Holding momentum on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange

With an observational research design, using only publicly available stock price data, this paper demonstrates that momentum extends beyond the medium term (3 to 12 months) when generating momentum profiles for individual stocks via a preset term-structure, showing as clusters of momentum. Profiling shifts the focus onto the holding period and classifies momentum cycles on the eventual outcome as mini, regular, ultra, super and hyper, depending on duration. Results show that major cycles comprise many minor cycles. Medium-term momentum or regular cycles, therefore, may consist of several mini cycles. The main finding of this paper is that there is potential to remain in active cycles for several years, thereby holding momentum. Institutional investors and portfolio managers may use momentum profiling as a secondary or supplementary tool in addition to their own proprietary models as individual momentum profiles enable discretionary entries and exits into active cycles. The custom momentum index, updated at short intervals with variable members, may give some indication of the current state of momentum in a market as an increase in index members corresponds with an increase in momentum activity. The custom index, therefore, may be useful to portfolio managers when tracking the overall momentum in a market

Effectiveness of team teaching in project-based learning entrepreneurship education: An integrative review

Entrepreneurship education plays a crucial role in equipping students with the necessary skills and mindset to tackle economic challenges, promote innovation, and stimulate job creation. In the contemporary world, where youth unemployment presents significant concerns, innovative teaching methods such as Project-Based Learning (PBL) and team teaching are increasingly recognized. This study investigates the effectiveness of team teaching within the PBL framework, highlighting its importance in enhancing Entrepreneurship Education. PBL engages students in real-world projects, connecting theoretical knowledge with practical application while fostering critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration skills. The incorporation of team teaching into PBL brings together diverse expertise and interdisciplinary perspectives, fostering a comprehensive learning environment. Through collaborative instruction, facilitators from various disciplines co-design and deliver curricula, offering students valuable insights into the multifaceted nature of entrepreneurship. This approach not only deepens understanding but also exemplifies teamwork and adaptability—skills vital for entrepreneurial success. The study utilizes an integrative literature review, drawing from both primary and secondary sources to evaluate the impact of team teaching on Entrepreneurship Education. The findings suggest that team teaching enhances student engagement, skill development, and entrepreneurial competencies by leveraging the collective expertise of facilitators. However, successful implementation necessitates careful planning, alignment of teaching styles, and robust collaboration among instructors. The contemporary business environment, characterized by prevalent socio-economic challenges, team teaching within PBL provides a strategic approach to foster entrepreneurial readiness. The study emphasizes the need for further research to refine team teaching strategies, ensuring they effectively address the unique challenges faced in higher education and entrepreneurship across the world. These insights contribute to the broader conversation on advancing Entrepreneurship Education on a global scale

Exploring stochastic volatility in financial market

Financial markets areconstantly fluctuating in response to a range of factors. These fluctuations connote volatility which are unpredictable behaviour that deviates significantly from the patterns observed in stable conditions. It is therefore important to use standard stochastic volatility models to capture the time-varying nature of volatility during periods of financial distress in other to make informed decisions. The aim of this study was to explore stochastic volatility in financial markets during periods of financial distress using a Heston model. The sample financial markets were, the CAC 40, the DAX, the JSE, the Nasdaq Index and the Nikkei-225. The 2007/2008 financial crisis and the Covid-19 pandemic were used as sample time frames. The findings of this study revealed extortionate stochastic volatility during the Covid-19 pandemic compared to the 2007/2008 financial crisis. Since the 2007/ 2008 crisis stemmed from a collapse in the financial system, the nature of the event was more localized within the financial sector and had a somewhat more predictable unfolding than the Covid-19 pandemic. By Implication, it may be suggested that it was more difficult to price assets during the Covid-19 pandemic due to extreme uncertainty which resulted in inflated option premiums as investors sought hedging strategies

Understanding the drivers of customers\u27 continuance intention to use AI chatbots in e-commerce

The e-commerce experience has been transformed by artificial intelligence, which has also opened new avenues for customer communication through chatbots. This study aims to examine how chatbot characteristics influence continuance intention in e-commerce. Specifically, it explores how interactivity, compatibility, information quality, and service quality affect users\u27 perceptions of chatbot usefulness and enjoyment. A quantitative approach using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) was employed for data analysis. The main findings reveal that (i) information quality and service quality positively influence both perceived usefulness and perceived enjoyment of chatbots, which in turn enhance continuance intention; (ii) compatibility positively affects perceived enjoyment but not perceived usefulness; and (iii) interactivity moderates the relationship between information quality and both perceived usefulness and enjoyment. This study extends the Technology Acceptance Model by incorporating service-related and interactive factors, contributing to the growing body of knowledge on consumer behavior and technology adoption in e-commerce. The findings offer valuable insights for chatbot designers, managers, and customer service practitioners

Assessment of water governance institutions and their roles in smallholder irrigation schemes of Nzhelele Area, Limpopo Province

Smallholder irrigation schemes have been a significant strategy to ensure food security and poverty reduction in rural areas worldwide. Despite the efforts by the South African government to rehabilitate and revitalise smallholder irrigation schemes, the schemes have been performing below expectations. This follows the failure of water governance institutions to execute their roles within the schemes, thus affecting optimum agricultural production. Therefore, it is against this background that this study sought to assess water governance institutions and their related roles at Nzhelele area of Vhembe District, South Africa. A mixed-methods research design was adopted. Fifty-six farmers were selected through a census sampling method to participate in qualitative and quantitative data collection using a semi-structured interview guide and a questionnaire. Qualitative data were analysed using Atlas.ti, Version 8.0 software to perform thematic content analysis. Quantitative data were analysed using SPSS version 28 for descriptive statistics. The study revealed that there are various water governance institutions within the schemes, namely, the scheme committee, the Water Users Association, and the Informal water institutions. These water governance institutions have varied roles regarding irrigation water governance within the schemes. Based on the findings, this study recommends that water governance institutions should be active in performing their roles and responsibilities in irrigation schemes to foster improvement in adherence to the water rules and regulations in place

The perception of correctional officers towards rehabilitation of offenders: A case study of selected correctional centres in the Limpopo Province

Correctional officers’ attitudes and perceptions about the treatment of offenders can affect an inmate’s experience within a correctional institution. Correctional officers meet offenders daily, and their influence on how offenders experience their detention cannot be overestimated. The perception of correctional officers towards the rehabilitation of offenders needs to be investigated for the benefit of the department, community, and offenders. The study aimed to determine correctional officers\u27 perceptions toward rehabilitating offenders. The study used a quantitative research approach. A probability purposive sampling approach was used to select the participants. The study found that correctional officers are key in communicating with offenders and providing trustworthy advice to improve their lives. Correctional officers working in correctional centres may assist in rehabilitating offenders by communicating needs and risks to parole officers, parole boards, judges, or probation officers. Offenders should be punished for the crime/s they have committed. Increasing the severity of punishment does little to deter crime. The study recommends that basic training of correctional officers should include issues of the rehabilitation of offenders. Correctional officers who engage offenders in rehabilitation should receive performance management bonuses. Moreover, correctional officers should be briefed on the content of the programmes offered by custodial therapists

Modelling intrusion detection systems using swarm intelligence

Conventional intrusion detection systems encounter difficulties in addressing advanced cyber threats and handling the increasing volume of network data.  This research presents a modernisation strategy by integrating swarm intelligence algorithms to enhance the efficiency and efficacy of intrusion detection.  This research employs qualitative observational and content analysis methodologies to investigate the utilisation of swarm intelligence in improving intrusion detection systems.  Findings demonstrate substantial enhancements in detection rates and system efficacy, with swarm intelligence algorithms attaining a true positive detection rate of over 99% and minimising false positives to as low as 2%.  These findings highlight the impending substitution of conventional intrusion detection systems with swarm intelligence-based alternatives, offering significant enhancement in cybersecurity capabilities

Barriers to accessibility: An exploratory study of the physical and attitudinal barriers experienced by students living with disabilities in the South African higher education institutions

This exploratory study investigates the physical and attitudinal barriers faced by students with disabilities in South African higher education institutions. Utilizing a qualitative research approach with an exploratory design, the study aimed to provide in-depth insights into the multifaceted challenges that impede access to education for students. A comprehensive desktop review was conducted, involving the collection and analysis of secondary data from various institutional reports, policy documents, and scholarly literature related to disability and higher education in South Africa. Data were systematically transcribed and analyzed using thematic analysis, which allowed for the identification of recurring patterns and themes related to both physical infrastructure and societal attitudes. Findings indicate that students face significant physical barriers, including inadequate campus facilities, inaccessible classroom layouts, and a lack of assistive technologies, which hinder their full participation in academic life. Furthermore, attitudinal barriers, characterized by stigma, negative perceptions, and insufficient awareness among staff and students, contribute to social exclusion and academic marginalization. The study highlights the gap between disability policies and their implementation, underscoring the need for improved institutional commitment to inclusive practices. Ultimately, this research calls for a comprehensive approach to enhance accessibility, encompassing both structural improvements and the fostering of a more inclusive and supportive campus culture

The challenges and government support for SMEs at Sol Plaatje Municipality in the Northern Cape Province of South Africa

Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are essential catalysts for economic expansion and employment generation in local communities. Nonetheless, their elevated failure rate presents a considerable risk to economic sustainability. This study examines the fundamental difficulties leading to SME failures in the Sol Plaatje Local Municipality (SPLM) in the Northern Cape, South Africa, and analyses viable ways to improve their sustainability and growth. Data were gathered using a qualitative research approach through semi-structured interviews with 15 SME owners recruited via non-probability sampling. Thematic study, utilising ATLAS.ti software, identified multiple persistent challenges encountered by SMEs in the region. These encompass restricted access to technology, deficient infrastructure, financial limitations, poor training, elevated unemployment, constrained market access, and safety issues. Factors like delayed payments, political meddling, unfair competition, the repercussions of the Covid-19 outbreak, and insufficient mentorship further impede SME development. The study assessed current government support channels, highlighting their benefits and deficiencies. The findings highlight the necessity for focused policy interventions, capacity-building measures, and enhanced support structures to bolster the resilience and long-term sustainability of SMEs in SPLM

Unlocking the power of autobiographical memory: Exploring its potential in enhancing teaching and learning in African contexts

This paper focuses on autobiographical memory. The focus of this paper is to encourage African learners to use autobiographical memory in a classroom setting to write stories and short autobiographies that contribute to their own development, the development of IsiXhosa writing, and revival of the stories of Xhosa learners. This paper also depicts that creative work of African learners could emerge from one’s autobiographical memory work. Encouraging ‘autobiographical memory’ enable remembering the histories of African people in South Africa. This study uses the qualitative research design to explore the potential of autobiographical memory in enhancing teaching and learning in African contexts. The sample is made up of three Xhosa literature books from renowned authors such as Peter Tshobiso Mtuze, Sindiwe Magona, Archibald Campbell Mzolisa Jordan. Key findings from the study show that autobiographical memory helps in preserving culture, challenges colonial histories, and enhances education. The research confirms that the integration of memory-based storytelling into African classrooms will strengthen learning, self-awareness, and cultural knowledge