Browsing Faculty of Business by Title
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Ongori, H.; Agolla, J.E. (Academic Journals, http://www.academicjournals.org/AJBM, NaN, 2009)[more][less]
Abstract: This research finding is based on the responses obtained from the undergraduate students at a higher learning institution (University) in Botswana. This paper investigated the stressors, symptoms and effects that are likely to be experienced by the undergraduate students in higher institutions (Universities). Stressors related to time, academic pressure, and academic environments were explored. A total of 320 students participated in this study. Data was collected through selfadministered questionnaires that were randomly distributed to the students during lecture time. Data obtained was analysed using descriptive statistics and Tables. The open ended question was thematically analysed and the result presented in Table 5. It was found out that, academic workload, inadequate resources, low motivation, poor performance in academic, continuous poor performance in academic, overcrowded lecture halls, and uncertainty of getting job after graduating from the university lead to stress among students. It is hoped that, these findings will help the individual students, lecturers, career and counselling centres, and the university administrators to put in place mechanisms that mitigate the effects of stress at the University. In addition, the finding will also spur a scholarly debate on academic stress among students in higher institutions. We therefore suggest that, other researchers should consider using triangulation method. The limitation of our study was the sample size and lack of geographical coverage since our study only concentrated on one university. Therefore, the findings of this study cannot be generalised and as such the researchers suggest replication of this study using larger samples from other parts of the world to validate our findings. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/837 Files in this item: 1
Ongori_ERR4_2009.pdf (1.161Mb) -
Temtime, Z.T. (Faculty of Business, University of Botswana, http://www.ub.bw/ord/ord_journals.cfm?pid=540&rf=545, March NaN, 2004)[more][less]
Abstract: Although the relationship between planning and profitability is inconclusive, there is much consensus in the strategic management literature that no firm can survive in todayâ s turbulent and competitive markets without some form of business planning. This paper examines the business planning practices of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) with special reference to the planning processes and contents. Data were collected from 87 SMEs in three cities in the Republic of Botswana through a structured interview. The findings of the study indicated that owner-managers of SMEs are not actively involved in the planning process. Instead they use external consultants and advisors to prepare their business plans, which they use primarily for the purpose of external validation and legitimacy. Although both small and medium sized firms put greater emphasis on operational and short-term survival oriented issues than strategic activities, the study found that there is a positive relationship between firm size and planning practices. As a firm grows in market share or number of employees, owner-managers tend to actively engage in the planning process. The study stresses the critical importance of business planning process rather than business plans in developing strategic thinking and awareness in SMEs. Some suggestions and implications for future research are also discussed. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/179 Files in this item: 2
license.txt (1.998Kb)temtime_BJB_2004.pdf (2.774Mb) -
Temtime, Z.T.; Mmereki, R.N. (Emerald Group Publishing Limited, www.emeraldinsight.com, NaN, 2011)[more][less]
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the degree of satisfaction and perceived relevance of the Graduate Business Education (GBE) programme at the University of Botswana. Design/methodology/approach – A self-administered questionnaire and face to face interviews were used to collect data from Master of Business Administration (MBA) participants on their reason for studying MBA, level of satisfaction, and the extent to which the skills and experiences obtained correlate with those required by the corporate world. The data were analyzed using simple descriptive statistics. Findings – The majority of the respondents are male adults attending part time MBA classes and working full time in administrative positions in the public and private sectors. The study found that improved managerial skills, career development and broader business insights are major reasons for joining the MBA programme, while employability and economic gains were ranked low as driving forces. Even though the overall satisfaction with the programme is mixed and inconclusive, the MBA programme has assisted participants to develop basic management and administration skills. However, the programme puts greater emphasis on conceptual, technical and analytical skills than on problem solving, innovation, communication and entrepreneurial skills which are perceived to be most needed by employers, implying a relevance gap. What the MBA participants learnt does not correlate with what they perceived to be most needed by employers. Research limitations/implications – Since the findings are based on perceptions of MBA participants, the conclusions drawn from these findings must be considered tentative and interpreted with care. Future research must include representative sample of all MBA stakeholders such as faculty, students, graduates, employers and administrators to get rich information about quality of inputs, processes and products of MBA programme. Practical implications – There is strong need for the MBA programme to integrate traditional management and administrative skills with experiences and skills relevant for today's world of work. Bridging the growing theory-practice gap requires attracting professors with practical business experience, revising staff recruitment policies and procedures, establishing formal partnership with external organization, and develop long-term strategies to reduce teaching load and staff turnover. Originality/value – Most of the studies on the relevance and quality of GBE programmes are conducted in western higher education institutions, very little has been done in African universities. This is the first of its kind in the context of Botswana, an important contribution to existing literature and foundation for further advanced studies in the area. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/860 Files in this item: 1
Temtime_QAE19_2011.pdf (1.911Mb) -
Phambuka-Nsimbi, C. (Academic Journals, http://www.academicjournals.org/AJBM, NaN, 2008)[more][less]
Abstract: Globalization of trade is increasing the world competition and this has resulted in a growing number ofcountries and individual businesses seeking survival beyond their internal resources. Thus, the role ofbusiness clusters has become increasingly important and has gained more attention from both policymakers and academia, particularly in developed countries. This paper reviews the literature on clustersand their contribution to building competitive advantage for businesses. The review relies mostly onresearch that was conducted in developed countries, with only little evidence found in developing ones.The research reveals benefits that businesses can enjoy by clustering, among which are the sharing ofstrategic business information, innovation, market access, labour pooling and proximity to suppliersand customers. Associated challenges of clustering are also explored. The paper also points out somepractical insights for policy makers and research implications for researchers in developing countries. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/866 Files in this item: 1
Phambuka-Msibi_2008_AJBM2.pdf (884.8Kb) -
Marobela, M. (Botswana Journal of Business, Faculty of Business, University of Botswana, September NaN, 2006)[more][less]
Abstract: In Africa as in other parts of the world critical management research is assuming a lot of significance. There is now a felt need to break away with positivist or empiricist research, which has over years assumed hegemonic status in the philosophy of science. Positivist blind insistence on experimentation and causality as the hallmark of rigorous research is no longer credible and sustainable. One of the apparent problems with the traditional view of research is that it conflates philosophy with methodology and methods. This paper examines a new research paradigm called critical realism. A key component of realism is that it embeds research methods in philosophy, for realism ontology matters. It is argued that realism provides an important metaphysical depth to research. Its theoretical perspective grounded on generative mechanism and stratification and emergence is crucial in explaining contemporary global changes and their impact on organisations. By integrating the macro and the micro domain critical realism offers a new dynamic in the conceptualisation of management where events that we see occurring at the surface level are traced to the deeper unobservable mechanisms, which shape phenomenon. Some weaknesses of critical realism are also discussed, especially its failure to historicise the dialectics of labour and capital. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/61 Files in this item: 2
bjb_marobela.pdf (167.1Kb)license.txt (1.998Kb) -
Ongori, H.; Agolla, J.E. (Academic Journals, http://www.academicjournals.org/AJBM, July NaN, 2007)[more][less]
Abstract: Workforce diversity is a primary concern for most of the businesses. Today's organisations need to recognise and manage the workforce diversity effectively. Many articles have been written about this topic but there is specific definition of workforce diversity. The main purpose of this article is to review the literature of workforce diversity. What is workforce diversity? What are the benefits of workforce diversity in organisations, what management can do to enhance workforce diversity in organisations? What are the disadvantages of workforce diversity? These questions are the main purpose of this article. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/813 Files in this item: 1
Ongorri_AJBM_2007.pdf (723.3Kb) -
Temtime, Z.T.; Chinyoka, S.V.; Shunda, J.P.W. (Emerald Group Publications, www.emeraldinsight.com, NaN, 2004)[more][less]
Abstract: There is a general consensus among public policy makers, academics and researchers that entrepreneurship is a vital route to economic advancement for both developed and developing economies. As a result, a host of small business assistance programs are conducted by public, private and nonprofit organizations. Although the need for intergrating these programs has always been a high priority on the national agenda for public policy and research in entrepreneurship, their implementation particularly in developing economies is characterized by fragmentation and lack of coordination. Small business assistance will be meaningful if they are designed in a holistic and systematic way and implemented with a view to achieve long term sustainable development. This paper offers a conceptual framework for designing an integrated model of small business assistance. The paper identifies the major characteristics of small firms and potential small business assistance programs, and presents a decision tree model that matches the characteristics of firms with appropriate assistance program(s). A case study of small business assistance programs in the Republic of Botswana was conducted to provide an empirical evidence of the need for an integrated design or model. Finally, conclusions, discussions and the implications of the model for policy makers, practitioners and further research are presented. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/1059 Files in this item: 1
TEMTIME_JMD_2004.pdf (1.334Mb) -
Temtime, Z.T.; Chinyoka, S.V.; Shunda, J.P.W. (Journal of Management Development; Emerald Group Publishing Limited; www.emeraldinsight.com/0262-1711.htm, NaN, 2004)[more][less]
Abstract: There is a general consensus among public policy makers, academics and researchers that entrepreneurship is a vital route to economic advancement for both developed and developing economies. As a result, a host of small business assistance programs are conducted by public, private and nonprofit organizations. Although the need for integrating these programs has always been a high priority on the national agenda for public policy and research in entrepreneurship, their implementation particularly in developing economies is characterized by fragmentation and lack of coordination. Small business assistance will be meaningful if they are designed in a holistic and systematic way and implemented with a view to achieve long term sustainable development. This paper offers a conceptual framework for designing an integrated model of small business assistance. The paper identifies the major characteristics of small firms and potential small business assistance programs, and presents a decision tree model that matches the characteristics of firms with appropriate assistance program(s). A case study of small business assistance programs in the Republic of Botswana was conducted to provide an empirical evidence of the need for an integrated design or model. Finally, conclusions, discussions and the implications of the model for policy makers, practitioners and further research are presented. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/12 Files in this item: 2
license.txt (1.998Kb)temtime_decision_tree.pdf (5.483Mb) -
Pansiri, J. (Elsevier Science B.V., Amsterdam.; www.elsevier.com/locate/tourman, NaN, 2008)[more][less]
Abstract: This study examines the effects of characteristics of alliance partners on perceived strategic alliance performance. Alliance relationships were explored within and between the travel sector, and other tourism sectors of accommodation and transport. Study results indicate company executives' high level of satisfaction with alliances performance. Commitment and capability has been found to positively influence general satisfaction with alliance performance, market share and profitability, and overall alliance performance while trust positively influence general satisfaction with alliance performance. Control was found to have an influence on satisfaction with technology transfer and alliance operational performance while compatibility was positively associated with general satisfaction with alliance performance. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/79 Files in this item: 2
license.txt (1.998Kb)Pansiri_TM_2008.pdf (5.794Mb) -
Temtime, Z.T. (Science Publications / ANSI Journals; http://www.ansijournals.com/3/c4p.php?id=1&theme=3&jid=jas, NaN, 2001)[more][less]
Abstract: Although environmental scanning is a key concept in management research, its application and importance, particularly in developing African countries, is not well investigated. Scanning the company's external environment for the purpose of exploiting opportunities and minimizing threats in a precondition for the survival and success of firms in the developed economies. Does this precondition also apply to African developing countries like Botswana? Are firms in Botswana formulating their strategies for the attainment of organizational goals without scanning their environment? If not, what are their scanning behaviours? Data were collected from a randomly selected sample of 44 firms in Botswana. Findings indicated that companies in Botswana do scan their environment and use the information in major managerial decision-making processes, particularly in strategy formation. Though more importance is attached to the customer / market, competition and economic sectors, corporate leaders in Botswana tend to rely more on impersonal and internal sources as opposed to personal and external sources to analyse an increasingly uncertain sector, This scanning practice calls for the attention of researchers in strategic management in developing countries. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/187 Files in this item: 2
license.txt (1.998Kb)temtime_pjas_Jul2001pdf.pdf (715.6Kb) -
Kitindi, E.G.; Mgaya, V.K. (Institute of Finance Management, NaN, 2006)[more][less]
Abstract: This study was undertaken to collect the views of practicing accountants in Botswana on a number of skills considered essential for any gradute in Accounting. Questionnaires were delivered to 250 accountants employed by various organisations in the country. Responses were received from 69 practicing accountants. These accountants were of the view that Accounting lecturers tend to be out of touch with market and competitive expectations because they are isolated from business professionals. Of the essential skills expected for accounting graduates, financial accounting was found to be the most critical technical skill, knowledge of Accounting packages and spreadsheet software were the most critical IT skills, and analytical/critical thinking was found to be the most critical vocational skills. The study concludes that tertiary institutions should try to design their curricula to ensure that their accounting graduates possess the essential skills in the Botswana market. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/707 Files in this item: 1
kitindi.pdf (6.022Mb) -
Pansiri, J. (Elsevier Ltd, www.elsevier.com, NaN, 2009)[more][less]
Abstract: This paper gives an insight into the practical process of identifying the research philosophy, methods and research topic by doctoral students. The paper draws from personal experiences on the dilemma and challenges of the doctoral research process in the tourism management. I argue that finding the gap in the literature is a journey negotiated with the literature until the final days of the doctoral thesis. However, not all my experiences are captured in this paper. Therefore, it cannot be claimed that all experiences that doctoral students go through were evaluated, especially that the paper is based on the account of one person - myself. Other students may have different experiences. The significance of this paper is that it identifies the ways in which doctoral studies evolve and identifies further research opportunities in multi-disciplinary research in tourism. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/812 Files in this item: 1
Pansiri_TM_2009.pdf (1.189Mb) -
Temtime, Z.T. (Science Publications / ANSI Journals; http://www.ansijournals.com/3/c4p.php?id=1&theme=3&jid=jas, October NaN, 2001)[more][less]
Abstract: This paper reviews the usefulness of the project management approach in promoting organisational and managerial flexibility in traditional organisations in developing countries. Three aspects of project management, viz. organisational structure, organisational behaviour, and planning and control tools, that have immense potential to alleviate these problems are reviewed. The need for indigenous managerial approaches in developing countries, and addressing some of the problems that hinder organisations from exploiting the potential benefits of the project management scheme are discussed. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/186 Files in this item: 2
license.txt (1.998Kb)temtime_pjas_Oct2001pdf.pdf (611.1Kb) -
Temtime, Z.T. (WileyInterscience, http://www.wileyinterscience.com, NaN, 2008)[more][less]
Abstract: Today’s business environment is characterized by stiff competition, rapid technological advancements, and changing requirements of customers and employees. To grow and survive in this turbulent environment, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) must balance the emphasis they put on the improvement of short-term operational efficiency and long-term competitiveness. Due to the apparent lack of resources and expertise, most SMEs pay very little attention to long-term competitiveness and dynamism. Preoccupied with operational bits and pieces, SMEs lack strategic awareness and orientation. Strategic awareness is a mental process of continually evaluating organizational and environmental factors and improving on how they are identified, recognized, influenced, and interpreted, and consequently used in making strategic business decisions. The widespread use of short-term oriented, non-formal business planning practices indicates lack of strategic awareness and competitiveness among SMEs. This paper examines the degree of emphasis attached by SMEs, during their business planning, to the achievement of long-term competitive advantages by presenting evidence from a recent empirical study based on data collected from 91 SMEs and analyzed using descriptive statistics such as mean and standard deviation. The findings indicated that SMEs put greater emphasis on short-term profitability and operational efficiency than developing strategic awareness and long-term competitiveness. Although this could be attributed to the relative lack of resources required for the implementation of strategic planning, policy deployment, and positioning, SMEs should be assisted to think and act strategically if they are to survive and grow in today’s turbulent and dynamic markets. Government agencies, policy-makers, consultants, non-governmental organizations, and other small business support agencies must redirect their efforts toward bridging the gap between short-term operational efficiency and strategic competitiveness and sustainability. This paper provides managerial and policy implications for SMEs, SME support agencies, government and non-government agencies, and future research. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/841 Files in this item: 1
Temtime_SC17_2008.pdf (1.252Mb) -
Mobarek, A.; Mollah, A.S. (World Scientific, www.worldscientific.com, NaN, 2005)[more][less]
Abstract: The paper investigates the underlying factors that determine share returns on the Dhaka Stock Ex change. The empirical analysis does not support the critical condition of the Capital Asset Pricing Model of a positive relationship between share return and beta. However, it shows that variables such as size, price to book, volume of shares traded, earnings yield and cash flow yield have a significant influence on share returns. The degree and direction of relationship among the variables are similar to other emerging markets, but are not always consistent with developed markets perhaps due to lack of homogeneous expectations regarding risk return characteristics and different market microstructure. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/798 Files in this item: 1
Mobarek_RPBFMP_2005.pdf (2.071Mb) -
Sathyamoorthi, C.R. (Science Publications, http://www.thescipub.com, NaN, 2002)[more][less]
Abstract: Botswana is fast developing country and has witnessed remarking progress in areas of agriculture and industry since independence. The eighth National Development Plan covering 1997/98 -2002/03 period has economic diversification as its central theme. Botswana's strong external position provides flexibility in achieving increased employment through industrial development. Every country aims at achieving self-suffiency through producing what the country needs. Governments do encourage industries to enhance production to satisfy internal and external demands. Encouragement and incentives would be in the form of financial assistance, state protection etc. and through this the state aims at achieving considerable improvemnt in enterpreneurship performance. The Government of Botswana is quite active in promoting small, medium and micro enterprises through its policies in industrial development. This paper looks at the government policy on SMME and the performance of these enterprises in relations to the policies and assistance. It also considers the contribution of SMME towards the country's economic growth. The global market has changed considerably as also the activities of small, medium and micro entreprises. Today, for business to survive, dynamism and enterpreneurship must exist in its fullest degree. The study has tried to measure the level of global sense and growth oriented mind of these enterprises, as they are considered essential to withstand global competition. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/830 Files in this item: 1
Sathyamoorthi_PJAS2_2002.pdf (1.134Mb) -
Pansiri, J. (WileyInterscience, www.wileyinterscience.com, NaN, 2007)[more][less]
Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to examine the role of company executive characteristics in strategic alliance formation in the tourism sector of travel. A survey of Australian travel sector businesses was carried out and the result indicate a high level of interaction through alliances between various sectors of the Australian tourism industry. Top managers' characteristics (experience, ownership,and risk taking attitude)were found to be influential in taking strategic decisions of whether to form alliances or not. These characteristics do not play an important role in determining the number of alliances an organisation has and their geographical location, as much as company characteristics do. The findings of this paper imply that company characteristics are important in determining alliance formation. Managers should thoroughly consider these characteristics when deciding not only to form alliances, but also the type of alliances that could help their organizations to be more competitive, give limited resources. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/821 Files in this item: 1
Pansiri_IJTR9_2007.pdf (1.900Mb) -
Bonu, N.S.; Motau, P. (Academic Journals, http://www.academicjournals.org, April NaN, 2009)[more][less]
Abstract: Traditional schools of thought advocated the theory of low income tax rates’ influencing economic development, whereas modern schools of thought propagated the theory of higher income tax rates producing greater economic growth, especially for developed nations. In order to justify these thoughts an attempt was made taking Botswana as a case study to pin point the effect of low and high income tax rates on economic growth. In this study various parameters were taken into account including income tax rates, income tax revenue, total revenue and GDP of the country in the nominal and real value of the money. It was located that low income tax rates boosted the economic growth of Botswana. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/1085 Files in this item: 1
Bonu and Motau_JAT_2009.pdf (1.699Mb) -
Biza-Khupe, S. (EuroJournals Publishing, http://www.eurojournals.com/REFAS.htm, NaN, 2011)[more][less]
Abstract: Financial information regulation forms an integral part of consumer financial markets, while market efficiency provides a measure of the aptness of any financial regulatory architecture. There has been a noticeable shift in paradigm in financial information regulation globally. Many governments are demanding increased financial information disclosures from financial institutions to investors and borrowers. To the extent that the Global Financial Crisis (GFC) has been attributed to a lax financial regulatory regime, there has been an increased propensity for control and disclosure. This stance has gained impetus despite evidence suggesting that increased financial information disclosures breed information oversupply. Information oversupply adversely effects individuals’ rationalisation and financial decision-making processes, a matter which impedes on the overall market efficiency. Despite the proliferation of financial information oversupply in consumer financial markets, this phenomenon has remained relatively unexplored. This paper contributes to the literature by conducting an empirical exploration of the determinants of financial information oversupply emanating from the prevailing information regulatory regime. A model incorporating both the psychological and cost/benefit theoretical streams is proposed and tested using data collected from Melbourne residents in Australia. The Cost of Information Search and Prior Memory Structure were found to significantly influence the dependent variable, while the dependent variable did not significantly relate to Credit Experience and Age. The implications of the study are discussed and areas for further research suggested. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/1087 Files in this item: 1
Biza-Khupe_RFAS_2011.pdf (1.901Mb) -
Mgaya, K.V.; Kitindi, E.G. (Inderscience Publishers, http://www.inderscience.com, NaN, 2008)[more][less]
Abstract: Information Technology (IT) skills are important for practising accountants and accounting educators. This paper reports on a study done to evaluate the levels of IT skills of practising and accounting educators in Botswana, as well as their views on the important IT skills for practising accountants. A questionnaire was administered to 27 accounting lecturers and 250 practising accountants. Respondents were asked to indicate their IT skills levels as well as their views on the important IT skills that practising accountants should have. The results show that the self-reported IT skills of practising and accounting educators are lower than what they think practising accountants should have. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/584 Files in this item: 1
E.G.Kitindi.at.el-ISAPAB.pdf (1.742Mb)