Possibilities for multilingualism: a critical case study with selected financial information systems (FIS) students
- Authors: Adams, Natalie
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Language and languages -- Study and teaching -- Bilingual method , Education, Bilingual
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8367 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1011052 , Language and languages -- Study and teaching -- Bilingual method , Education, Bilingual
- Description: This study aims at eliciting what shifts in term of multilingual possibilities can be detected in the language attitudes of first year National Diploma in Financial Information Systems students and their lectures. Qualitative methods are used: data is gathered using a questionnaire, 3 focus group discussions with students, interviews with 2 lecturers as well as an interview with language development practitioner. The questionnaire is modelled on attitudinal studies conducted at University of the Western Cape (Dyers 2001), University of Ford Hare (Dalwit 2001) and at Rhodes University (Aziakpono 2008). The questionnaire data, however, is only used a precursor to the study. The focuses of the study are the 3 focus group discussion and the semi structured interview with two lecturers and language development practitioner. The results of the snap shot questionnaire and first focus group discussion are similar to the three studies on language choices at Fort Hare, Rhodes and the University of the Western Cape respectively whereby students prefer English as the language of learning and teaching. The second focus group discussion is based on an article which students had to read. The article, Here, mother tongue clashes with her mother‟s tongue, focuses on the price that South African black children will pay for the constant erosion of African languages. The article‟s provocative focus challenges commonplace acceptance of English and so resonated with the students‟ exploration of multilingual possibilities. Focus group three revealed that students had experienced an attitudinal shift and realized the significance of mother tongue education as well as the importance of multilingual strategies.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Adams, Natalie
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Language and languages -- Study and teaching -- Bilingual method , Education, Bilingual
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8367 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1011052 , Language and languages -- Study and teaching -- Bilingual method , Education, Bilingual
- Description: This study aims at eliciting what shifts in term of multilingual possibilities can be detected in the language attitudes of first year National Diploma in Financial Information Systems students and their lectures. Qualitative methods are used: data is gathered using a questionnaire, 3 focus group discussions with students, interviews with 2 lecturers as well as an interview with language development practitioner. The questionnaire is modelled on attitudinal studies conducted at University of the Western Cape (Dyers 2001), University of Ford Hare (Dalwit 2001) and at Rhodes University (Aziakpono 2008). The questionnaire data, however, is only used a precursor to the study. The focuses of the study are the 3 focus group discussion and the semi structured interview with two lecturers and language development practitioner. The results of the snap shot questionnaire and first focus group discussion are similar to the three studies on language choices at Fort Hare, Rhodes and the University of the Western Cape respectively whereby students prefer English as the language of learning and teaching. The second focus group discussion is based on an article which students had to read. The article, Here, mother tongue clashes with her mother‟s tongue, focuses on the price that South African black children will pay for the constant erosion of African languages. The article‟s provocative focus challenges commonplace acceptance of English and so resonated with the students‟ exploration of multilingual possibilities. Focus group three revealed that students had experienced an attitudinal shift and realized the significance of mother tongue education as well as the importance of multilingual strategies.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
The Mandela Bay Development Agency's role in promoting community participation in the Helenvale Urban Renewal Project, Port Elizabeth
- Authors: Andrews, Christopher Lee
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Community development -- South Africa -- Citizen participation , City planning -- South Africa -- Citizen participation , Urban renewal -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Economic development -- Citizen participation , South Africa -- Social policy -- Citizen participation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8315 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020095
- Description: Community participation in urban renewal projects has become important in the South African government’s efforts to address past imbalances and improving the livelihoods of socially excluded and marginalised communities. In order for the Helenvale Urban Renewal Project to be successful and bring about sustainable change, it is vital that the community be allowed and encouraged to play an active role in consultation and participation initiatives. This study outlines the importance of community participation, the types, the incentives and disincentives as well as the possible barriers to effective community participation. Findings from the analysis of the collected data indicates that a community project can only be successful if the implementing agent employs democratic principles whereby all residents are given a voice and are allowed to participate in the decision-making and implementation process. This study explores the concept of community participation in the Helenvale Urban Renewal Projects with particular reference to the role played by the Mandela Bay Development Agency in promoting community participation in the Helenvale Urban Renewal Projects (HURP), in Port Elizabeth.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Andrews, Christopher Lee
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Community development -- South Africa -- Citizen participation , City planning -- South Africa -- Citizen participation , Urban renewal -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Economic development -- Citizen participation , South Africa -- Social policy -- Citizen participation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8315 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020095
- Description: Community participation in urban renewal projects has become important in the South African government’s efforts to address past imbalances and improving the livelihoods of socially excluded and marginalised communities. In order for the Helenvale Urban Renewal Project to be successful and bring about sustainable change, it is vital that the community be allowed and encouraged to play an active role in consultation and participation initiatives. This study outlines the importance of community participation, the types, the incentives and disincentives as well as the possible barriers to effective community participation. Findings from the analysis of the collected data indicates that a community project can only be successful if the implementing agent employs democratic principles whereby all residents are given a voice and are allowed to participate in the decision-making and implementation process. This study explores the concept of community participation in the Helenvale Urban Renewal Projects with particular reference to the role played by the Mandela Bay Development Agency in promoting community participation in the Helenvale Urban Renewal Projects (HURP), in Port Elizabeth.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
The reforms in the ministry of immigration and registration of persons in Kenya
- Authors: Angaine, Emily Karwitha
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Public administration -- Kenya , Civil service -- Kenya , Organizational change -- Kenya
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9237 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021099
- Description: Public service delivery is a major challenge to governments in both the developing and developed worlds. Governments have used various strategies to enhance service delivery. These strategies have resulted in varying outcomes and levels of service delivery. In the Kenyan government, the strategies to enhance service delivery include: Results Based Management strategies, service charters, Information Communication Technology (ICT), performance contracting, and strategic plans. This study is an investigation of reforms in the Ministry of Immigration and Registration of Persons (MIRP), Kenya. The study sought to investigate the effects of Results Based Management on service delivery; to investigate the effect of strategic planning on service delivery in Kenya; to investigate the effect of ICT on service delivery in Kenya; and to investigate the effect of Business Process Re-engineering (BPR) in service delivery. This study utilized a descriptive research design where the researcher investigated and collected factual data to describe the situation or problem. Secondary data was sourced from document reviews. Data was analyzed as it was collected. The researcher classified the data in terms of the topic, themes and content. The broad topic and themes of the data collected was based on the research objectives of this study and included: use of Information Communication Technology, Business Process Re-engineering, Results Based Management, and strategic planning. The findings revealed that the department has utilized Results Based Management, strategic planning, Information Communication Technology, as well as Business Process Re-engineering tools in reforming public service delivery towards effectiveness and efficiency. Furthermore, this study also revealed that the department has accrued various benefits as a consequence of these tools despite the challenges facing their implementation. According to the report, the reform programs have enhanced greater transparency in service delivery, improved accountability, responsibility in employees, enhanced policy coherence and strengthened capacity. these advantages are evident to the Department of Immigration. the study recommends that the use of Results Based Management, ICT and Business Process Re-engineering policies and changes should be implemented to improve service delivery in the Ministry of Immigration and Registration of Persons. In addition, the study recommends the following further studies: the study should be replicated to other public organizations (agencies) to allow for comparison of the findings of this study; the study recommends research on the success of public organizations in achieving objectives of their strategic planning (this is based on the challenges identified facing strategic planning in the Department of Immigration); and, finally, this study recommends future research on the relationship between Business Process Re-engineering (BPR) and efficient service delivery. This study will provide insight to what extent BPR affects service delivery.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Angaine, Emily Karwitha
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Public administration -- Kenya , Civil service -- Kenya , Organizational change -- Kenya
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9237 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021099
- Description: Public service delivery is a major challenge to governments in both the developing and developed worlds. Governments have used various strategies to enhance service delivery. These strategies have resulted in varying outcomes and levels of service delivery. In the Kenyan government, the strategies to enhance service delivery include: Results Based Management strategies, service charters, Information Communication Technology (ICT), performance contracting, and strategic plans. This study is an investigation of reforms in the Ministry of Immigration and Registration of Persons (MIRP), Kenya. The study sought to investigate the effects of Results Based Management on service delivery; to investigate the effect of strategic planning on service delivery in Kenya; to investigate the effect of ICT on service delivery in Kenya; and to investigate the effect of Business Process Re-engineering (BPR) in service delivery. This study utilized a descriptive research design where the researcher investigated and collected factual data to describe the situation or problem. Secondary data was sourced from document reviews. Data was analyzed as it was collected. The researcher classified the data in terms of the topic, themes and content. The broad topic and themes of the data collected was based on the research objectives of this study and included: use of Information Communication Technology, Business Process Re-engineering, Results Based Management, and strategic planning. The findings revealed that the department has utilized Results Based Management, strategic planning, Information Communication Technology, as well as Business Process Re-engineering tools in reforming public service delivery towards effectiveness and efficiency. Furthermore, this study also revealed that the department has accrued various benefits as a consequence of these tools despite the challenges facing their implementation. According to the report, the reform programs have enhanced greater transparency in service delivery, improved accountability, responsibility in employees, enhanced policy coherence and strengthened capacity. these advantages are evident to the Department of Immigration. the study recommends that the use of Results Based Management, ICT and Business Process Re-engineering policies and changes should be implemented to improve service delivery in the Ministry of Immigration and Registration of Persons. In addition, the study recommends the following further studies: the study should be replicated to other public organizations (agencies) to allow for comparison of the findings of this study; the study recommends research on the success of public organizations in achieving objectives of their strategic planning (this is based on the challenges identified facing strategic planning in the Department of Immigration); and, finally, this study recommends future research on the relationship between Business Process Re-engineering (BPR) and efficient service delivery. This study will provide insight to what extent BPR affects service delivery.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
A psychobiographical study of Ellen Kuzwayo
- Authors: Arosi, Ziyanda
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Kuzwayo, Ellen , Psychology -- Biographical methods , Life cycle, Human , Women, Black -- South Africa -- Social conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9894 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1008658 , Kuzwayo, Ellen , Psychology -- Biographical methods , Life cycle, Human , Women, Black -- South Africa -- Social conditions
- Description: The current study is a psychobiography. The subject was chosen through purposive sampling based on the researcher’s personal interest and the remarkable impact this woman had within her society. Ellen Kuzwayo also meets the requirements of a psychobiography in that she is historically well known, inspirational, and her life has been completed. The study applies a qualitative research method in the form of a psychobiography, which aimed to describe Ellen Kuzwayo`s life accordingto Daniel Levinson`s Life Structure Theory of Adult Development. Levinson`s theory divides the lifespan into four developmental eras, each with its own biopsychosocial character. Each era in turn is divided into shorter periods of development. Levinson`s theory was chosenbecause it is specifically relevant to the development of women. The findings of the study indicate that Kuzwayo’s life was consistent with the pattern of development which Levinson (1996) identified. Kuzwayo was relatively successful in resolving the life tasks and transitional periods proposed by Levinson. This research study has given a positive demonstration of the value of development theory to investigate a particular human life. Furthermore, it emphasized the uniqueness of individuals in coping with the challenges of life. As a result it has opened up the possibility of perceiving people and their actions in a different way. Consequently, recommendations are offered in order to extend psychobiographical research on the life of Ellen Kuzwayo.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Arosi, Ziyanda
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Kuzwayo, Ellen , Psychology -- Biographical methods , Life cycle, Human , Women, Black -- South Africa -- Social conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9894 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1008658 , Kuzwayo, Ellen , Psychology -- Biographical methods , Life cycle, Human , Women, Black -- South Africa -- Social conditions
- Description: The current study is a psychobiography. The subject was chosen through purposive sampling based on the researcher’s personal interest and the remarkable impact this woman had within her society. Ellen Kuzwayo also meets the requirements of a psychobiography in that she is historically well known, inspirational, and her life has been completed. The study applies a qualitative research method in the form of a psychobiography, which aimed to describe Ellen Kuzwayo`s life accordingto Daniel Levinson`s Life Structure Theory of Adult Development. Levinson`s theory divides the lifespan into four developmental eras, each with its own biopsychosocial character. Each era in turn is divided into shorter periods of development. Levinson`s theory was chosenbecause it is specifically relevant to the development of women. The findings of the study indicate that Kuzwayo’s life was consistent with the pattern of development which Levinson (1996) identified. Kuzwayo was relatively successful in resolving the life tasks and transitional periods proposed by Levinson. This research study has given a positive demonstration of the value of development theory to investigate a particular human life. Furthermore, it emphasized the uniqueness of individuals in coping with the challenges of life. As a result it has opened up the possibility of perceiving people and their actions in a different way. Consequently, recommendations are offered in order to extend psychobiographical research on the life of Ellen Kuzwayo.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
The participation of women entrepreneurs in local economic development in Nelson Mandela Bay
- Authors: Awoyemi, Oluwabunmi
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Businesswomen -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Entrepreneurship -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Economic development -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9179 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020145
- Description: The purpose of local economic development (LED) is to build up the economic capacity of a community, to improve its economic future and the quality of life for all. It is a process by which public, business and nongovernmental sector partners work collectively to create better conditions for economic growth and employment generation (World Bank, 2006). In achieving the above definition of LED by the World Bank, the participation of community members in this process cannot be over emphasized. Women entrepreneurs are a driving force in today’s modern world. Most researches on women entrepreneurs in developed countries have showed that there are significant improvements in the economic growth of these countries as a result of the entrepreneurial activities of these women. However, there are limited statistics on the impact of women entrepreneurs in developing countries. The context of this research area is the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM). This research makes a contribution to the existing body of knowledge about the promotion of LED through the participation of women entrepreneurs in NMBM. A group of women entrepreneurs in the metro completed a questionnaire. The aim of the questionnaires was to help identify their nature of business, years of being in business and most importantly, challenges each one of them encounter in carrying out their business operations and in developing their entrepreneurial skills. The research methods used in the study are the qualitative and quantitative methods. The qualitative method approach is used in the literature review. The literature review formed the conceptual basis against which the information gained from questionnaires were analysed. The quantitative method included the use of questionnaires. The data collected in this study revealed that the activities of women entrepreneurs contributed in their own little way to the growth and development of the metro. The study further reveals that finance is one of the major challenges of the women entrepreneurs as supported by the findings in the literature review. Therefore, if access to finance and support system are made readily available for women entrepreneurs, they would be able to make a significant impact in the development of the metro and nation at large. In conclusion, the researcher has been able to identify some of the challenges women entrepreneur face through the experience of the respondents in the study. The researcher has also been able to demonstrate how the aims and the objectives of the study have been met.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Awoyemi, Oluwabunmi
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Businesswomen -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Entrepreneurship -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Economic development -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9179 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020145
- Description: The purpose of local economic development (LED) is to build up the economic capacity of a community, to improve its economic future and the quality of life for all. It is a process by which public, business and nongovernmental sector partners work collectively to create better conditions for economic growth and employment generation (World Bank, 2006). In achieving the above definition of LED by the World Bank, the participation of community members in this process cannot be over emphasized. Women entrepreneurs are a driving force in today’s modern world. Most researches on women entrepreneurs in developed countries have showed that there are significant improvements in the economic growth of these countries as a result of the entrepreneurial activities of these women. However, there are limited statistics on the impact of women entrepreneurs in developing countries. The context of this research area is the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM). This research makes a contribution to the existing body of knowledge about the promotion of LED through the participation of women entrepreneurs in NMBM. A group of women entrepreneurs in the metro completed a questionnaire. The aim of the questionnaires was to help identify their nature of business, years of being in business and most importantly, challenges each one of them encounter in carrying out their business operations and in developing their entrepreneurial skills. The research methods used in the study are the qualitative and quantitative methods. The qualitative method approach is used in the literature review. The literature review formed the conceptual basis against which the information gained from questionnaires were analysed. The quantitative method included the use of questionnaires. The data collected in this study revealed that the activities of women entrepreneurs contributed in their own little way to the growth and development of the metro. The study further reveals that finance is one of the major challenges of the women entrepreneurs as supported by the findings in the literature review. Therefore, if access to finance and support system are made readily available for women entrepreneurs, they would be able to make a significant impact in the development of the metro and nation at large. In conclusion, the researcher has been able to identify some of the challenges women entrepreneur face through the experience of the respondents in the study. The researcher has also been able to demonstrate how the aims and the objectives of the study have been met.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Rev James Warren "Jim" Jones: a psychobiographical study
- Authors: Baldwin, Garth Adrian
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Jones, James Warren -- 1931-1978 , Religious leaders -- United States -- Biography , African American religious leaders -- Biography
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9948 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1015635
- Description: The purpose of a psychobiography is to describe an individual‟s life while using a psychological theory. James Warren “Jim” Jones was selected through purposive sampling because of his instrumental role in organising the largest mass suicide in recorded USA history. Kernberg‟s (1979; 1985; 2004) object relations theory was used to illuminate his life and personality dynamics, a theory focused on describing the borderline personality organisation. The study employed a qualitative single case study design, and data was analysed according to the principals set out by Yin (1994) as well as Miles and Huberman (1994). Results indicated that Kernberg‟s (1979; 1985; 2004) theory was suitable in shedding light on the life of this infamous historical figure, which resulted in an increased understanding of the application of this psychological theory. Lastly, it contributed towards increasing the limited number of psychobiographical studies conducted in South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Baldwin, Garth Adrian
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Jones, James Warren -- 1931-1978 , Religious leaders -- United States -- Biography , African American religious leaders -- Biography
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9948 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1015635
- Description: The purpose of a psychobiography is to describe an individual‟s life while using a psychological theory. James Warren “Jim” Jones was selected through purposive sampling because of his instrumental role in organising the largest mass suicide in recorded USA history. Kernberg‟s (1979; 1985; 2004) object relations theory was used to illuminate his life and personality dynamics, a theory focused on describing the borderline personality organisation. The study employed a qualitative single case study design, and data was analysed according to the principals set out by Yin (1994) as well as Miles and Huberman (1994). Results indicated that Kernberg‟s (1979; 1985; 2004) theory was suitable in shedding light on the life of this infamous historical figure, which resulted in an increased understanding of the application of this psychological theory. Lastly, it contributed towards increasing the limited number of psychobiographical studies conducted in South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
A feminist analysis of Lyman Frank Baum’s The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, Lucy Maud Montgomery’s Anne of Green Gables and Frances Hodgson Burnett’s The Secret Garden
- Authors: Becker, Bonnie
- Date: 2013
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/1290 , vital:26543
- Description: The primary aim of this project is to provide a close contextual and textual analysis of the selected children’s classics: The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, Anne of Green Gables and The Secret Garden using the feminist literary theory. From this perspective I have shown how the selected works of Lyman Frank Baum, Lucy Maud Montgomery and Frances Hodgson Burnett’s writing have contributed to women’s stereotypical roles within society and perpetuated their subjugated position. I have also conducted an examination of the extent to which the female protagonists attempt to emancipate themselves from gender oppression. A comparative study of the selected children’s texts has not yet been conducted and therefore this project serves as a significant contribution to this field of study. An exploration of the historical background of the authors and children’s literature is conducted to provide an overview into the inner workings of the writers’ lives and the historical significance of children’s literature as a genre. The theoretical framework of feminist literary theory is used in the analysis of the selected texts. The connection between feminist literary theory and children’s literature is highlighted and provides further understanding of the purpose of this study. The history of feminism as both a movement and a contemporary literary criticism is explored. Simone de Beauvoir’s The Second Sex is used when analysing the texts’ characters and how they are based on society’s stereotypical gender roles. Luce Irigaray’s Speculum of the Other Woman and This Sex Which is Not One is examined to aid in an exploration of psychological female oppression through feminine and masculine discourse evident in the creation of the novels’ female and male characters. Hélène Cixous’ “The Laugh of the Medusa” and The Newly Born Woman is interrogated according to the stereotypical ideology surrounding the terms masculinity and femininity and how these terms are interpreted in the selected works. Judith Butler’s Gender Trouble and Undoing Gender are additionally explored to assist in the understanding of the concept of gender performativity and through the lens of Butler’s interpolation of gender the move towards the emancipation of women is seen in the selected children’s texts. The close textual feminist analysis focuses on the female protagonists: Dorothy, Anne and Mary as well as the secondary female characters: the wicked witches, Aunt Em, the Queen of the Field-Mice, the princess made from china, Glinda’s female soldiers from The Wonderful Wizard of Oz; Marilla Cuthbert, Rachel Lynde and Diana Barry from Anne of Green Gables and Martha, Mrs Sowerby and Mrs Craven from The Secret Garden. The portrayal of the secondary male characters are additionally explored according to feminist literary theory: The Scarecrow, the Tin Woodman, the Lion and the wizard Oz from The Wonderful Wizard of Oz; Matthew Cuthbert and Gilbert Blythe from Anne of the Green Gables’ and Mr Craven, Colin Craven and Dickon Sowerby from The Secret Garden. The comparison of these children’s classics by Baum, Montgomery and Burnett provides insight into the selected works of all three writers, through the lens offered by feminist literary theory. Through the interrogation of these representative female protagonists found in early children’s literature, an understanding of not only the subordination of women, as evident in literature during this era, is illustrated but also the comprehension that women’s liberation was foreshadowed in these early children’s novels.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Becker, Bonnie
- Date: 2013
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/1290 , vital:26543
- Description: The primary aim of this project is to provide a close contextual and textual analysis of the selected children’s classics: The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, Anne of Green Gables and The Secret Garden using the feminist literary theory. From this perspective I have shown how the selected works of Lyman Frank Baum, Lucy Maud Montgomery and Frances Hodgson Burnett’s writing have contributed to women’s stereotypical roles within society and perpetuated their subjugated position. I have also conducted an examination of the extent to which the female protagonists attempt to emancipate themselves from gender oppression. A comparative study of the selected children’s texts has not yet been conducted and therefore this project serves as a significant contribution to this field of study. An exploration of the historical background of the authors and children’s literature is conducted to provide an overview into the inner workings of the writers’ lives and the historical significance of children’s literature as a genre. The theoretical framework of feminist literary theory is used in the analysis of the selected texts. The connection between feminist literary theory and children’s literature is highlighted and provides further understanding of the purpose of this study. The history of feminism as both a movement and a contemporary literary criticism is explored. Simone de Beauvoir’s The Second Sex is used when analysing the texts’ characters and how they are based on society’s stereotypical gender roles. Luce Irigaray’s Speculum of the Other Woman and This Sex Which is Not One is examined to aid in an exploration of psychological female oppression through feminine and masculine discourse evident in the creation of the novels’ female and male characters. Hélène Cixous’ “The Laugh of the Medusa” and The Newly Born Woman is interrogated according to the stereotypical ideology surrounding the terms masculinity and femininity and how these terms are interpreted in the selected works. Judith Butler’s Gender Trouble and Undoing Gender are additionally explored to assist in the understanding of the concept of gender performativity and through the lens of Butler’s interpolation of gender the move towards the emancipation of women is seen in the selected children’s texts. The close textual feminist analysis focuses on the female protagonists: Dorothy, Anne and Mary as well as the secondary female characters: the wicked witches, Aunt Em, the Queen of the Field-Mice, the princess made from china, Glinda’s female soldiers from The Wonderful Wizard of Oz; Marilla Cuthbert, Rachel Lynde and Diana Barry from Anne of Green Gables and Martha, Mrs Sowerby and Mrs Craven from The Secret Garden. The portrayal of the secondary male characters are additionally explored according to feminist literary theory: The Scarecrow, the Tin Woodman, the Lion and the wizard Oz from The Wonderful Wizard of Oz; Matthew Cuthbert and Gilbert Blythe from Anne of the Green Gables’ and Mr Craven, Colin Craven and Dickon Sowerby from The Secret Garden. The comparison of these children’s classics by Baum, Montgomery and Burnett provides insight into the selected works of all three writers, through the lens offered by feminist literary theory. Through the interrogation of these representative female protagonists found in early children’s literature, an understanding of not only the subordination of women, as evident in literature during this era, is illustrated but also the comprehension that women’s liberation was foreshadowed in these early children’s novels.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Gender equality in the employment of senior secondary schools managers in the district of Butterworth
- Authors: Bikitsha, Sakhiwo
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Educational equalization -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sex discrimination in education -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , School management and organization
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8489 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020005
- Description: In terms of Section 9 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa of 1996, Chapter Two, the Bill of Rights, there should be gender equality amongst other things. In terms of Section15 (i) of the Employment Equity Act (Act 55 of 1998), there should be equal representation of suitably qualified people from the designated groups (blacks, women and people with disabilities) in all occupational categories and levels in the workforce. Section 15 (ii)provides that an employer who employs more than 50 employees must conduct a gender audit and make a gender equity plan and implement it when new employees are employed. In the Department of Education in the District of Butterworth, there is no gender equality in the number of senior secondary school managers. Men constituted 65 percent and women constituted 35 percent. The study investigated reasons for unequal representation of men and women as senior secondary school managers. The study was qualitative in design. The participants in the study were the Assistant Director of the Human Resource Section of the Department of Education and school governing body members, who were parents and educators. Interviews were used to collect data from the participants The study found that, amongst other things, gender equity was not considered when senior secondary schools managers were employed. That was why there was unequal representation of men and women in senior secondary schools’ management positions. This implied that those involved in the employment of secondary school managers in the district of Butterworth did not consider the Employment Equity Act (Act 55 of 1998) as a guide when employing senior secondary school managers in order to be able to achieve gender equality in this position. That was why there was unequal representation of men and women in senior secondary schools’ management positions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Bikitsha, Sakhiwo
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Educational equalization -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sex discrimination in education -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , School management and organization
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8489 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020005
- Description: In terms of Section 9 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa of 1996, Chapter Two, the Bill of Rights, there should be gender equality amongst other things. In terms of Section15 (i) of the Employment Equity Act (Act 55 of 1998), there should be equal representation of suitably qualified people from the designated groups (blacks, women and people with disabilities) in all occupational categories and levels in the workforce. Section 15 (ii)provides that an employer who employs more than 50 employees must conduct a gender audit and make a gender equity plan and implement it when new employees are employed. In the Department of Education in the District of Butterworth, there is no gender equality in the number of senior secondary school managers. Men constituted 65 percent and women constituted 35 percent. The study investigated reasons for unequal representation of men and women as senior secondary school managers. The study was qualitative in design. The participants in the study were the Assistant Director of the Human Resource Section of the Department of Education and school governing body members, who were parents and educators. Interviews were used to collect data from the participants The study found that, amongst other things, gender equity was not considered when senior secondary schools managers were employed. That was why there was unequal representation of men and women in senior secondary schools’ management positions. This implied that those involved in the employment of secondary school managers in the district of Butterworth did not consider the Employment Equity Act (Act 55 of 1998) as a guide when employing senior secondary school managers in order to be able to achieve gender equality in this position. That was why there was unequal representation of men and women in senior secondary schools’ management positions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
The role of traditional leaders in enhancing service delivery in Mbhashe Local Municipality
- Authors: Bokwe, Abel Zingisa
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Tribal government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Chiefdoms -- Africa, Southern , Municipal services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8262 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1013104
- Description: This study investigates the role of traditional leaders in enhancing service delivery in Mbhashe Local Municipality. The aim is to examine the involvement of traditional leaders in the provision of services to traditional communities. To achieve this goal, it was necessary to review literature on traditional leadership to advance an argument that by utilising the existing channels of communication such as traditional councils, government programmes could be more efficiently advertised. A secondary objective was to examine the relationship between traditional leaders and democratically elected councillors in the delivery of services. The problem in Mbhashe Local Municipality is that traditional leaders and the democratically elected leaders do not work together for service delivery. In order to address this problem, face-to-face interviews were conducted with the identified sample and conclusions drawn from their responses. The research revealed that if properly utilised and capacitated traditional leaders can indeed play a pivotal role in the enhancement of service delivery in Mbhashe Local Municipal area and in South Africa as whole.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Bokwe, Abel Zingisa
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Tribal government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Chiefdoms -- Africa, Southern , Municipal services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8262 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1013104
- Description: This study investigates the role of traditional leaders in enhancing service delivery in Mbhashe Local Municipality. The aim is to examine the involvement of traditional leaders in the provision of services to traditional communities. To achieve this goal, it was necessary to review literature on traditional leadership to advance an argument that by utilising the existing channels of communication such as traditional councils, government programmes could be more efficiently advertised. A secondary objective was to examine the relationship between traditional leaders and democratically elected councillors in the delivery of services. The problem in Mbhashe Local Municipality is that traditional leaders and the democratically elected leaders do not work together for service delivery. In order to address this problem, face-to-face interviews were conducted with the identified sample and conclusions drawn from their responses. The research revealed that if properly utilised and capacitated traditional leaders can indeed play a pivotal role in the enhancement of service delivery in Mbhashe Local Municipal area and in South Africa as whole.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
An investigation into the factors affecting street trading in the Mnquma Local Municipality
- Authors: Bota, Patrick Mziwoxolo
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Street vendors -- South Africa -- Mthatha , Street vendors -- South Africa -- Gcuwa , Informal sector (Economics) -- South Africa -- Mthatha , Informal sector (Economics) -- South Africa -- Gcuwa , Metropolitan finance -- South Africa -- Gcuwa , Metropolitan finance -- South Africa -- Mthatha
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8263 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1013128
- Description: This study investigates the challenges faced by street traders in Mnquma Local Municipality. The purpose is to examine the factors affecting street traders trading at N2 Mthatha Street at Butterworth in Mnquma Local Municipality. For this reason, it was necessary to study the literature on local economic development. The challenges facing street traders were also investigated and analysed in order to formulate recommendations for solving challenges facing street trading in Mnquma Local Municipality. In order to fulfil the objective of the study and to address the research problem faceto-face interviews were conducted with the street traders, municipal officials and Hawkers’ Association. The literature review and the interviews enabled the recommendation of possible answers to the problem. These recommendations would be valuable and, one hopes, will also be of assistance to the Mnquma Local Municipality. Findings of this study indicate that challenges faced by street traders in Butterworth include lack of financial support to start their businesses. Also, the fact that there is no water taps that can be used by the members of the public in the Central Business District (CBD) in Butterworth as well as street lights at night is one of the challenges. Recommendations were made with regard to support and assistance for street traders, environmental management and also a recommendation on business registration and licensing. The study concludes that if the Mnquma local municipality can implement all the proposed recommendations, all the factors raised by street traders as disturbing the functionality of their businesses particularly in Butterworth will be rectified.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Bota, Patrick Mziwoxolo
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Street vendors -- South Africa -- Mthatha , Street vendors -- South Africa -- Gcuwa , Informal sector (Economics) -- South Africa -- Mthatha , Informal sector (Economics) -- South Africa -- Gcuwa , Metropolitan finance -- South Africa -- Gcuwa , Metropolitan finance -- South Africa -- Mthatha
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8263 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1013128
- Description: This study investigates the challenges faced by street traders in Mnquma Local Municipality. The purpose is to examine the factors affecting street traders trading at N2 Mthatha Street at Butterworth in Mnquma Local Municipality. For this reason, it was necessary to study the literature on local economic development. The challenges facing street traders were also investigated and analysed in order to formulate recommendations for solving challenges facing street trading in Mnquma Local Municipality. In order to fulfil the objective of the study and to address the research problem faceto-face interviews were conducted with the street traders, municipal officials and Hawkers’ Association. The literature review and the interviews enabled the recommendation of possible answers to the problem. These recommendations would be valuable and, one hopes, will also be of assistance to the Mnquma Local Municipality. Findings of this study indicate that challenges faced by street traders in Butterworth include lack of financial support to start their businesses. Also, the fact that there is no water taps that can be used by the members of the public in the Central Business District (CBD) in Butterworth as well as street lights at night is one of the challenges. Recommendations were made with regard to support and assistance for street traders, environmental management and also a recommendation on business registration and licensing. The study concludes that if the Mnquma local municipality can implement all the proposed recommendations, all the factors raised by street traders as disturbing the functionality of their businesses particularly in Butterworth will be rectified.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Factors affecting the impact of BEE strategies in enhancing previously disadvantaged beneficiaries in Manquma Local Municipality
- Authors: Bota, Patrick Mziwoxolo
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Affirmative action programs -- South Africa , Blacks -- South Africa -- Economic conditions , Municipal government -- South Africa , Economic development
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9174 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020115
- Description: This research project is about the “Factors Affecting the impact of Black Economic Empowerment strategies in enhancing previously disadvantaged beneficiaries in Mnquma Local Municipality.” The purpose is to examine the challenges faced by previously disadvantaged beneficiaries so as to emerge with new innovative BEE mechanisms that can be implemented to improve the situation faced by beneficiaries for the better. To achieve this objective, it was necessary to study the iterature of “Black Economic Empowerment” which is part of the Local Economic Development initiatives. In order to attain the main objective of the study and also to address the research problem face to face interviews were conducted with previously disadvantaged beneficiaries, Local Economic Development officials and councillors from five different wards of Mnquma Local Municipality. The literature review and the interviews helped one to come up with the recommendations to be adopted in order to remedy the situation of the beneficiaries. These recommendations will, hopefully, be of assistance to Mnquma Local Municipality. Findings of this study indicate that challenges faced by previously disadvantaged beneficiaries include: fronting, lack of finance, skills shortage like technical, management, budgeting and saving skills, absence of training workshops, and lack of support on SMMEs development as well as poor implementation of BEE policy by Local Economic Development Unit. The aforesaid challenges have negative effects on the implementation of BEE strategies which adversely affect the beneficiaries. Here are some of the recommendations made in this regard: support and assistance for previously disadvantaged beneficiaries like financial assistance, Khula financial schemes, bank loans, training and workshops, establishment of agricultural projects as well as assistance on coordination of co-operatives initiatives. Other recommendations provide possible solutions to these problems: corruption, nepotism and cadreship deployment. In order to act against these transgressions the following suggestions have been made in the study: containment of fronting, development of heritage and historical sites for tourists’ purposes, recommendation on BEE management strategies and also recommendation on business registration and licensing. The study concludes that if the Mnquma Local Municipality can execute all the proposed recommendations, all the factors raised as the stumbling block towards the success and beneficiary of the previously disadvantaged beneficiaries would be resolved.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Bota, Patrick Mziwoxolo
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Affirmative action programs -- South Africa , Blacks -- South Africa -- Economic conditions , Municipal government -- South Africa , Economic development
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9174 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020115
- Description: This research project is about the “Factors Affecting the impact of Black Economic Empowerment strategies in enhancing previously disadvantaged beneficiaries in Mnquma Local Municipality.” The purpose is to examine the challenges faced by previously disadvantaged beneficiaries so as to emerge with new innovative BEE mechanisms that can be implemented to improve the situation faced by beneficiaries for the better. To achieve this objective, it was necessary to study the iterature of “Black Economic Empowerment” which is part of the Local Economic Development initiatives. In order to attain the main objective of the study and also to address the research problem face to face interviews were conducted with previously disadvantaged beneficiaries, Local Economic Development officials and councillors from five different wards of Mnquma Local Municipality. The literature review and the interviews helped one to come up with the recommendations to be adopted in order to remedy the situation of the beneficiaries. These recommendations will, hopefully, be of assistance to Mnquma Local Municipality. Findings of this study indicate that challenges faced by previously disadvantaged beneficiaries include: fronting, lack of finance, skills shortage like technical, management, budgeting and saving skills, absence of training workshops, and lack of support on SMMEs development as well as poor implementation of BEE policy by Local Economic Development Unit. The aforesaid challenges have negative effects on the implementation of BEE strategies which adversely affect the beneficiaries. Here are some of the recommendations made in this regard: support and assistance for previously disadvantaged beneficiaries like financial assistance, Khula financial schemes, bank loans, training and workshops, establishment of agricultural projects as well as assistance on coordination of co-operatives initiatives. Other recommendations provide possible solutions to these problems: corruption, nepotism and cadreship deployment. In order to act against these transgressions the following suggestions have been made in the study: containment of fronting, development of heritage and historical sites for tourists’ purposes, recommendation on BEE management strategies and also recommendation on business registration and licensing. The study concludes that if the Mnquma Local Municipality can execute all the proposed recommendations, all the factors raised as the stumbling block towards the success and beneficiary of the previously disadvantaged beneficiaries would be resolved.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Perceptions of organisations on how the ward committee impacts on their participation on environmental sustainability in Ward 5 Knysna Municipality
- Authors: Boyce, Marlene
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Knysna , Economic development -- Environmental aspects -- South Africa -- Knysna , Local government -- South Africa -- Knysna
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9199 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020393
- Description: This guided research report presents the findings of a study on how conservancies perceive the impact of the ward committee on their participation. The research was conducted with the objective of gaining insight into participation in sustainable development in Ward 5 in Knysna Municipality. The study was qualitative and involved a mix of methods including interviews, a survey and documentary review. The analysis shows that the impact of the ward committee on participation is indirect, in that there is a rigid approach to participation by the municipality which focusses only on participation through the ward committees. A change in paradigm that will extend the participation space and accommodate changing media in communication is recommended. The research results will be shared with all the stakeholders in this particular participation relationship, with the view to enhancing participation in sustainable development issues in the ward.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Boyce, Marlene
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Knysna , Economic development -- Environmental aspects -- South Africa -- Knysna , Local government -- South Africa -- Knysna
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9199 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020393
- Description: This guided research report presents the findings of a study on how conservancies perceive the impact of the ward committee on their participation. The research was conducted with the objective of gaining insight into participation in sustainable development in Ward 5 in Knysna Municipality. The study was qualitative and involved a mix of methods including interviews, a survey and documentary review. The analysis shows that the impact of the ward committee on participation is indirect, in that there is a rigid approach to participation by the municipality which focusses only on participation through the ward committees. A change in paradigm that will extend the participation space and accommodate changing media in communication is recommended. The research results will be shared with all the stakeholders in this particular participation relationship, with the view to enhancing participation in sustainable development issues in the ward.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
The effect of 14 weeks of strength training on insulin resistance
- Authors: Cairncross, Joy Claudia
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Insulin resistance , Diabetes -- Exercise therapy
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:10104 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1018276
- Description: Insulin resistance is a precursor to type II diabetes mellitus and in conjunction with dyslipidaemia, hypertension, and obesity, these abnormalities constitute the metabolic syndrome. Insulin resistance usually develops before these other diseases and therefore identifying and successfully treating insulin resistant patients may have potentially great preventive value. Insulin resistance, obesity, and subsequently type II diabetes mellitus have increased dramatically and have reached epidemic proportions. The incidence of diabetes, and in particular type II diabetes mellitus, is increasing in developing countries and throughout the world and this is mainly as a result of increasingly sedentary lifestyle and obesity in an aging population. The specific aim of this study was to explore and describe the effect of a 14-week strength-based resistance training programme on insulin resistance amongst individuals aged 25 to 68 years, who are pre-diabetic, have T2DM, and/or are overweight. The research approach used in this investigation was explorative, experimental, and quantitative in nature. The quasi-experimental design consisted of a pre-test and post-test for an experimental and comparison group who were chosen through convenience and snowball sampling. A total of 30 participants were involved in this study, 15 participants in each group. The following dependent variables were selected, namely: body weight; BMI; body composition; waist-to-hip ratio; total cholesterol levels; triglyceride levels; HOMA-IR; and muscle strength for upper and lower body. Pre-and post-test analysis was performed at the Biokinetics and Sport Science Unit, located at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU). Blood samples of the participants were drawn by nurses at the Health Clinic at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University and these blood plasma samples were stored at the Department of Microbiology and Biochemistry at NMMU for later analysis of glucose and insulin. The experimental group trained three times per week for a period of fourteen weeks, performing strength training exercises with progressive increments in the intensity of the exercise. The control group remained sedentary throughout the intervention period. Analysis of the data was conducted utilizing descriptive and inferential statistics. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used as a hypothesis-testing procedure to evaluate the mean differences. The following dependent variables showed a decrease in mean values: body weight, body mass index, body fat percentage, waist minimum, cholesterol and insulin. However these differences in results were not practically and statistically significant. The following dependent variables showed an increase in mean values: hip maximum, arm relaxed, arm flexed, thigh circumference, glucose and HOMA-IR. However these results were not practically and statistically significant. The mean differences in the plasma insulin level, pre- to post-test, between both groups indicated that a significant difference (t = -1.77, p = 0.044) existed between them. Cohen‟s d revealed a value of 0.64, which indicates moderate practical significance. The only dependent variable which showed both statistical and practical significance was sum of skinfolds. The findings for sum of skinfolds revealed that the mean differences, from pre- to post-test, between both groups indicated that a significant difference (t = -2.30, p = 0.015) existed between them. Cohen‟s d revealed a value of 0.84, which indicated a large practical significance. Although the sample size was too small to indicate generalisations to the diabetic population as a whole, strength training should be furthermore explored as an alternative and successful modality in the existing range of options available to the health and exercise professional to address the needs of the person with T2DM. The researcher proposed that a bigger sample size be used for the experimental and control group, the intervention period increased as well as various differences related to frequency, intensity and duration of strength training could possibly result in significant changes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Cairncross, Joy Claudia
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Insulin resistance , Diabetes -- Exercise therapy
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:10104 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1018276
- Description: Insulin resistance is a precursor to type II diabetes mellitus and in conjunction with dyslipidaemia, hypertension, and obesity, these abnormalities constitute the metabolic syndrome. Insulin resistance usually develops before these other diseases and therefore identifying and successfully treating insulin resistant patients may have potentially great preventive value. Insulin resistance, obesity, and subsequently type II diabetes mellitus have increased dramatically and have reached epidemic proportions. The incidence of diabetes, and in particular type II diabetes mellitus, is increasing in developing countries and throughout the world and this is mainly as a result of increasingly sedentary lifestyle and obesity in an aging population. The specific aim of this study was to explore and describe the effect of a 14-week strength-based resistance training programme on insulin resistance amongst individuals aged 25 to 68 years, who are pre-diabetic, have T2DM, and/or are overweight. The research approach used in this investigation was explorative, experimental, and quantitative in nature. The quasi-experimental design consisted of a pre-test and post-test for an experimental and comparison group who were chosen through convenience and snowball sampling. A total of 30 participants were involved in this study, 15 participants in each group. The following dependent variables were selected, namely: body weight; BMI; body composition; waist-to-hip ratio; total cholesterol levels; triglyceride levels; HOMA-IR; and muscle strength for upper and lower body. Pre-and post-test analysis was performed at the Biokinetics and Sport Science Unit, located at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU). Blood samples of the participants were drawn by nurses at the Health Clinic at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University and these blood plasma samples were stored at the Department of Microbiology and Biochemistry at NMMU for later analysis of glucose and insulin. The experimental group trained three times per week for a period of fourteen weeks, performing strength training exercises with progressive increments in the intensity of the exercise. The control group remained sedentary throughout the intervention period. Analysis of the data was conducted utilizing descriptive and inferential statistics. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used as a hypothesis-testing procedure to evaluate the mean differences. The following dependent variables showed a decrease in mean values: body weight, body mass index, body fat percentage, waist minimum, cholesterol and insulin. However these differences in results were not practically and statistically significant. The following dependent variables showed an increase in mean values: hip maximum, arm relaxed, arm flexed, thigh circumference, glucose and HOMA-IR. However these results were not practically and statistically significant. The mean differences in the plasma insulin level, pre- to post-test, between both groups indicated that a significant difference (t = -1.77, p = 0.044) existed between them. Cohen‟s d revealed a value of 0.64, which indicates moderate practical significance. The only dependent variable which showed both statistical and practical significance was sum of skinfolds. The findings for sum of skinfolds revealed that the mean differences, from pre- to post-test, between both groups indicated that a significant difference (t = -2.30, p = 0.015) existed between them. Cohen‟s d revealed a value of 0.84, which indicated a large practical significance. Although the sample size was too small to indicate generalisations to the diabetic population as a whole, strength training should be furthermore explored as an alternative and successful modality in the existing range of options available to the health and exercise professional to address the needs of the person with T2DM. The researcher proposed that a bigger sample size be used for the experimental and control group, the intervention period increased as well as various differences related to frequency, intensity and duration of strength training could possibly result in significant changes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
The use of Facebook and Twitter in sports public relations in the 2012 Olympics
- Authors: Cash, Carol-Anne
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Sports journalism -- South Africa , Social media -- South Africa , Communication -- Social aspects -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8370 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020640
- Description: The purpose of this study was to provide professionals practising sports public relations in South Africa with insight into the use of social media platforms Facebook and Twitter. The secondary data from this study was drawn from the fields of communications, public relations, new media, social media, sport and marketing. South African Paralympic swimmers Kevin Paul and Shireen Sapiro were selected as the case studies and their Facebook and Twitter sites were analysed. The data was analysed leading up to, during and after the 2012 London Olympics and Paralympics. Content analysis using quantitative and qualitative data was utilized to conduct this study. During the period 27 July to 30 September 2012, the study was able to evaluate data by identifying the reach, frequency, interaction of the stakeholders and the positive or negative impact social media had on these athletes. The study established that there were correlations between the secondary and primary research that was undertaken. The findings revealed that social media platforms Facebook and Twitter can be useful tools to communicate with stakeholders. Social media can also create support for the athletes, create two-way interaction, create unity and enhance reputation. It was identified that social media could only be effective if it enticed stakeholders to engage with the brand and create two-way communication. Immediate feedback by responding to comments as soon as possible to build and maintain relationships with stakeholders is essential. This can be done through comprehensive planning, monitoring and proactively seeking ways to satisfy stakeholder needs.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Cash, Carol-Anne
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Sports journalism -- South Africa , Social media -- South Africa , Communication -- Social aspects -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8370 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020640
- Description: The purpose of this study was to provide professionals practising sports public relations in South Africa with insight into the use of social media platforms Facebook and Twitter. The secondary data from this study was drawn from the fields of communications, public relations, new media, social media, sport and marketing. South African Paralympic swimmers Kevin Paul and Shireen Sapiro were selected as the case studies and their Facebook and Twitter sites were analysed. The data was analysed leading up to, during and after the 2012 London Olympics and Paralympics. Content analysis using quantitative and qualitative data was utilized to conduct this study. During the period 27 July to 30 September 2012, the study was able to evaluate data by identifying the reach, frequency, interaction of the stakeholders and the positive or negative impact social media had on these athletes. The study established that there were correlations between the secondary and primary research that was undertaken. The findings revealed that social media platforms Facebook and Twitter can be useful tools to communicate with stakeholders. Social media can also create support for the athletes, create two-way interaction, create unity and enhance reputation. It was identified that social media could only be effective if it enticed stakeholders to engage with the brand and create two-way communication. Immediate feedback by responding to comments as soon as possible to build and maintain relationships with stakeholders is essential. This can be done through comprehensive planning, monitoring and proactively seeking ways to satisfy stakeholder needs.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
A case study of industrial relations climate in Zimbabwean mining company
- Authors: Chabaya, Blessing
- Subjects: Industrial relations -- Zimbabwe , Collective bargaining -- Mining industry -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9435 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020863
- Description: Research problem: Various factors which influence industrial relations climate can be classified as input variables (Dastmalchian, Adamason and Blyton, 1991). The industrial relations climate (IRC) in turn has the potential to positive or negatively influence and be influenced by the industrial relations outcomes of the organisation such as labour turnover, industrial action and productivity. Management therefore need to be aware of the prevailing IRC as well as the factors influencing the prevailing industrial relations climate so as to take the necessary and relevant measures and steps to improve the labour-management relations. Research objectives: The research objectives for addressing the research problem were mainly to ascertain the prevailing labour relations climate within the selected mine. The second objective was to identify the factors that shape labour relations climate and thirdly to establish the impact of the prevailing industrial relations climate within the mine Research questions: Research questions for the study were developed and were; What is the overall labour relations climate? What is the contribution of each of the five dimensions to the overall labour relations climate? What is the relationship between the subgroups, distinguished by union affiliation and occupational level? What is the relationship between the sub-groups, distinguished by gender, age, race years in organization, full-time or part-time, union affiliation, years in union, union status, occupational level, educational level and the five dimensions of the labour relations climate? What are the factors that shape the industrial relations climate with particular reference to the following factors such as the organisational context and background, the structure of the organisation, the Human Resources context, the Industrial Relations context and Industrial relations outcomes? Research design: The study was descriptive research and both qualitative and quantitative methods were used in order to address the objectives of the study. A self-administered survey questionnaire was used to collect quantitative data and in-depth semi-structured face-to-face interviews were also used to collect data relating to the IRC and the factors influencing the industrial relations climate. Human Resources records and reports were also used to provide secondary data for industrial relations outcomes. Major findings: The results from the study revealed that overall a negative IRC prevailed within the mine. This also applied to the five dimensions of climate that were measured. It was found that there was agreement between the unionised and the non-unionised employees’ perceptions of the industrial relations climate and similarly, when the miners’ perception of climate was compared with the more managerial group. The only really significant difference in perception was that management felt that the climate was fairer than did the miners. The results also revealed that the organisational environment and structure and the human resources and industrial relations contexts were consistent with the literature descriptions of an organisational environment that would inhibit a positive industrial relations climate. The results for the organisational outcomes, in particular absenteeism and turnover were also found to be consistent with those of organisations were the prevailing industrial relations climate was negative. The results also revealed that organisational age, size, ownership, structure, formalisation, decision-making, labour market, union-management consultation, communication were influenced and shaped the prevailing IRC. It also revealed that the prevailing IRC had impact on the levels of absenteeism and labour turnover.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Chabaya, Blessing
- Subjects: Industrial relations -- Zimbabwe , Collective bargaining -- Mining industry -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9435 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020863
- Description: Research problem: Various factors which influence industrial relations climate can be classified as input variables (Dastmalchian, Adamason and Blyton, 1991). The industrial relations climate (IRC) in turn has the potential to positive or negatively influence and be influenced by the industrial relations outcomes of the organisation such as labour turnover, industrial action and productivity. Management therefore need to be aware of the prevailing IRC as well as the factors influencing the prevailing industrial relations climate so as to take the necessary and relevant measures and steps to improve the labour-management relations. Research objectives: The research objectives for addressing the research problem were mainly to ascertain the prevailing labour relations climate within the selected mine. The second objective was to identify the factors that shape labour relations climate and thirdly to establish the impact of the prevailing industrial relations climate within the mine Research questions: Research questions for the study were developed and were; What is the overall labour relations climate? What is the contribution of each of the five dimensions to the overall labour relations climate? What is the relationship between the subgroups, distinguished by union affiliation and occupational level? What is the relationship between the sub-groups, distinguished by gender, age, race years in organization, full-time or part-time, union affiliation, years in union, union status, occupational level, educational level and the five dimensions of the labour relations climate? What are the factors that shape the industrial relations climate with particular reference to the following factors such as the organisational context and background, the structure of the organisation, the Human Resources context, the Industrial Relations context and Industrial relations outcomes? Research design: The study was descriptive research and both qualitative and quantitative methods were used in order to address the objectives of the study. A self-administered survey questionnaire was used to collect quantitative data and in-depth semi-structured face-to-face interviews were also used to collect data relating to the IRC and the factors influencing the industrial relations climate. Human Resources records and reports were also used to provide secondary data for industrial relations outcomes. Major findings: The results from the study revealed that overall a negative IRC prevailed within the mine. This also applied to the five dimensions of climate that were measured. It was found that there was agreement between the unionised and the non-unionised employees’ perceptions of the industrial relations climate and similarly, when the miners’ perception of climate was compared with the more managerial group. The only really significant difference in perception was that management felt that the climate was fairer than did the miners. The results also revealed that the organisational environment and structure and the human resources and industrial relations contexts were consistent with the literature descriptions of an organisational environment that would inhibit a positive industrial relations climate. The results for the organisational outcomes, in particular absenteeism and turnover were also found to be consistent with those of organisations were the prevailing industrial relations climate was negative. The results also revealed that organisational age, size, ownership, structure, formalisation, decision-making, labour market, union-management consultation, communication were influenced and shaped the prevailing IRC. It also revealed that the prevailing IRC had impact on the levels of absenteeism and labour turnover.
- Full Text:
Female changes : the violation and violence of women in Ovid's Metamorphoses
- Authors: Champanis, Leigh Alexandra
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Ovid, 43 B.C. - 17 or 18 A.D. -- Criticism and interpretation Ovid, 43 B.C. - 17 or 18 A.D. -- Metamorphoses Rape Women -- Violence against Violence in women
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3614 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006024
- Description: Ovid’s interest in women and their lives is apparent throughout his texts, but is especially so in the Metamorphoses. This study analyses the violation and violence of women in the Roman poet’s epic and sets out to uncover the governing social mores and values that perhaps shaped the representations of women in the text. It examines how Ovid’s narratives may betray his values and attitudes and those of his audience as well as looking at the various ways that the poet and his rape episodes have been read. After surveying the literature on rape in Ovid’s Metamorphoses, Ars Amatoria and the Fasti, a brief historical context for the Metamorphoses is provided; women’s lives in Rome, the rape laws that existed during this time, as well as Roman sexuality are then examined. After this, a close textual analysis of different rape episodes in the Metamorphoses is presented, including the episodes of nymphs as victims, the silencing of rape victims and sexually ‘aggressive’ women, in order to reveal and examine the patterns that emerge. While Ovid’s intentions and attitudes towards women, as they are found in the Metamorphoses, have been read by some as sympathetic, by others as misogynistic and still others as more neutral, it is concluded that, although there is space for various readings, as a poet, Ovid was ‘opportunistic’ in his choice of materia and, above all, he wished to stimulate and delight his audience. While his personal values may not necessarily be reflected in his works and his readers may never know the ‘true’ intentions behind the poem, the Metamorphoses does hold up a mirror to the negative treatment of women and exposes the gender inequalities that existed during Ovid’s time. As a poet, however, Ovid’s conceived role is to entertain his audience and despite his somewhat problematic treatment of women and rape victims, he does just that.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Champanis, Leigh Alexandra
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Ovid, 43 B.C. - 17 or 18 A.D. -- Criticism and interpretation Ovid, 43 B.C. - 17 or 18 A.D. -- Metamorphoses Rape Women -- Violence against Violence in women
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3614 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006024
- Description: Ovid’s interest in women and their lives is apparent throughout his texts, but is especially so in the Metamorphoses. This study analyses the violation and violence of women in the Roman poet’s epic and sets out to uncover the governing social mores and values that perhaps shaped the representations of women in the text. It examines how Ovid’s narratives may betray his values and attitudes and those of his audience as well as looking at the various ways that the poet and his rape episodes have been read. After surveying the literature on rape in Ovid’s Metamorphoses, Ars Amatoria and the Fasti, a brief historical context for the Metamorphoses is provided; women’s lives in Rome, the rape laws that existed during this time, as well as Roman sexuality are then examined. After this, a close textual analysis of different rape episodes in the Metamorphoses is presented, including the episodes of nymphs as victims, the silencing of rape victims and sexually ‘aggressive’ women, in order to reveal and examine the patterns that emerge. While Ovid’s intentions and attitudes towards women, as they are found in the Metamorphoses, have been read by some as sympathetic, by others as misogynistic and still others as more neutral, it is concluded that, although there is space for various readings, as a poet, Ovid was ‘opportunistic’ in his choice of materia and, above all, he wished to stimulate and delight his audience. While his personal values may not necessarily be reflected in his works and his readers may never know the ‘true’ intentions behind the poem, the Metamorphoses does hold up a mirror to the negative treatment of women and exposes the gender inequalities that existed during Ovid’s time. As a poet, however, Ovid’s conceived role is to entertain his audience and despite his somewhat problematic treatment of women and rape victims, he does just that.
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- Date Issued: 2013
Exploring the role of an education non-governmental organisation's contribution towards fighting HIV/AIDS: a case study of South African partners
- Authors: Chiguvare, Admire D
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: AIDS (Disease) -- Social aspects -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , HIV infections -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality -- Prevention , Non-governmental organizations -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9219 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020870
- Description: The problem this research seeks to address concerns related to the role allocated and strategies implemented by HIV and AIDS education NGOs, in mitigating the impact of HIV and AIDS in Nelson Mandela Bay. The problem is approached as a development challenge and examples are drawn from the undertakings of South African Partners (SAP), an NGO operating in the education field. The study adopted qualitative research, relative unstructured interviews, direct observation and literature review as methods of data collection. The study further identified specific roles that education NGOs play in response to HIV/AIDS and delineated the strategies that HIV and AIDS education NGOs employ in responding to HIV/AIDS. The research found that HIV/AIDS education NGOs have become important channels through which people affected and living with HIV/AIDS participate in development, share their experience and access information and resources. Further noted was that HIV/AIDS results in a diminished workforce and a higher allocation of state funds to public healthcare. The research findings showed that an education NGO in a prison context serves to mobilise the prison community and sensitise it to HIV and AIDS issues. This, through its addressing of the needs and causes of HIV infections in prison. SAP aid recipients were found to be satisfied for the most part, with the service rendered them by the education NGO. The study found that HIV prevention educational sessions were quite effective in disseminating HIV and AIDS basic information and that SAP achieves their goals through their training of facilitators who employ the STEPS curriculum. The trained facilitators facilitate group discussions, distribute condoms and lubricants through partnerships, and solicit behavioural change through the use of theatre to disseminate HIV prevention information. Key recommendations of the study are that HIV and AIDS education NGOs must integrate poverty reduction interventions in their activities and that further, they would do better to form coalitions in order to strengthen their capacity to sustain their activities and manage partnerships. Education NGOs should form partnerships that provide social protection. Ruther recommended is that education NGOs should further their curriculum in consideration for sexual preferences.
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- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Chiguvare, Admire D
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: AIDS (Disease) -- Social aspects -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , HIV infections -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality -- Prevention , Non-governmental organizations -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9219 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020870
- Description: The problem this research seeks to address concerns related to the role allocated and strategies implemented by HIV and AIDS education NGOs, in mitigating the impact of HIV and AIDS in Nelson Mandela Bay. The problem is approached as a development challenge and examples are drawn from the undertakings of South African Partners (SAP), an NGO operating in the education field. The study adopted qualitative research, relative unstructured interviews, direct observation and literature review as methods of data collection. The study further identified specific roles that education NGOs play in response to HIV/AIDS and delineated the strategies that HIV and AIDS education NGOs employ in responding to HIV/AIDS. The research found that HIV/AIDS education NGOs have become important channels through which people affected and living with HIV/AIDS participate in development, share their experience and access information and resources. Further noted was that HIV/AIDS results in a diminished workforce and a higher allocation of state funds to public healthcare. The research findings showed that an education NGO in a prison context serves to mobilise the prison community and sensitise it to HIV and AIDS issues. This, through its addressing of the needs and causes of HIV infections in prison. SAP aid recipients were found to be satisfied for the most part, with the service rendered them by the education NGO. The study found that HIV prevention educational sessions were quite effective in disseminating HIV and AIDS basic information and that SAP achieves their goals through their training of facilitators who employ the STEPS curriculum. The trained facilitators facilitate group discussions, distribute condoms and lubricants through partnerships, and solicit behavioural change through the use of theatre to disseminate HIV prevention information. Key recommendations of the study are that HIV and AIDS education NGOs must integrate poverty reduction interventions in their activities and that further, they would do better to form coalitions in order to strengthen their capacity to sustain their activities and manage partnerships. Education NGOs should form partnerships that provide social protection. Ruther recommended is that education NGOs should further their curriculum in consideration for sexual preferences.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
The development of an arousal and anxiety control mental skills training programme for the Rhodes University archery club
- Authors: Chiweshe, Malvern Tatenda
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Anxiety , Arousal , Mental skills , Training , Sports -- Psychological aspects -- Research -- South Africa , Archers -- Training of -- Research -- South Africa , Archers -- Psychological aspects -- Research -- South Africa , Psychology, Applied
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2917 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002082
- Description: Research on the development of Mental Skills Training (MST) programmes in sport psychology has largely increased as sport has become more competitive. MST programmes have been seen to improve the performance of athletes. This particular research study focuses on the development of an anxiety and arousal control MST programme designed specifically for, and tailored exclusively to, the needs of four archers from the Rhodes Archery Club in Grahamstown, Eastern Cape, South Africa. The development of the programme was guided by the Organisational Development Process model as the research methodology design. Data from two quantitative measures (CSAI-2 and Sport Grid-R), a focus group, and an individual interview were integrated with currently existing mental skills literature and theory to devise this particular MST programme. The results of the assessment phase showed that individual archers have different experiences in how anxiety and arousal affect their performances. The results also showed that archers have different zones in which they feel their performance is good. These zones depend on their subjective interpretations of anxiety and arousal. The results also showed that other factors that include personality differences, level of experience and level of expertise also influence how anxiety and arousal affect performance. The archers had previous exposure to MST programmes although they had not received systematic training in mental skills training. The programme was developed in the form of MST workshops that would run over a three week period. As part of the programme the archers would be given a mental skills manual to aid in the mental skills training. It is recommended in future that more research in MST programmes be done as a way of improving the performance of athletes in South Africa
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Chiweshe, Malvern Tatenda
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Anxiety , Arousal , Mental skills , Training , Sports -- Psychological aspects -- Research -- South Africa , Archers -- Training of -- Research -- South Africa , Archers -- Psychological aspects -- Research -- South Africa , Psychology, Applied
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2917 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002082
- Description: Research on the development of Mental Skills Training (MST) programmes in sport psychology has largely increased as sport has become more competitive. MST programmes have been seen to improve the performance of athletes. This particular research study focuses on the development of an anxiety and arousal control MST programme designed specifically for, and tailored exclusively to, the needs of four archers from the Rhodes Archery Club in Grahamstown, Eastern Cape, South Africa. The development of the programme was guided by the Organisational Development Process model as the research methodology design. Data from two quantitative measures (CSAI-2 and Sport Grid-R), a focus group, and an individual interview were integrated with currently existing mental skills literature and theory to devise this particular MST programme. The results of the assessment phase showed that individual archers have different experiences in how anxiety and arousal affect their performances. The results also showed that archers have different zones in which they feel their performance is good. These zones depend on their subjective interpretations of anxiety and arousal. The results also showed that other factors that include personality differences, level of experience and level of expertise also influence how anxiety and arousal affect performance. The archers had previous exposure to MST programmes although they had not received systematic training in mental skills training. The programme was developed in the form of MST workshops that would run over a three week period. As part of the programme the archers would be given a mental skills manual to aid in the mental skills training. It is recommended in future that more research in MST programmes be done as a way of improving the performance of athletes in South Africa
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- Date Issued: 2013
A psychobiographical study of William Wilberforce
- Authors: Daubermann, Bettina Pamela
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Personality development
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9966 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020857 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021085
- Description: The proposed study is of a psychobiographical nature and employs a qualitative research approach. The individual that forms the subject of this study is William Wilberforce. A social activist most of his life, Wilberforce is best known for his voice and works behind the abolition of the slave trade in 1807 and the abolition of slavery in 1833. His ambitious nature, social eloquence and verbal intellect resulted in him being elected as a member of parliament in the House of Commons in England during the period 1780 to 1825. Transformed by the Christian faith in 1885, Wilberforce came to the realization he had received a calling from God to speak up for those who could not with a specific task set out before him which was to abolish slavery. It was the purpose of the present research to explore and describe Wilberforce’s psychological development across his life-span according to Carl Rogers’ (1961) personality theory of optimal development. Salient aspects of Wilberforce’s life were related and compared to components of the theory so as to explore and describe the degree of optimal development that Wilberforce reached at different points in his life and whether he could be described as a fully functioning person. According to Rogers’ theory William Wilberforce was chosen as the research subject for his historical contribution to mankind by his devotion to the moral enhancement of his country.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Daubermann, Bettina Pamela
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Personality development
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9966 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020857 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021085
- Description: The proposed study is of a psychobiographical nature and employs a qualitative research approach. The individual that forms the subject of this study is William Wilberforce. A social activist most of his life, Wilberforce is best known for his voice and works behind the abolition of the slave trade in 1807 and the abolition of slavery in 1833. His ambitious nature, social eloquence and verbal intellect resulted in him being elected as a member of parliament in the House of Commons in England during the period 1780 to 1825. Transformed by the Christian faith in 1885, Wilberforce came to the realization he had received a calling from God to speak up for those who could not with a specific task set out before him which was to abolish slavery. It was the purpose of the present research to explore and describe Wilberforce’s psychological development across his life-span according to Carl Rogers’ (1961) personality theory of optimal development. Salient aspects of Wilberforce’s life were related and compared to components of the theory so as to explore and describe the degree of optimal development that Wilberforce reached at different points in his life and whether he could be described as a fully functioning person. According to Rogers’ theory William Wilberforce was chosen as the research subject for his historical contribution to mankind by his devotion to the moral enhancement of his country.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
The relationship between psychological capital and psychological well-being
- Authors: De Andrade, Ruaan Kriel
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Organizational sociology -- Research , Clinical health psychology , Psychology -- Management -- Social aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9412 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020096
- Description: A study of the available literature on Psychological WellQBeing and Positive Organisational Scholarship revealed that enormous potential existed for further research. This is a relatively new field with limited literature and research evidence available. It became very clear from the beginning that the relationships between these constructs could successfully be researched. It was therefore decided to embark on an academic research journey in order to contribute to the existing knowledge available on these constructs within the South African Private Healthcare Industry. This quantitative research was used to obtain more clarity about the relationships between the two constructs and to gather the responses from the research population. The research sample consisted of 152 nursing staff. Two questionnaires were integrated to develop the Nursing Psychological WellQBeing Questionnaire and consisted of i) PsyCap Questionnaire developed by Luthans, Youssef and Avolio2007, and ii) Psychological WellQBeing Questionnaire developed by Ryff 2000. A total of 152 nursing staff responded to an 87–item paperQbased questionnaire. Four research questions were formulated and covered the following: •The content, validity and portability of the measuring instruments; •The configuration of the various constructs; • Relationships between some of the variables . The content and the structure of the measuring instruments were assessed by means of Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) and) Exploratory Factor Analyses (EFA). These assessments showed that the original measuring instruments are not portable to a culture which is different to the one where they were originally developed. The relationship between dimensions of Psychological WellQBeing and PsyCap sense of achievement and optimism is a significant finding. The significance of the findings of this study and the contribution that it makes to the existing theory is seen in the importance of the portability of measuring instruments. Recommendations in this regard have been made in Chapter 5. Various findings have also highlighted the relationships between Psychological WellQBeing and PsyCap. The importance of future research topics has been recommended.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: De Andrade, Ruaan Kriel
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Organizational sociology -- Research , Clinical health psychology , Psychology -- Management -- Social aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9412 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020096
- Description: A study of the available literature on Psychological WellQBeing and Positive Organisational Scholarship revealed that enormous potential existed for further research. This is a relatively new field with limited literature and research evidence available. It became very clear from the beginning that the relationships between these constructs could successfully be researched. It was therefore decided to embark on an academic research journey in order to contribute to the existing knowledge available on these constructs within the South African Private Healthcare Industry. This quantitative research was used to obtain more clarity about the relationships between the two constructs and to gather the responses from the research population. The research sample consisted of 152 nursing staff. Two questionnaires were integrated to develop the Nursing Psychological WellQBeing Questionnaire and consisted of i) PsyCap Questionnaire developed by Luthans, Youssef and Avolio2007, and ii) Psychological WellQBeing Questionnaire developed by Ryff 2000. A total of 152 nursing staff responded to an 87–item paperQbased questionnaire. Four research questions were formulated and covered the following: •The content, validity and portability of the measuring instruments; •The configuration of the various constructs; • Relationships between some of the variables . The content and the structure of the measuring instruments were assessed by means of Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) and) Exploratory Factor Analyses (EFA). These assessments showed that the original measuring instruments are not portable to a culture which is different to the one where they were originally developed. The relationship between dimensions of Psychological WellQBeing and PsyCap sense of achievement and optimism is a significant finding. The significance of the findings of this study and the contribution that it makes to the existing theory is seen in the importance of the portability of measuring instruments. Recommendations in this regard have been made in Chapter 5. Various findings have also highlighted the relationships between Psychological WellQBeing and PsyCap. The importance of future research topics has been recommended.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013