Community engagement principles for implementation of information technology for development by higher education institutions in South Africa
- Authors: Nkombachoto, Jacquiline
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Information technology Telecommunication Community development
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13171 , vital:39471
- Description: Community engagement in South Africa is now recognised as an integral part of Higher Education Institutions’ (HEIs) educational system. The South African Council on Higher Education requires HEIs to become equitable institutions of higher learning, whereby the activities of the HEI are mutually beneficial for both learners and their communities. This entails that, community engagement activities undertaken by HEIs should be reciprocal in nature. The HEIs should help solve issues affecting their communities, whilst also gaining knowledge through experiential learning. One such way is through undertaking Information and Communication Technology for Development (ICT4D) projects in communities outside the physical boundaries of the HEI. Over the years, HEIs in South Africa have been involved in undertaking ICT4D projects aimed at benefiting their communities. This is because ICTs have the potential to improve and contribute to the development of individuals, businesses, and communities in various ways, be it socially or economically. However, the ICT4D projects have failed or partially succeeded to attain their goals. This study, thus proposes a model for HEI researchers for the successful implementation of ICT4D projects through application of community engagement principles. The proposed model was formulated using the case study approach. Four cases of ICT4D projects were used as sample to help identify factors required for the successful implementation of ICT4D projects by HEIs. Data was collected using semi structured interviews, observations and literature. The data was then analysed using cross case analysis in the form of themes. The findings were that operational community engagement policies, understanding user needs, creation of long term partnerships, synchronisation of timelines and monitoring and evaluation are vital for the successful implementation of ICT4D projects by HEI researchers in the communities.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Nkombachoto, Jacquiline
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Information technology Telecommunication Community development
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13171 , vital:39471
- Description: Community engagement in South Africa is now recognised as an integral part of Higher Education Institutions’ (HEIs) educational system. The South African Council on Higher Education requires HEIs to become equitable institutions of higher learning, whereby the activities of the HEI are mutually beneficial for both learners and their communities. This entails that, community engagement activities undertaken by HEIs should be reciprocal in nature. The HEIs should help solve issues affecting their communities, whilst also gaining knowledge through experiential learning. One such way is through undertaking Information and Communication Technology for Development (ICT4D) projects in communities outside the physical boundaries of the HEI. Over the years, HEIs in South Africa have been involved in undertaking ICT4D projects aimed at benefiting their communities. This is because ICTs have the potential to improve and contribute to the development of individuals, businesses, and communities in various ways, be it socially or economically. However, the ICT4D projects have failed or partially succeeded to attain their goals. This study, thus proposes a model for HEI researchers for the successful implementation of ICT4D projects through application of community engagement principles. The proposed model was formulated using the case study approach. Four cases of ICT4D projects were used as sample to help identify factors required for the successful implementation of ICT4D projects by HEIs. Data was collected using semi structured interviews, observations and literature. The data was then analysed using cross case analysis in the form of themes. The findings were that operational community engagement policies, understanding user needs, creation of long term partnerships, synchronisation of timelines and monitoring and evaluation are vital for the successful implementation of ICT4D projects by HEI researchers in the communities.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Surgical counting practices of registered nurses in private operating rooms in the Eastern Cape region
- Authors: Lines, Ina-Mari Adele'
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Surgical instruments and apparatus -- Safety measures Operating room nursing
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/45377 , vital:38603
- Description: The study aim was to explore and describe surgical counting practices of registered nurses in private operating rooms in the Eastern Cape region. A quantitative, explorative, descriptive, and contextual research design was implemented to reach the objective of the study. The research population consisted of 84 registered nurses working in six different private Hospitals. All-inclusive sampling was used. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data. Face and content validity of the questionnaire were ensured by making use of a statistician and an expert in the field. The collected data was analysed by making use of a statistician and Statistical version 12. The research results indicated that registered nurses who work in private hospitals in the Eastern Cape region generally abide by the recommended practice guidelines of WHO. The results were documented and presented by means of graphs and tables. Recommendations were made at the end of the study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Lines, Ina-Mari Adele'
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Surgical instruments and apparatus -- Safety measures Operating room nursing
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/45377 , vital:38603
- Description: The study aim was to explore and describe surgical counting practices of registered nurses in private operating rooms in the Eastern Cape region. A quantitative, explorative, descriptive, and contextual research design was implemented to reach the objective of the study. The research population consisted of 84 registered nurses working in six different private Hospitals. All-inclusive sampling was used. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data. Face and content validity of the questionnaire were ensured by making use of a statistician and an expert in the field. The collected data was analysed by making use of a statistician and Statistical version 12. The research results indicated that registered nurses who work in private hospitals in the Eastern Cape region generally abide by the recommended practice guidelines of WHO. The results were documented and presented by means of graphs and tables. Recommendations were made at the end of the study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
The promotion of local economic development in the Chris Hani District Municipality
- Authors: Nqwazi, Noxolo Lindiwe
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Economic development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/19773 , vital:28962
- Description: Despite the commitment by government to reduce poverty after 1994, poverty is still increasing in rural areas such as the Chris Hani District. This is because development practitioners have not yet developed strategies based on the needs of the communities in order for development to succeed. Local government has to support initiatives by local communities that are economically viable by providing an enabling plan, finance, expertise and infrastructure. It is important that local activities stimulate local economies through local economic development (LED). The Integrated Development Plan (IDP) is a strategic planning document that places emphasis on LED as a key element in reducing poverty. The primary objective of the study was to obtain a better understanding of how the Chris Hani District seeks to reduce poverty. The aim is to improve the quality of life for communities in the district. LED is perceived as an appropriate intervention that local governments can engage in to improve socio-economic condition. The history of LED has shown that countries that did not provide services in their municipalities failed to succeed in LED compared to those with adequate service delivery. The study was based on research objectives. The first objective was to identify the constraints to local economic development in the district; the second was to ascertain what can be done to alleviate the plight of the Chris Hani district municipalities. The third objective was to ascertain was has been done to promote local economic development in the Chris Hani district. The main finding of the first objective is that there are structural constraints to LED. These constraints such as inadequate and unaffordable basic services hinder the economic development of local communities. Therefore, government has to invest in infrastructure that uses more labour to create job opportunities. In terms of the second objective the main finding is that community development can assist in alleviating the plight of the Chris Hani district municipalities. Empowerment of communities involves skills and training, education and access to basic services, expertise regarding credit, land and income-generating projects. The main finding in terms of the third objective is that the district has spheres of economic development such as community and locality development, Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and livelihoods development (agricultural development). This is not unique to the Chris Hani district. In the developing world, focus is mainly on small-scale and community based initiatives, utilizing indigenous skills and seeking primarily to ensure survival.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Nqwazi, Noxolo Lindiwe
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Economic development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/19773 , vital:28962
- Description: Despite the commitment by government to reduce poverty after 1994, poverty is still increasing in rural areas such as the Chris Hani District. This is because development practitioners have not yet developed strategies based on the needs of the communities in order for development to succeed. Local government has to support initiatives by local communities that are economically viable by providing an enabling plan, finance, expertise and infrastructure. It is important that local activities stimulate local economies through local economic development (LED). The Integrated Development Plan (IDP) is a strategic planning document that places emphasis on LED as a key element in reducing poverty. The primary objective of the study was to obtain a better understanding of how the Chris Hani District seeks to reduce poverty. The aim is to improve the quality of life for communities in the district. LED is perceived as an appropriate intervention that local governments can engage in to improve socio-economic condition. The history of LED has shown that countries that did not provide services in their municipalities failed to succeed in LED compared to those with adequate service delivery. The study was based on research objectives. The first objective was to identify the constraints to local economic development in the district; the second was to ascertain what can be done to alleviate the plight of the Chris Hani district municipalities. The third objective was to ascertain was has been done to promote local economic development in the Chris Hani district. The main finding of the first objective is that there are structural constraints to LED. These constraints such as inadequate and unaffordable basic services hinder the economic development of local communities. Therefore, government has to invest in infrastructure that uses more labour to create job opportunities. In terms of the second objective the main finding is that community development can assist in alleviating the plight of the Chris Hani district municipalities. Empowerment of communities involves skills and training, education and access to basic services, expertise regarding credit, land and income-generating projects. The main finding in terms of the third objective is that the district has spheres of economic development such as community and locality development, Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and livelihoods development (agricultural development). This is not unique to the Chris Hani district. In the developing world, focus is mainly on small-scale and community based initiatives, utilizing indigenous skills and seeking primarily to ensure survival.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
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