Integrating spirituality and psychotherapy : experiences of a sample of terminally ill patients
- Chemane, Bonginkosi Reginald
- Authors: Chemane, Bonginkosi Reginald
- Date: 2013-07-15
- Subjects: Psychotherapy Terminal care -- South Africa -- Grahamstown Hospices (Terminal care) Terminally ill -- Psychology Spiritual care (Medical care)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3183 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1008217
- Description: The general aim of this study was to determine the experiences of a sample of terminally ill patients in using spiritually focused psychotherapy. This was a qualitative study conducted to a sample of 2 terminally ill patients from hospice in Grahamstown, South Africa. The research was conducted in 3 phases: an initial in-depth interview conducted to determine the participants' level of spirituality as well as the extent to which their terminal illnesses had affected their functioning. This was followed by a minimum of 6 spiritually focused therapy (SFT) sessions as a second phase of the research. To determine the participants' experiences of SFT, 2-3 in-depth interviews were conducted during the 3m phase of the research study. The research revealed that a belief in a higher power helps terminally ill patients cope better with their illness and that social disconnectedness is related to HIV / AIDS stigma. It also revealed that terminal illness is co-morbid with other psychiatric symptoms such as depression, evokes existential concerns, results in a change in the level of spirituality and affects the whole family. Participants blamed themselves for their illness, but found that engaging in the process of forgiveness of self and others brought about psychological healing for them. They experienced SFT as a coping resource that assisted them to deal with the fear of death as well as increased insight into the development of psychopathology and spiritual blockages. It is recommended that a comprehensive and holistic assessment during intake be undertaken so that where spiritual needs are available, therapy can be spiritually augmented to ensure that such needs/ struggles are addressed. , KMBT_363 , Adobe Acrobat 9.54 Paper Capture Plug-in
- Full Text:
- Authors: Chemane, Bonginkosi Reginald
- Date: 2013-07-15
- Subjects: Psychotherapy Terminal care -- South Africa -- Grahamstown Hospices (Terminal care) Terminally ill -- Psychology Spiritual care (Medical care)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3183 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1008217
- Description: The general aim of this study was to determine the experiences of a sample of terminally ill patients in using spiritually focused psychotherapy. This was a qualitative study conducted to a sample of 2 terminally ill patients from hospice in Grahamstown, South Africa. The research was conducted in 3 phases: an initial in-depth interview conducted to determine the participants' level of spirituality as well as the extent to which their terminal illnesses had affected their functioning. This was followed by a minimum of 6 spiritually focused therapy (SFT) sessions as a second phase of the research. To determine the participants' experiences of SFT, 2-3 in-depth interviews were conducted during the 3m phase of the research study. The research revealed that a belief in a higher power helps terminally ill patients cope better with their illness and that social disconnectedness is related to HIV / AIDS stigma. It also revealed that terminal illness is co-morbid with other psychiatric symptoms such as depression, evokes existential concerns, results in a change in the level of spirituality and affects the whole family. Participants blamed themselves for their illness, but found that engaging in the process of forgiveness of self and others brought about psychological healing for them. They experienced SFT as a coping resource that assisted them to deal with the fear of death as well as increased insight into the development of psychopathology and spiritual blockages. It is recommended that a comprehensive and holistic assessment during intake be undertaken so that where spiritual needs are available, therapy can be spiritually augmented to ensure that such needs/ struggles are addressed. , KMBT_363 , Adobe Acrobat 9.54 Paper Capture Plug-in
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Crossing the border : constructions of borderline personality disorder within the South African context: a discourse analytic study
- Authors: Elphick, Marie-Clair
- Date: 2013-07-12
- Subjects: Borderline personality disorder -- South Africa Borderline personality disorder -- Diagnosis
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3184 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1008307
- Description: This research aims to open up for critical discussion the effects of the discourses employed by mental health professionals in relation to the diagnosis of BPO, with a view of questioning the discursive practices available within a South African context. This discussion will situate identified discourses in relation to the subjects and objects to which it refers in an attempt to identify and interrogate dominant discourses which circulate to oppress and discriminate against female 'others' within the mental health setting. This discussion will serve to challenge mainstream, traditional psychology by questioning the utility of deploying these concepts within a South African context as well as the effects this deployment may have. A discourse analytic methodology is employed to identify the constructions of BPO by five mental health professionals working within a government setting. The analysis aims at interrogating the broader role of the identified discourses in supporting institutions, preserving power relations and transmitting ideological practices. Ultimately the aim of the research is to open up for critical debate, through the example of psychology and psychiatry's treatment of BPO; constituted as 'other', the possibility that there may be deleterious consequences for the wholesale acceptance of traditional psychological understandings by mental health professionals working within a South African context. , KMBT_363 , Adobe Acrobat 9.54 Paper Capture Plug-in
- Full Text:
- Authors: Elphick, Marie-Clair
- Date: 2013-07-12
- Subjects: Borderline personality disorder -- South Africa Borderline personality disorder -- Diagnosis
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3184 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1008307
- Description: This research aims to open up for critical discussion the effects of the discourses employed by mental health professionals in relation to the diagnosis of BPO, with a view of questioning the discursive practices available within a South African context. This discussion will situate identified discourses in relation to the subjects and objects to which it refers in an attempt to identify and interrogate dominant discourses which circulate to oppress and discriminate against female 'others' within the mental health setting. This discussion will serve to challenge mainstream, traditional psychology by questioning the utility of deploying these concepts within a South African context as well as the effects this deployment may have. A discourse analytic methodology is employed to identify the constructions of BPO by five mental health professionals working within a government setting. The analysis aims at interrogating the broader role of the identified discourses in supporting institutions, preserving power relations and transmitting ideological practices. Ultimately the aim of the research is to open up for critical debate, through the example of psychology and psychiatry's treatment of BPO; constituted as 'other', the possibility that there may be deleterious consequences for the wholesale acceptance of traditional psychological understandings by mental health professionals working within a South African context. , KMBT_363 , Adobe Acrobat 9.54 Paper Capture Plug-in
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The development of a parental alienation syndrome interview protocol
- Authors: De Jager, Melissa
- Date: 2013-07-12
- Subjects: Parental alienation syndrome Custody of children -- Psychological aspects Child abuse
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3182 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1008212
- Description: Parental Alienation Syndrome (PAS) is a childhood disorder that arises almost exclusively in child custody disputes. Its primary manifestation is the unjustified rejection of a once-loved parent by a child due to a combination of the 'programming' parent's alienating techniques and the child's own contributions to the vilification of the targeted parent. Parental Alienation (PA) is differentiated from PAS as in the case of the former the child's rejection is justified and may be explained either by normal developmental behaviours or by child abuse that involves no form of programming. The purpose of this study is to develop a preliminary interview protocol to aid in the detection of PAS, with a special emphasis on differentiating false allegations of abuse, which usually accompany severe PAS, from true abuse. The aim of the study is to develop a protocol to enhance diagnostic clarity and facilitate appropriate custody-related recommendations. The interview protocol is based on an extensive thematic literature analysis in conjunction with existing guidelines for conducting a child custody and visitation interview. The interview protocol comprises a child and parent section, which both have their own reference tables with supporting corresponding information. The protocol 's administration instructions are outlined in a covering information page. Rigour was added to the protocol by having it assessed for clarity and accessibility by four medico-legal professionals with custody-related experience, and their opinions regarding the protocol's structure, sections, questions and reference tables were taken into consideration in the revision of the protocol. , KMBT_363 , Adobe Acrobat 9.54 Paper Capture Plug-in
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- Authors: De Jager, Melissa
- Date: 2013-07-12
- Subjects: Parental alienation syndrome Custody of children -- Psychological aspects Child abuse
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3182 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1008212
- Description: Parental Alienation Syndrome (PAS) is a childhood disorder that arises almost exclusively in child custody disputes. Its primary manifestation is the unjustified rejection of a once-loved parent by a child due to a combination of the 'programming' parent's alienating techniques and the child's own contributions to the vilification of the targeted parent. Parental Alienation (PA) is differentiated from PAS as in the case of the former the child's rejection is justified and may be explained either by normal developmental behaviours or by child abuse that involves no form of programming. The purpose of this study is to develop a preliminary interview protocol to aid in the detection of PAS, with a special emphasis on differentiating false allegations of abuse, which usually accompany severe PAS, from true abuse. The aim of the study is to develop a protocol to enhance diagnostic clarity and facilitate appropriate custody-related recommendations. The interview protocol is based on an extensive thematic literature analysis in conjunction with existing guidelines for conducting a child custody and visitation interview. The interview protocol comprises a child and parent section, which both have their own reference tables with supporting corresponding information. The protocol 's administration instructions are outlined in a covering information page. Rigour was added to the protocol by having it assessed for clarity and accessibility by four medico-legal professionals with custody-related experience, and their opinions regarding the protocol's structure, sections, questions and reference tables were taken into consideration in the revision of the protocol. , KMBT_363 , Adobe Acrobat 9.54 Paper Capture Plug-in
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"A dark revolt of being" abjection, sacrifice and the real in performance art, with reference to the works of Peter van Heerden and Steven Cohen
- Authors: Balt, Christine
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Cohen, Steven, 1962- Van Heerden, Peter Phelan, Peggy Kristeva, Julia Lacan, Jacques Performance art -- South Africa Abject art
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2132 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002364
- Description: This thesis is an exploration of some of the defining characteristics of performance art, and an investigation of how such characteristics relate to ritual. It highlights some key notions, such as that of the “Real” and the live, which are introduced in the first chapter. This chapter explores the theories of Peggy Phelan, Julia Kristeva and Jacques Lacan in its attempts to conceptualize the Real. It assesses how performance art as ritual attempts to revise traditional apparatuses of representation. It argues that, through a transgression of representation, performance art has the potential to challenge and revise established discourses on identity, culture and violence. The second chapter of this study is an attempt to provide a history and subsequent conceptualization of performance art, based on its exposition of the live. I have taken into consideration certain strategies that performance artists employ to evoke the live, referring specifically to the manipulation of the body. It is through abject encounters with the unsymbolizable “Real” that the performance artist reaches the borders of his/her subjective constitution, and performs a transformation of his/her identity that transcends the mechanisms of representation. The third chapter of this study attempts to find the connections that exist between performance art and sacrificial ritual. I will refer specifically to the theories of Rene Girard. Girard‟s notion of the “violent sacred” and its significance within sacrifice as an antidote to community crises will be explored in relation to collective transformation within the performance event. I choose to focus specifically on the role of the performer as surrogate victim/pharmakon, and the spectators/witnesses as part of the community. The fourth chapter explores how two South African performance artists, Steven Cohen (1961) and Peter van Heerden (1973), perform the abject body as the monster. Kristeva‟s notion of the abject will be examined in terms of the transformation of the individual performer as subject within performance art, and how, through the assumption of an “othered,” monstrous identity, the performer becomes the surrogate victim. The fifth chapter will entail an examination of Peter van Heerden‟s 6 Minutes. I will attempt to draw parallels between performance art and ritual through using this performance piece as a case study. I will focus on the strategies that Van Heerden implements to resist theatrical representation. 6 Minutes will be observed in terms of its link to sacrificial ritual, and it presentation of the live, and the Real. In light of these discoveries, I aim to locate performance art within politically-driven modes of art-making, and how such an endeavour relates to South African modes of theatre and performance.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Balt, Christine
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Cohen, Steven, 1962- Van Heerden, Peter Phelan, Peggy Kristeva, Julia Lacan, Jacques Performance art -- South Africa Abject art
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2132 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002364
- Description: This thesis is an exploration of some of the defining characteristics of performance art, and an investigation of how such characteristics relate to ritual. It highlights some key notions, such as that of the “Real” and the live, which are introduced in the first chapter. This chapter explores the theories of Peggy Phelan, Julia Kristeva and Jacques Lacan in its attempts to conceptualize the Real. It assesses how performance art as ritual attempts to revise traditional apparatuses of representation. It argues that, through a transgression of representation, performance art has the potential to challenge and revise established discourses on identity, culture and violence. The second chapter of this study is an attempt to provide a history and subsequent conceptualization of performance art, based on its exposition of the live. I have taken into consideration certain strategies that performance artists employ to evoke the live, referring specifically to the manipulation of the body. It is through abject encounters with the unsymbolizable “Real” that the performance artist reaches the borders of his/her subjective constitution, and performs a transformation of his/her identity that transcends the mechanisms of representation. The third chapter of this study attempts to find the connections that exist between performance art and sacrificial ritual. I will refer specifically to the theories of Rene Girard. Girard‟s notion of the “violent sacred” and its significance within sacrifice as an antidote to community crises will be explored in relation to collective transformation within the performance event. I choose to focus specifically on the role of the performer as surrogate victim/pharmakon, and the spectators/witnesses as part of the community. The fourth chapter explores how two South African performance artists, Steven Cohen (1961) and Peter van Heerden (1973), perform the abject body as the monster. Kristeva‟s notion of the abject will be examined in terms of the transformation of the individual performer as subject within performance art, and how, through the assumption of an “othered,” monstrous identity, the performer becomes the surrogate victim. The fifth chapter will entail an examination of Peter van Heerden‟s 6 Minutes. I will attempt to draw parallels between performance art and ritual through using this performance piece as a case study. I will focus on the strategies that Van Heerden implements to resist theatrical representation. 6 Minutes will be observed in terms of its link to sacrificial ritual, and it presentation of the live, and the Real. In light of these discoveries, I aim to locate performance art within politically-driven modes of art-making, and how such an endeavour relates to South African modes of theatre and performance.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
A case study of Kurt Donald Cobain
- Authors: Pieterse, Candice Belinda
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Cobain, Kurt, 1967-1994 , Personality development -- South Africa , Developmental psychology -- South Africa , Rock musicians
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9891 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1157 , Cobain, Kurt, 1967-1994 , Personality development -- South Africa , Developmental psychology -- South Africa , Rock musicians
- Description: Case study research allows for an in depth study of an individual and yields relevant insight and results while examining an individual in their entirety. This approach allows the researcher to capture the uniqueness of a subject and thus provide an interesting understanding of that individual. The study is a case study of Kurt Donald Cobain. Cobain (1967-1994) was an American musician who served as songwriter, lead singer and guitarist for the band, Nirvana. He struggled with drug addiction during the last years of his life, and died on 8 April 1994 from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to his head (Sandford, 1995). The study is a single case research design, utilizing both qualitative and quantitative data. It aimed to explore and describe Kurt Cobain’s personality according to the Five Factor Model of Personality. He was chosen as the research subject by means of purposive sampling on the basis of the researcher’s interest and on his uniqueness and inspirational influences on the general public. Collected data was analyzed in accordance with Huberman and Miles’s (1994) general approach which consists of data reduction, data display and conclusion drawing and verification. Descriptive tables from the NEO-PI-R personality measure were further interpreted to provide quantitative information regarding the personality traits of the subject. The findings of this study suggest that Kurt Cobain portrayed a complex personality profile as an individual, and it appears that he experienced much distress and emotional instability within his life. However, he was able to provide the youth a means of expressing themselves through his music.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Pieterse, Candice Belinda
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Cobain, Kurt, 1967-1994 , Personality development -- South Africa , Developmental psychology -- South Africa , Rock musicians
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9891 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1157 , Cobain, Kurt, 1967-1994 , Personality development -- South Africa , Developmental psychology -- South Africa , Rock musicians
- Description: Case study research allows for an in depth study of an individual and yields relevant insight and results while examining an individual in their entirety. This approach allows the researcher to capture the uniqueness of a subject and thus provide an interesting understanding of that individual. The study is a case study of Kurt Donald Cobain. Cobain (1967-1994) was an American musician who served as songwriter, lead singer and guitarist for the band, Nirvana. He struggled with drug addiction during the last years of his life, and died on 8 April 1994 from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to his head (Sandford, 1995). The study is a single case research design, utilizing both qualitative and quantitative data. It aimed to explore and describe Kurt Cobain’s personality according to the Five Factor Model of Personality. He was chosen as the research subject by means of purposive sampling on the basis of the researcher’s interest and on his uniqueness and inspirational influences on the general public. Collected data was analyzed in accordance with Huberman and Miles’s (1994) general approach which consists of data reduction, data display and conclusion drawing and verification. Descriptive tables from the NEO-PI-R personality measure were further interpreted to provide quantitative information regarding the personality traits of the subject. The findings of this study suggest that Kurt Cobain portrayed a complex personality profile as an individual, and it appears that he experienced much distress and emotional instability within his life. However, he was able to provide the youth a means of expressing themselves through his music.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
A changing didacticism : the development of South African young adult fiction from 1985 to 2006
- Authors: Williams, Jenna Elizabeth
- Date: 2009 , 2013-07-16
- Subjects: Didactic fiction, English -- History and criticism Young adult fiction, South African -- History and criticism South Africa -- In literature South Africa -- Politics and government
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2255 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004293
- Description: This thesis endeavours to establish how political transformation in South Africa has impacted on the didactic function of locally produced young adult fiction between the years of 1985 and 2006. To this end, a selection of young adult novels and short stories are examined in relation to the time period during which they were written or are set, namely the final years of apartheid (from 1985 to the early 1990s), the period of transition from apartheid to democracy (approximately 1991 to 1997), and the early years of the twenty-first century (2000 to 2006). Chapter One provides a brief overview of publishing for the juvenile market in South Africa over the last century, noting how significant historical and political events affected both the publishing industry itself and the content of children's and young adult literature. This chapter also adumbrates the theoretical foundations of the study. The second chapter examines a selection of texts either written or set during the final years of the apartheid regime. This chapter establishes how authors during this period challenged notions of racial inequality and undermined the policies of the apartheid government, with varying degrees of success. The authors' methods in encouraging their (predominantly white) readers to question apartheid ideology are also interrogated. Those novels written after, but set during, the apartheid era are examined with the aim of determining their authors' didactic objectives in revisiting this period in their novels. Chapter Three explores how authors writing during the transition period aimed to encourage readers to participate in the building of a 'rainbow nation,' by portraying idealised modes of relating to the racial 'other.' While some of the authors examined in this chapter are optimistic, and even naïve, in their celebration of a newly established democracy, others are more cautious in suggesting that decades of oppression and separation can so easily be overcome. Chapter Four demonstrates how the freedoms afforded by a democratic society have prompted young adult authors to explore the possibilities of adapting the sub-genre of the teenage problem novel to suit a distinctly South African context. While some of these texts are not overtly didactic in nature, they confront the unique issues faced by a generation of South African teenagers raised in a democratic society, and in some cases challenge readers to reconsider their approach to such issues.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Williams, Jenna Elizabeth
- Date: 2009 , 2013-07-16
- Subjects: Didactic fiction, English -- History and criticism Young adult fiction, South African -- History and criticism South Africa -- In literature South Africa -- Politics and government
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2255 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004293
- Description: This thesis endeavours to establish how political transformation in South Africa has impacted on the didactic function of locally produced young adult fiction between the years of 1985 and 2006. To this end, a selection of young adult novels and short stories are examined in relation to the time period during which they were written or are set, namely the final years of apartheid (from 1985 to the early 1990s), the period of transition from apartheid to democracy (approximately 1991 to 1997), and the early years of the twenty-first century (2000 to 2006). Chapter One provides a brief overview of publishing for the juvenile market in South Africa over the last century, noting how significant historical and political events affected both the publishing industry itself and the content of children's and young adult literature. This chapter also adumbrates the theoretical foundations of the study. The second chapter examines a selection of texts either written or set during the final years of the apartheid regime. This chapter establishes how authors during this period challenged notions of racial inequality and undermined the policies of the apartheid government, with varying degrees of success. The authors' methods in encouraging their (predominantly white) readers to question apartheid ideology are also interrogated. Those novels written after, but set during, the apartheid era are examined with the aim of determining their authors' didactic objectives in revisiting this period in their novels. Chapter Three explores how authors writing during the transition period aimed to encourage readers to participate in the building of a 'rainbow nation,' by portraying idealised modes of relating to the racial 'other.' While some of the authors examined in this chapter are optimistic, and even naïve, in their celebration of a newly established democracy, others are more cautious in suggesting that decades of oppression and separation can so easily be overcome. Chapter Four demonstrates how the freedoms afforded by a democratic society have prompted young adult authors to explore the possibilities of adapting the sub-genre of the teenage problem novel to suit a distinctly South African context. While some of these texts are not overtly didactic in nature, they confront the unique issues faced by a generation of South African teenagers raised in a democratic society, and in some cases challenge readers to reconsider their approach to such issues.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
A difficult equilibrium: torture narratives and the ethics of reciprocity in apartheid South Africa and its aftermath
- Authors: Pett, Sarah
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Apartheid -- South Africa -- History Torture -- South Africa Post-apartheid era -- South Africa Apartheid in literature Torture in literature
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2194 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002236
- Description: This thesis takes the form of an enquiry into the development of the ―generic contours (Bakhtin 4) for the narration of torture in South Africa during apartheid and its aftermath. The enquiry focusses on the ethical determinations that underlie the conventions of this genre. My theoretical framework uses Adam Zachary Newton‘s conceptualization of narrative ethics to supplement Paul Ricoeur‘s writings on narrative identity and the ethical intention, thus facilitating the transfer of Ricoeur‘s abstract philosophy to the realm of literary criticism. Part I presents torture as a disruption of narrative identity and a defamiliarization of the intersubjective encounter. The existence of torture narratives thus attests to the critical role of narration in the reconstruction of the tortured person‘s identity and the re-establishment of benign frameworks of intersubjective communication. Literature‘s potential to act as a laboratory for the testing of the limitations of narrative identity and the resilience of ethical mores suggests that the fictional representation of torture also has an important role to play in this attempt at rehabilitation. Part II takes the form of a comparative analysis of non-fictional and fictional accounts of torture originating from apartheid South Africa. This shows that the ethical determinations underlying the narration of torture in South Africa range from intersubjective estrangement to a ―solicitude of reciprocity (Bourgeois 109). However, because the majority of these texts used the presentation of human rights abuses to galvanize international opposition to apartheid, the scope for experimentation was limited by the political exigencies of the time. Part III examines the stylistic and generic shifts in the narration of torture that accompanied South Africa‘s transition to democracy. It suggests that the discursive dominance of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission replaced the fruitful—in literary terms—dialogue between authoritarianism and resistance that characterized the apartheid era with a monologic grand narrative of emotional catharsis, reconciliation and nation building. It also suggests that the ―truth-and-reconciliation genre of writing (Quayson 754) that shaped the literary milieu of the post-TRC period be seen in terms of a resurgence of the apartheid–era paradigms for the narration of human rights abuses that were repressed during the initial phase of democratic transition. By framing the TRC as a catalyst for individual journeys of self-discovery, these novels raise important questions about what it means to be a part of the ―new South Africa. In contrast to the majority of apartheid era literature, the novels of the post-TRC period privilege the literary prerogative over the political, and thus bring to fruition the experimental potential of the previous paradigm. In doing so, they not only go beyond solicitude to achieve an ―authentic reciprocity in exchange (Ricoeur, Oneself 191), but also initiate a process of long-awaited literary expansion, in which authors look beyond the limits of apartheid and begin to critically engage with the region‘s pre-apartheid history and its post-apartheid present.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Pett, Sarah
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Apartheid -- South Africa -- History Torture -- South Africa Post-apartheid era -- South Africa Apartheid in literature Torture in literature
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2194 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002236
- Description: This thesis takes the form of an enquiry into the development of the ―generic contours (Bakhtin 4) for the narration of torture in South Africa during apartheid and its aftermath. The enquiry focusses on the ethical determinations that underlie the conventions of this genre. My theoretical framework uses Adam Zachary Newton‘s conceptualization of narrative ethics to supplement Paul Ricoeur‘s writings on narrative identity and the ethical intention, thus facilitating the transfer of Ricoeur‘s abstract philosophy to the realm of literary criticism. Part I presents torture as a disruption of narrative identity and a defamiliarization of the intersubjective encounter. The existence of torture narratives thus attests to the critical role of narration in the reconstruction of the tortured person‘s identity and the re-establishment of benign frameworks of intersubjective communication. Literature‘s potential to act as a laboratory for the testing of the limitations of narrative identity and the resilience of ethical mores suggests that the fictional representation of torture also has an important role to play in this attempt at rehabilitation. Part II takes the form of a comparative analysis of non-fictional and fictional accounts of torture originating from apartheid South Africa. This shows that the ethical determinations underlying the narration of torture in South Africa range from intersubjective estrangement to a ―solicitude of reciprocity (Bourgeois 109). However, because the majority of these texts used the presentation of human rights abuses to galvanize international opposition to apartheid, the scope for experimentation was limited by the political exigencies of the time. Part III examines the stylistic and generic shifts in the narration of torture that accompanied South Africa‘s transition to democracy. It suggests that the discursive dominance of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission replaced the fruitful—in literary terms—dialogue between authoritarianism and resistance that characterized the apartheid era with a monologic grand narrative of emotional catharsis, reconciliation and nation building. It also suggests that the ―truth-and-reconciliation genre of writing (Quayson 754) that shaped the literary milieu of the post-TRC period be seen in terms of a resurgence of the apartheid–era paradigms for the narration of human rights abuses that were repressed during the initial phase of democratic transition. By framing the TRC as a catalyst for individual journeys of self-discovery, these novels raise important questions about what it means to be a part of the ―new South Africa. In contrast to the majority of apartheid era literature, the novels of the post-TRC period privilege the literary prerogative over the political, and thus bring to fruition the experimental potential of the previous paradigm. In doing so, they not only go beyond solicitude to achieve an ―authentic reciprocity in exchange (Ricoeur, Oneself 191), but also initiate a process of long-awaited literary expansion, in which authors look beyond the limits of apartheid and begin to critically engage with the region‘s pre-apartheid history and its post-apartheid present.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
A longitudinal study of the occupational aspirations and perceptions of twelve to fourteen year-old South African children
- Authors: Hunter, Carrie
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Vocational interests -- Research -- South Africa , Children -- South Africa -- Attitudes , Personality and occupation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9906 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/968 , Vocational interests -- Research -- South Africa , Children -- South Africa -- Attitudes , Personality and occupation
- Description: While career development has been acknowledged as a lifelong process, little research attention has been given to the developmental stage of childhood. In addition, there has been a lack of longitudinal research into career development despite consistent calls for research of this nature. The lack of research and theory pertaining to childhood career development prompted the initiation of the current longitudinal project of which the present study forms a part. The longitudinal project was designed to provide information about the occupational aspirations and perceptions of a cohort of South African children from six years of age onwards, with the present studying examining the occupational aspiration development of 12 to 14 year old South African children. South African career research to date has focused primarily on adolescent and adult career development. The present longitudinal study aimed to explore and describe possible changes over a three year period in the interest typology, occupational status level and occupational gender stereotypes of the 44 participants. In addition, the study aimed to explore and describe the sample’s reflections on their own occupational aspiration development. The results of this study will provide much needed baseline information on the development of South African children’s occupational aspirations and will provide useful recommendations for the development of career education programmes. The present study was contextualised within both child and career development theories. This study was quantitative in nature as it made use of semi-structured interviews and biographical questionnaires to record verbal data which was transposed into nominal data for analysis. The semi-structured interview consisted of four broad areas that included the participants’ occupational aspirations, how many occupations they knew about, how much they knew about the identified occupations xiii and the extent to which they held gender stereotypes regarding fourteen different occupations. The data captured was coded according to Holland’s (1985) classification system of interest types. The occupational aspirations identified by participants were also coded according to their status levels. The coded data was then analysed using descriptive statistics in the form of frequency counts and percentages. In addition, content analysis was performed on the participants’ reflections on their own career development in order to elicit themes. Results from the study supported child and career development theories, emphasising childhood as a critical phase of career development. The study found that the majority of children aspired to Social type occupations across all three years of the study and most children consistently aspired to high status occupations. Furthermore, occupational gender stereotyping decreased over time. Lastly, it was found that most children were able to reflect on their career development with the majority attributing changes in their occupational aspirations to changes in their interests. The present study has provided valuable insight into the occupational aspiration development of a group of South African children, which can be used as a foundation on which to base further research and on which to develop career education programmes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Hunter, Carrie
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Vocational interests -- Research -- South Africa , Children -- South Africa -- Attitudes , Personality and occupation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9906 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/968 , Vocational interests -- Research -- South Africa , Children -- South Africa -- Attitudes , Personality and occupation
- Description: While career development has been acknowledged as a lifelong process, little research attention has been given to the developmental stage of childhood. In addition, there has been a lack of longitudinal research into career development despite consistent calls for research of this nature. The lack of research and theory pertaining to childhood career development prompted the initiation of the current longitudinal project of which the present study forms a part. The longitudinal project was designed to provide information about the occupational aspirations and perceptions of a cohort of South African children from six years of age onwards, with the present studying examining the occupational aspiration development of 12 to 14 year old South African children. South African career research to date has focused primarily on adolescent and adult career development. The present longitudinal study aimed to explore and describe possible changes over a three year period in the interest typology, occupational status level and occupational gender stereotypes of the 44 participants. In addition, the study aimed to explore and describe the sample’s reflections on their own occupational aspiration development. The results of this study will provide much needed baseline information on the development of South African children’s occupational aspirations and will provide useful recommendations for the development of career education programmes. The present study was contextualised within both child and career development theories. This study was quantitative in nature as it made use of semi-structured interviews and biographical questionnaires to record verbal data which was transposed into nominal data for analysis. The semi-structured interview consisted of four broad areas that included the participants’ occupational aspirations, how many occupations they knew about, how much they knew about the identified occupations xiii and the extent to which they held gender stereotypes regarding fourteen different occupations. The data captured was coded according to Holland’s (1985) classification system of interest types. The occupational aspirations identified by participants were also coded according to their status levels. The coded data was then analysed using descriptive statistics in the form of frequency counts and percentages. In addition, content analysis was performed on the participants’ reflections on their own career development in order to elicit themes. Results from the study supported child and career development theories, emphasising childhood as a critical phase of career development. The study found that the majority of children aspired to Social type occupations across all three years of the study and most children consistently aspired to high status occupations. Furthermore, occupational gender stereotyping decreased over time. Lastly, it was found that most children were able to reflect on their career development with the majority attributing changes in their occupational aspirations to changes in their interests. The present study has provided valuable insight into the occupational aspiration development of a group of South African children, which can be used as a foundation on which to base further research and on which to develop career education programmes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
A model for information security control audit for small to mid-sized organisations
- Authors: Deysel, Natasha
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Data protection , Computer networks -- Information technology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9760 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/940 , Data protection , Computer networks -- Information technology
- Description: Organisations are increasingly dependent on their information. Compromise to this information in terms of loss, inaccuracy or competitors gaining unauthorised access could have devastating consequences for the organisation. Therefore, information security governance has become a major concern for all organisations, large and small. Information security governance is based on a set of policies and internal controls by which organisations direct and manage their information security. An effective information security governance programme should be based on a recognised framework, such as the Control Objectives for Information and related Technology (COBIT). COBIT focuses on what control objectives must be achieved in order to effectively manage the information technology environment. It has become very clear that if a company is serious about information security governance, it needs to apply the COBIT framework that deals with information security. The problem in some medium-sized organisations is that they do not realise the importance of information security governance and are either unaware of the risks or choose to ignore these risks as they do not have the expertise or resources available to provide them with assurance that they have the right information security controls in place to protect their organisation against threats.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Deysel, Natasha
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Data protection , Computer networks -- Information technology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9760 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/940 , Data protection , Computer networks -- Information technology
- Description: Organisations are increasingly dependent on their information. Compromise to this information in terms of loss, inaccuracy or competitors gaining unauthorised access could have devastating consequences for the organisation. Therefore, information security governance has become a major concern for all organisations, large and small. Information security governance is based on a set of policies and internal controls by which organisations direct and manage their information security. An effective information security governance programme should be based on a recognised framework, such as the Control Objectives for Information and related Technology (COBIT). COBIT focuses on what control objectives must be achieved in order to effectively manage the information technology environment. It has become very clear that if a company is serious about information security governance, it needs to apply the COBIT framework that deals with information security. The problem in some medium-sized organisations is that they do not realise the importance of information security governance and are either unaware of the risks or choose to ignore these risks as they do not have the expertise or resources available to provide them with assurance that they have the right information security controls in place to protect their organisation against threats.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
A psychobiographical study of Helen Keller
- Van Genechten, Désirée Martina
- Authors: Van Genechten, Désirée Martina
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Keller, Helen, 1880-1968 , Developmental psychology , Life cycle, Human -- Psychological aspects , Deafblind people
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9897 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1101 , Keller, Helen, 1880-1968 , Developmental psychology , Life cycle, Human -- Psychological aspects , Deafblind people
- Description: This psychobiographical study of Helen Keller’s life is exploratory-descriptive in nature. The subject was chosen through purposive sampling. The choice was based on the researcher’s personal interest and the remarkable impact this profoundly handicapped woman had within her society. Helen Keller also meets the psychobiographical requirements. These include that she is historically well known, inspirational, and her life has been completed. The study uses a qualitative, single case, interpretive research design. The design is employed to study Helen Keller’s entire life span within a formal psychological theory. The theory used in this study is Daniel Levinson’s (1996) Life Structure theory of adult development. Data for this study were collected from a variety of primary and secondary sources which provided alternative perspectives on her life. In addition, the data have been corroborated by historical texts, and newspaper and journal articles. Levinson’s (1996) theory divides the lifespan into four developmental eras, each with its own biopsychosocial character. Each era in turn is divided into shorter periods of development, each with particular developmental tasks. Cross-era transitions separate the eras. By describing and exploring the data according to this theory, Helen Keller as a profoundly handicapped person is shown to display universal patterns of development as suggested by Levinson. At the same time, the Life Structure she developed, her life components, and Satisfactoriness illuminated her uniqueness. Through the application of the theory to Helen Keller’s life, this psychobiographical study facilitated an examination of the theory. This led to suggestions for potential development of the theory.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Van Genechten, Désirée Martina
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Keller, Helen, 1880-1968 , Developmental psychology , Life cycle, Human -- Psychological aspects , Deafblind people
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9897 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1101 , Keller, Helen, 1880-1968 , Developmental psychology , Life cycle, Human -- Psychological aspects , Deafblind people
- Description: This psychobiographical study of Helen Keller’s life is exploratory-descriptive in nature. The subject was chosen through purposive sampling. The choice was based on the researcher’s personal interest and the remarkable impact this profoundly handicapped woman had within her society. Helen Keller also meets the psychobiographical requirements. These include that she is historically well known, inspirational, and her life has been completed. The study uses a qualitative, single case, interpretive research design. The design is employed to study Helen Keller’s entire life span within a formal psychological theory. The theory used in this study is Daniel Levinson’s (1996) Life Structure theory of adult development. Data for this study were collected from a variety of primary and secondary sources which provided alternative perspectives on her life. In addition, the data have been corroborated by historical texts, and newspaper and journal articles. Levinson’s (1996) theory divides the lifespan into four developmental eras, each with its own biopsychosocial character. Each era in turn is divided into shorter periods of development, each with particular developmental tasks. Cross-era transitions separate the eras. By describing and exploring the data according to this theory, Helen Keller as a profoundly handicapped person is shown to display universal patterns of development as suggested by Levinson. At the same time, the Life Structure she developed, her life components, and Satisfactoriness illuminated her uniqueness. Through the application of the theory to Helen Keller’s life, this psychobiographical study facilitated an examination of the theory. This led to suggestions for potential development of the theory.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
A psychobiographical study of Isie Smuts
- Authors: Smuts, Carisa
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Smuts, Isie K., 1870-1954 , Psychology -- Biographical methods , Developmental psychology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9913 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/894 , Smuts, Isie K., 1870-1954 , Psychology -- Biographical methods , Developmental psychology
- Description: Psychobiographical research, with the use of psychological theory, allows us to uncover and unravel the life of an individual. This important area of research for the application of a psychological theory has, however, been under-utilized, especially in South Africa. The importance of psychobiographical case study research for the development and testing of theories of human development throughout the lifespan, has been supported by a number of academics in the field. The research subject was Sibella Margaretha (Isie) Krige. Isie (1870-1954) was married to General Jan Christiaan Smuts (1870-1950). He was a prominent South African and Commonwealth statesman, military leader, botanist and philosopher. Although much has been written on General Smuts, a psychobiography on the life of Isie had not been written yet. Isie was chosen as the research subject through purposive sampling. The study employed a qualitative psychobiographical research method, which aimed to explore and describe Isie’s psychological development in terms of Daniel Levinson’s (1996) theory of the Human Life Cycle. Collected data were analysed in accordance with Huberman and Miles’ (2000) approach. It integrated three sub-processes, namely data reduction, data display, as well as the drawing of conclusions and verification. The findings of the study indicate that Isie’s life was consistent with the pattern which Levinson (1996) identified. Isie was relatively successful in resolving the life tasks and transitional periods proposed by Levinson. The findings of the study also indicated that the development of Isie’s life structure was strongly influenced by a number of sociohistorical and global events. This research study has given a positive demonstration of the value of development theory. Furthermore, it emphasized the uniqueness of individuals in coping with the challenges of life. As a result it has opened up the possibility of perceiving people and their actions in a different way. Consequently, recommendations regarding the psychobiographical research design and methodology in future have been made.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Smuts, Carisa
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Smuts, Isie K., 1870-1954 , Psychology -- Biographical methods , Developmental psychology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9913 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/894 , Smuts, Isie K., 1870-1954 , Psychology -- Biographical methods , Developmental psychology
- Description: Psychobiographical research, with the use of psychological theory, allows us to uncover and unravel the life of an individual. This important area of research for the application of a psychological theory has, however, been under-utilized, especially in South Africa. The importance of psychobiographical case study research for the development and testing of theories of human development throughout the lifespan, has been supported by a number of academics in the field. The research subject was Sibella Margaretha (Isie) Krige. Isie (1870-1954) was married to General Jan Christiaan Smuts (1870-1950). He was a prominent South African and Commonwealth statesman, military leader, botanist and philosopher. Although much has been written on General Smuts, a psychobiography on the life of Isie had not been written yet. Isie was chosen as the research subject through purposive sampling. The study employed a qualitative psychobiographical research method, which aimed to explore and describe Isie’s psychological development in terms of Daniel Levinson’s (1996) theory of the Human Life Cycle. Collected data were analysed in accordance with Huberman and Miles’ (2000) approach. It integrated three sub-processes, namely data reduction, data display, as well as the drawing of conclusions and verification. The findings of the study indicate that Isie’s life was consistent with the pattern which Levinson (1996) identified. Isie was relatively successful in resolving the life tasks and transitional periods proposed by Levinson. The findings of the study also indicated that the development of Isie’s life structure was strongly influenced by a number of sociohistorical and global events. This research study has given a positive demonstration of the value of development theory. Furthermore, it emphasized the uniqueness of individuals in coping with the challenges of life. As a result it has opened up the possibility of perceiving people and their actions in a different way. Consequently, recommendations regarding the psychobiographical research design and methodology in future have been made.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
A social and cultural history of Grahamstown, 1812 to c1845
- Authors: Marshall, Richard Graham
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Cities and towns -- Growth -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Community development, Urban -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Eastern Cape (South Africa) -- History -- 19th Century Grahamstown (South Africa) -- History -- 19th Century Grahamstown (South Africa) -- History -- Social aspects -- 19th Century Grahamstown (South Africa) -- Social conditions -- 19th Century Grahamstown (South Africa) -- Economic conditions -- 19th Century
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2549 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002401
- Description: This thesis examines the development of Grahamstown from its inception in 1812 to the mid-1840s, paying particular attention to the social and cultural life of the town. It traces the economic development of the town from a military outpost to a thriving commercial settlement, noting the essential factor of the town's proximity to the Cape frontier in this process. The economic interaction between diverse groups in the town mirrors the social and cultural interaction which occurred between British settlers, Khoekhoe and Africans. The result of these interactions was the creation of a new, distinctively South African urban society and culture, despite the desire of the white settlers to reproduce a “typical” English environment in their new home. The conflict between attempts to anglicise the urban environment and the realities of Grahamstown's situation on a colonial frontier was reflected in the architecture and layout of the town. Attempts to recreate an English social environment also failed. New classes arose in the town in response to the economic opportunities available on the frontier. Although some settlers prospered, many did not, and the presence of an impoverished white working class undermines settler historians' picture of settler success and affluence. The poorest people in the town, though, were the increasing numbers of Khoekhoe and Africans who migrated from the surrounding countryside, and who were unequally incorporated into the urban community as a colonial labouring class. In response to these unique circumstances, white settlers in Grahamstown developed a powerful political and propaganda machine, which helped lay the foundations of a distinct settler identity in the eastern Cape.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Marshall, Richard Graham
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Cities and towns -- Growth -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Community development, Urban -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Eastern Cape (South Africa) -- History -- 19th Century Grahamstown (South Africa) -- History -- 19th Century Grahamstown (South Africa) -- History -- Social aspects -- 19th Century Grahamstown (South Africa) -- Social conditions -- 19th Century Grahamstown (South Africa) -- Economic conditions -- 19th Century
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2549 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002401
- Description: This thesis examines the development of Grahamstown from its inception in 1812 to the mid-1840s, paying particular attention to the social and cultural life of the town. It traces the economic development of the town from a military outpost to a thriving commercial settlement, noting the essential factor of the town's proximity to the Cape frontier in this process. The economic interaction between diverse groups in the town mirrors the social and cultural interaction which occurred between British settlers, Khoekhoe and Africans. The result of these interactions was the creation of a new, distinctively South African urban society and culture, despite the desire of the white settlers to reproduce a “typical” English environment in their new home. The conflict between attempts to anglicise the urban environment and the realities of Grahamstown's situation on a colonial frontier was reflected in the architecture and layout of the town. Attempts to recreate an English social environment also failed. New classes arose in the town in response to the economic opportunities available on the frontier. Although some settlers prospered, many did not, and the presence of an impoverished white working class undermines settler historians' picture of settler success and affluence. The poorest people in the town, though, were the increasing numbers of Khoekhoe and Africans who migrated from the surrounding countryside, and who were unequally incorporated into the urban community as a colonial labouring class. In response to these unique circumstances, white settlers in Grahamstown developed a powerful political and propaganda machine, which helped lay the foundations of a distinct settler identity in the eastern Cape.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
A system review of higher education admissions testing practices in Israel: implications for South Africa
- Authors: Cronje, Johan Herman
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Universities and colleges -- South Africa -- Admissions , Universities and colleges -- Israel -- Admissions , Universities and colleges -- Entrance requirements , Educational tests and measurements -- South Africa -- Validity , Education, Higher -- South Africa , Education, Higher -- Israel
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9910 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/937 , Universities and colleges -- South Africa -- Admissions , Universities and colleges -- Israel -- Admissions , Universities and colleges -- Entrance requirements , Educational tests and measurements -- South Africa -- Validity , Education, Higher -- South Africa , Education, Higher -- Israel
- Description: Internationally, the practice of admissions entry testing in Higher Education (HE) has gained momentum over the past few decades, sparking ongoing research on its effectiveness. On a national level, three factors have signalled a timeous evaluation of admissions practices at HE institutions. Firstly, changes in the school curriculum and the new format of the National Senior Certificate (NSC) have impacted on the admissions criteria of HE institutions. Secondly, with the merging of HE institutions an alignment in admissions practices between the institutions involved were necessitated. Thirdly, South Africa has embarked on the development of National Benchmark Tests (NBTs). The primary aim of this research study was to develop a set of recommendations to guide admissions testing practices in the South African HE context. These recommendations had to place special emphasis on the multicultural and multilingual context of this country. To achieve this aim a systematic review was conducted on HE admissions testing in Israel, as it was identified as a multicultural and multilingual country that had successfully implemented national HE admissions testing. More specifically, a retrospective systematic review was performed on research regarding the national HE admissions test, the Psychometric Entrance Test (PET), used in Israel. The systematic review also contained a narrative overview on the educational landscape in Israel and the specifications of the PET, from which themes were also extracted. Eight broad themes emerged through the systematic review and narrative overview as being of critical importance to an effective national HE admissions test. These were the components of the test, the implementation of the testing programme, the method in which the test results are used to make HE admission decisions, the reliability xi of the test, the validity of the test, bias inherent in the test, other psychometric aspects related to the admissions test, and the effect of coaching or specialized preparation on test results. These themes, together with their sub-components, were used to develop eight recommendations that can guide the development and implementation of the National Benchmark Test (NBTs) in South Africa. Both the themes that emerged during the systematic review and narrative overview as well as the recommendations that were made to guide the development and implementation of a national admission test, represent an important contribution to the field of admission testing and decision-making in South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Cronje, Johan Herman
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Universities and colleges -- South Africa -- Admissions , Universities and colleges -- Israel -- Admissions , Universities and colleges -- Entrance requirements , Educational tests and measurements -- South Africa -- Validity , Education, Higher -- South Africa , Education, Higher -- Israel
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9910 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/937 , Universities and colleges -- South Africa -- Admissions , Universities and colleges -- Israel -- Admissions , Universities and colleges -- Entrance requirements , Educational tests and measurements -- South Africa -- Validity , Education, Higher -- South Africa , Education, Higher -- Israel
- Description: Internationally, the practice of admissions entry testing in Higher Education (HE) has gained momentum over the past few decades, sparking ongoing research on its effectiveness. On a national level, three factors have signalled a timeous evaluation of admissions practices at HE institutions. Firstly, changes in the school curriculum and the new format of the National Senior Certificate (NSC) have impacted on the admissions criteria of HE institutions. Secondly, with the merging of HE institutions an alignment in admissions practices between the institutions involved were necessitated. Thirdly, South Africa has embarked on the development of National Benchmark Tests (NBTs). The primary aim of this research study was to develop a set of recommendations to guide admissions testing practices in the South African HE context. These recommendations had to place special emphasis on the multicultural and multilingual context of this country. To achieve this aim a systematic review was conducted on HE admissions testing in Israel, as it was identified as a multicultural and multilingual country that had successfully implemented national HE admissions testing. More specifically, a retrospective systematic review was performed on research regarding the national HE admissions test, the Psychometric Entrance Test (PET), used in Israel. The systematic review also contained a narrative overview on the educational landscape in Israel and the specifications of the PET, from which themes were also extracted. Eight broad themes emerged through the systematic review and narrative overview as being of critical importance to an effective national HE admissions test. These were the components of the test, the implementation of the testing programme, the method in which the test results are used to make HE admission decisions, the reliability xi of the test, the validity of the test, bias inherent in the test, other psychometric aspects related to the admissions test, and the effect of coaching or specialized preparation on test results. These themes, together with their sub-components, were used to develop eight recommendations that can guide the development and implementation of the National Benchmark Test (NBTs) in South Africa. Both the themes that emerged during the systematic review and narrative overview as well as the recommendations that were made to guide the development and implementation of a national admission test, represent an important contribution to the field of admission testing and decision-making in South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Addressing the digital divide through the implementation of a wireless school network
- Authors: Du Preez, Creswell
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Educational technology -- South Africa , Information technology -- Social aspects -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9758 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1298 , Educational technology -- South Africa , Information technology -- Social aspects -- South Africa
- Description: Societal trends have changed more in the last decade than they have in the last century. This is particularly prevalent in the education environment. Concepts such as Lifelong Learning (the continued learning/educating of an individual throughout his/her lifetime), New Competencies (technology that is now part of almost every skill in the workplace) and Telecommuting (more people working from home rather than traditional offices) have become common-place today (Twigg, 1996, pp. 1-2). Education delivery needs to provide for these societal changes in order to ensure competent individuals pass on to the next level of education and ultimately to the work force. With key trends in technology such as Digitization, Maturation and Disintermediation becoming common in the workplace, education delivery must address the ―Digital Divide. (Twigg, 1996, pp. 2-3). Historically, schools in South Africa have used traditional teaching methods that have stayed the same for the last century. Educational institutions in South Africa, in particular, the previously disadvantaged schools of the Eastern Cape, face various challenges such as the dwindling ability to collect school fees from parents of scholars and declining financial support from the government. In Chapter Seven of the Draft White Paper on e-Education, which was gazetted on 26 August, 2004, the DoE, as part of its implementation strategies, urged the private sector to respond by implementing ICT initiatives nationwide. Phase 1 of the strategy advocated that ―Institutions are connected, access the internet and communicate electronically. (Department of Education, 2004, pp. 37-40). This dissertation shows that it is feasible to create a communications’ network among South African schools. It is believed that such a network can add great value to the education system in South Africa. The potential for this network to address the gap in the Digital Divide is enormous. This dissertation examines various ICT communications’ technologies and isolates wireless communications’ technology as best suited for this purpose, due to the speeds offered by the technology and the cost structure associated with it. A case study examines a pilot installation of the network and endeavours to prove the concept.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Du Preez, Creswell
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Educational technology -- South Africa , Information technology -- Social aspects -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9758 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1298 , Educational technology -- South Africa , Information technology -- Social aspects -- South Africa
- Description: Societal trends have changed more in the last decade than they have in the last century. This is particularly prevalent in the education environment. Concepts such as Lifelong Learning (the continued learning/educating of an individual throughout his/her lifetime), New Competencies (technology that is now part of almost every skill in the workplace) and Telecommuting (more people working from home rather than traditional offices) have become common-place today (Twigg, 1996, pp. 1-2). Education delivery needs to provide for these societal changes in order to ensure competent individuals pass on to the next level of education and ultimately to the work force. With key trends in technology such as Digitization, Maturation and Disintermediation becoming common in the workplace, education delivery must address the ―Digital Divide. (Twigg, 1996, pp. 2-3). Historically, schools in South Africa have used traditional teaching methods that have stayed the same for the last century. Educational institutions in South Africa, in particular, the previously disadvantaged schools of the Eastern Cape, face various challenges such as the dwindling ability to collect school fees from parents of scholars and declining financial support from the government. In Chapter Seven of the Draft White Paper on e-Education, which was gazetted on 26 August, 2004, the DoE, as part of its implementation strategies, urged the private sector to respond by implementing ICT initiatives nationwide. Phase 1 of the strategy advocated that ―Institutions are connected, access the internet and communicate electronically. (Department of Education, 2004, pp. 37-40). This dissertation shows that it is feasible to create a communications’ network among South African schools. It is believed that such a network can add great value to the education system in South Africa. The potential for this network to address the gap in the Digital Divide is enormous. This dissertation examines various ICT communications’ technologies and isolates wireless communications’ technology as best suited for this purpose, due to the speeds offered by the technology and the cost structure associated with it. A case study examines a pilot installation of the network and endeavours to prove the concept.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Adherence and non-adherence to antiretroviral treatment in HIV people in Port Elizabeth
- Masokoane, Kgomotso Quentinne
- Authors: Masokoane, Kgomotso Quentinne
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Antiretroviral agents -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , HIV infections -- Treatment -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , AIDS (Disease) -- Treatment -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9886 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1185 , Antiretroviral agents -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , HIV infections -- Treatment -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , AIDS (Disease) -- Treatment -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Description: The introduction of antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) in 1996 transformed the treatment of HIV and AIDS, improving the quality and greatly prolonging the lives of many infected people. HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is the virus that is believed to cause AIDS. AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) is the collection of illnesses or symptoms that ultimately results in death. Antiretroviral (ARVs) drugs or Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) is the treatment that has been applied to combat the HI virus in a bid to slow down the progression of AIDS and ultimately prolong the life of the infected individual. The study aimed to explore and describe the factors contributing to adherence and non-adherence to ARVs in individuals on treatment. A sample of 81 individuals who have been on ARV and HAART treatment for six months or more was used. The methodology used was exploratory-descriptive and the data obtained was quantitative in nature. A biographical questionnaire and questionnaire with questions aimed at ascertaining the possible factors that contribute to individuals either adhering to or defaulting on their treatment, such as side effects and cost of treatment, was administered. The data obtained was analysed by means of descriptive statistics and frequency counts. The results of the study showed that the sample had a fairly high level of adherence. The factors that could undermine adherence were identified as lack of support, as familial and health provider support acts as a motivator to adhere; substance abuse as it can lead to forgetting to take treatment; unemployment and poverty, as these can lead to an inability to return for follow up clinic visits or failure to have food to take with the pills; and the type of treatment regimen whereby the more complex the treatment is the more likely it is that adherence will be difficult to maintain. Suggestions were made as to future research involving antiretroviral therapy (ART). Finally the limitations as well as the value of the research were outlined.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Masokoane, Kgomotso Quentinne
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Antiretroviral agents -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , HIV infections -- Treatment -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , AIDS (Disease) -- Treatment -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9886 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1185 , Antiretroviral agents -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , HIV infections -- Treatment -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , AIDS (Disease) -- Treatment -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Description: The introduction of antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) in 1996 transformed the treatment of HIV and AIDS, improving the quality and greatly prolonging the lives of many infected people. HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is the virus that is believed to cause AIDS. AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) is the collection of illnesses or symptoms that ultimately results in death. Antiretroviral (ARVs) drugs or Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) is the treatment that has been applied to combat the HI virus in a bid to slow down the progression of AIDS and ultimately prolong the life of the infected individual. The study aimed to explore and describe the factors contributing to adherence and non-adherence to ARVs in individuals on treatment. A sample of 81 individuals who have been on ARV and HAART treatment for six months or more was used. The methodology used was exploratory-descriptive and the data obtained was quantitative in nature. A biographical questionnaire and questionnaire with questions aimed at ascertaining the possible factors that contribute to individuals either adhering to or defaulting on their treatment, such as side effects and cost of treatment, was administered. The data obtained was analysed by means of descriptive statistics and frequency counts. The results of the study showed that the sample had a fairly high level of adherence. The factors that could undermine adherence were identified as lack of support, as familial and health provider support acts as a motivator to adhere; substance abuse as it can lead to forgetting to take treatment; unemployment and poverty, as these can lead to an inability to return for follow up clinic visits or failure to have food to take with the pills; and the type of treatment regimen whereby the more complex the treatment is the more likely it is that adherence will be difficult to maintain. Suggestions were made as to future research involving antiretroviral therapy (ART). Finally the limitations as well as the value of the research were outlined.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
An analysis of perceived and operationalised team effectiveness in community-based organisations within the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan area: a case study
- Authors: Gititu, Diana Wambui
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Teams in the workplace -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Community-based organisations -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Management committees -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:16144 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/908 , Teams in the workplace -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Community-based organisations -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Management committees -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Description: Literature on effectiveness indicates the interest of researchers in the role that teams play within organisations. The conclusion is that different variables affect team performance effectiveness. A further analysis of literature on team effectiveness enabled the researcher to develop a matrix of assessment of team effectiveness from these variables to serve as a benchmark. In addition to this, a matrix consisting of perceived variables of team effectiveness was constructed from the outcome of in-depth interviews and focus group sessions with the members of management committees of community-based organisations (CBOs) based within Port Elizabeth townships. These matrixes were used by the researcher to assess the operationalisation of these variables within the CBO management committees. The research indicates that management committees either did not operationalise these variables within their teams or did not do so to their fullest capacity. The overall outcome of these assessments indicates the areas that require attention, and provides opportunity for group practitioners to assist CBO management committees to enhance their effectiveness as teams. It is suggested that group practitioners together with members of CBO management committees, embark as a task team project to develop a strategy to refine the perceived variables guided by those emphasised by experts within this field, to strategise a clear path towards enhanced team effectiveness.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Gititu, Diana Wambui
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Teams in the workplace -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Community-based organisations -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Management committees -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:16144 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/908 , Teams in the workplace -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Community-based organisations -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Management committees -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Description: Literature on effectiveness indicates the interest of researchers in the role that teams play within organisations. The conclusion is that different variables affect team performance effectiveness. A further analysis of literature on team effectiveness enabled the researcher to develop a matrix of assessment of team effectiveness from these variables to serve as a benchmark. In addition to this, a matrix consisting of perceived variables of team effectiveness was constructed from the outcome of in-depth interviews and focus group sessions with the members of management committees of community-based organisations (CBOs) based within Port Elizabeth townships. These matrixes were used by the researcher to assess the operationalisation of these variables within the CBO management committees. The research indicates that management committees either did not operationalise these variables within their teams or did not do so to their fullest capacity. The overall outcome of these assessments indicates the areas that require attention, and provides opportunity for group practitioners to assist CBO management committees to enhance their effectiveness as teams. It is suggested that group practitioners together with members of CBO management committees, embark as a task team project to develop a strategy to refine the perceived variables guided by those emphasised by experts within this field, to strategise a clear path towards enhanced team effectiveness.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
An analysis of the reporting on poverty and foreign aid in Sub-Saharan Africa before and during the current global economic crisis, in BBC online (Texts)
- Authors: Achu, Stella
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Economic assistance -- Africa, Sub-Saharan , Poverty -- Africa, Sub-Saharan , Financial crises , Africa, Sub-Saharan -- Economic conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8371 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1257 , Economic assistance -- Africa, Sub-Saharan , Poverty -- Africa, Sub-Saharan , Financial crises , Africa, Sub-Saharan -- Economic conditions
- Description: Since 1929, the world economy has not encountered any financial crisis as severe as the case of the Great Depression, until 2007 when the fall of stock markets and the collapse of large financial institutions in the United States resulted in a worldwide recession. According to an IMF report, and as a result of the direct impact of the crisis, advanced economies such as those of the United States and Europe are suffering from a systemic banking crisis with economic output expected to contract by over 1 ¾ % in 2009. (Bourdin 2009:2) Although the crisis erupted in the United States, the effects quickly spread to countries worldwide. However, its effects are said to be more devastating for the poorest regions in the world including Sub-Saharan Africa. During the last few years, prior to the crisis, many Sub-Saharan African countries had enjoyed a growth rate of over 5%. This was partly as a result of sound economic policies and increased external support in the form of debt relief and higher inflows from economically powerful countries in the West. However, with the current financial crisis, wealthy nations have been forced to concentrate on sustaining their own economy. As a result, amongst changes like tighter immigration policies, skyrocketing oil prices and food prices, foreign aid is being withdrawn. (ibid 2009:3) According to foreign media reports, donor governments and the G8 are no longer as committed to aid as before the crisis. This research paper examines the evolution of aid to Africa in view of various contexts through a broad historical economic and political economy overview, and finally corroborates these observations with a discourse analysis of a sample of BBC online articles. The research project thus investigates in this last section, the BBC’s representation of poverty and aid in Sub-Saharan Africa before and during the current global economic crisis.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Achu, Stella
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Economic assistance -- Africa, Sub-Saharan , Poverty -- Africa, Sub-Saharan , Financial crises , Africa, Sub-Saharan -- Economic conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8371 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1257 , Economic assistance -- Africa, Sub-Saharan , Poverty -- Africa, Sub-Saharan , Financial crises , Africa, Sub-Saharan -- Economic conditions
- Description: Since 1929, the world economy has not encountered any financial crisis as severe as the case of the Great Depression, until 2007 when the fall of stock markets and the collapse of large financial institutions in the United States resulted in a worldwide recession. According to an IMF report, and as a result of the direct impact of the crisis, advanced economies such as those of the United States and Europe are suffering from a systemic banking crisis with economic output expected to contract by over 1 ¾ % in 2009. (Bourdin 2009:2) Although the crisis erupted in the United States, the effects quickly spread to countries worldwide. However, its effects are said to be more devastating for the poorest regions in the world including Sub-Saharan Africa. During the last few years, prior to the crisis, many Sub-Saharan African countries had enjoyed a growth rate of over 5%. This was partly as a result of sound economic policies and increased external support in the form of debt relief and higher inflows from economically powerful countries in the West. However, with the current financial crisis, wealthy nations have been forced to concentrate on sustaining their own economy. As a result, amongst changes like tighter immigration policies, skyrocketing oil prices and food prices, foreign aid is being withdrawn. (ibid 2009:3) According to foreign media reports, donor governments and the G8 are no longer as committed to aid as before the crisis. This research paper examines the evolution of aid to Africa in view of various contexts through a broad historical economic and political economy overview, and finally corroborates these observations with a discourse analysis of a sample of BBC online articles. The research project thus investigates in this last section, the BBC’s representation of poverty and aid in Sub-Saharan Africa before and during the current global economic crisis.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
An anthropological study of the experiences of exchange students in Port Elizabeth, South Africa
- Authors: Maganga, Stewart Martin
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Education, Higher Cross-cultural studies -- Port Elizabeth -- South Africa , Students, Foreign -- Education(Higher) -- Port Elizabeth -- South Africa , International education -- South Africa , Intellectual life -- Cross-cultural studies , Educational change Cross-cultural studies
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:16143 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1007 , Education, Higher Cross-cultural studies -- Port Elizabeth -- South Africa , Students, Foreign -- Education(Higher) -- Port Elizabeth -- South Africa , International education -- South Africa , Intellectual life -- Cross-cultural studies , Educational change Cross-cultural studies
- Description: This research study aims to investigate the exchange students' experiences with living in a foreign environment. Twenty students took part in this study and were made up of two categories namely study abroad students and student interns. The twenty students who took part in this study were mostly from industrialized countries namely Germany, the United States of America, Belgium, the Netherlands and Sweden. Data were collected by means of individual semi-structured interviews as well as observational methods namely participant and simple observations. The results indicate that if sojourners are to gain a better understanding the South African culture, it is important that they interact with the host nationals. Given that most of the students highlighted the issue of crime as their main concern, their knowledge on how to survive in a crime-ridden country like South Africa would be essential.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Maganga, Stewart Martin
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Education, Higher Cross-cultural studies -- Port Elizabeth -- South Africa , Students, Foreign -- Education(Higher) -- Port Elizabeth -- South Africa , International education -- South Africa , Intellectual life -- Cross-cultural studies , Educational change Cross-cultural studies
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:16143 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1007 , Education, Higher Cross-cultural studies -- Port Elizabeth -- South Africa , Students, Foreign -- Education(Higher) -- Port Elizabeth -- South Africa , International education -- South Africa , Intellectual life -- Cross-cultural studies , Educational change Cross-cultural studies
- Description: This research study aims to investigate the exchange students' experiences with living in a foreign environment. Twenty students took part in this study and were made up of two categories namely study abroad students and student interns. The twenty students who took part in this study were mostly from industrialized countries namely Germany, the United States of America, Belgium, the Netherlands and Sweden. Data were collected by means of individual semi-structured interviews as well as observational methods namely participant and simple observations. The results indicate that if sojourners are to gain a better understanding the South African culture, it is important that they interact with the host nationals. Given that most of the students highlighted the issue of crime as their main concern, their knowledge on how to survive in a crime-ridden country like South Africa would be essential.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
An assessment of the computer literacy status of nurse managers in a private hospital group in the Nelson Mandela metropolitan area
- Authors: Booysen, Mary Kathleen
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Nursing informatics , Nursing -- Data processing -- South Africa - Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Area , Information storage and retrieval systems -- Hospitals , Hospital care -- Data processing -- South Africa - Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Area
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:10035 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/924 , Nursing informatics , Nursing -- Data processing -- South Africa - Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Area , Information storage and retrieval systems -- Hospitals , Hospital care -- Data processing -- South Africa - Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Area
- Description: There has been an increase in the use of information technology in the hospital environment over the past decade and the use of computers by Nursing Managers is rapidly increasing. The latter poses a challenge to Nurse Managers, as their computer literacy status is unknown. This is evident from the fact that prior to 1996 there was only four computers at one of the private hospitals used in this study. Computer skills were never a requirement when applying for the position of Nurse Manager; and there is still currently no formal computer training provided for Nurse Managers or Acting Nurse Managers. Resources are however available in the hospitals to assist the managers with various computer problems but it is not known if these resources equip managers with the appropriate tools to become efficient in their role. The lack of formal training and lack of assessment of resources to determine whether the computer needs of Nurse Managers are met results in a lot of time being wasted and many frustrations experienced among Nurse Managers. The researcher was therefore motivated by the latter problem to explore and describe the computer literacy status of Nurse Managers in order to make recommendations to management regarding the research findings. The researcher selected a quantitative, explorative, contextual and descriptive survey design. The research population was made up of all Nurse Managers and Acting Nurse Managers at the time of the study. A 100 percent sample was utilised and comprised thirty-four respondents who made up the entire group of Nurse Managers and Acting Nurse Managers at the time of the study. A structured, self-administered questionnaire was used in Phase One of the research and in Phase Two a data observation sheet was used to test the respondents and to collect the necessary data. This data was manually processed and analysed by the iii researcher. All ethical considerations were honoured throughout the research process. The main findings of the research study reflected that the respondents had a below average ability to use various software packages such as Microsoft Word, EXCEL and Power Point. Findings further revealed that the respondent’s literacy levels were average with regard to the use of peripheral components of the computer such as the use of the mouse and keyboard. The respondents rated their competency level as average with regard to using a computer. Due to the limitations and small sample size used in the study the researcher recommends that further research using a larger sample by expanding the research into the other private hospitals in the group through out South Africa should take place in order to produce more constructive results than this study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Booysen, Mary Kathleen
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Nursing informatics , Nursing -- Data processing -- South Africa - Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Area , Information storage and retrieval systems -- Hospitals , Hospital care -- Data processing -- South Africa - Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Area
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:10035 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/924 , Nursing informatics , Nursing -- Data processing -- South Africa - Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Area , Information storage and retrieval systems -- Hospitals , Hospital care -- Data processing -- South Africa - Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Area
- Description: There has been an increase in the use of information technology in the hospital environment over the past decade and the use of computers by Nursing Managers is rapidly increasing. The latter poses a challenge to Nurse Managers, as their computer literacy status is unknown. This is evident from the fact that prior to 1996 there was only four computers at one of the private hospitals used in this study. Computer skills were never a requirement when applying for the position of Nurse Manager; and there is still currently no formal computer training provided for Nurse Managers or Acting Nurse Managers. Resources are however available in the hospitals to assist the managers with various computer problems but it is not known if these resources equip managers with the appropriate tools to become efficient in their role. The lack of formal training and lack of assessment of resources to determine whether the computer needs of Nurse Managers are met results in a lot of time being wasted and many frustrations experienced among Nurse Managers. The researcher was therefore motivated by the latter problem to explore and describe the computer literacy status of Nurse Managers in order to make recommendations to management regarding the research findings. The researcher selected a quantitative, explorative, contextual and descriptive survey design. The research population was made up of all Nurse Managers and Acting Nurse Managers at the time of the study. A 100 percent sample was utilised and comprised thirty-four respondents who made up the entire group of Nurse Managers and Acting Nurse Managers at the time of the study. A structured, self-administered questionnaire was used in Phase One of the research and in Phase Two a data observation sheet was used to test the respondents and to collect the necessary data. This data was manually processed and analysed by the iii researcher. All ethical considerations were honoured throughout the research process. The main findings of the research study reflected that the respondents had a below average ability to use various software packages such as Microsoft Word, EXCEL and Power Point. Findings further revealed that the respondent’s literacy levels were average with regard to the use of peripheral components of the computer such as the use of the mouse and keyboard. The respondents rated their competency level as average with regard to using a computer. Due to the limitations and small sample size used in the study the researcher recommends that further research using a larger sample by expanding the research into the other private hospitals in the group through out South Africa should take place in order to produce more constructive results than this study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
An assessment of the practice of public relations practitioners in marketing the corporate image in selected organisations
- Authors: Lukusa, Adolphine Cama
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Public relations -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Corporate image , Marketing , Professions -- Marketing
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8394 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1002 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1009562 , Public relations -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Corporate image , Marketing , Professions -- Marketing
- Description: The profession of public relations has suffered negative associations and connotations as far as its role and practice are concerned. Alongside these, there are theories put forward within the field suggesting ways that could be used to assist public relations practitioners to become more successful in serving their organisations, marketing their organisation’s corporate image as well as reversing public relations’ negative legacy which has long existed as suggested by Steyn and Puth. This treatise argues that the real situation of the practice of public relations, its roles and the successes of PR practitioners in marketing the corporate image of their organisation might differ from what theories proposed. Thus this study seeks and intends to correlate what has been theorized with current practice in the profession. In addition, this study reflects and corroborates public relations practitioners’ roles in marketing the corporate image of organisations within the proposed new strategic role and through the existing traditional roles as compared to theory. Finally, this study also helps establish required changes to the traditional roles of the practitioners with the aim of reflecting the current situations in the existing selected organisations. In order to achieve the objectives of this study, the views and perceptions of public relations practitioners and managers of selected organisations were examined through a survey by questionnaire. This data was then analysed to determine their roles in marketing the corporate image of organisations in terms of the new strategic role and through the existing traditional roles as compared to theory. The sample included public relations practitioners and chief executive officers of Goodyear Tyre and Rubber Holdings (Pty) Ltd , Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality and Transnet National Ports Authority. The findings seem to support the hypotheses of the study in concluding that: The strategic roles identified in theory such as the solution around the myth and allegory of success in the practice and profession of public relations might not be realised in current practice, and Public relations practitioners’ effectiveness in marketing the corporate image of their organisations is affected by the way their roles are perceived within organisations. It is the hope of the researcher that, the findings of this investigation will set foundations for further research on the assessment and estimation of the practice of the public relations practitioners in marketing the corporate image of organisations.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Lukusa, Adolphine Cama
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Public relations -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Corporate image , Marketing , Professions -- Marketing
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8394 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1002 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1009562 , Public relations -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Corporate image , Marketing , Professions -- Marketing
- Description: The profession of public relations has suffered negative associations and connotations as far as its role and practice are concerned. Alongside these, there are theories put forward within the field suggesting ways that could be used to assist public relations practitioners to become more successful in serving their organisations, marketing their organisation’s corporate image as well as reversing public relations’ negative legacy which has long existed as suggested by Steyn and Puth. This treatise argues that the real situation of the practice of public relations, its roles and the successes of PR practitioners in marketing the corporate image of their organisation might differ from what theories proposed. Thus this study seeks and intends to correlate what has been theorized with current practice in the profession. In addition, this study reflects and corroborates public relations practitioners’ roles in marketing the corporate image of organisations within the proposed new strategic role and through the existing traditional roles as compared to theory. Finally, this study also helps establish required changes to the traditional roles of the practitioners with the aim of reflecting the current situations in the existing selected organisations. In order to achieve the objectives of this study, the views and perceptions of public relations practitioners and managers of selected organisations were examined through a survey by questionnaire. This data was then analysed to determine their roles in marketing the corporate image of organisations in terms of the new strategic role and through the existing traditional roles as compared to theory. The sample included public relations practitioners and chief executive officers of Goodyear Tyre and Rubber Holdings (Pty) Ltd , Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality and Transnet National Ports Authority. The findings seem to support the hypotheses of the study in concluding that: The strategic roles identified in theory such as the solution around the myth and allegory of success in the practice and profession of public relations might not be realised in current practice, and Public relations practitioners’ effectiveness in marketing the corporate image of their organisations is affected by the way their roles are perceived within organisations. It is the hope of the researcher that, the findings of this investigation will set foundations for further research on the assessment and estimation of the practice of the public relations practitioners in marketing the corporate image of organisations.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009