Ziska Fields

A Theoretical Model to Measure Creativity at a University

Abstract Measuring creativity at a tertiary educational level has been problematic due to the diverse teaching and learning processes and programmes used in tertiary educational institutions. The objective of this research paper is to develop a theoretical model to measure creativity on a tertiary education level to actively support the creative development of students. To develop this model, the experimental design included an extensive literature study of various creativity models in order to identify the constructs that influence the creativity of university students. A total of twenty-eight creativity influences were observed which ultimately culminated into the selection of the eleven most important influences which resulted in a theoretical model. This model is of great value because tertiary education is important in equipping graduates with creative skills to apply in the global and competitive business and social environments.

Compensation Management and Employee Job Satisfaction: A Case of Nigeria

Abstract Human resources are the pivot of organisational effectiveness and the greatest asset that an organisation can possess. The retention of skilful and well equipped workforce in an organisation is pertinent to the growth and overall performance of an organisation. The satisfied employees’ surely contribute to the organisation to achieve its competitive advantage over its competitors. The present study is an attempt to investigate the relationship between compensation management and employees’ job satisfaction in Nigeria’s Insurance Sector. The instrument used in information gathering was questionnaire. In all, 250 questionnaires were administered to the employees’ of an insurance company, 213 were retrieved and 212 were found usable for response rate of 84.4%. The statistical analysis revealed that compensation management and employees’ job satisfaction are significantly correlated though weak and that compensation management have an impact on motivation and job satisfaction of employees’. Implications of the study for managers in the perspective of HR practices have been highlighted and recommendations are offered.

Influence of Organisational Learning and Human Resource Outcomes on Commercial Banks' Performance in Nigeria

Abstract Most service organisations around the world are faced with the challenges of technological innovations and sustainable competitive advantage. To overcome these challenges, an understanding of organisational learning culture and human resource outcome becomes imperative. This study examined the influence of organisational learning culture and human resource (HR) outcomes on organisational performance. Two hypotheses were formulated to examine the extent to which learning and HR outcomes influence performance in the banking industry. The researchers adopted a mixed methods approach, that is, the use of a structured questionnaire (n=250), personal interviews (10 managers), observations (5 days) and other documented evidence (annual reports/statements of accounts for three consecutive years). The study used a convenience sampling technique to select the respondents. The findings revealed that team learning and HR outcomes have a marked influence on organisational performance. This study proposed that there is a strong positive relationship between organisational learning culture and HR outcomes that jointly serve as a better predictor of organisational performance among commercial banks in Nigeria.

A model to measure creativity in young adults

Abstract This article develops a theoretical model to measure the creativity of young adults (18 to 25 years of age). Historical creativity approaches, dimensions, models and tests were researched through a literature study in order to identify selected constructs that influence creativity of young adults. Resultantly, a total of twenty-eight creativity influences were identified which ultimately culminated in the selection of nine key influences. Additionally, from the literature study, measuring criteria were identified for each of the nine influences, resulting is a theoretical model to measure creativity. The research is of value due to the significant role young adults play and will play in society at a socio-economic level. Young adults need to know the value of creativity in society, how creative they are and how they can develop creative abilities. In this context, it is necessary to measure creativity in an effort to actively support creative development in young adults. Measuring creativity at this level has been challenging due to the impact of various cognitive psychological factors and the external environment which can foster or inhibit creativity dramatically.

Technopreneurial Attitude in the Zimbabwean Food-processing Sector

ABSTRACT Technopreneurship can be seen as a system, policy, strategy, process or an individual or group attitude. Although it might be assumed that technopreneurial attitude leads to technopreneurial behaviour, this is not always the case. The paper is based on research conducted on technopreneurship as an attitude in the Zimbabwean food-processing sector. The objectives of the study were to determine the attitude of food processors towards technopreneurship, the feasibility of technopreneurship in light of the attitude and the relationship between professional specialisation and technopreneurial attitude, as well as professional specialisation and the feasibility of technopreneurship. The research adopted a survey approach to gather, analyse and interpret quantitative data. The results indicated that companies in the food-processing sector have a positive attitude towards technopreneurship and the feasibility of technopreneurship in the sector. However, it was concluded that the positive attitude does not automatically lead to technopreneurial behaviour because of intervening variable.

Curriculum Contents Reform and Graduate Entrepreneurship Training in Nigerian Universities

Abstract The aim of this paper is to investigate the relationship between curriculum contents reform and graduate entrepreneurship training in Nigerian Universities in the southwestern geo-political zone of the country.A questionnaire was administered to five hundred and forty four studentsfrom six universities in Southwest Nigeria.The results showed that the current curriculum is deficient in producing the much needed graduates with soundentrepreneurial skills, who could be self-employed after leaving the universities. It was further discovered thatcurriculum has adirect relationship with the level of skills and knowledge students acquired to establish their ownenterprise. The study therefore concludes that curriculum contents need to be reformed, be flexible and practicallyoriented. More importantly, the involvement of successful entrepreneurs and other relevant stakeholders withadequate experience within and outside the universities should be engaged. Similarly, the new curriculum shouldencourage entrepreneurship training throughout the duration of students’ university programme.

Historical Overview of Small and Medium Enterprise Policies in Zimbabwe

Abstract Zimbabwean small and medium enterprises (SMEs), since independence in 1980, have struggled for survival and development due to a plethora of challenges. The government responded by implementing policies and strategies to address the challenges confronting SMEs. This article gives a country perspective and historical understanding of the SME policies and strategies at play within Zimbabwe. The researchers contribute to the understanding of the dynamics surrounding SMEs particularly in developing countries by providing a historical account of the policy issues and strategies used to ensure growth of the sector. Methodologically, the study adopted a critical analysis of literature related to SME policies in Zimbabwe. The researchers drew insights from different government policy documents and pieces of legislation since 1980. The results of the analysis indicate that the policies and strategies, to a larger extent, have not yielded the required results, and largely not addressed the major challenges confronting SMEs.

Testing and Operationalizing a Model to Measure Creativity at Tertiary Educational Level

Abstract Measuring creativity scientifically seems to be a challenging undertaking at the tertiary educational level. The purpose of the research reported in this paper was to test and operationalize a model to measure creativity at the tertiary educational level using SPSS and AMOS. These software packages were used to run causal path analysis and cause-effect relationships using the Pearson’s product correlation coefficient (PPMC), a multiple regression analysis and structural equation modelling (SEM) which included a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). The Fields Educational Creativity Model (FECM) was the result of the test and operationalization and showed a mediating influence of cognitive psychology on the interplay between motivation and creativity. Creativity can be measured at tertiary educational level and this can positively influence the globalized knowledge economy because graduates will be critical, creative and imaginative thinkers and leaders who can work through complex problems and make creative and purposeful changes and adaptations.

Developing and Assessing a Tool to Measure the Creativity of University Students

Abstract Creativity plays the key role in invention, innovation and problem solving that improve human life. The objective of this article was to develop and assess a tool to measure the creativity of university students. In doing so, a literature study of creativity was embarked upon to identify the underlying variables used to measure creativity. The identified variables were then subjected to a factor analysis process and the reliability of the data tested. Empirical data was collected from 500 full-time students randomly selected (with a response of 322). The results showed that at least twelve factors need to be considered in measuring creativity, namely: Challenging the status quo, Detachment, Synthesis, Cognition, Associate and Communicate, Awareness, Similarity, External motivation, Sensitivity, Experiment and Combine, Dimensional Thinking and Problem-solving. These factors show inherent communal properties (correlating positively with existing theory), and could be grouped into three main categories, namely: cognitive psychology, external influences and personality characteristics. Regarding reliability, acceptable Cronbach Alpha coefficients were calculated, exceeding the minimum coefficient of 0.70. The article highlights the value of creative graduates and the factors that could be utilised to measure their creativity in a South African tertiary education context.