Management of trade credit by small and medium-sized enterprises
- Authors: Otto, Werner H.
- Date: 2018
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/271226 , uj:28842 , Citation: Otto, W.H., 2018, ‘Management of trade credit by small and medium-sized enterprises’, Journal of Economic and Financial Sciences 11(1), a178. http:// dx.doi.org/10.4102/jef. v11i1.178 , ISSN: 2312-2803 (Online) , ISSN: 1995-7076 (Print)
- Description: Abstract: This study identifies the trade credit management situation within the small and mediumsized enterprise (SME) environment. The purpose of this study is to determine the trade credit management practices of SMEs, focussing on debtors alone, in order to establish whether South African SMEs mismanage trade credit. Focussing on SMEs, this study created a unique opportunity to determine the trade credit management practices of SMEs specifically. This article provides vital evidence containing SMEs’ trade credit management practices and insight to entrepreneurs (SME owners) and government regarding possible reasons why SMEs find it difficult to manage trade credit effectively. Data were analysed using statistical techniques such as descriptive statistics, frequencies, cross-tabulations and mean scores. The intention is that SMEs and small firms can use the results of this study in assessing the appropriateness and effectiveness of their own practices and, in doing so, contribute towards the sustainability and viability of SMEs in order to empower SMEs to operate successfully in addressing the South African development challenges.
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Pervasive skills development for aspirant chartered accountants : academic versus training programmes
- Authors: Keevy, Monique , Mare, Denise J.
- Date: 2018
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/271354 , uj:28858 , Citation: Keevy, M. & Mare, D.J., 2018, ‘Pervasive skills development for aspirant chartered accountants: Academic versus training programmes’, Journal of Economic and Financial Sciences 11(1), a155. http://dx.doi. org/10.4102/jef.v11i1.155 , ISSN: 2312-2803 (Online) , ISSN: 1995-7076 (Print)
- Description: Abstract: Changes in the business environment have challenged both the technical and pervasive competencies of aspirant professional accountants (or chartered accountants [CAs]). Accounting bodies have responded to this need by adopting competency-based qualification models. Likewise, in 2008, the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants developed a Competency Framework where aspirant CAs are now assessed on both technical and pervasive skills en route to qualifying as CAs, the latter being the focus of this article. The article aims to ascertain the views of aspirant CAs on the effectiveness of academic and training programmes en route to qualifying as a CA. It also seeks additional vehicles to improve the delivery of pervasive skills during qualification. This research uses empirical data in the form of a questionnaire with both open and closed response options. The study reveals that both programmes are critical to the success of qualifying as a CA, but further emphasis is required in developing pervasive skills for both programmes. The findings also demonstrate the importance of using methods such as cases, mentorship programmes and internship programmes in equipping candidates with pervasive skills. The use of separate modules to develop pervasive skills during both programmes was also strongly supported by the majority of aspirant CAs.
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‘Sometimes you don’t make enough to buy food’ : an analysis of South African street waste pickers’ income
- Authors: Viljoen, Kotie , Blaauw, Derick , Schenck, Rinie
- Date: 2018
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/279658 , uj:30036 , Citation: Viljoen, K., Blaauw, D. & Schenck, R., 2018, ‘“Sometimes you don’t make enough to buy food:” An analysis of South African street waste pickers’ income’, Journal of Economic and Financial Sciences 11(1), a186. http://dx.doi.org/10.4102/jef.v11i1.186 , ISSN: 2312-2803 (Online) , ISSN: 1995-7076 (Print)
- Description: Abstract: Limited opportunities for the unskilled in the formal economy force many into informal street waste-picking activities. The income from these activities is not sufficient to lift them out of poverty. This article analyses income data of 873 street waste pickers to assess how identified factors explain income variations among them and whether they can endogenously influence their earnings. The results of descriptive, ordinary least square regression and quantile regression analyses show that they can do little to improve their income except to use a trolley and to start early in the morning. To improve their income, policy interventions to integrate them into waste management plans are recommended.
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Characterising cycles exhibited by important financial sections in the South African economy
- Authors: De Wet, Milan C. , Botha, Ilse
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Financial cycles , Spectral density analysis , Principal component analysis
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/293137 , uj:31868 , Citation: De Wet, M.C. & Botha, I., 2019, ‘Characterising cycles exhibited by important financial sections in the South African economy’, Journal of Economic and Financial Sciences 12(1), a433. https://doi.org/ 10.4102/jef.v12i1.433 , ISSN: 2312-2803 (Online) , ISSN: 1995-7076 (Print)
- Description: Abstract: Orientation: The 2007–2008 global financial crisis caused negative spillovers to the real economy of the United States as well as other economies across the world. Research purpose: The main aim of this article is to determine the cyclical characteristics of important South African financial sections. Motivation for the study: Financial cycles are complex, making them hard to measure and understand. This, in turn, makes financial cycles and the effect of fluctuations in financial cycles hard to predict and manage...
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