Loans are a critical transmission channel for commercial banks as well as an important revenue source. Macroeconomic factors are not within the control of commercial banks, however, select factors are observed to have a direct impact on lending behaviour in studies around the world. This study examined the relationship between macroeconomic variables and the lending behaviour of banks in South Africa for the period ranging from 2001 to 2022. Quarterly time series data was employed using the Autoregressive Distributed Lag Model (ARDL). The empirical results of the paper revealed that there is a long-run relationship between the repurchase rate (repo rate), inflation, the real effective exchange rate (REER) and lending behaviour in South Africa. The REER and inflation were both found to have a positive relationship, whilst the repo rate had a negative relationship. In addition, Gross Domestic Product (GDP), the activity rate and sovereign credit rating (SCR) changes returned insignificant results. Overall, these findings show that select macroeconomic factors do influence lending behaviour in South Africa. Furthermore, the results suggest that monetary policy decisions have a direct influential effect on lending and the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) has implemented their policies effectively.

This research introduces a novel framework integrating stochastic finite element analysis (FEA) with advanced circular statistical methods to optimize heat pump efficiency under material uncertainties. By modeling directional variability in thermal conductivity using both uniform and Von Mises distributions, the study highlights the superiority of the Von Mises distribution in providing consistent and efficient thermal performance. The Von Mises distribution, known for its concentration around a mean direction, demonstrates a significant advantage over the uniform distribution, resulting in higher mean efficiency and lower variability. The findings underscore the importance of considering both stochastic effects and directional consistency in thermal systems, paving the way for more robust and reliable design strategies.

This paper examines the detrimental impact of rapid inflation on the quality of private education in developing countries. By focusing on the financial challenges faced by private schools, the study highlights the tension between education policy and economic realities. While private schools often attract parents with smaller class sizes and specialized programs, the core motivation lies in investing in children’s future through quality education. However, this study demonstrates how inflation can cripple this sector. The case of Turkey exemplifies this challenge. Post-pandemic inflation created a financial stranglehold on private schools, as rising costs made it difficult to adjust teacher salaries. This, in turn, led to teacher demotivation and a mass exodus, ultimately compromising educational quality. Furthermore, government interventions aimed at protecting parents from high tuition fees, through limitations on fee increases, inadvertently sacrificed the very quality they sought to safeguard. The paper concludes by advocating for alternative policy approaches that prioritize direct support for education system during economic downturns. Such measures are crucial for ensuring a strong and resilient education system that benefits all stakeholders, including parents, students, and the nation as a whole.

The COVID-19 epidemic caused unexpected complications, complexities and challenges in higher educational institutions (HEIs). In order to promote and strengthen the role of women leadership, this study aimed to clarify the unique challenges faced by female leaders at Saudi HEIs during the epidemic, find possible solutions to these challenges, and provide policy as well as management implications. A systematic literature review (SLR) was conducted, examining 27 records (i.e., research papers, articles and conference studies). The data were qualitatively analysed and categorized based on themes like challenges faced, opportunities recognized, and solutions proposed. Findings highlighted women leaders in Saudi HEIs grappled with multiple challenges, including technological barriers, cultural constraints, and increased workloads. Merging challenges with solvable strategies offers a forward-looking perspective, advocating for systemic changes that can shape a resilient and inclusive future for HEIs in Saudi Arabia.

In recent years, enological tourism, also known as wine tourism, has emerged as a globally popular tourism product. The role of wine tourism in Slovakia is similarly significant, given the country’s favourable conditions for the development of wine tourism products. The objective of this study is to analyze the current demand for wine-themed experiences among tourists in the Nitra region. This paper presents a characterization of wine tourism based on an analysis of secondary sources. Following the processing of the initial findings from a demand-oriented questionnaire survey, the authors endeavor to delineate the profile of the wine tourism visitor by examining the demand for wine tourism from the vantage point of domestic consumers. It is the authors’ contention that an understanding of the profile of the wine tourism visitor is beneficial in optimising the provision of wine tourism products and stimulating the development of tourism infrastructure.

This study examines the challenges and needs faced by non-profit organisations (NPOs) in Colombia regarding the adopting of the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), particularly focusing on sections 3 and 4. Employing a mixed-method approach, the research combines qualitative and quantitative methods. Surveys were conducted with Colombia NPOs, official documents were analysed, and comparative case studies were performed. In-depth interviews and participant observation were also utilised to gain a comprehensive understanding of the obstacles and current practices within the Colombian context. The findings reveal that NPOs in Colombia encounter significant difficulties in adopting IFRS due to the complexity of the standards, lack of specialised resources, and the need for specific training. Internal challenges such as deficiencies in staff qualifications and training, resistance to change, and technological limitations were identified. Externally, ambiguities in the legal framework and donor requirements were highlighted. The case study illustrated that, while there are similarities between IFRS for SMEs and the IFR4NPO project, specific adaptations are essential to address the unique needs of NPOs. This research underscores the necessity of developing additional guidelines or modifying existing ones to enhance the interpretation and application of IFRS in Colombia NPOs. It is recommended to implement proactive strategies based on education and legislative reform to improve the transparency and comparability of financial information. Adopting a more tailored and supported accounting framework will facilitate a more relevant and sustainable implementation, benefiting Colombian NPOs in their resource management and accountability efforts.