Chux Gervase Iwu

Factors Inhibiting Effective Management of Primary Schools in Nigeria: The Case of Ebonyi State

Abstract This study aimed at identifying some of the problems militating against effective management of primary schools in Afikpo South local government area in Ebonyi State of Nigeria. A self-administered questionnaire containing eight research questions with twenty-four (24) questionnaire items was utilised for this study. The study found, among others that, high numbers of enrolment put pressure on meagre school facilities, while heads of schools, teachers and pupils are affected by a general lack of facilities. This is exemplified by some schools where classes took place outside the normal classrooms and in some cases, outside the school compound. The authors insist that provision of adequate and qualified teachers must be a conscious programme of both government and heads of schools because the successful administration of primary schools is possible with qualified and dedicated teachers, well equipped primary schools, expansion of schools to accommodate the increasing enrolment of pupils and a co-operative community incorporating parents of pupils.

Business Relationships as a Driver of Success for Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) in South Africa

Abstract Successful businesses develop and sustain relationships amongst their network of stakeholders. Stakeholders have the potential to assist in development, survival, and growth of any business. This conceptual paper was inspired by the philosophy that the success of SMMEs depends on new and established relationships. The paper relied on an extensive review of literature. It has immense value in that it has managed to bring together a conglomerate of factors under a common platform to enable a discussion of the elements that necessitate an acceleration of positive relationships in businesses. This extensive review of literature has empowered the authors to extend confidence in the suitability of the different elements, thus allowing for the utilization of a selfdeveloped relationship management paradigm as the locus of the discussion.

Economic recession and investment on human resource information systems (HRIS): Perspectives on some South African firms

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of an economic recession on human resource information systems (HRIS) investment decisions by asking: Are there high levels of disinvestment in HRIS during a recession? Are there low levels of trust and confidence in HRIS during a recession? Could there be an absence of concerted commitment in leveraging technology, even in the face of an economic crunch?Design/methodology/approach – An HRIS impact questionnaire was used, targeting human resource and financial managers. The data obtained were analyzed using Statistical Programme for Social Sciences (SPSS).Findings – The findings suggest that while a recession is acknowledged, the continued use of HRIS is not considered a risk factor that warrants cost cutting.Originality/value – This is an original study. It will add value by indicating to management the significance of strategic decision making. The study also points out the need for further research in order to make more sense of certain varia...

Revisiting incentives and job satisfaction of Nigerian bank employees

Incentives are external factors which an employee perceives whether rightly or wrongly as possible satisfiers of his felt needs. Incentives tend to hold some value propositions to an employee which persuades him to allocate particular behaviours to different circumstances. The main aim of this study was to understand how the different incentive elements impact upon Nigerian bank employees. The significance of this cannot be underestimated given that the Nigerian banking sector has undergone a series of revamps. The utility of a quantitative approach was evident in this study given its capacity to analyse data from a large population and its closeness to studies pertaining to incentives and job satisfaction. A total of 200 subjects from four banks participated in this study. These subjects hold qualifications which range from honours to masters degree. They hold positions that range from customer service officers to senior managers. For ethical reasons, these banks will not be disclosed. To maintain non-disclosure, the banks are represented as Bank A, B, C and D. Out of the 200 participants, 90 of the subjects were females representing 45% of the total sample while 110 were males representing 55% of the total sample. An 18 item scale drawn from Ugwuegbu’s (1981) 25 item job satisfaction scale was utilised. The scale was divided into 2 main sections namely A and B. Section A contains demographic or personal data of the subjects while section B deals with job satisfaction variables. Utilising a series of testing methods, the study found significant differences in the levels of job satisfaction of bank employees amongst different banks and different demographics.

The Link between Entrepreneurship Education and Business Success: Evidence from Youth Entrepreneurs in South Africa

Abstract The aim of this study was to find out whether youth entrepreneurs in a South African township consider entrepreneurship education and training as a useful vehicle for navigating the challenging waters of entrepreneurship. The method used to collect data was a self-administered questionnaire. Findings revealed that the participants thought of entrepreneurship education and training as a viable tool for entrepreneurship development. The study recommends further research on other townships with similar characteristics to enable a better understanding of the unique needs of the different townships. This is on the basis that should an intervention be proposed, each township should then have a much more customised training and development strategy.

An analysis of the reason for staff turnover amongst paramedics in South Africa

Abstract The objective of this study was to determine the factors that improve retention possibilities amongst paramedics, as well as verify the influence of demographic properties on retention possibilities amongst paramedics. Data was collected for this study through a job satisfaction scale, which was revised to accommodate a few unique elements to this study. Demographic properties of the subjects did not produce any striking statistical significance. Both men and women subjects found their professions exciting; the married and unmarried ones included. This study suggests that employers of paramedics are able to retain them as well as maintain good relations with them by providing a satisfying work environment where these employees can perform well and continue being productive. Future research can examine the degree of relatedness or otherwise of paramedics in different provinces within private and public health systems; and the proportion of resignations between males and females.

Key factors of employee satisfaction for the retention of health-related professionals in South Africa

The focus of this study is health-related professionals who, according to reports are pushed into other sectors or out of South Africa. Related health professionals refer to laboratory technologists, pharmacists, radiographers, emergency medical services (paramedics), nurses, and optometrists. These practitioners are a diverse group who deliver high quality care to patients across a wide range of care pathways and in a variety of settings. Several reports have been published with regard to employee dissatisfaction within health care profession, unfortunately much of these reports have focused on doctors and nurses without commensurate attention to other health professionals. The central question in this study is: why are there high levels of employee dissatisfaction amongst healthrelated professionals in South Africa? And what remedies are there? This study therefore attempts to understand the factors that will help to reduce the causes of the often acclaimed sense of job insecurity, high levels of health worker absenteeism, and high turnover rates amongst health-related professionals. The findings will possibly help in addressing the difficulty in retaining skilled healthrelated professionals. Data collected was coded for statistical program for social science (SPSS) suitability. SPSS was utilized to generate the frequency and descriptive statistics. Data collection instrument was the Plus Delta Organisational Climate Questionnaire, which was modified on the basis of a preliminary study. The data instrument achieved a coefficient alpha ( Cronbach ) of 0.9 thus extending its validity. Utilising exploratory factor analysis, the study reveals new factors which are considered central to retaining health-related professionals.

THE UNIQUE OBSTACLES OF FEMALE ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN THE TO URISM INDUSTRY IN WESTERN CAPE, SOUTH AFRICA

The intention of this article is to identify the obstacles unique to female entrepreneurs in the tourism industry in Western Cape, South Africa. This is against the backdrop that in order to accelerate economic growth and development in South Africa, female entrepreneurs should also be considered as important vehicles that can bring about the necessary economic growth and development. Unfortunately, this growth has been stifled due to the high failure rate in the SMME sector; specifically among women. This article used the qualitative deductive approach, utilising in-depth semi-structured interviews, which enabled the participants to disclose important information relating to the study. The data were analysed qualitatively using themes. For effect, this article also made use of content analysis because of its significance in qualitative studies.Three themes emerged from content analysis. These include demographic factors; socio-economic factors and culture. The findings have shown primarily that the factors that impede female entrepreneurs differ from sector to sector. Within the Western Cape Tourism industry, specifically the accommodation sector, unique obstacles abound. While the authors acknowledge that the obstacles faced by female entrepreneurs are unique to this sector, they are equally mindful of therepercussions of a generalisation of the findings. To this end, we suggest that a broader study be conducted to compare factors that impede entrepreneurship in other provinces in South Africa and/or draw a comparison between males and females. This article undoubtedly has value not simply because it is gender biased, but also because by highlighting the unique challenges and barriers faced by female entrepreneurs, there could be better government support for female entrepreneurs in general and especially those in the accommodation sector in the Western Cape.

Academic Success Factors: Implications for Teaching, Learning and Academic Administration

Abstract A group of second year students in a university of technology was asked to provide their perceptions of the main factors that contribute to their academic success and or failure. This exploratory study used the survey method to gather data from a convenient sample of the target population, which consisted of second year students offering Financial Management. This study undoubtedly has value because if the success and failure factors are identified and reconciled, students are likely to adjust their behaviour to produce positive outcomes. Beyond this, it must be acknowledged that entrepreneurship has been considered as one of the ways to boost the economy of any nation. Therefore, finding ways of attracting and retaining students on the program will improve access to entrepreneurship education as well as fast track economic development once graduates are able to add value to their respective communities.

Skills shortage in South Africa: perspectives from high school educators

Abstract This original research sought to obtain the perceptions of high school educators in South Africa with respect to the cause and effects of skills shortage in South Africa. The choice of the educators was justified because they taught subjects which are labelled critical subjects that result in learners possibly possessing specialist skills in Health Sciences, Engineering and Accounting. This research made use of both quantitative and qualitative methods of data collection, while analysis was descriptive in nature. Findings in this research suggest that several reasons account for skills shortage. However, more importantly, the educators indicated that skills shortage manifested in ugly social behaviours. The authors proffer several recommendations. Chief among them was the call for a collaborative engagement of the scourge among business, government, and academic institutions. The authors also recommend that further research be taken up to provide evidence on the extent of entrepreneurial keenness of learners from disadvantaged townships in South Africa so as to find alternative ways of improving their standard of living. The research was set in a South African township.