M.Com. (Financial Management) / Working capital management (WCM) is considered critical for the success of all business and especially for small businesses. A recession (such as the one that took place in 2009) complicates the working capital management of small businesses. Working capital management of a sample of small and medium enterprises in South Africa were investigated to determine how they manage their working capital during challenging economic conditions. The impact of the 2009 economic recession on WCM was specifically investigated by following a quantitative descriptive research approach. The study sample consisted of 44 companies listed on the JSE Ltd AltX Index. A trend analysis was applied on WCM variables to determine significant changes overthe study period. Because variables were not normally distributed, the Mann Whitney U test was conducted to determine the statistical significance of the WCM mean ranks pre-, during and post-recession phases. The trend analysis of working capital management over the six-year study period exhibited a significant improvement in the working capital management level during the economic recession. This was largely attributed to delaying payment to creditors. The analysis of the WCM variables pre-, during and post-recession phases indicated that there were no significant changes in WCM that can be attributed to the 2009 economic recession. It was concluded that although there were changes in working capital management over the study period, the changes could not only be attributed to the 2009 recession.

The rise in globalization coupled with the exponential growth in technology has placed greater emphasis on a skills-based economy. This in turn has increased the demand for a labor force with advanced post-baccalaureate education. In order to better devise strategies and/or enact laws to promote, support and enhance post-baccalaureate education, it is imperative to understand the forces that drive or hinder individuals’ post-baccalaureate aspirations. Using PowerStats, an on-line analytical tool made available from the National Center for Education Statistics, I use data from the 2008/12 Baccalaureate and Beyond Longitudinal Study to develop a linear probability model of graduate enrollment incorporating variables informed by the research on human, social, and cultural capital as well as habitus. The results indicate that GPA, type of undergraduate institution attended, and expectation of post-baccalaureate credentials are statistically significant and positively associated with Master’s degree enrollment three years after earning a Bachelor’s degree. Older students and those with higher incomes, meanwhile, were found to have statistically significantly lower probability of graduate enrollment. Many of the variables previously used by researchers as proxies for social and cultural capital did not have a statistically significant effect in this model specification. This finding suggests that these measures may have been confounded by acting through other variables (interdependencies) in the model. This underscores the difficulty in assigning appropriate, direct and independent measures that capture the intended underlying effects proposed in Bourdieu’s theories. Additional research is needed in this area to better understand the influences that different groups experience in their pursuit of post-baccalaureate education. This dissertation also examines the impact of business cycle fluctuations on graduate enrollment over a thirty-year period, encompassing three major economic downturns, using a fixed effects approach. Using IPEDS enrollment data and national unemployment rates as a proxy for the business cycle between 1988 and 2017, I find graduate enrollment to be counter cyclical. Additionally, the expansion of Grad PLUS loans eased the credit constraint on graduate borrowing and seems to have had a significant and positive effect on graduate enrollment, regardless of the business cycle. While the expansion of Grad PLUS loans had a positive effect overall, there are racial differences that could suggest other barriers or constraints to graduate enrollment for minority groups during economic downturns.

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.

Problem When choosing topic for this study the economy was on the brink of a recession. Many experts made varying statements regarding this fact, and further readings in this area led us to question: can an in- clusion of gold enhance the performance in an index portfolio dur- ing recessions? And if so, how much should be allocated to gold? Purpose The purpose of this thesis is to look back at the historical price de- velopment of gold and DJIA during recessions in order to find out whether an inclusion of gold can improve a DJIA index portfolio held in today’s recession. In addition, by analyzing the risks and pos- sibilities with gold, the optimal allocation of gold in a DJIA portfolio will be investigated in.   Method The methodological approach will be of a quantitative data analysis approach. By using historical data, new empirical findings will be found by using the deductive approach. This method has been cho- sen due to the nature of the purpose and in order to best give a gen- eral answer to our research questions. Conclusion The gold price is strongly influenced by uncertainty, and even though an optimal allocation of gold in each recession could be found, no general optimal allocation applicable in today’s recession could be found. Gold has higher risk (higher variance) than DJIA, but is compensated with higher return as well.

<p><strong>Problem</strong></p><p>When choosing topic for this study the economy was on the brink of a recession. Many experts made varying statements regarding this fact, and further readings in this area led us to question: can an in- clusion of gold enhance the performance in an index portfolio dur- ing recessions? And if so, how much should be allocated to gold?</p><p><strong>Purpose</strong></p><p>The purpose of this thesis is to look back at the historical price de- velopment of gold and DJIA during recessions in order to find out whether an inclusion of gold can improve a DJIA index portfolio held in today’s recession. In addition, by analyzing the risks and pos- sibilities with gold, the optimal allocation of gold in a DJIA portfolio will be investigated in.</p><p> </p><p><strong>Method</strong></p><p>The methodological approach will be of a quantitative data analysis approach. By using historical data, new empirical findings will be found by using the deductive approach. This method has been cho- sen due to the nature of the purpose and in order to best give a gen- eral answer to our research questions.</p><p><strong>Conclusion</strong></p><p>The gold price is strongly influenced by uncertainty, and even though an optimal allocation of gold in each recession could be found, no general optimal allocation applicable in today’s recession could be found. Gold has higher risk (higher variance) than DJIA, but is compensated with higher return as well.</p>

Submitted in fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Technology: Business Administration, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2017. / This thesis was aimed at developing a model of growth through diversification, for shipping agencies in South Africa, under recessionary conditions. The study adopted a mixed methods approach, in seeking to develop a methodology to meet the aims of the research project; to develop a framework of diversification strategies for the shipping industry. The mixing of quantitative data and qualitative data not only enriched the findings but assisted with validation thereof, while achieving the research aims through the methodology adopted. The theoretical foundation of the study was on the theories of diversification, the theory of human behaviour and other economic principle theories, all of which were sampled among South African corporate executives in the shipping supply chain. Surveys were carried out using two structured research instruments in the form of questionnaires to collect quantitative data, with qualitative data collected through interviews, focus groups and observation. The data were analysed using triangulation to combine the results of the investigation. Statistical analysis was employed for the quantitative research and results illustrated in tables, combined with thematic analysis through qualitative research, to draw conclusions and recommendations on the study. The findings confirmed that there are opportunities for diversification into husbandry services, freight transportation, charterers’ services and other markets along the supply chain. Reasons for diversification among shipping firms include similar resource utilisation to service many functions, diversification to gain market leadership and poor performance in existing markets. The theory is not conclusive about whether related or unrelated diversification affects firm performance. The development of operation Phakisa, to focus on unlocking the economic potential of South Africa’s oceans, has not been addressed and needs more research into its feasibility and likely impact on the South African container shipping industry. There is need for management to mobilise resources, such that they can serve many functions and activities, and to build competences through human resources management. The study is relevant for the shipping supply chain executive, as it contributes to managerial decision-making, in terms of analysing their capability to create and apply knowledge in their competitive strategies. / D

Submitted by Arthur Moreira Saude (arthur-moreira@hotmail.com) on 2017-04-27T16:03:53Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Dissertacao Final.pdf: 947767 bytes, checksum: ca50219ab757930a6d88422c06d48234 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by GILSON ROCHA MIRANDA (gilson.miranda@fgv.br) on 2017-04-28T19:14:36Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 Dissertacao Final.pdf: 947767 bytes, checksum: ca50219ab757930a6d88422c06d48234 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2017-05-02T19:31:50Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Dissertacao Final.pdf: 947767 bytes, checksum: ca50219ab757930a6d88422c06d48234 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2017-03-31 / This paper aims to create an econometric model capable of anticipating recessions in the United States economy, one year in advance, using not only monetary market variables that are already used by economists, but also capital market variables. Using a data span from 1959 to 2016, it was observed that the yield spread continues to be an explanatory variable with excellent predictive power over recessions. Evidence has also emerged of new variables that have very high statistical significance, and which offer valuable contributions to the regressions. Out-of-sample tests have been conducted which suggest that past recessions would have been predicted with substantially higher accuracy if the proposed Probit model had been used instead of the most widespread model in the economic literature. This accuracy is evident not only in the predictive quality, but also in the reduction of the number of false positives and false negatives in the regression, and in the robustness of the out-of-sample tests. / Este trabalho visa desenvolver um modelo econométrico capaz de antecipar, com um ano de antecedência, recessões na economia dos Estados Unidos, utilizando não só variáveis dos mercados monetários, que já são indicadores antecedentes bastante utilizados por economistas, mas também dos mercados de capitais. Utilizando-se dados de 1959 a 2016, pode-se observar que o spread de juros de longo e curto prazo continua sendo uma variável explicativa com excelente poder preditivo sobre recessões. Também surgiram evidências de novas variáveis que possuem altíssimas significâncias estatísticas, e que oferecem valiosas contribuições para as regressões. Foram conduzidos testes fora da amostra que sugerem que as recessões passadas teriam sido previstas com acurácia substancialmente superior, caso o modelo Probit proposto tivesse sido utilizado no lugar do modelo mais difundido na literatura econômica. Essa acurácia é evidente não só na qualidade preditiva, mas também na redução do número de falsos positivos e falsos negativos da regressão, e na robustez dos testes fora da amostra.

Orientador: Nelson Prado Alves Pinto / Dissertação (mestrado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Instituto de Economia / Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-20T12:40:58Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Palludeto_AlexWilhansAntonio_M.pdf: 1520887 bytes, checksum: fd0fdb5d95f963d61e3cc17e5fe1ec88 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2012 / Resumo: O objetivo deste estudo é o de revisar as principais interpretações de inspiração marxista da Grande Recessão (2007-2009) e identificar as linhas centrais do debate que se trava em torno das suas origens e características fundamentais. Não tive, naturalmente, a pretensão de realizar um exame exaustivo da crescente literatura sobre o tema. Optei, ao invés disso, por selecionar aqueles estudos que me pareceram representativos das correntes teóricas mais importantes no interior do marxismo contemporâneo e, a partir disso, avaliar as suas respectivas posições no que diz respeito à crise recente. A fim de cumprir o objetivo proposto, o capítulo primeiro estabelece os principais conceitos e a metodologia de trabalho empregados ao longo deste estudo. Apresenta-se uma definição de crise, a distinção entre causa última e causa imediata e, por fim, o corte adotado para a organização da literatura. Foi possível demonstrar, desse modo, a existência de duas grandes abordagens no universo teórico marxista no que se refere aos determinantes últimos da crise recente: A - de um lado, aqueles que atribuem a turbulência à dinâmica de uma fase particular do capitalismo, à forma política/econômica/institucional específica assumida pelo sistema capitalista ao longo das últimas décadas, em suma, ao que se convencionou denominar, em diversos trabalhos, neoliberalismo; B - de outro, aqueles que veem a crise recente como uma manifestação própria da dinâmica capitalista em geral - e não do modo particular que esta supostamente apresenta. No primeiro grupo, Dúmenil, Lévy, Saad-Filho e Kotz, cujos trabalhos foram examinados no capítulo segundo, estão entre seus principais expoentes. Conforme se pôde observar, o argumento daqueles que defendem essa perspectiva centra-se, principalmente, na relação de poder entre as classes que compõem o capitalismo, sobretudo a capitalista e a trabalhadora, e no reflexo da configuração institucional formada a partir desta sobre a economia, particularmente sobre o comportamento do setor financeiro e a distribuição de renda. Por outro lado, segundo as análises empreendidas pelos integrantes do segundo grupo, do qual os adeptos da chamada Interpretação do Sistema Único Temporal da teoria do valor de Marx são os principais representantes, a argumentação baseia-se, sobretudo, no movimento traçado pela taxa de lucro e a acumulação de capital. Segundo demonstra o capítulo terceiro, o declínio da taxa de lucro em virtude da elevação da composição orgânica do capital é a hipótese básica para a explicação da Grande Recessão nessa abordagem / Abstract: The aim of this study is to review the main marxist interpretations of the Great Recession (2007-2009) and identify the main lines of the debate on its origins and fundamental characteristics. I did not intend to do a thorough examination of the growing literature on the subject. I opted, instead, to select those studies that seemed representative of the most important theoretical approaches in the contemporary marxism and then evaluate their respective positions with regard to the recent crisis. In order to achieve the proposed objective, the first chapter sets out the key concepts and methodology used throughout this study. It presents a definition of crisis, the distinction between the ultimate and immediate cause and, finally, the approach adopted to organize the literature. It was possible to demonstrate thereby the presence of two major approaches in the theoretical marxist universe with regard to determining the recent crisis: A - on the one hand, those who attribute the turbulence to the dynamics of a particular phase of capitalism, the specific political/economic/institutional form assumed by the capitalist system over the past decades; in short, to what may be called neoliberalism; B - on the other, those who see the recent crisis as a manifestation of general capitalist dynamics itself - and not the particular form that supposedly assume. In the first group, Dumenil, Levy, Saad-Filho and Kotz, whose works are examined in chapter II, are among its main exponents. As seen above, the argument of those who advocate this perspective focuses mainly on the power relationship between classes that constitute capitalism, especially the capitalist and worker, and the reflection of the institutional setting from that upon the economy, particularly on the behavior of the financial sector and income distribution. By contrast, according to the analyzes undertaken by members of the second group, which the supporters of the so-called Temporal Single System Interpretation of Marx's value theory are the main representatives, the argument is based mainly on the movement of the rate of profit and capital accumulation. As the third chapter demonstrates, the declining rate of profit because of the increasing organic composition of capital is the basic hypothesis to explain the Great Recession in this approach / Mestrado / Ciências Economicas / Mestre em Ciências Econômicas

This paper examines the ability of the yield curve to predict recessions in South Africa, and compares its predictive power with other commonly used variables that include the growth rate in real money supply, changes in stock prices and the index of leading economic indicators. The study also makes an attempt to find out if monetary policy explains the yield spread's predictive power with regards to future economic activity. Regarding methodology, the standard probit model proposed by Estrella and Mishkin (1996) that directly estimates the probability of the economy going into recession is used. Results from this model are compared with a modified probit model suggested by Dueker (1997) that includes a lagged dependent variable. Results presented in the paper provide further evidence that the yield curve, as represented by the yield spread between 3-month and IO-year government paper, can be used to estimate the likelihood of recessions in South Africa. The yield spread can produce recession forecasts up to 18 months, although it's best predictive power is seen at two quarters. Results from the standard probit model and the modified pro bit model with a lagged dependent variable are somewhat similar, although the latter model improves forecasts at shorter horizons up to 3 months. Compared with other indicators, real M3 growth is a noisy indicator and does not provide much information about future recessions, whilst movements in the All-Share index can provide information for up to 12 months but does not do better than the yield curve. The index of leading economic indicators outperforms the yield spread in the short run up to 4 months but the spread performs better at longer horizons. Based on the results from the study, it appears that changes in monetary policy explain the yield spread's predictive power. This is because the yield spread loses its explanatory power when combined with a variable representing the monetary policy stance of the central bank.

During the Great Recession of 2007 and 2008, liquidity and credit dried up, threatening the stability of financial institutions, particularly the banking firms. Traditional source of funds from the last resort, the Discount Window of the Federal Reserve System, failed to remedy the liquidity problem. To assuage the liquidity and credit problem, the Federal Reserve System established several emergency lending facilities and provided unprecedented amount of loans to the banking industry. Using a dataset published by Bloomberg LLP in the aftermaths of the financial crisis, which contains daily loan balances from the Fed, I conduct an event study to test whether financial markets are efficient in reflecting all public, anticipated and classified information in security prices. The most important contribution of this dissertation to the finance discipline and literature is the investigation and analysis of the Fed’s unprecedented loans to the banking industry during the Great Recession and the market reaction to it. The second major contribution of this study is the empirical test of strong form efficient market hypothesis, which has not been feasible due to legal data challenges. This dissertation has other contributions to the finance discipline and banking research. First, I develop an algorithm for measuring the amount of borrowing by banks. Second, I introduce a new “loan balance” ratio to traditional list of bank financial ratios. Third, I use event study methodologies to allow for cross-correlation, heteroscedasticity and event induced-variance change in studying US banks’ performance during the Great Recession.