-reviewed findings of livestock production research and its significance to food security, while providing a clue regarding further investigations in this research niche area. It is of high essence to emphasise that the current findings solely focused on prime areas of livestock production as related to food security research; thus, it is anticipated that novel empirical research work and potential scientific findings will provide novel understanding and precision to livestock husbandry as a possible instrument to tackle the challenges of food security as new discoveries emerges.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023
The role of risky cyber-security behaviours on effective utilisation of high-performance computing systems in historically disadvantaged institutions
- Authors: Skritshi, Caron
- Date: 2023
- Subjects: Computer security -- South Africa , High performance computing -- Evaluation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/29555 , vital:77983
- Description: This research study explores the impact of risky cybersecurity behaviours on effectively utilising High-Performance Computing Systems within Historically Disadvantaged Institutions in South Africa. The investigation utilises the Theory of Planned Behaviour and the Security Behaviour Intentions Scale to examine the attitudes, intentions, and actual usage patterns of High-Performance Computing Systems among students and staff members. Following the positivism paradigm, this study formulated hypotheses aimed at achieving the objectives. The research sample comprised of 306 users of High-Performance Computing systems selected through the convenience sampling. Employing a quantitative approach, the study used a crosssectional survey research design to collect and analyse data to achieve the study's objectives. The study's findings revealed a significant negative relationship between risky cybersecurity behaviours and attitudes toward High-Performance Computing Systems, highlighting the adverse impact of such behaviours on users' perceptions and acceptance of these systems. However, an insignificant relationship was found between attitudes toward High-Performance Computing Systems and the intention to use them. This suggests that attitudes alone may not substantially influence user behaviour in this context, contradicting the initially proposed relationship. Furthermore, the investigation identified an insignificant correlation between the intention to use High-Performance Computing Systems and the actual utilization of these systems, indicating a gap between intention and behaviour. This implies that the study's hypothesized relationship between these latent variables was not supported. Lastly, a noteworthy correlation emerged between social influence and the effective use of High- Performance Computing Systems, supporting the relationship between these variables. In summary, this research significantly enhances comprehension of the challenges and repercussions associated with cybersecurity behaviour in adopting and utilising High- Performance Computing Systems across five South African Historically Disadvantaged Institutions. It underscores the importance of addressing risky behaviours, enhancing user education, and implementing secure systems. These actions are essential for fostering the effective utilisation of High-Performance Computing Systems and unlocking their potential benefits for economic growth and educational advancements in South Africa. , Thesis (MIS) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023
- Authors: Skritshi, Caron
- Date: 2023
- Subjects: Computer security -- South Africa , High performance computing -- Evaluation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/29555 , vital:77983
- Description: This research study explores the impact of risky cybersecurity behaviours on effectively utilising High-Performance Computing Systems within Historically Disadvantaged Institutions in South Africa. The investigation utilises the Theory of Planned Behaviour and the Security Behaviour Intentions Scale to examine the attitudes, intentions, and actual usage patterns of High-Performance Computing Systems among students and staff members. Following the positivism paradigm, this study formulated hypotheses aimed at achieving the objectives. The research sample comprised of 306 users of High-Performance Computing systems selected through the convenience sampling. Employing a quantitative approach, the study used a crosssectional survey research design to collect and analyse data to achieve the study's objectives. The study's findings revealed a significant negative relationship between risky cybersecurity behaviours and attitudes toward High-Performance Computing Systems, highlighting the adverse impact of such behaviours on users' perceptions and acceptance of these systems. However, an insignificant relationship was found between attitudes toward High-Performance Computing Systems and the intention to use them. This suggests that attitudes alone may not substantially influence user behaviour in this context, contradicting the initially proposed relationship. Furthermore, the investigation identified an insignificant correlation between the intention to use High-Performance Computing Systems and the actual utilization of these systems, indicating a gap between intention and behaviour. This implies that the study's hypothesized relationship between these latent variables was not supported. Lastly, a noteworthy correlation emerged between social influence and the effective use of High- Performance Computing Systems, supporting the relationship between these variables. In summary, this research significantly enhances comprehension of the challenges and repercussions associated with cybersecurity behaviour in adopting and utilising High- Performance Computing Systems across five South African Historically Disadvantaged Institutions. It underscores the importance of addressing risky behaviours, enhancing user education, and implementing secure systems. These actions are essential for fostering the effective utilisation of High-Performance Computing Systems and unlocking their potential benefits for economic growth and educational advancements in South Africa. , Thesis (MIS) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023
The Role of the University as Mediator in a Skills Ecosystem Approach to VET
- Lotz-Sisitka, Heila, Openjuru, George, Zeelen, Jacques
- Authors: Lotz-Sisitka, Heila , Openjuru, George , Zeelen, Jacques
- Date: 2023
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , book chapter
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/434907 , vital:73115 , ISBN 978-1529224634 , https://bristoluniversitypress.co.uk/transitioning-vocational-education-and-training-in-africa
- Description: In this chapter, we focus particularly on the mediating role of the university, in close connection with vocational institutions and informal community actors, in developing an inclusive approach to vocational education and training (VET) through an expanded social ecosystem for skills model. Here we draw upon lessons learnt from the Alice and Gulu cases on communitybased approaches to establishing an expanded skills ecosystem approach to VET in Africa. The main ques-tion guiding this chapter relates to the possible mediating role of the university to enhance a regional expanded ecosystem for supporting quality vocational education that is also rele-vant to its context, including emergent possibilities to build skills and livelihoods linked to just transitions. Universities are not VET centres as conventionally understood, but they can contribute to VET in various ways. Most often, universities are identified as contributing to the qualifications and training of VET educators. In this chapter, we take a different angle and consider the role of engaged research and community engagement as two approaches that can contribute to the advancement of an expanded social ecosystem model with positive benefits for VET institutions. Drawing on insights gained in the earlier chapters of this book requires us to take into account several important realities as previously dis-cussed, as well as key ingredients for the development of a regional skills ecosystem of vocational education, as demon-strated by the two cases considered in this chapter.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023
- Authors: Lotz-Sisitka, Heila , Openjuru, George , Zeelen, Jacques
- Date: 2023
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , book chapter
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/434907 , vital:73115 , ISBN 978-1529224634 , https://bristoluniversitypress.co.uk/transitioning-vocational-education-and-training-in-africa
- Description: In this chapter, we focus particularly on the mediating role of the university, in close connection with vocational institutions and informal community actors, in developing an inclusive approach to vocational education and training (VET) through an expanded social ecosystem for skills model. Here we draw upon lessons learnt from the Alice and Gulu cases on communitybased approaches to establishing an expanded skills ecosystem approach to VET in Africa. The main ques-tion guiding this chapter relates to the possible mediating role of the university to enhance a regional expanded ecosystem for supporting quality vocational education that is also rele-vant to its context, including emergent possibilities to build skills and livelihoods linked to just transitions. Universities are not VET centres as conventionally understood, but they can contribute to VET in various ways. Most often, universities are identified as contributing to the qualifications and training of VET educators. In this chapter, we take a different angle and consider the role of engaged research and community engagement as two approaches that can contribute to the advancement of an expanded social ecosystem model with positive benefits for VET institutions. Drawing on insights gained in the earlier chapters of this book requires us to take into account several important realities as previously dis-cussed, as well as key ingredients for the development of a regional skills ecosystem of vocational education, as demon-strated by the two cases considered in this chapter.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023
The scientific community accept marram grass to AUTHORS: be non-invasive in dune stabilisation in the Cape
- Lubke, Roy, Avis, Ted, Higgins, Ursula, Knevel, Irma, Van Eeden, Deon
- Authors: Lubke, Roy , Avis, Ted , Higgins, Ursula , Knevel, Irma , Van Eeden, Deon
- Date: 2023
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/480662 , vital:78464 , https://hdl.handle.net/10520/ejc-sajsci-v119-n1-a5
- Description: For more than three decades, botanists and dune ecologists in the Department of Botany at Rhodes University have spent over 20 000 people-hours researching marram grass. Because of the invasive nature of the plant in Australasia and North America, the plant was long thought to be invasive in the Cape. It has been concluded that the species is non-invasive so long as the variety present in the Cape is used and no new material is introduced. Despite this evidence, the authorities list marram grass as a Category 2 species of weed which may only be grown under permitted conditions in demarcated areas. In order to obtain a permit to use the grass in a large stabilisation project at Hout Bay, a detailed study was reinitiated on the distribution of marram grass 20 years after the original studies on its distribution had been completed. These results confirmed results of the previous studies that the grass was non-invasive. These findings were ratified in a peer-reviewed research paper published recently in a special issue on 'Dynamics and Stability of Plant Communities in Coastal Sand Dunes' of the open access journal Plants (Lubke; Plants 2022;11(17), Art. #2260). Finally, marram grass, as it occurs on our Cape dunes, may be accepted as a useful pioneer and dune stabiliser. No indigenous species are capable of performing the same process.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023
- Authors: Lubke, Roy , Avis, Ted , Higgins, Ursula , Knevel, Irma , Van Eeden, Deon
- Date: 2023
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/480662 , vital:78464 , https://hdl.handle.net/10520/ejc-sajsci-v119-n1-a5
- Description: For more than three decades, botanists and dune ecologists in the Department of Botany at Rhodes University have spent over 20 000 people-hours researching marram grass. Because of the invasive nature of the plant in Australasia and North America, the plant was long thought to be invasive in the Cape. It has been concluded that the species is non-invasive so long as the variety present in the Cape is used and no new material is introduced. Despite this evidence, the authorities list marram grass as a Category 2 species of weed which may only be grown under permitted conditions in demarcated areas. In order to obtain a permit to use the grass in a large stabilisation project at Hout Bay, a detailed study was reinitiated on the distribution of marram grass 20 years after the original studies on its distribution had been completed. These results confirmed results of the previous studies that the grass was non-invasive. These findings were ratified in a peer-reviewed research paper published recently in a special issue on 'Dynamics and Stability of Plant Communities in Coastal Sand Dunes' of the open access journal Plants (Lubke; Plants 2022;11(17), Art. #2260). Finally, marram grass, as it occurs on our Cape dunes, may be accepted as a useful pioneer and dune stabiliser. No indigenous species are capable of performing the same process.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023
The search for V-stranding VP ellipsis in isiXhosa
- Ma, Xiujie, Simango, Silvester R
- Authors: Ma, Xiujie , Simango, Silvester R
- Date: 2023
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/469267 , vital:77226 , https://doi.org/10.2989/16073614.2022.2136222
- Description: It has been argued that V-stranding VP ellipsis exists in Bantu languages such as Kiswahili, Ndendeule, Chingoni, Kikuyu and Shingazidja. In the derivation, the verb moves to I0 in a tensed clause and thus survives VP ellipsis. However, through an examination of the components of a VP and their syntactic positions, we demonstrate that isiXhosa does not have V-stranding VP ellipsis. The article shows that VP-internal constituents – including object DPs, VP-internal adverbials and locative arguments – are prohibited from being elided and that the constituents that can be deleted are actually dislocated to a VP-external position before VPE takes place. We further examine the reasons why isiXhosa does not have V-stranding VP ellipsis and find that in the conjoint form the Immediately After Verb (IAV) constituent receives a focus reading, whereas in the disjoint form, it is the verb that receives a focus reading, which suggests that the VP does not comply with the e-GIVENNESS condition. We also explore the properties of the missing object and conclude that the missing object DP is a consequence of PF-deletion.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023
- Authors: Ma, Xiujie , Simango, Silvester R
- Date: 2023
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/469267 , vital:77226 , https://doi.org/10.2989/16073614.2022.2136222
- Description: It has been argued that V-stranding VP ellipsis exists in Bantu languages such as Kiswahili, Ndendeule, Chingoni, Kikuyu and Shingazidja. In the derivation, the verb moves to I0 in a tensed clause and thus survives VP ellipsis. However, through an examination of the components of a VP and their syntactic positions, we demonstrate that isiXhosa does not have V-stranding VP ellipsis. The article shows that VP-internal constituents – including object DPs, VP-internal adverbials and locative arguments – are prohibited from being elided and that the constituents that can be deleted are actually dislocated to a VP-external position before VPE takes place. We further examine the reasons why isiXhosa does not have V-stranding VP ellipsis and find that in the conjoint form the Immediately After Verb (IAV) constituent receives a focus reading, whereas in the disjoint form, it is the verb that receives a focus reading, which suggests that the VP does not comply with the e-GIVENNESS condition. We also explore the properties of the missing object and conclude that the missing object DP is a consequence of PF-deletion.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023
The Southern African Program on Ecosystem Change and Society: an emergent community of practice
- Biggs, Reinette, Reyers, Belinda, Blanchard, Ryan, Clements, Hayley S, Cockburn, Jessica J, Cumming, Graeme S, Cundill, Georgina, de Vos, Alta, Dziba, Luthando E, Esler, Karen J, Fabricius, Christo, Hamann, Maike, Henriksson, Rebecka, Kotschy, Karen, Lindborg, Regina, Luvuno, Linda, Masterson, Vanessa A, Nel, Jeanne L, O'Farrell, Patrick, Palmer, Carolyn G, Pereira, Laura, Pollard, Sharon, Preiser, Rika, Roux, Dirk J, Scholes, Robert J, Selomane, Odirilwe, Shackleton, Charlie M, Shackleton, Sheona E, Sitas, Nadia, Slingsby, Jasper A, Spierenburg, Marja, Tengö, Maria
- Authors: Biggs, Reinette , Reyers, Belinda , Blanchard, Ryan , Clements, Hayley S , Cockburn, Jessica J , Cumming, Graeme S , Cundill, Georgina , de Vos, Alta , Dziba, Luthando E , Esler, Karen J , Fabricius, Christo , Hamann, Maike , Henriksson, Rebecka , Kotschy, Karen , Lindborg, Regina , Luvuno, Linda , Masterson, Vanessa A , Nel, Jeanne L , O'Farrell, Patrick , Palmer, Carolyn G , Pereira, Laura , Pollard, Sharon , Preiser, Rika , Roux, Dirk J , Scholes, Robert J , Selomane, Odirilwe , Shackleton, Charlie M , Shackleton, Sheona E , Sitas, Nadia , Slingsby, Jasper A , Spierenburg, Marja , Tengö, Maria
- Date: 2023
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/401330 , vital:69726 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1080/26395916.2022.2150317"
- Description: Sustainability-focused research networks and communities of practice have emerged as a key response and strategy to build capacity and knowledge to support transformation towards more sustainable, just and equitable futures. This paper synthesises insights from the development of a community of practice on social-ecological systems (SES) research in southern Africa over the past decade, linked to the international Programme on Ecosystem Change and Society (PECS). This community consists of a network of researchers who carry out place-based SES research in the southern African region. They interact through various cross-cutting working groups and also host a variety of public colloquia and student and practitioner training events. Known as the Southern African Program on Ecosystem Change and Society (SAPECS), its core objectives are to: (1) derive new approaches and empirical insights on SES dynamics in the southern African context; (2) have a tangible impact by mainstreaming knowledge into policy and practice; and (3) grow the community of practice engaged in SES research and governance, including researchers, students and practitioners. This paper reflects on experiences in building the SAPECS community, with the aim of supporting the development of similar networks elsewhere in the world, particularly in the Global South.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023
- Authors: Biggs, Reinette , Reyers, Belinda , Blanchard, Ryan , Clements, Hayley S , Cockburn, Jessica J , Cumming, Graeme S , Cundill, Georgina , de Vos, Alta , Dziba, Luthando E , Esler, Karen J , Fabricius, Christo , Hamann, Maike , Henriksson, Rebecka , Kotschy, Karen , Lindborg, Regina , Luvuno, Linda , Masterson, Vanessa A , Nel, Jeanne L , O'Farrell, Patrick , Palmer, Carolyn G , Pereira, Laura , Pollard, Sharon , Preiser, Rika , Roux, Dirk J , Scholes, Robert J , Selomane, Odirilwe , Shackleton, Charlie M , Shackleton, Sheona E , Sitas, Nadia , Slingsby, Jasper A , Spierenburg, Marja , Tengö, Maria
- Date: 2023
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/401330 , vital:69726 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1080/26395916.2022.2150317"
- Description: Sustainability-focused research networks and communities of practice have emerged as a key response and strategy to build capacity and knowledge to support transformation towards more sustainable, just and equitable futures. This paper synthesises insights from the development of a community of practice on social-ecological systems (SES) research in southern Africa over the past decade, linked to the international Programme on Ecosystem Change and Society (PECS). This community consists of a network of researchers who carry out place-based SES research in the southern African region. They interact through various cross-cutting working groups and also host a variety of public colloquia and student and practitioner training events. Known as the Southern African Program on Ecosystem Change and Society (SAPECS), its core objectives are to: (1) derive new approaches and empirical insights on SES dynamics in the southern African context; (2) have a tangible impact by mainstreaming knowledge into policy and practice; and (3) grow the community of practice engaged in SES research and governance, including researchers, students and practitioners. This paper reflects on experiences in building the SAPECS community, with the aim of supporting the development of similar networks elsewhere in the world, particularly in the Global South.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023
The Training of pre-service science teachers in the integration of Information and Communication Technology integration in Science teaching: A case of two colleges of education in The Volta Region of Ghana
- Authors: Ofori, Mac-Jones
- Date: 2023
- Subjects: Teachers -- Training of , Science -- Study and teaching , Information technology -- Study and teaching
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/27898 , vital:70467
- Description: The study was carried out to investigate the training of pre-service Science teachers in the integration of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in Science teaching at two colleges of education in the Volta region of Ghana. The study aimed to recommend a framework that can be used to enhance the training in ICT integration competencies of pre-service Science teachers at colleges of education in the country. The study was underpinned by two theoretical frameworks: Rogan and Grayson’s curriculum implementation framework and Guzman and Nussbaum’s ICT integration framework and was located within the interpretive paradigm. The qualitative research approach was adopted to generate data on the types of ICT integration competences that pre-service Science teachers are trained in, the pedagogical strategies used, the support provided, and the challenges faced during the training. The study adopted the explanatory case study design. Convenience and purposive sampling were used to select the study sites and participants respectively, which consisted of two teacher education colleges, two heads of Science department, ten lecturers, and 20 pre-service Science teachers. The study’s data collection methods were semi-structured face-to-face interviews with the lecturers, focus group discussions with the pre-service Science teachers, non-participatory lesson observation, and document analysis. The data was analysed using thematic approach. The study established that pre-service Science teachers at the two colleges received training in mastering the usage of ICT tools, relating ICT to teaching; using ICT for assessment and providing feedback, creating an appropriate environment for ICT integration, and developing positive attitudes toward ICT usage. The study revealed the pedagogical strategies used for training the pre-service Science teachers in ICT integration competencies to include a standalone ICT course, demonstration, group work, self-learning and how assessment is carried out. The study also established that there was support from both within and without the college environment in training pre-service Science teachers, although this was inadequate. The major challenges found by the study to be hindering effective pre-service teacher training in ICT integration competencies were lack of technical know-how among lecturers, poor pre-service Science teachers’ backgrounds in ICT, inadequate ICT resources and infrastructure, prolonged organisational and management bureaucracy, and insufficient funding of ICT. The recommendations made included the need for upgrading infrastructure in the colleges while also upgrading lecturers’ competencies in handling ICT in the colleges. An alternative training framework for preparing pre-service Science teachers in ICT integration competencies was also proposed. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023
- Authors: Ofori, Mac-Jones
- Date: 2023
- Subjects: Teachers -- Training of , Science -- Study and teaching , Information technology -- Study and teaching
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/27898 , vital:70467
- Description: The study was carried out to investigate the training of pre-service Science teachers in the integration of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in Science teaching at two colleges of education in the Volta region of Ghana. The study aimed to recommend a framework that can be used to enhance the training in ICT integration competencies of pre-service Science teachers at colleges of education in the country. The study was underpinned by two theoretical frameworks: Rogan and Grayson’s curriculum implementation framework and Guzman and Nussbaum’s ICT integration framework and was located within the interpretive paradigm. The qualitative research approach was adopted to generate data on the types of ICT integration competences that pre-service Science teachers are trained in, the pedagogical strategies used, the support provided, and the challenges faced during the training. The study adopted the explanatory case study design. Convenience and purposive sampling were used to select the study sites and participants respectively, which consisted of two teacher education colleges, two heads of Science department, ten lecturers, and 20 pre-service Science teachers. The study’s data collection methods were semi-structured face-to-face interviews with the lecturers, focus group discussions with the pre-service Science teachers, non-participatory lesson observation, and document analysis. The data was analysed using thematic approach. The study established that pre-service Science teachers at the two colleges received training in mastering the usage of ICT tools, relating ICT to teaching; using ICT for assessment and providing feedback, creating an appropriate environment for ICT integration, and developing positive attitudes toward ICT usage. The study revealed the pedagogical strategies used for training the pre-service Science teachers in ICT integration competencies to include a standalone ICT course, demonstration, group work, self-learning and how assessment is carried out. The study also established that there was support from both within and without the college environment in training pre-service Science teachers, although this was inadequate. The major challenges found by the study to be hindering effective pre-service teacher training in ICT integration competencies were lack of technical know-how among lecturers, poor pre-service Science teachers’ backgrounds in ICT, inadequate ICT resources and infrastructure, prolonged organisational and management bureaucracy, and insufficient funding of ICT. The recommendations made included the need for upgrading infrastructure in the colleges while also upgrading lecturers’ competencies in handling ICT in the colleges. An alternative training framework for preparing pre-service Science teachers in ICT integration competencies was also proposed. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023
The trophic position and isotopic niche of a cryptogenic tube-building polychaete in a protected clear-water estuarine bay
- van Rensburg, Hendre, Richoux, Nicole B, Simon, Carol A
- Authors: van Rensburg, Hendre , Richoux, Nicole B , Simon, Carol A
- Date: 2023
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/454404 , vital:75341 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecss.2023.108549"
- Description: The Knysna Estuary is a large, clear-water embayment and one of the most important estuaries for conservation in southern Africa. The estuary is detritus-dominated and the benthic food webs have low diversities of carnivores, which may make the estuary vulnerable to invasions through the empty niche hypothesis. In the last two decades, the Knysna Estuary has experienced an increase in the population of the cryptogenic and apparently omnivorous estuarine moonshine worm (Diopatra aciculata). Our goal was to describe the trophic role of D. aciculata. We measured carbon and nitrogen stable isotopes in all the common macrophytes and macroinvertebrates across four seasons to 1) establish the isotopic landscapes of three disparate sites within the Knysna Estuary where D. aciculata occurs, 2) establish whether the trophic level of D. aciculata matches those of other common macroinvertebrates, and 3) establish whether the isotopic niche of D. aciculata overlaps with those of syntopic macroinvertebrates. Communities at the different sites differed in food web width, most likely due to differences in primary producer diversity. Our findings suggested that D. aciculata is a facultative carnivore, and some sub-populations are sustained primarily by animal tissues. Isotopic niche overlap analysis showed that direct competition with other common macroinvertebrate consumers is doubtful and D. aciculata occupies a unique niche within the estuary.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023
- Authors: van Rensburg, Hendre , Richoux, Nicole B , Simon, Carol A
- Date: 2023
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/454404 , vital:75341 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecss.2023.108549"
- Description: The Knysna Estuary is a large, clear-water embayment and one of the most important estuaries for conservation in southern Africa. The estuary is detritus-dominated and the benthic food webs have low diversities of carnivores, which may make the estuary vulnerable to invasions through the empty niche hypothesis. In the last two decades, the Knysna Estuary has experienced an increase in the population of the cryptogenic and apparently omnivorous estuarine moonshine worm (Diopatra aciculata). Our goal was to describe the trophic role of D. aciculata. We measured carbon and nitrogen stable isotopes in all the common macrophytes and macroinvertebrates across four seasons to 1) establish the isotopic landscapes of three disparate sites within the Knysna Estuary where D. aciculata occurs, 2) establish whether the trophic level of D. aciculata matches those of other common macroinvertebrates, and 3) establish whether the isotopic niche of D. aciculata overlaps with those of syntopic macroinvertebrates. Communities at the different sites differed in food web width, most likely due to differences in primary producer diversity. Our findings suggested that D. aciculata is a facultative carnivore, and some sub-populations are sustained primarily by animal tissues. Isotopic niche overlap analysis showed that direct competition with other common macroinvertebrate consumers is doubtful and D. aciculata occupies a unique niche within the estuary.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023
The use of a Subjective wellbeing scale as predictor of adherence to neuroleptic treatment to determine poor prognostic factor in African population with Schizophrenia
- Boshe, J J, Stein, Dan J, Campbell, Megan M
- Authors: Boshe, J J , Stein, Dan J , Campbell, Megan M
- Date: 2023
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/450766 , vital:74980 , xlink:href="10.1192/j.eurpsy.2023.384"
- Description: Objectives: To investigate and identify demographic and clinical predic-tors of subjective well-being in a sample of Xhosa people with schizo-phrenia on neuroleptic treatment. Methods: As a part of a large genetic study, 244 study participants with a confirmed diagnosis of schizophre-nia completed the translated SWN-K 20 scale. Internal consistency analysis was performed, and convergent analysis and exploratory analysis were conducted using Principal Component Analysis (PCA). Linear regression methods were used to determine predictors of SWBN in the sample population.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023
- Authors: Boshe, J J , Stein, Dan J , Campbell, Megan M
- Date: 2023
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/450766 , vital:74980 , xlink:href="10.1192/j.eurpsy.2023.384"
- Description: Objectives: To investigate and identify demographic and clinical predic-tors of subjective well-being in a sample of Xhosa people with schizo-phrenia on neuroleptic treatment. Methods: As a part of a large genetic study, 244 study participants with a confirmed diagnosis of schizophre-nia completed the translated SWN-K 20 scale. Internal consistency analysis was performed, and convergent analysis and exploratory analysis were conducted using Principal Component Analysis (PCA). Linear regression methods were used to determine predictors of SWBN in the sample population.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023
The whole is greater than the sum of its parts: a case study of the nexuses between teaching, research and service
- Muthama, Evelyn, McKenna, Sioux
- Authors: Muthama, Evelyn , McKenna, Sioux
- Date: 2023
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/482899 , vital:78699 , https://doi.org/10.1080/07294360.2023.2215182
- Description: Universities attend to multiple demands, making it challenging to identify their particular academic project, which can be defined as how the university understands its key purposes and develops its organisation and activities in service of such. While the three pillars of higher education – teaching, research, and service – are cited as being core to the modern university, it is the nexus between them that provides the particular institutional identity and purpose. While nexuses exist in every university, the form such nexuses take varies considerably across university types, geographical contexts, student bodies, and programmes. We investigate the nature of the nexuses in one South African university through an analysis of observations, interviews, documents, and a survey. The study suggests that several mechanisms strengthen the nexuses of this university, including geographical positioning, institutional history and an explicitly articulated set of values. It cautions however that the nexuses can be constrained by other mechanisms at play. We argue that there is need for reflecting on and strengthening nexuses within universities in the interests of clarifying the specific academic project. Without this, universities can be swayed in any direction and can lose sight of the identity they would like to claim for themselves.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023
- Authors: Muthama, Evelyn , McKenna, Sioux
- Date: 2023
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/482899 , vital:78699 , https://doi.org/10.1080/07294360.2023.2215182
- Description: Universities attend to multiple demands, making it challenging to identify their particular academic project, which can be defined as how the university understands its key purposes and develops its organisation and activities in service of such. While the three pillars of higher education – teaching, research, and service – are cited as being core to the modern university, it is the nexus between them that provides the particular institutional identity and purpose. While nexuses exist in every university, the form such nexuses take varies considerably across university types, geographical contexts, student bodies, and programmes. We investigate the nature of the nexuses in one South African university through an analysis of observations, interviews, documents, and a survey. The study suggests that several mechanisms strengthen the nexuses of this university, including geographical positioning, institutional history and an explicitly articulated set of values. It cautions however that the nexuses can be constrained by other mechanisms at play. We argue that there is need for reflecting on and strengthening nexuses within universities in the interests of clarifying the specific academic project. Without this, universities can be swayed in any direction and can lose sight of the identity they would like to claim for themselves.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023
Thermal stress gradient causes increasingly negative effects towards the range limit of an invasive mussel
- Ma, Kevin C K, Monsinjon, Jonathan R, Froneman, P William, McQuaid, Christopher D
- Authors: Ma, Kevin C K , Monsinjon, Jonathan R , Froneman, P William , McQuaid, Christopher D
- Date: 2023
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/479407 , vital:78299 , https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.161184
- Description: Environmental filtering (EF), the abiotic exclusion of species, can have first order, direct effects with cascading consequences for population dynamics, especially at range edges where abiotic conditions are suboptimal. Abiotic stress gradients associated with EF may also drive indirect second order effects, including exacerbating the effects of competitors, disease, and parasites on marginal populations because of suboptimal physiological performance. We predicted a cascade of first and second order EF-associated effects on marginal populations of the invasive mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis, plus a third order effect of EF of increased epibiont load due to second order shell degradation by endoliths. Mussel populations on rocky shores were surveyed across 850 km of the south–southeast coast of South Africa, from the species' warm-edge range limit to sites in the centre of their distribution, to quantify second order (endolithic shell degradation) and third order (number of barnacle epibionts) EF-associated effects as a function of along-shore distance from the range edge. Inshore temperature data were interpolated from the literature.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023
- Authors: Ma, Kevin C K , Monsinjon, Jonathan R , Froneman, P William , McQuaid, Christopher D
- Date: 2023
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/479407 , vital:78299 , https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.161184
- Description: Environmental filtering (EF), the abiotic exclusion of species, can have first order, direct effects with cascading consequences for population dynamics, especially at range edges where abiotic conditions are suboptimal. Abiotic stress gradients associated with EF may also drive indirect second order effects, including exacerbating the effects of competitors, disease, and parasites on marginal populations because of suboptimal physiological performance. We predicted a cascade of first and second order EF-associated effects on marginal populations of the invasive mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis, plus a third order effect of EF of increased epibiont load due to second order shell degradation by endoliths. Mussel populations on rocky shores were surveyed across 850 km of the south–southeast coast of South Africa, from the species' warm-edge range limit to sites in the centre of their distribution, to quantify second order (endolithic shell degradation) and third order (number of barnacle epibionts) EF-associated effects as a function of along-shore distance from the range edge. Inshore temperature data were interpolated from the literature.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023