Molecular characterization of integrons and their associated gene cassettes in multidrug-resistant enterobacteriaceae isolates from environmental sources and the exploration of antibiotic combination against some resistant strains
- Fadare, Folake Temitope https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5779-9798
- Authors: Fadare, Folake Temitope https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5779-9798
- Date: 2023
- Subjects: Enterobacteriaceae , Molecular microbiology , Enterobacteria
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/27809 , vital:69942
- Description: Globally, the increasing rate of antimicrobial resistance against our currently available drugs has been a serious public concern. Due to the selective nature of antibiotics, bacteria are expected to develop resistance against them over time, but the current scourge of antimicrobial resistance is aggravated by factors other than the expected evolutionary trend. The use and overuse of antibiotics in clinical and agricultural contexts have led to the fast rise of multidrug-resistant MDR microorganisms. A scenario that necessitates an upsurge in the clinical failures observed with our current drug arsenals is expected to rise if left unchecked. One of the significant drivers implicated in the spread of antimicrobial resistance genes is the integrons. These are mobile genetic elements found on pathogenicity islands, transposons, and plasmids, easing their distribution among various bacteria. They are considered efficient gene expression systems that naturally capture, integrate gene cassettes GCs and immediately express the captured antimicrobial resistance genes on the GCs due to the inherent promoters on their structures. Integrons have been known to confer resistance against most classes of antibiotics. These include all known β-lactams, chloramphenicol, trimethoprim, erythromycin, aminoglycosides, quinolones, streptothricin, lincomycin, rifampicin, fosfomycin, and antiseptics of the quaternary ammonium compound family. They have been detected in bacterial populations under direct or indirect antibiotic pressure in clinical, agricultural, and environmental contexts. The emergence of MDR in Enterobacteriaceae is a critical public health issue that has attracted the World Health Organization WHO, which classified them as one of the critical priority pathogens urgently requiring new antibiotics. The resistance phenomenon has proven most of the current antibiotics ineffective, further compounded by the slow pace of the discovery of new antibiotics, necessitating the hunt for new, practical remedies. One of such is the exploration of synergy among existing antibiotics. Two medications combined have a higher impact, thereby allowing current antibiotics to be salvaged for use in treating MDR bacteria, even if the bacteria are resistant against one or both antibiotics separately. Hence, this research focused on the occurrence and prevalence of multidrug resistance and the characterization of integrons and their associated gene cassettes in members of Enterobacteriaceae, including Klebsiella pneumoniae, Klebsiella oxytoca, Enterobacter cloacae, Escherichia coli, and Citrobacter spp. recovered from animal droppings, rivers, and effluents of hospital and wastewater treatment plants in Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. The inhibitory effect of combining two drugs belonging to different antibiotic classes to obtain a possible potentiating effect against some multidrug-resistant Enterobacteriaceae isolates harbouring integrons were examined and studied. The isolates were identified using the conventional molecular Polymerase Chain Reaction with specific primers. The antimicrobial resistance profile and the production of Extended-spectrum and metallo β-lactamase were detected using disk diffusion technique DDT, double-disk synergy test DDST, and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid EDTA tests, respectively. The PCR-based screening method, DNA sequencing analyses, and restriction fragment length polymorphism RFLP were used to characterize the integrons and their associated GCs. Furthermore, Enterobacterial Repetitive Intergenic Consensus ERIC PCR determined the genotypic relationships between some specific species. The various antibiotics' minimum inhibitory concentration MIC was determined using the broth microdilution, while the checkerboard method was used to determine the fractional inhibitory concentration indices FICIs. The time-kill assays TKAs were further used to confirm the synergism observed from the checkerboard assays. Most of the isolates were resistant against most antibiotics tested and were considered MDR. The least resistance was observed against imipenem, a carbapenem, one of the drugs of last resort. Also present were the ESBL and MBL producers, with a few isolates co-producing the enzymes. A high prevalence of integrons was observed in the isolates, with class 1 integrons being the most frequently detected. Some isolates co-harboured the intI1 and intI2 genes and were classified as class1 plus 2 integrons. Although Citrobacter spp. had the least number of isolates among the Enterobacteriaceae studied, it harboured the most diverse gene cassette arrays. The various gene cassette arrays were identified as follows: For Klebsiella spp. Aac 6 Ib, aadA1 dfrA1, and dfrA1 sat2; for Citrobacter spp., dfrA5 aac3 Ib, aac6 ib, aadA1dfrA1 aadA1, aadA1-dfrA1, aadA5 dfrA17, and dfrA21-aac3-Ib; for E. coli dfrA21- aac-3-Ib, dfrA5-aac-3-Ib, aadA1 dfrA1, and aadA5 dfrA17 and for E. cloacae aadA1 dfrA1, dfrA7 dfrA21 dfrA5 aac 3 Ib, and dfrA1 sat2. The GC array dfrA1 sat2 was the only array detected in class 2 integrons which are analogous to that found in Tn7, dfrA1-sat2-aadA1, with the deletion of the last GC aadA1. These detected GCs confer resistance against aminoglycosides, including streptomycin and spectinomycin, and trimethoprim, further increasing the resistance spectrum of the bacterial species harbouring them. The detection of integrons and their associated GC and the presence of these β-lactamases is also associated with coresistance against other classes of antibiotics by bacterial species harbouring them, further limiting treatment options. The checkerboard assays combining antibiotics against these drug-resistant integron harbouring Enterobacteriaceae revealed that 26.3 percent 10 over 38 of the interactions were categorized as synergistic, while 73.7 percent 28 over 38 were indifferent. None of the combinations was antagonistic. The TKAs revealed all the synergistic interactions as bactericidal. Therefore, the combinations of gentamicin with tetracycline, ciprofloxacin, and ceftazidime against Multidrug-resistant MDR Klebsiella pneumoniae; tetracycline-ceftazidime combination against MDR Escherichia coli, colistin combinations with ceftazidime and gentamicin, and tetracycline-gentamicin combinations against MDR Citrobacter freundii may be future therapeutic alternatives. , Thesis (MSci) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023
- Authors: Fadare, Folake Temitope https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5779-9798
- Date: 2023
- Subjects: Enterobacteriaceae , Molecular microbiology , Enterobacteria
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/27809 , vital:69942
- Description: Globally, the increasing rate of antimicrobial resistance against our currently available drugs has been a serious public concern. Due to the selective nature of antibiotics, bacteria are expected to develop resistance against them over time, but the current scourge of antimicrobial resistance is aggravated by factors other than the expected evolutionary trend. The use and overuse of antibiotics in clinical and agricultural contexts have led to the fast rise of multidrug-resistant MDR microorganisms. A scenario that necessitates an upsurge in the clinical failures observed with our current drug arsenals is expected to rise if left unchecked. One of the significant drivers implicated in the spread of antimicrobial resistance genes is the integrons. These are mobile genetic elements found on pathogenicity islands, transposons, and plasmids, easing their distribution among various bacteria. They are considered efficient gene expression systems that naturally capture, integrate gene cassettes GCs and immediately express the captured antimicrobial resistance genes on the GCs due to the inherent promoters on their structures. Integrons have been known to confer resistance against most classes of antibiotics. These include all known β-lactams, chloramphenicol, trimethoprim, erythromycin, aminoglycosides, quinolones, streptothricin, lincomycin, rifampicin, fosfomycin, and antiseptics of the quaternary ammonium compound family. They have been detected in bacterial populations under direct or indirect antibiotic pressure in clinical, agricultural, and environmental contexts. The emergence of MDR in Enterobacteriaceae is a critical public health issue that has attracted the World Health Organization WHO, which classified them as one of the critical priority pathogens urgently requiring new antibiotics. The resistance phenomenon has proven most of the current antibiotics ineffective, further compounded by the slow pace of the discovery of new antibiotics, necessitating the hunt for new, practical remedies. One of such is the exploration of synergy among existing antibiotics. Two medications combined have a higher impact, thereby allowing current antibiotics to be salvaged for use in treating MDR bacteria, even if the bacteria are resistant against one or both antibiotics separately. Hence, this research focused on the occurrence and prevalence of multidrug resistance and the characterization of integrons and their associated gene cassettes in members of Enterobacteriaceae, including Klebsiella pneumoniae, Klebsiella oxytoca, Enterobacter cloacae, Escherichia coli, and Citrobacter spp. recovered from animal droppings, rivers, and effluents of hospital and wastewater treatment plants in Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. The inhibitory effect of combining two drugs belonging to different antibiotic classes to obtain a possible potentiating effect against some multidrug-resistant Enterobacteriaceae isolates harbouring integrons were examined and studied. The isolates were identified using the conventional molecular Polymerase Chain Reaction with specific primers. The antimicrobial resistance profile and the production of Extended-spectrum and metallo β-lactamase were detected using disk diffusion technique DDT, double-disk synergy test DDST, and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid EDTA tests, respectively. The PCR-based screening method, DNA sequencing analyses, and restriction fragment length polymorphism RFLP were used to characterize the integrons and their associated GCs. Furthermore, Enterobacterial Repetitive Intergenic Consensus ERIC PCR determined the genotypic relationships between some specific species. The various antibiotics' minimum inhibitory concentration MIC was determined using the broth microdilution, while the checkerboard method was used to determine the fractional inhibitory concentration indices FICIs. The time-kill assays TKAs were further used to confirm the synergism observed from the checkerboard assays. Most of the isolates were resistant against most antibiotics tested and were considered MDR. The least resistance was observed against imipenem, a carbapenem, one of the drugs of last resort. Also present were the ESBL and MBL producers, with a few isolates co-producing the enzymes. A high prevalence of integrons was observed in the isolates, with class 1 integrons being the most frequently detected. Some isolates co-harboured the intI1 and intI2 genes and were classified as class1 plus 2 integrons. Although Citrobacter spp. had the least number of isolates among the Enterobacteriaceae studied, it harboured the most diverse gene cassette arrays. The various gene cassette arrays were identified as follows: For Klebsiella spp. Aac 6 Ib, aadA1 dfrA1, and dfrA1 sat2; for Citrobacter spp., dfrA5 aac3 Ib, aac6 ib, aadA1dfrA1 aadA1, aadA1-dfrA1, aadA5 dfrA17, and dfrA21-aac3-Ib; for E. coli dfrA21- aac-3-Ib, dfrA5-aac-3-Ib, aadA1 dfrA1, and aadA5 dfrA17 and for E. cloacae aadA1 dfrA1, dfrA7 dfrA21 dfrA5 aac 3 Ib, and dfrA1 sat2. The GC array dfrA1 sat2 was the only array detected in class 2 integrons which are analogous to that found in Tn7, dfrA1-sat2-aadA1, with the deletion of the last GC aadA1. These detected GCs confer resistance against aminoglycosides, including streptomycin and spectinomycin, and trimethoprim, further increasing the resistance spectrum of the bacterial species harbouring them. The detection of integrons and their associated GC and the presence of these β-lactamases is also associated with coresistance against other classes of antibiotics by bacterial species harbouring them, further limiting treatment options. The checkerboard assays combining antibiotics against these drug-resistant integron harbouring Enterobacteriaceae revealed that 26.3 percent 10 over 38 of the interactions were categorized as synergistic, while 73.7 percent 28 over 38 were indifferent. None of the combinations was antagonistic. The TKAs revealed all the synergistic interactions as bactericidal. Therefore, the combinations of gentamicin with tetracycline, ciprofloxacin, and ceftazidime against Multidrug-resistant MDR Klebsiella pneumoniae; tetracycline-ceftazidime combination against MDR Escherichia coli, colistin combinations with ceftazidime and gentamicin, and tetracycline-gentamicin combinations against MDR Citrobacter freundii may be future therapeutic alternatives. , Thesis (MSci) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023
The dynamics in implementing Inclusive Education in South Africa: Case studies of four Primary Schools in KwaZulu-Natal
- Authors: Nzuza, Zakhele Dennis
- Date: 2023
- Subjects: Inclusive education
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/26219 , vital:64974
- Description: The study explored the implemention of inclusive education in primary schools in the uMgungundlovu area, in the province of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Locally and globally, the notion of inclusive education has presented various difficulties relating to the understanding stakeholders have of inclusive education and also in terms of embracing it and implementing it in schools. Stakeholders in South Africa have experienced similar challenges regarding a clear and common understanding of inclusive education and ensuring effective implementation. Despite various reforms adopted by the South African government, learners experiencing barriers to learning have persistently suffered inadequate access to quality education and equal learning opportunities. The reviewed literature has highlighted numerous challenges that have constrained effective implementation of inclusive education in South African schools. The reviewed literature also indicated that some teachers had negative attitudes towards inclusive education, and that such attitudes were linked to the lack of clear understanding of what inclusive education was about. At the core of this study is the fact that very little is known in South Africa about the implementation of inclusive education. Therefore, this study sought to unravel how chools implement inclusive education and, in that process, contribute to a deeper understanding of this phenomenon. The study utilised the Theory of Planned Behaviour as a theoretical framework and inclusive pedagogy as a conceptual framework to explore the implementation of inclusive education in four study schools. A qualitative approach underpinned by an interpretive research paradigm was adopted. Purposive sampling techniques were used to select twenty educators, four learners experiencing barriers to learning and four parents of learners experiencing barriers to learning to participate in this study. Four techniques were used to produce qualitative data, namely, semi-structured interviews, observations, documents’ review, and focus group discussions. Semi-structured interviews with educators and learners experiencing barriers to learning were utilised to generate data in the four selected primary schools. In addition to semi structured interviews, learners were also observed during lessons. Relevant documents kept in the schools were also reviewed to augment data generated through interviews. Focus group discussions were held with four parents of the learners experiencing barriers to learning. Data were analysed employing qualitative content analysis to come up with themes. The findings revealed that there was no common understanding amongst the teachers about what constituted inclusive education. Most educators understood inclusive education as referring to accommodating all learners in the classroom to reach their potential. These educators would help all learners, including those with barriers to learning thus contributing to the implementation of inclusive education in their schools. However, the findings also revealed that some educators understood inclusive education as referring to a situation where all learners received quality education, but those with barriers to learning being accommodated in special schools or special classrooms separate from their counterparts. The findings indicated that there was a lack of knowledge about inclusive education and such a lack contributed to misunderstandings about the essence of inclusive education. In addition, teachers lacked skills in dealing with learners experiencing barriers to learning, resulting in inefficient and ineffective implementation of inclusive education. It was evident from the findings that the curriculum was inflexible and the teachers lacked capacity to customise the content to the needs of all the learners, especially those experiencing learning barriers. Therefore, for teachers to implement inclusive education, it was necessary that content had to be flexible to meet the educational needs of all learners. The findings further revealed that using various teaching methods, such as visual objects and demonstrations was helpful in adapting the rigid curriculum and making it user friendly for learners experiencing barriers to learning. In addition, the research findings revealed that group work and peer learning assisted educators to implement inclusive education. Research findings also revealed that implementing inclusive education was hindered by various systematic factors, such as lack of parental support, overcrowding in classrooms, and socioeconomic challenges. I concluded that there is a remarkable knowledge deficit that can be addressed by training, including pre-service and ongoing professional development activities for teachers. I can also conclude that based on the findings educators require training on inclusive education, beginning with teachers currently in the system. The training can then be included in the curriculum of pre-service educators so that they can obtain a clear understanding of inclusive education and thus develop positive attitudes towards inclusive education. Similarly, school management teams require training on their own so that they can be able to provide adequate and effective support to the teachers in the classrooms. Another recommendation is that educators should be capacitated and developed in inclusive education to enhance their confidence in delivering the curriculum and to handle learners experiencing barriers to learning. Similarly, it is recommended that there be a collaboration between schools, homes, and other stakeholders to assist learners experiencing barriers to learning on their education journey, thus effectively implementing inclusive education in schools. Finally, a model for the improvement of inclusive education is proposed. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Education, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023
- Authors: Nzuza, Zakhele Dennis
- Date: 2023
- Subjects: Inclusive education
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/26219 , vital:64974
- Description: The study explored the implemention of inclusive education in primary schools in the uMgungundlovu area, in the province of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Locally and globally, the notion of inclusive education has presented various difficulties relating to the understanding stakeholders have of inclusive education and also in terms of embracing it and implementing it in schools. Stakeholders in South Africa have experienced similar challenges regarding a clear and common understanding of inclusive education and ensuring effective implementation. Despite various reforms adopted by the South African government, learners experiencing barriers to learning have persistently suffered inadequate access to quality education and equal learning opportunities. The reviewed literature has highlighted numerous challenges that have constrained effective implementation of inclusive education in South African schools. The reviewed literature also indicated that some teachers had negative attitudes towards inclusive education, and that such attitudes were linked to the lack of clear understanding of what inclusive education was about. At the core of this study is the fact that very little is known in South Africa about the implementation of inclusive education. Therefore, this study sought to unravel how chools implement inclusive education and, in that process, contribute to a deeper understanding of this phenomenon. The study utilised the Theory of Planned Behaviour as a theoretical framework and inclusive pedagogy as a conceptual framework to explore the implementation of inclusive education in four study schools. A qualitative approach underpinned by an interpretive research paradigm was adopted. Purposive sampling techniques were used to select twenty educators, four learners experiencing barriers to learning and four parents of learners experiencing barriers to learning to participate in this study. Four techniques were used to produce qualitative data, namely, semi-structured interviews, observations, documents’ review, and focus group discussions. Semi-structured interviews with educators and learners experiencing barriers to learning were utilised to generate data in the four selected primary schools. In addition to semi structured interviews, learners were also observed during lessons. Relevant documents kept in the schools were also reviewed to augment data generated through interviews. Focus group discussions were held with four parents of the learners experiencing barriers to learning. Data were analysed employing qualitative content analysis to come up with themes. The findings revealed that there was no common understanding amongst the teachers about what constituted inclusive education. Most educators understood inclusive education as referring to accommodating all learners in the classroom to reach their potential. These educators would help all learners, including those with barriers to learning thus contributing to the implementation of inclusive education in their schools. However, the findings also revealed that some educators understood inclusive education as referring to a situation where all learners received quality education, but those with barriers to learning being accommodated in special schools or special classrooms separate from their counterparts. The findings indicated that there was a lack of knowledge about inclusive education and such a lack contributed to misunderstandings about the essence of inclusive education. In addition, teachers lacked skills in dealing with learners experiencing barriers to learning, resulting in inefficient and ineffective implementation of inclusive education. It was evident from the findings that the curriculum was inflexible and the teachers lacked capacity to customise the content to the needs of all the learners, especially those experiencing learning barriers. Therefore, for teachers to implement inclusive education, it was necessary that content had to be flexible to meet the educational needs of all learners. The findings further revealed that using various teaching methods, such as visual objects and demonstrations was helpful in adapting the rigid curriculum and making it user friendly for learners experiencing barriers to learning. In addition, the research findings revealed that group work and peer learning assisted educators to implement inclusive education. Research findings also revealed that implementing inclusive education was hindered by various systematic factors, such as lack of parental support, overcrowding in classrooms, and socioeconomic challenges. I concluded that there is a remarkable knowledge deficit that can be addressed by training, including pre-service and ongoing professional development activities for teachers. I can also conclude that based on the findings educators require training on inclusive education, beginning with teachers currently in the system. The training can then be included in the curriculum of pre-service educators so that they can obtain a clear understanding of inclusive education and thus develop positive attitudes towards inclusive education. Similarly, school management teams require training on their own so that they can be able to provide adequate and effective support to the teachers in the classrooms. Another recommendation is that educators should be capacitated and developed in inclusive education to enhance their confidence in delivering the curriculum and to handle learners experiencing barriers to learning. Similarly, it is recommended that there be a collaboration between schools, homes, and other stakeholders to assist learners experiencing barriers to learning on their education journey, thus effectively implementing inclusive education in schools. Finally, a model for the improvement of inclusive education is proposed. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Education, 2023
- 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 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 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
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