Thesis (MTech (Business Administration))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2018. / The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of internal controls on sustainability of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Harare’s Central Business District (CBD), Zimbabwe. The question at the core of this research is: to what extent do internal controls influence the sustainability of SMEs in Harare’s Central Business District, Zimbabwe. SMEs are perceived to be of paramount importance for the economic affluence of countries the world over, mainly because of their pronounced benefaction and contribution to livelihoods of the dwellers of a country and the gross domestic product (GDP). SMEs have been credited for playing a leading role when it comes to innovation, significant export revenue, custom-suited goods, services provision to society, employment opportunities, and social contribution. This can also be attributed to SMEs operating in Zimbabwe despite the volatility of the Zimbabwean economy. The Zimbabwean business environment, in general, is constantly changing. The changes can be attributed to an eruptive economic environment and unstable political atmosphere. The resultant effect is the departure of larger businesses and investors from the country. Generally, this leaves a great opportunity for SMEs not to be subjected to stiff competition from larger businesses. SMEs are indeed enjoying this space, braving the conditions to start up; however, their operations are short-lived. For SMEs to brave the fortuity of such an unpredictable environment, a system of internal controls must be in place. Research has placed emphasis on internal controls and sustainability of large organisations, while little to no attention has been given to SMEs. The little research on internal controls and sustainability in the context of SMEs has mostly been done in developed countries. Despite this, internal controls and sustainability have not been extensively implemented in the context of developing countries. The need to determine the influence of internal controls on sustainability of SMEs underlines this research. This report adopted a positivist philosophy that entailed utilizing a survey questionnaire to collect data from 150 SMEs operating in Harare’s CBD, Zimbabwe. The sample was further split into Active SMEs and Dormant SMEs (the control group). Data were analysed through Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 25 to spawn statistical and descriptive results. To determine reliability of data, Cronbach’s alpha value was employed. The results indicate SMEs are not implementing controls as they ought to and those SMEs that have controls in place do not ensure that they are adhered to effectively and efficiently in order for them to achieve their desired objectives.

Zambia is a developing nation that seeks economic growth through gross domestic product (GDP) growth, among other economic drivers. Between the years 2011 and 2020, Zambia embarked on an infrastructure development programme, mainly through construction of roads and airports. To do these projects, Zambia borrowed heavily on one hand while promoting the nation as an attractive destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows on the other hand. The study sought to answer the question, can a country that is highly indebted attract meaningful FDI inflows that would spur economic growth? The research looked at a period of ten (10) years from 2010 to 2020 and analysed publicly available data to form the basis for the findings and recommendations. The research findings show that there is negative, however insignificant relationship between government debt and foreign direct investment. In addition, the findings also show that there is a positive relationship between inflation and FDI. This relationship is significant however, in contrast with a prior expectation. Moreover, a significant negative relationship between interest rate and investment was also established whilst a negative, however insignificant relationship was established between exchange rate and FDI. The implications of the recommended policy issues will only yield the desired results when implemented in an integrated manner as opposed to an exclusive approach. The government debt needs to reduce in order to make the country more attractive to foreign direct investors. Policy also needs to be formulated that should target an inflation rate that contributes to the attraction of a positive net foreign direct invest inflows. Interest rate and foreign exchange rate policies that attract investment will also need to be put in place in order to attract investments that will spur development.

This thesis within Industrial Economics and Applied Mathematics investigates the relationship between economic development and subjective well-being. The Easterlin Paradox, originally stated by Richard Easterlin in 1974, is reassessed by utilizing cross-sectional and time series data. A simple regression model is applied, using average happiness within a country as dependent variable, and gross national product per capita as regressor. In addition, an extensive study of previous research is conducted, focusing on reliability of data and earlier methodologies. The Easterlin Paradox is confirmed to still be valid when analyzing the United States over the time period 1972{2016, and 140 of the countries across the world 2012. / Det här kandidatexamensarbetet inom Industriell Ekonomi och Tillämpad Matematik undersöker relationen mellan ekonomisk utveckling och subjektivt välmående. Easterlinparadoxen, ursprungligen fastställd av Richard Easterlin 1974, omprövas med hjälp av tvärsnitts- och tidsseriedata. En enkel linjär regressionsmodell appliceras med genomsnittlig lycka i ett land som beroende variabel och bruttonationalprodukt per capita som oberoende variabel. Dessutom utförs en omfattande studie av tidigare forskning med fokus på tillförlitlighet av data samt tidigare metodologier. Easterlinparadoxen bekräftas fortfarande gälla vid analys av USA over tidsperioden 1972-2016, och 140 av världens länder år 2012.

Gross domestic product (GDP) has become an influential standard measure of national prosperity and well-being, although it does not necessarily indicate long-term prosperity and well-being. Therefore, alternative and complementary measures to GDP have been developed and promoted, both internationally and nationally. The work undertaken in this study has aimed at exploring how complementary measures have been put to use in Sweden, Scotland, Italy and New Zealand and the experiences of their influence on environmental and social impacts through policy. This study draws on an analysis of 18 documents in combination with three interviews.  The study reveals that complementary measures have indeed been put into use in the selected nations, but how they are being used differs greatly. In the Swedish context, the complementary measure follows the development of prosperity by complementing GDP with a further number of indicators. Through the National Performance Framework, the Scottish Government evaluates its policies and monitors developments in Scotland's performance against its set of National Outcomes. Similarly, in Italy, the development of indicators for sustainability and equality is also monitored, but a selection of the indicators has also been included in their budget documents. The New Zealand government has launched a "Wellbeing Budget" with several priorities such as mental health, children's well-being and support for a transition to a sustainable economy. The New Zealand government monitors the impact of its Wellbeing Budget using its Living Standard Framework. Based on statements from Scotland and Sweden, it is not yet evident what significance the complementary measures have had on environmental and social aspects, as the measures do not take priority, but traditional economic measures are still widely used. On the other hand, New Zealand, Italy and Scotland have introduced legislation to support the continued prioritization of complementary measures on the political agenda.  Although the selected nations' complementary measures beyond GDP have demonstrated potential for environmentally and socially minded policymaking, the work needs to accelerate significantly among policymakers to have an impact, particularly in Sweden and Scotland. This study indicates a need for increased support if the complementary measures are to be more integrated into political decisions. / Bruttonationalprodukt (BNP) har blivit ett inflytelserikt standardmått för nationellt välstånd och välbefinnande, även om det nödvändigtvis inte tyder på långsiktigt välstånd och välbefinnande. Därför har alternativa och kompletterande mått till BNP utvecklats och främjats, både internationellt och nationellt. Arbete som har genomförts i denna studie har syftat till att undersöka hur kompletterande mått har kommit till användning i Sverige, Skottland, Italien och Nya Zeeland samt erfarenheter om de kompletterande måtten har haft inflytande på miljömässiga och sociala aspekter genom politik. Denna studie bygger på analys av 18 dokument kombinerat med tre intervjuer.  Studien har visat att kompletterande mått har tagits i bruk i de utvalda nationerna, men hur de används skiljer sig mycket åt. I den svenska kontexten ger det kompletterande måttet en bredare bild av välståndets utveckling genom kompletterande indikatorer till BNP. Skottlands National Performance Framework utvärderar den skotska regeringens politik och följer utvecklingen av Skottlands välmående mot uppsatta mål. På liknande sätt följs också utvecklingen av indikatorer för hållbarhet och jämlikhet i Italien, men ett urval av indikatorer har även inkluderats i deras budgetdokument. Nya Zeelands regering har lanserat en ”Wellbeing Budget” med flera prioriteringar såsom mental hälsa, barns välmående och för en övergång till en hållbar ekonomi. Nya Zeelands regering avser att följa effekterna av sin ”Wellbeing Budget” med hjälp av sitt Living Standard Framework. Baserat på uttalanden från Skottland och Sverige är det ännu inte uppenbart vilken betydelse deras kompletterande mått har haft för miljömässiga och sociala aspekter eftersom de kompletterande måtten i sig inte är styrande, utan traditionella ekonomiska mått används fortfarande i stor utsträckning. Dock har Nya Zeeland, Italien och Skottland infört lagstiftning för att stödja den fortsatta prioriteringen av kompletterande mått på den politiska agendan.  Även om de utvalda ländernas kompletterande mått har visat sig ha potential med hänseende till miljömässig och social inverkan, bör arbetet accelerera avsevärt bland beslutsfattare för att det ska få effekt, särskilt i hänseende till Sverige och Skottland. Denna studie belyser ett behov av ökat stöd kring de kompletterande måtten om de ska kunna integreras mer i politiska beslut.

This study examines the lagged short run and long-term relationships between output growth and related index returns of the industrial and financial sectors of the G-7 economies. This study examines this relationship using quarterly data for a maximum time period of 22 years ranging from 1994(Q4) to 2017(Q4). The relationship between sector specific output growth and related index returns of the G-7 is investigated within this study, in order to determine whether passive investors should incorporate expected growth prospects into their decision making in order to earn superior returns. In order to examine the relationship between sector specific output growth and the related index returns of the G-7, this study uses correlation, cointegration as well as causality testing. This study finds weak non-lagged correlation relationships between output growth and related index returns of the industrial and financial sectors of the G-7 economies, with the correlation relationships becoming stronger in all cases when lags are incorporated within the correlations analysis. This study also finds cointegrating relationships between financial sector output growth and related index returns of Italy and the United Kingdom and that financial index return data of the United Kingdom serves as a leading indicator for financial sector growth within the United Kingdom. The overall Implication of these results is that investors should not incorporate growth prospects into their decision making of which passive funds to invest in, of which these passive funds examined track the performance of industrial and the financial firms within the G-7 economies.

The objective of this research concerns identifying whether or not there is a relationship between oil price increases in a given quarter and the likelihood of a recession in the subsequent quarter. The data used is gathered from the St. Louis Fed's Fred II, the National Bureau of Economic Research, and the Energy Information Administration to generate modified variables. These variables are tested using a qualitative dependent variable, recession, in a binary choice model. The findings validated the assumption that oil prices do have a correlation with recessions, and that the relationship is a direct one. Based on the model, an increase in the price of oil will positively affect the likelihood of a "recession" outcome versus the alternative, "no recession". It is anticipated that the results will inspire future research into the causes and effects of oil price surges, as well as the determinants of economic contractions in the future based on policy decisions and economic decision-making practices in the present.

This paper examines the impact of the recent global financial crisis on economic growth in developing economies and South Africa in particular. It explores whether the events experienced by developing countries conform to what would be anticipated from economic theory. This is done by firstly comparing country growth forecasts for 2012 captured in 2008 at the beginning of the crisis to actual 2012 GDP growth data. Secondly, panel data analysis is used to investigate three important transmission channels, namely those of Trade, Capital Flows and Exchange Rates for 25 developing economies. The results suggest that economic forecasters in 2008 on average overestimated GDP growth for 2012 by -21.6 percent (excluding Venezuela). The only important transmission channel identified using Trend analysis to explain this negative impact on growth was capital flows. However when using Panel regression analysis all three channels were found to explain the economic impact of the crisis on GDP growth for developing countries, conforming to economic theory. It was discovered that, contrary to what was initially expected, portfolio inflows actually increased for most developing countries during the crisis. This possibly can be explained by the impact of quantitative easing in the USA. South Africa was found to have been negatively impacted by the global financial crisis, but to a lesser extent when compared to most other developing countries. The findings are important for global investors looking for new investment opportunities. The extent to which individual economies are “decoupled” from developed economies’ performance provides possible opportunities for diversifying risk through a geographic spread of investor portfolios.

The thesis deals with monitoring and analysis of the economic cycle in Slovakia between 1993 - 2009. Its aim was to assess the impact of fiscal and monetary policies on the economic cycle. Both policies should cooperate with each other and create a favorable environment for economic development. The goal of the monetary policy should be securing currency stability. The fiscal policy should aim for stable development in public finance. The thesis consists of five parts, which intersect each other. The first part explains the theoretical foundations of the economic cycles. It is followed by a chapter, in which different Slovak economy phases of the economic cycle are analyzed, with the help of indicators of internal and external balance, demand and supply side of GDP and indicators of monetary conditions. Work also includes an assessment of Slovakia's entry into the EMU in terms of revenues and expenses. This part is also focused on the process of nominal and real convergence of the Slovak economy before adopting Euro. The penultimate part of this thesis deals with a comparison of business cycles of V4 countries. The conclusion is focused on forecasting the economic development of the Slovak economy in 2011.

This thesis analyses if households’ confidence could be a significant variable to predicthouseholds’ debt growth in Sweden. Households’ debts have an important role in thefinancial system where the vulnerability of households’ debts has increased over time.To test whether households’ confidence is a significant variable for the prediction ofhouseholds’ debt growth in Sweden, an econometric model with the households’ debtchange as the dependent variable and the changes in the repo rate, unemployment, grossdomestic product and consumer confidence index as independent variables was used.Consumer confidence index was used as a proxy variable for households’ confidence.It was lagged by one time period in order to quantify if consumer confidence indexcould, with previous value, predict the households’ debt growth. The result showed thatthe households’ confidence was not significant to predict the households’ debt growth. / Denna uppsats har analyserat om hushållens förtroende är en signifikant variabel för attförutse hushållens skuldtillväxt i Sverige. De svenska hushållens skulder har ensignifikant betydelse för den svenska ekonomin. Men sårbarheten för dessa skulder harökat med tiden. För att testa om hushållens förtroende är en signifikant variabel för attförutse hushållens skuldtillväxt i Sverige har en ekonometrisk modell med förändringeni hushållens skulder som en beroende variabel och förändringen i reporäntan,arbetslöshet, bruttonationalprodukten och konsumentförtroendeindex som oberoendevariabler. Konsumentförtroendeindex användes som en ersättare för att mäta hushållensförtroende används. Den var fördröjd med en tidsperiod för att kunna testa omhushållens föregående uppfattningar påverkade framtida skuldtillväxt för hushållen.Resultaten från regressionsanalysen antyder på att hushållens förtroende inte är ensignifikant variabel för att kunna förutse hushållens skuldtillväxt.

Amplamente relacionado à forma com que os indivíduos valorizam as temáticas humanas, sociais e econômicas, o bem-estar pode ser vislumbrado sob diferentes aspectos, no entanto, todos intimamente atrelados entre si. Uma das formas de se observar o bem-estar é através da dimensão econômica, cujo enfoque é direcionado aos elementos que proporcionam maior nível de comodidade econômica e satisfação individual ou coletiva. Tendo em vista a importância de indicadores para subsidiar a implementação e monitoramento de políticas públicas, assim como disponibilizar informações transparentes à população, a construção de um índice de bem-estar econômico que busque captar a realidade econômica e regional dos estados brasileiros se justifica. Considerando o exposto, o presente estudo teve por objetivo a construção de um Índice de Bem-Estar Econômico (IBEE) para as unidades da federação brasileira, considerando os anos de 2002 e 2008. Especificamente, buscou-se verificar os níveis de bem-estar econômico e de seus sub-componentes nos anos de 2002 e 2008, além de compará-los entre os estados brasileiros. Ademais, fez-se a proposta de analisar comparativamente os resultados do IBEE em relação aos valores apresentados pelo PIB per capita. Por fim, objetivou-se a estimação do Índice de Desenvolvimento Humano (IDH) a partir da substituição da variável renda que o compõe pelos valores obtidos no cômputo do IBEE, de forma a avaliar possíveis diferenças entre o IDH calculado de maneira convencional e o IDH modificado (IDH-M). O índice proposto foi composto por quatro dimensões distintas: Fluxos de Consumo, Riqueza Real Legado Intergeracional, Equidade e Seguridade Econômica. Os principais resultados demonstraram que, independentemente da ponderação utilizada, Santa Catarina foi o estado brasileiro que apresentou o maior bem-estar econômico em relação aos demais. Por outro lado, Alagoas foi o estado com pior desempenho, ocupando a última posição do ranking em todas as análises. A comparação entre o PIB per capita e o IBEE mostrou que, com exceção do Distrito Federal, todos os estados apresentaram o índice de bem-estar superior ao PIB per capita. Além disso, observou-se que o Distrito Federal perde sua vantagem quando considerados outros aspectos relacionados ao bem-estar econômico. Ademais, verificou-se que não há um comportamento regular entre os dois indicadores, ou seja, não é possível afirmar que um estado com elevado PIB por indivíduo necessariamente apresentará altos níveis de bem-estar econômico e vice-versa. A análise do IDH e do IDH-M permitiu observar que todas as unidades da federação apresentaram estimativas do índice modificado inferior ao IDH, sugerindo uma possível superestimação ao ser utilizada a renda per capita para estimação do acesso a recursos econômicos. Desta forma, a partir da necessidade de construção de uma medida sintética de bem-estar econômico, o IBEE apresenta-se como um índice capaz de mensurar de maneira mais adequada os distintos aspectos associados a um padrão de vida decente. / A way to evaluate the well-being of a society is through economic dimensions, which focuses directly on the elements that provide higher level of economic comfort, and individual or collective satisfaction. Given the importance of indicators to support the implementation and monitoring of public policies, as well as to provide clear information to the population, the elaboration of an index of economic well-being that seeks to capture the economic and regional reality of the Brazilian states is justified. The objective of this study is to build an Index of Economic Well-Being (IEWB) for the Brazilian federation units, considering the years 2002 and 2008. Specifically, we determine the levels of economic well-being and their sub-components in the years 2002 and 2008. Furthermore, we analyze comparatively the results of the IEWB in relation to the values presented by Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita. Finally, we estimate the Human Development Index (HDI) by substituting its \"income\" variable by the values obtained for the IEWB in order to evaluate possible differences between the standard HDI and the modified HDI (HDI-M). The proposed index was composed of four distinct dimensions: \"Consumption Flows\", \"Real Wealth Intergenerational Legacy\", \"Equity\" and \"Economic Security\". The main results demonstrated that, independently of the weights attributed in the index, Santa Catarina was the Brazilian state that revealed the highest economic well-being in relation to the others. On the other hand, Alagoas was the worst state. The comparison between GDP per capita and IEWB showed that, except for the Federal District, all states presented index of well-being greater than GDP per capita. In addition, it was observed that the Federal District loses its advantages when considering other aspects related to economic well-being. Moreover, it was found that there is not a regular behavior between the two indicators, consequently, it is not possible to assure that a state with a high GDP per capita will necessarily exhibit high levels of economic well-being and vice versa. The analysis of the HDI and the HDI-M allowed to observe that all federation units presented estimates of the modified index lower than the HDI, suggesting a possible overestimation when income per capita is used to evaluate the access to economic resources. Therefore, considering the necessity to construct a synthetic measure to determine the economic well-being, the IEWB demonstrated to be capable to measure more adequately the distinguished aspects associated with a decent standard of living.