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

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

The effect of caregiver support on mental health outcomes in women caring for family members living with chronic illnesses: A case of Motsinoni village in Mopani district

This article looks at how carer support affects the mental health outcomes of women who look after family members with chronic illnesses in Motsinoni Village, Mopani District, South Africa. Caring for someone with a chronic illness is a difficult responsibility that frequently results in significant physical, mental, and emotional pain for those who provide it. Given the predominantly female caregiving population in this area, understanding their unique mental health challenges is vital. The research employed qualitative research approach with an in-depth interview 6 participants out of 30 women using 20% population sampling norm, exploring their experiences and perceptions regarding caregiver support systems. The findings reveal that emotional, social, and informational support significantly enhance the mental well-being of these women, easing feelings of isolation and stress associated with caregiving. Participants reported that access to community resources and support groups led to improved coping strategies, resilience, and overall mental health. However, a lack of institutional support often resulted in increased anxiety and depressive symptoms. This study highlights the importance of establishing comprehensive support networks to strengthen the mental health of female caregivers, thereby improving their quality of life. In conclusion, empowering caregivers through targeted interventions can mitigate mental health issues and foster a sustainable caregiving environment

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

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

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

Impact of renewable energy and green finance on economic development in the SADC region: a panel ARDL study

The Southern African Development Community (SADC) region possesses a variety of energy resources yet continues to face challenges in meeting its energy demands. The aim of the study was to examine the current status of renewable energy development and green finance systems in the SADC nations. The research employed panel autoregressive distributed lags (ARDL) on time series data from 16 SADC member nations spanning 2003 to 2022, utilising E-views 13. The study\u27s results indicate no causal relationship between the variables in the near term. Conversely, over the long term, an alteration in the net installed capacity of electricity generating plants in SADC accounts for 55% of the GDP. A variation in renewable energy shares within total final energy consumption adversely affects GDP by 155%, whereas renewable energy producing capacity adds 6.2%. The comprehensive model is statistically significant and possesses a negative coefficient. Consequently, ceteris paribus, investment in renewable energy within the SADC region can be adjusted at a rate of 96%. Moreover, green finance can substantially enhance the region\u27s energy infrastructure and diminish its reliance on fossil fuels over time. The results underscore the significance of private sector engagement and the advancement of green financing for both national and international development. According to the findings, regulatory authorities in the SADC area should augment investment in diverse new energy initiatives that may assist in alleviating climate change over the long term. The policy recommendation urges SADC to collaboratively engage with global climate financing mechanisms, develop regional green finance markets, and advance a low-carbon economy by fostering renewable energy expansion, encouraging private sector investment, and enhancing green finance initiative

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