scholarly journals Evaluating Productivity and Efficiency Contradictions of Metrorail South Africa

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 7-19
Author(s):  
Jeremiah Kau Makokoane
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
The Other ◽  
Malmquist Productivity Index ◽  
Productivity Index ◽  
Scale Efficiency ◽  
Western Cape ◽  
Optimal Scale ◽  
Large Size ◽  
Kwazulu Natal ◽  
Full Period

This study focusses on the efficiencies of subunits of South Africa’s Metrorail services. Over the period 2015/16 to 2018/19 Metrorail implemented its corporate plan to improve operations efficiency. This study applies the Malmquist Productivity Index (MPI) to compare the performance efficiency of the three Metrorail subunits over the study period. The results indicate the variation of productivity levels amongst Metrorail subunits. Furthermore, output-oriented scale efficiency scores are used to measure the optimal scale situation of each Metrorail subunit. It is concluded that largely the KwaZulu-Natal subunit seems to be more efficient when compared to the other two subunits over the full period under analysis. Therefore, in the cognition of the relatively large size of the Gauteng and Western Cape subunits and their concomitant inefficiency levels, the findings suggest that Metrorail management should focus on correcting their inefficiencies while also considering alteration of their size to optimize production.

scholarly journals Dual Efficiency and Productivity Analysis of Renewable Energy Alternatives of OECD Countries

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (13) ◽  
pp. 7401
Author(s):  
Sedef E. Kara ◽  
Mustapha D. Ibrahim ◽  
Sahand Daneshvar
Keyword(s):  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Solar Energy ◽  
Wind Energy ◽  
Oecd Countries ◽  
Malmquist Productivity Index ◽  
Productivity Index ◽  
Scale Efficiency ◽  
Productivity Analysis ◽  
Average Efficiency ◽  
Efficiency And Productivity

This paper examines the dual efficiency of bioenergy, renewable hydro energy, solar energy, wind energy, and geothermal energy for selected OECD countries through an integrated model with energy, economic, environmental, and social dimensions. Two questions are explored: Which renewable energy alternative is more dual efficient and productive? Which renewable energy alternative is best for a particular country? Data envelopment analysis (DEA) is used for the efficiency evaluation, and the global Malmquist productivity index is applied for productivity analysis. Results indicate bioenergy as the most efficient renewable energy alternative with a 20% increase in average efficiency in 2016 compared to 2012. Renewable hydro energy, wind energy, and solar energy show a 17.5%, 16%, and 11% increase, respectively. The average efficiency growth across all renewable energy alternatives signifies major advancement. Country performance in renewable energy is non-monolithic; therefore, they should customize their renewable energy portfolio accordingly to their strengths to enhance renewable energy efficiency. Renewable hydro appears to have the most positive productivity change in 2016 compared to 2012, while solar energy regressed in productivity due to its scale inefficiency. All renewable energy alternatives have relatively equal average pure efficiency change. The positive trend in efficiency and productivity provides an incentive for policy makers to pursue further development of renewable energy technologies with a focus on improving scale efficiency.

scholarly journals CULTURAL IDENTITY, TRADITION, AND THE RITUAL KILLING OF BULLS – A NOTE ON A RECENT DECISION OF THE FRENCH CONSTITUTIONAL COUNCIL ON THE LEGALITY OF BULLFIGHTING

Obiter ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 34 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephen Peté ◽  
Angela Crocker
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Animal Welfare ◽  
Animal Rights ◽  
The Other ◽  
Modern World ◽  
Cultural Issues ◽  
Public Controversy ◽  
Legal Challenge ◽  
Kwazulu Natal ◽  
The Republic

In a recent two-part article in this journal, the authors of this note analysed the controversy surrounding the ritual bull-killing which takes place during the Ukweshwama “first fruits” ceremony held each year in northern KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. While much of the Ukweshwama ceremony is uncontroversial, the ritual killing of a bull by young Zulu warriors with their bare hands attracted strong opposition from certain animal-rights groups, which resulted in legal action and public controversy. The authors attempted to disentangle the different legal, historical, political and philosophical strands which combined to make up a complex story about the place of ancient rituals in the modern world, particularly those involving animal sacrifice. They also attempted to situate the controversy around the Ukweshwama bull-killing ritual within a contemporary global context, by comparing and contrasting the Zulu bull-killing ceremony on the one hand, and Spanish bullfighting on the other. The purpose of the present note is to report on recent developments in what is a global debate on the place of ancient rituals which involve the ritual killing of animals, within modern constitutional democracies. In particular, this note will examine and discuss the outcome of a recent legal challenge brought before the Constitutional Council of the Republic of France by certain animal-welfare groups in that country. The challenge was directed at bringing an end to a legal exception which operates in certain parts of the country – that is, those with an uninterrupted local tradition of bullfighting – excluding bullfighting from the provisions of animal-welfare legislation. The legal, political and cultural issues which arise as a result of this legal challenge are of relevance to those in South Africa who are concerned, one way or the other, about the future of the annual Ukweshwama bull-killing ritual in KwaZulu-Natal. Like it or not, although the bull-killing rituals which take place in the South of France and in KwaZulu-Natal South Africa are very different, the similarities between the rituals and their impact on broader society (legally, politically and culturally), are such that they cannot be ignored. The authors make a similar point in relation to the links between Spanish bullfighting and the Ukweshwama bull-killing ritual.

scholarly journals Performance Assessment Based on the Relative Efficiency of Indian Opencast Coal Mines Using Data Envelopment Analysis and Malmquist Productivity Index

Energies ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (18) ◽  
pp. 4902
Author(s):  
Biswaranjita Mahapatra ◽  
Chandan Bhar ◽  
Sandeep Mondal
Keyword(s):  
Data Envelopment Analysis ◽  
Technical Efficiency ◽  
Primary Source ◽  
Efficiency Score ◽  
Malmquist Productivity Index ◽  
Productivity Index ◽  
Scale Efficiency ◽  
Data Envelopment ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Using Data

Coal is the primary source of energy in India. Despite being the second-largest coal-producingcountry, there exists a significant difference in demand and production in India. In this study, the relativeefficiency of twenty-eight selected opencast mines from a large public sector undertaking coal companyin India for 2018–2019 was assessed and ranked by using data envelopment analysis (DEA). This studyused input-oriented DEA with efficiency decomposition to pure technical efficiency, technical efficiency,and scale efficiency. The result showed that 25% and 36% of mines were efficient in technical efficiencyand pure technical efficiency, respectively, whereas the eight mines scale efficiency was inefficient witha decreasing return to scale. Further, in this study, theMalmquist Productivity Index (MPI)was employedto measure the efficiency of the selected mines for three consecutive years (2016–2017 to 2018–2019).The result shows that in only three mines the efficiency is continuously improving from 2016–2017 to2018–2019, whereas in more than 20% of mines the efficiency score is decreasing. Comparing theMPIefficiency and productivity assessment throughout the years, changes in innovation and technology areincreasing from 2017–2018 to 2018–2019. Finally, the study concluded with a comprehensive evaluationof each variable with mines performance. The author formulated the strategies, which in turn help coalprofessionals to improve the efficiency of the mine.

Coppicing ability of 20 Eucalyptus species grown at two high-altitude sites in South Africa

2003 ◽  
Vol 33 (2) ◽  
pp. 181-189 ◽  
Author(s):  
Keith M Little ◽  
Robin AW Gardner
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
High Altitude ◽  
Species Interaction ◽  
The Other ◽  
Eucalyptus Species ◽  
Mpumalanga Province ◽  
Kwazulu Natal ◽  
Potential Alternative ◽  
Alternative Species ◽  
Growing Conditions

In the 1980s, Eucalyptus macarthurii and E. nitens were planted in the colder, higher altitude areas of South Africa to meet the increased demand for pulpwood. To find possible alternatives, six site × species interaction trials were planted in 1990–1991. Based on volume performance and pulping properties, E. badjensis, E. benthamii, E. oreades, E. nobilis, E. smithii, and E. fraxinoides were identified as having good commercial potential. Although the performance of the parent crop is important, the ability to coppice is advantageous because of lower reestablishment costs. To determine this, the ability for these species to coppice was assessed at 10 months after felling at two of the trial sites with widely different growing conditions (Broadholms in Mpumalanga province and Draycott in KwaZulu-Natal province). More than 80% of the living stumps of E. benthamii, E. smithii, E. quadrangulata, E. macarthurii, E. badjensis, E. dunnii, E. cypellocarpa, E. saligna, and E. elata had coppiced at both sites. At Draycott, an exposed, dry site, both E. smithii and E. benthamii could be considered as potential alternative species to E. nitens, because besides having good volume, both species coppiced well. At Broadholms, a more protected and slightly wetter site, the significantly better volume of E. fraxinoides (which did not coppice well) when compared with the other species would mean that a substantial saving in reestablishment costs via coppice regeneration would have to be made before one could consider this method of reestablishment.

Telemedicine and neurosurgery: experience of a regional unit based in South Africa

2003 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 63-66 ◽  
Author(s):  
R Jithoo ◽  
P V Govender ◽  
P Corr ◽  
N Nathoo
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Patient Care ◽  
Retrospective Analysis ◽  
The Other ◽  
Prospective Analysis ◽  
Kwazulu Natal ◽  
Regional Unit ◽  
Referral Hospitals ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Ct Scanners

We carried out a retrospective analysis of all emergency referrals to the neurosurgery department of the Wentworth Hospital from 1996 to 1999. The hospital provided a service to seven peripheral hospitals with computerized tomography (CT) scanners and 46 hospitals without, in the province of KwaZulu Natal. By the end of the study, six of the hospitals with CT scanners had facilities for teleradiology and the mean patient return rate had fallen to 17%. In comparison, almost half the patients seen from the hospitals with no CT scanners were returned to hospital after assessment at the Wentworth Hospital. We also carried out a prospective analysis of 100 consecutive teleradiology-assisted consultations from January to March 2000. Of the 57 patients (79%) who remained at their referral hospitals, 45 had a good outcome, while the other 12 (21%) patients had a poor outcome. The implementation of teleradiology-assisted consultation decreased the number of inappropriate inter-hospital transfers while maintaining appropriate patient care and improving outcome.

Seasonal abundance and parasitism of Mesoclanis seed flies (Diptera: Tephritidae) in South Africa, and implications for the biological control of Chrysanthemoides monilifera (Asteraceae) in Australia

1998 ◽  
Vol 88 (4) ◽  
pp. 407-414 ◽  
Author(s):  
P.B. Edwards
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Biological Control ◽  
Nature Reserve ◽  
Seasonal Abundance ◽  
Western Cape ◽  
Flowering Period ◽  
Eastern Cape ◽  
Biological Control Agents ◽  
Kwazulu Natal

AbstractThe seasonal abundance and rates of parasitism of three species of Mesoclanis seed flies was studied in South Africa. The three species occur on Chrysanthemoides monilifera, and were recorded during most months of the year, whenever C. monilifera was flowering. At three sites in KwaZulu-Natal, numbers of eggs per capitulum of Mesoclanis polana Munro were highest on C. monilifera rotundata between June and November (winter/spring), towards the end of the main flowering flush. Parasitism of M. polana was between 50% and 90% for most of the year. Two other species of Mesoclanis (M. magnipalpis Bezzi and M. dubia Walker) occurred together on C. m. rotundata in the Eastern Cape (St Francis Bay), where parasitism during the year was between 55% and 95%. Peak numbers of eggs per capitulum (M. magnipalpis and M. dubia combined) occurred in May/June (winter), in the latter part of the main flowering flush. Mesoclanis magnipalpis was the only species recorded on C. m. pisifera in De Hoop Nature Reserve (Western Cape), where there was only one peak of oviposition (May/June), coinciding with the short and discrete flowering period of this subspecies. Parasitism was between 50% and 65%. At least nine species of parasitoid were reared from immature Mesoclanis stages. Eurytoma sp. (Eurytomidae) was a dominant parasitoid at all sites. Results are discussed in relation to the possible effectiveness of species of Mesoclanis seed flies as biological control agents of C. monilifera in Australia.

Dynamic and static analysis of agricultural productivity in China

2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 293-312 ◽  
Author(s):  
Panpan Diao ◽  
Zhonggen Zhang ◽  
Zhenyong Jin
Keyword(s):  
Agricultural Production ◽  
Agricultural Productivity ◽  
Policy Implications ◽  
Malmquist Productivity Index ◽  
Productivity Index ◽  
Scale Efficiency ◽  
Western Region ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Tfp Growth ◽  
The Western Region

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to analyze agricultural total factor productivity (TFP) and input redundancies in different regions of China, and to bring out the policy implications for improving efficiency in agricultural production as well as environment protection. Design/methodology/approach Based on the provincial panel data during 1995-2014, the agricultural productivity of China and its regional disparity are analyzed. First, the agricultural TFP and its decomposition are dynamically evaluated by means of data envelopment analysis-Malmquist productivity index. Second, the agricultural radial production efficiency in year 2014 and the input redundancy changes from 1995 to 2014 are measured based on the BCC-slacks-based measure model. Findings The results showed that the overall agricultural TFP of China grew 4.3 percent annually during 1995-2014, mainly as a result of technical progress. However, the declines of technical efficiency and scale efficiency slowed down the agricultural TFP growth. The TFP growth in the Western region and Central region far exceeded the Eastern region in last few years. In 2014, most effective decision-making units were in the Western region. The input redundancies in the agricultural production increased substantially after 2006, especially for the pesticide use amount, reservoir capacity and agricultural machinery power. Originality/value Combining the dynamic and static analyses, the paper fulfilled the study of China’s agricultural productivity and the input redundancies in recent years, and also presented the regional disparities.

scholarly journals Towards a safer and more efficient neonatal transfer system in South Africa: A qualitative inquiry with advanced life support paramedics

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pradeep Ashokcoomar ◽  
Raisuyah Bhagwan
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Critically Ill ◽  
Transfer Process ◽  
Life Support ◽  
Advanced Life Support ◽  
Qualitative Inquiry ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Western Cape ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Kwazulu Natal

Introduction The inter-healthcare transfer of the critically ill neonate is a critical aspect of larger neonatal intensive care, as it influences the safe transport of neonates from the receiving to the referring hospital. It is crucial then that the transfer process be safe and efficient so as not to compromise the already fragile condition of the neonate. The aim of the study was to understand the challenges advanced life support (ALS) paramedics face during neonatal transfers and to understand how the process could be made safer and more efficient. The objectives related to understanding the transfer process, the challenges linked to the critically ill neonate and the difficulties associated with the ambulance vehicle and equipment. Methods Using a qualitative research approach we sought the views of ALS paramedics at the forefront of transfers nationally. In-depth interviews were held with eight paramedics in KwaZulu-Natal and four focus group discussions with ALS paramedics in KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng, Free State and the Western Cape in South Africa. A total of 35 ALS paramedics were involved in these group discussions. Results The study uncovered several challenges that paramedics face related to poor organisational preparation for transfer of the critically ill neonate, and other crucial issues that compromise the transfer such as inadequate or defective equipment. Conclusion There is a need for greater scrutiny of the transfer process and a commitment from stakeholders to begin addressing the challenges confronting the safe transfer of critically ill neonates.

scholarly journals An Empirical Analysis of Productivity Changes in the Ethiopian Commercial Banks: Using DEA- Based Malmquist Productivity Index Approach

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 48
Author(s):  
Alem Gebremedhin Berhe
Keyword(s):  
Technical Efficiency ◽  
Commercial Banks ◽  
Utilization Efficiency ◽  
Malmquist Productivity Index ◽  
Productivity Index ◽  
Scale Efficiency ◽  
Productivity Change ◽  
Productivity Improvement ◽  
Managerial Practices ◽  
Index Approach

The rationale of this paper is to measure the productivity change of commercial banks in Ethiopia based on DEA-based Malmquist productivity index approach. For this purpose, this study employed a balanced panel data of eight commercial banks operating from 2006 to 2017. The result shows that the banks under study were found to have reported a slight productivity progress of 0.4% over the whole study period. The productivity improvement is accredited to the technological progress (0.9%) rather than the efficiency loss (0.5%). Meanwhile, the finding suggests that the decline in the technical efficiency of the banks was caused both by pure technical efficiency and scale efficiency. Alternatively, the finding of the study indicates that the productivity performance of all the banks under study, with the exception of AIB and CBE, remain almost constant in spite of their size during the period. AIB and CBE have exhibit an average productivity progress of 2% and 1.4% respectively during the study period. In the study period, AIB was found to be the most inefficient (2.4%) and the most productive one (2%) comparing to other banks in the study due to retrogress in scale efficiency change (2.1%) as well as technical progress (4.5%) in that order. Further, the paper suggests that the productivity performance of the banks under study was not significantly different in the period. So, the banks have to move forwards their technology to increase productivity more and more, while improving the resource utilization efficiency by up grading their managerial practices and scale operations (optimum size)

Notes on new and misunderstood taxa of Cyrtanthus (Amaryllidaceae: Cyrtantheae) from the Western Cape, Eastern Cape and KwaZulu- Natal, South Africa

Bothalia ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 37 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. A. Snijman
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Rare Species ◽  
Western Cape ◽  
Eastern Cape ◽  
Leaf Habit ◽  
Kwazulu Natal ◽  
Riverine Habitat ◽  
Variable Species ◽  
Cyrtanthus Mackenii

Cyrtanthus aureolinus Snijman is a new, rare species of fire lily, which is localized in a vlei on the northern slopes of the Groot Swartberg, Western Cape. The upright or slightly spreading, yellow to cream-coloured flowers and the perigone tube which gradually widens to the throat suggest that it is closely related to the Western Cape endemic, C.  ochroleucus (Herb.) Burch, ex Steud., and C. mackenii Hook.f., a variable species from southern KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape. The species differs mainly by the shape, size and position of the tepals and the length of the filaments. Cyrtanthus mackenii var. cooperi (Baker) R.A.Dyer is raised to subspecies rank as C.  mackenii subsp. cooperi (Baker) Snijman. Its hysteranthous leaf habit and grassland habitat differ from the riverine habitat of the evergreen C. mackenii subsp. mackenii. Described in detail are C. aureolinus, C. ochroleucus, and C. mackenii.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document