Supercharging their careers – the NWU way!

The end of January saw the start of many aspiring MBA students’ journey to success when the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Business School once again hosted a very successful Summer Study School in Potchefstroom.

An exciting and insightful five-day programme was presented from 27 to 31 January to approximately 170 students in their…

Reduced interest rates will help to underpin business and consumer confidence

“The Monetary Policy Committee’s (MPC's) decision to reduce the repo rate by 25 basis points is a welcome recognition of the need to reduce borrowing costs for business and consumers in South Africa.”

This is according to Prof Raymond Parsons, a well-known economist and academic from the North-West University (NWU) Business School…

Economic indicators forecast for 2020

According to economist Prof Danie Meyer, director of the TRADE research focus area at the North West University, 2020 is expected to be a year full of economic and geopolitical instability and volatility. The year has started on the wrong foot already, with Eskom implementing load shedding as early as the first week of the year. "It is a…

Growth figures stress need for credible turnaround plan

The latest worse-than-expected growth figures for the third quarter of 2019 again emphasise the urgent need to implement a credible turnaround plan to lift the economy out of its current 'low growth trap'.

It also underlines the serious economic challenges faced by South Africa, adds NWU Business School economist Prof Raymond…

Polish prof: Better relationships boost small business

The building of long-term relationships is key to the success of small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs). This is according to Prof Sebastian Kot, one of four extraordinary professors from the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences.

Prof Kot and his colleagues, Prof Andrzej Sztando, Prof Beata…

S&P’s revised outlook on SA reinforces the need for speedier fiscal and structural reforms

“The decision by rating agency Standard & Poor (S&P) to reduce its outlook on South Africa from stable to negative was widely expected, and the markets have to a large extent already adjusted their prices accordingly.”

This is according to Prof Raymond Parsons, a well-known economist and academic from the North-West University…

Majority MPC decision is disappointing and unduly cautious

“It is disappointing that the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) majority view is unable to contemplate reducing the repo rate, although the space now clearly exists to act positively.” This is according to Prof Raymond Parsons, a well-known economist and academic from the North-West University (NWU) Business School.

“The fact that…

Faculty intervention successfully reduces first-year panic

It is true: to be a first-year student at university can be one of the most exciting, but also the most stressful times in a young adult’s life. It is therefore natural that you might feel overwhelmed by your new surroundings, the responsibilities associated with personal freedom and the pressure that goes with it.

In light of this, the…

MSMEs and services trade: A pathway to more inclusive growth?

MSMEs (micro, small and medium-sized enterprises) are known to play a critical role in countries’ economies, both as sources of employment and as suppliers of diverse goods and services. Yet they receive little attention at policy level, with many failing to achieve their economic potential.

This is particularly evident in…

Brexit agreement is a major step towards avoiding widespread disruption

“The fact that the United Kingdom (UK) and the European Union (EU) have reached an agreement on Brexit after complex negotiations will be generally welcomed in view of the wider implications of 'hard' Brexit for key components of the world trading system.”

This is according to Prof Raymond Parsons, a well-known economist and…