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The relationship between managerial qualities and risk management is unclear, particularly for small and medium-sized organizations (SMEs) in developing market economies such as South Africa, because much research has focused on big enterprises in industrialized nations. To address this knowledge gap, this paper investigates the relationship between SME owner-manager characteristics and risk management, using upper echelons theory in a novel approach to provide a better understanding of how owner-manager characteristics may be linked to risk management strategies. This was achieved by the distribution of questionnaires to 320 purposely selected SMEs in Cape Town as well as personal interviews with two risk experts. The results show that risk avoidance is SMEs' most prevalent risk management strategy. The findings also show that SME owner-manager characteristics and risk management strategies are firmly and significantly linked, revealing the key determinants of effective risk management in SMEs. This paper is unique because it focuses on the often-overlooked topic of applying echelons theory to SMEs. Aside from bridging this knowledge gap, it has significant implications, such as informing SME owner-managers and policymakers on key variables that influence SME risk management strategies and making recommendations for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The challenges in planning and maintaining urban public green spaces in poor towns of the developing world differ markedly from those of the developed world. This paper reports on residents’ perceptions, use and willingness to get involved in urban public green space (PGS) issues in two poor towns in South Africa which differed markedly in the amount of PGS. The disparities in PGS between the two towns were also replicated in different suburbs within the two towns. We hypothesised that levels of dissatisfaction would be highest in those suburbs and the town with the least PGS. The results indicated that the distance from residents’ homesteads to the nearest PGS was similar across towns and suburbs. Most residents felt that having accessible PGS was important, and the majority agreed that there was insufficient PGS in their respective town and suburb, and that the local municipality did not do enough in providing PGS or maintaining what there was. The level of dissatisfaction with the amount and condition of PGS was generally highest in the suburbs and town with the least PGS. Many felt that the municipality had insufficient commitment and funds to adequately maintain PGS, and consequently the willingness of residents to get involved through either a commitment of time or funds was high. The more affluent town and suburbs were willing to pay more than the poorer ones, and the poorer ones were willing to provide more time than the more affluent ones. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Background: Paediatric burns are a significant international public health problem. Developing and developed countries report similar challenges regarding paediatric burn prevention programs. Paediatric burns requiring healthcare often incur significant health and opportunity costs, death or long-term disability. This paper reviews international burn prevention strategies, and considers implementation of effective prevention strategies in South Africa. Review question: Are there differences between developed and developing countries regarding causes and prevalence of paediatric burns, prevention strategies, and evidence of effectiveness? Review framework: Implementing effective burn prevention strategies in South Africa. Method: This systematic literature review identified, and narratively synthesized information from studies reporting population-based initiatives to prevent paediatric burns. Strategies from developing and developed countries were compared. Common strategies were identified, and evidence of effectiveness described. Findings: 30 studies were included from 16 developed/developing countries, reporting similar prevention strategies. Multi-pronged community-based interventions were most effective. Common elements comprised raising awareness of how burns occur, how burns can be prevented, the speed of sustaining significant injuries, and the short- and long-term effects of burns. Burn prevention strategies relevant to South Africa were provision of education in different formats (written, pictorial and verbal) in places frequented by children and parents, monitoring children more closely in hazardous areas (e.g. kitchens), and better planning of homes to reduce hazards. Conclusion: More work is required to establish effective, sustainable community-wide prevention programs in developed and developing countries. Effective paediatric burn prevention programs for South Africa should acknowledge parent and child literacy, how and where information is best accessed, the need to adapt effective hazard reduction programs to informal settlements, and the importance of legislated minimum safe housing standards. This requires significant commitment from Government, communities and individuals. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]