Showing papers in "Journal of Social Sciences in 2011"

The Impact of Human, Social and Financial Capital on the Performance of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) in South Africa

Abstract: The study investigates the impact of human, social and financial capital on the performance of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) in South Africa. The failure rate of SMEs is very hi...

Causes and Structural Effects of Student Absenteeism: A Case Study of Three South African Universities

Abstract: The aim of the study was to investigate the extent of student absenteeism in selected universities in South Africa, explore the reasons why student absent themselves from classes and examin...

Economic Growth and Unemployment: An Empirical Analysis

Abstract: Problem statement: This research investigates the relationship between unemployment and economic growth in Jordan through the implementation of Okun’s law. Approach: Using annual data covering the period 1970-2008, time series techniques are used to test the relation between unemployment and economic growth and to obtain estimates for Okun’s coefficient. Namely, the study used Augmented Dickey-Fuller (ADF) for unit root, cointegration test and a simple regression between unemployment rate and economic growth. Results: The empirical results reveal that Okun’s law cannot be confirmed for Jordan. Thus, it can be suggested that the lack of economic growth does not explain the unemployment problem in Jordan. Conclusion: The study recommended that economic policies related to demand management would not have an important effect in reducing unemployment rate. Accordingly implementation of economic policies oriented to structural change and reform in the labor market would be more appropriate by policy makers in Jordan.

The Effects of Teams-Games-Tournaments on Achievement, Retention, and Attitudes of Economics Education Students

Abstract: Cooperative learning, as an instructional methodology provides opportunities for students to develop skills in group interactions and in working with others that are needed in today's world. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of the cooperative learning technique of Teams-Games-Tournaments (TGT) on the achievement, retention, and attitudes toward TGT as a teaching method. A pretest-posttest, quasi-experimental design was used. Data collection instruments, an achievement test (Test of Economic Literacy), an attitude toward TGT and a retention test were used for the purpose of this study. Results indicated that the achievement test score for the TGT group was 52.99, while the Lecture control group was 50.13. This implies that the TGT group performed better in the achievement test compare to the control group. The retention test for both groups were very similar. The treatment group indicated positive attitude towards TGT as a teaching strategy for economics education.

Attitudes of High School Students toward Physical Education and Their Sport Activity Preferences

Abstract: Problem statement: Identifying and understanding correlates of school children's physical education activity participation are critical to promoting current and lifelong physical activity participation of children. Among other factors, children's attitudes are considered to be a key element influencing physical activity participation. Children who have more positive attitudes toward physical activity are reported to be more likely to participate in physical activity outside of school and demonstrate higher physical activity amounts than those with less positive attitudes. Fostering children's positive attitudes toward physical activity would be conducive to the promotion of current and lifelong physical activity participation of children. Aims at to examine high school students' attitudes toward Physical Education Activity (ATPEA) and their sports activities preferences. Approach: Participants were 1,317 students in grades 9-12th (603 boys and 714 girls) from five urban public school districts. The Physical Education Activity Attitude Scale (PEAAS) adapted version was employed for data collection. One-way ANOVA revealed that the five highest scores were Items 2, 16, 11, 18 and 5 on the PEAAS. Results: The overall mean score (70.160

Inequality of Access to Resources in Previously Disadvantaged South African High Schools

Abstract: The new South African constitution adopted following the inception of the new democracy in 1994, states that everyone has the right to a basic education. Also, the South African Schools Act (SASA o...

Teaching as a Profession in Zimbabwe: Are Teachers Facing a Motivation Crisis?

Abstract: This study sought to investigate why Zimbabwean teachers seem demotivated in teaching as a profession and how the possible challenges could be addressed. A sample of 62 (32 male, 30 female) primary...

Higher Education for Sustainable Development: Students' Perspectives on an Innovative Approach to Educational Change

Abstract: Problem statement: With Higher Education for Sustainable Development (HESD) being an innovative approach to educational change, its principal objective is students' development of transformation competencies. However, HESD evaluations hardly consider students' perspectives. This study presents a study that examined undergraduate students' view on the HESD approach at the Leuphana University of Luneburg (Germany) and aims at shedding light on their acceptance and perceptions of such an HESD learning setting. Approach: For this purpose, two corresponding surveys were carried out that analyzed the impact of such a curriculum design on undergraduate students of the 2nd and 4th semester. Results: A high rate of 75.4% of the undergraduate students indicated their commitment towards the Leuphana University study model. Simultaneously they showed a sophisticated understanding of the concept of sustainability and agreed with the values associated. Comparing the results of three different student groups with variation in the degree of sustainability related studies, a group of students studying sustainability in their minor as a second subject beside disciplinary oriented studies showed a significant higher acceptance rate than their study peers. Conclusion: These results suggest that the Leuphana University holistic HESD education approach may not only be attractive to inherently sustainability affiliated prospective students but particularly also to open, tolerant and cosmopolitan young people that are interested to attend interdisciplinary sustainability studies besides their major study subject. Thus, the learner-centered approach is connected to students' lifeworld experience, which provides an opportunity to also attract those students that might be less familiar with the sustainability concept.

Special Needs Education In-Service Teacher Trainees’ Views on Inclusive Education in Zimbabwe

Abstract: The study investigated special needs education (SNE) in-service teacher trainees' views on inclusive education in Zimbabwe. Participants were 76 SNE in-service teacher trainees (37 male, 39 female) from Great Zimbabwe University' s Faculty of Education. A questionnaire was used for data collection. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse the data. There were no significant differences between male and female SNE in-service teacher trainees' views on inclusive education. The trainees believed that the present Zimbabwean curriculum did not meet the needs of SNE children, inclusive education affected the teaching methods used, only specialist teachers could handle included children and that regular class teachers could not easily adapt their teaching programmes to accommodate included children. The trainees also believed that Zimbabwe was not ready for inclusive education and that parents of children without disabilities resented inclusion. Recommendations on the improvement of inclusive education in Zimbabwe especially in teacher training were made.

The Use of Cartoons as a Teaching Tool to Enhance Student Learning in Economics Education

Abstract: Excellent and effective teaching demands a host of devices, techniques and strategies not only to achieve cross critical outcomes, but because variety, itself, is a desideratum. One teaching instru...

Challenges and Reforms in the Nigerian Prisons System

Abstract: The main aim of establishing the prison institution in all parts of the world including Nigeria is to provide a rehabilitation and correctional facility for those who have violated the rules and regulations of their society . However, the extent to which this maxim is true in practice has been a subject of controversy . A casual observation of the population that goes in and out of the prisons in Nigeria presupposes that there are some problems in the system, hence the prisons system has not been able to live up to its expected role in Nigeria. Against this background, this paper makes an argument on why reform is necessary in the Nigerian prisons. Some of these reasons include reforming the prisoners to be better than what they were before they were imprisoned, rehabilitate the prisoners in order to equip them with new skills or improve on their old ones, and seclude criminals from the rest of the society, pending when they have atoned for their "sins". The structural-functionalist approach of the system theory for the study of human society and culture as proposed by Radclif f-Brown of the British School of social anthropology and later developed by Meyer Fortes and Max Gluckman is utilized in explaining prison environment. Main sources of information for this study are secondary materials which include, journals and of ficial bulletin of the government. Among other issues, this discourse articulates various reforms that have already taken place and are still on-going in the Nigerian prison system. These include efforts in the decongestion process, provision of necessary infrastructure facilities and other logistics including transportation services and general skills acquisition programmes. This article also makes a critical impact appraisal of the reform processes in the system. From the appraisal, the author believes that there are more gains than pains in the system since the gradual reform processes therein. In order to deal finally with prison congestion, this paper suggests that the decongestion committee needs to be strengthened in its work by changing their periodic visit to the prisons to be more regular and frequent, more prison yards need to be built, more non-governmental or ganizations should be encouraged and allowed to visit the prisons to monitor the activities there, from which they can make an input in form of suggestions to the various reform committees on what to do.

Automated Teller Machine (ATM) Frauds in Nigeria: The Way Out

Abstract: The problem of Automated Teller Machine (ATM) frauds is global in nature and its consequences on bank patronage should be of concern to the stakeholders in banks. This paper investigates the dimens...

Continuing professional development in South African schools: Staff perceptions and the role of principals

Abstract: Changes in education depend on the quality of teachers. As a result, the Professional Development (PD) of teachers has become increasingly important for school improvement initiatives. To address the challenges in the South African education system, the National Policy Framework for Teacher Education and Development (Republic of South Africa 2007) was instituted to assist in the provision of qualified teachers. The perceptions of staff and the role of leadership in the professional development of staff in South African schools? The inquiry discussed in this article was qualitative within specially selected schools. The following major findings emerged from the data analysis: (1) Overall view of professional development in the South African education system; (2) Experiences of official PD programmes: "A waffle, waffle waffle" versus being "excited"; (3) "Programmes should lead to a paradigm shift in teachers"; and (4) The key role of the principal in professional development: "plant and plough" in teachers.

Participative Decision-making: Perceptions of School Stakeholders in South Africa

Abstract: Participative decision-making has increasingly become the agreed-upon model around the world for the operation of schools, particularly those in the public education systems. A critical element of the model is devolving enhanced levels of decision-making from the centre (head of fice) to schools. While this reform is viewed as a positive step, policy based on democratic principles takes some time to filter down to rural schools. The research on which this article is based aimed at investigating the extent to which rural schools understand, perceive and implement participative decision-making (PDM). The inquiry followed a qualitative approach. The findings highlighted achievements in these schools and factors that hindered the proper implementation of PDM. This research recommended that principals should create a space for debate and dialogue for all stakeholders to participate suf ficiently in the school governing body (SGB) structure. Such a platform would allow stakeholders to air out their dissatisfaction and ensure their right to participation on issues dealing with school governance.

Financial Deepening, Capital Inflows and Economic Growth Nexus in Tanzania: A Multivariate Model

Abstract: In this study the dynamic causal relationship between financial deepening and economic growth is examined using a multivariate model. Unlike the majority of the previous studies, the current study includes foreign capital inflows as an intermittent variable between financial deepening and economic growth, thereby creating a simple trivariate model. Using the newly introduced ARDL-bounds testing procedure, the study finds a distinct unidirectional causal flow from economic growth to financial depth in Tanzania. This applies irrespective of whether the causality is estimated in the short run or in the long run. Other results show that there is a bi-directional causality between financial development and foreign capital inflows, and a prima-facie unidirectional causality from foreign capital inflows to economic growth. The study, therefore, concludes that financial development in Tanzania follows growth, irrespective of whether the causality is estimated in a static or dynamic formulation.

Gender Role Differentiation and Social Mobility of Women in Nigeria

Abstract: The paper examines gender role differentiation and its effect on the trend and pattern of social mobility of women in Nigeria. Although biological categorisation of humans is vital, in reality, it is the culturally constructed gender differentiation into masculinity and femininity that is most fundamental in defining what role males and females play in society. The roles males play are highly valued and rewarded than that of females. This division of roles along gender lines place women in underprivileged position in terms of power, prestige and wealth. The paper argues that gender role differentiation negatively restricts the life chances of women thus, affecting their mobility pattern. However, changing institutional arrangements tend to alter social mobility in favour of women in contemporary Nigerian society.

How Guanxi Relates to Social Capital? A Psychological Perspective

Abstract: Problem statement: The study aims to offer a discussion on social capital and guanxi, in order to illustrate the similarities and differences between these two concepts and how Chinese guanxi varies from Western preconceptions concerning social networking. Approach: The literature review and arguments were conducted to provide a systematic discussion of the guanxi and social capital relationship. Results: Both guanxi and social capital involve social relations; it is important to appreciate that guanxi does not relate exclusively to social capital, or that guanxi itself is simply another term for social capital. Conclusion: Both guanxi and social capital are similar concepts. Social capital is considered as both the attributes of individuals and organizations; thus, guanxi is distinctively about interpersonal relationships, which are often lost within the corporate environments of large organizations.

An investigation of the economic performance of sustainability reporting companies versus non-reporting companies: A South African perspective

Abstract: This study explores the potential dif ferences in the economic performances of companies that report on their sustainability information and those companies that do not report thereon. Even though there have been similar studies conducted in 1 st world countries, this is the first study of its kind in a developing economy, and considers the economic performances of South African publicly listed companies. Annual performance data, from 2002 to 2009, for the two groups of companies was taken from the McGregor BFA database. The significance of the average dif ferences between key financial indicators of the test-group and the control-group was determined by the t-test, while the dif ference of positive or negative Economic Value Added and Market Value Added values between these two groups was also evaluated. Even though some evidence indicates that companies that disclose sustainability reports may experience better economical performance, the statistical analysis could not confirm a definite positive relationship between sustainability reporting and economic performance.

Can Technology Acceptance Model be Applied on the Rural Setting: The Case of Village Development and Security Committee in Malaysia

Abstract: Problem statement: Malaysia has come out with a number of strategies such as National Information Technology Center, Universal Services Provider, Rural Internet Center and Rural Info Center to strengthen and encourage ICT usage among the rural community. Besides the efforts that are brought by the government, do the rural community especially their leaders which are the Village Development and Security Committee use ICT? Approach: The main objective of this study was to investigate any relationship that might occur between variables of Technology Acceptance Model and ICT usage among Village Development and Security Committee. A total of 240 Village Development and Security Committees were selected as the respondents for this study where a developed questionnaire was used to gain the data needed. For the purpose of analysis, SPSS was used where descriptive and inferential analyses were performed. Results: Based on the analyses run, it can be concluded that Village Development and Security Committee in Malaysia have a moderate level of ICT usage. Further analyses run showed that all of the three variables of Technology Acceptance Model namely attitude, perceive ease of use and perceive usefulness have a positive and significant relationship with ICT usage while attitude was detected as the main contributor towards ICT usage among Village Development and Security Committee. Conclusion/Recommendation: This study has revealed that Technology Acceptance Model that was used to explain ICT usage can be applied within the Malaysian rural setting. It also can be concluded that Village Development and Security Committee with a high level of attitude, perceive ease of use and perceive usefulness towards ICT will have higher level of ICT usage. To further develop and sustain this high level of attitude, perceive ease of use and perceive usefulness towards ICT usage, Village Development and Security Committee must be frequently exposed to ICT information and knowledge. It is recommended that ICT house to house training can be conducted among the Village Development and Security Committee by the related agencies.

Faculty Members and Students Perceptions of E-Learning in the English Department: A Project Evaluation

Abstract: Statement of the Problem: With the brisk technology developments, e-learning is revolutionalising the educational industry by leaps and bounds, thus becoming a popular method of education for many universities and colleges around the world. In Saudi Arabian universities, there is a tangible presence of Web-based curricular provisions within the traditional university known as blended learning. There is a growing call advocating the inclusion of online learning in every university to provide distance education. There are many issues that arise problematically. Some of these issues include study overload, lack of technological skills and feelings of isolation, problems in course design and course delivery formats. There are other organizational issues related to accreditation and quality assurance procedures. Approach: This study examines this progressive trend by literature review and survey and whether it is promising for the future of English Language Teaching (ELT) in Saudi Arabia. The study also assesses the effectiveness of and preference for, webbased learning as perceived by faculty and students. Results: Faculty and student responses were generally positive overall and indicated that learning improved in an e-learning environment compared to a traditional approach. Conclusion/Recommendations: The results of this study will inform EFL educators as to whether this mode of learning would serve as viable component of future ELT university programmes in English departments in Saudi universities and guide future research efforts towards more efficient and competitive online learning environments.

Impact of Farm Credit on Farmers Socio-economic Status in Ogun State, Nigeria

Abstract: Dwindling farmers productivity as a result of lack of adequate capital to increase yield necessitates this study. Information was obtained from a total of 250 farmers randomly selected from Ogun state, Nigeria. The farmers' were stratified into beneficiaries of credit and non-beneficiaries. The study shows that there is inadequate provision of loan from formal credit institutions with about 40% of beneficiaries securing loan from formal credit institution and 80% from informal credit institution. Beneficiaries recorded higher 80,000tons cocoa production compared to lower 21,000 tons of cocoa production recorded by non-credit beneficiaries. Consequently, 28% of beneficiaries recoded higher mean income of between N21,000-50,000 compared to 10.4% of non-beneficiaries. Beneficiaries 54.1% were of higher socio-economic status compared to 10.4% of non-beneficiaries in the same category. There was positive and significant correlation between performance of farm production operations and securing of credit for crops production level (r-- = 0.382) adoption of new technologies (r=0.490) and proper processing, storage and utilization (r=0.224). The study recommends that for positive impact to be recorded on farmers' socio-economic status credit should be given to the farmers and research should be intensified at the farm level for farmers to benefit.

School Counsellors’ and Students’ Perceptions of the Benefits of School Guidance and Counselling Services in Zimbabwean Secondary Schools

Abstract: The study sought to establish the benefits of school guidance and counselling (SGC) services in Zimbabwe secondary schools as perceived by students and school counsellors. The study is a part of a ...

Power Relations in School Governing Bodies: Implications for Effective School Governance

Abstract: The South African Schools Act ushered in governance in all South African public schools, by introducing school governing bodies (SGBs) that have overall control and authority in the school, its pol...

Pre-Service Teachers’ Experiences of Teaching Practice: Case of South African University

Abstract: The current study examined faculty of education students' experiences of the quality of teaching practice. The intent was to determine how to equip prospective teachers to ef fectively cope with feelings and common problems they faced during teaching practice. A qualitative research design was adopted using a case study . Semi-structured interview schedule was administered, while content analysis was used for analysing the data. The sample included forty- three pre- service teachers in a South African university. The data revealed that education pre-service teachers need to pay attention to (1) flexibility in time of course participation, (2) flexibility in content in the course, (3) flexibility in instructional approaches and learning materials, and lastly (4) flexibility in course delivery and logistics.

Factors Affecting Female Students' Career Choices and Aspirations: A Zimbabwean Example

Abstract: KEYWORDS Gender Role. Stereotypes. Gender Typing. Teacher Attitudes and Expectations. Career Trajectories ABSTRACT The study sought to investigate the factors af fecting female students' career choices and aspirations in selected Zimbabwean schools. The study adopted a qualitative approach and used focus group interviews with a convenient and purposive sample size of 20 high school girls. Data were analysed through content analysis as emer ging key issues led to themes that guided the analysis and discussion. The study revealed that career choices and aspirations for girls are influenced by a whole range of factors most notable of which are gender role socialization, parental expectations, teacher attitudes, the gender-typing of school subjects studied as well as the gendered occupational landscape in which they exist. The study concluded that there is a strong need for significant others, especially parents and teachers, to help girls and females by deconstructing the gender-role stereotypes or perceptions of roles society considers appropriate for girls or boys. The researchers thus recommend that female students be empowered to aspire for a stake in occupations or careers traditionally regarded as male-domains. The school curriculum, teachers, parents and older siblings need to be supportive of the need to minimize gender stereotypes in school subjects and career choices.

Green Chemistry: Educating Prospective Science Teachers in Education for Sustainable Development at School of Educational Studies, USM

Abstract: Problem statement: Agenda 21 of Chapter 36 spelled out the role of education in imparting knowledge that could develop behavioral change that leads to sustainable lifestyle. In line with this, University Sains Malaysia has embarked on various projects and activities in educating and preparing the campus community towards tomorrow’s sustainability. One of the strategies taken to address ESD is through the integration of green chemistry experiments into the curriculum. Approach: Green chemistry which is a laboratory-based pedagogy was employed to educate the student teachers enrolled in the chemistry teaching methods course at the (name of department). By incorporating Green Chemistry principles into the chemistry curriculum, these future educators can provide students with a positive message about what chemists are doing for the environment in fulfilling the obligation and responsibilities of environmental stewardship. Educators would also have the opportunity to transform student perceptions about the role chemistry plays in society and to address the need to discover and develop sustainable chemistry for the future. Results: Assessment of the impact of the experience on student-teachers showed them to be intrinsically motivated in committing pro-environmental actions. The environmental values and environmental attitudes of the student teachers were observed to undergo change as well. Conclusion: This study has been shown that it is possible by educational means to encourage the inculcation of positive environmental values and to teach the skills and cognitive basis required for active participation as individuals and members of the community.

The Role of Government for Ecotourism Development: Focusing on East Coast Economic Region

Abstract: Problem statement: This study explored the plans and strategies of go vernment for ecotourism development in Malaysia as well as ECER. Government participation is necessary in developing economies where tourism planning and promotion tend to be controlled directly by governments. The ecotourism activity should have a strong focus on learning through interpretation of local ecosystems and cultural heritage. Malaysia ha s formulated separate plan for sustainable ecotourism development in the country. This plan en sures conservation of Malaysia's natural and cultural heritage. Ecotourism activities can be rem aining vital tool for economic development in the ECER. The objective of this study is to examine the various plans of Malaysia relating to ecotourism development. The study also analyzes the challenges and prospects of ecotourism development in Malaysia as well as in ECER. Approach: The data for analysis was perceived from the secon dary sources. National Ecotourism Plan, Ninth Malaysian Plan and Tenth Malaysian Plan of Malaysia have been thoroughly reviewed in this regard. Results: The study shows that the major activities of Malaysian Government for ecotourism development were strategies, improving ecotourism products, improving accessibility, employment and training, marketing promotion, sustainable tourism development, investment, research and planning, saf ety and security. The initiatives of government for ecotourism development in ECER are guidelines, market segmentation, infrastructure development, cooperation among state authorities, commercial int erest and investment, local entrepreneurship and Bumiputera participation. Conclusion: The study reveals that some activities may be take n for the ecotourism development in Malaysia. These are ecotourism action plan, building institutional capacity; invest in ecotourism projects, creation of protecte d areas, image and branding, linkage to other types ' tourism, advertising and publication, human resourc e development and SME operation. The government must be ensured the local people partici pation in ecotourism development for their social, ecological, economic and cultural benefits.

Policy and Practice: Financial Management in Schools in the Mafeteng District of Lesotho

Abstract: Despite the efforts of the Lesotho Ministry of Education to enhance principals’ performance and the existence of guidelines in the form of a chapter on financial management in the Manual for Princi...

Ethical Issues in E-Commerce on the Basis of Online Retailing

Abstract: Problem statement: The rapid spread of e-commerce has created tremendous opportunities for economic efficiency and customer choice. Use of the global Internet computer network for ecommerce activities provides some advantages to the consumers on their daily life. On the other hand Internet represents a new environment for unethical behavior. While e-commerce has witnessed extensive growth in last decade, consumers concerns regarding ethical issues also continue to increase. Even many consumers and businesses are reveling in e-commerce; consumer problems related to online retail become the dark side of the issue. Approach: A survey on 400 online shoppers was conducted (three cities in Turkey (Izmir, Manisa, Mersin) in order to measure consumers’ perceptions regarding the ethical issues of online retailing by using scale of Consumers’ Perceptions regarding to Ethics of Online Retailers (CPEOR). Results: Ethical problems like security, privacy, reliability and non deception on Internet are core issues that limit the growth of online retailing. Conclusion/Recommendation: Findings indicate that; four factors (security, privacy, non deception and reliability) are strongly predictive of online consumers’ satisfaction. Also, this research will be beneficial to online retailers on their online retailing activities.

Electoral Crisis, Governance and Democratic Consolidation in Nigeria

Abstract: It is a visible fact that ten years into the Fourth Republic, governance at all levels in the Nigerian polity has woefully failed to deliver the much expected socio-economic and political dividends...