The newly qualified professional nurses' proficiency in utilizing psychiatric nursing skills in mental health institution and community health care facilities
- Authors: Zonke, Lulama Henrietta
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Nurses -- In-service training -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Nurses -- Rating of -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Nursing -- Ability testing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Nursing -- Standards -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Psychiatric nursing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Caregivers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Mental health -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Community health nursing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Nursing Science)
- Identifier: vital:11898 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1001098 , Nurses -- In-service training -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Nurses -- Rating of -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Nursing -- Ability testing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Nursing -- Standards -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Psychiatric nursing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Caregivers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Mental health -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Community health nursing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: The aim of this study was to determine the ability and proficiency of the newly qualified professional nurses in utilising psychiatric nursing skills at Chris Hani District Psychiatric Health Care Services in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. The research method was a qualitative, phenomenological approach. A purposive sample of newly qualified professional nurses and supervisors participated in the study. The data were collected through interviews and focus group discussions, using semi – structured interview guides. Interviews responses were recorded on the interview guide. Data were analysed using the computer software Atlas ti and manually. Positive and negative themes were identified. Ethical considerations were ensured by means of privacy, anonymity and confidentiality. Ethical clearance was obtained from the University of Fort Hare and permission from the Provincial Department of Health and Chris Hani District Health and Mental Health Institution at Queenstown was sought. The findings revealed that newly qualified professional nurses performed well, according to the perception of their supervisors. Newly qualified professional nurses were faced with challenges such as shortage of resources, mental illness not considered as a priority and lack of skills development. The study also revealed that newly qualified professional nurses focussed on the curative aspect of ailments, rather than preventive care. However community health workers (CHW) focussed on the preventive aspect of care. Limitations and recommendations based on the findings of the study are presented.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Zonke, Lulama Henrietta
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Nurses -- In-service training -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Nurses -- Rating of -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Nursing -- Ability testing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Nursing -- Standards -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Psychiatric nursing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Caregivers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Mental health -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Community health nursing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Nursing Science)
- Identifier: vital:11898 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1001098 , Nurses -- In-service training -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Nurses -- Rating of -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Nursing -- Ability testing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Nursing -- Standards -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Psychiatric nursing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Caregivers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Mental health -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Community health nursing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: The aim of this study was to determine the ability and proficiency of the newly qualified professional nurses in utilising psychiatric nursing skills at Chris Hani District Psychiatric Health Care Services in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. The research method was a qualitative, phenomenological approach. A purposive sample of newly qualified professional nurses and supervisors participated in the study. The data were collected through interviews and focus group discussions, using semi – structured interview guides. Interviews responses were recorded on the interview guide. Data were analysed using the computer software Atlas ti and manually. Positive and negative themes were identified. Ethical considerations were ensured by means of privacy, anonymity and confidentiality. Ethical clearance was obtained from the University of Fort Hare and permission from the Provincial Department of Health and Chris Hani District Health and Mental Health Institution at Queenstown was sought. The findings revealed that newly qualified professional nurses performed well, according to the perception of their supervisors. Newly qualified professional nurses were faced with challenges such as shortage of resources, mental illness not considered as a priority and lack of skills development. The study also revealed that newly qualified professional nurses focussed on the curative aspect of ailments, rather than preventive care. However community health workers (CHW) focussed on the preventive aspect of care. Limitations and recommendations based on the findings of the study are presented.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
The relationship between emotional stability, stress and work family conflict, among Standard Bank female employees in the Border region
- Authors: Zingwe, Tawanda
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Standard Bank Limited , Bank employees -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Role conflict , Women employees -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Job stress -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Work and family -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sexual division of labor -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Neuroses -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Work-family conflict , Stress , Emotional stability , Neuroticism , Banks , Females
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom (Industrial Psychology)
- Identifier: vital:11558 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1007133 , Standard Bank Limited , Bank employees -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Role conflict , Women employees -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Job stress -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Work and family -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sexual division of labor -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Neuroses -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Work-family conflict , Stress , Emotional stability , Neuroticism , Banks , Females
- Description: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship that exists between emotional stability, stress and work-family conflict among Standard Bank female employees. For this purpose data was collected from the female employees of Standard Banks in Alice, Fort Beaufort, King Williams and East London Town’s in the Eastern Cape. A sample of 72 female bank employees was drawn from the population. Neuroticism is the opposite of emotional stability and it was mostly often used in place of emotional stability in the study. Results of the study indicated that all study variables are significantly positively correlated with one another. The findings of this study is helpful in the banking industry in order to design human resources policies which will reduce the work-family conflict and decrease stress for female bank employees and for future research in respective topics. The implications of this study are discussed along with recommendations for future research and professional managerial practice.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Zingwe, Tawanda
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Standard Bank Limited , Bank employees -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Role conflict , Women employees -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Job stress -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Work and family -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sexual division of labor -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Neuroses -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Work-family conflict , Stress , Emotional stability , Neuroticism , Banks , Females
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom (Industrial Psychology)
- Identifier: vital:11558 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1007133 , Standard Bank Limited , Bank employees -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Role conflict , Women employees -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Job stress -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Work and family -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sexual division of labor -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Neuroses -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Work-family conflict , Stress , Emotional stability , Neuroticism , Banks , Females
- Description: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship that exists between emotional stability, stress and work-family conflict among Standard Bank female employees. For this purpose data was collected from the female employees of Standard Banks in Alice, Fort Beaufort, King Williams and East London Town’s in the Eastern Cape. A sample of 72 female bank employees was drawn from the population. Neuroticism is the opposite of emotional stability and it was mostly often used in place of emotional stability in the study. Results of the study indicated that all study variables are significantly positively correlated with one another. The findings of this study is helpful in the banking industry in order to design human resources policies which will reduce the work-family conflict and decrease stress for female bank employees and for future research in respective topics. The implications of this study are discussed along with recommendations for future research and professional managerial practice.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Managing an inclusive school: a case study of a pilot school in Swaziland
- Authors: Zimba, Zondani
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Inclusive education -- Swaziland -- Mbabane Special education -- Swaziland -- Mbabane Learning disabled children -- Education -- Swaziland -- Mbabane Students with disabilities -- Swaziland -- Mbabane School management and organization -- Swaziland -- Mbabane
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1669 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003552
- Description: Inclusive Education (IE) reflects the values, ethos, and culture of an education system committed to excellence by promoting education opportunities for all learners. IE is about building a more just society and ensuring the right to education for all learners regardless of their individual characteristics or difficulties (UNESCO: 2007). The kingdom of Swaziland has committed itself to high quality basic education which provides equal opportunities for all children and youth. This is evident in the Swaziland National Constitution (2006). To promote Education for All (EFA) as stated in the constitution, an IE Policy has been developed and a draft policy is in place. The programme has been operational since 2006. There are nine pilot schools and four teachers from each school who have been trained on how to handle pupils with disabilities. The programme will be rolled out to 608 primary schools by 2015. In this research, the goal was to investigate how a School Management Board responds to the challenges of managing an Inclusive School. This research is a qualitative interpretive case study based in one of the pilot schools in Mbabane in Swaziland. The study used document analysis, semi‐structured interviews and focus groups to collect data. The study revealed that the school has done much in accommodating IE as there are changes in management structures and approaches, organizational culture and operating procedures. On the other hand, there are still significant challenges such as a lack of knowledge of inclusion and negativity on the part of learners and parents. Other challenges include inadequate training for educators and lack of suitable infrastructure. The study concludes by recommending improved staff development programmes, infrastructure upgrades, acquiring appropriate teaching and learning resources and employing multidisciplinary personnel.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Zimba, Zondani
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Inclusive education -- Swaziland -- Mbabane Special education -- Swaziland -- Mbabane Learning disabled children -- Education -- Swaziland -- Mbabane Students with disabilities -- Swaziland -- Mbabane School management and organization -- Swaziland -- Mbabane
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1669 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003552
- Description: Inclusive Education (IE) reflects the values, ethos, and culture of an education system committed to excellence by promoting education opportunities for all learners. IE is about building a more just society and ensuring the right to education for all learners regardless of their individual characteristics or difficulties (UNESCO: 2007). The kingdom of Swaziland has committed itself to high quality basic education which provides equal opportunities for all children and youth. This is evident in the Swaziland National Constitution (2006). To promote Education for All (EFA) as stated in the constitution, an IE Policy has been developed and a draft policy is in place. The programme has been operational since 2006. There are nine pilot schools and four teachers from each school who have been trained on how to handle pupils with disabilities. The programme will be rolled out to 608 primary schools by 2015. In this research, the goal was to investigate how a School Management Board responds to the challenges of managing an Inclusive School. This research is a qualitative interpretive case study based in one of the pilot schools in Mbabane in Swaziland. The study used document analysis, semi‐structured interviews and focus groups to collect data. The study revealed that the school has done much in accommodating IE as there are changes in management structures and approaches, organizational culture and operating procedures. On the other hand, there are still significant challenges such as a lack of knowledge of inclusion and negativity on the part of learners and parents. Other challenges include inadequate training for educators and lack of suitable infrastructure. The study concludes by recommending improved staff development programmes, infrastructure upgrades, acquiring appropriate teaching and learning resources and employing multidisciplinary personnel.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
The praxis of responsible investment in South Africa: a holistic case study of Evolution One Fund
- Zaulochnaya Ya-Brouwer, Irina
- Authors: Zaulochnaya Ya-Brouwer, Irina
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Social responsibility of business -- South Africa Investments -- Moral and ethical aspects -- South Africa Institutional investments -- Moral and ethical aspects -- South Africa Private equity funds -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:778 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003899
- Description: At the beginning of the 21st century the public interest in environmental and social sustainability, and corporate governance grew exponentially fuelled by recurring ecological and financial crises. The market demand for cleaner production and corporate transparency created opportunities for sustainability entrepreneurs in a variety of industries, including financial markets and investment management. An increasing number of financial institutions across the world now offer ethical or socially responsible products to meet the environmental, social and governance (ESG) aspirations of their clients. In the US, according to the Social Investment Forum (SIF), responsible investment (RI) assets reached US$ 2,29 trillion in 2007 (Mitchell, 2008). The European Sustainable Investment Forum (EuroSIF) estimated that total European SRI assets reached EUR 5 trillion in 2009 (Wheelan, 2010). In June 2011 the International Finance Corporation (IFC) reported that at the end of 2010 professional sustainable investment under management in South Africa approximately equalled US$ 122,6 billion (IFC, 2011:44). The statistics describing the rapid growth in the ESG-type investments are, however, complicated by the variety of names and definitions used to describe this emerging type of investment and a general market uncertainty about what constitutes the practice of RI. The purpose of this case study is to better understand responsible investment principles and practice as seen through the eyes of a South African private equity fund, which specializes in clean technology.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Zaulochnaya Ya-Brouwer, Irina
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Social responsibility of business -- South Africa Investments -- Moral and ethical aspects -- South Africa Institutional investments -- Moral and ethical aspects -- South Africa Private equity funds -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:778 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003899
- Description: At the beginning of the 21st century the public interest in environmental and social sustainability, and corporate governance grew exponentially fuelled by recurring ecological and financial crises. The market demand for cleaner production and corporate transparency created opportunities for sustainability entrepreneurs in a variety of industries, including financial markets and investment management. An increasing number of financial institutions across the world now offer ethical or socially responsible products to meet the environmental, social and governance (ESG) aspirations of their clients. In the US, according to the Social Investment Forum (SIF), responsible investment (RI) assets reached US$ 2,29 trillion in 2007 (Mitchell, 2008). The European Sustainable Investment Forum (EuroSIF) estimated that total European SRI assets reached EUR 5 trillion in 2009 (Wheelan, 2010). In June 2011 the International Finance Corporation (IFC) reported that at the end of 2010 professional sustainable investment under management in South Africa approximately equalled US$ 122,6 billion (IFC, 2011:44). The statistics describing the rapid growth in the ESG-type investments are, however, complicated by the variety of names and definitions used to describe this emerging type of investment and a general market uncertainty about what constitutes the practice of RI. The purpose of this case study is to better understand responsible investment principles and practice as seen through the eyes of a South African private equity fund, which specializes in clean technology.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Guidelines for the design of a mobile phone application for deaf people
- Authors: Yeratziotis, George
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Mobile communication systems -- Design and construction , Deaf -- Means of communication
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9750 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1007925 , Mobile communication systems -- Design and construction , Deaf -- Means of communication
- Description: Deaf people in South Africa are no longer a minority group and their needs regarding communication and interaction must therefore be taken into consideration. This demographic does not communicate and interact in the same way as hearing people, which means that any existing usability or accessibility guidelines do not apply. As a result, Deaf people do not have access to information in the same way that a hearing person does. Providing proper access to Information and Communications Technology services, which meet their particular needs, will help the hearing impaired to better integrate into society. The importance of demolishing the communication barrier between the hearing and the hearing impaired is very important. Many people assume that sign language is somehow based on oral language. However, this is not the case. Sign languages are natural visual-spatial languages, and form a contrast with spoken languages which are auditory-vocal based. Acknowledging this fact in 2008, the South African Sign Language Policy Implementation Conference together with several governmental bodies suggested that South African Sign Language should become recognized as the 12th official language of South Africa. Due to the fact that cell phone technology continues to evolve, it will remain a tool of communication upon which Deaf people heavily rely on. The cell phone fulfils a basic need for everyone, but especially for the Deaf demographic as they rely on the short message system to communicate. Deaf people are currently faced with a lack of appropriate mobile phone applications, which would allow them to communicate with hearing as well as deaf people. The primary objective of this research was therefore to make mobile technology equally accessible meaning usable to members of the Deaf demographic. The focus of the research was to investigate the communication barrier and a range of variables that can influence the deaf user’s experience. Topics such as user interface design, usability and interaction were investigated. The outcome of this research was to propose a set of guidelines that, when applied to the design of a website or to phone application accessibility, would ensure communication and interaction from a deaf user. The proposed set of guidelines was then applied to the design of the high fidelity prototype of a mobile phone application. The specific application is a messaging phone application that allows deaf users to communicate with other deaf and hearing users via short message system. A mobile phone application that allows Deaf people to send and receive messages based on the sign language alphabet. The application was named Signchat. Purpose of this was to visibly display how the guidelines were implemented in Signchat. While Signchat’s main purpose is to accommodate the needs of Deaf people, it is also a learning tool and an application that bridges the gap by allowing deaf and hearing users to communicate.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Yeratziotis, George
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Mobile communication systems -- Design and construction , Deaf -- Means of communication
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9750 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1007925 , Mobile communication systems -- Design and construction , Deaf -- Means of communication
- Description: Deaf people in South Africa are no longer a minority group and their needs regarding communication and interaction must therefore be taken into consideration. This demographic does not communicate and interact in the same way as hearing people, which means that any existing usability or accessibility guidelines do not apply. As a result, Deaf people do not have access to information in the same way that a hearing person does. Providing proper access to Information and Communications Technology services, which meet their particular needs, will help the hearing impaired to better integrate into society. The importance of demolishing the communication barrier between the hearing and the hearing impaired is very important. Many people assume that sign language is somehow based on oral language. However, this is not the case. Sign languages are natural visual-spatial languages, and form a contrast with spoken languages which are auditory-vocal based. Acknowledging this fact in 2008, the South African Sign Language Policy Implementation Conference together with several governmental bodies suggested that South African Sign Language should become recognized as the 12th official language of South Africa. Due to the fact that cell phone technology continues to evolve, it will remain a tool of communication upon which Deaf people heavily rely on. The cell phone fulfils a basic need for everyone, but especially for the Deaf demographic as they rely on the short message system to communicate. Deaf people are currently faced with a lack of appropriate mobile phone applications, which would allow them to communicate with hearing as well as deaf people. The primary objective of this research was therefore to make mobile technology equally accessible meaning usable to members of the Deaf demographic. The focus of the research was to investigate the communication barrier and a range of variables that can influence the deaf user’s experience. Topics such as user interface design, usability and interaction were investigated. The outcome of this research was to propose a set of guidelines that, when applied to the design of a website or to phone application accessibility, would ensure communication and interaction from a deaf user. The proposed set of guidelines was then applied to the design of the high fidelity prototype of a mobile phone application. The specific application is a messaging phone application that allows deaf users to communicate with other deaf and hearing users via short message system. A mobile phone application that allows Deaf people to send and receive messages based on the sign language alphabet. The application was named Signchat. Purpose of this was to visibly display how the guidelines were implemented in Signchat. While Signchat’s main purpose is to accommodate the needs of Deaf people, it is also a learning tool and an application that bridges the gap by allowing deaf and hearing users to communicate.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Response of invertebrates to alien and indigenous vegetation characteristics in Nduli and Luchaba Nature Reserves, Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Yekwayo, Inam
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Alien and indigenous vegetation -- Invertebrates , South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:18489 , http://hdl.handle.net/11260/d1009478
- Description: Most invertebrate species are becoming extinct due to habitat loss and alien plant invasions. Hence this study aimed at determining the response of invertebrates to alien and indigenous vegetation within protected areas in the King Sabatha Dalindyebo (KSD) Local Municipality, Eastern Cape, South Africa. Invertebrates were collected using pitfall traps, during 12 sampling occasions from May 2010 to April 2011 numbers of sampling sites. Although the sampling method was adapted to collecting ground dwelling invertebrates, opportunistic flying invertebrates were also collected. A total of 7 flying invertebrate orders, 25 families, 34 species and 248 individuals were attracted to traps while 5 orders, 19 families, 50 species and 1976 individuals of soil surface-dwelling invertebrates were collected. ANOVA test showed no significant differences (p > 0.05) in species richness and abundance across sites for soil surface-dwelling invertebrates. Bray-Curtis similarity measures in PRIMER and correspondence analysis (CA) in CANOCO showed that sampling units with alien invasive plants shared most soil surface-dwelling invertebrate species at ± 75% level of similarity. Sampling unit A from the Mix alien (MA) site shared most species with indigenous vegetation sites. Sampling units from indigenous vegetation sites shared most species at ± 65% level of similarity. Multivariate analysis using CANOCO indicated that certain site variables such litter depth influenced the distribution of soil surface-dwelling invertebrates across sites. The study provided preliminary data and information for promoting invertebrate biodiversity conservation within protected areas (Nduli and Luchaba Nature Reserves) of the KSD Local Municipality. Key words: invertebrates, indigenous vegetation, alien vegetation, Lantana camara, Acacia mearnsii, and Eucalyptus.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Yekwayo, Inam
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Alien and indigenous vegetation -- Invertebrates , South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:18489 , http://hdl.handle.net/11260/d1009478
- Description: Most invertebrate species are becoming extinct due to habitat loss and alien plant invasions. Hence this study aimed at determining the response of invertebrates to alien and indigenous vegetation within protected areas in the King Sabatha Dalindyebo (KSD) Local Municipality, Eastern Cape, South Africa. Invertebrates were collected using pitfall traps, during 12 sampling occasions from May 2010 to April 2011 numbers of sampling sites. Although the sampling method was adapted to collecting ground dwelling invertebrates, opportunistic flying invertebrates were also collected. A total of 7 flying invertebrate orders, 25 families, 34 species and 248 individuals were attracted to traps while 5 orders, 19 families, 50 species and 1976 individuals of soil surface-dwelling invertebrates were collected. ANOVA test showed no significant differences (p > 0.05) in species richness and abundance across sites for soil surface-dwelling invertebrates. Bray-Curtis similarity measures in PRIMER and correspondence analysis (CA) in CANOCO showed that sampling units with alien invasive plants shared most soil surface-dwelling invertebrate species at ± 75% level of similarity. Sampling unit A from the Mix alien (MA) site shared most species with indigenous vegetation sites. Sampling units from indigenous vegetation sites shared most species at ± 65% level of similarity. Multivariate analysis using CANOCO indicated that certain site variables such litter depth influenced the distribution of soil surface-dwelling invertebrates across sites. The study provided preliminary data and information for promoting invertebrate biodiversity conservation within protected areas (Nduli and Luchaba Nature Reserves) of the KSD Local Municipality. Key words: invertebrates, indigenous vegetation, alien vegetation, Lantana camara, Acacia mearnsii, and Eucalyptus.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
An investigation of how natural sciences teachers mediate learning of chemical reactions in Grade 9: a case study
- Authors: Xipu, Bukelwa
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Science -- Study and teaching (Secondary) Science -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Chemical reactions Science teachers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Science teachers -- Rating of -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1631 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003513
- Description: This research study involves two Grade 9 Natural Sciences teachers from two schools in the Lady Frere District of the Eastern Cape. The reason for selecting these two teachers is that in 2009 they, like me, obtained an Advanced Certificate in Education (Science and Maths) from Rhodes University. As a result, we have a good working relationship. Furthermore, both teachers are actively involved in the Natural Sciences curriculum in the District and their schools are not far from the District Office where I work. The principal objective of this study was to investigate how Natural Sciences teachers mediated learning in order to enhance conceptual development and understanding of chemical reactions in Grade 9. It was triggered by the transformation in curriculum in South Africa as well as by my experience of working with Natural Sciences teachers in our rural district. The study is informed by an interpretive paradigm using a qualitative case study approach. The data was gathered by administering analysis of documents, semi-structured interviews, observations, field notes and journals. During the data analysis process, patterns and themes were illuminated using the inductive analysis method. Rich data sets in relation to the main research question on how Natural Sciences teachers mediated learning in order to enhance conceptual development and understanding of chemical reactions in Grade 9 emerged from the analysed data. The conclusions that can be drawn from the study indicate that when teaching chemical reactions, teachers should have adequate content knowledge as well as pedagogical content knowledge. It is thus recommended that teachers consider the prior knowledge of learners, use a variety of teaching and learning approaches including practical activities, to make learning meaningful. The major limitation of this study is that the two selected teachers do not represent the whole population of Grade 9 teachers in the Lady Frere District. Therefore, the findings cannot be generalized to represent the larger population. It is recognised, however, that within the qualitative inquiry, reliability and generalizability play a minor role.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Xipu, Bukelwa
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Science -- Study and teaching (Secondary) Science -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Chemical reactions Science teachers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Science teachers -- Rating of -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1631 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003513
- Description: This research study involves two Grade 9 Natural Sciences teachers from two schools in the Lady Frere District of the Eastern Cape. The reason for selecting these two teachers is that in 2009 they, like me, obtained an Advanced Certificate in Education (Science and Maths) from Rhodes University. As a result, we have a good working relationship. Furthermore, both teachers are actively involved in the Natural Sciences curriculum in the District and their schools are not far from the District Office where I work. The principal objective of this study was to investigate how Natural Sciences teachers mediated learning in order to enhance conceptual development and understanding of chemical reactions in Grade 9. It was triggered by the transformation in curriculum in South Africa as well as by my experience of working with Natural Sciences teachers in our rural district. The study is informed by an interpretive paradigm using a qualitative case study approach. The data was gathered by administering analysis of documents, semi-structured interviews, observations, field notes and journals. During the data analysis process, patterns and themes were illuminated using the inductive analysis method. Rich data sets in relation to the main research question on how Natural Sciences teachers mediated learning in order to enhance conceptual development and understanding of chemical reactions in Grade 9 emerged from the analysed data. The conclusions that can be drawn from the study indicate that when teaching chemical reactions, teachers should have adequate content knowledge as well as pedagogical content knowledge. It is thus recommended that teachers consider the prior knowledge of learners, use a variety of teaching and learning approaches including practical activities, to make learning meaningful. The major limitation of this study is that the two selected teachers do not represent the whole population of Grade 9 teachers in the Lady Frere District. Therefore, the findings cannot be generalized to represent the larger population. It is recognised, however, that within the qualitative inquiry, reliability and generalizability play a minor role.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
The role of municipal public accounts committee in the financial management of Intsika Yethu local municipality
- Authors: Xego Nomonde
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Municipal finance--South Africa--Eastern Cape , Public finance--South Africa--Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
- Identifier: vital:8183 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1007958 , Municipal finance--South Africa--Eastern Cape , Public finance--South Africa--Eastern Cape
- Description: In an attempt to address the challenges of audit queries in a sustainable way and improve service delivery. Municipality should deal with causes of disclaimer and adverse opinion which are reflected on their audit report. This study focuses on the role of the Municipal Public Accounts Committee in the financial management of the Intsika Yethu Local Municipality. Challenges facing the Municipal Public Accounts Committee include lack of capacity, lack of co-operation from municipal departments and lack of knowledge and skill in municipal management. This study investigated the role of the Municipal Public Accounts Committee in the financial management of the Intsika Yethu Local Municipality. Particular attention was paid to the various roles played by the Municipal Public Accounts Committee making a contribution towards improving municipal financial management.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Xego Nomonde
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Municipal finance--South Africa--Eastern Cape , Public finance--South Africa--Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
- Identifier: vital:8183 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1007958 , Municipal finance--South Africa--Eastern Cape , Public finance--South Africa--Eastern Cape
- Description: In an attempt to address the challenges of audit queries in a sustainable way and improve service delivery. Municipality should deal with causes of disclaimer and adverse opinion which are reflected on their audit report. This study focuses on the role of the Municipal Public Accounts Committee in the financial management of the Intsika Yethu Local Municipality. Challenges facing the Municipal Public Accounts Committee include lack of capacity, lack of co-operation from municipal departments and lack of knowledge and skill in municipal management. This study investigated the role of the Municipal Public Accounts Committee in the financial management of the Intsika Yethu Local Municipality. Particular attention was paid to the various roles played by the Municipal Public Accounts Committee making a contribution towards improving municipal financial management.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Improving customer retention at a selected medical fund through internal service quality and customer relationship management
- Authors: Xaluva, Bongiwe Lumka
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Customer relations -- Management , Customer services , Consumer satisfaction
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8638 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1008118 , Customer relations -- Management , Customer services , Consumer satisfaction
- Description: In today’s competitive arena, organisations need strategically to shift their focus from primarily concentrating on new customer acquisitions and rather to realise the importance of improving customer defections, thus looking at strategically retaining the existing customer base. Customer retention to all intents and purposes reflects the core of any service offering organisation and drives the competitiveness and viability of the business. Customer retention is a concern for all sector organisations including the medical aid schemes industry. It has been proven that retaining customers is less costly than attracting new ones and through a satisfied customer a business can elevate its competitiveness in the market. The significance of the study hinges on the importance of each business having comprehensive knowledge of why customers remain loyal patrons or why they choose to defect. It is important to note that the financial resources and time the business expends on improving service to the customer become futile if not matched by the high performance of the internal business units’ strategies. Having an understanding of customer movement will assist the organisation in properly addressing such issues and employing strategic processes that will enable the business to improve its retention strategies and curb defections. The primary objective of the current study was to investigate the impact internal service quality and customer relationship management have on customer retention. The study employed the SERVQUAL model as a measuring tool in establishing the relationship. The study investigated how customer retention (the dependent variable) is influenced by the different elements of internal service quality, namely assurance, empathy, service reliability, responsiveness, tangibles and elationship management, which represented the independent variables. The sample comprised eighty-one (81) out of a possible 130 AA Medical Scheme participants through the organisation’s four national offices. The empirical results showed that of all the variables relationship management, responsiveness and the tangibles have a positive impact on customer retention in medical aid schemes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Xaluva, Bongiwe Lumka
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Customer relations -- Management , Customer services , Consumer satisfaction
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8638 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1008118 , Customer relations -- Management , Customer services , Consumer satisfaction
- Description: In today’s competitive arena, organisations need strategically to shift their focus from primarily concentrating on new customer acquisitions and rather to realise the importance of improving customer defections, thus looking at strategically retaining the existing customer base. Customer retention to all intents and purposes reflects the core of any service offering organisation and drives the competitiveness and viability of the business. Customer retention is a concern for all sector organisations including the medical aid schemes industry. It has been proven that retaining customers is less costly than attracting new ones and through a satisfied customer a business can elevate its competitiveness in the market. The significance of the study hinges on the importance of each business having comprehensive knowledge of why customers remain loyal patrons or why they choose to defect. It is important to note that the financial resources and time the business expends on improving service to the customer become futile if not matched by the high performance of the internal business units’ strategies. Having an understanding of customer movement will assist the organisation in properly addressing such issues and employing strategic processes that will enable the business to improve its retention strategies and curb defections. The primary objective of the current study was to investigate the impact internal service quality and customer relationship management have on customer retention. The study employed the SERVQUAL model as a measuring tool in establishing the relationship. The study investigated how customer retention (the dependent variable) is influenced by the different elements of internal service quality, namely assurance, empathy, service reliability, responsiveness, tangibles and elationship management, which represented the independent variables. The sample comprised eighty-one (81) out of a possible 130 AA Medical Scheme participants through the organisation’s four national offices. The empirical results showed that of all the variables relationship management, responsiveness and the tangibles have a positive impact on customer retention in medical aid schemes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
The performance of O R Tambo district municipality regarding water service delivery
- Authors: Xala, Zandile
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Public administration|zSouth Africa , Local government , Government accountability
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:16141 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1009318 , Public administration|zSouth Africa , Local government , Government accountability
- Description: Access to water services in South Africa still remains a dream for most people, especially those who live in remote areas. The poverty stricken communities of the former Transkei in the Eastern Cape are in need of water and sanitation services. The findings of the study reveal that most community members are dissatisfied with the water service delivery. During an interview with ward 6 residents who reside in an urban area of the OR Tambo District Municipality (ORTDM), they revealed that pipe bursting is one of the main causes why from time to time they do not have water. The other factor is when there is no electricity; the water system depends on the availability of electricity. The South African local government has been mandated to consult with its citizenry in respect of the processes relating to water service delivery. South Africa has developed a wide range of legislation that ensures community consultation on a continuous basis with regard to how water services should be delivered. It is the community‟s right to be consulted and to give input on issues that directly affect them. The researcher used a qualitative research method since it would provide the reader with more insight into how water services are delivered in the ORTDM. Both community members and municipal officials were interviewed. A number of findings have been made during the research. Some community members are of the view that constant community consultation could reduce service delivery protests. Political intervention needs to be made by the leadership with regard to service delivery and more resources need to be committed toward those processes. This study was conducted from April 2012 to November 2012 and was aimed at assessing the performance of OR Tambo District Municipality regarding water service delivery. According to OR Tambo DM (2011/12: 3), the communities through the consultation processes conducted throughout five (5) local municipalities made it clear that ensuring increased access to water and sanitation services is still the main priority.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Xala, Zandile
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Public administration|zSouth Africa , Local government , Government accountability
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:16141 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1009318 , Public administration|zSouth Africa , Local government , Government accountability
- Description: Access to water services in South Africa still remains a dream for most people, especially those who live in remote areas. The poverty stricken communities of the former Transkei in the Eastern Cape are in need of water and sanitation services. The findings of the study reveal that most community members are dissatisfied with the water service delivery. During an interview with ward 6 residents who reside in an urban area of the OR Tambo District Municipality (ORTDM), they revealed that pipe bursting is one of the main causes why from time to time they do not have water. The other factor is when there is no electricity; the water system depends on the availability of electricity. The South African local government has been mandated to consult with its citizenry in respect of the processes relating to water service delivery. South Africa has developed a wide range of legislation that ensures community consultation on a continuous basis with regard to how water services should be delivered. It is the community‟s right to be consulted and to give input on issues that directly affect them. The researcher used a qualitative research method since it would provide the reader with more insight into how water services are delivered in the ORTDM. Both community members and municipal officials were interviewed. A number of findings have been made during the research. Some community members are of the view that constant community consultation could reduce service delivery protests. Political intervention needs to be made by the leadership with regard to service delivery and more resources need to be committed toward those processes. This study was conducted from April 2012 to November 2012 and was aimed at assessing the performance of OR Tambo District Municipality regarding water service delivery. According to OR Tambo DM (2011/12: 3), the communities through the consultation processes conducted throughout five (5) local municipalities made it clear that ensuring increased access to water and sanitation services is still the main priority.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Design and evaluation of illustrated information leaflets as an educational tool for low-literate asthma patients
- Authors: Wrench, Wendy Merle
- Date: 2012 , 2012-10-08
- Subjects: Asthma -- South Africa -- Study and teaching , Asthmatics -- South Africa -- Education
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:3867 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1016236
- Description: Asthma is a chronic non-communicable disease associated with an increase in morbidity, mortality and economic burden. Globally 300 million people have asthma and it is estimated that one in every 250 deaths worldwide are due to asthma. South Africa has the highest asthma prevalence (8.1%) in Africa and the disease is 18th in the top 20 causes of death. Inadequate home management, poor availability of health care, and poor transport and emergency services are recognised as important contributing factors. Patients with a low level of education and limited literacy skills may be unable to understand instructions on frequency and use of asthma medicines, which could result in unintentional non-adherence leading to serious complications and increased health care costs. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of a tailored educational intervention on low-literate patients with asthma. Objectives to achieve this aim included designing patient information leaflets (PILs) containing information on asthma, management of asthma and asthma therapy, and using the PILs to educate low-literate asthma patients. A before-andafter intervention type design evaluated self-reported selected health-related quality of life measures, self-reported self-efficacy, knowledge of asthma and asthma management, knowledge of the use of metered dose inhalers (MDIs) and MDI technique. The acceptability and understanding of the tailored PILs was also investigated. Two simple, readable PILs containing pictograms were developed in English and then translated into isiXhosa, the home language of the majority of the target population. Various guidelines on the design of health-related information for people with low-literacy were consulted and input on the design was received from health care providers, patients and graphic artists. A pilot study was conducted at a local primary health care (PHC) clinic to evaluate the PILs and final modifications to the PILs were made based on feedback received. For the main study, patients were recruited from the KwaNonqubela PHC clinic in Alexandria in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. Patients were 18 years or older, dependent on public sector health care facilities, diagnosed with asthma, prescribed a MDI (beclomethasone and/or salbutamol) for at least one month and English or isiXhosa-speaking. The exclusion criterion for patients in this study was involvement in any other asthma educational intervention during the period of study. Interviewer-led structured questionnaires were administered to 55 patients at the baseline and follow-up. Data collected include demographics, brief medical history and current asthma medications. Self-efficacy and iii health-related quality of life were assessed. Knowledge of asthma and asthma management was evaluated, and the use of beclomethasone and/or salbutamol metered dose inhalers was assessed. The PIL ‘Understanding asthma and trigger factors of asthma’ formed part of the educational intervention to explain asthma and aspects related to its management. Inhaler technique was evaluated and corrected using the PIL ‘How to use your pump’ together with a demonstration of correct technique by the investigator. Follow-up interviews were conducted approximately four weeks after baseline. PIL acceptability, readability and understanding of each pictogram were investigated at follow-up only. The educational intervention resulted in a significant increase in mean knowledge of asthma from 52.7% at baseline to 75.5% at follow-up. Gender was not associated with knowledge, but there was a significant age effect at baseline only, with the younger patients achieving better knowledge results. In both phases, patients with higher education had improved scores. A significant increase (2.4% to 38.6%) in the number of patients taking the minimum recommended adult dose of beclomethasone was noted but it is a matter of concern that the majority of patients were taking less than this. Patient self-reports suggested a significant increase in adherence, with the number of patients taking beclomethasone daily increasing from 33.3% to 61.3%. Self-reported management and control of asthma improved and this was reflected by the enhanced HRQOL results. MDI technique also improved significantly with an increase in the mean number of correct steps from 4.6 ± 2.2 to 7.9 ± 2.7. Education had a significant effect on MDI technique with more errors associated with lower educational status. There were no significant age or gender effects on the total number of correct steps in either phase. The illustrated PILs were received favourably with the majority of literate patients reporting that they were easy to read. Patients commented positively on the inclusion of pictograms and stated that the pictograms had served as aids in the understanding of asthma, trigger factors of asthma and correct MDI technique. The results of this study show that specially designed illustrated PILs can be an effective tool in educating low-literate patients with asthma. , Adobe Acrobat Pro 11.0.0 Paper Capture Plug-in
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Wrench, Wendy Merle
- Date: 2012 , 2012-10-08
- Subjects: Asthma -- South Africa -- Study and teaching , Asthmatics -- South Africa -- Education
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:3867 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1016236
- Description: Asthma is a chronic non-communicable disease associated with an increase in morbidity, mortality and economic burden. Globally 300 million people have asthma and it is estimated that one in every 250 deaths worldwide are due to asthma. South Africa has the highest asthma prevalence (8.1%) in Africa and the disease is 18th in the top 20 causes of death. Inadequate home management, poor availability of health care, and poor transport and emergency services are recognised as important contributing factors. Patients with a low level of education and limited literacy skills may be unable to understand instructions on frequency and use of asthma medicines, which could result in unintentional non-adherence leading to serious complications and increased health care costs. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of a tailored educational intervention on low-literate patients with asthma. Objectives to achieve this aim included designing patient information leaflets (PILs) containing information on asthma, management of asthma and asthma therapy, and using the PILs to educate low-literate asthma patients. A before-andafter intervention type design evaluated self-reported selected health-related quality of life measures, self-reported self-efficacy, knowledge of asthma and asthma management, knowledge of the use of metered dose inhalers (MDIs) and MDI technique. The acceptability and understanding of the tailored PILs was also investigated. Two simple, readable PILs containing pictograms were developed in English and then translated into isiXhosa, the home language of the majority of the target population. Various guidelines on the design of health-related information for people with low-literacy were consulted and input on the design was received from health care providers, patients and graphic artists. A pilot study was conducted at a local primary health care (PHC) clinic to evaluate the PILs and final modifications to the PILs were made based on feedback received. For the main study, patients were recruited from the KwaNonqubela PHC clinic in Alexandria in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. Patients were 18 years or older, dependent on public sector health care facilities, diagnosed with asthma, prescribed a MDI (beclomethasone and/or salbutamol) for at least one month and English or isiXhosa-speaking. The exclusion criterion for patients in this study was involvement in any other asthma educational intervention during the period of study. Interviewer-led structured questionnaires were administered to 55 patients at the baseline and follow-up. Data collected include demographics, brief medical history and current asthma medications. Self-efficacy and iii health-related quality of life were assessed. Knowledge of asthma and asthma management was evaluated, and the use of beclomethasone and/or salbutamol metered dose inhalers was assessed. The PIL ‘Understanding asthma and trigger factors of asthma’ formed part of the educational intervention to explain asthma and aspects related to its management. Inhaler technique was evaluated and corrected using the PIL ‘How to use your pump’ together with a demonstration of correct technique by the investigator. Follow-up interviews were conducted approximately four weeks after baseline. PIL acceptability, readability and understanding of each pictogram were investigated at follow-up only. The educational intervention resulted in a significant increase in mean knowledge of asthma from 52.7% at baseline to 75.5% at follow-up. Gender was not associated with knowledge, but there was a significant age effect at baseline only, with the younger patients achieving better knowledge results. In both phases, patients with higher education had improved scores. A significant increase (2.4% to 38.6%) in the number of patients taking the minimum recommended adult dose of beclomethasone was noted but it is a matter of concern that the majority of patients were taking less than this. Patient self-reports suggested a significant increase in adherence, with the number of patients taking beclomethasone daily increasing from 33.3% to 61.3%. Self-reported management and control of asthma improved and this was reflected by the enhanced HRQOL results. MDI technique also improved significantly with an increase in the mean number of correct steps from 4.6 ± 2.2 to 7.9 ± 2.7. Education had a significant effect on MDI technique with more errors associated with lower educational status. There were no significant age or gender effects on the total number of correct steps in either phase. The illustrated PILs were received favourably with the majority of literate patients reporting that they were easy to read. Patients commented positively on the inclusion of pictograms and stated that the pictograms had served as aids in the understanding of asthma, trigger factors of asthma and correct MDI technique. The results of this study show that specially designed illustrated PILs can be an effective tool in educating low-literate patients with asthma. , Adobe Acrobat Pro 11.0.0 Paper Capture Plug-in
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Touching Brýnstone
- Authors: Woudstra, Ruth
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: South African fiction (English) -- 21st century , Short stories, South African (English) -- 21st century , South African poetry (English) -- 21st century , Creative writing (Higher education) , Diaries -- Authorship , English language -- Writing
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2504 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1015032
- Description: Touching Brýnstone is the story of Beth, a young journalist who is troubled by misfortunes in her family and work circumstances. In a Pretoria library she is seduced by a book that consoles her and progressively becomes a fetish object. It sparks a journey to Japan, where she arrives to teach English. She is intent on meeting the author, whom she confounds with protagonist and book. This Bildungsroman is an exploration of the complex relationship between inner and outer self, and the struggle towards wholeness. Beth must find a way out of the obsession so that she can return to South Africa with an enriched insight into her shadow self.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Woudstra, Ruth
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: South African fiction (English) -- 21st century , Short stories, South African (English) -- 21st century , South African poetry (English) -- 21st century , Creative writing (Higher education) , Diaries -- Authorship , English language -- Writing
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2504 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1015032
- Description: Touching Brýnstone is the story of Beth, a young journalist who is troubled by misfortunes in her family and work circumstances. In a Pretoria library she is seduced by a book that consoles her and progressively becomes a fetish object. It sparks a journey to Japan, where she arrives to teach English. She is intent on meeting the author, whom she confounds with protagonist and book. This Bildungsroman is an exploration of the complex relationship between inner and outer self, and the struggle towards wholeness. Beth must find a way out of the obsession so that she can return to South Africa with an enriched insight into her shadow self.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
The effect of an agency-based HIV/AIDS education programme on the knowledge and attitudes of undergraduate students at WSU
- Authors: Wopula, Luvuyo David
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: HIV/AIDS -- Educational programme -- Students
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Ed
- Identifier: vital:18451 , http://hdl.handle.net/11260/d1007757
- Description: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of an agency-based HIV/AIDS Education programme on knowledge and attitudes of undergraduate students at the Walter Sisulu University (WSU) in South Africa. Participants were divided into experimental and control groups. A questionnaire was designed, validated and used to assess knowledge and attitudes of students towards HIV/AIDS who went through the HIV/AIDS education programme (HAEP) and those who did not. The questions were derived and based on basic HIV/AIDS information as part of the 'Alternative National Curriculum on Responsibility' (AANCHOR) programme used by first year WSU staff which was used in the United States of America. The study findings indicate that knowledge and attitudes of the students improved after the intervention. After the intervention, the t-test showed that students‟ attitudes on HIV/AIDS were found to be significant (p=0.045) when comparing the pre- experimental and intervention groups. However, the study also found that some participants displayed ignorance on the knowledge of HIV/AIDS and its effects. For example, some students believe that mosquitoes can spread HIV/AIDS. On the basis of findings the researcher recommends that all first year students should be expose to WSU HAEP because it is a necessity for empowerment with social, self- dependent skills (against HIV/AIDS) and self efficacy. Key words: HIV/AIDS, knowledge, attitudes, Education programme, students.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Wopula, Luvuyo David
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: HIV/AIDS -- Educational programme -- Students
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Ed
- Identifier: vital:18451 , http://hdl.handle.net/11260/d1007757
- Description: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of an agency-based HIV/AIDS Education programme on knowledge and attitudes of undergraduate students at the Walter Sisulu University (WSU) in South Africa. Participants were divided into experimental and control groups. A questionnaire was designed, validated and used to assess knowledge and attitudes of students towards HIV/AIDS who went through the HIV/AIDS education programme (HAEP) and those who did not. The questions were derived and based on basic HIV/AIDS information as part of the 'Alternative National Curriculum on Responsibility' (AANCHOR) programme used by first year WSU staff which was used in the United States of America. The study findings indicate that knowledge and attitudes of the students improved after the intervention. After the intervention, the t-test showed that students‟ attitudes on HIV/AIDS were found to be significant (p=0.045) when comparing the pre- experimental and intervention groups. However, the study also found that some participants displayed ignorance on the knowledge of HIV/AIDS and its effects. For example, some students believe that mosquitoes can spread HIV/AIDS. On the basis of findings the researcher recommends that all first year students should be expose to WSU HAEP because it is a necessity for empowerment with social, self- dependent skills (against HIV/AIDS) and self efficacy. Key words: HIV/AIDS, knowledge, attitudes, Education programme, students.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
An investigation into the roles and functions of community health committees
- Authors: Wood, Sally Dawn
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Community health services , Public health
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9071 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1008403 , Community health services , Public health
- Description: Community participation has been a popular method of people centred, grassroots development in many developing countries. With an emphasis on primary health care (PHC) through the signing of the Declaration of Alma Atta in 1978, there was a renewed commitment to community participation within the health care system. In South Africa, the end of the apartheid era announced a new dedication towards the principles of a comprehensive, promotive and preventative health care in line with the principles of PHC. These changes were outlined in The White Paper on Transformation of the Health System (1997) and advocated the importance of community involvement in the health care system. These roles were formalised in the National Act Health (61 of 2003) with the provision for the establishment of the clinic and community health centre committees as statutory bodies. The initial implementation of the committees had no guidelines or policy to direct their functioning and therefore led to them being differentiated and poorly functioning. In 2009, the Eastern Cape Department of Health issued a Policy on the Establishment and Effective functioning of Clinic and Community Health Centre Committees. In 2010, the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University’s Community Development Unit, in collaboration with the Health Department, provided a program to formally establish and train all the community health committees in the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality in accordance with the new policy. This research aimed to investigate the community health committees (CHCs) in the Nelson Mandela Bay District, specifically the way in which they were functioning, three years on from this establishment process, with regards to the roles and functions outlined in the Policy document. This report highlights the extent to which the roles are being met, the challenges impeding the fulfilment of these roles and other factors which inhibit the effective functioning of the CHCs. A qualitative research method was used including focus group discussions and in-depth interviews with key informants to illicit the necessary data. These results were transcribed and analysed to identify recurring themes in order to draw conclusions. The CHCs were found to have varying levels of functionality but had similar challenges in fulfilling the roles. Generally there was a poor level of awareness of the policy and the roles defined within and in addition to this there was confusion over the terminology used within the Policy. The role of Advocacy was undertaken enthusiastically by the CHCs with many forms of education and health programs being promoted. However, a lack of knowledge of the PHC model was evident, which inhibited the CHCs from advocating the importance of this. Oversight was seen by the CHC members as being the most important role for them to fulfil, as the level of medical care received in the clinic was perceived to be poor. The CHC members readily monitor levels of medication, staff presence and service provision but do not feel that they have much power to improve the situation. The role of Social Mobilisation was poorly fulfilled due to a lack of outreach into the community and therefore social upliftment only takes place when community members come to the clinic to use the services. Finally, fundraising was the most unsuccessfully achieved role of the CHCs. A combination of a lack of formal recognition and misguided ideas, have resulted in little means of funding for the CHCs. Generally the major inhibiting factors that the CHCs face are; an incomplete fulfilment of the outlined membership of the committees, lack of comprehensive community representation, a lack of commitment from the Health Department and a feeling of isolation. All of these factors are reducing the motivation of the dedicated CHC members. Recommendations were made at the end of the study to help increase the impact these committees are having on their communities. It is hoped that the Provincial Health Department can work together with the CHCs and other stakeholders to implement these recommendations to help sustain the CHCs further.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Wood, Sally Dawn
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Community health services , Public health
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9071 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1008403 , Community health services , Public health
- Description: Community participation has been a popular method of people centred, grassroots development in many developing countries. With an emphasis on primary health care (PHC) through the signing of the Declaration of Alma Atta in 1978, there was a renewed commitment to community participation within the health care system. In South Africa, the end of the apartheid era announced a new dedication towards the principles of a comprehensive, promotive and preventative health care in line with the principles of PHC. These changes were outlined in The White Paper on Transformation of the Health System (1997) and advocated the importance of community involvement in the health care system. These roles were formalised in the National Act Health (61 of 2003) with the provision for the establishment of the clinic and community health centre committees as statutory bodies. The initial implementation of the committees had no guidelines or policy to direct their functioning and therefore led to them being differentiated and poorly functioning. In 2009, the Eastern Cape Department of Health issued a Policy on the Establishment and Effective functioning of Clinic and Community Health Centre Committees. In 2010, the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University’s Community Development Unit, in collaboration with the Health Department, provided a program to formally establish and train all the community health committees in the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality in accordance with the new policy. This research aimed to investigate the community health committees (CHCs) in the Nelson Mandela Bay District, specifically the way in which they were functioning, three years on from this establishment process, with regards to the roles and functions outlined in the Policy document. This report highlights the extent to which the roles are being met, the challenges impeding the fulfilment of these roles and other factors which inhibit the effective functioning of the CHCs. A qualitative research method was used including focus group discussions and in-depth interviews with key informants to illicit the necessary data. These results were transcribed and analysed to identify recurring themes in order to draw conclusions. The CHCs were found to have varying levels of functionality but had similar challenges in fulfilling the roles. Generally there was a poor level of awareness of the policy and the roles defined within and in addition to this there was confusion over the terminology used within the Policy. The role of Advocacy was undertaken enthusiastically by the CHCs with many forms of education and health programs being promoted. However, a lack of knowledge of the PHC model was evident, which inhibited the CHCs from advocating the importance of this. Oversight was seen by the CHC members as being the most important role for them to fulfil, as the level of medical care received in the clinic was perceived to be poor. The CHC members readily monitor levels of medication, staff presence and service provision but do not feel that they have much power to improve the situation. The role of Social Mobilisation was poorly fulfilled due to a lack of outreach into the community and therefore social upliftment only takes place when community members come to the clinic to use the services. Finally, fundraising was the most unsuccessfully achieved role of the CHCs. A combination of a lack of formal recognition and misguided ideas, have resulted in little means of funding for the CHCs. Generally the major inhibiting factors that the CHCs face are; an incomplete fulfilment of the outlined membership of the committees, lack of comprehensive community representation, a lack of commitment from the Health Department and a feeling of isolation. All of these factors are reducing the motivation of the dedicated CHC members. Recommendations were made at the end of the study to help increase the impact these committees are having on their communities. It is hoped that the Provincial Health Department can work together with the CHCs and other stakeholders to implement these recommendations to help sustain the CHCs further.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
The influence of nutrients on surf-zone phytoplankton
- Authors: Wolmarans, Karien
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Phytoplankton , Algal blooms , Diatoms
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:10608 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1008080 , Phytoplankton , Algal blooms , Diatoms
- Description: The variability in surf-zone phytoplankton community composition together with variability in nutrient concentrations was studied at seven beaches along the coast near Port Elizabeth, South Africa over a one-year sampling period. The nutrient requirements of selected diatoms and dinoflagellates that co-occur at these beaches were studied. The highest nutrient concentrations were recorded at Brighton beach, with phosphate concentration being substantially higher than standards set out for both South African and European waters. Nitrate, ammonium and silicate concentrations were consistent (low variability) at all beaches. The species composition of beaches without surf diatoms was also not variable (except for King’s Beach – an artificial beach). Maitland beach was the only beach that could be identified as a surf diatom beach due to the presence of Anaulus australis. The surf diatom Anaulus australis was found to be a superior competitor compared to all other species tested: the other surf diatom Asterionellopsis glacialis, and the dinoflagellates Gonyaulax spinifera, Prorocentrum micans, and Scrippsiella trochoidea. Gonyaulax spinifera could possibly outcompete Anaulus australis in systems should nitrate become limiting.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Wolmarans, Karien
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Phytoplankton , Algal blooms , Diatoms
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:10608 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1008080 , Phytoplankton , Algal blooms , Diatoms
- Description: The variability in surf-zone phytoplankton community composition together with variability in nutrient concentrations was studied at seven beaches along the coast near Port Elizabeth, South Africa over a one-year sampling period. The nutrient requirements of selected diatoms and dinoflagellates that co-occur at these beaches were studied. The highest nutrient concentrations were recorded at Brighton beach, with phosphate concentration being substantially higher than standards set out for both South African and European waters. Nitrate, ammonium and silicate concentrations were consistent (low variability) at all beaches. The species composition of beaches without surf diatoms was also not variable (except for King’s Beach – an artificial beach). Maitland beach was the only beach that could be identified as a surf diatom beach due to the presence of Anaulus australis. The surf diatom Anaulus australis was found to be a superior competitor compared to all other species tested: the other surf diatom Asterionellopsis glacialis, and the dinoflagellates Gonyaulax spinifera, Prorocentrum micans, and Scrippsiella trochoidea. Gonyaulax spinifera could possibly outcompete Anaulus australis in systems should nitrate become limiting.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Experiences of operating room nurses in their work environment at a state hospital in Ethiopia
- Authors: Woldehawariat, Negat
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Operating room nurses -- Ethiopia , Operating rooms -- Ethiopia , Work environment -- Ethiopia
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: vital:10024 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1008177 , Operating room nurses -- Ethiopia , Operating rooms -- Ethiopia , Work environment -- Ethiopia
- Description: Operating room nursing skills are some of the most demanding skills in the nursing profession. At the moment nurses trained in operating room technique are in very short supply in Ethiopia, due to the exodus of nurses to better working environments with more reasonable payment. This is especially noticeable in one of the state hospitals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, as emerged in conversations with the head nurse of the operating room in this hospital about the high turnover rate, as well as the high absenteeism rate amongst the nurses working in the operating room. Nurses working in the operating room also expressed unhappiness in their work environment which could cause them to look for other jobs or to be absent from duty. The nurses were facing numerous problems in their work environment such as work overload due to staff shortage, stress due to shortage of supplies because they are not able to do their job as much as the need requires. The researcher identified the need to explore the challenges that the operating room nurses are experiencing in their work environment. The researcher used the following questions to meet the research objectives: What are the experiences of the operating room nurses in their work environment?; What potential assistance would such nurses need to better cope with the problems they experience in their work environment? The research study aimed to explore and describe the experience of operating room nurses in their work environment and on the basis of the findings to develop guidelines to assist the operating room nurses in coping more effectively with their work environment. The researcher used a qualitative approach with an explorative, descriptive and contextual design. Fifteen registered nurses were selected using purposive sampling. Informed consent was obtained from the participants and permission from the Ethics Committee of the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, as well as Yekatit 12 Hospital. Data were gathered using face to face interviews and field notes were taken to determine the experiences of the participants. Data were analyzed using Tesch's method of descriptive data analysis (in Creswell, 2003:13). Two main themes with two sub-themes related to the experience of the registered nurses working in the operating room of the state hospital were identified. Main theme one focused on the non-conducive work environment and it focused on the lack of support from management and the problems experienced in the environment. It was found that OR nurses had good working relationships among the nursing staff. Main theme two focused on the limited training opportunities in OR techniques. The sub-themes described the limited exposure to new technology and the quality of nursing education which the participants felt was not taken seriously in Ethiopia. Based on the identified themes guidelines were formulated to assist the registered nurses working in the operating room of a state hospital in Ethiopia. Utilization of these guidelines should assist the registered nurses to cope more effectively with their work environment. Recommendation were made, further research and limitations identified.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Woldehawariat, Negat
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Operating room nurses -- Ethiopia , Operating rooms -- Ethiopia , Work environment -- Ethiopia
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: vital:10024 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1008177 , Operating room nurses -- Ethiopia , Operating rooms -- Ethiopia , Work environment -- Ethiopia
- Description: Operating room nursing skills are some of the most demanding skills in the nursing profession. At the moment nurses trained in operating room technique are in very short supply in Ethiopia, due to the exodus of nurses to better working environments with more reasonable payment. This is especially noticeable in one of the state hospitals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, as emerged in conversations with the head nurse of the operating room in this hospital about the high turnover rate, as well as the high absenteeism rate amongst the nurses working in the operating room. Nurses working in the operating room also expressed unhappiness in their work environment which could cause them to look for other jobs or to be absent from duty. The nurses were facing numerous problems in their work environment such as work overload due to staff shortage, stress due to shortage of supplies because they are not able to do their job as much as the need requires. The researcher identified the need to explore the challenges that the operating room nurses are experiencing in their work environment. The researcher used the following questions to meet the research objectives: What are the experiences of the operating room nurses in their work environment?; What potential assistance would such nurses need to better cope with the problems they experience in their work environment? The research study aimed to explore and describe the experience of operating room nurses in their work environment and on the basis of the findings to develop guidelines to assist the operating room nurses in coping more effectively with their work environment. The researcher used a qualitative approach with an explorative, descriptive and contextual design. Fifteen registered nurses were selected using purposive sampling. Informed consent was obtained from the participants and permission from the Ethics Committee of the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, as well as Yekatit 12 Hospital. Data were gathered using face to face interviews and field notes were taken to determine the experiences of the participants. Data were analyzed using Tesch's method of descriptive data analysis (in Creswell, 2003:13). Two main themes with two sub-themes related to the experience of the registered nurses working in the operating room of the state hospital were identified. Main theme one focused on the non-conducive work environment and it focused on the lack of support from management and the problems experienced in the environment. It was found that OR nurses had good working relationships among the nursing staff. Main theme two focused on the limited training opportunities in OR techniques. The sub-themes described the limited exposure to new technology and the quality of nursing education which the participants felt was not taken seriously in Ethiopia. Based on the identified themes guidelines were formulated to assist the registered nurses working in the operating room of a state hospital in Ethiopia. Utilization of these guidelines should assist the registered nurses to cope more effectively with their work environment. Recommendation were made, further research and limitations identified.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
The role of Hsp90/Hsp70 organising protein (Hop) in the Proliferation, Survival and Migration of Breast Cancer Cells.
- Authors: Willmer, Tarryn
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Cancer -- Treatment , Heat shock proteins , Cancer cells , Breast -- Cancer
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4130 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1015720
- Description: Hop (the Hsp90/Hsp70 organising protein) is a co-chaperone that acts as an adapter between the major molecular chaperones Hsp90 and Hsp70 during the cellular assembly of the Hsp90 complex. The Hsp90 complex regulates the stability and conformational maturation of a range of important cellular proteins, many of which are deregulated in cancer. In this study, we hypothesised that Hop knockdown inhibits proliferation and migration of cancer cells. We characterised the expression of Hop in cell models of different cancerous status, and provided evidence that Hop was upregulated in tumour cells compared to normal cell counterparts. Using an RNA interference approach, a 60-90% knockdown of Hop was achieved for up to 144 hours in the MDA-MB-231 and Hs578T breast cancer cell lines. Hop knockdown resulted in downregulation of the Hsp90 client proteins, Akt and Stat3, as well as a change in the expression of other Hsp90 co-chaperones, p23, Cdc37 and Aha1, while no change in the levels of Hsp90 or Hsp70 was observed. Silencing of Hop impaired cell proliferation in Hs578T cells but an increase in proliferation in MDA-MB-231, suggesting that the role of Hop in cancer cell proliferation was dependent on type of cancer cell. Hop knockdown in Hs578T and MDA-MB- 231 cells did not lead to any significant changes in the half maximal inhibitory concentrations (IC50) of selected small molecule inhibitors (paclitaxel, geldanamycin and novobiocin) in these cell lines after 72 hours. Hop knockdown cells were however, more sensitive than control cells to the Hsp90 inhibitors geldanamycin and novobiocin at earlier time points and in the presence of the drug transporter inhibitor, verapamil. Hop knockdown caused a decrease in cell migration as measured by the wound healing assay in both Hs578T and MDA-MB-231 cells. Hop was present in purified pseudopodia fractions of migrating cells, and immunofluorescence analysis showed that Hop colocalised with actin at the leading edges of pseudopodia, points of adhesion and at intercellular junctions of cells that have been stimulated to migrate with the chemokine stromal derived factor-1. Hop was able to bind to actin in vitro using actin cosedimentation assays, and silencing of Hop dramatically reduced the capacity of Hs578T cells to form pseudopodia. These results establish a correlation between Hop and actin dynamics, pseudopodia formation and migration in the context of Hop silencing, and collectively suggest that Hop plays a role in cancer cell migration. This study presents experimental evidence for a promising alternative to targeting Hsp90 and Hsp70 chaperones, a novel drug target in cancer therapy.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Willmer, Tarryn
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Cancer -- Treatment , Heat shock proteins , Cancer cells , Breast -- Cancer
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4130 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1015720
- Description: Hop (the Hsp90/Hsp70 organising protein) is a co-chaperone that acts as an adapter between the major molecular chaperones Hsp90 and Hsp70 during the cellular assembly of the Hsp90 complex. The Hsp90 complex regulates the stability and conformational maturation of a range of important cellular proteins, many of which are deregulated in cancer. In this study, we hypothesised that Hop knockdown inhibits proliferation and migration of cancer cells. We characterised the expression of Hop in cell models of different cancerous status, and provided evidence that Hop was upregulated in tumour cells compared to normal cell counterparts. Using an RNA interference approach, a 60-90% knockdown of Hop was achieved for up to 144 hours in the MDA-MB-231 and Hs578T breast cancer cell lines. Hop knockdown resulted in downregulation of the Hsp90 client proteins, Akt and Stat3, as well as a change in the expression of other Hsp90 co-chaperones, p23, Cdc37 and Aha1, while no change in the levels of Hsp90 or Hsp70 was observed. Silencing of Hop impaired cell proliferation in Hs578T cells but an increase in proliferation in MDA-MB-231, suggesting that the role of Hop in cancer cell proliferation was dependent on type of cancer cell. Hop knockdown in Hs578T and MDA-MB- 231 cells did not lead to any significant changes in the half maximal inhibitory concentrations (IC50) of selected small molecule inhibitors (paclitaxel, geldanamycin and novobiocin) in these cell lines after 72 hours. Hop knockdown cells were however, more sensitive than control cells to the Hsp90 inhibitors geldanamycin and novobiocin at earlier time points and in the presence of the drug transporter inhibitor, verapamil. Hop knockdown caused a decrease in cell migration as measured by the wound healing assay in both Hs578T and MDA-MB-231 cells. Hop was present in purified pseudopodia fractions of migrating cells, and immunofluorescence analysis showed that Hop colocalised with actin at the leading edges of pseudopodia, points of adhesion and at intercellular junctions of cells that have been stimulated to migrate with the chemokine stromal derived factor-1. Hop was able to bind to actin in vitro using actin cosedimentation assays, and silencing of Hop dramatically reduced the capacity of Hs578T cells to form pseudopodia. These results establish a correlation between Hop and actin dynamics, pseudopodia formation and migration in the context of Hop silencing, and collectively suggest that Hop plays a role in cancer cell migration. This study presents experimental evidence for a promising alternative to targeting Hsp90 and Hsp70 chaperones, a novel drug target in cancer therapy.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Leadership's influence on the holistic development of learners with barriers to learning
- WIlliams, Pearl Juanita Cherrol
- Authors: WIlliams, Pearl Juanita Cherrol
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Education, Humanistic , Special education -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:9500 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1008194 , Education, Humanistic , Special education -- South Africa
- Description: The implementation of an inclusive education system in South Africa after 1994 has challenged public schools to revisit their management structures; and, in the process, it has offered learners with barriers to learning the opportunity to become independent and employable members of society – especially in disadvantaged school communities, where learners are often limited in their development because of financial constraints. However, many education policies – based on humanity, equality, social justice and accessibility – are often neglected at some schools; and this causes many learners with barriers to learning to lose heart or drop out of mainstream schools. The main aim of this study was to investigate and describe school leadership‟s management strategies to implement intervention programmes to the benefit of learners in need, since schools are required to accommodate and support all learners in partnership with the wider school community. To understand how these amendments influence disadvantaged schools, an in-depth qualitative inquiry was conducted with 10-13 different leaders, selected through purposive sampling, at each of three disadvantaged primary schools in Port Elizabeth that are directly responsible for teaching learners with barriers to learning. During the data-collection, individual interviews, group interviews and an observation were used. The process of content analysis was implemented to analyse the data. This entails coding, categorising, comparison and conclusion of the information. Four main themes emerged, namely: barriers to learning experienced in these disadvantaged schools; insufficient infrastructure in these schools; dealing with the problem at present; and possible interventions and guidelines, which were closely associated with the four sub-questions of the study – and eventually answered the research questions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: WIlliams, Pearl Juanita Cherrol
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Education, Humanistic , Special education -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:9500 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1008194 , Education, Humanistic , Special education -- South Africa
- Description: The implementation of an inclusive education system in South Africa after 1994 has challenged public schools to revisit their management structures; and, in the process, it has offered learners with barriers to learning the opportunity to become independent and employable members of society – especially in disadvantaged school communities, where learners are often limited in their development because of financial constraints. However, many education policies – based on humanity, equality, social justice and accessibility – are often neglected at some schools; and this causes many learners with barriers to learning to lose heart or drop out of mainstream schools. The main aim of this study was to investigate and describe school leadership‟s management strategies to implement intervention programmes to the benefit of learners in need, since schools are required to accommodate and support all learners in partnership with the wider school community. To understand how these amendments influence disadvantaged schools, an in-depth qualitative inquiry was conducted with 10-13 different leaders, selected through purposive sampling, at each of three disadvantaged primary schools in Port Elizabeth that are directly responsible for teaching learners with barriers to learning. During the data-collection, individual interviews, group interviews and an observation were used. The process of content analysis was implemented to analyse the data. This entails coding, categorising, comparison and conclusion of the information. Four main themes emerged, namely: barriers to learning experienced in these disadvantaged schools; insufficient infrastructure in these schools; dealing with the problem at present; and possible interventions and guidelines, which were closely associated with the four sub-questions of the study – and eventually answered the research questions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Evaluation of critical factors influencing project success at an automotive OEM in the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Williams, Dion Williams
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Project management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Automobile industry and trade
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8921 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021121
- Description: This study aimed to evaluate the critical factors influencing project success at an automotive OEM in the Eastern Cape. The main purpose of this study was to evaluate the critical success/failure factors in project management at an automotive original equipment manufacturer (OEM) and to compare the results to similar studies conducted in various industries and under different socio-economic, political and cultural conditions. The research methodology for this study included a literature review of previous studies as well as insights from various authors highlighting points deemed crucial for project success. A survey was conducted at an automotive OEM to determine which factors had the greatest influence on project success; respondents were asked to rank their views on a Likert Ranking Scale. An online survey was used to capture all responses. The data collected was analysed using statistical software (Statistica Version 10.0). The empirical study was conducted on 52 employees involved in projects at the OEM; the study was carried out across various departments including Purchasing, Logistics, Quality, Engineering, etc. The final process of the study included an evaluation of findings. On the basis of the survey responses received, it was possible to identify critical success factors in project management that are related to the automotive OEM. These results were used to draw conclusions and develop various recommendations. The conclusions centered on the project success factors defined in the survey. The results were then compared to previous studies, and discrepancies between survey findings of the current study and those of past studies were discussed. The recommendations focused on the top three items identified in each factor group. The results of both past studies, as well as the present study highlight the crucial role the project manager plays in project success. Good co-ordination skills, efficient management of resources and effective leadership were identified as key characteristics of successful project managers. Proper communication was identified as one of the most crucial points in project teams. This study revealed that the ability of the project team to handle unexpected crisis is also an important contributing factor towards project success, along with effective monitoring. Top management support was the most crucial factor towards project success in the factors related to the organisation; this is similar to studies done by previous authors.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Williams, Dion Williams
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Project management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Automobile industry and trade
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8921 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021121
- Description: This study aimed to evaluate the critical factors influencing project success at an automotive OEM in the Eastern Cape. The main purpose of this study was to evaluate the critical success/failure factors in project management at an automotive original equipment manufacturer (OEM) and to compare the results to similar studies conducted in various industries and under different socio-economic, political and cultural conditions. The research methodology for this study included a literature review of previous studies as well as insights from various authors highlighting points deemed crucial for project success. A survey was conducted at an automotive OEM to determine which factors had the greatest influence on project success; respondents were asked to rank their views on a Likert Ranking Scale. An online survey was used to capture all responses. The data collected was analysed using statistical software (Statistica Version 10.0). The empirical study was conducted on 52 employees involved in projects at the OEM; the study was carried out across various departments including Purchasing, Logistics, Quality, Engineering, etc. The final process of the study included an evaluation of findings. On the basis of the survey responses received, it was possible to identify critical success factors in project management that are related to the automotive OEM. These results were used to draw conclusions and develop various recommendations. The conclusions centered on the project success factors defined in the survey. The results were then compared to previous studies, and discrepancies between survey findings of the current study and those of past studies were discussed. The recommendations focused on the top three items identified in each factor group. The results of both past studies, as well as the present study highlight the crucial role the project manager plays in project success. Good co-ordination skills, efficient management of resources and effective leadership were identified as key characteristics of successful project managers. Proper communication was identified as one of the most crucial points in project teams. This study revealed that the ability of the project team to handle unexpected crisis is also an important contributing factor towards project success, along with effective monitoring. Top management support was the most crucial factor towards project success in the factors related to the organisation; this is similar to studies done by previous authors.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
An analysis of the sustainability of the lean manufacturing implementation at Volkswagen Group South Africa
- Authors: Williams, Anand
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa , Lean manufacturing -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8901 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020992
- Description: This research report examines the changing nature of the organisation of work, in particular, the production methods in the South African automotive industry. The competition in the local and global markets has increased significantly in recent years. The increased complexity of products and individuality of customers pose strong challenges for the automotive manufacturers, (OEM – Original Equipment Manufacturers), with regard to product Quality, Cost and Delivery. For these challenges, Volkswagen Group South Africa, has defined objectives that, when met, will contribute towards establishing it as a leading automotive brand. It is aligned to the Volkswagen Group AG, Strategy Mach18, increased vehicle production and the creation of long-term delighted customer base. To achieve these objectives, the Volkswagen Production System (VPS) is an imperative component of the Volkswagen Group South Africa (VWGSA) production strategy. The core elements consist of, “Cycle”, “Flow”, “Pull” and “Perfection”. These are the four fundamentals on which Lean Manufacturing is built, as first introduced and described by the Toyota Production System. Lean manufacturing is a whole-systems approach that creates a culture in which everyone in the organisation continuously improves the process and production. Volkswagen Group South Africa is facing increased competition in the South African and global marketplace. A search of the internet revealed that extensive research has been conducted into Lean manufacturing in South Africa. However, no research is noted with regard to the sustainability of Lean manufacturing at Volkswagen Group South Africa. The aim of this study is to analyse the sustainability of the lean manufacturing implementation at VWGSA.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Williams, Anand
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa , Lean manufacturing -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8901 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020992
- Description: This research report examines the changing nature of the organisation of work, in particular, the production methods in the South African automotive industry. The competition in the local and global markets has increased significantly in recent years. The increased complexity of products and individuality of customers pose strong challenges for the automotive manufacturers, (OEM – Original Equipment Manufacturers), with regard to product Quality, Cost and Delivery. For these challenges, Volkswagen Group South Africa, has defined objectives that, when met, will contribute towards establishing it as a leading automotive brand. It is aligned to the Volkswagen Group AG, Strategy Mach18, increased vehicle production and the creation of long-term delighted customer base. To achieve these objectives, the Volkswagen Production System (VPS) is an imperative component of the Volkswagen Group South Africa (VWGSA) production strategy. The core elements consist of, “Cycle”, “Flow”, “Pull” and “Perfection”. These are the four fundamentals on which Lean Manufacturing is built, as first introduced and described by the Toyota Production System. Lean manufacturing is a whole-systems approach that creates a culture in which everyone in the organisation continuously improves the process and production. Volkswagen Group South Africa is facing increased competition in the South African and global marketplace. A search of the internet revealed that extensive research has been conducted into Lean manufacturing in South Africa. However, no research is noted with regard to the sustainability of Lean manufacturing at Volkswagen Group South Africa. The aim of this study is to analyse the sustainability of the lean manufacturing implementation at VWGSA.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012