scholarly journals Enhancing risk-related disclosure in South Africa: a study on guidelines and current practices

2015 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 261-280 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zack Enslin ◽  
Wilna Bruwer ◽  
Christa Viljoen
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Risk Management ◽  
Best Practices ◽  
South African ◽  
Return On Investment ◽  
International Standards ◽  
Risk Disclosure ◽  
Standards And Guidelines ◽  
A Company ◽  
Current Practices

Investors partake in the risk of a company, in expectation of a return on investment which is in accordance with the company’s risk profile. Due to recent corporate failures, which are partly attributable to insufficient risk management, a call by investors for enhanced risk-related disclosure resulted in the publication of various international standards and guidelines on best practices for risk disclosure. This study compiled a disclosure index from these standards and guidelines in order to serve as a disclosure-enhancing tool for the management of South African companies. This index was subsequently used to investigate current practices exhibited by top listed companies in South Africa. Disclosure practices by these companies indicate that there is scope for improvement in risk- and risk-management-related disclosure by these companies.

scholarly journals CLOUD-BASED INTEGRATION AND STANDARDIZATION OF ADDRESS DATA FOR DISASTER MANAGEMENT – A SOUTH AFRICAN CASE STUDY

2020 ◽  
Vol XLIV-3/W1-2020 ◽  
pp. 145-150
Author(s):  
G. Tredrea ◽  
S. Coetzee ◽  
V. Rautenbach
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Risk Management ◽  
South African ◽  
Disaster Risk ◽  
Political Support ◽  
International Standards ◽  
Disaster Risk Management ◽  
National Standard ◽  
Use Of Resources ◽  
Address Data

Abstract. Addresses are essential for disaster risk management and response because they are used to locate people affected by a disaster or at risk of being affected. South Africa is vulnerable to disasters, however, despite a legislative framework for supporting disaster risk management that meets international standards, implementation falls short due to underfunding, poor interdepartmental coordination and lack of political support. The importance of cross jurisdictional address data was highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020 when the geocoding of positive cases was hindered due to the lack of such address data in South Africa. In this paper, we present first results about a cloud-based tool for integrating address data from multiple municipalities into a single address dataset that conforms to the South African National Standard, SANS 1883-2:2017, Geographic information – Addresses: Part 2: Address data exchange. We reviewed and evaluated three cloud platforms for the prototype implementation. The integrated dataset is maintained in the cloud and therefore readily accessible by relevant organizations. At the same time, processing in the cloud can handle changing volumes of data with elasticity, i.e. computing power can be increased or decreased at short notice, as necessary during a disaster response. Furthermore, processing can be automated, thereby mitigating the risk of reduced manpower due to a disaster. Overall, a properly maintained cloud-based tool can result in more efficient use of resources presenting a viable and interesting alternative for underfunded disaster risk management centres in South Africa and other parts of the world.

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.

scholarly journals Strategic positioning of EAP in South African workplaces

2003 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
M. G. Matlhape
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
South African ◽  
Business Strategy ◽  
Employee Satisfaction ◽  
Business Processes ◽  
Chain Model ◽  
Employee Assistance ◽  
Strategic Positioning ◽  
And Performance ◽  
A Company

Two phenomena are having a profound effect on management and industry in the 21st century. The first one is the increasing rate and depth of competition locally, regionally, and globally, and the consequent increase in focus on achieving competitiveness by companies. The second phenomenon is the increasing appreciation of the importance of employees in assisting the company to gain a competitive advantage over its competitors. Employee Assistance Programmes have been used as part of the business strategy to enhance employee functioning, loyalty, and performance in organisations around the world for a good part of the 20th century. In South Africa this service did not gain much momentum until the 1980. Despite the growth of EAP in South Africa, however, in most cases it still remains on the periphery of real business activities and is often regarded as a "nice to have" rather than as a business imperative. The location of EAP within a company is very important in determining its impact within the organisation. Because of EAPs capacity to impact on both individual employees and the organisation as its primary client, it has potential to make a great impact in organisations' business processes, where these interface with individual output and wellbeing. A service-profit-chain model was introduced as a link between employee satisfaction and company profitability. This article gives an in-depth focus on EAP and the important role it can play in achieving employee satisfaction.

A generic investigation process for South African commercial forensic practitioners

2020 ◽  
Vol 27 (2) ◽  
pp. 587-600 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jacobus Gerhardus J. Nortje ◽  
Daniel P. Bredenkamp
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Best Practices ◽  
South African ◽  
Governance Structure ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Cross Sectional Design ◽  
Investigation Process

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to critically analyse and discuss the identification of a generic investigation process to be followed by the commercial forensic practitioner in South Africa. Design/methodology/approach This paper is a cross-sectional design that commenced with a review of the current available literature, highlighting the different approaches, processes and best practices used in local and international forensic practices. The methodology includes primary data collected with questionnaires from commercial forensic practitioner (N = 75) process users. Findings This paper identifies the following five distinct categories in the forensic investigation process, with sub-processes, namely, initiation, planning, execution, reporting and reflection. Research limitations/implications The study focuses only on the South African members of the Institute of Commercial Forensic Practitioners (ICFP) fraternity in South Africa as the ICFP is a leading body that, through membership, offers a recognised professional qualification in commercial forensics. Practical implications An investigation process for commercial forensic practitioners in South Africa could be used by the ICFP that would provide a governance structure for the ICFP. Originality/value The originality of this paper lies in setting out of an account of forensic accounting processes and best practices nationally and internationally. The missing knowledge is that no such research is known to have been conducted in South Africa. Currently, to the authors’ knowledge, no formalised investigation process exists. The contribution of the study is that by using an investigation process, it may enhance the quality of forensic investigations and contribute to the successful investigation and prosecution of commercial crime in South Africa that will be beneficial to all stakeholders.

Risk disclosure and risk governance characteristics: evidence from a developing economy

2020 ◽  
Vol 28 (4) ◽  
pp. 577-605 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shamsun Nahar ◽  
Mohammad Istiaq Azim ◽  
Md Moazzem Hossain
Keyword(s):  
Risk Management ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Business Environment ◽  
International Standards ◽  
Risk Governance ◽  
Developing Economy ◽  
Risk Disclosure ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Governance Practices ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore to what extent risk disclosure is associated with banks’ governance characteristics. The research also focuses on how the business environment and culture may create a bank’s awareness of risk management and its disclosure. This study is conducted in a setting where banks are not mandated to follow international standards for their risk disclosures. Design/methodology/approach Using 300 bank-year observations comprising hand-collected private commercial bank data, the study uses regression analysis to investigate the influence of risk governance characteristics on risk disclosure. Findings This paper reports a positive relationship between risk disclosure and banks’ governance characteristics, such as the presence of various risk committees and a risk management unit. Practical implications Because studies are lacking on risk disclosure and risk governance conducted in developing countries, it is expected that this research will make a significant contribution to the literature and provide a foundation for further research in this field. Social implications This study complements the corporate governance literature, more specifically the risk governance literature, by incorporating agency theory, institutional theory and proprietary cost theory to provide robust evidence of the impact of risk governance practices in the context of a developing economy. Originality/value Previous studies on risk disclosure and governance determinants primarily involve developed countries. This paper’s contribution is to examine risk disclosure and risk governance characteristics in a developing country in which reporting according to international standards is effectively voluntary.

scholarly journals Integrated Financial Management Information Systems: Guidelines for effective implementation by the public sector of South Africa

2012 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Christoffel J. Hendriks
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Information Systems ◽  
Public Sector ◽  
Best Practices ◽  
South African ◽  
Public Service ◽  
Financial Management ◽  
Management Information Systems ◽  
Management Information ◽  
The South

Background: Integrated Financial Management Information Systems (IFMIS) can improve public sector management by providing real-time financial information to managers in order to enhance their decision-making capabilities. The South African Public Service is currently busy with the implementation of an IFMIS. However, the implementation of such a project has proved to be a very demanding undertaking and has not been met with resounding success.Objectives: The research was conducted in order to identify the challenges and risks that are involved in the implementation of the IFMIS in South Africa. After identification of the challenges and risks, solutions or guidelines were developed that may make the implementation more successful.Method: The methodology that was used is that of a literature study where theories were explored and used to solve a research problem. Based on the theoretical research, solutions and guidelines were developed to solve challenges and risks experienced.Results: The results indicated that there are a number of challenges involved with the implementation of an IFMIS. A set of best practice guidelines was developed that may make the implementation more successful.Conclusion: The sheer size and complexity of an IFMIS poses significant challenges and a number of risks to the implementation process. There are, however, critical success factors or best practices that can be used for the project to succeed. It is recommended that these best practices be used by the South African Public Service. 

Intermediaries for Child Witnesses: Old Problems, New Solutions and Judicial Differences in South Africa

2011 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 251-269 ◽  
Author(s):  
F. Noel Zaal ◽  
Carmel R. Matthias
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
South African ◽  
International Standards ◽  
Child Witnesses ◽  
Constitutional Court ◽  
The South ◽  
Criminal Proceedings ◽  
High Court ◽  
African Experience ◽  
Implementation Problems

AbstractSouth Africa has utilised intermediaries to protect child witnesses and assist their communication in criminal proceedings in the magistrates' courts since 1993. is article examines some lessons to be learned from the South African experience. It provides an overview and assessment of attempts to overcome implementation problems and develop the legislation providing for intermediaries. It reviews contradictory solutions for improvement of the law recently put forward by the high court and constitutional court. Applying both the South African history and international standards, we argue that the high court offered a better way forward. We suggest some additional reforms which may also be relevant for advocates of the intermediary system in other jurisdictions.

scholarly journals Interpretation Consistent with International Law? The Detention of Asylum Seekers in South Africa

Refuge ◽  
2002 ◽  
pp. 6-11
Author(s):  
Jaya Ramji
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Human Rights ◽  
International Law ◽  
South African ◽  
Asylum Seekers ◽  
Training Programs ◽  
International Standards ◽  
African Government ◽  
Human Rights Standards ◽  
And Training

On paper, South African law concerning detention of asylum seekers appears consistent with international standards. However, the text of the Act is vague and overly broad, permitting interpretations inconsistent with international human rights standards. Further, in practice, officials often fail to uphold even the lowest standards of the Act, in violation of South African law. In order to protect the rights of asylum seekers, the South African government should institute formal guidelines and training programs, as well as a system of strong supervision and accountability, to ensure that the Act and Regulations are interpreted in a manner consistent with international law. Such a step will enable South Africa to live up to its noble post-apartheid human rights ideals.

scholarly journals Prisoner-warder ratio parity in a South African Correctional Centre: Repercussions on prison work environment and correctional security personnel

2014 ◽  
Vol 6 (5) ◽  
pp. 411-417
Author(s):  
Vuyokazi Magungxu ◽  
Philani Moyo .
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Work Environment ◽  
South African ◽  
Work Performance ◽  
High Stress ◽  
International Standards ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Correctional Services ◽  
Security Personnel ◽  
The World

South Africa has one of the highest inmate populations in the world. In order for the South African Correctional Services system to provide an environment conducive for the appropriate rehabilitation and reformation of its many inmates, it requires a balanced prisoner-warder ratio based on international standards. But is this the case in South African prisons? This is one of the questions that this article engages as it examines the prisoner-warder ratio at the East London Maximum Correctional Centre (ELMCC) in an effort to understand the effects of prison overcrowding on the prison work environment and correctional personnel. Based on empirical evidence gathered through qualitative techniques, the study finds a disproportionate prisoner-warder ratio at the ELMCC. This disproportion has a number of negative effects on the prison work environment and direct security personnel on duty. For example, high absenteeism is rife with warders frequently on sick leave while others are regularly on temporary incapacity leave. High stress levels are also a major problem pushing many warders into alcohol abuse. Cognitive job satisfaction and organizational commitment are also negatively affected by this disproportion with the majority of warders indicating poor work performance due to low morale and lack of motivation.

scholarly journals A comparative study of the application of alternative risk transfer methods of insurance in South Africa and Zimbabwe

2015 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 241-249
Author(s):  
Athenia Bongani Sibindi
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Risk Management ◽  
South African ◽  
Traditional Method ◽  
Insurance Market ◽  
Market Segments ◽  
Risk Transfer ◽  
Stage Of Development ◽  
Alternative Risk Transfer ◽  
Compare And Contrast

Alternative risk transfer techniques represent the crown jewels in the risk management arena. This non-traditional method of insurance has gained prominence over the last few decades. Against this backdrop, the present study seeks to unravel the development of the alternative risk financing insurance segment within a developing country setting. The study specifically sets out to compare and contrast the ART insurance market segments of South Africa and Zimbabwe. The study is documents that the Zimbabwean market is at a nascent stage of development, whilst the South African market is fully developed. Notwithstanding the prospects for the development of this sector looks bright.

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