The global financial crisis: trying to understand the global trade downturn and recovery

This paper aims to shed light on why the downturn in global trade during the intensification of the financial crisis in 2008Q4-2009Q1 was so severe and synchronized across the world, and also examines the subsequent recovery in global trade during 2009Q2-2010Q1. The paper finds that a structural imports function which captures the different and time-varying importintensities of the components of total final expenditure can explain the sharp decline in global imports of goods and services. By contrast, a specification based on aggregate total expenditure can not fully capture the global trade downturn. In particular, panel estimates for a large number of OECD countries suggest that the high import-intensity of exports at the country-level can explain a significant proportion of the decline in world imports during the crisis, while declines in the highly import-intensive expenditure category of investment also contributed to the remaining fall in global trade. At the same time, the high and rising import-intensity of exports also reflects and captures the rapid growth in “vertical specialisation”, suggesting that widespread global production chains may have amplified the downturn in world trade and partly explains its high-degree of synchronisation across the globe. In addition, the estimates find that stockbuilding, business confidence and credit conditions also played a role in the global trade downturn. Meanwhile, the global trade recovery (2009Q2-2010Q1) can only be partially explained by differential elasticities for the components of demand (although the results confirm that the upturn in OECD imports was also driven by strong export growth and the associated reactivation of global production chains, as well as the recovery in stockbuilding and the fiscal stimulus). This may be due in part to the many policy measures that were implemented to boost global trade at that time and which can not be captured by the specification. JEL Classification: E0, F01, F10, F15, F17financial crisis, forecasting, global trade downturn and recovery, Globalisation, import-intensity of components of total final expenditure, synchronisation, timevarying parameters, vertical specialisation

The global financial crisis: trying to understand the global trade downturn and recovery

This paper aims to shed light on why the downturn in global trade during the intensification of the financial crisis in 2008Q4-2009Q1 was so severe and synchronized across the world, and also examines the subsequent recovery in global trade during 2009Q2-2010Q1. The paper finds that a structural imports function which captures the different and time-varying importintensities of the components of total final expenditure can explain the sharp decline in global imports of goods and services. By contrast, a specification based on aggregate total expenditure can not fully capture the global trade downturn. In particular, panel estimates for a large number of OECD countries suggest that the high import-intensity of exports at the country-level can explain a significant proportion of the decline in world imports during the crisis, while declines in the highly import-intensive expenditure category of investment also contributed to the remaining fall in global trade. At the same time, the high and rising import-intensity of exports also reflects and captures the rapid growth in “vertical specialisation”, suggesting that widespread global production chains may have amplified the downturn in world trade and partly explains its high-degree of synchronisation across the globe. In addition, the estimates find that stockbuilding, business confidence and credit conditions also played a role in the global trade downturn. Meanwhile, the global trade recovery (2009Q2-2010Q1) can only be partially explained by differential elasticities for the components of demand (although the results confirm that the upturn in OECD imports was also driven by strong export growth and the associated reactivation of global production chains, as well as the recovery in stockbuilding and the fiscal stimulus). This may be due in part to the many policy measures that were implemented to boost global trade at that time and which can not be captured by the specification

GIS-based Geotechnical Microzonation Mapping using Analytic Hierarchy Process: A case study in Shire-Endasilasie City, Tigray, Northern Ethiopia

This study deals with the development of a Geographic Information System (GIS)-based geotechnical microzonation model/map using Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) for Shire-Endasilasie, a rapidly growing city in Tigray, northern Ethiopia. The influencing factors considered as inputs for the development of the model are (i) slope gradient, (ii) bed rock and soil type, (iii) swelling potential of soil and (iv) depth to groundwater level. The factors and the classes within each factor are assigned weight and rank values respectively. To avoid subjectivity, the assignment of weight and rank values and the analysis are done by the application of AHP method. From the weight and rank values of the layers, geotechnical suitability indices were calculated using a Weighted Linear Combination (WLC) model in GIS. These continuous numerical index values have been divided into different classes. The classification result implies that the less suitable zone represents the areas that require a detailed geotechnical investigation, the moderately suitable zone represents a provisional settlement area, and the suitable zone represents the areas that are best suitable for settlement.Keywords: GIS, Analytic Hierarchy Process; Geotechnical microzonation model; Foundation, Shire-Endasilasie,Tigray, Ethiopia

Mining law and policy : a comparative analysis of South Africa and Zimbabwe’s mining laws and policy regimes

South Africa and Zimbabwe are both well endowed with mineral resources. Both countries share a history of colonization by white settlers with Zimbabwe getting its independence in 1980, followed by South Africa in 1994. Like most countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, they rely on their natural resources for sustenance. In their case, the mining industry has therefore contributed significantly to their development. This study has illustrated the different mineral legislation and regulatory mechanisms in place for managing this important sector. In addition, to its mining and mineral legislation, South Africa has developed the Mining Charter and its associated regulations, to regulate its mining industry. A comparative analysis of the mineral rights and tenure has been in the two jurisdictions has been made. Zimbabwe’s mineral regime has been found to be lagging behind not only South Africa, but to most of the region’s regimes. Issues of adhering to the rule of law and respecting international laws and covenants have been highlighted especially in the case of Zimbabwe. Black economic empowerment programmes in the two countries were discussed, with Zimbabwe again coming short. Recommendations for Zimbabwe following South Africa’s example were proffered. The same applies to environmental issues and sustainable development, Zimbabwe need to follow a more coherent path. Harmonisation of mineral regimes within the SADC region was recommended. Further recommendations to achieve this goal were put forward.Dissertation (LLM)--University of Pretoria, 2010.Centre for Human Rightsunrestricte

The Influence of Teaching Effectiveness and Grading of Students’ Work on how Students Evaluate Their Lecturers

This article presents an experimental test of the effects of teaching effectiveness and grading on evaluation of lecturers by students. Although lecturers’ grading of students’ work presents a key confounding variable in studies that investigate the influence of teaching effectiveness on lecturer evaluations by students, most existing studies use correlational studies. This makes it difficult to separate the effects. In the present study, teaching competence and lecturer’s grading of students’ work were manipulated orthogonally, in a between-participants design, with a sample of Zimbabwean students, to test their effects on the students’ endorsement of the lecturer , and also on potential lecturer evaluation. Hence, there were four experimental conditions: low-teaching competence-low grading, low teaching competence-low grading, high teaching competence-high grading and high teaching competence-high grading. The study tested the following specific hypotheses: (1) The low teaching competence-low grading condition would receive the lowest ratings on dependent measures; (2) The high teaching competence-high grading condition would receive the highest ratings. Results were largely in line with the hypotheses. These results show the benefits that accrue to  instructors through giving students high grades. In particular, lecturers with low teaching competence can ‘buy’ better student ratings by assigning higher grades to students' work, while those with high teaching competence can enhance their ratings even more by giving high grades. Importantly, competent lecturers who grade their students lowly seem to be at the greatest disadvantage, in that they receive rather low ratings. The results indicate the flaws inherent in student evaluations of lecturers when their (lecturers’) levels of competence are also taken into consideration.  The results are further discussed in regards with the necessity to refining related research, and more rigorous evaluation methods of lecturers’ performance in the classroom

Socio-economic factors contributing to juvenile delinquency in Zimbabwe: A social work perspective

The study was conducted at a time when a growing concern has emerged about increasing incidents of juvenile delinquency in Zimbabwe. Adopting a social work lens, social process theory, a qualitative research approach and a case study research design, this paper presents findings on some of the socio-economic factors contributing to juvenile delinquency in Zimbabwe. The study targeted caregivers of juvenile delinquents in Highfield, a high-density suburb of Harare, where children received services from Care at the Core of Humanity and key informants who work with children in conflict with the law (juvenile delinquents) at the same organisation. Ten primary participants and two key informants were purposively sampled. Data were collected using in-depth interviews and analysed through thematic analysis. The analysis revealed several socio-economic factors contributing to juvenile delinquency, including peer influence, poverty, an abusive home environment, substance use, supernatural phenomena and the media. Findings also show that children are a product of their environment; thus, a healthy socio-economic environment guards against juvenile delinquency. This research provides a foundation of knowledge and evidence to inform practice and interventions. The researchers recommend that social workers engage in positive parenting skills training with caregivers to protect children from engaging in unlawful behaviour

EXPLORING THE EXPERIENCES AND PERSPECTIVES OF STUDENT TEACHERS TEACHING IN MABOLO NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL, CEBU CITY, PHILIPPINES

Purpose - To improve teacher education and education quality, this study explores the experiences and learning of student teachers during their practice instruction in public high schools in the Philippines. Methodology - Semi-structured, in-depth focus group discussions with student teachers were conducted employing a research design using Colaizzi’s approach. Eight groups of student teachers participated in the focus group discussions (FGDs). Each group comprised five students, with 40 participants in total. Findings - According to the findings, student teachers often struggle with the practical realities of teaching in public school and real-world scenarios instead of controlled training environments. Additionally, teaching-related learning experiences are crucial for adapting to diverse student characteristics and developing teaching styles. A mentoring program is found to be essential, despite issues of communication and confidence. Moreover, having supportive mentors play a significant role in helping student teachers to become effective educators. The study also emphasized the need to enhance the teaching and learning setting through digital tools. Significance - This study provides important insights into the obstacles and potential for improving teacher education quality in the Philippines and expanding the teaching practice program.

Comparative efficacy of major anthelmintic against naturally infected Fasciola species infection in local sheep at Debre-Birhan Agricultural Research Center, Ethiopia

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of eight major anthelmintic against Fasciola species in naturally infected sheep. In a randomized trial, 90 sheep were divided into 8 treatment groups of 10 animals each and one untreated control group of ten sheep. Prior to treatment, the animals were examined for Fasciola eggs. After the examination, they were found positive. On day zero, each group was administered to one of the following eight anthelmintic; Albex 10 %, Expitol, Tribex 10 %, Fascinex (Triclabendazole), Zerofen 10%, Albendazole, Ridafluke, and Tetraclozan. Faecal samples from each animal were examined for Fasciola eggs on day zero and then on 7, 10, 14, 21 days and 10 weeks post treatment using the sedimentation technique. Necropsy examination was performed on selected animals for 21 days and 10 weeks of post treatment on selected animals. Ridafluke showed highest efficacy against fascioliasis with 99.6 mature and 94.3 of immature worm count reduction proportion for 21 days post treatment and 91.8 % of adult worm reduction 10 weeks after treatment followed by Tribex 10% solution that showed 96 % and 98.7 % mature and immature worm count reduction, respectively, and 83.6% after 10 weeks post treatments. On the contrary, Fascinex (Triclabendazole) treatment group yielded much lower efficacy with mean 98.3% of mature Fasciola worms being recovered after 10 weeks post treatments. On the other hand, the adult Fasciola worm recovery showed high resistance in all broad spectrums anthelmintic treatment groups where Expitol and Tetraclozan showed 64 % and 63.3 % reduction of adult worms. The findings of this study indicated that the treatment group of Ridafluke and Tribex 10% showed highest efficacy and is a primary drug of choice against Fasciolosis in sheep of the study area

Exploring the Experiences and Perspectives of Student Teachers Teaching in Mabolo National High School, Cebu City, Philippines

Purpose - To improve teacher education and education quality, this study explores the experiences and learning of student teachers during their practice instruction in public high schools in the Philippines. Methodology - Semi-structured, in-depth focus group discussions with student teachers were conducted employing a phenomenological research design using Colaizzi’s approach. Eight groups of student teachers participated in the focus group discussions (FGDs). Each group comprised five students, with 40 participants in total. Findings - According to the findings, student teachers often struggle with the practical realities of teaching in public school and real-world scenarios instead of controlled training environments. Additionally, teaching-related learning experiences are crucial for adapting to diverse student characteristics and developing teaching styles. A mentoring program is found to be essential, despite issues of communication and confidence. Moreover, having supportive mentors play a significant role in helping student teachers to become effective educators. The study also emphasized the need to enhance the teaching and learning setting through digital tools. Significance - This study provides important insights into the obstacles and potential for improving teacher education quality in the Philippines and expanding the teaching practice progra