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Abstract - Critical Analysis of Transformative Interventions Mainstreaming Historically Disadvantaged Black South Africans into the Mining Sector
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Abstract: Mining in South Africa has experienced racial discrimination with regard to beneficiation. It has primarily benefited white elites during the apartheid era causing undesirable inequality and escalation of poverty for the Black South Africans. Currently, South Africa has one of the highest level of inequality in the world which may be attributed to most of the means of production still being in the hands of white minority. Despite mineral resources being the common heritage of the people of South Africa, both black and white, under the custodianship of the State. Mining has always formed the backbone of South Africa’s economy and in the last two decades it has contributed significantly towards employment and economic growth. But, most of the Historically Disadvantaged Black People have not benefited from it. It is against this backdrop of exclusion that this article examines the innovative minerals interventions introduced to adequately unlock economic potentials of mining for the benefit of the black majority. This article is novel and contributes to the body of knowledge using transformative innovative interventions in the mining industry to mainstream previously denied black majority to take active part in the processes of beneficiation. This article accentuates that to some greater extent, implementation of the interventions would alleviate poverty, promote inclusion and create jobs as the black majority would be able to be part and parcel of exploring, processing and converting mineral resources to finished products and benefit broadly. Keywords: Natural resources, Beneficiation, Entrepreneurship, Poverty alleviation, Job opportunities. |
Abstract - Current State and Prospects of Russia – China Trade Development in the BRICS Format
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Abstract: Motivation: The substantiation of the scientific problem and the practical value of the study are determined by the enhanced cooperation of the BRICS countries, in particular the growing weight of Russia and China on the world stage. The main objective of the study: is to analyze the problems of the development of bilateral trade between China and Russia and to provide a statistically proven forecast for this trade for 2019-2020, as well as to develop recommendations for the improvement of bilateral trade relations. Novelty: The author’s statistical model was developed and its testing was presented through confirming the 24-month forecast of bilateral trade between Russia and China. The model involves solving various problems of bilateral trade. Recommendations for improvement of bilateral trade relations are proposed through formation of an investment and innovation model of bilateral trade. Keywords: Key indicators of BRICS countries development, the structure of trade between Russia and China, a forecast of mutual trade development for 2019-2020, an investment and innovation model, trade development prospects. |
Abstract - Demand for Narcotics in Thailand, with Policy Implications
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Abstract: The paper examines the demand for narcotic drugs, based on Becker (1968), as purported rational behavior of human beings. The results from sampling surveys in eight provinces in Thailand in 2014, representing nationwide drug users/addicts, show that the demand for narcotics (amphetamines, ice drug, and marijuana) are price inelastic (between -0.533 and -0.701), as well as normal goods. The key econometric coefficients in models A and B are 0.192 and 0.0467, respectively, and an increase in income will lead to an increase in the demand for narcotics. In addition, factors affecting the demand for narcotics are the age and age squared of the user, friendship, family member relationship, social relationship, reasons for drug use, risk behavior, and expected punishment. Public policy implications are also proposed and analysed. Keywords: Price elasticity of demand, Narcotics, Amphetamines, Ice drug, Marijuana, Policy implications. |
Abstract - Defining the Role of Competition in the Airport Industry: A Critical Assessment
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Abstract: Defining the relevant market is a preliminary step in every assessment of the degree of Significant Market Power (SMP). A firm with total market power can raise prices without losing any customers to competitors. SMP exists when prices exceed marginal cost and long run average cost, so the firm makes economic profits. The contribution of this paper is two-fold. On the one hand, a critical assessment of the role of competition in an industry/sector is performed. To this end, we discuss the most recent quantitative and qualitative techniques in market delineation. On the other hand, we try to shed some light on the competitive constraints in the Cypriot airport industry where little prior knowledge is evident. Although the airport industry is a crucial economic sector and has oligopolistic, to some extent even monopolistic structure, there is no standard and universal approach established by the National Competition Authorities (NCAs) for exact categorization of market delineation. Τhis paper tries to perform a thorough market power assessment in order to analyse all the competitive constraints faced by an airport operator, regardless of whether they arise from within or outside the relevant market(s). Keywords: Competition, Relevant market, Significant market power, Airport industry. |
Abstract - Demand Planning Information Sharing: N ZAR
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Abstract: Organisations are currently faced with difficulties in effectively aligning demand plans to the volatile environments in which they operate. While operating environments and consumer needs change, capacity capabilities often do not reflect the demand plans. The absence of alignment results in inaccurate forecasts, thus putting the long-term sustainability of a business at risk. The focus and aim of the study is to understand how demand planning information are shared at N ZAR for optimal performance. A quantitative explorative case study research design is being used and data was collected through a structured self-administered questionnaire in this study. The sample size was 86, which comprised of employees from Demand and Supply Planning, Finance and Control, Sales and Marketing divisions. The sample includes top management, middle management, first level management and non-management. Data analysis uses descriptive and multivariate statistics. The study findings show most of the participants responded positively to the statements that information sharing achieves demand chain coordination. This study recommended that top management should provide full support to information sharing initiatives to facilitate the demand planning process. Keywords: Capacity, constraints, demand chain, forecasting, information sharing. |