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The lived experiences of professional nurses with regards to end-of-life issues in the Intensive Care Unit

  • Authors: Clifford, Ilzé
  • Date: 2013
  • Subjects: Intensive care units , Death
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
  • Identifier: vital:10055 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1018572
  • Description: Professional nurses working in an intensive care unit (ICU) are faced with the death of critically ill patients frequently. Modern day medicine and technology have made it possible for advanced life-sustaining measures to be implemented on patients who, without medical intervention, would otherwise not have survived. The question is raised: is modern technology preserving life and prolonging the dying process, or is it in the best interest of the patient for treatment to be withdrawn? Nurses, caring for these patients and their families, are practicing at the bedside of these dying patients and are thus often faced with end-of-life issues, particularly withdrawal of treatment. The primary functions of critical care nurses are toward their patients. Physicians are responsible for making decisions regarding withdrawal of treatment. However, the nurses in the ICU are responsible for implementing the decisions made; sometimes contradicting what they believe in. The experience of end-of-life issues, namely withdrawal of treatment, is a cause of distress for the professional nurse. Little research has been done on how the ICU nurses deal with end-of-life issues and what support structures are required to assist nurses in dealing with end-of-life issues (Hov, Hedelin & Athlin, 2006:204) The objectives of the study were to explore and describe the professional nurses‟ lived experiences of end-of-life issues in the intensive care unit. The study aimed to make recommendations regarding support strategies to assist professional nurses in dealing with end-of-life issues in the intensive care unit. The researcher has selected a qualitative research approach with an explorative, descriptive and contextual design in order to conduct the study. Data was collected by means of semi-structured interviews. Data was analysed using the steps as illustrated by Tesch‟s method. Ethical principles were maintained throughout the research study. The findings of this study are to be presented in a journal publication.
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  • Date Issued: 2013

The management of antiretroviral drug distribution in the Qwaqwa District

  • Authors: Mokheseng, Mamolise
  • Date: 2013
  • Subjects: Antiretroviral agents -- South Africa -- Qwaqwa , Hospitals -- Drug distribution systems -- South Africa -- Qwaqwa , HIV-positive persons -- Care -- Government policy -- South Africa -- Qwaqwa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
  • Identifier: vital:10081 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1016077
  • Description: The supply of Antiretrovirals (ARVs) to HIV/AIDS patients in most of the provinces in South Africa is hindered by various factors such as ineffective and inefficient drug procurement, and drug distribution systems. In the QwaQwa district in the Free State Province, a major barrier to the consistent supply of Highly Active Antiretroviral Treatment was identified to be the lack of an effective and efficient ARV drug distribution system. This resulted in major drug supply shortages in the QwaQwa district. A continuous, uninterrupted supply of ARVs to HIV/AIDS patients is critical to avoid drug resistance and therapy failure. Failure of a patient to respond to treatment results in a deterioration of a patient's health, and ultimately leads to death. The purpose of the study was to determine whether the ARV drug distribution practices at the Manapo Hospital in the QwaQwa district were effective and efficient in the management of ARVs. The distribution practices reviewed were the ordering, transportation, the management of inventory and warehousing, and the distribution of treatment to HIV/AIDS patients. Quantitative exploratory, descriptive and contextual methods were used to determine the relationship between the ARV drug distribution practices and the effective management of the ARVs. The study comprised of a sample size of twenty-one participants. The sample size entailed the Manapo Hospital pharmacists and pharmacist assistants who have been or are currently involved in the distribution of ARVs in the QwaQwa district since the initiation of the ARV rollout programme in 2004. The study revealed that the practices performed in the management of ARVs in the QwaQwa district were neither effective nor efficient in the distribution of ARVs. The recommendations of the study were identified to further ensure the effective and efficient management of the ARV drug distribution system, which will ensure a consistent supply of treatment to HIV/AIDS patients. Guidelines were developed for better circulation, thus meeting the objectives of the research.
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  • Date Issued: 2013

The Mandela Bay Development Agency's role in promoting community participation in the Helenvale Urban Renewal Project, Port Elizabeth

  • Authors: Andrews, Christopher Lee
  • Date: 2013
  • Subjects: Community development -- South Africa -- Citizen participation , City planning -- South Africa -- Citizen participation , Urban renewal -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Economic development -- Citizen participation , South Africa -- Social policy -- Citizen participation
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
  • Identifier: vital:8315 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020095
  • Description: Community participation in urban renewal projects has become important in the South African government’s efforts to address past imbalances and improving the livelihoods of socially excluded and marginalised communities. In order for the Helenvale Urban Renewal Project to be successful and bring about sustainable change, it is vital that the community be allowed and encouraged to play an active role in consultation and participation initiatives. This study outlines the importance of community participation, the types, the incentives and disincentives as well as the possible barriers to effective community participation. Findings from the analysis of the collected data indicates that a community project can only be successful if the implementing agent employs democratic principles whereby all residents are given a voice and are allowed to participate in the decision-making and implementation process. This study explores the concept of community participation in the Helenvale Urban Renewal Projects with particular reference to the role played by the Mandela Bay Development Agency in promoting community participation in the Helenvale Urban Renewal Projects (HURP), in Port Elizabeth.
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  • Date Issued: 2013

The medicinal plant Sutherlandia Frutescens regulates gene expression to reverse insulin resistace in rats

  • Authors: Fortuin, Melissa
  • Date: 2013
  • Subjects: Insulin resistance , Medicinal plants , Genetic regulation , Insulin resistance -- Animal models
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
  • Identifier: vital:10349 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020823
  • Description: Obesity can lead to Type 2 Diabetes, both conditions increase in association with physical inactivity and high-energy diets, resulting in elevated blood glucose, decreased insulin sensitivity and increased insulin resistance. Sutherlandia frutescens (S.frutescens), an anti-diabetic plant, reverses and prevents insulin resistance in a rat model and human cell culture model. Gene expression analysis in hepatocyte cultures, identified genes down regulated in insulin resistance and up regulated by S.frutescens. These included genes encoding vesicle transporter proteins, hypothesised to be linked to hepatic lipid accumulation and lipid droplet formation during insulin resistance. The aim of this study was to investigate critical genes involved in lipid droplet formation, vesicle assembly and transport in high fat diet (HFD)-induced insulin resistant rat liver tissue during the development of insulin resistance and the reversal of these changes by S.frutescens. Rats were fed a low fat diet (LFD) or HFD supplemented with S.frutescens for 2, 4 and 8 weeks. Rats fed a HFD for 12 weeks developed insulin resistance, confirmed by plasma glucose and insulin levels (compared to normal controls). Groups of these rats were gavaged with S. frutescens (50mg/kg BW), Metformin (13mg/kg BW) or water for a further 4 weeks and starved for 12 hours, anaesthetized and blood removed by heart puncture. Liver was stored in RNA-Later™ for qRT-PCR and snap-frozen in liquid nitrogen for western blotting and confocal microscopy analysis. Changes in expression of vesicle transporter genes VAMP3 and NSF were analysed by qRT-PCR and changes in the protein expression by western blotting analysis. Proteins were localised within the liver by confocal immunohistochemistry using ZEN lite™ software. Statistical analysis was performed using One-Way ANOVA and unpaired t-test. mRNA gene expression of vesicle transport components VAMP3, NSF and SNAP25 showed relatively moderate changes with considerable individual variation within control or experimental groups. Uncorrelated changes in mRNA and protein products were found and may be due to differential regulation by siRNA. Proteins also showed altered staining patterns in high fat diet rats that reverted towards normal on S. frutescens treatment, potentially reflecting functional changes associated with transport of lipid-filled vesicles.
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  • Date Issued: 2013

The nature of China’s role in development of Africa: the case of Zambia and Zimbabwe

  • Authors: Hogwe, Fortune
  • Date: 2013
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , M Soc Sc (Dev)
  • Identifier: vital:11445 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1015048
  • Description: China’s economic involvement in Africa has increased rapidly over the past decade. China’s involvement in Africa has become one of the controversial topics in the development literature. The background of the study is that Sino-African relations can be grouped into two phases thus: past relations and contemporary relations. The study notes that past relations are different from contemporary relations because while the former are mainly characterised by solidarity, the latter are mainly categorized by economic relations. The study is a historical narrative of China’s economic involvement and the impact in Africa over the past decade. The study draws its arguments from the myths which label Chinese resurgence into Africa as neo-colonialism and that China’s reinvigorated interest in Africa is entirely based upon its own economic pursuits since it has developed into an economic powerhouse over the past decade. Additionally, it has been reported that China disregard good governance in Africa by engaging African governments which are corrupt and which possess poor track human rights. In order to determine if China is pushed into Africa by its economic pursuits and whether China disregards good governance, the study uses two case studies thus: Zimbabwe and Zambia. Zimbabwe one the one hand represents a pariah state, which is viewed as corrupt and a nation which has a poor record of human rights while Zambia, on the other hand represents illiberal regimes and democratic regimes with commodity based economies. The research discovered that China’s economic involvement in Africa presents both opportunities and challenges for African countries. In some instances, China has aided GDP growth in some African countries while in some instances, it has increased unemployment. In conclusion, the study also discovered that China does not involve itself in African domestic affairs hence it has been criticised for encouraging corruption and abusing of human rights.However, the study notes that these issues are mainly domestic hence Africans are entirely to be blamed for such practices, not China.
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  • Date Issued: 2013

The new Africans: a textual analysis of the construction of 'African-ness' in Chaz Maviyane-Davies' 1996 poster depictions of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights

  • Authors: Garman, Brian Donald
  • Date: 2013
  • Subjects: Human rights , Posters , African perspective , Stereotypes , Black men , Maviyane-Davies, Chaz -- Criticism and interpretation , Universal Declaration of Human Rights -- Posters -- Research , Ethnicity -- Research -- Africa , Human rights -- Africa , Pan-Africanism
  • Language: English
  • Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
  • Identifier: vital:3413 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1001844
  • Description: In 1996, Zimbabwean graphic designer Chaz Maviyane-Davies created a set of human rights posters which represent several articles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, from what he calls an “African perspective”. In this study I investigate how Maviyane-Davies has constructed ‘African-ness’ and probe what he refers to as the “alternative aesthetic” that he is trying to create. I use a visual social semiotic approach to examine the discourses he draws on to re-image and re-imagine Africa and Africans in a manner that contests the stereotypical representations found in political, news and economic discourses about Africa, paying particular attention to the ways he uses images of the body. My analysis of the posters shows how complex and difficult it can be to contest regimes of representation that work to fix racialised and derogatory meanings. In response to the pejorative stereotypes of the black body, Maviyane-Davies uses images of strong, healthy, and magnificent people (mostly men) to construct a more affirmative representation of Africa and Africans. Significantly, he draws on sports, touristic, traditional and hegemonic discourses of masculinity in an attempt to expand the complexity and range of possible representations of African-ness. In so doing he runs the risk of reproducing many of the stereotypes that sustain not only the racialised and gendered (masculinist) representations of Africa, but also a sentimentalisation and romanticisation of a place, a people and their traditions. Apart from women in prominent positions, other conspicuous absences from these images include white people and hegemonic references to Western modernity. I do not believe he is discarding whites and modernity as un-African, but is rejecting the naturalisation of whiteness as standing in for humanity, and particular icons of Western modernity as significations of ‘modernity’ itself
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  • Date Issued: 2013

The onus of proof and presumption of innocence in South African bail jurisprudence

  • Authors: Makasana, Velile
  • Date: 2013
  • Subjects: Criminal procedure -- South Africa , Bail -- South Africa , Detention of persons -- South Africa , Criminal law -- South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
  • Identifier: vital:10186 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020911
  • Description: The South African criminal justice process is such that there is an inevitable lapse of time between the arrest of the offender and his or her subsequent trial. The pre-trial incarceration presents a special problem. Between the arrest of the accused and release, the accused is being deprived of his or her liberty in circumstances where no court of law has pronounced him or her guilty. The right to bail is well entrenched in South African criminal justice system both in the Constitution Act and Criminal Procedure Act. Bail is always in the form of contract between the State and the accused, even though at times it may be opposed by the State. In the past the legal position based on the case law was that the presumption of innocence in bail proceedings operated in favour of the applicant even where it was said that there was a strong prima facie case against him or her. This position has slightly changed in that the courts in bail applications are not concerned with guilt, but that of possible guilt only to the extent that it may bear on where the interests of justice lie in regard to bail. The onus of proof in bail applications, other than Schedule 5 and 6 offences is borne by the State. Where Schedule 5 or 6 is applicable the onus is on the applicant. There are different requirements between schedule 5 and 6 that must be met by the applicant before release on bail is granted. In Schedule 5 offences the bail applicant must satisfy the court that the interests of justice permit his or her release. In determining whether the interests of justice permit the release of a particular applicant on bail, the courts are guided by the provisions of section 60(4) to (9) inclusive of section (11B)(c) of the Criminal Procedure Act. In such determination the courts must also take into account of section 60(60)(a) to (g) of the Criminal Procedure Act. In Schedule 6 offences there are two requirements namely: the exceptional circumstances and the interests of justice. The term “exceptional circumstances” does not have a closed definition. Both requirements must be established by means of written or oral evidence to the satisfaction of the court before bail may be granted. As pointed out above, the State may still oppose the release on bail of the applicant. It is now accepted in bail applications that ordinary circumstances may in particular context be blended with exceptional or unusual elements. In such cases the court is expected to apply its independent evaluation of evidence in order to determine whether the exceptional circumstances in the interests of justice permit the release on bail. Similarly to the South African bail jurisprudence the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court recognises a right of the arrested person to apply for the interim release. It also recognises the need to establish exceptional circumstances for such release. The South African bail jurisprudence recognises the right to bail, and places reasonable and procedural limitations founded on the constitutional values and interests of justice. There are still practical challenges that need to be addressed as a results of the stringent requirements in section 60(11)(a) and (b) of the Criminal Procedure Act that relate to Schedule 5 and 6. It is therefore recommended that there is a need for the following: 1. Legislative intervention that will regulate and limit the time spent on investigations where bail has been refused. 2. Legislative intervention that will provide for an automatic review procedures in Schedule 5 or 6 offences where bail is refused on grounds that the interests of justice do not permit the release of the applicant on bail or for failure to prove exceptional circumstances. It is submitted that this may assist in reducing refusals of bail based on mistaken understanding of the law or facts or irregularities that may be prejudicial to the applicant or the administration of justice; or 3. Legislative intervention that will make it mandatory for a court that refuses to grant bail to reconsider its decision after a certain period in future provided that the trial has not been commenced with, in order to determine whether further incarceration is necessary or proportionate to the offence. It is submitted that this may assist the court to enquire into unreasonable delays on investigations or changed circumstances of the applicant in order to enable the court to reconsider its previous decision if necessary. This may further assist in offences where it is foreseeable that the trial court is likely to pass a partly or wholly suspended sentence in case of conviction. For example some cases fall within the scope of Schedule 5 by virtue of a previous conviction on Schedule 1 or release on bail on a Schedule 1 offence. The above recommendations may directly or indirectly contribute in balancing the scales of justice during the bail proceedings and its aftermath. These may contribute to the reduction of high numbers of the in custody awaiting trial prisoners while not compromising the current bail procedures.
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  • Date Issued: 2013

The outcome and impact evaluation of Concern Worldwide community feeding program in Nyanga Distrcit, Zimbabwe

  • Authors: Tembo, Moment
  • Date: 2013
  • Subjects: Food relief -- Zimbabwe -- Evaluation , Food security -- Zimbabwe , Community development -- Zimbabwe
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
  • Identifier: vital:9205 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020536
  • Description: This study is an outcome and impact evaluation of Concern Worldwide (CW) community feeding program. Concern Worldwide conducted a community feeding program in Nyanga District in 2012. It was responding to the National Food Report (2011) issued by the government on the food shortages in Nyanga District. The feeding program supported Nyanga communities with nutritional supplements and food provisions to households. The goal of Concern Worldwide was to address the problems of hunger, household food insecurity, malnutrition and poverty which were affecting people in Nyanga. Four evaluation questions about program outcomes were used as a framework for the evaluation and included: How feasible are livelihood feeding schemes as methods of providing food safety net?; How are short-term emergency programmes converted into long term benefits for communities?; What are the interventions available in the program to ensure fulfilment of goals and community empowerment?; What lessons can be derived from the projects that can be used in future by Concern Worldwide and other NGOs involved in emergency and other developmental projects? For the purposes of the study three data sources were consulted. These included program documents, CW officials and beneficiaries. Data collection methods used included face to face interviews and both closed and open ended questionnaires. The qualitative data was analysed through content analysis and presented graphically and descriptively. The findings showed that the community feeding program made some impact through food provisions and agriculture inputs to the beneficiaries which was highly regarded and appreciated. It also managed to provide training on drought resistant crop farming and management of harvests. Monitoring and evaluation of the feeding program was identified as a critical tool in creating efficiency and accountability of the program. Although training was provided to all the beneficiaries, not all were directly involved in the daily routine activities of the program a goal that is not achievable in the context of community feeding program.
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  • Date Issued: 2013

The participation of women entrepreneurs in local economic development in Nelson Mandela Bay

  • Authors: Awoyemi, Oluwabunmi
  • Date: 2013
  • Subjects: Businesswomen -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Entrepreneurship -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Economic development -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
  • Identifier: vital:9179 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020145
  • Description: The purpose of local economic development (LED) is to build up the economic capacity of a community, to improve its economic future and the quality of life for all. It is a process by which public, business and nongovernmental sector partners work collectively to create better conditions for economic growth and employment generation (World Bank, 2006). In achieving the above definition of LED by the World Bank, the participation of community members in this process cannot be over emphasized. Women entrepreneurs are a driving force in today’s modern world. Most researches on women entrepreneurs in developed countries have showed that there are significant improvements in the economic growth of these countries as a result of the entrepreneurial activities of these women. However, there are limited statistics on the impact of women entrepreneurs in developing countries. The context of this research area is the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM). This research makes a contribution to the existing body of knowledge about the promotion of LED through the participation of women entrepreneurs in NMBM. A group of women entrepreneurs in the metro completed a questionnaire. The aim of the questionnaires was to help identify their nature of business, years of being in business and most importantly, challenges each one of them encounter in carrying out their business operations and in developing their entrepreneurial skills. The research methods used in the study are the qualitative and quantitative methods. The qualitative method approach is used in the literature review. The literature review formed the conceptual basis against which the information gained from questionnaires were analysed. The quantitative method included the use of questionnaires. The data collected in this study revealed that the activities of women entrepreneurs contributed in their own little way to the growth and development of the metro. The study further reveals that finance is one of the major challenges of the women entrepreneurs as supported by the findings in the literature review. Therefore, if access to finance and support system are made readily available for women entrepreneurs, they would be able to make a significant impact in the development of the metro and nation at large. In conclusion, the researcher has been able to identify some of the challenges women entrepreneur face through the experience of the respondents in the study. The researcher has also been able to demonstrate how the aims and the objectives of the study have been met.
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  • Date Issued: 2013

The perception of the effectiveness of sexual education as a means of reducing pregnancies in the Blue Crane Route municipality

  • Authors: Hendricks, Eleanor Alvira
  • Date: 2013
  • Subjects: Sexual abstinence , Youth -- Sexual behavior
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , M SW
  • Identifier: vital:11771 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1015435 , Sexual abstinence , Youth -- Sexual behavior
  • Description: Adolescent pregnancy among students across South Africa is a growing concern. The high incidence of dropping out of school results in greatly diminished chances of success and independence for many. Sex education forms part of the life orientation curriculum, and it has been put in place by the Department of Education as a measure to reduce the prevalence of adolescent pregnancy. Parents of adolescents play a vital role in educating their children on sexual matters, secondary to that is community educations on sexual matters in aid of uplifting communities. The aim of the study was to explore the perception of how effective sex education could be a means of reducing pregnancies in the Blue Crane Route Municipality. To achieve this aim, three objectives and three research questions were articulated. The objectives were to explore the course content of life orientation provided to adolescents, to investigate by questioning adolescents concerning the importance of life orientation in their lives and to examine the factors responsible for the escalation of adolescent pregnancies in the municipality. The research questions were: How adequate was the course content of life orientation in helping adolescents in their sexual lives? How useful was life orientation to adolescent girls? What are the factors that increase the incidence of adolescent pregnancies in the municipality? Qualitative data was obtained through semi-structured interviews; focus group discussions were conducted with students, social workers and life orientation educators and observations made by them were recorded. Data was analysed thematically and was supported by relevant literature. The findings revealed that sex education is not effective in reducing pregnancies in the Blue Crane Route Municipality. The figures for adolescent pregnancy in schools have increased since 2007, when sex education was introduced as part of the life orientation curriculum. Accordingly, it is recommended that the Department of Education should re-evaluate the curriculum and appoint educators who are sufficiently trained in life orientation to make learners properly aware of the consequences of unwanted pregnancies.
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  • Date Issued: 2013

The perceptions of 2nd year bridging course students regarding mentoring at private nursing colleges in Eastern Cape

  • Authors: Pillay, Thriscilla
  • Date: 2013
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Nursing Science)
  • Identifier: vital:11916 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1016157
  • Description: Nursing faces many challenges today, such as an international shortageof nurses and high medico-legal risks. One way of becoming a professional nurse is to complete a diploma course called the Bridging Course at a private nursing college. This is a two-year diploma course that is controlled by the South African Nursing Council (SANC), Regulation 683. This course allows enrolled nurses to further their studies to become a professional nurse, thus becoming an independent practitioner. These Bridging Course students need to do mentoring as part of their training so as to socialise them into the requirements for the role they will fulfil as a professional nurse and assist them to attain the competencies needed to function independently after the training phase. The various prescribed competencies that the Bridging Course student nurse needs to complete are clinical, co-ordination and management competencies. Clinical competencies equip them to perform and teach all nursing duties and co-ordination competencies ensure smooth, effective running of a ward. Then there are management competencies to be able to meet the vision, mission and philosophy of the unit and to have control from an or Nursing faces many challenges today, such as an international shortage of nurses and high medico-legal risks. One way of becoming a professional nurse is to complete a diploma course called the Bridging Course at a private nursing college. This is a two-year diploma course that is controlled by the South African Nursing Council (SANC), Regulation 683. This course allows enrolled nurses to further their studies to become a professional nurse, thus becoming an independent practitioner. These Bridging Course students need to do mentoring as part of their training so as to socialise them into the requirements for the role they will fulfil as a professional nurse and assist them to attain the competencies needed to function independently after the training phase. The various prescribed competencies that the Bridging Course student nurse needs to complete are clinical, co-ordination and management competencies. Clinical competencies equip them to perform and teach all nursing duties and co-ordination competencies ensure smooth, effective running of a ward. Then there are management competencies to be able to meet the vision, mission and philosophy of the unit and to have control from an organisational, human resource and business perspective. Research studies have discovered higher retention and graduation rates to be one of the positive outcomes of the mentoring process; also that mentoring solidifies people as leaders (Seekoe, 2011:15). Due to the international shortage of professional nurses, effective mentoring is much needed. This will allow the professional nurses to be able to perform competently in all expected areas. Having competent, qualified professional nurses may help to reduce medico-legal risks and restore the public’s trust in the nursing profession. Despite extensive research on mentoring, there is little research on the Bridging Course student nurse’s perceptions regarding mentoring, ganisational, human resource and business perspective. Research studies have discovered higher retention and graduation rates to be one of the positive outcomes of the mentoring process; also that mentoring solidifies people as leaders (Seekoe, 2011:15). Due to the international shortage of professional nurses, effective mentoring is much needed. This will allow the professional nurses to be able to perform competently in all expected areas. Having competent, qualified professional nurses may help to reduce medico-legal risks and restore the public’s trust in the nursing profession. Despite extensive research on mentoring, there is little research on the Bridging Course student nurse’s perceptions regarding mentoring.
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  • Date Issued: 2013

The power of investor sentiment: an analysis of the impact of investor confidence on South African financial markets

  • Authors: Argyros, Robert
  • Date: 2013
  • Subjects: Johannesburg Stock Exchange Stockholders Stocks -- Prices -- South Africa Stock Exchanges Investments
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
  • Identifier: vital:1032 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004169
  • Description: Whether investor sentiment has any authority over financial markets has long been a topic of discussion in the field of finance. This study investigates the relationship between investor sentiment and share returns in South Africa. Determining this relationship will add to the existing work which has documented important determinants of share returns on the stock exchange in South Africa, as well adding to the inconclusive link between sentiment and the South African financial markets. Does sentiment influence share returns or do share returns influence sentiment? Using quarterly data for the period 1996-2010, the study makes use of the FNB/BER Consumer Confidence Index as a proxy for investor sentiment, and the FTSE/JSE All Share Index to represent the South African financial markets. A regression analysis was conducted along with granger-causality tests, impulse response functions and variance decompositions in order to determine the nature of this relationship. The results showed that investor sentiment has a statistically significant relationship with share returns in South Africa. However, sentiment is only able to account for a very small portion of the variation in returns, with returns able to account for a larger portion of the variation in sentiment. Therefore investor sentiment is not a suitable predictor of share returns in South Africa. In addition, granger-causality tests indicate that returns are actually the leading indicator, suggesting that changes in South African investors’ confidence levels occur following changes in the state of the JSE. The limitations of the study include the infrequent nature of the sentiment measure used, thereby failing to capture important changes in sentiment and their immediate impact on financial markets. In addition, the sentiment of foreign investors must be taken into account due to the large foreign investment in the JSE.
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  • Date Issued: 2013

The production of Omega 3 fatty acids by a mixed microalgae culture

  • Authors: Kimono, Diana Agnes
  • Date: 2013
  • Subjects: Omega-3 fatty acids , Algae culture , Microalgae
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/6498 , vital:21097
  • Description: Background and Aim: Microalgae are a potential economical source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are known for their health benefits. Omega-3 fatty acids derived from microalgae are however still expensive due to high costs involved in production. These costs can partly be attributed to cultivation of microalgae in unialgal cultures, which are prone to contamination, difficult to scale up and require stringent control of growth conditions. This study therefore is aimed to investigate the feasibility of using a mixed microalgae culture for the production of omega-3 fatty acids. Methods and materials: The microalgae were grown under uncontrolled conditions in a hanging-bag photo-bioreactor, with only the phosphorus-nitrogen ratio (P:N-ratio) varied. Variations in the different population proportions in the culture were studied and related to the biomass, total fatty acid and omega-3 fatty acid productivity of the culture. Finally, a comparison was made between the results obtained in this study and similar studies found in literature. Results and discussion: The mixed culture used was composed of several green microalgae, whose proportions varied with P:N-ratio, season, and age of the culture. Different interactions between the populations were observable, and these were thought to influence the culture’s biomass, total fatty acids (TFAs) and omega-3 fatty acid productivity. The TFA content of the culture was ~10-20% by the end of the exponential phase, depending on the nutrients supplied. The fatty acids were composed of mostly unsaturated fatty acids, the majority of which were omega-3 fatty acids; C18:3ω3 (up to 50% of TFA), C16:4ω3 (up to 15%) and C18:4ω3 (up to 5%). Other fatty acids observed included C16:0 (up to 25%), C18:1ω9/C18:1ω8 (up to 20%), C18:2ω6 (up to 5%), traces of C18:0, C18:3ω6, C17:0, C16:3ω3 and C16:1ω7 were also detected. The presence of these fatty acids was found to vary depending on season, P:N-ratio, and age of the culture. When compared to studies in the literature, the mixed culture was found to perform better than, or as well as reported studies, where unialgal cultures were cultivated under controlled laboratory conditions. Conclusion: In view of the reported advantages of cultivating mixed cultures, the production of omega-3 fatty acids via such cultures appears attractive. More research however is needed to optimise the culture; study interactions between the organisms and their effect on biomass, total fatty acid and omega-3 fatty acid productivity. Finally, the economic implications of using mixed cultures need to be evaluated as well.
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  • Date Issued: 2013

The protection of indigenous knowledge within the current intellectual property rights regime: a critical assessment focusing upon the Masakhane Pelargonium case

  • Authors: Msomi, Zuziwe Nokwanda
  • Date: 2013
  • Subjects: Intellectual property -- South Africa -- Case studies Cultural property -- Protection -- Law and legislation -- South Africa Indigenous peoples -- Legal status, laws, etc. -- South Africa Masakhane (South Africa) -- Trials, litigation, etc. Pelargoniums -- Therapeutic use Traditional ecological knowledge -- Law and legislation -- South Africa Pharmaceutical industry -- Law and legislation -- South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
  • Identifier: vital:2871 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007744
  • Description: The use of indigenous knowledge (IK) and indigenous bio-resources by pharmaceutical and herbal industries has led to concerns about the need to protect IK in order to prevent biopiracy and the misappropriation of indigenous knowledge and resources. While some commentators believe that intellectual property rights (IPR) law can effectively protect IK, others are more sceptical. In order to contribute to the growing debate on this issue, this study uses the relatively new and as yet largely critically unanalysed Masakhane Pelargonium case to address the question of whether or not IPR law can be used to effectively protect IK. It is argued here that discussion about the protection of IK is a matter that must be located within broader discussions about North-South relations and the continued struggle for economic and political freedom by indigenous people and their states. The Masakhane case suggests that IPR law in its current form cannot provide sufficient protection of IK on its own. Incompatibilities between IPR law and IK necessitate that certain factors, most important of which are land, organised representation, and what are referred as 'confidence and network resources', be present in order for IPR law to be used with any degree of success. The study also reveals various factors that undermine the possibility of using IPR law to protect IK. In particular, the study highlights the way in which local political tensions can undermine the ability of communities to effectively use IPR law to protect their knowledge. The thesis concludes with several recommendations that will enable indigenous communities and their states to benefit more substantially from the commercialisation of their bio-resources and associated IK.
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  • Date Issued: 2013

The reforms in the ministry of immigration and registration of persons in Kenya

  • Authors: Angaine, Emily Karwitha
  • Date: 2013
  • Subjects: Public administration -- Kenya , Civil service -- Kenya , Organizational change -- Kenya
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
  • Identifier: vital:9237 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021099
  • Description: Public service delivery is a major challenge to governments in both the developing and developed worlds. Governments have used various strategies to enhance service delivery. These strategies have resulted in varying outcomes and levels of service delivery. In the Kenyan government, the strategies to enhance service delivery include: Results Based Management strategies, service charters, Information Communication Technology (ICT), performance contracting, and strategic plans. This study is an investigation of reforms in the Ministry of Immigration and Registration of Persons (MIRP), Kenya. The study sought to investigate the effects of Results Based Management on service delivery; to investigate the effect of strategic planning on service delivery in Kenya; to investigate the effect of ICT on service delivery in Kenya; and to investigate the effect of Business Process Re-engineering (BPR) in service delivery. This study utilized a descriptive research design where the researcher investigated and collected factual data to describe the situation or problem. Secondary data was sourced from document reviews. Data was analyzed as it was collected. The researcher classified the data in terms of the topic, themes and content. The broad topic and themes of the data collected was based on the research objectives of this study and included: use of Information Communication Technology, Business Process Re-engineering, Results Based Management, and strategic planning. The findings revealed that the department has utilized Results Based Management, strategic planning, Information Communication Technology, as well as Business Process Re-engineering tools in reforming public service delivery towards effectiveness and efficiency. Furthermore, this study also revealed that the department has accrued various benefits as a consequence of these tools despite the challenges facing their implementation. According to the report, the reform programs have enhanced greater transparency in service delivery, improved accountability, responsibility in employees, enhanced policy coherence and strengthened capacity. these advantages are evident to the Department of Immigration. the study recommends that the use of Results Based Management, ICT and Business Process Re-engineering policies and changes should be implemented to improve service delivery in the Ministry of Immigration and Registration of Persons. In addition, the study recommends the following further studies: the study should be replicated to other public organizations (agencies) to allow for comparison of the findings of this study; the study recommends research on the success of public organizations in achieving objectives of their strategic planning (this is based on the challenges identified facing strategic planning in the Department of Immigration); and, finally, this study recommends future research on the relationship between Business Process Re-engineering (BPR) and efficient service delivery. This study will provide insight to what extent BPR affects service delivery.
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  • Date Issued: 2013

The relationship between customer satisfaction and revenue: an empirical study within the corporate banking division of a South African bank

  • Authors: Richter, Leonie
  • Date: 2013
  • Subjects: Banks and banking -- Customer services -- South Africa Banks and banking -- South Africa -- Accounting Consumer satisfaction -- South Africa Financial services industry -- South Africa Revenue -- Research -- South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
  • Identifier: vital:802 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006169
  • Description: This is a quantitative study which explores whether there is a positive relationship between customer satisfaction as perceived by corporate customers and revenue generated from such customers of the corporate division of a single South African bank. This research report has three sections, namely the (1) academic paper which comprises a condensed literature review, research methods, results and discussion, (2) an expanded literature review, and (3) an expanded research methodology. Although these three sections are interrelated, they may be considered stand-alone documents. A review of literature contends that customer satisfaction has been a topic of interest for over four decades when, in 1965, the concept was first introduced to literature by Cardozo. Even in these early stages it was hypothesized that higher customer satisfaction would lead to repeat purchasing and cross selling. Thus, for some time, researchers have proposed that a link exists between customer satisfaction and a company’s bottom line, ultimately alluding to the notion of positive associations between customer satisfaction, revenue and profitability. The corporate banking division of a South African bank has dedicated significant time and economic resources to monitoring and improving the satisfaction of their corporate customers each year. With a focus on this single corporate banking division, this quantitative study used secondary customer satisfaction data to establish whether a positive relationship between customer satisfaction with a bank representative or more formally termed, the ‘transactional banker’ (TB) and revenue at an account level exists. The study used a one-dimensional customer satisfaction construct summated from several variables or a one-dimensional multi item scale. This quantitative study made use of secondary data obtained through customer satisfaction surveys conducted with the division’s clients in three waves during September 2010, March 2011 and September 2011. At the time of data collection, telephone interviews were conducted with individuals in corporations who were customers of the corporate division within the bank. These individuals in their respective corporations were identified and surveyed because they (a) managed the primary relationship of the corporation with the banking division and (b) were senior financial decision makers of their organization’s (i.e. had the ability to influence a decision to change banks). Sample sizes of 273 (September 2010), 259 (March 2011) and 310 (September 2011) individual corporate customers were achieved through a method of stratified sampling. In this study, customers were stratified according to the TB who is responsible for their account. Within each stratum a random sample of 10 – 15 participants were included for each of the 30 TB’s. Monthly revenue data, recorded as a) credit revenue, b) overdraft revenue and c) total revenue was sourced from internal company records for each month from September 2010 to January 2012. Pearson’s correlation coefficient was used to assess whether a positive correlation between the two variables of customer satisfaction and revenue exists. This was followed by Ordinary Least Square Regression to investigate the magnitude and nature of the relationship between customer satisfaction and revenue using customer satisfaction as the independent variable and revenue as the response variable. Cronbach’s alpha was also used for internal scale validity. The results of the research indicated no statistically significant relationship between a customer’s satisfaction with the performance of their TB and either the credit, overdraft or total revenue generated from such a customer through their account. By highlighting this, these findings, nevertheless, contribute to the growing body of knowledge examining the impact of customer satisfaction efforts on revenue. On the basis of the findings of this study, it cannot be practically recommended that customer satisfaction efforts be terminated or changed within the organization of study owing to several study limitations which were present. Firstly, the study was hampered by small sample sizes due to a lack of the availability of revenue data in some instances, particularly in the case of overdraft revenue. Secondly, the study only focused on a single bank account held with the bank and increases and decreases in revenue based on the balances held within that single account. Since one of the purported consequences of improved customer satisfaction is the purchase of additional products, the current design of the study does not take into account the take up of additional accounts or banking products with the bank. Thus, an increase in revenue for the bank as a whole due to the purchase of additional accounts may be masked. Similarly, the scope of the study does not extend to examining the effect of recommendations made by these corporate customers to others and hence growth of divisional or bank revenue due to the addition of new customers. Finally, this quantitative study does not examine revenue growth when compared to customer satisfaction improvements over time due to a limited sample of customers taking part in the study over a number of periods as well as incomplete revenue data. The recommendations for future research are to examine the relationship between changes in customer satisfaction and changes in revenue at divisional level in the long run within the South African banking industry as the impact of an increase in customer satisfaction may be obscured by salient factors in the short run. It is also suggested that future research look at the correlation between dissatisfaction and revenue, where adequate sample sizes are available. Theoretically, the results of this research do bring into serious question the universal application, especially in the context of the South African banking industry of the Service Profit Chain and Satisfaction Profit Chain which propagate the existence of a positive relationship between customer satisfaction and revenue.
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  • Date Issued: 2013

The relationship between electricity supply, power outages and economic growth in South Africa

  • Authors: Khobai, Hlalefang
  • Date: 2013
  • Subjects: Economic development -- South Africa , Energy consumption -- Economic aspects
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
  • Identifier: vital:9024 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020069
  • Description: The economic boom in South Africa following the 1994 democratisation led to increased welfare of the citizens and their purchasing power. This further resulted in increase in electricity consumption. The electricity supply did not increase proportionally to the increase in electricity consumption leading to the 2008 shortage of electricity which nearly damaged the power generating circuit. The literature review has shown that electricity supply and consumption have a positive impact on economic growth. It further showed that employment enhances economic growth. Conversely, it showed that power outages negatively affect economic growth. The research serves to investigate the relationship between electricity supply and economic growth in South Africa and to examine the impact of power outages on economic growth. It also seeks to find the appropriate structure for electricity supply industry that will lead to increase in economic growth. The autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) bounds approach was used to find the relationship between economic growth, electricity supply, power outages and employment using quarterly data from 2000 to 2012. The ARDL technique was chosen over the conventional models such as Johansen technique for the research because it uses a single reduced form of equation to examine the long run relationship of the variables as opposed to the conventional Johansen test that employs a system of equations. The ARDL technique is also suitable to use to test co-integration when a small sample data is used and does not require the underlying variables to be integrated of similar order. The Vector Error Correction Model (VECM) Granger causality was also employed in the study to establish the causality between economic growth and electricity supply. It was chosen for its ability to develop longer term forecasting, when dealing with an unconstrained model. The results from the ARDL bounds test showed that there is a long run relationship between economic growth, electricity supply, power outages and employment. Based on the causality tests, the findings showed a unidirectional causality flowing from electricity supply to economic growth. This implies that electricity supply affect economic growth in South Africa. The results further showed no causality flowing from economic growth to electricity supply which indicates that when economic growth is booming fewer funds are used for improvement of the electricity generation. Lastly, the results showed that power outages negatively affect economic growth in the long run. To sum up, electricity supply is an important factor for economic growth in South Africa. It is therefore necessary that South Africa must put in place measures aimed at stimulating electricity supply. One of the measures aimed at increasing output of electricity is to unbundle the electricity sector. This process involves allowing entry of the Independent Power Producers (IPPs), Independent System Operator (ISO) and Regional Electricity Distributors (REDs). This will lead to increased supply of electricity and competitively lower prices of electricity. The study further recommends that renewable energy sources should be used to produce electricity instead of coal and nuclear fuels as they failed to produce enough electricity for the nation.
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  • Date Issued: 2013

The relationship between leadership and employee work performance in a Nigerian courier company

  • Authors: Yobe, Kingsley
  • Date: 2013
  • Subjects: Leadership -- Nigeria Transformational leadership -- Nigeria Industrial management -- Nigeria Business planning -- Research -- Nigeria Employees -- Rating of -- Nigeria Organizational change
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
  • Identifier: vital:805 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006858
  • Description: A number of authors have portrayed leadership as a vital factor in the success or failure of an organization. Hence Bass (1994; 1997) believes that excellent organizations begin with excellent leadership and organisations reflect their leadership (Maritz, 1995). Therefore, successful organisations reflect their leadership (Maritz, 1995). In an attempt to investigate the aim of this research, various performance and leadership concepts and theories were investigated: the trait concept, behavioural approaches and situational/contingency approaches. Every one of these theories gave a different explanation to leadership. Furthermore, transactional, and transformational leadership were also discussed. The difference between these two models according to Bass and Avolio (1994) is that the work performance of the followers of transformational leadership is usually beyond expectations, while transactional leadership, at best, leads to expected performance. In terms of performance, it is argued that employee work performance can lead to a successful organisational performance. This is because several organisations attribute their business success to the work performance of their employees. According to Collis and Montgomery (1995) employee work performance has a major positive influence on organisational performance. Nevertheless, the accomplishment of an organisation is dependent on the leader’s ability to enhance human resources; hence “effective organisations require effective leadership” (Maritz, 1995). Transformational leadership was identified as the effective leadership style that can motivate workers to improve on their performance by instilling trust and confidence in them. Transformational leadership is superior to both transactional and non-transactional leadership because it makes workers loyal to the mission and vision of their organizations. Bass (1990) states “that the leadership research over the years has proved that loyalty is more powerful than tangible inducements.” Furthermore, non- transactional leaders avoid decision making, allowing their subordinates to take charge of the work process (Bass 1990). This research focuses on the relationship between leadership and employee work performance in a Nigerian Courier Company. In addressing this aim, a Nigerian Courier company was selected as the research context because of its success in the Nigerian turbulent business environment that is plagued by the country’s economic, social, and political troubles (McKern, Meza, Osayande and Denend, 2010). The research hypothesis of this research was generated to investigate leadership and employee performance. Leadership and performance were also identified as the research independent and dependent variables. Thus the research hypotheses were as follows: Hypothesis 1. Null Hypothesis: There is no significant positive linear relationship between employee performance and transformational leadership Alternative Hypothesis: There is significant positive linear relationship between employee performance and transformational leadership Hypothesis 2. Null Hypothesis: There is no significant positive linear relationship between employee performance and transactional leadership Alternative Hypothesis: There is significant positive linear relationship between employee performance and transactional leadership Hypothesis 3. Null Hypothesis: There is no significant positive linear relationship between employee performance and non-transactional leadership. Alternative Hypothesis: There is significant positive linear relationship between employee performance and non-transactional leadership. The general methodology included the use of a valid and reliable instrument known as the Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire (MLQ) and the company’s performance appraisal process. These instruments were used to collect information about employee work performance. The validity and reliability of the MLQ is not in doubt because it was formulated from the full range leadership development theory of Bass and Avolio (1997) and has been used extensively worldwide (Bass and Avolio, 1997). The research data was analysed using Statistica (StatSoft, 2011). Once the data was imported the necessary leadership factors were calculated as per the MLQ scoring key. From the eight factors a further three factors were generated namely transformational, transactional and nontransactional leadership. The data was checked and described using frequency tables and descriptive statistics, followed by correlation matrices coupled with their corresponding scatter plots. The research data was tested for consistency and reliability. Sekaran (2000) states that in order to determine the reliability of a measure one needs to test for both consistency and stability. For this research, linear correlation and regression analysis was used. The outcome of the first investigated hypothesis confirmed that there is a strong significant, positive linear relationship between employee performance and transformational leadership (ρ<0.0001). However, the findings on the null hypothesis, states that transformational leadership has no significant positive linear relationship with employee performance. The null hypothesis is REJECTED, because the model is significant at ρ<.0001. Thus, the alternative hypothesis is ACCEPTED because it concludes that there is sufficient evidence, at the 5% level of significance, that there is significant positive linear relationship between employee performance and transformational leadership. The second hypotheses found that with 5% level of significance there is no significant positive linear relationship between transactional leadership and employee performance (ρ =0.317). It must be noted that since the correlation is not significant the null hypothesis which states that there is no significant positive linear relationship between employee performance and transactional leadership was NOT REJECTED. The outcome of the third hypotheses support the null hypothesis, because the negative linear relationship between employee performance and non-transactional leadership is not significant (ρ = 0.6718). This informed the conclusion that at the 5% level of significance, there is no positive linear relationship between non-transactional leadership and employee performance. The findings of this research favour the conclusion drawn by Brand, Heyl and Maritz (2000) that suggested a more significant relationship between transformational leadership and employee performance, than any other leadership style. Evidence put together in the retail and manufacturing sector of South Africa, and the armed forces of the United States of America, Germany and Canada, point in the direction of the strong, positive effects of transformational leaders (Brand, et al., 2000). Again the effectiveness of transformational leadership can be reinforced by the research directed by Ristow, Amos and Staude (1999), which resolved that the effectiveness of transformational leadership was greater in a South African cricketing environment. Hayward, Davidson, Pascoe, Tasker, Amos and Pearse (2003) conducted research in a pharmaceutical organisation and found a positive linear relationship between transformational leadership and employee work performance. These research outcomes clarify the investigation by Pruijn and Boucher (1994) which established “that transformational leadership is an extension of transactional leadership” (Bass, 1997). The difference between these two models according to Bass and Avolio (1994) is that the work performance of supporters of transformational leadership is usually beyond expectation, while the behaviour of the supporters of transactional leadership, at best, leads to anticipated work performance. This research will be used to improve the relationship between the leaders and employees of the courier company under investigation. It will be useful for the placement of individuals to leadership positions in the company. It will also impact on how future leadership training will be conducted by the company, and of course add to the body of knowledge. This is supported by research conducted in the service sector which states that “transformational leadership affects performance over and above transactional leadership” (Geyery and Steyrer, 1998).
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  • Date Issued: 2013

The relationship between psychological capital and psychological well-being

  • Authors: De Andrade, Ruaan Kriel
  • Date: 2013
  • Subjects: Organizational sociology -- Research , Clinical health psychology , Psychology -- Management -- Social aspects
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
  • Identifier: vital:9412 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020096
  • Description: A study of the available literature on Psychological WellQBeing and Positive Organisational Scholarship revealed that enormous potential existed for further research. This is a relatively new field with limited literature and research evidence available. It became very clear from the beginning that the relationships between these constructs could successfully be researched. It was therefore decided to embark on an academic research journey in order to contribute to the existing knowledge available on these constructs within the South African Private Healthcare Industry. This quantitative research was used to obtain more clarity about the relationships between the two constructs and to gather the responses from the research population. The research sample consisted of 152 nursing staff. Two questionnaires were integrated to develop the Nursing Psychological WellQBeing Questionnaire and consisted of i) PsyCap Questionnaire developed by Luthans, Youssef and Avolio2007, and ii) Psychological WellQBeing Questionnaire developed by Ryff 2000. A total of 152 nursing staff responded to an 87–item paperQbased questionnaire. Four research questions were formulated and covered the following: •The content, validity and portability of the measuring instruments; •The configuration of the various constructs; • Relationships between some of the variables . The content and the structure of the measuring instruments were assessed by means of Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) and) Exploratory Factor Analyses (EFA). These assessments showed that the original measuring instruments are not portable to a culture which is different to the one where they were originally developed. The relationship between dimensions of Psychological WellQBeing and PsyCap sense of achievement and optimism is a significant finding. The significance of the findings of this study and the contribution that it makes to the existing theory is seen in the importance of the portability of measuring instruments. Recommendations in this regard have been made in Chapter 5. Various findings have also highlighted the relationships between Psychological WellQBeing and PsyCap. The importance of future research topics has been recommended.
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  • Date Issued: 2013

The relationship between the value chain and project success in the Malawian construction industry

  • Authors: Kadangwe, Samuel Ronald
  • Date: 2013
  • Subjects: Construction industry -- Malawi , Industrial procurement -- Construction -- Malawi
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
  • Identifier: vital:9715 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020865
  • Description: The construction industry in Malawi plays a vital role in developing the infrastructure of the country that is in need of improvement. Thus, in order to improve the quality of infrastructure in Malawi, the construction industry has to perform better than the status quo. The construction industry is characterised by a complex value chain that comprises of clients, consultants, contractors, and material manufacturers, suppliers, financing institutions, knowledge organisations and regulatory authority. This research looks at the relationship between construction value and project success in the Malawian construction industry. A qualitative research method was used for compiling the primary data for the study. Twenty-nine (29) participants were interviewed. These participants represented clients, consultants, contractors and material suppliers. The findings reveal that value creation in Malawi is characterised by lack of harmonised standards and specifications, inconsistent project management practices, existence of non-value adding activities, corrupt practices, lack of a skilled labour force, and lack of commitment to best practices in H&S as well as environmental management. Further, logistical problems affect the supply of construction materials to the country; while an unfavourable economic environment makes pricing of materials a challenge in the country too. Poor communication and limited use of information technology (IT) is very common in the industry and project implementation is also affected by a poor road network, an intermittent power supply, and a lack of cooperation from other service providers. In terms of supply chain structures in use, the research revealed that the traditional procurement method that is based on the lowest bidder / price is the most dominant method in use and very few members of the construction industry are conversant with other procurement methods. The method is also the preferred procurement method used by public sector clients. The performance of the traditional procurement method largely depends on the competence of the project design and supervision team, the adequacy of the documentation, and the capacity of the contractor. However, in most cases the system has failed to perform due to the poor contract management skills of the supervising consultant and the lack of timely guidance from the public sector clients. The findings also revealed that most of the suppliers or subcontractors are engaged on project based relationships, and members of the industry are unwilling to engage in long terms relationships due to mistrust and greed among members of the industry, and also largely due to lack of proper frameworks that can support such relationships. It is therefore recommended that other procurement methods should be explored and the engagement of the lowest price bidders should be discontinued on small and medium scale projects. The criteria for upgrading contractors to higher categories should equally be revisited to eliminate incompetent contractors. The NCIC should take a leading role in harmonising the various standards and specifications in use in the country. Promotion of the usage IT services should be encouraged to facilitate faster information dissemination. Usage of risk management in construction and evaluation and monitoring of projects should be encouraged and benchmark best practices. Finally, the members of the industry should take up the responsibility to take leading entities in the industry to task, if fundamental changes are to take place in the industry.
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2013
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