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South Africa: Applied competence as the guiding framework for environmental and sustainability education

- Lotz-Sisitka, Heila, Raven, Glenda

Authors: Lotz-Sisitka, Heila , Raven, Glenda
Date: 2009
Subjects: To be catalogued
Language: English
Type: text , book chapter
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/437395 , vital:73375 , ISBN 978-1-4020-8194-1 , https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4020-8194-1_22
Description: Following the demise of apartheid rule in South Africa in 1994, the new government adopted the South African Qualifications Act (RSA, 1995a) which established the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA). The SAQA was tasked with the responsibility for developing and im-plementing a national qualifications framework (NQF) based on princi-ples of quality, equity and redress. A primary objective of the NQF was to establish a portable and responsive model for lifelong learning and one which could recognize prior learning according to an outcomes-based education and training framework. In addition to this mandate and amongst other responsibilities, SAQA has had a responsibility to design and develop qualifications that respond to the environmental rights and sustainable development clauses of the Constitution and as-sociated national policies. Through this, environment and sustainability education was placed on the national education and training agenda (see Lotz-Sisitka and Olvitt in this volume).
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Date Issued: 2009

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South Africa: Strengthening responses to sustainable development policy and legislation

- Lotz-Sisitka, Heila, Olvitt, Lausanne L

Authors: Lotz-Sisitka, Heila , Olvitt, Lausanne L
Date: 2009
Subjects: To be catalogued
Language: English
Type: text , book chapter
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/437382 , vital:73374 , ISBN 978-1-4020-8194-1 , https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4020-8194-1_23
Description: A key objective of the newly established South African national qualifi-cations framework (NQF) is to enable the transformation of society, fol-lowing the demise of apartheid in 1994. Through the South African Constitution, which enshrines the right to a healthy environment for all citizens, and the sustainable utilization of resources for current and fu-ture generations (RSA, 1996), South African society adopted a devel-opment path that is oriented towards sustainable development. The de-velopment and implementation of the NQF (established by the South African Qualifications Authority Act in 1995) has involved various initia-tives to design and develop qualifications that respond to the environ-mental rights and sustainable development clauses of the Constitution and associated national policy. The past 10 years have been an active period for reconceptualizing education and training in South Africa, par-ticularly in the previously neglected1 area of workplacebased learning. New structures were put in place to develop and approve flexible and portable qualifications in unit-standard format, new service delivery structures and mechanisms have been established which allow for flex-ible forms of programme delivery and new learning programmes have been designed to respond to the outcomes-based, flexible format of the NQF. The NQF has created new opportunities for lifelong learning and new possibilities for those formerly disadvantaged by apartheid exclu-sionary policies and systems to gain access to education and training, and recognition for their skills and competencies. It has also created the space for new innovative programmes to emerge that respond to emerging issues in society, such as increased environmental degradation, increased health risks and new social and economic challenges.
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Date Issued: 2009

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South African music libraries : collegial, institutional and geographic isolation, an examination

- Still-Drewett, F

Authors: Still-Drewett, F
Date: 2009
Language: English
Type: Article
Identifier: vital:6984 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006723
Description: Music libraries are relatively recent additions to South African library collections and attempts at forming a music library association have been thwarted through a number of financial and historical societal limitations. Consequently, many South African music librarians feel isolated from the field. This paper examines the effects of this isolation and the benefits that closer association for the librarian could bring. Future outlooks for music libraries in South Africa are discussed and suggestions made for a more positive future. Les bibliothèques de musique sont des additions relativement récentes aux collections des bibliothèques en Afrique du sud. Les tentatives de création d'une aßociation de bibliothécaires de musique ont été contrariées pour des raisons financières, historiques et sociales. Par conséquent, beaucoup de bibliothécaires de musique se sentent isolés du milieu. Cet article examine les effets de cette isolation et les bénéfices que pourrait apporter une aßociation qui rapproche les bibliothécaires. Il aborde des discußions sur des perspectives futures et émet des suggestion afin d'appréhender un avenir plus positif. Musikbibliotheken sind eine relativ neue Erscheinung im Bibliothekswesen Südafrikas. Die Gründung einer musikbibliothekarischen Vereinigung ist aus finanziellen und anderen Gründen heraus immer wieder gescheitert. Daher fühlen sich viele südafrikanische Musikbibliothekare beruflich isoliert. Der Artikel untersucht die Auswirkungen dieser Isolation und die Vorteile, die ein engerer Zusammenschluß den Bibliothekaren bringen könnte. Er wagt einen Ausblick in und macht Vorschläge für die Zukunft südafrikanischer Musikbibliotheken.
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Date Issued: 2009

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South African Shakespeare in the twentieth century

- Wright, Laurence

Authors: Wright, Laurence
Date: 2009
Language: English
Type: Book chapter
Identifier: vital:7061 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007425
Description: This special section of the Shakespearean International Yearbook asks a series of questions about South African Shakespeare, chapter by chapter, focusing on the twentieth century. The temporal emphasis is deliberate, because it was particularly in the last century that Shakespeare became an issue, albeit a minor one, in relation to the titanic political and ideological struggles that convulsed the country throughout the period. The articles set out to examine and re-assess, in historical sequence, some of the acknowledged highlights of Shakespeare in South Africa in the last century. These are the moments when, for a range of different reasons, Shakespeare troubles the public sphere to claim attention in excess of that normally accorded ‘routine Shakespeare,’ that haphazard succession of productions, tours, educational debates, academic publications, reviews and commentary that comprises the internal history of the subject.
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Date Issued: 2009

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Spectroscopic and photophysicochemical behaviour of novel cadmium phthalocyanine derivatives tetra-substituted at the alpha and beta positions

- Nyokong, Tebello, Chidawanyika, Wadzanai J U

Authors: Nyokong, Tebello , Chidawanyika, Wadzanai J U
Date: 2009
Language: English
Type: Article
Identifier: vital:6582 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004147
Description: The syntheses of three cadmium phthalocyanine derivatives tetrakis{1,(4)-(4-benzyloxy)phenoxyphthalocyaninato} (5a), tetrakis{1,(4)-(2-pyridyloxy)phthalocyaninato} (5b) and tetrakis{2,(3)-(4-benzyloxy)phenoxyphthalocyaninato} (6a) are reported here for the first time. Spectroscopic and photophysical properties have also been determined and the results are discussed here paying particular attention to the influence of various organic solvents in relation to the position and type of substitution. Singlet oxygen quantum yields (ΦΔ) and photodegradation quantum yields (ΦPd) have also been discussed. The triplet quantum yields have been determined and ranged from ΦT = 0.36 to 0.85, where the peripherally (β) substituted derivatives generally give higher values than those substituted at the non-peripheral (α) positions. The triplet lifetimes ranged from τT = 5 to 40 μs. In all cases (except toluene, due to the lack of data), the highest singlet oxygen quantum yields obtained were for the pyridyloxy-substituted derivatives 5b (ΦΔ = 0.60 in DMF) and 6b (ΦΔ = 0.74 in DMSO).
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Date Issued: 2009

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Staff turnover at selected government hospitals

- Mdindela, Sindiswa Victoria

Authors: Mdindela, Sindiswa Victoria
Date: 2009
Subjects: Labor turnover -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Hospitals -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Personnel management , Job satisfaction -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Employee motivation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
Language: English
Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
Identifier: vital:9382 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1191 , Labor turnover -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Hospitals -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Personnel management , Job satisfaction -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Employee motivation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
Description: The purpose of this study was to identify factors that impact on staff turnover and strategies that organisations can use to curtail staff turnover. To achieve this goal the following procedure was followed.  An overview of theories related to staff turnover was conducted to identify what staff turnover is. Also the consequences of staff turnover, the classification and measurement of staff turnover and the broad theoretical explanation of staff turnover were investigated. The current brain drain experienced in the medical field was explored. A literature study was also conducted focusing on individual, job, organisational and environmental factors that influence staff turnover and strategies that managers can utilise to reduce staff turnover. Interviews were conducted with the chief executive officer and one doctor at Hewu hospital. Interviews were also conducted among senior nurses.  An empirical study was undertaken to determine individual, job, organisational and environmental factors that impacted on staff turnover among doctors and nurses at Bisho and Hewu Hospitals. The strategies that were utilised at these hospitals to retain doctors and nurses were also investigated. Suggestions were made for addressing factors that could impact on staff turnover among doctors and nurses and strategies that could be utilised to retain staff. These strategies include:  Getting people off to a good start,  Create a great environment with bosses whom people respect,  Share information,  Give people as much autonomy as they can handle and  Challenge people to stretch. iii Staff turnover is an issue that many South African organisations are currently facing and an issue that is especially affecting the medical field. Various factors, especially job and organisational factors, are not adequately addressed and these could lead to a high rate of staff turnover. It is clear that organisations should have a human resource strategic plan in order for them to effectively select, retain, train and develop employees. Health Care organisation could use the strategies identified in this study as a mechanism to benchmark how well they manage staff turnover. It is therefore important that the management of hospitals should strive to identify the underlying causes of labour turnover in their organisations and formulate strategies to address the problem.
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Date Issued: 2009

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Statistical models for pricing weather derivatives for Port Elizabeth

- Nasila, Mark Wopicho

Authors: Nasila, Mark Wopicho
Date: 2009
Subjects: Weather derivatives -- Prices -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
Language: English
Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
Identifier: vital:10567 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1018 , Weather derivatives -- Prices -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
Description: Weather has a significant impact on business activities of many kinds. The list of economic activities subjected to the risk of the weather include: the energy producers and consumers, the industry of leisure, the insurance industry, the food industry and the agricultural industries but the primary industry, namely the energy industry, has given rise to the demand for weather derivatives and has caused the weather risk management industry to evolve actively. A derivative is a contract or security, whose payoffs depend upon the price of an underlying asset price, and is used to control the risks of naturally-arising exposures to such an asset price. Therefore weather derivatives are financial contracts with payouts that depend on weather in some form. It is a contract that provides a payoff in response to an index level based on weather phenomena (West, 2002).The underlying variable can be for example humidity, rain, snowfall, temperature, or even sunshine. The main players who take part in the weather derivatives markets industry can be grouped in to five main categories, namely: 1) End users who are also referred to as hedgers 2) Speculators 3) Market makers 4) Brokers 5) Insurance and re-insurance companies. Since the late 90’s when the first weather derivatives transactions were recorded, the underlying market has witnessed the development of a new derivative market in the United States, which is gradually expanding across Europe. However, the newly developed market for weather derivatives is not liquid in Africa and specifically South Africa mainly due to the following factors: 1) Many companies and business organisations have not yet established a hedging policy or even figured out how their businesses or industries are exposed to weather risks. 2 2) “Since many companies and industries depend on insurance companies to cover their risks, it is possible that the solutions suggested by these companies or industries looking for protection from weather risks differ according to the cover provided by these insurance organisations “(Micali, 2008). The main aim of this study is to review available statistical models for pricing derivatives, with temperature as the underlying which could enable industries, businesses and other organisations in South Africa to protect themselves against losses due to fluctuations in the weather and therefore hedge their risks.
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Date Issued: 2009

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Statistical relationship of customer behavioral characteristics in personal banking

- Rasuba, Maanda

Authors: Rasuba, Maanda
Date: 2009
Subjects: Customer relations -- South Africa -- Management , Consumer behavior -- South Africa , Banks and banking -- Customer services -- South Africa
Language: English
Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
Identifier: vital:10566 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1165 , Customer relations -- South Africa -- Management , Consumer behavior -- South Africa , Banks and banking -- Customer services -- South Africa
Description: This study investigates the relationship of bank customers’ behavioural patterns based on the customers past transactions, with respect to their profile characteristics. The main aim of this study is to illustrate that different categories of customers (based on demographical variables such as race, gender and age) have statistically significant differences in behaviour, with respect to how they operate their accounts. A theoretical overview on the literature of customer relationship management in the banking sector emphasises the importance of understanding customers to ensure that a business is successful. Four null-hypotheses where formulated based on a general research hypothesis. The data base provided a major South African bank is used to achieve the objectives. Extensive cleaning of the data set was necessary to ensure the validity of the results. The data set had 7860 customer keys. The large data base used contributed to the reliability of the results. The following behavioural variables were used in the study namely, transaction data, average debit and credit transaction amounts and average number of transactions per month. The main results of study indicate that different customer categories have statistically significant differences in behaviour, with respect to how customers operate their accounts. This implies that it is important for the banking sector to consider customer gender differences, age differences and race group differences in the relationship strategies which they employ in their multicultural environment. Further research in the area may be necessary before generalisation can be made on all banking customers.
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Date Issued: 2009

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Stereotypes, advertising and social identity : a theoretical study with reference to the university as a space of cultural negotiation

- Okombo, G. A

Authors: Okombo, G. A
Date: 2009
Subjects: Stereotypes (Social psychology) in advertising -- South Africa -- Port Elizaberth , College students -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Attitudes , Group identity -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
Language: English
Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
Identifier: vital:8395 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/981 , Stereotypes (Social psychology) in advertising -- South Africa -- Port Elizaberth , College students -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Attitudes , Group identity -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
Description: This study is an investigation into the stereotypes used in advertisements designed to appeal to university students’ sense of having a social identity, taking the situation at Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU) as being representative of university campuses as, among other things, social and cultural space. The study assumes that a university is a site of cultural negotiation, and as such may be viewed as a place where identities are formed and readjusted to conform to stereotypes popularised by influential social models as portrayed in the media. Moreover, with the process of globalization, which distributes stereotypical images globally, one would assume that advertising at NMMU functions in a similar way to its mode of functioning in most parts of the world. Although such media (advertisements) exist in various forms, the scope of the research for this study was limited to print advertisements. Advertisements relevant to the concerns of this study are found everywhere at South African universities. Today, the latest trend for companies like Mr. Price, Standard Bank, Truworths, Red Bull, and Axe, among others, is to sponsor university events, that way creating the opportunity to advertise their products or services to students. Moreover, the notice boards of South African universities are filled with posters advertising new products in the market. In addition to all this, the general South African goods and services market is flooded with magazines that contain stereotype-promoting advertisements targeting students or, in general, young adults. For the purposes of this study, a ‘stereotype’ is understood as an iconic site of identification which functions as a generalized model for social behaviour. In this sense, a ‘stereotype’ may also be understood as a representation of an ‘ideal self’. The purpose of this study is threefold: firstly, to show how and why students may be vulnerable to the stereotypes identified in terms of Lacan’s theory of the ‘mirror stage’; secondly, to identify and categorize the various stereotypes used in advertising to appeal to the student’s sense of social identity, and thirdly, to show that advertisements can be misleading in so far as stereotyping ignores the specificity of every student’s personal social situation and creates false expectations on the part of the target students.
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Date Issued: 2009

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Strategies to equip females for managerial positions

- Smailes, Chanél

Authors: Smailes, Chanél
Date: 2009
Subjects: Women executives -- South Africa
Language: English
Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
Identifier: vital:8696 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1095 , Women executives -- South Africa
Description: The study was concerned with identifying both organisational and personal strategies utilised by females in managerial positions within South Africa. From an analysis of both primary and secondary data, it was concluded that executive women in South Africa are utilising personal strategies more extensively than relying solely on organisational strategies to facilitate them to managerial positions and the respondents therefore deemed these personal strategies to have a greater impact than that of the organisational strategies. Both organisations and individuals would benefit from this study as the study brings to the fore the lack of organisational strategies utilised by organisations within South Africa, as well as highlighting those strategies found most beneficial by executive women as having the greatest impact on their careers. This indication would allow for organisations to efficiently invest in those strategies having the most impact on female executives’ careers. Individual women at non-management or junior management levels could integrate the personal strategies highlighted in this study as being most effective into their career development plans. By ensuring both organisations and women together are working to equip females for managerial positions, both organisational and personal performance of South African female managers will be maximized.
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Date Issued: 2009

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Strategies to facilitate collaboration between allopathic and traditional health practitioners

- Tembani, Nomazwi Maudline

Authors: Tembani, Nomazwi Maudline
Date: 2009
Subjects: Alternative medicine -- South Africa , Healers -- South Africa , Physicians -- South Africa
Language: English
Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DCur
Identifier: vital:10012 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1283 , Alternative medicine -- South Africa , Healers -- South Africa , Physicians -- South Africa
Description: The formal recognition of traditional healing has been controversial for some time with traditional healers being labelled by those of conventional medical orientation as a medical hazard and purveyors of superstition. The support for the development of traditional medicine and establishment of co-operation between traditional healers and allopathic heath practitioners was first promoted in the international health arena by the World Health Organisation. Estimating that 80% of the population living in rural areas of many developing countries was using traditional medicine for the primary healthcare needs, this organisation advocated for the establishment of mechanisms that would facilitate strong cooperation between traditional healers, scientists and clinicians. The study was undertaken in the Amathole District Municipality, Province of the Eastern Cape based on Chapter 2, Section 6(2) (a) of the Traditional Health Practitioners Bill 2003, which required regulation and promotion of liaison between traditional health practitioners and other health professionals registered under any law. The purpose of the study was to develop and propose strategies to facilitate collaboration between traditional and allopathic health practitioners to optimise and complement healthcare delivery. The conceptual framework guiding the study was derived from Leininger’s theory of Cultural Care Diversity and Universality chosen because of its appropriateness. The terms used throughout the study were defined to facilitate the reader’s understanding. Ethical principles were adhered to throughout the research process. To ensure trustworthiness of the study, Guba’s model (in Krefting,1991:214-215) was used where the four aspects of trustworthiness namely, truth value, applicability, consistency and neutrality were considered. A qualitative, exploratory, descriptive and contextual research design was used which assisted in articulating the appropriate strategies to develop to facilitate v collaboration between allopathic and traditional health practitioners. The study was done in two phases. Phase one entailed data collection using unstructured interviews, a focus group interview, literature control and modified participant observation. In Phase two strategies to facilitate collaboration between allopathic and traditional health practitioners were developed. The population in this study comprised three groups of participants. Group 1 consisted of allopathic health practitioners, Group 2 comprised traditional healers and Group 3 was composed of participants who were trained as both traditional healers and allopathic health practitioners. All participants had to respond to three research questions which aimed at:  exploring and describing the nature of the relationship between allopathic and traditional health practitioners before legalisation of traditional healing and their experience as role-players in the healthcare delivery landscape in the Amathole District Municipality.  eliciting the viewpoints of allopathic and traditional health practitioners regarding the impact on their practices of legalisation of traditional healing and  developing strategies to facilitate collaboration between allopathic and traditional health practitioners. Data obtained from each group was analysed using Tesch’s method as described by Creswell (2003:192). Themes emerging from data and the corresponding strategies to address the themes were identified for each group. The participants’ responses to the three research questions revealed areas of convergence and divergence. Of significance was the reflection by the participants on their negative attitude towards each other. They also highlighted that there was no formal interaction between traditional and allopathic health practitioners in the Amathole District Municipality. Their working relationship was characterised by a one-sided referral system with traditional healers referring patients to allopathic health practitioners but this seemed not to be reciprocated vi by the latter group. The exception was the case of traditional surgeons whose working relationship with allopathic health practitioners was formally outlined in the Application of Health Standards in the Traditional Circumcision Act, Act No.6 of 2001. Allopathic health practitioners attributed their negative attitude as emanating from the unscientific methods used by traditional healers in treating patients, interference of traditional healers with the efficacy of hospital treatments and delays by traditional healers in referring patients to the hospitals and clinics. Traditional healers stated that they were concerned about failure of allopathic health practitioners to refer patients who talked about “thikoloshe” and “mafufunyana” to the traditional healers. Consequently, these patients presented themselves to the traditional healers when the illness was at an advanced stage. A reciprocal referral system was perceived by the traditional healers as the core element or crux of collaboration. There were ambivalent views regarding the impact of legalisation of traditional healing on the practices of both traditional and allopathic health practitioners. Elimination of unscrupulous healers, economic benefits, and occupational protection were benefits anticipated by traditional healers from the implementation of the Act. The possibility of having to divulge information regarding their traditional medicines, monitoring of their practice resulting in arrests should errors occur were however, cited by traditional healers as threatening elements of the Act. A lack of understanding the activities of each group with an inherent element of mistrust became evident from the participants’ responses. Ways of fostering mutual understanding between them were suggested which included holding meetings together to discuss issues relating to healing of patients, exposing both groups of health practitioners to research, as well as training and development activities. The participants also highlighted areas of collaboration as sharing resources namely, budget, physical facilities, equipment and information and role clarification especially pertaining to disease management. The participants vii strongly suggested that there should be clarity on the type of diseases to be handled by each group. The need for capacity building of traditional and allopathic health practitioners in preparation for facilitating collaboration was advocated by all and the relevant activities to engage into were suggested. Analysis, synthesis and cross referencing of the themes that emerged from the data culminated in the identification of three strategies that were applicable to all groups of participants and which would assist in facilitating collaboration between allopathic and traditional health practitioners. The researcher coined the three strategies “Triple C” strategies abbreviated as the TRIC strategies. The first “C” of the three “Cs” stands for “change attitude”, the second “C” for “communication” and the third “C” for “capacity building.” Each of the proposed three strategies is discussed under the following headings:- Summary of findings informing the strategy  Theory articulating the strategy  Aim of the strategy  Suggested implementation mechanism As the strategies had to be grounded in a theory which would serve as a reference point, the researcher used the Survey List by Dickoff, James and Wiedenbach (1968:423) as a conceptual framework on which to base the proposed three strategies. The results of this study and recommendations that have been made will be disseminated in professional journals, research conferences and seminars.
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Date Issued: 2009

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Stronger induction of callose deposition in barley by Russian wheat aphid than bird cherry-oat aphid is not associated with differences in callose synthase or ≤-1,3-glucanase expression

- Saheed, Sefiu A, Cierlik, Izabela, Larsson, Kristina A E, Delp, Gabriele, Bradley, Graeme, Jonsson, Lisbeth M V, Botha, Christiaan E J

Authors: Saheed, Sefiu A , Cierlik, Izabela , Larsson, Kristina A E , Delp, Gabriele , Bradley, Graeme , Jonsson, Lisbeth M V , Botha, Christiaan E J
Date: 2009
Language: English
Type: Article
Identifier: vital:6542 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005984
Description: The effects of infestation by the bird cherry-oat aphid (BCA), (Rhopalosiphum padi L) and the Russian wheat aphid (RWA) (Diuraphis noxia Mordvilko) on callose deposition and gene expression related to callose accumulation were investigated in barley (Hordeum vulgare L. cv. Clipper). The BCA, which gives no visible symptoms, induced very limited callose deposition, even after 14 days of infestation. In contrast, RWA, which causes chlorosis, white and yellow streaking and leaf rolling, induced callose accumulation already after 24h in longitudinal leaf veins. The deposition was pronounced after 72 h, progressing during 7 and 14 days of infestation. In RWA-infested source leaves, callose was also induced in longitudinal veins basipetal to the aphid-infested tissue, whereas in sink leaves, more callose deposition was found above the feeding sites. Nine putative callose synthase genes were identified in a data base search, of which eight were expressed in the leaves, but with similar level of expression in control and aphid-infested tissue. Four out of 12 examined β-1,3-glucanases were expressed in the leaves, and three of them were up-regulated in aphid-infested tissue. They were all more strongly induced by RWA than BCA. The results suggest that callose accumulation may be partly responsible for the symptoms resulting from RWA feeding and that a callose-inducing signal may be transported in the phloem. Furthermore it is concluded that the absence of callose deposition in BCA-infested leaves is not due to a stronger induction of callose-degrading β-1,3-glucanases in this tissue, as compared to RWA-infested leaves.
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Date Issued: 2009

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Student's van Hiele levels of geometric thought and conception in plane geometry: a collective case study of Nigeria and South Africa

- Atebe, Humphrey Uyouyo

Authors: Atebe, Humphrey Uyouyo
Date: 2009
Subjects: Geometry -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- Nigeria -- Case studies Geometry -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- South Africa -- Case studies Mathematics -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- Nigeria -- Case studies Mathematics -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- South Africa -- Case studies
Language: English
Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
Identifier: vital:1777 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003662
Description: This study is inspired by and utilises the van Hiele theory of geometric thought levels, currently acclaimed as one of the best frameworks for studying teaching and learning processes in geometry. The study aims both to explore and explicate the van Hiele levels of geometric thinking of a selected group of grade 10, 11 and 12 learners in Nigerian and South African schools. The study further aims to provide a rich and indepth description of the geometry instructional practices that possibly contributed to the levels of geometric conceptualisation exhibited by this cohort of high school learners. This collective case study, presented in two volumes, is oriented within an interpretive research paradigm and characterised by both qualitative and quantitative methods. The sample for the study comprised a total of 144 mathematics learners and 6 mathematics teachers from Nigeria and South Africa. They were selected using both purposive and stratified sampling techniques. In using the van Hiele model to interrogate both learners’ levels of geometric conceptualisation and teaching methods in geometry classrooms, the study employs a qualitative and qunatitative approach to the data-collection process, involving the use of questionnaires (in the form of various pen-and-paper tests, hands-on activity-based tests), interviews and classroom videos. Although the data analysis was done largely through descriptive statistics, the whole process inevitably incorporated elements of inferential statistics (e.g. ANOVA and Tukey HSD post-hoc test) in the quest for indepth analysis and deeper interpretation of the data. Learners were assigned to various van Hiele levels, mainly according to Usiskin’s (1982) forced van Hiele level determination scheme. The whole process of analysing the classroom videos involved a consultative panel of 4 observers and 3 critical readers, using the checklist of van Hiele phase descriptors to guide the analysis process. Concerning learners’ levels of geometric conceptualisation, the results from this study reveal that the most of the learners were not yet ready for the formal deductive study of school geometry, as only 2% and 3% of them were respectively at van Hiele levels 3 and 4, while 47%, 22% and 24% were at levels 0, 1 and 2, respectively. More learners from the Nigerian subsample (53%) were at van Hiele level 0 than learners from the South African subsample (41%) at this level. No learner from the Nigerian subsample was at van Hiele level 4, while 6% of the South African learners were at level 4. In general, learners from the Nigerian subsample had a poorer knowledge of school geometry than their peers from the South African subsample, as learners from the latter subsample obtained significantly higher mean scores in the van Hiele Geometry Test (VHGT) and each of the other tests used in this study. Results relating to gender differences in performance generally favour the male learners in this study. For each of the participating schools, learners’ van Hiele levels (as determined by their scores on the VHGT) strongly correlate with their performance in geometry content tests and mathematics generally. For each of the Nigerian and South African subsamples, for n ≤ 2, learners at van Hiele level n obtained higher means on nearly all the tests administered in this study than their peers at level n–1. This finding provides support for the hierarchical property of the van Hiele levels.
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Date Issued: 2009

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Student-athletes' attitude formation towards sport or other psychology services

- Wilmot, Gregory Thomas Charlton

Authors: Wilmot, Gregory Thomas Charlton
Date: 2009
Subjects: Sports -- Psychological aspects Attitude (Psychology) Stereotypes (Social psychology) Clinical psychology Athletes -- Counseling of Athletes -- Attitudes
Language: English
Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
Identifier: vital:3086 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002595
Description: This qualitative study aims to explore attitude formation within a small sample of Tertiary level student-athletes in relation to their antecedent experiences, individual knowledge about psychology and the social factors impacting on their attitude formation. The study is intended to allow for the development of themes related to the participants’ personal responses to the questions posed to them. The participants’ answers from the interviews will allow for an in-depth analysis and interpretation of the constituents influencing attitude formation towards sport psychology consultation. Primarily, the study aims to explore how attitudes towards clinical and sport psychology practitioners are constructed in this sample. Clinical psychology is used as a contrasting reference point to explore attitude formation in sport psychology. The participants’ beliefs, knowledge sources and attitude toward clinical psychology are examined to understand the fundamental constituents of their attitudes and to understand how this might be related to attitude formation towards sport psychology. It is intended that exploration of the participants’ knowledge sources (e.g. parents, peers, media and coaches) and additional influences on attitudes towards clinical psychology are used to provide insight into how they might shape attitude formation toward sport psychology. This is viewed as particularly important as sport psychology is an increasingly important tool in assisting the enhancement of sporting performance output. This qualitative study uses four elite student-athletes from the same sporting discipline and contextual background to allow for close linkages between the participants’ responses about attitude formation to be made. The study further aims to explore and understand how similarities and differences occur between the participants’ responses which will be completed through analysing and drawing parallels within themes relating to the literature or emerging separately. The Literature Review is intended to help guide the research through providing a reference source for contextualizing individual, public and socially generated beliefs and knowledge (literacy) about mental health / psychology, the constituents of attitude formation and the student-athlete’s context. These factors were identified in the literature as crucial components in attitude formation and also assisted in the development of initial themes, thus guiding the research. Unfortunately, there was limited literature pertaining to attitude formation in relation to sport psychology services and thus provide justification for using clinical psychology to explore attitude formation in sport psychology. This initial exploration of attitude formation in clinical psychology was used as a ‘template’ for contrasting attitude formation in the sample student-athletes as an indication of attitude formation in sport psychology. The Literature Review is viewed as an integral and active component of the study that is used as a body of reference guiding the exploration and interpretation of the emergent themes. This is done through the iterative reference to past research relating to attitude formation, health beliefs, and the numerous sources of information influencing attitude formation within clinical psychology and the student-athlete context. Most importantly, the Literature Review provides a significant base of information that guides the Research Question and the particular factors that have been noted as the most significant to the research. The Literature Review is intended to guide the Research Question and highlight the significant components that need to be taken into consideration in exploring attitude formation. This study, having taken the numerous individual, social, contextual and other factors into consideration, seeks to understand how such factors combine to shape attitudes and influence attitude formation. The collection of literature on social, knowledge and antecedent factors are significant in their role of shaping attitude formation and thus have been included within the Research Question. Furthermore, the Research Question and Literature Review had an impact on the Methodology and why Thematic Analysis was selected. Given the similarities in the participants’ sporting and contextual backgrounds (e.g., being in the same crew, university and social context), it was felt that the primary determinants of attitude formation, within antecedent experiences, knowledge and social influences, would emerge in related themes and thus provide greater insight into attitude formation within the student-athlete context. A limiting factor however, does lie in the small number of participants from a limited diversity of backgrounds, experiences or factors that could assist in allowing broader generalisations of the findings. However, this study aims to understand how the particular factors influence or shape attitudes towards sport and other psychology services and aims to understand the more specific or ‘fundamental’ components of attitude formation that are experienced within the student-athlete’s context and environment.
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Date Issued: 2009

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Students as Agents of Social Change-Student Initiatives at Rhodes University, South Africa

- Togo, Muchaiteyi

Authors: Togo, Muchaiteyi
Date: 2009
Subjects: To be catalogued
Language: English
Type: text , article
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/386561 , vital:68151 , xlink:href="https://www.ajol.info/index.php/sajee/article/view/122830"
Description: Rhodes University has a diversity of sustainable development initiatives meant for students and in a range of cases activities are initiated by students themselves with the support of the university. Results of a sustainability assessment revealed the involvement of students in environmental societies, environmental awareness campaigns, campus sustainability initiatives and community sustainability projects. Though most of the projects are still in their infancy and some challenges are yet to be overcome, the sustainability initiatives are gaining momentum and have contributed to improving the overall picture of sustainability at the university. Based on the results of the Rhodes University case study, the underpinning viewpoint in this paper is that university students are not merely recipients of Education for Sustainable Development but have the capacity to become agents for social change.
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Date Issued: 2009

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Studies towards the synthesis of novel tridentate ligands for use in ruthenium metathesis catalysts

- Millward, Tanya

Authors: Millward, Tanya
Date: 2009
Subjects: Ligands , Catalysis , Metathesis (Chemistry) , Ruthenium , Complex compounds
Language: English
Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
Identifier: vital:4360 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005025 , Ligands , Catalysis , Metathesis (Chemistry) , Ruthenium , Complex compounds
Description: This work has focussed on the preparation of a variety of tridentate ligands, designed to form ruthenium complexes as potential metathesis catalysts. Various approaches to the tridentate, malonate-tethered imidazolidine system have been investigated, and a promising route to accessing ligands of this type is discussed. A tridentate malonate-tethered pyridine ligand has been successfully prepared and its dithallium salt has been accessed by hydrolysis with thallium carbonate; approaches to a longer-chain analogue have also been investigated. A thallium pyridine-2,6- dicarboxylate ligand has been has been successfully prepared, as have a range of pyridine diamine ligands, with various alkyl and aromatic substituents on the amine donor atoms. Preliminary investigations into the potential of these compounds as ligands for alkylidene ruthenium complexes are reported using molecular modelling techniques. The geometries and steric energies of the ligands and their corresponding complexes have been analysed, and results obtained from two different software packages are compared. Finally, some preliminary complexation studies have been undertaken.
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Date Issued: 2009

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Study of the photophysical behavior of tetrasulfonated metallophthalocyanines in the presence of CdTe quantum dots

- Idowu, Mopelola A I, Nyokong, Tebello

Authors: Idowu, Mopelola A I , Nyokong, Tebello
Date: 2009
Subjects: To be catalogued
Language: English
Type: text , article
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/264138 , vital:53701 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.molstruc.2015.02.040"
Description: Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) studies were carried out with CdTe quantum dots (QDs) synthesized in aqueous phase and various tetrasulfonated metallophthalocyanines (MPcS4, M = aluminum ((OH)AlPcS4), zinc (ZnPcS4), silicon ((OH)2SiPcS4) and germanium ((OH)2GePcS4) in a H2O:MeOH (1:1) solvent mixture. The QDs studied were capped with thioglycolic acid (TGA) or mercaptopropionic acid (MPA) with sizes ranging from 2.3 to 3.7 nm. Non-radiative energy transfer from QDs emission to MPcS4 complexes was observed. Study of the photophysics of the MPcs in the presence of the QDs revealed high triplet state quantum yields (ΦT, ranging from 0.41 to 0.85 in the presence of QDs), with corresponding long triplet state lifetimes (τT, which ranged from 140 to 610 μs in the presence of QDs) to allow for photosensitized reactions to occur. The efficiency of energy transfer and the donor–acceptor distance between the MPcs and the QDs were also evaluated.
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Date Issued: 2009

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