Showing items 1081 - 1100 of 1306

Your selections:

The impact of HIV knowledge and attitudes on HIV testing acceptance among patients in an emergency department in the Eastern Cape, South Africa

  • Authors: Ryan, Sofia , Hahn, Elizabeth , Rao, Aditi , Mwinnyaa, George , Black, John , Nyanisa, Yandisa , Quinn, Thomas C , Hansoti, Bhakti , Maharaj, Roshen , Mvandaba, Nomzamo
  • Date: 2020
  • Subjects: HIV testing , Emergency departments
  • Language: English
  • Type: article , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/4473 , vital:44123 , https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-020-09170-x
  • Description: Transmission of HIV in South Africa continues to be high due to a large proportion of individuals living with undiagnosed HIV. Uptake of HIV testing is influenced by a multitude of factors including the patient’s knowledge and beliefs about HIV. Methods: This study sought to quantify the impact of knowledge and attitudes on HIV testing acceptance in an emergency department by co-administering a validated HIV knowledge and attitudes survey to patients who were subsequently offered HIV testing. During the study period 223 patients were interviewed and offered HIV testing. Individuals reporting more negative overall attitudes (p = 0.006), higher levels of stigma to HIV testing, and individuals who believed their test was confidential were more likely to accept an HIV test. Interventions focused on improving patient perceptions around testing confidentiality will likely have the greatest impact on testing acceptance in the emergency department.
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2020

The impact of illustrated side effect information on understanding and sustained retention of antiretroviral side effect knowledge:

  • Authors: Scheihing, Konstantin W , Tanner, Jane L , Weaver, Matthew J T , Schöniger, Matthias
  • Date: 2020
  • Language: English
  • Type: text , article
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/156389 , vital:39985 , https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jup.2020.101043
  • Description: About 7.5 million South Africans access gratuitous drinking water via communal taps provided by municipalities under a free basic water policy. Supplying running water for free to low-income communities is essential but can result in water wastage due to a potential indifference of non-paying end-consumers. The consequence is a loss of municipal water and financial resources. We outline a new strategy that rewards low-income communities for reducing water wastage. The incentive strategy promotes water conservation and community development and decreases recurring water-related public expenses. The concept is funded by a percentage of municipal cost savings yielded from the respective water conservation.
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2020

The impact of job satisfaction, motivation and job stress on employees’ innovative behaviour

  • Authors: Moeng, Mpho Solomon
  • Date: 2020
  • Subjects: Job satisfaction Attitude (Psychology)
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/49714 , vital:41774
  • Description: In the fast-paced world of today, innovation is more relevant now than at any other time in our history. The dynamic nature of today’s business landscape presents complex challenges to organisations at macro and micro environment levels. To survive these challenging times, innovation has been identified to play a vital part in finding and developing opportunities for growth and sustaining a competitive edge. It is with no surprise that researchers have long sought to find the root drivers of great innovation. The consensus is that employees are the engine behind innovation and that innovation within an organisation is a direct result of employees engaging in innovative behaviour. Organisations that fail to tap into the creative potential of their employees lose out on benefits and advantages of being innovative organisations. There are various factors that influence employees’ engagement in innovative behaviour, and research into the topic has considered the influence of different factors such as: individual traits, natural inclinations to innovation, motivation, emotions, organisational culture, job requirements, leadership, and social relations. The purpose of this study was to empirically investigate the influence and significance of job satisfaction, perceived colleague support, perceived leadership support, perceived organisational support and job stress on employees’ engagement in innovative behaviour. Based on a review of current literature, the study investigated hypothesised direct and indirect relationships that exist between these factors and that can be used to improve the levels of employees’ engagement in innovation behaviour in Eskom distribution in the Eastern Cape operating unit. The study used on-line questionnaires to survey Eskom Distribution ECOU employees. 141 employees participated in the survey. Majority of the respondents were males and were from Specialised Maintenance and Support department. A large number of the respondents are university and Technikon graduates with half a decade or more in years of service to Eskom. The results of the survey show that there is a significant positive relationship between job satisfaction, colleague support, leadership support organisational support and innovative behavior. From this finding the researcher recommended that management that improves the levels of employee engagement in innovative behaviour by focusing on issues pertaining to job satisfaction, colleague support, leadership support and organisational support.
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2020

The impact of mergers and acquisitions on employee well-being in the beverage industry: The CCBSA coastal region case

  • Authors: Belle, Isabel
  • Date: 2020
  • Subjects: Employees health promotion -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Beverage industry -- South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/49751 , vital:41796
  • Description: Globalisation, technological advancement and currency regulations are key motivators for companies to invest in foreign countries. As new entrants enter the market companies are faced with the threat of market share loss due to increased competition. The increase in the global competitive landscape has a direct impact on the rise of Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A). The growth potential of companies that experienced mergers has resulted in the boom of M&A over the past three decades. In most cases M&A have resulted in job losses and in some demotions. It is no surprise that these transactions result in an anxious and stressed workforce. The merger of the three soft drink bottlers in South Africa namely: CCF, Shanduka and ABI has brought about changes that have left some employees feeling anxious about the future. The combining of different cultures from the different entities can have a negative effect on employees as they would need to adapt to a different culture of the new formed entity. M&A were first introduced in the United States during the eighteenth century and moved into Europe in the nineteenth century. A large body of research has been concentrated in the United States and European markets to understand phenomena relating to such activities in developed countries. M&A activities have also transcended into developing countries. Over the past few years M&A transactions have become a critical gateway for investment in Africa for both local and universal market players. The aim of the study is to understand the employees’ state of mind in the workplace after the merger. The results of the study show that employee morale prior to the merger was higher when compared to post the merger, which implies that employee morale has declined post the merger. The results indicate that after the merger there was a significant decrease in trust, motivation, employee well-being and job satisfaction.
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2020

The impact of minimum wages on human resource management practices in the hospitality industry: a case study of selected firms in Polokwane, Limpopo Province

The impact of South African monetary policy on output and price stability in Namibia

  • Authors: William, Anna Martha Tandakos
  • Date: 2020
  • Subjects: Common Monetary Area (Organization) , Monetary unions -- Africa, Southern , Monetary policy -- South Africa , Monetary policy -- Namibia , Repurchase agreements -- South Africa , Repurchase agreements -- Namibia , Inflation (Finance) -- South Africa , Inflation (Finance) -- Namibia , Namibia -- Economic conditions , Transmission mechanism (Monetary policy)
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/167709 , vital:41505
  • Description: Namibia is a member country of the Common Monetary Area (CMA) with Lesotho, Swaziland and South Africa. South Africa is the anchor country to which the smaller member states have surrendered monetary policy authority. This thesis therefore examines the empirical relationship between the South Africa repo rate (SArepo) on the one hand and Namibia’s repo rate (Namrepo), Prime Lending Rate (PLR), Private Sector Credit Extension (PSCE), Consumer Price Index (CPI) and Gross Domestic Product (GDP) on the other hand. The credit channel of the monetary policy transmission mechanism informs the theoretical foundation of the thesis. Vector Autoregression modelling, variance decomposition and impulse response functions were used to explore the nature and strength of the relationship between the SArepo and said variables in Namibia. This thesis used quarterly data for the period 2003 to 2017. The variation in the Namrepo was predominantly explained by the SArepo, which confirmed that the Namrepo strongly followed the SArepo. The impulse response function results found that the impact of a contractionary monetary policy shock (an increase in the SArepo) lasted for up to six quarters before the effect started to fade. The Namrepo exhibited a positive response to an increase in the SArepo, although the magnitude of the response started to fade after the third quarter. The PLR, as a representative of market rates in Namibia, also exhibited a positive response to an increase in the SArepo. The results were similar for the Namrepo and the PLR because changes to the NamRepo are passed through immediately to the market interest rates. On the real variables, the study found that a contractionary monetary policy shock initiated in South Africa resulted in an increase in inflation in Namibia of less than 0.4 percent, whereas output declined by less than 1.0 percent. Interestingly, a Namibia (domestic) contractionary monetary policy shock resulted in a decline in prices of less than 0.4 percent. GDP, on the other hand, exhibited a positive response to a contractionary monetary shock, with an increase of less than 2.0 percent in the first four quarters of the period observed. The results reflected that a contractionary monetary policy shock from South Africa was more effective with regard to its impact on GDP; however, a domestic monetary policy shock was more effective at impacting on domestic inflation compared to the impact from South Africa.
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2020

The impact of the Dieselgate vehicle emmissions scandal on customer equity in the South African automotive industry

  • Authors: Pillay, Sylvester Deenan
  • Date: 2020
  • Subjects: Automobile industry and trade -- Germany , Automobile industry and trade -- Law and legislation -- Germany , Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa , Automobiles -- Motors -- Exhaust gas , Brand choice -- South Africa , Customer preferences -- South Africa , Consumer satisfaction -- South Africa , Brand loyalty -- South Africa , Consumer behavior -- South Africa , Dieselgate
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/149304 , vital:38823
  • Description: Prominent German automotive manufacturers had been tampering with emissions for some time before it became public knowledge in September 2015. It is then that that the term ‘Dieselgate’ was coined in reference to the scandal. As the scandal became public knowledge, manufacturers accused of emissions cheating faced challenges on several fronts, including legal, financial and environmental. While the ‘backlash’ as a result of the scandal was apparent in other countries, it was not as apparent in South Africa. This research paper set out to explore the impact that the Dieselgate scandal had in South Africa in terms of customer equity. Data analysis was undertaken using a two-pronged approach. The first of these was analysis of vehicle sales data using a paired t-test. This was to understand whether sales had seen a decline pre-, as well as post-scandal. The results point to a sales decline, this highlights that Dieselgate was a factor even though other, unexamined factors, were not investigated. The second instrument used was a customer equity questionnaire, this provided insight into the real opinions of consumers in South Africa about the affected brands. The analysis revealed that the affected manufacturers operating in South Africa had seen no negative effects in terms of customer equity. Based on the results, it could be said that market factors, which was not part of the research, play a great role in consumers’ preferences or mindsets. Additionally, manufacturers can operate with a degree of latitude in certain markets. This is based on market factors in a specific market as well as the regulations imposed and enforced in that market. Lastly, customer equity is a complex theory that includes a multitude of converging theories. Based on this fact, it is currently difficult to evaluate customer equity in its entirety in a single paper. A comprehensive model is yet to be developed that can effectively measure customer equity in an all-encompassing way.
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2020

The impact of the minimum wage on poverty and industrial relations in the hospitality industry in Grahamstown, South Africa

  • Authors: Maqubela, Zikisa
  • Date: 2020
  • Subjects: Hospitality industry -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Minimum wage -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Poverty -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Wages -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Service industries workers -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Industrial relations -- South Africa -- Grahamstown
  • Language: English
  • Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/118685 , vital:34658
  • Description: This dissertation endeavours to unpack and understand the impact of the minimum wage on the hospitality industry with a specific focus on Grahamstown. The areas of impact that are of immediate interest were the impact on poverty and industrial relations. In operationalising this research, a qualitative research approach was adopted. The overall design of the study was a case study in a bid to ensure deeper insights may be extracted from semi-structured interviews that were then thematically analysed. Theoretically, the study was guided by the understanding of citizenship as articulated by Mamdani as well as Keynesian theory. The central theme when exploring the minimum wage in relation to poverty is that the minimum wage that is currently paid is enough to aid workers and their families in escaping abject poverty, however, it does not go far enough to further ensure that they totally escape poverty as measured by the Upper Bound Poverty Line. The inadequacy of the minimum wage in ensuring that people are pushed out of poverty would then mean that their claims to citizenship are compromised and the quality of life they can access is often below what would be readily accepted of a citizen of South Africa. Lifestyle entrepreneurs offer an alternative approach to doing business that can see higher pay as further entrench claims to citizenship. The central case around industrial relations is that the impact of the minimum wage is indeterminate for two reasons. Broadly speaking, the impact would need to be reviewed at a macro-level and not simply within the impacted sectors. This is the various interconnected value chains that could feel indirect impacts at the initiation of a minimum wage. Further, the impact such changes has to individual firms is also indeterminate as employers have a range of choices that they can adopt in absorbing the impact of a minimum wage, which may include simply increasing the price the end consumer pays or retrenching some staff members. However, the choice that employers would make in this context is not predetermined but rather would vary between firms due to the very specifics of each firm.
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2020

The impact of the slum upgrading approach on the livelihoods of scheme participants in Uganda : using the sustainable livelihoods framework

  • Authors: Karungi, Doreen
  • Date: 2020
  • Subjects: Slums -- Public welfare -- Uganda
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/48412 , vital:40874
  • Description: International and local agencies recommend implementing slum upgrading projects in slum areas for slum improvement. However, with no model or guiding principles provided to slum upgrading project implementers on how to upgrade a slum, slum clearance and redevelopment are implemented rather than slum upgrading consequently projects fail to benefit the target group, slum dwellers. Data collection, took place in five areas in Uganda that implemented slum upgrading. In depth interviews were held with project beneficiaries, local council officials and association executives, and government officials at the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development. Field observation, and document analysis was carried out. Data analysis involved the use of the sustainable livelihoods framework. This study demonstrates that the slum upgrading approach adopted in Uganda exhibited low sustainability and undercut the sustainability of livelihoods of scheme participants. Slum dwellers faced vulnerabilities from loss of land, characterized by rights based actions resulting in minimal to no compensation or eviction and loss of existing livelihoods. Slum upgrading projects introduced new livelihood opportunities that were too few for slum dwellers, were not sustainable and ended during or with project implementation, leaving beneficiaries without employment or income opportunities. Increased vulnerability was observed as slum dwellers that did not benefit from the project were displaced to worse conditions while slum dwellers that benefitted, project beneficiaries remained poor and in debt, with project loans to repay. Although project beneficiaries were provided with access to assets, they were unable to draw on these to build their livelihoods. Some beneficiaries sold plots and project houses allocated to them and moved to adjacent slums, where they lived in worse conditions. At the time of the current research, good quality houses in the slum upgrading areas did not belong to the original beneficiaries old dilapidated structures were occupied by project beneficiaries. This study shows that income earning activities carried out at the time of the study were similar to those carried out prior to the introduction of slum upgrading in project areas and were destroyed during project implementation or banned by implementers. These activities were however carried out in incomplete houses, vacant plots, temporary structures in project areas and in adjacent swamps and forest. Generally, after completion of slum upgrading projects, project areas, adjacent swamps and forest were characterized by haphazard developments including: rentals, informal businesses, farming, brewing and distilling local alcohol used by beneficiaries to derive livelihoods, in other words, slums were recreated, a problem slum upgrading project implementers set out to solve - except in one study area where the project was implemented differently as a result of persist rights based actions.
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2020

The implementation of grade R admission policy: a case study of four primary schools in Mopani District Limpopo Province

  • Authors: Lebea, Paulina Matsatsi
  • Date: 2020
  • Subjects: Admission policy (Schools) -- South Africa , Education, Primary -- Admission
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/11310 , vital:39055
  • Description: This study investigated the implementation of Grade R admission policy in Mopani District in Limpopo Province and focussed on four primary schools in Makhutswe circuit which has got Grade R classes. The interpretive paradigm was applied as the chosen methodology for the study. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and focus group interviews. A review of secondary sources to corroborate the gathered information was also used. Data analysis was done using thematic analysis through emerging themes from the transcribed data from the interviews. The participants were purposively selected for the sample of this study. These included 1 principal per school, 1 Grade R educator per school, 5 SGB members per school, and 2 admission committee members per school. Through the participant’s responses from the schools under study, a transcript was formulated, coded, and categorized in view of the implementation of the Grade R Admission Policy in primary schools. The study found out that the admission policy for Grade R learners was not properly implemented in most of the primary schools due to lack of understanding how the policy must be implemented. It was also revealed that, most of the principals together with their admission committee members tend to use their own discretion concerning the admission of Grade R learners in schools. It further emerged that some of the learners denied admission despite the existing legislation that proscribes that every child has the right to education. Furthermore, the study found out that the district office did not involve the primary teachers before formulating the policy. Hence, the participants showed that they did not have good and proper understanding of the implementation process neither were they well versed about what entailed monitoring the admission policy. As a result, Department of Education resorted to coming up with ways of continuously training and conducting workshops for the educators before they can admit learners to Grade R.
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2020

The implementation of the back to basics programme by municipalities: a case of Raymond Mhlaba Municipality

  • Authors: Zengethwa, Noluvuyo Precious
  • Date: 2020
  • Subjects: Leadership Management
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/18941 , vital:43001
  • Description: The aim of the study was to investigate the implementation of the Back-to-Basics (B2B) programme in Raymond Mhlaba Municipality. The study used qualitative research design and data was collected using in-depth interviews. The finding of the study revealed that the municipality was able to sufficiently implement the appropriate B2B programme in the community areas. Moreover, the findings identified corruption and mismanagement of funds, improper understanding of the municipality’s IDP and the roles of different government departments, poor communication skills between the municipality ward councillors and the community members, as well as poor service delivery as some of the challenges faced by Raymond Mhlaba Municipality in implementing the Back-To-Basics programmes. Importantly, in respective community areas, the findings revealed that water crises, empty promises and unrealistic/fake promises are some of the negative impacts the community members experienced during the implementation of the B2B programme, which brought little growth and development to the communities. Besides, the findings revealed that the implementation of this programme created employment opportunities for the unemployed youths in the communities. The study, however, concluded that the municipality is not doing enough in the implementation of B2B programme as many communities still complain of poor service delivery. Hence, for effectiveness in the implementation of B2B programme, it is important that the municipality delegates powers to the ward councillors. Furthermore, municipality management needs to refrain from making empty promises to the communities, they must be honest and deliver qualitative services to communities. However, community members should show signs of appreciation to all municipal activities, as well be supportive and ii show lots of interest and willingness attending the municipality’s manifestoes. Finally, the municipality management should ensure transparency, effective communication with the community members, provision of good service delivery, fulfilment of promises, honesty, proper budgetary allocation and spending, effective monitoring and evaluation of the municipal officials, as well as avoiding of nepotism in awarding tenders for the purpose of achieving a smooth running of the municipality.
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2020

The implications of indigenisation policy on women empowerment in Zimbabwe : a case study of Mhondoro-Ngezi District

  • Authors: Makosa, Precious Tariro
  • Date: 2020
  • Subjects: Zimbabwe -- Economic policy , Women in development -- Zimbabwe
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom (Development Studies)
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/12406 , vital:39261
  • Description: The study sought to establish how the indigenisation policy solves women discrimination by empowering them through the Community Share Ownership Trust revenue. Literature reveals that Zimbabwe was not the first country to implement the indigenization policy as it was implemented in neighbouring countries. The aim of the policy was to disempower foreign investors and empower local people with the aim of lifting up the standards of the discriminated and less privileged, such as women. Based on the results, the study establishes and concludes that discrimination of women was poorly addressed by the indigenization policy due to some factors such as poor presentation of women in the law-making bodies, patriarchal dominance as well as cultural beliefs that supress women, and lack of clarity on policy objectives. Therefore, a top-down approach was used to address the problem of discrimination faced by women at market place. As a result the approach yielded a negative outcome because empowerment of women without women ideas is impossible. Basic Need Approach (BNA) and Capability Approach (CA) are the two approaches discussed in relation to women and Indigenization, Economic and Empowerment policy in Zimbabwe, with a case reference to Mhondoro-Ngezi district. More preference was given to the capability approach. This was so because it helps to explain the abilities and potential in women as entrepreneurs who produce outcomes to development of society and the nation at large. The study was qualitative in nature of which descriptive research design was employed where semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions were used as research tools.
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2020

The importance of employee job satisfaction in the public sector

  • Authors: Kedama, Nombuyiselo
  • Date: 2020
  • Subjects: Job Satisfaction -- South Africa , Employee Retention -- South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Masters , MPA
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/46933 , vital:39735
  • Description: The success of service delivery heavily relies on how satisfied employees are with their jobs, and how they are treated within the South African public sector. A number of deliberations can be described and linked to the importance of job satisfaction. Firstly, job satisfaction contributes to the mental health and general life satisfaction of employees. This may happen through acquiring self-esteem, which is a person's overall sense of self-worth and/or personal values. Organisations depend on the health, skills, knowledge, and ability of their human resources in order to stay abreast with technological developments and remain competent on the global stage as they pursue organisational goals and objectives. This dependence has given rise to the need to assess the importance of employee job satisfaction in the South African public sector. To that end, this study employed a desktop research method by reviewing journal articles, government gazettes, conference papers, and relevant books to gather data and conduct content analysis in order to establish facts about employee job satisfaction in the public sector. The study found that emotional, cognitive, and behavioural components make up job satisfaction. The feelings that an employee has regarding his or her job form the emotional component of job satisfaction n. In addition, boredom, anxiety, and excitement are the most common feelings experienced by employees when they perform their jobs. Actions such as coming late to work and pretending to be ill form the behavioural components and types of actions that employees display in relation to their levels of job satisfaction.
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2020

The In Silico Prediction of hotspot residues that contribute to the structural stability of subunit interfaces of a Picornavirus Capsid:

  • Authors: Upfold, Nicole , Ross, Caroline J , Tastan Bishop, Özlem , Knox, Caroline M
  • Date: 2020
  • Language: English
  • Type: text , article
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/149970 , vital:38919 , https://doi.org/10.3390/v12040387
  • Description: The assembly of picornavirus capsids proceeds through the stepwise oligomerization of capsid protein subunits and depends on interactions between critical residues known as hotspots. Few studies have described the identification of hotspot residues at the protein subunit interfaces of the picornavirus capsid, some of which could represent novel drug targets. Using a combination of accessible web servers for hotspot prediction, we performed a comprehensive bioinformatic analysis of the hotspot residues at the intraprotomer, interprotomer and interpentamer interfaces of the Theiler’s murine encephalomyelitis virus (TMEV) capsid.
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2020

The in vitro antiplasmodial and antiproliferative activity of new ferrocene-based α-aminocresols targeting hemozoin inhibition and DNA interaction:

  • Authors: Mbaba, Mziyanda , Dingle, Laura M K , Swart, Tarryn , Cash, Devon , Laming, Dustin , de la Mare, Jo-Anne , Taylor, Dale , Hoppe, Heinrich C , Biot, Christophe , Edkins, Adrienne L , Khanye, Setshaba D
  • Date: 2020
  • Language: English
  • Type: text , article
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/149347 , vital:38827 , https://0-doi.org.wam.seals.ac.za/10.1002/cbic.202000132
  • Description: Compounds incorporating ferrocene in a aminocresol scaffold showed antiplasmodial and anticancer activity. SAR studies revealed that an OH group and rotatable C–NH bond are vital for biological activity, with spectrophotometric techniques and docking simulations suggesting a dual mode of action involving hemozoin inhibition and DNA interaction. Targeting multiple pathways could delay the development of clinical resistance.
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2020

The incidence of musculoskeletal disorders and stakeholder perceptions of work challenges in South-Eastern Nigerian quarry mining industry

  • Authors: Egwuonwu, Victor Afamerfuna
  • Date: 2020
  • Subjects: Quarries and quarrying -- Health aspects -- Nigeria , Musculoskeletal system -- Diseases -- Nigeria , Miners -- Health and hygiene -- Nigeria
  • Language: English
  • Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/141263 , vital:37957
  • Description: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are very common among industrial labourers, leading to sick leave absence, disability and low productivity at work. MSDs have multifactorial causes, thereby making it difficult to pinpoint the extent of the contributions of the various risks regarding the mechanism of its pathophysiology. Previously, attempts were made to study regional pain symptoms in varying occupational groups, disregarding the particularities of the different workplace situations. It is important to highlight, that quantifying physical exposure factors that contribute to MSDs occurrence using quantitative approach alone could be inadequate. It is therefore imperative to incorporate qualitative approach to unmask accompanying psychosocial stressors, which are mostly explanatory variables. The study investigated the following: 12-month retrospective prevalence of MSDs, prospective incidence, risk factors and pattern of MSDs in a 6-month follow-up survey of selected quarry mineworkers, who reported MSDs complaints at the mine clinic. The study also determined the level of psychosocial stress associated with working in the mine by understanding stakeholders’ perception of work challenges, and how it influenced recurrence of MSDs. The study utilised a mixed method design with two phases: phase 1 was an initial baseline retrospective prevalence and a prospective cohort-control incidence survey. The Cultural and Psychosocial Influence on Disability (CUPID) questionnaire was translated into an Igbo-language version, cross-culturally adapted and utilized. The instrument was administered via oral interview and sought information on the following: demographic characteristics; pain in different anatomical sites and associated disability for tasks of daily living; as well as information on any change of job and reason during the study period, recent pain in different anatomical sites and associated disability for tasks of daily living; distress from common somatic symptoms; mental health status, sickness absence in the past 5-months for musculoskeletal pain. Phase 2 was a qualitative focus group discussion that engaged mine stakeholders on their perceptions of work challenges. Descriptive statistics of mean and standard deviation was utilised to analyse sociodemographic characteristics of participants. MSD incidence rates were estimated and the patterns of MSD incidence at different anatomical sites were also determined. The Cox proportional regression analyses were utilised to compare hazard ratios of MSD risks between the exposed cohorts and unexposed cohorts in the phase one incidence survey, alpha level was set at 0.05. Transcription, thematic and content analyses with the aid of Nvivo version 11 for windows was used to interpret stakeholders’ perception of work challenges. The incidence of MSD was 6.2 per 1000, with shoulder pain being the most reported complaint (40% prevalence). This was followed by back pain with the distribution of back pain presented as follows: upper back (20.37%), lower back (45.50%) and both (34.13%). All participants reported previous medical history of back, shoulder and neck pain. The relative risk ratio of mineworkers to MSDs was 4.57, which implies that the mineworkers were approximately 5 times more at risk of developing MSDs compared to the recruited unexposed cohorts. Meanwhile, wrist pain (43.58%) was the highest MSD complaints which lead miners to be absent from work, followed by knee and back with 35.42% and 21% respectively. Physical job risks, such as III working underground and squatting or kneeling at work were all significantly associated with MSDs recurrence in all six body parts (HR: 1.12-1.92, 95%CI). Similarly, time pressure to complete task, low decision latitude, poor job satisfaction, somatisation and mental disorder, job insecurity, poor incentive system (HR: 1.01-1.75, 95%CI) were perceived by stakeholders’ and participants alike in the study to be significantly associated with MSDs incidence. Quarrymen are exposed to high MSD risks associated with elevated psychosocial stress from their difficult work situations. The South Eastern Nigerian mine stakeholders believed that the high incidence of MSDs may have a substantial impact on health and productivity in the near future. Necessitating a clear need for the promotion of stakeholder’s engagement concerning safe work policy implementation initiatives in the sector.
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2020

The incorporation of smart production in future factories within the fourth industrial revolution towards 2030

  • Authors: Abdoll, Delicia Megan
  • Date: 2020
  • Subjects: Manufacturing industry
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , Degree
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/47521 , vital:40123
  • Description: Industry 4.0 is impressively creating a lasting impact on the manufacturing industry and on the industry outlook on the benefits of the implementation of new technology. The concept currently trending entails merging cyber systems, the Internet of Things, and the Internet of Systems all together to construct the revolutionary ‘Smart Factories’. The use of advanced technologies brings about new methodologies to improve the results of manufacturing. Complex activities will be performed by machines equipped in using intelligent information systems and new technology to improve productivity, enhance quality, and reduce costs of manufacturing products. South Africa is at the height of the ‘Fourth Industrial Revolution’ (4IR) which will essentially change the way we work. This innovative rubric of high-tech modernisation is characterised by a merging of technologies from the physical, digital, biological, and neuro-technological spheres. The hesitation over jobs being substituted with co-bots, a robot envisioned to actually cooperate with humans in a communal workplace, is profound. Skills volatility is estimated to affect all industries. There are uncertainties that the underprivileged and non-skilled would be thrust into an even profounder deficiency with the upsurge of the digital age. Organisations regard robotics and modern technology as strategic corporate tools that are utilised to enhance short- and long-term profitability and achieve operating goals. In dissimilarity, the application of robotics and modern technology in the place of work increases labour stability concerns, anxiety of downsizings and terminations within the workforce. The purpose of this research was to heighten the comprehension of smart factories in the manufacturing industry by conclusively embracing a methodical examination of the factors which influence the outlook of those involved concerning smart factory implementation and also of assessing the readiness of the South African manufacturing industry for 4IR towards 2030. The ‘golden thread’ running through the study is the significance of the impact of the 4IR on the workforce and the creation of new jobs for the future, the reskilling of the workforce and the enhancement of capabilities of future factories in embracing the implementation and the incorporation of advanced manufacturing principles in production processes. This must form a substantial consideration in the preparation of the vision of the “Incorporation of smart production in future factories within the fourth industrial revolution towards 2030”. The results of the in-depth analysis of future studies practice and theory in this research study give credibility to the argument that the way in which planning for the future of the 4IR in the South African context is taking place requires insightful adaptation by all stakeholders. The development of new insights through the application of futures studies is vital to this planning process, as is progressively demonstrated in the propensity for present-day business to enable collaborative decisions and strategies that are established on, and informed by, futures studies. This research has attempted to gain insight into the possible future of the implementation of 4IR elements within the future manufacturing factories in South Africa through the creation of four scenarios towards 2030. These are defined as follows: The Fifth Element, which is the ‘best case’ scenario, and to which the country aspires; the ‘worst case’ scenario, in which everything goes badly; the outlier future founded on a surprising, disruptive, emerging matter; and ‘business as usual’ in which no change takes place. The research additionally made efforts to determine the preferred future for the 4IR from a South African perspective, as a base for the Future Vision of the 4IR in the South African manufacturing industry towards 2030. Throughout this study, Inayatullah’s (2008) pillars of futures studies were implemented as a guide in mapping the present and future, further deepening and widening the future through the development of scenarios and, lastly, by transforming the future by narrowing it down to the preferred future. The South African manufacturing sector must select which path to follow in the decisions surrounding the acceptance of the 4IR as the country progresses towards aligning itself with the global players in technology acceptance. Through a unique and innovative approach, the establishment of an atmosphere of trust and the sharing of purpose, values and benefits, a collective Future Vision of the implementing of 4IR elements such as smart production in future factories within South Africa towards 2030, is achievable. All stakeholders must be committed to operating in collaborative partnerships, with government, society, local communities and the workforce all treading boldly together into a sphere of technological, commercial, environmental and social innovation.
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2020

The indigenous I/Eye: transgressive performativities of blackness within the South African Visual Arts

  • Authors: Maneli, Vuyolwethu Pola
  • Date: 2020
  • Subjects: Art, Black -- South Africa , Art Criticism -- South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/46900 , vital:39729
  • Description: South African Black visual artists have to contend with the racialized economic disparities of the country within which they are enmeshed. This make them susceptible to producing work with the sole motivation of not slipping (further) into poverty, which can greatly hinder our creative autonomy. We are further constrained by the fact that visual arts institutions, whose role it is to decide and regulate what constitutes legitimate art, still operate in accordance with whiteness and a white supremacist logic. The combination of these two factors can lead to the interpellation and artistic production of a Black subjectivity that predominantly caters to – and understands itself in relation to - whiteness. This process of subjectivation, which is performative, can - and regularly does - materialize in various ways through our studio practice. However, with the intervention of critical theory (and the application of strategies of resistance to hegemony that it can provide), interrogative self-reflexivity, and a singular perspective, it is possible to create work that disrupts and transgresses these norms, ultimately contesting the prevalent notion of Black identity as a homogenous experience.
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2020

The influence of academic interventions on the academic performance of human resource management students

  • Authors: Hiles, Tevin
  • Date: 2020
  • Subjects: Academic performance -- South Africa , Educational psychology Learning, Psychology of
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/50568 , vital:42222
  • Description: There are many contextual challenges related to this problem. Some of these include the mass of diverse students entering tertiary institutions and the level of educational preparedness of these students. Moreover, the lasting legacy of Apartheid brings its own challenges in relation to widening access for students entering South African higher education institutions. There are considerable repercussions related to the costs of re-educating students and re-admitting failing students into continuously growing classes. Furthermore, there is a protruding argument that the level of student readiness/preparedness is continually declining. The above-mentioned challenges place extreme pressure on higher education institutions and their staff to provide academic support to students, along with maintaining adequate pass rates. Reflecting on the challenges faced in the South African higher educational context, it is evident that the development and implementation of academic support programmes are important. These programmes are aimed at providing quality learning and teaching and counteracting declining success rates. In addition, there is a need to transform how massification of higher education takes place, to address the challenges of diverse student profiles, dropout rates and low throughput rates. This study explored the impact of academic support interventions on academic performance by focusing on student engagement as it is the leading factor of academic success. For the purpose of this study, this was measured through the attendance of academic interventions. Student engagement may be defined as the time and energy learners dedicate to educational activities both inside and outside of the classroom, along with the policies and practices institutions use to persuade students to partake in these activities. The findings revealed that academic interventions indeed have a positive influence on student behaviour and student academic progress. The results of this study could assist the department of HRM in determining the effectiveness of academic interventions created for first year students.
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2020

The influence of academic interventions on the academic performance of human resource management students

  • Authors: Hiles, Tevin
  • Date: 2020
  • Subjects: Academic achievement -- South Africa , Education, Higher -- Evaluation
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/49846 , vital:41808
  • Description: There are many contextual challenges related to this problem. Some of these include the mass of diverse students entering tertiary institutions and the level of educational preparedness of these students. Moreover, the lasting legacy of Apartheid brings its own challenges in relation to widening access for students entering South African higher education institutions. There are considerable repercussions related to the costs of re-educating students and re-admitting failing students into continuously growing classes. Furthermore, there is a protruding argument that the level of student readiness/preparedness is continually declining. The above-mentioned challenges place extreme pressure on higher education institutions and their staff to provide academic support to students, along with maintaining adequate pass rates. Reflecting on the challenges faced in the South African higher educational context, it is evident that the development and implementation of academic support programmes are important. These programmes are aimed at providing quality learning and teaching and counteracting declining success rates. In addition, there is a need to transform how massification of higher education takes place, to address the challenges of diverse student profiles, dropout rates and low throughput rates. This study explored the impact of academic support interventions on academic performance by focusing on student engagement as it is the leading factor of academic success. For the purpose of this study, this was measured through the attendance of academic interventions. Student engagement may be defined as the time and energy learners dedicate to educational activities both inside and outside of the classroom, along with the policies and practices institutions use to persuade students to partake in these activities. The findings revealed that academic interventions indeed have a positive influence on student behaviour and student academic progress. The results of this study could assist the department of HRM in determining the effectiveness of academic interventions created for first year students.
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2020
  • Disclaimer
  • Privacy
  • Copyright
  • Contact