An educational intervention on the liberation of ventilated adult patients in public critical care units
- Oamen, Benedict Raphael, ten Ham-Baloyi, Wilma
- Authors: Oamen, Benedict Raphael , ten Ham-Baloyi, Wilma
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Intensive care nursing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Intensive care units -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Nursing -- Study and teaching -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Nurse and patient
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/42968 , vital:36715
- Description: Professional nurses perform liberation of ventilated patients in the critical care units to ensure that ventilated patients can breathe on their own to maintain adequate oxygenation after the removal of an artificial airway and prevent liberation failure. The study aimed to describe the effect of an educational intervention on professional nurses’ knowledge concerning the liberation of ventilated adult patients in public critical care units. The research study described how an educational intervention increased the knowledge of professional nurses working in five public adult critical care units with a total of 54 beds for medical and surgical adult patients who are mechanically ventilated across the Eastern Cape Province. The objectives were first; to investigate the knowledge of professional nurses, concerning the liberation of ventilated adult patients. Secondly, to implement the evidence-based guidelines on liberation using an educational intervention. Thirdly, to describe the effect of an educational intervention on professional nurses’ knowledge concerning the liberation of ventilated adult patients in five public critical care units across the Eastern Cape Province. The researcher conducted an intervention research study using a quantitative, quasi-experimental pre-test/post-test with a control group design. The researcher recruited 150 participants who were professional nurses working in the five adult critical care units in academic hospitals. The five public adult critical care units were purposively divided into three sample groups, which consisted of two experimental groups and a control group. While considering the geographical location and proximity of the academic hospitals the groups were divided into Experimental Group 1 (comprised of 57 professional nurses from two critical care units) and Experimental Group 2 (comprised of 59 professional nurses from two critical care units), plus a Control Group (comprised of 34 professional nurses from one critical care unit). To achieve a large sample, all the professional nurses working in the five academic hospitals across the Eastern Cape Province were included in this study. The research study was conducted in three phases. In Phase One of the study, a pre-test questionnaire was administered to the professional nurses to investigate their current knowledge of the liberation of ventilated adult patients. Subsequently, in Phase Two, an educational intervention that was based on the liberation of ventilated adult patients used a PowerPoint in-service presentation in the form of a formal lecture, printed copies of the evidence-based guidelines on liberation and colour printed posters attached to the notice boards and strategic places such as the tea room and corridor of the critical care units in Experimental Group 1. Equally, Experimental Group 2 received only printed copies of the evidence-based guidelines. In the Control Group, the researcher did not implement the evidence-based guidelines. Three months after the implementation of the evidence-based guidelines, Phase Three was conducted, and a post-test questionnaire was administered to describe the effect of the educational intervention on the professional nurses’ knowledge. With the assistance of the statistician, data were analysed through descriptive analysis using the measure of frequency, central tendency, dispersion/variation and position. In addition to that, an inferential analysis used Analysis of Variance, Chi-square test, t-statistic (t-test), Cohen’s d, Cramér’s V, and Scheffe’s post-hoc test. Since there was no existing questionnaire, the researcher developed the questionnaires that were used in this study. The researcher ensured reliability and validity throughout the study. The ethical clearance reference number, H17-HEA-NUR-019 was obtained for the study from the Nelson Mandela University. A letter of permission was granted by the Provincial’s Department of Health, Bhisho, the Eastern Cape Province, with reference number, EC_201712_017. Other ethical principles were taking into consideration. The implementation of evidence-based guidelines on liberation using an educational intervention in the form of PowerPoint presentation, complemented with printed copies of the evidence-based guidelines and coloured posters as reminders showed an increase (Mean = 65,22; S.D = 12,08) in the mean knowledge score of professional nurses in Experimental Group 1. Contrary, the use of printed copies of the evidence-based guidelines on liberation showed a significant decrease (Mean = 53,41; S.D = 15,44; p = 0.033; Cohen's d = 0.49 small effect) in the mean knowledge score of professional nurses in Experimental Group 2. A single educational intervention method did not affect knowledge increase compared to a combined educational intervention method. Imparting knowledge in the public critical care units across the Eastern Cape Province is still very important. Further recommendations for practice, research and education were provided.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Oamen, Benedict Raphael , ten Ham-Baloyi, Wilma
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Intensive care nursing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Intensive care units -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Nursing -- Study and teaching -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Nurse and patient
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/42968 , vital:36715
- Description: Professional nurses perform liberation of ventilated patients in the critical care units to ensure that ventilated patients can breathe on their own to maintain adequate oxygenation after the removal of an artificial airway and prevent liberation failure. The study aimed to describe the effect of an educational intervention on professional nurses’ knowledge concerning the liberation of ventilated adult patients in public critical care units. The research study described how an educational intervention increased the knowledge of professional nurses working in five public adult critical care units with a total of 54 beds for medical and surgical adult patients who are mechanically ventilated across the Eastern Cape Province. The objectives were first; to investigate the knowledge of professional nurses, concerning the liberation of ventilated adult patients. Secondly, to implement the evidence-based guidelines on liberation using an educational intervention. Thirdly, to describe the effect of an educational intervention on professional nurses’ knowledge concerning the liberation of ventilated adult patients in five public critical care units across the Eastern Cape Province. The researcher conducted an intervention research study using a quantitative, quasi-experimental pre-test/post-test with a control group design. The researcher recruited 150 participants who were professional nurses working in the five adult critical care units in academic hospitals. The five public adult critical care units were purposively divided into three sample groups, which consisted of two experimental groups and a control group. While considering the geographical location and proximity of the academic hospitals the groups were divided into Experimental Group 1 (comprised of 57 professional nurses from two critical care units) and Experimental Group 2 (comprised of 59 professional nurses from two critical care units), plus a Control Group (comprised of 34 professional nurses from one critical care unit). To achieve a large sample, all the professional nurses working in the five academic hospitals across the Eastern Cape Province were included in this study. The research study was conducted in three phases. In Phase One of the study, a pre-test questionnaire was administered to the professional nurses to investigate their current knowledge of the liberation of ventilated adult patients. Subsequently, in Phase Two, an educational intervention that was based on the liberation of ventilated adult patients used a PowerPoint in-service presentation in the form of a formal lecture, printed copies of the evidence-based guidelines on liberation and colour printed posters attached to the notice boards and strategic places such as the tea room and corridor of the critical care units in Experimental Group 1. Equally, Experimental Group 2 received only printed copies of the evidence-based guidelines. In the Control Group, the researcher did not implement the evidence-based guidelines. Three months after the implementation of the evidence-based guidelines, Phase Three was conducted, and a post-test questionnaire was administered to describe the effect of the educational intervention on the professional nurses’ knowledge. With the assistance of the statistician, data were analysed through descriptive analysis using the measure of frequency, central tendency, dispersion/variation and position. In addition to that, an inferential analysis used Analysis of Variance, Chi-square test, t-statistic (t-test), Cohen’s d, Cramér’s V, and Scheffe’s post-hoc test. Since there was no existing questionnaire, the researcher developed the questionnaires that were used in this study. The researcher ensured reliability and validity throughout the study. The ethical clearance reference number, H17-HEA-NUR-019 was obtained for the study from the Nelson Mandela University. A letter of permission was granted by the Provincial’s Department of Health, Bhisho, the Eastern Cape Province, with reference number, EC_201712_017. Other ethical principles were taking into consideration. The implementation of evidence-based guidelines on liberation using an educational intervention in the form of PowerPoint presentation, complemented with printed copies of the evidence-based guidelines and coloured posters as reminders showed an increase (Mean = 65,22; S.D = 12,08) in the mean knowledge score of professional nurses in Experimental Group 1. Contrary, the use of printed copies of the evidence-based guidelines on liberation showed a significant decrease (Mean = 53,41; S.D = 15,44; p = 0.033; Cohen's d = 0.49 small effect) in the mean knowledge score of professional nurses in Experimental Group 2. A single educational intervention method did not affect knowledge increase compared to a combined educational intervention method. Imparting knowledge in the public critical care units across the Eastern Cape Province is still very important. Further recommendations for practice, research and education were provided.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
An emancipatory approach for innovative access to education in farm schools of the Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Robinson, Craig Grant
- Date: 2019
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/72462 , vital:30055
- Description: Expected release date-April 2020
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Robinson, Craig Grant
- Date: 2019
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/72462 , vital:30055
- Description: Expected release date-April 2020
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2019
An evaluation and comparison of the plasticiser effects of p -Menthane-3,8-diol-citronellal acetal plasticiser with triethyl citrate and bis(2-ethylhexyl) terephthalate on ethylcellulose films.
- Authors: Marx, Johannes Scheepers
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Plasticisers
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/44629 , vital:38164
- Description: In recent years, much attention has been focused on research to replace petroleumbased commodity plastics, in a cost-effective manner, with biodegradable materials offering competitive mechanical properties. The use of natural and/or biodegradable plasticisers, with low toxicity and good compatibility with several plastics, resins, rubber and elastomers in substitution of conventional plasticisers, such as phthalates and other synthetic plasticisers attract the market along with the increasing worldwide trend towards the use of bio-polymers. The main research objective entailed the behaviour of the novel bio-plasticiser PMDcitronellal acetal (PMD-CA) and its comparison with other commercial bio-plasticiser, triethyl citrate (TEC) and a non-phthalate plasticiser bis(2-ethylhexyl) terephthalate (DOTP), on ethylcellulose (EC) films to evaluate whether it would be feasible to replace them with PMD-CA. The films were produced by a casting technique and were characterised by mechanical properties, thermoanalysis, Scanning Electron Microscopy, disintegration and Fourier-Transform Infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. The addition of any of the three plasticisers to EC film increased the flexibility of the films. The plasticisers PMD-CA and DOTP added to EC formed tougher films as compared to EC films containing TEC shown by the high % elongation at break, strain and displacement. Statistically, it was proved that PMD-CA and DOTP had a more significant effect on % elongation of EC films than TEC, postulated to be due to their similar molecular size and structure. Thermoanalytical studies conducted revealed that the thermal degradation process of EC films proceeded in three basic stages, namely dehydration, depolymerisation and pyrolytic decomposition. Thermoanalytical analysis showed that unplasticised EC films had a higher glass transition value compared to the films containing any of the plasticisers and that PMD-CA and DOTP are more effective plasticisers compared to TEC due to their lower glass transition temperatures. The presence of plasticisers in the polymer matrix did change the surface morphology of polymer films. The addition of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) to EC PMD-CA and EC DOTP films caused more significant globule-like bubbles which were not uniform in size on the surface of these films. Observations were made that the type of plasticiser coating with or without pore former influenced the disintegration properties of films. HPMC, as pore former, played a significant role in the drug release system matrix. EC PMD-CA and EC DOTP polymeric films controlled the disintegration of the films in the acidic and weakly acidic medium. EC and EC TEC films had less significant control on the disintegration rate of the acidic and weakly acidic disintegration media. FT-IR characterisation of the films revealed comparable peaks observed in all the polymer-plasticiser combinations and therefore it was concluded that chemical interactions did not exist between the polymers and plasticisers. Added excipients (plasticisers and pore formers) were found to be compatible with EC films. It was concluded within the scope of this research that EC films plasticised with PMDCA, DOTP or TEC outperformed film properties of those compared to unplasticised EC film. The plasticising properties of the novel bio-plasticiser PMD-CA are similar compared to DOTP, and superior to triethyl citrate and could therefore be considered as an effective bioplasticiser for enteric coating formulations in the pharmaceutical industry.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Marx, Johannes Scheepers
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Plasticisers
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/44629 , vital:38164
- Description: In recent years, much attention has been focused on research to replace petroleumbased commodity plastics, in a cost-effective manner, with biodegradable materials offering competitive mechanical properties. The use of natural and/or biodegradable plasticisers, with low toxicity and good compatibility with several plastics, resins, rubber and elastomers in substitution of conventional plasticisers, such as phthalates and other synthetic plasticisers attract the market along with the increasing worldwide trend towards the use of bio-polymers. The main research objective entailed the behaviour of the novel bio-plasticiser PMDcitronellal acetal (PMD-CA) and its comparison with other commercial bio-plasticiser, triethyl citrate (TEC) and a non-phthalate plasticiser bis(2-ethylhexyl) terephthalate (DOTP), on ethylcellulose (EC) films to evaluate whether it would be feasible to replace them with PMD-CA. The films were produced by a casting technique and were characterised by mechanical properties, thermoanalysis, Scanning Electron Microscopy, disintegration and Fourier-Transform Infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. The addition of any of the three plasticisers to EC film increased the flexibility of the films. The plasticisers PMD-CA and DOTP added to EC formed tougher films as compared to EC films containing TEC shown by the high % elongation at break, strain and displacement. Statistically, it was proved that PMD-CA and DOTP had a more significant effect on % elongation of EC films than TEC, postulated to be due to their similar molecular size and structure. Thermoanalytical studies conducted revealed that the thermal degradation process of EC films proceeded in three basic stages, namely dehydration, depolymerisation and pyrolytic decomposition. Thermoanalytical analysis showed that unplasticised EC films had a higher glass transition value compared to the films containing any of the plasticisers and that PMD-CA and DOTP are more effective plasticisers compared to TEC due to their lower glass transition temperatures. The presence of plasticisers in the polymer matrix did change the surface morphology of polymer films. The addition of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) to EC PMD-CA and EC DOTP films caused more significant globule-like bubbles which were not uniform in size on the surface of these films. Observations were made that the type of plasticiser coating with or without pore former influenced the disintegration properties of films. HPMC, as pore former, played a significant role in the drug release system matrix. EC PMD-CA and EC DOTP polymeric films controlled the disintegration of the films in the acidic and weakly acidic medium. EC and EC TEC films had less significant control on the disintegration rate of the acidic and weakly acidic disintegration media. FT-IR characterisation of the films revealed comparable peaks observed in all the polymer-plasticiser combinations and therefore it was concluded that chemical interactions did not exist between the polymers and plasticisers. Added excipients (plasticisers and pore formers) were found to be compatible with EC films. It was concluded within the scope of this research that EC films plasticised with PMDCA, DOTP or TEC outperformed film properties of those compared to unplasticised EC film. The plasticising properties of the novel bio-plasticiser PMD-CA are similar compared to DOTP, and superior to triethyl citrate and could therefore be considered as an effective bioplasticiser for enteric coating formulations in the pharmaceutical industry.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
An evaluation of a profiling and selection process for apprentices in the South African automotive industry
- Authors: Puchert, Juliet Ingrid
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Artisans -- South Africa , Skilled labor -- South Africa Apprenticeship programs -- South Africa Occupational training -- South Africa Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/43314 , vital:36791
- Description: The South African automotive industry is the biggest manufacturing sector and the largest contributor to the domestic economy. Within the national manufacturing sector, the artisan job family has been identified as a scarce and critical skill. Artisans are a number one area of concern with regard to filling vacancies in the country. The domestic economy as well as the effectiveness and success of the automotive industry could be negatively affected if this artisanal crisis is not adequately addressed. This study aimed to evaluate a profiling and selection process for apprentices in the South African automotive industry. A multiple-stage selection method was used to screen the applicants. The selection process included the following phases: application review, rating of the application documentation, aptitude testing, skills-based teamwork assessment and interviews. The researcher obtained access to the documentation generated through an annual apprentice selection process at a large multi-national automotive firm. The final sample consisted of 3 412 individuals that had applied for two types of apprenticeship programmes, namely, automotive electrician and millwright, across three intake years. Descriptive statistics such as frequency distribution tables and medians were used. Inferential statistical analysis, using survival analysis, was used to assess whether the survival curves were statistically different across the groups. The findings of this study are relevant to the South African automotive industry, as well as the manufacturing sector. The findings are also of value to human resource practitioners, educators, social scientists and other researchers. The 13 constructs investigated in the study showed a high association with longer survival time in the selection process. The positive evaluation of this selection process provides evidence to support its confirmation as the national selection tool. Four recommendations are proposed to the HRM field and four to the automotive industry. The multiple-hurdle selection process employed in this study should be replicated by the automotive industry in their selection of apprenticeship applicants. Standardisation practices, the use of on-line technology and the marketing of the apprenticeship position are also recommended. Furthermore, it is recommended that educational providers provide job preparation workshops to assist applicants to improve their survival opportunity within the selection processes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Puchert, Juliet Ingrid
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Artisans -- South Africa , Skilled labor -- South Africa Apprenticeship programs -- South Africa Occupational training -- South Africa Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/43314 , vital:36791
- Description: The South African automotive industry is the biggest manufacturing sector and the largest contributor to the domestic economy. Within the national manufacturing sector, the artisan job family has been identified as a scarce and critical skill. Artisans are a number one area of concern with regard to filling vacancies in the country. The domestic economy as well as the effectiveness and success of the automotive industry could be negatively affected if this artisanal crisis is not adequately addressed. This study aimed to evaluate a profiling and selection process for apprentices in the South African automotive industry. A multiple-stage selection method was used to screen the applicants. The selection process included the following phases: application review, rating of the application documentation, aptitude testing, skills-based teamwork assessment and interviews. The researcher obtained access to the documentation generated through an annual apprentice selection process at a large multi-national automotive firm. The final sample consisted of 3 412 individuals that had applied for two types of apprenticeship programmes, namely, automotive electrician and millwright, across three intake years. Descriptive statistics such as frequency distribution tables and medians were used. Inferential statistical analysis, using survival analysis, was used to assess whether the survival curves were statistically different across the groups. The findings of this study are relevant to the South African automotive industry, as well as the manufacturing sector. The findings are also of value to human resource practitioners, educators, social scientists and other researchers. The 13 constructs investigated in the study showed a high association with longer survival time in the selection process. The positive evaluation of this selection process provides evidence to support its confirmation as the national selection tool. Four recommendations are proposed to the HRM field and four to the automotive industry. The multiple-hurdle selection process employed in this study should be replicated by the automotive industry in their selection of apprenticeship applicants. Standardisation practices, the use of on-line technology and the marketing of the apprenticeship position are also recommended. Furthermore, it is recommended that educational providers provide job preparation workshops to assist applicants to improve their survival opportunity within the selection processes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
An evaluation of business support services for women-owned businesses
- Authors: Mabongo, Nozuko Priscilla
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Women-owned business enterprises -- South Africa -- Management , Businesswomen -- South Africa Support services (Management) Small business -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40679 , vital:36213
- Description: The emergence of women into the entrepreneurial sector has been a phenomenal wonder to view. This trend is considered one of the most transformative economic and social developments. Thus, the measures to enhance their penetration into the market need to be explored in order to see what is still lacking. Historically, women ventured into business as a means of alleviating social issues, as the years went by the necessity-driven element evolved into an integral need for women to participate in the growth of value-adding sectors. Women around the world have faced many barriers to their participation in the development of the economy. The purpose of this study was to fill the gap by providing relevant information about the formal business environment, as well as the various support structures available to South African women in business. Over the past two decades, the view of development has always been criticised. Women entrepreneurs dominate the informal sector and have remained at the edge of the economy irrespective of their potential in development. There is a lack of participation in value-adding sectors by women entrepreneurs. Women in business are plagued with the absence of effective management skills, network linkages and mentorship. This in turn results in limited access to local and global markets, therefore, growth prospects are severely at risk. Furthermore, this limitation concludes issues leading these businesses into survivalist mode. The study assessed the business support services offered to women-owned businesses and further demonstrate whether any growth prospects could be achieved. Insight was given on the current situation of women-owned businesses with specific reference to evaluating the type of business support services provided to women-owned businesses. Lastly, the study described how the support services could result in improved business practices.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Mabongo, Nozuko Priscilla
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Women-owned business enterprises -- South Africa -- Management , Businesswomen -- South Africa Support services (Management) Small business -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40679 , vital:36213
- Description: The emergence of women into the entrepreneurial sector has been a phenomenal wonder to view. This trend is considered one of the most transformative economic and social developments. Thus, the measures to enhance their penetration into the market need to be explored in order to see what is still lacking. Historically, women ventured into business as a means of alleviating social issues, as the years went by the necessity-driven element evolved into an integral need for women to participate in the growth of value-adding sectors. Women around the world have faced many barriers to their participation in the development of the economy. The purpose of this study was to fill the gap by providing relevant information about the formal business environment, as well as the various support structures available to South African women in business. Over the past two decades, the view of development has always been criticised. Women entrepreneurs dominate the informal sector and have remained at the edge of the economy irrespective of their potential in development. There is a lack of participation in value-adding sectors by women entrepreneurs. Women in business are plagued with the absence of effective management skills, network linkages and mentorship. This in turn results in limited access to local and global markets, therefore, growth prospects are severely at risk. Furthermore, this limitation concludes issues leading these businesses into survivalist mode. The study assessed the business support services offered to women-owned businesses and further demonstrate whether any growth prospects could be achieved. Insight was given on the current situation of women-owned businesses with specific reference to evaluating the type of business support services provided to women-owned businesses. Lastly, the study described how the support services could result in improved business practices.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
An evaluation of loyalty programmes
- Authors: Thaver, Aneshree Terrilla
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Customer loyalty programs -- South Africa , Customer clubs -- Evaluation Customer relations -- Evaluation Customer services -- Management Consumer satisfaction -- Evaluation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/43856 , vital:37062
- Description: A Loyalty Programme, is the term most commonly used to summarise various Customer Relationship Management programmes instituted by companies, to endear and encourage loyalty from customers. In order to better understand the component of loyalty within the context of Loyalty Programmes, a dimensional approach has been suggested. The dimensional approach is based firstly, on behavioural loyalty theories, which focus on purchase patterns to qualify/quantify loyalty. Secondly, it included attitudinal loyalty measures to account for customer’s actions and feelings to aid in both the conceptualisation and measurement of loyalty. The need to understand and evaluate the effects of programmes specifically designed to promote loyalty from customers has prompted a surge in academic research, which has led to great debate over the effectiveness of these programmes. Previous empirical research has provided divergent findings and many polarised views abound. This is due in part to the lack of consistent research methodologies, concepts and measurements of previous studies, which has made the comparison of Loyalty Programmes increasingly difficult. However, despite these challenges, there remains substantial evidence in support of the overall effectiveness of Loyalty Programmes. The aim of this research has been to focus on developing a model to evaluate the components of Loyalty Programmes based on attitudinal and behavioural loyalty dimensions, with the view of recommending components that should be included in the design of Loyalty Programmes. An in-depth literature review was conducted and the two dimensions of loyalty (attitudinal and behavioural) were examined. Additionally, the following Theories were explored Social Exchange Theory, Equity Theory and the Theory of Planned Behaviour, to examine the interchange between participants of Loyalty Programmes. The review of literature further laid the foundation for the conceptual model that proposed purchase behaviour, trust, communication, personalisation, flexibility, rewards and methods of participation as components which influenced Loyalty Programmes. A multi-method study, with 1090 respondents, was conducted and a proposed conceptual model was compiled. An analysis was conducted through various descriptive and inferential statistical tests as well as Exploratory Factor Analysis and Confirmatory Factor Analysis. The results of the study identified the following factors Attitudinal loyalty (Attitudinal – Communication, Attitudinal – Flexibility, Attitudinal – General, Attitudinal – Rewards (Personal and Monetary) and Attitudinal – Trust) and Behavioural loyalty (Behavioural – Communication, Behavioural – Flexibility, Behavioural – General, Behavioural – Personalisation, Behavioural – Purchasing Behaviour, Behavioural – Rewards and Behavioural – Trust) to be of influence with regard to the effectiveness of Loyalty Programmes. The study concludes with managerial recommendations for the improvement in the design of Loyalty Programmes to enhance Attitudinal and Behavioural loyalty from participants. The recommendations from this study are based on the three strongest factor relationships identified through Pearson Product Moment Correlations. They are (a) Attitude – General and Behavioural – General (0.723), (b) Attitude – Communication and Behavioural – Communication (0.691) and (c) Attitude – Trust and Behavioural – Trust (0.595). Hence it is suggested that communication surrounding Loyalty Programmes needs to embrace new technologies and adopt a multichannel and multi-directional strategy to be more responsive to customers. Furthermore, trust was found to be influential in Loyalty Programme participation and how managers used the shared personal data, impacted customer willingness to participate in Loyalty Programmes. This study found that overall purchasing behaviour is poorly influenced by Loyalty Card/Programmes, as discounts and promotions did not sway shopper purchasing behaviour and that the most preferred rewards were monetary, free shipping and brand partnerships. In summary, consideration should be given to the type, flexibility and expiration of rewards offered. Further, a regular review of personalisation strategies, customer expectations and participation methods are recommended to bridge the mismatch between idle membership and active participation in Loyalty Programmes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Thaver, Aneshree Terrilla
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Customer loyalty programs -- South Africa , Customer clubs -- Evaluation Customer relations -- Evaluation Customer services -- Management Consumer satisfaction -- Evaluation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/43856 , vital:37062
- Description: A Loyalty Programme, is the term most commonly used to summarise various Customer Relationship Management programmes instituted by companies, to endear and encourage loyalty from customers. In order to better understand the component of loyalty within the context of Loyalty Programmes, a dimensional approach has been suggested. The dimensional approach is based firstly, on behavioural loyalty theories, which focus on purchase patterns to qualify/quantify loyalty. Secondly, it included attitudinal loyalty measures to account for customer’s actions and feelings to aid in both the conceptualisation and measurement of loyalty. The need to understand and evaluate the effects of programmes specifically designed to promote loyalty from customers has prompted a surge in academic research, which has led to great debate over the effectiveness of these programmes. Previous empirical research has provided divergent findings and many polarised views abound. This is due in part to the lack of consistent research methodologies, concepts and measurements of previous studies, which has made the comparison of Loyalty Programmes increasingly difficult. However, despite these challenges, there remains substantial evidence in support of the overall effectiveness of Loyalty Programmes. The aim of this research has been to focus on developing a model to evaluate the components of Loyalty Programmes based on attitudinal and behavioural loyalty dimensions, with the view of recommending components that should be included in the design of Loyalty Programmes. An in-depth literature review was conducted and the two dimensions of loyalty (attitudinal and behavioural) were examined. Additionally, the following Theories were explored Social Exchange Theory, Equity Theory and the Theory of Planned Behaviour, to examine the interchange between participants of Loyalty Programmes. The review of literature further laid the foundation for the conceptual model that proposed purchase behaviour, trust, communication, personalisation, flexibility, rewards and methods of participation as components which influenced Loyalty Programmes. A multi-method study, with 1090 respondents, was conducted and a proposed conceptual model was compiled. An analysis was conducted through various descriptive and inferential statistical tests as well as Exploratory Factor Analysis and Confirmatory Factor Analysis. The results of the study identified the following factors Attitudinal loyalty (Attitudinal – Communication, Attitudinal – Flexibility, Attitudinal – General, Attitudinal – Rewards (Personal and Monetary) and Attitudinal – Trust) and Behavioural loyalty (Behavioural – Communication, Behavioural – Flexibility, Behavioural – General, Behavioural – Personalisation, Behavioural – Purchasing Behaviour, Behavioural – Rewards and Behavioural – Trust) to be of influence with regard to the effectiveness of Loyalty Programmes. The study concludes with managerial recommendations for the improvement in the design of Loyalty Programmes to enhance Attitudinal and Behavioural loyalty from participants. The recommendations from this study are based on the three strongest factor relationships identified through Pearson Product Moment Correlations. They are (a) Attitude – General and Behavioural – General (0.723), (b) Attitude – Communication and Behavioural – Communication (0.691) and (c) Attitude – Trust and Behavioural – Trust (0.595). Hence it is suggested that communication surrounding Loyalty Programmes needs to embrace new technologies and adopt a multichannel and multi-directional strategy to be more responsive to customers. Furthermore, trust was found to be influential in Loyalty Programme participation and how managers used the shared personal data, impacted customer willingness to participate in Loyalty Programmes. This study found that overall purchasing behaviour is poorly influenced by Loyalty Card/Programmes, as discounts and promotions did not sway shopper purchasing behaviour and that the most preferred rewards were monetary, free shipping and brand partnerships. In summary, consideration should be given to the type, flexibility and expiration of rewards offered. Further, a regular review of personalisation strategies, customer expectations and participation methods are recommended to bridge the mismatch between idle membership and active participation in Loyalty Programmes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
An evaluation of performance and management development systems: a case study of Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
- Authors: Bokwana, Bulelani
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Performance -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/36498 , vital:33953
- Description: The primary aim of this study was to establish whether the Performance Management and Development Systems (PMDS) in public institutions, has an effect on service delivery, with specific reference to the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM). This is pertinent because municipalities have become the focal points of service delivery and they tend to focus mainly on complying with the legislative frameworks of having an Integrated Development Plan (IDP) and Performance Management and Development Systems (PMDS) rather than implementing the Integrated Development Plan (IDP) and the Performance Management and Development Systems (PMDS) to enhance service delivery to communities. The Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGta), introduces the Performance Management framework to municipalities with the aim of empowering the communities to demand better services and to hold municipalities accountable. This study provides an in-depth theoretical review on PMDS and service delivery. It is evident that one of the biggest challenges that are being faced by most municipalities in South Africa, is the lack of universal access to services such as water and electricity, sanitation, refuse removal systems and local economic development. This study employed the qualitative research approach to validate the research questions as well as to address the research objectives and data was collected through documentary sources of annual reports, Integrated Development Plan (IDP), Service Delivery and Budget Implementation Plan (SDBIP), articles, journals text books and legislation. Further findings in this study indicate that Performance Management and Development Systems (PDMS) in the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM), has not led to positive changes in service delivery and this is identified by violent service delivery protests. This study also identified that the system is currently flawed because, amongst other things, there is minimal employee involvement in the planning of performance management, including a lack of training opportunities to address identified weaknesses and the non-payment of performance bonuses to good performing employees, similarly majority of employees do not know their performance targets as reflected in the Service Delivery and Budget Implementation Plan (SDBIP). Recommendations emanating from the literature review are presented to enhance service delivery for the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM) through Performance Management and Development Systems (PMDS) and they include cascading PMDS to all employees, furthering issues of alignment and integration of the Integrated Development Plan (IDP) processes, budget, PMDS, monitoring, evaluation and training on the formulation of Key Performance Areas (KPAs) and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). If these recommendations are adopted, the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM) will be able to deal with the current developmental obstacles that are being faced, in a more effective and efficient manner.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Bokwana, Bulelani
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Performance -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/36498 , vital:33953
- Description: The primary aim of this study was to establish whether the Performance Management and Development Systems (PMDS) in public institutions, has an effect on service delivery, with specific reference to the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM). This is pertinent because municipalities have become the focal points of service delivery and they tend to focus mainly on complying with the legislative frameworks of having an Integrated Development Plan (IDP) and Performance Management and Development Systems (PMDS) rather than implementing the Integrated Development Plan (IDP) and the Performance Management and Development Systems (PMDS) to enhance service delivery to communities. The Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGta), introduces the Performance Management framework to municipalities with the aim of empowering the communities to demand better services and to hold municipalities accountable. This study provides an in-depth theoretical review on PMDS and service delivery. It is evident that one of the biggest challenges that are being faced by most municipalities in South Africa, is the lack of universal access to services such as water and electricity, sanitation, refuse removal systems and local economic development. This study employed the qualitative research approach to validate the research questions as well as to address the research objectives and data was collected through documentary sources of annual reports, Integrated Development Plan (IDP), Service Delivery and Budget Implementation Plan (SDBIP), articles, journals text books and legislation. Further findings in this study indicate that Performance Management and Development Systems (PDMS) in the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM), has not led to positive changes in service delivery and this is identified by violent service delivery protests. This study also identified that the system is currently flawed because, amongst other things, there is minimal employee involvement in the planning of performance management, including a lack of training opportunities to address identified weaknesses and the non-payment of performance bonuses to good performing employees, similarly majority of employees do not know their performance targets as reflected in the Service Delivery and Budget Implementation Plan (SDBIP). Recommendations emanating from the literature review are presented to enhance service delivery for the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM) through Performance Management and Development Systems (PMDS) and they include cascading PMDS to all employees, furthering issues of alignment and integration of the Integrated Development Plan (IDP) processes, budget, PMDS, monitoring, evaluation and training on the formulation of Key Performance Areas (KPAs) and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). If these recommendations are adopted, the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM) will be able to deal with the current developmental obstacles that are being faced, in a more effective and efficient manner.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
An evaluation of performance management and development system: South African social security agency, Eastern Cape regional office
- Authors: Ndamase, Nkuthalo
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Performance -- Management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Employee motivation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Organizational commitment -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Job satisfaction -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/41763 , vital:36579
- Description: The main aim and objective of the study was to conduct an evaluation of Performance Management and Development System with reference to South African Social Security Agency Eastern Cape Regional Office. In order to achieve the objective, the study applied stratified random sampling to draw a sample of 44 participants and 4 key informants representing the four PMDS Moderation Branch Committees. The study utilized questionnaires and semi-structured interviews as data collection instruments. Data analysis was conducted using descriptive statistics in terms of frequencies and percentages of occurrences. Data was also analyzed using thematic content analysis and a number of themes were identified. The main findings of the study, were that there was alignment of individual key performance areas to their unit’s Operational Plan and ultimately to goals and objectives of the Agency. There was lack of performance feedback sessions between supervisor and supervisee, which resulted in training of employees not being conducted. PMDS Moderation Committee members were not equipped in terms of how to assess employee performance. The main recommendation of the study is for the Human Capital Development unit as custodians of the implementation of PMDS, to conduct regular workshops on the application of the PMDS Policy for the employees as well as training of the PMDS Moderation Committee members. This would be done in an effort to ensure that the implementation of PMDS leads to the achievement of the goals and objectives of the Agency. The implementation of the PMDS Policy at SASSA Eastern Cape Regional Office has the potential to contribute to improved service delivery and by implication, the improvement of the quality of life of the millions of the recipients of social grant.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Ndamase, Nkuthalo
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Performance -- Management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Employee motivation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Organizational commitment -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Job satisfaction -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/41763 , vital:36579
- Description: The main aim and objective of the study was to conduct an evaluation of Performance Management and Development System with reference to South African Social Security Agency Eastern Cape Regional Office. In order to achieve the objective, the study applied stratified random sampling to draw a sample of 44 participants and 4 key informants representing the four PMDS Moderation Branch Committees. The study utilized questionnaires and semi-structured interviews as data collection instruments. Data analysis was conducted using descriptive statistics in terms of frequencies and percentages of occurrences. Data was also analyzed using thematic content analysis and a number of themes were identified. The main findings of the study, were that there was alignment of individual key performance areas to their unit’s Operational Plan and ultimately to goals and objectives of the Agency. There was lack of performance feedback sessions between supervisor and supervisee, which resulted in training of employees not being conducted. PMDS Moderation Committee members were not equipped in terms of how to assess employee performance. The main recommendation of the study is for the Human Capital Development unit as custodians of the implementation of PMDS, to conduct regular workshops on the application of the PMDS Policy for the employees as well as training of the PMDS Moderation Committee members. This would be done in an effort to ensure that the implementation of PMDS leads to the achievement of the goals and objectives of the Agency. The implementation of the PMDS Policy at SASSA Eastern Cape Regional Office has the potential to contribute to improved service delivery and by implication, the improvement of the quality of life of the millions of the recipients of social grant.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
An evaluation of social team building intervention on MBA group formation
- Authors: Westraadt, Johan Ewald
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Team learning approach in education , Business Administration -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/45679 , vital:38926
- Description: Teamwork and the ability to work effectively in a team is a critical skill in a technologically complex workplace where no individual can possess all the knowledge and skills. MBA programmes, therefore, require students to work in collaborative learning groups in order to not only share their knowledge and skills, but also to develop the needed team-based competencies. However, collaborative learning groups are prone to many pitfalls that could result in intra-group conflict and inefficiencies such as social loafing, where the group performance is less than the sum of the output of the individual members when working alone. Team development interventions (TDI) aim to improve team-based competencies of a team. One type of TDI that is often employed is social team building. It typically consists of a one-day extra-mural excursion involving some non-work-related tasks performed by teams to improve interpersonal relationships. The MBA groups are pre-allocated at the start of the academic programme and team building interventions are therefore needed to facilitate group formation. The main research question in this study deals with the effectiveness of these social team building TDI’s to promote group formation. The literature of teams and the factors that influence team effectivity were reviewed. Input-Process-Output models relate the factors that drive team performance. Three team viability measures critical to a teams’ performance were identified namely, group cohesion, group communication and goal-setting. There is strong empirical evidence that these factors contribute positively to the performance of the team. The influence of team building interventions on each of these factors were discussed. There is empirical evidence for the impact of team building interventions on these affective outcomes. However, empirical evidence for the link to objective performance measures is still lacking
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Westraadt, Johan Ewald
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Team learning approach in education , Business Administration -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/45679 , vital:38926
- Description: Teamwork and the ability to work effectively in a team is a critical skill in a technologically complex workplace where no individual can possess all the knowledge and skills. MBA programmes, therefore, require students to work in collaborative learning groups in order to not only share their knowledge and skills, but also to develop the needed team-based competencies. However, collaborative learning groups are prone to many pitfalls that could result in intra-group conflict and inefficiencies such as social loafing, where the group performance is less than the sum of the output of the individual members when working alone. Team development interventions (TDI) aim to improve team-based competencies of a team. One type of TDI that is often employed is social team building. It typically consists of a one-day extra-mural excursion involving some non-work-related tasks performed by teams to improve interpersonal relationships. The MBA groups are pre-allocated at the start of the academic programme and team building interventions are therefore needed to facilitate group formation. The main research question in this study deals with the effectiveness of these social team building TDI’s to promote group formation. The literature of teams and the factors that influence team effectivity were reviewed. Input-Process-Output models relate the factors that drive team performance. Three team viability measures critical to a teams’ performance were identified namely, group cohesion, group communication and goal-setting. There is strong empirical evidence that these factors contribute positively to the performance of the team. The influence of team building interventions on each of these factors were discussed. There is empirical evidence for the impact of team building interventions on these affective outcomes. However, empirical evidence for the link to objective performance measures is still lacking
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
An Evaluation of Text Mining Techniques in Sampling of Network Ports from IBR Traffic
- Chindipha, Stones D, Irwin, Barry V W, Herbert, Alan
- Authors: Chindipha, Stones D , Irwin, Barry V W , Herbert, Alan
- Date: 2019
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/427630 , vital:72452 , https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Stones-Chindi-pha/publication/335910179_An_Evaluation_of_Text_Mining_Techniques_in_Sampling_of_Network_Ports_from_IBR_Traffic/links/5d833084458515cbd1985a38/An-Evaluation-of-Text-Mining-Techniques-in-Sampling-of-Network-Ports-from-IBR-Traffic.pdf
- Description: Information retrieval (IR) has had techniques that have been used to gauge the extent to which certain keywords can be retrieved from a document. These techniques have been used to measure similarities in duplicated images, native language identification, optimize algorithms, among others. With this notion, this study proposes the use of four of the Information Retrieval Techniques (IRT/IR) to gauge the implications of sampling a/24 IPv4 ports into smaller subnet equivalents. Using IR, this paper shows how the ports found in a/24 IPv4 net-block relate to those found in the smaller subnet equivalents. Using Internet Background Radiation (IBR) data that was collected from Rhodes University, the study found compelling evidence of the viability of using such techniques in sampling datasets. Essentially, being able to identify the variation that comes with sampling the baseline dataset. It shows how the various samples are similar to the baseline dataset. The correlation observed in the scores proves how viable these techniques are to quantifying variations in the sampling of IBR data. In this way, one can identify which subnet equivalent best represents the unique ports found in the baseline dataset (IPv4 net-block dataset).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Chindipha, Stones D , Irwin, Barry V W , Herbert, Alan
- Date: 2019
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/427630 , vital:72452 , https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Stones-Chindi-pha/publication/335910179_An_Evaluation_of_Text_Mining_Techniques_in_Sampling_of_Network_Ports_from_IBR_Traffic/links/5d833084458515cbd1985a38/An-Evaluation-of-Text-Mining-Techniques-in-Sampling-of-Network-Ports-from-IBR-Traffic.pdf
- Description: Information retrieval (IR) has had techniques that have been used to gauge the extent to which certain keywords can be retrieved from a document. These techniques have been used to measure similarities in duplicated images, native language identification, optimize algorithms, among others. With this notion, this study proposes the use of four of the Information Retrieval Techniques (IRT/IR) to gauge the implications of sampling a/24 IPv4 ports into smaller subnet equivalents. Using IR, this paper shows how the ports found in a/24 IPv4 net-block relate to those found in the smaller subnet equivalents. Using Internet Background Radiation (IBR) data that was collected from Rhodes University, the study found compelling evidence of the viability of using such techniques in sampling datasets. Essentially, being able to identify the variation that comes with sampling the baseline dataset. It shows how the various samples are similar to the baseline dataset. The correlation observed in the scores proves how viable these techniques are to quantifying variations in the sampling of IBR data. In this way, one can identify which subnet equivalent best represents the unique ports found in the baseline dataset (IPv4 net-block dataset).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
An evaluation of the current extent and potential spread of Black Bass invasions in South Africa
- Khosa, Dumisani, Marr, Sean M, Wasserman, Ryan J, Zengeya, Tsungai A, Weyl, Olaf L F
- Authors: Khosa, Dumisani , Marr, Sean M , Wasserman, Ryan J , Zengeya, Tsungai A , Weyl, Olaf L F
- Date: 2019
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/103867 , vital:32317 , https://doi.org/10.1007/s10530-019-01930-0
- Description: Black Bass, a collective name for members of the centrarchid genus Micropterus, are native to North America, but have been introduced globally to enhance recreational angling. This study assessed the distribution of Micropterus salmoides, M. dolomieu and M. punctulatus in South Africa using both formal (survey-based) and informal (tournament data and social media) information sources. Analysis of the distribution data showed habitat bias between the data sources. Survey data from formal information sources were dominated by locality records in riverine environments while those derived from informal information sources focused more on lacustrine habitats. Presence data were used to develop niche models to identify suitable areas for their establishment. The predicted distribution range of M. salmoides revealed a broad suitability over most of South Africa, however, the Cape Fold Ecoregion and all coastal regions were most suitable for the establishment for both M. dolomieu and M. punctulatus. Flow accumulation and precipitation of coldest quarter were the most important environmental variables associated with the presence of all Black Bass species in South Africa. In addition, anthropogenic disturbance such as agricultural activities were associated with the presence of both Smallmouth Bass and Spotted Bass. An extensive area-based invasion debt was observed for all Micropterus spp. The potential for further spread of Black Bass in South Africa is of ecological concern because of their impact on native biota.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Khosa, Dumisani , Marr, Sean M , Wasserman, Ryan J , Zengeya, Tsungai A , Weyl, Olaf L F
- Date: 2019
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/103867 , vital:32317 , https://doi.org/10.1007/s10530-019-01930-0
- Description: Black Bass, a collective name for members of the centrarchid genus Micropterus, are native to North America, but have been introduced globally to enhance recreational angling. This study assessed the distribution of Micropterus salmoides, M. dolomieu and M. punctulatus in South Africa using both formal (survey-based) and informal (tournament data and social media) information sources. Analysis of the distribution data showed habitat bias between the data sources. Survey data from formal information sources were dominated by locality records in riverine environments while those derived from informal information sources focused more on lacustrine habitats. Presence data were used to develop niche models to identify suitable areas for their establishment. The predicted distribution range of M. salmoides revealed a broad suitability over most of South Africa, however, the Cape Fold Ecoregion and all coastal regions were most suitable for the establishment for both M. dolomieu and M. punctulatus. Flow accumulation and precipitation of coldest quarter were the most important environmental variables associated with the presence of all Black Bass species in South Africa. In addition, anthropogenic disturbance such as agricultural activities were associated with the presence of both Smallmouth Bass and Spotted Bass. An extensive area-based invasion debt was observed for all Micropterus spp. The potential for further spread of Black Bass in South Africa is of ecological concern because of their impact on native biota.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
An evaluation of the harmonised social cash transfer programme on livelihoods in Zimbabwe: the case of Mangwe District
- Authors: Poseni ,Pedzisai
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Economic development -- Social aspects Social integration Social systems
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom (Development Studies)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13943 , vital:39730
- Description: Poverty and limited livelihood options remains a huge challenge in Africa, particularly in Zimbabwe. The study investigated the effectiveness of the Harmonized Social Cash Transfer programme in improving household economy and strengthening livelihood options in Zimbabwe with a particular focus on Mangwe District. In order to come up with a comprehensive investigation, the researcher grounded the study in sustainable livelihood approach and the capabaility approach. Due to persistent poverty and people adopting precarious coping strategies in Zimbawe, the government and NGOs collectively came up with a comprehensive cash based poverty alleviation strategy to alleviate poverty and build on peoples livelihood options which is the cash transfer programme. The study utilized a qualitative methodology, based on its ability to provide a contextualized description of people’s perspectives, feelings and opinions in terms of how a programme affected them. The evaluation sought to find out whether the cash transfer programme achieved its objective of strengthening household economy. The study established that the Harmonized Social Cash Transfer programme made some positive inroad towards strengthening household economy, however, lack of stakeholders coordination, collapsed economy, pollitically motivated moves from the ruling party caused the programme to fail. As such, the poor Mangwe people are still continuing engaging in precarious coping strategies, such as, selling assets, eating less than one meal per day and venturing into prostitution. The study therefore, calls for the government to review the household size vs cash scale and regularly review the amount of money received to be in line with current prices of commodities
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Poseni ,Pedzisai
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Economic development -- Social aspects Social integration Social systems
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom (Development Studies)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13943 , vital:39730
- Description: Poverty and limited livelihood options remains a huge challenge in Africa, particularly in Zimbabwe. The study investigated the effectiveness of the Harmonized Social Cash Transfer programme in improving household economy and strengthening livelihood options in Zimbabwe with a particular focus on Mangwe District. In order to come up with a comprehensive investigation, the researcher grounded the study in sustainable livelihood approach and the capabaility approach. Due to persistent poverty and people adopting precarious coping strategies in Zimbawe, the government and NGOs collectively came up with a comprehensive cash based poverty alleviation strategy to alleviate poverty and build on peoples livelihood options which is the cash transfer programme. The study utilized a qualitative methodology, based on its ability to provide a contextualized description of people’s perspectives, feelings and opinions in terms of how a programme affected them. The evaluation sought to find out whether the cash transfer programme achieved its objective of strengthening household economy. The study established that the Harmonized Social Cash Transfer programme made some positive inroad towards strengthening household economy, however, lack of stakeholders coordination, collapsed economy, pollitically motivated moves from the ruling party caused the programme to fail. As such, the poor Mangwe people are still continuing engaging in precarious coping strategies, such as, selling assets, eating less than one meal per day and venturing into prostitution. The study therefore, calls for the government to review the household size vs cash scale and regularly review the amount of money received to be in line with current prices of commodities
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
An evaluation of the impact of public participation on good governance: a case of Buffalo City Municipality
- Authors: Makhubu, Sifiso Amos
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Local government -- South Africa -- Buffalo City Municipality -- Citizen participation , Municipal services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Citizen participation Public administration -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Responsibility -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40823 , vital:36240
- Description: Public administration theory suggests that public participation in good governance plays a critical role in the socio-economic development of communities. This study seeks to investigate the impact of public participation in good governance; identify hindrances for public participation in the good governance; examine current efforts and processes in place to promote public participation in municipal governance of Buffalo City Municipality. A qualitative research methodology that considered a comprehensive review of literature and secondary data was adopted for this research. The literature review explored the theoretical, conceptual and legislative framework for public participation in good governance. Regardless of the importance of public participation in good governance, the research has shown that public participation is not being implemented at the level that enables the nation to achieve its good governance vision. It is therefore recommended in the dissertation that, when municipalities draft Integrated Development Plans (IDPs) that embrace public participation in good governance, they should firstly analyse current context of municipal area; establish strategic objectives and vision of the municipality; identify and design the actual projects to carry out. Moreover, municipalities should consolidate all project proposals from local and district municipalities, and ultimately consider and integrate all the submissions received in relation to the draft IDP.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Makhubu, Sifiso Amos
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Local government -- South Africa -- Buffalo City Municipality -- Citizen participation , Municipal services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Citizen participation Public administration -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Responsibility -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40823 , vital:36240
- Description: Public administration theory suggests that public participation in good governance plays a critical role in the socio-economic development of communities. This study seeks to investigate the impact of public participation in good governance; identify hindrances for public participation in the good governance; examine current efforts and processes in place to promote public participation in municipal governance of Buffalo City Municipality. A qualitative research methodology that considered a comprehensive review of literature and secondary data was adopted for this research. The literature review explored the theoretical, conceptual and legislative framework for public participation in good governance. Regardless of the importance of public participation in good governance, the research has shown that public participation is not being implemented at the level that enables the nation to achieve its good governance vision. It is therefore recommended in the dissertation that, when municipalities draft Integrated Development Plans (IDPs) that embrace public participation in good governance, they should firstly analyse current context of municipal area; establish strategic objectives and vision of the municipality; identify and design the actual projects to carry out. Moreover, municipalities should consolidate all project proposals from local and district municipalities, and ultimately consider and integrate all the submissions received in relation to the draft IDP.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
An evaluation of the implementation of e-learning: selected high schools in the Eden central Karoo education district
- Authors: Pinzie, Ayabulela
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Web-based instruction -- Education , Computer-assisted instruction Internet in education Educational technology Information technology -- Education
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/43256 , vital:36775
- Description: One of the post-1994 democratic government’s foremost tasks has been to transform education into a more responsive tool in building communities in order to drive economic and social development. Thus, today a number of legislation and policy changes were made. Throughout the country, today emergence of technology in education paradigm is at the center of education development, terms such as e-Education and e-Learning are popular. The Western Cape Education Department in particular is bound to align its policies and programmes to ensure that they speak the language of the fourth industrial revolution. The Western Cape Government’s (WCG) vision on e-Learning as informed by the White Paper 7, policy document on e-Education and further supported by the National Development Plan (Operations Phakisa), has adopted various policies and projects on education. This includes the game changer initiative of the WCG that gave birth to the e-Learning project. As part of this project the WCG has invested hundreds of millions to implement the project throughout the schools in the Western Cape province. The aim of this study is to enhance ICT solutions in schools, educator professional development, learner upskilling and infrastructure development, in order to achieve social and economic inclusion of the people of the Western Cape. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the implementation of the project, while identifying the challenges experienced and further record corrective measures that should be taken into cognisant in order to achieve the successful completion of the project. The literature review was undertaken to provide an in-depth understanding of the existing subject body of knowledge. This review covers various subtopics on the subject, comprehensive analysis of the phenomena under investigation and furthermore, look at theoretical perspective of project evaluation. Since the challenges were identified and outlined during the course of evaluation, therefore, corrective measures are thus explicitly taken with cognisant in ensuring completion of the project. Thus, this treatise provides an insight on the emergence of e-Learning, further explain various key concepts and venture to a number of recommendations in improving e-Learning project in the Eden and Central Karoo (Karoo) District of the Western Cape Education Department.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Pinzie, Ayabulela
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Web-based instruction -- Education , Computer-assisted instruction Internet in education Educational technology Information technology -- Education
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/43256 , vital:36775
- Description: One of the post-1994 democratic government’s foremost tasks has been to transform education into a more responsive tool in building communities in order to drive economic and social development. Thus, today a number of legislation and policy changes were made. Throughout the country, today emergence of technology in education paradigm is at the center of education development, terms such as e-Education and e-Learning are popular. The Western Cape Education Department in particular is bound to align its policies and programmes to ensure that they speak the language of the fourth industrial revolution. The Western Cape Government’s (WCG) vision on e-Learning as informed by the White Paper 7, policy document on e-Education and further supported by the National Development Plan (Operations Phakisa), has adopted various policies and projects on education. This includes the game changer initiative of the WCG that gave birth to the e-Learning project. As part of this project the WCG has invested hundreds of millions to implement the project throughout the schools in the Western Cape province. The aim of this study is to enhance ICT solutions in schools, educator professional development, learner upskilling and infrastructure development, in order to achieve social and economic inclusion of the people of the Western Cape. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the implementation of the project, while identifying the challenges experienced and further record corrective measures that should be taken into cognisant in order to achieve the successful completion of the project. The literature review was undertaken to provide an in-depth understanding of the existing subject body of knowledge. This review covers various subtopics on the subject, comprehensive analysis of the phenomena under investigation and furthermore, look at theoretical perspective of project evaluation. Since the challenges were identified and outlined during the course of evaluation, therefore, corrective measures are thus explicitly taken with cognisant in ensuring completion of the project. Thus, this treatise provides an insight on the emergence of e-Learning, further explain various key concepts and venture to a number of recommendations in improving e-Learning project in the Eden and Central Karoo (Karoo) District of the Western Cape Education Department.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
An evaluation of the leadership development strategic plan of the Eastern Cape Department of Basic Education
- Authors: Saffa, Fundiswa Mabelwana
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Development leadership -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Leadership -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Strategic planning -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40668 , vital:36211
- Description: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the Leadership Development Strategic Plan and its implications on leadership development. This is on the backdrop of a revised five-year plan for 2015/16-2019/20, which was developed and tabled in Parliament in March 2015. The revised strategic plan identified vital outcomes, goals and objectives against which the Basic Education Department’s medium-term results will be measured as well as evaluated by Parliament. The goals of the strategic plan are based on the National Development Plan (NDP) and they are comprised of efficient and effective management and governance, improved teacher supply, utilisation and development, effective development, implemention, monitoring and evaluation of the curriculum, effective systems for information management, planning, co-ordination, district support and assessment, enhanced social cohesion in schools as well as the wellbeing of learners. It was noted in this research that various definitions of leadership exist and they were presented before an operational definition suitable for this study was selected. The aims of leadership development were elaborated while assessing the needs thereof. Thereafter, theories supporting leadership development were identified and explained. The study used a qualitative methodology to investigate and evaluate the Leadership Development Strategic Plan through document analysis, thereby gathering the views and perspectives of various stakeholders. This allowed the researcher to obtain in-depth information on the Leadership Development Strategic Plan in the Eastern Cape Province Department of Basic Education (DoE). In order to fulfil the objectives of the study, a survey was conducted using a questionnaire among the employees of the Department of Basic Education in the Eastern Cape. The research revealed that employees from DoE encounter a number of challenges regarding the accessibility and availibality of services, consultations and facilities. The research discovered that there is a frequent change of management. There are also problems of communication within the hierarchy as well as with the match and placement of employees within the department, according to their qualifications. It was also evident that there is no strong leadership, no service delivery and a high employee turnover. The research also revealed that there is a lack of proper evaluation and monitoring, a resistance to change and a disregard of policies as well as a lack of leadership skills and an instability of the environment due to political interference. Yet it was evident in this research that there was an aspect of consultation during the development of the strategic plan and that the monitoring and implementation of the strategic plan is present, as planned by the department. The research also discovered that the level of leadership is high and of good quality, yet the challenges in the implementation of the plan are due to political appointing. The research therefore recommended that further research needed to be conducted to understand issues regarding this subject in greater detail. It also recommended the introduction of a curriculum that produces good education. More so, it recommended that there must be proper training regarding the monitoring and evaluation of the Leadership Development Strategic Plan. The study further recommended that the leadership must have access to leadership programs where they can receive the best practice as leaders.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Saffa, Fundiswa Mabelwana
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Development leadership -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Leadership -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Strategic planning -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40668 , vital:36211
- Description: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the Leadership Development Strategic Plan and its implications on leadership development. This is on the backdrop of a revised five-year plan for 2015/16-2019/20, which was developed and tabled in Parliament in March 2015. The revised strategic plan identified vital outcomes, goals and objectives against which the Basic Education Department’s medium-term results will be measured as well as evaluated by Parliament. The goals of the strategic plan are based on the National Development Plan (NDP) and they are comprised of efficient and effective management and governance, improved teacher supply, utilisation and development, effective development, implemention, monitoring and evaluation of the curriculum, effective systems for information management, planning, co-ordination, district support and assessment, enhanced social cohesion in schools as well as the wellbeing of learners. It was noted in this research that various definitions of leadership exist and they were presented before an operational definition suitable for this study was selected. The aims of leadership development were elaborated while assessing the needs thereof. Thereafter, theories supporting leadership development were identified and explained. The study used a qualitative methodology to investigate and evaluate the Leadership Development Strategic Plan through document analysis, thereby gathering the views and perspectives of various stakeholders. This allowed the researcher to obtain in-depth information on the Leadership Development Strategic Plan in the Eastern Cape Province Department of Basic Education (DoE). In order to fulfil the objectives of the study, a survey was conducted using a questionnaire among the employees of the Department of Basic Education in the Eastern Cape. The research revealed that employees from DoE encounter a number of challenges regarding the accessibility and availibality of services, consultations and facilities. The research discovered that there is a frequent change of management. There are also problems of communication within the hierarchy as well as with the match and placement of employees within the department, according to their qualifications. It was also evident that there is no strong leadership, no service delivery and a high employee turnover. The research also revealed that there is a lack of proper evaluation and monitoring, a resistance to change and a disregard of policies as well as a lack of leadership skills and an instability of the environment due to political interference. Yet it was evident in this research that there was an aspect of consultation during the development of the strategic plan and that the monitoring and implementation of the strategic plan is present, as planned by the department. The research also discovered that the level of leadership is high and of good quality, yet the challenges in the implementation of the plan are due to political appointing. The research therefore recommended that further research needed to be conducted to understand issues regarding this subject in greater detail. It also recommended the introduction of a curriculum that produces good education. More so, it recommended that there must be proper training regarding the monitoring and evaluation of the Leadership Development Strategic Plan. The study further recommended that the leadership must have access to leadership programs where they can receive the best practice as leaders.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
An evaluation of the management performance assessment tool in the department of cooperative governance and traditional affairs in the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Braweni, Asanda
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Performance -- Management , Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Public administration -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Organizational effectiveness -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Performance -- Evaluation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/37233 , vital:34139
- Description: Management Performance Assessment Tool for improving audit outcomes in the Eastern Cape Department of Cooperative Governance & Traditional Affairs steamed out of the need to possibly have a preliminary understanding of the MPAT and how its application has fared towards performance improvement and service delivery mandate of the department in review. In 2010, South African Cabinet requested the Department of Performance Monitoring and Evaluation (DPME) in the Presidency in collaboration with the Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA) to lead the development of a comprehensive assessment tool through the nine provincial departments and offices of the Premiers as the Provincial coordinating agencies. The aim of this empirical study was to assess how Management Performance Assessment Tool (MPAT) can be well utilised to improve audit outcomes of the Department of Cooperative Governance & Traditional Affairs (DCoGTA). Performance Management which is the basis for the research aims at assisting the DCoGTA in the Eastern Cape to better apply the MPAT tools to achieving better performance improvement through well informed Management decision-making which will ultimately guarantee smarter public service delivery and improved audit outcomes. The research methodology is socially driven in outlook with designed structure and plan which investigates the research aims through an introductory platform on the research questions demanding answers towards solving the research problems emanating from the main title of the research. Data analysis which informs the research findings provides some policy lessons on the application of MPAT as a tool for performance improvement when it is appropriately applied, and adopted within the decision-making structures of the Department of Cooperative Governance & Traditional Affairs of the Eastern Cape Provincial government.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Braweni, Asanda
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Performance -- Management , Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Public administration -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Organizational effectiveness -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Performance -- Evaluation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/37233 , vital:34139
- Description: Management Performance Assessment Tool for improving audit outcomes in the Eastern Cape Department of Cooperative Governance & Traditional Affairs steamed out of the need to possibly have a preliminary understanding of the MPAT and how its application has fared towards performance improvement and service delivery mandate of the department in review. In 2010, South African Cabinet requested the Department of Performance Monitoring and Evaluation (DPME) in the Presidency in collaboration with the Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA) to lead the development of a comprehensive assessment tool through the nine provincial departments and offices of the Premiers as the Provincial coordinating agencies. The aim of this empirical study was to assess how Management Performance Assessment Tool (MPAT) can be well utilised to improve audit outcomes of the Department of Cooperative Governance & Traditional Affairs (DCoGTA). Performance Management which is the basis for the research aims at assisting the DCoGTA in the Eastern Cape to better apply the MPAT tools to achieving better performance improvement through well informed Management decision-making which will ultimately guarantee smarter public service delivery and improved audit outcomes. The research methodology is socially driven in outlook with designed structure and plan which investigates the research aims through an introductory platform on the research questions demanding answers towards solving the research problems emanating from the main title of the research. Data analysis which informs the research findings provides some policy lessons on the application of MPAT as a tool for performance improvement when it is appropriately applied, and adopted within the decision-making structures of the Department of Cooperative Governance & Traditional Affairs of the Eastern Cape Provincial government.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
An examination of the visual representation of young white Afrikaner women
- Authors: Jordan, Nicole
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Photography of women -- South Africa , Photography, Artistic -- South Africa Photography -- South Africa Photography, Artistic -- 21st century Women -- South Africa -- Social conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/39972 , vital:35622
- Description: The purpose of this qualitative research study is to comment on the visual representation of women between the ages of twenty and thirty within white contemporary Afrikaans culture. This will be achieved through an analysis of stereotypes evident in Afrikaner culture. Examples of this include but are not limited to the text and visuals in the Goeie Maniere en Etiket (1981) book by Emsie Schoeman and dated Afrikaans magazine issues by Huisgenoot (Issue XLII, 2 June 1961) and Sarie Marais (Issue 17/19, 30 March 1966). Interviews were conducted with five white young Afrikaner women using a collaborative approach, to gain a better understanding of the influences that cultural and visual stereotypes have on an individual. The research aims to comment on how the emerging post-apartheid generation of young Afrikaner women are responding to the cultural expectations and engaging with their Afrikaner identity in the way they choose to represent themselves through tableau portrait photography. The study is based on a practice-based research method, which encompasses two components: a written output and a practical output. These function as a unity, where the written component guides the development of the practical body of work. The written document provides the foundation and framework in which the practical work functions, creating a conceptual framework that guides the process of collaboration between the visual artist and subject to construct a contemporary visual representation that focuses on how young Afrikaner women react to traditional cultural roles and develop an understanding of self. The study makes use of Gillian Rose’s visual analysis framework as a critical analysis tool to determine the visual representation that emerges from the collaboration between the visual artist and the subject. Ultimately, the aim of this research is to facilitate the potential for the subject to critically engage with visual identity by collaborating with the visual artist. This research presents a unique approach to communicate an evolving post-apartheid identity and has contributed to an understanding of the feminine identity construction of the emerging Afrikaner generation in a democratic South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Jordan, Nicole
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Photography of women -- South Africa , Photography, Artistic -- South Africa Photography -- South Africa Photography, Artistic -- 21st century Women -- South Africa -- Social conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/39972 , vital:35622
- Description: The purpose of this qualitative research study is to comment on the visual representation of women between the ages of twenty and thirty within white contemporary Afrikaans culture. This will be achieved through an analysis of stereotypes evident in Afrikaner culture. Examples of this include but are not limited to the text and visuals in the Goeie Maniere en Etiket (1981) book by Emsie Schoeman and dated Afrikaans magazine issues by Huisgenoot (Issue XLII, 2 June 1961) and Sarie Marais (Issue 17/19, 30 March 1966). Interviews were conducted with five white young Afrikaner women using a collaborative approach, to gain a better understanding of the influences that cultural and visual stereotypes have on an individual. The research aims to comment on how the emerging post-apartheid generation of young Afrikaner women are responding to the cultural expectations and engaging with their Afrikaner identity in the way they choose to represent themselves through tableau portrait photography. The study is based on a practice-based research method, which encompasses two components: a written output and a practical output. These function as a unity, where the written component guides the development of the practical body of work. The written document provides the foundation and framework in which the practical work functions, creating a conceptual framework that guides the process of collaboration between the visual artist and subject to construct a contemporary visual representation that focuses on how young Afrikaner women react to traditional cultural roles and develop an understanding of self. The study makes use of Gillian Rose’s visual analysis framework as a critical analysis tool to determine the visual representation that emerges from the collaboration between the visual artist and the subject. Ultimately, the aim of this research is to facilitate the potential for the subject to critically engage with visual identity by collaborating with the visual artist. This research presents a unique approach to communicate an evolving post-apartheid identity and has contributed to an understanding of the feminine identity construction of the emerging Afrikaner generation in a democratic South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
An experimental study of self-regulated learning with mildly gifted learners in grade 3 mathematics
- Authors: Allers, Amanda Lynette
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Gifted children -- Education , Motivation in education Academic achievement Mathematics -- Study and teaching (Primary)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/42074 , vital:36623
- Description: The study investigated whether self-regulated learning (SRL) strategies can be used successfully by Grade 3 mildly gifted learners (MGLs), in order to master an enriched advanced level mathematics curriculum. In accordance with internationally and nationally accepted principles, learners of diverse abilities should be given equal opportunities to achieve their full learning potential. The stark reality is that rigid application of the national curriculum currently used in South African primary schools, limits this ideal. MGLs possess skills that enable them to study at an increased level, a quicker pace and with an advanced degree of independence. The study employed the true experimental research. Sixty-four learners participated in the Mathematics Enrichment Programme. Purposive sampling was used to identify and select these learners. Subsequent to SRL pre-tests, simple random sampling was used to determine the experimental and control groups. The experimental group used problem-solving and 21st Century technology to develop SRL strategies. Direct teaching strategies were used for the control group. Learners were administered pre-tests, diagnostic problem-solving assessments, and post-tests relating to problem-solving and SRL. Chi-square tests and inferential t-tests were employed to draw comparisons within and between the groups regarding SRL and problem-solving scores. Univariate ANCOVAs were conducted to determine the post-test differences. Furthermore, Cronbach alpha was used to measure reliability of summated scores relating to SRL and problem-solving. The empirical results suggest that MGLs in Grade 3 are indeed capable of self-regulating their learning. This enhanced learners’ self-determination, self-confidence, self-motivation, self-independence, and self-empowerment in relation to their tasks. The empirical results suggest a significant constructive addition to the present standard curriculum for MGLs in the mainstream of education. The self-regulatory model for Foundation Phase MGLs which evolved from this study can be successfully employed to balance the diversity challenges in an inclusive education system. The findings of this study can have significant implications for future teacher training and education of MGLs in primary schools.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Allers, Amanda Lynette
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Gifted children -- Education , Motivation in education Academic achievement Mathematics -- Study and teaching (Primary)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/42074 , vital:36623
- Description: The study investigated whether self-regulated learning (SRL) strategies can be used successfully by Grade 3 mildly gifted learners (MGLs), in order to master an enriched advanced level mathematics curriculum. In accordance with internationally and nationally accepted principles, learners of diverse abilities should be given equal opportunities to achieve their full learning potential. The stark reality is that rigid application of the national curriculum currently used in South African primary schools, limits this ideal. MGLs possess skills that enable them to study at an increased level, a quicker pace and with an advanced degree of independence. The study employed the true experimental research. Sixty-four learners participated in the Mathematics Enrichment Programme. Purposive sampling was used to identify and select these learners. Subsequent to SRL pre-tests, simple random sampling was used to determine the experimental and control groups. The experimental group used problem-solving and 21st Century technology to develop SRL strategies. Direct teaching strategies were used for the control group. Learners were administered pre-tests, diagnostic problem-solving assessments, and post-tests relating to problem-solving and SRL. Chi-square tests and inferential t-tests were employed to draw comparisons within and between the groups regarding SRL and problem-solving scores. Univariate ANCOVAs were conducted to determine the post-test differences. Furthermore, Cronbach alpha was used to measure reliability of summated scores relating to SRL and problem-solving. The empirical results suggest that MGLs in Grade 3 are indeed capable of self-regulating their learning. This enhanced learners’ self-determination, self-confidence, self-motivation, self-independence, and self-empowerment in relation to their tasks. The empirical results suggest a significant constructive addition to the present standard curriculum for MGLs in the mainstream of education. The self-regulatory model for Foundation Phase MGLs which evolved from this study can be successfully employed to balance the diversity challenges in an inclusive education system. The findings of this study can have significant implications for future teacher training and education of MGLs in primary schools.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
An experimental test of the allotonic frequency hypothesis to isolate the effects of light pollution on bat prey selection:
- Bailey, Lauren A, Brigham, R Mark, Bohn, Shelby J, Boyles, Justin G, Smit, Ben
- Authors: Bailey, Lauren A , Brigham, R Mark , Bohn, Shelby J , Boyles, Justin G , Smit, Ben
- Date: 2019
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/158309 , vital:40171 , https://0-doi.org.wam.seals.ac.za/10.1007/s00442-019-04417-w
- Description: Artificial lights may be altering interactions between bats and moth prey. According to the allotonic frequency hypothesis (AFH), eared moths are generally unavailable as prey for syntonic bats (i.e., bats that use echolocation frequencies between 20 and 50 kHz within the hearing range of eared moths) due to the moths’ ability to detect syntonic bat echolocation. Syntonic bats therefore feed mainly on beetles, flies, true bugs, and non-eared moths. The AFH is expected to be violated around lights where eared moths are susceptible to exploitation by syntonic bats because moths’ evasive strategies become less effective. The hypothesis has been tested to date almost exclusively in areas with permanent lighting, where the effects of lights on bat diets are confounded with other aspects of human habitat alteration. We undertook diet analysis in areas with short-term, localized artificial lighting to isolate the effects of artificial lighting and determine if syntonic and allotonic bats (i.e., bats that use echolocation frequencies outside the hearing range of eared moths) consumed more moths under conditions of artificial lights than in natural darkness.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Bailey, Lauren A , Brigham, R Mark , Bohn, Shelby J , Boyles, Justin G , Smit, Ben
- Date: 2019
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/158309 , vital:40171 , https://0-doi.org.wam.seals.ac.za/10.1007/s00442-019-04417-w
- Description: Artificial lights may be altering interactions between bats and moth prey. According to the allotonic frequency hypothesis (AFH), eared moths are generally unavailable as prey for syntonic bats (i.e., bats that use echolocation frequencies between 20 and 50 kHz within the hearing range of eared moths) due to the moths’ ability to detect syntonic bat echolocation. Syntonic bats therefore feed mainly on beetles, flies, true bugs, and non-eared moths. The AFH is expected to be violated around lights where eared moths are susceptible to exploitation by syntonic bats because moths’ evasive strategies become less effective. The hypothesis has been tested to date almost exclusively in areas with permanent lighting, where the effects of lights on bat diets are confounded with other aspects of human habitat alteration. We undertook diet analysis in areas with short-term, localized artificial lighting to isolate the effects of artificial lighting and determine if syntonic and allotonic bats (i.e., bats that use echolocation frequencies outside the hearing range of eared moths) consumed more moths under conditions of artificial lights than in natural darkness.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
An explanatory study on perceptions of factors influencing muthi killings in Butterworth, Eastern Cape
- Authors: Belu, Sinovuyo
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Murder
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSoc (Criminology)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/16386 , vital:40715
- Description: This study is premised on explaining perceptions of Nkcunkcuzo and Tholenicommunity members towards factors influencing muthi killings in Butterworth, Eastern Cape (E.C.). The villagers of the two selected areas have recently experienced number of incidents. It is against this background that this study sought to establish the explanations by soliciting direct experiences of community members on incidences of muthi killings.A plethora of research projects have been previously conducted to understand this phenomenon with the Criminal Justice System (CJS) having its own perspective regarding the muthi killings. However, the researcher deemed it imperative to have explanations of community members’ perceptions of the related factors thereof. The objectives that guided this study mainly included: (1) to establish the explanations of Tholeni and Nkcunkcuzo community members on the factors that influence muthi murders, (2) to determine why people in Tholeni and Nkcunkcuzo commit muthi murders and (3) to illustrate the medus operandi of muthi murderers in Tholeni and Nkcunkcuzo. The qualitative research methodology was employed in the study. Purposive sampling was used in the selection of selected participants and respondents of this study and data was collected through self-administered questionnaires and conducted interviews by the researcher. This study established that it is rich people and politicians who are most probably reasons for incidents of muthi murders in Etholeni and in Nkcunkcuzo. Business people want to accumulate their wealth and get rich using muthi. The belief behind this is that when muthi is mixed with human body parts it is bound to be strong eventually attracting more people (customers) to the businesses owned by these people. Ultimately this leads to profit accumulation. On the other hand, the involvement of politicians in the incidents of muthi killings is mainly associated with maintaining political power by remaining as centres of preference to the community members. The participants have echoed the same sentiments on the factors that influence muthi murders in Tholeni and Nkcunkcuzo villages, Butterworth in the Eastern Cape. vi Finally, this study recommended as follows: The Etholeni and Nkcunkcuzo community leaders must work hand in hand with the government to establish centres where children, older persons and people with disabilities, particularly those who are without people to protect them, can be institutionalised in order to guarantee their safety; The chiefs of Tholeni and Nkcunkcuzomust collaborate with the social service professionals in order to address the issues of mistrust among community members through community development programs; The community policing forums of Tholeni and Nkcunkcuzo must be capacitated and their knowledge strengthened by the criminal justice agencies on muthi murders to avoid confusion about muthi murders with other different types of murders; The government of South Africa must formulate an elementary social curriculum on muthi killings in order to educate the villagers on the muthi killings from a criminal justice point of view; The legislative framework must be reviewed in order to impose harsher sentences to the muthi murderers and the accomplices thereof; There must be social welfare organizations in Tholeni and Nkcunkcuzo villages in order to take care of those children that have lost their care-givers due to muthi killings; The traditional leaders of Tholeni and Nkcunkcuzo must formulate a charter for community norms and standards to circumvent the use and selling of drugs in the concerned communities/villages. More research projects must be funded in order to get a full understanding of the causes of muthi killings and to provide a word of scientific reason to the criminal justice system, particularly as it relates to muthi killings in South Africa. Key words: Muthi, Muthi murders/killings, rituals, Modus Operandi (MO), Victims
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Belu, Sinovuyo
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Murder
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSoc (Criminology)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/16386 , vital:40715
- Description: This study is premised on explaining perceptions of Nkcunkcuzo and Tholenicommunity members towards factors influencing muthi killings in Butterworth, Eastern Cape (E.C.). The villagers of the two selected areas have recently experienced number of incidents. It is against this background that this study sought to establish the explanations by soliciting direct experiences of community members on incidences of muthi killings.A plethora of research projects have been previously conducted to understand this phenomenon with the Criminal Justice System (CJS) having its own perspective regarding the muthi killings. However, the researcher deemed it imperative to have explanations of community members’ perceptions of the related factors thereof. The objectives that guided this study mainly included: (1) to establish the explanations of Tholeni and Nkcunkcuzo community members on the factors that influence muthi murders, (2) to determine why people in Tholeni and Nkcunkcuzo commit muthi murders and (3) to illustrate the medus operandi of muthi murderers in Tholeni and Nkcunkcuzo. The qualitative research methodology was employed in the study. Purposive sampling was used in the selection of selected participants and respondents of this study and data was collected through self-administered questionnaires and conducted interviews by the researcher. This study established that it is rich people and politicians who are most probably reasons for incidents of muthi murders in Etholeni and in Nkcunkcuzo. Business people want to accumulate their wealth and get rich using muthi. The belief behind this is that when muthi is mixed with human body parts it is bound to be strong eventually attracting more people (customers) to the businesses owned by these people. Ultimately this leads to profit accumulation. On the other hand, the involvement of politicians in the incidents of muthi killings is mainly associated with maintaining political power by remaining as centres of preference to the community members. The participants have echoed the same sentiments on the factors that influence muthi murders in Tholeni and Nkcunkcuzo villages, Butterworth in the Eastern Cape. vi Finally, this study recommended as follows: The Etholeni and Nkcunkcuzo community leaders must work hand in hand with the government to establish centres where children, older persons and people with disabilities, particularly those who are without people to protect them, can be institutionalised in order to guarantee their safety; The chiefs of Tholeni and Nkcunkcuzomust collaborate with the social service professionals in order to address the issues of mistrust among community members through community development programs; The community policing forums of Tholeni and Nkcunkcuzo must be capacitated and their knowledge strengthened by the criminal justice agencies on muthi murders to avoid confusion about muthi murders with other different types of murders; The government of South Africa must formulate an elementary social curriculum on muthi killings in order to educate the villagers on the muthi killings from a criminal justice point of view; The legislative framework must be reviewed in order to impose harsher sentences to the muthi murderers and the accomplices thereof; There must be social welfare organizations in Tholeni and Nkcunkcuzo villages in order to take care of those children that have lost their care-givers due to muthi killings; The traditional leaders of Tholeni and Nkcunkcuzo must formulate a charter for community norms and standards to circumvent the use and selling of drugs in the concerned communities/villages. More research projects must be funded in order to get a full understanding of the causes of muthi killings and to provide a word of scientific reason to the criminal justice system, particularly as it relates to muthi killings in South Africa. Key words: Muthi, Muthi murders/killings, rituals, Modus Operandi (MO), Victims
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019