Temperature tolerance and humidity requirements of select entomopathogenic fungal isolates for future use in citrus IPM programmes
- Acheampong, M A, Coombes, Candice A, Moore, Sean D, Hill, Martin P
- Authors: Acheampong, M A , Coombes, Candice A , Moore, Sean D , Hill, Martin P
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/419399 , vital:71641 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jip.2020.107436"
- Description: Several isolates of Beauveria bassiana (Balsamo-Crivelli) Vuillemin (Hypocreales: Cordycipitacae) and Metarhizium anisopliae (Metchnikoff) Sorokin (Hypocreales: Clavicipitacae) have been investigated as possible microbial control agents of key citrus pests in South Africa. Although laboratory results have been promising, field trials against foliar pests have shown limited success. These findings highlighted the need to investigate other biological attributes of these fungal isolates besides virulence in order to select candidates that may be better suited for the foliar environment. Thus, this study investigated the influence of temperature on the in vitro growth of seven indigenous local isolates and the humidity requirements necessary to promote successful infection, in comparison with two commercial isolates (B. bassiana PPRI 5339 and M. anisopliae ICIPE 69). All the fungal isolates grew across a range of temperatures (8–34 °C) and optimally between 26 and 28 °C. Similarly, fungal infection of Thaumatotibia leucotreta Meyrick (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) fifth instars occurred across a range of humidity levels (12%, 43%, 75%, 98%) regardless of fungal concentration, although external sporulation was restricted to treatments exposed to 98% relative humidity. It was concluded that neither temperature nor humidity, when considered alone, is likely to significantly influence the efficacy of any of the isolates in the field, given that they are active within temperature and humidity ranges experienced in South African citrus orchards.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Acheampong, M A , Coombes, Candice A , Moore, Sean D , Hill, Martin P
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/419399 , vital:71641 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jip.2020.107436"
- Description: Several isolates of Beauveria bassiana (Balsamo-Crivelli) Vuillemin (Hypocreales: Cordycipitacae) and Metarhizium anisopliae (Metchnikoff) Sorokin (Hypocreales: Clavicipitacae) have been investigated as possible microbial control agents of key citrus pests in South Africa. Although laboratory results have been promising, field trials against foliar pests have shown limited success. These findings highlighted the need to investigate other biological attributes of these fungal isolates besides virulence in order to select candidates that may be better suited for the foliar environment. Thus, this study investigated the influence of temperature on the in vitro growth of seven indigenous local isolates and the humidity requirements necessary to promote successful infection, in comparison with two commercial isolates (B. bassiana PPRI 5339 and M. anisopliae ICIPE 69). All the fungal isolates grew across a range of temperatures (8–34 °C) and optimally between 26 and 28 °C. Similarly, fungal infection of Thaumatotibia leucotreta Meyrick (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) fifth instars occurred across a range of humidity levels (12%, 43%, 75%, 98%) regardless of fungal concentration, although external sporulation was restricted to treatments exposed to 98% relative humidity. It was concluded that neither temperature nor humidity, when considered alone, is likely to significantly influence the efficacy of any of the isolates in the field, given that they are active within temperature and humidity ranges experienced in South African citrus orchards.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
The phenomenolgoical experience of posttraumatic growth in the context of a traumatic bereavement
- Authors: Acheson, Kerry
- Date: 2009 , 2013-07-15
- Subjects: Post-traumatic stress disorder -- Case studies Bereavement -- Psychological aspects Death -- Psychological aspects Phenomenological psychology Grief
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3102 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004456
- Description: The present study involves an exploration of the phenomenological expenence of posttraumatic growth in the context of a traumatic bereavement. An idiographic case study of a student who had witnessed her mother's death twelve years previously was conducted. Semi-structured interviews elicited data which was analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis (IP A). Posttraumatic growth was found to have developed with regards to self-perception, relationships, and also in a broader spiritual and existential domain. The findings of this study shed light on the extant posttraumatic growth literature. In particular, findings were discussed in relation to the posttraumatic growth model as proposed by Calhoun and Tedeschi (2006). As posttraumatic growth is a relatively young concept, further research is needed in order to understand the meaning of reported growth more fully. While posttraumatic growth has been investigated in the context of bereavement, future research should distinguish more clearly between growth following traumatic and non-traumatic bereavement. Posttraumatic growth has received minimal empirical attention in South Africa, and therefore exploration of this area is suggested in the future. , KMBT_363 , Adobe Acrobat 9.54 Paper Capture Plug-in
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Acheson, Kerry
- Date: 2009 , 2013-07-15
- Subjects: Post-traumatic stress disorder -- Case studies Bereavement -- Psychological aspects Death -- Psychological aspects Phenomenological psychology Grief
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3102 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004456
- Description: The present study involves an exploration of the phenomenological expenence of posttraumatic growth in the context of a traumatic bereavement. An idiographic case study of a student who had witnessed her mother's death twelve years previously was conducted. Semi-structured interviews elicited data which was analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis (IP A). Posttraumatic growth was found to have developed with regards to self-perception, relationships, and also in a broader spiritual and existential domain. The findings of this study shed light on the extant posttraumatic growth literature. In particular, findings were discussed in relation to the posttraumatic growth model as proposed by Calhoun and Tedeschi (2006). As posttraumatic growth is a relatively young concept, further research is needed in order to understand the meaning of reported growth more fully. While posttraumatic growth has been investigated in the context of bereavement, future research should distinguish more clearly between growth following traumatic and non-traumatic bereavement. Posttraumatic growth has received minimal empirical attention in South Africa, and therefore exploration of this area is suggested in the future. , KMBT_363 , Adobe Acrobat 9.54 Paper Capture Plug-in
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
An analysis of the reporting on poverty and foreign aid in Sub-Saharan Africa before and during the current global economic crisis, in BBC online (Texts)
- Authors: Achu, Stella
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Economic assistance -- Africa, Sub-Saharan , Poverty -- Africa, Sub-Saharan , Financial crises , Africa, Sub-Saharan -- Economic conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8371 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1257 , Economic assistance -- Africa, Sub-Saharan , Poverty -- Africa, Sub-Saharan , Financial crises , Africa, Sub-Saharan -- Economic conditions
- Description: Since 1929, the world economy has not encountered any financial crisis as severe as the case of the Great Depression, until 2007 when the fall of stock markets and the collapse of large financial institutions in the United States resulted in a worldwide recession. According to an IMF report, and as a result of the direct impact of the crisis, advanced economies such as those of the United States and Europe are suffering from a systemic banking crisis with economic output expected to contract by over 1 ¾ % in 2009. (Bourdin 2009:2) Although the crisis erupted in the United States, the effects quickly spread to countries worldwide. However, its effects are said to be more devastating for the poorest regions in the world including Sub-Saharan Africa. During the last few years, prior to the crisis, many Sub-Saharan African countries had enjoyed a growth rate of over 5%. This was partly as a result of sound economic policies and increased external support in the form of debt relief and higher inflows from economically powerful countries in the West. However, with the current financial crisis, wealthy nations have been forced to concentrate on sustaining their own economy. As a result, amongst changes like tighter immigration policies, skyrocketing oil prices and food prices, foreign aid is being withdrawn. (ibid 2009:3) According to foreign media reports, donor governments and the G8 are no longer as committed to aid as before the crisis. This research paper examines the evolution of aid to Africa in view of various contexts through a broad historical economic and political economy overview, and finally corroborates these observations with a discourse analysis of a sample of BBC online articles. The research project thus investigates in this last section, the BBC’s representation of poverty and aid in Sub-Saharan Africa before and during the current global economic crisis.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Achu, Stella
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Economic assistance -- Africa, Sub-Saharan , Poverty -- Africa, Sub-Saharan , Financial crises , Africa, Sub-Saharan -- Economic conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8371 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1257 , Economic assistance -- Africa, Sub-Saharan , Poverty -- Africa, Sub-Saharan , Financial crises , Africa, Sub-Saharan -- Economic conditions
- Description: Since 1929, the world economy has not encountered any financial crisis as severe as the case of the Great Depression, until 2007 when the fall of stock markets and the collapse of large financial institutions in the United States resulted in a worldwide recession. According to an IMF report, and as a result of the direct impact of the crisis, advanced economies such as those of the United States and Europe are suffering from a systemic banking crisis with economic output expected to contract by over 1 ¾ % in 2009. (Bourdin 2009:2) Although the crisis erupted in the United States, the effects quickly spread to countries worldwide. However, its effects are said to be more devastating for the poorest regions in the world including Sub-Saharan Africa. During the last few years, prior to the crisis, many Sub-Saharan African countries had enjoyed a growth rate of over 5%. This was partly as a result of sound economic policies and increased external support in the form of debt relief and higher inflows from economically powerful countries in the West. However, with the current financial crisis, wealthy nations have been forced to concentrate on sustaining their own economy. As a result, amongst changes like tighter immigration policies, skyrocketing oil prices and food prices, foreign aid is being withdrawn. (ibid 2009:3) According to foreign media reports, donor governments and the G8 are no longer as committed to aid as before the crisis. This research paper examines the evolution of aid to Africa in view of various contexts through a broad historical economic and political economy overview, and finally corroborates these observations with a discourse analysis of a sample of BBC online articles. The research project thus investigates in this last section, the BBC’s representation of poverty and aid in Sub-Saharan Africa before and during the current global economic crisis.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
The role of climate change on food security in Northern Uganda a case study of Lira district
- Authors: Aciro, Prudence Estel
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Food security -- Uganda , Food security -- Climatic factors , Climatic changes
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/57513 , vital:58054
- Description: The study examines the effects of climate change in Northern Uganda to create food security solutions through the improvement of local resilience mechanisms and adaptation devices. The study adopted the interpretive paradigm within the qualitative research methodology as it investigated the subjective opinions of the respondents about the role of climate change on food security in the Lira district. The researcher used non-probability purposive sampling to identify nine officials that possessed knowledge on resilience mechanisms and also interacted directly with individual farmers. The researcher used semi-structured interviews as a tool to collect data and thematic analysis to make conclusions on findings based on the emerging themes. The findings from the study revealed that the four determinants of food security are greatly affected by climate events and these are: food utilisation, food production, food availability and access to food as well as the stability of food supply. Food storage is a problem facing the community of Lira due to extreme climate events. Climate change was found to affect food prices in such a way that when agricultural inputs are bought expensively, it leads the cost of producing crops to increase, which in turn makes food more expensive at the market. The findings also displayed that Lira’s local communities are trying to apply adaptive farming practices to ensure there is an adequate food supply, such as planting a local variety of seeds that withstand the effect of climate change, such as sorghum millet and cassava. Based on the findings, valuable recommendations are offered. These include the government rolling out a national irrigation scheme to ease the use of the drip irrigation mechanism. Also, there is a need for more interventions that support local resilience mechanisms such as the use of agricultural inputs, as these require subsidisation. It emerged from the findings of this study that there is a need for better interventions to deal with flooding. For future researchers, it was found that there is a need to explore the best post-harvest handling methods as well as food storage. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
- Authors: Aciro, Prudence Estel
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Food security -- Uganda , Food security -- Climatic factors , Climatic changes
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/57513 , vital:58054
- Description: The study examines the effects of climate change in Northern Uganda to create food security solutions through the improvement of local resilience mechanisms and adaptation devices. The study adopted the interpretive paradigm within the qualitative research methodology as it investigated the subjective opinions of the respondents about the role of climate change on food security in the Lira district. The researcher used non-probability purposive sampling to identify nine officials that possessed knowledge on resilience mechanisms and also interacted directly with individual farmers. The researcher used semi-structured interviews as a tool to collect data and thematic analysis to make conclusions on findings based on the emerging themes. The findings from the study revealed that the four determinants of food security are greatly affected by climate events and these are: food utilisation, food production, food availability and access to food as well as the stability of food supply. Food storage is a problem facing the community of Lira due to extreme climate events. Climate change was found to affect food prices in such a way that when agricultural inputs are bought expensively, it leads the cost of producing crops to increase, which in turn makes food more expensive at the market. The findings also displayed that Lira’s local communities are trying to apply adaptive farming practices to ensure there is an adequate food supply, such as planting a local variety of seeds that withstand the effect of climate change, such as sorghum millet and cassava. Based on the findings, valuable recommendations are offered. These include the government rolling out a national irrigation scheme to ease the use of the drip irrigation mechanism. Also, there is a need for more interventions that support local resilience mechanisms such as the use of agricultural inputs, as these require subsidisation. It emerged from the findings of this study that there is a need for better interventions to deal with flooding. For future researchers, it was found that there is a need to explore the best post-harvest handling methods as well as food storage. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
The personal financial management attitudes and practices of South African rugby players
- Authors: Acker, Enrico
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Rugby football players -- South Africa -- Finance, Personal Finance, Personal -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/11363 , vital:26915
- Description: When rugby became professional in 1995, both the game and the social and financial position of the players changed (Basson, 2003). Players started to train full-time and earned annual salaries (Goldman& Johns, 2009). Due to the transition from amateur to professional status, rugby players needed to make adequate personal financial management decisions. The purpose of this study is to investigate the personal financial management attitudes and practices of South African rugby players. Previous research about personal financial management largely focussed on the general public, and did not focus on South African rugby players. Rugby is a professional sport where players earn money from a young age. It is expected of rugby players to make adequate personal financial decisions from as early as 19 years old. The literature review provided an overview of personal financial management and a discussion on the various components that should be included in personal financial management. A framework for this study was developed. The framework used these components as the base for the personal financial attitudes and practices and how it relates to the demographics of the respondents. Three hypotheses were also formulated based on the literature overview and framework. The objectives of this study were achieved by adopting a quantitative research methodology. A convenience sample of 132 rugby players was drawn for this study. Rugby players from NMMU Madibaz, Eastern Province Rugby Union (EP), South Western Districts Rugby Union (SWD) and Sharks Rugby Union participated in this study. The results of the empirical survey showed that respondents have positive attitudes towards the importance of budgeting, retirement planning, risk management, debt management and investment and the importance of employing a financial planner. On the other hand the personal financial management practices of the respondents in this study can be described as weak. From the results of the empirical survey it is clear that the respondents have weak practices towards the majority of the personal financial management practices. Only one of the three hypotheses was accepted namely that there is a relationship between the demographics of rugby players and their personal financial practices. There is no relationship between personal financial management attitudes and personal financial management practices of South African rugby players and that there is also no relationship between demographic variables and personal financial management attitudes of South African rugby players. This study has provided insight into the personal financial management attitudes and practices of South African rugby players. Valuable information was obtained that could help to address the personal financial management needs of rugby players.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Acker, Enrico
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Rugby football players -- South Africa -- Finance, Personal Finance, Personal -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/11363 , vital:26915
- Description: When rugby became professional in 1995, both the game and the social and financial position of the players changed (Basson, 2003). Players started to train full-time and earned annual salaries (Goldman& Johns, 2009). Due to the transition from amateur to professional status, rugby players needed to make adequate personal financial management decisions. The purpose of this study is to investigate the personal financial management attitudes and practices of South African rugby players. Previous research about personal financial management largely focussed on the general public, and did not focus on South African rugby players. Rugby is a professional sport where players earn money from a young age. It is expected of rugby players to make adequate personal financial decisions from as early as 19 years old. The literature review provided an overview of personal financial management and a discussion on the various components that should be included in personal financial management. A framework for this study was developed. The framework used these components as the base for the personal financial attitudes and practices and how it relates to the demographics of the respondents. Three hypotheses were also formulated based on the literature overview and framework. The objectives of this study were achieved by adopting a quantitative research methodology. A convenience sample of 132 rugby players was drawn for this study. Rugby players from NMMU Madibaz, Eastern Province Rugby Union (EP), South Western Districts Rugby Union (SWD) and Sharks Rugby Union participated in this study. The results of the empirical survey showed that respondents have positive attitudes towards the importance of budgeting, retirement planning, risk management, debt management and investment and the importance of employing a financial planner. On the other hand the personal financial management practices of the respondents in this study can be described as weak. From the results of the empirical survey it is clear that the respondents have weak practices towards the majority of the personal financial management practices. Only one of the three hypotheses was accepted namely that there is a relationship between the demographics of rugby players and their personal financial practices. There is no relationship between personal financial management attitudes and personal financial management practices of South African rugby players and that there is also no relationship between demographic variables and personal financial management attitudes of South African rugby players. This study has provided insight into the personal financial management attitudes and practices of South African rugby players. Valuable information was obtained that could help to address the personal financial management needs of rugby players.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Writing the aerial dancing body a preliminary choreological investigation of the aesthetics and kinetics of the aerial dancing body
- Authors: Acker, Shaun Albert
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Dance -- 19th century Dance -- 20th century Dance -- 21st century Aerialists Movement, Aesthetics of Feminine beauty (Aesthetics) Movement notation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2129 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002361
- Description: This mini-thesis investigates some of the nineteenth century socio-cultural ideals that have structured a connection between virtuosic aerial skill and bodily aesthetics. It views the emergence of a style of aerial kineticism that is structured from the gender ideologies of the period. It investigates the continual recurrence of this nineteenth century style amongst contemporary aerial dance works and outlines the possible frictions between this Victorian style of kineticism and contemporary aerial explorations. From this observation, a possible catalyst may be observed with which to relocate and inspire a study of aerial kinetics sans the nineteenth century aesthetic component. This kinesiological catalyst may be viewed in conjunction with the theories of ground-based kinetic theorist, Rudolph Laban’s choreutic study of the body in space. Thus, it may be possible to suggest and introduce a possible practical dance scholarship for aerial dance. This mini-thesis includes an introductory choreological investigation that draws on and integrates the disciplines of kinesiology; choreutic theory; existing aerial kinetic technique; musicology; and the physical sciences.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Acker, Shaun Albert
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Dance -- 19th century Dance -- 20th century Dance -- 21st century Aerialists Movement, Aesthetics of Feminine beauty (Aesthetics) Movement notation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2129 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002361
- Description: This mini-thesis investigates some of the nineteenth century socio-cultural ideals that have structured a connection between virtuosic aerial skill and bodily aesthetics. It views the emergence of a style of aerial kineticism that is structured from the gender ideologies of the period. It investigates the continual recurrence of this nineteenth century style amongst contemporary aerial dance works and outlines the possible frictions between this Victorian style of kineticism and contemporary aerial explorations. From this observation, a possible catalyst may be observed with which to relocate and inspire a study of aerial kinetics sans the nineteenth century aesthetic component. This kinesiological catalyst may be viewed in conjunction with the theories of ground-based kinetic theorist, Rudolph Laban’s choreutic study of the body in space. Thus, it may be possible to suggest and introduce a possible practical dance scholarship for aerial dance. This mini-thesis includes an introductory choreological investigation that draws on and integrates the disciplines of kinesiology; choreutic theory; existing aerial kinetic technique; musicology; and the physical sciences.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
Student discourses: influences on identity and agency
- Authors: Ackerdien, Raeesah
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: English language -- Rhetoric -- Study and teaching (Higher) -- Psychological aspects , Psychoanalysis and education Identity (Psychology) in youth Educational sociology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/13625 , vital:27258
- Description: South Africa‟s racialised history dates back to a colonial period where South Africans were separated by race, language and laws which prevented people of colour from mixing with those who were termed White. 22 years after the end of apartheid, race and language remain a painful part of history and a topic which is always visible in our private and public discourses. Students, as of recent, have pointed to the challenges and legacies of apartheid they face in higher education and broader society. The lack of broader transformation and racial prejudice leave a great divide amongst different groups of students. Given this background, this study sought to examine how students were making sense of themselves and others. The participants of this study included 50 second year students from the Department of Language Studies at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University in Port Elizabeth. This research study focused on the identity development of students and how these factors impacted their identities taking into account aspects of race, language, sense of agency and those impacting their sense of agency and sense of self. This study used a qualitative research method which involves an interpretive approach to research as this method was best suited for this study‟s analysis of student narratives. This study is a case study of the single case of second year students. The research, furthermore, used a Poststructuralist approach as theoretical underpinning and Critical Discourse Analysis for analysis of the data. Relevant literature were read and reviewed to determine what studies were saying about factors impacting on youth identity. Student narratives were analysed in order to determine which factors impacted on their identity formation, as well as the perceptions of their own identities and those of others. The results of the findings showed that students‟ identity development was affected by factors such as cultural background, parents, death of loved ones, aesthetic interest, race and language. Socio-economic inequalities in South Africa, race and language strongly defined student identities. Identities were found to be multiple and dynamic. The impact on student agency was as a result of the influences of their parents but also because of the inequalities in society. The only commonality students identified as having with other students was study. Students revealed that they did not cross racial or language boundaries to socialise with other students. There were students who indicated that they resisted racial categorisations and spoke of the celebration of diversity in South Africa but these were in the minority. Unlike previous studies that showed students wanting to move on to a new unified South Africa while simultaneously using old apartheid discourses, this study showed that students remained rooted in these discourses but reverted to these discourses because of societal inequalities. They did not foresee any moves to a new unified South Africa if inequalities not addressed. They were more radical about what a new future looks like with the battle against privilege won. Language was identified as a barrier and the fallacies of English being linked to superior intelligence was pointed out. The divides between White and Black students were apparent in the data. The study therefore recommended that curriculation of modules be undertaken with teaching of fluidity of identities and providing of critical tools for students to deconstruct race and language. The South African context should be foregrounded in all faculty study areas so that students work to a public good that seeks to eradicate inequalities. Safe spaces need to be provided for debating of these issues as well as social spaces for interaction across racial divides.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Ackerdien, Raeesah
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: English language -- Rhetoric -- Study and teaching (Higher) -- Psychological aspects , Psychoanalysis and education Identity (Psychology) in youth Educational sociology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/13625 , vital:27258
- Description: South Africa‟s racialised history dates back to a colonial period where South Africans were separated by race, language and laws which prevented people of colour from mixing with those who were termed White. 22 years after the end of apartheid, race and language remain a painful part of history and a topic which is always visible in our private and public discourses. Students, as of recent, have pointed to the challenges and legacies of apartheid they face in higher education and broader society. The lack of broader transformation and racial prejudice leave a great divide amongst different groups of students. Given this background, this study sought to examine how students were making sense of themselves and others. The participants of this study included 50 second year students from the Department of Language Studies at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University in Port Elizabeth. This research study focused on the identity development of students and how these factors impacted their identities taking into account aspects of race, language, sense of agency and those impacting their sense of agency and sense of self. This study used a qualitative research method which involves an interpretive approach to research as this method was best suited for this study‟s analysis of student narratives. This study is a case study of the single case of second year students. The research, furthermore, used a Poststructuralist approach as theoretical underpinning and Critical Discourse Analysis for analysis of the data. Relevant literature were read and reviewed to determine what studies were saying about factors impacting on youth identity. Student narratives were analysed in order to determine which factors impacted on their identity formation, as well as the perceptions of their own identities and those of others. The results of the findings showed that students‟ identity development was affected by factors such as cultural background, parents, death of loved ones, aesthetic interest, race and language. Socio-economic inequalities in South Africa, race and language strongly defined student identities. Identities were found to be multiple and dynamic. The impact on student agency was as a result of the influences of their parents but also because of the inequalities in society. The only commonality students identified as having with other students was study. Students revealed that they did not cross racial or language boundaries to socialise with other students. There were students who indicated that they resisted racial categorisations and spoke of the celebration of diversity in South Africa but these were in the minority. Unlike previous studies that showed students wanting to move on to a new unified South Africa while simultaneously using old apartheid discourses, this study showed that students remained rooted in these discourses but reverted to these discourses because of societal inequalities. They did not foresee any moves to a new unified South Africa if inequalities not addressed. They were more radical about what a new future looks like with the battle against privilege won. Language was identified as a barrier and the fallacies of English being linked to superior intelligence was pointed out. The divides between White and Black students were apparent in the data. The study therefore recommended that curriculation of modules be undertaken with teaching of fluidity of identities and providing of critical tools for students to deconstruct race and language. The South African context should be foregrounded in all faculty study areas so that students work to a public good that seeks to eradicate inequalities. Safe spaces need to be provided for debating of these issues as well as social spaces for interaction across racial divides.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Internal auditors perceptions of the impact of control elements on internal control systems
- Authors: Ackerman, Christo
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Auditing, Internal , Financial statements , Controllership
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:8952 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1008158 , Auditing, Internal , Financial statements , Controllership
- Description: The objective of this research report was to determine which internal controls are perceived, by internal auditors, to be contributing to the effectiveness of an internal control structure. The Committee for Sponsoring Organisations (COSO) integrated internal control framework was used as a basis for the questionnaire construction and respondents were asked to rate the perceived control effectiveness of each of the components of internal control. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the basic meaning of the data. The questionnaire was completed by following a Uniform Resource Locator (URL) which was sent to two internal auditors in audit firms. Thirty one responses were obtained; all the respondents have experience in the evaluation and assessment of internal control systems. This research showed that control elements as outlined in COSOs integrated internal control framework, if implemented, could contribute to the effectiveness of the internal control system.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Ackerman, Christo
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Auditing, Internal , Financial statements , Controllership
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:8952 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1008158 , Auditing, Internal , Financial statements , Controllership
- Description: The objective of this research report was to determine which internal controls are perceived, by internal auditors, to be contributing to the effectiveness of an internal control structure. The Committee for Sponsoring Organisations (COSO) integrated internal control framework was used as a basis for the questionnaire construction and respondents were asked to rate the perceived control effectiveness of each of the components of internal control. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the basic meaning of the data. The questionnaire was completed by following a Uniform Resource Locator (URL) which was sent to two internal auditors in audit firms. Thirty one responses were obtained; all the respondents have experience in the evaluation and assessment of internal control systems. This research showed that control elements as outlined in COSOs integrated internal control framework, if implemented, could contribute to the effectiveness of the internal control system.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Building cultural capital through value-driven leadership: a case study in an international finance company
- Authors: Ackerman, Mariana
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Financial institutions, International -- Namibia Case studies , Leadership -- Namibia Case studies , Corporate culture -- Namibia Case studies , Organizational change -- Namibia Case studies , Organizational effectiveness -- Namibia Case studies
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:2919 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002428 , Financial institutions, International -- Namibia Case studies , Leadership -- Namibia Case studies , Corporate culture -- Namibia Case studies , Organizational change -- Namibia Case studies , Organizational effectiveness -- Namibia Case studies
- Description: Today, organizations are placed under extreme pressure to adapt to the ever-increasing changes in their environments in order to survive. Research proves that corporate culture has the ability to either blunt or aid change. Past research conducted in Z-Nam, a subsidiary of an international finance company situated in Namibia, indicated that a divided culture resulted in limitations in their functioning, including their adaptability. Pressure was placed on Z-Nam by its majority shareholder to internalise a set of core values into its daily functioning in order to build a strong adaptable culture. This objective called for values-driven leadership. The four core values identified by Head Office were integrity, respect, accountability and pushing beyond boundaries. In becoming more values-driven, values theory posits that Z-Nam will build its cultural capital and so reap the benefits of higher performance, talent retention and adaptability. In this way Z-Nam will be able to combat the weaknesses in its current culture. Leadership adaptability and the capacity to lead change were seen to distinguish cultural changes that succeed from those that do not. Principles inherent in the field of OD were also considered, as they are seen to assist in the effective management of change. The methodology involved a purposive sample being drawn that included the top leadership team and internal OD consultant. Semi-structured interviews were conducted and thematic analysis employed in analysing the resultant data with three main aims in mind. Firstly, to assess Z-Nam's top management's perception of the current set of values being lived in the organization, to establish their level of support for the desired set of values proposed by Head Office and lastly to establish whether the leadership team is ready to promote the adoption of a new set of core values. Through comparing the themes that emerged from the data with literature on OD, values, culture and change, the researcher was able to make inferences as to the leadership's readiness and capacity to successfully lead cultural change. These findings were substantiated with secondary data from previous research activities. It was found that Z-Nam was not utilising its culture as an asset and that several barriers existed to adopting and implementing the desired values. It was concluded that Z-Nam will not be able to successfully embark on cultural change until its leadership recognises the importance of culture and their personal responsibility in bringing about the desired change, adequately assimilates information from past research and comes to a consensus as to the necessary accommodations that need to be made.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
- Authors: Ackerman, Mariana
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Financial institutions, International -- Namibia Case studies , Leadership -- Namibia Case studies , Corporate culture -- Namibia Case studies , Organizational change -- Namibia Case studies , Organizational effectiveness -- Namibia Case studies
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:2919 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002428 , Financial institutions, International -- Namibia Case studies , Leadership -- Namibia Case studies , Corporate culture -- Namibia Case studies , Organizational change -- Namibia Case studies , Organizational effectiveness -- Namibia Case studies
- Description: Today, organizations are placed under extreme pressure to adapt to the ever-increasing changes in their environments in order to survive. Research proves that corporate culture has the ability to either blunt or aid change. Past research conducted in Z-Nam, a subsidiary of an international finance company situated in Namibia, indicated that a divided culture resulted in limitations in their functioning, including their adaptability. Pressure was placed on Z-Nam by its majority shareholder to internalise a set of core values into its daily functioning in order to build a strong adaptable culture. This objective called for values-driven leadership. The four core values identified by Head Office were integrity, respect, accountability and pushing beyond boundaries. In becoming more values-driven, values theory posits that Z-Nam will build its cultural capital and so reap the benefits of higher performance, talent retention and adaptability. In this way Z-Nam will be able to combat the weaknesses in its current culture. Leadership adaptability and the capacity to lead change were seen to distinguish cultural changes that succeed from those that do not. Principles inherent in the field of OD were also considered, as they are seen to assist in the effective management of change. The methodology involved a purposive sample being drawn that included the top leadership team and internal OD consultant. Semi-structured interviews were conducted and thematic analysis employed in analysing the resultant data with three main aims in mind. Firstly, to assess Z-Nam's top management's perception of the current set of values being lived in the organization, to establish their level of support for the desired set of values proposed by Head Office and lastly to establish whether the leadership team is ready to promote the adoption of a new set of core values. Through comparing the themes that emerged from the data with literature on OD, values, culture and change, the researcher was able to make inferences as to the leadership's readiness and capacity to successfully lead cultural change. These findings were substantiated with secondary data from previous research activities. It was found that Z-Nam was not utilising its culture as an asset and that several barriers existed to adopting and implementing the desired values. It was concluded that Z-Nam will not be able to successfully embark on cultural change until its leadership recognises the importance of culture and their personal responsibility in bringing about the desired change, adequately assimilates information from past research and comes to a consensus as to the necessary accommodations that need to be made.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
A framework for managing the impact of information communication technology on employee well-being
- Authors: Ackerman, Richard
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Work environment -- Psychological aspects , Work -- Technological innovations Employees -- Mental health Job stress Flextime
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/21449 , vital:29523
- Description: Employees who work with Information Communication Technology (hereafter referred to as ICT) face a risk in a rise of portable work. This in turn provides a means for employees to be connected to work, even when at home. Flexible work solutions and ability to work any hour of the week creates non-standard work schedules, which in turn can lead to a condition of work-a-holism. In most cases, this phenomena is driven by the belief that being constantly available to work demonstrates a devotion to one’s career and employer. The higher demands placed on employees, are in most cases at the expense of employees’ health, work-life balance and overall well-being. The primary objective of this study is therefore to establish whether the use of ICT outside of normal working hours affects employee well-being, as measured in terms of work-life balance. The second objective of this study is to provide the Target Company within the automotive component supply industry located in Port Elizabeth, in the Republic of South Africa, with a framework for managing the impact of ICT on employee well-being. The research paper has been prompted by the Target Company having recently introduced flexible working solutions for its employees. Research on the topic of alternative forms of work schedules, has shown flexible working arrangements gives employees more choice and control over where, when and by how much they work. Flexibility allows employees to actively shape their working conditions which helps them solve the demands of integrating personal life and work commitments. Whether management should encourage or permit the use of ICT amongst its employees to extend beyond normal working hours however remains unclear. In order to answer the research questions, this study has applied a quantitative, positivistic and deductive research based methodology. The approach applied within this study included conducting an extensive literature review on the effects of ICT use after hours on employee well-being. Thereafter using literature as a foundation, a measuring instrument was constructed in the form of an online questionnaire. The questionnaire was emailed to respondents to collect primary data, in order to measure the dependent and independent variables in terms of the hypothesised relationships. Testing of the variables followed, in order to establish whether the use of ICT use after hours negatively impacts employee well-being as measured in terms of work-life balance and stress. Secondly, the study set out to establish whether flexible working conditions linked to ICT use after hours negatively impacts on employee work-life balance. Thirdly, the relationship between physiological aspects such as age, gender and ethnicity were interrogated to establish an employees’ ability to adapt to changing work conditions, brought about as a direct result of ICT. Lastly, this study set out to establish which ICT tool (email, cellular phone, smartphone or other) has the highest impact on employee wellness. The data collection process yielded a sample of 103 respondents in middle and senior management levels of the Target Company, with 97% being recipients of employer provided ICT tools. These respondents represented the employees who are most likely to be affected by the phenomena under investigation. The survey data was captured and analysed using descriptive statistical techniques. The interpretation revealed aspects which formed the basis for managerial recommendations in the form of a proposed framework to manage the impact of ICT on employee well-being. The findings of the study found that the use of ICT outside of normal working hours has a negative influence on employee well-being as measured in terms of work-life balance and stress. The literature review findings were confirmed as supporting the statement that flexible working conditions linked to ICT use after hours having a positive influence on employee work-life balance. A further finding of the study was the confirmation of physiological aspects affects an employees’ ability to adapt to changing working conditions, thereby having a negative influence on employee work-life balance. Lastly, to the question of which ICT tool has the biggest impact on well-being, it was found that differing ICT tools (email, cellular, smartphone, or other) do not have a negative influence on employee wellness. These findings formed the basis for the recommendations in the form of a framework which has been proposed to manage the impact of ICT on employee well-being. The most pertinent aspect of the framework includes the employer communicating a well-defined ICT usage policy, which clearly outlines a standard operating procedure in relation to ICT use to all its employees. The findings furthermore propose that the employer should take the time to explain and train its employees as to what is considered acceptable and non-acceptable use of ICT devices, especially in relation to after hour use and leave absences from work. To ensure employee well-being, employees should be encouraged to implement defined time blocks for when they are available for work and when they are not. This can be applied through the act of switching off their ICT devices, which constitutes a boundary work tactic as an action in order to prevent work-related interruptions in the private sphere. While the employer can take described measures, it should also be noted that there is responsibility on the part of the employee to ensure personal wellness, including regular exercise, relaxation, and taking appropriate breaks when necessary. Moreover, employees can apply work and life boundary management techniques through the selective use of devices. By not applying automatic work email updates on ICT devices such as smart phones is yet another boundary management technique which can be utilised by employees. There are a range of practical suggestions which are proposed as a method to minimize the risk of ICT use on employee well-being within this research document. The above proposals have only served to highlight a select few aspects. While it is acknowledged that there are important advantages associated with the development and use of ICT, it is equally important to allow employees to recharge their batteries in the form of appropriate downtime to regain perspective, thus allowing the organisation to maintain its competitive advantage, with the well-being of its employees taken to heart.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Ackerman, Richard
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Work environment -- Psychological aspects , Work -- Technological innovations Employees -- Mental health Job stress Flextime
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/21449 , vital:29523
- Description: Employees who work with Information Communication Technology (hereafter referred to as ICT) face a risk in a rise of portable work. This in turn provides a means for employees to be connected to work, even when at home. Flexible work solutions and ability to work any hour of the week creates non-standard work schedules, which in turn can lead to a condition of work-a-holism. In most cases, this phenomena is driven by the belief that being constantly available to work demonstrates a devotion to one’s career and employer. The higher demands placed on employees, are in most cases at the expense of employees’ health, work-life balance and overall well-being. The primary objective of this study is therefore to establish whether the use of ICT outside of normal working hours affects employee well-being, as measured in terms of work-life balance. The second objective of this study is to provide the Target Company within the automotive component supply industry located in Port Elizabeth, in the Republic of South Africa, with a framework for managing the impact of ICT on employee well-being. The research paper has been prompted by the Target Company having recently introduced flexible working solutions for its employees. Research on the topic of alternative forms of work schedules, has shown flexible working arrangements gives employees more choice and control over where, when and by how much they work. Flexibility allows employees to actively shape their working conditions which helps them solve the demands of integrating personal life and work commitments. Whether management should encourage or permit the use of ICT amongst its employees to extend beyond normal working hours however remains unclear. In order to answer the research questions, this study has applied a quantitative, positivistic and deductive research based methodology. The approach applied within this study included conducting an extensive literature review on the effects of ICT use after hours on employee well-being. Thereafter using literature as a foundation, a measuring instrument was constructed in the form of an online questionnaire. The questionnaire was emailed to respondents to collect primary data, in order to measure the dependent and independent variables in terms of the hypothesised relationships. Testing of the variables followed, in order to establish whether the use of ICT use after hours negatively impacts employee well-being as measured in terms of work-life balance and stress. Secondly, the study set out to establish whether flexible working conditions linked to ICT use after hours negatively impacts on employee work-life balance. Thirdly, the relationship between physiological aspects such as age, gender and ethnicity were interrogated to establish an employees’ ability to adapt to changing work conditions, brought about as a direct result of ICT. Lastly, this study set out to establish which ICT tool (email, cellular phone, smartphone or other) has the highest impact on employee wellness. The data collection process yielded a sample of 103 respondents in middle and senior management levels of the Target Company, with 97% being recipients of employer provided ICT tools. These respondents represented the employees who are most likely to be affected by the phenomena under investigation. The survey data was captured and analysed using descriptive statistical techniques. The interpretation revealed aspects which formed the basis for managerial recommendations in the form of a proposed framework to manage the impact of ICT on employee well-being. The findings of the study found that the use of ICT outside of normal working hours has a negative influence on employee well-being as measured in terms of work-life balance and stress. The literature review findings were confirmed as supporting the statement that flexible working conditions linked to ICT use after hours having a positive influence on employee work-life balance. A further finding of the study was the confirmation of physiological aspects affects an employees’ ability to adapt to changing working conditions, thereby having a negative influence on employee work-life balance. Lastly, to the question of which ICT tool has the biggest impact on well-being, it was found that differing ICT tools (email, cellular, smartphone, or other) do not have a negative influence on employee wellness. These findings formed the basis for the recommendations in the form of a framework which has been proposed to manage the impact of ICT on employee well-being. The most pertinent aspect of the framework includes the employer communicating a well-defined ICT usage policy, which clearly outlines a standard operating procedure in relation to ICT use to all its employees. The findings furthermore propose that the employer should take the time to explain and train its employees as to what is considered acceptable and non-acceptable use of ICT devices, especially in relation to after hour use and leave absences from work. To ensure employee well-being, employees should be encouraged to implement defined time blocks for when they are available for work and when they are not. This can be applied through the act of switching off their ICT devices, which constitutes a boundary work tactic as an action in order to prevent work-related interruptions in the private sphere. While the employer can take described measures, it should also be noted that there is responsibility on the part of the employee to ensure personal wellness, including regular exercise, relaxation, and taking appropriate breaks when necessary. Moreover, employees can apply work and life boundary management techniques through the selective use of devices. By not applying automatic work email updates on ICT devices such as smart phones is yet another boundary management technique which can be utilised by employees. There are a range of practical suggestions which are proposed as a method to minimize the risk of ICT use on employee well-being within this research document. The above proposals have only served to highlight a select few aspects. While it is acknowledged that there are important advantages associated with the development and use of ICT, it is equally important to allow employees to recharge their batteries in the form of appropriate downtime to regain perspective, thus allowing the organisation to maintain its competitive advantage, with the well-being of its employees taken to heart.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Minor "dings" - major effects? a study into the cognitive effects of mild head injuries in high school rugby
- Authors: Ackermann, Tessa Ruth
- Date: 2000
- Subjects: Rugby football injuries , Head -- Wounds and injuries -- Psychology , Head -- Wounds and injuries -- Complications , Head -- Wounds and injuries -- Patients -- Rehabilitation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:2920 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002429 , Rugby football injuries , Head -- Wounds and injuries -- Psychology , Head -- Wounds and injuries -- Complications , Head -- Wounds and injuries -- Patients -- Rehabilitation
- Description: The present study is part of a larger and ongoing research initiative investigating the cumulative cognitive effects of mild head injury in rugby union and focused specifically on high school rugby players. A comprehensive battery of neuropsychological tests was administered to top team high school rugby players (n = 47), and a non-contact sport control group of top team high school hockey players (n = 34). Direct comparisons of group mean scores and standard deviations across each neuropsychological test were carried out for the Total Rugby group versus the Total Hockey group as well as for the subgroups Rugby Forwards versus Rugby Backs. A correlational analysis was conducted to ascertain whether a relationship exists between the number of mild head injuries reported by the players and their cognitive test performance. Results of the group comparisons of means and variability on WMS Paired Associate Learning Hard Pairs - Delayed Recall provides tentative indications of the initial stages of diffuse damage associated with mild head injury in the rugby group and provides some evidence for impairment of verbal learning and memory in the Rugby Forwards group. The correlational analysis revealed no significant relationship between number of reported mild head injuries and cognitive performance. The findings and possible latent effects of the multiple mild head injuries reported by the rugby players are discussed in terms of brain reserve capacity theory and suggestions for future research are provided.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2000
- Authors: Ackermann, Tessa Ruth
- Date: 2000
- Subjects: Rugby football injuries , Head -- Wounds and injuries -- Psychology , Head -- Wounds and injuries -- Complications , Head -- Wounds and injuries -- Patients -- Rehabilitation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:2920 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002429 , Rugby football injuries , Head -- Wounds and injuries -- Psychology , Head -- Wounds and injuries -- Complications , Head -- Wounds and injuries -- Patients -- Rehabilitation
- Description: The present study is part of a larger and ongoing research initiative investigating the cumulative cognitive effects of mild head injury in rugby union and focused specifically on high school rugby players. A comprehensive battery of neuropsychological tests was administered to top team high school rugby players (n = 47), and a non-contact sport control group of top team high school hockey players (n = 34). Direct comparisons of group mean scores and standard deviations across each neuropsychological test were carried out for the Total Rugby group versus the Total Hockey group as well as for the subgroups Rugby Forwards versus Rugby Backs. A correlational analysis was conducted to ascertain whether a relationship exists between the number of mild head injuries reported by the players and their cognitive test performance. Results of the group comparisons of means and variability on WMS Paired Associate Learning Hard Pairs - Delayed Recall provides tentative indications of the initial stages of diffuse damage associated with mild head injury in the rugby group and provides some evidence for impairment of verbal learning and memory in the Rugby Forwards group. The correlational analysis revealed no significant relationship between number of reported mild head injuries and cognitive performance. The findings and possible latent effects of the multiple mild head injuries reported by the rugby players are discussed in terms of brain reserve capacity theory and suggestions for future research are provided.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2000
The use of a rapid incineration field test for determining soil organic carbon in the Southern Cape Region
- Authors: Ackhurst, Albert Arthur
- Date: 2014-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53336 , vital:45135
- Description: Knowledge of soil organic carbon levels is important both for agricultural effectiveness and soil carbon sequestration accounting, especially against the backdrop of increased climate change impacts and pressure on food production landscapes. However, current methods for soil carbon determination are expensive, energy intensive, time consuming and potentially hazardous leading to a call for alternative methods, which should be cheap, fast, simple, accurate, safe and usable where resources and soil analysis laboratories are limited. To this end the student invented a novel rapid incineration field test (RIFT) for determining soil organic carbon and tested its validity in this study. This method incorporates principles found in dry combustion as well as loss-on-ignition and quantifying organic carbon through gravimetric analysis. In order to illustrate effectiveness and accuracy it was necessary to correlate RIFT with a reference method, in this instance dry combustion with a Leco device as well as another commonly used indirect method namely the Walkley-Black wet chemical oxidation method. Samples from eleven soil forms were collected from the Southern Cape region and they were subjected to the three testing methods. It was found that RIFT is indeed as effective and in 72% of the soil forms even more effective than Walkley-Black. Furthermore, it was ascertained whether the accuracy of RIFT can be improved by correcting for clay content. The correlation of RIFT with clay % was not very significant and clay % as a variable was therefore not used in this study to obtain further refinement of RIFT predictions. Another finding was also that RIFT illustrated less variability than both the Leco and Walkley-Black methods. Lastly it was ascertained that the RIFT device and methodology is indeed cost effective, energy efficient, fast and safe in terms of the need to use potentially hazardous chemicals. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Science, School of Natural Resource Management, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014-12
- Authors: Ackhurst, Albert Arthur
- Date: 2014-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53336 , vital:45135
- Description: Knowledge of soil organic carbon levels is important both for agricultural effectiveness and soil carbon sequestration accounting, especially against the backdrop of increased climate change impacts and pressure on food production landscapes. However, current methods for soil carbon determination are expensive, energy intensive, time consuming and potentially hazardous leading to a call for alternative methods, which should be cheap, fast, simple, accurate, safe and usable where resources and soil analysis laboratories are limited. To this end the student invented a novel rapid incineration field test (RIFT) for determining soil organic carbon and tested its validity in this study. This method incorporates principles found in dry combustion as well as loss-on-ignition and quantifying organic carbon through gravimetric analysis. In order to illustrate effectiveness and accuracy it was necessary to correlate RIFT with a reference method, in this instance dry combustion with a Leco device as well as another commonly used indirect method namely the Walkley-Black wet chemical oxidation method. Samples from eleven soil forms were collected from the Southern Cape region and they were subjected to the three testing methods. It was found that RIFT is indeed as effective and in 72% of the soil forms even more effective than Walkley-Black. Furthermore, it was ascertained whether the accuracy of RIFT can be improved by correcting for clay content. The correlation of RIFT with clay % was not very significant and clay % as a variable was therefore not used in this study to obtain further refinement of RIFT predictions. Another finding was also that RIFT illustrated less variability than both the Leco and Walkley-Black methods. Lastly it was ascertained that the RIFT device and methodology is indeed cost effective, energy efficient, fast and safe in terms of the need to use potentially hazardous chemicals. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Science, School of Natural Resource Management, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014-12
Policies to reduce single-use plastic marine pollution in West Africa:
- Adam, Issahaku, Walker, Tony R, Bezerra, Joana Carlos, Clayton, Andrea
- Authors: Adam, Issahaku , Walker, Tony R , Bezerra, Joana Carlos , Clayton, Andrea
- Date: 2020
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/150196 , vital:38948 , https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpol.2020.103928
- Description: Countries in Africa are increasingly adopting policies to reduce single-use plastic (SUP) pollution, yet there has been limited analysis of policies adopted by African countries. This paper reviews SUP reduction policies, specifically in West Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Adam, Issahaku , Walker, Tony R , Bezerra, Joana Carlos , Clayton, Andrea
- Date: 2020
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/150196 , vital:38948 , https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpol.2020.103928
- Description: Countries in Africa are increasingly adopting policies to reduce single-use plastic (SUP) pollution, yet there has been limited analysis of policies adopted by African countries. This paper reviews SUP reduction policies, specifically in West Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Isolation and structure elucidation of halogenated metabolites from Portieria hornemannii and Portieria tripinnata
- Authors: Adam, Mohammed
- Date: 2015
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/64674 , vital:28591
- Description: The red marine algal genus, Portieria, is known to produce a number of potent cytotoxic compounds with anticancer potential. The most important anticancer lead produced by this genus is the compound halomon. Unfortunately, the lack of sufficient quantities of this compound hampered its further development. Two Portieria species, Portieria hornemannii and Portieria tripinnata, are found along the South African coastline. Recent studies, based on DNA analysis, suggest that Portieria hornemannii may in fact be divided into several cryptic species. The current project is part of a larger study designed to investigate the use of secondary metabolites to identify new marine algal species. In this study 1H NMR profiles of the organic extracts of selected Portieria spp were compared in order to identify new species. Selected compounds were then isolated and characterised as potential chemotaxonomic markers. Four halogenated monoterpenes were isolated from Portieria hornemannii. Two of these were new compounds 4-(3-bromo-4-chloro-4-methylpentyl)-3-chlorofuran-2(5H)-one, which were isomers of each other. The two known compounds had been previously isolated from Portieria hornemannii samples off the Madagascar coast. These compounds could prove to be useful as chemotaxonomic marker compounds, as they have never been isolated from any other species of marine algae. Three known halogenated monoterpenes were isolated from Portieria tripinnata. These compounds had been previously isolated from different species of marine algae and therefore, could not serve as chemotaxonomic marker compounds for this species of marine alga. Further work needs to be done on Portieria tripinnata, with regards to its chemistry, as it is a species of marine algae that has not been previously researched.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Adam, Mohammed
- Date: 2015
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/64674 , vital:28591
- Description: The red marine algal genus, Portieria, is known to produce a number of potent cytotoxic compounds with anticancer potential. The most important anticancer lead produced by this genus is the compound halomon. Unfortunately, the lack of sufficient quantities of this compound hampered its further development. Two Portieria species, Portieria hornemannii and Portieria tripinnata, are found along the South African coastline. Recent studies, based on DNA analysis, suggest that Portieria hornemannii may in fact be divided into several cryptic species. The current project is part of a larger study designed to investigate the use of secondary metabolites to identify new marine algal species. In this study 1H NMR profiles of the organic extracts of selected Portieria spp were compared in order to identify new species. Selected compounds were then isolated and characterised as potential chemotaxonomic markers. Four halogenated monoterpenes were isolated from Portieria hornemannii. Two of these were new compounds 4-(3-bromo-4-chloro-4-methylpentyl)-3-chlorofuran-2(5H)-one, which were isomers of each other. The two known compounds had been previously isolated from Portieria hornemannii samples off the Madagascar coast. These compounds could prove to be useful as chemotaxonomic marker compounds, as they have never been isolated from any other species of marine algae. Three known halogenated monoterpenes were isolated from Portieria tripinnata. These compounds had been previously isolated from different species of marine algae and therefore, could not serve as chemotaxonomic marker compounds for this species of marine alga. Further work needs to be done on Portieria tripinnata, with regards to its chemistry, as it is a species of marine algae that has not been previously researched.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
An investigation into factors that influence parental involvement in the development of their children's literacy in the secondary school level: a case study of a combined school in the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Adam, Ndileka Primrose
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Education -- Parent participation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Province , Literacy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Province , Education, Secondary -- Parent participation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Province , Reading (Secondary) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Province , Reading -- Parent participation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Province , Reading -- Ability testing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Province
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Ed
- Identifier: vital:16158 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/229 , Education -- Parent participation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Province , Literacy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Province , Education, Secondary -- Parent participation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Province , Reading (Secondary) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Province , Reading -- Parent participation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Province , Reading -- Ability testing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Province
- Description: The main purpose of this research was to investigate the factors that influence parental involvement in the development of their children's literacy in the senior phase. The concept of parental involvement has been perceived as one of the corneThe main purpose of this research was to investigate the factors that influence parental involvement in the development of their children's literacy in the senior phase. The concept of parental involvement has been perceived as one of the cornerstones that contribute positively to the effectiveness of the education that children receive. In the South African case, it is embodied in the legislation and is expected to permeate the education process at all levels. Many scholars perceive parental involvement as enhancing the development of children's literacy. As an interpretive orientated study, this research had an interest in understanding the subjective experiences and general factors that influence parental involvement in the development of their children's literacy in the secondary school level. In line with the protocols of the case study, this study used a combination of methods namely structured interviews, semi-structured interviews, focus groups and document analysis in collecting data. The findings of the study revealed different opinions on parental involvement. While some parents appreciate the importance of their involvement, there were, however, some parents who perceive it as a responsibility of educators. Despite these views, there were positive contributions that have been brought about by parental involvement in the development of their children's literacy. The study has also revealed that there are factors that influence parental involvement in the development of their children's literacy in the senior phase such as parents' lack of understanding of their roles, absence of guiding documents, lack of unity among stakeholders, age and qualifications. The intent of this research was to investigate factors that influence parental involvement in the development of their children's literacy in the secondary school level and to give some recommendations on how these can best be addressed.rstones that contribute positively to the effectiveness of the education that children receive. In the South African case, it is embodied in the legislation and is expected to permeate the education process at all levels. Many scholars perceive parental involvement as enhancing the development of children's literacy. As an interpretive orientated study, this research had an interest in understanding the subjective experiences and general factors that influence parental involvement in the development of their children's literacy in the secondary school level. In line with the protocols of the case study, this study used a combination of methods namely structured interviews, semi-structured interviews, focus groups and document analysis in collecting data. The findings of the study revealed different opinions on parental involvement. While some parents appreciate the importance of their involvement, there were, however, some parents who perceive it as a responsibility of educators. Despite these views, there were positive contributions that have been brought about by parental involvement in the development of their children's literacy. The study has also revealed that there are factors that influence parental involvement in the development of their children's literacy in the senior phase such as parents' lack of understanding of their roles, absence of guiding documents, lack of unity among stakeholders, age and qualifications. The intent of this research was to investigate factors that influence parental involvement in the development of their children's literacy in the secondary school level and to give some recommendations on how these can best be addressed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Adam, Ndileka Primrose
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Education -- Parent participation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Province , Literacy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Province , Education, Secondary -- Parent participation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Province , Reading (Secondary) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Province , Reading -- Parent participation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Province , Reading -- Ability testing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Province
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Ed
- Identifier: vital:16158 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/229 , Education -- Parent participation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Province , Literacy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Province , Education, Secondary -- Parent participation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Province , Reading (Secondary) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Province , Reading -- Parent participation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Province , Reading -- Ability testing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Province
- Description: The main purpose of this research was to investigate the factors that influence parental involvement in the development of their children's literacy in the senior phase. The concept of parental involvement has been perceived as one of the corneThe main purpose of this research was to investigate the factors that influence parental involvement in the development of their children's literacy in the senior phase. The concept of parental involvement has been perceived as one of the cornerstones that contribute positively to the effectiveness of the education that children receive. In the South African case, it is embodied in the legislation and is expected to permeate the education process at all levels. Many scholars perceive parental involvement as enhancing the development of children's literacy. As an interpretive orientated study, this research had an interest in understanding the subjective experiences and general factors that influence parental involvement in the development of their children's literacy in the secondary school level. In line with the protocols of the case study, this study used a combination of methods namely structured interviews, semi-structured interviews, focus groups and document analysis in collecting data. The findings of the study revealed different opinions on parental involvement. While some parents appreciate the importance of their involvement, there were, however, some parents who perceive it as a responsibility of educators. Despite these views, there were positive contributions that have been brought about by parental involvement in the development of their children's literacy. The study has also revealed that there are factors that influence parental involvement in the development of their children's literacy in the senior phase such as parents' lack of understanding of their roles, absence of guiding documents, lack of unity among stakeholders, age and qualifications. The intent of this research was to investigate factors that influence parental involvement in the development of their children's literacy in the secondary school level and to give some recommendations on how these can best be addressed.rstones that contribute positively to the effectiveness of the education that children receive. In the South African case, it is embodied in the legislation and is expected to permeate the education process at all levels. Many scholars perceive parental involvement as enhancing the development of children's literacy. As an interpretive orientated study, this research had an interest in understanding the subjective experiences and general factors that influence parental involvement in the development of their children's literacy in the secondary school level. In line with the protocols of the case study, this study used a combination of methods namely structured interviews, semi-structured interviews, focus groups and document analysis in collecting data. The findings of the study revealed different opinions on parental involvement. While some parents appreciate the importance of their involvement, there were, however, some parents who perceive it as a responsibility of educators. Despite these views, there were positive contributions that have been brought about by parental involvement in the development of their children's literacy. The study has also revealed that there are factors that influence parental involvement in the development of their children's literacy in the senior phase such as parents' lack of understanding of their roles, absence of guiding documents, lack of unity among stakeholders, age and qualifications. The intent of this research was to investigate factors that influence parental involvement in the development of their children's literacy in the secondary school level and to give some recommendations on how these can best be addressed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
Additions to the fish fauna of the Maldives Islands
- Adam, Shiham, Merrett, Nigel R, Anderson, R Charles, Randall, John E, 1924-, Kuiter, Rudie H
- Authors: Adam, Shiham , Merrett, Nigel R , Anderson, R Charles , Randall, John E, 1924- , Kuiter, Rudie H
- Date: 1998
- Language: English
- Type: Text
- Identifier: vital:15030 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1019905 , ISSN 0073-4381 , Ichthyological Bulletin of the J.L.B. Smith Institute of Ichthyology; No. 67
- Description: Part 1: We report here information on the occurrence of the deep demersal fish species known to date from the Maldivian Exclusive Economic Zone below a depth of 180 m. Collections of Maldivian deep demersal fishes are held by The Natural History Museum, London (BMNH); the Bernice P. Bishop Museum, Honolulu; the Field Museum of Natural History, Chicago; the Marine Research Section, Ministry of Fisheries and Agriculture, Male, Republic of Maldives; the South African Museum, Cape Town; and the Zoological Survey of India, at the Indian Museum, Calcutta. Specimens from all of these institutions have been studied by the authors. In addition, the authors carried out sampling of the slope shark fishery during March - April 1996, which resulted in a significant new collection of shark material. A total of 99 deep demersal species are reported here which includes 36 new records for the Maldives. The six most speciose families are the Macrouridae (7 species), Congridae (5), Lutjanidae (5), Squalidae (4), Ogocephalidae (4) and Halosauridae (4). , Part 2: Seventy-eight fish species are recorded from the Maldives for the first time. A further 30, which have been recorded in the literature but not included in previous reviews of Maldivian fishes, are listed. The total known shore and epipelagic fish fauna of the Maldives now stands at 1007 species. The total known demersal and epipelagic fish fauna is raised to 1090. , Rhodes University Libraries (Digitisation)
- Full Text:
- Authors: Adam, Shiham , Merrett, Nigel R , Anderson, R Charles , Randall, John E, 1924- , Kuiter, Rudie H
- Date: 1998
- Language: English
- Type: Text
- Identifier: vital:15030 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1019905 , ISSN 0073-4381 , Ichthyological Bulletin of the J.L.B. Smith Institute of Ichthyology; No. 67
- Description: Part 1: We report here information on the occurrence of the deep demersal fish species known to date from the Maldivian Exclusive Economic Zone below a depth of 180 m. Collections of Maldivian deep demersal fishes are held by The Natural History Museum, London (BMNH); the Bernice P. Bishop Museum, Honolulu; the Field Museum of Natural History, Chicago; the Marine Research Section, Ministry of Fisheries and Agriculture, Male, Republic of Maldives; the South African Museum, Cape Town; and the Zoological Survey of India, at the Indian Museum, Calcutta. Specimens from all of these institutions have been studied by the authors. In addition, the authors carried out sampling of the slope shark fishery during March - April 1996, which resulted in a significant new collection of shark material. A total of 99 deep demersal species are reported here which includes 36 new records for the Maldives. The six most speciose families are the Macrouridae (7 species), Congridae (5), Lutjanidae (5), Squalidae (4), Ogocephalidae (4) and Halosauridae (4). , Part 2: Seventy-eight fish species are recorded from the Maldives for the first time. A further 30, which have been recorded in the literature but not included in previous reviews of Maldivian fishes, are listed. The total known shore and epipelagic fish fauna of the Maldives now stands at 1007 species. The total known demersal and epipelagic fish fauna is raised to 1090. , Rhodes University Libraries (Digitisation)
- Full Text:
Distribution and use of cash income from basket and mat crafting: Implications for rural livelihoods in the Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Adam, Y O, Shackleton, Charlie M
- Authors: Adam, Y O , Shackleton, Charlie M
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/180434 , vital:43388 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1080/14728028.2016.1186576"
- Description: The objective of this paper was to investigate the extent to which baskets and mats local trade contributes to rural livelihoods of the crafters’ household and community downstream income. Primary data were collected through structured interviews with 83 crafters from Noqhekwana village in Port St. Johns municipality using snowball sampling in May, 2015. The survey was supplemented by secondary data and direct observations. The findings show that crafting contributed 35% of crafter’s household total income. The received income is spent on expenses in the household and downstream actors depending on the crafter’s priorities. Lack of organization between crafters, access to sufficient raw material, and low prices were identified as major challenges involved in the production and trade of the products.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Adam, Y O , Shackleton, Charlie M
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/180434 , vital:43388 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1080/14728028.2016.1186576"
- Description: The objective of this paper was to investigate the extent to which baskets and mats local trade contributes to rural livelihoods of the crafters’ household and community downstream income. Primary data were collected through structured interviews with 83 crafters from Noqhekwana village in Port St. Johns municipality using snowball sampling in May, 2015. The survey was supplemented by secondary data and direct observations. The findings show that crafting contributed 35% of crafter’s household total income. The received income is spent on expenses in the household and downstream actors depending on the crafter’s priorities. Lack of organization between crafters, access to sufficient raw material, and low prices were identified as major challenges involved in the production and trade of the products.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Investigating various product derivatives for a sustainable aquaculture feed supply chain in South Africa
- Authors: Adam, Yusuf
- Date: 2022-12
- Subjects: Derivatives product , sustainable aquaculture , Supply Chain management -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral's theses , Thesis
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/59531 , vital:62150
- Description: Contemporary aquaculture produces more seafood for growing global nutrition requirements than capture fisheries stocks, but aquaculture practices do have adverse environmental impacts. This research investigated more sustainable marine ecosystem management practices through alternative aquaculture feed ingredients and production systems that mimic natural marine food chains. The aim was to find an alternative feed model to make the industry more sustainable. Content analysis was used to let secondary research complement the empirical research to investigate the perceptions about various product derivatives for a more sustainable aquaculture feed supply chain. The survey entailed distributing 228 questionnaires and only 55 diverse stakeholders responded. By reviewing their perceptions of natural marine organisms and manufactured agricultural ingredients, the call for sustainably produced aquaculture feed could inform future sustainable supply chain management and marine ecosystem stewardship. , Thesis (DBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Applied Accounting, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-12
- Authors: Adam, Yusuf
- Date: 2022-12
- Subjects: Derivatives product , sustainable aquaculture , Supply Chain management -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral's theses , Thesis
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/59531 , vital:62150
- Description: Contemporary aquaculture produces more seafood for growing global nutrition requirements than capture fisheries stocks, but aquaculture practices do have adverse environmental impacts. This research investigated more sustainable marine ecosystem management practices through alternative aquaculture feed ingredients and production systems that mimic natural marine food chains. The aim was to find an alternative feed model to make the industry more sustainable. Content analysis was used to let secondary research complement the empirical research to investigate the perceptions about various product derivatives for a more sustainable aquaculture feed supply chain. The survey entailed distributing 228 questionnaires and only 55 diverse stakeholders responded. By reviewing their perceptions of natural marine organisms and manufactured agricultural ingredients, the call for sustainably produced aquaculture feed could inform future sustainable supply chain management and marine ecosystem stewardship. , Thesis (DBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Applied Accounting, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-12
The role of the expanded public works programme in reducing unemployment in Grahamstown
- Authors: Adam, Zanele
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Poverty Alleviation -- South Africa -- Grahamstown
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/49583 , vital:41738
- Description: Unemployment is a global threat and has been identified as a crucial factor affecting South Africa s economy. Unemployment rate is one of the key indicators of South Africa s economy and reports by Statistics South Africa have indicated an increase in the unemployment rate. Studies done by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) has ranked South Africa amongst the worst in the world for unemployment and that poverty manifests not as a financial indicator but as a result of lack of employment opportunities. In response to the challenge of unemployment, South Africa has introduced numerous policies and strategies to combat unemployment and alleviate poverty. The vision of the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) is to assist South Africa with its challenge of poverty eradication and to ease the unemployment statistics while simultaneously promoting skills development for its participants and the main focus of this policy is to provide income relief for the unemployment. The aim of this research was to assess the impact of EPWP in alleviating unemployment in Grahamstown, by assessing whether or not the EPWP has had any significant influence on job creation and skills development. This study focused on programmes implemented during the period 2014-2017 which is under phase 3 of the EPWP. This study adopted a qualitative research method and followed a descriptive approach. The research method did not seek to prove a true cause-effect relationship between the variables but rather demonstrate the correlation by means of case studies, archival research and content analysis. The research results revealed the potential of the EPWP projects in job creation in the area, and that there are areas of development and challenges in order to achieve the overall purpose of the EPWP.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Adam, Zanele
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Poverty Alleviation -- South Africa -- Grahamstown
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/49583 , vital:41738
- Description: Unemployment is a global threat and has been identified as a crucial factor affecting South Africa s economy. Unemployment rate is one of the key indicators of South Africa s economy and reports by Statistics South Africa have indicated an increase in the unemployment rate. Studies done by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) has ranked South Africa amongst the worst in the world for unemployment and that poverty manifests not as a financial indicator but as a result of lack of employment opportunities. In response to the challenge of unemployment, South Africa has introduced numerous policies and strategies to combat unemployment and alleviate poverty. The vision of the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) is to assist South Africa with its challenge of poverty eradication and to ease the unemployment statistics while simultaneously promoting skills development for its participants and the main focus of this policy is to provide income relief for the unemployment. The aim of this research was to assess the impact of EPWP in alleviating unemployment in Grahamstown, by assessing whether or not the EPWP has had any significant influence on job creation and skills development. This study focused on programmes implemented during the period 2014-2017 which is under phase 3 of the EPWP. This study adopted a qualitative research method and followed a descriptive approach. The research method did not seek to prove a true cause-effect relationship between the variables but rather demonstrate the correlation by means of case studies, archival research and content analysis. The research results revealed the potential of the EPWP projects in job creation in the area, and that there are areas of development and challenges in order to achieve the overall purpose of the EPWP.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
An exploration of collaborative group work with science students
- Authors: Adams, Aadiel
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Science -- Study and teaching (Higher) -- South Africa , Group work in education , Educational change -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9840 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/392 , Science -- Study and teaching (Higher) -- South Africa , Group work in education , Educational change -- South Africa
- Description: Part of the transformation of education in South Africa emphasises the need to address historical barriers that have been impeding access into institutions of learning, and the need for empowering stakeholders democratically. Improving institutional responsiveness and focusing on Science, Technology, and Engineering and increasing the number of university graduates are amongst the more prominent strategies for changing the educational, socioeconomic, and political landscape within a global context. This research, as the first cycle of an action research project, explores collaborative group work with a group of science students at a Vista University campus (that is now part of the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University) as a contribution to institutional, professional, and personal responsiveness. The treatise traces my development as a novice researcher within an evolving action research context that became a terrain for facilitating a collaborative approach to learning. I describe my personal experience and the experiences of my co-researchers as collaborative partners, the systemic influences considered during the study, and the process of action research that encouraged movement from feelings of apprehension and inadequacy to feelings of anticipation and excitement regarding collaborative interactive learning and development opportunities. For the co-researchers and me an action research process in an interpretivist paradigm was not just suited to an exploration of collaboration, but also evolved into a vehicle for interactive teaching and learning, in a collaborative and student-centred way. Giving voice and being listened to, having perspectives validated, engaging in learning that could accompany academic and personal growth, and an acute sense of being empowered are ingredients that participants, and institutions of learning, can continue building on and building with along evolving spirals of life-long learning and meaning making.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
- Authors: Adams, Aadiel
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Science -- Study and teaching (Higher) -- South Africa , Group work in education , Educational change -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9840 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/392 , Science -- Study and teaching (Higher) -- South Africa , Group work in education , Educational change -- South Africa
- Description: Part of the transformation of education in South Africa emphasises the need to address historical barriers that have been impeding access into institutions of learning, and the need for empowering stakeholders democratically. Improving institutional responsiveness and focusing on Science, Technology, and Engineering and increasing the number of university graduates are amongst the more prominent strategies for changing the educational, socioeconomic, and political landscape within a global context. This research, as the first cycle of an action research project, explores collaborative group work with a group of science students at a Vista University campus (that is now part of the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University) as a contribution to institutional, professional, and personal responsiveness. The treatise traces my development as a novice researcher within an evolving action research context that became a terrain for facilitating a collaborative approach to learning. I describe my personal experience and the experiences of my co-researchers as collaborative partners, the systemic influences considered during the study, and the process of action research that encouraged movement from feelings of apprehension and inadequacy to feelings of anticipation and excitement regarding collaborative interactive learning and development opportunities. For the co-researchers and me an action research process in an interpretivist paradigm was not just suited to an exploration of collaboration, but also evolved into a vehicle for interactive teaching and learning, in a collaborative and student-centred way. Giving voice and being listened to, having perspectives validated, engaging in learning that could accompany academic and personal growth, and an acute sense of being empowered are ingredients that participants, and institutions of learning, can continue building on and building with along evolving spirals of life-long learning and meaning making.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006