The impact of governance on public enterprises management in Africa

Abstract: The strengthening of democratic governance institutions is a key factor for any development initiative. With these institutions in place, accountability becomes a yardstick to achieve greater results. This article therefore set out to explore the impact that decentralisation has on Public Enterprises. Decentralisation being an instrument of good governance, the article want to investigate if it applicability on state own enterprises could stimulate economic development. A policy of decentralisation could be considered as an important tool for economic development if the process is adequately implemented. Public enterprises were put in place in many countries to contribute to social development. However, past studies have shown that, public enterprises have not performed well over the past fifty year or so. Many failed because of lack of transparency and accountability. The central question around the thesis is why these public enterprises did not achieve the required results for which they were created and what is needed for corrective actions. The article concludes by proposing that, In order to ensure sustainability and economic expediency, it is important to consider decentralisation as a condition for public enterprises to achieve developmental results. The paper is divided into five major parts: The first part introduces the topic; the second provides definitions of key concepts while the third part gives a justification of decentralisation, part four provides discussions on key issues and the fifth presents concluding remarks and recommendations

The impact of decentralisation on public enterprises in Africa

Abstract: The strengthening of democratic governance institutions is a key factor for any development initiative. With these institutions in place, accountability becomes a yardstick to achieve greater results. This article therefore set out to explore the impact that decentralisation has on Public Enterprises. Decentralisation being an instrument of good governance, the article want to investigate if it applicability on state own enterprises could stimulate economic development. A policy of decentralisation could be considered as an important tool for economic development if the process is adequately implemented. Public enterprises were put in place in many countries to contribute to social development. However, past studies have shown that, public enterprises have not performed well over the past fifty year or so. Many failed because of lack of transparency and accountability. The central question around the thesis is why these public enterprises did not achieve the required results for which they created and what is needed for corrective actions. The article concludes by proposing that, In order to ensure sustainability and economic expediency, it is important to consider decentralisation as a condition for public enterprises to achieve developmental results. The paper is divided into five major parts: The first part introduces the topic, the second part argues about the rationale of decentralisation for the sustainability of public enterprises

Good governance and development : what are the perspectives for Africa’s development?

Abstract: Governance is always perceived as trustworthy benchmark for good practices in prediction for better results through transparency and accountability. This is the reason why Western liberal democrats considered good governance as a prerequisite for Africa’s socio-economic development. This school of thought inferred that, democracy is the panacea for Africa’s woes and precarious socio-economic predicament. On the other hand, the second school of thought spearheaded by those who challenge the myth of market liberalism, postulate that socio-economic development is an essential conditionality for establishing viable democracy. Their thinking in this line is strongly promoted by countries such as South Korea, Singapore, Thailand, Turkey, and South Africa, where socio-economic development has occurred either under non-democratic or outright dictatorial governments. After the institutionalization of their economic development, these countries then embarked on a dynamic democratization process. Compromise analysts posit that despite the apparent dichotomy between the two views, there is merit in both approaches, because there is a positive correlation between democracy, good governance and socio-economic development. This group therefore proposes the concurrent institutionalization of both democracy and economic growth through a process of adaptation. They recommend that such a process should be gradual and inclusive, comprehensive and systematic, taking into cognizance the dynamic peculiarities and socio-cultural realities of African countries. This paper critically examines these views arising thereof

Correlation between political instability and the rise of poverty in Africa

Abstract: This paper is a critical appraisal of the political economy for Africa’s development that has been marred by a number of challenges. The paper argues that, Africa’s indebtedness is the root cause of poverty that is related to maladministration and corruption. In the1970’s, a number of African countries were challenged by the falling prices of their commodities and this was exacerbated by the weakening of the terms of trade. This situation pushed African governments to start thinking of borrowing funds from international organisations such as the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) as well as other private lenders in order to support their budget deficits. The argument is, were these funds adequately used to serve the purpose that was to finance budget deficit and undertake development projects? However it is strongly argued that, the political instability in African countries is the result of lack of good democratic governance to manage public affairs. This paper tries to demonstrate the correlation between political Instability and the rise of poverty in Africa as the root cause of African challenges

Information and communication technology (ICT) : an effective tools for e-learning

Abstract: This research is based on the premise that, there is still a need to understand whether improvement in technology is appreciated, fully supported in the vision of contributing to the academic business in Africa. The aim of this research is to explore the extent to which the incorporation of technology in teaching and learning has so far benefited teachers and learners in Africa. The objectives of the study is to highlight the benefits of using e‐learning system to find out whether new technologies have enhanced teaching institutions in Africa

Empirical evaluation of china imports on employment in the South African textile industry

This paper is set to generate some empirical perspective on the impact of Chinese imports on employment levels in the South African textile industry. Using regression analysis as a method of inquiry, this paper critically assess the relationship that exist between textile imports and employment levels as well as between exchange rates and employment levels. South Africa’s imports data, employment data and exchange rate (South African Rand per Chinese Yuan) for the period 1993 to 2011 is used to analyse the relationship between high level of imports from China and employment levels in the industry. Initial findings reveal that an increase in the value of textile imports from China will cause a decline in employment levels in the South African textile industry

Impact of effective management of natural disaster for Africa’s development

Abstract: The escalation of natural disasters in the last two decades or so and their devastating effects on developing countries in general and Africa in particular, has been frequently mentioned in the topical literature. Devastating impacts in African and other developing countries have often been attributed to failure of formal (state and market) institutions for risk management, frequent in these countries. While the predominance of informal response mechanisms has been acknowledged in these countries, they are presumed to disintegrate in the face of covariate shocks. This paper argues that an overly ambitious emphasis on states and markets and a negligence of the role of informal, socially embedded institutions in the effective management of natural disasters is grossly responsible for the negative effects of natural disasters and their perverse implications on Africa’s development. A multi-sector framework that can be used for modeling natural disaster management in Africa which has the potential of reducing the negative consequences of disasters is suggested. This is based on the premise that natural shocks must be perceived as social phenomena that are best managed with the participation of those involved. Empirical evidence is included, and the implications of a multi-stakeholder approach to managing disasters to enhance development in Africa are discussed

Application of Total Quality Management (TQM) in the South African banking sector : the case of First National Bank (FNB) in South Africa

Abstract: Total Quality Management (TQM) is an essential tool for effective management. This tool takes into consideration three basics elements in order to produce quality, these include inter-alia: customer satisfaction, employee involvement and continuity in performance improvement. The study therefore set out to identify the barriers that impede the service and staff engagement portfolio to effectively implement TQM. The purpose of the current study is to collect original data in order to describe and measure the behaviour in a larger population. The initial or rather primary data for this study was obtained from an electronic administered survey which objective was to probe the kind of barriers that prevent effective TQM implementation in the service and staff engagement portfolio. The secondary data were collected through documents analysis and internet research

Innovation through the effects of solar water heating (SWH) in Africa

Energy is a useful component that has a positive impact to Africa’s socio-economic development. Its effect on households can therefore not be overlooked. Past studies revealed that, the role of the Solar Water Heater is to utilize the energy generated by the sun to heat water. The heating of the water is achieved via the collector. The tubes are filled with water which is heated during the day light hours and this hot water is stored in the main tank. The hot water rises in the tube and is replaced by the cooler water, which is at the lower level of the main tank. This cycle is repeated continuously throughout the day thus heating the water in the main tank. As hot water is drawn from the system, cold water is subsequently supplied. This paper is based on the review of the related literature to show the effects of solar water heating and the usage of innovative technology in residential homes. In particular, the description of SWH product, demand side management potential of solar water heaters, and the innovation diffusion reasons. Then, the conceptual framework as it relates to the innovation diffusion theory will be presented. Lastly, the development of the research problem is outlined. Using a theoretical framework, the paper is able to present the advantages and disadvantages of SWH in Gauteng, South Africa