DSpace Repository

Welcome to the NWU Repository, the open access Institutional Repository of the North-West University (NWU-IR). This is a digital archive that collects, preserves and distributes research material created by members of NWU. The aim of the NWU-IR is to increase the visibility, availability and impact of the research output of the North-West University through Open Access, search engine indexing and harvesting by several initiatives.

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Now showing 1 - 5 of 18

Recent Submissions

Evaluating the effect of the suggested carbon budgeting system on the hard-to-abate industry
(North-West University (South Africa)., 2025) de Oliveira Ramos Furlan, Márcia; Coetzee, J.C
Background: Carbon pricing mechanisms are considered powerful instruments to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in a global effort to respond to climate change. In South Africa, a carbon tax has been implemented, and a proposed carbon tax rate of R640 per tonne of CO2eq will be charged as a penalty for emissions exceeding the carbon budget allocation. Hard-to-abate industries, including iron and steel, cement and chemical manufacturing, contribute significantly to the GHG emissions in the country but are hard-to-abate because they lack available low-carbon technologies at industrial scale and will require significant investment to decarbonise fully. There is a need to explore the effectiveness and feasibility of both carbon pricing mechanisms on the hard-to-abate industries while the industry cannot make the transition to ensure a sustainable, feasible transition to a low-carbon economy. Objective: The study aims to determine the effect of the suggested R640 per tonne of CO2eq carbon tax penalty as part of the carbon budget system over and above the carbon tax on the hard-to-abate industry in South Africa. It will explore potential opportunities, challenges, and implications for the industry and civil society. Method: This study followed an interpretivism paradigm associated with an inductive research approach, originating from an empirical investigation applying qualitative data collection and constructing theory throughout the research process. A pragmatic philosophy was followed as well as a non-probability interview strategy. A crosssectional time horizon, data collection based on information from interviews applied in a single period and to a restricted number of participants. Correlation with theory, legislation, and other information already in the public domain regarding carbon pricing mechanisms implemented in South Africa was also considered. Results: The study determined that the suggested R640 per tonne of CO2eq carbon tax penalty as part of the carbon budget system over and above the carbon tax would significantly affect the hard-to-abate industry in South Africa. The study identified the challenges experienced by the hard-to-abate sector to fully decarbonise, opportunities, and negative implications. The study presents recommendations to possibly support the hard-to-abate industry in transitioning to a just and equitable low-carbon economy.
Adapt or preserve: lecturers’ experiences of teaching and learning during the covid-19 pandemic in south africa and their self-directedness
(The International Academic Forum, 2024) Mahlaba, S. C.; Mentz, E.
The COVID-19 pandemic that has engulfed the whole world has given rise to a number of previously disguised challenges to higher educational institutions (HEIs). In the blink of an eye, lecturers had to facilitate learning in remote environments without any prior training. What aroused the interest in this study was the need to know how lecturers at one university dealt with the sudden shift to remote teaching during the pandemic. The way in which lecturers dealt with the shift may reveal their self-directedness. Using a qualitative open-ended questionnaire, we explored lecturers’ experiences of facilitating remote learning during the pandemic with the aim of uncovering their experiences and exploring how these experiences revealed lecturers’ self- directedness. The findings suggest that lecturers had both positive and negative experiences about facilitating online learning in their remote areas. We concluded that, even though lecturers experienced challenges in facilitating remote learning, most of them were able to introduce solutions to those challenges, indicating some element of being self-directed learners.
A systematic review of key success factors in postgraduate studies
(Hryhorii Skovoroda University in Pereiaslav, 2024) Nwosu, L. I.; Segotso, T.; Enebe, N. B.; Nyakuwanika, M.
Background: Massification of higher education and growth in undergraduate students has propelled a wave of students seeking advanced degrees. Increasing numbers of postgraduate students reflect the performance of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and highlight the need to study key elements affecting postgraduate academic success. Purpose: This systematic literature review (SLR) aims to identify key success factors related to postgraduate studies. Research approach: The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines were used to guide the reporting of this review. Articles in ScienceDirect, Jestp.com, Ed.gv, Tandfonline.com, Oup.com, Springer.com, Researchgate.net, Sagepub.com, Wiley.com, Alt.ac.uk, and Stor.org were searched between January 2013 and January 2023. Results: A final 28 studies from 14 countries were reviewed to provide a holistic assessment of major factors affecting postgraduate academic success. The most common success factors in postgraduate studies are teaching and learning methods, quality research supervision, research capacity building, library services, Postgraduate Student Office workshops, and student characteristics. Limitations within some factors were also reported. Conclusion and implication: The study concluded that postgraduate students’ ability to function effectively depends on adequately implementing and managing critical and complex factors. The results of the study will inform postgraduate programme practitioners.
Assessing the critical factors influencing bank card usage in international transactions: A prisma approach
(NWU, 2024) Enebe, N. B.; Nwosu, L. I.; Enwereji, P.; Mahlaule, C.; Tlotlo
This study systematically evaluates the critical factors influencing bank card usage on international transactions using the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) approach. Despite the increasing significance of bank cards in facilitating cross-border transactions, there is a gap in understanding the determinants shaping consumers’ decisions to use bank cards internationally. Hence, the research objective is to address this gap by synthesising existing literature to identify common themes, patterns, and gaps related to bank card usage in international settings. A systematic review of relevant studies was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines, including a comprehensive search strategy, study selection, data extraction, and synthesis. Through the synthesis of existing literature, common themes such as convenience, security, cultural influences, regulatory frameworks, and consumer barriers were identified. The study highlights the emergence of contactless payment technologies as a significant driver of bank card usage globally. Practical implications derived from these findings suggest the need for tailored strategies by financial institutions, policymakers, and businesses to enhance the accessibility, security, and efficiency of cross-border payment systems. Recommendations include fostering collaboration among stakeholders to maximise the potential of contactless payment technologies, addressing cultural, demographic, and socioeconomic factors in international contexts, and implementing forward-looking regulatory frameworks to promote trust and innovation in cross-border transactions.
Determining the Nexus between Entrepreneurship Education and Self-efficacy on Students’ Entrepreneurship Interest in South Africa
(Business Rescue Unit, School of Accounting, Economics and Finance, University of KwaZulu-Natal, 2024) Enebe, Ngozi Blessing
Purpose: This study aims to explore the intricate relationship between entrepreneurship education, self- efficacy, and undergraduate students’ interest in entrepreneurship. With youth unemployment escalating in South Africa, entrepreneurship education emerges as a potential remedy to this economic challenge. Recognized as a catalyst for economic growth and innovation, entrepreneurship demands fostering an entrepreneurial mindset and skill set among higher education students, accompanied by the cultivation of self-efficacy to ignite entrepreneurial interest. Given the pivotal role of entrepreneurship interest in motivating and facilitating post-graduation business start-ups, understanding this dynamic is crucial. However, scant attention has been paid to investigating the nexus between entrepreneurship education, self-efficacy, and students’ entrepreneurship interests. Methodology: This study adopts an Integrative Literature Review (ILR) approach and regulatory focus theory to synthesise existing research and insights on this topic. Result: The study found that students have two motivational orientations; promotion and prevention orientations. Promotion-focused individuals tend to be more proactive and risk-tolerant, thus exhibiting higher levels of self-efficacy in entrepreneurial endeavours. Conversely, prevention-focused individuals may prioritize security and stability, potentially leading to lower self-efficacy in entrepreneurial contexts. Recognizing these differences in regulatory orientation can inform the design of tailored interventions to enhance self-efficacy among students with diverse motivational profiles. Originality: By delving into diverse perspectives and theoretical frameworks, this review shed light on the multifaceted interactions shaping students’ entrepreneurial aspirations within the South African context. Through an integrated approach, this study aims to offer fresh insights and recommendations for educators, policymakers, and practitioners seeking to nurture entrepreneurship potential among South African youth.