Solar Modulation of Cosmic Rays

This is an overview of the solar modulation of cosmic rays in the heliosphere. It is a broad topic with numerous intriguing aspects so that a research framework has to be chosen to concentrate on. The review focuses on the basic paradigms and departure points without presenting advanced theoretical or observational details for which there exists a large number of comprehensive reviews. Instead, emphasis is placed on numerical modeling which has played an increasingly significant role as computational resources have become more abundant. A main theme is the progress that has been made over the years. The emphasis is on the global features of CR modulation and on the causes of the observed 11-year and 22-year cycles and charge-sign dependent modulation. Illustrative examples of some of the theoretical and observational milestones are presented, without attempting to review all details or every contribution made in this field of research. Controversial aspects are discussed where appro- priate, with accompanying challenges and future prospects. The year 2012 was the centennial celebration of the discovery of cosmic rays so that several general reviews were dedicated to historical aspects so that such developments are brie y presented only in a few cases.Comment: Published version available at http://www.livingreviews.org/lrsp-2013-

Die behoefte van verbruikers na kleinhandelsafsetpunte in die Soshanguve-gebied

Text in Afrikaans, abstract in Afrikaans and EnglishSuid-Afrika het ongekende verstedeliking ervaar en agtergeblewe verbruikers het hulle in gebiede in en om stede gevestig. Steeds toenemende verstedeliking veroorsaak enersyds probleme aangesien basiese infrastruktuurvoorsiening (elektrisiteit, water, en riool) ontbreek. Andersyds laat die afwesigheid van formele kleinhandelsfasiliteite in die agtergeblewe gebiede die vraag ontstaan wat hierdie verbruikers se behoefte aan afsetpunte behels. 'n Ewekansige-waarskynlikheidsnavorsingstudie met 'n steekproef van 300 huishoudings, 'n vraelys, en persoonlike onderhoude is onderneem om die agtergeblewe verbruikers in die Soshanguve gebied se behoeftes na kleinhandelsafsetpunte te bepaal. Die bevinding is dat die meeste verbruikers buite hul woongebied werksaam is, 'n gemiddelde inkomste van tot R2 000 per maand verdien, en dat taxi's die hoofvervoermiddel is. Kleinhandelsaankope word hoofsaaklik in Pretoria en Mabopane gedoen. Daar bestaan wel 'n behoefte na formele kleinhandelsafsetpunte, veral vir bederfbare produkte en kruideniersware soos voorsien deur bekende kleinhandelsintellings soos die OK Bazaars. Die ondersoek bevestig dat Soshanguve kleinhandelsbeleggingsgeleenthede bied vir verskeie kleinhandelsfasiliteite.South-Africa experienced unknown urbanisation and disadvantaged consumers flocked to the cities. Continuous urbanisation causes infrastructural problems such as a lack of electricity, water, and sewerage facilities. The absence of formal retail outlets in these areas poses the question what retailing needs these consumers do have. A simple random probability research study with a sample of 300 households, a questionnaire, and personal interviews was used to determine the disadvantaged consumers' needs for retail outlets in the Soshanguve area. The results indicate that most consumers work outside Soshanguve, earn an average of up to R2 000 per month, and use taxi's as a means of transportation. Retail purchases are made in Pretoria and Mabopane. There is a definite need for formal retail outlets, especially for perishables and groceries as provided by retailers such as OK Bazaars. The research confirms that there are retail investment opportunities in Soshanguve for the establishment of various retail facilities.Business ManagementM. Comm. (Business Management

Strategic Management of Tourism Stakeholders: Bakgatla-ba-Kgafela, South Africa.

Strategically developed tourism undoubtedly not only stimulates the economic prosperity of only regions or areas, but also adds to the prosperity of a local populace and the attractiveness of a region or area in its entirety. Sustainable tourism development, in particular in a rural region, can be a viable vehicle for regional development in a developing country as it contributes towards eliminating regional disparities, in particular between metropolitan centres and remote areas. Rural tourism forms an integral part of a range of economic activities and can be used as a linkage between economic sectors, for example agriculture and mining). Ecotourism further conserves the natural resources and culture of a rural community. Rural tourism, if thus strategically developed and managed, will make a substantial contribution towards the prosperity of rural communities. An important task management needs to deal with when formulating strategies are the demands and expectations of the varied stakeholders in terms of the anticipated outcomes of the goals decided upon. The focus of this paper is on the strategic management of tourism stakeholders in a rural setting and how it ought to be integrated into the economic, social, cultural, and local structures of a local community, that of the Bakgatla-ba-Kgafela (BBK) located in the North West province of South Africa. Sustainable tourism is a tool that can, besides stimulating the rural economy of the region, also reduce the urban-rural gap and contribute towards establishing an interconnected and prosperous community. The results obtained revealed that there is discrepancy between how tourism experts view tourism compared to how the local community regard tourism as a rural developmental aid. The Bakgatlaba-Kgafela Traditional Authority (BBKTA) is accountable for the sustainable development of tourism for the BBK rural area and all its stakeholders and should manage tourism and its stakeholders strategically

The impact of financial support on the success of small, medium and micro enterprises in the Eastern Cape province

Orientation: In developing economies, the growth of the economy could be fostered and enhanced by the expansion of the private sector, as this sector is the engine of economic growth. Consequently, it is necessary to accelerate the success of small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) to achieve sustainability in this sector of the economy. Research purpose: The main aim of this article was to determine the relevance of financial support offered to SMMEs by both private and public sectors on the success of businesses. Motivation for the study: The impact of finance on SMME performance is well documented from an international perspective. However, what lacks in extant literature is the understanding of whether the financial support being offered by both public and private sectors is relevant to the success of businesses. Research design, approach and method: A post-positivist paradigm was used with a quantitative research design, which made use of self-administered questionnaires to assess the relevance of financial support offered to SMMEs by both private and public sectors. Multiple regressions and correlations were computed to test the research hypotheses. Main findings: The findings suggest that SMME success is positively and significantly correlated with financial support for both private and public sectors. Practical/managerial implications: Although financial support is important, it needs to be restructured so as to incorporate practical aspects. Furthermore, private and public sectors should create an enabling environment that encourages the effective use of finances, which, in turn, will improve the success of businesses. Contribution/value-add: This article is of particular value to policymakers for ways to improve the success of SMMEs

Discipline in Education

This book addresses a perennial challenge to the success of the South African education system, namely, discipline. This volume steers the interrogation of discipline in a new direction, reflecting on ways in which recent research can benefit South African schools. This includes the need for alternative discipline that will enhance education. The scholarly contribution lies in its in-depth exploration of the relevance of research findings to South African schools and to the twenty-first-century socio-political environment. For the first time, scholarly interrogation of the issue of learner discipline in South African schools draws on indigenous knowledge systems. Its post-colonial and decolonial perspectives offer an ethical and moral compass for behaviour that could contribute to the well-being of South African society (and other societies similarly afflicted by anti-social behaviour). The book offers a range of perspectives on the debates on discipline and associated issues, and should stimulate future discussions on discipline and indiscipline at a time when South Africa and many other societies engage with the effects of social and political transformation. This scholarly book is aimed at academics and researchers. The contributors include philosophers, moralists, corporativists, education law specialists, curriculum specialists, specialists in education and culture, advocates of ubuntu, and people using meta-syntheses of approaches and practices and religious practices such as a Christian ethical/moral approach to parental and school discipline. They draw on their insights into postcolonialism, the impact of indigenous knowledge, theories of agency, dysfunctionality and school underperformance. The book offers an intriguing depiction of opposing views on discipline