An understanding of administrators’ roles in enhancing the quality of a South African university: a contribution towards transformation
- Authors: Kgati, Tsholofelo Innocent
- Date: 2025-04
- Subjects: Universities and colleges -- Administration -- South Africa , Education -- South Africa , Transformation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/71706 , vital:79124
- Description: Society is shaped by an array of components, and one of the pivotal components is higher education. The nature of universities and their roles in society compel universities always to strive to respond adequately to their nation-building responsibilities. Notably, administrators play an important role in universities as they make significant contributions to ensure that universities attain their nation-building responsibilities. However, most of the focus in literature is directed toward students and academics in terms of access, throughput, quality, and transformation. There has not been enough attention given to our understanding of the role of administrators, their understanding of quality, and how they contribute to the transformation of universities. This study embarked on understanding administrators’ roles in enhancing the quality of universities within the broader transformation discourse of South Africa’s higher education. The main research question that underpinned the study was ‘How has the role of administrators contributed to the transformation of a South African university?’ This question was further divided into three as follows: 1) How has administrators' understanding of their roles been conceptualised at a South African university? 2) What notions of quality have constructed administrators' understanding of their role at a South African university? 3) What could inform the role of administrators in contributing towards transformation at a South African university? Qualitative research was deemed appropriate for the study, as it provides detailed and in-depth responses from participants, rather than quantitative research. A single case study research methodology was used with a focus on Nelson Mandela University. The study used purposive sampling to select relevant participants, who were administrators at Nelson Mandela University. Data was generated, using semi-structured one-on-one interviews, and policy documents. Thematic analysis was used, and four themes emerged from the data: 1) Policy description of the job and alignment of responsibilities, 2) Administrators’ responses to expected responsibilities, 3) Challenges experienced while executing duties, and 4) Perceived understanding of quality. The study concluded by suggesting several recommendations in areas of policies, quality, and avenues for a better understanding of the role of administrators at universities. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, School of Education Research and Engagement, 2025
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025-04
- Authors: Kgati, Tsholofelo Innocent
- Date: 2025-04
- Subjects: Universities and colleges -- Administration -- South Africa , Education -- South Africa , Transformation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/71706 , vital:79124
- Description: Society is shaped by an array of components, and one of the pivotal components is higher education. The nature of universities and their roles in society compel universities always to strive to respond adequately to their nation-building responsibilities. Notably, administrators play an important role in universities as they make significant contributions to ensure that universities attain their nation-building responsibilities. However, most of the focus in literature is directed toward students and academics in terms of access, throughput, quality, and transformation. There has not been enough attention given to our understanding of the role of administrators, their understanding of quality, and how they contribute to the transformation of universities. This study embarked on understanding administrators’ roles in enhancing the quality of universities within the broader transformation discourse of South Africa’s higher education. The main research question that underpinned the study was ‘How has the role of administrators contributed to the transformation of a South African university?’ This question was further divided into three as follows: 1) How has administrators' understanding of their roles been conceptualised at a South African university? 2) What notions of quality have constructed administrators' understanding of their role at a South African university? 3) What could inform the role of administrators in contributing towards transformation at a South African university? Qualitative research was deemed appropriate for the study, as it provides detailed and in-depth responses from participants, rather than quantitative research. A single case study research methodology was used with a focus on Nelson Mandela University. The study used purposive sampling to select relevant participants, who were administrators at Nelson Mandela University. Data was generated, using semi-structured one-on-one interviews, and policy documents. Thematic analysis was used, and four themes emerged from the data: 1) Policy description of the job and alignment of responsibilities, 2) Administrators’ responses to expected responsibilities, 3) Challenges experienced while executing duties, and 4) Perceived understanding of quality. The study concluded by suggesting several recommendations in areas of policies, quality, and avenues for a better understanding of the role of administrators at universities. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, School of Education Research and Engagement, 2025
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025-04
The impact of digital platforms and their infrastructure implementation in the rural communities of South Africa
- Authors: Maifala, Morris Thibogang
- Date: Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences
- Subjects: Rural development -- Technological innovations , Transformation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/72916 , vital:79277
- Description: The proliferation of digital platforms and infrastructure has transformed various sectors across the globe, yet many rural communities in South Africa still struggle to access and benefit from these advancements. This study explores the impact of digital platforms and their supporting infrastructure on the rural community of Moruleng, located in Rustenburg, South Africa. Utilising a mixed-methods approach, the research examines how digital platforms are integrated into daily activities and the extent to which they influence socioeconomic development, education, healthcare, and local businesses in Moruleng. Data was collected through questionnaires and interviews with community members, local businesses, educatorsand healthcare providers. The findings reveal that while digital platforms hold significant potential to improve access to information, economic opportunities, and essential services, infrastructural challenges such as limited internet connectivity, high costs, and lack of digital skills hinder their full utilisation. Furthermore, concerns about data privacy, the reliability of digital platforms, and access to digital literacy programmes were highlighted as barriers to the effective adoption of digital solutions. This research underscores the importance of tailored infrastructure investments and digital literacy initiatives that address the unique needs of rural communities like Moruleng. It also provides recommendations for policymakers, local government, and private sector stakeholders on fostering a digital environment that can contribute to sustainable development in rural South Africa. The study concludes that strategic digital infrastructure implementation, combined with community-based training and support, could bridge the digital divide and facilitate inclusive growth for the people of Moruleng and similar rural areas. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business School, 2025
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences
- Authors: Maifala, Morris Thibogang
- Date: Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences
- Subjects: Rural development -- Technological innovations , Transformation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/72916 , vital:79277
- Description: The proliferation of digital platforms and infrastructure has transformed various sectors across the globe, yet many rural communities in South Africa still struggle to access and benefit from these advancements. This study explores the impact of digital platforms and their supporting infrastructure on the rural community of Moruleng, located in Rustenburg, South Africa. Utilising a mixed-methods approach, the research examines how digital platforms are integrated into daily activities and the extent to which they influence socioeconomic development, education, healthcare, and local businesses in Moruleng. Data was collected through questionnaires and interviews with community members, local businesses, educatorsand healthcare providers. The findings reveal that while digital platforms hold significant potential to improve access to information, economic opportunities, and essential services, infrastructural challenges such as limited internet connectivity, high costs, and lack of digital skills hinder their full utilisation. Furthermore, concerns about data privacy, the reliability of digital platforms, and access to digital literacy programmes were highlighted as barriers to the effective adoption of digital solutions. This research underscores the importance of tailored infrastructure investments and digital literacy initiatives that address the unique needs of rural communities like Moruleng. It also provides recommendations for policymakers, local government, and private sector stakeholders on fostering a digital environment that can contribute to sustainable development in rural South Africa. The study concludes that strategic digital infrastructure implementation, combined with community-based training and support, could bridge the digital divide and facilitate inclusive growth for the people of Moruleng and similar rural areas. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business School, 2025
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences
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