scholarly journals Determinants of adaptation to climate variability among farming households in Tyhume Valley communities, Eastern Cape province, South Africa

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Olona Mtintsilana ◽  
Babatope Ebenezer Akinyemi ◽  
Leocadia Zhou
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Climate Variability ◽  
Crop Production ◽  
Adaptation Strategies ◽  
The Body ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Farming Households

Purpose This paper aims to determine factors affecting adaptation to climate variability on crop production among farming households in Tyhume Valley. Design/methodology/approach This study conducted an empirical analysis of the impact of adaptation on crop yield of farming households and estimated the factors affecting adaptation to climate variability on farming households. The analysis used primary data from 205 farming households practicing crop production in Tyhume Valley communities. Findings Based on binary logit results, factors affecting rural farming households’ adaptation to climate variability are gender, age, heatwave, employment status, strong high wind occasional experience and cell phone. The adaptation measures adopted by the farming households in the study area include irrigation (94.8%), crop rotation (66%), changing crop variety (7.4%) and other methods of adaptation were found to be (1.3%). The other methods of adaptation used included the use of ash to kill (intuku) mole and using dirty water from washing dishes and clothes when irrigating to kill parasites on crops. Originality/value This research paper will be an addition to the body of knowledge on adaptation strategies to climate variability in South Africa, especially at the rural farming household level. This study may assist the rural communities in decision-making when dealing with the challenges of climate variability on their crop production, thereby increasing their crop production. The information gathered in this study might assist policymakers in revising the existing policies. This study will also help rural farming households to practice appropriate adaptation strategies.

To use or not to use? SDM utilisation in the development of LMS in South Africa

2014 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 238-253 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kobus van Aswegen ◽  
Magda Huisman ◽  
Estelle Taylor
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Development Process ◽  
High Standard ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Application Development ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Main Research ◽  
E Learning ◽  
The Impact

Purpose – The purpose of this study was to determine if Systems Development Methodologies (SDMs) are being utilised effectively in the development of Learning Management Systems (LMSs) in South Africa. With e-learning being a critical component of modern educational systems, it has become essential to ensure that LMSs of a high standard are being developed. In the field of SDMs, much research has been done and the value of SDMs is proven and documented. To enhance the chances of developing LMSs of outstanding quality, it is crucial that SDMs are applied efficiently, as they can have a significant impact on the development process. Design/methodology/approach – A positivistic research approach was followed. By utilising a survey as the main research method, quantitative data were generated. By statistically analysing the dataset, meaningful results were obtained. Findings – This study shed some light on how LMS procurement and development is being done in South Africa and revealed that the use of open-source systems currently exceeds the use of proprietary systems. The results of the research showed that SDMs (e.g. Rapid Application Development) are being used effectively in the development of e-learning systems. Strong relationships exist between many of the SDM factors identified (e.g. performance expectancy and the perceived support of the methodology) and the quality and productivity of the development process. This, in turn, has a strong influence on the impact SDMs have on the quality of LMSs. Originality/value – The study made a contribution to the discipline of information systems and, more specifically, LMSs, by providing insights with regard to the factors affecting the use and effectiveness of SDMs in developing LMSs. As far as could be ascertained, this study generated the first empirical data on the procurement and development of LMSs in South Africa.

Determinants of EVs adoption: a study on green behavior of consumers

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ajitabh Dash
Keyword(s):  
Factor Analysis ◽  
Electric Vehicle ◽  
Electric Vehicles ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
The Body ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Adoption Decision

PurposeThis study has a principal objective of exploring and analyzing the factors affecting adoption or acceptance of eco-friendly electric vehicles in India.Design/methodology/approachPrimary data were gathered through a predesigned questionnaire from 355 vehicle owners of Delhi using simple random sampling method. Statistical softwares like SPSS and AMOS were used to analyze the primary data collected for the study. Statistical techniques like exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling were usesd to infer a meaningful conclusion from the investigation.FindingsThrough this study, a statistically significant relationship between environmental concern, knowledge of EV, subjective norm and attitude toward electric vehicle were investigated. Similarly attitude is responsible for a significant variation in adoption decision.Practical implicationsThe findings of the present study underscore the requirement for marketers to build up a systematic strategy for easier adoption of electric vehicles in India. On account of this, this study developed a model of potential determinants of adoption decision toward EVs in India, based on statistically significant evidences.Originality/valueThis study adds to the body of literature by exploring and testing the factors affecting the adoption of eco-friendly products like electric vehicle that were not emphasized earlier in Indian context and second by growing theoretically consistent operationalization for the marketing of electric vehicles. These upgrades brought about a last model with an unrivaled illustrative power.

Islamic microfinance in Mauritania: an investigation into involuntary factors affecting usage

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Vatimetou Mokhtar Maouloud ◽  
Salina Kassim ◽  
Anwar Hasan Abdullah Othman
Keyword(s):  
Structural Equation ◽  
Financial Inclusion ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Microfinance Institutions ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Specific Dimension ◽  
Islamic Microfinance ◽  
The Impact

Purpose This study aims to identify the involuntary barriers of financial inclusion which are affecting the usage of Islamic microfinance services in PROCAPEC institution located in Nouakchott-Mauritania. Subsequently, it also examines the effect of gender as a moderator in the model. Design/methodology/approach Primary data was collected through a cross-sectional questionnaire from 381 beneficiaries of PROCAPEC – a major Islamic microfinance provider in Mauritania. In methodology, the study uses confirmatory factor analysis to identify relevant involuntary factors affecting usage, followed by structural equation modelling to test the impact of these factors on the usage of Islamic microfinance (IsMF) products. Findings Two of the four factors are statistically significant in affecting the usage of IsMF products, namely, affordability and eligibility. Gender is a moderator in the relationship between affordability and usage, as well as eligibility and usage. Practical implications Policymakers, practitioners and managers of Islamic microfinance institutions can consider these factors and focus on strategies, including pricing and promotion, which aim to further develop the Islamic microfinance industry in Mauritania. Also, reducing documentation required from clients and adopting lenient rules to provide suitable products will enhance the use of IsMF products, which may lead to more customers’ attraction. Originality/value Although several researchers have articulated financial inclusion, this study sheds light on a specific dimension of financial inclusion to determine the factors impacting IsMF products’ usage. In Mauritania, there are few studies about microfinance. This study will be amongst the pioneer contribution to the geographical gap.

Resistance to change: an empirical investigation of its antecedents

2018 ◽  
Vol 31 (2) ◽  
pp. 426-450 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vasiliki Amarantou ◽  
Stergiani Kazakopoulou ◽  
Dimitrios Chatzoudes ◽  
Prodromos Chatzoglou
Keyword(s):  
Resistance To Change ◽  
Mediating Effect ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Healthcare Organizations ◽  
Change Initiatives ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
The Impact

Purpose Resistance to change (RtC) is widely recognized as the main reason of failure, when it comes to change initiatives. Despite its importance, there is still a rather limited knowledge concerning the factors that trigger this behavior at the workplace. The purpose of this paper is to identify the factors affecting RtC in healthcare organizations (namely, hospitals) and specifically, in emergency departments (EDs). Design/methodology/approach An original conceptual framework (research model) has been developed and empirically tested using primary data collected from EDs of six Greek hospitals. In total, the actual sample incorporates the responses of 158 ED health professionals who completed a structured questionnaire. Findings The findings verified the initial assumption that “disposition towards change (DtC),” “anticipated impact of change (AIC)” and “attitude towards change (AtC)” mediate the impact of various personal and behavioral characteristics on “RtC.” The results suggested that “RtC” is (indirectly) influenced by four main factors (“employee-management relationship,” “personality traits,” “employee participation in the decision-making process” and “job security”). Originality/value This study investigates how several factors affect, both directly or indirectly, employee reactions toward “RtC.” It also examines the mediating effect of three factors (“DtC,” “AtC,” “AIC”) that capture three different dimensions of individual evaluation toward change, something that goes beyond previous work. In addition, the present study examines a wide range of antecedents of RtC, including both personality-related and job-related factors.

scholarly journals Climate variability and gender differentials in decision making processes among farming households in Baringo county, Kenya and Jigawa state, Nigeria: A comparative assessment

2018 ◽  
Vol 24 (2) ◽  
pp. 191-202
Author(s):  
L. I Ezenwa ◽  
L. A Onyegbulam ◽  
P. Omondi
Keyword(s):  
Climate Variability ◽  
Coping Strategies ◽  
Climatic Variability ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Climatic Data ◽  
Land Preparation ◽  
And Coping ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Farming Households ◽  
Crop Seed

This paper describes the impact of household activities by gender in areas vulnerable to climatic variability. A multistage sampling technique was applied, using both quantitative and qualitative methods of data collection. Primary data was collected using a structured questionnaire while secondary data was obtained from the Meteorological Department Nairobi, Kenya and Lagos, Nigeria. Data obtained were analysed using frequency distribution, trend analysis, percentage and means. A total of 338 respondents were sampled in Baringo County and 158 respondents in Jigawa State. Trend in rainfall pattern has been unstable and fluctuates by 0.44mm and 19.96mm in Baringo County, Kenya and Jigawa State, Nigeria respectively. Majority of the respondents 94.1 % (Baringo county) and 60.68% (Jigawa State) affirmed that the climate is no longer stable following observed variations in the elements of climate over time. Perception of respondents were in line with the climatic data records. A differential assessment on socially contructed roles of male and female respondents in farming households of Baringo County, Kenya revealed that males are key decision makers in choice of crop/seed to plant (50.6%), livestock keeping/feeding (57.4%), land preparation (52.4%) and coping strategies to adopt for climate variability (57.1%). Similarly, males in Jigawa State, Nigeria took charge, leading decisions on crop/seed to plant (60.7%), livestock keeping/feeding (51.6%), and coping strategies to adopt for climate variability (58.8%) while their females are key decion makers in land preparation activities (57.5%). This implies that female decisions (on agricultural activities and climate variability) in the study areas are secondary.Keywords: Climate variability, Livelihood, Gender, Adaptation/coping strategies 

scholarly journals Effect of climate variability on crop income and indigenous adaptation strategies of households

2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 580-595 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arega Shumetie ◽  
Molla Alemayehu Yismaw
Keyword(s):  
Logistic Regression ◽  
Climate Variability ◽  
Multinomial Logistic Regression ◽  
Adaptation Strategies ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Regression Result ◽  
Ols Regression ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Cropping Season ◽  
Crop Income

Purpose This study aims to examine the effect of climate variability on smallholders’ crop income and the determinants of indigenous adaptation strategies in three districts (Mieso, Goba-koricha and Doba) of West Hararghe Zone of Ethiopia. These three districts are located in high-moisture-stress areas because of crop season rainfall variability. Design/methodology/approach Primary data collected from 400 sample households were used for identifying factors that affect households’ crop income. The study used ordinary least square (OLS) regression to examine the effect of climate variability. Given this, binary logit model was used to assess smallholders’ adaptation behavior. Finally, the study used multinomial logistic regression to identify determinants of smallholders’ indigenous adaptation strategies. Findings The OLS regression result shows that variability in rainfall during the cropping season has a significant and negative effect, and cropland and livestock level have a positive effect on farmers’ crop income. The multinomial logistic regression result reveals that households adopt hybrid crops (maize and sorghum) and dry-sowing adaptation strategies if there is shortage during the cropping season. Variability in rainfall at the time of sowing and the growing are main factors in the area’s crop production. Cropland increment has positive and significant effect on employing each adaptation strategy. The probability of adopting techniques such as water harvesting, hybrid seeds and dry sowing significantly reduces if a household has a large livestock. Originality/value The three districts are remote and accessibility is difficult without due support from institutions. Thus, this study was conducted on the basis of the primary data collected by the researchers after securing grant from Swedish International Development Agency (SIDA).

The effectiveness of leadership styles among academic and research librarians in Eastern and Southern Africa

2018 ◽  
Vol 39 (6-7) ◽  
pp. 402-417 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tom Kwanya ◽  
Christine Stilwell
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Leadership Styles ◽  
Leadership Style ◽  
Policy Development ◽  
Individual Performance ◽  
Research Library ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Organisational Effectiveness ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the leadership styles that academic and research librarians apply as well as their effectiveness in meeting their institutions’ strategic objectives. The study also compared and contrasted the leadership styles and their corresponding impact in the effective delivery of academic and research library services in Kenya and South Africa. Design/methodology/approach The study applied a survey research technique to garner the opinions of the librarians about the leadership styles of their leaders. Primary data were collected through key informant interviews with academic and research librarians. Additional data were collected through documentary analysis. The data were analysed and processed through content analysis. Findings The findings indicate that most academic and research library leaders in South Africa and Kenya embrace a democratic leadership style. The results also show that most academic and research librarians hold the view that the leadership styles of their managers have a great impact on their individual performance and overall organisational effectiveness. Practical implications The results of the study can be used to recommend or adopt leadership styles which have a higher potential of making a greater impact in Kenyan and South African academic and research libraries. The results can also be used as the basis for relevant curricula and policy development. Originality/value The role of university librarians as leaders and the determinants of the effectiveness of academic and research library leaders, including leadership styles, have received minimal attention from scholars, particularly those in Africa. This study addresses the gap as it investigated the impact of the leadership styles of academic and research librarians on the effectiveness of their institutions, compared the academic and research library leadership scenarios in South Africa with Kenya, and makes recommendations on how to enhance leadership effectiveness.

The impact of sovereign credit ratings on corporate credit ratings in South Africa

2017 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 126-146 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zuziwe Ntsalaze ◽  
Gideon Boako ◽  
Paul Alagidede
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Fixed Effects ◽  
Credit Ratings ◽  
Generalized Method Of Moments ◽  
The Body ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Rating Agencies ◽  
Sovereign Credit ◽  
Sovereign Credit Ratings ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of sovereign credit ratings on corporations in South Africa by assessing whether the sovereign rating assigned to South Africa by credit rating agencies acts as a ceiling/constraint for credit ratings assigned to corporations that operate within the country. The question of whether sovereign ratings are significant in determining corporate ratings was also explored. Design/methodology/approach To test the hypothesis regarding the rating of corporates relative to sovereigns, a longitudinal panel design was followed. The analysis employed fixed effects and generalized method of moments techniques. Findings The main findings are that sovereign ratings both act as a ceiling for corporate ratings and are important determinants of corporate ratings in South Africa. The findings however indicated that company specific variables (accounting variables) are not significant in explaining credit risk ratings assigned to corporates. Research limitations/implications This study only looked at the rating activity done by Standard and Poor’s (S&P). A possible further study could explore the hypothesis tested in this research using data from multiple rating agencies and contrast the results across different agencies. Future studies could also look at crisis periods and how the transfer risk discussed in this paper manifests during the transfer period. Practical implications The results have implications for the borrowing costs incurred by corporates in South Africa when participating in the international debt market. The implication is that if the sovereign is poorly rated, the corporates may be limited in their ability to secure investor funding at competitive rates from the international financial markets. Thus, should South Africa be downgraded to non-investment grade by S&P, the implications may be that South African corporates on average may suffer the same fate. Originality/value Extant literature predominantly utilizes foreign currency ratings. To the extent that this study uses local currency ratings, it adds a new dimension in the body of related studies.

The Impact of Shariah Governance and Corporate Governance on the Risk Management Practices: Evidence from Local and Foreign Islamic Banks in Malaysia

2018 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 1-20
Author(s):  
Sabri Embi ◽  
Zurina Shafii
Keyword(s):  
Risk Management ◽  
Corporate Governance ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
T Test ◽  
The Body ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Islamic Banks ◽  
Shariah Governance ◽  
The Impact

The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of Shariah governance and corporate governance (CG) on the risk management practices (RMPs) of local Islamic banks and foreign Islamic banks operating in Malaysia. The Shariah governance comprises the Shariah review (SR) and Shariah audit (SA) variables. The study also evaluates the level of RMPs, CG, SR, and SA between these two type of banks. With the aid of SPSS version 20, the items for RMPs, CG, SR, and SA were subjected to principal component analysis (PCA). From the PCA, one component or factor was extracted each for the CG, SR, and RMPs while another two factors were extracted for the SA. Primary data was collected using a self-administered survey questionnaire. The questionnaire covers four aspects ; CG, SR, SA, and RMPs. The data received from the 300 usable questionnaires were subjected to correlation and regression analyses as well as an independent t-test. The result of correlation analysis shows that all the four variables have large positive correlations with each other indicating a strong and significant relationship between them. From the regression analysis undertaken, CG, SR, and SA together explained 52.3 percent of the RMPs and CG emerged as the most influential variable that impacts the RMPs. The independent t-test carried out shows that there were significant differences in the CG and SA between the local and foreign Islamic banks. However, there were no significant differences between the two types of the bank in relation to SR and RMPs. The study has contributed to the body of knowledge and is beneficial to academicians, industry players, regulators, and other stakeholders.

The role of innovation in building competitive advantages: an empirical investigation

2018 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 44-69 ◽  
Author(s):  
Prodromos Chatzoglou ◽  
Dimitrios Chatzoudes
Keyword(s):  
Competitive Advantage ◽  
Conceptual Framework ◽  
Empirical Investigation ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Empirical Literature ◽  
Competitive Advantages ◽  
Manufacturing Companies ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Structured Questionnaire

Purpose Nowadays, innovation appears as one of the main driving forces of organisational success. Despite the above fact, its impact on the propensity of an organisation to develop and sustain a competitive advantage has not yet received sufficient empirical investigation. The purpose of this paper is to enhance the existing empirical literature by focusing on the antecedents of innovation and its impact on competitive advantage. It proposes a newly developed conceptual framework that adopts a three-step approach, highlighting areas that have rarely been simultaneously examined before. Design/methodology/approach The examination of the proposed conceptual framework was performed with the use of a newly developed structured questionnaire that was distributed to a group of Greek manufacturing companies. The questionnaire has been successfully completed by chief executive officers (CEOs) from 189 different companies. CEOs were used as key respondents due to their knowledge and experience. The reliability and the validity of the questionnaire were thoroughly examined. Empirical data were analysed using the structural equation modelling technique. The study is empirical (based on primary data), explanatory (examines cause and effect relationships), deductive (tests research hypotheses) and quantitative (includes the analysis of quantitative data collected with the use of a structured questionnaire). Findings Results indicate that knowledge management, intellectual capital, organisational capabilities and organisational culture have significant direct and indirect effects on innovation, underlining the importance of their simultaneous enhancement. Finally, the positive effect of innovation on the creation of competitive advantages is empirically validated, bridging the gap in the relevant literature and offering avenues for additional future research. Originality/value The causal relationship between innovation and competitive advantage, despite its significant theoretical support, has not been empirically validated. The present paper aspires to bridge this gap, investigating the impact of innovation on the development of competitive advantages. Moreover, the present study adopts a multidimensional approach that has never been explored in the existing innovation literature, making the examination of the proposed conceptual framework an interesting research topic.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document