Perceptions on risk management at Walter Sisulu University
- Authors: Qanga, Enathi Jongikhaya
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Risk management , Walter Sisulu University for Technology & Science
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/3802 , vital:20464
- Description: With the rise in the complexity of business transactions and emerging prominence of worldwide corporate governance, companies are required to adhere to certain minimal standards of governance and risk management. Organisations take various kinds of risks depending on their operating environments and the gravity of their organisational needs (risk to a return trade-off). Taking risks can either provide benefits to an organisation or cause problems for it. Given the importance of risk management, studies conducted by universities throughout the world reveal serious concerns. The primary objective of this study was to establish perceptions on risk management at Walter Sisulu University (WSU). The literature review of the study provided a discussion concerning best practice as far as the COSO internal control framework, COSO enterprise risk management framework and key aspects of the Kings III report on risk assessment and risks faced by modern business. The study adopted the quantitative research approach using a case study design. A survey was conducted by distributing questionnaires to a selected sample of, Campus management (Deans), Internal auditing III students, Lecturers in commerce, Head of departments and support service personnel of WSU. A random sampling procedure identified thirty three participants and all the participants completed questionnaires across all campuses at WSU. Graphic presentation from Microsoft excel, inferential and basic descriptive statistics from SPSS were used to analyze and interpret data to generate findings. The study revealed that, all principles for the COSO components on internal control, COSO- ERM and the King III report are regarded to be present at WSU. Respondent perceptions falls within the positive zone being “neutral”, “effective” and “highly effective”. The population score is probably also in the neutral zone indicating a not sure respondent’s perception on whether the component or principle is effective or not effective. The Cronbach’s Alpha was conducted to test the internal reliability and consistency of the data. A Cronbach’s Alpha of summated score of 0.974 was achieved on 84 principles that could contribute to the effectiveness of risk management. The researcher recommends creating a risk-awareness culture throughout WSU rather than a silo approach to risk management. Monitoring on the effectiveness of the system of internal control need greater attention at WSU. In addition, the alignment of risk management to institutional strategy needs to be improved, and the University needs to establish and develop an enterprise-risk management policy (ERMP) and create a platform for further studies on risk management.
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- Date Issued: 2016
An investigation into the success of the extended programmes at Walter Sisulu University, with particular reference to throughput rate
- Authors: Solilo, Nikiwe Primrose
- Subjects: Walter Sisulu University for Technology & Science , College dropouts -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , College attendance -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Academic achievement -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Education, Higher -- South Africa , Universities and colleges -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8893 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020871
- Description: The purpose of the study was to investigate the success of the Extended Programme at Walter Sisulu University, with particular reference to throughput rates. Programmes offered by the institution to students are intervention measures to assist in improving student retention. This research investigated the role of the university with regards to retaining engineering students at Buffalo City. Also discussed will be the impact of financial support or lack thereof to paying for academic education. Lastly, the discussion will focus on Extended Programme courses offered to students and their impact on retention of students. Through Tinto’s model, Koen discussed that institutions have a responsibility for integrating academic and social activities to create holistic competent students (2007:65). It was also discovered that the institution through the Centre for Learning and Teaching Development (CLTD), offers services that benefit both students and lecturers. Merriam found out that the key to understanding qualitative research is the idea that meaning is socially constructed by individuals in their interaction with the world, (2002:3). This study called for qualitative research to get meaning from each participant. The research was conducted using questionnaires to both students and lecturers. The investigation discovered that an education institution is not only about academic studies. Data was collected and analysed using qualitative methods which included coding and colouring of responses. Research deduced that lecturers and students conclusively complained about the poor infrastructure of the university. It has been found that students think about their educational development, their personal growth and development, their employability and their prospects for career preparation or change (Moxley 2001:39). When students have this kind of attitude it means they have the courage to get through the choice no matter what challenges they face (2004: 212). According to Moxley, members of staff who expand their roles into tutorials, independent studies and small group projects, could be a pivotal strategy of the institutional retention mission, (2001:39). This is supported by Coetzee who state that lecturers should provide students with feedback quickly, promote independent thinking, guide and motivate students (2001:31).
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