An overview of the current state of interlibrary loans in South Africa

2015 ◽  
Vol 43 (2) ◽  
pp. 76-83
Author(s):  
Jenny Raubenheimer ◽  
John Stephen van Niekerk
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
South African ◽  
Information Provision ◽  
Literature Study ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Current Trends ◽  
Current State ◽  
Computer Library ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Essential Service

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to review interlending development in South Africa and current trends in interlending. Design/methodology/approach – Literature study and survey. Findings – Interlending is still an essential service in South Africa. Interlending systems must be used effectively to ensure rapid delivery of requested interlibrary loans. There is a significant use of WorldShare ILL, but there is a scope for substantial development. Research limitations/implications – This is not a comprehensive study but focusses on current interlending activities at some of the larger South African academic and special libraries and the use of Online Computer Library Centre systems. Practical implications – The paper provides some historical information and the extent of current interlending and systems used. Social implications – The paper gives an indication of the value of interlending in South Africa and its contribution to information provision. Originality/value – The paper provides a snapshot of interlending in South Africa and areas for development.

scholarly journals From the Big Five to the Big Four? Exploring extinction accounting for the rhinoceros

2018 ◽  
Vol 31 (2) ◽  
pp. 674-702 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jill Atkins ◽  
Warren Maroun ◽  
Barry Colin Atkins ◽  
Elisabetta Barone
Keyword(s):  
South African ◽  
Big Five ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Intrinsic Value ◽  
International Union ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Current State ◽  
Big Four ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Corporate Disclosures

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore a possible framework for extinction accounting which builds on but also extends significantly the existing GRI guidelines relating to species identified by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature Red List as under threat of extinction. Design/methodology/approach The paper analyses disclosures relating to rhinoceros conservation and protection produced by top South African-listed companies in order to assess the current state of “extinction accounting”. Following this analysis, the authors explore and discuss a potential framework for extinction accounting which may be used by companies to demonstrate their accountability for species and disclose the ways in which they are working alone, and in partnerships, to prevent species extinction. Findings Corporate disclosures relating to rhinoceros may be interpreted as emancipatory. The authors identify several disclosure themes dealing with rhinoceros in integrated and sustainability reports of large South African companies and on their websites. Contrary to initial expectations, there is evidence to suggest corporate awareness of the importance of addressing the risk of this species becoming extinct. Research limitations/implications The authors have relied on public corporate disclosures and would like to extend the work further to include interview data for a further paper. Practical implications An extinction accounting framework may be applied to corporate accounting and accountability for any species under threat of extinction. The framework may also be considered for use as a tool for institutional investors as well as NGO engagement and dialogue with stakeholder companies. Social implications The rhinoceros has, from the analysis, significant cultural, heritage, eco-tourism and intrinsic value. Developing and implementing an emancipatory extinction accounting framework to prevent extinction will have a substantial social and environmental impact. Originality/value This is the first attempt to the knowledge to explore accounting for extinction and a possible extinction accounting framework. It is also the first attempt to investigate accounting and accountability for the rhinoceros.

The effect of integrated reporting quality on market liquidity and analyst forecast error

2020 ◽  
Vol 33 (4/5) ◽  
pp. 635-650
Author(s):  
Felipe Zúñiga ◽  
Roxana Pincheira ◽  
Julie Walker ◽  
Michael Turner
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
South African ◽  
Forecast Error ◽  
Forecast Accuracy ◽  
Market Liquidity ◽  
Analyst Forecast ◽  
Earnings Forecast ◽  
Integrated Reporting ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of integrated reporting (IR) quality on both market liquidity and analyst forecast accuracy in South Africa as the only country in the world having IR as a listing requirement. This study uses the Sustainability Disclosure Transparency Index (SDTI) as a proxy for IR disclosure quality. The analysis of this study is based on the period after the publication of the international framework and its adoption by the International Reporting Committee of South Africa in 2014. Design/methodology/approach The companies sampled in this study are those listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) from 2013 to 2015. The major factor driving the selection of this particular period was to not only analyse the existing IR practice but also investigate IR two years after King III came into force. The SDTI developed by Integrated Reporting and Assurance Services (IRAS) was used to analyse IR quality. Ordinary least squares regressions were analysed. The models include year and industry fixed effects. The variance inflation factor and its tolerance were used to test the severity of multi-collinearity. Also, alternative measures of IR quality and alternate model specifications were analysed to check the robustness of the results. Findings The authors find that quality of IR is associated with lower earnings forecast error. The evidence indicates that earnings forecast error is lower for firms in the materials sector of the South African economy. Consistent with prior research, the results also suggest that forecast errors are higher for companies with volatile returns and lower for larger firms. Additional analysis indicates that IR quality is positively associated with market liquidity. Overall, these findings support the virtues of IR, thus providing useful information to capital markets. Research limitations/implications The results obtained cannot be generalised to other jurisdictions. While the South African economy is the best setting to investigate IRs, new economies are also working actively on IR disclosures, so future research is likely to extend the literature in this field. Secondly, the availability of data constrained the sample size; however, this only mediates against finding any statistically significant result. While the IRAS database offers information about 324 JSE companies, Datastream covers only the 170 largest South African firms. In spite of the sample reduction, robust and consistent results are found in the market liquidity and analyst forecast accuracy proxies. Practical implications The sample period of this study (2013-2015) allows to understand disclosure behaviour after the international IR framework was published and endorsed by the JSE. The release of the IIRF gave clear guidance to firms regarding the nature and purpose of IR. Overall, the results obtained in this paper are consistent with IR expectations, thus providing useful information for investors and financial analysts. It is expected that the results might have practical implications for other nations about the cost and benefits of implementing integrated management reporting. Originality/value This paper contributes incrementally to the existing debate about whether disclosure information through IR has real benefits or is a passing fad. It examines the economic consequences of IR in a mandatory setting using an in-house ranking system, adapted to South Africa, designed by IRAS to determine IR quality. IRAS provides an SDTI that assesses the accuracy, consistency, completeness and reliability of quantitative data for 84 indicators based on IR and global reporting initiative aspects and subdivided into seven categories.

South African women leaders, transformation and diversity conflict intersections

2018 ◽  
Vol 31 (4) ◽  
pp. 877-894 ◽  
Author(s):  
Claude-Hélène Mayer ◽  
Sabie Surtee ◽  
Jasmin Mahadevan
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Women Leaders ◽  
South African ◽  
African Women ◽  
Structural Level ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Constructivist Perspective ◽  
Race Ethnicity ◽  
South African Women ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate diversity conflict intersections and how the meanings of diversity markers such as gender and race might be transformed. It highlights the resources of South African women leaders in higher education institutions for doing so. Design/methodology/approach This study proceeds from a social constructivist perspective, seeking to uncover narrated conflict experiences via a hermeneutical approach. Findings Women leaders in South Africa experience diversity conflict across multiple intersecting diversity markers, such as gender, race, ethnicity and class. They are united by inner resources which, if utilized, might bring about transformation. Research limitations/implications Intersectional approach to diversity conflict is a viable means for uncovering positive resources for transformation across intersecting diversity markers. Practical implications Practitioners wishing to overcome diversity conflict should identify positive resources across intersecting diversity markers. This way, organizations and individuals might bring about transformation. Social implications In societal environment wherein one diversity marker is institutionalized on a structural level, such as race in South Africa, diversity conflict might be enlarged beyond its actual scope, thereby becoming insurmountable. This needs to be prevented. Originality/value This paper studies diversity conflict intersections in a highly diverse societal environment in organizations facing transformational challenges and from the perspective of women leaders.

Initial trends in corporate disclosures following the introduction of integrated reporting practice in South Africa

2017 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 373-399 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abdifatah Ahmed Haji ◽  
Mutalib Anifowose
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
South African ◽  
Corporate Disclosure ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Institutional Legitimacy ◽  
Reporting Practices ◽  
Trade Offs ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Over Time ◽  
Corporate Disclosures

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the implications of IR reforms in South Africa on corporate disclosure practices of South African companies. In particular, the authors explore initial trends in corporate disclosures following the adoption of IR practice. Design/methodology/approach Drawing from Suchman’s (1995) framework of strategic and institutional legitimacy, the authors use content analysis to examine corporate disclosure practices. The authors conduct industry-specific analyses based on various industries to explore corporate disclosures practices across and within various industries in South Africa. The evidence is drawn from 246 integrated reports of large South African companies across six major industries over a three-year period (2011-2013), a period following the introduction of an “apply or explain” IR requirement in South Africa. Findings The results first show a significant increase in the overall amount of corporate disclosures following the adoption of IR practice. In particular, the authors find that intellectual capital and human capital disclosure categories have increased over time, with relational capital disclosures showing a decreasing trend. Second, the authors find that corporate disclosures are increasingly becoming institutionalised over time across and within industries following the adoption of IR practice. However, companies fail to provide meaningful disclosures on the interdependencies and trade-offs between the capitals, or components of a capital following the adoption of IR practice. Overall, the authors find that companies use specific disclosure strategies to respond to external pressures (strategic legitimacy), and that such disclosure strategies are increasingly becoming institutionalised across and within various industries (institutional legitimacy). Practical implications The theoretical implication of this study is that the strategic and institutional perspectives of legitimacy theory are complementary, rather than conflicting, and dovetail to explain corporate reporting practices. In terms of practical implications, the adoption of specific reporting frameworks such as the emerging IR framework is a double-edged sword. On the one hand, such reporting frameworks could potentially enhance comparability and consistency of organisational reports across and within industries. On the other hand, corporate reports could become a set of monotonous reports motivated by considerations other organisational accountability. Hence, to overcome the latter, this study emphasises the importance of specific accountability metrics and reporting guidelines, rather than the current generic IR guidelines, to enhance organisational reporting practices. Originality/value The paper’s longitudinal analysis of a large sample of integrated reports following the adoption of IR practice has the potential to inform growing academic research and ongoing policy initiatives for the emerging IR agenda.

A predictive framework for sustainable youth skills development

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Arnesh Telukdarie ◽  
Megashnee Munsamy ◽  
Popopo Jonas Mohlala ◽  
Lesego Lydia Monnapula ◽  
Radhakrishnan Viswanathan
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
South African ◽  
Global Analysis ◽  
Skills Development ◽  
The South ◽  
Literature Study ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Sd Model ◽  
Global Learners

PurposeThe purpose of this research is to investigate sustainable strategies for skills development that is specific to the youth of South Africa. International and South African data are statistically analysed and quantified to provide inputs for the systems dynamics (SD)-based predictive skills model. The skills model simulates the impact of barriers and drivers on youth skills development towards identification of focus areas for improvement.Design/methodology/approachThe research adopts a mixed-methods approach. The study begins with an explorative literature study on skills development, with the findings applied in developing (1) South African specific research instruments for small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) and skills programme grant recipients and (2) a conceptual framework of the SD predictive skills model. The responses to the South African specific instruments are analysed via confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), which quantifies the input coefficients to the system dynamics model. To quantify the global inputs for the SD model, an in-depth literature review of the global skills development initiatives is conducted. The SD model output on skills, for the South African inputs, is comparatively evaluated against global inputs.FindingsThe paper details the results of the literature analysis, instrument analyses, CFA and SD model. The instrument results rank experience, skills and interactions with experts and work-based learning as most important. South African and global learners identify networking as the primary medium for identifying training and employment opportunities. South African and global learners also identify qualifications and work-based experience as key to finding employment. The quantified results of the SA and global analysis are used as inputs in the SD model to deliver a forecasting tool. The SD model finds that the global data provide for better development of the skills base than the South African inputs. The key focus areas identified for improvement in South Africa include networking, work-based experience and a reduction in administrative requirements.Originality/valueThe research's originality resides in the ability to predict the impact of drivers and barriers on skills development. This research sought to transform qualitative global and South African inputs into a consolidated, predictive systems-based model. The SD model can be adopted as an indicator of drivers and barriers focused towards the optimisation of skills development.

Assessing how the South African National Standard 15489 improve the importance and usability of the archive: case of the Universities of Venda and WItwatersrand

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nkholedzeni Sidney Netshakhuma
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
South African ◽  
Public Universities ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
National Standard ◽  
Records Management ◽  
The South ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The University ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper aims to assess how the South African National Standard (SANS) 15489 improves the importance and usability of the archives at the University of Venda (UNIVEN) and the University of Witwatersrand (WITS). Design/methodology/approach Both quantitative and qualitative methods are used to assess how the standards improve the importance and usability of the archives. A total of 34 participants were selected to participate in the study; the choice of the population was because they are responsible for records management decisions in various divisions, departments and units. Data was obtained through structured interviews and observation. The study has established that there was much dissonance concerning records and archives management standards. Ethics approval was obtained from both the WITS and the UNIVEN research department. Informed consent was obtained from university staff members. Findings The research found that only the WITS adopted SANS 15489. This was shown by the availability of a classification system (file plan) and retention schedule while the UNIVEN did not value SANS 15489 standards to manage all records created. Research limitations/implications Although South Africa has 26 public universities, this study is only confined to the UNIVEN and the WITS. The researcher only focusses on the classification of records and disposal of records elements of SANS 15489. Practical implications The findings have practical implications in that they can be used for assessing the archives and records management programmes. Other related universities can also use the findings as a reference point in the planning of university archives and records management programmes. Social implications The findings were to assist the university authorities as decision and policymakers to ensure that records and archives management practices adhere to SANS 15489. Originality/value Few studies related to the assessment of records management programme in universities in South Africa is not yet fully conducted in South Africa public universities. This study could be a valuable input for universities to adopt SANS 15489 standards to develop and implement records management programmes.

scholarly journals Shopping list development and use of advertisements’ pre-store food-buying practices within different socio-economic status areas in South Africa

2017 ◽  
Vol 119 (12) ◽  
pp. 2880-2902
Author(s):  
Rodney Graeme Duffett ◽  
Crystal Foster
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
South African ◽  
Developing Country ◽  
Economic Status ◽  
Demographic Characteristics ◽  
Low Ses ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Shopping List ◽  
Food Shopping ◽  
Food Buying Practices

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to determine whether there is a difference in the development of shopping lists and use of advertisements as pre-store food-buying practices in terms of planned shopping by South African consumers who dwell in different socio-economic status (SES) areas. The paper also considers the influence of shopper and socio-demographic characteristics on pre-store food-buying practices in a developing country. Design/methodology/approach A self-administered questionnaire was used to survey 1 200 consumers in retail stores in low, middle and high SES areas in South Africa. A generalised linear model was employed for the statistical analysis of pre-store food-buying practices within the SES area groups in a developing country. Findings South African consumers that reside in high SES area displayed the largest of shopping list development, while consumers who dwell in low SES areas showed the highest incidence of advertisement usage. Several shopper and socio-demographic characteristics were also found to have an influence on pre-store food-buying practices in different SES areas in South Africa. Research limitations/implications A qualitative approach would offer a deeper understanding of consumers’ pre-store food shopping predispositions as opposed to the quantitative approach, which was adopted for this study. A longitudinal design would also provide a more extensive representation of pre-store food shopping practices over a longer time frame than cross-sectional research. The survey was conducted on Saturdays, whereas consumers who shop during the week may have different shopping and socio-demographic characteristics. Practical implications Astute food brands, marketers and grocery stores could use the findings of this study to assist with their marketing efforts that they direct at consumers in different SES areas in South Africa and other developing countries. Social implications The findings of this study may assist consumers in developing countries, especially those who reside in low SES areas, with food-buying strategies to reduce food costs, make wiser purchase decisions and reduce shopping. Originality/value No study (to the best of the researchers’ knowledge) has considered shopping list development and use of advertisements’ pre-store food-buying practices in different SES areas in a developing country. Furthermore, there is a dearth of research analysing shopper and socio-demographic characteristics in relation to pre-store food-buying practices among different SES areas in developing and developed countries.

Administrative and legal mechanisms for combating corruption

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nataliia A. Lytvyn ◽  
Olena V. Artemenko ◽  
Svitlana S. Kovalova ◽  
Maryna P. Kobets ◽  
Elena V. Kashtan (Grygorieva)
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
International Experience ◽  
Legal Regulations ◽  
Positive Experience ◽  
Legal Analysis ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Current State ◽  
Foreign Countries ◽  
Analysis And Synthesis ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to study the administrative and legal mechanisms of combating corruption, namely, to determine the means by which it is possible to develop a positive experience in the fight against corruption. Design/methodology/approach Among the methods used to study the problems of the stated subject, the dialectical, comparative-legal, systems, historical and legal, formal and legal, analysis and synthesis can be distinguished. Findings The authors investigated the experience of foreign countries in combating corruption and suggested implementing international experience in national legislation for the successful fight against corruption. In the course of the study, the current state of legal regulations governing anti-corruption activities was characterised, corruption and the main reasons for committing corruption acts were investigated, the problems that arise in the fight against corruption were identified, the main administrative and legal mechanisms for combating corruption were established and the effectiveness of applying these mechanisms in practice was studied. Practical implications The provisions that are enshrined in this paper are of practical value for individuals whose activities are aimed at fighting corruption, as Ukraine is one of the states where corruption flourishes and where the fight against corruption has not been directly implemented in practice for many years. Originality/value Based on the example of international experience in the fight against corruption, proposals and recommendations for improving administrative and legal mechanisms for combating corruption have been developed.

A secondary analysis of the library profession’s self-reported competence and comfort in working with patrons with disabilities

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
JJ Pionke
Keyword(s):  
Graduate School ◽  
Information Science ◽  
Secondary Analysis ◽  
Assistive Technologies ◽  
Library And Information Science ◽  
Published Data ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Current State ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
The Continuum

PurposeThis article presents a secondary analysis of previously published data in order to drive discussion of the library profession’s current state of preparedness in working with patrons with disabilities.Design/methodology/approachThis article used a secondary analysis of survey data that have been previously published to determine what the continuum of data said about the current state of preparedness in the profession when working with people with disabilities.FindingsA comparison of the data from both surveys reveals that there are not only gaps in library graduate school education related to disability and accessibility but also that those gaps are not being addressed through professional development and staff training after students enter the workforce.Research limitations/implicationsThis was a secondary analysis of data, so no new data could be added. There was also no representation from library graduate school administration.Practical implicationsAn awareness is built that there needs to be more instruction for library graduate students and library employees on topics related to disability, accessibility and assistive technologies.Originality/valueThe topic has never been studied before in this kind of continuum of data, and the use of the secondary analysis of data with the library and information science profession is exceedingly rare.

Risk management factors contributing to transgressions in the procurement practices in South African SOEs

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lindani Myeza ◽  
Naledi Nkhi ◽  
Warren Maroun
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Risk Management ◽  
Public Sector ◽  
South African ◽  
Public Procurement ◽  
African State ◽  
Political Influence ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Executive Level

PurposeThe study aims to deepen the understanding of why risk management principles are circumvented, thereby contributing to transgressions in public procurement for South African state-owned enterprises (SOEs). A deeper understanding of why risk management principles are circumvented is especially important in South Africa, given the high social, economic and environmental risks to which national and major SOEs are exposed in the procurement process.Design/methodology/approachThe study uses a qualitative design, based on detailed semi-structured interviews with 19 participants comprising management advisors, forensic investigators and auditors to explore why risk management principles are circumvented by South Africa SOEs.FindingsThe results of the study indicate that the tone that is set at political and executive level plays an important role in determining compliance with risk management principles by lower-level staff. Intense levels of political influence at SOEs are the main reason behind risk management systems being undermined.Originality/valueThe current study is one of the first explorations of why transgressions in public procurement continue to be evident despite risk management reforms being adopted by South Africa public sector. The research responds to the call for more studies on why reforms in South Africa public sector are not reducing transgression in public procurement. The study provides primary evidence on the importance of political and executive leadership in influencing the effectiveness of risk management reforms in the public sector.

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