RESUMO
Efficiency is generally defined as the capacity to deliver desirable results with little effort or input. A bank cannot afford to allocate limited resources at random in a competitive market. Only once the efficiency factors have been identified can resources be allocated in a conscious and effective manner. The study investigates the determinants of technical efficiency of banks in the SADC region. The study is significant in the SADC region as the block is trying to create a robust and stable banking system. This is driven by the desire to stay away from the current global financial system volatility and the region is working to develop an integrated banking system. The results show that the banks are relatively inefficient with the level of inefficiency around 40 percent. The efficiency of the banks is determined by the level of capitalisation, size of the bank, research costs and automation of the banks. The results of the study imply that that there is great scope for the banks in the SADC region to increase their efficiency. Improved efficiency will ensure banks provide services at a lower cost to clients. The study recommends adequately capitalizing banks, increasing the asset base of the banks, investing in research and the automation of the banking systems.
RESUMO
The objective of the study was to assess the support provided to lecturers in the implementation of a new curriculum during the COVID-19 pandemic to suggest early intervention strategies that address resources and knowledge deficiency gaps that have a negative impact on curriculum implementation. A survey design was used in the study. A representative sample of 30 lecturers was randomly selected from 5 Faculty of Natural Resources Management and Agriculture departments to complete the questionnaire between June and July 2020. The majority of the lecturers agreed that they were involved in the curriculum development. There was affirmation on the issue of professional development, leadership's support for lecturers' curriculum implementation and adequate time for curriculum implementation. Similarly, there was collaboration between university leadership and lecturers to plan curriculum implementation. On the contrary, funds for research necessary for curriculum implementation, instructional materials and supplies and technological resources were not adequately supplied. Hence, the paper becomes critical as it highlights the unavailability of technological resources which play a crucial role in online teaching and learning during the COVID-19 pandemic.
RESUMO
The coronavirus pandemic has spread worldwide, causing massive deaths of people in different countries. The study sought to find successes and failures in preventing the spread of the disease. This study results would assist states in identifying practical measures that can be used to avoid the spread of the pandemic. The cross-sectional study used a comparative analysis method. The study employed cross country comparison to conclude the effectiveness of the various measures implemented by different countries. Seven key phrases were searched, and the results were considered for analysis and presentation. The data were analyzed using the paired sample t-test and spearman's correlation coefficient. The USA and South Africa are on the exponential growth phase for the total number of infections per day. At the same time, South Korea and Taiwan were able to contain the virus. Western Cape is the epicenter of coronavirus cases in South Africa. The extensive production of face masks, quarantine measures, banning overseas travel, physical distancing, monitoring self-isolating individuals may help to contain the virus. In South Africa, banning the interprovincial movement may keep the spread to a minimum. Rapid implementation of preventive measures in the early stages is vital in preventing the spread of the pandemic.
