The mediating role of job autonomy on mobile technology usage, work engagement and emotional exhaustion amongst a sample of public service employees in Bhisho
- Authors: Mkabile, Siphesihle
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Mobile communication systems Psychology, Industrial
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom (Industrial Psychology)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13748 , vital:39707
- Description: Orientation: The constant subjective criticism by the public for poor and or a total lack of service delivery by government departments in terms of meeting requirements and standards and the non-performance seem to rest with the public employees. In government, work engagement leads to the satisfaction of the citizens or clients, which in turn leads to the citizens trusting and having confidence in public organisations. Research purpose: This study aimed at examining the mediating role of job autonomy between mobile technology usage, work engagement and emotional exhaustion amongst public service employees in Bhisho. Motivation for the study: There is growth in the usage of mobile technology in Africa. However, the effects of mobile devices on the working environment are still unclear. A research gap exists on the effects of mobile technology on employee outcomes such as work engagement and emotional exhaustion. Research approach/design and method: This study used a quantitative approach, with a descriptive and explanatory research design. Analyses were conducted by SPSS 23 and Amos 22 on a sample of 165 public service employees. Main findings: The results show that mobile technology usage improved work engagement of the employees through their job autonomy. Mobile technology usage did not have any significant effect on the employees’ emotional exhaustion and work engagement. Practical/managerial implications: The findings from this study imply that mobile technology can result in positive psychological experiences for employees and present some managerial implications for boundary conditions. Contribution/value-add: This study contributes to the literature on mobile technology usage, work engagement, emotional exhaustion and job auto
- Full Text:
- Authors: Mkabile, Siphesihle
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Mobile communication systems Psychology, Industrial
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom (Industrial Psychology)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13748 , vital:39707
- Description: Orientation: The constant subjective criticism by the public for poor and or a total lack of service delivery by government departments in terms of meeting requirements and standards and the non-performance seem to rest with the public employees. In government, work engagement leads to the satisfaction of the citizens or clients, which in turn leads to the citizens trusting and having confidence in public organisations. Research purpose: This study aimed at examining the mediating role of job autonomy between mobile technology usage, work engagement and emotional exhaustion amongst public service employees in Bhisho. Motivation for the study: There is growth in the usage of mobile technology in Africa. However, the effects of mobile devices on the working environment are still unclear. A research gap exists on the effects of mobile technology on employee outcomes such as work engagement and emotional exhaustion. Research approach/design and method: This study used a quantitative approach, with a descriptive and explanatory research design. Analyses were conducted by SPSS 23 and Amos 22 on a sample of 165 public service employees. Main findings: The results show that mobile technology usage improved work engagement of the employees through their job autonomy. Mobile technology usage did not have any significant effect on the employees’ emotional exhaustion and work engagement. Practical/managerial implications: The findings from this study imply that mobile technology can result in positive psychological experiences for employees and present some managerial implications for boundary conditions. Contribution/value-add: This study contributes to the literature on mobile technology usage, work engagement, emotional exhaustion and job auto
- Full Text:
Access to information on higher education as a barrier for rural learners of Tyolomnqa Village, Eastern Cape
- Authors: Ntwasa, Simbongile
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Information resources--South Africa--Eastern Cape Information services--South Africa--Eastern Cape Digital divide--South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Rural Development
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/17149 , vital:40860
- Description: Worldwide, there is a large body of research that convincingly demonstrates the benefits of Higher Education (HE) in the socio-economic status of individuals who have gone through and qualified with certificates, diplomas and degrees. But access to HE does not just benefit individuals, it also has benefits for communities or broader society (access to HE may benefit individual scholars, but can also benefit economically the entire families and poverty stricken communities such as those from Tsholomnqa village where this study was conducted). However, in South Africa, there is limited research that focuses on the importance of and challenges of access to HE as confronted by rural scholars. This research presents findings from a mixed method based study which sought to probe key issues relating to access to HE and challenges facing rural scholars regarding access to information on HE. The study involved as many as 209 Grade 12 learners from two high schools in the rural area of Tsholomnqa village in the Eastern Cape Province, a province associated with high levels of poverty, inequalities and unemployment in South Africa. The findings reveal that rural scholars about to qualify for university access information on HE information primarily from the internet. However, it was found that issues such as not having data or smartphones to search the internet and lack of support from their parents and teachers including universities affected their self-efficacy and self-esteem. The implications of these findings suggest that HE institutions must target and strengthen outreach and visibility in rural schools.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Ntwasa, Simbongile
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Information resources--South Africa--Eastern Cape Information services--South Africa--Eastern Cape Digital divide--South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Rural Development
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/17149 , vital:40860
- Description: Worldwide, there is a large body of research that convincingly demonstrates the benefits of Higher Education (HE) in the socio-economic status of individuals who have gone through and qualified with certificates, diplomas and degrees. But access to HE does not just benefit individuals, it also has benefits for communities or broader society (access to HE may benefit individual scholars, but can also benefit economically the entire families and poverty stricken communities such as those from Tsholomnqa village where this study was conducted). However, in South Africa, there is limited research that focuses on the importance of and challenges of access to HE as confronted by rural scholars. This research presents findings from a mixed method based study which sought to probe key issues relating to access to HE and challenges facing rural scholars regarding access to information on HE. The study involved as many as 209 Grade 12 learners from two high schools in the rural area of Tsholomnqa village in the Eastern Cape Province, a province associated with high levels of poverty, inequalities and unemployment in South Africa. The findings reveal that rural scholars about to qualify for university access information on HE information primarily from the internet. However, it was found that issues such as not having data or smartphones to search the internet and lack of support from their parents and teachers including universities affected their self-efficacy and self-esteem. The implications of these findings suggest that HE institutions must target and strengthen outreach and visibility in rural schools.
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An assessment of the effects of leadership on performance : the case of selected schools in Mthatha district in the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Ngunge, Lindiwe Esther
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: School management and organization Educational leadership
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/14082 , vital:39803
- Description: The research investigated the impact of leadership on performance in the case of selected schools in Mthatha district in the Eastern Cape. The research used a mixed method methodology combining qualitative and quantitative methods. The sample size was N=60 using purposive sampling. The dependant variable in the research was the school performance and the independent variable is the good leadership. The questionnaire was analysed quantitatively from a total key respondent of 45 leaders in the different schools.15 school educational leaders were interviewed and analysed qualitatively using thematic analysis. Research findings indicated that there is still male domination in school leadership positions over females. The leadership composition is 53percent males and 47percent females in Eastern Cape. School leadership positions are, in general, held by long serving members who are former teachers with a higher degree of seniority than the young school leaders. This is typical of traditional Xhosa societies dominated by elders in decision making. 73percent of the responses show a democratic leadership style when investigating how school leaders manage schools. The second most common leadership style is situational at 66percent, and the least prevalent management style is autocratic, which includes less than 10percent of the respondents. 60percent of the schools are performing and 40percent are underperforming, but overall there is good leadership in schools despite very poor results evidenced in the past 5 years. The research shows a strong correlation between the schools that had good performance and those that had good leadership in which the dominant leadership style was 'bureaucratic' and 'situational'. The schools that had poor results that were underperforming also showed trends of poor leadership.
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- Authors: Ngunge, Lindiwe Esther
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: School management and organization Educational leadership
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/14082 , vital:39803
- Description: The research investigated the impact of leadership on performance in the case of selected schools in Mthatha district in the Eastern Cape. The research used a mixed method methodology combining qualitative and quantitative methods. The sample size was N=60 using purposive sampling. The dependant variable in the research was the school performance and the independent variable is the good leadership. The questionnaire was analysed quantitatively from a total key respondent of 45 leaders in the different schools.15 school educational leaders were interviewed and analysed qualitatively using thematic analysis. Research findings indicated that there is still male domination in school leadership positions over females. The leadership composition is 53percent males and 47percent females in Eastern Cape. School leadership positions are, in general, held by long serving members who are former teachers with a higher degree of seniority than the young school leaders. This is typical of traditional Xhosa societies dominated by elders in decision making. 73percent of the responses show a democratic leadership style when investigating how school leaders manage schools. The second most common leadership style is situational at 66percent, and the least prevalent management style is autocratic, which includes less than 10percent of the respondents. 60percent of the schools are performing and 40percent are underperforming, but overall there is good leadership in schools despite very poor results evidenced in the past 5 years. The research shows a strong correlation between the schools that had good performance and those that had good leadership in which the dominant leadership style was 'bureaucratic' and 'situational'. The schools that had poor results that were underperforming also showed trends of poor leadership.
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Action Plan to 2014 (Reviewed to 2019): evaluating the implementation of Goal 11. The case of Cofimvaba education district, 2010 - 2012
- Authors: Makasi, Nomonde Sakhiwe
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Education -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Philosophy Education, Primary -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Preschool children -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/12993 , vital:39414
- Description: This study involved evaluating the extent to which universal access to quality grade R was realised by 2012 in Cofimvaba education district in the Eastern Cape Province. The evaluation was done through the implementation of goal 11 of the Education Sector Strategy - the Action Plan to 2014, revised to 2019. It further sought to find out whether universal access to grade R occurred to all learners who registered for grade 1 and whether the quality of grade R had improved between 2010 and 2012 in Cofimvaba education district. Improving the quality of grade R in this study included an assessment of the level of qualification of grade R practitioners and an improvement of the quality of grade R tuition through the use of textbooks, workbooks and resource packs supplied to grade R by the Department of Basic Education (DBE). The study used both the qualitative and quantitative methods. Questionnaires were used as data collection methods from grade R practitioners and grade 1 teachers. The respondents in this study consisted of twelve grade R practitioners, ten grade 1 teachers and two officials from Cofimvaba district office. The findings of this study revealed that the universal access to grade R, calculated from grade 1 learners who received formal grade R, was not achieved over the three-year period 2010-2012; albeit the target of grade 1 learners who should have received formal grade R by 2012 was a mere 50 percent. The percentage of grade R learners who received access to the required textbooks fell below the expected target of 100 percent. Although 77.61 percent does not signify bad performance, the non-attainment of 100 percent access to the required textbooks could not be acceptable because the absence of textbooks meant that effective teaching and learning could not have taken place. However, these findings uncovered that the supplied textbooks and workbooks were high quality learning and teaching materials. The findings also uncovered that the ECD-grade R practitioners, at the time, had the necessary work experience and limited qualifications as a means to teach the grade R classes. A pressing matter for the Department was the improvement of conditions of service for practitioners; their professionalisation as well as further improvement of their qualifications. It was revealed, through this study, that there was a slight improvement in the universal access to grade R; however, the quality of grade R still needed attention especially in so far as the provision of suitably qualified practitioners is concerned.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Makasi, Nomonde Sakhiwe
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Education -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Philosophy Education, Primary -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Preschool children -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/12993 , vital:39414
- Description: This study involved evaluating the extent to which universal access to quality grade R was realised by 2012 in Cofimvaba education district in the Eastern Cape Province. The evaluation was done through the implementation of goal 11 of the Education Sector Strategy - the Action Plan to 2014, revised to 2019. It further sought to find out whether universal access to grade R occurred to all learners who registered for grade 1 and whether the quality of grade R had improved between 2010 and 2012 in Cofimvaba education district. Improving the quality of grade R in this study included an assessment of the level of qualification of grade R practitioners and an improvement of the quality of grade R tuition through the use of textbooks, workbooks and resource packs supplied to grade R by the Department of Basic Education (DBE). The study used both the qualitative and quantitative methods. Questionnaires were used as data collection methods from grade R practitioners and grade 1 teachers. The respondents in this study consisted of twelve grade R practitioners, ten grade 1 teachers and two officials from Cofimvaba district office. The findings of this study revealed that the universal access to grade R, calculated from grade 1 learners who received formal grade R, was not achieved over the three-year period 2010-2012; albeit the target of grade 1 learners who should have received formal grade R by 2012 was a mere 50 percent. The percentage of grade R learners who received access to the required textbooks fell below the expected target of 100 percent. Although 77.61 percent does not signify bad performance, the non-attainment of 100 percent access to the required textbooks could not be acceptable because the absence of textbooks meant that effective teaching and learning could not have taken place. However, these findings uncovered that the supplied textbooks and workbooks were high quality learning and teaching materials. The findings also uncovered that the ECD-grade R practitioners, at the time, had the necessary work experience and limited qualifications as a means to teach the grade R classes. A pressing matter for the Department was the improvement of conditions of service for practitioners; their professionalisation as well as further improvement of their qualifications. It was revealed, through this study, that there was a slight improvement in the universal access to grade R; however, the quality of grade R still needed attention especially in so far as the provision of suitably qualified practitioners is concerned.
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Evaluation of self-efficacy in clinical performance of nurses initiate and management of anti-retroviral therapy by South African professional nurses
- Authors: Mangi, Nozuko Glenrose
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Nursing assessment -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Self-efficacy Nursing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/4492 , vital:28344
- Description: Self-efficacy in clinical performance is a very important aspect in quality of health care, because it is the ability of the person to produce the desired outcomes. The aim of the study was to evaluate self-efficacy in clinical performance of NIMART programme by professional nurses in Buffalo City Metropolitan in Eastern Cape Province South Africa. A quantitative, descriptive survey design was used to examine self-efficacy in clinical performance during implementation of NIMART programme. A purposive sample of 358 NIMART programme trained professional nurses was included in the study. Analysis of the finding was done using SPSS version 21.0. Descriptive statistics (frequencies, percentage, mean and standard deviations) were used to analyse categorical variables. To reduce data volume, factor analysis was used to identify six variable clusters: Evaluation; planning, assessment, implementation, and patient care mentoring. Factor 1 (evaluation) was highly loaded on patient driven results (0.63); nursing interventions (0.70); breakdown point location (0.80); prognosis based care decisions (0.79); prognosis based outcome monitoring (0.70); and prognosis based settings adjustment (0.70). These items collectively define evaluation of self-efficacy clinical performance of the participants. Factor 2 (planning) was termed planning of patient care in a clinical setting was significantly loaded on these items: data driven nursing diagnosis (0.51); patient driven nursing diagnosis (0.52); settings based nursing diagnosis (0.49); overall care plan formulation (0.52); short-term patients care formulation (0.58); long-term patient care formulation (0.66); goal based measurable outcomes (0.80); goal based daily patient care plan (0.79); settings based daily patient care plan (0.73). Factor 3 (assessment) which was termed assessment in clinical performance was not significantly loaded in some of the items: physical assessment (0.64); patient history (0.65); energy restoration (0.56); time management (0.71); objective patient health data (0.61); subjective patient health data (0.49); data collection documentation (0.44). Factor 4 (implementation) data source correlation; patient health data analysis (0.45); patient strength (0.46); nurse-patient/family communication (0.55); nurse patient collaboration (0.64); Experience driven decision making (0.58). Factor 5 (patient care) patient care plan adherence (0.65); setting based overall patient care (0.74); resource based overall patient care (0.59). Factor 6 (mentoring) patient’s concerns identification (0.48); patient problems prioritisation (0.46); mentor/colleague advice (0.43); mentor/colleague feedback use (0.61); patient discharge strategies (0.71); continuous reporting/documenting (0.63). The mean scores produced by the Kruskal-Wallis test showed the lowest scoring pattern as follows: 20122013201120142010. This order was the same for all the variables, confirming that the 2010 group scored significantly higher than any other group on all the variables. The overall results of the study revealed that professional nurses have high self-efficacy in clinical performance in implementation of NIMART programme, except in evaluation aspect of self-efficacy where they scored lessor. Professional nurses trained by FPD scored higher in the aspects of self-efficacy in clinical performance compared to RTC trained; but scored lower in evaluative ability of self-efficacy in both institutions (FPD and RTC). The findings of this study showed that the overall self-efficacy of the professional nurses trained on NIMART programme performed clinically satisfactorily. It is recommended that in-service education or continuous professional development for professional nurses working in PHC’s should not only concentrate on updating clinical skills, but also create opportunity for reflection and strengthening of professional nurses’ self-efficacy in clinical performance. Also, further study on other processes of goal realisation will aid our understanding of self-efficacy in achieving the desirable goals of the professional nurses for patient quality care. Further research is also needed to evaluate clients’ satisfaction during care based on the NIMART intervention programme.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Mangi, Nozuko Glenrose
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Nursing assessment -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Self-efficacy Nursing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/4492 , vital:28344
- Description: Self-efficacy in clinical performance is a very important aspect in quality of health care, because it is the ability of the person to produce the desired outcomes. The aim of the study was to evaluate self-efficacy in clinical performance of NIMART programme by professional nurses in Buffalo City Metropolitan in Eastern Cape Province South Africa. A quantitative, descriptive survey design was used to examine self-efficacy in clinical performance during implementation of NIMART programme. A purposive sample of 358 NIMART programme trained professional nurses was included in the study. Analysis of the finding was done using SPSS version 21.0. Descriptive statistics (frequencies, percentage, mean and standard deviations) were used to analyse categorical variables. To reduce data volume, factor analysis was used to identify six variable clusters: Evaluation; planning, assessment, implementation, and patient care mentoring. Factor 1 (evaluation) was highly loaded on patient driven results (0.63); nursing interventions (0.70); breakdown point location (0.80); prognosis based care decisions (0.79); prognosis based outcome monitoring (0.70); and prognosis based settings adjustment (0.70). These items collectively define evaluation of self-efficacy clinical performance of the participants. Factor 2 (planning) was termed planning of patient care in a clinical setting was significantly loaded on these items: data driven nursing diagnosis (0.51); patient driven nursing diagnosis (0.52); settings based nursing diagnosis (0.49); overall care plan formulation (0.52); short-term patients care formulation (0.58); long-term patient care formulation (0.66); goal based measurable outcomes (0.80); goal based daily patient care plan (0.79); settings based daily patient care plan (0.73). Factor 3 (assessment) which was termed assessment in clinical performance was not significantly loaded in some of the items: physical assessment (0.64); patient history (0.65); energy restoration (0.56); time management (0.71); objective patient health data (0.61); subjective patient health data (0.49); data collection documentation (0.44). Factor 4 (implementation) data source correlation; patient health data analysis (0.45); patient strength (0.46); nurse-patient/family communication (0.55); nurse patient collaboration (0.64); Experience driven decision making (0.58). Factor 5 (patient care) patient care plan adherence (0.65); setting based overall patient care (0.74); resource based overall patient care (0.59). Factor 6 (mentoring) patient’s concerns identification (0.48); patient problems prioritisation (0.46); mentor/colleague advice (0.43); mentor/colleague feedback use (0.61); patient discharge strategies (0.71); continuous reporting/documenting (0.63). The mean scores produced by the Kruskal-Wallis test showed the lowest scoring pattern as follows: 20122013201120142010. This order was the same for all the variables, confirming that the 2010 group scored significantly higher than any other group on all the variables. The overall results of the study revealed that professional nurses have high self-efficacy in clinical performance in implementation of NIMART programme, except in evaluation aspect of self-efficacy where they scored lessor. Professional nurses trained by FPD scored higher in the aspects of self-efficacy in clinical performance compared to RTC trained; but scored lower in evaluative ability of self-efficacy in both institutions (FPD and RTC). The findings of this study showed that the overall self-efficacy of the professional nurses trained on NIMART programme performed clinically satisfactorily. It is recommended that in-service education or continuous professional development for professional nurses working in PHC’s should not only concentrate on updating clinical skills, but also create opportunity for reflection and strengthening of professional nurses’ self-efficacy in clinical performance. Also, further study on other processes of goal realisation will aid our understanding of self-efficacy in achieving the desirable goals of the professional nurses for patient quality care. Further research is also needed to evaluate clients’ satisfaction during care based on the NIMART intervention programme.
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A review of the water service development plan and service delivery budget and implementation plan (SDBIP) alignment with performance management system in Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality
- Authors: Sali, Bongani Zandisile
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Sustainable urban development Environmental management Municipal services
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/12755 , vital:39358
- Description: In South Africa, the Constitution, 1996, the Municipal Structures Act,1998 (Act 117 of 1998), the Municipal Systems Act, 2000 (Act 32 of 2000) and the Municipal Finance Management, 2003 (Act 56 of 2003) place municipalities at the forefront for providing basic services such as waste management, electricity, water, sanitation, roads and transport to the communities. The journey that the local government sphere in South Africa has taken over the last 22 years has not gone smoothly, in some respects it has been a bumpy ride one. A single, unified local government had to be established from the fragmented, undemocratic, unaccountable and racially divided local government system that was inherited. The constitutional and political structure of local government, its promise of democratic accountability, and the delivery of services to improve the lives of citizens has proven to be challenging in their implementation. Performance management was introduced in the local government sphere to improve performance by establishing a rational planning process based on the assumption that “business methods” would be more effective than traditional public administration approaches. There is a problem with municipalities such as the BCMM; the problem is that they operate their WSDP, SDBIP, IDP, budget and PMS in silos. The WSDP, SDBIP, IDP, budget and PMS must be aligned so that BCMM can be able to deliver basic services like water and sanitation. The study sought to review the Water Services Development Plan and Service Budget Implementation Plan Alignment with the Performance Management System in Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality. Data was collected using interviews from a sample of participants comprising mainly of managers of the BCMM, revealed that most of the performance targets set in the financial years 2009 to 2015 were not achieved. The study came up with the following recommendations that there should be regular workshops, training of BCMM officials in the importance of the alignment of the WSDP and SDBIP with the performance management system in the BCMM. The PMS should contribute in the improvement of productivity, through achieving set targets and goals as planned. The processes must be fully integrated. Challenges facing BCMM in terms of alignment must be addressed. There is also a need for sound annual plans with targets (quarterly) that show how the annual targets will be achieved.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Sali, Bongani Zandisile
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Sustainable urban development Environmental management Municipal services
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/12755 , vital:39358
- Description: In South Africa, the Constitution, 1996, the Municipal Structures Act,1998 (Act 117 of 1998), the Municipal Systems Act, 2000 (Act 32 of 2000) and the Municipal Finance Management, 2003 (Act 56 of 2003) place municipalities at the forefront for providing basic services such as waste management, electricity, water, sanitation, roads and transport to the communities. The journey that the local government sphere in South Africa has taken over the last 22 years has not gone smoothly, in some respects it has been a bumpy ride one. A single, unified local government had to be established from the fragmented, undemocratic, unaccountable and racially divided local government system that was inherited. The constitutional and political structure of local government, its promise of democratic accountability, and the delivery of services to improve the lives of citizens has proven to be challenging in their implementation. Performance management was introduced in the local government sphere to improve performance by establishing a rational planning process based on the assumption that “business methods” would be more effective than traditional public administration approaches. There is a problem with municipalities such as the BCMM; the problem is that they operate their WSDP, SDBIP, IDP, budget and PMS in silos. The WSDP, SDBIP, IDP, budget and PMS must be aligned so that BCMM can be able to deliver basic services like water and sanitation. The study sought to review the Water Services Development Plan and Service Budget Implementation Plan Alignment with the Performance Management System in Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality. Data was collected using interviews from a sample of participants comprising mainly of managers of the BCMM, revealed that most of the performance targets set in the financial years 2009 to 2015 were not achieved. The study came up with the following recommendations that there should be regular workshops, training of BCMM officials in the importance of the alignment of the WSDP and SDBIP with the performance management system in the BCMM. The PMS should contribute in the improvement of productivity, through achieving set targets and goals as planned. The processes must be fully integrated. Challenges facing BCMM in terms of alignment must be addressed. There is also a need for sound annual plans with targets (quarterly) that show how the annual targets will be achieved.
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An assessment of the municipal infrastructure and systems and their implications on the small town revitalisation strategy at Engcobo Local Municipality, Eastern Cape
- Authors: Xuba, Zibele
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Infrastructure (Economics) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Municipal government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Municipal finance -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/2888 , vital:28121
- Description: This study was conducted at Engcobo Local Municipality in the Eastern Cape Province to assess the role of municipal structures and systems in the implementation of small town revitalisation strategy. From onset, it highlights that numerous attempts to implement small town revitalisation have failed because of lack of institutional capacity. In addressing this problem, the study outlined the following objectives. To assess role played by municipal structures and systems on implementation of small town revitalisation. To identify institutional challenges experienced during implementation of small town revitalisation strategy. To propose alternative institutional measures that can lead to effective implementation of small town revitalisation. In achieving the study’s objectives; literature from both developed and developing countries was reviewed and it was learnt that institutional capacity is important for efficient implementation of the strategy. Systems theory was also reviewed so as to provide conceptual basis that underpins this study. Data was collected through primary methods and secondary sources. Research participants were chosen by random sampling from councillors, managers, business and traditional leaders. Research findings revealed that there were institutional problems which hinder implementation of the strategy such as lack of competent human resources, insufficient budget and shortages of machinery. Through analysis of findings, the research proposed that small town revitalisation strategy should be reformulated and role of municipal structures be clearly defined. Both councillors and officials should be capacitated. The study further recommended that local people and stakeholders should be involved in the conception and implementation of small town revitalisation strategy. Areas for further research were proposed at the end.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Xuba, Zibele
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Infrastructure (Economics) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Municipal government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Municipal finance -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/2888 , vital:28121
- Description: This study was conducted at Engcobo Local Municipality in the Eastern Cape Province to assess the role of municipal structures and systems in the implementation of small town revitalisation strategy. From onset, it highlights that numerous attempts to implement small town revitalisation have failed because of lack of institutional capacity. In addressing this problem, the study outlined the following objectives. To assess role played by municipal structures and systems on implementation of small town revitalisation. To identify institutional challenges experienced during implementation of small town revitalisation strategy. To propose alternative institutional measures that can lead to effective implementation of small town revitalisation. In achieving the study’s objectives; literature from both developed and developing countries was reviewed and it was learnt that institutional capacity is important for efficient implementation of the strategy. Systems theory was also reviewed so as to provide conceptual basis that underpins this study. Data was collected through primary methods and secondary sources. Research participants were chosen by random sampling from councillors, managers, business and traditional leaders. Research findings revealed that there were institutional problems which hinder implementation of the strategy such as lack of competent human resources, insufficient budget and shortages of machinery. Through analysis of findings, the research proposed that small town revitalisation strategy should be reformulated and role of municipal structures be clearly defined. Both councillors and officials should be capacitated. The study further recommended that local people and stakeholders should be involved in the conception and implementation of small town revitalisation strategy. Areas for further research were proposed at the end.
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Risk factors associated with developing asthma and tuberculosis: a case study of a hospital, Lagos Nigeria
- Authors: Adeniji, Tolulope Olubunmi
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Asthma -- Nigeria -- Epidemiology , Diseases -- Risk factors -- Nigeria
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13216 , vital:39616
- Description: The purpose of the study is to assess risk factors associated with developing asthma and tuberculosis. Methodology: A quantitative study was conducted on 133 randomly selected tuberculosis respondents, 91 of whom were suffering from TB at the time of the study. 120 respondents were also selected randomly for asthma of which 82 were asthmatic. Data were collected by using a self-structured questionnaire. The statistical analysis was done with the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS, version 18) using the descriptive statistics and logistic regression model. Results: Findings from the study show that a large percentage of the participants for both diseases were male, and the carriers of the diseases were also mostly male. Amongst the factors assessed, smoking, a weak immune system and a history of contact with tuberculosis infected persons were factors independently associated with developing tuberculosis. In the case of asthma, family history, smoking and exposure to allergen irritants were the factors independently associated with developing the disease. Conclusion: The findings highlight the need for increasing awareness through information, education and communication to address the risk factors of tuberculosis and asthma in order to decrease the rate of outspread. Recommendations: Factors triggering asthma among humans should be avoided. Since tuberculosis can be contracted through person to person contact, proper sanitation and regular medical attention are advocated for safeguarding personal and public health.
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- Authors: Adeniji, Tolulope Olubunmi
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Asthma -- Nigeria -- Epidemiology , Diseases -- Risk factors -- Nigeria
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13216 , vital:39616
- Description: The purpose of the study is to assess risk factors associated with developing asthma and tuberculosis. Methodology: A quantitative study was conducted on 133 randomly selected tuberculosis respondents, 91 of whom were suffering from TB at the time of the study. 120 respondents were also selected randomly for asthma of which 82 were asthmatic. Data were collected by using a self-structured questionnaire. The statistical analysis was done with the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS, version 18) using the descriptive statistics and logistic regression model. Results: Findings from the study show that a large percentage of the participants for both diseases were male, and the carriers of the diseases were also mostly male. Amongst the factors assessed, smoking, a weak immune system and a history of contact with tuberculosis infected persons were factors independently associated with developing tuberculosis. In the case of asthma, family history, smoking and exposure to allergen irritants were the factors independently associated with developing the disease. Conclusion: The findings highlight the need for increasing awareness through information, education and communication to address the risk factors of tuberculosis and asthma in order to decrease the rate of outspread. Recommendations: Factors triggering asthma among humans should be avoided. Since tuberculosis can be contracted through person to person contact, proper sanitation and regular medical attention are advocated for safeguarding personal and public health.
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WISC-IV test performance of grade 3 Xhosa-speaking children : an extension of a prior South African normative database
- Authors: Bickell, Alexa
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children Children -- Intelligence testing -- South Africa Education, Elementary -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSoc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/5730 , vital:29368
- Description: Introduction. A well-recognized problem exists when commonly employed tests developed in the United States (US) or United Kingdom (UK) are accepted unconditionally for use on local relatively disadvantaged populations, as these tests have questionable validity and therefore incur a high risk of misdiagnosis. Cross-cultural normative research has been conducted in South Africa on some of the Wechsler intelligence scales with respect to participants stratified for level and quality of education, age, race and language, including a study on the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children – Fourth Edition (WISC-IV) for learners with Grade 7 education (age 12 to 23). The aim of the current study was to conduct a partial duplication of the earlier WISC-IV South African norming study that specifically targeted a younger group of educationally disadvantaged children at a lower level of education. Method. Participants were Black Xhosa-speaking Grade 3 learners in the age range 8 to 9 (N =32 ), who were being schooled in the disadvantaged educational setting of the former Department of Education and Training (former-DET) schools. The WISC-IV results of the current study were statistically compared with the WISC-IV results from Shuttleworth-Edwards, Van der Merwe et al. (2013) study. Results. There was a significant lowering of between 20 to 30 IQ points relative to the UK standardisation on WISC-IV scores for this sample of Grade 3 Xhosa-speaking learners, replicating the earlier outcome for Grade 7 Xhosa-speaking learners relative to the UK standardisation. No differences were in evidence within the WISC-IV sample for the female and male participants on any of the indices. There was equivalence between the Grade 3 and Grade 7 Xhosa-speaking learners on all subtest and Index scores with the exception of the Digit Span subtest. Conclusions. The results confirm prior research indications of the negative impact of educational disadvantage on IQ test results and the need for this to be taken into account by the availability of socio- culturally relevant norms.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Bickell, Alexa
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children Children -- Intelligence testing -- South Africa Education, Elementary -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSoc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/5730 , vital:29368
- Description: Introduction. A well-recognized problem exists when commonly employed tests developed in the United States (US) or United Kingdom (UK) are accepted unconditionally for use on local relatively disadvantaged populations, as these tests have questionable validity and therefore incur a high risk of misdiagnosis. Cross-cultural normative research has been conducted in South Africa on some of the Wechsler intelligence scales with respect to participants stratified for level and quality of education, age, race and language, including a study on the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children – Fourth Edition (WISC-IV) for learners with Grade 7 education (age 12 to 23). The aim of the current study was to conduct a partial duplication of the earlier WISC-IV South African norming study that specifically targeted a younger group of educationally disadvantaged children at a lower level of education. Method. Participants were Black Xhosa-speaking Grade 3 learners in the age range 8 to 9 (N =32 ), who were being schooled in the disadvantaged educational setting of the former Department of Education and Training (former-DET) schools. The WISC-IV results of the current study were statistically compared with the WISC-IV results from Shuttleworth-Edwards, Van der Merwe et al. (2013) study. Results. There was a significant lowering of between 20 to 30 IQ points relative to the UK standardisation on WISC-IV scores for this sample of Grade 3 Xhosa-speaking learners, replicating the earlier outcome for Grade 7 Xhosa-speaking learners relative to the UK standardisation. No differences were in evidence within the WISC-IV sample for the female and male participants on any of the indices. There was equivalence between the Grade 3 and Grade 7 Xhosa-speaking learners on all subtest and Index scores with the exception of the Digit Span subtest. Conclusions. The results confirm prior research indications of the negative impact of educational disadvantage on IQ test results and the need for this to be taken into account by the availability of socio- culturally relevant norms.
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