An exploration of first-time mothers' experiences of exclusive breastfeeding and support in the Buffalo City Metropolitan, South Africa
- Authors: Dasheka, Zukiswa Theodorah
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Breastfeeding--South Africa Breastfeeding
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Nursing Science
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/11096 , vital:37130
- Description: There are inadequate child feeding practices worldwide, and this varies amongst the regions. Suboptimal exclusive breastfeeding remains the key contributor to the leading causes of child mortalities, namely, diarrhoea and acute respiratory infections. An infant who is not exclusively breastfed for the first six months of life has fourteen times likelihood of dying of all causes, especially, diarrhoea and pneumonia compared to an exclusively breastfed infant. Worldwide, only 40 percent infants are exclusively breastfed for the first six months of their lives. South Africa, on the other hand, has an alarming figure of only 8 percent infants that are exclusively breastfed for six months. A qualitative approach, with an exploratory, descriptive and contextual research design was chosen to seek deeper understanding and meaning of first-time mothers’ experiences regarding exclusive breastfeeding practices and support’s influence on maintenance of exclusive breastfeeding within their natural environment. First-time mothers were the population for this study while the target population were first-time mothers who had given birth to a live, full term and healthy infant, regardless of the delivery mode in one of the Community Health Centres or hospitals within Buffalo City Metropolitan, South Africa. A non-probability, purposive sample of 10 participants was used. Ethical approval was granted by the University of Fort Hare Research Ethics Committee. The Eastern Cape Department of Health issued the clearance certificate. Informed consent was obtained from participants before data collection. Emotional risk protection was managed by the researcher through stopping of the interviews when the participant seemed emotional affected by the interviews. The relevant ethical considerations were accommodated. Trustworthiness was ensured through observing the principles of transferability, credibility, confirmability and dependability. Data were collected through individual face-to-face interviews using a semi-structured interview guide and conducted at the participant’s home or at the local clinic per participants’ choice. Two audio-recorders were used to capture the data. Data were then analysed according to Creswell’s steps and Tesch’s eight coding steps. Codes, categories, sub-categories and themes were formulated. Findings The key findings were challenges, empowerment, support and resilience during initiation of breastfeeding and diverse support and resilience during maintenance of exclusive breastfeeding. Conclusion All participants agreed on the benefits of breastfeeding, receiving information about exclusive breastfeeding during antenatal care and making a decision to exclusively breastfeed upon delivery. It is evident that the information received by first-time mothers is not congruent with the challenges they faced during initiation. There is a need, therefore, for nurses to find a way of sharing breastfeeding practice with the community members in order to avoid mixed messages which end up confusing to the first-time mother. Furthermore, the education given to the first-time mothers needs to be individualised to focus on individual needs of these mothers. Given the current staffing structure in the delivery centres, nurses are not always enough to give full focus and practical assistance to first-time mothers. It is therefore recommended that peer supporters be available to play this role, post-delivery, before the first-time mother is discharged. The formulation of compulsory supportive group among the first-time mothers was suggested.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Dasheka, Zukiswa Theodorah
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Breastfeeding--South Africa Breastfeeding
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Nursing Science
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/11096 , vital:37130
- Description: There are inadequate child feeding practices worldwide, and this varies amongst the regions. Suboptimal exclusive breastfeeding remains the key contributor to the leading causes of child mortalities, namely, diarrhoea and acute respiratory infections. An infant who is not exclusively breastfed for the first six months of life has fourteen times likelihood of dying of all causes, especially, diarrhoea and pneumonia compared to an exclusively breastfed infant. Worldwide, only 40 percent infants are exclusively breastfed for the first six months of their lives. South Africa, on the other hand, has an alarming figure of only 8 percent infants that are exclusively breastfed for six months. A qualitative approach, with an exploratory, descriptive and contextual research design was chosen to seek deeper understanding and meaning of first-time mothers’ experiences regarding exclusive breastfeeding practices and support’s influence on maintenance of exclusive breastfeeding within their natural environment. First-time mothers were the population for this study while the target population were first-time mothers who had given birth to a live, full term and healthy infant, regardless of the delivery mode in one of the Community Health Centres or hospitals within Buffalo City Metropolitan, South Africa. A non-probability, purposive sample of 10 participants was used. Ethical approval was granted by the University of Fort Hare Research Ethics Committee. The Eastern Cape Department of Health issued the clearance certificate. Informed consent was obtained from participants before data collection. Emotional risk protection was managed by the researcher through stopping of the interviews when the participant seemed emotional affected by the interviews. The relevant ethical considerations were accommodated. Trustworthiness was ensured through observing the principles of transferability, credibility, confirmability and dependability. Data were collected through individual face-to-face interviews using a semi-structured interview guide and conducted at the participant’s home or at the local clinic per participants’ choice. Two audio-recorders were used to capture the data. Data were then analysed according to Creswell’s steps and Tesch’s eight coding steps. Codes, categories, sub-categories and themes were formulated. Findings The key findings were challenges, empowerment, support and resilience during initiation of breastfeeding and diverse support and resilience during maintenance of exclusive breastfeeding. Conclusion All participants agreed on the benefits of breastfeeding, receiving information about exclusive breastfeeding during antenatal care and making a decision to exclusively breastfeed upon delivery. It is evident that the information received by first-time mothers is not congruent with the challenges they faced during initiation. There is a need, therefore, for nurses to find a way of sharing breastfeeding practice with the community members in order to avoid mixed messages which end up confusing to the first-time mother. Furthermore, the education given to the first-time mothers needs to be individualised to focus on individual needs of these mothers. Given the current staffing structure in the delivery centres, nurses are not always enough to give full focus and practical assistance to first-time mothers. It is therefore recommended that peer supporters be available to play this role, post-delivery, before the first-time mother is discharged. The formulation of compulsory supportive group among the first-time mothers was suggested.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
An exploration of leadership development in a learner representative structure in a secondary school, Oshana Region, Namibia
- Kadhepa-Kandjengo, Selma Ndeyapo
- Authors: Kadhepa-Kandjengo, Selma Ndeyapo
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: School management and organization -- Namibia , Educational leadership -- Namibia , Education, Secondary -- Namibia , Student government -- Namibia , Student participation in administration -- Namibia , Cultural Historical Activity Theory
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/62450 , vital:28193
- Description: Before independence, Namibia inherited a system of Bantu education which was hierarchical, authoritarian and non-democratic. Upon independence, the educational sector went through numerous reforms which were meant to transform education and to make it more democratic, whereby all stakeholders can broadly participate. In spite of these reforms, leadership of schools has remained a hierarchical system, where a principal who, as an individual, runs the school without recognition of the potential leadership of others. Recent studies on leadership have called for shared leadership, whereby leadership is a practice, permeable to learner leaders and not associated with individuals. This research study aims to explore learner leadership development in the Learner Representative Council (LRC) structure at a secondary school in Namibia. The motivation of this research study was twofold - firstly, my personal interest in learner leadership was aroused by my teaching experience. The second reason was due to my realisation that the area was under-researched in Namibia, hence I wanted to fill the existing gap on learner leadership. The study critically engaged learners and teachers to help me get an understanding of learner leadership and the factors enabling learner leadership development. I also found that challenges which resulted in contradictions, hampered leadership development. The study took an interventionist approach and second generation Cultural Historical Activity Theory was used to surface tensions and contradictions affecting learner leadership development. Change Laboratory workshops enabled the expansive learning process with the 12 LRC members. Data was collected using semi-structured interviews, questionnaires, observation, document analysis and journaling. The study found that learner leadership was understood more in terms of traditional views of leadership, whereby a learner needed to possess certain qualities in order to lead. The findings further pointed out that the LRC members were mainly involved in managerial roles and not really leadership roles, as such, and they were not involved in decision-making at the school. Although provision for the LRC body is made in an Educational Act, historical and cultural forces account for teachers’ reluctance to support the LRC members, as well as for silence of learner voice. I hope that findings from this research study strengthen learner leadership structures in schools and contribute to the creation of knowledge on learner leadership in Namibia.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Kadhepa-Kandjengo, Selma Ndeyapo
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: School management and organization -- Namibia , Educational leadership -- Namibia , Education, Secondary -- Namibia , Student government -- Namibia , Student participation in administration -- Namibia , Cultural Historical Activity Theory
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/62450 , vital:28193
- Description: Before independence, Namibia inherited a system of Bantu education which was hierarchical, authoritarian and non-democratic. Upon independence, the educational sector went through numerous reforms which were meant to transform education and to make it more democratic, whereby all stakeholders can broadly participate. In spite of these reforms, leadership of schools has remained a hierarchical system, where a principal who, as an individual, runs the school without recognition of the potential leadership of others. Recent studies on leadership have called for shared leadership, whereby leadership is a practice, permeable to learner leaders and not associated with individuals. This research study aims to explore learner leadership development in the Learner Representative Council (LRC) structure at a secondary school in Namibia. The motivation of this research study was twofold - firstly, my personal interest in learner leadership was aroused by my teaching experience. The second reason was due to my realisation that the area was under-researched in Namibia, hence I wanted to fill the existing gap on learner leadership. The study critically engaged learners and teachers to help me get an understanding of learner leadership and the factors enabling learner leadership development. I also found that challenges which resulted in contradictions, hampered leadership development. The study took an interventionist approach and second generation Cultural Historical Activity Theory was used to surface tensions and contradictions affecting learner leadership development. Change Laboratory workshops enabled the expansive learning process with the 12 LRC members. Data was collected using semi-structured interviews, questionnaires, observation, document analysis and journaling. The study found that learner leadership was understood more in terms of traditional views of leadership, whereby a learner needed to possess certain qualities in order to lead. The findings further pointed out that the LRC members were mainly involved in managerial roles and not really leadership roles, as such, and they were not involved in decision-making at the school. Although provision for the LRC body is made in an Educational Act, historical and cultural forces account for teachers’ reluctance to support the LRC members, as well as for silence of learner voice. I hope that findings from this research study strengthen learner leadership structures in schools and contribute to the creation of knowledge on learner leadership in Namibia.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
An exploration of the effects of government financial subsidies on the performance of schools and learners in the OR Tambo District Municipality
- Mtyida, Thembani Justice Zolisa
- Authors: Mtyida, Thembani Justice Zolisa
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: School budgets -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape School management and organization Education -- South Africa -- Finance
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/9198 , vital:34304
- Description: An exploration of the effects of government financial subsidies on the performance of schools and learners in the OR Tambo District Municipality Under the Direction of: Prof EOC Ijeoma. As much as the awarded fiscal resources have been critical for improving the quality of learning and education as well as the performance of schools, there are still often inhibitors that affect the extent to which such fiscal packages are able to induce achievement of the desired educational outcomes. Thematic analysis of the interview findings revealed the limitations undermining the extent to which the allocated fiscal resources are able to influence the achievement of the desired positive educational outcomes and these are linked to poor school financial management, poor planning and budgeting, poor school governance and corruption and theft of funds. The other limitations that mar the effective performance of certain schools to achieve the desired educational outcomes were also noted to arise from the shortage of teachers for critical subjects, poor motivation of teachers in rural areas, poor learners’ welfare and poor infrastructure. To respond to these challenges, it is argued that the OR Tambo District Department of Education must develop special fiscal packages for teachers in the rural areas, develop special fiscal packages for teachers of special subjects such as science and mathematics, invest in the educational infrastructure and facilities, and proactively develop school managers. Future research can explore a framework for monitoring and evaluation of the effects of educational fiscal grants on the performance of schools and learners.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Mtyida, Thembani Justice Zolisa
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: School budgets -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape School management and organization Education -- South Africa -- Finance
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/9198 , vital:34304
- Description: An exploration of the effects of government financial subsidies on the performance of schools and learners in the OR Tambo District Municipality Under the Direction of: Prof EOC Ijeoma. As much as the awarded fiscal resources have been critical for improving the quality of learning and education as well as the performance of schools, there are still often inhibitors that affect the extent to which such fiscal packages are able to induce achievement of the desired educational outcomes. Thematic analysis of the interview findings revealed the limitations undermining the extent to which the allocated fiscal resources are able to influence the achievement of the desired positive educational outcomes and these are linked to poor school financial management, poor planning and budgeting, poor school governance and corruption and theft of funds. The other limitations that mar the effective performance of certain schools to achieve the desired educational outcomes were also noted to arise from the shortage of teachers for critical subjects, poor motivation of teachers in rural areas, poor learners’ welfare and poor infrastructure. To respond to these challenges, it is argued that the OR Tambo District Department of Education must develop special fiscal packages for teachers in the rural areas, develop special fiscal packages for teachers of special subjects such as science and mathematics, invest in the educational infrastructure and facilities, and proactively develop school managers. Future research can explore a framework for monitoring and evaluation of the effects of educational fiscal grants on the performance of schools and learners.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
An exploration of the romantic experiences of young female adults raised by single mothers
- Authors: Masinyane, Anita
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Single-parent families , Single mothers -- South Africa Intimacy (Psychology)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/22343 , vital:29945
- Description: Family units have seen significant changes over the last decades, from more traditional to non-traditional family structure. South African literature has since seen a rise in single-parent family studies, however, has been geared towards the outcome of paternal absence on the male child. The paternal absence on young women and their romantic experiences remains largely unexplored. Historically, young women without fathers have been found to experience damaging effects on their well-being. Specifically, adversities pertaining to their identity, academic performance, relationships with and attitudes towards men and career and future prospects are evident in literature. This study was conducted with young female adults from the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan, raised by single mothers to explore their perceptions and experiences of romantic relationships growing up without the paternal figure. This study utilizes a feminist psychology and social learning theoretical framework to conceptualise these experiences. The study uses a qualitative methodology and phenomenological design approach. The sample was identified through non-probability purposive sampling, and the data collected through semi-structured interviews. The data is analysed using a thematic analysis framework. The eight young women who participated in this study, collectively constructed themselves to be resilient to the experiences of fatherlessness, they portrayed themselves as self-sufficient, empowered in their identities, driven in their academic performance and career development and future aspirations.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Masinyane, Anita
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Single-parent families , Single mothers -- South Africa Intimacy (Psychology)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/22343 , vital:29945
- Description: Family units have seen significant changes over the last decades, from more traditional to non-traditional family structure. South African literature has since seen a rise in single-parent family studies, however, has been geared towards the outcome of paternal absence on the male child. The paternal absence on young women and their romantic experiences remains largely unexplored. Historically, young women without fathers have been found to experience damaging effects on their well-being. Specifically, adversities pertaining to their identity, academic performance, relationships with and attitudes towards men and career and future prospects are evident in literature. This study was conducted with young female adults from the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan, raised by single mothers to explore their perceptions and experiences of romantic relationships growing up without the paternal figure. This study utilizes a feminist psychology and social learning theoretical framework to conceptualise these experiences. The study uses a qualitative methodology and phenomenological design approach. The sample was identified through non-probability purposive sampling, and the data collected through semi-structured interviews. The data is analysed using a thematic analysis framework. The eight young women who participated in this study, collectively constructed themselves to be resilient to the experiences of fatherlessness, they portrayed themselves as self-sufficient, empowered in their identities, driven in their academic performance and career development and future aspirations.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
An exploration of whether using a global employment company could mitigate the South African tax risks in relation to inbound expatriates in multinational companies
- Authors: Pavey, Janet Gail
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Double taxation -- South Africa , Corporations, Foreign -- South Africa , Foreign workers -- Taxation -- South Africa , International business enterprises -- South Africa , Corporations -- Taxation -- South Africa , Value-added tax -- Law and legislation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/61368 , vital:28019
- Description: The main objective of this research paper was to explore whether a multinational company could use a global employment company to employ its expatriates to mitigate, simplify or limit the tax risk for that foreign company when sending expatriates to South Africa. To investigate this topic, an interpretive research approach was used, a doctrinal research methodology was followed, and inductive reasoning was applied. The documentary data used in this research was publicly available. Firstly, the meaning of the term “expatriate” was explored, together with the types of employment arrangements commonly used to employ this type of employee. The South African tax consequences that an inbound expatriate may create for a multinational company were then analysed. These tax consequences were applied to the common types of employment arrangements to determine what the South African tax impact of these arrangements is likely to be and which entity within a multinational group is likely to be affected. It was investigated whether using a foreign global employment company provides any tax simplification or tax mitigation strategies for the multinational company for expatriates inbound to South Africa. The primary conclusions of this research were that it was found that using a global employment company may only provide a tax benefit in South Africa in very specific circumstances: (i) where the economic employer of the expatriate is the South African entity; (ii) where flexibility is required to easily move the expatriate to other jurisdictions; and (iii) where there are multiple home-host country combinations that the multinational group needs to consider when moving its expatriates. It would appear that using a global employment company as the employment arrangement for an inbound expatriate to South Africa may have a fairly limited application if its purpose is to mitigate tax risks. In effect, a global employment company is likely to provide tax benefits only where it acts as an international labour broker for the multinational company of which it is a part.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Pavey, Janet Gail
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Double taxation -- South Africa , Corporations, Foreign -- South Africa , Foreign workers -- Taxation -- South Africa , International business enterprises -- South Africa , Corporations -- Taxation -- South Africa , Value-added tax -- Law and legislation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/61368 , vital:28019
- Description: The main objective of this research paper was to explore whether a multinational company could use a global employment company to employ its expatriates to mitigate, simplify or limit the tax risk for that foreign company when sending expatriates to South Africa. To investigate this topic, an interpretive research approach was used, a doctrinal research methodology was followed, and inductive reasoning was applied. The documentary data used in this research was publicly available. Firstly, the meaning of the term “expatriate” was explored, together with the types of employment arrangements commonly used to employ this type of employee. The South African tax consequences that an inbound expatriate may create for a multinational company were then analysed. These tax consequences were applied to the common types of employment arrangements to determine what the South African tax impact of these arrangements is likely to be and which entity within a multinational group is likely to be affected. It was investigated whether using a foreign global employment company provides any tax simplification or tax mitigation strategies for the multinational company for expatriates inbound to South Africa. The primary conclusions of this research were that it was found that using a global employment company may only provide a tax benefit in South Africa in very specific circumstances: (i) where the economic employer of the expatriate is the South African entity; (ii) where flexibility is required to easily move the expatriate to other jurisdictions; and (iii) where there are multiple home-host country combinations that the multinational group needs to consider when moving its expatriates. It would appear that using a global employment company as the employment arrangement for an inbound expatriate to South Africa may have a fairly limited application if its purpose is to mitigate tax risks. In effect, a global employment company is likely to provide tax benefits only where it acts as an international labour broker for the multinational company of which it is a part.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
An exploratory study of barriers and enablers of strategy execution in the Eastern Cape Department of Education in South Africa
- Authors: Vena, Nomava Vinolia
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Strategic planning South Africa Eastern Cape , Business planning South Africa Eastern Cape , Public administration South Africa Eastern Cape , Corporate governance South Africa Eastern Cape , Government accountability South Africa Eastern Cape , South Africa. Department of Education
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/63649 , vital:28465
- Description: Effective strategy execution is very important for the achievement of an organisation’s goals. Because it is a difficult task to translate a strategy into action, itis imperative for leadership to prioritize its strategic plan to ensure its success. The purpose of this study is to identify barriers and enablers of strategy execution in Basic Education in the Eastern Cape; its focus is on strategic goal number six: “Efficient administration ensured through good corporate governance and management”. The effectiveness of the Eastern Cape Department of Education (ECDoE) is measured by its service delivery, how strategy is executed in providing quality education. These are guided by the norms and standards like the National Education Policy Act: Norms and Standards for educators, as set by the National Department of Basic Education and the Treasury Acts. The motivation for the study was the Department’s poor performance as reported by the Auditor General (AG) in his 2015 audit report, that there has been a lack of good governance and accountability in the ECDoE. The study is qualitative: a sample of twenty-five (25) ECDoE senior managers were interviewed as the custodians of the execution of the strategic plan. Purposive sampling method selected the twenty-five from a total of forty-five (45) senior managers, some of whom were in Head Office and some in the twenty-three (23) districts. Data was collected through questionnaires and interviews and responses were captured on Excel Spreadsheet, and analysed with the Thematic Analysis. Major findings relating to barriers were on Human Resource Management, Poor Leadership, Resourcing (Tools of Trade), Improper Budgeting Systems, Poor Communication, and Organisational Structure. Some variables were interchangeably identified both as barriers and enablers, such as budgeting and resourcing. There were many recommendations, but for this study one, the Finance Section, will suffice: and that is that the Finance Section should analyse each directorate’s spending for each year before the new budget is allocated.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Vena, Nomava Vinolia
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Strategic planning South Africa Eastern Cape , Business planning South Africa Eastern Cape , Public administration South Africa Eastern Cape , Corporate governance South Africa Eastern Cape , Government accountability South Africa Eastern Cape , South Africa. Department of Education
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/63649 , vital:28465
- Description: Effective strategy execution is very important for the achievement of an organisation’s goals. Because it is a difficult task to translate a strategy into action, itis imperative for leadership to prioritize its strategic plan to ensure its success. The purpose of this study is to identify barriers and enablers of strategy execution in Basic Education in the Eastern Cape; its focus is on strategic goal number six: “Efficient administration ensured through good corporate governance and management”. The effectiveness of the Eastern Cape Department of Education (ECDoE) is measured by its service delivery, how strategy is executed in providing quality education. These are guided by the norms and standards like the National Education Policy Act: Norms and Standards for educators, as set by the National Department of Basic Education and the Treasury Acts. The motivation for the study was the Department’s poor performance as reported by the Auditor General (AG) in his 2015 audit report, that there has been a lack of good governance and accountability in the ECDoE. The study is qualitative: a sample of twenty-five (25) ECDoE senior managers were interviewed as the custodians of the execution of the strategic plan. Purposive sampling method selected the twenty-five from a total of forty-five (45) senior managers, some of whom were in Head Office and some in the twenty-three (23) districts. Data was collected through questionnaires and interviews and responses were captured on Excel Spreadsheet, and analysed with the Thematic Analysis. Major findings relating to barriers were on Human Resource Management, Poor Leadership, Resourcing (Tools of Trade), Improper Budgeting Systems, Poor Communication, and Organisational Structure. Some variables were interchangeably identified both as barriers and enablers, such as budgeting and resourcing. There were many recommendations, but for this study one, the Finance Section, will suffice: and that is that the Finance Section should analyse each directorate’s spending for each year before the new budget is allocated.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
An exploratory study of control and oversight measures for ethical conduct in supply chain management : the case of Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality
- Authors: Zindi, Beauty
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Municipal government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Public administration -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Municipal services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Public Administration
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/10415 , vital:35459
- Description: Unethical conduct takes root and largely flourishes in environments devoid of compliance with SCM laws, regulations and sound corporate governance values and principles. Ethical conduct is a prerequisite of good governance and sound municipal financial management. Unethical conduct in SCM leads to a loss of public trust and confidence in the management of public affairs. Despite the existence of control and oversight structures and processes for monitoring compliance with ethical standards, norms and regulations in SCM, procurement and contract management processes, BCMM still flouts SCM regulations. This leads to non-compliance with precincts of SCM policy regulations, the MFMA, as well as the Municipal Systems Act (MSA). Lack of adequate and effective control and oversight measures further exacerbates the problem, leading to poor management of procurement systems as well as inconsistencies in the disposal and delivery of services. Effective control and oversight often results in the reduction of waste, eradication of corruption and improvement of municipal financial performance, as well as improved ethical conduct, integrity, transparency and accountability. Qualitative approach was used to gather data using interviews and secondary sources in the form of official documents to explore the extent to which control and oversight measures for ethical conduct in Supply Chain Management are effective in Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality. The data is to be analysed using content analysis and filtering techniques. Challenges that are affecting the effective management of Supply Chain in Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality were brought forth and recommendations to improve Supply Chain Management in Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality are examined in this study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Zindi, Beauty
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Municipal government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Public administration -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Municipal services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Public Administration
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/10415 , vital:35459
- Description: Unethical conduct takes root and largely flourishes in environments devoid of compliance with SCM laws, regulations and sound corporate governance values and principles. Ethical conduct is a prerequisite of good governance and sound municipal financial management. Unethical conduct in SCM leads to a loss of public trust and confidence in the management of public affairs. Despite the existence of control and oversight structures and processes for monitoring compliance with ethical standards, norms and regulations in SCM, procurement and contract management processes, BCMM still flouts SCM regulations. This leads to non-compliance with precincts of SCM policy regulations, the MFMA, as well as the Municipal Systems Act (MSA). Lack of adequate and effective control and oversight measures further exacerbates the problem, leading to poor management of procurement systems as well as inconsistencies in the disposal and delivery of services. Effective control and oversight often results in the reduction of waste, eradication of corruption and improvement of municipal financial performance, as well as improved ethical conduct, integrity, transparency and accountability. Qualitative approach was used to gather data using interviews and secondary sources in the form of official documents to explore the extent to which control and oversight measures for ethical conduct in Supply Chain Management are effective in Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality. The data is to be analysed using content analysis and filtering techniques. Challenges that are affecting the effective management of Supply Chain in Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality were brought forth and recommendations to improve Supply Chain Management in Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality are examined in this study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
An exploratory study of Heads of Departments' responses to student calls for decolonised higher education
- Grant, Carolyn, Quinn, Lynn, Vorster, Jo-Anne E
- Authors: Grant, Carolyn , Quinn, Lynn , Vorster, Jo-Anne E
- Date: 2018
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/123420 , vital:35436 , https://doi.org/10.17159/2520-9868/i72a05
- Description: Central to the tumultuous student protests of 2015 and 2016 was an urgent call for the decolonisation of South African universities. Existing curricula, including teaching and assessment practices, as well as institutional cultures and structures were challenged. Against this backdrop, in this article we focus on the academic leadership role of Heads of Departments (HoDs) at Rhodes University. In this small-scale project we interrogate how HoDs conceptualised their roles in this uncertain and complex context. From the data analysis a number of tensions emerged in the ways in which they articulated and enacted their roles. The findings indicate that the protests have contributed to the increasing complexity of the role of an HoD. Issues raised during the protests catalysed HoDs at Rhodes University, some for the first time, into considering the implications of the decolonising call from students and into exercising stronger transformative leadership roles.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Grant, Carolyn , Quinn, Lynn , Vorster, Jo-Anne E
- Date: 2018
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/123420 , vital:35436 , https://doi.org/10.17159/2520-9868/i72a05
- Description: Central to the tumultuous student protests of 2015 and 2016 was an urgent call for the decolonisation of South African universities. Existing curricula, including teaching and assessment practices, as well as institutional cultures and structures were challenged. Against this backdrop, in this article we focus on the academic leadership role of Heads of Departments (HoDs) at Rhodes University. In this small-scale project we interrogate how HoDs conceptualised their roles in this uncertain and complex context. From the data analysis a number of tensions emerged in the ways in which they articulated and enacted their roles. The findings indicate that the protests have contributed to the increasing complexity of the role of an HoD. Issues raised during the protests catalysed HoDs at Rhodes University, some for the first time, into considering the implications of the decolonising call from students and into exercising stronger transformative leadership roles.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
An exploratory study of students’ expectations and perceptions of service quality in a South African higher education institution
- Authors: Williams, Alyssa Shawntay
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: SERVQUAL (Service quality framework) , Relationship marketing , Consumer satisfaction , Sampling (Statistics) , College students Attitudes , Universities and colleges South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/63844 , vital:28496
- Description: Within the past few years, higher education institutions have come under an exorbitant amount of pressure to restructure, increase funding and grow student numbers, whilst still preserving the service quality they offer. The purpose of this study is to measure students’ expectations and perceptions in a higher education institution and establish how significant of a gap exists between what is expected and what is perceived. The instrument utilised within the present study is SERVQUAL. A convenience sampling approach was adopted, furthermore, both descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse the data pertaining to the objectives concerning students’ gap between expectations and perceptions and hypotheses regarding the gap between students’ differences in each faculty, respectively. The study found that there were gaps in all dimensions with the order being, from highest to lowest: Reliability – Responsiveness – Assurance – Empathy – Tangibility. In addition, the significant difference in means according to faculty was established and the only dimension with a significant difference was Empathy. These results were used to offer recommendations to management, faculties and departments of the higher education institution under study about where they are deficient, consequently, improving their services to enhance their service quality and increase their competitive advantage but without financial strain. Overall, the conclusions the present study reached was that students and higher education institutions need to have a mutual interest in their relations. This means that as much as higher education institutions need to provide high service quality to students, students need to be willing to provide feedback and interact.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Williams, Alyssa Shawntay
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: SERVQUAL (Service quality framework) , Relationship marketing , Consumer satisfaction , Sampling (Statistics) , College students Attitudes , Universities and colleges South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/63844 , vital:28496
- Description: Within the past few years, higher education institutions have come under an exorbitant amount of pressure to restructure, increase funding and grow student numbers, whilst still preserving the service quality they offer. The purpose of this study is to measure students’ expectations and perceptions in a higher education institution and establish how significant of a gap exists between what is expected and what is perceived. The instrument utilised within the present study is SERVQUAL. A convenience sampling approach was adopted, furthermore, both descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse the data pertaining to the objectives concerning students’ gap between expectations and perceptions and hypotheses regarding the gap between students’ differences in each faculty, respectively. The study found that there were gaps in all dimensions with the order being, from highest to lowest: Reliability – Responsiveness – Assurance – Empathy – Tangibility. In addition, the significant difference in means according to faculty was established and the only dimension with a significant difference was Empathy. These results were used to offer recommendations to management, faculties and departments of the higher education institution under study about where they are deficient, consequently, improving their services to enhance their service quality and increase their competitive advantage but without financial strain. Overall, the conclusions the present study reached was that students and higher education institutions need to have a mutual interest in their relations. This means that as much as higher education institutions need to provide high service quality to students, students need to be willing to provide feedback and interact.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
An illustrated booklet for reinforcing community health worker knowledge of tuberculosis and facilitating patient counselling:
- Okeyo, Ida L A, Dowse, Roslind
- Authors: Okeyo, Ida L A , Dowse, Roslind
- Date: 2018
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/156629 , vital:40032 , https://phcfm.org/index.php/phcfm/article/view/1687/2559
- Description: Community health workers (CHWs) have facilitated the move to decentralize tuberculosis (TB) management, but lack access to information appropriate both for personal use and in patient interaction and education. To explore the impact of a pictorial-based TB booklet on reinforcing CHW knowledge and facilitating patient counselling.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Okeyo, Ida L A , Dowse, Roslind
- Date: 2018
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/156629 , vital:40032 , https://phcfm.org/index.php/phcfm/article/view/1687/2559
- Description: Community health workers (CHWs) have facilitated the move to decentralize tuberculosis (TB) management, but lack access to information appropriate both for personal use and in patient interaction and education. To explore the impact of a pictorial-based TB booklet on reinforcing CHW knowledge and facilitating patient counselling.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
An Immersive Audio Control System Using Mobile Devices and Ethernet AVB-Capable Speakers:
- Foss, Richard, Devonport, Sean
- Authors: Foss, Richard , Devonport, Sean
- Date: 2018
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/426745 , vital:72388 , https://www.aes.org/e-lib/browse.cfm?elib=19714
- Description: Immersive Sound is commonly used to create the localization of sound sources above, below, and around listeners. To achieve this immersive goal, sound systems are employing an ever-increasing number of speakers. Given that immersive sound systems have large speaker configurations such as in cinemas, theaters, museums, and home theater installations, there is a need to provide control for these various contexts and also to provide a means of automating this control. An immersive sound system has been created that allows for the real-time control over sound source localization. It is a multi-user client/server system where the client devices are mobile devices, thereby allowing remote control over sound source localization. Touch and orientation capabilities of mobile devices are used for the generation of three-dimensional coordinates. The server receives localization control messages from the client and uses an Ethernet AVB (audio video bridging) network to distribute appropriate mix levels to speakers with built-in signal processing. These localization messages can be recorded by users for later playback.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Foss, Richard , Devonport, Sean
- Date: 2018
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/426745 , vital:72388 , https://www.aes.org/e-lib/browse.cfm?elib=19714
- Description: Immersive Sound is commonly used to create the localization of sound sources above, below, and around listeners. To achieve this immersive goal, sound systems are employing an ever-increasing number of speakers. Given that immersive sound systems have large speaker configurations such as in cinemas, theaters, museums, and home theater installations, there is a need to provide control for these various contexts and also to provide a means of automating this control. An immersive sound system has been created that allows for the real-time control over sound source localization. It is a multi-user client/server system where the client devices are mobile devices, thereby allowing remote control over sound source localization. Touch and orientation capabilities of mobile devices are used for the generation of three-dimensional coordinates. The server receives localization control messages from the client and uses an Ethernet AVB (audio video bridging) network to distribute appropriate mix levels to speakers with built-in signal processing. These localization messages can be recorded by users for later playback.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
An information security governance model for industrial control systems
- Authors: Webster, Zynn
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Computer networks -- Security measures , Data protection Computer security Business enterprises -- Computer networks -- Security measures
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MIT
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/36383 , vital:33934
- Description: Industrial Control Systems (ICS) is a term used to describe several types of control systems, including Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems, Distributed Control Systems (DCS) and Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC). These systems consist of a combination of control components (e.g. electrical, mechanical, pneumatic) which act together to achieve an industrial objective (e.g., manufacturing, transportation of matter or energy). ICS play a fundamental role in critical infrastructures such as electricity grids, oil, gas and manufacturing industries. Initially ICS had little resemblance to typical enterprise IT systems; they were isolated and running proprietary control protocols using specialized hardware and software. However, with initiatives such as Industry 4.0 and Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), the nature of ICS has changed significantly. There is an ever-increasing use of commercial operating systems and standard protocols like TCP/IP and Ethernet. Consequently, modern ICS are more and more resembling conventional enterprise IT systems, and it is a well-known fact that these IT systems and networks are known to be vulnerable and that they require extensive management to ensure Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability. Since ICS are now adopting conventional IT characteristics they are also accepting the associated risks. However, owing to the functional area of ICS, the consequences of these threats are much more severe than those of enterprise IT systems. The need to manage security for these systems with highly skilled IT personnel has become essential. Therefore, this research was focussed to identify which unique security controls for ICS and enterprise IT systems can be combined and/or tailored to provide the organization with a single set of comprehensive security controls. By doing an investigation on existing standards and best practices for both enterprise IT and ICS environments, this study has produced a single set of security controls and presented how the security controls can be integrated into an existing information security governance model which organizations can use as a basis for generating a security framework, used not only to secure their enterprise IT systems, but also including the security of their ICS.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Webster, Zynn
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Computer networks -- Security measures , Data protection Computer security Business enterprises -- Computer networks -- Security measures
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MIT
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/36383 , vital:33934
- Description: Industrial Control Systems (ICS) is a term used to describe several types of control systems, including Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems, Distributed Control Systems (DCS) and Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC). These systems consist of a combination of control components (e.g. electrical, mechanical, pneumatic) which act together to achieve an industrial objective (e.g., manufacturing, transportation of matter or energy). ICS play a fundamental role in critical infrastructures such as electricity grids, oil, gas and manufacturing industries. Initially ICS had little resemblance to typical enterprise IT systems; they were isolated and running proprietary control protocols using specialized hardware and software. However, with initiatives such as Industry 4.0 and Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), the nature of ICS has changed significantly. There is an ever-increasing use of commercial operating systems and standard protocols like TCP/IP and Ethernet. Consequently, modern ICS are more and more resembling conventional enterprise IT systems, and it is a well-known fact that these IT systems and networks are known to be vulnerable and that they require extensive management to ensure Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability. Since ICS are now adopting conventional IT characteristics they are also accepting the associated risks. However, owing to the functional area of ICS, the consequences of these threats are much more severe than those of enterprise IT systems. The need to manage security for these systems with highly skilled IT personnel has become essential. Therefore, this research was focussed to identify which unique security controls for ICS and enterprise IT systems can be combined and/or tailored to provide the organization with a single set of comprehensive security controls. By doing an investigation on existing standards and best practices for both enterprise IT and ICS environments, this study has produced a single set of security controls and presented how the security controls can be integrated into an existing information security governance model which organizations can use as a basis for generating a security framework, used not only to secure their enterprise IT systems, but also including the security of their ICS.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
An institutional framework for expanding into Africa: a focus on global multinational companies
- Authors: Dipha, Lazola
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: International business enterprises -- Management , Globalization -- Economic aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/29984 , vital:30804
- Description: Global multinational companies (MNCs) continue to face unique challenges in expanding into African emerging markets (AEMs). The biggest contributor to this is their lack of understanding and unwillingness to embrace the exceptional dynamics that exist in these countries, which has resulted in the majority of them defaulting to execute their own country’s domestic market strategies, resulting in failure to realise sustainable businesses. A misaligned and inappropriate strategy will fail dismally in terms of long-term sustainability of businesses. Urban & Hwindingwi (2016) took a diverse view in evaluating emerging markets, which will also be implemented in this study. They argued that “[they] see these features of emerging markets as symptoms of underlying market structures that share common, important and persistent differences from those in developed economies. Emerging markets reflect those transactional arenas where buyers and sellers are not easily or efficiently able to come together. The institutional voids make a market ‘emerging’ and are a prime source of the higher transaction costs and operating challenges in these markets”. “Market structures are the products of idiosyncratic historical, political, legal, economic and cultural forces within any country. All emerging markets feature insti-tutional voids, however, although the particular combination and severity of these voids varies from market to market”. In the previous years, corporate leaders and investors globally have pinned their hopes on the African growing story of promise becoming a reality. With a youthful, urbanising inhabitants, plentiful natural resources and a rising middle class; it looks like the continent has the correct components required for long-standing growth, possibly outshining the so-called tiger economies of East-Asia a generation ago. According to the McKinsey Global Institute titled Lions on the Move 2010 report; they forecasted consumer spending within the continent to grow by 40% and move GDPs by $1 trillion between 2008 to 2020. However, there are plenty multinationals that have become disheartened in their pursuit of operating in Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Dipha, Lazola
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: International business enterprises -- Management , Globalization -- Economic aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/29984 , vital:30804
- Description: Global multinational companies (MNCs) continue to face unique challenges in expanding into African emerging markets (AEMs). The biggest contributor to this is their lack of understanding and unwillingness to embrace the exceptional dynamics that exist in these countries, which has resulted in the majority of them defaulting to execute their own country’s domestic market strategies, resulting in failure to realise sustainable businesses. A misaligned and inappropriate strategy will fail dismally in terms of long-term sustainability of businesses. Urban & Hwindingwi (2016) took a diverse view in evaluating emerging markets, which will also be implemented in this study. They argued that “[they] see these features of emerging markets as symptoms of underlying market structures that share common, important and persistent differences from those in developed economies. Emerging markets reflect those transactional arenas where buyers and sellers are not easily or efficiently able to come together. The institutional voids make a market ‘emerging’ and are a prime source of the higher transaction costs and operating challenges in these markets”. “Market structures are the products of idiosyncratic historical, political, legal, economic and cultural forces within any country. All emerging markets feature insti-tutional voids, however, although the particular combination and severity of these voids varies from market to market”. In the previous years, corporate leaders and investors globally have pinned their hopes on the African growing story of promise becoming a reality. With a youthful, urbanising inhabitants, plentiful natural resources and a rising middle class; it looks like the continent has the correct components required for long-standing growth, possibly outshining the so-called tiger economies of East-Asia a generation ago. According to the McKinsey Global Institute titled Lions on the Move 2010 report; they forecasted consumer spending within the continent to grow by 40% and move GDPs by $1 trillion between 2008 to 2020. However, there are plenty multinationals that have become disheartened in their pursuit of operating in Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
An integrated framework for assessing coastal community vulnerability across cultures, oceans and scales
- Aswani, Shankar, Howard, J A E, Gasalla, Maria A, Jennings, Sarah, Malherbe, W, Martins, I M, Salim, Shyam S
- Authors: Aswani, Shankar , Howard, J A E , Gasalla, Maria A , Jennings, Sarah , Malherbe, W , Martins, I M , Salim, Shyam S
- Date: 2018
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/123063 , vital:35402 , https://doi.10.1080/17565529.2018.1442795
- Description: Across the globe, many coastal communities rely on marine resources for their food security (FS), income and livelihoods and with predicted trends in human populations, the number of people reliant on these resources is likely to increase (FAO, 2012). However, the effects of climate change including increased variability are already being experienced by coastal communities and appear to be accelerating (Doney et al., 2012). Depending on a range of factors, including location, these changes are having mild to severe impacts on communities both in direct and indirect ways (Miller et al., 2010). Communities in coastal areas, for instance, are particularly at risk due to sea level rise but also through their dependence on marine resources that are impacted by multiple climate change pressures. A change in the availability and condition of marine resources has consequences on the livelihoods of fishing populations or those who depend directly on fishing as a source of food (Badjeck, Allison, Halls, & Dulvy, 2010).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Aswani, Shankar , Howard, J A E , Gasalla, Maria A , Jennings, Sarah , Malherbe, W , Martins, I M , Salim, Shyam S
- Date: 2018
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/123063 , vital:35402 , https://doi.10.1080/17565529.2018.1442795
- Description: Across the globe, many coastal communities rely on marine resources for their food security (FS), income and livelihoods and with predicted trends in human populations, the number of people reliant on these resources is likely to increase (FAO, 2012). However, the effects of climate change including increased variability are already being experienced by coastal communities and appear to be accelerating (Doney et al., 2012). Depending on a range of factors, including location, these changes are having mild to severe impacts on communities both in direct and indirect ways (Miller et al., 2010). Communities in coastal areas, for instance, are particularly at risk due to sea level rise but also through their dependence on marine resources that are impacted by multiple climate change pressures. A change in the availability and condition of marine resources has consequences on the livelihoods of fishing populations or those who depend directly on fishing as a source of food (Badjeck, Allison, Halls, & Dulvy, 2010).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
An integrated talent-management approach for competitive advantage at a selected company
- Authors: Maxongo–Banzana, Ayanda
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Employees -- Recruiting , Organizational effectiveness Personnel management Career development
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/31995 , vital:31907
- Description: This study aims to explore the concept of talent management that has received attention since a group of McKinsey Consultant coined the phrase “the War for Talent” in 1997. In the 21 century, businesses are continually confronted with pressure of aligning employee talent with broader organizational strategies. This research explores key interventions and activities in order to get a better understanding of best practices and approaches to managing talent. The specific contribution of this treatise is developing a talentship model to enable integrated approach to managing talent in order to achieve competitive advantage at Company X. Through a single case study approach, this study examines the current talent management approach at Company X, and the author develops an Integrated Talent management model, named “The Max- Banz Talentship House Model” to address key challenges confronting the company from a talent management perspective in order to achieve competitive advantage.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Maxongo–Banzana, Ayanda
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Employees -- Recruiting , Organizational effectiveness Personnel management Career development
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/31995 , vital:31907
- Description: This study aims to explore the concept of talent management that has received attention since a group of McKinsey Consultant coined the phrase “the War for Talent” in 1997. In the 21 century, businesses are continually confronted with pressure of aligning employee talent with broader organizational strategies. This research explores key interventions and activities in order to get a better understanding of best practices and approaches to managing talent. The specific contribution of this treatise is developing a talentship model to enable integrated approach to managing talent in order to achieve competitive advantage at Company X. Through a single case study approach, this study examines the current talent management approach at Company X, and the author develops an Integrated Talent management model, named “The Max- Banz Talentship House Model” to address key challenges confronting the company from a talent management perspective in order to achieve competitive advantage.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
An interpretative phenomenological analysis of HIV positive individuals’ experiences of being in a support group
- Authors: Brink, Nicole
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: HIV-positive persons -- Social aspects Self-help groups AIDS (Disease) -- Patients -- Counseling of AIDS (Disease) -- Social aspects
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/62988 , vital:28351
- Description: People who have been diagnosed HIV positive often experience distress and anxiety due to uncertainties pertaining to the implications of an HIV positive status. Research has shown that support groups have always been a way for people to cope with the distress and stressful circumstances associated with health conditions such as HIV. This research investigated the role of face to face support groups in the lives of those living with HIV. The primary focus of this research project is to provide an in-depth exploration of HIV positive individuals‟ experiences of being in a support group. The study aims to explore the positive and negative experiences of being in an HIV support group and aims to gain an understanding of the role support plays in the lives of those living with HIV. A qualitative research design was used to explore the above mentioned aim. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with five individuals, (three women and two men) who had experienced HIV support groups. The interviews were transcribed and then analysed according to the principles of interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA). The findings of this study revealed five super-ordinate themes, which revealed not only the positive and negative experiences of being in a support group, but also the challenges that the participants‟ experienced before joining the group. Getting a sense of the participants‟ experience before joining the group allowed the researcher to get a better understanding of how useful or not the support group has been in helping them deal with the challenges of living with HIV. The themes included: „struggling to survive after diagnosis‟, „struggling to cope: adopting negative coping skills‟, „experiencing a turning-point: a will to survive‟, „attending support group: a sweet experience‟ and lastly, „attending support groups: a bitter experience‟. Findings suggest that for these participants, the advantages outweighed the disadvantages of being in a support group. Therefore this study suggests that face to face support groups are a viable and even necessary option for support. These findings support previous research and literature in regards to the importance of social support in the form of support groups in effectively assisting HIV positive people in their journey to adjust to the consequence of living with HIV.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Brink, Nicole
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: HIV-positive persons -- Social aspects Self-help groups AIDS (Disease) -- Patients -- Counseling of AIDS (Disease) -- Social aspects
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/62988 , vital:28351
- Description: People who have been diagnosed HIV positive often experience distress and anxiety due to uncertainties pertaining to the implications of an HIV positive status. Research has shown that support groups have always been a way for people to cope with the distress and stressful circumstances associated with health conditions such as HIV. This research investigated the role of face to face support groups in the lives of those living with HIV. The primary focus of this research project is to provide an in-depth exploration of HIV positive individuals‟ experiences of being in a support group. The study aims to explore the positive and negative experiences of being in an HIV support group and aims to gain an understanding of the role support plays in the lives of those living with HIV. A qualitative research design was used to explore the above mentioned aim. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with five individuals, (three women and two men) who had experienced HIV support groups. The interviews were transcribed and then analysed according to the principles of interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA). The findings of this study revealed five super-ordinate themes, which revealed not only the positive and negative experiences of being in a support group, but also the challenges that the participants‟ experienced before joining the group. Getting a sense of the participants‟ experience before joining the group allowed the researcher to get a better understanding of how useful or not the support group has been in helping them deal with the challenges of living with HIV. The themes included: „struggling to survive after diagnosis‟, „struggling to cope: adopting negative coping skills‟, „experiencing a turning-point: a will to survive‟, „attending support group: a sweet experience‟ and lastly, „attending support groups: a bitter experience‟. Findings suggest that for these participants, the advantages outweighed the disadvantages of being in a support group. Therefore this study suggests that face to face support groups are a viable and even necessary option for support. These findings support previous research and literature in regards to the importance of social support in the form of support groups in effectively assisting HIV positive people in their journey to adjust to the consequence of living with HIV.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
An intervention for high-risk type 2 diabetic clients during preconception and internatal in re-engineering of primary health care
- Authors: Ngoma, Siphokazi Amanda
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Diabetes Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , (MCur) Nursing
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/10199 , vital:35375
- Description: The South African disease profile has changed significantly and has increasing prevalence of overweight and obesity in relation to body mass index. Type 2 diabetes mellitus is greatly associated with increased body mass index and poses a great health concern for women of childbearing age. Complications of type 2 diabetes mellitus in pregnancy has life-threatening for the mother and baby. South African women have a tendency of avoiding and neglecting routine screening before pregnancy, that is part of preconception care or internatal care. The aim of the study sought to identify women of childbearing age with predisposing factors of type 2 diabetes, in order to intervene, using a lifestyle modification to delay and prevent the occurrence of type 2 diabetes. A quantitative intervention study using parallel group randomized control trials was used. One hundred and forty-six women of childbearing age (18-45 years) were recruited and assigned to either control (n=73 + 9) or experimental group (n=73 +9). using a computer software randomizer application to avoid bias in selection of participants by the researcher. Both groups received health education from the researcher and the dietician from hospital. The control group had no intervention done, whereas the experimental group attended physical activity sessions which were administered by a hired lay coach. The findings showed that both groups are at risk of developing type 2 diabetes although they both groups lose weight. The weight loss of the control group was owed to education during recruitment. Vegetable consumption was minimal to the younger age group than the older age groups. Waist circumference above 105cm consumed less vegetables, a higher waist circumference is associated with insulin resistance. There was also minimal exercises and knowledge about the preconception care. Diabetes prevention is vital for the women of childbearing age as it affects both mother and child. The study recommends lifestyle modification (exercise and healthy diet) to prevent and delay of type 2 diabetes and gestational diabetes mellitus. The study also recommends Preconception care and Re- engineering of Primary health care uses community health care workers for screening high risk women during home visits.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Ngoma, Siphokazi Amanda
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Diabetes Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , (MCur) Nursing
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/10199 , vital:35375
- Description: The South African disease profile has changed significantly and has increasing prevalence of overweight and obesity in relation to body mass index. Type 2 diabetes mellitus is greatly associated with increased body mass index and poses a great health concern for women of childbearing age. Complications of type 2 diabetes mellitus in pregnancy has life-threatening for the mother and baby. South African women have a tendency of avoiding and neglecting routine screening before pregnancy, that is part of preconception care or internatal care. The aim of the study sought to identify women of childbearing age with predisposing factors of type 2 diabetes, in order to intervene, using a lifestyle modification to delay and prevent the occurrence of type 2 diabetes. A quantitative intervention study using parallel group randomized control trials was used. One hundred and forty-six women of childbearing age (18-45 years) were recruited and assigned to either control (n=73 + 9) or experimental group (n=73 +9). using a computer software randomizer application to avoid bias in selection of participants by the researcher. Both groups received health education from the researcher and the dietician from hospital. The control group had no intervention done, whereas the experimental group attended physical activity sessions which were administered by a hired lay coach. The findings showed that both groups are at risk of developing type 2 diabetes although they both groups lose weight. The weight loss of the control group was owed to education during recruitment. Vegetable consumption was minimal to the younger age group than the older age groups. Waist circumference above 105cm consumed less vegetables, a higher waist circumference is associated with insulin resistance. There was also minimal exercises and knowledge about the preconception care. Diabetes prevention is vital for the women of childbearing age as it affects both mother and child. The study recommends lifestyle modification (exercise and healthy diet) to prevent and delay of type 2 diabetes and gestational diabetes mellitus. The study also recommends Preconception care and Re- engineering of Primary health care uses community health care workers for screening high risk women during home visits.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
An intervention study for low risk pregnant women and high risk pregnant women with GDM in Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality, Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Vellem, Nonceba Mercy
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Diabetes in pregnancy -- South Africa Nursing services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Administration Pregnancy -- Complications
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , Nursing
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/9723 , vital:34891
- Description: Low risk and high risk pregnant women (HRPW) with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) who practise sedentary life style are at risk of overweight and obesity that predispose to gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). The purpose of the study is to describe the effectiveness of an intervention strategy of modified diet and planned physical activity implemented amongst low-risk and high-risk pregnant women with GDM in Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. Quantitative experimental intervention design and stratified random sampling was used for drawing a sample of low-risk and high risk pregnant women with GDM. A sample size 291 of LRPW and n=34 HRPW were eligible for the study. The sample frame of the study was taken from the registers of the CHCs, Frere Hospital and Cecilia Makiwane Hospital (CMH). Questionnaires were used to collect data from the low and high risk pregnant with GDM. Descriptive statistics (frequency, percentages, mean and standard deviation) were used for categorical variables. A p-value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The total analysed of LRPW were n=135 and HRPW n=34 all in control group due to miscarriages, phone loss and relocation. LRPW had some risk factors of overweight (6.2 percent), obesity (15.5 percent), family history of diabetes (16.5 percent). HRPW also had overweight and obesity of (14.7 percent) and family history of (26.4 percent) as the Pvalue was statistically significant of weight was 001, MUAC Pvalue of 000 and Pvalue of BMI 000. There were alarming abnormalities of urinalysis of protein, glucose, leucocytes and blood in urine. The LRPW and HRPW had consumption of high content of carbohydrates, vegetables, fats and low in fruit, vegetables and fibre diet. Both LRPW and HRPW were also interested on the education about modified diet benefits (95.1 percent) and modified diet programs networks (87.5 percent). The barriers showed that LRPW and HRPW were low motivation (90 percent) minimal knowledge and benefits of modified diet (93 percent) and socio-cultural issues (86 percent). The majority of participants both LRPW and HRPW showed the interest in the planned physical activity benefits especially frequent education (96.9 percent) and encouragement of social support networks (90.2 percent) and convenient location (89.4 percent). But the HRPW had lower engagement than the LRPW in planned physical activity and is associated with risk of GDM. Although pregnant women were faced with fatigue and low energy (98.6 percent), as pregnancy progresses, minimum information regarding benefits of planned physical activity (87.6 percent) and the socio-cultural influence (77.8 percent). The recommendations are education on frequent use of modified diet and planned physical activity that is available, less economical and within their context. Frequent screening of all pregnant women during pregnancy of BMI, MUAC and weight and educate accordingly. The availability of dietician and physical activity speciality is needed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Vellem, Nonceba Mercy
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Diabetes in pregnancy -- South Africa Nursing services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Administration Pregnancy -- Complications
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , Nursing
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/9723 , vital:34891
- Description: Low risk and high risk pregnant women (HRPW) with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) who practise sedentary life style are at risk of overweight and obesity that predispose to gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). The purpose of the study is to describe the effectiveness of an intervention strategy of modified diet and planned physical activity implemented amongst low-risk and high-risk pregnant women with GDM in Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. Quantitative experimental intervention design and stratified random sampling was used for drawing a sample of low-risk and high risk pregnant women with GDM. A sample size 291 of LRPW and n=34 HRPW were eligible for the study. The sample frame of the study was taken from the registers of the CHCs, Frere Hospital and Cecilia Makiwane Hospital (CMH). Questionnaires were used to collect data from the low and high risk pregnant with GDM. Descriptive statistics (frequency, percentages, mean and standard deviation) were used for categorical variables. A p-value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The total analysed of LRPW were n=135 and HRPW n=34 all in control group due to miscarriages, phone loss and relocation. LRPW had some risk factors of overweight (6.2 percent), obesity (15.5 percent), family history of diabetes (16.5 percent). HRPW also had overweight and obesity of (14.7 percent) and family history of (26.4 percent) as the Pvalue was statistically significant of weight was 001, MUAC Pvalue of 000 and Pvalue of BMI 000. There were alarming abnormalities of urinalysis of protein, glucose, leucocytes and blood in urine. The LRPW and HRPW had consumption of high content of carbohydrates, vegetables, fats and low in fruit, vegetables and fibre diet. Both LRPW and HRPW were also interested on the education about modified diet benefits (95.1 percent) and modified diet programs networks (87.5 percent). The barriers showed that LRPW and HRPW were low motivation (90 percent) minimal knowledge and benefits of modified diet (93 percent) and socio-cultural issues (86 percent). The majority of participants both LRPW and HRPW showed the interest in the planned physical activity benefits especially frequent education (96.9 percent) and encouragement of social support networks (90.2 percent) and convenient location (89.4 percent). But the HRPW had lower engagement than the LRPW in planned physical activity and is associated with risk of GDM. Although pregnant women were faced with fatigue and low energy (98.6 percent), as pregnancy progresses, minimum information regarding benefits of planned physical activity (87.6 percent) and the socio-cultural influence (77.8 percent). The recommendations are education on frequent use of modified diet and planned physical activity that is available, less economical and within their context. Frequent screening of all pregnant women during pregnancy of BMI, MUAC and weight and educate accordingly. The availability of dietician and physical activity speciality is needed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
An invastigation into factors that contribute to elder abuse: a case study of mount frère town in the umzimvubu local municipality
- Authors: Rasmeni, Nosabelo Lusanda
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Older people -- Abuse of , Abused elderly -- Services for
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/19625 , vital:43153
- Description: The aim of this study was to explore factors which contribute to elder abuse in Mount Frere Town, in the Umzimvubu Local Municipality in the Eastern Cape Province. A qualitative approach was used to allow for the achievement of the research aim which was to explore contributory factors towards elderly abuse in Mount Frere Town. A purposive sampling approach was used to select participants in accordance with their experiences and required characteristics. A total sample of fourteen participants was selected. The data was obtained through focus group interviews, using an interview schedule (Appendix B, C, D and E) as an interview guide and the interview sessions were all recorded with an audio recorder. Separate interview schedules were used for the focus groups with the elderly participants (Appendix B – English version and D- IsiXhosa version) and the group consisting of caregivers (Appendix C – English version and E – IsiXhosa version). Thematic analysis was used to analyse and interpret results. Eight main themes were identified, namely: Living Conditions, Daily Activities, Age and Gender, Alcohol Consumption, Family Victimization, Offender Related Factors, Elderly Protection, and Intervention. These themes were identified under chapter four and discussed in the subsequent chapter. Respective sub-themes were identified under each theme and were discussed comprehensively. Key to all these themes was that most perpetrators of elderly abuse were family members, relatives and neighbours of the victim. Also worth noting is the revelation that elderly people, especially those who live in the rural areas are mostly living alone or with little children and are, therefore, without protection. , Thesis (M Soc Sc) (Criminology) -- University of Fort Hare, 2018
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Rasmeni, Nosabelo Lusanda
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Older people -- Abuse of , Abused elderly -- Services for
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/19625 , vital:43153
- Description: The aim of this study was to explore factors which contribute to elder abuse in Mount Frere Town, in the Umzimvubu Local Municipality in the Eastern Cape Province. A qualitative approach was used to allow for the achievement of the research aim which was to explore contributory factors towards elderly abuse in Mount Frere Town. A purposive sampling approach was used to select participants in accordance with their experiences and required characteristics. A total sample of fourteen participants was selected. The data was obtained through focus group interviews, using an interview schedule (Appendix B, C, D and E) as an interview guide and the interview sessions were all recorded with an audio recorder. Separate interview schedules were used for the focus groups with the elderly participants (Appendix B – English version and D- IsiXhosa version) and the group consisting of caregivers (Appendix C – English version and E – IsiXhosa version). Thematic analysis was used to analyse and interpret results. Eight main themes were identified, namely: Living Conditions, Daily Activities, Age and Gender, Alcohol Consumption, Family Victimization, Offender Related Factors, Elderly Protection, and Intervention. These themes were identified under chapter four and discussed in the subsequent chapter. Respective sub-themes were identified under each theme and were discussed comprehensively. Key to all these themes was that most perpetrators of elderly abuse were family members, relatives and neighbours of the victim. Also worth noting is the revelation that elderly people, especially those who live in the rural areas are mostly living alone or with little children and are, therefore, without protection. , Thesis (M Soc Sc) (Criminology) -- University of Fort Hare, 2018
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
An investigation into births before arrival in healthcare facilities in uThungulu Health District during a period of 1 April 2014 to 31 March 2015
- Mkhwanazi, Cynthia Nqobile Nokuthula
- Authors: Mkhwanazi, Cynthia Nqobile Nokuthula
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Childbirth Childbirth at home
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Public Health
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/11161 , vital:37198
- Description: Births Before Arrival (BBAs) in healthcare facilities is a worldwide health challenge. These births results with diverse obstetric and neonatal complications which could be avoided should delivery took place in an accredited environment. Delivery in health facility rate and Births Before Arrival is one of the vital measures used to monitor access as well as quality of Maternal and Child health services. A birth before arrival in health institutions happens accidentally and unattended by skilled health professionals outside the healthcare facilities (Lazic & Takač, 2011). It is found in both developed and developing countries with various adverse outcomes ranging from haemorrhage to death. Important strides had been taken to improve maternal and child health globally but the healthcare facilities are still experiencing an overwhelming number of births before arrival in healthcare facilities. This is a public health concern. The purpose of the study was to identify factors associated with Births before Arrival in UThungulu Health District facilities and determine the prevalence of BBAs and the neonatal and maternal morbidity and mortality associated with it. A retrospective quantitative research design was used. Maternity clinical records Reviews of 238 Births Before Arrival (BBA) in healthcare facilities that occurred between 1 April 2014 to 31 March 2015 were conducted in the six hospitals in UThungulu Health District. The births before arrival data was analysed using SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Science) version 23, for Windows and used for descriptive and inferential analysis. The reasons for BBA included poor ante natal education of mothers on early signs of labour, lack of transport, poor use of maternity waiting areas and some clinics do not conduct deliveries. The majority of study participants were single (unmarried) and this accentuates the importance of strengthening family planning coverage in this area. Poor reporting of early neonatal deaths and stillbirths was one of the significant observations made during the study. Deceased babies were left at home and buried without being registered at home affairs. Taking cognizance of diverse risks and health needs of expectant women would assist the Health department in planning for adequate coverage for provision of suitable pregnancy care that would improve the health of women and their babies.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Mkhwanazi, Cynthia Nqobile Nokuthula
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Childbirth Childbirth at home
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Public Health
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/11161 , vital:37198
- Description: Births Before Arrival (BBAs) in healthcare facilities is a worldwide health challenge. These births results with diverse obstetric and neonatal complications which could be avoided should delivery took place in an accredited environment. Delivery in health facility rate and Births Before Arrival is one of the vital measures used to monitor access as well as quality of Maternal and Child health services. A birth before arrival in health institutions happens accidentally and unattended by skilled health professionals outside the healthcare facilities (Lazic & Takač, 2011). It is found in both developed and developing countries with various adverse outcomes ranging from haemorrhage to death. Important strides had been taken to improve maternal and child health globally but the healthcare facilities are still experiencing an overwhelming number of births before arrival in healthcare facilities. This is a public health concern. The purpose of the study was to identify factors associated with Births before Arrival in UThungulu Health District facilities and determine the prevalence of BBAs and the neonatal and maternal morbidity and mortality associated with it. A retrospective quantitative research design was used. Maternity clinical records Reviews of 238 Births Before Arrival (BBA) in healthcare facilities that occurred between 1 April 2014 to 31 March 2015 were conducted in the six hospitals in UThungulu Health District. The births before arrival data was analysed using SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Science) version 23, for Windows and used for descriptive and inferential analysis. The reasons for BBA included poor ante natal education of mothers on early signs of labour, lack of transport, poor use of maternity waiting areas and some clinics do not conduct deliveries. The majority of study participants were single (unmarried) and this accentuates the importance of strengthening family planning coverage in this area. Poor reporting of early neonatal deaths and stillbirths was one of the significant observations made during the study. Deceased babies were left at home and buried without being registered at home affairs. Taking cognizance of diverse risks and health needs of expectant women would assist the Health department in planning for adequate coverage for provision of suitable pregnancy care that would improve the health of women and their babies.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018