List of Titles

Electricity demand and supply in South Africa: is nuclear energy a feasible alternative to coal for baseload energy supply in South Africa?

- Maqanda, Vuyani

Authors: Maqanda, Vuyani
Date: 2024-04-03
Subjects: Uncatalogued
Language: English
Type: Academic theses , Doctoral theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/434802 , vital:73106 , DOI 10.21504/10962/434802
Description: Climate change mitigation has created pressure on the energy mix choices of all countries. Highly polluting energy sources are increasingly unpopular. Renewable energy options have emerged as preferred choices for the low-emissions transition. Proponents of nuclear power have promoted the technology as a low-emissions technology by focusing on the operational phase and ignoring the other polluting phases. South Africa generated about 83% of its electricity supply from coal in 2019 and was rated as the 12th most polluting country in the world. In addition to the high pollution levels, the ageing coal fleet suffered from poor maintenance that resulted in frequent power blackouts. One of the government’s energy plans from 2010 proposed the addition of 9 600 MW of nuclear capacity by 2030. However, this plan was not implemented. This study investigates why nuclear power historically never expanded beyond a single power facility in South Africa as well as the possible future role of nuclear power in alleviating South Africa’s current electricity supply constraints and emissions commitments in the period up to 2050. Qualitative analysis is used for this study with a focus on historical document analysis and interviews with energy experts. Two research methods, case studies, and expert opinions were used in this study with data sourced from policy documents, Statistics South Africa, the World Bank, and published articles from various platforms. The Hotelling model, focusing on the impact of price differentials on energy transitions, was used as a theoretical framework. The conclusion from applying the model was that nuclear power was more expensive than the other options even when internalisation of pollution externalities was considered and therefore nuclear power could not displace the cheaper alternatives like coal based on price factors alone. The Multi-Level Perspective, working through institutions, revealed that the institutional setting did not support a transition to nuclear energy. The lack of coordination of strategies derailed the transition. The comparative case study analysis of Germany, the UK, Australia, and India reaffirmed this as countries with better coordination succeeded in transitions. Energy experts offered differing views on the feasibility of nuclear power but many agreed that South Africa should focus on technologies it has better competencies in. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Commerce, Economics and Economic History, 2024
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Evaluating perceptions of co-management on small-scale fisheries in the Wild Coast of South Africa

- Mthombeni, Vusi Gedla

Authors: Mthombeni, Vusi Gedla
Date: 2024-04-03
Subjects: Uncatalogued
Language: English
Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/434678 , vital:73095
Description: Shared perceptions by stakeholders can improve the understanding of managing natural resources. This study aimed to evaluate stakeholders’ perceptions towards co-management of small-scale fisheries to improve the management of these resources. Eleven participants were purposively sampled from government agencies, non-profit organisations and community representatives from Coffee Bay, Port St Johns, Lusikisiki and Xolobeni on the Wild Coast of South Africa. Predetermined themes derived from the literature were used to develop the interview schedule. Semi-structured, one-on-one interviews were conducted to probe the participants’ understanding of the term “co-management” and its objectives, benefits, processes, and outcomes. Data were recorded and transcribed into text, and thematic analysis was used to detect themes that emerged from the data. The results indicated that all participants perceived co-management of Small-scale fisheries as beneficial. Securing access rights through fishing permits was a benefit that was exclusive to the fishers, whereas self-regulation, sharing of information, and mobilising and utilising the strengths of different stakeholders were the benefits noted by all stakeholder participants. Government representatives viewed the involvement of government in the co-management structures of SSF as necessary, whereas the other representatives’ views were that government should be excluded. Incorporating the traditional and government regulatory systems was recommended to manage fisheries resources effectively. The benefits of co-management exceeded costs, suggesting that co-management was viable for the Wild Coast. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Commerce, Rhodes Business School, 2024
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Factors that influence the adoption and implementation of sustainable procurement: a case of a South African public university

- Mpapha, Sive

Authors: Mpapha, Sive
Date: 2024-04-03
Subjects: Uncatalogued
Language: English
Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/434663 , vital:73094
Description: Climate change and resource scarcity have become some of the world's most critical problems and are among the most significant megatrends influencing world leaders' agendas in decision- making (Rothkopf & Casey, 2014; International Social Security Association, 2014). Sustainable procurement has been identified as one of the strategic tools that can resolve these issues to help the world move towards a more sustainable and resilient future (World Bank, 2019). Through sustainable procurement practices, organisations can meet their demand and supply of goods and services while minimising environmental harm, maximising financial returns, and enhancing socioeconomic status (Villena & Gioa, 2020; Bonnemaison, Eldandsson, Ibach & Spiller, 2021). This qualitative research used an Eastern Cape-based higher education institution in South Africa as a case study to investigate factors that influence adopting and implementing sustainable procurement, with resilience as a theoretical foundation, in higher education. The research obtained approval from the participating university as a gatekeeper for the study; it began by drafting a research proposal and securing ethical clearance from Rhodes University. Semi-structured interviews were used with seven higher education procurement staff members to get the data working in procurement in higher education. The findings from the study revealed that managerial support and knowledge of sustainable procurement were determining factors for whether or not a university developed and implemented a strategy for sustainable procurement.Secondly, the participants mostly cited barriers as inadequate financial resources resulting in limitations for the university, therefore partially implementing sustainable practices. Thirdly, the data revealed that university staff in procurement had a basic understanding of sustainable procurement. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Commerce, Rhodes Business School, 2024
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Improving the first-generation students’ alumni awareness at Sol Plaatje University

- Sompondo, Qondakele Beuc

Authors: Sompondo, Qondakele Beuc
Date: 2024-04-03
Subjects: Uncatalogued
Language: English
Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/434690 , vital:73096
Description: This research study aimed to improve the alumni awareness of FGS at Sol Plaatje University in order to enjoy a lifelong connection with their alma mater. Furthermore, this study provides recommendations to Sol Plaatje University on how engage first-generation students (FGS) and alumni more effectively in the future. This study used a mixed-method research design to collect and analyse data. The first phase of data collection used a quantitative research method in the form of a survey to obtain biographical information about the final-year students and to identify FGS as key participants for this study. The second data collection phase employed qualitative research to gain insight into alumni awareness among FGS through an alumni awareness workshop and a follow-up questionnaire. The survey findings revealed that students needed to be informed about alumni and related activities on campus. In addition, all were eager to attend the alumni workshop in the second phase of the study. The study findings revealed that FGS showed improved knowledge of alumni and related activities after attending the alumni awareness workshop. They also indicated their willingness to attend university alumni events such as reunions, homecoming, and fundraising events after graduation. Recommendations include suggestions for Sol Plaatje University to identify FGS at registration and tailor its extracurricular and support programmes to cater for such students. The university should also introduce alumni awareness workshops to prepare students for life after graduation as alumni and for the world of work. Lastly, the university should develop a mentoring programme for its FGS and alumni at an earlier stage to help them transition into and out of the university. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Commerce, Rhodes Business School, 2024
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Instagram and male body image: an in-depth study of perceptions surrounding Instagram-related body ideals amongst gym-going, male students at Rhodes University.

- Nikiforos, Declyn Michael Costa

Authors: Nikiforos, Declyn Michael Costa
Date: 2024-04-03
Subjects: Instagram (Electronic resource) , Body image in men South Africa Makhanda , College students Attitudes , Rhodes University , Disciplinary power , Social comparison theory
Language: English
Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/434584 , vital:73087
Description: Guided by the disciplinary power and social comparison theories, this study sought to explore the perceptions of Instagram-related male body ideals amongst young, gym-going men enrolled at Rhodes University. Seven in-depth interviews were conducted, and the responses suggested that Instagram use shaped young men’s body-related perceptions in a variety of complex ways. The findings suggested that Instagram exposed users to a lean and muscular body ideal and that perceptions of this ideal were shaped by factors such as Instagram’s positivity bias, the age of users, and the exposure to the idealised bodies of fitness influencers. Furthermore, perceptions of Instagram’s male body ideal were influenced by context. Black South Africans that attended majority white high schools were more likely to conform to the male body ideals associated with their school environment. In such instances, individuals rejected the body norms associated with their ethnic backgrounds in lieu of striving for a lean and muscular body. Additionally, perceptions of body dissatisfaction were evident in cases where upward social comparisons were made with unrealistic male body ideals. Conformity to Instagram’s male body ideal also suggested that male users were subjected to a coercive form of power that resulted in their active participation in the reproduction of male body ideals. , Thesis (MSocSci) -- Faculty of Humanities, Sociology, 2024
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Issues in language acquisition planning in Zimbabwe: the case of Ndebele within the primary education system

- Masuku, Seabird

Authors: Masuku, Seabird
Date: 2024-04-03
Subjects: Uncatalogued
Language: English
Type: Academic theses , Doctoral theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/434626 , vital:73091 , DOI 10.21504/10962/434627
Description: This thesis discusses pertinent language issues within the primary school system in Zimbabwe in view of complaints (over many years) of communities in the two Matabeleland provinces and Bulawayo about high failure rates of learners in the final grade 7 examinations. It also interrogates the government’s commitment to the development of indigenous languages in the primary school system, particularly in the three provinces mentioned above as mirrored in the 2013 constitution of the country. The study conducted traces the language trends exhibited currently back to their beginnings during the colonial era in language planning by the government and the policies that informed such planning. What obtains on the ground seems to be violating the principles behind the declaration of the International Mother Language Day (30C/62) proclaimed by the General Conference of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in November 1999. On 16 May 2007 the United Nations General Assembly, in its resolution A/RES/61/266, called upon Member States (Zimbabwe included) "to promote the preservation and protection of all languages used by peoples of the world". The amended education act of 2006 states that in Zimbabwe’s primary schools early learning must be done through mother tongue instruction then switch to English in grade 4 upwards. As a first step of a child’s academic life, the lower primary education needs to be conducted in the child’s mother tongue to bridge the gap between the child’s home environment and the new school environment as well as to reduce culture shock associated with the sudden introduction of a new language. Studies, such as those done by Noormohamadi, (2008) and Mackenzie, (2013) have shown that children tend to understand better if they are taught in their mother tongue. In this thesis I seek to establish if the teaching of Ndebele at primary school reveals the socio-cultural ideology (awareness of circumstances surrounding individuals and how their behaviours are affected, specifically by their surroundings, social and cultural factors) and political ideology (thinking structures about the way policies should be run) underpinning language planning in Zimbabwe. It is my observation and argument that the Education Act proclaims what has not been practised on the ground through teacher training and deployment practices. To establish if the teaching of Ndebele at primary school reveals the socio-cultural and political ideologies underpinning language planning in Zimbabwe, I carried out research in Matabeleland South, Bulawayo and Matabeleland North provinces covering a total of 27 schools, 27 heads of school and 135 teachers. The research’s main aims were to find out if Ndebele was taught at school, by who and using what materials. It should be noted that mother tongue, in learning, acts as a basis of interpretation of subsequent concepts. When a child is learning new concepts or words in the second language, he or she first searches the equivalent in his or her mother tongue. If the primary language has not been developed well enough to have such equivalents, such a child is likely to have problems in forming new concepts in the second language. The role of language in meaning, therefore, is a variable that depends on the socio-geographical location of the languages and their speakers. The research established that, indigenous languages, Ndebele included, are not developed by the government through financial support for teaching material production and qualified teacher deployment. Instead, it was discovered that in Matabeleland there are some learners at primary school who are taught by a Shona-speaking teacher who cannot communicate properly with the learners. It should be remembered that a primary language is used by a child as the foundation to learn the basic concepts in his or her own language and to give him or her freedom to express himself or herself without the inhibitions imposed by an insufficient mastery of the medium of instruction. As a way of concluding the research I found it necessary that the use of mother tongue by learners at lower grades of primary school be strengthened through the deployment of teachers who can teach Ndebele properly because it provides a strong foundation for further education. Using the mother tongue, students learn to think, communicate and acquire an intuitive understanding of grammar. The mother tongue is; therefore, the greatest asset and vital tool people use to acquire new concepts. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Languages and Literatures, 2024
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The influence of strategic leadership on the performance of small and medium-sized enterprises as mediated by strategy implementation

- January, Nceba

Authors: January, Nceba
Date: 2024-04-03
Subjects: Uncatalogued
Language: English
Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/434723 , vital:73099
Description: Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are viewed as the cornerstone of socio-economic development in many economies globally. The progressive contribution of SMEs to the global economy is irrefutable and enshrined in poverty alleviation, inclusive economic growth, and job creation strategies pursued by many economies worldwide. SMEs are primarily the form of enterprise that accounts for over 90% of all businesses; thus, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises are the main source of employment. SMEs' contribution to value creation is estimated to be above 50% on average. In emerging countries, particularly South Africa, SMEs contribute approximately 45% of the total employment and 33% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). In most countries, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises contribute to more than 50% of employment and GDP, and these figures become significantly higher when the informal small business sector is included. World Bank estimated 600 million jobs needed by 2030, making SME development a high priority for many governments worldwide. Despite globally acknowledged SME contributions, small businesses are still faced with many challenges that have ramifications on their survival, growth, and performance. Studies highlighted challenges such as lack of access to finance and funding modalities, appropriate technology and infrastructure, markets and social networks, and lack of research and development, strategic management skills, and inability to perform managerial tasks, among others. Recent studies have been conducted on many of these challenges; however, there is little known about the strategic management challenges that face SMEs and their business performance. Several studies were conducted on some of these strategic management challenges, such as strategic planning, strategic orientation, strategic agility, organisational flexibility, and total quality management. However, a review of studies relevant to SMEs and their performance is silent on the argument regarding the influence of strategic leadership on the performance of SMEs, especially when key drivers of effective strategy implementation mediate strategic leadership. Thus, this study investigated the influence of strategic leadership on the performance of SMEs as mediated by strategy implementation in Nelson Mandela Bay (NMB). A detailed theoretical investigation was conducted on the nature and role of strategic leadership, strategy implementation, and business performance of SMEs. Strategic leadership represents the independent variables of this study, namely: strategic direction, balanced organisational controls, organisational culture, organisation’s resource portfolio, and ethical practice, followed by the mediating variable (strategy implementation) and the dependent variable (business performance). An empirical investigation was also conducted to test the significant influence between these variables. This study adopted a positivistic approach using a quantitative research method. The sample size of the study was 390 respondents. Self-developed and structured questionnaires were physically distributed to 315 SME owners and managers in NMB using a convenience sampling method. Only 229 returned questionnaires were suitable and relevant to this study; thus, a 72.69% response rate was achieved. Returned questionnaires were cleansed, coded, and transferred to a statistical data analysis software called Statistica, version 14.0, for quantitative data analyses. The validity and reliability of the measuring instrument were confirmed using Exploratory Factor Analysis and the calculation of Cronbach’s alpha coefficients. Descriptive statistics was calculated to summarise the empirical data on demographic variables and the main variables of this study. Pearson’s correlations were calculated to determine the correlations between the main variables of this study, and the results confirmed that there is a positive influence between strategic leadership, strategy implementation, and business performance of SMEs. A multiple linear regression analysis was conducted to test the significance of the influence between the main variables of the study. A regression analysis outcome revealed that some of the strategic leadership activities (strategic direction, balanced organisational controls, and organisational culture) have a statistically significant positive influence on the business performance of SMEs. Furthermore, a statistically significant positive influence does exist between strategy implementation and business performance of SMEs. This study’s recommendations were suggested to SME owners/managers. Firstly, to formulate and develop a clear long-term vision of the business for the next 3 to 5 years. Align resources to key areas of business operation and set internal controls that will help set standards of desired performance and ultimately achieve them. Secondly, to formulate and implement shared values that connect employees to the business purpose and the way it is conducted. These shared values must be underpinned by a unique, valuable, and incomparable culture against competitors to gain a competitive edge. Furthermore, consider using rewards to recognise employees who embody the shared values of the business and are committed to the success of the business because of its culture. Thirdly, ensure both strategic and financial controls support strategy implementation and guide employees to achieve performance objectives. Use balanced scorecards to assess the effectiveness of controls in the business and put corrective measures to address performance gaps. Last but not least, invest in staff development and training, technological infrastructure, and set sound processes and systems for the business operation, establish structures that have clear lines of reporting, authority, and delegation. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Commerce, Management, 2024
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The private collection: aura, the cult of celebrity and, the construct of value in saleable works of art

- Ellis, Yvette Tamsin

Authors: Ellis, Yvette Tamsin
Date: 2024-04-03
Subjects: Uncatalogued
Language: English
Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/434574 , vital:73086
Description: A tenet of the twenty-first century is the monetisation of everything due to commercialisation. The effects of this commercialisation have crept into every aspect of our lives, and although in the art world it has mostly been underhanded in its adoption, the traces of commercialisations touch are still evident in its functioning. Due to this underhandedness there hasn't been much thought put into what 'the monetisation of everything' truly implies for the industry, or how the value of the art object devoted to commercialisation may look like. The Private Collection (exhibition title of the practical component for submission in MFA completion) addresses the concept of object value and, more specifically, how that value is created within the art world through mechanisms of commercialisation that include celebrity cult, functioning of possession (through collecting), and taste. Research into Walter Benjamin's theory of the authenticity of the work of art, and in particular his concept of "aura," has helped inform the creation of a marketing strategy propelled by value driven mechanisms found within the Art Market for The Private Collection. Particular emphasis is placed on how brand value drives sales in this thesis. Thus, The Private Collection: Aura, the Cult of Celebrity, and the Construct of Value in Saleable Works of Art, defines The Private Collection as a tailored system built expressly for engagement with economic forces inside the art industry. As a result, the position of this study is based on the marketability of the object through particular driving forces that have seeped into the value system of the saleable work of art. The position of this thesis is that in this commercialist system, driving forces of value can be sustained within instances of the multiple. The project additionally supports this in maintaining that interaction from a fine art perspective would be limited if restricted to orthodox approaches (a gallery showing, and one print works), which is why a more economically interactive approach (e-commerce) was decided on for the exhibition component. The Private Collection offers an observation that the worth of a saleable work of art has become a warped representation of the commercial context we find ourselves in and that value is only awarded through particular kingmakers of the system. The practical component of this submission can be viewed online by clicking the image below. Please note that the website is not optimised for phone or tablet use, please instead view it on a computer (preferably a desktop) in full screen mode. , Thesis (MFA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Fine Art, 2024
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The relationship between leadership and employee engagement in an automotive original equipment manufacturer in South Africa

- Slater, Bronwyn Lereen

Authors: Slater, Bronwyn Lereen
Date: 2024-04-03
Subjects: Uncatalogued
Language: English
Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/434756 , vital:73102
Description: The manufacturing industry is one of the greatest contributors to the South African economy. Owing to a competitive and complex automotive climate, it is suggested that only a few automotive manufacturing organisations will remain viable in the coming years, without the optimal reliance on human capital resources to navigate an unpredictable and unfolding landscape. In securing a sustainable future, the engagement of these human capital resources is necessitated. This competitive landscape has resulted in the call for adaptive and flexible leadership. Leadership behaviour is categorised into three streams, namely, transformational leadership, transactional leadership, and non-leadership, which is referred to as laissez-faire leadership. Employee engagement is defined as the extent to which an employee is committed to, and involved in, their operational function and the organisation, whilst portraying a willingness to perform and contribute beyond that which is expected of them. The purpose of this research was to explore the relationship between leadership and employee engagement in an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) in South Africa. This OEM operates in the Eastern Cape and Gauteng Provinces of South Africa. Globally, the OEM launched a leadership journey to facilitate a shared value system that supported a vision towards organisational success, by focusing on transformed ways of working and acting, as a global collective team. The outcome of this desired journey yielded eight Leadership Principles. These Leadership Principles are referred to, and included in the research study, to gain a more robust internal perspective of the leadership behaviours that are most advocated within the OEM, in relation to employee engagement. The objective of this research therefore was to establish the relationship between leadership and employee engagement in the respective OEM, by investigating the impact of transformational leadership and transactional leadership on employee engagement. A triangulation approach was adopted to analyse the data, using a combination of qualitative and quantitative research methodologies. The result when testing the reliability coefficient scores of the leadership instrument described a poor measure for transactional leadership, and a good measure for transformational leadership. Therefore, the results that stemmed from the statistical analysis in relation to transactional leadership could not be trusted. However, in the context of this research, it was found that there is a statistically significant relationship between transformational leadership and employee engagement. Whilst utilising the qualitative research methodology, it was found that there is a limited definition-based relationship between transactional leadership and the eight Leadership Principles. However, there is a definition-based relationship between the Leadership Principles and transformational leadership, owing to similarities found in the definition descriptions between at least six of the eight Leadership Principles. In the investigation of whether there is a definition-based relationship between the Leadership Principles and employee engagement, it was found that a limited definition-based relationship between the eight Leadership Principles and engagement existed. The research therefore met its objectives in determining a relationship between leadership and employee engagement in an Original Equipment Manufacturer in South Africa. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Commerce, Management, 2024
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The Zimbabwe National Gender Policy (NGP) 2013–2017 and Women’s Economic Empowerment (WEE): a study of small-scale gold miners in the Bubi and Gwanda rural districts, Zimbabwe

- Moyo, Phoebe Michelle Zibusiso Sandi

Authors: Moyo, Phoebe Michelle Zibusiso Sandi
Date: 2024-04-03
Subjects: Uncatalogued
Language: English
Type: Academic theses , Doctoral theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/434638 , vital:73092 , DOI 10.21504/10962/434638
Description: The study examines the impact of Zimbabwe’s second National Gender Policy (NGP) 2013-2017 under the Ministry of Women’s Affairs, Gender and Community Development on women’s access to and control over productive resources in the artisanal and small-scale gold mining sector in Bubi and Gwanda rural districts of Zimbabwe. Despite the implementation of the NGP over the past fourteen years, its effect on the economic empowerment of women has not been investigated adequately. Women’s economic empowerment (WEE) is recognized as a crucial development strategy. However, it faces challenges related to the tensions between structure and agency. Some perceive WEE as an entrepreneurial concept focusing on equal access and control over productive resources like credit, equipment, skills, and business training. Others argue that WEE should encompass more than just resource access and control by addressing structural factors that hinder women’s agency e.g. unequal social relations between men and women, patriarchy, unpaid care work, and sociocultural norms. The study employed a hybrid lens, combining structure and agency to analyse the implementation of the NGP’s empowerment programs. Drawing on Kabeer’s (1994) Social Relations Approach (SRA), the study utilized two key concepts from the SRA, namely social relations and institutional analysis, to examine the interaction between the NGP and various institutions (market, community, and family) where women are located. To gain a comprehensive understanding of the ways in which the NGP has supported or impeded WEE among the female small-scale gold miners in Bubi and Gwanda, a qualitative approach was employed as an investigative method. The findings indicated that the NGP adopts a liberal or agency centred approach to WEE. This approach emphasizes women’s agency and their ability to fulfil their potential in the public sphere. The NGP has facilitated access to credit, equipment, skills, and business training. However, the evidence also highlighted the uneven implementation of the NGP’s empowerment programs between the Bubi and Gwanda districts. Overall, the evidence revealed that, while the NGP has addressed gender inequalities to a limited degree, it has also reinforced class inequalities. The NGP’s empowerment programs have overlooked the structural factors that keep women in subordinate positions, such as the unequal social relations that exist between men and women, patriarchy, unpaid care work and sociocultural norms. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Humanities, Sociology, 2024
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Yield curve and business cycle dynamics in South Africa: new evidence from a Markov switching model

- Rotich, Mercyline Chepkemoi

Authors: Rotich, Mercyline Chepkemoi
Date: 2024-04-03
Subjects: Uncatalogued
Language: English
Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/434739 , vital:73101
Description: Globally, several empirical studies have demonstrated the ability of the yield spread to predict a recession in a country. In South Africa, previous studies have not only shown the yield curve's predictive power but have further demonstrated that it outperforms other commonly used variables, such as the growth rate of real money supply, changes in stock prices, and the index of leading economic indicators. However, some recent studies have shown that the yield spread (the spread between 10-year bonds and 3-month Treasury bills) gave false signals of recession. In this study, we explore the possible reasons for the false signals of the yield spread by addressing the following questions. Does the yield spread used matter? Does the measure of the business cycle used matter? And do the estimation techniques used matter? To address the first question, unlike the previous studies, this paper uses four different yield spreads- depicting short-term, medium-term, and long-term government bonds against the backdrop of a changing structure of bond holding, which reflects the increasing risk eversion of investors in South Africa. Second, the paper used different measures of business cycles, namely industrial production index, lagging, coincident, and leading economic indicators. The empirical models were estimated using both univariate and multivariate Markov switching models. As economic theory suggests, the univariate Markov switching model was used to determine if each variable exhibits a significant regime switching. The multivariate Markov switching model was estimated for each business cycle and yield spread variable, with each of the other variables serving as a non-switching explanatory variable, thereby addressing potential endogeneity concerns and the predictive power of the explanatory variable. Finally, the multivariate Markov switching model was estimated for three monthly sample periods, a full sample for 1986 to 2022, and two sub-samples – 1986 to 2009 and 2010 to 2022. This analysis consistently reveals significant regime-switching behavior across all the series thus, affirming the superiority of the regime switching model over the standard model used in previous studies. By analyzing the transition probabilities and the expected durations between these regimes, we find that including the spreads in the business cycle model improves the models’ predictability, with the medium-term bonds spread performing better than the usual long-term spread. The smoothed regime probability of the best-performing models is compared with the SARB recession dates; the two closely resemble each other, proving that the Markov switching model can help predict the turning points in the business cycle in South Africa. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Commerce, Economics and Economic History, 2024
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Assessing rural senior primary school natural science teachers’ TPACK: a case study

- Silvanus, Secilia Tulikefo

Authors: Silvanus, Secilia Tulikefo
Date: 2024-04
Subjects: Uncatalogued
Language: English
Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/423902 , vital:72103
Description: In today's world, technology has changed how people live and behave. The influence of technology contemplates a similar change in the education processes of teaching and learning. Many governments worldwide invest hugely in providing technological tools and facilities and training teachers to improve teaching and learning. The availability and access to technologies in schools seem to offer teachers opportunities to develop technological knowledge and integrate technology into teaching. Literature indicates that teachers must possess technological pedagogical content knowledge (TPACK) to integrate technology into teaching and learning processes effectively. However, other scholars have also suggested that teachers' TPACK develops and is shaped by many contexts. This study, therefore, sought to assess the rural senior primary Natural science teachers' TPACK. This qualitative case study was conducted with senior primary Natural science teachers in the educational circuit of Endola. An interpretive paradigm underpinned the study. The study employed semi-structured questionnaires, semi-structured interviews, focus group interviews, and observation to collect the data. The study used the TPACK as a theoretical and analytical framework. The study results showed that participants had a firmer grasp of subject content (CK) and traditional teaching methods (Pedagogical Knowledge - PK and Pedagogical Content Knowledge - PCK) compared to technological knowledge (TK) and technology-based pedagogies (Technological Pedagogical Knowledge - TPK, Technological Content Knowledge - TCK, and Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPCK). Findings support that the participants draw upon sources of Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK) closely aligned with Content Knowledge (CK), Technological Content Knowledge (TCK), and Technological Pedagogical Knowledge (TPK) to integrate technology. The study included inadequate professional development, teachers' attitudes, insufficient hardware and internet connectivity, limited technological knowledge, time constraints, and restricted access to technology tools and resources as obstacles for teachers attempting to incorporate technology into their classrooms effectively. Furthermore, the data highlights ICT training and teachers' interest as enablers that motivated participants to integrate technology into their teaching practices. Therefore, the study recommends professional development programs focusing on providing science teachers with practical skills to utilise different technologies and address common technical issues. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, Secondary and Post-School Education, 2024
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Exploring senior phase teachers’ use of Kahoot! Gamification as a formative assessment tool to scaffold mathematical understanding

- Balele, Silence

Authors: Balele, Silence
Date: 2024-04
Subjects: Kahoot! Algebra by DragonBox , Mathematics Computer-assisted instruction , Pedagogical content knowledge , Mathematics Study and teaching (Secondary) South Africa , Gamification , Educational technology , Mathematics teachers Training of South Africa
Language: English
Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/423891 , vital:72102
Description: In South Africa, digital technology, particularly gamification, continues to become an important teaching and learning tool. Its importance lies in scaffolding mathematical understanding, improving the quality of assessment, and developing twenty-first-century technological skills for effective mathematics assessment. To explore this importance, senior phase mathematics teachers are encouraged to adopt gamification technology such as Kahoot! in assessment. The study adopted a case study research design with a interpretivist research paradigm, as this method allows detailed exploration and understanding of a specific context through a close connection with the participants. Data was collected using semi-structured questionnaires, focus group interviews, non-participant observations, and reflective journals. The research involved ten purposively selected senior-phase mathematics teachers from two schools in the Sarah Baartman District, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. The study drew upon Vygoysky's Sociocultural Theory for its theoretical framework, while the Technological, Pedagogical, and Content Knowledge was used for analysis. The data analysis pursued an inductive approach. Adopting a thematic analysis included coding participant responses, organizing codes into concepts and categories, and developing a theoretical framework from the resultant categories. A four-phase process was involved: coding, conceptualizing, categorizing, and theorizing, was employed. This process and using NVivo software for data organization and management helped identify patterns, themes, and significant concerns surrounding the study's core subject. The findings from the study were as follows: Firstly, it was revealed that most teachers have a positive perception and attitude towards using Kahoot! for formative assessment, believing that it enhances teaching and learning quality. However, they showed scepticism due to insufficient Information and Communication Technologies knowledge and training. Second, teachers' pedagogical and technological experiences were predominantly enjoyable. Kahoot! was accepted as beneficial for promoting collaboration, interaction, and immediate feedback. Third, the study identified enabling and constraining factors in using Kahoot! for formative assessment. The enabling factors include Kahoot!, which was convenient and accessible, promoted immediate feedback and fostered collaboration and interaction. The constraining factors include Information and Communication Technologies and network interference, which posed limitations. The research concluded that Kahoot! as a platform for formative assessment indeed scaffold mathematical understanding. The study recommends increasing teachers' access to educational technology, incorporating continuous professional development programs, providing subject-specific training, and encouraging teachers to adapt to emerging technologies. The study also provided recommendations for future research to explore learner perceptions, employ a mixed methods approach to help quantify learner performance and investigate the pedagogical and technological experiences of senior phase mathematics teachers regarding formative assessment. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, Secondary and Post-School Education, 2024
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