Investigation of the potency of topical corticosteroids using the vasoconstrictor assay
- Authors: Zvidzayi, Kudzayi Michael
- Date: 2017
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/65279 , vital:28717
- Description: Expected release date-May 2019
- Full Text:
- Authors: Zvidzayi, Kudzayi Michael
- Date: 2017
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/65279 , vital:28717
- Description: Expected release date-May 2019
- Full Text:
Synthesis and evaluation of arylpyrrole-chalcone hybrids as antiplasmodial and antitrypanosomal agents
- Authors: Zulu, Ayanda Ignatia
- Date: 2017
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/65268 , vital:28716
- Description: Expected release date-May 2019
- Full Text:
- Authors: Zulu, Ayanda Ignatia
- Date: 2017
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/65268 , vital:28716
- Description: Expected release date-May 2019
- Full Text:
Machine learning methods for calibrating radio interferometric data
- Authors: Zitha, Simphiwe Nhlanhla
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Calibration , Radio astronomy -- Data processing , Radio astronomy -- South Africa , Karoo Array Telescope (South Africa) , Radio telescopes -- South Africa , Common Astronomy Software Application (Computer software)
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/97096 , vital:31398
- Description: The applications of machine learning have created an opportunity to deal with complex problems currently encountered in radio astronomy data processing. Calibration is one of the most important data processing steps required to produce high dynamic range images. This process involves the determination of calibration parameters, both instrumental and astronomical, to correct the collected data. Typically, astronomers use a package such as Common Astronomy Software Applications (CASA) to compute the gain solutions based on regular observations of a known calibrator source. In this work we present applications of machine learning to first generation calibration (1GC), using the KAT-7 telescope environmental and pointing sensor data recorded during observations. Applying machine learning to 1GC, as opposed to calculating the gain solutions in CASA, has shown evidence of reducing computation, as well as accurately predict the 1GC gain solutions representing the behaviour of the antenna during an observation. These methods are computationally less expensive, however they have not fully learned to generalise in predicting accurate 1GC solutions by looking at environmental and pointing sensors. We call this multi-output regression model ZCal, which is based on random forest, decision trees, extremely randomized trees and K-nearest neighbor algorithms. The prediction error obtained during the testing of our model on testing data is ≈ 0.01 < rmse < 0.09 for gain amplitude per antenna, and 0.2 rad < rmse <0.5 rad for gain phase. This shows that the instrumental parameters used to train our model more strongly correlate with gain amplitude effects than phase.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Zitha, Simphiwe Nhlanhla
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Calibration , Radio astronomy -- Data processing , Radio astronomy -- South Africa , Karoo Array Telescope (South Africa) , Radio telescopes -- South Africa , Common Astronomy Software Application (Computer software)
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/97096 , vital:31398
- Description: The applications of machine learning have created an opportunity to deal with complex problems currently encountered in radio astronomy data processing. Calibration is one of the most important data processing steps required to produce high dynamic range images. This process involves the determination of calibration parameters, both instrumental and astronomical, to correct the collected data. Typically, astronomers use a package such as Common Astronomy Software Applications (CASA) to compute the gain solutions based on regular observations of a known calibrator source. In this work we present applications of machine learning to first generation calibration (1GC), using the KAT-7 telescope environmental and pointing sensor data recorded during observations. Applying machine learning to 1GC, as opposed to calculating the gain solutions in CASA, has shown evidence of reducing computation, as well as accurately predict the 1GC gain solutions representing the behaviour of the antenna during an observation. These methods are computationally less expensive, however they have not fully learned to generalise in predicting accurate 1GC solutions by looking at environmental and pointing sensors. We call this multi-output regression model ZCal, which is based on random forest, decision trees, extremely randomized trees and K-nearest neighbor algorithms. The prediction error obtained during the testing of our model on testing data is ≈ 0.01 < rmse < 0.09 for gain amplitude per antenna, and 0.2 rad < rmse <0.5 rad for gain phase. This shows that the instrumental parameters used to train our model more strongly correlate with gain amplitude effects than phase.
- Full Text:
Development and assessment of sustained release stavudine loaded microparticles
- Authors: Zindove, Chiedza Cathrine
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MPharm
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/54722 , vital:26603
- Description:
Stavudine (D4T) has been used as first line treatment for HIV/AIDS and is part of highly active anti retroviral treatment (HAART). It is an affordable medicine and its use is beneficial in resource limited settings. However D4T exhibits dose dependent side effects that may lead to non-adherence in patients. This study was undertaken to formulate, develop and manufacture a dosage form that could reduce dose dependent side effects by decreasing the dose of D4T but still exhibit antiretroviral (ARV) activity. The use of sustained release (SR) formulations of D4T that ensure constant levels of the D4T in the body would not only optimize therapy but also reduce the incidence of side effects thereby increasing patient adherence. SR microparticles containing 30mg D4T were manufactured and loaded into size 3 hard gelatine capsules prior to analysis. The D4T microparticles were manufactured by microencapsulation using non-aqueous oil-in-oil solvent evaporation approach. D4T-excipient, excipient-excipient interactions and D4T purity were assessed using Infrared Spectroscopy (IR), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA). Copolymers synthesized from acrylic and methacrylic acid esters viz., Eudragit® RSPO and S100 were used as rate retardant materials and the effect of microcrystalline cellulose (Avicel® PH102) on the microparticles was also investigated. Magnesium stearate was used as a droplet stabilizer and n-hexane was added to harden the microspheres formed in a liquid paraffin continuous phase. The microparticles were optimized using a Box Behnken design and Response Surface Methodology (RSM). The microparticles were characterized in terms of their flow properties and encapsulation efficiency (% EE), in addition to visualization of the surface morphology with Scanning Electron Microscopy. In vitro D4T release studies were performed using USP Apparatus III in media of different pH and the samples were analysed using a validated High Performance Liquid Chromatographic (HPLC) method with ultraviolet (UV) detection that had been developed and optimized using a Central Composite Design (CCD). The method was validated according to ICH guidelines. The IR spectra and DSC thermographs revealed that D4T exhibited thermal stability and there was no evidence of D4T-excipient and excipient-excipient interactions. The microparticles that were produced were white, free flowing and were obtained in a high yield with high encapsulation efficiency. Scanning Electron Microscopy studies revealed that the microparticles were spherical and porous in nature. In vitro D4T release extended to 12 hours and the mechanism of release was established using model dependent methods by fitting the data to a Zero order, First order, Higuchi and Hixson Crowell model. It was observed that the mechanism of D4T release was diffusion-controlled and that the data was best fitted to the Higuchi model with correlation coefficients > 0.9. The release mechanism was confirmed using the Korsmeyer-Peppas model that revealed that most of the formulations exhibited anomalous transport kinetics with the release exponent, n, ranging from 0.5
- Full Text:
- Authors: Zindove, Chiedza Cathrine
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MPharm
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/54722 , vital:26603
- Description:
Stavudine (D4T) has been used as first line treatment for HIV/AIDS and is part of highly active anti retroviral treatment (HAART). It is an affordable medicine and its use is beneficial in resource limited settings. However D4T exhibits dose dependent side effects that may lead to non-adherence in patients. This study was undertaken to formulate, develop and manufacture a dosage form that could reduce dose dependent side effects by decreasing the dose of D4T but still exhibit antiretroviral (ARV) activity. The use of sustained release (SR) formulations of D4T that ensure constant levels of the D4T in the body would not only optimize therapy but also reduce the incidence of side effects thereby increasing patient adherence. SR microparticles containing 30mg D4T were manufactured and loaded into size 3 hard gelatine capsules prior to analysis. The D4T microparticles were manufactured by microencapsulation using non-aqueous oil-in-oil solvent evaporation approach. D4T-excipient, excipient-excipient interactions and D4T purity were assessed using Infrared Spectroscopy (IR), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA). Copolymers synthesized from acrylic and methacrylic acid esters viz., Eudragit® RSPO and S100 were used as rate retardant materials and the effect of microcrystalline cellulose (Avicel® PH102) on the microparticles was also investigated. Magnesium stearate was used as a droplet stabilizer and n-hexane was added to harden the microspheres formed in a liquid paraffin continuous phase. The microparticles were optimized using a Box Behnken design and Response Surface Methodology (RSM). The microparticles were characterized in terms of their flow properties and encapsulation efficiency (% EE), in addition to visualization of the surface morphology with Scanning Electron Microscopy. In vitro D4T release studies were performed using USP Apparatus III in media of different pH and the samples were analysed using a validated High Performance Liquid Chromatographic (HPLC) method with ultraviolet (UV) detection that had been developed and optimized using a Central Composite Design (CCD). The method was validated according to ICH guidelines. The IR spectra and DSC thermographs revealed that D4T exhibited thermal stability and there was no evidence of D4T-excipient and excipient-excipient interactions. The microparticles that were produced were white, free flowing and were obtained in a high yield with high encapsulation efficiency. Scanning Electron Microscopy studies revealed that the microparticles were spherical and porous in nature. In vitro D4T release extended to 12 hours and the mechanism of release was established using model dependent methods by fitting the data to a Zero order, First order, Higuchi and Hixson Crowell model. It was observed that the mechanism of D4T release was diffusion-controlled and that the data was best fitted to the Higuchi model with correlation coefficients > 0.9. The release mechanism was confirmed using the Korsmeyer-Peppas model that revealed that most of the formulations exhibited anomalous transport kinetics with the release exponent, n, ranging from 0.5
- Full Text:
A review of the implementation of the CAPS Life Skills curriculum training, as a recontextualising process, in engaging teachers in environmental education in two districts of the Eastern Cape Province
- Authors: Yoyo, Sindiswa
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Life skills Study and teaching (Continuing education) South Africa Eastern Cape , Environmental education Curricula South Africa Eastern Cape , Teachers In-service training South Africa Eastern Cape , Curriculum change South Africa Eastern Cape , Teachers Education (Continuing education) South Africa Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/61767 , vital:28057
- Description: This study examines how the implementation of CAPS Life Skills curriculum training (as a recontextualising process) is engaging teachers in environmental education. The research was centred on training manuals for Life Skills (Official Recontextualisation Field) and their use in CAPS training at district level in two Eastern Cape sites of recontextualisation (Professional Recontextualisation Field). During the training, teachers developed lesson plans that were reviewed and group interviews were conducted on the training process and its outcomes. The manuals, training process, lesson plans and interview transcripts were analysed for evidence of environmental education, notably content, teaching and learning methods and assessment strategies. Bernstein’s (1990) framework of the pedagogic device underpins this study. Here the concept of the relay is key for tracking the "relay” of the content, teaching and learning methods and assessment strategies through the processes of recontextualisation into the lesson plans for the field of production. During the process of de-location and relocation, gaps are created and this study sought to track and probe patterns of omissions that took place during the relay process in two cases of training. The review of the in-service training course process of recontextualisation and its cascading approach exposed challenges of omission as it became clear that at each level of the recontextualisation process, gaps were apparent. The study highlighted how the 3-5 day workshop process reviewed was not a robust model for professional development. It was not effective and changes in the mode of delivery and processes of support that reach into curriculum practice in the context of the school are recommended. The study concludes that there is a need for continuous professional development as teachers need ongoing support especially for a "new” curriculum like CAPS that is content driven.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Yoyo, Sindiswa
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Life skills Study and teaching (Continuing education) South Africa Eastern Cape , Environmental education Curricula South Africa Eastern Cape , Teachers In-service training South Africa Eastern Cape , Curriculum change South Africa Eastern Cape , Teachers Education (Continuing education) South Africa Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/61767 , vital:28057
- Description: This study examines how the implementation of CAPS Life Skills curriculum training (as a recontextualising process) is engaging teachers in environmental education. The research was centred on training manuals for Life Skills (Official Recontextualisation Field) and their use in CAPS training at district level in two Eastern Cape sites of recontextualisation (Professional Recontextualisation Field). During the training, teachers developed lesson plans that were reviewed and group interviews were conducted on the training process and its outcomes. The manuals, training process, lesson plans and interview transcripts were analysed for evidence of environmental education, notably content, teaching and learning methods and assessment strategies. Bernstein’s (1990) framework of the pedagogic device underpins this study. Here the concept of the relay is key for tracking the "relay” of the content, teaching and learning methods and assessment strategies through the processes of recontextualisation into the lesson plans for the field of production. During the process of de-location and relocation, gaps are created and this study sought to track and probe patterns of omissions that took place during the relay process in two cases of training. The review of the in-service training course process of recontextualisation and its cascading approach exposed challenges of omission as it became clear that at each level of the recontextualisation process, gaps were apparent. The study highlighted how the 3-5 day workshop process reviewed was not a robust model for professional development. It was not effective and changes in the mode of delivery and processes of support that reach into curriculum practice in the context of the school are recommended. The study concludes that there is a need for continuous professional development as teachers need ongoing support especially for a "new” curriculum like CAPS that is content driven.
- Full Text:
Learning about volunteering: an exploration of literacy volunteers' experiences
- Authors: Yendall, Kaitlin Amy
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Literacy -- Study and teaching -- South Africa , Literacy programs -- South Africa , Voluntarism -- South Africa , Volunteer workers in community development -- Training of , Service learning , Language and education -- South Africa , Language arts (Primary) , English language -- Study and teaching (Elementary) , Volunteer workers in Education -- Training of
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/138336 , vital:37623
- Description: After almost 25 years of democracy in South Africa, not everyone has access to the same quality education. The responsibility of creating a literate society however cannot rely on the national government and schools alone, but instead needs to fall on the shoulders of various stakeholders. Volunteers in particular have an important role to play in remedying the current literacy crisis experienced in South Africa. This study takes the form of a case study approach and examines the experiences of Project Read literacy volunteers. A telephonic survey and two focus group discussions were conducted in order to determine who it is that volunteers for the programme; what prompts these particular individuals to volunteer; the perceived benefits of volunteering; and how volunteers report on their volunteering experiences. Although the Project Read programme is focused on the early literacy development of learners, volunteers seemed to undergo a developmental process themselves – something they had not anticipated at the start of their volunteering journey. This study illustrates the power of meaningful relationships in breaking down artificial categories and in bringing about important change with regards to the perceptions and attitudes of individuals towards community engagement. It is hoped that the data generated through this study will assist in recruiting and retaining more literacy volunteers through feedback to the NGO. In this way more children will be assisted to enhance their literacy competencies, from which they can build and achieve.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Yendall, Kaitlin Amy
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Literacy -- Study and teaching -- South Africa , Literacy programs -- South Africa , Voluntarism -- South Africa , Volunteer workers in community development -- Training of , Service learning , Language and education -- South Africa , Language arts (Primary) , English language -- Study and teaching (Elementary) , Volunteer workers in Education -- Training of
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/138336 , vital:37623
- Description: After almost 25 years of democracy in South Africa, not everyone has access to the same quality education. The responsibility of creating a literate society however cannot rely on the national government and schools alone, but instead needs to fall on the shoulders of various stakeholders. Volunteers in particular have an important role to play in remedying the current literacy crisis experienced in South Africa. This study takes the form of a case study approach and examines the experiences of Project Read literacy volunteers. A telephonic survey and two focus group discussions were conducted in order to determine who it is that volunteers for the programme; what prompts these particular individuals to volunteer; the perceived benefits of volunteering; and how volunteers report on their volunteering experiences. Although the Project Read programme is focused on the early literacy development of learners, volunteers seemed to undergo a developmental process themselves – something they had not anticipated at the start of their volunteering journey. This study illustrates the power of meaningful relationships in breaking down artificial categories and in bringing about important change with regards to the perceptions and attitudes of individuals towards community engagement. It is hoped that the data generated through this study will assist in recruiting and retaining more literacy volunteers through feedback to the NGO. In this way more children will be assisted to enhance their literacy competencies, from which they can build and achieve.
- Full Text:
The life and times of Kama Chungwa, 1798-1875
- Authors: Yekela, Drusilla Siziwe
- Date: 1989
- Subjects: Kama, William, 1798-1875 , Shaw, William, 1798-1872 , Methodist Church of Southern Africa -- Missions , Gqunukhwebe (African people) -- History , Wesleyville mission , Gqunukhwebe (African people) -- Kings and rulers , South Africa -- History -- Frontier Wars, 1811-1878 , South Africa -- History -- Xhosa Cattle-Killing, 1856-1857 , Converts -- South Africa , Cape of Good Hope (South Africa) -- Politics and government
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2520 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1001849
- Description: Few students of History understand the derivation and/or origin of the Gqunukhwebe oath "Ndifung' uChungw' efel' ennyameni: I swear by Chungwa who is lying dead at Mnyameni (Alexandria)." A desire to eludicate this point and other related facts inspired me to undertake a close examination of the history of the Gqunukhwebe people, selecting as my main theme the life-work of Chief Kama. In the first chapter I am discussing the creation of the Gqunukhwebe Chiefdom under Khwane by the Xhosa King, Tshiwo. The central theme here is the Black-White confrontation of the 17th - 18th centuries on the Cape Eastern Frontier. As a result of the collision the Gqunukhwebe people were forced to make a home on the banks of the Thwecu River along the east coast. It was here that Kama reached early manhood. The second chapter describes the establishment of Wesleyville Missionary Station by William Shaw in 1823, the first Methodist Missionary Institution in all Xhosaland. In chapter three the discussion centers on the significance of Kama's conversion. An unforeseen outcome of his public profession of the Christian faith was that it not only stigmatized the latter religion as a force destructive of the old order in Xhosa society, but it also reshaped Kama's political image for the good of his religious life. He not only fled from the neighbourhood of his relations and sojourned in a strange land, but also reinforced the Colonial forces in the contemporary frontier struggles. His integrity, self-sacrifice and pro-Colonial inclination eventually won him Middledrift. Chapter four opens with Kama's settling in Middledrift. The theme here is two-pronged. It presents the 'Cattle-Killing' delusion as a source of new trials for the 'priest-chief', and at the same time exposes the Colonial Government's efforts to gain ascendancy above the Xhosa chiefs. Kama's land was the first testing ground in this respect, and the Chief was initially agreeable to the scheme. Chapter five alludes to instances of Chief Kama's unco-operative attitude as signs that his compromising spirit had its limits. An atmosphere of disregard towards Kama pervades the period. But the adversities that threatened to dominate his later life did not by any means shake his Christian principles and convictions. The traces of his good works may to this day be seen in Middledrift, the traditional home of the Kamas.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Yekela, Drusilla Siziwe
- Date: 1989
- Subjects: Kama, William, 1798-1875 , Shaw, William, 1798-1872 , Methodist Church of Southern Africa -- Missions , Gqunukhwebe (African people) -- History , Wesleyville mission , Gqunukhwebe (African people) -- Kings and rulers , South Africa -- History -- Frontier Wars, 1811-1878 , South Africa -- History -- Xhosa Cattle-Killing, 1856-1857 , Converts -- South Africa , Cape of Good Hope (South Africa) -- Politics and government
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2520 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1001849
- Description: Few students of History understand the derivation and/or origin of the Gqunukhwebe oath "Ndifung' uChungw' efel' ennyameni: I swear by Chungwa who is lying dead at Mnyameni (Alexandria)." A desire to eludicate this point and other related facts inspired me to undertake a close examination of the history of the Gqunukhwebe people, selecting as my main theme the life-work of Chief Kama. In the first chapter I am discussing the creation of the Gqunukhwebe Chiefdom under Khwane by the Xhosa King, Tshiwo. The central theme here is the Black-White confrontation of the 17th - 18th centuries on the Cape Eastern Frontier. As a result of the collision the Gqunukhwebe people were forced to make a home on the banks of the Thwecu River along the east coast. It was here that Kama reached early manhood. The second chapter describes the establishment of Wesleyville Missionary Station by William Shaw in 1823, the first Methodist Missionary Institution in all Xhosaland. In chapter three the discussion centers on the significance of Kama's conversion. An unforeseen outcome of his public profession of the Christian faith was that it not only stigmatized the latter religion as a force destructive of the old order in Xhosa society, but it also reshaped Kama's political image for the good of his religious life. He not only fled from the neighbourhood of his relations and sojourned in a strange land, but also reinforced the Colonial forces in the contemporary frontier struggles. His integrity, self-sacrifice and pro-Colonial inclination eventually won him Middledrift. Chapter four opens with Kama's settling in Middledrift. The theme here is two-pronged. It presents the 'Cattle-Killing' delusion as a source of new trials for the 'priest-chief', and at the same time exposes the Colonial Government's efforts to gain ascendancy above the Xhosa chiefs. Kama's land was the first testing ground in this respect, and the Chief was initially agreeable to the scheme. Chapter five alludes to instances of Chief Kama's unco-operative attitude as signs that his compromising spirit had its limits. An atmosphere of disregard towards Kama pervades the period. But the adversities that threatened to dominate his later life did not by any means shake his Christian principles and convictions. The traces of his good works may to this day be seen in Middledrift, the traditional home of the Kamas.
- Full Text:
The impact of leadership on job satisfaction at a specific bank in the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Wyngaard, Shaun Peter
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Leadership , Bank employees Job satisfaction , Labor turnover , Transformational leadership , Bank management South Africa Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/62050 , vital:28099
- Description: This study aimed at investigating the relationship between leadership and employee job satisfaction in the banking sector of South Africa. The study drew from the fact that there is a growing emphasis in organisations to reduce employee turnover by keeping their employees satisfied. The ultimate performance, effectiveness and competitiveness of an organisation are directly related to an organisation’s ability to keep its employees optimally productive and satisfied. Numerous research studies have been conducted on transformational, transactional and passive-avoidant leadership to determine the significance of their respective relationship with the job satisfaction of employees in different scenarios. Results show that the transformational leadership style has a significant relationship with job satisfaction; while the transactional leadership style or the passive-avoidant style are applied according to changing circumstances. The study adopted a quantitative approach, using online questionnaires as an instrument for collecting primary data. The target population of the study was 380 bank employees, and the target sample was 218; 121 questionnaires were completed and used as the actual final sample. Questionnaires were completed from managers and employees of the selected bank, with the two population groups being investigated using different scales. SPSS was used in analysing the collected data. The findings of this research showed that the leadership styles under investigation have a direct impact on the job satisfaction of employees. Transformational leadership was found to have a significant positive relationship with job satisfaction, while the relationship between transactional leadership and job satisfaction was positive but moderate. A significant negative relationship was found between passive-avoidant leadership and job satisfaction. It is thus the responsibility of the financial institution under investigation to highlight the significant links and benefits of this leadership style to its management to ensure increased job satisfaction and lower turnover of employees in the institution. Literature explored in this study supported the close link between the different leadership styles and job satisfaction.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Wyngaard, Shaun Peter
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Leadership , Bank employees Job satisfaction , Labor turnover , Transformational leadership , Bank management South Africa Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/62050 , vital:28099
- Description: This study aimed at investigating the relationship between leadership and employee job satisfaction in the banking sector of South Africa. The study drew from the fact that there is a growing emphasis in organisations to reduce employee turnover by keeping their employees satisfied. The ultimate performance, effectiveness and competitiveness of an organisation are directly related to an organisation’s ability to keep its employees optimally productive and satisfied. Numerous research studies have been conducted on transformational, transactional and passive-avoidant leadership to determine the significance of their respective relationship with the job satisfaction of employees in different scenarios. Results show that the transformational leadership style has a significant relationship with job satisfaction; while the transactional leadership style or the passive-avoidant style are applied according to changing circumstances. The study adopted a quantitative approach, using online questionnaires as an instrument for collecting primary data. The target population of the study was 380 bank employees, and the target sample was 218; 121 questionnaires were completed and used as the actual final sample. Questionnaires were completed from managers and employees of the selected bank, with the two population groups being investigated using different scales. SPSS was used in analysing the collected data. The findings of this research showed that the leadership styles under investigation have a direct impact on the job satisfaction of employees. Transformational leadership was found to have a significant positive relationship with job satisfaction, while the relationship between transactional leadership and job satisfaction was positive but moderate. A significant negative relationship was found between passive-avoidant leadership and job satisfaction. It is thus the responsibility of the financial institution under investigation to highlight the significant links and benefits of this leadership style to its management to ensure increased job satisfaction and lower turnover of employees in the institution. Literature explored in this study supported the close link between the different leadership styles and job satisfaction.
- Full Text:
The experiences of recently diagnosed HIV-positive individuals, as shared on an online forum
- Authors: Wylde, Charlotte Anne
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: HIV-positive persons Social networks , HIV infections Diagnosis Psychological aspects , HIV infections Social aspects , HIV infections Electronic discussion groups , Internet Social aspects , Stigma (Social psychology) , Phenomenological psychology
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/60222 , vital:27756
- Description: An HIV-positive diagnosis can be an overwhelming and traumatic experience. This study explores the experiences of receiving an HIV-positive diagnosis. Employing an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), a sample of the initial posts from threads on an online forum, was collected and explored, in order to determine the dominant themes from the experiences expressed in the posts, as well as the support sought from the forum. The online forum was accessed as an unobtrusive observer, and posts from January to December 2015 were explored. The online forum provides a platform for disclosure following an HIV-positive diagnosis, when anxiety and fear of stigma can impact on an individual’s ability to disclose to their social support network of family and friends. The experiences expressed on the online forum reflect the emotional, mental and physical impact of an HIV-positive diagnosis on an individual. The findings in this study reflected themes of shock, guilt and hopelessness, and concerns and fears regarding disclosure and stigma associated with HIV, as well as the importance of social support for the coping mechanisms of individuals after receiving an HIV-positive diagnosis. This research demonstrates the importance of Internet accessibility for information and support for chronic illnesses, such as HIV, and the role of the online forum platform for providing a safe environment for individuals recently diagnosed HIVpositive.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Wylde, Charlotte Anne
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: HIV-positive persons Social networks , HIV infections Diagnosis Psychological aspects , HIV infections Social aspects , HIV infections Electronic discussion groups , Internet Social aspects , Stigma (Social psychology) , Phenomenological psychology
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/60222 , vital:27756
- Description: An HIV-positive diagnosis can be an overwhelming and traumatic experience. This study explores the experiences of receiving an HIV-positive diagnosis. Employing an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), a sample of the initial posts from threads on an online forum, was collected and explored, in order to determine the dominant themes from the experiences expressed in the posts, as well as the support sought from the forum. The online forum was accessed as an unobtrusive observer, and posts from January to December 2015 were explored. The online forum provides a platform for disclosure following an HIV-positive diagnosis, when anxiety and fear of stigma can impact on an individual’s ability to disclose to their social support network of family and friends. The experiences expressed on the online forum reflect the emotional, mental and physical impact of an HIV-positive diagnosis on an individual. The findings in this study reflected themes of shock, guilt and hopelessness, and concerns and fears regarding disclosure and stigma associated with HIV, as well as the importance of social support for the coping mechanisms of individuals after receiving an HIV-positive diagnosis. This research demonstrates the importance of Internet accessibility for information and support for chronic illnesses, such as HIV, and the role of the online forum platform for providing a safe environment for individuals recently diagnosed HIVpositive.
- Full Text:
Perceptions of, and attitudes towards, varieties of English in the Cape Peninsula, with particular reference to the ʾcoloured communityʾ
- Authors: Wood, Tahir Muhammed
- Date: 1988
- Subjects: English language -- South Africa -- Cape of Good Hope , English language -- Variation , Sociolinguistics -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2336 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002018
- Description: This study set out to analyse the concept of the ʾcoloured communityʾ and to describe the linguistic phenomena associated with it. It was found that the community was characterized by division and an overt rejection of 'coloured' identity. A satisfactory definition of the community could only be arrived at by exploring social psychological and anthropological concepts, particularly that of the social network, and a covert identification was postulated. This in turn was used to explain the linguistic phenomena which were found to be associated with the community. The latter included a vernacular dialect consisting of non-standard Afrikaans blended with English, as well as a stratification of particular items in the English spoken by community members . This stratification was analysed in terms of the social distribution of the items, enabling comparisons to be made with the English spoken by ʾwhitesʾ. A fieldwork study was embarked on with the intention of discovering the nature of the perceptions of, and attitudes towards, the idiolects of certain speakers. These idiolects were considered to be typical and representative of the forms of English normally encountered in the Cape Peninsula, and were described in terms of the co-occurrences of linguistic items which they contained. Tape recordings of the speech of this group of speakers were presented in a series of controlled experiments to subjects from various class and community backgrounds who were required to respond by completing questionnaires. It was found that those lects which contained items and co-occurrences of items peculiar to 'coloured' speakers were associated with lower status than those containing items and co-occurrences of items peculiar to 'white' speakers. Attitudes towards speakers were found to be more complex and depended upon the styles and paralanguage behaviours of the speakers, as well as accent, and also the psychological dispositions of the subjects who participated
- Full Text:
- Authors: Wood, Tahir Muhammed
- Date: 1988
- Subjects: English language -- South Africa -- Cape of Good Hope , English language -- Variation , Sociolinguistics -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2336 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002018
- Description: This study set out to analyse the concept of the ʾcoloured communityʾ and to describe the linguistic phenomena associated with it. It was found that the community was characterized by division and an overt rejection of 'coloured' identity. A satisfactory definition of the community could only be arrived at by exploring social psychological and anthropological concepts, particularly that of the social network, and a covert identification was postulated. This in turn was used to explain the linguistic phenomena which were found to be associated with the community. The latter included a vernacular dialect consisting of non-standard Afrikaans blended with English, as well as a stratification of particular items in the English spoken by community members . This stratification was analysed in terms of the social distribution of the items, enabling comparisons to be made with the English spoken by ʾwhitesʾ. A fieldwork study was embarked on with the intention of discovering the nature of the perceptions of, and attitudes towards, the idiolects of certain speakers. These idiolects were considered to be typical and representative of the forms of English normally encountered in the Cape Peninsula, and were described in terms of the co-occurrences of linguistic items which they contained. Tape recordings of the speech of this group of speakers were presented in a series of controlled experiments to subjects from various class and community backgrounds who were required to respond by completing questionnaires. It was found that those lects which contained items and co-occurrences of items peculiar to 'coloured' speakers were associated with lower status than those containing items and co-occurrences of items peculiar to 'white' speakers. Attitudes towards speakers were found to be more complex and depended upon the styles and paralanguage behaviours of the speakers, as well as accent, and also the psychological dispositions of the subjects who participated
- Full Text:
Poor whites and the post-apartheid labour market: a study of perceptions and experiences of work among residents in a homeless shelter in Johannesburg
- Authors: Wollnik, Nadjeschda
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Poor whites -- South Africa , Poor whites -- South Africa -- Atitudes , Shelters for the homeless -- South Africa , Unemployed -- South Africa -- Attitudes , Unemployed -- South Africa , South Africa -- Social conditions -- 1994- , South Africa -- Economic conditions -- 1991-
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSocSci
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/148540 , vital:38748
- Description: Despite historical precedents, poverty among white people in South Africa remains an anomaly and a paradox. Likewise, the perceptions of work and employment among poor (under- and unemployed) whites in contemporary South Africa have received scant attention in the scholarly literature. Using the conceptual frameworks of critical whiteness studies and segmented labour market theory – as a way of combining subjective and objective considerations – this research seeks to describe and explain the perceptions and experiences of the labour market among poor whites living in a homeless shelter in Johannesburg. Eight respondents were chosen for extended, in-depth interviews in an effort to develop a fine-grained understanding of the pre-existing circumstances that affected their access to information and thus shaped their choices in the labour market, as well as to ascertain what they believed to be the barriers that they face in the labour market. The findings varied, with most of the interviewees seeing ‘being white’ as the reason for their poverty and unemployment, while others exhibited some awareness of the role of their lack of skills and qualifications in their capacity to compete in higher segments of the labour market. The findings were also varied in the sense that not all interviewees experienced poverty in the same manner, with some having been part of the middle class prior to becoming poor, while others having been poor their entire lives. It was also found that class or socio-economic status seemed to have a greater impact than race on the labour market prospects of the interviewees. It is argued that the perceptions of these poor whites, which are informed by their lack of information about the workings of the labour market, rather than their lack of qualifications or their race, most affected their prospects in the labour market. The mechanisms they rely on when seeking employment reveal a poor knowledge of the local labour market and the ways in which they think their skillsets match up to the types of jobs they desire. The lack of understanding of the South African labour market and the policies that are in place to redress the legacies of apartheid are among the factors influencing the lack of success these poor whites are experiencing in their search for work.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Wollnik, Nadjeschda
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Poor whites -- South Africa , Poor whites -- South Africa -- Atitudes , Shelters for the homeless -- South Africa , Unemployed -- South Africa -- Attitudes , Unemployed -- South Africa , South Africa -- Social conditions -- 1994- , South Africa -- Economic conditions -- 1991-
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSocSci
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/148540 , vital:38748
- Description: Despite historical precedents, poverty among white people in South Africa remains an anomaly and a paradox. Likewise, the perceptions of work and employment among poor (under- and unemployed) whites in contemporary South Africa have received scant attention in the scholarly literature. Using the conceptual frameworks of critical whiteness studies and segmented labour market theory – as a way of combining subjective and objective considerations – this research seeks to describe and explain the perceptions and experiences of the labour market among poor whites living in a homeless shelter in Johannesburg. Eight respondents were chosen for extended, in-depth interviews in an effort to develop a fine-grained understanding of the pre-existing circumstances that affected their access to information and thus shaped their choices in the labour market, as well as to ascertain what they believed to be the barriers that they face in the labour market. The findings varied, with most of the interviewees seeing ‘being white’ as the reason for their poverty and unemployment, while others exhibited some awareness of the role of their lack of skills and qualifications in their capacity to compete in higher segments of the labour market. The findings were also varied in the sense that not all interviewees experienced poverty in the same manner, with some having been part of the middle class prior to becoming poor, while others having been poor their entire lives. It was also found that class or socio-economic status seemed to have a greater impact than race on the labour market prospects of the interviewees. It is argued that the perceptions of these poor whites, which are informed by their lack of information about the workings of the labour market, rather than their lack of qualifications or their race, most affected their prospects in the labour market. The mechanisms they rely on when seeking employment reveal a poor knowledge of the local labour market and the ways in which they think their skillsets match up to the types of jobs they desire. The lack of understanding of the South African labour market and the policies that are in place to redress the legacies of apartheid are among the factors influencing the lack of success these poor whites are experiencing in their search for work.
- Full Text:
Hearing silenced voices: a learning-centred approach to sustainable land rehabilitation and natural resource management
- Authors: Wolff, Margaret Gascoyne
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Watershed management -- South Africa -- Citizen participation , Water-supply -- Management -- Citizen participation , Environmental education -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/94958 , vital:31101
- Description: South Africa is a semi-arid country with dysfunctional water management. The National Water Act encourages integrated water resource management and public participation in contributing to strategies for managing water within delineated areas. Various challenges hamper progress of integrated water resource management and meaningful participation by residents in catchments across the country. One of the challenges is the lack of knowledge about their role in water resource management. By viewing catchments as complex social-ecological systems, this case study investigates how to establish a learning-centred approach to catchment management forum (CMF) formation. The study addressed three sub-questions: What activity systems need to be prioritised for community participation in CMF formation? What existing learning can be identified within the activity systems? What are the sources for expansive social learning in and between the activity systems? The study draws on social learning theory, and on cultural historical activity theory as it offers a methodological approach to identifying a learning-centred approach to learning in a catchment context. Drawing on this theoretical framework, for research question 1, I identified five activity systems that are present in the study area, are partly representative of the people who live in the area, and are linked to land and water governance either through their positions as government employees within the sector, or the NLEIP in ways that influence communities’ lives and livelihoods. To address question 2, I ran learning-centred workshops and interviewed people who lived in the study area. Careful, respectful listening and participants’ use of home language created the safe space in which residents revealed that they know which water resources are important to protect and where breakdowns in communication happen. For question 3, I analysed the data from the workshops and interviews using a cultural historical activity theory framework to identify discursive manifestations of contradictions within and between activity systems which illuminate the potential for expansive social learning. This study recommends developing an understanding of the complex social-ecological context and prioritising co-learning and community participation in a learning-centred approach to catchment management forum formation. For this, there is need to develop in-depth insight into activity systems associated with water governance in local contexts. In this study I identified five of these activity systems, but the study points to a further range of activity systems that need to be considered for a learning-centred approach to be fully established. The study also found that communities are learning via engaging in the rehabilitation work, through engagements in workshops and within the municipal structures. Additionally, the study identified a number of contradictions that can provide sources of learning for taking an expansive learning approach further in CMF formation. Such an approach may provide the space to build bridges of trust between diverse knowledge systems, and has the potential to encourage sustainable co-operation in natural resource management.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Wolff, Margaret Gascoyne
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Watershed management -- South Africa -- Citizen participation , Water-supply -- Management -- Citizen participation , Environmental education -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/94958 , vital:31101
- Description: South Africa is a semi-arid country with dysfunctional water management. The National Water Act encourages integrated water resource management and public participation in contributing to strategies for managing water within delineated areas. Various challenges hamper progress of integrated water resource management and meaningful participation by residents in catchments across the country. One of the challenges is the lack of knowledge about their role in water resource management. By viewing catchments as complex social-ecological systems, this case study investigates how to establish a learning-centred approach to catchment management forum (CMF) formation. The study addressed three sub-questions: What activity systems need to be prioritised for community participation in CMF formation? What existing learning can be identified within the activity systems? What are the sources for expansive social learning in and between the activity systems? The study draws on social learning theory, and on cultural historical activity theory as it offers a methodological approach to identifying a learning-centred approach to learning in a catchment context. Drawing on this theoretical framework, for research question 1, I identified five activity systems that are present in the study area, are partly representative of the people who live in the area, and are linked to land and water governance either through their positions as government employees within the sector, or the NLEIP in ways that influence communities’ lives and livelihoods. To address question 2, I ran learning-centred workshops and interviewed people who lived in the study area. Careful, respectful listening and participants’ use of home language created the safe space in which residents revealed that they know which water resources are important to protect and where breakdowns in communication happen. For question 3, I analysed the data from the workshops and interviews using a cultural historical activity theory framework to identify discursive manifestations of contradictions within and between activity systems which illuminate the potential for expansive social learning. This study recommends developing an understanding of the complex social-ecological context and prioritising co-learning and community participation in a learning-centred approach to catchment management forum formation. For this, there is need to develop in-depth insight into activity systems associated with water governance in local contexts. In this study I identified five of these activity systems, but the study points to a further range of activity systems that need to be considered for a learning-centred approach to be fully established. The study also found that communities are learning via engaging in the rehabilitation work, through engagements in workshops and within the municipal structures. Additionally, the study identified a number of contradictions that can provide sources of learning for taking an expansive learning approach further in CMF formation. Such an approach may provide the space to build bridges of trust between diverse knowledge systems, and has the potential to encourage sustainable co-operation in natural resource management.
- Full Text:
The development, manufacture and characterisation of niosomes intended to deliver nevirapine to the brain
- Authors: Witika, Bwalya Angel
- Date: 2017
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/65257 , vital:28715
- Description: Expected release date-May 2019
- Full Text:
- Authors: Witika, Bwalya Angel
- Date: 2017
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/65257 , vital:28715
- Description: Expected release date-May 2019
- Full Text:
Identification of potential novel roles for Hsp70/Hsp90 organising protein (Hop) using proteomic analysis in human cells
- Authors: Wingate, Ianthe
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/64758 , vital:28598
- Description: Expected release date-May 2018
- Full Text:
- Authors: Wingate, Ianthe
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/64758 , vital:28598
- Description: Expected release date-May 2018
- Full Text:
Periglacial landforms of the Ahlmannryggen and Jutulsessen areas of western Dronning Maud land, Antarctica
- Authors: Wilmot, Nicola Frances
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Periglacial processes Antarctica Queen Maud Land , Geomorphology Antarctica Queen Maud Land , Permafrost Antarctica Queen Maud Land , Freezes (Meteorology) Antarctica Queen Maud Land , Thawing Antarctica Queen Maud Land
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/61535 , vital:28034
- Description: Periglacial landforms are a common occurrence in Ahlmannryggen and Jutulsessen areas of western Dronning Maud land (WDML). Classification and formation of these landforms were disputed in literature. In Antarctica information on periglacial landforms is limited or confined to a specific landform. Thus a holistic approach was taken when investigating the periglacial landforms found in WDML. An overview of the existing knowledge base on periglacial landforms in WDML was given which was coupled with the analysis of archival data. The landforms found in this area were patterned ground, openwork block deposits (OBD), rock glaciers, terraces, a pronival rampart and lake ice blisters. With patterned ground being the common periglacial landform in WDML, heave monitoring was used where time-lapse videos were used to investigate the formation processes in patterned ground. From consolidating existing knowledge as well as adding new knowledge on the formation of periglacial landforms, it is clear that the landforms in Antarctica should not be compared to other examples, especially examples from the northern hemisphere. Further research in the formation of periglacial landforms is needed and can be further enhanced with more extensive use of the heave monitoring method in future research.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Wilmot, Nicola Frances
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Periglacial processes Antarctica Queen Maud Land , Geomorphology Antarctica Queen Maud Land , Permafrost Antarctica Queen Maud Land , Freezes (Meteorology) Antarctica Queen Maud Land , Thawing Antarctica Queen Maud Land
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/61535 , vital:28034
- Description: Periglacial landforms are a common occurrence in Ahlmannryggen and Jutulsessen areas of western Dronning Maud land (WDML). Classification and formation of these landforms were disputed in literature. In Antarctica information on periglacial landforms is limited or confined to a specific landform. Thus a holistic approach was taken when investigating the periglacial landforms found in WDML. An overview of the existing knowledge base on periglacial landforms in WDML was given which was coupled with the analysis of archival data. The landforms found in this area were patterned ground, openwork block deposits (OBD), rock glaciers, terraces, a pronival rampart and lake ice blisters. With patterned ground being the common periglacial landform in WDML, heave monitoring was used where time-lapse videos were used to investigate the formation processes in patterned ground. From consolidating existing knowledge as well as adding new knowledge on the formation of periglacial landforms, it is clear that the landforms in Antarctica should not be compared to other examples, especially examples from the northern hemisphere. Further research in the formation of periglacial landforms is needed and can be further enhanced with more extensive use of the heave monitoring method in future research.
- Full Text:
Investigating household energy conservation behaviours in Johannesburg, South Africa
- Authors: Williams, Stephanie
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Environmental behavior -- South Africa , Energy conservation -- Psychological aspects -- South Africa , Energy consumption -- Psychological aspects -- South Africa , South Africans -- Energy consumption
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/94101 , vital:31000
- Description: Behavioural change is increasingly anticipated as an important pathway towards the reduction of the human footprint on the environment. Monitoring resource consumption at the household scale is essential as a basis for evaluating current performance and supports the understanding of how behaviour change interventions can be implemented. Yet, there are comparatively fewer studies on pro-environmental behaviour (PEB) in developing country contexts than in developed countries. Further, where research efforts have been made in developing countries, these have mainly focussed on low-income households. This means the extant literature on PEB is limited across a geographic and economic gradient, making generalisations about PEB problematic and limiting the scope for thinking about interventions for promoting pro-environmental behaviour in developing countries. In response to this, the study focuses on high-income households in Johannesburg, South Africa. Overall, the findings show a high level of heterogeneity in reported pro-environmental energy use behaviour, attributed to a suit of socio-demographic and value factors. Mainly, age, number of dependents, household size. Valuing leisure time were negatively correlated to energy use behaviours, while valuing environmental quality positively correlated to energy use behaviours. The provision of information energy-saving interventions yielded positive behavioural change as shown by reduced energy consumption of up to 12% in the Treatment group. However, no significant correlations were found between energy reduction and socio-demographic and personal value factors, which can be attributed to a different cultural context. The study discusses the implications of the findings on debates around pro-environmental behaviour and factors influencing pro-environmental behaviour, and provides further recommendations for future energy policies related to the household sector.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Williams, Stephanie
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Environmental behavior -- South Africa , Energy conservation -- Psychological aspects -- South Africa , Energy consumption -- Psychological aspects -- South Africa , South Africans -- Energy consumption
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/94101 , vital:31000
- Description: Behavioural change is increasingly anticipated as an important pathway towards the reduction of the human footprint on the environment. Monitoring resource consumption at the household scale is essential as a basis for evaluating current performance and supports the understanding of how behaviour change interventions can be implemented. Yet, there are comparatively fewer studies on pro-environmental behaviour (PEB) in developing country contexts than in developed countries. Further, where research efforts have been made in developing countries, these have mainly focussed on low-income households. This means the extant literature on PEB is limited across a geographic and economic gradient, making generalisations about PEB problematic and limiting the scope for thinking about interventions for promoting pro-environmental behaviour in developing countries. In response to this, the study focuses on high-income households in Johannesburg, South Africa. Overall, the findings show a high level of heterogeneity in reported pro-environmental energy use behaviour, attributed to a suit of socio-demographic and value factors. Mainly, age, number of dependents, household size. Valuing leisure time were negatively correlated to energy use behaviours, while valuing environmental quality positively correlated to energy use behaviours. The provision of information energy-saving interventions yielded positive behavioural change as shown by reduced energy consumption of up to 12% in the Treatment group. However, no significant correlations were found between energy reduction and socio-demographic and personal value factors, which can be attributed to a different cultural context. The study discusses the implications of the findings on debates around pro-environmental behaviour and factors influencing pro-environmental behaviour, and provides further recommendations for future energy policies related to the household sector.
- Full Text:
An exploratory study of students’ expectations and perceptions of service quality in a South African higher education institution
- Authors: Williams, Alyssa Shawntay
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: SERVQUAL (Service quality framework) , Relationship marketing , Consumer satisfaction , Sampling (Statistics) , College students Attitudes , Universities and colleges South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/63844 , vital:28496
- Description: Within the past few years, higher education institutions have come under an exorbitant amount of pressure to restructure, increase funding and grow student numbers, whilst still preserving the service quality they offer. The purpose of this study is to measure students’ expectations and perceptions in a higher education institution and establish how significant of a gap exists between what is expected and what is perceived. The instrument utilised within the present study is SERVQUAL. A convenience sampling approach was adopted, furthermore, both descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse the data pertaining to the objectives concerning students’ gap between expectations and perceptions and hypotheses regarding the gap between students’ differences in each faculty, respectively. The study found that there were gaps in all dimensions with the order being, from highest to lowest: Reliability – Responsiveness – Assurance – Empathy – Tangibility. In addition, the significant difference in means according to faculty was established and the only dimension with a significant difference was Empathy. These results were used to offer recommendations to management, faculties and departments of the higher education institution under study about where they are deficient, consequently, improving their services to enhance their service quality and increase their competitive advantage but without financial strain. Overall, the conclusions the present study reached was that students and higher education institutions need to have a mutual interest in their relations. This means that as much as higher education institutions need to provide high service quality to students, students need to be willing to provide feedback and interact.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Williams, Alyssa Shawntay
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: SERVQUAL (Service quality framework) , Relationship marketing , Consumer satisfaction , Sampling (Statistics) , College students Attitudes , Universities and colleges South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/63844 , vital:28496
- Description: Within the past few years, higher education institutions have come under an exorbitant amount of pressure to restructure, increase funding and grow student numbers, whilst still preserving the service quality they offer. The purpose of this study is to measure students’ expectations and perceptions in a higher education institution and establish how significant of a gap exists between what is expected and what is perceived. The instrument utilised within the present study is SERVQUAL. A convenience sampling approach was adopted, furthermore, both descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse the data pertaining to the objectives concerning students’ gap between expectations and perceptions and hypotheses regarding the gap between students’ differences in each faculty, respectively. The study found that there were gaps in all dimensions with the order being, from highest to lowest: Reliability – Responsiveness – Assurance – Empathy – Tangibility. In addition, the significant difference in means according to faculty was established and the only dimension with a significant difference was Empathy. These results were used to offer recommendations to management, faculties and departments of the higher education institution under study about where they are deficient, consequently, improving their services to enhance their service quality and increase their competitive advantage but without financial strain. Overall, the conclusions the present study reached was that students and higher education institutions need to have a mutual interest in their relations. This means that as much as higher education institutions need to provide high service quality to students, students need to be willing to provide feedback and interact.
- Full Text:
Development and calidation of the psychometric properties underpinning the Kwaito Music Attitude and Perception Scale (KMP)
- Authors: Williams, Akhona
- Date: 2021
- Subjects: Kwaito-music Attitude and Perception , Chronbach's alpha , Kwaito (Music) , Psychotherapy and music -- South Africa , Problem youth -- Rehabilitation -- South Africa , Attitude (Psychology) -- Testing -- South Africa , Perception -- Testing -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/172478 , vital:42208
- Description: Music holds a privileged position in enhancing therapeutic well-being, supporting life skills development in youth and adolescents, and shaping cultural identities. As such, music has been closely related to youth culture, especially as it pertains to youth rehabilitation and identity formation. Studies (e.g., Duffy and Fuller, 2000; Miranda et al, 2013; Strayhorn, 2011; Tomasello, 2016) highlight the value of utilising music in youth rehabilitation, and acknowledge the intrinsic value of music to facilitate psychological and social change for individuals who would not otherwise benefit from psycho-education, or other didactic modes of youth rehabilitation. That said, Tyson (2005) developed the RAP music scale to psychometrically validate the underlying constructs of youth’ attitudes and perception of rap music in the United States of America, in order to use the instrument for music-based youth rehabilitation programs. The development of the RAP music scale informed the creation and validation of the Kwaito-music Attitude and Perception (KMP) Scale, the subject of my Masters thesis. Following suggestions from Morrison (2014), my study sought to psychometrically validate the properties of the Kwaito-music Attitude and Perception (KMP) Scale. The KMP was found to be a reliable measure of kwaito music attitudes and perception amongst a sample of South African youth who listen to this genre of music. The internal consistency of the questionnaire revealed a Cronbach’s α (Alpha) value of 0.820. Limitations of the project including reduced factor extraction and sample size constrains are discussed. It is envisioned that results from this study will find resonance with youth-community programs, and rehabilitation projects utilising music as a medium of healing amongst South African youth.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Williams, Akhona
- Date: 2021
- Subjects: Kwaito-music Attitude and Perception , Chronbach's alpha , Kwaito (Music) , Psychotherapy and music -- South Africa , Problem youth -- Rehabilitation -- South Africa , Attitude (Psychology) -- Testing -- South Africa , Perception -- Testing -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/172478 , vital:42208
- Description: Music holds a privileged position in enhancing therapeutic well-being, supporting life skills development in youth and adolescents, and shaping cultural identities. As such, music has been closely related to youth culture, especially as it pertains to youth rehabilitation and identity formation. Studies (e.g., Duffy and Fuller, 2000; Miranda et al, 2013; Strayhorn, 2011; Tomasello, 2016) highlight the value of utilising music in youth rehabilitation, and acknowledge the intrinsic value of music to facilitate psychological and social change for individuals who would not otherwise benefit from psycho-education, or other didactic modes of youth rehabilitation. That said, Tyson (2005) developed the RAP music scale to psychometrically validate the underlying constructs of youth’ attitudes and perception of rap music in the United States of America, in order to use the instrument for music-based youth rehabilitation programs. The development of the RAP music scale informed the creation and validation of the Kwaito-music Attitude and Perception (KMP) Scale, the subject of my Masters thesis. Following suggestions from Morrison (2014), my study sought to psychometrically validate the properties of the Kwaito-music Attitude and Perception (KMP) Scale. The KMP was found to be a reliable measure of kwaito music attitudes and perception amongst a sample of South African youth who listen to this genre of music. The internal consistency of the questionnaire revealed a Cronbach’s α (Alpha) value of 0.820. Limitations of the project including reduced factor extraction and sample size constrains are discussed. It is envisioned that results from this study will find resonance with youth-community programs, and rehabilitation projects utilising music as a medium of healing amongst South African youth.
- Full Text:
Negotiating spaces, constructing identities and consuming symbolic resources: examining the complex interplay between identity formation, context and media consumption amongst black South African students at Rhodes University
- Authors: Willetts, Luke
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Mass media -- Psychological aspects -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Mass media -- Social aspects -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Mass media -- Sociological aspects -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Mass media and culture -- South Africa , Mass media and race relations -- South Africa , Social movements -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Student movements -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Male college students -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Rhodes University -- Students -- Attitudes
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/95207 , vital:31127
- Description: This thesis has looked at the complex interplay between media consumption and identity formation amongst a group of black South African male students within the context of a racially homogenous communal viewing area located on the Rhodes University campus during the #FMF protests in 2016. Using qualitative research methods the study concluded that the group context of communal viewing helped the students structure and make sense of their daily lives. They actively divorced themselves from the main student populace in an attempt to escape lived experiences of a repressive institutional culture expressed through the university’s monolingual language policies, aesthetics and course material. These students embodied the characteristics of a diasporic community characterised by displacement, dispersal and the continuous re-articulation of differences across contradictory social, cultural and economic contexts. They grappled with an alienating environment by creating a safe space for cultural reproduction aided by the communal consumption of local television programmes. Preferences for local content broadcast in African languages were shaped by a linguistic marginalisation experienced on the Rhodes campus. The politicisation of the context through #FMF in turn politicised the students’ subjectivities leading to a need to be informed of the movement’s progression through evening news broadcasts. Discussions around campus life were dominated by #FMF and the collective experiences of marginalisation in and from the university space. Communal viewing of local television shows allowed this group of students to transcend decades of essentialised African ethnic divisions bringing forward a group identity premised on a lived hegemony signified by blackness.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Willetts, Luke
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Mass media -- Psychological aspects -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Mass media -- Social aspects -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Mass media -- Sociological aspects -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Mass media and culture -- South Africa , Mass media and race relations -- South Africa , Social movements -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Student movements -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Male college students -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Rhodes University -- Students -- Attitudes
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/95207 , vital:31127
- Description: This thesis has looked at the complex interplay between media consumption and identity formation amongst a group of black South African male students within the context of a racially homogenous communal viewing area located on the Rhodes University campus during the #FMF protests in 2016. Using qualitative research methods the study concluded that the group context of communal viewing helped the students structure and make sense of their daily lives. They actively divorced themselves from the main student populace in an attempt to escape lived experiences of a repressive institutional culture expressed through the university’s monolingual language policies, aesthetics and course material. These students embodied the characteristics of a diasporic community characterised by displacement, dispersal and the continuous re-articulation of differences across contradictory social, cultural and economic contexts. They grappled with an alienating environment by creating a safe space for cultural reproduction aided by the communal consumption of local television programmes. Preferences for local content broadcast in African languages were shaped by a linguistic marginalisation experienced on the Rhodes campus. The politicisation of the context through #FMF in turn politicised the students’ subjectivities leading to a need to be informed of the movement’s progression through evening news broadcasts. Discussions around campus life were dominated by #FMF and the collective experiences of marginalisation in and from the university space. Communal viewing of local television shows allowed this group of students to transcend decades of essentialised African ethnic divisions bringing forward a group identity premised on a lived hegemony signified by blackness.
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Critical success factors in implementing projects on restituted land parcels in South Africa
- Authors: Whiting, Christoper Whiting
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Community development -- Management -- South Africa , Community development -- Management -- South Africa -- Case studies , Economic development projects -- Management -- South Africa , Economic development projects -- Management -- South Africa -- Case studies , Land reform -- South Africa -- Economic aspects , Land reform beneficiaries -- South Africa -- Case studies , Restitution -- South Africa -- Case studies
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/167697 , vital:41504
- Description: Currently there is a perception in South Africa that projects undertaken on parcels of restituted land are experiencing a much higher failure than success rate. There are, however, a few projects that are reaping the rewards and uplifting their communities, as intended by the land redistribution program. One community in particular, located in Mpumalanga, called community A, is presently undertaking a development project. This development project is one of the most successful restituted land parcel projects ever in South Africa. The purpose of the study is to determine the critical success factors in this community development project that have allowed it to enjoy such high levels of success. Are these critical success factors different from the generic industry critical success factors and, if so, what are they? As informed through literature, the critical success factors focused on in this study are as follows: the influence of management, project communication, knowledge management, the role of senior management, business strategy, project success measurements, and training and development. For the empirical study, a physical questionnaire was handed to 35 management members currently employed in the community development project. The questionnaire requested the demographics of all participants and asked them to rate, using a five-point Likert scale, their perceptions of the present project activities and of the importance of the project activities mentioned in making the project successful. Participants had to indicate the extent to which they agreed with each statement in the questionnaire. The responses obtained from the survey were presented and analysed. The study found that the critical success factor “role of senior management” was the largest problem area in the restituted land development project. “Training and development opportunities” came in second, with both factor areas showing large variances. Recommendations have been given on how to address both these problematic areas in the development project and how future restituted land parcel projects can better utilize these factors to ensure successful project implementation and long-term project success.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Whiting, Christoper Whiting
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Community development -- Management -- South Africa , Community development -- Management -- South Africa -- Case studies , Economic development projects -- Management -- South Africa , Economic development projects -- Management -- South Africa -- Case studies , Land reform -- South Africa -- Economic aspects , Land reform beneficiaries -- South Africa -- Case studies , Restitution -- South Africa -- Case studies
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/167697 , vital:41504
- Description: Currently there is a perception in South Africa that projects undertaken on parcels of restituted land are experiencing a much higher failure than success rate. There are, however, a few projects that are reaping the rewards and uplifting their communities, as intended by the land redistribution program. One community in particular, located in Mpumalanga, called community A, is presently undertaking a development project. This development project is one of the most successful restituted land parcel projects ever in South Africa. The purpose of the study is to determine the critical success factors in this community development project that have allowed it to enjoy such high levels of success. Are these critical success factors different from the generic industry critical success factors and, if so, what are they? As informed through literature, the critical success factors focused on in this study are as follows: the influence of management, project communication, knowledge management, the role of senior management, business strategy, project success measurements, and training and development. For the empirical study, a physical questionnaire was handed to 35 management members currently employed in the community development project. The questionnaire requested the demographics of all participants and asked them to rate, using a five-point Likert scale, their perceptions of the present project activities and of the importance of the project activities mentioned in making the project successful. Participants had to indicate the extent to which they agreed with each statement in the questionnaire. The responses obtained from the survey were presented and analysed. The study found that the critical success factor “role of senior management” was the largest problem area in the restituted land development project. “Training and development opportunities” came in second, with both factor areas showing large variances. Recommendations have been given on how to address both these problematic areas in the development project and how future restituted land parcel projects can better utilize these factors to ensure successful project implementation and long-term project success.
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