No description available.

<p><font face="Times-Roman" size="3"><font face="Times-Roman" size="3"><font face="Times-Roman" size="3"><font face="Times-Roman" size="3"> <p align="left">The purpose of this research effort is to contribute to the discussion on consumer indebtedness and poverty, analyse the causes and levels of indebtedness as well as the role played by both the consumer and the credit provider in the growth of consumer indebtedness among the sampled population of the Cape Flats area of West Bank in the Western Cape Province of South Africa. The methodology used in this study included both qualitative and quantitative research approaches. The research methods comprised of a comprehensive literature study and secondary data analysis, immersion in the case study area in order to observe the consumer credit market dynamics and its trends. In-depth informal and semi-formal interviewing, focus group discussions as well as a questionnaire survey were also used to gather primary data.</p> </font></font></font></font></p>

Using data from the Michigan Consumer Survey, I explore alternatives for constructing the Index of Consumer Sentiment (ICS) to improve its forecasting power regarding consumption and its components. Questions which seemed to matter in the past are no longer good predictors. For more recent sample periods, expectations of automobile purchases, unemployment, and current economic situations are more important than categories selected previously. An alternative index is constructed accordingly. Applying different techniques suggested in the literature, the new index significantly outperforms the ICS in both in-sample and out-of-sample tests. Furthermore, the new index also produces more accurate results when forecasting recessions.

MIKALONYTĖ, Loreta. (2007) Lietuvos savivaldybių finansavimo šaltinių ir lėšų naudojimo vertinimas Magistro baigiamasis darbas Kaunas: Vilniaus universiteto Kauno humanitarinis fakultetas.78 p. SANTRAUKA RAKTINIAI ŽODŽIAI: savivaldybė, pajamos, išlaidos, mokestinės pajamos, dotacijos. Vietos savivaldos biudžeto formavimo principus ir metodus bei kitus biudžetinio proceso teorinius pagrindus nagrinėjo K.Ehrhart, S. Schwarz-Jung, H-Welge (1996), R. Šimašius (1998), A. Astrauskas (1999), J. Bivainis, A. Butkevičius (2002), Dominique Fausser (2004), Aleknavičienė V. (2005), Philip LeBel (2005), Hcristian Fournier, Silvana Petrolese (2005), tačiau nežinoma mokslininkų, kurie lygino Lietuvos ir užsienio savivaldybių biudžetinį procesą, išskyrė Lietuvos vietos savivaldos finansavimo šaltinių ir lėšų naudojimo problemas užsienio savivaldybių kontekste bei nurodė jų sprendimo kryptis. Tyrimo objektas – Lietuvos savivaldybių finansavimo šaltiniai ir jų panaudojimas. Tyrimo tikslas – vertinti Lietuvos savivaldybių finansavimo šaltinių ir lėšų naudojimo teorinius ir praktinius aspektus lyginant su užsienio šalių savivaldybėmis, įvardinti problemas ir nurodyti Lietuvos savivaldybių finansavimo ir lėšų naudojimo tobulinimo kryptis. Tyrimo uždaviniai: &#61607; vertinti vietos savivaldos biudžetinio proceso teorinius pagrindus, vietos savivaldybių biudžeto formavimo principus ir metodus, fiskalinę decentralizaciją, tarpbiudžetinį lėšų paskirstymą; &#61607; vertinti užsienio šalių... [toliau žr. visą tekstą] / MIKALONYTĖ, Loreta. (2007) Evaluation of Lithuanian Municipality Financing Source and Resource Consumption MBA Graduation Paper. Kaunas: Kaunas Faculty of Humanities, Vilnius University. 78 p. SUMMARY KEYWORDS: municipality, revenue, expenditure, return, subvention. The principles, methodes and other budgetary process theorical basics of local authorities budget‘s formation were studing K.Ehrhart, S. Schwarz-Jung, H-Welge (1996), R. Šimašius (1998), A. Astrauskas (1999), J. Bivainis, A. Butkevičius (2002), Dominique Fausser (2004), Aleknavičienė V. (2005), Philip LeBel (2005), Hcristian Fournier, Silvana Petrolese (2005). But we possibly can‘t find any scientist, who was comparing Lithuanian and foreign government‘s budget process, accentuated Lithuanian local government‘s financial source and recource using problems in context of foreign government, and showed it‘s solution trends. The subject of research is – Lithuanian government financial sources and practice of it. The aim of research is – to take financial sources and recources of Lithuanian government measure, also to compare it with foreign government, moreover to find out problems and to show Lithuanian government financing and source using tender tendency. The aim of research: • To explore theoretical evidence of local authorities, also the principles and methodes of budget’s formation, furthermore fiscal decentralization and interbudgetary resource distribution; • To study out financial sources and resources of... [to full text]

The Klein Karoo National Arts Festival (KKNK) is one of the most popular arts festivals in South Africa, but ticket sales have alarmingly declined since 2005 resulting in the Festival already being in a decline phase of its product life cycle. This has a negative impact on the Festival's economic impact and future sustainability. It is therefore vital to increase the ticket sales in order for the Festival to maintain a steady growth rate. Market segmentation can assist the Festival's marketers/organisers to address this problem by identifying the high spending segment at the Festival since they stay longer and are keener to buy tickets supporting the Festivals shows/productions. Market segmentation is the process of dividing the festival market into smaller, more clearly defined groups that share similar, needs, wants and characteristics. The more detailed the knowledge of the needs and motives of potential visitors, the closer the Festival can get to a customised festival program creating greater satisfaction, long-term relationships, repeat visits and an increase in tickets supporting the shows/productions. The main purpose of this study was therefore to determine the spending behaviour of visitors the KKNK by means of establishing the determinants which influence visitor's expenditure and by applying expenditure-based segmentation in order to determine the high spending segment at the Festival. To determine the above goal, the study is divided into 2 articles. Research for both the articles was undertaken at the Festival and data obtained from 2005 to 2008 were used. Questionnaires were interview-administered and distributed randomly during the course of the Festival. In total 1940 questionnaires have been completed in the visitor survey since 2005. Article 1 is titled: "Socio-demographic and behavioural determinants of visitor spending at the Klein Karoo National Arts Festival." The main purpose of this article was to identify the various socio-demographic and behavioural determinants that influence visitor spending at the KKNK. This was done in order to determine which visitors spend most at the Festival and which determinants are most significant in determining their expenditure levels. A regression analysis was used as an instrument to achieve the mentioned goal. Results indicated that occupation, distance travelled, length of stay, the reason for attending the Festival and preferred type of shows/productions were significant determinants that influence the amount of money visitors spent at the Festival. These results generated strategic insights on marketing for the festival in order to increase visitor spending especially on purchasing more tickets for shows/productions. Article 2 is titled: "Expenditure-based segmentation of visitors at the Klein Karoo National Arts festival." The main purpose of this article was to apply expenditure-based segmentation to visitors at the KKNK in order to identify the high spending segment at the festival. An analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to determine whether there were significant differences between the different expenditure groups. The Festival's market was divided into high, medium and low expenditure groups. Results revealed that the high spenders at the Festival were distinguishable from the low spenders based on their longer length of stay, older age, higher income, main reason to attend the Festival and preferred type of shows/productions. These results were used to compile a complete profile of the high spenders and how the Festival's appeal can be maximised in order to attract more high spenders. This research therefore revealed that certain socio-demographic determinants influence visitor's spending behaviour at the Klein Karoo National Arts Festival. There are further two distinct expenditure groups at the Festival, namely a high and low expenditure group. Knowledge of the determinants which influence visitor spending can be used in combination with the profile of the high spenders to maximise the Festival's appeal in order to attract more high spenders who buy tickets supporting the Festivals shows/productions. This will lead to an increase in ticket sales, a greater economic impact and ultimately to the continuous sustainability of the Klein Karoo National Arts Festival. / Thesis (M.A. (Tourism))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2009.

For employees to optimally perform at work, it is important that they are healthy. The employee is under constant work pressures that affects their health behaviour. The aim of this research is to look at the evident health risks of employees working within a financial institution, to analyze how physical activity influences these health risk factors and their medical costs. In this study a sample of 9860 self selected employees, aged between 18 and 64 (35.3 ± 10.7 years), was used. These employees are spread over all the provinces of South Africa and from all racial groupings. Differentiation was made between employees who were on chronic medication and those who were not. The Health Risk Assessment (HRA) questionnaire developed and provided by the medical aid of the institution was used as the analysis tool. Medical expenditures of the sample group were also provided by the medical aid and investigated. A national network of registered Biokineticists administered the implementation of the HRA, based on a set protocol. ANOVA was used for statistical data analysis - providing descriptive and summarising statistics. One-way analysis of variance was used to determine relationships between variables. It is clear from the descriptive data that the tendencies of selected health risks were high. The results also show that 37.6% (Diastolic) and 47.87% (Systolic) of the sample group comply with the normal borders of blood pressure. With regards to BM3, 32.3% were overweight and 25.3% within the boundaries of obesity. The average cholesterol of the group is 4.4mmol.L-l. The Physical activity levels were determined using an activity algorithm developed by the medical aid of the institution (described in detail in the thesis). Results show a low level of physical activity index (7.18 + 3.05) within the sample group. No statistical significance could be found between physical activity levels and medical expenditure, although those who are highly active seemed to have higher expenditure than those who are inactive. / Thesis (M.A. (Human Movement Science))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2009.

Various research studies have indicated that the prevalence of overweight and obesity among children and adolescents has increased worldwide and has, therefore, become a serious health problem. Besides the various health implications of childhood obesity, it can also have psychological consequences for these children and they have a greater risk than a normal weight child to suffer from poor self perception. The effect of a physical activity, diet and behaviour modification intervention on the total energy expenditure, physical activity levels and self perception of 9 to 12 year old overweight and obese children is, however, not clear. The aim of the study was firstly to determine the effect of a physical activity, diet and behaviour modification intervention on the total energy expenditure and physical activity levels of 9 to 12 year old overweight and obese children. Secondly, to determine the effect of such an intervention on the self perception, and more specifically athletic and physical self perception of these children. An availability sample of 20 overweight and obese subjects (13 girls and 7 boys) between the ages of 9 and 12 years with a mean age of 11 years, participated in a 13 week (3 times/week) multidisciplinary intervention programme. Actical® monitors were used to monitor energy expenditure as well as physical activity levels during 2 weekdays and 1 weekend day before and after the intervention programme. From the results, analyzed by means of t-testing and linear regression, it is apparent that the total energy expenditure of the group, when adjusted for the effect of the intervention, showed a significant increase (p < 0.05) and body fat percentage as well as waist and upper arm circumferences decreased significantly. Although not significant, a decrease of 2,9 kg in body mass and 2,00 kg.rh" in body mass index were also indicated. However, the moderate and high intensity physical activity levels of the groups decreased significantly after the intervention programme. A possible reason for this decrease can be ascribed to the fact that the post-test took place during the school holidays. Further analysis of the data also indicated that the group slept longer hours, which increased their hours spent in the sedentary activity zone. The group also spent more time during the day watching television which also contributed to a decrease in the percentage of time spent in the moderate intensity zone. It is, however, concluded that increased total energy expenditure alone could not bring about effective weight loss and must, therefore, be accompanied by activity in the moderate and high intensity zones. For the purpose of the second aim, twenty children (13 girls and 7 boys) between the ages of 9 and 12 years, with a mean age of 11 years, participated in a 13 week multidisciplinary intervention programme (3 times per week). Eighteen children (11 girls and 7 boys) between the ages of 9 and 12 years, with a mean age of 11 years, served as a control group. Self perception, which consisted of 6 subcomponents, was determined by using the Harter Scale for Self Perception (Harter, 1985). It is clear from the results of the t-test (p < 0.05) that all subcomponents of self perception of the experimental group, especially physical, athletic and global self perception, increased significantly in relation to the control group which remained the same in all the subcomponents (p > 0.05), while a decrease in their social self perception was noted (p < 0.05). The experimental and control group did not differ significantly before the intervention programme, therefore the significant differences with regard to the subcomponents during the post-test, confirm the effect of the programme. On the basis of the abovementioned results the assumption can be made that a multidisciplinary intervention programme holds various benefits for overweight and obese children and is, therefore, another strategy in the prevention of overweight and obesity in children in South Africa. A multidisciplinary intervention programme, as used in this programme, is not only advantageous for weight loss in overweight and obese children, but also significantly improves their self perception. / Thesis (M.Sc. (Human Movement Science))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2009.

Thesis (M.A. (Tourism))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2009.

The minibus taxi industry serves approximately 68% of the South Africans using public transport. It is credited with supporting black South African communities by providing a more accessible alternative to the public transportation. It has also been a primary activity for black entrepreneurship since the early 1970s up to the present. It also provides a strong example of enterprise serving as a platform for creating employment and for fighting poverty. However, its growth and prosperity is hindered by a number of challenges, some of which emanated from the past apartheid laws that restricted black economic policies. Some are related to the industry, such as continuing problems of persistent violence, at times resulting in death and safety concerns. In an effort to address these challenges, the National Department of Transport published a Taxi Recapitalisation Strategy (TRS). The TRS is not only about the replacement of old vehicles with new and safe vehicles, but presents the government with an opportunity to transform, empower and regulate the industry. The key pillars of the TRS are the scrapping of old taxi vehicles, the introduction of new and safe vehicles, effective regulations, empowerment of the taxi industry and law enforcement. This study measures the impact of the TRS on poverty levels and expenditure patterns of the taxi-mode commuters of the Vaal, situated south of Gauteng. It focuses mainly on the few townships identified; where the taxis are the most frequently used mode of transport. It has been shown that regulation of the taxi industry through the implementation of the TRS would lead to a rise in taxi fares and other consequences for the owners and users (passengers). Subsequently, this would result in increased levels of poverty and a change in expenditure patterns of most of the Vaal households. Although the levels of poverty have decreased in the townships of the Vaal as compared to 2003, the severity of poverty still remains in some households. Using the Household Subsistence Level (HSL) as the household's respective poverty line, 45.4% of the households have an income that is less than 50% of their HSL amount, indicating severe poverty. The headcount index was determined at 0.59 in 2006, indicating that 59% of households live below their poverty lines. The poverty gap index was determined at 0.45, reflecting that households lack on average 45% of income to attain a level equal to their poverty line. The impact of increases in taxi fares would then directly have a negative effect on the average standard of living of the Vaal households. To measure the impact of the TRS on expenditure patterns, affordability levels of the households of the Vaal were considered. The three scenarios used (taxi fares increase by 10%, 15%, and 20%) showed that the average monthly transport costs would rise by 9.9%, 10.3% and 10.6% respectively, following the implementation of the TRS. If user-targeted subsidies could be offered that would result in the taxi fare reduction, it could have an impact on expenditure patterns and poverty levels of the Vaal households. Applying the impact assessment model to households living below their poverty lines in the Vaal, increased government subsidy would supplement the existing incomes of these households. For instance, if a subsidy of 20% on taxi fares is offered, that is to make the taxi fare lower than the current fare, the poverty gap would decrease from 0.45 to 0.31 and the headcount index would be reduced from 0.59 to 0.48. This would reflect that households lacking income to attain a level equal to their poverty line is reduced by 14%.This suggests that the recapitalisation of the taxi fleet which is supported by a taxi fare subsidy is critical to ensure the provision of safe, affordable and efficient minibus taxis. In the case of even higher government subsidies, reduction in the cost of transport through government subsidies may supplement the existing income of households to such an extent that the headcount indexes for the population decreases even more. The study therefore concludes that poverty alleviation and improved standards of living among the Vaal households can only be achieved if appropriate subsidies which may lead to the reduction in the taxi fares can be provided. / Thesis (Ph.D. (Economics))--North-West University, Vaal Triangle Campus, 2008.

The Klein Karoo National Arts Festival (KKNK) is one of the most popular arts festivals in South Africa, but ticket sales have alarmingly declined since 2005 resulting in the Festival already being in a decline phase of its product life cycle. This has a negative impact on the Festival's economic impact and future sustainability. It is therefore vital to increase the ticket sales in order for the Festival to maintain a steady growth rate. Market segmentation can assist the Festival's marketers/organisers to address this problem by identifying the high spending segment at the Festival since they stay longer and are keener to buy tickets supporting the Festivals shows/productions. Market segmentation is the process of dividing the festival market into smaller, more clearly defined groups that share similar, needs, wants and characteristics. The more detailed the knowledge of the needs and motives of potential visitors, the closer the Festival can get to a customised festival program creating greater satisfaction, long-term relationships, repeat visits and an increase in tickets supporting the shows/productions. The main purpose of this study was therefore to determine the spending behaviour of visitors the KKNK by means of establishing the determinants which influence visitor's expenditure and by applying expenditure-based segmentation in order to determine the high spending segment at the Festival. To determine the above goal, the study is divided into 2 articles. Research for both the articles was undertaken at the Festival and data obtained from 2005 to 2008 were used. Questionnaires were interview-administered and distributed randomly during the course of the Festival. In total 1940 questionnaires have been completed in the visitor survey since 2005. Article 1 is titled: "Socio-demographic and behavioural determinants of visitor spending at the Klein Karoo National Arts Festival." The main purpose of this article was to identify the various socio-demographic and behavioural determinants that influence visitor spending at the KKNK. This was done in order to determine which visitors spend most at the Festival and which determinants are most significant in determining their expenditure levels. A regression analysis was used as an instrument to achieve the mentioned goal. Results indicated that occupation, distance travelled, length of stay, the reason for attending the Festival and preferred type of shows/productions were significant determinants that influence the amount of money visitors spent at the Festival. These results generated strategic insights on marketing for the festival in order to increase visitor spending especially on purchasing more tickets for shows/productions. Article 2 is titled: "Expenditure-based segmentation of visitors at the Klein Karoo National Arts festival." The main purpose of this article was to apply expenditure-based segmentation to visitors at the KKNK in order to identify the high spending segment at the festival. An analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to determine whether there were significant differences between the different expenditure groups. The Festival's market was divided into high, medium and low expenditure groups. Results revealed that the high spenders at the Festival were distinguishable from the low spenders based on their longer length of stay, older age, higher income, main reason to attend the Festival and preferred type of shows/productions. These results were used to compile a complete profile of the high spenders and how the Festival's appeal can be maximised in order to attract more high spenders. This research therefore revealed that certain socio-demographic determinants influence visitor's spending behaviour at the Klein Karoo National Arts Festival. There are further two distinct expenditure groups at the Festival, namely a high and low expenditure group. Knowledge of the determinants which influence visitor spending can be used in combination with the profile of the high spenders to maximise the Festival's appeal in order to attract more high spenders who buy tickets supporting the Festivals shows/productions. This will lead to an increase in ticket sales, a greater economic impact and ultimately to the continuous sustainability of the Klein Karoo National Arts Festival. / Thesis (M.A. (Tourism))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2009.